Alpha-glutathione transferases in HCV-related chronic hepatitis: a new predictive index of response to interferon therapy?

Background/Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate if plasma levels of alpha-glutathione-S-transferases (determined in basal conditions and monthly for 1 year during and 1 year after interferon therapy) could characterize patients who show only a primary response. Methods: We studied 48 patients with biopsy-proven, hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid positive chronic hepatitis treated with interferon: 18 were "Sustained Responders", 12 "Relapsers" and 18 "Non-Responders". Results: Relapsers showed higher basal levels of alpha-glutathione-S-transferases, which remained higher than normal even when alanine aminotransferases normalized. No correlation was documented between alpha-glutathione-S-transferase levels and all other parameters examined (alanine aminotransferases, γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase, viremia, and histological activity index). Conclusions: These findings suggest that alpha-glutathione-S-transferase levels may be considered a predictive index of response to interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients.