Identification of responsible genes of HCC after sustained virological response to hepatitis C virus

Risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains after sustained virological response (SVR) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Epigenetic abnormalities might be key regulators in the development of HCC. This study aimed to identify the genes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis after SVR. DNA methylation in liver tissues was compared between 21 CHC patients without HCC and 28 CHC patients with HCC, all of whom had achieved SVR. Through additional comparisons with 23 CHC patients before treatment and 10 normal livers, we found that the several genes were methylated and demethylated by HCV infection and the development of HCC after achieving SVR. DNA methylation in liver tissues was compared between 21 CHC patients without HCC and 28 CHC patients with HCC, all of whom had achieved SVR. We performed additional comparisons with 23 CHC patients before treatment and 10 normal livers.