Increased DNA Damage in Hepatitis C Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• DOI: 10.1089/dna.2014.2417
• Publication Date: 2014-12-02T20:38:45Z
• Authors: Shereen M. Shawki; Safa S. Meshaal; Aliaa S. El Dash; Naglaa A. Zayed; Mariam Onsy F. Hanna
• Keywords: Comet Assay

One consequence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an elevated cancer risk. During chronic viral infection, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage being induced by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which may play a pathogenic role in HCV-induced carcinogenesis. The study investigated DNA peripheral blood lymphocytes from patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) those HCV without associated cirrhosis normal controls. As measure for genomic damage, the comet assay (single cell gel electrophoresis) was applied, detects single- double-strand breaks alkali-labile sites through electrophoretic mobility resulting fragments. levels were significantly higher HCC HCV-associated compared to control group. Patients presenting more than mean+two standard deviation controls had 3.6-fold risk having undamaged DNA. disease progression only discriminator predicting extent damage. accumulation important evolution. indicating intracellular oxidative nitrative stress lead mutagenesis consequently malignant transformation, emphasizes need optimize therapy reducing degree