Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase and α-fetoprotein

Abstract

Background and aim Hepatitis C virus is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. Elevated serum a-fetoprotein (AFP) has been used as a marker for hepatic regeneration after the destruction of hepatocyte in viral hepatitis. Recently, c-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) has also been taken into account in the evaluation of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). This study aimed to examine the association between serum AFP and serum GGT levels, and treatment outcome in patients with CHC treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Patients and methods We examined the association between AFP and GGT levels and sustained virological response (SVR) in 150 patients with CHC in whom antiviral therapy was initiated. Serum AFP, GGT, and hepatitis C virus RNA were tested for patients completing 48 weeks of treatment and patients who responded to treatment after 6 months. Results AFP and GGT levels were lesser in patients who achieved SVR than in those who did not achieve a response. The logistic regression model (univariate analysis) of factors associated with SVR showed a significant increase in SVR when AFP ranged from 2.8 to 9.9ng/ml, GGT less than or equal to 50U/l, and Ishak fibrosis score less than or equal to F2. Serum AFP and GGTwere strongly correlated in multivariate analysis; only GGT less than or equal to 50U/l and AFP from 2.8 to 9.9ng/ml were independent predictors of SVR, whereas Ishak score of fibrosis was a dependent predictor for SVR. Conclusion AFP and GGT can be used as independent predictors of treatment response in patients with CHC receiving pegylated interferon and ribavirin.