Perspectives and control of hepatitis B virus infection in Taiwan

Role of Air Pollution in Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Among Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Treated With Nucleotide/Nucleoside Analogues

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

To investigate the association between air pollution and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogues.

METHODS

We enrolled 1298 CHB patients treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogues and analysed the incidence and risk factors for HCC. Daily estimates of air pollutants were estimated since the previous year from the enrolment date.

RESULTS

The annual incidence of HCC was 2.1/100 person-years after a follow-up period of over 4840.5 person-years. Factors with the strongest association with HCC development were liver cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR]/95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.00/1.55-5.81; p = 0.001), male sex (2.98/1.51-5.90; p = 0.02), body mass index (1.11/1.04-1.18; p = 0.002) and age (1.06/1.04-1.09; p < 0.001). Among patients with cirrhosis, the factors associated with HCC development were male sex (HR/95% CI: 2.10/1.00-4.25; p = 0.04) and NO2 (per one-unit increment, parts per billion; 1.07/1.01-1.13; p = 0.01). Moreover, patients with the highest quartile of annual NO2 exposure had more than a three-fold risk of HCC than those with the lowest quartile of annual exposure (HR/95% CI: 3.26/1.34-7.93; p = 0.01). Among patients without cirrhosis, the strongest factors associated with HCC development were male sex (HR/95% CI: 5.86/1.79-19.23; p = 0.004), age (1.12/1.07-1.17; p < 0.001) and platelet count (0.99/0.98-1.00; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Air pollution influences HCC development in CHB patients who receive nucleotide/nucleoside analogue therapy. Long-term NO2 exposure might accelerate HCC development in CHB patients with cirrhosis receiving nucleotide/nucleoside analogue treatment.

Unraveling Demographic Patterns in Hepatitis B Clinical and Laboratory Profiles: Insights From a Ghanaian Cohort: A Retrospective Study

Background and Aims

The influence of age and gender on the manifestations of Hepatitis B (HB) disease is underexplored and yields varied findings. This study assessed the impact of age and gender on HB disease manifestations in a Ghanaian population.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 569 patients at Tamale Teaching Hospital. Disease manifestations were compared separately between male and female patients across different age groups and among four distinct age groups within male and female patients.

Results

It revealed a male-to-female ratio of 5.1:1, with significant differences observed among age categories. HBsAg was significantly more prevalent in adult males (p < 0.05), while polydipsia showed equal prevalence between genders (p < 0.05). Female adults exhibited higher rates of constipation and palpitation compared to males (p < 0.05). In older patients, females had higher ALT and HBeAg prevalence than males (p < 0.05). Disease manifestation did not significantly differ by gender among children and younger patients (p > 0.05). Among males, viral load differed significantly across age groups and correlated positively with age (p < 0.05). Females showed positive correlations of jaundice, HBeAg, low globulin, and high AST with age (p < 0.05), but nausea was negatively correlated (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study highlights unique clinical and laboratory features in reproductive-aged female HB patients.

Clinical outcomes and predictors in patients with acute on chronic liver failure in Southern Taiwan

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The study is to analyze the clinical characteristics and identify prognostic factors as well as evaluate predictive models in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) from Southern Taiwan.

METHODS

The cohort study was conducted using the Chang Gung Research Database. We included patients with ACLF based on the definition provided by the Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver ACLF Research Consortium (AARC).

RESULTS

A total of 231 patients diagnosed with ACLF were included in this study, out of which 26 patients underwent liver transplantation (LT). The primary cause of ACLF was acute exacerbation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in 68.4% of cases and followed by severe alcoholic hepatitis (20.8%). Among LT-free patients, the 28-day mortality rate was observed to be 31%. Older age, higher INR and ammonia levels, and the presence of severe hepatic encephalopathy on 3-6 days of treatment were independent predictors of 28-day mortality. The CLIF-C ACLF and COSSH-ACLF scores, evaluated on 3-6 days, demonstrated the highest predictive performance for 28-day mortality. The optimal cut-off values for the CLIF-C ACLF and COSSH-ACLF scores were determined to be 47 and 6.3, respectively. Patients with CLIF-C ACLF score >63 or COSSH-ACLF score >8.1 experienced 100% mortality by day 28.

CONCLUSION

The CLIF-C ACLF and COSSH-ACLF scores, evaluated within one week after treatment, exhibit strong predictive capabilities for short-term mortality in ACLF patients. These models are valuable tools for guiding timely decision-making, including the consideration of liver transplantation or withdrawal from treatment.

