• Molecules and Cells
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• 제45권3호
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• pp.148-157
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• 2022

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic liver disease and is highly dependent on cellular proteins for viral propagation. Using protein microarray analysis, we identified 90 cellular proteins as HCV nonstructural 5A (NS5A) interacting partners, and selected telomere length regulation protein (TEN1) for further study. TEN1 forms a heterotrimeric complex with CTC and STN1, which is essential for telomere protection and maintenance. Telomere length decreases in patients with active HCV, chronic liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the molecular mechanism of telomere length shortening in HCV-associated disease is largely unknown. In the present study, protein interactions between NS5A and TEN1 were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays. Silencing of TEN1 reduced both viral RNA and protein expression levels of HCV, while ectopic expression of the siRNA-resistant TEN1 recovered the viral protein level, suggesting that TEN1 was specifically required for HCV propagation. Importantly, we found that TEN1 is re-localized from the nucleus to the cytoplasm in HCV-infected cells. These data suggest that HCV exploits TEN1 to promote viral propagation and that telomere protection is compromised in HCV-infected cells. Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insight into the telomere shortening in HCV-infected cells.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• 제21권2호
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• pp.97-106
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• 2013

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV core protein plays not only a structural role in the virion morphogenesis by encapsidating a virus RNA genome but also a non-structural role in HCV-induced pathogenesis by blocking innate immunity. Especially, it has been shown to regulate JAK-STAT signaling pathway through its direct interaction with Janus kinase (JAK) via its proline-rich JAK-binding motif ($^{79}{\underline{P}}GY{\underline{P}}WP^{84}$). However, little is known about the physiological significance of this HCV core-JAK association in the context of the virus life cycle. In order to gain an insight, a mutant HCV genome (J6/JFH1-79A82A) was constructed to express the mutant core with a defective JAK-binding motif ($^{79}{\underline{A}}GY{\underline{A}}WP^{84}$) using an HCV genotype 2a infectious clone (J6/JFH1). When this mutant HCV genome was introduced into hepatocarcinoma cells, it was found to be severely impaired in its ability to produce infectious viruses in spite of its robust RNA genome replication. Taken together, all these results suggest an essential requirement of HCV core-JAK protein interaction for efficient production of infectious viruses and the potential of using core-JAK blockers as a new anti-HCV therapy.

• BMB Reports
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• 제37권6호
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• pp.735-740
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• 2004

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a causal agent of the chronic liver infection. To understand HCV morphogenesis, we studied the assembly of HCV structural proteins in insect cells. We constructed recombinant baculovirus expression vectors consisting of either HCV core alone, core-E1, or core-E1-E2. These structural proteins were expressed in insect cells and were examined to assemble into particles. Neither core-E1 nor core-E1-E2 was capable of assembling into virus-like particles (VLPs). It was surprising that the core protein alone was assembled into core-like particles. These particles were released into the culture medium as early as 2 days after infection. In our system, HCV structural proteins including envelope proteins did not assemble into VLPs. Instead, the core protein itself has the intrinsic capacity to assemble into amorphous core-like particles. Furthermore, released core particles were associated with HCV RNA, indicating that core proteins were assembled into nucleocapsids. These results suggest that HCV may utilize a unique core release mechanism to evade the hosts defense mechanism, thus contributing to the persistence of HCV infection.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• 제63권2호
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• pp.52-55
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• 2020

Background: Immunomodulatory properties of interferon (IFN) have been documented. It may induce autoimmune diseases such as autoimmune thyroiditis with hypo- or hyperthyroidism. In addition, it may impair thyroid hormone synthesis through affecting iodide organification in thyroid gland. Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe thyroid function tests disturbances in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) receiving pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG IFN-α) plus ribavirin. Methods: Fifty children with CHC virus infection who received combined pegylated interferon-alpha with ribavirin were selected. Other 50 apparently healthy children of matched age and sex (considered as control group) were selected. All children (100) were subject to liver function tests, virological studies, and follow-up of thyroid function test during and after the treatment course. Results: Our study showed that 28% of children received combined PEG IFN-α plus ribavirin showed subclinical hypothyroidism. After 24 weeks treatment with combined therapy of IFN plus ribavirin, the mean level of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) was 3.23±88 mU/mL, while TSH was 1.16±0.77 mU/mL before starting treatment. On the other hand, mean TSH was 1.09±0.92 mU/mL in normal control group. Conclusion: This study revealed an association between subclinical thyroid dysfunction and treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavirin in children. Further studies on larger number of patients and longer follow-up duration are recommended for further confirmation.

