Impact of IL28B gene polymorphisms on interferon-λ3 plasma levels during pegylated interferon-α/ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C in patients coinfected with HIV.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The mechanism explaining the strong association between IL28B rs12979860 polymorphisms and treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C remains unclear. We explore whether IL28B protein [interferon (IFN)-λ3] plasma levels may vary according to IL28B genotype and/or following pegylated IFN-α/ribavirin therapy.

Patients and methods

A total of 112 HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients who completed a course of pegylated IFN-α/ribavirin therapy were examined. Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved by 56% of patients. IL28B rs12979860 alleles were genotyped using the 5' nuclease assay with specific TaqMan probes. A specific enzyme immunoassay was used to measure IFN-λ3 plasma levels before initiating anti-HCV therapy and at week 4 of treatment.

Resu

SUBMITTER: Rallon NI 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3695611 | biostudies-literature | 2012 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature