Efficacy of peginterferon and ribavirin is associated with the IL28B gene in Korean patients with chronic hepatitis C

Background/Aims

Sustained virologic response (SVR) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) may differ with ethnicity due to differences in genetic traits. This study evaluated the efficacy of peginterferon and ribavirin, and the association between IL28B genotypes and the treatment efficacy in Korean CHC patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study using data from medical records. Eighty-five CHC patients were eligible for assessment of the efficacy of antiviral therapy, and 47 patients were available for an IL28B genetic study, which was performed using the Multiplex tetra-primer PCR method for rs12979860.

Results

Overall, the early virologic response rate was 87.1%: 84.9% in HCV genotype 1 and 90.6% in genotype 2. The overall end-of-treatment virologic response rate was 81.2%: 75.5% in genotype 1 and 90.6% in genotype 2. The overall SVR rate was 81.2%: 75.5% in genotype 1 and 90.6% in genotype 2. For rs12979860, the frequencies of polymorphisms were 89% for the CC type, 11% for the CT type, and 0% for the TT type. Their overall SVR rate was 87% (39/47): 90.5% (38/42) for the CC type and 20% (1/5) for the CT type. For genotype 1, SVR rates were 88% (21/24) for the CC type and 0% (0/4) for the CT type. Multivariate analysis revealed that the IL28B-CC type was a good predictor for SVR.

Conclusions

The SVR of the combination therapy in Koreans was higher than that observed in Western countries. This finding might be attributable to the high prevalence of IL28B-CC type among Koreans, which may be a good predictor of SVR.     

Roles of ITPA and IL28B genotypes in chronic Hepatitis C patients treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin in Tunisian population

BackgroundDespite considerable progress in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, many countries do not have access to these new treatments.ObjectivesPredictive markers of response to treatment are therefore necessary before initiating with historical combination therapy (PEG-IFN + ribavirin) for these populations.Study designWe therefore evaluated the influence of IL28B polymorphisms on treatment response and Inosine Triphosphate (ITPA) polymorphisms on the incidence of anaemia in a population of 120 Tunisian patients infected with HCV genotype 1b and treated.ResultsThe frequencies of favourable IL28B genotypes were 47% (CC for rs12979860) and 63% (TT for rs8099117). Patients in whom favourable IL28B alleles were identified had a higher chance of successful therapy: 82% for CC (rs12979860) and 75% for TT (rs8099117). Viral load decline during the first twelve weeks of treatment was more pronounced in patients with a favourable genotype (p < 0.0001). For patients with an unfavourable genotype, the second phase of viral decline was more pronounced in patients with SVR. A viral load decline cut-off of 2.68 log IU/mL at week 12 was best suited to discriminate responders from non-responders with an odds ratio of 40 (95% CI:11.53–170.3). Analysis of ITPA polymorphisms revealed that 16% of Tunisian patients presented ITPase deficiency. None of these patients experienced a decline of ribavirin doses during treatment versus 67% for patients without ITPase deficiency (p < 0.001).ConclusionThese data obtained in a Tunisian population should optimize before and during treatment the chances of success for treatments currently available in Tunisia for chronic HCV infection.     

Clinical features and treatment efficacy of peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C patients coinfected with hepatitis B virus

Background/Aims

Cross-sectional studies have documented that 2-10% of patients who are chronically infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are also positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg). Data related to HCV-HBV coinfection are lacking in Korea. This study evaluated the clinical characteristics, the treatment efficacy of peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin, and the changes induced by such treatment in HBV status in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients coinfected with HBV.

Methods

Eighteen (2.37%) HBsAg-positive CHC patients were selected from among the 758 subjects from the K(G)yeonggi-Incheon Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C Treatment (KIPECT) study, which evaluated the treatment efficacy and safety of peginterferon alfa plus ribavirin in CHC patients. Data on changes in the status of HBV infections were obtained.

