Peginterferon alfa-2a for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in the era of direct-acting antivirals

BACKGROUND: The availability of novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) represents a new era of curative hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment, with over 95% of patients infected with HCV genotype 1 achieving sustained virological response (SVR). Nevertheless, the majority of patients globally are unable to access these treatments because of cost and infrastructure constraints and, thus, remain untreated and uncured. DATA SOURCE: Relevant articles of peginterferon (PegIFN)-based treatments in HCV and sofosbuvir-based treatments, simeprevir, daclatasvir/asunaprevir, ritonavir-boosted paritaprevir/ombitasvir/dasabuvir, and grazoprevir/elbasvir, were searched in PubMed database, including general population and special population. RESULTS: PegIFN in combination with ribavirin remains an important and relevant option for some patients, achieving SVR rates of up to 79% in genotype 1 and 89% in genotype 2 or 3 infections, which increases for patients with favorable IL28B genotypes. Triple therapy of DAA plus PegIFN/ribavirin is effective in treating difficult-to-cure patients infected with HCV genotype 3 or with resistance-associated variants. Owing to its long history in HCV management, the efficacy, tolerability and long-term outcomes associated with PegIFN alfa-2a are well established and have been validated in large-scale studies and in clinical practice for many populations. Furthermore, emerging data show that IFN-induced SVR is associated with lower incidences of hepatocellular carcinoma compared with DAAs. On the contrary, novel DAAs have yet to be studied in special populations, and long-term outcomes, particularly tumor development and recurrence in patients with cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma, and reactivation of HBV in dually infected patients, are still unclear. CONCLUSION: In this interferon-free era, PegIFN-based regimens remain a safe and effective option for selected HCV patients.

Hepatitis B surface antigen clearance in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carriers treated with peginterferon alfa-2a

AIM: To examine the association between interferon(IFN) therapy and loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) in inactive HBs Ag carriers. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in inactive HBs Ag carriers, who were treatment-naive, with a serum HBs Ag level < 100 IU/m L and an undetectable hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA level(< 100 IU/m L). All the 20 treated patients received subcutaneous PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg/wk for 72 wk and were then followed for 24 wk. There were 40 untreated controls matched with 96 wk of observation. Serum HBs Ag, HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferases were monitored every 3 mo in the treatment group and every 3-6 mo in the control group. RESULTS: Thirteen(65.0%) of 20 treated patients achieved HBs Ag loss, 12 of whom achieved HBs Ag seroconversion. Mean HBs Ag level in treated patients decreased to 6.69 ± 13.04 IU/m L after 24 wk of treatment from a baseline level of 26.22 ± 33.00 IU/m L. Serum HBV DNA level remained undetectable(< 100 IU/m L) in all treated patients during the study. HBs Ag level of the control group decreased from 25.72 ± 25.58 IU/m L at baseline to 17.11 ± 21.62 IU/m L at week 96(P = 0.108). In the control group, no patient experienced HBs Ag loss/seroconversion, and two(5.0%) developed HBV reactivation.CONCLUSION: IFN treatment results in HBs Ag loss and seroconversion in a considerable proportion of inactive HBs Ag carriers with low HBs Ag concentrations.

Combination of "low-dose" ribavirin and interferon alfa-2a therapy followed by interferon alfa-2a monotherapy in chronic HCV-infected nonresponders and relapsers after interferon alfa-2a monotherapy

AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chronic hepatitis C virus-infected non-responders to interferon alfa2a monotherapy (a course of at least 3 months treatment) and 13 relapsers to interferon alfa 2a monotherapy (a dose of 3 to 6 million units three times per week for at least 20 weeks but not more than 18 months) were treated with the same dose of interferon alfa-2a used before (3 to 6 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (10 mg/ kg daily) for 6 months. In complete responders, interferon alfa-2a was administered for further 6 months at the same dose used before as monotherapy.RESULTS Seven (20.6%) of 34 non-responders stopped the combined therapy due to adverse events, including two patients with histological and clinical Child A cirrhosis. In 17/27 (63%)non-responders, the combined therapy was stopped after three months because of non-response. Ten of the 27 non-responders completed the 1;2-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 28 months (16- 37 months)after the treatment, 4/10 (15%) previous non-responders still remained complete responders,All 13 previous relapsers completed the 12-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 22months (9 - 36 months) after treatment, 6/13(46%) the previous relapsers were stillsustained complete responders.CONCLUSION Our treatment schedule of the combined therapy for 6 months of interferon alfa2a with a low dose of ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day)followed by 6 months of interferon alfa-2amonotherapy is able to induce a sustainedcomplete response rate in 15% of non-responders and 46% of relapsers with chronic hepatitis C virus-related liver diseases comparable to those obtained with the standarddoses of ribavirin 1000 - 1200 mg/day.Randomized prospective controlled trials using lower total amounts of ribavirin in combination with interferon should be performed.

