Beta-lipoproteins influence the serum level of hepatitis C virus.

Abstract

Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) has been proposed as a candidate receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to previous reports, free beta-lipoproteins in a human serum may regulate the rate of hepatocyte infection by competing with the virus. Therefore, serum HCV levels should be regulated by the rise and fall of serum beta-lipoproteins since the infection rate of virions influences HCV replication in hepatocytes and release of virions by hepatocytes. In this study, we examined the relationship between serum beta-lipoproteins and HCV-antigen (Ag) levels in patients with chronic type C hepatitis. Patients were selected based on strict criteria to eliminate other factors that might influence serum HCV levels. Serum concentrations of beta-lipoproteins and HCV-Ag were measured two or more times within 3 months for each patient. The result showed that HCV-Ag levels were negatively correlated with the increased beta-lipoproteins. The results support the concept that LDLR is a HCV receptor and that beta-lipoproteins competitively inhibit the infection of hepatocytes with HCV through the LDLR.

• Authors: M Enjoji, M Nakamuta, N Kinukawa, R Sugimoto, K Noguchi, S Tsuruta, M Iwao, K Kotoh, H Iwamoto, H Nawata
• Journal: Medical science monitor : international medical journal of experimental and clinical research (Med Sci Monit) 2000 Sep-Oct Vol. 6 Issue 5 Pg. 841-4 ISSN: 1234-1010 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11208419 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hepatitis C Antigens
• Lipoproteins, LDL
• Receptors, LDL
• Receptors, Virus

Topics

• Binding, Competitive
• Female
• Hepacivirus (isolation & purification)
• Hepatitis C Antigens (blood)
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (blood, virology)
• Humans
• Lipoproteins, LDL (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Receptors, LDL (blood)
• Receptors, Virus (blood)