Assessment of the features of serum apolipoprotein profiles in chronic HCV infection: difference between HCV genotypes 1b and 2.

BACKGROUND

The life cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is tightly associated with host lipoprotein metabolic pathways. Apolipoprotein is present on the outer surface of lipoprotein particles and plays an important role in lipoprotein metabolism. We aimed to elucidate the influence of chronic HCV infection on serum apolipoprotein profiles.

METHODS

Fasting serum apolipoprotein profiles of 310 subjects with active or cleared HCV infection were examined. Subsequently, the association between chronic HCV infection and serum apolipoprotein levels was determined using multiple regression analysis.

RESULTS

Active HCV infection was associated with high serum levels of apo A-II and low serum levels of apo C-II and C-III. HCV infection with both genotype 1b (G1b) and genotype 2 (G2) was associated with low serum levels of either apo C-II and C-III, whereas only HCV G1b infections caused elevated levels of apo A II and E. Among active HCV infections, HCV G1b was associated with an elevation in the serum apo E levels. Furthermore, IL28B non-major genotype (rs8099917 TG/GG) was associated with low levels of serum apo B and high levels of apoA-II, and advanced fibrosis was associated with low levels of apo B and C-II in G1b infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Active HCV infection is distinctively associated with characteristic serum apolipoprotein profiles. The influence on apolipoprotein profiles varies with different HCV genotypes. Moreover, the genotype of IL28B and hepatic fibrosis affected serum apolipoproteins in G1b infection. Abnormalities in serum apolipoproteins may provide a clue to the elucidation of complex interactions between active HCV infection and lipid metabolism.