Long-Term Real-World Effectiveness and Safety of Ustekinumab in Crohn's Disease Patients: The SUSTAIN Study

BACKGROUND

Large real-world-evidence studies are required to confirm the durability of response, effectiveness, and safety of ustekinumab in Crohn's disease (CD) patients in real-world clinical practice.

METHODS

A retrospective, multicentre study was conducted in Spain in patients with active CD who had received ≥1 intravenous dose of ustekinumab for ≥6 months. Primary outcome was ustekinumab retention rate; secondary outcomes were to identify predictive factors for drug retention, short-term remission (week 16), loss of response and predictive factors for short-term efficacy and loss of response, and ustekinumab safety.

RESULTS

A total of 463 patients were included. Mean baseline Harvey-Bradshaw Index was 8.4. A total of 447 (96.5%) patients had received prior biologic therapy, 141 (30.5%) of whom had received ≥3 agents. In addition, 35.2% received concomitant immunosuppressants, and 47.1% had ≥1 abdominal surgery. At week 16, 56% had remission, 70% had response, and 26.1% required dose escalation or intensification; of these, 24.8% did not subsequently reduce dose. After a median follow-up of 15 months, 356 (77%) patients continued treatment. The incidence rate of ustekinumab discontinuation was 18% per patient-year of follow-up. Previous intestinal surgery and concomitant steroid treatment were associated with higher risk of ustekinumab discontinuation, while a maintenance schedule every 12 weeks had a lower risk; neither concomitant immunosuppressants nor the number of previous biologics were associated with ustekinumab discontinuation risk. Fifty adverse events were reported in 39 (8.4%) patients; 4 of them were severe (2 infections, 1 malignancy, and 1 fever).

CONCLUSIONS

Ustekinumab is effective and safe as short- and long-term treatment in a refractory cohort of CD patients in real-world clinical practice.

Differential regulation of cytotoxicity pathway discriminating between HIV, HCV mono- and co-infection identified by transcriptome profiling of PBMCs

Background

Despite the easy accessibility and diagnostic utility of PBMCs and their potential to show distinct expression patterns associated with the accelerated disease progression in HIV/HCV co-infection, there has not been a systematic study focusing on the global dysregulations of the biological pathways in PBMCs from HIV, HCV mono- and co-infected individuals. This study aimed at identifying the transcriptome distinctions of PBMCs between these patient groups.

Methods

Genome-wide transcriptomes of PBMCs from 10 HIV/HCV co-infected patients, 7 HIV+ patients, 5 HCV+ patients, and 5 HIV/HCV sero-negative healthy controls were analyzed using Illumina microarray. Pairwise comparisons were performed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to detect the global dysregulations of the biological pathways between HIV, HCV mono- and co-infection.

Results

Forty-one, 262, and 44 DEGs with fold change > 1.5 and FDR (false discovery rate) <0.05 for the comparisons of HCV versus co-infection, HIV versus co-infection, and HIV versus HCV were identified, respectively. Significantly altered pathways (FDR < 0.05), featured by those involved in immune system, signaling transduction, and cell cycle, were detected. Notably, the differential regulation of cytotoxicity pathway discriminated between HIV, HCV mono- and co-infection (up-regulated in the former versus the latter group: co-infection versus HIV or HCV, HIV versus HCV; FDR <0.001 ~ 0.019). Conversely, the cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathway was down-regulated in co-infection versus either HCV (FDR = 0.003) or HIV (FDR = 0.028). For the comparison of HIV versus HCV, the cell cycle (FDR = 0.016) and WNT signaling (FDR = 0.006) pathways were up- and down-regulated in HIV, respectively.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to identify the differential regulation of cytotoxicity pathway discriminating between HIV, HCV mono- and co-infection, which may reflect the distinct patterns of virus-host cell interactions underlying disease progression. Further inspection of cytotoxicity pathway has pinned down to the expression of the KIR genes to be associated with specific patterns of particular virus-host interactions. Between HIV and HCV, the altered cell cycle and WNT signaling pathways may suggest the different impact of HIV and HCV on cell proliferation and differentiation.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12985-014-0236-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Changes in liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients following different outcomes with peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy

There is scarce information about the impact of antiviral treatment on subsequent progression of liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C who experience different outcomes following peginterferon-ribavirin therapy. We conducted a retrospective study of a cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with longitudinal assessment of liver fibrosis using elastometry. Patients were split out into four groups according to the prior peginterferon-ribavirin response: sustained virological response (SVR), relapse (R), partial response (PR) and null response (NR). A group of untreated, coinfected patients was taken as control. Significant liver fibrosis progression (sLFP) was defined as a shift from baseline Metavir estimates ≤ F2 to F3-F4, or by >30% increase in liver stiffness in patients with baseline F3-F4. Conversely, significant liver fibrosis regression (sLFR) was defined as a shift from baseline Metavir estimates F3-F4 to ≤ F2, or by >30% reduction in liver stiffness in patients that kept on F3-F4. A total of 498 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients were examined. They were classified as follows: 138 (27.7%) SVR, 40 (8%) R, 61 (12.2%) PR, 71 (14.3%) NR and 188 (37.8%) naive. After a mean follow-up of 53.3 months, sLFP occurred less frequently in patients with SVR (7.2%) compared with R (25%; P = 0.002), PR (23%; P = 0.002), NR (29.6%; P < 0.001) and naïve (19.7%; P = 0.002). Conversely, sLFR was 26.1% in SVR compared with 10% in R (P = 0.03), 14.8% in PR (P = 0.06), 16.9% in NR (P = 0.07) and 10.6% in naïve (P < 0.001). Sustained clearance of serum HCV-RNA following a course of antiviral treatment is the major determinant of liver fibrosis regression in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.

Spontaneous hepatitis C virus clearance in HIV patients with chronic hepatitis C bearing IL28B-CC alleles using antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

A quarter of individuals acutely infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) clear the virus spontaneously. Once chronic infection is established, HCV elimination generally can only be achieved using specific antiviral therapy, such as peg-interferon-ribavirin. Herein, we report a group of chronically HIV/HCV-coinfected patients that cleared HCV spontaneously while being treated only with antiretrovirals.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of all HIV-infected individuals with positive HCV antibodies (HCV-Abs) and negative serum HCV-RNA seen during 2012 at a reference HIV clinic in Madrid.

RESULTS

From a total of 2366 HIV-infected individuals, 618 (26%) were HCV-Ab+, of whom 387 (62%) were positive for serum HCV-RNA. Individuals HCV-Ab+/HCV-RNA-negative were grouped into two categories--those that had eliminated HCV following a course of antiviral treatment (n = 198, 86%) and those who had cleared the virus spontaneously (n = 33, 14%). Eight with spontaneous clearance were HBsAg+ and might have cleared HCV as a result of viral interference. However, six (24%) out of the remaining 25 did so after being serum HCV-RNA+ for longer than 6 months (median 5.6 years, range 1.3-12 years). All harbored alleles and had undetectable plasma HIV-RNA on HAART around the time of HCV clearance.

