Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
10:23
Lipid Droplet Isolation for Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Analysis
Published on: April 17, 2017
Telomere aggregates in hepatitis C patients
A Amiel1, M D Fejgin, L Goldberg-Bittman
1Genetics Institute, Meir Hospital, Kfar Saba, Israel. amielaliza@clalit.org.il
Cancer Investigation
|May 20, 2009
Summary
Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) patients show increased telomere aggregates (TA) in leukocytes, suggesting a higher risk for malignancy. This finding was observed even in patients who eradicated the virus.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hepatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Telomere aggregates (TA) are observed in tumor cell nuclei.
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Understanding early molecular changes in HCV is crucial for cancer prevention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify telomere aggregate (TA) formation in leukocytes of patients with chronic hepatitis C (HCV).
- To compare TA formation in HCV patients who eradicated the virus versus those with active infection and healthy controls.
- To assess if TA formation in leukocytes is an early indicator of malignant potential in HCV patients.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of telomere aggregate (TA) formation using the PNA Telomere kit (Dako).
- Utilized 2D fluorescence microscopy for quantitative analysis of TA.
- Included groups of HCV patients (active and eradicated) and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- A significantly higher rate of telomere aggregates (TA) was observed in leukocytes of both HCV patient groups compared to controls.
- Leukocyte TA formation was elevated in patients with chronic hepatitis C, irrespective of viral eradication status.
- These findings suggest a persistent molecular alteration associated with HCV infection.
Conclusions:
- Chronic hepatitis C infection is associated with increased telomere aggregate (TA) formation in leukocytes.
- Elevated TA in leukocytes may represent an early event in the cascade towards malignancy in HCV patients.
- Further research is warranted to explore the role of TA as a biomarker for malignant transformation in HCV.
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...
02:41Telomeres and Telomerase
In eukaryotic DNA replication, a single-stranded DNA fragment remains at the end of a chromosome after the removal of the final primer. This section of DNA cannot be replicated in the same manner as the rest of the strand because there is no 3’ end to which the newly synthesized DNA can attach. This non-replicated fragment results in gradual loss of the chromosomal DNA during each cell duplication. Additionally, it can induce a DNA damage response by enzymes that recognize single-stranded DNA.
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...