CD24 Ala57Val polymorphism is associated with spontaneous viral clearance in the HCV-infected Chinese population

Like a Rolling Stone? A Review on Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Elimination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) without the need for medical intervention, known as spontaneous clearance (SC), occurs at a significantly lower rate than in the case of hepatitis B virus infection and only in selected individuals, such as reportedly in Keith Richards, a guitarist of The Rolling Stones. The present paper provides an updated narrative review of the research devoted to the phenomenon in order to identify and discuss the demographic, lifestyle-related, clinical, viral genotype-related, and host genetic factors underpinning the SC occurrence. The body of evidence indicates that the likelihood of SC is decreased in older individuals, men, Black people, HIV-coinfected subjects, and intravenous drug and alcohol users. In turn, HBV coinfection and specific polymorphism of the genes encoding interferon lambda 3 (particularly at rs8099917) and interferon lambda 4 (particularly at rs12979860) and HLA genes increase the odds of SC. Numerous other host-specific genetic factors could be implicated in SC, but the evidence is limited only to certain ethnic groups and often does not account for confounding variables. SC of HCV infection is a complex process arising from a combination of various factors, though a genetic component may play a leading role in some cases. Understanding factors influencing the likelihood of this phenomenon justifies better surveillance of high-risk groups, decreasing health inequities in particular ethnic groups, and may guide the development of a prophylactic vaccine, which at present is not available, or novel therapeutic strategies. Further research is needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms underlying SC and to explore potential interventions that could enhance this natural antiviral response.

Surprising magic of CD24 beyond cancer

CD24 has emerged as a molecule of significant interest beyond the oncological arena. Recent studies have unveiled its surprising and diverse roles in various biological processes and diseases. This review encapsulates the expanding spectrum of CD24 functions, delving into its involvement in immune regulation, cancer immune microenvironment, and its potential as a therapeutic target in autoimmune diseases and beyond. The 'magic' of CD24, once solely attributed to cancer, now inspires a new paradigm in understanding its multifunctionality in human health and disease, offering exciting prospects for medical advancements.

RNA protein kinase SNP at -226 C<T is a biomarker for the clearance of HCV among Egyptian patients

BACKGROUND

RNA-dependant protein kinase R (PKR) is a primary mediator in the defence mechanism of interferon against viral replication and pathogenesis during Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In the present study, we have examined the role of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the promoter region of PKR and the serum level of the same protein on the outcome of HCV-infected Egyptian patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Genomic DNA was extracted from a total of 135 subjects, including 15 healthy controls, 40 HCV spontaneous resolvers (SRs), and 80 patients with chronic HCV infection. PKR genotyping was assessed using DNA sequencing. Finally, serum levels of PKR, TNF-α, INF-γ, and IL-10 were measured using ELISA technique.

RESULTS

Serum levels of PKR, TNF-α, and INF-γ showed a significant increase in SRs as compared to chronic HCV patients. On the other hand, serum levels of IL-10 were significantly higher in chronic HCV patients compared to SRs. The present study demonstrated two novel SNPs in the PKR promoter region: at -226 C/T and -141 C/G. The PKR SNP at -226 C < T correlated with HCV-infected patients (genotype 4a) outcome among Egyptians. Our data showed the unique presence of the TT genotype in SRs group (three patients: 7.5%) in PKR -226 C/T. Interestingly, subjects with the TT genotype were more likely to clear their HCV infection than those with the CC genotype.

CONCLUSION

Our work provides more detail about PKR gene polymorphism in HCV genotype 4a as a new clinical tool for anticipating HCV-4a infection outcome.

Inflammation-Related DNA Damage and Cancer Stem Cell Markers in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Nitrative and oxidative DNA damage plays an important role in inflammation-related carcinogenesis. To investigate the involvement of stem cells in Epstein-Barr virus infection-related nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), we used double immunofluorescence staining to examine several cancer stem/progenitor cell markers (CD44v6, CD24, and ALDH1A1) in NPC tissues and NPC cell lines. We also measured 8-nitroguanine formation as an indicator of inflammation-related DNA lesions. The staining intensity of 8-nitroguanine was significantly higher in cancer cells and inflammatory cells in the stroma of NPC tissues than in chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Expression levels of CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 were significantly increased in cancer cells of primary NPC specimens in comparison to chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. Similarly, more intense staining of CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 was detected in an NPC cell line than in an immortalized nasopharyngeal epithelial cell line. In the case of CD24 staining, there was no significant difference between NPC and chronic nasopharyngitis tissues. 8-Nitroguanine was detected in both CD44v6- and ALDH1A1-positive stem cells in NPC tissues. In conclusion, CD44v6 and ALDH1A1 are candidate stem cell markers for NPC, and the increased formation of DNA lesions by inflammation may result in the mutation of stem cells, leading to tumor development in NPC.

