Beta-lipoproteins influence the serum level of hepatitis C virus.
Low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) has been proposed as a candidate receptor for hepatitis C virus (HCV). According to previous reports, free beta-lipoproteins in a human serum may regulate the rate of hepatocyte infection by competing with the virus. Therefore, serum HCV levels should be regulated by the rise and fall of serum beta-lipoproteins since the infection rate of virions influences HCV replication in hepatocytes and release of virions by hepatocytes. In this study, we examined the relationship between serum beta-lipoproteins and HCV-antigen (Ag) levels in patients with chronic type C hepatitis. Patients were selected based on strict criteria to eliminate other factors that might influence serum HCV levels. Serum concentrations of beta-lipoproteins and HCV-Ag were measured two or more times within 3 months for each patient. The result showed that HCV-Ag levels were negatively correlated with the increased beta-lipoproteins. The results support the concept that LDLR is a HCV receptor and that beta-lipoproteins competitively inhibit the infection of hepatocytes with HCV through the LDLR.
Enjoji
M
M
Department of Medicine and Bioreguratory Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashiku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan. enjoji@intmed3.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Nakamuta
M
M
Kinukawa
N
N
Sugimoto
R
R
Noguchi
K
K
Tsuruta
S
S
Iwao
M
M
Kotoh
K
K
Iwamoto
H
H
Nawata
H
H
D001667:Binding, Competitive; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens / Q000097:blood; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000097:blood* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011973:Receptors, LDL / Q000097:blood; D011991:Receptors, Virus / Q000097:blood
D018936:Hepatitis C Antigens; D008077:Lipoproteins, LDL; D011973:Receptors, LDL; D011991:Receptors, Virus