The comparison of electrophoretic protein patterns and concentrations of the G, A and M immunoglobulins before initiation of oral IFN-alpha therapy of viral hepatitis and after 2 weeks of treatment allow to predict patient's response. Patient who after 2 weeks of treatment with ultra-low orally administered IFN-alpha responds with decrease of alpha-2 and beta globulin fractions, IgG levels and IgG:IgA ratio, together with increase of IgA and IgM concentrations has a good chance for rapid elimination of HBe antigen and seroconversion. On the other hand, a patient who responds to such therapy with decrease of serum albumin concentration, increase of alpha-1 and gamma globulin fractions in electrophoresis and decrease of IgG, IgA and IgM will most probably seroconvert rather late. Furthermore, a patient who responds with increase of IgG as well as IgG:IgA ratio and decrease of IgM and IgA:IgM ratio may be refractive to IFN-alpha therapy. Presented markers appear an important help for planning the therapeutic strategy for the chronically infected, HBsAg and HBeAg positive patients.
Administration, Oral Blood Proteins