Hepatic apoptotic markers are not predictors for the virological response to interferon-based therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients. Issue 9 (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ozaras, Resat; Tahan, Veysel; Ozbay, Gulsen; Ozturk, Recep; Yenice, Necati; Celikel, Çigdem A.; Midilli, Kenan; Gucin, Zuhal; Fincanci, Muzaffer; Tozun, Nurdan; Senturk, Hakan; Osme, Abdullah; Tabak, Fehmi; Mert, Ali
• Is Part Of: European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology. Volume 27:Issue 9(2015:Sep.)
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Digestive organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Digestive organs -- Diseases; Liver -- Diseases; Periodicals; 616.33
• DOI: 10.1097/MEG.0000000000000397
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0954-691X

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>Introduction</title> <p>Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem worldwide. The majority of cases involving HCV infection develop into chronic hepatitis because of a failure to develop an effective immune response. Apoptosis of the hepatocytes plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection: the interaction between the Fas antigen on hepatocytes and the Fas ligand on T cells corresponds to the main mechanism for hepatocyte damage. Interferon (IFN)-α has antiviral, immunoregulatory, and antiproliferative properties, and apoptosis seems to be a critical event in the action mechanisms of both IFNs. In this study, we aimed to detect any relationship between apoptotic markers in the liver and the response to the treatment.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Materials and methods</title> <p>The study included 180 chronic HCV patients treated with IFN and ribavirin in four centers. Apoptotic markers (Fas, Fas ligand, Fas-associated death domain, caspases 3, 8, and 9, and in-situ apoptosis) were studied in the liver. The age, sex of the patients, response to therapy, ALT level, viral load, and genotype were recorded.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>The results of the study showed that the histological activity index and fibrosis correlated with CD95 staining density, caspase-8 intensiveness, and portal and parenchymal Fas ligand scores. The apoptotic parameters of the responsive cases were not significantly different from those of the unresponsive cases.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>The apoptotic parameters studied in liver tissue are associated with inflammation and fibrosis; however, these parameters may not predict response to treatment.</p> </sec> </abstract>