Promoter Polymorphisms of the interferon-α receptor gene and development of interferon-induced depressive symptoms in patients with chronic hepatitis C:: Preliminary findings

Background. Interferon (IFN)-alpha treatment frequently induces depression, which can impair quality of life and reduce treatment adherence. Defining relevant risk factors for IFN-alpha-induced depression is essential for designing preventative treatment strategies. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine whether promoter polymorphisms of -408C/T, -3C/T and GT repeat dinucleotide microsatellite in the IFN-alpha/beta receptor 1 (IFNAR1) gene are associated with the development of IFN-induced depression. Method. Fifty patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with pegylated IFN alpha-2b plus a standard or weight-based dose of ribavirin. Severity of depression was assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) at baseline and at 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks of treatment. Result. The baseline to maximum difference in the SDS index score of neurovegetative/somatic symptoms was higher in patients with the 5/14 genotype of the GT repeat dinucleotide microsatellite polymorphism than in those patients with other genotypes (p = 0.0084). Conclusion:This preliminary result suggests that the promoter GT repeat dinucleoticle microsatellite polymorphism of the IFNAR1 gene may represent a risk factor for the development of depressive symptoms during IFN-alpha therapy for hepatitis C and other conditions. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.