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Circulating microRNA-155 is associated with insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C patients

Nourhan M El Samaloty1, Zeinab A Hassan2, Zeinab M Hefny3

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University, Egypt.

Arab Journal of Gastroenterology : the Official Publication of the Pan-Arab Association of Gastroenterology
|March 11, 2019
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D). This study found higher miR-155 levels in HCV patients, which decreased with diabetes and correlated with IR markers.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a global health challenge.
  • Insulin resistance (IR) and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are significant metabolic complications associated with chronic HCV.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of biological processes, including metabolic functions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate serum levels of miR-155 and miR-34a in chronic HCV patients.
  • To compare miRNA levels in HCV patients with and without type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure miR-155 and miR-34a expression.
  • The study included 80 participants: HCV patients, HCV/T2D patients, T2D patients, and healthy controls.

Main Results:

  • Both miR-155 and miR-34a were significantly elevated in chronic HCV patients compared to controls.
  • Circulating miR-155 levels were significantly lower in HCV patients with T2D compared to those without.
  • miR-155 levels showed an inverse correlation with HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose, and HbA1c.

Conclusions:

  • miR-155 is strongly associated with insulin resistance and T2D in the context of HCV infection.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for miR-155 in the pathogenesis of HCV-induced IR.
  • Further large-scale studies are warranted to validate these results.
Keywords:
Hepatitis CInsulin resistanceMicroRNA

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