Figure 6.

Summary of HCV genotype-specific lipid pathways. Gene expression analysis suggests that HCV G1 induces increased fatty acid degradation, bile acid transport, drug metabolism, and decreased cholesterol export, while these pathways are less altered in the HCV G3-infected liver. Activation of large numbers of lipid metabolism (both synthesis and degradation) genes may drive the continual turnover of lipid droplets in HCV G1 infection. In contrast, HCV G3 may simply induce an increase in size of existing lipid droplets. Though different in clinical presentation, both result in extensive intrahepatic steatosis.