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

Objectives: To utilize cytokine levels to predict sustained response (SR) to alpha interferon (IFN α) therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients, and to determine the relationship between serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF α), interleukin (IL) IL 6, IL 8, IL 12, transforming growth factor beta (TGF β 1) and the degree of liver damage as reflected by traditional markers. Design and methods: Serum cytokine levels were assessed using ELISA in 18 patients included in a controlled clinical trial of IFN α. Results: Of the 18 patients, 27% were sustained responders (SR), 27% were response and relapse responders (RR), and 46% were non-responders (NR). Multivariate analysis showed that a low serum TNF α level and high serum IL 8 levels were independent factors associated with SR to IFN α therapy. Serum TNF α level highly correlated with viral load and genotype predictive values (p < 0.001). Therapy lowered the IL 6 and IL 12 profile. TGF β 1 levels in serum are positively correlated with fibrinogenesis. Conclusions: IFN α therapy modulates immune response to hepatits C virus, contributing to sustained response.