The Liver MicroRNA Expression Profiles Associated With Chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Genotype-4 Infection: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

BackgroundMicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been repeatedly shown to play important roles in liver pathologies, including hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. Egypt has the highest hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rate worldwide, predominantly involving genotype-4.ObjectivesIn this study, we attempted to characterize the miRNA profile of the poorly studied genotype 4 of HCV in chronically infected Egyptian patients to obtain a better understanding of the disease and its complications and help in the design of better management protocols.Patients and MethodsWe analyzed the expression levels of a selected panel of 94 miRNAs in fresh liver biopsies collected from 50 Egyptian patients diagnosed with chronic HCV infection using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Non-parametric tests were used to analyze the expression level of each miRNA and association with the clinicopathological features of enrolled patients in this study.ResultsOur results revealed differential expression levels of the analyzed miRNAs compared to the normal controls. Twenty-seven miRNAs (including miR-105, miR-147, miR-149-3p, and miR-196b) showed up-regulation, while 17 miRNAs (including miR-21, miR-122, miR-199a-3p, and miR-223) showed down-regulation. An inverse correlation was observed between levels of miR-95, miR-130a, and miR-142-5p with the blood albumin level. Increased expression levels of seven miRNAs (miR-29c, miR-30c, miR-126, miR-145, miR-199a, miR-199a-3p, and miR-222) were observed with severe chronic hepatic inflammation. Several deregulated miRNAs found in this study have been previously linked to chronic liver inflammation and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development.ConclusionsThe identified expression profiles of some examined miRNAs might offer important points to consider for the treatment of naive patients and the management of chronically infected HCV patients in Egypt and around the world.

Relation between microRNA‐21, transforming growth factor β and response to treatment among chronic hepatitis C patients

“…El‐Guendy et al have evaluated the miRNA expression profiles associated with chronic HCV genotype‐4 infection and found that miRNA‐21 showed downregulation with severe chronic hepatic inflammation.…”

Circulating microRNAs as predictive biomarkers for liver disease progression of chronic hepatitis C (genotype‐4) Egyptian patients

“…17 Numerous miRNAs have also engaged with the HCV genome decreasing its replication, inclusive miR-196, miR-199, and miR-448. 18 In addition, overexpression of miR-29 can inhibit viral RNA replication in HCV-infected patients. 19 However, the capability, the clinical value of circulating miRNAs for diagnosing and managing persistent hepatitis C has not been satisfactorily tested.…”

“…It was recognized as a positive regulatory factor for HCV replication by means of binding to two sites within the HCV genome . Numerous miRNAs have also engaged with the HCV genome decreasing its replication, inclusive miR‐196, miR‐199, and miR‐448 . In addition, overexpression of miR‐29 can inhibit viral RNA replication in HCV‐infected patients .…”

microRNA‑196b promotes cell migration and invasion by targeting FOXP2 in hepatocellular carcinoma

“…Shen et al previously reported that miR-196b was notably upregulated in HCC compared with adjacent non-cancerous tissues (11). Furthermore, upregulation of miR-196b was found to be associated with HCV infection, suggesting a promoting role in HCC development (12). Yet, the clinical significance of miR-196b and its role as well as the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown in HCC.…”