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous HCV clearance may occur in a subset of chronically HIV/HCV-coinfected patients on HAART harboring IL28B-CC. Given that antiretrovirals do not display any direct anti-HCV activity, recovery of innate immune responses could be responsible for these late HCV clearance episodes. Thus, periodic testing of serum HCV-RNA may be warranted in chronically HIV/HCV-coinfected patients on HAART harboring IL28B-CC alleles.

Hepatitis delta is a major determinant of liver decompensation events and death in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Coinfection with hepatitis viruses is common in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has become a leading cause of complications and death in those receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the effect of coinfection with hepatitis B, C, and/or D viruses (HBV, HCV, HDV, respectively) on liver decompensation events (ascites, variceal bleeding, encephalopathy, and/or hepatocellular carcinoma) and liver-related mortality in HIV-positive patients on regular follow-up since the year 2004 at a reference HIV clinic in Madrid, Spain.

RESULTS

A total of 1147 HIV-infected patients (mean age, 42 years; 81% males; 46% intravenous drug users, 85.4% on ART) were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 81.2 ± 17.8 months. At baseline, 521 patients (45.4%) were HCV-antibody positive, 85 (7.4%) were hepatitis B surface antigen positive, and 17 (1.5%) were anti-HDV positive. A total of 233 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients received antiviral therapy for HCV, of whom 106 (45%) achieved sustained virologic response (SVR). Overall, 15 patients died of liver-related complications and 26 developed hepatic decompensation events. Taking as controls the 524 HIV-monoinfected patients, HDV coinfection (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 7.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84-30.8; P = .005) and baseline liver stiffness (AHR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.07-1.13; P < .0001) were associated with a higher rate of liver-related morbidity and mortality. In contrast, SVR following hepatitis C therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients was protective (AHR, 0.11; 95% CI, .01-.86; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatitis delta is associated with a high rate of death and liver decompensation events in HIV-infected patients on ART.

Liver fibrosis progression in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients treated with distinct antiretroviral drugs and impact of pegylated interferon/ribavirin therapy

BACKGROUND

Advanced liver fibrosis frequently develops in patients with chronic hepatitis C coinfected with HIV. Non-invasive techniques for staging liver fibrosis, such as transient elastometry, may allow both periodic monitoring and examination of large patient populations.

METHODS

A programme of liver fibrosis assessment using transient elastometry has been ongoing at our institution since 2004. All HIV-HCV-coinfected patients having ≥2 examinations separated by >18 months were included. Liver fibrosis progression (LFP) was defined as an increase in liver stiffness from <9.5 kPa (Metavir F0-F2) to >9.5 kPa (Metavir F3-F4), or an increase >30% in patients with baseline Metavir F3-F4.

RESULTS

A total of 545 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients were analysed (mean age 41 years, 71% male, 81% intravenous drug users, mean body mass index 23.3 kg/m(2), 4.2% hepatitis B surface antigen-positive, 8.4% alcohol abuse, mean CD4(+) T-cell count 519 cells/μl). At baseline, 527 patients were on antiretroviral therapy, with the most frequent third drug being atazanavir (19.7%), efavirenz (15.9%), lopinavir (13.1%) or nevirapine (7.2%). A total of 99 (18%) patients experienced LFP during a mean (sd) follow-up of 70.9 (15.7) months. Use of protease inhibitors (OR 4.93, 95% CI 1.73, 14.0; P=0.03) and male gender (OR 5.12, 95% CI 1.37, 19.1; P=0.01) were associated with LFP. By contrast, the achievement of HCV clearance following pegylated interferon/ribavirin (PEG-IFN/RBV) therapy (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.1, 0.79; P=0.02) was protective. Lopinavir exposure was significantly associated with LFP (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.0, 1.04; P=0.03), whereas nevirapine was protective (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.9, 0.99; P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of protease inhibitors, mainly lopinavir, is associated with increased LFP in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients. By contrast, nevirapine therapy and, particularly, HCV clearance with PEG-IFN/RBV significantly reduce LFP.

Scaling up epidemics of acute hepatitis C and syphilis in HIV-infected men who have sex with men in Spain

BACKGROUND

Outbreaks of acute hepatitis C in HIV-positive men who have sex with men (MSM) are being reported in large cities in western countries along with increasing rates of sexually transmitted diseases.

METHODS

All HIV individuals attended at a large outclinic in Madrid within the last 5 years were examined. Incident syphilis was diagnosed based on rapid plasma reagin (RPR) reactivity, being negative previously or showing >4-fold increase. Acute hepatitis C was diagnosed based on HCV antibody seroconversion and/or positive serum HCV-RNA after being negative within the last year.

RESULTS

A total of 859 episodes of syphilis and 19 of acute hepatitis C were diagnosed during the study period. Syphilis was recognized in 65/2,094 (3.1%) individuals attended in 2008 and rose up to 261/2,512 (10.4%) in 2012 (P < 0.001). Acute hepatitis C was diagnosed in only one subject in 2008 but rose up to 7 in 2012 (P = 0.12). All 19 HIV patients with acute hepatitis C were MSM. Syphilis was diagnosed concomitantly in seven. All eight individuals who were treated with peginterferon/ribavirin were cured, whereas only one untreated experienced spontaneous clearance (P = 0.004). Two clusters of infections by HCV genotypes 4 and 1a were identified by phylogenetic analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of acute hepatitis C is low but steadily increasing in HIV-positive MSM in Madrid (<1% yearly), despite the very high rates of syphilis (currently 20% yearly in HIV-positive MSM). Preventive measures for sexually transmitted infections and periodic HCV screening are warranted in this population as treatment of acute hepatitis C is very effective.

Very late relapse after discontinuation of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Serum HCV RNA rebound beyond 24 weeks after completing hepatitis C therapy has been rarely reported. From 744 patients treated for chronic hepatitis C at our institution, 4 became HCV-RNA-positive again between weeks 36 and 48 post-treatment. Epidemiological and phylogenetic analyses supported very late HCV relapse instead of re-infection in two of them. This observation may have important implications in the pathogenesis and therapeutics of HCV infection.

