Cytokine network in nonresponding chronic hepatitis C patients with genotype 1: role of triple therapy with interferon alpha, ribavirin, and ursodeoxycholate

Objective: (i) to characterize the profile of tumor necrosis factor alpha ( TNF alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL 10, Fas-ligand and transforming growth factor beta (TGF P), chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients with genotype 1; ( ii) to determine the influence of triple therapy (TT) with interferon alpha (IFN alpha) + ribavirin + ursodeoxycholic acid on these cytokines and (iii ) to establish the relationship between the proinflammatory cytokines and t he outcome of treatment. Design and Methods: 22 patients infected with HCV - genotype 1 a/b and non responsive to MN-a monotherapy were enrolled in the TT. The controls were 4 9 HCV naive patients with genotype I a/b. Cytokine levels were measured usi ng enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: The baseline TNF alpha values (pg/mL) in the sustained responders (SRs) (63 +/- 3) were significantly lower than non-responders (NRs) (140 +/ - 16) (p < 0.001). Baseline Fas (ng/mL) levels were also lower in SRs (4.3 +/- 0.2) than NRs (5.4 +/- 0.4) (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Fas and TNF ce may be used as serological markers of inflammat ion and effectiveness of therapy. (C) 2001 The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. All rights reserved.