Role of MicroRNA-122 in Predicting Chronic Liver Diseases among Iraqi Patients with HCV

MicroRNAs is play important roles in liver pathologies, including hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer. miRNA-122 is a liver-specific. This study aimed to determine the expression level of miRNA-122 in the plasma as a diagnostic marker of liver injury and the ratio of HCV genotype in Iraqi patients. A total of 80 participants who divided into; Group I included 35 patients with CHC infection, Group II included 20 patients with (cirrhosis &HCC) and Group III included 25 healthy control. HCV Genotype and miRNA-122 in the plasma were measured using real-time PCR. This study showed that the mean Log fold of miRNA-122 was higher in CHC group as comparison to controls while in the (cirrhosis&HCC) groups was non-significant in compared with controls. Moreover, the most prevalence genotype 4 then 1a. In conclusion measurements of miRNA-122 may be useful in the evaluation of HCV patients.