Clinical profiles and their interaction of concurrent metabolic associated steatotic liver disease and hepatitis B virus infection

BACKGROUND

A new nomenclature of metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) was proposed in 2023, thus expanding the diagnostic name of “MASLD combined with other etiologies”.

AIM

To investigate the clinical profiles of patients with concurrent MASLD and chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

METHODS

This study included participants from the Taiwan Bio-bank. The diagnostic criteria of MASLD encompassed hepatic steatosis and any cardio-metabolic risk factors. Positive hepatitis B surface antigen was considered indicative of chronic HBV infection. Dual etiology was defined as MASLD combined with chronic HBV infection (MASLD-HBV). Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) score determined the severity of liver fibrosis, and atherosclerosis was diagnosed by the presence of carotid plaques on duplex ultrasound.

RESULTS

In a total of 18980 participants (mean age, 55.18 ± 10.35 years; males, 30.42%), there were 7654 (40.3%) MASLD patients and 2128 (11.2%) HBV carriers. After propensity score matching for age and gender, HBV carriers had a lower percentage of MASLD than healthy controls. Those with dual etiology had higher aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and FIB-4 levels, but lower gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels than MASLD patients. In contrast, those with dual etiology had higher ALT and GGT levels, but lower FIB-4 than “HBV alone” patients. The risk of atherosclerosis was similar among these three groups.

CONCLUSION

MASLD-HBV patients have worse liver fibrosis severity than MASLD patients, but better liver fibrosis stage than “HBV alone” patients, suggesting a complex interaction between MASLD and chronic HBV infection.

Changing prevalence of chronic hepatitis B virus infection in China between 1973 and 2021: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis of 3740 studies and 231 million people

OBJECTIVE

China concentrates a large part of the global burden of HBV infection, playing a pivotal role in achieving the WHO 2030 global hepatitis elimination target.

METHODS

We searched for studies reporting HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) seroprevalence in five databases until January 2023. Eligible data were pooled using a generalised linear mixed model with random effects to obtain summary HBsAg seroprevalence. Linear regression was used to estimate annual percentage change (APC) and HBsAg prevalence in 2021.

RESULTS

3740 studies, including 231 million subjects, were meta-analysed. HBsAg seroprevalence for the general population decreased from 9.6% (95% CI 8.4 to 10.9%) in 1973-1984 to 3.0% (95% CI 2.1 to 3.9%) in 2021 (APC=-3.77; p<0.0001). Decreases were more pronounced in children <5 years (APC=-7.72; p<0.0001) and 5-18 years (-7.58; p<0.0001), than in people aged 19-59 years (-2.44; p<0.0001), whereas HBsAg seroprevalence increased in persons ≥60 years (2.84; p=0.0007). Significant decreases were observed in all six major Chinese regions, in both men (APC=-3.90; p<0.0001) and women (-1.82; p<0.0001) and in high-risk populations. An estimated 43.3 million (95% uncertainty interval 30.7-55.9) persons remained infected with HBV in China in 2021 (3.0%), with notable heterogeneity by region (<1.5% in North China to>6% in Taiwan and Hong Kong) and age (0.3%, 1.0%, 4.7% and 5.6% for <5 years, 5-18 years, 19-59 years and ≥60 years, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

China has experienced remarkable decreases in HBV infection over the last four decades, but variations in HBsAg prevalence persist in subpopulations. Ongoing prevention of HBV transmission is needed to meet HBV elimination targets by 2030.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

PROSPERO (CRD42021284217).

The Impact of Clinical Prognosis of Viral Hepatitis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

This study evaluated the clinical characteristics of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) and examined the prognostic impact of antiviral therapies. In a 19-year retrospective analysis of 8224 HNC patients treated with CCRT, 29.8% (2452) were diagnosed with HBV or HCV, of whom 714 received antiviral therapy. For non-metastatic HNC patients on CCRT, factors such as gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), liver cirrhosis markers (Fibrosis-4, APRI), and initial tumor stage were significant determinants of their overall survival. However, the presence of HBV or HCV and the administration of antiviral treatments did not yield distinct survival outcomes. In summary, antiviral therapy for HBV or HCV did not affect the 5-year survival rates of non-metastatic HNC patients undergoing CCRT, while gender, tumor stage, CCI, and liver cirrhosis were notable prognostic indicators.

Impact of HBV infection on clinical outcomes in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

Background & Aims

The new name and diagnostic criteria of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed in 2020. Although chronic HBV infection has protective effects on lipid profiles and hepatic steatosis, the impact of chronic HBV infection on clinical outcomes of MAFLD requires further investigation.

