IL-28B genotypes as predictors of long-term outcome in patients with hepatitis C-related severe liver injury

INTRODUCTION: Patients with severe fibrosis or cirrhosis are at high risk for liver-related complications, even after successful antiviral treatment and/or regression of fibrosis. These are the first published results concerning the role of IL-28B genotypes as predictors of the durability of sustained virological response (SVR) and long-term outcome, in patients with baseline severe fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C (HCV) infection. METHODOLOGY: Genetic testing for three different single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) near the IL28B gene, rs12979860, rs12980275 and rs8099917, was performed in 42 patients with HCV-related advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, who achieved SVR after successful interferon-based treatment. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were analysed, as well as IL28B genotype association with late virological relapse, fibrosis progression and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: The most prevalent genotypes in all three tested SNP positions were: CCrs12979860 genotype in 69% of patients, GTrs8099917 in 78.6% and GGrs12980275 in 47.6% of patients. The presence of IL28B CCrs12979860 genotype was identified as a negative predictor of late virological relapse. Further analysis did not confirm the association of other IL28B genotypes with the progression of fibrosis and clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Varying long-term prognosis in patients with HCV-related severe fibrosis and cirrhosis is due to multiple interactions between host genetic factors, virus and environment. These are first published results demonstrating the significance of IL28B CCrs12979860 genotype as a negative predictor of late virological relapse. A further investigation concerning genetic factors is necessary to identify patients under risk for late relapse, complications and unfavorable outcomes, so that they can be reevaluated and offered new treatment options.