Anti-viral effect of Indigoferra gerardiana on core protein of HCV and clinical significance of serum markers in chronic HCV genotype 3a patients in district Peshawar

Abstract

Background/aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease is a health challenge due resistance cases globally. Many plant-derived natural compounds have demonstrated antiviral effects. These plants can provide an alternative way to new antiviral. Core protein of HCV has ability to interact with a wide range of viral and cellular proteins, including proto-oncogenes. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, total of 421 Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) positive patients were subjected by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). The correlation of genotype with continuous and categorical variables was analyzed. Furthermore, antiviral activity of indigoferra gerardiana (IG) was tested against core protein of HCV. The amplified complete core protein of HCV genotype 3a was sequenced and cloned. IG was extracted and screened against core protein of HCV 3a genotype in cell line. Results: Genotype 3a was the common genotype type of HCV (n=363, 86%). Significant differences were observed in viral load among 3a genotype of HCV (< P 0.05). Frequently detected age group was 21-40 (59.4%) Sex and age were statistically associated with HCV infection (49% males and 37% in females). The results of RT-PCR demonstrated that methanolic extract of IG showed 57% reduction of infecting cells. Conclusions: Methanolic extract of IG showed good antiviral activity i.e. 57% reduction of infecting cells.