Results

HCV genotype 1b was the most common (44%). The overall sustained virologic response rate was 72% in all patients, and 60% and 87.5% in genotypes 1 and 2, respectively. Two of the 18 patients were positive for HBeAg, and 15 had baseline HBV DNA level of less than 2,000 IU/mL. Two of the three whose levels exceeded this threshold showed no detectable DNA after treatment. After the completion of treatment, serum HBV DNA levels were increased in the two patients whose baseline HBV DNA levels were less than 2,000 IU/mL.

Conclusions

The prevalence of HBV coinfection in CHC patients was 2.37% and most of the patients were inactive carriers. The treatment efficacy was similar to that of HCV mono-infection. Reactivation of HBV replication was observed in some patients after CHC treatment.     

Association of IL28B genotype and viral response of hepatitis C virus genotype 2 to interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy

The impacts of IL28B genotype to treatment response of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 2 are still not clear. A total of 381 consecutive Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 2, who could complete combination therapy with interferon (IFN) plus ribavirin for 24 weeks, were evaluated to investigate pretreatment predictors. Patients, who could not achieve sustained virological response at the first course of 24‐week IFN plus ribavirin, were recruited into the study protocol of total 48‐week IFN plus ribavirin. In 24‐week regimen, rates of sustained virological response and rapid virological response were 82% and 50%, respectively. There were no significant differences in rates of sustained virological response and rapid virological response, according to IL28B genotype. Multivariate analysis identified younger age, higher level of albumin, absence of past history of IFN, and lower level of viremia as significant determinants of sustained virological response. As significant or marginal significant determinants of non‐sustained virological response regardless of rapid virological response, multivariate analysis identified IL28B rs8099917 genotype TG + GG and lower level of albumin. In 48‐week regimen to 10 patients of non‐sustained virological response at the first course of 24‐week regimen, sustained virological response rates were 70%. All of six patients, with IL28B TT and relapse at the first course of 24‐week regimen, could achieve sustained virological response, but two patients with IL28B TG could not achieve sustained virological response. In conclusion, the present results suggest that IL28B genotype might partly affect viral response of HCV genotype 2 to combination therapy. J. Med. Virol. 84:1593–1599, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

基于扩增阻碍突变系统实时荧光PCR的IL28B基因SNP位点联合检测方法的建立

目的 建立基于扩增阻碍突变系统和实时荧光定量PCR相结合的IL28B基因多SNP位点联合检测方法,为进一步研究丙型肝炎患者抗病毒治疗效果提供技术平台.方法 分别构建包含IL28B基因的rs12979860和rs8099917两个SNP位点的野生型和突变型质粒标准品;采用ARMS技术,结合Taqman探针技术,建立能够同时检测上述两个SNP位点的实时荧光ARMS-PCR方法.然后采用本方法检测60例丙型肝炎住院患者血清标本并以基因测序结果为金标准进行方法学评价.结果 实时荧光ARMS-PCR能够有效的鉴别rs 12979860位点的CC、CT、TT基因型和rs8099917位点的TT、TG和GG基因型,通过和测序结果进行比对,二者符合率为100％ （P ＜0.05）.结论 本研究建立的双重实时荧光ARMS-PCR能够快速可靠的对IL28B的rs12979860和rs8099917位点进行基因型多态性的联合检测,为慢性丙型肝炎患者实现个体化治疗奠定基础.     

Rapid normalization of alanine aminotransferase predicts viral response during combined peginterferon and ribavirin treatment in chronic hepatitis C patients

Background/Aims

The treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is removal of the virus in order to prevent progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Few data have been presented regarding the clinical significance of changes in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in this context. We analyzed the patterns of changes in ALT level and investigated the relationship between the rapid normalization of ALT and sustained virologic response (SVR) after combined treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin.

