Association of Interleukin 28B Polymorphism with Clearance of Hepatitis C Virus: A Mini Review.

The highly infectious hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of chronic hepatitis around the globe. Approximately 3% of the world's population has been affected by both chronic and acute HCV. In this study, we highlight the relationship between single-nucleotide proteins (SNPs) and interleukin (IL) IL28B on chromosome 19 with the treatment response of chronic HCV infection along with its sustained virologic response (SVR).

Genetic diversity of Hepatitis C Virus in Pakistan using Next Generation Sequencing.

Background: In Pakistan, HCV disease is considered a major public health issue with about 10-17 million people suffering with this infection and rate is increasing every day without any hindrance. The currently available Pyrosequencing approach used to analyze complex viral genomes as it can determine minor variants. It is crucial to understand viral evolution and quasispecies diversity in complex viral strains.

Evaluation of three techniques for detection of IL28B SNP: A prognostic tool for HCV treatment outcome.

Objective: The study was aimed to evaluate the specificity, cost and turnaround time of three different techniques that can be used for analyzing the single nucleotide polymorphism of interleukin 28B (IL28B) rs129796860.

Methods: DNA from peripheral blood samples of 111 patients with chronic hepatitis C were genotyped using three types of genotyping methods: direct sequencing, SNaPshot polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP).

Results: Three distinct profiles for IL28B rs12979860 alleles (CC, CT and TT) were obtained with direct sequencing, SNaPshot PCR and PCR-RFLP and the results were consistent among all three methods.

The genotype CC of IL-28B SNP rs12979860 is significantly associated with a sustained virological response in chronic HCV-infected Pakistani patients.

Objective: To evaluate the association of genetic variation in interleukin 28B (IL-28B) gene and viral factors with treatment outcome in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients in Pakistan.

Methods: Patients with chronic HCV infection who received interferon plus ribavirin combination therapy were enrolled in the study. The viral loads were checked at the third and sixth month of treatment and 6 months after the completion of the treatment.

Association of hepatitis C virus with insulin resistance: evidences from animal studies and clinical studies.

Context: HCV infection is strongly associated with development of insulin resistance and type-2 diabetes, however molecular mechanism of these associations is not known. The aim of this review was to conduct a comprehensive literature search to understand the nature of the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and insulin resistance (IR). We also explored the role of HCV core protein and NS5a in modulating the course of the insulin-signaling pathway.

Serotype and genotype analysis of dengue virus by sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis using samples from three mini outbreaks-2007-2009 in Pakistan.

Background: Since the first reported outbreak of dengue hemorrhagic fever in Pakistan, several mini outbreaks have erupted in the region. Dengue virus serotype 3 (DEN-3) was first documented in 2005 outbreak in Karachi. Reports show that serotype 3 is prevalent in Lahore since 2008.

Characterization of hepatitis C Virus genotype 3a hypervariable region 1 in patients achieved rapid virological response to alpha interferon and ribavirin combination therapy.

Background: Hepatitis C virus roots a chronic liver disease. Currently approved treatment strategy includes administration of alpha interferon and ribavirin combined therapy for 24-48 weeks. One of the predictor of sustained virological response is an early virological response to treatment characterized as rapid response.

Mutations in the E2-PePHD region of hepatitis C virus genotype-3a and correlation with response to interferon and ribavirin combination therapy in Pakistani patients.

Hepatitis C is a major health problem affecting more than 200 million individuals in the world. Current treatment regimen consisting of interferon alpha and ribavirin does not always succeed in eliminating the virus completely from patient's body. One of the mechanisms by which virus evades the antiviral effect of interferon alpha involves protein kinase (PKR) eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha (eIF2a) phosphorylation homology domain (PePHD).

Hepatitis C treatment: current and future perspectives.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a member of Flaviviridae family and one of the major causes of liver disease. There are about 175 million HCV infected patients worldwide that constitute 3% of world's population. The main route of HCV transmission is parental however 90% intravenous drug users are at highest risk.

Hepatitis C virus genotype 3a infection and hepatocellular carcinoma: Pakistan experience.

Aim: To assess the association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Pakistan, and the genotype distribution among these HCC patients.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-one subjects with HCC were included in this study. Liver biopsy was performed on 145 of the patients; sixteen were excluded because they failed to fulfill the inclusion criteria.

Nucleotide identity and variability among different Pakistani hepatitis C virus isolates.

Background: The variability within the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome has formed the basis for several genotyping methods and used widely for HCV genotyping worldwide.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine percent nucleotide identity and variability in HCV isolates prevalent in different geographical regions of Pakistan.

Methods: Sequencing analysis of the 5'noncoding region (5'-NCR) of 100 HCV RNA-positive patients representing all the four provinces of Pakistan were carried out using ABI PRISM 3100 Genetic Analyzer.