Role of Interferon-gamma and Immune Response Biomarkers in Predicting IFN-alpha Responsiveness and Treatment Outcome in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus

• Published in: International journal of virology Vol. 8; no. 4; pp. 288 - 298
• Main Authors: Barakat, Amira F., Hegazy, Asmaa, Farag, Raghda E., Baky, Azza Abdul, Arafa, Lamiaa F., Farouk, Amal
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2012
• Subjects: Hepatitis C virus
• ISSN: 1816-4900
• DOI: 10.3923/ijv.2012.288.298

The aim of this study was to examine interferongamma (IFN-[gamma]), antiC1q antibodies, myeloperoxidase antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (MPO-ANCA) and anticardiolipin antibodies in the serum of biopsyproven chronic hepatitis C patients before and after interferon (IFN)-alpha and ribavirin therapy to address whether or not viral clearance is related to these biomarkers and to explore a possible association between the pattern of these immune response parameters with the virological and biochemical status of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). In conclusion, IFN-gamma might be useful in predicting the clinical outcome of the combination therapy of pegylated-IFN alpha and ribavirin, as well as responsiveness to IFN-alpha-based therapy may be improved by using easily assessed immune response biomarkers such as interferon gamma, antiC1q antibodies. Furthermore, early treatment in HCV patients with multiple serological abnormalities will prevent further autoimmune response which eventually could prevent marked extrahepatic complications.