Untitled

Abstract

Here we review modern notions about biological properties of hepatitis C virus, geographic distribution of its genotypes, peculiarities of immune reactions during chronic HCV infection, and role of viral replication in the infectious process. The concept of antiviral protection in liver parenchymal cells suggests suppression of biosynthetic reactions in hepatocytes resulting in inhibition of viral replication and focal degradation of the cytoplasm in infected cells followed by exocytosis and elimination of viral particles (cytosanation without cytodestruction). The recovery of structural characteristics in hepatocytes is associated with intracellular regeneration. Special accent is placed on reversibility of liver fibrosis in chronic HCV infection due to resorption of collagen fibers by hepatocytes. These data indicate that the therapy of liver fibrosis holds much promise.

Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical study of hepatic stellate cells over the course of infectious viral fibrosis and cirrhosis of the liver

“…By reconstruction of serial ultrathin sections we showed that resorption of collagen fibrils was realized by hepatocytes at the expense of expression of macrophagal characteristics [1,3].…”

“…We can hardly imagine the fibrogenesis process without participation of hepatic parenchymatous cells, as the participation of hepatocytes in resorption of the extracellular matrix collagen fibrils has been shown in experimental hepatocellular fibrosis [2] and in biopsy specimens from patients with viral hepatitis [1,3]. Hence, not only stellate cells and macrophages, but hepatocytes as well participate in the extracellular matrix remodeling.…”

Ultrastructure of kidney cell population in patients with markers of HCV- and HBV-infections (analysis of biopsy specimens)

“…Replication of these viruses occurs in hepatocytes, mononuclear cells of the blood and bone marrow, and cells of the kidneys, heart, pancreas, and other organs [7,12]. This characteristic underlies systemic damage and associated clinical manifestations of HCV-and HBV infections [1,6,10,11,13].…”