Endogenous interferon-alpha level is increased in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive pregnant women.
BACKGROUND
Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been reported in around 5% of cases, and is much more likely to occur in case of coinfection with HIV. However, other cofactors influencing the vertical transmission are still debated.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the serum concentration of endogenous interferon (IFN) during pregnancy, and its eventual role on the vertical transmission of HCV.


METHODS
Forty-seven HCV-infected pregnant women, and 3 control groups: (1) 75 HCV-negative pregnant women; (2) 29 HCV-positive nonpregnant women; (3) 29 HCV-negative nonpregnant women entered into the study. Endogenous IFN was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The following parameters were also analyzed: viral load, HIV infection, risk factors for acquiring HCV, parity, gestational age, mode and course of delivery.


RESULTS
Vertical transmission of HCV was observed in 2 cases (4.3%). Plasma levels of IFN were significantly higher in HCV-positive pregnant women compared with either HCV-positive and HCV-negative nonpregnant women. The 2 mothers who transmitted the infection had IFN levels within the same range as the women who did not transmit the infection.


CONCLUSIONS
In HCV-positive pregnant women, there is an increased production of endogenous IFN-alpha. Further studies are warranted for clarifying the mechanisms of this cytokine in the prevention of HCV transmission.
Paternoster
Delia Maria
DM
Department of Gynecological Science and Human Reproduction, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
Belligoli
Anna
A
Ngaradoumbe
Nanhornguè Kimta
NK
Visentin
Silvia
S
Franco
Riccardo
R
Fagiuoli
Stefano
S
Boldrin
Caterina
C
Palù
Giorgio
G
Baldo
Vincenzo
V
Floreani
Annarosa
A
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood* / Q000150:complications / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D018445:Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000097:blood*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011251:Pregnancy Complications, Infectious / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D019562:Viral Load
D016898:Interferon-alpha