Hepatitis C therapy: highlights from the 2012 annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver

The results from clinical trials testing new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for chronic hepatitis C were the major focus of interest at the 2012 annual meeting of the European Association for the Study of the Liver. Besides triple combinations, in which any one of the new DAAs is given along with peginterferon-α/ribavirin, clinical trials exploring interferon-free oral regimens combining several DAAs attracted major attention. The good tolerance, broad hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype activity, and high resistance barrier of sofosbuvir make this nucleotide analogue one of the most promising DAAs. Among HCV protease inhibitors, the safety, potency, and convenient dosing of simeprevir, asunaprevir, faldaprevir, and ABT-450/r were particularly highlighted. Among NS5A inhibitors, the good performance of daclatasvir encourages further clinical development. Finally, intriguing results were released about the role of interleukin 28B (IL-28B) polymorphisms using interferon-free regimens, indirectly supporting the role of innate immunity for clearing HCV definitively.

Genetic determinants of idiopathic noncirrhotic portal hypertension in HIV-infected patients

BACKGROUND

Noncirrhotic portal hypertension (NCPH) is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Cases of NCPH have been reported in HIV-negative individuals as result of treatment with thiopurines for leukemia or inflammatory bowel disease. Exposure to didanosine, which is also a purine analogue, predisposes to NCPH in the HIV setting. However, it is unclear why NCPH only develops in a small subset of didanosine-treated patients.

METHODS

A multicenter, case-control study was conducted to investigate the role of pharmacogenomics in NCPH in HIV patients with prior didanosine exposure. Three controls were chosen for each case, adjusted for sex, age, CD4 counts, plasma HIV-RNA, and site. Tagging 36 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at enzymes involved in the purine metabolism (inosine triphosphatase, 5'-nucleotidase cytosolic-II, purine nucleoside phosphorylase and xanthine oxidase) was performed using SNPlex microarray technology.

RESULTS

Eighty individuals were examined; 22 with NCPH and 58 matched controls. Two SNPs at the 5'-nucleotidase gene were associated with NCPH: rs11191561 (48% CG/GG vs 17% CC; P=.003) and rs11598702 (40% CC/CT vs 9% TT; P=.003). SNPs at another 2 loci at the xanthine oxidase gene were also associated with NCPH: rs1429376 (71% AA vs 23% CC/AC; P=.015) and rs1594160 (71% AA vs 23% CC/AC; P=.015). There was a cumulative risk of NCPH for these 4 SNPs: 7%, 26%, 42%, 50%, and 100%, respectively, for 0, 1, 2, 3, or all SNPs (P=.001).

CONCLUSIONS

SNPs at the 5'-nucleotidase and xanthine oxidase genes influence the risk of NCPH in HIV patients treated with didanosine.

The changing face of hepatitis C in the new era of direct-acting antivirals

The approval of the first protease inhibitors as treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is rapidly transforming the way patients with chronic hepatitis C are managed. Treatment regimens are moving to combinations given for shortened periods, excluding poorly tolerated subcutaneous interferon, and providing rates of cure exceeding 75%. The recognition of HCV infection as a systemic disease, not limited to producing liver damage, in which extrahepatic complications play a major role as the cause of morbidity and mortality, is prompting the treatment of a growing number of HCV-infected individuals. However, new challenges are emerging, including the need to diagnose a substantial proportion of asymptomatic carriers, the risk of potentially harmful drug-drug interactions and the high cost of medications. The future will probably see a progressive marginalization of residual HCV populations, with increasing over-representation of illegal immigrants, alcohol abusers, intravenous drug users and the mentally disabled.

Pharmacokinetics of new oral hepatitis C antiviral drugs

INTRODUCTION

Approximately 175 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), representing 3% of the total world population. Until recently, the only available therapeutic option for these patients was the combination of pegylated IFN-α plus ribavirin that overall resulted in HCV eradication in less than a half of cases. The development of new therapies with greater efficacy has been eagerly awaited but new challenges have emerged, with drug interactions being among the most challenging.

AREAS COVERED

This review updates the main pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic characteristics of the most promising new oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for hepatitis C. Given that a large proportion of chronic hepatitis C patients receive other medications, drug interactions are further discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

The recent approval of the first HCV genotype 1 protease inhibitors is a landmark step in the fight against the HCV pandemic. The benefit of higher rates of response along with shorter duration of treatment is counterbalanced by significant drug interactions and unprecedented complexities in the use of these drugs and management of their side effects. The knowledge of key pharmacologic parameters of distinct DAA is important for care providers in charge of chronic hepatitis C patients as it will avoid the danger of unexpected drug interactions. This concern must be particularly emphasized in special group populations, such as in HIV-HCV coinfected individuals and transplant patients, in whom interactions between DAA and antiretrovirals or immunosuppressants, respectively, are frequent.

Endothelial dysfunction in HIV infection--the role of circulating endothelial cells, microparticles, endothelial progenitor cells and macrophages

Endothelial dysfunction has emerged as one of the major mechanisms involved in the increased cardiovascular disease risk seen in the HIV population. Endothelial progenitor cells, circulating endothelial cells, endothelial microparticles, and platelet microparticles are all now considered as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk in otherwise healthy individuals. Preliminary evidence suggests that these biomarkers may similarly predict cardiovascular disease risk in HIV-infected patients, helping to assist in preventive and therapeutic decision making. This review updates the current knowledge and the most recent advances in the pathophysiology of cells and particles involved in atherosclerosis in the HIV setting. The potential usefulness of measuring cardiovascular disease risk biomarkers in HIV-infected individuals to prevent future cardiovascular events is further discussed.

Different impact of IL28B polymorphisms on response to peginterferon-α plus ribavirin in HIV-positive patients infected with HCV subtypes 1a or 1b

BACKGROUND

HCV subtype 1a has emerged as a predictor of poor response to triple hepatitis C therapy including boceprevir or telaprevir, which largely has been attributed to a lower resistance barrier in HCV-1a compared to -1b.

OBJECTIVES

We examined whether a lower efficacy of pegIFN/RBV on HCV-1a than HCV-1b could alternatively contribute to explain it.

STUDY DESIGN

All chronic hepatitis C patients who had completed a course of pegIFN/RBV therapy at our institution were examined. For this study we selected individuals that were IFN-naïve and had been successfully subtyped as 1a or 1b. Moreover, only HIV-coinfected patients were included as they represented a more uniform population in terms of demographics and treatment exposure at our institution. The IL28B rs12979860 alleles were typed using the 5' nuclease assay.

RESULTS

A total of 96 individuals were examined, 58 of whom harbored HCV-1a and 38 HCV-1b. IL28B allele distribution was as follows: 33 CC and 63 CT/TT. SVR was achieved by 64% of CC vs 30% of CT/TT patients (p=0.001). On the other hand, SVR was 53% in HCV-1b vs 34% in HCV-1a (p=0.08). Interestingly, the effect of IL28B variants on SVR was mainly recognized in HCV-1a (63% in CC vs 20% in CT/TT; p=0.001), being marginal on HCV-1b (64% in CC vs 46% in CT/TT; p=0.27).

