Interleukin 10 Treatment Reduces Fibrosis

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Gastroenterology 2000 Apr;118(4):655-660 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Interleukin 10 Treatment Reduces Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis

C: A Pilot Trial of Interferon Nonresponders.

DR, Lauwers GY, Lau JY, GL

Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases and Department of Pathology, University of

Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.

Background & Aims: Interleukin (IL)-10 is a cytokine that down-regulates the

proinflammatory response and has a modulatory effect on hepatic

fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of IL-10 on

hepatic injury in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with chronic hepatitis C who had not

previously responded to interferon-based therapy were enrolled in a

randomized, double-blinded 2-dose trial in which they received either 4 or 8

mug/kg IL-10 subcutaneously daily for 90 days. Liver biopsies were performed

before and at the end of therapy.

Results: IL-10 was well tolerated with 22 patients completing the study.

Serum ALT levels normalized in 19 of 22 patients by the end of therapy and

were sustained in 5 of 22. Hepatic inflammation decreased in 19 of 22

patients, with 11 having a decrease by >/=2. Fibrosis decreased in 14 of 22

patients (mean change, 3.6-2.6; P = 0.001). There was no change in serum HCV

RNA levels. IL-10 therapy was associated with changes in serological

markers, suggesting a reduction of immune response and fibrogenesis.

Conclusions:

IL-10 therapy is safe and well tolerated in patients with chronic hepatitis

C.

Although it has no apparent antiviral activity, IL-10 normalizes serum ALT

levels, improves liver histology, and reduces liver fibrosis in a large

proportion of patients receiving treatment.

Therefore, IL-10 may have therapeutic potential in patients with chronic

hepatitis C patients who do not respond to interferon-based therapy.

PMID: 10734016

[Guest guest]

Gastroenterology 2000 Apr;118(4):655-660 Related Articles, Books, LinkOut

Interleukin 10 Treatment Reduces Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis

C: A Pilot Trial of Interferon Nonresponders.

DR, Lauwers GY, Lau JY, GL

Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases and Department of Pathology, University of

Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida.

Background & Aims: Interleukin (IL)-10 is a cytokine that down-regulates the

proinflammatory response and has a modulatory effect on hepatic

fibrogenesis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of IL-10 on

hepatic injury in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with chronic hepatitis C who had not

previously responded to interferon-based therapy were enrolled in a

randomized, double-blinded 2-dose trial in which they received either 4 or 8

mug/kg IL-10 subcutaneously daily for 90 days. Liver biopsies were performed

before and at the end of therapy.

Results: IL-10 was well tolerated with 22 patients completing the study.

Serum ALT levels normalized in 19 of 22 patients by the end of therapy and

were sustained in 5 of 22. Hepatic inflammation decreased in 19 of 22

patients, with 11 having a decrease by >/=2. Fibrosis decreased in 14 of 22

patients (mean change, 3.6-2.6; P = 0.001). There was no change in serum HCV

RNA levels. IL-10 therapy was associated with changes in serological

markers, suggesting a reduction of immune response and fibrogenesis.

Conclusions:

IL-10 therapy is safe and well tolerated in patients with chronic hepatitis

C.

Although it has no apparent antiviral activity, IL-10 normalizes serum ALT

levels, improves liver histology, and reduces liver fibrosis in a large

proportion of patients receiving treatment.

Therefore, IL-10 may have therapeutic potential in patients with chronic

hepatitis C patients who do not respond to interferon-based therapy.

PMID: 10734016