Circulating soluble-CD30 (sCD30) in patients with HCV-related chronic hepatitis and in patients with alcoholic liver diseases

Abstract: Background/Aims: Serum sCD30 (soluble CD30) is a marker of cells producing Th2-type (T-helper-2-type) cytokines. High levels of sCD30 have been found in the active phase of HBV infection. The Th2-type cytokine profile has been documented in alcoholic liver diseases, which have particularly high IgE and IgA serum levels. The aims were: 1) to evaluate sCD30 levels in patients with (a) alcoholic liver diseases and (b) HCV-related chronic hepatitis before and after interferon treatment; 2) to correlate sCD30 concentrations with IgE and IgA serum levels. Methodology: Serum samples from 34 HCV-related chronic hepatitis patients, before and after interferon treatment, and 17 alcoholic liver disease patients were tested for sCD30 using the ELISA method (Dako, CD30-Ki-1 Antigen, Denmark). Results: Significantly higher levels of sCD30 were found in alcoholic liver disease than in HCV-related chronic hepatitis patients (73.3+/-120 vs. 27.5+/-44 U/mL, P<0.05). Alcoholic liver disease patients also exhibited significantly higher levels of IgA. than HCV-related chronic hepatitis patients (P<0.0001). No correlation was found between sCD30 and serum IgA or IgE or response to interferon. Conclusions: Th2 cells are strongly expanded in alcoholic liver diseases, though the particular immunoglobulin profile observed in this condition has yet to be explained. Th2 function also plays a crucial part in chronic HCV infection, but seems unrelated to interferon response.