Impact of interplay between autophagy and interferon-alpha in HCV and HCV/HIV infection

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are among the most dangerous pathogens globally. Infection with HCV has been reported in a high percentage of HIV patients. Viruses are obligate intracellular pathogens and their survival is associated with their capability to subvert antiviral defenses of cells and to improve cellular processes required for their replication. The aim of this study was to compare the expression rate of the key gene for autophagy process, Beclin-1, as a cellular response to viral infections, and its effect on interferon alpha (IFN-α) expression in both HCV and HCV/HIV patient groups. In this study, a total number of 40 samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) including 20 HCV and 20 HCV/HIV patients before treatment were evaluated. The HCV viral load in both groups was evaluated by semi quantitative real-time PCR. The level of Beclin-1 and IFN-α gene expression was examined in all samples by semi quantitative real-time PCR assay. The median viral load was 8.3×10 5 copies/ml in HCV group and 2.1×10 6 copies/ml in HCV/HIV patients. While the expression level of Beclin-1 gene in HCV group was significantly higher, the level of IFN-α expression was lower compared to the HCV/HIV group (P <0.03). Furthermore, an inverse correlation was observed between Beclin-1 and IFN-α level of gene expression in coinfected patients (P <0.05). According to the results of this study, the positive or negative correlation between IFN-α and Beclin-1 gene expression along with other genetic and physiological host factors can be considered as important agents involved in HCV and HIV pathogenesis, and a probable reason for progression toward to cirrhosis in co-infected individuals.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection in southern Iran from 2016 to 2019

“…In HIV+ patients, the HCV viral load means were higher than in other risk groups, but this variable was not statistically significant. This may be related to the low number of HIV+ patients among the study population 21‐23 . In conclusion, genotype 1 is the predominant type among HCV genotypes and it affects 48.8% of the patients, followed by G3a (47.2%).…”

“…This may be related to the low number of HIV+ patients among the study population. [21][22][23] In conclusion, genotype 1 is the predominant type among HCV genotypes and it affects 48.8% of the patients, followed by G3a (47.2%). Our study results have indicated that in the study area the genotype distribution is similar to other parts of Iran.…”