Interferon-gamma Inducible Protein 10-biomarker for treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C

The predictive value of two easy-to-determine serum biomarkers: IP-10 (Interferon-gamma inducible protein-10 kD) and sCD26 (soluble CD26) on the virological response of interferon-based therapy was assessed in 119 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Patients who obtained sustained virological response (SVR) had significantly decreased baseline IP-10 concentrations as compared to non-responders (mean IP-10 = 338 +/- 200 pg/mL vs. 472.7 +/- 254 g/mL; p=0.003). Correlation of this inexpensive serological marker with IL2B genotype and baseline HCV viral load can be used in the selection of patients who might benefit from interferon-based therapies, which are currently available in developing economies. On the contrary, there was no correlation between the baseline concentration of sCD26 and the outcome of treatment. IP-10 might be a suitable biomarker to predict virological success after pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin treatment.