title: Characterization of microRNA expression profiles associated with hepatitis B virus replication and clearance in vivo and in vitro.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Alpha interferon (IFN-α) is an approved treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). MicroRNA (miRNA) are currently known as a part of IFN-mediated antiviral defense. We aimed at characterizing the miRNA expression associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and IFN-mediated HBV clearance.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated the expression patterns of cellular miRNA induced by HBV replication and/or IFN-α treatment in HepG2 cells, and also analyzed the miRNA response in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in CHB patients on IFN-α treatment. The differentially expressed miRNA were verified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and an miRNA expression pattern was classified based on the final virological response.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 223 miRNA were differentially expressed (> 1.5 folds) between the HepG2.2.15 and HepG2 cells, including 24 highly differentially expressed miRNA (> 5 folds). With 12 h of IFN-α treatment, 23 totally differentially expressed miRNA were identified in HepG2 cells; whereas only five miRNA were identified in HepG2.2.15 cells. Similar amounts of the miRNA were regulated in patients with HBeAg or non-HBeAg seroconversion; whereas levels of eight miRNA were significantly differentially expressed between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  HBV replication alters miRNA expression profiles and impairs IFN-inducible miRNA response in HepG2 cells. The miRNA expression pattern of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in CHB patients with IFN therapy can be associated with their therapeutic outcome.
authors.affiliation: Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Xicheng District, Beijing, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Ben
authors.initials: XB
authors.lastname: Pan
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Ma
authors.forename: Qian
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Jin
authors.forename: Lai
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Wei
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D056945:Hep G2 Cells; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000502:physiology*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007963:Leukocytes, Mononuclear; D008297:Male; D035683:MicroRNAs / Q000097:blood* / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism; D046228:Microarray Analysis; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014779:Virus Replication; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D035683:MicroRNAs; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b