Cytokines have prominent roles in activating of different T cells and shifting the immune response, in sheepshead bay boats this study the role of three cytokines (IL-21, IL-23 and IL-27) is investigated in the liver transplant rejection.Three EDTA-treated blood samples were collected from each liver transplanted patient in 1st, 4th and 7th day of post-transplantation.The expression level of the mentioned cytokines was determined using real-time PCR for all samples.Also, the serum levels of cytokines were determined using ELISA tests.In acute rejection (AR) group (51 patients), mRNA expression pattern of IL-21and IL-23 showed a steady increase, but this pattern was converse for IL-27.
Our results in non-acute rejection (non-AR) group (54 patients) showed an elevation in day 4 and then a decrease in day crystal beaded candle holder 7 for IL-21 and IL-23 genes.This pattern was converse again for IL-27 gene.In comparison between the two groups, in all 3 sampling times the mean of mRNA expression level of IL-21 and IL-23, showed an increase in AR group which this increase was significant for IL-21 in the 3rd (p=0.007) and for IL-23 in 2nd (p=0.048) and 3rd (p=0.
049) sampling time, but the pattern of mRNA expression for IL-27 was contrary to the results of IL-21 and IL-23.Furthermore, ELISA technique also, showed the serum level changes the same as cytokines.In this study IL-21 and IL-23 showed pro-inflammatory properties in the liver transplant rejected patients.Also, IL-27 having different expression pattern, showed anti-inflammatory behavior which needs more considerations in future.