[Evaluation of serum interleukin-18 and interleukin-10 in patients with HIV-1 and hepatitis viruses co-infected subjects].

Objective: To study the significance of cytokines in patients with HIV and hepatitis viruses co infection. Methods: Serum levels of IL 18 and IL 10 were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). HIV RNA levels were measured in EDTA plasma by quantitative reverse polymerase chain reaction (PCR). CD4 + lymphocyte counts were determined by four color Flow cytometery (FCM). Results: The levels of IL 18 were significantly higher in HIV infected persons compared with those in controls ( P 0.05). With HIV disease progression, IL 18 levels increased while Il 10 levels decreased. HCV patients showed lower levels of IL 18 and IL 10 than those of the co infection group. Conclusion: Univariate analyses shows significant co variables IL 10 in co infection . Up regulating IL 18 activity and/or down regulating IL 10 may be a potential therapy to patients with HIV and hepatitis viruses co infection.[