Methods

The participants from a Taiwan bio-bank cohort were included. MAFLD is defined as the presence of hepatic steatosis plus any of the following three conditions: overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic dysfunction. The patients with positive glycated haemoglobin were considered as having chronic HBV infection. Atherosclerosis was determined as having carotid plaques on duplex ultrasound. Advanced liver fibrosis was defined as Fibrosis-4 >2.67. Based on the status of MAFLD and HBV infection, the participants were distributed into four groups: 'dual aetiology', 'MAFLD alone', 'HBV alone', and 'healthy controls'.

Results

A total of 20,460 participants (age 55.51 ± 10.37; males 32.67%) were included for final analysis. The prevalence of MAFLD and chronic HBV infections were 38.8% and 10.3%, respectively. According to univariate analysis, 'HBV alone' group had lower levels of glycated haemoglobin, lipid profiles, and intima media thickness than healthy controls. The 'dual aetiology' group had lower levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, γ-glutamyl transferase, intima media thickness, and percentage of carotid plaques than 'MAFLD alone' group. Using binary logistic regression, chronic HBV infection increased the overall risk of advanced liver fibrosis; and had a lower probability of carotid plaques in MAFLD patients, but not in those without MAFLD.

Conclusions

The large population-based study revealed chronic HBV infection increases the overall risk of liver fibrosis, but protects from atherosclerosis in patients with MAFLD.

Impact and implications

Patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease can also be coinfected with chronic HBV. Concomitant HBV infection increases the overall risk of liver fibrosis, but protects from atherosclerosis in patients with MAFLD.

Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Receiving Finite Periods of Antiviral Therapy

PURPOSE

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most severe complications in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. HCC can still develop in patients with chronic HBV (CHB) infection undergoing antiviral therapy. Several effective scoring systems for the prediction of HCC risk in CHB patients have been established. However, very few of them are designed for CHB patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) therapy. Furthermore, none are available for HCC risk prediction in CHB patients receiving finite periods of antiviral therapy.

METHODS

This study enrolled 790 consecutive treatment-naïve patients with CHB infection who had visited our liver clinics from 2008 to 2012 for pretreatment assessment before receiving antiviral therapies. The treatments were provided at finite periods according to the National Health Insurance Policy in Taiwan. The last follow-up date was 31 December 2021. We analyzed the virological and clinical factors in these 790 CHB patients receiving finite periods of NA treatments and identified the most significant risk factors for HCC to establish a novel predictive scoring system. By using stepwise selection in a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, we divided the patients into three risk groups.

RESULTS

Our predictive scoring system included five independent variables: genotype C (adjusted HR [aHR] = 2.23), NA-withdraw-related hepatitis relapse (aHR = 6.96), male (aHR = 4.19), liver cirrhosis (aHR = 11.14), and T1768A core promoter mutation (aHR = 3.21). This model revealed significant differences in HCC incidence among the three risk groups. The 5-year cumulative HCC risk significantly differed among the three risk groups (low risk: 1.33%, moderate risk: 4.99%, and high risk: 17.46%), with log-rank test p < 0.001.

CONCLUSION

Our predictive scoring system is a promising tool for the prediction of HCC in CHB patients receiving finite NA treatments. Genotype C, NA-withdraw-related hepatitis relapse, male gender, liver cirrhosis, and the T1768A HBV core promoter mutation were significant independent risk factors.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis B

Fatty liver disease and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are the major causes for chronic liver diseases and the associated adverse outcomes. Concurrent hepatic steatosis has been found to inversely correlate with hepatitis B virus (HBV) activity both in vivo and in vitro; however, the subsequent effects on the prognosis, including advanced fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, remain diverse and inconclusive. Although the newly-proposed criteria of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) help raise disease awareness and facilitate timely diagnosis and management, its clinical impact on patients with CHB, especially after taking the metabolic dysfunction into consideration, is largely unknown and warrants comprehensive investigations to improve the management of CHB population. In this review, these relevant issues are summarized and discussed.

Autoimmune liver diseases in systemic rheumatic diseases

Systemic rheumatic diseases (SRDs) are chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disorders with the presence of autoantibodies that may affect any organ or system. Liver dysfunction in SRDs can be associated with prescribed drugs, viral hepatitis, alternative hepatic comorbidities and coexisting autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), requiring an exclusion of secondary conditions before considering liver involvement. The patterns of overlap diseases depend predominantly on genetic determinants with common susceptible loci widely distributing in both disorders. In AILDs, it is important to identify the overlapping SRDs at an early stage since such a coexistence may influence the disease course and prognosis. Commonly co-occurring SRDs in AILDs are Sjögren syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and SS, RA or systemic sclerosis in primary biliary cholangitis. Owing to different disease complications and therapies, it is imperative to differentiate between SLE liver involvement and SLE-AIH overlap disease. Therapeutic options can be personalized to control coexisting conditions of liver autoimmunity and rheumatic manifestations in AILD-SRD overlap diseases. The collaboration between hepatologists and rheumatologists can lead to significant advances in managing such a complex scenario. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on coexisting AILDs in different SRDs and the therapeutic approach in managing these overlap diseases.

