Serum TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 levels in chronic HBV-infected patients

Background The objective of the study was to evaluate the serum levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1 beta and IL-6 in chronic HBV-infected patients. Methods The present study was a single centre, prospective and randomised controlled trial. Twenty healthy volunteers and thirty HBeAg-negative patients with planned liver biopsy and treatment-naive diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) were included in the study. TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta and IL-6 levels were measured in the serum of CHB patient and control groups using an ELISA. Results were compared statistically using a Mann-Whitney U test. Results The mean age of the CHB group (20 men, 10 women) and the control group (10 men, 10 women) was 33.3 +/- 9.7 (17-55) and 26.1 +/- 12.3 (16-57), respectively. When the two groups were compared with the Mann-Whitney U-test, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels were found to be significantly higher in the CHB group compared to the control group (P = .003, P < .0001, respectively). Although IL-1 beta levels were not statistically significant, they were higher in the CHB group compared to the controls (P = .07). Conclusions The results of our study showed that serum levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 are increased in CHB patients.