Significance of correlation between interferon-γ and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and interleukin-17 in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis

SummaryBackground and objectiveHepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis is known to be associated with chronic hepatic inflammation. The present study aimed to examine the correlation between inflammatory mediators INF-γ, IL-17, and sICAM-1 in HBV cirrhotic patients.MethodsThe levels of sICAM-1, interleukin-17, and IFN-γ were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in 120 cirrhotic patients with HBV and 270 sex- and age-matched healthy controls. Total bilirubin (TB) was measured and the association between TB and IFN-γ, sICAM-1, interleukin-17 were analyzed. The levels of these cytokines in serum and the association between IFN-γ and sICAM-1 as well as interleukin-17 were investigated. Relationships between these cytokines and Child-Pugh classes were analyzed in patients.ResultsAge and sex were similar, but TB values were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.001). Serum levels of sICAM-1, interleukin-17, and IFN-γ were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients with HBV than in controls (P < 0.001 for both). TB levels were positively correlated with IFN-γ, interleukin-17 and sICAM-1 levels. Significantly positive correlations were also found between IFN-γ and interleukin-17 as well as sICAM-1 (r = 0.817 and r = 0.561, respectively, P < 0.01). There were significiant differences between the studied cytokines (sICAM-1, interleukin-17, and IFN-γ) and Child-Pugh classes (P < 0.01).ConclusionsThe increased IFN-γ level was correlated with both IL-17 and sICAM-1, and it may primarily play a role as cytokines trigger in liver injury. Both IL-17 and sICAM-1 may synergistically contribute to liver damage.