Hepatic expression of miR-122 and antioxidant genes in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

INTRODUCTION The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B depends on both, the immune response and oxidative stress. AIM OF THE STUDY To assess the hepatic expression of miR-122 and the antioxidant genes: HMOX-1, NQO1 and GFER1, in liver biopsy specimens obtained from patients with chronic hepatitis B, with regard to selected clinical and histological parameters, using RT-PCR. RESULTS The study group comprised 34 HBV-infected patients. Statistically significant associations were found between lower hepatic expression of HMOX-1 and greater severity of liver inflammation (p=0.04). However, significantly higher expression of NQO1 was observed in patients with advanced liver fibrosis (p=0.035). Hepatic expression of miR-122 in HBV patients was not associated with viral load or liver injury. CONCLUSION The hepatic expression of HMOX-1and NQO1 may be associated with liver injuries in chronic hepatitis B. However, hepatic expression of miR-122 does not seem to correspond to progression of the liver disease.