[The apoptosis of hepatic tissues in hepatitis C]

The purpose of the study was the evaluation of p53 and bcl2 protein expression on intrahepatic hepatocytes in chronic hepatitis C before and after the treatment with interferon alpha 2b (IFNa2b) combined with ribavirin (RBV).

using immunohistochemical method, the percentage of cells with p53 and bcI2 protein expression was assessed in hepatic tissues of 30 patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C. The examinations were performed in hepatic bioptates before IFNa2b treatment (9MU/week/48 weeks) combined with RBV (1-1.2g/24hrs/48 weeks) and after the therapy. The parameters were analyzed in the responders group (R) and non-responders (NR).

The highest increase in p53 protein expression was observed in tissues in which interferon alpha decreased inflammatory activity and fibrosis. The elimination of HCV infection did not have any influence on p53 protein expression. Diminishing of p53 positive hepatocyte percentage was revealed in tissues where inflammatory activity and fibrosis did not change before and after the treatment or where histological damage was intensified. IFNa2b+RBV therapy diminished bcl2 positive cell percentage, specifically in patients with eliminated HCV.

Tissue p53 protein expression increase and bcl-2 decrease can be a prognostic marker as far as a positive effect of IFNa2b+RBV treatment and HCV elimination are concerned. It can occur either due to the elevation of growth factors inducing regeneration or HCV-infected hepatocyte apoptosis. It was shown that IFNa2b+RBV therapy decreases bcl2 protein expression, which can make hepatocyte apoptosis and HCV elimination possible.