Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Hepatitis C Virus Core And Nonstructural Protein 3 Proteins Induce Pro- And Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines And Inhibit Dendritic Cell Differentiation, Angela Dolganiuc, Karen Kodys, Andrea Kopasz, Christopher Marshall, Twan Do, Laszlo Romics, Pranoti Mandrekar, Maria Zapp, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

Antiviral immunity requires recognition of viral pathogens and activation of cytotoxic and Th cells by innate immune cells. In this study, we demonstrate that hepatitis C virus (HCV) core and nonstructural protein 3 (NS3), but not envelope 2 proteins (E2), activate monocytes and myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) and partially reproduce abnormalities found in chronic HCV infection. HCV core or NS3 (not E2) triggered inflammatory cytokine mRNA and TNF-alpha production in monocytes. Degradation of I-kappa B alpha suggested involvement of NF-kappa B activation. HCV core and NS3 induced production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. Both monocyte TNF-alpha and IL-10 levels were …

Emerging Role Of Micrornas In Liver Diseases, Shashi Bala, Miguel Marcos, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

MicroRNAs are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are found in plants, animals, and some viruses. They modulate the gene function at the post-transcriptional level and act as a fine tuner of various processes, such as development, proliferation, cell signaling, and apoptosis. They are associated with different types and stages of cancer. Recent studies have shown the involvement of microRNAs in liver diseases caused by various factors, such as Hepatitis C, Hepatitis B, metabolic disorders, and by drug abuse. This review highlights the role of microRNAs in liver diseases and their potential use as therapeutic molecules.

In Vitro And In Vivo Models Of Acute Alcohol Exposure, Angela Dolganiuc, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

Alcohol abuse is a global problem due to the financial burden on society and the healthcare system. While the harmful health effects of chronic alcohol abuse are well established, more recent data suggest that acute alcohol consumption also affects human wellbeing. Thus, there is a need for research models in order to fully understand the effect of acute alcohol abuse on different body systems and organs. The present manuscript summarizes the interdisciplinary advantages and disadvantages of currently available human and non-human models of acute alcohol abuse, and identifies their suitability for biomedical research.

Distinct Toll-Like Receptor Expression In Monocytes And T Cells In Chronic Hcv Infection, Angela Dolganiuc, Catherine Garcia, Karen Kodys, Gyongyi Szabo

Gyongyi Szabo

AIM: Hepatitis C virus often establishes chronic infections. Recent studies suggest that viral and bacterial infections are more common in HCV-infected patients compared to controls. Pathogens are recognized by Toll-like receptors (TLRs) to shape adaptive and innate immune responses.

METHODS: In this study, to assess the ability of HCV-infected host to recognize invading pathogens, we investigated Toll-like receptor expression in innate (monocytes) and adaptive (T cells) immune cells by real-time PCR.

RESULTS: We determined that RNA levels for TLRs 2, 6. 7, 8, 9 and 10 mRNA levels were upregulated in both monocytes and T cells in HCV-infected patients compared …