de Brito RJVC, do Carmo RF, Silva BMS, et al. - In this study, liver tissues of patients with chronic hepatitis C were examined for the presence and quantity of IL-22, IL-22R1, and IL-22BP–producing cells.

• Findings suggest a possible involvement of IL-22, IL-22R1 and IL-22BP in the mechanisms of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

• More IL-22 expression was detected in liver biopsies at stage F1 to F3 vs F0 or F4.

• With increase in fibrosis, there was a decrease in the number of cells expressing IL-22R1.

• An increase in Il-22BP staining was observed in more advanced stages of fibrosis.

• Possibly IL-22 pathway is involved in the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis.