Serum levels of cytokines in hepatitis C-related liver disease: a longitudinal study.

Abstract

Serum IL-1 beta, IL-2r, IL-6 and TNF-alpha levels are elevated in patients with hepatitis C-related liver diseases, especially in LC and HCC patients. These levels reflect hepatic dysfunction better than liver inflammation parameters, which might explain the higher serum concentrations of cytokines in LC patients.