Endogenous interferon-alpha level is increased in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive pregnant women.
J Clin Gastroenterol
; 42(2): 204-7, 2008 Feb.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-18209593
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) has been reported in around 5% of cases, and is much more likely to occur in case of coinfection with HIV. However, other cofactors influencing the vertical transmission are still debated.AIM:
To assess the serum concentration of endogenous interferon (IFN) during pregnancy, and its eventual role on the vertical transmission of HCV.METHODS:
Forty-seven HCV-infected pregnant women, and 3 control groups (1) 75 HCV-negative pregnant women; (2) 29 HCV-positive nonpregnant women; (3) 29 HCV-negative nonpregnant women entered into the study. Endogenous IFN was assayed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The following parameters were also analyzed viral load, HIV infection, risk factors for acquiring HCV, parity, gestational age, mode and course of delivery.RESULTS:
Vertical transmission of HCV was observed in 2 cases (4.3%). Plasma levels of IFN were significantly higher in HCV-positive pregnant women compared with either HCV-positive and HCV-negative nonpregnant women. The 2 mothers who transmitted the infection had IFN levels within the same range as the women who did not transmit the infection.CONCLUSIONS:
In HCV-positive pregnant women, there is an increased production of endogenous IFN-alpha. Further studies are warranted for clarifying the mechanisms of this cytokine in the prevention of HCV transmission.
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Complicações Infecciosas na Gravidez
/
Interferon-alfa
/
Hepatite C
/
Transmissão Vertical de Doenças Infecciosas
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2008
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Itália