A genetic validation study reveals a role of vitamin D metabolism in the response to interferon-alfa-based therapy of chronic hepatitis C.

Background: To perform a comprehensive study on the relationship between vitamin D metabolism and the response to interferon-α-based therapy of chronic hepatitis C.

Methodology/principal Findings: Associations between a functionally relevant polymorphism in the gene encoding the vitamin D 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1-1260 rs10877012) and the response to treatment with pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN-α) and ribavirin were determined in 701 patients with chronic hepatitis C. In addition, associations between serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25[OH]D(3)) and treatment outcome were analysed.

Serum ferritin levels are associated with a distinct phenotype of chronic hepatitis C poorly responding to pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin therapy.

Unlabelled: Elevated serum ferritin levels may reflect a systemic inflammatory state as well as increased iron storage, both of which may contribute to an unfavorable outcome of chronic hepatitis C (CHC). We therefore performed a comprehensive analysis of the role of serum ferritin and its genetic determinants in the pathogenesis and treatment of CHC. To this end, serum ferritin levels at baseline of therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin or before biopsy were correlated with clinical and histological features of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, including necroinflammatory activity (N = 970), fibrosis (N = 980), steatosis (N = 886), and response to treatment (N = 876).

[Autoimmune hepatitis].

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic, progressive disease of the liver characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, circulating autoantibodies, and interface hepatitis on biopsy. AIH can occur in all age groups. It affects women more commonly than men (3:1).

Characterization of sequence variations in immunodominant regions of the HBV-nucleocapsid protein as a prerequisite for the development of an epitope-based vaccine.

Background/aims: In hepatitis B virus infection, viral elimination is dependent on an efficient antiviral T cell response which is not detectable in chronic hepatitis B. Therefore, new therapeutic concepts focus on T cell activation, such as epitope-based T cell-targeted vaccines. However, with the development of peptide-based vaccines in mind, viral mutations frequently described in hepatitis B within known immunodominant helper epitopes may have an influence on peptide selection.

Hepatitis C virus eradication associated with hepatitis B virus superinfection and development of a hepatitis B virus specific T cell response.

Background/aims: Specific T cell responses during acute hepatitis B and during chronic hepatitis C have been described in detail. However, the T cell responses during the rare setting of acute hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the course of chronic hepatitis C that eventually lead to clearance of both viruses are completely unknown.

Methods: We analyzed the virus specific CD4+ and CD8+ T cell response during an acute HBV superinfection in a patient with chronic hepatitis C.