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Sallam M, Khalil R. Contemporary Insights into Hepatitis C Virus: A Comprehensive Review. Microorganisms 2024; 12:1035. [PMID: 38930417 PMCID: PMC11205832 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms12061035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a significant global health challenge. Approximately 50 million people were living with chronic hepatitis C based on the World Health Organization as of 2024, contributing extensively to global morbidity and mortality. The advent and approval of several direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens significantly improved HCV treatment, offering potentially high rates of cure for chronic hepatitis C. However, the promising aim of eventual HCV eradication remains challenging. Key challenges include the variability in DAA access across different regions, slightly variable response rates to DAAs across diverse patient populations and HCV genotypes/subtypes, and the emergence of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs), potentially conferring resistance to DAAs. Therefore, periodic reassessment of current HCV knowledge is needed. An up-to-date review on HCV is also necessitated based on the observed shifts in HCV epidemiological trends, continuous development and approval of therapeutic strategies, and changes in public health policies. Thus, the current comprehensive review aimed to integrate the latest knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and preventive strategies for HCV, with a particular focus on the current challenges associated with RASs and ongoing efforts in vaccine development. This review sought to provide healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers with the necessary insights to address the HCV burden more effectively. We aimed to highlight the progress made in managing and preventing HCV infection and to highlight the persistent barriers challenging the prevention of HCV infection. The overarching goal was to align with global health objectives towards reducing the burden of chronic hepatitis, aiming for its eventual elimination as a public health threat by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malik Sallam
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Department of Clinical Laboratories and Forensic Medicine, Jordan University Hospital, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Roaa Khalil
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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2
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Bermudez-Santana CI, Gallego-Gómez JC. Toward a Categorization of Virus-ncRNA Interactions in the World of RNA to Disentangle the Tiny Secrets of Dengue Virus. Viruses 2024; 16:804. [PMID: 38793685 PMCID: PMC11125801 DOI: 10.3390/v16050804] [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] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the function of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) as regulatory molecules of cell physiology has begun to be better understood. Advances in viral molecular biology have shown that host ncRNAs, cellular factors, and virus-derived ncRNAs and their interplay are strongly disturbed during viral infections. Nevertheless, the folding of RNA virus genomes has also been identified as a critical factor in regulating canonical and non-canonical functions. Due to the influence of host ncRNAs and the structure of RNA viral genomes, complex molecular and cellular processes in infections are modulated. We propose three main categories to organize the current information about RNA-RNA interactions in some well-known human viruses. The first category shows examples of host ncRNAs associated with the immune response triggered in viral infections. Even though miRNAs introduce a standpoint, they are briefly presented to keep researchers moving forward in uncovering other RNAs. The second category outlines interactions between virus-host ncRNAs, while the third describes how the structure of the RNA viral genome serves as a scaffold for processing virus-derived RNAs. Our grouping may provide a comprehensive framework to classify ncRNA-host-cell interactions for emerging viruses and diseases. In this sense, we introduced them to organize DENV-host-cell interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Isabel Bermudez-Santana
- Computational and theoretical RNomics Group, Center of Excellence in Scientific Computing, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Juan Carlos Gallego-Gómez
- Grupo de Medicina de Traslación, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín 050010, Colombia;
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Bauer AN, Majumdar N, Williams F, Rajput S, Pokhrel LR, Cook PP, Akula SM. MicroRNAs: Small but Key Players in Viral Infections and Immune Responses to Viral Pathogens. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1334. [PMID: 37887044 PMCID: PMC10604607 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Since the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) in C. elegans in 1993, the field of miRNA research has grown steeply. These single-stranded non-coding RNA molecules canonically work at the post-transcriptional phase to regulate protein expression. miRNAs are known to regulate viral infection and the ensuing host immune response. Evolving research suggests miRNAs are assets in the discovery and investigation of therapeutics and diagnostics. In this review, we succinctly summarize the latest findings in (i) mechanisms underpinning miRNA regulation of viral infection, (ii) miRNA regulation of host immune response to viral pathogens, (iii) miRNA-based diagnostics and therapeutics targeting viral pathogens and challenges, and (iv) miRNA patents and the market landscape. Our findings show the differential expression of miRNA may serve as a prognostic biomarker for viral infections in regard to predicting the severity or adverse health effects associated with viral diseases. While there is huge market potential for miRNA technology, the novel approach of using miRNA mimics to enhance antiviral activity or antagonists to inhibit pro-viral miRNAs has been an ongoing research endeavor. Significant hurdles remain in terms of miRNA delivery, stability, efficacy, safety/tolerability, and specificity. Addressing these challenges may pave a path for harnessing the full potential of miRNAs in modern medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anais N. Bauer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
