Predominant expression of Th1-type cytokines in primary hepatic cancer and adjacent liver tissues.

Background: Research has revealed a shift towards Th2 in many types of malignant tumor, but the state of Th1/Th2 is not clear in patients with primary hepatic cancer (PHC). This study was designed to determine the expression of Th1- versus Th2-type cytokines in primary hepatic cancer and the adjacent liver tissue in order to provide evidence for treatment of the Th1/Th2 shift.
Methods: Samples were collected from 11 patients with PHC. The gene expression of Th1/Th2 cytokines was detected by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using IFN-gamma and IL-2 as Th1-type cytokine genes, and IL-4 and IL-10 as Th2-type cytokine genes.
Results: Th1-type cytokines were expressed in 7/11 PHCs and 9/11 adjacent liver tissues, while Th0 type cytokines occurred in 4/11 PHCs and 2/11 adjacent liver tissues.
Conclusion: Th1-type cytokines are expressed predominantly in primary hepatic cancer and the adjacent liver tissue.