Increased Spontaneous Programmed Cell Death Is Associated with Impaired Cytokine Secretion in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells from Hepatitis C Virus-Positive Patients

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) play a critical role in clearing hepatitis C virus (HCV). PBMC defects have been linked with HCV infection; however, the underlying mechanisms remain obscure. We hypothesized that PBMCs of HCV-infected patients are more susceptible to programmed cell death (PCD), and are therefore unable to clear HCV. We compared spontaneous PBMC PCD and cytokine [interleukin (IL)-1, -6, -8, -10, and -12] secretion between untreated (naive) HCV+ and treated [sustained responder (SR)] patients with HCV, and HCV− healthy controls. Spontaneous PBMC PCD was assessed by annexin-V fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining, and cytokine levels were measured by cytometric bead array. Differences between groups were analyzed through paired and nonpaired t tests and Mann–Whitney U test. The rate of spontaneous PCD was higher in PBMCs of naive HCV+ patients (p