Interferon lambda-3 is not associated with clinical outcome in patients with HCV-induced compensated cirrhosis: a long-term cohort study.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Interferon Lambda-3 (IFN-λ3) gene polymorphism is associated with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and response to IFN-based therapy (IFN). However, very few data are available about its value in predicting sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with cirrhosis, and whether IFN-λ3 genotype influences liver disease progression remains unclear.

METHODS:

We determined IFN-λ3 genotype by PCR in a cohort of patients with compensated HCV-related cirrhosis, enrolled between 1989 and 1992. Person-years follow-up was calculated for each individual from the date of enrolment to the development of first episode of decompensation, HCC, liver transplant, death or end of follow-up. The follow-up of patients who achieved SVR was censored at the time of IFN initiation. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the association between IFN-λ3 genotype and clinical outcome.

RESULTS:

IFN-λ3 was determined in 264 patients (52% males, mean age 57±8 years, 67% HCV genotype (G)1, while CC, CT and TT genotypes were 36%, 50% and 14%, respectively. During a median follow-up of 14.8 years, 149 (56%) patients received IFN. Overall, SVR was achieved in 31 (21%) patients, 40% among those with CC genotype (22% in G1 and 61% in G2, respectively) compared to 10% and 13% among patients with CT and TT genotypes (p<0.0001). Univariate and multivariate analyses found no association between IFN-λ3 (CC vs. non-CC genotype) and disease progression.

CONCLUSION:

IFN-λ3 determination is fundamental for allocating cirrhotic patients to be treated with IFN, while it has no value in predicting the outcome of the disease.

• Authors: Savino Bruno, Alex J Thompson, Rosina Critelli, Andrea Crosignani, Sonia Rossi, Stefania De Lisi, Elisabetta Cariani, Paola Zermiani, Valentina Vaira, Vincenzo Boccaccio, Patrick Maisonneuve, Erica Villa
• Journal: Antiviral research (Antiviral Res) Vol. 113 Pg. 27-32 (Jan 2015) ISSN: 1872-9096 [Electronic] Netherlands
• PMID: 25446338 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• interferon-lambda, human
• Interleukins
• Interferons

Topics

• Aged
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Cohort Studies
• Disease Progression
• Female
• Genotype
• Hepacivirus (drug effects)
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (drug therapy, genetics, mortality)
• Humans
• Interferons (therapeutic use)
• Interleukins (genetics)
• Liver Cirrhosis (drug therapy, genetics, virology)
• Liver Transplantation
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Polymerase Chain Reaction
• Treatment Outcome