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Abstract
Background : Hepatitis C virus (HCV) induces inflammatory signals leading to progressive liver damage and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The mechanism of HCV involvement in the host{u2019}s innate immune responses has not been well characterized and little is known about the molecular mechanisms by which immune cells recognize HCV.Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the surface expression of TLR4 in chronic HCV infection and HCC on top of chronic HCV, as important and vital components of the innate immunity Method: The study involved 30 chronic hepatitis C patients, 30 patients with HCC on top of chronic HCV and 30 healthy controls. TLR4 expression in peripheral blood CD14 +ve monocytes was examined by flow cytometric analysis.Results: A significant increase of TLR-4 surface expression on CD14+monocytes was noticed in HCV patients than in control group.Also, A significant increase of TLR-4 surface expression on CD14+ monocytes in HCC patients than in control group. A weak positive correlation and statistically significant association between TLR4 MFI & PCR levels of HCV - RNA.Conclusions: The results revealed that the surface expression of TLR4 was higher in chronic HCV and HCC patients than in controls. Also, there was a statistically significant correlation between TLR4 level and the viral load of HCV. So, we concluded the involvement of TLR4 in the pathogenesis of HCV and HCC