A Study of T & B cells, Immunoglobulins in Chronic Active Hepatitis B

Choi, Sung Kyu; Kim, Sin Mook; Kim, Hyun Su; Rew, Jong Sun; Kim, Sei Jong; Yoon, Chong Mann

Abstract

The pathogenesis of chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) is suggested to be caused by the direct viral cytopathic effect due to persistent viral replication, by complex of defective immune regulation and by the immune complex effects with hepatitis B virus antigens, immunoglobulins and complements. Although it is still controversial, it is generally accepted that hepatitis B virus is not directly cytopathic, instead the hepatocelluar damage and subsequent viral clearance is immune mediated, with the cellular immune response representing the principal effectors of the HBV-induced immunopathology. In order to seek the immunological mechanisms in the pathogenesis of CAHB, we measured the serum concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), peripheral lymphocyte subsets (T cell subsets, B cells and NK cells), serum immunoglobulins and serum complements in 40 cases of CAHB and we compared the these parameters with the groups (mild, moderate, severe) by degree of histologic damage. The results were as follows: 1. The serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP between mild, moderate and severe CAHB by histological degree showed no statistically significant difference. 2. The populations of total T lymphocytes (CD3), CD4, CD8 lymphocyte, B cells, NK cells, and CD4/CD8 ratio between subgroups of CAHB were not significantly different. 3. The serum lgG was increased above the normal range in 68% of CAHB, and the serum lgM was increased in 33%. 4. The serum immunoglobulins (lgG, lgM, lgA, lgE) between subgroups of CAHB were not significantly different. In conclusion, liver cell damages in chronic active hepatitis B is considered not due to the changes of the lymphocytes or its subsets, immunoglobulins and serum complements.