Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in HBsAg-Negative and Anti HBc Positive Patients

Background: Surface antigen (HBsAg) is the mean marker of hepatitis B virus infection. During the course of the infection, some patients lose the HBsAg and only the presence of anti-HBc antibody indicates previous contact with the virus. Among these patients, some have detectable viral load (occult infection) but most without viral replication. There is no guideline regarding these patients. The aim of this study was to assess hepatic fibrosis in patients with only the hepatitis B virus contact marker “total anti-HBc”. Patients and methods: it was a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study, conducted in three private hospitals from January to August 2022. Were included HBsAg-negative and HBc-positive patients, consulting in Gastroenterology departments. Noninvasive methods (APRI, FIB-4 and FIBROSCAN) were used to evaluate liver stiffness because of their easy accessibility and low-cost. The hepatic fibrosis was considered significant when the score determined by APRI, FIB-4 and FIBROSCAN® tests was respectively greater than 1.5;2.67 and 8 kPa corresponding to fibrosis level 2 (F2). Results: A total of 63 HBsAg-negative/total HBcAg-positive patients were included. The mean age was 49.9 ± 13.4 years. The male/female sex ratio was 1.78. Of the 63 patients, 19 had significant liver fibrosis (30.1%) among which 9 patients had HCC. The FIB-4 score outperformed the APRI score in assessing liver fibrosis, with a sensitivity of 84.2%, a specificity of 100% and a negative predictive value of 93.6%. In univariate analysis, there was a significant association between the occurrence of significant liver fibrosis and age over 40 years, dyslipidaemia, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, herbal medicine, negative anti-HBs immunological status and detectable viral load. Conclusion: Our study revealed a high prevalence of significant to severe hepatic fibrosis in anti-HBc positive patients. In most of the cases, the fibrosis was severe. Progression to HCC has also been possible. There is no consensus on the follow-up strategy for those patients. However, screening for hepatic fibrosis using noninvasive methods should be recommended for patients aged over 40 years, alcohol or herbal medicine users, patients with metabolic syndrome or occult hepatitis B. In HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc-positive patients, liver stiffness should be evaluated and if it is greater than F2, HCC screening should be started.

Pathogenesis and clinical features of severe hepatitis E virus infection

The hepatitis E virus(HEV),a member of the Hepeviridae family,is a small,non-enveloped icosahedral virus divided into eight distinct genotypes(HEV-1 to HEV-8).Only genotypes 1 to 4 are known to cause diseases in humans.Genotypes 1 and 2 commonly spread via fecal-oral transmission,often through the consum-ption of contaminated water.Genotypes 3 and 4 are known to infect pigs,deer,and wild boars,often transferring to humans through inadequately cooked meat.Acute hepatitis caused by HEV in healthy individuals is mostly asymptomatic or associated with minor symptoms,such as jaundice.However,in immunosup-pressed individuals,the disease can progress to chronic hepatitis and even escalate to cirrhosis.For pregnant women,an HEV infection can cause fulminant liver failure,with a potential mortality rate of 25%.Mortality rates also rise amongst cirrhotic patients when they contract an acute HEV infection,which can even trigger acute-on-chronic liver failure if layered onto pre-existing chronic liver disease.As the prevalence of HEV infection continues to rise worldwide,highlighting the particular risks associated with severe HEV infection is of major medical interest.This text offers a brief summary of the characteristics of hepatitis developed by patient groups at an elevated risk of severe HEV infection.

Cross-neutralizing Anti-hemagglutinin Antibodies Isolated from Patients Infected with Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus

Objective To recover broad-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies(Bn Abs)from avian influenza A(H5N1)virus infection cases and investigate their genetic and functional features.Methods We screened the Abs repertoires of expanded B cells circulating in the peripheral blood of H5N1 patients.The genetic basis,biological functions,and epitopes of the obtained Bn Abs were assessed and modeled.Results Two Bn Abs,2-12 D5,and 3-37 G7.1,were respectively obtained from two human H5N1 cases on days 12 and 21 after disease onset.Both Abs demonstrated cross-neutralizing and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity(ADCC)activity.Albeit derived from distinct Ab lineages,i.e.,V^H1-69-D2-15-JH^4(2-12D5)and V^H1-2-D3-9-JH^5(3-32 G7.1),the Bn Abs were directed toward CR6261-like epitopes in the HA stem,and HA2 I45 in the hydrophobic pocket was the critical residue for their binding.Signature motifs for binding with the HA stem,namely,IFY in VH1-69-encoded Abs and LXYFXW in D3-9-encoded Abs,were also observed in 2-12D5 and 3-32 G7.1,respectively.Conclusions Cross-reactive B cells of different germline origins could be activated and re-circulated by avian influenza virus.The HA stem epitopes targeted by the Bn Abs,and the two Ab-encoding genes usage implied the VH1-69 and D3-9 are the ideal candidates triggered by influenza virus for vaccine development.

Synthesis and in vitro-Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activities of Several Ethyl 5-Hydroxy-1H-indole-3-carboxylates

A series of ethyl 5-hydroxyindole-3-earboxylates 6a-10r was designed and synthesized. The structures of all the compounds were confirmed by IR, ^1H NMR, and MS and their anti-hepatitis B virus （HBV） activities were evaluated in 2.2.15 cells. Among them, compound 7g { ethyl 5-hydroxy-2- [ （ 3-methoxyphenylsulfinyl ） methyl ] -1-methyl-4- [ （4-methylpiperazin-1-yl） methyl ]-1H-indole-3-carboxylate} displays a significant anti-HBV activity, which is more potent than the positive control lamivudine.

Antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid in transgenic mice

AIM To assess the antiviral effects of hepatitis B virus(HBV) S gene-specific anti-gene locked nucleic acid(LNA) in transgenic mice.METHODS Thirty HBV transgenic mice were acclimatized to laboratory conditions and positive for serum HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) and HBV DNA, were randomly divided into 5 groups(n = 7), including negative control(blank control, unrelated sequence control), positive control(lamivudine, anti-sense-LNA), and anti-gene-LNA experimental group. LNA was injected into transgenic mice by tail vein while lamivudine was administeredby gavage. Serum HBV DNA and HBs Ag levels were determined by fluorescence-based PCR and enzymelinked immune sorbent assay, respectively. HBV S gene expression amounts were assessed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Positive rates of HBsA g in liver cells were evaluated immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Average rate reductions of HBs Ag after treatment on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 32.34%, 45.96%, and 59.15%, respectively. The inhibitory effect of antigene-LNA on serum HBs Ag peaked on day 7, with statistically significant differences compared with pretreatment(0.96 ± 0.18 vs 2.35 ± 0.33, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). Average reduction rates of HBV DNA on the 3 rd, 5 th, and 7 th days were 38.55%, 50.95%, and 62.26%, respectively. This inhibitory effect peaked on the 7 th day after treatment with anti-gene-LNA, with statistically significant differences compared with pre-treatment(4.17 ± 1.29 vs 11.05 ± 1.25, P < 0.05) and control values(P < 0.05 for all). The mR NA levels of the HBV S gene(P < 0.05 for all) and rates of HBsA g positive liver cells(P < 0.05 for all) were significantly reduced compared with the control groups. Liver and kidney function, and histology showed no abnormalities. CONCLUSION Anti-gene-LNA targeting the S gene of HBV displays strong inhibitory effects on HBV in transgenic mice, providing theoretical and experimental bases for gene therapy in HBV.

The Positivity Rate of Epstein-Barr Virus Anti-Viral Capsid Antigen IgG among Children with Infectious Mononucleosis in Diyala-Iraq

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a double-stranded linear DNA human herpesvirus that is transmitted primarily through saliva during childhood. Although the majority of primary EBV infections are clinically asymptomatic, clinical cases are presented as infectious mononucleosis (IMN) syndrome. Objectives: This study was conducted to explore the rate of EBV anti-VCA IgG among children who were clinically suspected as having IMNin Diyala province. Subjects and Methods: This is a cross sectional study that was carried out during 2018 in Diyala province-Iraq. A total of 370 blood samples were collected from 190 children under 15 years of age who were clinically suspected as having IMN, and 180 apparently healthy children as controls. The anti EBV VCA IgG antibodies were detected in serum using the VCA IgG ELISA kit (from Dia.Pro Diagnostic Bioprobessrl-Italy). Statistical analysis was carried out using the SPSS-version 25. A statistical significance was considered whenever the P value was ≤ 0.05. Results: The results showed that the IgG positivity rate among suspected IMN patients was insignificantly higher in the age group 10 - 14 years old children (80.8%, P = 0.364). In control subjects the highest positivity rate was in the age group of 1 - 4 years with a statistically significant difference (79.5%, P = 0.002). In suspected IMN patients, the age group of 10 - 14 years had the highest mean concentration ± SD of anti-VCA IgG 44.018 ± 38.644 arbitrary units per milliliter (arbU/ml), while in controls, the highest value 38.018 ± 34.908 (arbU/ml) was in the age group of 1 - 4 years, with insignificant difference in either group (P = 0.257 and 0.072, respectively). The results also showed that in both suspected IMN patients and control subjects, females showed higher IgG positivity rate (70.6%, and 75.5%) compared to males (64.8%, and 65.1%) with insignificant difference in both groups (P = 0.392 and 0.126) respectively. Similarly, the IgG mean concentration ± SD was insignificantly higher in females in both suspected IMN patients and control subjects (P = 0.447 and 0.256) respectively. 21 (87.5%) of IgM positive suspected IMN patients were also IgG positive with a statistically significant association (P = 0.028). Conclusion: The positivity rate of anti-EBV VCA IgG among apparently healthy subjects in Diyala province was 70.6%, which increases by age with slight association with clinical suspicion of infectious mononucleosis.

Anti-virus prophylaxis withdrawal may be feasible in liver transplant recipients whose serum HBeAg and HBV DNA are negative

Anti-virus prophylactic therapy may be not nec- essary for the prevention of hepatitis B virus （HBV） recur- rence after HBV-related liver transplantation （LT）. However, studies on completely stopping the hepatitis B immune globu- lin （HBIG） and nucleos（t）ide analogs （NUC） after LT are few. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the safety of anti- virus prophylaxis withdrawal in liver recipients whose serum hepatitis B e antigen （HBeAg） and HBV DNA are negative. We analyzed 190 patients undergone LT for HBV-related liver dis- ease from 2006 to 2012 and found that 10 patients completely stopped the HBIG and NUC due to poor compliance. These patients were liver biopsied and checked monthly with serum HBV markers, HBV DNA and liver function. Among the 10 patients, 9 did not show the signs of HBV recurrence after a mean follow-up of 51.6 months （range 20-73） after with- drawal of the HBIG and NUC. The average time from LT to the withdrawal of the anti-virus drug was 23.8 （13-42） months; one patient showed hepatitis B surface antigen-positive and detectable HBV DNA after stopping anti-virus drugs and this patient was successfully treated with entecavir. Our data sug- gested that complete withdrawal of anti-virus prophylaxis was safe and feasible for patients whose serum HBeAg and HBV DNA were negative at the time of LT.

Anti-tumor Effects of a Recombinant Fowlpox Virus Expressing Apoptin on Human Cervical Carcinoma in Vivo and in Vitro

Apoptin is a chicken anemia virus-derived,p53-independent,bcl-2-insensitive apoptotic protein with the ability to specifically induce apoptosis of various human tumor cells,but not of normal diploid cells.To explore the application of apoptin in tumor gene therapy,we used a recombinant fowlpox virus expressing apoptin protein （vFV-Apoptin） to investigate the anti-tumor effectes of vFV-Apoptin on human cervical carcinoma（HeLa） cells in vivo and in vitro through 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide（MTT） assay,acridine orage/ethidium bromide（AO/EB） and annexin V staining test,respectively.The results show that vFV-Apoptin inhibites the proliferation of HeLa cells in vitro through inducing the apoptosis of HeLa cells,and the inhibition effect of vFV-Apoptin has a dose-effect and time-effect relationship.The results of animal models show that vFV-Apoptin significantly inhibits tumor growth,extends the lifespan of animals and improves the mean survival.Experimental results indicate that vFV-Apoptin has a potential application in the tumor gene therapy.

Tea Polyphenols Exerts Anti-hepatitis B Virus Effects in a Stably HBV-transfected Cell Line

In this study, the anti-HBV effects of tea polyphenols （TP） were examined. After cells were exposed to TP for 3, 6, 9 days, amounts of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV-DNA released into the supernatant of the cultured HepG2 2.2.15 cells were detected. TP, to some extent, inhibited the secretion of HBsAg and strongly suppressed the secretion of HBeAg in a dose-dependent （P〈0.01） and time-dependent manner, with 50% maximal inhibitory concentration （IC50） value being 7.34μg/mL on the 9th day, but the time-dependence was not significant （P=0.051）. Expression of HBV-DNA in the supernatant of the cell culture also was significantly decreased in a dose-dependent fashion （P〈0.01）. The ICS0 of TP in inhibiting HBV DNA was 2.54 pg/mL. It concluded that TP possessed potential anti-HBV effects and may be used as a treatment alternative for HBV infection.

Anti-viral Effects of Urosolic Acid on Guinea Pig Cytomegalovirus In Vitro

This study examined the anti-viral effect of ursolic acid on guinea pig cytomegalovirus (GPCMV) and explored the steps of viral replication targeted by ursolic acid. Cytopathic effect assay and MTT method were employed to determine the 50% cellular cytotoxicity (CC50), 50% effective concentration (EC50) and therapeutic index (TI) with GPCMV. To investigate the specific anti-viral effect of ursolic acid at different temperatures and time points, two other medicines, ganciclovir and Jinyebaidu (JYBD), serving as controls, were studied for comparison. Our results showed that the CC50 of ganciclovir, JYBD and ursolic acid were 333.8, 3015.6, 86.7 μg/mL, respectively; EC50 of ganciclovir, JYBD and ursolic acid was 48.1, 325.5 and 6.8 μg/mL, respectively; TI of ganciclovir, JYBD and ursolic acid was 7, 9, 13, respectively. Similar with ganciclovir, ursolic acid could inhibit the viral synthesis, but did not affect the viral adsorption onto and penetration into cells. We are led to conclude that the anti-cytomegalovirus effect of ursolic acid is significantly stronger than ganciclovir or JYBD, and the cytotoxic effect of ursolic acid lies in its ability to inhibit viral synthesis.

Anti-hepatitis C virus therapy in chronic kidney disease patients improves long-term renal and patient survivals

BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a documented risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, to date there are no reports on the long-term hard endpoints (ESRD and death) of anti-HCV therapy [interferon-based therapy (IBT) or new direct-acting antivirals] in CKD patients. Direct-acting antivirals are not available in Taiwan’s singlepayer national health insurance database currently released for research. Therefore, we hypothesized that a retrospective analysis of the long-term outcomes of IBT in CKD patients will serve as a proxy for direct-acting antivirals to increase our understanding of progression to ESRD following HCV infection. AIM To evaluate the long-term outcomes (ESRD and death) of anti-HCV therapy, especially IBT, in HCV-infected patients with stage 1-5 CKD. METHODS We analyzed 93894 Taiwan Residents adults diagnosed with CKD and without HBV infection. Of these, 4.9% were infected with HCV. Of the 4582 HCV-infected CKD patients, 482 (10.5%) received IBT (treated cohort). They were matched 1:4 with 1928 untreated HCV-infected CKD patients (untreated cohort) by propensity scores and year, which further matched 1:2 by propensity scores with 3856 CKD patients without HCV infection (uninfected cohort). All participants were followed until the occurrence of ESRD, death, or the end of 2012. The association between HCV infection, IBT use, and risks of ESRD and death was analyzed using competing risk analysis. RESULTS Taking the uninfected cohort as a reference, the adjusted hazard ratios for ESRD, after adjusting for competing mortality, were 0.34 (0.14-0.84, P = 0.019) and 1.28 (1.03-1.60, P = 0.029) in the treated and untreated cohorts, respectively. The treated cohort had a 29%(0.54-0.92, P = 0.011) decrease in mortality compared to the untreated cohort, in which the mortality was 31%(1.18-1.45, P < 0.001) higher than in the uninfected cohort. The reduced risks of ESRD (0.14, 0.03–0.58, P = 0.007) and death (0.57, 0.41-0.79, P = 0.001) were greatest in HCV-infected CKD patients who received at least 4 mo of IBT, which accounted for 74% of the treated cohort.CONCLUSION Adequate anti-HCV therapy in CKD patients improves long-term renal and patient survival.

Synthesis and Anti-influenza Virus Activity of Ethyl 6-Bromo-5-hydroxyindole-3-carboxylate Derivatives

A series of ethyl 6-bromo-5-hydroxyindole-3-carboxylate derivatives were synthesized and their in vitro anti-influenza virus activity was evaluated. All the compounds were characterized by 1H NMR and MS.

Synthesis and in vitro Anti-hepatitis B Virus Activity of Some Ethyl 5-Hydroxy-4-substituted Aminomethyl-2-sulfinylmethyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylates

A novel series of ethyl 5-hydroxy-4-substituted aminomethyl-2-sulfinylmethyl-lH-indole-3-carboxylates 8a--8j and 11e--11f was synthesized and evaluated in HepG2.2.15 cells for their anti-hepatitits B virus（HBV） activity and cytotoxicity. Among them, six compounds showed more potent inhibitory activity than lamivudine. Compound 8e exhibited the most significant anti-HBV activity with an IC50 value of 1.62 μmol/L, which was 33-times more potent than the reference drug lamivudine（IC50=54.78μmol/L）.

scAAV9-IGF-1对SOD1-G93A小鼠抗凋亡通路的作用

目的 探索以自我互补双链腺相关病毒9为载体介导的人胰岛素样生长因子-1 (scAAV9-IGF-1)对SOD1-G93A转基因小鼠抗凋亡通路的作用。方法 采用肌萎缩侧索硬化(ALS)的动物模型即转基因SOD1-G93A突变型及野生型(wild type-SOD1,WT-SOD1)小鼠,在其出生后60 d龄时,雌性同窝阳性SOD1-G93A转基因小鼠采用随机的方法分配到治疗组及溶剂对照组,治疗组全身多点肌肉注射scAAV9-IGF-1,溶剂对照组多点肌肉注射AAV9-GFP,同年龄WT-SOD1作为阴性对照组。在肌肉注射40~50 d后,利用PCR技术检测腰髓中IGF-1含量的变化,同时检测抗凋亡通路因子Bcl-xl、Bcl-2的mRNA含量变化,通过免疫组化染色观察抗凋亡通路因子Bcl-xl、Bcl-2在小鼠腰髓前角神经元中的表达。结果 PCR技术检测显示scAAV9-IGF-1处理后,腰髓中IGF-1的mRNA含量显著高于GFP对照组,抗凋亡通路因子Bclxl、Bcl-2的mRNA含量均高于溶剂对照组(均P<0.05),而与WT组差异无统计学意义。免疫组化染色结果显示,治疗组中抗凋亡通路蛋白Bcl-xl,Bcl-2在小鼠腰髓前角神经元中的表达多于溶剂对照组,并且与WT阴性对照组相当。结论 scAAV9-IGF-1可以激活SOD1-G93A转基因小鼠模型中的抗凋亡通路,其通过上调Bcl-xl,Bcl-2的mRNA水平,进而增加Bcl-xl、Bcl-2的蛋白表达,从而产生抗凋亡的作用。

MicroRNA-185-5p mediates regulation of SREBP2 expression by hepatitis C virus core protein

AIM: To investigate the molecular mechanism for regulation of cholesterol metabolism by hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein in Hep G2 cells.METHODS: HCV genotype 1b core protein was cloned and expressed in Hep G2 cells. The cholesterol content was determined after transfection. The expression of sterol regulatory element binding protein 2(SREBP2) and the rate-limiting enzyme in cholesterol synthesis(HMGCR) was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and immunoblotting after transfection. The effects of core protein on the SREBP2 promoter and 3'-untranslated region were analyzed by luciferase assay. We used different target predictive algorithms, micro RNA(mi RNA) mimics/inhibitors, and site-directed mutation to identify a putative target of a particular mi RNA.RESULTS: HCV core protein expression in Hep G2 cells increased the total intracellular cholesterol level(4.05 ± 0.17 vs 6.47 ± 0.68, P = 0.001), and this increase corresponded to an increase in SREBP2 and HMGCR m RNA levels(P = 0.009 and 0.037, respectively) and protein expression. The molecular mechanism studyrevealed that the HCV core protein increased the expression of SREBP2 by enhancing its promoter activity(P = 0.004). In addition, mi R-185-5p expression was tightly regulated by the HCV core protein(P = 0.041). Moreover, overexpression of mi R-185-5p repressed the SREBP2 m RNA level(P = 0.022) and protein expression. In contrast, inhibition of mi R-185-5p caused upregulation of SREBP2 protein expression. mi R-185-5p was involved in the regulation of SREBP2 expression by HCV core protein. CONCLUSION: HCV core protein disturbs the cholesterol homeostasis in Hep G2 cells via the SREBP2 pathway; mi R-185-5p is involved in the regulation of SREBP2 by the core protein.

2018-2022年我国18家省级血液中心献血者HCV检测结果分析

目的分析我国省级血液中心服务区域献血人群丙型肝炎病毒(hepatitis C virus,HCV)检测数据。方法对我国东中西部不同地区的18家省级血液中心,2018—2022年初次献血和重复献血者抗-HCV和HCV RNA检测数据收集整理,分析献血者中抗-HCV ELISA和抗-HCV ELISA阴性中HCV RNA检测不合格率与年度、血液中心以及初次献血和重复献血者之间的关系。结果2018年—2022年HCV总不合格率从24.61/万逐年减少至15.17/万(χ^(2)=717.71,P<0.01),西部地区为25.72/万最高,东部11.96/万最低(χ^(2)=2382.54,P<0.01);初次献血者抗-HCV ELISA不合格率(30.50/万)比重复献血者(7.42/万)高(χ^(2)=9694.63,P<0.01);各血液中心抗-HCV ELISA阴性中HCV-RNA单独不合格率范围为0~7.54/万。结论我国18家血液中心服务区域献血者的HCV检测不合格率呈逐年降低趋势;HCV检测不合格率存在明显的地域分布差异;与初次献血者相比,重复献血者为HCV检测不合格低危人群;HCV-RNA检测在血液安全方面发挥重要作用。

Hepatitis C virus core protein-induced miR-93-5p upregulation inhibits interferon signaling pathway by targeting IFNAR1

AIM To investigate the mechanism by which hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein-induced mi R-93-5 p up-regulation regulates the interferon(IFN) signaling pathway.METHODS HCV-1 b core protein was exogenously expressed in Huh7 cells using pc DNA3.1(+) vector. The expression of mi R-93-5 p and interferon receptor 1(IFNAR1) was measured using quantitative reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The protein expression and phosphorylation level of STAT1 were evaluated by Western blot. The overexpression and silencing of mi R-93-5 p and IFNAR1 were performed using mi R-93-5 p agomir and antagomir, and pc DNA3.1-IFNAR1 and IFNAR1 si RNA, respectively. Luciferase assay was used to identify whether IFNAR1 is a target of mi R-93-5 p. Cellular experiments were also conducted.RESULTS Serum mi R-93-5 p level was increased in patients with HCV-1 b infection and decreased to normal level after HCV-1 b clearance, but persistently increased in those with pegylated interferon-α resistance, compared with healthy subjects. Serum mi R-93-5 p expression had an AUC value of 0.8359 in distinguishing patients with pegylated interferon-α resistance from those with pegylated interferon-α sensitivity. HCV-1 b core protein increased mi R-93-5 p expression and induced inactivation of the IFN signaling pathway in Huh7 cells. Furthermore, IFNAR1 was identified as a direct target of mi R-93-5 p, and IFNAR1 restore could rescue mi R-93-5 p-reduced STAT1 phosphorylation, suggesting that the mi R-93-5 p-IFNAR1 axis regulates the IFN signaling pathway.CONCLUSION HCV-1 b core protein-induced mi R-93-5 p up-regulation inhibits the IFN signaling pathway by directly targeting IFNAR1, and the mi R-93-5 p-IFNAR1 axis regulates STAT1 phosphorylation. This axis may be a potential therapeutic target for HCV-1 b infection.

Virus-phytoplankton adhesion:a new WSSV transmission route to zooplankton

The pathogenicity of white spot syndrome virus （WSSV） to zooplankton species, rotifer Brachionus urceus （Linnaeus）, copepod Acartia clausi （Giesbrecht） and mysid shrimp Neomysis awatschensis （ Brandt ）, was estimated by immersion challenge and virus - phytoplankton adhesion mute to investigate a potential new transmission mute of WSSV to zooplankton. WSSV succeeded in infecting these zooplankton species and nested-PCR revealed positive results for the virus - phytoplankton adhesion mute, whereas WSSV cannot infect zooplankton by immersion challenge. These results indicated that virus - phytoplankton adhesion route is a successful new transmission mute of WSSV to zooplankton and also implied that phytoplankton could be a carrier in WSSV transmission.

