Host immune response in chronic hepatitis C infection: involvement of cytokines and inflammasomes.

Host immune response in chronic hepatitis C infection: involvement of cytokines and inflammasomes. Rom J Morphol Embryol. 2020;61(1):33-43 Authors: Boldeanu MV, Siloşi I, Bărbulescu AL, Sandu RE, Geormăneanu C, Pădureanu V, Popescu-Drigă MV, Poenariu IS, Siloşi CA, Ungureanu AM, Dijmărescu AL, Boldeanu L Abstract Chronic liver disease is a major health issue worldwide and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is associated with an increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is evidence that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is correlated with immune senescence by way of immune activation and chronic inflammation, which lead to increased metabolic and cardiovascular risk, as well as progressive liver damage. Both the innate and adaptive immunity are firmly tied to the prognosis of an infection with HCV and its response to antiviral therapy. HCV is therefore associated with increased pro-inflammatory status, heightened production of cytokines, prolonged systemic inflammation, as well as increased morbidity and mortality, mainly due to the progression of hepatic fibrosis and HCC, but also secondary to cardiovascular diseases. Viral hepatic pathology is increasingly considered a disease that is no longer merely limited to the liver, but one with multiple metabolic consequences. Numerous in vitro studies, using experimental models of acute or chronic inflammation of the liver, has brought new information on immuno...
Source: Romanian Journal of Morphology and Embryology - Category: General Medicine Tags: Rom J Morphol Embryol Source Type: research