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Two Methods of Heterokaryon Formation to Discover HCV Restriction Factors
Published on: July 16, 2012
Dynamic interplay between CXCL levels in chronic hepatitis C patients treated by interferon
Abdel-Rahman N Zekri1, Abeer A Bahnassy, Waleed S Mohamed
1Virology and Immunology Unit, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, 1st Kasr El-Aini st, Cairo, Egypt. ncizekri@yahoo.com
Virology Journal
|July 3, 2013
Summary
Serum levels of CXCL13 and E-Cadherin can predict treatment response in patients with chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection receiving pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy. Further studies are needed for validation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Combined pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy offers sustained virological response (SVR) in 54-61% of patients.
- Predictors of SVR to interferon-based therapy require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess specific chemokines as potential predictors of treatment response in Egyptian patients with chronic HCV.
- To investigate the role of CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL16, and E-Cadherin in predicting SVR.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 57 chronic HCV patients were analyzed using quantitative ELISA.
- Patients received combined pegylated interferon alpha (2b or 2a) and ribavirin therapy.
- Hepatitis C virus RNA levels and genotyping were performed using real-time RT-PCR and INNO-LIPA II.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in baseline HCV RNA levels between responders and non-responders.
- Statistically significant differences in CXCL13 and E-Cadherin levels were observed at week 12 between responders and non-responders.
- Correlations were found between changes in CXCL13, E-Cadherin, CXCL9, CXCL16, and ALT levels during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Serum CXCL13 and E-Cadherin levels show potential as surrogate markers for predicting treatment response to PEG IFN-α/RBV therapy, particularly at week 12.
- Larger, extended studies are recommended to validate these predictive markers.
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