Pericarditis and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy during therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a for chronic hepatitis C

We report a case of pericarditis and chronic inflam- matory demyelinating polyneuropathy with biological signs of a lupus-like syndrome due to pegylated interferon alfa-2a therapy during treatment for chronic hepatitis C.The patient developed moderate weakness in the lower limbs and dyspnea.He was hospitalized for congestive heart failure.An electrocardiogram showed gradual ST-segment elevation in leads V1 through V6 without coronary artery disease.A transthoracic cardiac ultrasonographic study revealed moderate pericardial effusion with normal left ventricular function.Anti-DNA antibody and anti-ds DNA IgM were positive.Neu ro logical examination revealed a symmetrical predomina ntly sensory polyneuropathy with impairment of light touch and pin prick in globe and stoking-like distribution.Treatment with prednisolone improved the pericarditis and motor nerve disturbance and the treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin improved the sensory nerve disturbance.

Sustained Responses in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Drug-resistance after Peg-interferon Alfa-2a Add-on Treatment:A Long-term Cohort Study

Background and Aims:The use of additional nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs)without cross-resistance to previously used NAs as a rescue therapy is recommended by most international guidelines for chronic hepatitis B patients with NAresistance.We aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy of peg-interferon(PegIFN)alfa-2a and NA in these patients,comparing to those who switch to an alternative NA therapy without cross-resistance.Methods:In this prospective,comparative and cohort study,data were collected from the patients'hospital records.Eligible patients were those with hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)positivity and resistance to one or more NAs.All patients were treated with alternative NA alone or in combination with PegIFN alfa-2a for 52 weeks or 72 weeks,respectively.HBeAg seroconversion was measured at the end of follow-up(EOF;more than 104 weeks after the end of treatment).Results:Sixty-three patients were recruited to the cohort study(NAtherapy group=31 patients;combination therapy group of NA and PegIFN alfa-2a=32 patients).At the EOF,significantly more patients in the combination therapy group(13/27,48.2%)achieved primary outcome of HBeAg seroconversion than those in the NA therapy group(4/32,12.5%)(p=0.003).Four patients(14.8%)in the combination therapy group achieved hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)loss and HBsAg seroconversion,but none in the NA therapy group did(p=0.039).In the combination therapy group,16 patients(51.6%)achieved HBeAg seroconversion at the end of treatment,of which,11 patients(68.8%)maintained the response until EOF.Conclusions:Adding on PegIFN alfa-2a in combination with NA therapy might be an appropriate rescue treatment option for patients who have prior NA resistance.In addition,combination therapy induced sustained off-treatment biochemical responses in these patients.

感染性肺炎新生儿的血清25-羟基维生素D与炎症因子的相关性分析

目的分析感染性肺炎新生儿的血清25-羟基维生素D[25-hydroxyvitamin D,25(OH)D]与炎症因子干扰素-γ(infectious pneumonia-γ,IFN-γ)、C-反应蛋白(C-reactive protein,CRP)、白细胞介素-2(interleukin-2,IL-2)水平的相关性。方法选取河北省秦皇岛市第一医院2018年12月至2020年12月收治的100例感染性肺炎新生儿,根据血清25(OH)D水平分为缺乏组(≤15.0μg/L,18例)、不足组(15.1~20.0μg/L,42例)、充足组(>20.0μg/L,40例)。统计3组性别、胎龄、血清25(OH)D水平、出生体重、分娩方式等一般资料和临床资料,比较3组IFN-γ、CRP及IL-2水平,分析新生儿血清25(OH)D水平与IFN-γ、CRP、IL-2水平的相关性。结果3组胎龄、性别、出生体质量、分娩方式比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);缺乏组、不足组、充足组新生儿的血清25(OH)D水平逐渐升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。缺乏组IFN-γ、CRP及IL-2水平均高于不足组、充足组(P<0.05),不足组IFN-γ、CRP及IL-2水平高于充足组(P<0.05)。经Pearson相关分析,感染性肺炎新生儿血清25(OH)D水平与IFN-γ、CRP、IL-2水平呈负相关(P<0.05)。结论新生儿血清25(OH)D越低,维生素D越缺乏,IFN-γ、CRP及IL-2水平越高,感染性肺炎的风险越高。

Serum proteins in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with peginterferon alfa-2b

AIM: To study the differential protein profile in serum of hepatitis B patients.METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from patients with chronic hepatitis B who were receiving peginterferon alfa-2b.The serum samples were subjected to albumin depletion and analyzed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis(2-DE).Differentially expressed protein spots were identified by electrospray ionizationquadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.Alpha2-HS-glycoprotein,complement component C3c and CD5 antigen were further analyzed by an enzymelinked immunosorbent assay and immunonephelometry.RESULTS: Nineteen patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B(CHB) were studied.These patients were followed for at least 1 year after treatment and were classified according to their treatment response: responders(n = 9) and non-responders(n = 10).2-DE and MS/MS analysis were performed to compare the serum proteins before initiating peginterferon alfa2b.From the quantitative analysis of the 2-D gel,7 proteins were detected between the two groups at different levels before treatment.Among these potential candidates,serum levels of alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein,complement component C3c and CD5 antigen-like precursor were further analyzed.In the validation phase,23 subjects,9 sustained responders and 14 nonresponders,were recruited.Interestingly,the levels of alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein and complement component C3c were elevated in the serum of the non-responders compared to the responders.CONCLUSION: Serum alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein and complement component C3c may be potential serum biomarkers in predicting the treatment response of peginterferon alfa-2b in patients with CHB prior to treatment.

非小细胞肺癌晚期患者白细胞介素-2、白细胞介素-6、肿瘤坏死因子-α和γ干扰素对生存情况的预测价值

目的分析非小细胞肺癌(NSCLC)晚期患者血清中白细胞介素-2(IL-2)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)和γ干扰素(IFN-γ)变化与生存率的相关性。方法回顾性分析2021年10月至2022年9月在抚州市第一人民医院肿瘤内科确诊的60例NSCLC晚期患者临床资料,作为观察组,根据患者入院6个月后的预后情况将患者分为生存组(n=41)和死亡组(n=19),同期选择入院体检的66例健康人群为健康组。记录患者入院24 h内和治疗2个周期后的IL-2、IL-6、TNF-α、IFN-γ水平,比较治疗2个周期后的生存组和死亡组患者的IL-2、IL-6、TNF-α、IFN-γ水平,以患者的预后情况作为最终变量绘制NSCLC患者预后的ROC曲线图。结果健康组的IL-6水平低于观察组,IL-2、TNF-α和IFN-γ水平均高于观察组,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。患者入院24 h内,死亡组IL-6水平高于生存组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。两组患者入院治疗2个周期后,患者的IL-2水平较入院24 h内低,IL-6、TNF-α和IFN-γ水平较24 h内的指标水平高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗2个周期后,生存组的IL-6较死亡组低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。ROC结果显示,IL-6水平鉴别诊断NSCLC患者的预后的ROC曲线下面积为0.738,敏感度为89.47%,特异性为65.85%,此时IL-6水平的截断值为60.731 pg/ml(P<0.05)。结论NSCLC晚期患者的IL-6水平对其预后具有一定的预测效能,可以为临床NSCLC患者的治疗方案提供指导作用。

