Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
13:04
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Pathological evolution of hepatitis C virus-"Healthy carriers"
Rodolphe Sobesky1, Pascal Lebray, Bertrand Nalpas
1INSERM U785, Centre Hepato-Biliaire, Hopital Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France. rodolphe.sobesky@pbr.aphp.fr
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 9, 2008
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with normal initial liver biopsies showed no fibrosis progression in 66% of cases. Fibrosis progression was linked to elevated alanine-transaminase (ALT) and body mass index (BMI) over 25.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pathology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to liver fibrosis.
- Predicting fibrosis progression in patients with minimal initial liver damage is crucial for management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify factors associated with liver fibrosis progression in HCV-infected patients who initially had no significant pathological lesions.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-six untreated HCV patients with normal liver biopsies (Knodell score ≤3) and detectable HCV-RNA underwent two liver biopsies.
- Markers of fibrosis progression were assessed, including necro-inflammation and fibrosis scores, alanine-transaminase (ALT) levels, and body mass index (BMI).
Main Results:
- 66% of patients showed no fibrosis progression over a median follow-up of 4 years.
- Fibrosis progression was significantly associated with elevated ALT levels (P < 0.05), BMI > 25 (P = 0.03), and the time interval between biopsies (P = 0.01).
- A strong correlation was observed between the progression of necro-inflammation and fibrosis (P = 0.003).
Conclusions:
- Liver fibrosis progression is not universal in HCV patients with initially normal liver histology.
- Elevated ALT and a BMI > 25 are significant predictors of fibrosis progression in this cohort.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Hepatitis
Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
01:28Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction
Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
01:24Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Cirrhosis is a progressive chronic liver injury caused by prolonged inflammation, excessive fibrotic remodeling, and impaired regeneration. Over time, repeated hepatic insults disrupt the liver’s architecture and function, leading to reduced blood flow, impaired bile drainage, and diminished metabolic capacity.Pathophysiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis arises from three main responses to chronic liver damage: inflammation, immune activation, and hepatocyte death. These processes lead to structural...
01:23Cystic Fibrosis: Pathogenesis
Cystic fibrosis (CF), an autosomal recessive disorder, significantly affects the function of exocrine glands. This genetically inherited disease is characterized by the production of thick and sticky mucus, which can severely affect various organs and systems in the body.
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
CF is primarily caused by a genetic mutation in a chromosome 7 gene coding for the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein. The most common gene mutation leading to CF is the ΔF508 mutation, but...
01:27Cytomegalovirus Disease
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
01:21Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...