We utilized the

genotype 1a/2a chimeric infectious HCV clone HJ3-5. To assess SeP promoter activity, Huh-7.5 cells were transfected with SeP-luciferase reporter plasmids, and luciferase activity was measured. For the clinical evaluations, we measured the serum levels of SeP in 63 patients with CHC who received PEG-IFN and ribavirin combination therapy. Results: In HCV-infected Huh-7.5 cells, SeP expression was increased compared with non-infected cells. We identified a C/EBPα binding site, a key regulator see more of adipocyte differentiation, in the upstream promoter region of SeP. Interestingly, the expression of C/EBPα was induced by HCV infection, and the overexpression of C/EBPα increased the expression of SeP, while the suppression of C/EBPα expression decreased the expression of SeP in Huh-7.5 cells. We performed promoter analysis using SeP promoter-luciferase reporter plasmids, and confirmed that its promoter activity was dependent on the expression of C/EBPα. These results indicated that

HCV infection induced the expression of SeP, an inducer of insulin resistance, through C/EBPα in Huh-7.5 cells. Knocking down SeP using shRNA improved glucose metabolism and insulin signaling by decreasing the expression of the gluconeogenesis genes G6PC and PCK1 and increasing the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1. Interestingly, HCS assay the suppression of SeP expression also improved IFN signaling by suppressing the Foxo3a-Socs3 signaling pathway as we reported previously (Gastroenterology, 201 1) and decreased HCV replication. Patients without a sustained viral response (SVR) (n = 33) Gemcitabine manufacturer showed significantly higher serum levels of SeP than patients with an SVR (n = 30). Conclusion: We demonstrated that HCV infection causes insulin and IFN resistance via the up-regulation of the insulin resistance inducer SeP through C/EBPα. We suggest that SeP can be a therapeutic

target not only for type 2 diabetes but also for HCV infection. Disclosures: Shuichi Kaneko – Grant/Research Support: MDS, Co., Inc, Chugai Pharma., Co., Inc, Toray Co., Inc, Daiichi Sankyo., Co., Inc, Dainippon Sumitomo, Co., Inc, Aji-nomoto Co., Inc, MDS, Co., Inc, Chugai Pharma., Co., Inc, Toray Co., Inc, Daiichi Sankyo., Co., Inc, Dainippon Sumitomo, Co., Inc, Ajinomoto Co., Inc, Bayer Japan The following people have nothing to disclose: Kazuhisa Murai, Masao Honda, Takayoshi Shirasaki, Tetsuro Shimakami, Takayuki Shiomoto, Hikari Okada, Riuta Takabatake, Hirofumi Misu, Toshinari Takamura, Seishi Murakami Background and Aims: Many chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients receive interferon (IFN) therapy, because it not only prevents progression to cirrhosis but also reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).