Interferon γ and tumor necrosis factor α: novel biomarkers for assessment of different grades of hepatic periportal fibrosis due to Schistosoma mansoni infestation

Conclusion: Serum levels of IFN-γ are elevated in patients with no or mild fibrosis irrespective of sex, whereas serum levels of TNF-α are elevated in patients with extensive fibrosis only among male patients. Severe fibrosis in female patients occurs at advanced age and has no relation to TNF-α levels. The results strongly suggest that IFN-γ plays a key role in the protection of S. mansoni-infected patients against periportal fibrosis, whereas TNF-α may aggravate the disease, especially in male patients.
Source: Egyptian Liver Journal - Category: Gastroenterology Tags: Original articles Source Type: research