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Changes in miR-122 and Cholesterol Expression in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients after PegIFN-Alpha/Ribavirin Treatment

Malgorzata Sidorkiewicz1, Martyna Grek-Kowalinska1, Anna Piekarska2

  • 1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 90-419 Lodz, Poland.

Pathogens (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 8, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) decreased miR-122 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). This decrease in miR-122 correlates with elevated cholesterol levels post-treatment, suggesting a role in treatment efficacy.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Hepatology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic hepatitis and disrupts host cholesterol metabolism.
  • MicroRNAs (miRNAs), specifically miR-122, play a crucial role in regulating viral infections, including HCV replication.
  • miR-122 positively influences HCV replication in vitro.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of peginterferon alpha (pegIFN-α) and ribavirin treatment on miR-122 expression.
  • To assess changes in cholesterol levels within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients undergoing treatment.
  • To explore the relationship between miR-122 expression, cholesterol levels, and antiviral treatment response in CHC.

Main Methods:

  • Quantification of miR-122 expression levels in PBMCs before and after antiviral therapy.
  • Measurement of cholesterol levels in PBMCs from CHC patients at pretreatment and six months post-treatment.
  • Comparative analysis of miR-122 and cholesterol levels in relation to pegIFN-α/ribavirin treatment.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in miR-122 expression was observed in PBMCs following antiviral treatment compared to pretreatment levels.
  • Cholesterol levels in PBMCs were found to be elevated six months after treatment completion in CHC patients.
  • The study observed a correlation between reduced miR-122 expression and increased cholesterol levels post-treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The reduction in miR-122 expression in PBMCs is associated with the antiviral effects of pegIFN-α/ribavirin treatment in CHC patients.
  • Changes in miR-122 levels and cholesterol metabolism are linked to the therapeutic response in chronic hepatitis C.
  • These findings contribute to understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying HCV treatment and host-pathogen interactions.

Keywords:
HCVPBMCscholesterolmiR-122pegIFN-alpharibavirin

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