الفهرس 
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Abstract
Hepatitis C is an infectious disease affecting the liver, caused by HCV. The infection is often asymptomatic, but once established, chronic infection can progress to scarring of the liver (fibrosis), and advanced scarring (cirrhosis) which is generally apparent after many years. In some cases, those with cirrhosis will go on to develop liver failure or other complications of cirrhosis, including liver cancer.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential role of IL-33 in the pathogenic process of CHC. We determined the concentrations of serum IL-33 and its correlation to the HCV virus activity and the degree of liver fibrosis.
This study was carried out on 60 CHC patients, 38 males and 22 females, admitted to Tropical Medicine department and National Liver Institute in Menoufia University Hospitals.
We determined the concentrations of serum IL-33 and its correlation to the HCV virus activity and the degree of liver fibrosis. CBC, liver function tests and serum IL-33 by ELISA were measured. The degree of liver fibrosis was assessed by fibroscan.
Twenty patients were submitted for IL-33 serum level evaluation after completing treatment with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks.
The study results revealed that:
1. chronic hepatitis C patients have significant elevation in serum levels of IL-33.
2. The levels of serum IL-33 were correlated positively with the concentrations of ALT and AST in CHC patients.
3. Serum levels of IL-33 showed a statistically significant association with Child-Pugh and MELD scores.
Summary
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4. Serum IL-33 levels differed significantly among patients with different stages of fibrosis with higher levels in the advanced fibrosis stages (p<0.001).
5. Serum IL-33 levels showed highly significant elevation in HCC patients in comparison to others.
6. Serum IL-33 concentration was significantly reduced following a successful course of antiviral treatment.