HDP患者血清PLGF、IFI16、ANGPTL2与不良妊娠结局关系及预测价值

目的:研究妊娠高血压疾病(HDP)患者血清胎盘生长因子(PLGF)、γ干扰素诱导蛋白16(IFI16)、血管生成素样蛋白2(ANGPTL2)水平及预测妊娠结局价值。方法:选取2020年1月-2023年1月在本院就诊并分娩的126例HDP孕妇,根据病情严重程度分为轻度组(58例)、重度组(68例),依据妊娠结局分为不良组(52例)、良好组(74例)。同期在本院健康分娩的孕妇60例为健康组。检测血清甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、糖化血红蛋白(HbA1c)、PLGF、IFI16、Angptl2蛋白表达和尿液中24 h尿蛋白、尿酸(UA)、肌酐(Cr)水平,血清。Spearman分析PLGF、IFI16、Angptl2与HDP严重程度和妊娠结局的相关性;logistic分析不良妊娠结局影响因素;受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析PLGF、IFI16、ANGPTL2对HDP孕妇不良妊娠结局的预测价值。结果:健康组、轻度组、重度组血清PLGF水平依次降低,IFI16、ANGPTL2依次升高;良好组舒张压、收缩压、24 h尿蛋白、IFI16、ANGPTL2低于不良组,PLGF高于不良组(均P<0.05)。HDP严重程度、不良妊娠结局与PLGF呈负相关,与IFI16、ANGPTL2呈正相关(P<0.05)。舒张压、收缩压、IFI16、ANGPTL2异常升高是影响HDP患者不良妊娠结局的危险因素,PLGF升高是保护因素(P<0.05)。PLGF、IFI16、ANGPTL2联合检测预测HDP患者不良妊娠结局的曲线下面积为0.905,灵敏度98.1%、特异度73.0%,价值高于单独指标检测(P<0.05)。结论:HDP患者血清PLGF较低,IFI16、ANGPTL2较高,PLGF、IFI16、ANGPTL2联合检测可提高不良妊娠结局预测价值。

Context-dependent role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation

Sirtuin 2 is a member of the sirtuin family nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(NAD~+)-dependent deacetylases, known for its regulatory role in different processes, including inflammation. In this context, sirtuin 2 has been involved in the modulation of key inflammatory signaling pathways and transcription factors by deacetylating specific targets, such as nuclear factor κB and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-leucine-rich-repeat and pyrin domain-containing protein 3(NLRP3). However, whether sirtuin 2-mediated pathways induce a pro-or an anti-inflammatory response remains controversial. Sirtuin 2 has been implicated in promoting inflammation in conditions such as asthma and neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting that its inhibition in these conditions could be a potential therapeutic strategy. Conversely, arthritis and type 2 diabetes mellitus studies suggest that sirtuin 2 is essential at the peripheral level and, thus, its inhibition in these pathologies would not be recommended. Overall, the precise role of sirtuin 2 in inflammation appears to be context-dependent, and further investigation is needed to determine the specific molecular mechanisms and downstream targets through which sirtuin 2 influences inflammatory processes in various tissues and pathological conditions. The present review explores the involvement of sirtuin 2 in the inflammation associated with different pathologies to elucidate whether its pharmacological modulation could serve as an effective strategy for treating this prevalent symptom across various diseases.

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b plus ribavirin for treatment of chronic hepatitis C

AIM: To study the safety and efficacy of pegylated interferon alfa-2b, indigenously developed in India, plus ribavirin in treatment of hepatitis C virus(HCV). METHODS: One-hundred HCV patients were enrolled in an open-label, multicenter trial. Patients were treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2b 1.5 μg/kg per week subcutaneously plus oral ribavirin 800 mg/d for patients with genotypes 2 and 3 for 24 wk. The same dose of peginterferon plus weight-based ribavirin(800 mg/d for ≤ 65 kg; 1000 mg/d for > 65-85 kg; 1200 mg/d for > 85-105 kg; 1400 mg/d for > 105 kg body weight) was administered for 48 wk for patients with genotypes 1 and 4. Serological and biochemical responses of patients were assessed.RESULTS: Eighty-two patients(35 in genotypes 1 and 4 and 47 in 2 and 3), completed the study. In genotype 1, 25.9% of patients achieved rapid virologic response(RVR): while the figures were 74.1% for early virologic response(EVR) and 44.4% for sustained virologic response(SVR). For genotypes 2 and 3, all patients bar one belonged to genotype 3, and of those, 71.4%, 87.5%, and 64.3% achieved RVR, EVR, and SVR, respectively. In genotype 4, 58.8%, 88.2%, and 52.9% of patients achieved RVR, EVR, and SVR, respectively. The majority of patients attained normal levels of alanine aminotransferase by 4-12 wk of therapy. Most patients showed a good tolerance for the treatment, although mild-to-moderate adverse events were exhibited; only two patients discontinued the study medication due to serious adverse events(SAEs). Eleven SAEs were observed in nine patients; however, only four SAEs were related to study medication.CONCLUSION: Peginterferon alfa-2b, which was developed in India, in combination with ribavirin, is a safe and effective drug in the treatment of HCV.

