Impact of hepatitis C virus on IFITM3 gene expression: A comprehensive analysis incorporating serological detection and viral load quantification via qPCR.

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes long-term liver disease. Its capacity to influence the host immune system makes its pathogenesis more complicated. Targeting the IFITM3 gene presents a promising therapeutic strategy for treating HCV infections, as it blocks the virus from entering host cells.

Objectives: This study examines how HCV viral loads affect IFITM3 gene expression.

Material and methods: This study included 100 patient samples diagnosed with HCV through serological methods and confirmed as positive. Then, viral and human RNA were extracted using commercial kits. The viral RNA was then quantified using one-step real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), enabling an accurate assessment of viral load in the blood. Following this, human RNA was converted to cDNA and quantified using qPCR to investigate IFITM3 gene expression.

Results: The distribution of blood groups among HCV-positive and HCV-negative samples showed that samples with the Oblood group had a significantly higher frequency of HCV positivity (18.4%) compared to the HCV-negative group (2.0%). Age analysis indicated a significant difference between HCV-positive and HCV-negative individuals with mean age of 37.8 ±1.48 years and 44.1 ±1.56 years, respectively. The expression levels of the IFITM3 gene were significantly higher in the HCV-positive group (4.21 ±1.17 fold) compared to the HCV-negative group (1.36 ±0.157 fold), with a p-value of 0.016. A correlation analysis between IFITM3 gene expression levels and HCV viral loads showed r-value of 0.343, indicating a moderate positive correlation, with p-value of 0.016.

Conclusions: Strong correlations observed in this study show the need for a comprehensive understanding and management approach to HCV disease. These relationships should be studied longitudinally to verify causality and assess potential interventions. IFITM3 gene expression as a biomarker for HCV infection and disease progression warrants further investigation.