Single-nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the osteopontin gene at nucleotide −443 as a marker predicting the efficacy of pegylated interferon/ribavirin-therapy in Egyptians patients with chronic hepatitis C

Osteopontin (OPN) is an extracellular matrix glycophosphoprotein produced by several types of cells including the immune system. The present study examined the possibility that single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the promoter region of the OPN at nt −443 is a marker predicting the therapeutic efficacy of pegylated interferon (peg-IFN-α2b)–ribavirin combination therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C. Blood was collected from 95 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had received peg-IFN-α2b–ribavirin combination therapy and 100 age and sex matched controls. SNP in OPN at nucleotide (nt) −443 and its serum protein level were analyzed. Sustained virological response (SVR) was higher in patients with T/T at nt −443 than in those with C/C or C/T. A univariate logistic regression analysis showed that fibrosis grade, serum OPN protein level and T/T homozygotes of SNP at −443 were significant predictors for response. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis revealed the diagnostic and prognostic efficacy of serum OPN. It can be concluded that SNP in the promoter region of OPN at nt −443 and serum OPN protein level are predictors of response to the efficacy of peg-IFN-α2b–ribavirin therapy in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C.