Predictors of sustained response to alpha interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C

Objectives: To utilize cytokine levels to predict sustained response (SR) to alpha interferon (IFN alpha) therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients, and to determine the relationship between serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin (IL) IL 6, IL 8, IL 12, transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta 1) and the degree of liver damage as reflected by traditional markers. Design and methods: Serum cytokine levels were assessed using ELISA in 18 patients included in a controlled clinical trial of IFN alpha. Results: Of the 18 patients, 27% were sustained responders (SR), 27% were response and relapse responders (RR), and 46% were non-responders (NR). Multivariate analysis showed that a low serum TNF alpha level and high serum IL 8 levels were independent factors associated with SR to IFN alpha therapy. Serum TNF alpha level highly correlated with viral load and genotype predictive values (p < 0.001). Therapy lowered the IL 6 and it 12 profile. TGF beta 1 levels in serum are positively correlated with fibrinogenesis. Conclusions: IFN alpha therapy modulates immune response to hepatits C virus, contributing to sustained response. Copyright (C) 1999 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists.