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Redox alteration in patients infected by different HCV genotypes
Dolores Limongi1, Sara Baldelli1, Flavia Santi2
1IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, Rome, Italy.
Le Infezioni in Medicina
|September 25, 2018
Summary
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection significantly reduces total antioxidant capacity and increases oxidative stress. This imbalance, particularly in genotype 2 infections, may influence disease progression, suggesting antioxidant therapy as a potential management strategy.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Biochemistry
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to liver cancer and DNA damage.
- The general redox state in patients with different HCV genotypes is not well-understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the redox state, including total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and hydrogen peroxide levels, in chronic HCV patients.
- To correlate these oxidative stress markers with HCV genotype, viral load, transaminases, and fibrosis.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 252 HCV patients and 25 healthy donors were analyzed.
- Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was measured using a Colorimetric Assay.
- Hydrogen peroxide levels were quantified using a Hydrogen Peroxide Colorimetric Assay Kit.
Main Results:
- HCV patients exhibited significantly lower serum TAC (5.62 mM) compared to controls (7.25 mM).
- TAC reduction was more pronounced in genotype 2 infections.
- Elevated hydrogen peroxide levels and a higher oxidative stress index were observed in HCV patients (p=0.003).
Conclusions:
- Chronic HCV infection causes a significant redox imbalance, characterized by reduced TAC and increased oxidative stress.
- While not correlated with fibrosis or viral load, this oxidative burden may promote disease progression.
- Antioxidant therapy could be a valuable adjunct in managing chronic HCV infection.
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