| | - Niska Majumdar
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
| | - Frank Williams
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
| | - Smit Rajput
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Lok R. Pokhrel
- Department of Public Health, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Paul P. Cook
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Shaw M. Akula
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA; (A.N.B.); (N.M.); (F.W.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
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Medina C, García AH, Crespo FI, Toro FI, Mayora SJ, De Sanctis JB. A Synopsis of Hepatitis C Virus Treatments and Future Perspectives. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8255-8276. [PMID: 37886964 PMCID: PMC10605161 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide public health problem. Chronic infection with HCV can lead to liver cirrhosis or cancer. Although some immune-competent individuals can clear the virus, others develop chronic HCV disease due to viral mutations or an impaired immune response. IFNs type I and III and the signal transduction induced by them are essential for a proper antiviral effect. Research on the viral cycle and immune escape mechanisms has formed the basis of therapeutic strategies to achieve a sustained virological response (SVR). The first therapies were based on IFNα; then, IFNα plus ribavirin (IFN-RBV); and then, pegylated-IFNα-RBV (PEGIFNα-RIV) to improve cytokine pharmacokinetics. However, the maximum SVR was 60%, and several significant side effects were observed, decreasing patients' treatment adherence. The development of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) significantly enhanced the SVR (>90%), and the compounds were able to inhibit HCV replication without significant side effects, even in paediatric populations. The management of coinfected HBV-HCV and HCV-HIV patients has also improved based on DAA and PEG-IFNα-RBV (HBV-HCV). CD4 cells are crucial for an effective antiviral response. The IFNλ3, IL28B, TNF-α, IL-10, TLR-3, and TLR-9 gene polymorphisms are involved in viral clearance, therapeutic responses, and hepatic pathologies. Future research should focus on searching for strategies to circumvent resistance-associated substitution (RAS) to DAAs, develop new therapeutic schemes for different medical conditions, including organ transplant, and develop vaccines for long-lasting cellular and humoral responses with cross-protection against different HCV genotypes. The goal is to minimise the probability of HCV infection, HCV chronicity and hepatic carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Medina
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Alexis Hipólito García
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Francis Isamarg Crespo
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Félix Isidro Toro
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Soriuska José Mayora
- Institute of Immunology Dr. Nicolás E. Bianco C., Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas 1040, Venezuela; (C.M.); (F.I.C.); (F.I.T.); (S.J.M.)
| | - Juan Bautista De Sanctis
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- The Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute (Catrin), Palacky University, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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Gholizadeh M, Łapczuk-Romańska J, Post M, Komaniecka N, Mazlooman SR, Kaderali L, Droździk M. A Mixture Method for Robust Detection HCV Early Diagnosis Biomarker with ML Approach and Molecular Docking. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087207. [PMID: 37108370 PMCID: PMC10138470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the substantial correlation between early diagnosis and prolonged patient survival in HCV patients, it is vital to identify a reliable and accessible biomarker. The purpose of this research was to identify accurate miRNA biomarkers to aid in the early diagnosis of HCV and to identify key target genes for anti-hepatic fibrosis therapeutics. The expression of 188 miRNAs in 42 HCV liver patients with different functional states and 23 normal livers were determined using RT-qPCR. After screening out differentially expressed miRNA (DEmiRNAs), the target genes were predicted. To validate target genes, an HCV microarray dataset was subjected to five machine learning algorithms (Random Forest, Adaboost, Bagging, Boosting, XGBoost) and then, based on the best model, importance features were selected. After identification of hub target genes, to evaluate the potency of compounds that might hit key hub target genes, molecular docking was performed. According to our data, eight DEmiRNAs are associated with early stage and eight DEmiRNAs are linked to a deterioration in liver function and an increase in HCV severity. In the validation phase of target genes, model evaluation revealed that XGBoost (AUC = 0.978) outperformed the other machine learning algorithms. The results of the maximal clique centrality algorithm determined that CDK1 is a hub target gene, which can be hinted at by hsa-miR-335, hsa-miR-140, hsa-miR-152, and hsa-miR-195. Because viral proteins boost CDK1 activation for cell mitosis, pharmacological inhibition may have anti-HCV therapeutic promise. The strong affinity binding of paeoniflorin (-6.32 kcal/mol) and diosmin (-6.01 kcal/mol) with CDK1 was demonstrated by molecular docking, which may result in attractive anti-HCV compounds. The findings of this study may provide significant evidence, in the context of the miRNA biomarkers, for early-stage HCV diagnosis. In addition, recognized hub target genes and small molecules with high binding affinity may constitute a novel set of therapeutic targets for HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Gholizadeh
- Institute for Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Joanna Łapczuk-Romańska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Mariola Post
