Systemic Elevation of Proinflammatory Interleukin-18 in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Coinfection Versus HIV or HCV Monoinfection

摘要

Background. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection and elevated interleukin (IL)-18 levels are both associated with enhanced progression of hepatic inflammation and increased risk of diabetes, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. IL-18 is a proinflammatory cytokine made upon activation of the inflammasome, an innate sensing system. We assessed whether increased IL-18 could explain the increased incidence and progression of inflammatory conditions seen with HIV/HCV coinfection.