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Vitamin D Metabolites Inhibit Hepatitis C Virus and Modulate Cellular Gene Expression

Author(s): Julio A. Gutierrez , Krysten A. Jones , Roxana Flores , AkulSinghania, Christopher H. Woelk, Robert T. Schooley ,and David L. Wyles

Background and Aims: Previous studies suggest that low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH) D] levels are associated with reduced responsiveness to interferon and ribavirin therapy. We investigated the impact of vitamin D metabolites on HCV and cellular gene expression in cultured hepatoma cells.

Methods: HCV Replicon cell lines stably expressing luciferase reporter constructs (genotype 1b and 2a replicon) or JC1-Luc2a were incubated in the presence of vitamin D2, vitamin D3 or 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3). Presence of HCV was quantified by a luciferase reporter assay and immunoblot of the Core protein. Synergy of interferon-alpha A/D (IFN-α) and 1,25(OH)2D3 was evaluated using the Chou-Talalay method. Cellular gene expression by mi... view more»

DOI: 10.4172/2324-8955.1000129

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