Negative Association of Plasma Levels of Vitamin D and mir-378 With Viral Load in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Abstract

Background:Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) is accompanied by inflammation of liver because of infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV). Previous studies revealed an inverse association between vitamin D and HBV DNA levels.Objectives:The current study aimed to investigate the levels of 25 (OH) D3 (the steady form of vitamin D), miR-378 and HBV DNA in the patients with CHB.Patients and Methods:One hundred and seventy three patients with HBeAg negative CHB were recruited for the study. Plasma levels of HBVDNA and 25 (OH) D3 were quantified. The expression level of miR-378 in plasma was measured by a relative quantitative Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR) assay.Results:In the pathway regression analysis, the plasma level of 25 (OH) D3 showed a significant inverse correlation with plasma levels of HBV DNA (-0.198, P = 0.008) and direct correlation with miR-378 (0.188, P = 0.013). Similarly plasma level of miR-378 had inverse association with HBV DNA level (-0.177, P = 0.020).Conclusions:These results suggest that vitamin D could involve in a miRNA- mediated regulatory pathway in control of HBV replication. Further studies are recommended to understand the effects of miR-378 and anti-infective action of vitamin D on Hepatitis B Virus.

Occult and Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Relation of Viral Load to Serum Level of 25 Hydroxy Vitamin D

“…This is similar to Farnik et al (2013) who showed that 25 (OH) D levels were significantly lower in patients with HBV DNA levels (>2000 IU/ml). Also, Mohamadkhani et al, (2015) showed a significant inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and HBV replication in patients with chronic infection. Thus, it could be suggested that adequate levels of vitamin D may be one of the factors limiting HBV replication and reducing viral load in patients with OBI.…”

“…Furthermore, it prevents viral entry into the host cell (Beard et al, 2011). Recently, Mohamadkhani et al, (2015) demonstrated that suppression of viral replication in patients with CHB infection may be mediated by vitamin D through increasing the expression of a unique miRNA ''miR-378''.…”

Comparison of Vitamin D Levels in Naive, Treated, and Inactive Carriers with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus

“…Additionally, we made efforts to include some critical parameters, including levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), platelet count (PLT) and HBV DNA. Recently, Mohamadkhani et al 21. showed that there is a negative correlation between vitamin D3 levels and viral load in Iranian patients, with an acceptable population ( n = 173).…”

8-Hydroxy-2'-Deoxyguanosin in Peripheral Leukocyte Associated With HBsAg in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

“…Quantitation of HBsAg is considered as a prognostic and therapeutic biomarker in numerous studies. In addition, increasing levels of the reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by granulocytes and macrophages related to the high titers of HBsAg are shown (7)(8)(9).…”