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Bader El Din NG, Farouk S. Exploring the Impact of Different Inflammatory Cytokines on Hepatitis C Virus Infection. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2024; 44:233-243. [PMID: 38563804 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2024.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern affecting millions worldwide. Chronic HCV infection often leads to liver inflammation and can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammatory cytokines are crucial in modulating the immune response during HCV infection. This review aims to investigate the impact of different inflammatory cytokines on HCV infection and associated immune responses. This review was conducted to identify relevant studies on the interplay between inflammatory cytokines and HCV infection. The analysis focused on the effects of key inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), on HCV replication, immune cell activation, and liver inflammation. The findings reveal that these inflammatory cytokines can significantly influence HCV infection and the subsequent immune response. TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1 have been shown to enhance HCV replication, while IFN-γ exerts antiviral effects by inhibiting viral replication and promoting immune cell-mediated clearance of infected hepatocytes. Moreover, these cytokines contribute to the recruitment and activation of immune cells, such as natural killer cells, T cells, and macrophages, which play critical roles in controlling HCV infection. Understanding the precise mechanisms by which inflammatory cytokines impact HCV infection is crucial for developing more targeted therapeutic strategies. Modulating the levels or activity of specific cytokines may provide opportunities to attenuate HCV replication, reduce liver inflammation, and improve treatment outcomes. In conclusion, this review highlights the significance of inflammatory cytokines in influencing HCV infection and associated immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha G Bader El Din
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sally Farouk
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Institute, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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2
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Role of Intestinal Microbes in Chronic Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012661. [PMID: 36293518 PMCID: PMC9603943 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
With the recent availability and upgrading of many emerging intestinal microbes sequencing technologies, our research on intestinal microbes is changing rapidly. A variety of investigations have found that intestinal microbes are essential for immune system regulation and energy metabolism homeostasis, which impacts many critical organs. The liver is the first organ to be traversed by the intestinal portal vein, and there is a strong bidirectional link between the liver and intestine. Many intestinal factors, such as intestinal microbes, bacterial composition, and intestinal bacterial metabolites, are deeply involved in liver homeostasis. Intestinal microbial dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability are associated with the pathogenesis of many chronic liver diseases, such as alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC), autoimmune liver disease (AIH) and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Intestinal permeability and dysbacteriosis often lead to Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and metabolites entering in serum. Then, Toll-like receptors activation in the liver induces the exposure of the intestine and liver to many small molecules with pro-inflammatory properties. And all of these eventually result in various liver diseases. In this paper, we have discussed the current evidence on the role of various intestinal microbes in different chronic liver diseases. As well as potential new therapeutic approaches are proposed in this review, such as antibiotics, probiotics, and prebiotics, which may have an improvement in liver diseases.
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3
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Hammad R, Eldosoky MA, Mosaad AM, El-Nasser AM, Kotb FM, Elshennawy SI, Eldesoky NAR, Selim MA, Naguib GG, Ahmed OA, Alboraie M, Aglan RB. Natural Killer Group 2D Receptor and B1a Cells Crosstalk in Post-Hepatitis C Virus Infection Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Cirrhosis. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:609-619. [PMID: 35879974 PMCID: PMC9307915 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s360886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) and B1a cells are implicated in innate immune surveillance against chronic hepatitis C virus (CHCV). NK group 2D (NKG2D) receptor is important for B cell differentiation. This study was designed to assess whether B1a cells and NK Cells expressing NKG2D are implicated in post-hepatitis C infection hepatocellular carcinoma (post-HCV HCC) and cirrhosis using flow cytometry and investigate the association between NK-expressing NKG2D and B1a in complications of CHCV infection. Methods In this cross-sectional study, 111 participants were included and divided into the post-HCV HCC (n = 50), post-HCV liver cirrhosis (n = 31), and CHCV (n = 30) groups. Results The percentage of B1a cells (B1a%) and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of NKG2D (NKG2D MFI) showed a significant increase in the CHCV group compared with those in the post-HCV liver cirrhosis and post-HCV HCC groups (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between NKG2D MFI and B1a% (r = 0.6, P < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that NKG2D MFI and B1a% differentiated between patients with CHCV infection and those with HCC with a sensitivity of 92% and 98%, respectively, and differentiated between patients with CHCV infection and those with liver cirrhosis with a sensitivity of 94% and 90%, respectively. Conclusion Downregulation of B1a frequency and NKG2D intensity is implicated in the progression of CHCV infection to cirrhosis and HCC. NKG2D receptor is associated with the frequency of circulating B1a cells. NKG2D intensity and B1a% can be used as indicators of CHCV progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reham Hammad
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona A Eldosoky
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Alshaimaa M Mosaad
- Hepatogastroenterology and Infectious Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa M El-Nasser
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fatma M Kotb
- Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Salwa I Elshennawy
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Noha Abdel-Rahman Eldesoky
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (for Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Selim
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science (for Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Gina G Naguib
- Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ossama A Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Alboraie
- Department of internal medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reda Badr Aglan
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department, National Liver Institute Menoufia university, Menoufia, Egypt
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4
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Radmanić L, Bodulić K, Šimičić P, Vince A, Židovec Lepej S. The Effect of Treatment-Induced Viral Eradication on Cytokine and Growth Factor Expression in Chronic Hepatitis C. Viruses 2022; 14:1613. [PMID: 35893679 PMCID: PMC9394470 DOI: 10.3390/v14081613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we evaluated the effect of hepatitis C virus eradication using direct-acting antivirals (DAA) on the serum cytokine and growth factor profiles of chronic hepatitis C patients (CHC). Serum concentrations of 12 cytokines and 13 growth factors were measured in 56 patients with CHC before, during the DAA treatment and after sustained virological response using bead-based flow cytometry. Cytokine and growth factor levels were also measured in 15 healthy individuals. The majority of the selected cytokines and growth factors exhibited similar concentrations before, during and after successful DAA treatment, the exceptions being IL-10, EGF, HGF and VEGF. Significantly lower concentrations of IL-10, IL-13, IL-4, IL-4, IL-9, TNF- α and higher levels of Ang-2, HGF and SCF were observed in patients with CHC before and after DAA treatment compared with healthy individuals. Patients with severe fibrosis stages exhibited higher levels of Ang-2 and lower levels of EGF, PDGF-AA and VEGF. Furthermore, IL-4, IL-5 and SCF were characterized as potential biomarkers of DAA treatment using random forest. Additionally, logistic regression characterized EGF as a potential biomarker of severe CHC. Our results suggest inhibition of pro-inflammatory processes and promotion of liver regeneration in CHC patients during DAA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Radmanić
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.R.); (P.Š.)
| | - Kristian Bodulić
- Research Department, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Petra Šimičić
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.R.); (P.Š.)
| | - Adriana Vince
- Department of Viral Hepatitis, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Snježana Židovec Lepej
- Department of Immunological and Molecular Diagnostics, University Hospital for Infectious Diseases “Dr. Fran Mihaljević”, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (L.R.); (P.Š.)