Acute fulminant hepatitis associated with osimertinib administration in a lung cancer patient with chronic hepatitis B: The first mortality case report

Osimertinib is the most efficient first‐line drug, with least adverse effects, for metastatic non‐small‐cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations with exon 19 deletion or exon 21 L858R mutations. Herein, we present a 68‐year‐old woman who had chronic hepatitis B with aggressive NSCLC and received osimertinib as cancer treatment for 4.5 months. This is the first report of mortality due to osimertinib‐related acute fulminant hepatitis. Clinicians should routinely arrange for hepatitis B virus (HBV) screening and prescribe antiviral drugs to patients with chronic HBV infection before osimertinib administration.

Reactivation of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving tofacitinib

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving tofacitinib.

METHOD

This was a retrospective study performed in a regional teaching hospital in southern Taiwan. During January 2017 and December 2020, patients with a clinician-confirmed diagnosis of RA using tofacitinib for at least 3 months were enrolled. Serum HBV DNA levels and serum alanine aminotransferase were followed up around every 3 to 6 months to assess HBV reactivation.

RESULTS

A total of 98 patients with RA were enrolled, and eight were hepatitis B surface antigen positive (HBsAg+) (8.1%), 64 were HBsAg-negative (HBsAg-)/hepatitis B core antibody positive (HBcAb+) (65.3%). In the HBsAg+ patients, two patients received antiviral prophylaxis, and none of them had HBV reactivation or hepatitis flare-up. The HBV reactivation rate was 33.3% (2/6) in the HBsAg+ RA patient without antiviral prophylaxis. Among the HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients, the HBV reactivation rate was 3.1% (2/64). The incidence rate of HBV reactivation was 153.8 per 1000 person-years for overall HBsAg+ patients and 250 per 1000 person-years after excluding patients receiving antiviral prophylaxis. The incidence rate was 11.2 per 1000 person-years for HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients with RA receiving tofacitinib.

CONCLUSION

Tofacitinib could induce HBV reactivation in both HBsAg+ and HBsAg-/HBcAb+ RA patients. HBsAg+ patients receiving tofacitinib have a high incidence rate of HBV reactivation, which could be prevented by antiviral prophylaxis. Although the risk of reactivation is low in HBsAg-/HBcAb+ patients, closely monitoring HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase should be suggested.

Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration, Chronic Infections and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is an Old World virus with a high mutation rate, which puts its origins in Africa alongside the origins of Homo sapiens, and is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family that is characterized by a unique viral replication cycle. It targets human hepatocytes and can lead to chronic HBV infection either after acute infection via horizontal transmission usually during infancy or childhood or via maternal-fetal transmission. HBV has been found in ~85% of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC), and it can integrate the whole or part of its genome into the host genomic DNA. The molecular mechanisms involved in the HBV DNA integration is not yet clear; thus, multiple models have been described with respect to either the relaxed-circular DNA (rcDNA) or the double-stranded linear DNA (dslDNA) of HBV. Various genes have been found to be affected by HBV DNA integration, including cell-proliferation-related genes, oncogenes and long non-coding RNA genes (lincRNAs). The present review summarizes the advances in the research of HBV DNA integration, focusing on the evolutionary and molecular side of the integration events along with the arising clinical aspects in the light of WHO's commitment to eliminate HBV and viral hepatitis by 2030.

Dynamics of cellular immune responses in recipients of renal allografts positive for hepatitis B surface antigen

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive renal transplantation recipients must take lifelong immunosuppressants and nucleotide analogues (NAs). We investigated the cellular immune responses of HBsAg-positive renal transplantation recipients taking immunosuppressants and NAs.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from HBsAg-positive individuals with end-stage renal disease on the transplant waiting list (Group 1) and renal transplantation recipients taking immunosuppressants and NAs (Group 2) or immunosuppressants without NAs (Group 3). Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific pentamers were used to quantify circulating HBV-specific CD8⁺ T cells.

