The role of soluble CD137 in development of liver cirrhosis among hepatitis B virus infected individuals

Introduction: Viral and tumor management are mediated by the production of CD137 as a co-receptor for T cells. Objective: The purpose of the research is to examine the link between soluble CD137 and the development of liver cirrhosis in HBV-infected people. Methods: Ninety individuals were recruited. A questionnaire was used to collect age and gender information. The serum quantities of soluble CD137, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-6, and IL-10 in the patients were measured using the ELISA technique. Real-Time-PCR was used to calculate the number of HBV DNA copies (viral load). HBV genotypes were determined using PCR, AST, and ALT levels were determined using a Mindary BS 120TM chemical auto-analyzer. Result: The study found significant positive associations between CD137 levels and TNF-γ (P=0.014/R=0.258) and IFN- (P=0.019/R=0.246), but not with IL-6 (P=0.579/R=0.059). There were no significant negative correlations between soluble CD137 levels and viral load (P=0.495/R=-0.073), IL-10 (P=0.474/R=-0.076), AST (P=0.140/R=-0.157), or ALT (P=0.140/R=-0.111). The highest mean of CD137 was detected in patients with pure genotype D, and the concentration of CD137 dropped as viral load increased. Conclusion: The considerable positive correlations of soluble CD137 with (TNFα- and IFN-γ) and the positive correlation with (IL-6) along with the negative correlations with viral load, AST, ALT, and IL-10 may indicate that CD137 has a beneficial effect on the prognosis of HBV infection. There was significant influence of a specific HBV genotype on CD137 expression.