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Giadans CG, Ríos DA, Ameigeiras B, Haddad L, De Matteo EN, Valva P, Preciado MV. Intrahepatic immune infiltrate in chronic hepatitis B and chronic hepatitis C: Similar but not the same. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:124-134. [PMID: 34820942 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
In chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and C (CHC) infections, the composition of the immune cell microenvironment at the site of infection is poorly understood. Thus, our aim was to characterize and compare liver infiltrates to identify shared and exclusive hepatic immune components. Immunohistochemistry was performed on 26 CHB and 42 CHC liver biopsies to determine Th (CD4+), Th1 (T-bet+), Th17 (IL-17A+), Treg (Foxp3+) and CTL (CD8+) cells frequency in portal/periportal and intralobular areas and relate them to liver damage. CHB and CHC cases shared a portal/periportal CD4+ lymphocyte predominance and a lobular CD8+ lymphocyte majority. However, CHC exhibited a concomitant lobular T-bet+ cell dominance while in CHB FoxP3+ cells prevail. CHC disclosed higher frequencies of P/P FoxP3+, IL-17A+ and T-bet+ cells and intralobular CD4+, IL-17A+ and T-bet+ lymphocytes. HBeAg+ chronic hepatitis and CHC cell frequencies were similar except for lobular T-bet+ that remained higher among CHC cases. Comparison among cases with less severe liver disease revealed lower lymphocyte frequencies in CHB samples, while no differences were observed between patients with more severe stages. Interestingly, in CHB portal/periportal CD4+ and lobular CD4+, CD8+ and IL-17A+ cells were associated with severe hepatitis. Even when all studied populations were identified in both infections preferential lymphocyte frequencies and prevalence at different areas along with their association with liver damage highlighted that CHB and CHC immune responses are not the same.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Graciela Giadans
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - Daniela Alejandra Ríos
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | | | - Leila Haddad
- Liver Unit, Ramos Mejía Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - Elena Noemí De Matteo
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - Pamela Valva
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Preciado
- Pathology Division, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Multidisciplinary Institute for Investigation in Pediatric Pathologies (IMIPP), CONICET-GCBA, Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, CABA, Argentina
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6
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Ahmed R, Kareem R, Venkatesan N, Botleroo RA, Ogeyingbo OD, Bhandari R, Gyawali M, Elshaikh AO. Sofosbuvir/Velpatasvir - A Promising Treatment for Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Cureus 2021; 13:e17237. [PMID: 34540464 PMCID: PMC8443867 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.17237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide and has an enormous global public health impact. Chronic HCV is a long-term infection that goes unnoticed until the virus destroys the liver enough to induce liver disease symptoms. The inadequate and poorly tolerated treatment contributes to the burden of chronic HCV. Treatments have improved over time - direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) that targeted different hepatitis C virus genomic sites have shown to be more effective and well-tolerated. Patients recover to a greater extent following a treatment regimen based on DAAs. We conducted this literature review to investigate the effectiveness of these medications in treating chronic HCV infection. Relevant articles were identified by searching PubMed and Google scholar databases. Our primary goal was to analyze the efficacy and safety of the DAA, sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir, with or without ribavirin, in cirrhotic or non-cirrhotic, naïve or previously treated, chronic HCV patients. We found that treating patients with sofosbuvir-velpatasvir for 12 weeks was highly effective with fewer adverse events, including those with compensated cirrhosis. The outcomes aided in improving HCV treatment, lowering the disease's burden and fatality rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rowan Ahmed
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Roaa Kareem
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Nanditha Venkatesan
- Internal Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, IND.,Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Rinky A Botleroo
- Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Opemipo D Ogeyingbo
- Research, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.,Public Health, Walden University, Minneapolis, USA.,Internal Medicine, Saint James School of Medicine, Park Ridge, USA
| | - Renu Bhandari
- Internal Medicine/Family Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA.,Internal Medicine, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Kaski, NPL
| | - Mallika Gyawali
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
| | - Abeer O Elshaikh
- Internal Medicine, California Institute of Behavioral Neurosciences & Psychology, Fairfield, USA
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7
