Hepatitis C virus infection,microRNA and liver disease progression

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) is a global health problem with an estimated 170-200 million peoples(approximately3% of world population) are chronically infected worldwide and new infections are predicted to be on rise in coming years. HCV infection remains categorized as a major risk factor for chronic hepatitis,liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. There has been considerable improvement in our understanding of virus life cycle since,the discovery of HCV two-decades ago.MicroRNAs(miRNAs) are important players in establishment of HCV infection and their propagation in infected hepatocytes. They target crucial host cellular factors needed for productive HCV replication and augmented cell growth.Very first anti-miRNA oligonucleotides,miravirsen has been tested in clinical trial and shown promising results as therapeutic agent in treatment against chronic HCV infection.Deregulated expression of miRNAs has been linked to the pathogenesis associated with HCV infection by controlling signaling pathways such as,proliferation,apoptosis and migration. Circulating miRNAs emerging as growing field in identification of biomarkers in disease progression and their potential as a means of communication between cells inside the liver is an exciting area of research in future.This review focuses on recent studies enforcing the contribution of miRNAs in HCV life cycle and coordinated regulation in HCV mediated liver disease progression.

MicroRNAs:Role in hepatitis C virus pathogenesis

Hepatitis C virus(HCV)is a global health burden with an estimated 170e200 million peoples chronically infected worldwide.HCV infection remains as an independent risk factor for chronic hepatitis,liver cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma,and a major reason for liver transplantation.Discovery of direct acting antiviral(DAA)drugs have shown promising results with more than 90%success rate in clearing the HCV RNA in patients,although long-term consequences remain to be evaluated.microRNAs(miRNAs)are important players in establishment of HCV infection and target crucial host cellular factors needed for productive HCV replication and augmented cell growth.Altered expression of miRNAs is involved in the pathogenesis associated with HCV infection by controlling signaling pathways such as immune response,proliferation and apoptosis.miRNA is emerging as a means of communication between various cell types inside the liver.There is likely possibility of developing circulating miRNAs as biomarkers of disease progression and can also serve as diagnostic tool with potential of early therapeutic intervention in HCV associated end stage liver disease.This review focuses on recent studies highlighting the contribution of miRNAs in HCV life cycle and their coordinated regulation in HCV mediated liver disease progression.