negative correlation of interleukin-38 serum level with alkaline phosphatase and persistent hepatitis c infection

Background: hepatitis c virus (hcv) is the main cause of acute and chronic liver failure. it seems that interleukin-38 (il-38), a member of il-1 cytokine family, has an anti-inflammatory function through binding to the receptor of several cytokines. objectives: to examine serum level of il-38 in hcv-infected patients and its correlation with liver enzymes. methods: we measured serum levels of il-38 and liver enzymes in 26 untreated and 11 treated hcv-infected patients and 26 healthy individuals using elisa and biochemistry assay kits, respectively. results: serum level of il-38 was significantly lower in untreated hcv +patients compared to treated patients (p = 0.014) and control group (p < 0.0001). in addition, il-38 levels negatively correlated with alkaline phosphatase (alp) levels in untreated hcv +patients (r = -0.905, p = 0.042). however, no significant correlations were detected between serum levels of il-38 and other liver enzymes. conclusions: our results suggest a potential anti-inflammatory role for il-38 in chronic hcv infection which can be implemented to prevent severe hepatic failure in patients with hepatitis c.