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Specific circulating microRNAs during hepatitis E infection can serve as indicator for chronic hepatitis E
Dominik Harms1, Mira Choi2, Kristina Allers3
1Division of Viral Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany.
Scientific Reports
|March 27, 2020
Summary
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can become chronic, especially in immunocompromised individuals. This study identifies specific microRNAs (miRNAs) in the blood that may help diagnose chronic HEV infection.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 are increasingly prevalent in industrialized nations.
- While often self-limiting, HEV can lead to chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised individuals, with poorly understood molecular mechanisms.
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are key regulators of viral pathogenesis and potential biomarkers for disease diagnosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression patterns of serum miRNAs in patients with acute (AHE) and chronic (CHE) hepatitis E.
- To identify specific miRNAs that could serve as diagnostic markers for chronic HEV infection.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from AHE, CHE patients, and HEV-negative controls were analyzed.
- Real-time PCR was used to quantify the expression levels of liver-specific serum miRNAs.
- Correlation analysis was performed between miRNA expression and clinical parameters like liver transaminases.
Main Results:
- Upregulation of miR-99a-5p, miR-122-5p, and miR-125b-5p was observed in both AHE and CHE patients compared to controls.
- miR-192-5p was increased, and miR-125b-5p was decreased specifically in CHE patients.
- Decreased miR-122-5p expression correlated with reduced liver transaminases in CHE patients.
Conclusions:
- This study is the first to examine circulating liver-specific miRNAs in acute and chronic HEV infections.
- miR-125b-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-99a-5p show potential as diagnostic biomarkers for chronic hepatitis E.
- Understanding miRNA modulation offers insights into HEV pathogenesis and chronic infection mechanisms.
