Objectives: To explore, on the cell level, the possibility of using 10-23DNAzyme, as a new genetherapy in treating hepatitis B.
Methods: Phosthorothioate 10-23DRz (DRz-S) and 10-23DRz specific to HBV pre-C/C gene ORFA2031 were designed and synthesized, and the inhibition effects of 10-23DRz-S and 10-23DRz on the expression of HBV gene in HepG2 2.2.15 cells were observed.
Results: The expression of HBV gene was remarkably depressed after 2.2.15 cells were transfected by DRz-S and DRz. The maximum inhibition was 93.75% and 90.26%. The inhibition effect was maintained for 96 hours, and the inhibition time of DRz-S was longer than that of DRz. The maximum inhibition of DRz-S was lower than that of DRz. The efficiency of inhibiting HBsAg and HBeAg in 2.2.15 cells transfected by DRz-S and DRz was higher than that by antisense oligonucleotides for the same target genes. It had no remarkable effect on the replication of HBV DNA and no toxicity to the 2.2.15 cells.
Conclusion: 10-23DRz can highly block the expression of HBV gene in the 2.2.15 cell model and it can serve as a specific and effective anti-HBV gene therapeutic means.