Serum levels of interleukin-12 in various clinical states with hepatitis B virus infection

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection involves various clinical states. Interleukin-12 (IL-12) has been identified as a crucial cytokine in the development of cellular immunity. But the association between HBV infection clinical states and cellular immunity response remains unclear. The aim was to explore the association by investigating serum levels of IL-12. Observed in acute hepatitis B, the highest serum levels of IL-12 was accompanied by HBeAg seroconversion. Serum levels of IL-12 was associated with alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and significant more in chronic hepatitis B patients with ALT over five times upper limit of normal and a minority of immune-tolerance patients than controls. Serum levels of IL-12 may be an available marker to evaluate cellular immunity for HBV infection. Elevation in IL-12 levels may be a factor to promote HBeAg seroconversion and an opportunity to be given antivirus treatment for immune-tolerance carriers.

► To explore a measure for evaluating cellular immune state in HBV infection.
► IL-12 levels were associated with ALT levels, instead of HBeAg or HBV DNA.
► IL-12 levels elevation may be a factor to promote HBeAg seroconversion.
► Immune-tolerance carriers may be considered for antivirus therapy.