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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 7, 2014; 20(13): 3443-3456
Published online Apr 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i13.3443
Immunologic, metabolic and genetic factors in hepatitis C virus infection
Nora A Fierro, Karina Gonzalez-Aldaco, Rafael Torres-Valadez, Erika Martinez-Lopez, Sonia Roman, Arturo Panduro
Nora A Fierro, Karina Gonzalez-Aldaco, Rafael Torres-Valadez, Erika Martinez-Lopez, Sonia Roman, Arturo Panduro, Department of Molecular Biology in Medicine, Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, “Fray Antonio Alcalde” and Health Sciences Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44280, Jalisco, Mexico
Author contributions: Fierro NA analyzed data, wrote the paper and critically revised the manuscript; Gonzalez-Aldaco K, Torres-Valadez R and Martinez-Lopez E performed the research; Roman S analyzed the data; Panduro A conceived, drafted, analyzed data and critically revised the manuscript; all authors revised and approved the final version.
Supported by The National Council of Science and Technology (CONACYT-FONDO SECTORIAL, Mexico), Grant No. Salud-2010-1-139085 to Roman S; CONACYT-CIENCIA BASICA, Mexico, Grant No. 127229, COECYTJAL-UDG, Mexico, Grants No. S-2010-1-849, CONACYT-INFR, Mexico and Grant No. 188240 to Fierro NA
Correspondence to: Arturo Panduro, MD, PhD, Department of Molecular Biology in Medicine, Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, “Fray Antonio Alcalde” and Health Sciences Center, University of Guadalajara, 278, Col El Retiro, Guadalajara 44280, Jalisco, Mexico. apanduro@prodigy.net.mx
Telephone: +52-33-36147743 Fax: +52-33-36147743
Received: September 27, 2013
Revised: January 16, 2014
Accepted: March 6, 2014
Published online: April 7, 2014
Processing time: 188 Days and 17.5 Hours
Abstract

The mechanisms that regulate disease progression during hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the response to treatment are not clearly identified. Numerous studies have demonstrated that a strong host immune response against HCV favors HCV clearance. In addition, genetic factors and metabolic machinery, particularly cholesterol modulation, are involved in HCV infection. It is likely that the interplay between all of these factors contributes to the outcome of HCV infection. In recent years, the world has experienced its largest epidemic of obesity. Mexico and the United States are the leading sufferers from this epidemic at the global level. Obesity is associated with the development of numerous pathologies including hypercholesterolemia which is one of the eight most important risk factors for mortality in Mexico. This may be related to the course of HCV infection in this population. Here, we focus on the urgent need to study the progression of HCV infection in relation to ethnic characteristics. Discoveries are discussed that hold promise in identifying immune, metabolic and genetic factors that, in conjunction, could be therapeutic targets or predictors of the progression of HCV infection.

Keywords: Hepatitis C virus; Immune response; Lipids; Metabolism; Genetics

Core tip: Immunologic, metabolic and genetic factors are involved in the progression of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and the response to treatment. The significant increase in obesity worldwide, including in Mexico, imposes a new metabolic stress factor in patients with HCV infection. Given that the lipid components associated with HCV infection are finely modulated, it is possible that the progression of HCV infection may be regulated by the characteristics of the population’s lipid composition.