Spontaneous clearance of HCV has been found to be associated with sustained HCV-specific CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses. A recent study found that primary T-cell immunodeficiency was associated with a lower likelihood of spontaneously clearance of HCV infection both in overall study population and among the seroconverters. Hepatitis C virus genotype 3 was found to have twice the odds of spontaneously clearing the infection compared to genotype 1. In the study, clearance was significantly lower among those with primary T-cell immunodeficiency and older birth cohorts but higher among women, younger age at diagnosis, genotype 3 and those with HBV infection. This disparity in spontaneous clearance of HCV has been suggested to be linked with sex hormones, particularly estrogen. Moreover, estrogen was found to have suppressed the expression of hepatic scavenger receptors, critical for viral entry, while testosterone was found to have enhanced the expression of the same thus facilitating viral entry.
If you test positive for Hep C it makes sense to start controlling your blood sugar regulation now and addressing your viral loads even if you don't show signs of disease.
Hep C patients can get better control of their viral loads with Xymogen's Viragraphis, Immunotix 500, NAC, Lipotropix and Liver Protect. We offer 10 pass MAH I.V. Ozone with German Biologics to affect the virus and support healthy liver function. All I.V. therapies are MD ordered in NYS.
1. Evidence exists that suggests spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) may be associated with sustained HCV-specific ____________________T-cell responses.
A. CD4+ B. CD8+ C. A and B
2. True or False. Study findings showed that for patients who were among the seroconverters, primary T-cell immunodeficiency was associated with a lower likelihood of spontaneously clearance of HCV infection.
A. True B. False
3. Which of the following statements regarding HCV genotypes and spontaneous clearance is TRUE?
A. HCV genotype 1 was found to have twice the odds of spontaneously clearing the infection compared to genotype 3 B. HCV genotype 3 was found to have twice the odds of spontaneously clearing the infection compared to genotype 1 C. HCV genotypes 1 and 3 had similar odds of spontaneously clearing the infection
4. Findings from a study that examined the effect of primary T-cell deficiency on the spontaneous clearance of HCV showed that clearance was significantly lower among _______________________.
A. Individuals with T-cell immunodeficiency B. Individuals with hepatitis B virus infection C. Participants who were women D. All of the above
5. True or False. Estrogen was found to have suppressed the expression of hepatic scavenger receptors, while testosterone enhanced the expression of the same receptors, therefore facilitating viral entry. This may explain why women are more likely to experience spontaneous clearance of HCV than men.
A. True B. False
Answer Key:
1. C. A and B
2. A. True
3. B. HCV genotype 3 was found to have twice the odds of spontaneously clearing the infection compared to genotype 1
4. A. Individuals with T-cell immunodeficiency
5. A. True
For complete information, see:
Islam N, Krajden M, Gilbert M, et al. Role of primary T-cell immunodeficiency and hepatitis B coinfection on spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C: The BC Hepatitis Testers Cohort [published online ahead of print November 25, 2016]. J Viral Hepat. Accessed February 13, 2017.
Isadora Guggenheim, ND, FNP, RN, MS, CNS, LMT, owner of Second Nature Naturopathic Care, LLC
For all appointments: Tel: 845 358-8385 Fax: 845 358-2963
drguggenheim@msn.com
