A concise review on impacts of microRNAs in biology and medicine of hepatitis C virus

Context: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a main cause of liver disorders which could induce cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent reports have indicated that microRNAs are critical for pathogenesis of numerous maladies; such as hepatitis C. These Non-coding RNAs could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis and evaluation of the disorder. Objectives: In this study, we aimed to review earlier reports on the importance of microRNAs in hepatitis C virus infection and their potential for clinical applications. Evidence acquisition: In this brief review, the published cases of hepatitis C virus and microRNAs were collected for review by searching PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of science, and scientific information database (SID), using the keywords such as hepatitis C virus and microRNAs. Results: There are over 100 published cases in HCV and microRNAs. Available remedies for HCV infection can acquire a sustained viral response (SVR) in plenty of the patients. MicroRNAs change pathways related to immune response, virus penetration, proliferation and apoptosis of the cells. These Non-coding RNAs could be applied as biomarkers in diagnosis and investigating the outcome of disorder. Furthermore, their potential therapeutic application for HCV sufferers is the subject of many current studies. Conclusions: Recent reports have claimed that Non-coding RNAs are critical for pathogenesis of various diseases as in HCV, and could be targeted for diagnosis and perhaps the treatment of this infection and related disorders.