Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Chronic HCV infections are usually associated with increased oxidative stress in the liver tissue. The intensity of oxidative stress may be a detrimental factor in liver injury and may determine the severity of the disease. The aim of the present case-control study was to determine the level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein oxidative modification (AOPP), and catalase activity in sera of patients infected with HCV, in relation to different HCV genotypes and viral load. Considering the HCV patients with chronic hepatitis C (52) and control subject (50) recruitment, the study was designed as a case–control-type. The HCV RNA isolation, viral load, and HCV genotyping were performed according to the standard protocols. A significant difference compared to control healthy subjects was reported for TBAR (p < 0.001), AOPP (p = 0.001), and catalase activity (p = 0.007). In a gender-based comparison, a significantly higher level of AOPP for females was reported (p < 0.001). As stratified by HCV genotype, the most common was HCV-1 (HCV-1a and HCV 1b), with the overall participation of more than 60%, followed by genotype 3, while the least represented was genotype 2. No significant difference was documented among genotypes in regard to oxidative stress markers, although somewhat higher TBARS level, but not significant, was registered in patients infected with genotype 1b. A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the concentration of HCV genome copies and AOPP (r = 0.344; p = 0.012). A high level of HCV viral load was more likely to have a higher TBARS, but still without statistical significance (p = 0.072). In conclusion, the results obtained confirmed an imbalance between the ROS production and antioxidative defense system in HCV-infected patients. Since oxidative stress may have a profound influence on disease progression, fibrosis, and carcinogenesis, our results may meet the aspirations of mandatory introduction of antioxidants as early HCV therapy to counteract ROS consequences.
Highlights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide
The aim of the present case-control study was to determine the level of lipid peroxidation (TBARS), protein oxidative modification (AOPP), and catalase activity in serum of patients infected with HCV, in relation to different HCV genotypes and viral load
Our study documented that among all HCV genotypes detected, genotype 1 represents the most prevalent genotype with the distribution of over 60%, followed by genotype 3 (Table 1)
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, the estimated prevalence of 0.5%-3% is registered worldwide. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) belongs to the Flaviviridae family, genus Hepacivirus. HCV is a small (55-65 nm in diameter), enveloped, icosahedral particle. The genome of the virus is positive singlestranded RNA with approximately 9600 nucleotides in length. It is composed of two conserved untranslated terminal regions at the 5′ and 3′ ends and the open reading frame (ORF) in the middle. According to the level of nucleotide sequence homology, HCV isolates are divided into seven genotypes. The isolates, which belong to the same genotype, are further divided into
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
