IL28B polymorphisms predict the virological response to standard therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 4 infection.

Background: Genome-wide association studies have recently revealed that several single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the interleukin (IL) 28B genes can predict the sustained virological response (SVR) to pegylated interferon-α2a/b plus ribavirin in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-genotype 1 patients. However, data for patients infected with HCV genotype 4 (HCV-G4) are limited.

Aim: We analyzed the association of IL28B SNPs (hematological, biochemical, virological, and pathological factors) with SVR in the HCV-G4 monoinfected cohort of patients.

Gene profiling of early and advanced liver disease in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Purpose: Strong impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on normal regulation of cellular processes has been reported that could have significant implications for HCV pathogenesis. We aimed to determine the altered cellular processes during HCV infection with particular reference to advanced disease stages.

Methods: Liver biopsy specimens of chronic hepatitis C patients classified on histological basis as early (fibrosis stage 1-2) or advanced (fibrosis stage 3-4) HCV disease were studied using microarray technology (Affymetrix GeneChip™ System).