Figure 3.

Core induces gene expression of heme-oxygenase-1 in rat primary hepatocytes. Hepatocytes were transfected with the empty vector, pTracerCore and pTracerNS3/4A separately. 24 hpt cells were harvested and sorted according to the expression of GFP. Transfected [GFP(+)] and not transfected [GFP(−)] cells were obtained. (a) The mRNA expression of HO-1 was significantly increased in primary hepatocytes expressing HCV Core but not NS3/4A. The mRNA expression of antioxidant enzymes (b) SOD1 and (c) SOD2 was not changed in hepatocytes expressing HCV Core or NS3/4A. mRNA levels were quantified by qPCR. Relative expression was normalized to 18S. t test was performed to compare the means and the asterisks represent p value *<0.03. (p value > 0.05). NT = No treated cells.