Investigation of the role of different biological systems in the etiology of interferon-alpha induced depression

Over 250,000 Canadians are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), an infection that can lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer and death. The current treatment is pegylated interferon alpha plus ribavirin for 24-48 weeks. However, treatment is accompanied by serious neuropsychiatric side effects including depression, aggression and suicide in up to 60% of patients. These side effects result in a lowering of the dose or discontinuation of IFN, decreasing the likelihood of a cure. IFN-alpha results in a variety of different biological effects, several of which have been associated with depression. We propose to study aspects of these systems in order to see what can predict the development of depressed mood in the patients. In addition, as genetic factors play an important role in depression, we will also look at personal and family psychiatric history.