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Bocchino M, Zanotta S, Capitelli L, Galati D. Dendritic Cells Are the Intriguing Players in the Puzzle of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:664109. [PMID: 33995394 PMCID: PMC8121252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.664109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most devastating progressive interstitial lung disease that remains refractory to treatment. Pathogenesis of IPF relies on the aberrant cross-talk between injured alveolar cells and myofibroblasts, which ultimately leads to an aberrant fibrous reaction. The contribution of the immune system to IPF remains not fully explored. Recent evidence suggests that both innate and adaptive immune responses may participate in the fibrotic process. Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent professional antigen-presenting cells that bridge innate and adaptive immunity. Also, they exert a crucial role in the immune surveillance of the lung, where they are strategically placed in the airway epithelium and interstitium. Immature DCs accumulate in the IPF lung close to areas of epithelial hyperplasia and fibrosis. Conversely, mature DCs are concentrated in well-organized lymphoid follicles along with T and B cells and bronchoalveolar lavage of IPF patients. We have recently shown that all sub-types of peripheral blood DCs (including conventional and plasmacytoid DCs) are severely depleted in therapy naïve IPF patients. Also, the low frequency of conventional CD1c+ DCs is predictive of a worse prognosis. The purpose of this mini-review is to focus on the main evidence on DC involvement in IPF pathogenesis. Unanswered questions and opportunities for future research ranging from a better understanding of their contribution to diagnosis and prognosis to personalized DC-based therapies will be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marialuisa Bocchino
- Respiratory Medicine Division, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Serena Zanotta
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Department of Hematology and Developmental Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Ludovica Capitelli
- Respiratory Medicine Division, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Domenico Galati
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Unit, Department of Hematology and Developmental Therapeutics, Istituto Nazionale Tumori-IRCCS-Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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8
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Changes of Gut-Microbiota-Liver Axis in Hepatitis C Virus Infection. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010055. [PMID: 33451143 PMCID: PMC7828638 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Gut microbiota alteration is linked to many health disorders including hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This dysbiosis in turn impacts the coordination between the gut and the liver that is known as the gut–liver-axis. Here, we discuss the latest findings regarding the changes in gut microbiota structure and functionality post HCV infection and its treatment regimens. In addition, we underline the contribution of the microbiota alterations to HCV associated liver complications. Abstract The gut–liver-axis is a bidirectional coordination between the gut, including microbial residents, the gut microbiota, from one side and the liver on the other side. Any disturbance in this crosstalk may lead to a disease status that impacts the functionality of both the gut and the liver. A major cause of liver disorders is hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that has been illustrated to be associated with gut microbiota dysbiosis at different stages of the disease progression. This dysbiosis may start a cycle of inflammation and metabolic disturbance that impacts the gut and liver health and contributes to the disease progression. This review discusses the latest literature addressing this interplay between the gut microbiota and the liver in HCV infection from both directions. Additionally, we highlight the contribution of gut microbiota to the metabolism of antivirals used in HCV treatment regimens and the impact of these medications on the microbiota composition. This review sheds light on the potential of the gut microbiota manipulation as an alternative therapeutic approach to control the liver complications post HCV infection.
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9
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Tseng CW, Wu SF, Chen CY, Ho YC, He YT, Tseng KC. Characteristics of regulatory T-cell function in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C coinfection. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:800-809. [PMID: 32243022 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) affect the pathogenesis and disease progression of chronic viral hepatitis. This study evaluated the frequency and function of Tregs in patients with chronic HBV/HCV coinfection. Seventy-four untreated HBV/HCV co-infected patients were enrolled in this study. These subjects were divided into four subgroups: HBV-active/HCV-active (BACA), HBV-inactive/HCV-active (BICA), HBV-active/HCV-inactive (BACI) and HBV-inactive/HCV-inactive (BICI). Treg frequency was calculated as the fraction of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells among CD4+ T cells. Treg-mediated inhibition was measured as percent of inhibition of T-cell proliferation. The expression of interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interleukin (IL)-10 with/without Treg inhibition was also studied. Among the patients, there were 8 cases of BACA (10.8%), 38 of BICA (51.4%), 14 of BACI (18.9%) and 14 of BICI (18.9%). The frequency of CD4+ Foxp3+ T cells was comparable between the four groups. The inhibitory function of Tregs among the patients in the BACA and BICA was higher than that in the BICI (BACA vs BICI, P = .0210; BICA vs BICI, P = .0301). Patients in the BACA and BICA had higher fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores and serum ALT levels and lower serum albumin levels than those of the other groups. ALT abnormality was significantly and independently associated with a higher Treg immunosuppressive ability. The IFN-γ expression of the effector T cells in the BACA was higher than that of the other groups. In conclusion, the inhibitory function of Tregs is higher among the HBV/HCV co-infected patients with active HCV infection. ALT abnormality plays a dominant role in Treg function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Wu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Yi Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ditmanson Medical FoundationChia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Che Ho
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Institute of Molecular Biology, National Chung Cheng University, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting He
