We measured levels and patterns of TM6SF2 in liver biopsies from 73 patients with chronic hepatitis C, livers of HCV-infected humanized Alb-uPA/SCID/beige mice, and HCV-infected Huh7.5.1 cells.
Serum inflammatory markers and hepatic expression of TM6SF2 and genes regulating lipid metabolism were assessed in a subset with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).
In conclusion, the TM6SF2E167K variant promotes the development of steatosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Conversely, this variant reduces circulating atherogenic lipid fractions.