Abstract:

Objective: Natural course and clinical outcomes of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is closely releated to immun responses of host and viral factors. Studies have suggested that there is strongly correlation between the level of IL-17 and especially of advanced liver damages associated with HBV. Role of IL-17 on natural course of chronic hepatitis B disease is yet to be fully clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between serum IL-17 levels with histological, virological, serological and biochemical data of chronic hepatitis B patients. Material and Method: Simultaneous liver biopsy and blood samples were obtained from 88 with chronic HBV enfection. Ishak modified histological activity index system was used for histological evaluation.The patients were divided into three groups taking into account by scoring as none/mild (F0-1), moderate / severe (F2-4) and cirrhosis (F5-6) according to the stages of fibrosis (F). It was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to IL-17 levels in serum samples. Results: A total of 88 CHB patients were evaluated, with an average age of 41.77±13.39, 43 male and 45 female. Fibrosis stage of 64 (72.7%) of the patients included in the study was determined as F2-4. There were no statistically significant correlation between serum IL-17 levels with histological, virological, serological and biochemical data of patients. Conclusion: These data indicate that the immunopathological role of IL-17 on HBV-related especially low and moderate liver injuries are limited.