The present study included 45 subjects classified into three groups: Group I (control
group) which comprised 15 healthy individuals, group II which comprised 15 patients
with positive ELISA test for hepatitis C,but negative PCR test for HCV RNA and
Group III which included 15 patients with positive ELISA test for hepatitis C and
positive PCR test for HCV RNA. As regards IL-10 level the present study showed that
there was highly significant increase in the level of IL – 10 in group II and III when
compared with control group (p< 0.001) as positive ELISA test for hepatitis C and
positive PCR test for HCV RNA was an indication to the activity of HCV. It just
indicated that the patient was carrier of HCV infection.The study revealed a positive
significant correlation between IL10 and ALT, AST, GGT and ALP. In conclusion,
from the present study, it could be concluded that IL -10 as a marker of T- helper 2
activity increases with chronic hepatitis C and that increase is related to the
increased chronicity of the disease so it may be a useful marker in diagnosis of
hepatitis C patients.