Serum zinc as a factor predicting response to interferon-α2b therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B
| dc.contributor.author | Özbal E. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Helvaci M. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kasirga E. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Akdenizoǧlu F. | |
| dc.contributor.author | Kizilgüneşler A. | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2025-04-10T11:18:04Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2025-04-10T11:18:04Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2002 | |
| dc.description.abstract | Although it has been unclear why more than 50% of children with chronic hepatitis B virus infection do not respond to interferon therapy, in some instances resistance to interferon probably is caused by an inability to stimulate appropriately cellular immune responses to hepatitis B virus. It is known that immune integrity is tightly linked to zinc status. We examined the relationship between serum zinc levels and response to interferon (INF)-α therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B. Twenty-five children with chronic hepatitis B infection were injected with 5 × 106 units/m2 recombinant IFN-α 2b subcutaneously three times weekly for 9 mo. Children were followed for at least 9 mo after the end of therapy. Sustained response was obtained in eight (32%) patients. Although initial serum zinc and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly higher; initial hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-DNA values, hepatic activity index, periportal necrosis, and fibrosis scores were significantly lower in sustained responders than in nonresponders. Mean baseline serum zinc, alanine aminotransferase and HBV-DNA values, histologic activity index, periportal necrosis, and fibrosis scores were predictive of response to IFN-α 2b therapy. These findings suggest that serum zinc levels might be used as a factor predicting response to interferon-α 2b therapy, and so may help in identifying those children with a better chance of response. | |
| dc.identifier.DOI-ID | 10.1385/BTER:90:1-3:31 | |
| dc.identifier.uri | http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.14701/53164 | |
| dc.title | Serum zinc as a factor predicting response to interferon-α2b therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B | |
| dc.type | Article |