Changes of serum 2',5'-oligoadenylate synthetase activity during interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Abstract

It was our aim to evaluate whether the baseline activity of 2-5 oligoadenylate synthetase (2-5 OAS) in serum and changes induced by the treatment with interferon are relevant factors in remission of chronic hepatitis C. Seventeen out of 30 adult patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomized to receive recombinant alpha-2b interferon at the dosage of 3 MU three times weekly. By the end of the third month, nine patients had normalized transaminase levels and continued to receive 3 MU of interferon for an additional 3 months, whereas in eight non-responders the dosage was increased to 6 MU for the same period of time. A single patient responded to the increased dosage. Baseline 2-5 OAS serum activity was significantly higher in patients with chronic hepatitis when compared with normal controls. Follow-up on the 13 untreated cases showed that 2-5 OAS elevation was stable and unrelated to concomitant infections. Comparison of responders and non-responders showed that the latter had higher baseline 2-5 OAS activity, tended to have an earlier and higher peak in the enzyme during the first 4 weeks of treatment, and maintained higher levels during the first 3 months of therapy. The increased dosage of interferon in this group led to an additional, although temporary, increase in 2-5 OAS. Our data suggest that HCV infection by itself induces elevated 2-5 OAS levels. The paradoxical increase in non-responders indicates that monitoring of the enzyme in serum does not predict the response to interferon. The role of the 2-5 OAS pathway in inducing the antiviral state in HCV infection should be further evaluated at tissue level.

• Authors: A Solinas, P Cossu, P Poddighe, A Tocco, A Deplano, G Garrucciu, M S Diana
• Journal: Liver (Liver) Vol. 13 Issue 5 Pg. 253-8 (Oct 1993) ISSN: 0106-9543 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 8259037 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha
• Recombinant Proteins
• Transaminases
• 2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase

Topics

• 2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase (blood)
• Adult
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Hepatitis C (enzymology, therapy)
• Humans
• Interferon alpha-2
• Interferon-alpha (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Recombinant Proteins
• Transaminases (blood)