 In addition, the mechanism of non-responsiveness of HCV patients to IFNa will be studied. For this purpose, formation of complexes between STAT1 and its negative regulator, PIAS1 immunoprecipitation, Western blot will be examined. In comparing subjects on standard therapy vs the addition of betaine, under separate studies we will assess whether the formation of STAT1-PIAS1 complexes is due to impaired methylation on STAT1 on arginine residues which may be over come by the addition of betaine. 