A PILOT-STUDY OF NATURAL INTERFERON-GAMMA THERAPY FOR CHRONIC HEPATITIS-C

Background: To assess the effectiveness and side effects of interferon (IFN)gamma therapy for chronic hepatitis C, Materials and methods: A single dose of 1 x 10(6) IU of natural IFN gamma was administered intr amuscularly daily for 4 weeks to five patients with chronic active hep atitis C. Alanine aminotransferase levels, 2'-5' oligoadenylate synthe tase activity, beta(2) microglobulin levels, IFN gamma activity and HC V RNA levels were measured in sera. Results: ALT level, 2'-5' oligoade nylate synthetase (2-5AS) activity, beta, microglobulin (BMG) level, a nd IFN gamma activity increased from 1-2 weeks after the start of IFN gamma. However, HCV RNA levels did not decrease during IFN gamma admin istration. There were no serious adverse reactions. Conclusions: IFN g amma, which has attracted attention for its immunoenhancement, is wort hy to be investigated as a therapy for chronic hepatitis C. However, t he use of IFN gamma in combination with IFN alpha, beta or other antiv iral agents may be more rewarding because of the possibly weak antivir al action of IFN gamma. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.