Lack Of In Vivo Activation of the Interferon System in Hbsag–Positive Chronic Active Hepatitis

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Abstract
The in vivo activation state of the interferon system was biochemically evaluated in patients with HBsAg–positive liver disease by assaying the interferon–induced enzyme, 2′5′–oligoadenylate synthetase, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. All patients with chronic active hepatitis had normal levels of enzyme activity. Increased values were found in 77% of patients with acute hepatitis, 50% of those with chronic persistent hepatitis and 54% chronic healthy carriers. These results provide evidence for lack of activation of the interferon system in HBsAg–positive chronic active hepatitis and support the hypothesis that an in vivo defective interferon response may aid in development of chronic active hepatitis.