Do the initial serum level changes of sCD26 have ability to predict successful treatment with IFN-α among naïve chronic hepatitis B patients?

IntroductionHepatitis B is a major health problem with serious consequences. In hepatitis B treatment host cellular immune responses have a determinant role and T helper cells are the main active members of immune system against virological infection. The aims of this study are to investigate response rate of patients to INF-α therapy and evaluation of sCD26 and sCD30 roles as presenters of T cells activities in predicting the outcome of therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients.Methods and materialsFifty three chronic hepatitis B patients received IFN-α 9 MU S.C three times weekly for 24 weeks, and were followed up for 24 weeks. Serum levels of sCD26 and sCD30, before, 1 and 3 months after treatment commencement were evaluated in 53 chronic hepatitis B patients and 30 healthy individuals as control group.ResultsNormal level of ALT was seen in 64.1% (34/53) of patients and undetectable DNA was observed in 39.6% (21 out of 53) of them. Finally, 33.9% (18/53) of patients obtained sustain virological response. CD26 levels changes was correlated with response to treatment and significantly (p < 0.001) increased during first 3 months of treatment among patients with successful response to therapy.ConclusionInterferon is an effective and safe treatment for chronic hepatitis B patients and sCD26 serum level changes might be useful in predicting the outcome of therapy in naïve chronic hepatitis B patients undergoing treatment with IFN-α, as it can help clinicians for withdrawing non-responder patients for prevention of adverse events and economical burden.

► Patients with chronic hepatitis B naïve to anti-viral therapy.
► Treatment with interferon-α for 24 weeks then following up for 24 weeks.
► Evaluation of CD26 and CD30 serum level in patients and control group.
► Comparison of CD26 and CD30 levels among responders and non-responders.
► CD26 serum level changes is a predictor of response to treatment.