Hepatitis C virus RNA localization in human carotid plaques

Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has certain characteristics that enable it to play an important role in atherosclerosis. Some studies report its association with an increased risk of carotid artery plaque. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HCV gen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of clinical virology 2010-01, Vol.47 (1), p.72-75
Main Authors: Boddi, Maria, Abbate, Rosanna, Chellini, Benedetta, Giusti, Betti, Giannini, Carlo, Pratesi, Giovanni, Rossi, Luciana, Pratesi, Carlo, Gensini, Gian Franco, Paperetti, Laura, Zignego, Anna Linda
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Allergy and Immunology
Biological and medical sciences
Carotid atherosclerosis
Carotid Stenosis - virology
Female
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Hepacivirus - genetics
Hepacivirus - isolation & purification
Hepatitis C - virology
Hepatitis C virus
Human viral diseases
Humans
Infectious Disease
Infectious diseases
Male
Medical sciences
Microbiology
Miscellaneous
Plaque infection
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Prospective Studies
RNA, Viral - analysis
RNA, Viral - blood
Sensitivity and Specificity
Viral diseases
Viral Load
Virology
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Summary:Abstract Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has certain characteristics that enable it to play an important role in atherosclerosis. Some studies report its association with an increased risk of carotid artery plaque. Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HCV genomic sequences and replicative intermediates in plaque tissues. Study Design A cohort of consecutive, prospectively recruited patients with HCV infection and chronic ischemic heart disease from the Cardiology, Vascular Surgery and Hepatology Units of a University Hospital in Florence, Italy, were studied. Results Positive-strand HCV RNA was detected in seven carotid plaque tissues from anti-HCV-positive patients and was not detected in the nine carotid plaque tissues obtained from anti-HCV-negative patients. In three patients, HCV RNA was found in carotid plaque and not in serum. HCV replicative intermediates were detected in three plaque samples. Direct sequencing of HCV RNA from the plaque and serum showed HCV genotypes 2 (five cases) and 1 (two cases). Conclusions The novel finding of HCV RNA sequences in plaque tissue strongly suggests an active local infection. This in turn makes it conceivable that the virus may exert local action in carotid atherosclerosis.
ISSN:1386-6532
1873-5967
DOI:10.1016/j.jcv.2009.10.005