Peripheral T-cell subsets in chronic type B hepatitis: Correlation with biochemical and histological activities and hepatitis B e antigen/antibody status

Peripheral T-cell subsets in 77 patients with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive chronic liver diseases were studied by indirect immunofluorescence using murine monoclonal antibodies against all peripheral T cells (OKT3), T-helper/inducer cells (OKT4), and T-cytotoxic/ suppressor cells (OKT8). OKT4 OKT8 ratios were significantly reduced in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic liver diseases, including 28 patients with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) (P < 0.001) and 15 with chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) (P < 0.001). OKT4 OKT8 ratios were significantly lower in 21 HBeAg-negative patients with CAH (P < 0.05), as compared to those of 17 normal controls, while T-cell subsets in 13 patients with HBeAg-negative CPH were essentially normal. Low OKT4 OKT8 ratios significantly correlated with HBeAg positivity (P < 0.001) and CAH (P < 0.05), as assessed with multiple regression. There was a significant negative correlation between OKT4 OKT8 ratios and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels (r = -0.37; P < 0.01). It was concluded that in chronic hepatitis B virus infection, low OKT4 OKT8 ratios are closely related to active viral replication and more severe histological and biochemical activity.