重组人干扰素α2b凝胶联合阿奇霉素治疗慢性宫颈炎伴HPV感染患者的临床疗效

【目的】探讨重组人干扰素α2b凝胶联合阿奇霉素治疗慢性宫颈炎伴人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)感染患者的临床疗效。【方法】选取2021年3月至2023年3月本院收治的110例慢性宫颈炎伴HPV感染患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和观察组,每组55例。对照组采用重组人干扰素α2b凝胶治疗,观察组采用重组人干扰素α2b凝胶联合阿奇霉素治疗,均治疗14 d。比较两组患者临床疗效、乳酸杆菌减少率、白细胞酯酶(LE)阳性率、凝固酶(GADP)阳性率、阴道pH值>4.5占比、炎症因子[肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、白细胞介素-1β(IL-1β)、白细胞介素-8(IL-8)]水平、HPV病毒载量、HPV转阴率及疾病复发率。【结果】观察组总有效率高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组乳酸杆菌减少率、LE阳性率、GADP阳性率、阴道pH值>4.5占比均高于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗前,两组炎症因子水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);治疗后,观察组TNF-α、IL-1β、IL-8水平均低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。治疗后,两组病毒载量均下降,且观察组病毒载量低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察组HPV转阴率高于对照组,复阳率、疾病复发率低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。【结论】重组人干扰素α2b凝胶联合阿奇霉素治疗慢性宫颈炎伴HPV感染患者的效果显著,可降低炎症因子水平,减少HPV病毒载量,促进HPV转阴,值得临床推广。

灯盏乙素通过环状GMP-AMP合酶-干扰素基因刺激因子通路抑制BV-2小胶质细胞介导的神经炎症

目的探讨灯盏乙素对脂多糖(LPS)诱导的BV-2小胶质细胞神经炎症的影响。方法培养BV-2小胶质细胞系,将BV-2小胶质细胞分为对照组(Ctrl)、环状GMP-AMP合酶(cGAS)抑制剂RU320521(RU.521)组、LPS组、LPS+RU.521组、LPS+灯盏乙素预处理(LPS+S)组、LPS+S+RU.521组,共6组。Western blotting及免疫荧光双标染色法检测并观察BV-2小胶质细胞中cGAS、干扰素基因刺激因子(STING)、核因子κB(NF-κB)、磷酸化NF-κB(p-NF-κB)、PYD结构域蛋白3(NLRP3)和肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)的表达变化(n=3)。结果Western blotting和免疫荧光双标染色均显示,与对照组相比,LPS诱导后,BV-2小胶质细胞中cGAS、STING、p-NF-κB、NLRP3和TNF-α蛋白的表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);与LPS组相比,LPS+S组中cGAS、STING、p-NF-κB、NLRP3和TNF-α蛋白的表达水平显著下降(P<0.05)。使用cGAS通路抑制剂RU.521后显示了与灯盏乙素预处理组相似的作用效果。此外,NF-κB在各组的变化不明显(P>0.05)。结论灯盏乙素干预抑制BV-2小胶质细胞介导的神经炎症反应,可能与cGAS-STING信号通路有关。

