Interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein-10: Association with histological results, viral kinetics, and outcome during treatment with pegylated IFN-α2a and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Background. We investigated associations between interferon (IFN)-γ-inducible protein (IP)-10 and liver histological results, viral kinetic response, and treatment outcome in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1-4. Methods. Plasma IP-10 was monitored before, during, and after treatment with pegylated IFN-α2a and ribavirin in 265 HCV-infected patients. Results. In univariate analyses, a low baseline IP-10 level was significantly associated with low baseline viral load, rapid viral response (RVR), a sustained viral response (SVR), body mass index <25 kg/m², and less-pronounced fibrosis, inflammation, and steatosis (for HCV genotypes other than 3). When the results of the univariate analyses were included in multivariate analyses, a low plasma IP-10 level, low baseline viral load, and genotype 2 or 3 infection were independent predictors of an RVR and SVR. IP-10 levels decreased 6 weeks into treatment and remained low in patients with an SVR. By contrast, plasma levels of IP-10 rebounded in patients who had detectable HCV RNA after the completion of treatment. Using cutoff IP-10 levels of 150 and 600 pg/mL for predicting an SVR in patients infected with HCV genotype 1 yielded a specificity and sensitivity of 81% and 95%, respectively. Conclusion. Baseline IP-10 levels are predictive of the response to HCV treatment.