Comparison of Viperin and IFN- α in HBV and HCV infections

Abstract

Background: Viperin is an interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) with broad-spectrum
antiviral activity, primarily induced by interferon-alpha (IFN-α). Both are critical
components of the innate immune response against hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis
C virus (HCV). This study investigates sex-based differences in viperin gene expression
and IFN-α levels among patients infected with HBV and HCV
Methods: Eighty blood samples were collected from patients with confirmed HBV
(n=40) or HCV (n=40) infections in Thi-Qar, Iraq. IFN-α levels were measured using
ELISA, while viperin expression was assessed through qRT-PCR. Statistical analyses
were performed to compare values between male and female patients within each
infection group.
Results: In HCV patients, females showed slightly higher viperin expression and IFN
α levels compared to males, though the differences were not statistically significant.
However, in HBV patients, viperin expression was significantly higher in females than
males (p = 0.020), suggesting enhanced innate immune activation. IFN-α levels in HBV
patients did not differ significantly by sex.
Conclusion: The study highlights a significant sex-based difference in viperin
expression among HBV-infected patients, with higher levels in females, potentially
indicating a stronger innate immune response. No sex-related differences in IFN-α levels
were observed in either group. These findings suggest that sex-based immune
modulation, particularly in HBV, may inform personalized treatment approaches and
warrant further investigation.