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of SVR to pegIFN/RBV therapy tends to be lower in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C due to HCV-1a than HCV-1b; being the impact of IL28B variants significantly stronger on HCV-1a than HCV-1b.

Development of tropical spastic paraparesis in human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 carriers is influenced by interleukin 28B gene polymorphisms

Interleukin 28B (IL28B) rs12979860 polymorphisms were examined in 41 individuals with human T-lymphotrophic virus type 1 (HTLV-1). The alleles CT/TT were more frequent in 12 individuals with HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis than in 29 asymptomatic carriers (80% vs 20%; P = .03), and median HTLV-1 proviral load was greater in CT/TT than CC carriers (P = .01). Thus, IL28B testing and closer follow-up of HTLV-1 asymptomatic CT/TT carriers is warranted.

Short communication high risk of endothelial dysfunction in HIV individuals may result from deregulation of circulating endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) and circulating endothelial cells (CEC) have recently been considered as biomarkers of cardiovascular risk (CVDR) in healthy subjects. The impact of HIV infection on these cells is not well known. A case-control study was conducted in 15 antiretroviral-naive HIV(+) patients and 15 HIV-negative controls. The quantitative profile of CEC and EPC differed significantly in HIV(+) and HIV(-) subjects. HIV(+) subjects had significantly more CEC and less EPC than HIV(-) controls. A quantitative impairment in the balance of the CEC and EPC might contribute to the increased subclinical CVDR in HIV(+) patients.

Management and treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV patients

Progression to cirrhosis occurs faster whereas response to peginterferon/ribavirin therapy is lower in patients with chronic hepatitis C coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), as compared with hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected individuals. The use of antiretroviral therapy may ameliorate poor outcomes in HIV/HCV coinfected patients. However, in the best scenario peginterferon/ribavirin therapy provides cure to 30% of patients harboring HCV genotypes 1 or 4 and to 70% of HCV genotypes 2 or 3 carriers, a rate lower than that seen in HCV monoinfection. Moreover, a substantial proportion of HIV/HCV coinfected patients are not treated due to contraindications, or do not complete therapy due to serious adverse events, or just do not wish to receive such a poorly tolerated medication. For these reasons, the advent of direct acting antivirals (DAA) has been eagerly awaited for treating HIV/HCV coinfected patients. However, new challenges have arisen, including the potential for harmful drug interactions with antiretroviral agents, poor drug adherence due to polymedication, increased risk for selection of drug-resistant HCV mutants, and unaffordable coverage in an environment of economic constraints. The use of noninvasive tools to measure liver fibrosis (i.e., elastometry) and pharmacogenomics (testing for IL28B and perhaps ITPA polymorphisms), along with consideration of early viral kinetics to guide length and drugs needed could help to individualize and improve the cost effectiveness of therapeutic decisions using DAA in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Impact of IL28B gene polymorphisms on interferon-λ3 plasma levels during pegylated interferon-α/ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C in patients coinfected with HIV

OBJECTIVES

The mechanism explaining the strong association between IL28B rs12979860 polymorphisms and treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C remains unclear. We explore whether IL28B protein [interferon (IFN)-λ3] plasma levels may vary according to IL28B genotype and/or following pegylated IFN-α/ribavirin therapy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 112 HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients who completed a course of pegylated IFN-α/ribavirin therapy were examined. Sustained virological response (SVR) was achieved by 56% of patients. IL28B rs12979860 alleles were genotyped using the 5' nuclease assay with specific TaqMan probes. A specific enzyme immunoassay was used to measure IFN-λ3 plasma levels before initiating anti-HCV therapy and at week 4 of treatment.

RESULTS

No significant differences between CC and non-CC IL28B carriers were found at baseline, either in the proportion of patients with detectable IFN-λ3 plasma levels or in their median values. In contrast, median IFN-λ3 plasma levels at week 4 of therapy significantly increased with respect to baseline in CC carriers [34.3 (16.7-56.3) versus 15.6 (15.6-30.3) pg/mL, respectively; P < 0.0001], but not in CT/TT carriers. Unexpectedly, increases in IFN-λ3 at week 4 of therapy did not predict SVR.

CONCLUSIONS

The exogenous administration of IFN-α may induce IFN-λ3 release in IL28B CC carriers, but not in CT/TT carriers. However, this finding does not account for the link between IL28B polymorphisms and treatment outcome.

Prevalence of natural polymorphisms at the HCV NS5A gene associated with resistance to daclatasvir, an NS5A inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Daclatasvir (BMS-790052) is an investigational molecule that inhibits the HCV NS5A protein and shows potent antiviral activity apparently across all HCV genotypes. Selection of drug resistance mutations has been reported only for HCV genotype 1, and no information exists for other HCV variants and/or in HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals.

METHODS

All interferon-α-naive, HIV-HCV-coinfected patients newly attended at Hospital Carlos III (Madrid, Spain) in 2011 were identified. Changes reported to be associated with daclatasvir resistance in the in vitro replication system for HCV genotype/subtypes 1a/1b (M28T, Q30H/R, L31F/M/V, P32L and Y93C/H/N) were examined.

RESULTS

A total of 78 HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals as well as 635 NS5A sequences deposited at Los Alamos HCV database were analysed. None of the NS5A sequences from HCV-1a or HCV-3 showed changes associated with daclatasvir resistance. By contrast, all NS5A sequences from HCV-4 harboured L31M. The double mutant L31M+Y93H was found in 7% of HCV-1b and 13% of HCV-4. Finally, all NS5A sequences from HCV-1b and HCV-4 harboured changes at codon 28 (M28L) and 30 (L30R), which are of unknown significance. The rate of all these NS5A polymorphisms did not differ significantly when comparing HIV-HCV-coinfected patients and sequences from HCV-monoinfected subjects deposited at Los Alamos HCV database.

CONCLUSIONS

Primary resistance mutations to daclatasvir, an investigational HCV NS5A inhibitor, are not seen in HCV-1a or in HCV-3 as natural polymorphisms. By contrast, they can be recognized in most HCV-1b and HCV-4 strains, regardless HIV coinfection.

Pharmacogenetics of hepatitis C

Recent discoveries have highlighted the influence of host genomics on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection outcomes. As a result, our views on hepatitis C pathogenesis and therapeutic approaches have been transformed. The recognition of the impact of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the genes interleukin 28B (IL28B), inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol receptor (LDLR) may lead to refinements in the pharmacogenomic prediction of antiviral response and drug-related toxicities and favour the discovery of new therapeutic targets for hepatitis C. Although the relevance of host genetics may be less in the setting of very potent new direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), genetic markers may continue to aid decision making regarding the length of therapy. Moreover, in several populations, such as HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, current therapy with peginterferon-α/ribavirin will continue in use for most patients, and thus host factors will retain their predictive value for treatment outcomes for a while.

