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World J Gastroenterol. Dec 7, 2005; 11(45): 7208-7210
Published online Dec 7, 2005. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v11.i45.7208
Effect of liniment levamisole on cellular immune functions of patients with chronic hepatitis B
Ke-Xia Wang, Li-Hua Zhang, Jiang-Long Peng, Yong Liang, Xue-Feng Wang, Hui Zhi, Xiang-Xia Wang, Huan-Xiong Geng
Ke-Xia Wang, Li-Hua Zhang, Jiang-Long Peng, Yong Liang, Xue-Feng Wang, Hui Zhi, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, Anhui Province, China
Xiang-Xia Wang, Huan-Xiong Geng, Huainan Railway Central Hospital, Huainan 232001, Anhui Province, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Dr. Ke-Xia Wang, Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan 232001, Anhui Province, China. cpli@aust.edu.cn
Telephone: +86-554-6658770 Fax: +86-554-6662469
Received: September 8, 2004
Revised: October 23, 2005
Accepted: October 26, 2005
Published online: December 7, 2005
Abstract

AIM: To explore the effects of liniment levamisole on cellular immune functions of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

METHODS: The levels of T lymphocyte subsets and mIL-2R in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured by biotin-streptavidin (BSA) technique in patients with chronic hepatitis B before and after the treatment with liniment levamisole.

RESULTS: After one course of treatment with liniment levamisole, the levels of CD3+, CD4+, and the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ increased as compared to those before the treatment but the level of CD8+ decreased. The total expression level of mIL-2R in PBMCs increased before and after the treatment with liniment levamisole.

CONCLUSION: Liniment levamisole may reinforce cellular immune functions of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Keywords: Liniment levamisole, Chronic hepatitis B, Cellular immune function, T lymphocyte subsets, mIL-2R