Role of Granulocyte Macrophage-Colony Stimulating Factor (GM-CSF) in Chronic Hepatitis B and C Infections

M. H. Bahgat, N.A. Ahmed, H. Shinnawy, M.S. Nour El-Din and K.R. Zalata

GM-CSF is an important mediator of inflammation has been used to improve the immunological function of patients with various diseases and to ameliorate hematological disorders. We aimed at studying a possible role of GM-CSF in chronic viral hepatitis and to seek a rationale for its therapeutic use in such cases. Serum GM-CSF levels were found to be significantly elevated in all patient groups versus control. This elevation was significantly correlated with histological activity index (HAI) grade in the total group of patients with hepatitis, serum transaminases and with total leucocytic count (TLC), polymorphs, lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils. Stepwise regression analysis showed that HAI grades as well as polymorphs are the most potent significant predictive variables for serum GMC-CSF. Patients with leucopenia had significantly lower serum GM-CSF levels. GM-CSF may have a possible role in the pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis possibly by increasing the number of phagocytic cells. This might propose a rationale for the use of recombinant GM-CSF in patients with chronic viral hepatitis, especially those with leucopenia.

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