Serum concentrations of insulin-like growth factor-I (igf-I) as a marker of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
Liver biopsy was until recently the only way of evaluating liver fibrosis. Noninvasive tests for hepatic fibrosis, without potential risks, are desired by clinicians as well as patients. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) synthesis is disturbed in liver fibrosis and reflects the severity of the clinical stage. We assessed serum IGF-I levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) to correlate with liver fibrosis and antiviral therapy. Forty patients with CHC and persistently abnormal alanine aminotransferase values were enrolled and treated with peginterferon alpha-2a 180 microg per week plus ribavirin for 24 (n=20) or 48 (n=20) weeks. All patients underwent liver biopsy before treatment (METAVIR fibrosis stage F0, n=13; F1-F2, n=14; F3, n=7; F4, n=6). Serum IGF-I was measured at baseline, at the end of treatment period, and 24 weeks after finishing treatment. Mean IGF-I values were significantly lower in patients with advanced fibrosis (F4, 65.9+/-17.9 ng/mL) than in the others (F0, 145.2+/-47.1; F1-F2, 150.3+/-89.6; and F3, 121.4+/-35.2 ng/mL; P < .05). Serum IGF-I levels increased during combined therapy, being this increment markedly higher in patients with sustained virologic response. In conclusion, IGF-I synthesis is disturbed in CHC and reflects the severity of the liver fibrosis. Combined therapy improves serum IGF-I levels. IGF-I could represent a good, noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis.
Lorenzo-Zúñiga
Vicente
V
Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Carretera del Canyet s/n, 08916, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain. vlorenzo@ns.hugtip.scs.es
Bartolí
Ramon
R
Masnou
Helena
H
Montoliu
Silvia
S
Morillas
Rosa Ma
RM
Planas
Ramon
R
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007118:Immunoassay; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / Q000378:metabolism*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D012367:RNA, Viral; D007334:Insulin-Like Growth Factor I