Effects of human leucocyte interferon on hepatitis B virus infection in paticnts with chronic active hepatitis

Abstract

Human leucocyte interferon (HLIF) was parenterally administered to a 27 year old Japanese male who was found to have hepatomegaly, moderately elevated transaminase values, persistently positive HBsAg and negative c antigen and anti-e. Biopsy-proven liver pathology was consistent with chronic active hepatitis. Total dosage of HLIF was 6.4 × 107 IU. Transaminases started to fall with a corresponding decrease of liver size which occurred around 30 days after the initation of therapy. Serial measurement of blood interferon level remained less than 10 IU/ml by the method of plaque-inhibition assay. Administration of HLIF did not effect the tiers of HBsAg (RPHA), and anti-HBc (IAHA). But the most striking changes were observed in the HBc system. HBcAg which stained strongly in 33% of the hepatocyte nuclei before treatment by the peroxidase-labelled antibody technique, became positive in only 5% of the nuclei with a much lower intensity after treatment. Follow up liver biopsy perferomed after the termination of therapy revealed a much less inflamatory activity consistent with chronic persistent hepatitis, suggesting a definite improvement. Conclusions 1) Some biochemical and histological improvement was noted during and after therapy. 2) administration of HLIF appeared to have no measurable effect on HBsAg and anti-HBc. 3) there was a definite depression by HLIF of the nucleocapsid hepatitis-B core antigen in the liver. 4) further studies will be warranted to define the optinal regimen suppressing the virus. © 1978, The Japan Society of Hepatology. All rights reserved.