Micro RNA 155 and Its Target Gene CTLA4 as a New Biomarker for Lymphocyte Activation in HCV-Induced Liver Fibrosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Bibliographic Information
Authors: Amin N.A.; El-Araby R.E.; Abo El Nil O.B.; Osman R.A.; Ragab K.M.; Hassan A.S.M.
Journal: Egyptian Journal of Chemistry
Publisher: National Information and Documentation Centre
Publication Date: 1 December 2024
Volume / Issue: Volume 67 / Issue 12
Pages: 327–336
ISSN: 4492285
DOI: 10.21608/ejchem.2024.318046.10338
Scopus: View on Scopus
Document Type: Article
Access: All Open Access; Bronze Open Access
Authors and Affiliations
Amin N.A., Haematolog Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt; El-Araby R.E., Central Lab, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Abo El Nil O.B., Haematolog Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Osman R.A., Clinical Pathology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo, Egypt; Ragab K.M., HepatoGastroenterology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt; Hassan A.S.M., Electron Microscopy Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. 30, Giza, 12411, Egypt
Abstract
The role of microRNA 155 (miRNA 155) and the immunological checkpoint cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) in chronic liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are complex. The alterations in the expression levels or functions of CTLA-4 and miRNA 155 could influence the outcome of HCV infection by affecting the quality and persistence of the antiviral immune response. Here, we tried to investigate the relationships of miRNA 155 gene expression with CTLA-4, the regulator gene of lymphocyte activation in patients with HCC and chronic HCV infection to assess the interactions between these genes and lymphocyte activation and its contribution in liver disease progression. A case-control study included 80 subjects (20 healthy controls, 20 HCV patients without cirrhosis, 20 with liver cirrhosis, and 20 patients with HCC). The expression of miRNA 155 and CTLA-4 gene were measured by quantitative real-time qRT-PCR. The percentage of circulating regulatory T (T reg) cells expressing CD4 and CD25 was done by flow cytometry. Results revealed that miRNA 155 and CTLA-4 gene were upregulated with higher expression in HCC and liver cirrhosis patients compared to HCV without liver cirrhosis and control groups (p value < 0.05). Together with a significant increase in CD4+CD25+ T reg in HCC and liver cirrhosis patients compared to the HCV group (p value <0.05). In conclusion, miRNA 155 and CTLA-4 gene could be utilized as new biomarkers in HCV- induced liver fibrosis and HCC for further exploration of immunomodulatory strategies targeting these molecules to enhance antiviral immune responses and prevent hepatocarcinogenesis. ©2024 National Information and Documentation Center (NIDOC)
Keywords
CTLA-4; HCC; Liver cirrhosis; Micro RNA 155; T lymphocytes
Citation Information
Scopus Citations: 0
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