Abstract | OBJECTIVE: DESIGN: METHODS: Fifty-seven HCV-positive patients were studied. All the subjects received alpha2a recombinant interferon, 6 MU subcutaneously three times a week for 4 weeks, followed by 3 MU thrice weekly for 5 months. After cessation of treatment, each patient was followed for 12 months. Prolyl-hydroxylase and helical domain of Type IV collagen were measured by using immunoenzymatic methods. HCV- RNA and HCV genotype were determined according to the method of Okamoto. RESULTS: In the patients prolyl-hydroxylase (39.8+/-8.9 ng/ml) was not different from controls (39.1+/-5.9 ng/ml). On the contrary, the patients showed a mean Type IV collagen (133.6+/-93.3 ng/ml) significantly (P < 0.01) higher than controls (100.2+/-10.5 ng/ml). A good relationship between the degree of liver fibrosis and the Type IV collagen serum level was found (r = 0.68; P < 0.005). In both responders and non-responders the Type IV collagen levels decreased during interferon therapy. During the follow-up, in responders the Type IV collagen did not show modifications, while in non-responders/relapsers it returned rapidly to the pretreatment levels (139.1+/-100.7 ng/ml). CONCLUSION:
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Authors | L Mazzoran, G Tamaro, M A Mangiarotti, P Marchi, S Baracetti, U Gerini, M Fanni-Cannelles, F Zorat, G Pozzato |
Journal | European journal of gastroenterology & hepatology
(Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol)
Vol. 10
Issue 2
Pg. 125-31
(Feb 1998)
ISSN: 0954-691X [Print] England |
PMID | 9581987
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Biomarkers
- Interferon alpha-2
- Interferon-alpha
- RNA, Viral
- Recombinant Proteins
- Collagen
- Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Biomarkers
(blood)
- Collagen
(blood)
- Female
- Genotype
- Hepacivirus
(isolation & purification)
- Hepatitis C
(blood, drug therapy)
- Hepatitis, Chronic
(blood, drug therapy)
- Humans
- Interferon alpha-2
- Interferon-alpha
(therapeutic use)
- Liver Cirrhosis
(blood, drug therapy)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Procollagen-Proline Dioxygenase
(blood)
- RNA, Viral
(analysis)
- Recombinant Proteins
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