Serum profile of Th17-related cytokines in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

Author: Yun-Heng ZHOU ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Laboratory Medicine
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Cytokines; Primary biliary cirrhosis; Th17 cells
From: Academic Journal of Second Military Medical University 2010;30(6):703-705
CountryChina
Language:Chinese
Abstract: Objective: To observe the serum profile of Th17-related cytokines(IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, IL-23, and TGF-β) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, so as to study the role of Th17 cells in the pathogenesis of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Methods: Seventy-eight patients with PBC, 30 patients with HBV-related posthepatitic cirrhosis(PHC), and 60 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of above five Th17-related cytokines were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23 in PBC group were significantly higher than those in HC group (P<0.05); the levels of TGF-β were comparable between the PBC group and HC group. The levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TGF-β were significantly lower and IL-17 A, IL-23 were significantly higher in the PBC group compared with those in the PHC group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that PBC patients are in a status of chronic inflammation. Th17 subset may play an important role in the development and progression of PBC.