Fibrogenesis serum markers in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with alpha-IFN

The correlation between therapeutic response and liver fibrogenesis was stu died in serum and liver specimens taken from 31 patients treated with alpha -interferon (IFN) (14 sustained responders and 17 nonresponders) for chroni c hepatitis C. Serum samples, collected before therapy, and at further G-mo nth intervals over 2 pears, were tested for markers of liver neofibrogenesi s. Serum N-terminal procollagen III peptide (PIIINP) displayed a significan t and persistent decrease (P < 0.05) in sustained responders but not in non -responders; significantly lowered (P < 0.05) mean levels of C-terminal pro collagen I peptide (PICP) were transiently observed in both patient groups, apparently as a result of IFN administration. Serum laminin (Lam) levels r emained unchanged. One year after the cessation of treatment, liver biopsy re-testing showed an improvement in necro-inflammatory scores only in susta ined responders, with the histological fibrosis scores remaining unaltered in both groups. IFN treatment seemed to exert an influence on serum levels of markers of hepatic connective tissue turnover even in patients that did not respond to therapy, while no effect was observed on preexistent liver f ibrosis.