- Department of General and Transplantation Surgery, County Hospital, 71-455 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Nina Komaniecka
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Seyed Reza Mazlooman
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lars Kaderali
- Institute for Bioinformatics, University Medicine Greifswald, 17475 Greifswald, Germany
| | - Marek Droździk
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Pomeranian Medical University, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland
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Rehman A, Shabbir M, Badshah Y, Khan K, Trembley JH, Ashraf NM, Afsar T, Almajwal A, Alruwaili NW, Alshamari A, Alanezi TN, Razak S. Elucidating the role of missense SNP of protein kinase C epsilon in HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:147. [PMID: 36782184 PMCID: PMC9926771 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10618-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases contains more than ten isozymes that are involved in multiple signaling pathways, including cell cycle regulation and carcinogenesis. The PKCε isozyme is an oncogene known to be upregulated in various signaling pathways involved in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is no known association of missense SNPs in PKCε with this disease, which can be a potential biomarker for early diagnosis and treatment. This research reveals a novel missense SNP in PKCε that is associated with HCV-induced HCC in the Pakistani population. METHODS The PKCε SNP with amino acid substitution of E14K was chosen for wet lab analysis. Tetra ARMS-PCR was employed for the identification of high-risk SNP in PKCε of HCV-induced HCC patients. Liver function testing was also performed for comparison between the liver condition of the HCC patient and control group, and the viral load of HCC patient samples was evaluated to determine any alteration in the viral infectivity between different genotypes of the selected high-risk PKCε variant SNP. RESULTS Frequency distribution of the homozygous GG genotype was found to be highest among HCV-induced HCC patients and was also found to be significantly associated with disease development and progression. The p values of comparative data obtained for the other two genotypes, heterozygous AG and homozygous AA, of the SNP also showed the significance of the data for these alleles. Still, their odds ratio and relative risk analysis did not indicate their association with HCV-induced HCC. CONCLUSION The distribution of a genotype GG of PKCε has been found in HCV- induced HCC patients. Therefore, these PKCε SNP have the potential to be biomarkers for HCV-induced HCC. Further investigation using a larger sample size would provide additional insight into these initial data and open a new avenue for a better prognosis of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areeba Rehman
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Maria Shabbir
- Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Yasmin Badshah
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Khushbukhat Khan
- grid.412117.00000 0001 2234 2376Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Janeen H. Trembley
- grid.410394.b0000 0004 0419 8667Minneapolis VA Health Care System Research Service, Minneapolis, MN USA ,grid.17635.360000000419368657Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA ,grid.17635.360000000419368657Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Naeem Mahmood Ashraf
- grid.11173.350000 0001 0670 519XSchool of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Almajwal
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nawaf W. Alruwaili
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alshamari
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tariq Nahar Alanezi
- grid.56302.320000 0004 1773 5396College of Medicine, King Saud University, 11481 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Suhail Razak
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Zhang C, Zhang W, Yuan Z, Yang W, Hu X, Duan S, Wei Q. Contribution of DNA methylation to the risk of hepatitis C virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 238:154136. [PMID: 36155324 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154136] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
DNA methylation is a crucial epigenetic modification in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) can induce hepatocarcinogenesis. Nevertheless, the interaction mechanism between DNA methylation and HCV infection in HCC is still ambiguous. In this study, we performed a comprehensive meta-analysis to assess the contribution of DNA methylation in HCV-associated HCC. After four steps of literature screening, we finally obtained 33 qualified case-control studies for this meta-analysis. These studies consisted of 587 HCV-positive cancer tissues and 326 HCV-negative cancer tissues. Our results revealed that four genes (p16, GSTP1, APC, and RUNX3) were more hypermethylated in the HCV-positive liver cancer tissues than in the HCV-negative liver cancer tissues. In addition, the p16 gene was more hypermethylated in the HCV-positive paracancerous tissues than in the HCV-negative paracancerous tissues. Subgroup meta-analysis by geographical populations showed that p16 methylation was significantly higher in HCV-positive cancerous tissues from Japanese and Chinese. Besides, p16 methylation was significantly higher among patients (> 60 years) but not among the others (≤ 60 years). However, there was no obvious association between DNA methylation and other clinicopathological characteristics, including gender, tumor size, differentiation, and clinical stage. Our study suggested that DNA methylation could become potential biomarkers for HCV-associated HCC. DNA methylation contributed to the risk of HCV-associated HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wangjian Zhang
- Department of Medical Statistics, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun Yuan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjun Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiangrong Hu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shiwei Duan
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Qichun Wei
