Elevated interleukin-6 and gamma-globulin during interferon therapy of hepatitis B

Am J Gastroenterol. 1992 Oct;87(10):1485-7.

Abstract

A 49-yr-old man with chronic hepatitis B manifested hypergammaglobulinemia, lymphadenopathy, and a high serum interleukin-6 level following treatment with recombinant human alpha-interferon. One month later, when the patient was treated with natural beta-interferon, serum levels of interleukin-6 and gamma-globulin increased again. The serum gamma-globulin decreased to the pretreatment level after discontinuation of interferon therapy. The serum alanine aminotransferase level remained normal for 6 months. In this case, hypergammaglobulinemia and lymphadenopathy, as well as the elevated serum interleukin-6 level, were considered to be signs of highly enhanced humoral immunity related to alpha- and beta-interferon therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Alanine Transaminase / blood
  • Alkaline Phosphatase / blood
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
  • Hepatitis B / therapy*
  • Hepatitis, Chronic / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Hypergammaglobulinemia / immunology*
  • Interferon Type I / therapeutic use*
  • Interferon-beta / therapeutic use*
  • Interleukin-6 / blood*
  • Lymphatic Diseases / immunology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • gamma-Globulins / metabolism

Substances

  • Interferon Type I
  • Interleukin-6
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • gamma-Globulins
  • Interferon-beta
  • Aspartate Aminotransferases
  • Alanine Transaminase
  • Alkaline Phosphatase