The Changes of Cytokines During Antiviral Therapy

The Changes of Cytokines During Pegylated Interferon α-2a and Nucleoside Analogues Treatment in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B

Pegylated interferon α-2a(Peg-IFN-α) not only inhibit viral replication, but also play an important role in immune regulation, while Nucleoside analog(ue) drugs only inhibit viral replication. In hepatitis B infection, cytokines played a vital role. This study was aimed at investigating the changes of cytokines during Peg-IFN-αand nucleoside analog(ue) therapy.Meanwhile, the investigators wanted to verify whether Peg-IFN-α therapy resulted in the secretion of cytokines.

Pegylated interferon α-2a(Peg-IFN-α)and Nucleoside analog(ue) drugs can inhibit viral replication , but Peg-IFN-α also play an important role in immune regulation . In hepatitis B infection, cytokines including Fit-3L, IFN-alpha2, IFN-gama, IL-10, IL-17A,IL-2, IL-6, TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1, TGF-beta2,TGF-beta3, played a vital role.Peg-IFN-α recommended as the first-line treatment has a higher chance to achieve HBeAg seroconversion and even HBsAg disappearance than nucleoside analog(ue) drugs, which might be related to the increase of cytokine secretion in the case of hepatitis and during Peg-IFN-α therapy.This study was aimed at investigating the changes of cytokines during Peg-IFN-αand nucleoside analog(ue) therapy.Meanwhile, the investigators wanted to clarify whether Peg-IFN-α therapy led to the secretion of cytokines.

Inclusion Criteria:

• HBsAg and HBeAg positive for more than 6 months, HBV DNA detectable with ALT level abnormal lasted for three months and at least time190 IU/L or liver puncture biopsy demonstrated apparent inflammation, never treated before enrolled.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active consumption of alcohol and/or drugs
• Co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, or hepatitis D virus
• History of autoimmune hepatitis
• Psychiatric disease
• Evidence of neoplastic diseases of the liver