Hemoxygenase-1 and its downstream product Biliverdin suppress HCV replication and provides hepatoprotective effects in humanized uPA/SCID mice

Background: Hepatis C Virus (HCV) infection is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis worldwide. Induction of the anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant enzyme heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) or application of its heme degradation product biliverdin has been shown to interfere with HCV replication in vitro. Enhancement of host anti-oxidant enzymes, such as HO-1, may attenuate hepatocyte injury during chronic HCV infection. The Aim of this study was to investigate the antiviral and hepatoprotective effects of the HO-1 in vivo using HCV-infected humanized uPA/SCID mice. The antiviral effects of HO-1 induction we…