Expression and clinical significance of T helper 9 cells and interleukin-9 in chronic hepatitis B patients

Objective To detect the expression of T helper cells (Th9) and the level of interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the peripheral blood of patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods Fifty three chronic hepatitis B patients seeking medical care in our hospital from January 2012 to April 2013 were included in the study. And 32 people receiving health examination were used as controls. ALT level and the expression of Th9 cells and IL-9 level were detected. The data of two groups were compared and analyzed. Results The expression of Th9 cells and the level of IL-9 of chronic hepatitis B patients(1.020.62)%, (184.6350.32) pg/mlwere significantly higher than those of controls(0.330.10)%, (297.1481.56) pg/ml, respectively (all P0.05). The expression of Th9 cells in groups with mild, moderate, or significant elevated ALT were (0.420.17)%,(1.140.33)% and (1.510.89)%, respectively, the differences had statistical significance (P0.05). The levels of IL-9 in groups with mild, moderate, or significant elevated ALT were (104.7612.42) pg/ml,(162.5147.79) pg/ml and (297.1481.56) pg/ml, respectively, the differences had statistical significance (P0.05). The expression of Th9 cells was positively correlated with ALT level (r=0.637,P0.05) and IL-9 level (r=0.817,P0.01). The level of IL-9 was positively correlated with ALT level (r=0.576,P0.01). Conclusion The expression of Th9 cells and IL-9 level in the chronic hepatitis B patients were obviously high, and correlated with inflammatory indicator ALT level. These results indicate that Th9 cells might participate in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B.