RESULTS

Groups 2 and 3 had higher cellular immune responses, as indicated by significantly lower regulatory T (Treg)/CD8⁺ T cell ratios than Group 1. With undetectable viral loads under both immunosuppressant and NAs, the CD8⁺ T cell and HBV-specific CD8⁺ T cell frequencies were similar in Group 2 and Group 1. Patients in Group 3 did not use NAs and had an elevated viral load and higher HBV-specific CD8⁺ T cell and IFN-γ-producing HBV-specific CD8⁺ T cell frequencies, but lower a frequency of programmed death-1 (PD-1)⁺ HBV-specific CD8⁺ T cells than the other groups. Increased viral replication in Group 3 resulted in significantly higher CD8⁺ T cell and IFN-γ-producing CD8⁺ T cell frequencies than Group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppressant therapy increases viral replication in HBsAg-positive renal transplant recipients due to disabling or dysregulation of virus-specific CD8+ T cells. The higher cellular immune responses due to lower Treg/CD8+ T cell ratios in HBsAg-positive renal transplant recipients may be one of the reasons to induce liver pathology because of uncontrolled viral replication.

Antitumor Effects of Triterpenes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Triterpenes are a large group of secondary metabolites mainly produced by plants with a variety of biological activities, including potential antitumor effects. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common primary liver disease spread worldwide. The treatment can consist of surgical intervention, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapeutic drugs. These drugs mainly include tyrosine multikinase inhibitors, although their use is limited by the underlying liver disease and displays side effects. For that reason, the utility of natural compounds such as triterpenes to treat HCC is an interesting line of research. No clinical studies are reported in humans so far.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present work is to review the knowledge about the effects of triterpenes as a possible coadjuvant tool to treat HCC.

RESULTS

In vitro and xenograft models have pointed out the cytotoxic and anti-proliferative effects as well as improvements in tumor growth and development of many triterpenes. In addition, they have also shown to be chemosensitizing agents when co-administered with chemotherapeutic agents. The mechanisms of action are diverse and involve the participation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, including JNK, p38 MAPK and ERK, and the survival-associated PI3K / Akt signaling pathway. However, no clinical studies are still reported in humans.

CONCLUSION

Triterpenes could become a future strategy to address HCC or at least improve results when administered in combination with chemotherapeutic agents.

Role of hepatitis D virus infection in development of hepatocellular carcinoma among chronic hepatitis B patients treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogues

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the natural course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Its role in patients treated with nucleotide/nucleoside analogues (NAs) is unclear. We aimed to study the role of hepatitis D in the development of HCC in CHB patients treated with NAs. Altogether, 1349 CHB patients treated with NAs were tested for anti-HDV antibody and RNA. The incidence and risk factors of HCC development were analyzed. Rates of anti-HDV and HDV RNA positivity were 2.3% and 1.0%, respectively. The annual incidence of HCC was 1.4 per 100 person-years after a follow-up period of over 5409.5 person-years. The strongest factor association with HCC development was liver cirrhosis (hazard ratio [HR]/95% confidence interval [CI] 9.98/5.11-19.46, P < 0.001), followed by HDV RNA positivity (HR/ CI 5.73/1.35-24.29, P = 0.02), age > 50 years old (HR/CI 3.64/2.03-6.54, P < 0.001), male gender (HR/CI 2.69/1.29-5.60, P: 0.01), and body mass index (BMI, HR/CI 1.11/1.03-1.18, P = 0.004). The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was 7.3% for patients with HDV RNA negativity compared to that of 22.2% for patients with HDV RNA positivity (P = 0.01). In the subgroup of cirrhotic patients, the factors associated with HCC development were HDV RNA positivity (HR/CI 4.45/1.04-19.09, P = 0.04) and BMI (HR/CI 1.11/1.03-1.19, P = 0.01). HDV viremia played a crucial role in HCC development in CHB patients who underwent NA therapy.

Human hepatitis viruses-associated cutaneous and systemic vasculitis

Human hepatitis viruses (HHVs) include hepatitis A virus, hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis delta virus, and hepatitis E virus and can cause liver inflammation in their common human host. Usually, HHV is rapidly cleared by the immune system, following acute HHV invasion. The morbidities associated with hepatitis A virus and hepatitis E virus infection occur shortly after their intrusion, in the acute stage. Nevertheless, the viral infectious process can persist for a long period of time, especially in HBV and HCV infection, leading to chronic hepatitis and further progressing to hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer. HHV infection brings about complications in other organs, and both acute and chronic hepatitis have been associated with clinical presentations outside the liver. Vascular involvement with cutaneous and systemic vasculitis is a well-known extrahepatic presentation; moreover, there is growing evidence for a possible causal relationship between viral pathogens and vasculitis. Except for hepatitis delta virus, other HHVs have participated in the etiopathogenesis of cutaneous and systemic vasculitis via different mechanisms, including direct viral invasion of vascular endothelial cells, immune complex-mediated vessel wall damage, and autoimmune responses with stimulation of autoreactive B-cells and impaired regulatory T-cells. Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and polyarteritis nodosa are recognized for their association with chronic HHV infection. Although therapeutic guidelines for HHV-associated vasculitis have not yet been established, antiviral therapy should be initiated in HBV and HCV-related systemic vasculitis in addition to the use of corticosteroids. Plasma exchange and/or combined cyclophosphamide and corticosteroid therapy can be considered in patients with severe life-threatening vasculitis manifestations.

