Hepatitis C virus RNA localization in human carotid plaques
Received 15 April 2009; received in revised form 8 September 2009; accepted 7 October 2009. published online 06 November 2009.
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.
aClinica Medica Generale e Cardiologia, Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Italy
bThrombosis Centre, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence and Center for the Study at Molecular and Clinical Level of Chronic, Degenerative and Neoplastic Diseases to Develop Novel Therapies, University of Florence, Italy
cCenter for Systemic Manifestations of Hepatitis Viruses (MASVE), Department of Internal Medicine, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 85, 50134 Florence, Italy
dUnit of Vascular Surgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Critical Care, University of Florence, Italy
eFondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Centro S. Maria degli Ulivi, Firenze, Italy
ABSTRACT