Immunomodulatory Role of Serum Interleukin-37 and Its Association with Biochemical Indicators of Liver Injury in Patients with Chronic HBVand HCV Infections

Abstract

 Background: Chronic viral hepatitis poses a significant health issue in the population because
of its progressive capacity to affect liver functioning and the incidence of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Purposes: This study was conducted to identify the levels of interleukin-37 (IL-37) in the blood
of patients having chronic hepatitis B or C infections and compare them to the levels of healthy
people, and to examine the correlations between levels of IL-37 and signs of liver dysfunction
and the prevalence of chronic HBV and HCV infections by age and gender. The participants were
compared based on age groups. The level of serum IL-37 was determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and liver function indicators (ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, etc.) were also measured. The gender distribution was counted and evaluated by both
sets.
Findings: The authors discovered that the majority of the infected people were aged 40–49
(57.7%), with the minimum prevalence in the 50–59 age group (47.4%). The control group, on the
other hand, had the highest frequency in the 50–59 age range (52.6%). Males constituted the
majority of the infected patients (61%). The level of IL-37 in the serum of patients with chronic
viral hepatitis was significantly greater compared to that in healthy controls (1.064 vs. 0.881
pg/mL, P = 0.011). The high levels of liver enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP) and bilirubin indicated liver
damage and dysfunction in patients.
Conclusion: Interleukin-37 levels are high in chronic HBV and HCV infections and can be used
as a biomarker of disease severity, as it helps to regulate the immune system and inflammation of the liver. Explanation of its dual functions requires further research.