The association of vitamin D with hepatitis B virus replication: Bystander rather than offender

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Low vitamin D is frequent in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients and several studies show an inverse association of serum vitamin D level with HBV viral load. However, the causal relationship remains unclear.

METHODS

HBV carriers receiving regular 6-month surveillance without current antiviral treatment or cirrhosis were invited to participate into this trial. The markers of HBV replication included serum HBV DNA and quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) levels. Those with undetectable HBV DNA or sufficient vitamin D levels, cancer or electrolyte imbalance were excluded. The eligible subjects were randomized to receive either vitamin D supplement 2000 IU per day for 2 months (vitamin D group) or none (control group).

RESULTS

A total of 196 HBV carriers (93 males and 103 females; mean age 51.9 ± 10.0 years) were screened. Of them, 28 patients had undetectable serum HBV DNA levels, which is defined as spontaneous viral clearance. The vitamin D levels were not different between patients with detectable HBV DNA and those without (p = 0.18). After exclusion, 149 patients were randomized to two groups: 75 in vitamin D group and 74 in control group. After 2 months vitamin D supplement, the serum vitamin D levels were significantly higher in the vitamin D group than the control group (p < 0.001). However, the serum qHBsAg and HBV DNA levels were comparable between these two groups.

CONCLUSION

There is no causal relationship between vitamin D and HBV replication. The role of liver reserve on serum vitamin D levels in patients with chronic HBV infection needs further investigation.

Factors predicting outcomes of hepatitis B-related cirrhosis patients with long-term antiviral therapy

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

Long-term nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy has been shown to improve the survival in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and factors associated with survival in HBV-related cirrhotic patients receiving long-term NA treatment.

METHODS

A total of 126 HBV-related cirrhosis patients with long-term NA treatment, including 67 compensated cirrhosis and 59 decompensated cirrhosis, were retrospectively enrolled. The effectiveness of treatment, survival and risk factors of mortality were determined.

RESULTS

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis had significantly lower baseline serum HBV DNA levels than compensated cirrhotic patients (4.98 ± 1.91 vs. 5.67 ± 1.26 log₁₀ IU/ml, P = 0.031). The mean follow-up duration was 84 and 42 months in compensated cirrhotic and decompensated cirrhotic patients (P < 0.0001), respectively. The 1, 2 and 3-year cumulative survival rates were significantly higher in compensated cirrhotic patients than those with decompensated cirrhosis (100%, 98.5%, 98.5% vs. 81.2%, 75.6%, 69.5%; P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis for risk factors of mortality in cirrhotic patients showed that older age (hazard ratio: 3.28, 95% CI: 1.25-8.62, P = 0.016) and decompensated cirrhosis (hazard ratio: 8.30, 95% CI: 2.45-28.06, P = 0.0007) were independently associated with liver-related mortality. A total of 31 patients developed HCC during the follow-up. Among them, 70.9% were at the earlier stages of BCLC system, and 83.8% received potentially curative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Antiviral therapy improves liver function of HBV-related cirrhotic patients and provides a better chance of curative treatment in those with HCC development. Decompensated cirrhosis is a risk factor for liver-related mortality in this special clinical setting.

Novel biomarkers for the management of chronic hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be eliminated completely from infected hepatocytes because of the presence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). As chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is important to manage CHB to prevent HCC development in high-risk patients with high viral replicative activity or advanced fibrosis. Serum biomarkers are noninvasive and valuable for the management of CHB. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In CHB patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA or loss of HBsAg, HBcrAg still can be detected and the decrease in HBcrAg levels is significantly associated with hopeful outcomes. Therefore, HBcrAg can predict HCC occurrence or recurrence. Measurement of the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been introduced for the evaluation of liver fibrosis. Because elevated M2BPGi in CHB is related to liver fibrosis and the prediction of HCC development, monitoring its progression is essential. Because alpha fetoprotein (AFP) has insufficient sensitivity and specificity for early-stage HCC, a combination of AFP plus protein induced by vitamin K absence factor II, or AFP plus Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of alpha-fetoprotein might improve the diagnosis of HCC development. Additionally, Dickkopf-1 and circulating immunoglobulin G antibodies are the novel markers to diagnose HCC or assess HCC prognosis. This review provides an overview of novel HBV biomarkers used for the management of intrahepatic viral replicative activity, liver fibrosis, and HCC development.

