Dynamics of type IV collagen 7S fragment on eradication of HCV with direct antiviral agents: Prognostic and metabolomic impacts

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276925
• Publication Date: 2022-10-27T17:40:07Z
• Authors: Karin Yamataka; Po-sung Chu; Yuzo Koda; Nobuhito Taniki; Rei Morikawa; Aya Yoshida; Fumie Noguchi; Ryosuke Kasuga; Takaya Tabuchi; Hirotoshi Ebinuma; Takanori Kanai; Nobuhiro Nakamoto
• Keywords: Hepatitis C

Background Liver fibrosis is one of the cardinal clinical features chronic hepatitis C (CHC). However, mechanisms underlying evolution and reversion liver after virus (HCV) eradication their relationship with outcomes metabolic alterations are not fully elucidated. Whether any non-invasive marker can predict prognosis unknown. Methods Between October 2014 September 2019, 418 patients CHC or compensated cirrhosis HCV were prospectively recruited in this observational study. 326 that successfully eradicated interferon-free direct antiviral agents (IFN-free DAAs) analyzed. Peri-treatment dynamics serum levels type IV collagen 7S fragment (4COL7S), a marker, subsequent outcomes, including hepatic decompensation, newly emerged hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), all-cause mortality Results Ten (3.1%) died during observation period. 4COL7S-defined progression (n = 97, 29.8%) at SVR was significantly correlated worse post-SVR ( P 0.0062) but probability HCC 0.24). Prognostic tendency more prominent advanced < 0.0001). baseline platelet count less than 10×10 4 /μL predicted 0.0051). In exploratory analyses, decreased 4COL7S end treatment matrix-degrading phenotype showed higher metalloproteinase to tissue inhibitors metalloproteinase-1 ratios characteristic fingerprints such as increased butyrate, some medium-chain fatty acids, anabolic amino uremia toxins. Conclusions 4COL7S, prognosis. Non-invasive markers may be useful biomarkers for risk stratification post-SVR.