Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection and the Proinflammatory Effects of Injection Drug Use.

ABSTRACT:

Background

 Chronic inflammation, as defined by persistent immune activation, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. People who inject drugs (PWID) have evidence of persistent immune activation. Here, in a cohort of PWID with or without hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we sought to dissect out the contribution of chronic HCV infection (common in PWID) from the effects of injection drug use itself.

Methods

 Four groups of study volunteers were recruited: group 1 comprised active PWID; group 2, individuals who ceased injecting drugs 1-2 months before recruitment; group 3, individuals who ceased injecting drugs 3-4 months before recruitment; and group 4, healthy volunteers. Soluble and cell-associated markers of immune activation were quantified.

Results

 HCV-vi

SUBMITTER: Markowitz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5079368 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature