The levels of T-cell subgroups,interleukin-18 and interferon-γ in the blood of severe hepatitis patients

Objective To investigate the levels of T cell subgroup,interleukin 18(IL-18) and interferon γ(IFN-γ) among the patients with severe hepatitis and their role in pathogenesis of severe hepatitis.Methods Fasting 5 mL venous blood was obtained in the morning from 18 patients with severe hepatitis,13 patients with chronic hepatitis and 9 healthy volunteers.The levels of T cell subgroup were measured in 2mL anticoagulated blood,and the other 3 mL blood was stored in-80℃ for detecting levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results In severe hepatitis,the levels of CD3+,CD4+/CD3+,CD4+/CD8+ decreased,levels of CD3+/CD8+ increased,levels of IL-18 and IFN-γ rose compared with chronic hepatitis patients and healthy controls,the differences were significantly.Conclusion There is relationship between immunity disturbance and severe hepatitis,and cytokines play certain role in the pathogenesis of severe hepatitis.