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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
Published on: June 26, 2014
Impact of hepatitis C virus on IFITM3 gene expression: A comprehensive analysis incorporating serological detection
Tabarak S Jassim1, Sura S Talib2, Nawar R Jaber2
1Department of Plant Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, Al-Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to increased expression of the IFITM3 gene. Higher IFITM3 gene expression correlates with higher HCV viral loads, suggesting its potential as a biomarker.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes chronic liver disease and complicates pathogenesis by influencing the host immune system.
- The Interferon-induced transmembrane protein 3 (IFITM3) gene is a potential therapeutic target for HCV, as it inhibits viral entry into host cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral loads and IFITM3 gene expression levels in patients.
Main Methods:
- Analyzed 100 patient samples diagnosed with HCV.
- Quantified viral RNA load using one-step real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR).
- Assessed IFITM3 gene expression using qPCR after converting extracted human RNA to cDNA.
Main Results:
- HCV-positive individuals exhibited significantly higher IFITM3 gene expression (4.21 ±1.17 fold) compared to HCV-negative individuals (1.36 ±0.157 fold) (p=0.016).
- A moderate positive correlation (r=0.343, p=0.016) was found between IFITM3 gene expression levels and HCV viral loads.
- Blood group O showed a higher frequency of HCV positivity (18.4%) compared to controls (2.0%).
Conclusions:
- The study highlights a significant correlation between IFITM3 gene expression and HCV viral load.
- Further longitudinal studies are recommended to confirm causality and explore therapeutic interventions.
- IFITM3 gene expression may serve as a valuable biomarker for HCV infection and disease progression, warranting additional research.
Background:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes long-term liver disease. Its capacity to influence the host immune system makes its pathogenesis more complicated. Targeting the IFITM3 gene presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HCV infections, as it blocks the virus from entering host cells.
Objectives:
This study examines how HCV viral loads affect IFITM3 gene expression.
Material And Methods:
This study included 100 patient samples diagnosed with HCV through serological methods and confirmed as positive. Then, viral and human RNA were extracted using commercial kits. The viral RNA was then quantified using one-step real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enabling an accurate assessment of viral load in the blood. Following this, human RNA was converted to cDNA and quantified using qPCR to investigate IFITM3 gene expression.
Results:
The distribution of blood groups among HCV-positive and HCV-negative samples showed that samples with the Oblood group had a significantly higher frequency of HCV positivity (18.4%) compared to the HCV-negative group (2.0%). Age analysis indicated a significant difference between HCV-positive and HCV-negative individuals with mean age of 37.8 ±1.48 years and 44.1 ±1.56 years, respectively. The expression levels of the IFITM3 gene were significantly higher in the HCV-positive group (4.21 ±1.17 fold) compared to the HCV-negative group (1.36 ±0.157 fold), with a p-value of 0.016. A correlation analysis between IFITM3 gene expression levels and HCV viral loads showed r-value of 0.343, indicating a moderate positive correlation, with p-value of 0.016.
Conclusions:
Strong correlations observed in this study show the need for a comprehensive understanding and management approach to HCV disease. These relationships should be studied longitudinally to verify causality and assess potential interventions. IFITM3 gene expression as a biomarker for HCV infection and disease progression warrants further investigation.
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