Sustained viral response and treatment-induced cytopenia correlate with SLCs and KLF12 genotypes in interferon/ribavirin-treated Chinese chronic hepatitis C patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Genetic variations in solute carrier (SLC) genes are associated with liver diseases, and Kruppel-like factor 12 (KLF12) affects the b chain of hemoglobin. We investigated possible correlations of SLC and KLF12 polymorphisms with viral clearance (spontaneous and treatment-induced) and adverse effects in Chinese chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.

METHODS

We genotyped the single nucleotide polymorphisms in 525 CHC patients, 137 patients with spontaneous clearance, and 207 healthy controls. Three hundred fifty-seven CHC patients received recombinant interferon-alpha2b/ribavirin (IFN-α2b/RBV) treatment, and 175 patients were chosen for analysis of drug-induced cytopenia. All raw P-values were corrected by the Bonferroni method.

RESULTS

A higher rate of sustained viral response was detected in patients with SLC4A11 rs3810560 CC variant versus TT/TC variant (76.9% vs 59.2%; OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.06-5.56, P = 0.037 after adjustment), but there was no significant difference among different hepatitis C virus genotypes. RBV-induced anemia was independently correlated with SLC29A1 rs760370 AA genotype (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.29-6.54, P = 0.010), and the severity of IFN-induced thrombocytopenia was related to GG genotype (OR, 4.98; 95% CI, 1.27-19.61; P = 0.021); the detected effects held true for HCV-2a patients but weakened in HCV-1b patients. A reactive increase in platelet count was closely associated with KLF12 rs9543524 TT variant.

CONCLUSION

SLC4A11 rs3810560 polymorphism independently affected the sustained viral response rates in CHC patients, whereas SLC29A1 rs760370 and KLF12 rs9543524 single nucleotide polymorphisms correlated with treatment-induced adverse events. Clearly, the predictive power varied with HCV genotypes and the reason for genotype-dependent discrepancy was not fully understood.

Association of Interleukin-27 rs 153109 Single Nucleotide Polymorphism with Spontaneous Resolution of Hepatitis C Virus - Genotype 4a Infection in Egyptian Patients

BACKGROUND

HCV is a major global health problem. IL-27 is a member of the IL-6/IL-12 cytokine family with a broad range of anti-inflammatory properties. Recent studies highlighted the effect of a SNP in the IL-27 promoter region on modulating the progression of infectious diseases and individual responses to therapy.

AIM OF THE WORK

The present study investigated the potential role of (-964 A/G) SNP in the promoter region of IL-27p28 gene (alleles rs153109) on the outcome of HCV infection among genotype 4a infected patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

HCV genotyping confirmed that all of the HCV-infected patients had genotype 4a infection. Genomic DNA was extracted from 111 patients with chronic HCV infection, 42 spontaneous resolvers (SR) and 16 healthy controls. IL- 27p28.rs153109 genotyping was assessed using PCR-RFLP then confirmed by DNA sequencing.

RESULTS

The frequency of IL-27-p28.rs153109AA, AG, and GG genotypes among chronically infected subjects were 74.8 %, 25.2%, and 0% while among the SR, they were 57.1%, 35.7%, and 7.14%, respectively. Our data show the unique presence of G/G genotype in the SR group (3 patients; 7.14%). Moreover, the "G" allele frequencies among chronic and resolved subjects were 12.6% and 25.0%, respectively (p=0.0136). Importantly, subjects with the GG genotype were more likely to clear their HCV infection than those with the AA genotype (p=0.0118).

CONCLUSIONS

HCV genotype 4a subjects with the IL-27-p28.rs153109 A/G and G/G genotype were more likely to clear their HCV infection. Therefore, we propose IL- 27p28.rs153109SNPas a genetic biomarker for predicting HCV infection outcome.