Predicted effect of direct acting antivirals in the current HIV-HCV-coinfected population in Spain

BACKGROUND

Direct acting antivirals (DAAs) against HCV are eagerly awaited for HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals. However, the activity of first generation drugs is limited to HCV genotype 1 and is lower in cirrhotics, subtype 1a infections, prior interferon (IFN)-α exposure or unfavourable IL28B alleles. Herein, we report the current profile of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients at our institution in an attempt to predict the effect of DAAs.

METHODS

All HIV-HCV-coinfected patients seen at our HIV outpatient clinic in 2011 were identified. Information on serum HCV RNA, HCV genotype/subtype, plasma HIV RNA, prior IFN-α experience, liver fibrosis staging and IL28B alleles was recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 424 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients were identified, of whom 174 (41%) were IFN-α-experienced. Mean serum HCV RNA was 6 log IU/ml. HCV genotype/subtype distribution was 166 (39.1%) G1a, 93 (22%) G1b, 85 (20%) G4, 49 (11.5%) G3 and 1 (<1%) G2, and 30 (7%) were unclassified. Of note, 56% of G1a were prior IFN-α-experienced patients. Overall, 37% had advanced liver fibrosis (Metavir score estimates F3-F4). Finally, 70% harboured unfavourable IL28B alleles.

CONCLUSIONS

The current profile of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients in Spain is dominated by particularly difficult-to-treat individuals, such as those infected with G1a or G4 (59%), advanced liver fibrosis (37%) and unfavourable IL28B alleles (70%). A wide use of prior anti-HCV therapy in our region most likely has resulted in hepatitis C cure of more IFN-α susceptible individuals, with accumulation of a more refractory treatment population. Thus, the use of DAAs in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients will require particular expertise and their benefit might be lower than expected.

Variants in the ITPA gene protect against ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with all HCV genotypes

BACKGROUND

A recent genome-wide association study reported a strong association with a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the inosine triphosphate (ITPA) gene and hemolytic anemia in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) receiving pegylated interferon and ribavirin. We investigate these polymorphisms in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected patients.

METHODS

DNA was available for 161 patients with validated outcomes. We analyzed the association between the variants and week 4 hemoglobin reduction. Anemia over the course of therapy, ribavirin (RBV) dose reduction, serum RBV level, and rapid virological response (RVR) and sustained virological response (SVR) were also investigated. Using a candidate gene approach, ITPA variants rs1127354 and rs7270101 were tested using the ABI TaqMan kit. Multivariable models were used to identify predictors of anemia.

RESULTS

A significant minority (33%) of patients were predicted to have reduced ITPase activity. The minor allele of each variant was associated with protection against week 4 anemia. In multivariable models only the genetic variants, creatinine, and zidovudine exposure remained significant. ITPase deficiency was not associated with RBV-dose reduction, RVR, or SVR.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms that polymorphisms in the ITPA gene are associated with protection from RBV-induced anemia in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients but not improved clinical outcomes.

Impact of inosine triphosphatase gene variants on the risk of anemia in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients treated for chronic hepatitis C

The role of rs1127354/rs7270101 alleles at the inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) gene on ribavirin-induced anemia was assessed in 74 patients with hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus coinfection. Anemia developed in 80% of patients with normal ITPA activity compared with 33% of those with reduced ITPA activity. In contrast, ITPA variants did not influence sustained virological response.

Host genetics

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To update the information on genetic markers influencing the outcome of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

RECENT FINDINGS

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region of the IL28B gene on chromosome 19, coding for the interferon (IFN)-λ3, are involved in HCV spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance, and may have an influence on liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic carriers. The rs12979860 SNP has been recommended as single diagnostic genotype. IL28B variations are strongly associated with response to pegylated-IFN plus ribavirin (Peg-IFN/RBV) in patients with chronic infection by HCV genotype 1 or 4. Thus, the rs12979860 CC genotype is associated with a two-fold increase in the sustained virological response (SVR) rate in this setting. SVR is less influenced by IL28B variants in HCV genotype 2 or 3 carriers. The rs12979860 CC genotype frequencies vary among diverse genetic ancestor groups, explaining partly the differences in SVR among them. The underlying mechanisms are unclear, but it may involve the expression of IFN-stimulated genes in the liver. Inosine triphosphatase genotype is predictive of RBV-induced anemia, but its clinical usefulness is less straightforward than that of IL28B SNPs.

SUMMARY

IL28B genotyping can aid in Peg-IFN/RBV clinical decision-making, and it may be useful in the selection of candidates for triple therapy with Peg-IFN/RBV plus direct-acting antiviral drugs.

[Human immunodeficiency virus infection and viral hepatitis]

Hepatic complications currently represent one of the leading reasons for medical consultations, hospitalisation, and death in the HIV-infected population. This is due to a large extent to viral hepatitis, given its disproportionate frequency in this population. Chronic hepatitis B affects 5-10% of the HIV-infected population. Vaccination has reduced the incidence of liver disease related to hepatitis-B virus (HBV), and the availability of tenofovir has dramatically improved the prognosis of HIV/HBV carriers. Delta hepatitis affects around 15% of HIV-infected individuals in Europe harbouring positive HBsAg. It has the worst prognosis, given its accelerated course to cirrhosis and the absence of successful therapy. Lastly, chronic hepatitis C is the major cause of liver disease in the HIV population. Although classically linked to persons infected parenterally (i.e., intravenous drug users), outbreaks of acute hepatitis C among homosexual men have been reported over the last decade. Treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin provides a cure in less than 40% of patients. However, the introduction of new direct acting antivirals against hepatitis- C virus (HCV) (telaprevir, boceprevir) has revolutionised the field, as HAART did in 1996 in the HIV field, improving the prognosis of co-infected patients. However, interactions between these drugs and antiretroviral agents and the risk of selective resistance pose huge threats in this population.

Short communication: use of serum bilirubin levels as surrogate marker of early virological response to atazanavir-based antiretroviral therapy

Given that atazanavir (ATV) increases bilirubin in an exposure-dependent manner, we tested whether bilirubin levels could be used as a surrogate of virological response to ATV-based regimens in 182 patients. Bilirubin increases of ≥0.7 mg/dl were independently associated with early virological response with an odds ratio of 5.2 (95% confidence interval 2.2-11.9). Total bilirubin, a nonexpensive, simple, and widely available parameter, might be used as a surrogate of virological response to ATV-based regimens, especially in areas with limited resources where HIV-RNA testing is not available.

Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis

The greatest benefit of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy is seen in cirrhotics attaining sustained virological response (SVR). However, concerns about toxicity and poorer responses often discourage treatment of cirrhotics. This may be particularly relevant in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients, in whom progression of liver fibrosis is faster and treatment responses lower. This is a retrospective analysis of HIV-HCV-coinfected patients who had received peginterferon-ribavirin therapy at our institution. Individuals naïve for interferon in whom liver fibrosis had been assessed using elastometry within the year before being treated were chosen. Response rates and toxicities were compared in cirrhotics (>14.5 KPa) and noncirrhotics. Patients with previous liver decompensation were excluded. Overall, 41 cirrhotics and 190 noncirrhotics entered the study. Groups were similar in age, gender, HCV genotypes and baseline serum HCV-RNA. SVR occurred at similar rates in cirrhotic and noncirrhotics, either considered by intention-to-treat (39%vs 45%; P = 0.4) or as treated (50%vs 52%, P = 0.8). In multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 95% CI, P), SVR was associated with HCV genotypes 2-3 (5, 2.9-11, <0.01) and lower serum HCV-RNA (2, 1.4-3.03 for every log decrease, <0.01) but not with cirrhosis (1.2, 0.4-3.6, 0.6). Treatment discontinuations because of adverse events tended to be more common in cirrhotics than in noncirrhotics (17%vs 12%; P = 0.2), but only severe thrombocytopenia was more frequent in cirrhotics than in non-cirrhotics (20%vs 3% at week 24; P < 0.01). Response to peginterferon-ribavirin therapy is similar in HIV-HCV coinfected patients with and without liver cirrhosis. Therefore, treatment must be encouraged in all compensated cirrhotic patients, although closer monitoring and management of side effects, mainly thrombocytopenia, may be warranted.

Directly acting antivirals against hepatitis C virus

The approval of directly acting antivirals (DAA) for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection will represent a major breakthrough for the 180 million persons infected worldwide. Paradoxically, hepatitis C is the only human chronic viral disease that can be cured, as all other pathogenic viruses infecting humans either display self-limited courses or establish non-eradicable persistent infections. Until now, treatment of chronic hepatitis C consisted of the combination of peginterferon-α plus ribavirin, which provided limited rates of cure and was associated with frequent side effects. Several DAA have been identified that inhibit the NS3 protease, the NS5B polymerase or the NS5A replication complex, and have entered the final steps of clinical development. These molecules, coupled with significant progress made in the recognition of more potent and safe interferon forms (e.g. interferon-λ) and host protein targets (e.g. alisporivir), are opening a new era in hepatitis C therapeutics. The expectations are so great that, to some extent, it is reminiscent of what happened in 1996 in the HIV field when the introduction of the first protease inhibitors as part of triple combinations revolutionized antiretroviral therapy. To maximize treatment success and reduce the likelihood of drug resistance selection, a proper individualization of hepatitis C therapy will be required, choosing the most convenient drugs and strategies according to distinct viral and host profiles. The complexity of HCV therapeutics has reached a point that presumably will lead to the birth of a new specialist, the HCV doctor.

Influence of interleukin-28B single-nucleotide polymorphisms on progression to liver cirrhosis in human immunodeficiency virus-hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the IL28B gene have recently been associated with spontaneous hepatitis C virus (HCV) clearance and response to interferon-based therapies in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Because human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection appears to accelerate HCV-related liver fibrosis progression, any influence of IL28B SNP on the risk of developing cirrhosis might be more easily recognized in the coinfected population.

METHODS

All HIV-HCV-coinfected patients who underwent hepatic elastography before initiating a course of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy at 2 Spanish clinics were retrospectively identified. Liver cirrhosis was defined as >14.5 kPa by transient elastography. The IL28B rs12979860 SNP was examined in a blinded fashion.

RESULTS

A total of 304 HIV-HCV-coinfected individuals were analyzed (mean age, 43 years; 80% were male; and 85% were receiving antiretroviral therapy), of whom 18% had cirrhosis. IL28B genotype distribution was as follows: CC, 46%; CT, 43%; and TT, 11%. Cirrhosis was more frequent in CC than CT/TT carriers (24% vs 13%; P = .01). Logistic regression analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-1.12]; P = .08), past alcohol abuse (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 0.95-4.06; P = .07), and CC IL28B genotype (OR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.22-4.41; P = .01) were predictors of cirrhosis. Interestingly, mean (SD) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were greater (90 ± 53 vs 71 ± 33 IU/L;, P = .01) in IL28B CC than CT/TT carriers during the prior 4.8 ± 3.8 years.

CONCLUSIONS

The IL28B rs12979860 CC genotype is associated with a higher prevalence of cirrhosis in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients than CT/TT genotypes, suggesting that IL28B CC carriers may experience a more rapid progression of HCV-related liver fibrosis, perhaps as result of increased liver inflammation. Thus, access to HCV treatment is of utmost importance in IL28B CC carriers, in whom treatment response is better and in whom progression to cirrhosis might occur more rapidly.

IL28B gene polymorphisms and viral kinetics in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

BACKGROUND

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) upstream of the IL28B gene (rs12979860) predicts sustained virological response (SVR) to peginterferon-ribavirin therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients. There is scarce information regarding the influence of this IL28B SNP on early viral kinetics during therapy, particularly in patients coinfected with HIV, in whom treatment response is lower than in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-monoinfected patients.

METHODS

We selected 196 HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals who had completed a course of peginterferon-ribavirin therapy, and a validated outcome for SVR. Association of IL28B SNPs with rapid, early and end-of-treatment virological responses [rapid virological response (RVR), early virological response (EVR) and end of treatment virological response, respectively] was assessed in univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

Rate of SVR in the study population was 54%. Frequency of the IL28B CC genotype was 44%. The distribution of HCV genotypes was as follows: HCV-1 57%, HCV-2 1%, HCV-3 30% and HCV-4 12%. Compared to CT/TT, the CC genotype was associated with significantly higher rates of all on-treatment viral outcomes, after adjusting for other predictors of viral response as serum HCV-RNA, HCV genotype and liver fibrosis staging. IL28B CC genotype kept its predictive power of SVR in patients who did not achieve RVR or cEVR. The association between IL28B SNP and viral kinetics and treatment outcomes was significant only for HCV genotypes 1 and 4.

