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Published on: November 17, 2018
Effect of pegylated interferon α-2b on low-density lipoprotein in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Baiguo Xu1,2,3,4,5,6, Aili Fan1,2,6, Baoxin Qian2,4,5,6
1Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin, China.
Background:
The effect of pegylated interferon α-2b (Peg-IFNalpha-2b) on lipid metabolism in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients remains controversial. This study aimed to investigate the dynamic changes of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels during different antiviral regimens and explore their potential clinical significance.
Methods:
A total of 585 CHB patients were enrolled in this real-world cohort study and divided into three groups: nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) monotherapy group (n = 96), NAs + Peg-IFNalpha-2b combination group (n = 396), and Peg-IFNalpha-2b monotherapy group (n = 93). Serum lipid levels were monitored at baseline and weeks 12, 24, 36, and 48. Generalized additive mixed models were used to adjust for key confounders including sex, age, body mass index (BMI), fatty liver status, cirrhosis, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg and so on.
Results:
After 48 weeks of treatment, LDL levels decreased by 0.3-0.4 mmol/L in the Peg-IFNalpha-2b monotherapy group compared with baseline, with an intermediate reduction in the combination group and no significant change in the NAs monotherapy group. The association remained significant after adjusting for key confounders (P < 0.05), with consistent results across subgroups such as age, gender and fatty liver status.
Conclusion:
Peg-IFNalpha-2b treatment significantly reduces LDL levels in CHB patients. This mild but consistent LDL reduction may bring potential long-term cardiovascular and hepatic benefits, especially for patients with comorbid metabolic disorders.
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