Methods

CHC patients (n=370) were classified into four groups according to the initial ALT level and subsequent changes: (1) initially abnormal ALT level and sustained abnormal ALT level during treatment, (2) initially abnormal ALT level but achievement of ALT normalization, (3) initially normal ALT level and variable ALT abnormality during treatment, and (4) initially normal ALT level and sustained normalization of ALT level during treatment. We subdivided groups 1 and 2 into those with patterns of decreased and normalization of ALT, with or without rapid normalization. We checked the end-treatment response (ETR) and SVR rates in each group and the factors associated with SVR, including patterns of changes in ALT level.

Results

A total of 168 patients completed the therapy (age=54.34±10.64 years [mean±SD], 95 males [56.5%], genotype 1:82 [48.8%]). SVR was achieved in 115 (68.45%) of the completely treated patients. The SVR rate was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (37.8 vs. 81.6%, P<0.001), and significantly higher in the rapid normalization group than in the group without rapid normalization (78.5% vs. 41.2%, P<0.001). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that age (odds ratio [OR]=0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.91-0.98, P=0.005), viral genotype (OR=2.76, 95% CI=1.20-6.38, P=0.017), and initial hepatitis C virus RNA titer (OR=0.28, 95% CI=0.10-0.75, P=0.012) were identified as independent significant predictive factors for SVR.

Conclusions

The SVR rate is significantly associated with normalization, and especially rapid normalization of ALT. Rapid normalization of ALT by 4 weeks after treatment might be a useful response factor that is readily available in clinical practice, and especially for genotype 1 patients.     

IL-28B基因多态性与丙型肝炎相关性研究进展

白细胞介素-28 B(Interleukin-28B,IL-28 B)属于Ⅲ型干扰素家族,是一种新型的白细胞介素.它通过活化JAK- STAT信号通路,调节干扰素刺激基因转录,发挥抗病毒等生物学效应.新近研究发现,IL-28B基因多态性与丙型病毒性肝炎的发病、抗病毒治疗应答和疾病转归等密切相关.因此,通过对二者相关性的研究,可能有助于临床医师更合理的选择丙型肝炎的治疗措施、开展个性化治疗、及早判断患者的预后.     

Role of IL28B genotype in older hepatitis C virus-infected patients

The average age of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals is becoming increasingly higher in Japan and steps should be taken to treat older individuals infected with HCV. Until an interferon-free regimen becomes available, peginterferon plus ribavirin will play a critical role in the treatment. The perception that older HCV-infected patients may be at higher risk than younger patients for adverse events from peginterferon plus ribavirin treatment but may obtain less clinical benefit from it may be based on the underrepresentation of older patients in clinical trials. A recent genome-wide association study revealed that interleukin-28B (IL28B) genotype closely correlates with the treatment response against HCV. The relationship of IL28B genotype with the treatment response in older HCV-infected patients is also unknown. In this review, we focused on the treatment response in older patients infected with HCV and the effects of IL28B genotype. IL28B major genotype is a useful predictor of sustained virological response in the interferon-including treatment of older patients infected with HCV. It also seems useful for avoiding adverse events, although the mechanisms of the effects of IL28B genotype on the treatment outcome are still poorly understood and are currently under investigation. Further studies will be needed.     

Role of ITPA and SLC28A2 genes in the prediction of anaemia associated with protease inhibitor plus ribavirin and peginterferon in hepatitis C treatment

