Alpha-glutathione transferases in HCV-related chronic hepatitis: a new predictive index of response to interferon therapy?
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate if plasma levels of alpha-glutathione-S-transferases (determined in basal conditions and monthly for 1 year during and 1 year after interferon therapy) could characterize patients who show only a primary response.


METHODS
We studied 48 patients with biopsy-proven, hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid positive chronic hepatitis treated with interferon: 18 were "Sustained Responders", 12 "Relapsers" and 18 "Non-Responders".


RESULTS
Relapsers showed higher basal levels of alpha-glutathione-S-transferases, which remained higher than normal even when alanine aminotransferases normalized. No correlation was documented between alpha-glutathione-S-transferase levels and all other parameters examined (alanine aminotransferases, gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, viremia, and histological activity index).


CONCLUSIONS
These findings suggest that alpha-glutathione-S-transferase levels may be considered a predictive index of response to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients.
Loguercio
C
C
Department of Internal Medicine F. Magrassi, 2nd University of Naples, Italy.
Caporaso
N
N
Tuccillo
C
C
Morisco
F
F
Del Vecchio Blanco
G
G
Del Vecchio Blanco
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005982:Glutathione Transferase / Q000097:blood*; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D012008:Recurrence; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood
D012367:RNA, Viral; D007372:Interferons; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase; D005982:Glutathione Transferase; D000410:Alanine Transaminase