Hepatitis B: Immunization and Impact on Natural History and Cancer Incidence

Enhancing host immunity by vaccination to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains the most important strategy for global control of hepatitis B. Currently, 187 countries have in place infant hepatitis B vaccination programs. Hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence has decreased to less than 1% in children after successful implementation of universal HBV vaccination in newborns. The incidence of primary liver cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults has drastically decreased to near zero in birth cohorts receiving hepatitis B vaccination. Elimination of chronic hepatitis B by 2030 is not a mission impossible.

Real-world prevalence of hepatitis B virus reactivation in cancer patients in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B virus carriers who receive systemic cancer chemotherapy have been found to be at a higher risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation. However, lack of standard prophylaxis protocol resulted in life-threatening adverse events.

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective study is to investigate prevalence and chemotherapy drug-induced hepatitis B virus reactivation in all types of cancer patients and establish an institutional clinical practice protocol.Methodology: This retrospective cohort study evaluated the incidence of hepatitis B virus infection, the pre-chemotherapy screening rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and the severity of hepatitis B virus reactivation of cancer patients receiving intravenous chemotherapy between 2013 and 2014. Patients receiving local chemotherapy with intra-cavity instillation, drug- or alcohol-related hepatitis, or chemotherapy for immune diseases were excluded.

RESULTS

In total 784 patients, 404 patients (51.53%) underwent hepatitis B virus serum antigen (HBsAg) testing before chemotherapy, and 61 patients (7.78%) tested positive. Only 32 patients (4.08%) received prophylactic hepatitis B virus antiviral therapy. Patients receiving prophylactic antiviral drugs were significantly lower risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation than nonprophylaxis (relative risk, RR: 0.53, number needed to treat, NNT: 12). Moreover, our study found specific single or combined chemotherapy that may cause hepatitis B virus reactivation different from those of other studies conducted in Western countries. The differences may refer to enzymes, proteins and immune response of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that cancer patients receiving prophylactic antiviral drugs remain at risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation during chemotherapy. Therefore, the hepatitis B virus screen and chemotherapy control system was established in 2017 to reduce the risk of hepatitis B virus reactivation and improve patient safety.

Novel Biomarkers of Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Significance of HBcrAg and M2BPGi

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be removed completely from infected hepatocytes, owing to the presence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). As chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), predicting HCC development in high-risk patients with high viral replicative activity or advanced fibrosis is important. Novel serological biomarkers reflect intrahepatic viral replicative activity or the progression of liver fibrosis, indicating non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy: (1) Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In CHB patients, a decrease in HBcrAg is associated with favorable outcomes. HBcrAg can predict HCC occurrence or recurrence. (2) Measurement of the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been introduced for the evaluation of liver fibrosis. An increase in M2BPGi in CHB patients is related to the progression of liver fibrosis and high potential (risk) of HCC development. Here, we describe the clinical applications of HBcrAg and M2BPGi in CHB patients. Additionally, because new potential therapeutic agents that eliminate intrahepatic cccDNA are being developed, monitoring of HBcrAg or M2BPGi might be suitable for evaluating therapeutic effects and the clinical outcomes. In conclusion, these would be appropriate surrogate markers for predicting disease progression.

Novel Biomarkers of Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Clinical Significance of HBcrAg and M2BPGi

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be removed completely from infected hepatocytes, owing to the presence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). As chronic hepatitis B (CHB) can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), predicting HCC development in high-risk patients with high viral replicative activity or advanced fibrosis is important. Novel serological biomarkers reflect intrahepatic viral replicative activity or the progression of liver fibrosis, indicating non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy: (1) Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In CHB patients, a decrease in HBcrAg is associated with favorable outcomes. HBcrAg can predict HCC occurrence or recurrence. (2) Measurement of the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) has been introduced for the evaluation of liver fibrosis. An increase in M2BPGi in CHB patients is related to the progression of liver fibrosis and high potential (risk) of HCC development. Here, we describe the clinical applications of HBcrAg and M2BPGi in CHB patients. Additionally, because new potential therapeutic agents that eliminate intrahepatic cccDNA are being developed, monitoring of HBcrAg or M2BPGi might be suitable for evaluating therapeutic effects and the clinical outcomes. In conclusion, these would be appropriate surrogate markers for predicting disease progression.

