Acute Dane particle suppression with recombinant leukocyte A interferon in chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
The clinical, virologic, biochemical, and immunologic effects of a biosynthetic human leukocyte interferon, recombinant leukocyte A interferon (rIFN-A or HuIFN-alpha 2) are reported in nine patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and circulating Dane particle-associated polymerase activity. Eight-day courses of rIFN-A were given starting at a dose of 3 X 10(6) units per day and reaching 68 X 10(6) units per day in two patients. Major toxic side effects included fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal symptoms, myalgias, and headache. Most courses of rIFN-A were associated with a reduction in Dane particle-associated polymerase activity, but in no case was this change permanent. There were also changes in lymphocyte subpopulations at the higher dosage levels of rIFN-A. Because of the reproducible, statistically significant effect on viral replication, further study with this and other biosynthetic interferon species is warranted.
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000097:blood / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D007370:Interferon Type I; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase