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Role of interleukin-33 in patients with chronic hepatitis C in Menoufia University Hospitals, Egypt

Objectives The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of interleukin-33 (IL-33) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients in Menoufia University Hospitals and to detect its relation with degree of liver fibrosis. Background IL-33 is a novel member of the IL-1 family, which has been shown to play an important role in T helper 2-associated immune responses. Recent studies have suggested the role for IL-33 in the pathogenesis of liver damage during acute and chronic hepatitis; furthermore, IL-33 may be involved in the development and progression of liver fibrosis. Materials and methods The study was conducted on 60 patients with CHC and 20 healthy controls who were examined and compared for serum IL-33 levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. Post-treatment IL-33 serum concentrations were evaluated in 20 patients. All studied groups were subjected to history taking, complete medical examination, thorough laboratory investigations, and fibroscan to assess the degree of liver fibrosis. Results Serum IL-33 levels were significantly higher among CHC patients in comparison with healthy controls (P < 0.001). IL-33 levels were correlated positively to the increase in liver enzymes and degree of liver fibrosis (P < 0.001). CHC patients after antiviral therapy had lower post-treatment IL-33 levels in comparison with baseline values (P < 0.001). Conclusion Serum IL-33 was significantly elevated in CHC patients. IL-33 concentrations were significantly reduced following a successful course of antiviral treatment.