Assessment of CD5+B cell compartment in chronic hepatitis C virus patients

Abstract EN

Background: Chronic hepatitis c virus (HCV) infection is frequently associated with immune-mediated diseases such as cryoglobulinaemia and B-cell lymphoproliferation.

Identification of intrahepatic clonal B cells predominance supports their crucial role in the immune response to HCV infection.

CD5+ B cells capable of producing natural auto reactive antibodies are likely to be important in the development of HCV-associated autoimmunity and lymphoproliferation.

Objectives of the study: The present study was designed to assess the peripheral blood CD5+B lymphocytes in : Egyptian patients with chronic HCV infection, which could help in predicting early autoreactivity and targeting appropriate therapeutic intervention.

Design of the study: The present study is a cross-sectional analytical, study carried out at the hepatology & Gastroenterology unite of Suez Canal University Hospital, Ismailia, Egypt.

The study population: Thirty, individuals were enrolled in the study, classified into two subgroups: The study group: 15 HCV-RNA positive associated chronic liver disease patients.

The control group: 15 adult apparently healthy volunteers blood donors.

Methods: Individuals included in the study were subjected to medical history, clinical examination, complete liver function tests using the fully automated Hitachi-704 biochemical analyzer, serological tests for rheumatoid factor, HBV, HCV viral markers by Elisa technique, HCV-RT-PCR was used for detection of HCV RNA.

ANA was tested by the indirect immunofluorescence technique, complete blood picture by the fully automated cell-dye hematology counter and flow cytometric assessment of the peripheral blood CD19+/5+B lymphocytes, by using B&D FAGS caliber.

Results: Statistical analysis of the obtained data showed a statistically significant increase in the peripheral blood CD19+/5+B lymphocytes in the HCV positive chronic liver disease patients (:M.8%±7.7%) in comparison to the control group (5.45%±1.29%).

Moreover, ،٦ statistical significantly increase ٨؛ the peripheral blood CD19+/5+B lymphocytes in the HCV positive chronic liver disease patients expressing ANA in comparison to the HCV positive chronic liver disease patients negative for ANA.

Peripheral blood CD19+/5+B lymphocytes and rheumatoid factor and ANA were more expressed on patients with ;advanced disease.

Conclusion: The evident predominance of this B cell population in chronic liver disease patients with active HCV infection may give rise to immune-mediated sequelae associated with HCV infection.

This expanded population of CD5 + B cells may modulate the course of the liver disease complicating HCV infection.