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The Cell-based L-Glutathione Protection Assays to Study Endocytosis and Recycling of Plasma Membrane Proteins
09:22

The Cell-based L-Glutathione Protection Assays to Study Endocytosis and Recycling of Plasma Membrane Proteins

Published on: December 13, 2013

Plasma glutathione concentration in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

H L Lim1, B M Myers, B A Hamilton

  • 1Section of Hepatobiliary Diseases, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA.

Journal of Viral Hepatitis
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Plasma glutathione (GSH) levels are not decreased in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This study found higher GSH levels in HCV patients compared to healthy controls, challenging previous theories.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Glutathione (GSH) depletion has been hypothesized to contribute to viral persistence and interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) resistance in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
  • Investigating GSH levels is crucial for understanding HCV pathogenesis and treatment response.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare plasma GSH levels between patients with chronic HCV infection and healthy controls.
  • To correlate plasma GSH and glutathione peroxidase (GP) levels with liver histology and serum HCV RNA levels.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 24 patients with chronic hepatitis C and 27 healthy controls.
  • Plasma GSH and GP levels measured spectrophotometrically.
  • Serum HCV RNA quantified using branched chain DNA signal-amplification assay.

Main Results:

  • Plasma GSH levels were significantly higher in HCV patients (1.62 +/- 0.11 µg/ml) than in controls (1.27 +/- 0.12 µg/ml).
  • No significant difference in plasma GP activity was observed between groups.
  • No correlation found between GSH or GP levels and ALT, AST, HCV RNA, or liver histology in HCV patients.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic HCV infection does not lead to decreased plasma GSH levels.
  • The proposed role of GSH depletion in HCV persistence and IFN-alpha resistance requires re-evaluation.

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