title: Effect of IFN-alpha on total haemolytic activity of CH50 complement system and C3, C4 levels in children with chronic hepatitis C.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis induced by virus C as well as the mechanisms responsible for the elimination of this infection are still not fully understood. The course of HCV infection depends on the extent to which both specific and non-specific response is induced. One of the treatment methods applied in HCV is the use of IFN-alpha which has both antiviral and immunomodulatory activity. The knowledge of IFN-alpha effect on non-specific humoral response may be helpful in the choice of optimal strategy for HCV prevention and treatment. The purpose of the study was the assessment of total haemolytic activity of CH50 complements as well as C3 and C4 levels in children with chronic hepatitis C treated with IFN-alpha.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty children aged 3-15 years with chronic hepatitis C were included in the study. The diagnosis was based on biochemical examinations, the presence of HCV RNA and histological investigations of the liver. The study group was divided into two subgroups of 30 children each. One subgroup was treated with subcutaneous recombined IFN-alpha (Intron A Schering Plough) at the dose of 3 MU 3 times a week for 6 months, while the other subgroup was a control. All the children underwent the assessment of total haemolytic activity of CH50 complement according to modified Mayer's technique as well as the concentration of its components C3 and C4 with turbidimetric method with the use of Behring reagents and Turbi Time system. The assessments were performed at the beginning of the study and 6 months later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Total haemolytic activity of CH50 complement and C3, C4 levels after 6 months of IFN-alpha therapy were significantly higher in children on IFN-alpha when compared to control group. Among children treated with IFN-alpha, 9 managed to eliminate HCV genetic material from blood serum. Mean values of analysed parameters did not differ at both stages of the study in the IFN-alpha group between the children with and without HCV RNA elimination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Higher total haemolytic activity of CH50 complement and C3, C4 levels after 6 months of treatment with IFN-alpha administered to children with chronic hepatitis C suggest that IFN-alpha is capable of reducing complement activity.
authors.affiliation: 3rd Department of Paediatrics, Polish Mother's Memorial Hospital, ul. Rzgowska 281/289, 93-338 Łódź, Poland. IIIKlinikaPed@pharmanet.com.pl
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Woźniakowska-Gesicka
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wiśniewska-Ligier
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kupś
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003176:Complement C3 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D003181:Complement C4 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D015941:Complement Hemolytic Activity Assay / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000494:pharmacology; D008297:Male
chemical_list: D003176:Complement C3; D003181:Complement C4; D016898:Interferon-alpha