HBV感染者IL-18基因转录水平及其血清中含量检测的临床意义

Transcription and Expression of IL-18 Gene in HBV Infected Individuals

目的探讨白细胞介素18(IL-18)在乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染中的作用。方法从68例HBV感染者(无症状携带者15例,慢性肝炎患者35例,重型肝炎患者18例)和24例健康体检者血液中分离出外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)及血清,应用RT-PCR及ELISA分别对IL-18基因的转录和血清中IL-18的含量进行检测。结果不同临床类型HBV感染者之间IL-18基因转录水平的差异均有非常显著统计学意义(P<0.01),重型肝炎组IL-18基因转录水平高于正常对照组(P<0.01),无症状携带者组低于正常对照组(P<0.05),慢性肝炎组与正常对照组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。随着病情加重,IL-18水平上升。肝组织炎症活动度不同的慢性肝炎患者之间IL-18基因转录及其血清中的含量表达水平的差异均有显著统计学意义(P<0.05),肝组织炎症程度越重,IL-18含量越高。结论IL-18可能参与了宿主对HBV的免疫应答,与肝脏炎症程度相关。

Objective To evaluate the possible roles of intcrleukin 18 （IL-18） in hepatitis B virus （HBV） infected individuals. Methods Peripheral blood lymphocytes from three groups of HHV infected individuals including 15 asymptomatic carriers, 35 patients with chronic hepatitis and 18 patients with fulminant hepatitis, and from 24 blood donors （as normal controls） were analyzed. The transcription and expression of IL-18 in peripheral blood monocytes （PBMC） were assessed by semi-quantitive reverse transcription polymerasc chain reaction （PCR） and flow cytometry. Results （ 1 ） There were significant differences in the transcription and expression levels of IL-18 among the groups of infected individuals. Interestingly, it was the highest in the fulminant hepatitis group, and the lowest in the asymptomatic carrier group. However, there was no significant difference between those with chronic hepatitis and normal controls. The severity of the disease was accompanied by the elevation of IL-18 production. （2） The severity of the liver inflammation in those with chronic hepatitis was companied by the elevation of IL-18 production. Conclusion IL-18 may take part in the host immunity against HBV, and relate to the inflammation degree of the liver.