Serum retinol-binding protein 4 as a predictor of fibrosis regression and response to direct-acting antiviral drugs in chronic hepatitis C virus patients

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus is the underlying cause of chronic hepatitis which frequently progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In addition, HCV thought steatosis, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular events. The aim this study evaluate role serum RBP-4 in prediction fibrosis regression response treatment among patients receiving direct-acting antiviral agents. Methods This included 40 Egyptian patients, divided into two groups: Naive cases, 20 before starting first line treatment; Relapser who were non-responders second 10 healthy subjects as control. Laboratory investigations including complete blood count, full hepatic profile, fibroscan assessment, retinol-binding protein-4 level at baseline re-assessed 12 weeks after end [sustained virological SVR12]. Student T test, analysis variance, chi-square, Tukey’s Pearson correlation coefficient tests used for statistical analysis. Results Baseline was significantly higher naïve case group than relapser control groups with a P value < 0.001. All had 100% SVR12, only 90% achieved SVR12. A significant reduction staging measurements by all studied noted direct acting antivirals ( 0.001). Retinol-binding levels lower F4 comparison those F1–F3 0.002, 0.009, respectively). best cutoff liver (F4) ≤ 46 pg/ml sensitivity specificity 66.67%. Conclusion Serum found be infection successful eradication. Its much cirrhotic [F4]. As result, may have promising assessing response, well prognostic predicting cirrhosis.