(-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate enhances poly I:C-induced interferon-λ1 production and inhibits hepatitis C virus replication in hepatocytes

AIM To investigate the effect of(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) on polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid(poly I:C)-triggered intracellular innate immunity against hepatitis C virus(HCV) in hepatocytes. METHODS A cell culture model of HCV infection was generated by infecting a hepatoma cell line, Huh7, with HCV JFH-1 strain(JFH-1-Huh7). Poly I:C with a high molecular weight and EGCG were used to stimulate the JFH-1-Huh7 cells. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression levels of intracellular m RNAs and of intracellular and extracellular HCV RNA. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to evaluate the interferon(IFN)-λ1 protein level in the cell culture supernatant. Immunostaining was used to examine HCV core protein expression in Huh7 cells.RESULTS Our recent study showed that HCV replication could impair poly I:C-triggered intracellular innate immune responses in hepatocytes. In the current study, we showed that EGCG treatment significantly increased the poly I:C-induced expression of Toll-like receptor 3(TLR3), retinoic acid-inducible gene I, and IFN-λ1 in JFH-1-Huh7 cells. In addition, supplementation with EGCG increased the poly I:C-mediated antiviral activity in JFH-1-Huh7 cells at the intracellular and extracellular HCV RNA and protein levels. Further investigation of the mechanisms showed that EGCG treatment significantly enhanced the poly I:C-induced expression of IFN-regulatory factor 9 and several antiviral IFNstimulated genes, including ISG15, ISG56, myxovirus resistance A, and 2'-5'-oligoadenylate synthetase 1, which encode the key antiviral elements in the IFN signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our observations provide experimental evidence that EGCG has the ability to enhance poly I:C-induced intracellular antiviral innate immunity against HCV replication in hepatocytes.

5-羟基-6,7-二甲氧基黄酮抑制流感病毒诱导A549细胞炎症反应和铁死亡的作用及机制

目的 研究四方蒿中提取出的5-羟基-6,7-二甲氧基黄酮(5-HDF)对H1N1流感病毒引起的肺损伤的保护作用及潜在机制。方法 使用H1N1流感病毒感染A549细胞制作流感病毒感染模型,检测5-HDF的细胞毒性及其对感染病毒后的炎症和铁死亡相关指标及相关信号通路蛋白的影响。采用乙醇回流提取和硅胶色谱法从四方蒿中提取分离获得5-HDF,并采用NMR和MS鉴定其结构。采用MTT法检测不同浓度的5-HDF对A549细胞的毒性;H1N1流感病毒以0.1的感染复数感染A549细胞;采用流式细胞术检测5-HDF对感染H1N1流感病毒后A549细胞中TRAIL和IL-8表达水平的影响;Western blotting检测phospho-p38 MAPK(Thr180/Tyr182)、phospho-NF-κB p65(Ser536)、cleaved caspase3、cleaved PARP、SLC7A11、GPX4等炎症、细胞凋亡和铁死亡相关蛋白表达的水平。通过鼻腔接种50μL半数致死量(LD50)的H1N1流感病毒液复制小鼠H1N1流感病毒感染模型,以体质量变化率、肺解剖结果、肺组织病理形态变化为指标,考察5-HDF(30 mg/kg、60 mg/kg)体内抗H1N1流感病毒的作用。结果 MTT结果显示5-HDF在0~200μg/mL对A549细胞没有明显的细胞毒性(P>0.05)。流式细胞术和Western blotting结果显示,5-HDF能抑制H1N1流感病毒感染的A549细胞中phospho-NF-κB p65和phospho-p38 MAPK的活化,降低促炎因子IL-8的表达,且5-HDF能上调SLC7A11和GPX4等抗铁死亡相关蛋白表达的水平,并抑制凋亡标志物cleaved caspase3和cleaved PARP及凋亡因子TRAIL的表达(P<0.05)。5-HDF灌胃给药7 d,可提高H1N1流感病毒感染导致的小鼠体质量降低,降低因感染H1N1流感病毒而异常升高的肺指数,并减轻其肺组织病变程度(P<0.05)。结论 本研究推测5-HDF具有一定的抗小鼠H1N1流感病毒感染作用,可能通过增加SLC7A11和GPX4的表达并抑制phospho-NF-κB p65和phospho-p38 MAPK的活化,降低cleaved caspase3和cleaved PARP的表达,来减弱流感病毒H1N1感染A549细胞所引起的铁死亡、炎症反应和细胞凋亡。