Pa. Sheiner et al., Recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation is associated with increased systemic IL-10 levels, MEDIAT INFL, 10(1), 2001, pp. 37-41
BACKGROUND: Recurrence of hepatitis C after liver transplantation is an alm
ost universal occurrence. T-cell derived cytokines have an important role i
n the development of liver damage associated with chronic hepatitis C, thei
r post-transplant levels, however, have not been correlated with histologic
recurrence of the disease.
Aims: We sought to analyze levels of TNF-alpha, soluble IL-2 receptor, IL-4
and IL-10 at 1 month, 6 months and 1 year after transplantation in 27 pati
ents undergoing transplantation for hepatitis C related end-stage liver dis
ease.
Methods: HCV RNA levels were monitored by a branched-chain DNA signal ampli
fication assay. Diagnosis of recurrent hepatitis was based on 1-year protoc
ol biopsies and on biopsies performed for liver enzyme elevations.
Results: Recurrent hepatitis C was detected in 52% (n=14) of the 27 patient
s. HCV RNA levels rose over time in all patients regardless of histologic r
ecurrence. TNF-alpha, and IL-4 levels, although elevated, did not show spec
ific patterns over time or in correlation with recurrence. Similarly, the e
arly elevation followed by a gradual decrease over the first year in the am
ount of soluble IL-2 receptor was not related to histologic recurrence. We
observed a significant increase in circulating IL-10 levels over the first
year in patients with biopsy-proven recurrence, while patients with no sign
s of histologic recurrence displayed increased, but steady levels.
Conclusions: These results suggest that while these cytokines are associate
d with post-transplant recurrence of hepatitis C, their production may be a
ltered by additional factors.