THE DIAGNOSTIC ROLE OF CHEMOKINES AND THEIR RECEPTORS UNDER CHRONIC HEPATITIS C
The chronic hepatitis C is characterized by the increase of inflammatory disorders and progression of fibrosis of liver. The corresponding immunologic mechanisms of hepatic lesions are still undiscovered. The actual review presents the analysis of scientific publications and genuine research data concerning the role of chemokines in pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C. The chemokines are small cationic proteins enhancing transit and precipitation of migrating cells (leucocytes mainly) in tissues and organs. The significant role of chemokines in tissue homeostasis, in case of inflammation, wound healing and cell proliferation is demonstrated. The particular kinds of chemokines are produced by different types of cells and impact target cells through their specific receptors. According the data of various studies, chemokines and chemokine receptors of CC-families and CXC-families are involved in fibrosing processes and anti-inflammatory activation of hepatic-biliary system under chronic hepatitis C. The diversity of producers and targets of chemokines in liver is very pronounced: hepatocytes, stellar cells, endothelium cells, macrophages (Kupffer cells), dendritic cells, lymphocytes and monocytes. The review considers pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C from the standpoint of participation of chemokines and chemokine receptors at different stages of cellular transit. The most important cell populations involved into pathologic changes under chronic hepatitis C are characterized. The decrease of expression of such gens as CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, and CCR5 in blood leucocytes deserves additional studies to establish their diagnostic values as a marker of disorders of immune system in patients with chronic hepatitis C.