Decrease of interferon gamma serum levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Cytokines can play a crucial role in defending the organism from viral infections. One of these, interferon gamma (IFN-γ). possesses marked immunomodulating activity. As cell immunity seems to be involved in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). study of the events regulated by IFN-γ may be useful in evaluating the hostʹs immunological response. We studied 63 patients (36 males, 27 females) affected by chronic HCV and 28 (14 males, 14 females) healthy controls. IFN-γ concentrations were significantly lower in the former, and were positively correlated with the histological activity index, suggesting that low IFN-γ values play a part in determining chronicity. We believe they may be an unfavorable factor and may be useful in detecting patients who are not capable of eradicating the virus.