Serum MicroRNA-122 and MicroRNA-155: Markers of Disease Progression in Hepatitis C viral infection.

Chronic HCV with its longstanding complications of cirrhosis and HCC is a highly prevalent and challenging problem in Egypt. Recently, microRNAs are ranked as potential biomarkers for early diagnosis of HCV related complications. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of miRNA-122 and miRNA-155 for prediction of progression of HCV infection and for diagnosis of HCC.

The Role of Bcl-2 and Bax as Markers of Disease Progression in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients.

Many apoptotic markers have been linked to hepatic cell injury in HCV-related liver diseases, and hence could be used as potential markers for early detection of the disease. The present study aimed to assess the role of apoptotic markers Bcl-2 and Bax in the pathogenesis of chronic HCV-related liver diseases. A total of 85 participants were enrolled into the study; 70 chronic HCV patients (35 non-cirrhotic and 35 cirrhotic), and 15 healthy controls.

Serum Mannose - Binding Lectin in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C.

Approximately 60 - 85% of HCV infections cannot eradicate the virus and progress to chronic hepatitis, this may be explained by failure in host immune responses or by the ability of HCV to defeat host defense mechanisms. Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) may play an immunomodulatory role. This work intended to evaluate the relationship of MBL concentration to chronic HCV infection.

Pentraxin 3 Genetic Variants and The Risk of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a major health problem worldwide. Genetic factors are considered important determinants of the host susceptibility to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the association between pentraxin 3 genetic variants and the susceptibility and severity of active pulmonary tuberculosis.