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China; Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, China National Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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8
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Roles of microRNAs in Hepatitis C Virus Replication and Pathogenesis. Viruses 2022; 14:v14081776. [PMID: 36016398 PMCID: PMC9413378 DOI: 10.3390/v14081776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with the development of chronic liver diseases, e.g., fibrosis, cirrhosis, even hepatocellular carcinoma, and/or extra-hepatic diseases such as diabetes. As an obligatory intracellular pathogen, HCV absolutely relies on host cells to propagate and is able to modulate host cellular factors in favor of its replication. Indeed, lots of cellular factors, including microRNAs (miRNAs), have been identified to be dysregulated during HCV infection. MiRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that regulate protein synthesis of their targeting mRNAs at the post-transcriptional level, usually by suppressing their target gene expression. The miRNAs dysregulated during HCV infection could directly or indirectly modulate HCV replication and/or induce liver diseases. Regulatory mechanisms of various miRNAs in HCV replication and pathogenesis have been characterized. Some dysregulated miRNAs have been considered as the biomarkers for the detection of HCV infection and/or HCV-related diseases. In this review, we intend to briefly summarize the identified miRNAs functioning at HCV replication and pathogenesis, focusing on the recent developments.
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Badami E, Busà R, Douradinha B, Russelli G, Miceli V, Gallo A, Zito G, Conaldi PG, Iannolo G. Hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis C virus infection and miRNA involvement: Perspectives for new therapeutic approaches. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:2417-2428. [PMID: 35979260 PMCID: PMC9258280 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i22.2417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the principal etiology of cirrhosis and, ultimately, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). At present, approximately 71 million people are chronically infected with HCV, and 10%–20% of these are expected to develop severe liver complications throughout their lifetime. Scientific evidence has clearly shown the causal association between miRNAs, HCV infection and HCC. Although it is not completely clear whether miRNA dysregulation in HCC is the cause or the consequence of its development, variations in miRNA patterns have been described in different liver diseases, including HCC. Many studies have analyzed the importance of circulating miRNAs and their effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this Review, we aim to summarize current knowledge on the association between miRNA, HCV and HCC from a diagnostic point of view, and also the potential implications for therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ester Badami
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Rosalia Busà
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Bruno Douradinha
- Regenerative Medicine and Immunotherapy Area, Fondazione Ri.MED, Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Giovanna Russelli
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Vitale Miceli
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Alessia Gallo
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zito
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Pier Giulio Conaldi
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
| | - Gioacchin Iannolo
- Department of Research, Mediterranean Institute for Transplantation and Advanced Specialized Therapies (IRCCS-ISMETT), Palermo 90127, Italy
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Biomarkers for the Detection and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112700. [PMID: 35681679 PMCID: PMC9179595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the main etiological factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improved the eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) but not the reduction in the incidence of HCV-associated HCC. Some patients still develop HCC, even after reaching a sustained virological response (SVR). This review is a summary of pre-clinical studies that investigated predictive biomarkers for HCC occurrence and recurrence in HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs. The presented biomarkers are found dysregulated in serum or tissue at specific time points (before, during, after DAA treatment or post SVR) and correlated with HCC-predisposing conditions. Thus, this review aims to improve the management of patients developing HCV-induced HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth-most common type of cancer worldwide and chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the main etiological factor in developed countries. HCV promotes hepatocarcinogenesis through persistent liver inflammation and dysregulation of cell signaling pathways. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) resulted in a significant improvement in the eradication of the virus, with an expected reduction of HCC incidence. However, the risk of HCC development can persist after DAA treatment. Recent studies have investigated the potential use of molecular biomarkers that predict HCC occurrence or recurrence helping the stratification of patients under surveillance. This review aimed to summarize all pre-clinical exploration of predictive biomarkers to identify DAA-treated patients at risk for HCC development. Dysregulated microRNAs, lncRNAs, histone modifications, cytokines, proteins, and sphingolipids represent various classes of HCC risk predictors identified in two different biological sources (tissue and serum). The non-invasive serum markers can provide a more accessible means to perform clinical monitoring and predict the risk of HCC. In addition, conditions like cirrhosis, predisposing to HCC, strongly correlate with most of the molecular predictors identified, supporting the value of these molecules as possible biomarkers of HCC in DAA-treated patients.