慢加急性乙型肝炎肝衰竭患者外周血单个核细胞IP-10和COX-2水平变化及其临床意义探讨

目的 探讨乙型肝炎病毒相关慢加急性肝衰竭(HBV-ACLF)患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)干扰素诱导蛋白-10(IP-10)和环氧化酶-2(COX-2)水平变化及其临床意义。方法 2019年1月~2021年3月我院收治的73例HBV-ACLF患者和95例慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者,分离PBMCs,采用RT-PCR法检测PBMC IP-10和COX-2mRNA水平,采用化学发光法检测血清HBsAg水平,采用ELISA法检测血清IFN-γ水平。结果 HBV-ACLF组血清IFN-γ及PBMC IP-10 mRNA和COX-2 mRNA水平分别为(59.3±7.9)ng/L、(0.9±0.1)和(1.6±0.2),显著高于CHB组【分别为(35.8±6.2)ng/L、(0.6±0.1)和(0.5±0.1),P<0.05】;HBV-ACLF患者PBMC IP-10和COX-2水平与血清HBsAg水平呈负相关(r=-0.828,P<0.05;r=-0.795,P<0.05);29例死亡组血清IFN-γ及PBMC IP-10 mRNA和COX-2 mRNA水平分别为(67.5±8.1)ng/L、(1.2±0.2)和(1.9±0.4),显著高于44例生存组【分别为(53.9±7.4)ng/L、(0.7±0.1)和(1.4±0.2),P<0.05】;应用PBMC IP-10和COX-2水平评估HBV-ACLF患者预后的AUC分别为0.835和0.828,两者差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);32例PBMC IP-10 mRNA≥0.9患者90 d生存率为46.9%,显著低于41例IP-10 mRNA<0.9患者的70.7%(P<0.05),38例COX-2 mRNA≥1.7患者90 d生存率为47.4%,显著低于35例COX-2 mRNA<1.7患者的74.3%(P<0.05)。结论 检测HBV-ACLF患者PBMC IP-10和COX-2水平可能能帮助预测其短期预后,值得进一步研究。

弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、NK细胞与其临床分期的关系

目的探讨弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(DLBCL)患者血浆干扰素γ(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素-2(IL-2)水平及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、自然杀伤(NK)细胞与临床分期的关系。方法纳入河南中医药大学第三附属医院2020年12月至2022年12月收治的DLBCL患者198例,根据临床分期分成Ⅰ期组(31例)、Ⅱ期组(56例)、Ⅲ期组(59例)、Ⅳ期组(52例)。比较4组血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平,分析各指标与DLBCL分期的相关性。结果Ⅲ期组、Ⅳ期组的血浆IFN-γ、IL-2水平低于Ⅰ期组、Ⅱ期组(P<0.05)。Ⅲ期组、Ⅳ期组外周血CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平低于Ⅰ期组、Ⅱ期组(P<0.05)。DLBCL患者IFN-γ、IL-2与CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平呈正相关(P<0.05)。DLBCL患者的血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平与临床分期呈负相关(P<0.05)。IFN-γ、IL-2、CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平增高是控制临床分期增高的保护因素(P<0.05)。结论DLBCL患者的临床分期与血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、NK细胞水平相关,且血浆IFN-γ、IL-2水平与T淋巴细胞亚群、NK细胞存在相关性,上述指标有望对DLBCL进展风险进行预测。

Pegylated interferon α-2b up-regulates specific CD8+ T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To investigate the effect of pegylated interferon (IFN) α-2b on specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS:Twenty-one patients with CHB were treated with pegylated IFN α-2b. Periphery blood mononuclear cells were isolated from fresh heparinized blood by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation (density:1.077 g/L,Pharmingen) at weeks 0,4,8,12,and 24,respectively. Frequency of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) epitope-specific CD8 T cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokines were detected by cytometric bead assay. RESULTS:The frequency of circulating HBV core or env-specific CD8 T cells was higher (P < 0.05),the number of HBV core specific CD8 T cells was greater at week 24 (P < 0.05),the level of Th1-type cytokines [interleukin (IL)-12,tumor necrosis factor-α,and IFN-γ] was higher,while that of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4,IL-6,and IL-10) was lower in responders than in nonresponders (P < 0.05) after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment. The IL-6 level was correlated with HBV DNA (r = 0.597,P = 0.04),while the inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level was correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.545,P = 0.005). The IP-10 level at week 8 after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment could predict the normalization of ALT in CHB patients (positive predict value = 56%,negative predict value = 92%). CONCLUSION:Pegylated IFN α-2b can enhance the immune response of CHB patients by increasing the frequency of HBV specific CD8+ T cells and regulating the Th1/Th2 cytokines.

Interferon regulatory factor 2 binding protein 2:a new player of the innate immune response for stroke recovery

Ischemic brain injury triggers an inflammatory response. tissue but can also exacerbate brain injury. Microglia are This response is necessary to clear damaged brain the innate immune cells of the brain that execute this critical function. In healthy brain, microglia perform a housekeeping function, pruning unused syn- apses between neurons. However, microglia become activated to an inflammatory phenotype upon brain injury. Interferon regulatory factors modulate microglial activation and their production of inflammatory cytokines. This review briefly discusses recent findings pertaining to these regulatory mechanisms in the context of stroke recovery.

