Determination of serum TGF-β_1 and IL-18 in patients with chronic hepatitis B and its clinical significance

Objective To explore the change of serum TGF-β1 and IL-18 in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and its clinical significance.Methods The levels of TGF-β and IL-18 were determined in both 49 patients with CHB(CHB group)and 30 healthy adults(control group)by applying ELISA and some liver functional parameters were also measured.Results Compared with those of control group,serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-18 in CHB group were significantly elevated(P0.01)and the levels rose along with severity of CHB.The serum levels of TGF-β1 and IL-18 were positively correlative to liver functional parameters(P0.01).Serum level of TGF-β1 was significantly lower and IL-18 significantly higher in HBeAg negative group than that of HBeAg positive group(P0.01).Conclusion There is a positive correlation between serum levels of TGF-β1 as well as IL-18 and liver functional parameters in patients with chronic hepatitis B.It is of important significance in evaluating hepatic tissue inflammation and the degree of hepatocellular injury.Combined detection of TGF-β1 and IL-18 contributes to the diagnosis and evaluation of hepatic inflammation.