Association between F protein and the methylation of APC gene in chronic HCV infection

Objective To investigate the relationship between F protein and the methylation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods Blood samples collected from chronic HCV patients (CHP) were divided into F-Ab(+) CHP group and F-Ab(-) CHP group, blood samples from healthy persons were used as control. Isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated by Core protein and F protein for 72 hours, and then cell DNA was etracted to detect the methylation level of APC gene. Results The methylation level of APC gene in three groups was significantly different (F=185.185,P<0.001). The methylation level of APC gene in F-Ab(+) CHP group was significantly higher than that in F-Ab (-) CHP group, the healthy control group was the lowest (all P<0.05). There was significant difference in methylation level of APC gene by Core/F protein stimulated in vitro in all subgroups(all P<0.05). The methylation of APC gene in cells stimulated by Core protein and F protein was higher than that in cells stimulated by F protein, which was higher than that in cells stimulated by Core protein. Conclusions HCV F protein can affect the methylation of APC gene in chronic HCV infection.