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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
06:28
Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
Published on: October 1, 2015
Serum fibrosis marker levels decrease after successful antiviral treatment in chronic hepatitis C patients with
Robert J Fontana1, Herbert L Bonkovsky, Deepa Naishadham
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0362, USA. rfontana@med.umich.edu
Summary
Lower pretreatment serum fibrosis markers, including YKL-40, predict virologic response in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients receiving peginterferon and ribavirin. Sustained virologic response (SVR) patients showed decreased marker levels, indicating reduced liver fibrogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- The Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment against Cirrhosis (HALT-C) trial investigated antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC).
- Serum fibrosis markers are crucial for assessing liver disease progression and treatment response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine serum fibrosis marker levels during the lead-in treatment phase of the HALT-C trial.
- To evaluate the association of pretreatment fibrosis markers with virologic response to peginterferon alfa 2a and ribavirin.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 456 CHC patients were analyzed at weeks 0, 24, 48, and 72 for YKL-40, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase-1, PIIINP, and HA.
- Patients received peginterferon alfa 2a and ribavirin for 24-48 weeks.
Main Results:
- Lower pretreatment levels of YKL-40, TIMP-1, PIIINP, and HA were significantly associated with week-20 virologic response (P < .0001).
- Multivariate analysis identified non-1 CHC genotype, non-black race, prior interferon monotherapy, and lower baseline AST/ALT and log(10)YKL-40 as independent predictors of response.
- Patients achieving sustained virologic response (SVR) showed significant declines in all marker levels by week 72, unlike non-responders.
Conclusions:
- Pretreatment YKL-40 levels independently predict initial virologic response to peginterferon and ribavirin.
- Decreased serum fibrosis marker levels in SVR patients suggest reduced hepatic fibrogenesis.
- Serum fibrosis marker monitoring may offer prognostic insights for CHC patients undergoing antiviral therapy.
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