Combination Therapy with Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b and Adefovir Dipivoxil in HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B versus Interferon Alone: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Currently available monotherapies of oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs or interferon are unable to achieve a sustained and effective response in most of patients with chronic hepatitis B（CHB）. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon（Peg-IFN） alpha-2b plus adefovir dipivoxil combination therapy versus Peg-IFN alpha-2b alone. Sixty-one HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients were randomized to receive Peg-IFN alpha-2b alone（1.5 μg/kg once weekly） or Peg-IFN alpha-2b plus adefovir（10 mg daily） for up to 52 weeks. Efficacy and safety analyses were performed on all participants who received at least one dose of study medication. The rate of HBeAg seroconversion and undetectable HBV-DNA were evaluated after 52 weeks of therapy. At the end of treatment, 11 of 30（36.7%） patients receiving combination therapy achieved HBeAg seroconversion versus 8 of 31（25.8%） in the monotherapy group（P=0.36）. In contrast, the percentage of patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA was significantly higher in the combination group than in the monotherapy group（76.7% vs. 29.0%, P〈0.001）. Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent in the combination group than in the monotherapy group（P〈0.05）. In HBeAg-positive CHB, combination of Peg-IFN alpha-2b and adefovir for 52 weeks resulted, at the end of treatment, in a higher virological response but without significant impact on the rate of HBeAg seroconversion and possibly an adverse effect on thyroid function.

Interferon alpha plus ribavirin combination treatment of Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients with HCV genotype 2:A project of the Kyushu University Liver Disease Study Group

瞄准：决定一座干扰素高山的功效哈并且为感染遗传型 2 的丙肝病毒(HCV ) 的日本病人的 ribavirin 联合治疗，多中心研究回顾地被分析。方法：总共，有 HCV 遗传型 2 的 173 个病人每天一个星期和 ribavirin 的 600-800 mg 为 24 wk 三次皮下地收到 interferon-alpha。结果：总的来说持续的 virological 反应(SVR ) ，在浆液的定义同样无法发现的 HCV RNA，在治疗的结束以后的 24 wk，在 84.4% 显著地高，(146/173 ) 由 intention-to-treat 分析。在 SVR 的有效差量有或没有 ribavirin (46.9% 对 92.9%) 的中止在病人之间被发现，但是没有差别有或没有 ribavirin 的剂量减小在那些之间被发现。在 SVR 的有效差量也与 16 或更与不到 16 wk 和病人在病人之间被发现 ribavirin 治疗(34.8% 对 92.0%) 的星期。结论：24-wk 干扰素和 ribavirin 治疗为有 HCV 遗传型 2 的日本病人是高度有效的。SVR 的重要预言者是 ribavirin 治疗的继续多达 16 个星期。

The Predictive Value of Baseline HBs Ag Level and Early Response for HBs Ag Loss in Patients with HBe Ag-positive Chronic Hepatitis B during Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Treatment

Objective To explore the predictive value of baseline HBs Ag level and early response for HBs Ag loss in patients with HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B during pegylated interferon alpha-2a treatment. Methods A total of 121 patients with HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B who achieved HBs Ag loss were enrolled; all patients were treated with PEG-IFNα-2a 180 μg/week. Serum HBV DNA and serological indicators （HBs Ag, anti-HBs, HBe Ag, and anti-HBe） were determined before and every 3 months during treatment. Results The median treatment time for HBs Ag loss was 84 weeks （7-273 weeks）, and 74.38% （90 cases） of the patients needed extended treatment （〉 48 weeks）. The correlation between baseline HBs Ag levels and the treatment time of HBs Ag loss was significant （B = 14.465, t = 2.342, P = 0.021）. Baseline HBs Ag levels together with the decline range of HBs Ag at 24 weeks significantly correlated with the treatment time of HBs Ag loss （B = 29.862, t = 4.890, P = 0.000 and B = 27.993, t = 27.993, P = 0.005）. Conclusion Baseline HBs Ag levels and extended therapy are critical steps toward HBs Ag loss. Baseline HBs Ag levels together with early response determined the treatment time of HBs Ag loss in patients with HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B during pegylated interferon alpha-2a treatment.