IL28B polymorphisms, IP-10 and viral load predict virological response to therapy in chronic hepatitis C

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Genetics

Background:

• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
• Identifying predictors of antiviral therapy response is clinically significant.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the independent contribution of IL28B polymorphisms, IFN-gamma inducible protein-10 (IP-10) levels, and HOMA-IR score in predicting treatment response in chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Main Methods:

• Prospective multicentre study involving 280 treatment-naive CHC patients.
• Peginterferon alpha and ribavirin therapy was administered.
• Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors of rapid virologic response (RVR) and sustained virologic response (SVR).

Main Results:

• For HCV genotype 1, independent predictors of RVR included low HCV RNA, specific IL28B polymorphisms (rs12980275 AA), and IP-10 levels.
• For HCV genotype 3, lower baseline gamma-glutamyl-transferase levels predicted RVR.
• Independent predictors of SVR in HCV genotype 1 included specific IL28B polymorphisms, younger age, and lower HCV RNA levels.
• RVR independently predicted SVR in HCV genotype 1, 2, and 3 patients.

Conclusions:

• IL28B polymorphisms, HCV RNA load, and IP-10 independently predict RVR in HCV genotype 1 patients.
• A combination of IL28B polymorphisms, HCV RNA level, and age may improve pre-treatment prediction of SVR.
• HOMA-IR score was not associated with viral response.