CONCLUSION

IL28B CC genotype is a strong predictor of virological response to therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. This effect is mediated by an increase in viral clearance during the first 12 weeks of treatment and is mainly seen in patients infected with HCV genotypes 1 and 4.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment uptake and changes in the prevalence of HCV genotypes in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients

The efficacy of current hepatitis C therapy in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients is largely dependent on HCV genotype. The annual prevalence of HCV genotypes/subtypes and their influence on HCV clearance with antiviral treatment were examined in a dynamic cohort of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients followed up in Madrid since 2000. Patients entered the cohort at first visit and left the cohort when HCV clearance was achieved with HCV therapy or when follow-up was interrupted for any reason, including death. A total of 672 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients constituted the cohort. The mean follow-up time was 5.5 years, corresponding to 4108 patient-years. Mean age at entry was 37 years, and 73% were men and 86% were intravenous drug users. Overall distribution of HCV genotypes was as follows: 57.1% HCV-1 (1a: 29.2%, 1b: 20.4%, unknown: 7.6%), 1.3% HCV-2, 25.4% HCV-3 and 15.9% HCV-4. A total of 274 (40.8%) patients were treated with peginterferon-ribavirin, of whom 116 (42.3%) achieved HCV clearance following 1-3 courses of therapy. The proportion of HCV-1/4 rose from 71.7% in 2000 to 76.8% in 2008, whereas the proportion of HCV-2/3 fell from 28.1% in 2000 to 23.2% in 2008. The yearly prevalence increased for HCV-1 (R(2) : 0.92, b: 0.59, P < 0.001) and HCV-4 (R(2) : 0.77, b: 0.33, P < 0.005) and conversely diminished for HCV-3 (R(2) : 0.94, b: -0.82, P < 0.001). In summary, the prevalence of HCV-1 and HCV-4 has increased over the last decade in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, whereas conversely it has declined for HCV-3, in association with the wider use of HCV therapy (41%) in this population.

Risk factors for advanced liver fibrosis in HIV-infected individuals: role of antiretroviral drugs and insulin resistance

Liver damage may result from multiple factors in HIV-infected patients. The availability of reliable noninvasive tools to measure liver fibrosis has permitted the screening of large patient populations. Cross-sectional study of all consecutive HIV outpatients who underwent examination by transient elastometry (FibroScan) at one HIV reference clinic during 2007. Advanced liver fibrosis (ALF) was defined as hepatic stiffness >9.5 kilopascals, which corresponds to Metavir stages F3-F4 in the liver biopsy. A total of 681 consecutive HIV-infected patients (64% injecting drug users; mean age 43; 78% male; 98% on antiretroviral therapy) had at least one valid FibroScan evaluation. ALF was diagnosed in 215 (32%) of them. In the univariate analysis, ALF was significantly associated with older age, low CD4 counts, chronic hepatitis C, past alcohol abuse, elevated ALT, high triglycerides, low cholesterol, high homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index and exposure to didanosine and/or stavudine. In a multivariate model (OR, 95% CI), chronic hepatitis C (2.83, 1.57-5.08), past alcohol abuse (2.26, 1.37-3.74), exposure to didanosine and/or stavudine (1.85, 1.14-3.01), high HOMA index (1.25, 1.04-1.51), older age (1.09, 1.05-1.14) and elevated ALT (1.04, 1.03-1.06) remained as independently associated with ALF. Therefore, in addition to chronic hepatitis C and alcohol abuse, insulin resistance and/or exposure to dideoxy-nucleosides may contribute to ALF in HIV-infected patients.

Simplification from protease inhibitors to once- or twice-daily raltegravir: the ODIS trial

BACKGROUND

Raltegravir has demonstrated good antiviral activity and safety profile in twice-daily (bid) dosing. However, its long terminal elimination half-life might allow once-daily (qd) administration.

METHODS

Consecutive HIV-infected individuals at our clinic under protease inhibitor (PI)-based regimens with plasma HIV-RNA <50 copies/mL for > 24 weeks were invited to replace PIs with raltegravir. Patients were randomly assigned to raltegravir 800 mg qd, 400 mg bid, or twice daily for the first 3 months and then once daily.

RESULTS

A total of 222 patients completed 24 weeks of follow-up on raltegravir (149 once-daily arm, 35 twice-daily arm, and 38 twice-daily to once-daily arm). At inclusion, mean CD4+ count was 574±308 cells/µL. Within 24 weeks, 13 (5.9%) patients experienced virological failure: 12 (6.4%) in the once-daily arms, and 1 (2.9%) in the twice-daily arm (P = .18). The rate of virological failure was 16.2% (12/74) in patients with prior nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) resistance but only 0.7% (1/148) in the rest (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

A switch from PIs to raltegravir in HIV-infected patients with undetectable plasma HIV-RNA effectively sustains viral suppression, as long as prior NRTI resistance had not been selected. No significant differences were seen when comparing raltegravir twice daily or once daily in this context, although once-daily dosing tended to perform less well.

Incidence of liver cirrhosis in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis B or C in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy

BACKGROUND

Longitudinal assessment of liver fibrosis with transient elastometry (TE) in patients with chronic viral hepatitis is becoming routine clinical practice in many clinics, as this procedure is non-invasive, easy to perform and relatively inexpensive, allowing early detection of cirrhosis. Herein, we examine the incidence of cirrhosis, using TE assessment, in HIV-infected individuals with chronic hepatitis B or C receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

A longitudinal study was performed on a cohort of HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis B or C who were followed since 2004 at Hospital Carlos III (Madrid, Spain) with periodic TE assessments. The primary outcome was the development of cirrhosis, defined as liver stiffness >12.5 KPa.

RESULTS

A total of 508 HIV-infected patients were examined, of whom 54 developed liver cirrhosis during a mean ±(SD) follow-up of 2.6 ±1.0 years (overall incidence was 41.13 cases per 1,000 person-years). The risk of developing cirrhosis was significantly higher in 297 HCV-RNA-positive patients (either untreated or non-responders to hepatitis C therapy) compared with 55 patients who had cleared HCV with therapy (odds ratio 3.73, 95% confidence interval 1.06-13.17; P=0.04). By contrast, the risk of developing cirrhosis was low and similar in 24 HIV-HBV-coinfected patients under long-term suppressive HBV therapy (mainly tenofovir disoproxil fumarate), 132 HIV-infected patients without chronic liver disease and those who had cleared HCV with therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Development of liver cirrhosis in HIV-infected individuals in the HAART era is mainly associated with active HCV coinfection. The risk of developing cirrhosis is negligible in patients who cleared HCV with therapy, as well as in HIV-HBV-coinfected patients on long-term suppressive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy.

Differences in liver fibrosis and response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with normal vs elevated liver enzymes

Severity of liver fibrosis and response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (pegIFN-RBV) are not well known in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (PNALT). All HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who had been assessed for liver fibrosis using elastometry during 2005 at our clinic were evaluated. Those with at least 1 year with three prior consecutive ALT measurements below the upper limit of normality were compared with patients with elevated ALT. Response to pegIFN-RBV was assessed in a subset of these patients. We analysed 87 patients with PNALT and 122 with elevated ALT. Compared to patients with elevated ALT, those with PNALT were significantly more often women (42%vs 26%), had greater mean CD4 counts (565 vs 420 cells/mm³), had lower mean serum HCV-RNA (5.8 vs 6.2 log IU/ml) and were infected by HCV genotype 4 (33%vs 6%). Liver fibrosis was considered as severe (Metavir F3) in 10% of patients with PNALT, and another 4% had cirrhosis based on stiffness values. These numbers were 16% and 35% in patients with elevated ALT. Treatment with pegIFN-RBV was given to 22 and 45 patients with PNALT and elevated ALT, respectively. Sustained virological response was achieved in 50% and 29% of them. In the multivariate analysis, PNALT was independently associated with response (OR: 7.9; 95% CI: 1.4-45.2; P = 0.02). Nearly 15% of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with PNALT showed advanced liver fibrosis (Metavir F3-F4 estimates by elastometry). In summary, response to pegIFN-RBV is higher in patients with PNALT than in those with elevated ALT. Therefore, treatment should not be denied in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with PNALT.

