Circulating Apo 2L levels decreased in genotype II hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-2 alpha treatment

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Arzu Didem Yalcin1, Betul Celik1, Sukran Kose1

  • 1Department of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Antalya Training Hospital, Antalya, Turkey; Department of Pathology, Antalya Training Hospital, Antalya, Turkey; Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Tepecik Education and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Antalya Education and Research Hospital, Turkey; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey; Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey.

Le Infezioni in Medicina
|January 1, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with pegylated interferon-alfa-2a (PegIFN-alfa-2a) showed decreased levels of soluble Apo 2L. This suggests PegIFN-alfa-2a may enhance Apo 2L binding, potentially impacting HCV treatment strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) regulates pro-inflammatory factors, suggesting potential therapeutic applications.
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • Interferon (IFN) therapy is a cornerstone in HCV treatment, but its precise mechanisms require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between interferon (IFN) treatment response, HCV viral load, and soluble Apo 2L levels in HCV-infected patients.
  • To explore the potential role of Apo 2L in the context of PegIFN-alfa-2a therapy for HCV.

Main Methods:

  • Eleven treatment-naive HCV-infected patients received pegylated interferon alfa-2a (PegIFN-alfa-2a).
  • Serum levels of soluble Apo 2L and HCV-RNA were monitored at baseline (day 0) and at weeks 4, 6, and 12 of treatment.

Main Results:

  • A significant gradual decrease in both HCV-RNA and soluble Apo 2L levels was observed during PegIFN-alfa-2a treatment.
  • Statistical significance was noted between baseline and week 4, baseline and week 12, and weeks 6 and 12 for both viral load and Apo 2L levels (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Decreased circulating soluble Apo 2L levels during PegIFN-alfa-2a therapy may indicate increased binding to its ligand on hepatocytes or lymphocytes.
  • These findings suggest a potential mechanism of action for PegIFN-alfa-2a involving Apo 2L modulation in HCV infection.

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