Alcohol facilitates HCV RNA replication via up-regulation of miR-122 expression and inhibition of cyclin G1 in human hepatoma cells.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Clinical studies demonstrate synergistic liver damage by alcohol and hepatitis C virus (HCV); however, the mechanisms by which alcohol promotes HCV infection remain obscure. The liver-specific microRNA-122 (miR-122) regulates HCV replication and expression of host genes, including Cyclin G1. Here, we hypothesized that alcohol regulates miR-122 expression and thereby modulates HCV RNA replication.

Methods

The J6/JFH/Huh-7.5 model of HCV infection was used in this study. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and confocal microscopy were used for experimental analysis.

Results

We found that acute alcohol exposure (25 mM) significantly increased intracellular HCV RNA as well as miR-122 levels i

SUBMITTER: Hou W 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4171687 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature