Effect of IL28B polymorphisms to treatment response in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon/ribavirin combination therapy

ABSTRACT Effect of IL28B polymorphisms to Treatment Response in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Pegylated Interferon/Ribavirin Combination Therapy Aim: Hepatitis C virus infection that affects approximately 210 million people worldwide is a health problem that may result with chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. With the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin a 50% success can be achieved. Genetic studies have been required due to differences between interpersonal treatment responses. In this study, identification of ILB28B, a significant genetic polymorphism in chronic hepatitis C patients and its effect to treatment response is aimed. Material-Method: In this study, 60 chronic hepatitis C patients followed and treated in our clinic were included. The patients treated with the combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin and whose treatments last at least 6 months were evaluated. The demographic characteristics and response to treatment were recorded. IL28B single nucleotide polymorphisms Rs12979860 and Rs8099917 variant analyses were performed by polymerase chain reaction with LC 480 Hepatitis C IL28B Mutation kit and LightCycler® 48 using DNA samples isolated from patient's blood. Findings: In rs12979860 v analysis, C/C was detected in 13 (22.4%), C/T in 37 (63.8%), and T/T in 8 (13.8%) patients. Sustained virological response were higher in C/C group (100%, n=13), than non C/C group (65.7%, n=30), (p=0,012). In Rs8099917 analysis T/T was detected in 29 (52.7%), T/G in 22 (40%) and G/G in 4 (7.3%) patients. Sustained virological response was higher in T/T group (82.5%, n=24) than non-T/T group (61.5%, n=16), but a statically significant relationship was not present (p=0.129). In addition to C/C alleles, early virological response and being previously untreated were found predictive for sustained virological response (p˂0.0001 and p=0.004). Conclusion: IL28B single nucleotide polymorphism Rs12979860 C/C allele has a predictive value for sustained virological response. In patients that have IL28B C/C allele estimation of treatment response early and in this way to shorten the treatment period and to avoid the toxic effects of the drug may be future options. Development of new treatment regimens in the light of genetic studies is not far away. Key words: Hepatitis C virus infection, IL28B, Sustained virological response, Rs12979860, Rs8099917.