[Activation of acute phase proteins in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with interferon-alpha 2a]

The course of chronic viral hepatitis C (CVH C) depends in large degree from on non-specific immunological response. Interferon-alpha 2a (IFN-alpha 2a) affects immunological responses including acute phase proteins. The aim of the study was to determine whether chronic hepatitis C affects acute phase proteins and whether treatment with interferon-alpha restores disturbed acute phase proteins concentrations. Concentrations of acute phase proteins were compared with aminotransferases activity, a standard indicator of hepatocyte damage. We studied twenty patients (from 21 to 53 years old) with CHV C treated with interferon-alpha 2a (6 million units, three subcutaneous injections a week). CRP, fibrinogen, C3 and C4 components of complement and albumin serum concentrations were determined before treatment, after 6 and 36 doses of interferon (after 2 and 12 weeks of therapy). Alanine aminotransferase activity was checked at the same time. No abnormalities in CRP, fibrinogen and albumin levels were observed before and during the treatment. It is regarded that low concentrations of C3 and C4 can lead to cryoglobulinemia, vasculitis, and polineuropathy. Both C3 and C4 were decreased among patients with CVH C. During therapy with interferon; levels of both proteins increased and achieved normal levels, especially among patients with effectiveness therapy of IFN-alpha.