Host determinants of Hepatitis C-associated liver disease

Funding Activity

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Funded Activity Summary

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of liver disease and associated deaths in Australia. HCV infection leads to progressive liver failure and may be associated with the development of liver cancer. Currently there are an estimated 220,000 people in Australia living with HCV infection, and by 2020 it is estimated that this number will treble. There is now considerable evidence to indicate that the effect of HCV on the liver is due to ongoing immune activity and the build up of fat (steatosis) in the liver. This results in the production of biochemical products that lead to tissue damage and to eventual destruction of the liver. Further evidence has recently emerged to suggest that the susceptibility to, and outcome of HCV infection may be influenced by genetic variation in the infected population. The chief investigators on this project have established the best characterised clinical cohort of HCV infected persons worldwide. Further, they have developed considerable expertise in the field of genetics, i.e. the analysis of genes that influence the host's response to an illness. Using this information and expertise, we propose in the present study to analyse in detail the host genetic factors that contribute to variations in the response to HCV, and its correlation with HCV-associated liver damage. This data could allow the development of better patient care strategies and the design of novel therapeutics.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2006

End Date: 01-01-2008

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $610,376.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Medical and Health Sciences

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

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Other Keywords

Chronic hepatitis C | Chronic liver disease | Cirrhosis | Hepatic fibrosis | Hepatitis | Hepatitis C disease progression | Heptatis C | Viral hepatitis