Differential plasma microRNA profiles in HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative children with chronic hepatitis B.

ABSTRACT:

Background and aim

Children chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) are at high risk of progressive liver disease. However, no treatment is available that is consistently effective in curing chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in children. Improved understanding of the natural course of disease is warranted. Identification of specific microRNA (miRNA) profiles in children chronically infected with HBV may provide insight into the pathogenesis of CHB and lead to advances in the management of children with CHB.

Patients and methods

MiRNA PCR panels were employed to screen plasma levels of 739 miRNAs in pooled samples from HBeAg positive, HBeAg negative, and healthy children. The three groups' plasma miRNA profiles were compared, and aberrantly expressed miRNAs were identified.

SUBMITTER: Winther TN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3587589 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature