Predictive prognostic role of miR-181a with discrepancy in the liver and serum of genotype 4 hepatitis C virus patients

Abstract

Abstract. microRNA (miRNA) expression in organs does not always represent their quantity in serum. A disparity in the expression of miR-181a has been reported in the tissues and serum of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Since hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of HCC and miR-181a has never been studied in HCV, the present study aimed to investigate the miR-181a expression profile in genotype 4 (GT4)-HCV patients to evaluate whether this pattern is also apparent in HCV. RNA was extracted from liver tissues, peripheral mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and serum samples from GT4-HCV-infected patients and healthy donors to evaluate the relative miR-181a expression using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. miR-181a was significantly higher in the serum of naïve patients compared to controls, and an inverse correlation with the viral load and liver enzymes was apparent. By contrast, no difference in miR-181a expression was observed in the liver tissues and PBMCs of patients compared to controls. This expression observed in HCV is conflicting to that previously reported in HCC. The study also demonstrates a significant upregulation of miR-181a post-interferon/ribavirin treatment in the serum of sustained virological responders (SVRs) compared to non-responders and treatment-naïve SVRs. In conclusion, miR-181a may be considered to be a possible prognostic marker in GT4-HCV infection.

Long non-coding RNA XIST regulates PTEN expression by sponging miR-181a and promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression

“…Moreover, the expression of miR-181a in HCC liver tissues was also up-regulated compared with the normal cells [34–36]. However, Elhelw et al reported that no difference in miR-181a expression was observed in liver tissues and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMCs) of patients compared with controls [37]. Korhan et al reported miR-181a-5p is down-regulated in hepatocellular carcinoma and suppresses motility, invasion and branching-morphogenesis by directly targeting c-Met [38].…”

MicroRNAs: Role in hepatitis C virus pathogenesis

“… 57 Serum levels of miR-181a were significantly elevated in SVR patients following treatment compared to NR patients and treatment-naïve SVRs. 58 IFN-λ3 expression is strongly associated with favorable response to IFN-α and RBV in HCV infected patients. However, HCV infection induces the expression of miR-208b and miR-499a-5p, which in turn downregulates IFN-λ3 expression.…”

“… 50 miR-181a expression was significantly upregulated in the serum of HCV patients compared to the healthy controls. 58 The serum miR-181a expression level in HCV patients is inversely correlated with the level of viremia, as well as liver enzymes (ALT, AST). Levels of miR-125b and miR-146a were also increased in the serum of CHC patients compared to healthy controls.…”

Importance of MicroRNAs in Hepatitis B and C Diagnostics and Treatment

“…By contrast, another study by Elhelw et al [90] has demonstrated upregulation of miR-181a in serum samples of HCV genotype 4-infected individuals and downregulation in HCV-infected Huh7 cells. In addition, the inverse correlation between miR-181a serum levels, viral load, and liver enzymes was observed.…”