Hepatitis C virus RNA localization in human carotid plaques.
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.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HCV genomic sequences and replicative intermediates in plaque tissues.


METHODS
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.
Boddi
Maria
M
Clinica Medica Generale e Cardiologia, Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Italy.
Abbate
Rosanna
R
Chellini
Benedetta
B
Giusti
Betti
B
Giannini
Carlo
C
Pratesi
Giovanni
G
Rossi
Luciana
L
Pratesi
Carlo
C
Gensini
Gian Franco
GF
Paperetti
Laura
L
Zignego
Anna Linda
AL
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016893:Carotid Stenosis / Q000821:virology*; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics* / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis* / Q000097:blood; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D019562:Viral Load
D012367:RNA, Viral