Protective Immune Mechanisms in Alcoholic Hepatitis

Protective Immune Mechanisms in Alcoholic Hepatitis

The purpose of this study is to investigate the production, effects and interactions of the hepato-protective cytokine interleukine (IL)-22 in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

The investigators will study hepatic biopsies from patients with alcoholic hepatitis. In these biopsies, the investigators will assess the production of IL-22 and which cells produce the cytokine. The investigators will study the expression of the IL-22 receptor and also the production of the IL-22 binding protein, which can inhibit the actions of the cytokine.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of alcoholic hepatitis:
• relevant history of alcohol consumption (>40g/day for a minimum of 6 months with cessation of consumption no earlier than 3 months prior to admission)
• bilirubin > 80 mol/l
• neutrophil granulocytes > 10x10^9/L
• exclusion of other liver pathology including biliary disease
• histological verification on liver biopsy
• Written, informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Other chronic inflammatory or autoimmune diseases
• Severe, acute bacterial infection (peritonitis, sepsis, pneumonia, urinary tract infection etc.)
• Cancer
• Prednisolon or pentoxifylline treatment within the past 8 weeks
• Pregnancy