Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in chronic hepatitis C and the effect of interferon alpha treatment.

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM:

Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), a target of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), is upregulated in chronic hepatitis B and may have a role in hepatocellular carcinoma. Little is known about the expression of COX-2 in chronic hepatitis C (HCV) infection. The aim the present study was to evaluate the extent of COX-2 expression in liver biopsies in patients with HCV infection and to determine the effect of treatment with interferon alpha (IFN).

METHODS:

Percutaneous liver biopsy specimens were retrieved. Following formalin fixation and paraffin embedding, the biopsies were histologically evaluated for inflammation and fibrosis. The extent of COX-2 expression was measured by the avidin biotin immunohistochemical technique using a monoclonal COX-2 antibody. The extent of COX-2 expression was graded according to the number of hepatocytes expressing COX-2. Data were analyzed using Student's t-test.

RESULTS:

Liver biopsies from 10 patients before and after treatment with IFN were obtained and compared with nine normal liver biopsies. All of the liver biopsies showed some COX-2 expression. COX-2 expression was confined to hepatocytes and bile duct epithelium and was not detected in vascular endothelium or inflammatory cells. The extent of COX-2 expression was greater in hepatitis C infected liver biopsies than in normal biopsies. Following treatment with IFN, there was a greater than threefold reduction in COX-2 expression (P < 0.01). This result was independent of the sustained virological response.

CONCLUSION:

In this small pilot study we have shown that COX-2 is overexpressed in liver biopsies infected with HCV and COX-2 expression is reduced following treatment with IFN.

• Authors: Diarmuid S Manning, Katherine M Sheehan, Michael F Byrne, Elaine W Kay, Frank E Murray
• Journal: Journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (J Gastroenterol Hepatol) Vol. 22 Issue 10 Pg. 1633-7 (Oct 2007) ISSN: 0815-9319 [Print] Australia
• PMID: 17845691 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antiviral Agents
• Interferon-alpha
• Cyclooxygenase 2

Topics

• Adult
• Antiviral Agents (therapeutic use)
• Biopsy
• Cyclooxygenase 2 (metabolism)
• Female
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (drug therapy, enzymology)
• Humans
• Immunoenzyme Techniques
• Interferon-alpha (therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pilot Projects
• Treatment Outcome
• Up-Regulation