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Abstract EBV was the first human virus directly implicated in carcinogenesis. Since its discovery it has been considered as a major player in the development of a wide range of cancers. Recent studies have concluded EBV itself or infected cell clones might promote replication of the HCV Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an enveloped virus belonging to the Flaviviridae family, whose genome consists of a positive-stranded 9.5 kb RNA molecule and encodes a large polyprotein precursor of 3000 amino acids EBNA1 is responsible for supporting HCV replication, suggesting that EBV may be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HCV replication was promoted by EBV and that EBNA1 was responsible for supporting HCV replication. Furthermore, deletion analysis of the EBNA1 gene showed good correlation between the transactivational activity of the EBNA1 gene and its activity supporting HCV replication. EBNA1 is a DNA-binding protein that binds to clusters of specific sequences within the origin of latent viral DNA replication. The protein is required for maintenance and replication of EBV plasmids in EBV-infected cells. It is possible that EBNA1 promotes the transcription of foreign genes when the genes have the cognate sequence for EBNA1 binding, although no promoter of a cellular gene that has cognate sequences for EBNA1 binding and is transactivated by EBNA1 has been found. Therefore, it is conceivable that EBNA1 promotes HCV replication via its transactivating function. Many research has revealed that EBNA1 can bind to HCV RNA, at least in vitro, and might therefore be capable of controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional. The research assumes that EBNA1 influences HCV replication not directly but indirectly by inducing transcription of the cellular gene. Persistent HCV infection is frequently associated with liver cirrhosis and hepatpocellular carcinoma. Worldwide, chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, and a link seems to exist between HCV and HCC. Early evidence linking HCC with HCV was the sequential development of chronic liver disease and liver cancer in many patients with either community-aquired or transfusion – related hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the value of estimation of Epstein-Barr Virus (Ab) and HCV and to correlate them with the Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). This study was carried out on ٤٥ cases divided into three groups:- Group 1: include 15 patients considered as control patient with a low conc. of EBV (Ab) antibodies, negative for HCC , negative for HCV-RNA, negative for anti-HIV antibodies, and negative for (HBs Ag). Group 2: include 15 patients, positive for HCC, with a moderate conc. of EBV (Ab) antibodies, negative for HCV RNA, negative for anti-HIV antibodies, and negative for (HBsAg). Group 3: include 15 patients, positive for HCC, with a high conc. of EBV (Ab) antibodies, positive for HCV RNA, negative for anti-HIV antibodies, and negative test for (HBsAg). |