Gene expression profiling in the first twelve weeks of treatment in chronic hepatitis C patients

Introduction: Gene expression profiling in the first weeks of treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C may contribute to better evaluate the response to interferon-based therapy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the gene expression profiles of early responders and non-responders before, and after 12 weeks of treatment with peginterferon alfa and ribavirin. Methods: Gene expression profiles were analysed in 12 patients with chronic hepatitis C, and scheduled for treatment with peginterferon alpha and ribavirin. Results: Of the 12 patients studied, six showed a complete early virological response, while six failed to control viremia. In early responders, treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin induced an increased expression of a larger number of interferon-induced genes (ISG15, IF16, IF144L, IF127, MX1, OASL, IRF7, IFIT3, 1FITM1, EIF2AK2, HERC5 and APOBEC3) than in non-responders (ISG15, IF144L, IF127, IRF7, USP18) in the first twelve weeks of treatment (P<0.05). In both groups, there were changes in the levels of certain genes poorly described in the treatment of hepatitis C so far. Conclusions: The gene expression profiles described in this study provide a new insight to understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and treatment effect. The more marked effect of the treatment on the expression of interferon-response genes observed in early responders could explain their better control of viral load. (C) 2010 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.