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

Objectives: To utilize cytokine levels to predict sustained response (SR) t o alpha interferon (IFN alpha) therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients, and to determine the relationship between serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (T NF alpha), interleukin (IL) IL 6, IL 8, IL 12, transforming growth factor b eta (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 p atients included in a controlled clinical trial of IFN alpha. Results: Of the 18 patients, 27% were sustained responders (SR), 27% were r esponse and relapse responders (RR), and 46% were non-responders (NR). Mult ivariate 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 predi ctive values (p < 0.001). Therapy lowered the IL 6 and it 12 profile. TGF b eta 1 levels in serum are positively correlated with fibrinogenesis. Conclusions: IFN alpha therapy modulates immune response to hepatits C viru s, contributing to sustained response. Copyright (C) 1999 The Canadian Soci ety of Clinical Chemists.