[Effect of interferon alpha on liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B].

Objective: To observe the histological changes in the fibrotic and inflammatory tissues in response to interferon alpha treatment in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B.

Methods: Sixteen patients with chronic viral hepatitis B in S3-S4 stages established by pathological examination were treated with interferon alpha for 6-9 months, and the degree of liver fibrosis and inflammation were examined 3 times during the treatment. The expression of Fas, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1) and HBcAg in the liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry, and DNA fragmentation was examined by TUNEL assay. The levels of the serum markers for liver fibrosis and liver function were also measured.

Results: Patients with liver fibrosis in S3-S4 stages had high pathological expression of Fas and TGFbeta1 with severe DNA damage in the liver tissues. After 3 months of interferon therapy, the expression of Fas and TGFbeta1 were lowered (P<0.05), and further treatment till 3-9 months resulted in gradual decrease in the degree of hepatic fibrosis and cell apoptosis (P<0.05), with improved serum liver fibrosis indices and liver function.

Conclusion: Interferon alpha may alleviate liver fibrosis and suppress cell apoptosis in patients in S3-S4 stages after a 6- to 9-month continuous treatment.