Modeling the probability of sustained virological response to therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus and HIV

BACKGROUND

A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) near the IL28B gene (rs12979860) strongly predicts sustained virological response to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (pegIFN-RBV) treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Given that therapy is poorly tolerated and rates of response are lower in patients coinfected with HCV and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the recognition of predictors of response is a high priority in this population.

METHODS

A baseline noninvasive index was derived on the basis of the probability of achieving sustained virological response in a group of 159 HIV-HCV-coinfected patients treated at one clinic in Spain. The index was then validated using data from a separate cohort of 86 coinfected individuals. Only individuals who had completed a course of pegIFN-RBV therapy and had validated outcomes were considered.

RESULTS

The final score included 4 variables: 2 host-related variables (IL28B SNP rs12979860 and liver stiffness) and 2 HCV-related variables (genotype and viral load). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.89 in the derivation group and 0.85 in the validation group.

CONCLUSIONS

The probability of achieving sustained virological response with pegIFN-RBV therapy in HIV-HCV-coinfected patients can be reliably estimated prior to initiation of therapy using an index that includes 4 noninvasive parameters.

Management of metabolic complications and cardiovascular risk in HIV-infected patients

As result of the great benefit of HAART, AIDS-related deaths have dramatically declined during the last decade in HIV-infected individuals. However, mortality due to non-AIDS conditions and particularly cardiovascular events seems to be on the rise in this population. Metabolic complications and other conditions responsible for increased cardiovascular risk are common in HIV persons. Moreover, antiretroviral medications and HIV itself might play a role in further increasing cardiovascular risk. As the HIV population is aging, a growing impact of cardiovascular events on survival can be expected. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment of predisposing cardiovascular risk factors is warranted in this population. In this way, all HIV-infected individuals should be evaluated regularly for lipid abnormalities, hyperglycemia, arterial hypertension, overweight, renal disease, and smoking. The individual´s absolute risk for coronary heart disease must be defined, and comprehensive therapeutic measures should be undertaken in order to minimize future complications in subjects with significant cardiovascular risk. Lifestyle habits must be encouraged, including healthy diet and exercise. Switches in antiretroviral regimens using metabolic-friendly agents should also be considered for managing mild metabolic abnormalities in lipids and glucose, as long as suppression of viral replication is not compromised. The management of overt lipid disorders, diabetes, and hypertension basically must follow the guidelines applied to the general population and specific drugs administered, taking into account the potential for drug interactions with antiretroviral agents. In summary, efforts for reducing the increased cardiovascular risk characteristically seen in HIV-infected individuals are warranted, and preventable factors, including adequate management of metabolic abnormalities and hypertension, along with promotion of lifestyle habits and smoke cessation, should no longer be neglected.

Influence of a single nucleotide polymorphism at the main ribavirin transporter gene on the rapid virological response to pegylated interferon-ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

The equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) is the main protein involved in ribavirin cellular uptake. Polymorphisms at the ENT1 gene may influence ribavirin activity as part of hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy. A retrospective study was conducted in 109 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients who were infected with HCV genotypes 1 or 4 who had received pegylated interferon (pegIFN)-ribavirin. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the ENT1 gene were examined using TaqMan 5'-nuclease assays. In the study population, allelic frequencies at rs760370 were as follows: A3 (43 [39%] of 109 patients), AG (50 [46%] of 109 patients), and GG (16 [15%] of 109 patients). Achievement of rapid virological response was more frequent in GG carriers than in AA/AG carriers (50% vs 17%, respectively; P = .007). In multivariate analysis, the GG genotype (odds ratio [OR], 15.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.8-92.2; P < .002), a baseline serum HCV-RNA level <600,000 IU/mL (OR, 45.7; 95% CI, 8.7-240.5; P <.001) and a serum ribavirin trough concentration >2.5 μg/mL (OR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3-17.1; P < .016) were associated with rapid virological response. When 2 or more of these factors were present, positive and negative predictive values of rapid virological response were 65% and 91%, respectively. In summary, a SNP rs760370A→G at the ENT1 gene influences the chance of rapid virological response to pegIFN-ribavirin therapy in HIV-infected patients with chronic HCV infection due to HCV genotypes 1 or 4, most likely modulating intracellular ribavirin exposure within hepatocytes.

Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism near the interleukin-28B gene with response to hepatitis C therapy in HIV/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients

BACKGROUND

Given that peginterferon-ribavirin treatment is poorly tolerated, there is interest in the identification of predictors of response, particularly in HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients that respond less than HCV-monoinfected individuals. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) near the IL28B gene (rs12979860) has been shown to predict treatment response in HCV-monoinfected patients carrying genotype 1. Information is lacking for HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals and/or other HCV genotypes.

METHODS

From 650 HIV/HCV-coinfected patients, we identified those who had completed a course of peginterferon-ribavirin therapy with a validated outcome and available repository DNA. The rs12979860 SNP was examined in a blinded fashion.

RESULTS

A total of 164 patients were included in the final IL28B genotyping analysis, 90 (55%) of whom achieved sustained virological response (SVR). HCV genotype distribution was as follows: HCV-1 58%, HCV-3 31% and HCV-4 11%. Overall, the SVR rate was higher in patients with CC than in those CT/TT genotypes: 56 of 75 (75%) versus 34 of 89 (38%) (P < 0.0001). The effect of the SNP was seen in HCV genotypes 1 and 4 but not in HCV genotype 3 carriers. In the multivariable analysis (odds ratio; 95% confidence interval; P value), the rs12979860 CC genotype was a strong predictor of SVR (3.7; 1.6-8.5; 0.002), independent of HCV genotype 3 (8.0; 3.1-21.0; <0.001), serum HCV-RNA less than 600,000 IU/ml (11.9; 3.8-37.4; <0.001) and lack of advanced liver fibrosis (3.5; 1.4-8.9; 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The rs12979860 SNP located near the IL28B gene is associated with HCV treatment response in HIV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis C due to genotypes 1 or 4. Thus, IL28B genotyping should be considered as part of the treatment decision algorithm in this difficult-to-treat population.