Researchers have discovered that the hepatitis C virus takes over a component of the cell to promote its own replication and survival. The virus binds to a certain molecule of RNA, which stabilizes it. Scientists found that they can interfere with this process by using a novel drug that hides the RNA, which could help… [Continue Reading]
Green Tea Compound Fights Hepatitis C Infection of Liver Cells in the Lab
December 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment
A compound found in green tea can block the hepatitis C virus from infection liver cells in the lab, a new study reports. The substance, called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, researchers suggest, could be used as part of a strategy to prevent liver infection after liver transplants in patients. German researchers have determined that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG)—a flavonoid found… [Continue Reading]
New Anti-Hepatitis C Antibody Helps Supress Virus After Liver Transplant
November 11, 2011 By 1 Comment
Advances in hepatitis research have allowed the development of a tool to push back the virus after liver transplant surgery, a new study reports. Suppressing the virus is a key goal of researchers, as even after liver transplants, active virus in the blood can infect the new liver. The researchers are now testing combination therapies… [Continue Reading]
Many Hepatitis C Patients Fail to Follow Their Treatment Regimen
October 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment
The treatment protocol for hepatitis C can be complex, and a new study shows that many patients have trouble taking their medications according to their doctor’s instructions. Some pills have to be taken every 8 hours, and researchers say that developing tools to help patients follow their treatment regimen could make a big difference in… [Continue Reading]
Hepatitis C Vaccine Developed: Effective in Mouse Models
February 24, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Hepatitis C is a virus of the liver that is spread by blood or body fluid contact, including shared needles, poorly screen blood transfusions, and sexual activity. The virus mutates so quickly, until now, it has been difficult to design an effective vaccine. Researchers have reported this week the development of an effective vaccine in… [Continue Reading]
Genetic Variants Linked to Protection from Anemia in Hepatitis C Patients
January 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Treatment for hepatitis C can trigger anemia in some patients, and devising a way to predict who will be affected, and how to best treat them is essential to cure the disease. A new study has found that specific genetic changes are linked to resistance to anemia during treatment. The work may lead to the… [Continue Reading]
New Research on How Hepatitis C Virus Replicates Lays Groundwork for Future Therapies
December 29, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Hepatitis C virus affects hundreds of millions of people around the world, and can lead to scarring of the liver and liver cancer. Current treatments are limited, but new research has gained new insights into how the virus replicates. Researchers have shown that one of the viral proteins interacts with another protein essential for replication… [Continue Reading]
New Approach to Treat Hepatitis C Helps Patients
December 6, 2010 By 1 Comment
Hepatitis C can be a debilitating disease, causing inflammation of the liver and extreme chronic fatigue. About half of hepatitis C patients carry a different strain of the virus, and don’t respond to the traditional anti-viral cocktail. New results from clinical trials funded by Merck show that a new drug has a strong beneficial effect… [Continue Reading]
Mobile Apps Used to Track Infectious Diseases
November 17, 2010 By Leave a Comment
British scientists are hoping to use the “location”, or geo, information that is increasingly a part of mobile internet and phone usage, to track the spread of infectious diseases and so provide important clues about how quickly a pandemic might occur and also provide data with which epidemiologists can work. They provide details in the… [Continue Reading]
Visceral Adiposity Index Correlated to Viral Load in Hepatitis C
October 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Researchers at the University of Palermo in Italy provide the evidence that a higher visceral adiposity index score-a new index of adipose dysfunction-has a direct correlation with viral load and is independently associated with both steatosis and necroinflammatory activity in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C (G1 CHC). According to public health surveillance data… [Continue Reading]