Effects Of HBV On The Expression Of Cytochrome P450 3A4

Objective To study the effect of HBV on human hepatic CYP3A4 in patients with chronic HBV infection, and further probe the potential mechanisms at cell and molecular levels. Methods Liver tissue samples were obtained from patients. The expression and activity of CYP3A4 was determined by Western-blot and HPLC respectively, 1a, 25-(OH)₂D₃ was selected as inducer. HepG2 cells were transfected with plasmid pcDNA₃-X to observe the effect of HBx on induction of CYP3A4 in HepG2 cells. Results The expression and activity of CYP3A4 in patients with chronic HBV infection were significantly reduced (P<0.05) comparing to the normal control group.1a, 25-(OH)₂D₃ could induced increasing CYP3A4 mRNA and expression of CYP3A4 protein in HepG2. HBx interfered with the induction of CYP3A4 by 1a, 25-(OH)₂D₃ in HepG2 Cell line. Conclusions Chronic HBV infection tends to down-regulate the expression of hepatic CYP3A4 and reduce its activity, but does not affect its structure; HBx had suppressive effect on the expression of CYP3A4.