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HBV increased cell proliferation during hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus infection enhanced cell proliferation via HBx protein-induced microRNA-21 in hepatocellular carcinoma, according to recent study results.

Researchers gathered human hepatoma cell lines of Hep G2, Huh 7 and Hep G 2.2.1.5 and were transected with plasmid DNA or hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) protein HBx to test its effect on cell proliferation. All experiments were repeated at least three times.

According to results, HBx and microRNA-21’s (miRNA-21) were over-expressed, and cell proliferation was evident in Huh 7 and Hep G2 cells. Hep G 2.2.1.5 cells were used in miRNA-21 inhibition studies, and HBx was over-expressed and enhanced proliferation in Hep G 2.2.1.5 cells (P<.01) and miRNA-21 expression increased in Huh 7 and Hep G2 cells (P<.001). Through Western blot analysis, miRNA-21 target proteins, programmed cell death protein-4 (PDCD4) and phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), were both inhibited by HBx in Huh 7 and Hep G2 cells (P<.005) and led to over-expression of miRNA-21 and an increase in proliferation (P<.05). Anti-miR-21 resulted in a decrease in proliferation (P<.05) and increased miRNA-21 target protein expression.

“Our data show that HBx at least in part, induces cell proliferation via inducing miRNA-21, which in turn inhibits PDCD4 and PTEN,” researchers said. “Identifying key miRNAs, which are modulated at early stages of [hepatocellular] cancer, is important for novel therapeutic interventions that could prevent further disease progression. Nonetheless, further studies are required to confirm these findings using in vivo expression studies.”

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.