BackgroundAnaemia is a common side-effect of ribavirin (RBV) use that overwhelms management of hepatitis C when protease inhibitors are added.AimTo assess the pharmacogenomic impact of candidate genes SLC28A2, SLC28A3 and ITPA on anaemia in patients receiving triple therapy.MethodsPatients (n = 161) with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 treated with telaprevir (n = 95) or boceprevir (n = 66) were included. Using RT-PCR we genotyped ITPA (rs1127354, rs7270101) and SLC28A3 (rs56350726, rs10868138) and SLC28A2 (rs11854484). Clinically significant anaemia (CSA) was diagnosed when at least one of the following criteria was observed: (a) haemoglobin <8.5 g/dL during treatment; (b) blood transfusion required; (c) erythropoietin administered.ResultsCSA occurred in 44% (69/157) of patients and was associated with SLC28A2 rs11854484 [CC/CT genotypes: 33% (26/78) vs. TT genotype: 56% (36/64); p = 0.006]. Further, the needed for blood transfusion was related to genotype [CC: 0% (0/18) vs. CT: 13% (8/61) vs. TT: 27% (17/64); p = 0.016]. Similarly, ITPA rs1127354 genotypes [AA/AC: 19% (3/16) vs. CC: 45% (61/135; p = 0.060] were linked to CSA. In multivariate analysis, SLC28A2 rs11854484 TT genotype (OR:2.33;95%CI:1.10–4.95; p = 0.027), female sex (OR:2.54;95% CI:1.13–5.71;p = 0.024) and Hb drop at week 4) OR: 1.36; 95CI%: 1.11–1.67; p = 0.003) were independently associated with CSA. Similarly, ITPA rs1127354 genotypes [AA/AC: 16% (3/19) vs. CC: 63% (85/134); p = 0.0001] and ITPA rs6051702 genotypes [CC/CA: 46% (26/57) vs. CC: 65% (60/93); p = 0.023] were related to Hb drop of >3g/dL at week 4.ConclusionsIn patients receiving first generation protease inhibitors, genotype SLC28A2 rs11854484 predicts CSA, and helps to identify a subgroup of patients with better tolerance of triple therapy.     

Impact of IL28B gene polymorphisms rs8099917 and rs12980275 on response to pegylated interferon-α/ribavirin therapy in chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 patients

Host genetic factors may predict the outcome and treatment response in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. One of these factors is the single nucleotide polymorphisms of the interleukin 28B (IL28B) gene. We sought to evaluate the outcome of pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy in association with IL-28B rs8099917 and rs12980275 in patients infected with HCV genotype 4. A total of 180 patients with chronic hepatitis C were selected from Egyptians who have received combined therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for 6 months and their response was evaluated after follow-up at 0, 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks from the beginning of the therapy. Blood samples were collected from responders and non-responders. Genomic DNA was extracted from whole blood and genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Our results showed that TT genotype of rs8099917 was associated with higher sustained viral response (SVR) rates and G allele represented a risk factor for failure of response (OR = 3.7, CI = 1.8:7.64) while rs12980275 was not significantly associated with SVR in genotype 4 Egyptian patients. The determination of IL-28B SNPs may be useful in enhancing correct prediction of SVR achievement in treating this group of genotype 4 patients.     

Add‐on therapy of pitavastatin and eicosapentaenoic acid improves outcome of peginterferon plus ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C

Despite the use of pegylated‐interferon (peg‐IFN) plus ribavirin combination therapy, many patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐1b remain HCV‐positive. To determine whether addition of pitavastatin and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is beneficial, the “add‐on” therapy option (add‐on group) was compared retrospectively with unmodified peg‐IFN/ribavirin therapy (standard group). Association of host‐ or virus‐related factors with sustained virological response was assessed. In HCV replicon cells, the effects of pitavastatin and/or EPA on HCV replication and expression of innate‐immunity‐ and lipid‐metabolism‐associated genes were investigated. In patients infected with HCV‐1b, sustained virological response rates were significantly higher in the add‐on than standard group. In both groups, sustained virological response rates were significantly higher in patients with genotype TT of IL‐28B (rs8099917) than in those with non‐TT genotype. Among the patients with non‐TT genotype, sustained virological response rates were markedly higher in the add‐on than standard group. By multivariate analysis, genome variation of IL28B but not add‐on therapy remained as a predictive factor of sustained virological response. In replicon cells, pitavastatin and EPA suppressed HCV replication. Activation of innate immunity was obvious in pitavastatin‐treated cells and EPA suppressed the expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c and low‐density lipoprotein receptor. Addition of pitavastatin and EPA to peg‐IFN/ribavirin treatment improved sustained virological response in patients infected with HCV‐1b. Genotype variation of IL‐28B is a strong predictive factor in add‐on therapy. J. Med. Virol. 85:250–260, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

