Cytokine Evaluation in Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to examine the roles of tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha),interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in patients with liver cirrhosis (C) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methodology: AFP and cytokine serum concentrations were determined via EIA or ELISA. Results: In total, 81 patients were included including 9 healthy controls, 36 LC patients: and 36 HCC patients. Significant differences in AFP, TNF-a, IL-6, and IL-18 between the three groups were noted (p < 0.001). AFP was lowest in the healthy subjects, intermediate in LC patients and highest in HCC patients (all p < 0.001). Il-6 and Il-18 concentrations were significantly higher in the HCC group than the other two groups. HCC and LC patients with AFP concentration >7ng/ml had increased IL-18 concentrations compared to both the other groups p < 0.001). In contrast to previously published studies, TNF-a was highest in the healthy group, intermediate in the HCC group, and lowest in the LC group (p < 0.001). Conclusions: IL-18 may be a potential tumour marker in combination with IL-6 and AFP in the diagnosis of HCC, but further research including a larger population of patients is essential. Further research is warranted.