APOPTOSIS SYSTEM AND ITS RELATIONS TO HEPATOCELLULAR DAMAGE AND SOME INDEXES OF LOCAL CYTOKINE PROFILE CHRONIC HCV INFECTION

At present time, some conflicting data concern a possible importance of apoptosis in pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. A significant role is ascribed to FAS/FAS-L, as a factor of hepatocyte apoptosis. CD95+ levels at the cell surfaces were studied in liver homogenates. A significant decrease in CD95+ cells was revealed in liver samples from the patients with higher histological indexes of hepatitis activity and fibrosis. A reverse relationship between CD95+ level and local concentrations of cytokines (TNFα, IL-1, IL-10), as well as significant direct correlation with IFNγ, IL-2 values were detected, thus suggesting a failure of compensatory mechanisms of immune regulation, and predominance of anti-apoptotic viral potential over protective cellular responses. (Med. Immunol., vol. 10, N 4-5, pp 415-422).