• 대한한의학방제학회지
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• 제27권1호
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• pp.87-100
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• 2019

Objective : This study's purpose was to review the clinical studies of Mahwang-tang (MHT). Method : We searched ten clinical studies of MHT using KISS, RISS, NAVER, PUBMED, Science Direct. Ten papers were sorted by 4 topics, as influenza, pediatric febrile symptoms, contact dermatitis, and adjuvant for chronic hepatitis C. At last we analyzed if these papers are consistent with the keywords of Shanghanlun provisions about MHT. Results : When summarizing these papers again by topic, there were 4 studies on influenza, 1 study on pediatric febrile symptoms, 1 study on contact dermatitis and 4 studies as an adjuvant for chronic hepatitis C. Conclusion : These studies were consistent with terms such as fever, headache, aversion to wind, body pain, pain in the lumbar, articular pain written in Shanghanlun provisions. In addition to this, research on anti-depressive effects of MHT is proceeding systematically. However, studies on nosebleeds and pulses are still underdeveloped and further studies are needed.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권16호
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• pp.7211-7217
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• 2015

Background: The aims of this study were to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic roles of serum osteopontin (OPN) and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the OPN promoter in patients with hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Materials and Methods: Four groups were studied, which included 157 patients with HCC, 73 with liver cirrhosis (LC) and 97 with chronic hepatitis (CH), along with 80 healthy subjects. Serum OPN and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were measured. The SNPs -66 T/G, -156 G/${\Delta}G$ and -433 C/T within the OPN promoter were determined by direct sequencing. Results: Serum OPN levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC than in the other groups. Area under receiver operating characteristics curves in distinguishing HCC from chronic liver disease (CLD; CH and LC) were 0.782 (95% CI; 0.729-0.834) for OPN and 0.888 (95% CI; 0.850-0.927) for AFP. Using the optimal cut-off value (70 ng/mL), OPN had sensitivity and specificity of 72% and 71%, respectively. Serum OPN was superior to AFP in detecting early-stage HCC (68% vs. 46%). A combination of both markers yielded an improved sensitivity for detecting early HCC to 82%. A high OPN level was significantly correlated with advanced BCLC stage and was an independent prognostic factor for HCC. The SNPs -156 and -443 were associated with susceptibility to HCC, but were not related to overall survival. Conclusions: Serum OPN is a useful diagnostic and prognostic marker for HCC. The combined use of serum OPN and AFP improved the diagnosis of early HCC. Genetic variation in the OPN promoter is associated with the risk, but not the prognosis of HCC.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제16권1호
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• pp.381-385
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• 2015

Background:Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most common malignancy in Egypt. Data mining is a method of predictive analysis which can explore tremendous volumes of information to discover hidden patterns and relationships. Our aim here was to develop a non-invasive algorithm for prediction of HCC. Such an algorithm should be economical, reliable, easy to apply and acceptable by domain experts. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 315 patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) related chronic liver disease (CLD); 135 HCC, 116 cirrhotic patients without HCC and 64 patients with chronic hepatitis C. Using data mining analysis, we constructed a decision tree learning algorithm to predict HCC. Results: The decision tree algorithm was able to predict HCC with recall (sensitivity) of 83.5% and precession (specificity) of 83.3% using only routine data. The correctly classified instances were 259 (82.2%), and the incorrectly classified instances were 56 (17.8%). Out of 29 attributes, serum alpha fetoprotein (AFP), with an optimal cutoff value of ${\geq}50.3ng/ml$ was selected as the best predictor of HCC. To a lesser extent, male sex, presence of cirrhosis, AST>64U/L, and ascites were variables associated with HCC. Conclusion: Data mining analysis allows discovery of hidden patterns and enables the development of models to predict HCC, utilizing routine data as an alternative to CT and liver biopsy. This study has highlighted a new cutoff for AFP (${\geq}50.3ng/ml$). Presence of a score of >2 risk variables (out of 5) can successfully predict HCC with a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 82%.

• Journal of Genetic Medicine
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• 제15권2호
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• pp.92-96
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• 2018

Chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) is characterized by increased susceptibility to chronic and recurrent infections of the skin, mucous membranes, and nails by Candida species. It is a primary immunodeficiency disorder that is difficult to diagnose because of its heterogeneous clinical manifestations and genetic background. A 20-month-old boy who did not grow in height for 3 months was diagnosed as having hypothyroidism and he had hepatitis which was found at 5 years old. He presented with persistent oral thrush and vesicles on the body, the cause of which could not be identified from laboratory findings. No microorganism was detected in the throat culture; however, the oral thrush persisted. Immunological tests showed that immunoglobulin (Ig) subclass IgG and cluster of differentiation (CD)3, CD4, and CD8 levels were within normal limits. We prescribed oral levothyroxine and fluconazole mouth rinse. The patient was examined using diagnostic exome sequencing at the age of 6 years, and a c.1162A>G (p.K388E) STAT1 gene mutation was identified. A diagnosis of CMC based on the STAT1 gene mutation was, thus, made. At the age of 8 years, the boy developed a malar-like rash on his face. We conducted tests for detection of antinuclear antibodies and anti-dsDNA antibodies, which showed positive results; therefore, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was also suspected. Whole exome sequencing is important to diagnose rare diseases in children. A STAT1 gene mutation should be suspected in patients with chronic fungal infections with a thyroid disease and/or SLE.

