Role of serum interleukin-8 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 in the severity of alcoholic hepatitis.

Among patients with alcoholic hepatitis, three groups were distinguished by histological findings and clinico-pathological features. The aim of this study was to clarify the role of soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) in the development of severe alcoholic hepatitis. The levels of sICAM-1 and IL-8 were well correlated with the severity of liver injuries. The concentrations of serum IL-8 were significantly correlated with the number of polymorphonuclear leukocytes infiltrating the liver. Serial determination of these two markers revealed that IL-8 may be complementary in assessing the severity and prognosis of alcoholic hepatitis.