Treatment with interferon-alpha (IFN a) of hepatitis C patients induces lower serum dipeptidyl peptidase IV activity, which is related to IFN a-induced depressive and anxiety symptoms and immune activation.

We have shown that treatment with interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interferon-α (IFNα) may induce depressive symptoms and activation of the cytokine network and that IL-2 treatment may diminish serum dipeptidyl pepdidase IV (DPP IV) activity. DPP IV (EC 3.4.14.5) is a membrane bound serine protease which catalyzes the cleavage of some cytokines and neuroactive peptides which modulate T cell activity. The aims of the present study were to examine the effects of IFNα-based immunotherapy on serum DPP IV activity in relation to induction of the inflammatory response system. In 18 patients with chronic active hepatitis C, we determined the Montgomery and Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS), the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), serum DPP IV activity, the kynurenine/tryptophan (K/T) quotient, which is an indicator of cytokine (in particular IFN)-induced catabolism of tryptophan, and serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) before starting therapy and 2, 4, 16 and 24 weeks after immunotherapy with IFNα. IFNα-immunotherapy significantly suppressed serum DPP IV 2-4 weeks and 1624 weeks after starting IFNα-based immunotherapy. The reduction in serum DPP IV activity was more pronounced 16-24 weeks after starting immunotherapy than after 2-4 weeks. The IFNα-induced suppression of serum DPP IV activity was significantly correlated to IFNα-induced increases in the MADRS and HAM-A and increases in the K/T quotient and serum IL-8. In conclusion, long-term immunotherapy with IFNα suppresses serum DPP IV activity and the immunotherapyinduced changes in DPP IV are related to increases in severity of depression, anxiety and activation of the inflammatory response system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]