• IMMUNE NETWORK
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• 제5권1호
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• pp.1-10
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• 2005

Background: Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects about 350 million people worldwide, which have a high risk of development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment of chronic HBV infection relies on IFN-${\alpha}$ or lamivudine. However, interferon-${\alpha}$ is effective in only about 30% of patients. Also, the occurrence of escape mutations limits the usage of lamivudine. Therefore, the development and evaluation of new compounds or approaches are urgent. Methods: We comparatively evaluated DNA and adenoviral vaccines expressing HBV antigens, either alone or in combined regimens, for their ability to elicit Th1-type immune responses in Balb / c mice which are believed to be suited to resolve HBV infection. The vaccines were tested with or without a genetically engineered IL-12 (mIL-12 N220L) which was shown to enhance sustained Th1-type immune responses in HCV E2 DNA vaccine. Results: Considering the Th1-type cytokine secretion and the IgG2a titers, the strongest Th1-type immune response was elicited by the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen in the presence of mIL-12 N220L. In addition, the codelivery of mIL-12 N220L modulated differentially the immune responses by different vaccination regimens. Conclusion: Our results suggest that the DNA prime-adenovirus boost regimen in the presence of mIL-12 N220L may be the best candidate for HBV vaccine therapy of the regimens tested in this study and will be worthwhile being evaluated in chronic HBV patients.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.41-48
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• 2005

목 적: 소아에서 발생하는 급성 간염 중 많은 빈도를 차지하는 비-A, B, C 바이러스성 간염의 원인과 간염의 임상적 특징 및 경과에 대한 임상 양상에 대해 알아보고자 하였다. 방 법: 2001년 1월부터 2004년 6월까지 부산대학교병원 소아과에서 급성 간염으로 진단된 환자 중 독성, 대사성, 자가 면역성 간염과 신생아 간염은 제외하고 A형, B형, C형의 간염 바이러스 표지자 검사에서 음성 판정을 받은 총 45명의 환아를 대상으로 하여 후향적으로 원인 및 임상적 특징을 분석하였다. 결과: 1) 45명 중 원인 불명의 바이러스성 간염이 26명(57.8%)이었고, CMV 간염이 14명(31.1%), EBV와 HSV 간염이 각각 2명(4.4%), RV 간염이 1명(2.2%)이었다. 2) 남녀비는 1.8 : 1 이었고, 1세 이하가 27명(60.0%)이었다. 3) 여름에 환자 발생이 18명(40.4%)으로 가장 많았고, 동반 증상으로는 발열 13명(28.9%), 오심 또는 구토 12명(26.7%), 황달 10명(22.2%), 설사 8명(17.8%)의 순으로 많았다. 4) 신체 검사에서 간종대가 15명(33.3%), 공막 및 피부 황달 10명(22.2%), 비종대 9명(20.0%)이었다. 5) 임상 경과는 전형적인 급성 간염이 43명(95.6%), 전격성 간염이 2명(4.4%)이었으며, 한 명은 간부전으로 사망했다. 6) 혈청 ALT의 최고치는 $488.7{\pm}771.9IU/L$였고, 원인 불명의 간염이 $606.2{\pm}962.2IU/L$로 비교적 높았다. 7) 혈청 ALT는 2년 동안 경과 추적이 가능했던 38명 중 31명(81.6%)이 6개월 이내에, 4명(10.5%)이 1년 이내에 정상화되었다. 3명(7.9%)이 1년 이상 증가되었지만, 1년 6개월 이내에 모두 정상화되었다. 8) 혈액학적 이상으로 백혈구 증가증이 17명(47.2%)이었고, 재생 불량성 빈혈, 비정형적 림프구증가증, 혈소판 감소증이 각각 1명(2.8%) 있었다. 결 론: 비-A, B, C형 바이러스성 간염은 대부분 예후가 양호하나, 임상적으로 만성 간염의 경과를 보인 경우도 있고 전격성 간염으로 진행한 경우가 있으므로 면밀한 관찰이 필요하다.