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Chih Tseng
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Chia-Yi, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Tzuchi University, Hualien, Taiwan
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10
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Rosso C, Caviglia GP, Younes R, Ribaldone DG, Fagoonee S, Pellicano R, Bugianesi E. Molecular mechanisms of hepatic fibrosis in chronic liver diseases. MINERVA BIOTECNOL 2020. [DOI: 10.23736/s1120-4826.20.02619-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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11
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Roehlen N, Crouchet E, Baumert TF. Liver Fibrosis: Mechanistic Concepts and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9040875. [PMID: 32260126 PMCID: PMC7226751 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 545] [Impact Index Per Article: 136.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis due to viral or metabolic chronic liver diseases is a major challenge of global health. Correlating with liver disease progression, fibrosis is a key factor for liver disease outcome and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite different mechanism of primary liver injury and disease-specific cell responses, the progression of fibrotic liver disease follows shared patterns across the main liver disease etiologies. Scientific discoveries within the last decade have transformed the understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis. Removal or elimination of the causative agent such as control or cure of viral infection has shown that liver fibrosis is reversible. However, reversal often occurs too slowly or too infrequent to avoid life-threatening complications particularly in advanced fibrosis. Thus, there is a huge unmet medical need for anti-fibrotic therapies to prevent liver disease progression and HCC development. However, while many anti-fibrotic candidate agents have shown robust effects in experimental animal models, their anti-fibrotic effects in clinical trials have been limited or absent. Thus, no approved therapy exists for liver fibrosis. In this review we summarize cellular drivers and molecular mechanisms of fibrogenesis in chronic liver diseases and discuss their impact for the development of urgently needed anti-fibrotic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natascha Roehlen
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.R.); (E.C.)
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques U1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Emilie Crouchet
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.R.); (E.C.)
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques U1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas F. Baumert
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France; (N.R.); (E.C.)
- Institut de Recherche sur les Maladies Virales et Hépatiques U1110, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle Hepato-digestif, Institut Hopitalo-Universitaire, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-366853703
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12
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Su CW. Towards a more comprehensive evaluation of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:807-808. [PMID: 31425300 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Wei Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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13
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Khatun M, Ray RB. Mechanisms Underlying Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Hepatic Fibrosis. Cells 2019; 8:E1249. [PMID: 31615075 PMCID: PMC6829586 DOI: 10.3390/cells8101249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection often causes liver diseases, including fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver fibrosis is the outcome of the wound healing response to tissue damage caused by chronic HCV infection. This process is characterized by the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen fibers secreted by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Activation of HSCs from the quiescent stage is mediated by different mechanisms, including pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines released from HCV-infected hepatocytes and liver macrophages. HCV infection modulates the expression of different microRNAs that can be transported and delivered to the HSCs via exosomes released from infected cells, also leading to the development of advanced disease pathogenesis. Although recent advancements in direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment can efficiently control viremia, there are very few treatment strategies available that can be effective at preventing pathogenesis in advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in patients. Assessment of fibrosis is considered to be the major part of proper patient care and decision making in clinical practice. In this review, we highlighted the current knowledge of molecular mechanisms responsible for the progression of liver fibrosis in chronically HCV-infected patients, and currently available methods for evaluation of fibrosis in patients. A detailed understanding of these aspects at the molecular level may contribute to the development of new therapies targeting HCV-related liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mousumi Khatun
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
| | - Ratna B Ray
- Department of Pathology, Saint Louis University, 1100 South Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
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Baskic D, Vukovic V, Popovic S, Jovanovic D, Mitrovic S, Djurdjevic P, Avramovic D, Arsovic A, Bankovic D, Cukic J, Mijailovic Z. Correction: Chronic Hepatitis C: Conspectus of immunological events in the course of fibrosis evolution. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221142. [PMID: 31393958 PMCID: PMC6687164 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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