ALPHA-GLUTATHIONE TRANSFERASES IN HCV-RELATED CHRONIC HEPATITIS - A NEW PREDICTIVE INDEX OF RESPONSE TO INTERFERON THERAPY

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate if plasma levels of alpha-glutathione-S-transferases (determined in basal conditions a nd monthly for 1 year during and 1 year after interferon therapy) coul d characterize patients who show only a primary response, Methods: We studied 48 patients with biopsy-proven, hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid positive chronic hepatitis treated with interferon: 18 were ''Sus tained Responders'', 12 ''Relapsers'' and 18 ''Non-Respenders'', Resul ts: Relapsers showed higher basal levels of alpha-glutathione-S-transf erases, which remained higher than normal even when alanine aminotrans ferases normalized, No correlation was documented between alpha-glutat hione-S-transferase levels and all other parameters examined (alanine aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, viremia, and histolo gical activity index), Conclusions: These findings suggest that alpha- glutathione-S-transferase levels may be considered a predictive index of response to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients.