MicroRNAs Profiling in HIV, HCV, and HIV/HCV Co-Infected Patients

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections are important public health issues.

This study aimed to assess the association between microRNAs expression leveland immunological and viral markers in HIV, HCV, and HIV/HCV co-infected patients.

The expression level of miR-29, miR-149, miR-199, miR-let7, miR-223, miR-155, miR-122, and miR-150 was evaluated in 20 HIV, 20 HCV, 20 co-infected patients, and 20 healthy controls using real-time PCR assay. HIV and HCVviral loads were measuredby real-time PCR, and also, CD4+ T-lymphocyte count was measuredby the PIMA CD4 analyzer.

The miRNA expression pattern in each mentioned group showed significantly different expression profiles, but some miRNA species were shared between the groups. MiR-122 and miR-155 were upregulated, while miR-29 and miR-223 were downregulated in three patients groups compared to healthy controls. A significant positive correlation was observed between the expression of miR-122 and HIV/HCV loads. But, miR-29 and let-7 were negatively correlated with HIV load, and miR-149 and let-7 were negatively correlated with HCV load. Also, miR-155 was positively correlated with HCV load. MiR-122 and miR-199 were negative while others were positively correlated with CD4+ T cell count.

These miRNAs are probably involved in the clinical progression and pathogenesis of HIV and HCV infections. Therefore, determining and manipulating these miRNAs can lead to opening a new gate to control these important infections.