Isolation of a cDNA from the virus responsible for enterically transmitted non-A, non-B hepatitis

Article Abstract:

The diagnosis of non-A, non-B hepatitis has until recently been based on the exclusion of hepatitis A and hepatitis B as causes. Recently, however, the molecular cloning of an agent tentatively called hepatitis C has identified a pathogen which is the major cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis. But this pathogen is primarily blood-borne, and does not account for the cases of hepatitis which are transmitted enterically, via the intestines. In parts of the world where this form of hepatitis is endemic, outbreaks are usually traced to the contamination of the water supply with feces. Now, the apparent causative agent of enteric non-A, non-B hepatitis has been serially passed among cynomolgus monkeys, and the infectious bile obtained from these animals has provided material to accomplish the molecular cloning of this virus. The results indicate the viral genome is a strand of RNA approximately 7,600 bases long. There was no similarity detected between the sequence of this genome and any known sequence, viral or otherwise, except for some similarities with the gene for the enzyme RNA-directed RNA polymerase, which all such viruses must use for their replication. Despite this apparent dissimilarity to other viruses, the sequence has been identified in many separate outbreaks of enteric hepatitis around the world, suggesting that a single agent is responsible for this disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Identification and classification, Hepatitis viruses, Hepatitis, Hepatitis E

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A liver-specific enhancer in the core promoter region of human hepatitis B virus

Article Abstract:

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes an acute or chronic viral hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver, that can result in cirrhosis of the liver such that the liver no longer functions and death ensues. HBV has infected approximated 200 million people worldwide. Infection with HBV is associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, one of the most common cancers in the world. The mechanism of how the virus is involved in the development of the tumor is not known. HBV replicates only in the hepatocytes or liver cells. Factors that are specifically found in the liver must regulate the synthesis of the virus. DNA contains the genetic information for building the molecules involved in life processes, including viruses. An enhancer is a region of DNA that is involved in the regulation of the level of synthesis of molecules. Factors bind to enhancers, which further regulates the amount of synthesis and limits the synthesis to certain tissues. A segment of DNA from the virus was isolated that contains the promoter, or starting site of synthesis, and an enhancer. Factors from liver cells bind to the enhancer and allows synthesis of the virus to occur only in liver cells. The identification of the regulatory elements, the enhancer and promoter, will allow further insight into how the virus replicates and how it is involved in hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Research, Physiological aspects, Hepatitis B, Liver cancer, Liver cirrhosis, Hepatitis B virus

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Binding of Hepatitis C Virus to CD81

Article Abstract:

Approximately 170 million people are infected by HCV which is a positive strand Flaviviridae family RNA virus. Liver diseases such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma may be caused by Chronic HCV infection. Type II and Type II cryoglobulinemia, B lumphocyte proliferative disorders and autoantibody production are also associated with the infection.

Analysis, Chronic diseases, RNA viruses, Hepatitis C virus

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