Markers of necroinflammation and fibrogenesis in patients (pts) with chronic hepatitis C (CHC): effect on the therapeutic outcome

Aims: Circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1) and procollagen III N-terminal peptide (PIIINP) are useful markers of hepatic necroinflammation and fibrogenesis. Aim: To assess the levels of these serum markers in groups of CHC pts displaying different outcomes to interferon + ribavirin therapy. Patient groups: 1) 22 CHC pts naive to treatment; 2) 49 pts with a sustained response to previous therapy; 3) 30 CHC pts with a nonresponse or a relapse response to therapy, and 4) 21 healthy subjects as controls. Methods: Serum TNF-α, sICAM-1 and PIIIN…