Donor Derived Cell Free DNA in Recipients of Hepatitis C Viremic Donors as a Possible Marker of a Pro-Inflammatory State Causing Graft Injury

Since the highly effective Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) therapies have been available for treatment of HCV, transplant centers have begun using organs from HCV infected donors followed by treatment with DAAs. Epidemiological studies have shown that HCV may be associated with an increase atherosclerosis and it has been hypothesized that this is caused by activation of an immunological or inflammatory response. HCV infection of endothelial cells may promote endothelial dysfunction and early atherogenesis.
Source: The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation - Category: Transplant Surgery Authors: Tags: (742) Source Type: research