Efficacy of a Chinese herbal formula on hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

Figure 3 Serum levels of interferon-γ, interleukin-2, interleukin-4 and interleukin-10 were determined by ELISA. A: The patients in the treatment group showed significantly increased interferon-γ levels in serum compared with the placebo group; B: The patients in the treatment group showed significantly increased interleukin (IL)-2 levels in serum compared with the placebo group; C: The patients in the treatment group showed significantly decreased IL-4 levels in serum compared with the placebo group; D: The patients in the treatment group showed significantly decreased IL-10 levels in serum compared with the placebo group. Serum levels of interferon-γ, IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10 were compared between the subgroup weeks 48 and 96. Mann-Whitney U test. Treatment group: Chinese herb formula invigorating kidney and clearing away the heat and expelling superficial evils; Control group: Placebo. IL: Interleukin; IFN-γ: interferon-γ; ICE: Invigorating kidney and clearing away the heat and expelling superficial evils.