The association of HBV-DNA change with cytokines levels in chronic HBV carriers superinfected with measles virus

Abstract

Objective To investigate the HBV-DNA changes in HBV carriers superinfected with measles virus and its relation with cytokines. Methods HBV-DNA loads were detected by PCR in 23 chronic HBV carriers superinfected with measles virus (superinfection group), 27 chronic HBV carriers (HBV group), and 27 measles patients (measles group). Serum levels of cytokines (IL-2, 4, 5, and 10, IFN-r, TNF-a, and RANTES) were measured by Luminex Liquichip technology. Reaults The HBV-DNA loads were significantly lower in superinfection group than in HBV group (P＜0.05). There were significant differences in levels of IL-4, IL-5, IFN-r, and TNF-a between the three groups (P＜0.05); but there were no significant differences in IL-2, RANTES, and IL-10 (P＞0.05). The change of HBV-DNA loads were negatively related with levels of IFN-r and TNF-a, but positively related with levels of IL-4 and IL-5 (P＜0.05). Conclusions The elevated levels of IFN-r and TNF-a and the decreased levels of IL-4 and IL-5in chronic HBV carriers superinfected with measles virus can probably lead to the inhibition of HBV-DNA replication. Key words: Chronic hepatitis B; Measles virus; Cytokines; Viral interference