Alcohol Facilitates HCV RNA Replication via Upregulation of miR-122 Expression and Inhibition of Cyclin G1 in Human Hepatoma Cells

Abstract

Background-Clinical studies demonstrate synergistic liver damage by alcohol and hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the mechanisms by which alcohol promotes HCV infection remain obscure. The liver-specific microRNA-122 (miR-122) regulates HCV replication and expression of host genes, including Cyclin G1. Here, we hypothesized that alcohol regulates miR-122 expression and thereby modulates HCV RNA replication.