Interleukin 28B polymorphisms as predictors of sustained virological response in chronic hepatitis C: systematic review and meta-analysis

Polymorphism of interleukin 28B gene represents a powerful outcome predictor for interferon-based regimens in hepatitis C virus infection. However, some studies report conflicting results. The predictive value of interleukin 28B genotype over the outcome interferon-alpha/ribavirin treatment was thoroughly evaluated and compared with virological predictors of response. Literature revision was performed on PubMed. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated by fixed-or random-effects models. Heterogeneity and publication bias were also assessed. Sixty-two eligible papers including 20 290 patients were retrieved. Both polymorphisms (rs12979860 and rs8099917) were strongly associated with response (OR = 4.09 and 4.00, respectively), however, the association was weaker for subjects infected with viral genotypes 2 and 3 (OR = 1.52 and 1.49, respectively). Compared with interleukin 28B genotype, the association with response was lower for baseline viremia (OR = 2.15) and higher for rapid virological response (OR = 13.86). These results provide a critical evaluation of interleukin 28B genotype as a pharmacogenetic predictor in hepatitis C patients.