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Significant progress has been made in the therapy of hepatitis C, but many things are still unknown about its pathogenesis. The course of hepatitis C is influenced by both host and virus characteristics. More and more studies highlight the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of hepatitis C. Core protein plays a key role in the generation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, the most important complications of the infection, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, seem to be related to the presence of oxidative stress. In this context antioxidants could be a useful adjuvant therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]