BƯỚC ĐẦU NGHIÊN CỨU KIỂU HÌNH MIỄN DỊCH VÀ CHỨC NĂNG CỦA TẾ BÀO NK MÁU NGOẠI VI Ở BỆNH NHÂN XƠ GAN RƯỢU

Abstract

Objectives: Alcoholic cirrhosis represents the end stage of alcohol-related liver disease. Natural killer (NK) cells exert antifibrotic effects through cytotoxic activity and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) secretion. This study aimed to evaluate the phenotypic and functional characteristics of peripheral blood NK cells in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 15 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis and 15 age-matched healthy controls. NK cell percentage, absolute count, cytotoxic activity (NKAc), and the expression of NKG2A and NKG2D receptors were analyzed using flow cytometry. NK cell secretory activity (NKAs) was assessed by quantifying IFN-γ levels after whole-blood stimulation using the standardized NK-VUE kit. Results: No significant differences were observed in the percentage or absolute number of peripheral blood NK cells between the two groups. However, NKAc and NKAs were significantly reduced in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis compared with healthy controls. Phenotypic analysis showed increased expression of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A and decreased expression of the activating receptor NKG2D, as reflected by changes in mean fluorescence intensity (MFI). Conclusion: Peripheral blood NK cells in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis exhibit impaired cytotoxic and secretory functions despite preserved cell numbers, accompanied by altered expression of activating and inhibitory receptors. These findings suggest a potential role of NK cell dysfunction in the immunopathogenesis of alcoholic cirrhosis