IL-28B基因突变与慢性丙型肝炎治疗应答的相关性研究

目的 探讨白介素28B(IL-28B)基因型与慢性丙型肝炎(CHC)患者抗病毒治疗反应的相关性.方法 220例CHC患者均接受聚乙二醇干扰素(peg-IFN)联合利巴韦林(RBV)治疗48周,随访至停药后24周.检测IL-28B(rs8099917)位点,比较IL-28B基因型与抗病毒疗效的关系,评估IL-28B单核苷酸多态性(SNP)在CHC患者治疗应答中的作用.结果 TT、TG和GG基因型在持续应答组(SVR)中的比例分别是71.4％、25.0％和3.6％;在无应答组(NR)分别是15.8％、60.5％和23.7％;在复发组(RP)分别是38.1％、52.3％和9.6％;三组之间比较差异具有统计学意义(P＜0.001).NR与SVR组内基因型比较,TG vsTT的OR为7.67(P＜0.001,95％ CI:2.91～20.56),差异有统计学意义.RP与SVR组内基因型比较,TG vsTT的OR为3.10(P＜0.01,95％ CI:1.41～6.36),差异有统计学意义.结论 IL-28B(rs8099917)基因型与慢丙肝患者抗病毒应答密切相关,可作为治疗前的一个重要的预测因子.     

Association of IL28B variants with response to pegylated-interferon alpha plus ribavirin combination therapy reveals intersubgenotypic differences between genotypes 2a and 2b

Genetic polymorphisms of the interleukin 28B (IL28B) locus are associated closely with outcomes of pegylated-interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between IL28B polymorphism and responses to therapy in patients infected with genotype 2. One hundred twenty-nine chronic hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 2, 77 patients with genotype 2a and 52 patients with genotype 2b, were analyzed. Clinical and laboratory parameters, including genetic variation near the IL28B gene (rs8099917), were assessed. Drug adherence was monitored in each patient. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses of these parameters and clinical responses were carried out. Univariate analyses showed that a sustained virological response was correlated significantly with IL28B polymorphism, as well as age, white blood cell and neutrophil counts, adherence to RBV, and rapid virological response. Subgroup analysis revealed that patients infected with genotype 2b achieved significantly lower rapid virological response rates than those with genotype 2a. Patients with the IL28B-major allele showed higher virus clearance rates at each time point than those with the IL28B-minor allele, and the differences were more profound in patients infected with genotype 2b than those with genotype 2a. Furthermore, both rapid and sustained virological responses were associated significantly with IL28B alleles in patients with genotype 2b. IL28B polymorphism was predictive of PEG-IFN plus RBV combination treatment outcomes in patients infected with genotype 2 and, especially, with genotype 2b. In conclusion, IL-28B polymorphism affects responses to PEG-IFN-based treatment in difficult-to-treat HCV patients.     

聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a联合双环醇治疗高转氨酶水平慢性乙型肝炎疗效初探

目的 探讨慢性乙型肝炎患者接受聚乙二醇干扰素-2a(派罗欣)±核苷(酸)类似物(NUC)治疗前和治疗早期转氨酶明显升高者,联合双环醇(百赛诺)治疗的疗效.方法 收集HBeAg阳性/阴性慢性乙型肝炎患者,给予派罗欣180 μg,每周一次,皮下注射,疗程48周以上,治疗结束后随访26周.HBV DNA≥1×108拷贝/ml者联合NUC(阿德福韦或恩替卡韦).治疗前ALT＞ 500 U/L或派罗欣治疗第一针后ALT＞ 300 U/L者联用双环醇25 mg,每日3次,治疗1～2个月.治疗前2 × ULN＜ ALT ＜300 U/L或治疗后ALT＜ 300 U/L者单用抗病毒治疗.比较两组患者的治疗应答和不良反应状况.结果总计54例患者(HBeAg阳性44例,HBeAg阴性10例)完成治疗及随访,其中20例联用双环醇(联合治疗组),34例未联用双环醇(对照组).结果 显示双环醇联合治疗组于治疗后ALT水平逐周下降,4周后有90％( 18/20)患者ALT＜ 200 U/L,对照组为85.3％ (29/34例).随访26周时两组ALT复常率分别为80％(16/20)和85.3％ (29/34);病毒学应答率相仿,联合治疗组较对照组HBsAg血清学转换率有明显增高(P =0.044),分别为30％ (6/20)和11.8％(4/34).结论 双环醇可明显缓解干扰素治疗诱导的转氨酶升高反应,确保干扰素治疗顺利进行,且不影响其抗病毒疗效.     

Evaluation of cost-effectiveness of peginterferon plus ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C treatment and direct-acting antiviral agents among HIV-infected patients in the prison and community settings

BackgroundIn Taiwan, the majority of chronic hepatitis C carriers with HIV co-infection are intravenous drug users and inmates in correctional facilities. Peginterferon and ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) have been the standard-of-care for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection more than decades. We evaluated the estimated cost-effectiveness of PegIFN/RBV from the National Health Insurance Research Database, covering the population of Taiwan from 1998 to 2013.Materials and methodsThis is an observational study, and study during was 2010–2016 and a total of 239 patients were treated with PegIFN/RBV. Of them, 156 patients were treated in the correctional facilities of Taipei, Taoyuan, Taichung and Taitung prisons, and 83 patients were treated in communities. The cost-effectiveness was analyzed in regimens of PegIFN/RBV and direct-acting antiviral agents.ResultsBy multivariate analysis, the patients completed PegIFN/RBV in prison (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.56, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.58–13.12, p = 0.005), HCV RNA level <800,000 IU/mL (aOR: 4.0, 95% CI: 1.27–12.66, p = 0.02) at baseline, and the presence of early virologic response (EVR) (aOR: 7.67, 95% CI: 1.89–31.06, p = 0.004) were independent predictors for sustained virologic response (SVR). For the subgroups of prisoners, HIV-infected prisoners and HIV-infected patients in communities, the SVR rate was 73.8%, 72.0% and 36.8%, and the average medical-care cost was US$7,701, $7,893, and $15,443 per SVR achieved, respectively. Also, the estimated medical-care cost for genotype 6 was US$9211.ConclusionsChronic HCV/HIV co-infected patients with genotype 1 and 6 in the community setting could benefit from DAAs in Taiwan.     

聚乙二醇干扰素α-2a治疗HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎的疗效和安全性

目的 探讨聚乙二醇α-2a干扰素（PEG INFα-2a）治疗HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎的疗效和安全性。方法 按随机对照原则选择80例HBV DNA、HBeAg阳性的慢性乙型肝炎患者，按1：1随机分配进入PEG INFa-2a组和IFNα-2a组。结果 治疗6个月时，PEG INFα-2a组HBeAg血清转换率（45．7％）高于IFNα-2a组（35．1％），但P〉0．05。停药6个月后，持续的HBeAg血清转换率分别为48．6％和37．8％，P〉0．05。停药6个月后，持续的HBVDNA阴转率分别为62．9％和45．9％，P〉0．05。治疗后，两组的丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）复常率差异无显著性，为62．9％和45．9％，停药后6个月，两组的联合应答率分别为57．1％和40．5％。PEG INFα-2a组有3例患者HBsAg阴转，而IFNα-2a组仅有1例患者HBsAg阴转。两组有相似的不良反应，不良反应间差异无统计学意义，两组治疗过程中均未发生重要的不良事件。结论PEG INFα-2a治疗HBeAg阳性的慢性乙型肝炎疗效优于普通干扰素IFN-2a，耐受性和安全性好。