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.
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.
Serum inflammatory markers and hepatic expression of TM6SF2 and genes regulating lipid metabolism were assessed in a subset with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).