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11
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Khalid SS, Abdo AA, Al-Hamoudi W, Alswat K. Association of mitotic checkpoint regulator MAD2L1 with fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis C patients. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101860. [PMID: 34999251 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2022.101860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saira S Khalid
- Liver Disease Research Centre, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925 (59), Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Ayman A Abdo
- Liver Disease Research Centre, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925 (59), Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; Gastroenterology Section, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al-Hamoudi
- Gastroenterology Section, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alswat
- Liver Disease Research Centre, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, PO Box 2925 (59), Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia; Gastroenterology Section, King Saud University Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Gharib AF, Eed EM, Khalifa AS, Raafat N, Shehab-Eldeen S, Alwakeel HR, Darwiesh E, Essa A. Value of Serum miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p as Diagnostic Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:2427-2436. [PMID: 35264879 PMCID: PMC8901257 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s354842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Circulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) have the potential to be employed as markers for cancer detection and as prognostic tools for disease management. As a result, our goal was to explore the effectiveness of serum miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p as diagnostic tools in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and methods Blood samples were collected from 55 patients with HCV-induced HCC, 55 patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis, and 55 healthy controls. The expression levels of miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p were measured using quantitative RT-PCR. Results miRNA-96-5p expression levels were increased in HCC patient sera, while miRNA-99a-5p levels were reduced. According to ROC curve analysis, using a combination of circulating miRNA-96-5p, miRNA-99a-5-, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) improves the accuracy of diagnoses for HCC, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.97, compared to AUCs of 0.82, 0.86, and 0.73, respectively, for the individual biomarkers. Furthermore, the present data suggested that higher serum miRNA-96-5p levels were linked to larger tumors and metastasis, whereas lower serum miRNA-99a-5p levels were exclusively linked to HCC metastasis. Conclusion Using miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p in combination with AFP increased both sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of HCC. Furthermore, serum levels were linked to tumor size and metastasis. These findings suggested that serum miRNA-96-5p and miRNA-99a-5p could be used as non-invasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal F Gharib
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Emad M Eed
- Department of Clinical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Taif University, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amany S Khalifa
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Nermin Raafat
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Somaia Shehab-Eldeen
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Somaia Shehab-Eldeen, Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassen Abd Al Ghafar Street, Shebin El-Kom, 32511, Egypt, Tel +20 1117251523, Email
| | - Hany R Alwakeel
- Department of Hepatology, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
| | - Ehab Darwiesh
- Department of Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Abdallah Essa
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin El-Kom, Egypt
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsaa, Saudi Arabia
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Pietropaolo V, Prezioso C, Moens U. Role of Virus-Induced Host Cell Epigenetic Changes in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158346. [PMID: 34361112 PMCID: PMC8346956 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor viruses human T-lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1), hepatitis C virus (HCV), Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), high-risk human papillomaviruses (HR-HPVs), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpes virus (KSHV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) account for approximately 15% of all human cancers. Although the oncoproteins of these tumor viruses display no sequence similarity to one another, they use the same mechanisms to convey cancer hallmarks on the infected cell. Perturbed gene expression is one of the underlying mechanisms to induce cancer hallmarks. Epigenetic processes, including DNA methylation, histone modification and chromatin remodeling, microRNA, long noncoding RNA, and circular RNA affect gene expression without introducing changes in the DNA sequence. Increasing evidence demonstrates that oncoviruses cause epigenetic modifications, which play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. In this review, recent advances in the role of host cell epigenetic changes in virus-induced cancers are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Pietropaolo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
| | - Carla Prezioso
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- IRCSS San Raffaele Roma, Microbiology of Chronic Neuro-Degenerative Pathologies, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ugo Moens
- Molecular Inflammation Research Group, Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Tromsø—The Arctic University of Norway, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
- Correspondence: (V.P.); (U.M.)
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