Circulating microparticles in patients with chronic hepatitis C and changes during direct-acting antiviral therapy
Petr Husa1,2, Svatava Snopkova1,2, Jirina Zavrelova3
1Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Brno, Jihlavska 20, 62500 Brno, Czech Republic.
Background:
Microparticles (MPs) are heterogeneous vesicles derived from membranes of different cells. Between 70 to 90% of MPs detected in blood originate from platelets. The release of MPs is associated with proinflammatory and procoagulant states. Elevated levels of MPs have been found in different diseases. We investigated MPs levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and changes in level during treatment using direct-acting antivirotics (DAA).
Patients And Methods:
Thirty-six patients with CHC and forty healthy volunteers were included in the study. Concentrations of MPs were determined indirectly by measuring their procoagulant activity in plasma at baseline, end of therapy (EOT), and 12 weeks after EOT when the sustained virological response was assessed (SVR12).
Results:
All patients achieved SVR12, which was associated with rapid improvement of markers of liver damage and function as well as liver stiffness (P=0.002). MPs levels were significantly higher in CHC patients than in healthy volunteers (P<0.001). No statistically significant decrease was found observed between baseline and SVR12 (P=0,330). Analysis of subpopulations with minimal fibrosis F0-1 (P=0.647), advanced fibrosis F2-4 (P=0.370), women(P=0.847), men (P=0.164) and genotype 1 (P=0.077) showed no significant changes during the follow-up period.
Conclusions:
MPs levels are higher in CHC patients and remain elevated shortly after achieving SVR. Higher concentrations of MPs in plasma are probably caused by a chronic uncontrolled exaggerated inflammatory response caused by CHC. Longer observation would probably confirm the significance of MPs levels decrease because normalization of liver function, inflammation, and structure after SVR requires more than 12 weeks.
Insights
Microparticle (MP) levels are higher in chronic hepatitis C patients and remain elevated even after successful treatment with direct-acting antivirals (DAA). Further observation is needed to confirm MP level normalization post-treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Vascular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Microparticles (MPs) are cell-derived vesicles linked to inflammation and coagulation.
- Elevated MP levels are observed in various diseases.
- Platelets are the primary source of circulating MPs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MP levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).
- To assess changes in MP levels during and after direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy.
Main Methods:
- Study included 36 CHC patients and 40 healthy volunteers.
- MP concentrations were measured indirectly via procoagulant activity.
- Measurements were taken at baseline, end of therapy (EOT), and 12 weeks post-EOT (SVR12).
Main Results:
- All CHC patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR12) with improved liver function and reduced stiffness.
- CHC patients exhibited significantly higher MP levels compared to healthy controls (P<0.001).
- No significant decrease in MP levels was observed between baseline and SVR12 (P=0.330).
Conclusions:
- MP levels are elevated in CHC patients and persist post-SVR.
- Elevated MPs may reflect a chronic inflammatory response in CHC.
- Longer follow-up is required to confirm MP level normalization after CHC treatment.
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