Progress towards elimination goals for viral hepatitis

The global burden of viral hepatitis is substantial; in terms of mortality, hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infections are on a par with HIV, malaria and tuberculosis, among the top four global infectious diseases. In 2016, the 194 Member States of the World Health Organization committed to eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030, with a particular focus on hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. With only 10 years to go until the 2030 deadline is reached, and although much progress has been made towards elimination, there are still some important gaps in terms of policy and progress. In this Viewpoint, we asked a selection of scientists and clinicians working in the viral hepatitis field for their opinions on whether elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030 is feasible, what the key areas of progress are and what the focus for the next 10 years and beyond should be for viral hepatitis elimination.

Long-term virological and serologic responses of chronic hepatitis B virus infection to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-containing regimens in patients with HIV and hepatitis B coinfection

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the durability of HBV viral suppression with combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) containing tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) combined with lamivudine (3TC) or emtricitabine (FTC) in HIV/HBV-coinfected patients are scarce in hyperendemic areas of chronic HBV infection.

METHODS

Between 2004 and 2016, HIV/HBV-coinfected Taiwanese with available baseline HBV DNA load were retrospectively reviewed. Determinations of plasma HBV DNA load, HBV serologic markers (HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, and anti-HBe), and liver function were performed after initiation of cART. Factors associated with time to undetectable HBV DNA load were explored.

RESULTS

A total of 366 patients were included according to cART history: Group 1, 3TC as the only anti-HBV therapy (n = 73); Group 2, TDF-containing cART as initial therapy (n = 127); and Group 3, switch of 3TC-based to TDF-containing cART (n = 166). At year 5, HBV suppression was achieved in 77.8%, 95.7%, and 95.7% of Groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, TDF ( ± 3TC or FTC) but not 3TC alone as initial anti-HBV therapy was significantly associated with HBV suppression (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 2.635; 95% CI 1.720-4.037), while HBeAg positivity at baseline was associated with failure to achieve HBV suppression (aHR 0.293; 95% CI 0.178-0.482). Loss of HBsAg occurred in 15 patients (4.1%), with 7 (1.9%) seroconversion to anti-HBs positivity, while HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 11 (16.9%) of 65 HBeAg-positive patients.

CONCLUSIONS

TDF-containing cART achieved durable HBV viral suppression in HIV/HBV-coinfected patients and HBeAg positivity at baseline was associated with failure to achieve HBV suppression despite long-term TDF-containing cART.

The Role of Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) cannot be completely eliminated from infected hepatocytes due to the existence of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). Serological biomarkers reflect intrahepatic viral replicative activity as non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a novel biomarker that has an important role in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), because it correlates with serum HBV DNA and intrahepatic cccDNA. In clinical cases with undetectable serum HBV DNA or loss of HBsAg, HBcrAg still can be detected and the decrease in HBcrAg levels is significantly associated with promising outcomes for CHB patients. HBcrAg can predict spontaneous or treatment-induced hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, persistent responses before and after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogues, potential HBV reactivation, HBV reinfection after liver transplantation, and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma progression or recurrence. In this review, the clinical applications of HBcrAg in CHB patients based on its virological features are described. Furthermore, new potential therapeutic anti-HBV agents that affect intrahepatic cccDNA are under development, and the monitoring of HBcrAg might be useful to judge therapeutic effects. In conclusion, HBcrAg might be a suitable surrogate marker beyond other HBV markers to predict the disease progression and treatment responses of CHB patients.

Individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status in the prediction of liver transplantation among patients with liver disease: A population-based cohort study in Taiwan

Given the fact that >80% of liver transplantations (LTs) were living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in Taiwan, we conducted this study to assess whether patients with lower socioeconomic status are subject to a lower chance of receiving hepatic transplantation.This was a cohort study including 197,082 liver disease patients admitted in 1997 to 2013, who were at higher risk of LT. Personal monthly income and median family income of living areas were used to indicate individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status, respectively. Cox proportional hazard model that considered death as a competing risk event was used to estimate subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) of LT in association with socioeconomic status.Totally 2204 patients received LT during follow-up, representing a cumulative incidence of 1.12% and an incidence rate of 20.54 per 10 person-years. After adjusting for potential confounders, including age, sex, co-morbidity, location/urbanization level of residential areas, we found that patients with < median monthly income experienced significantly lower incidence of LT (aHR = 0.802, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.717-0.898), but those with >- median monthly income had significantly elevated incidence of LT (aHR = 1.679, 95% CI = 1.482-1.903), as compared to those who were not actively employed. Additionally, compared to areas with the lowest quartile of median family income, the highest quartile of median family income was also associated with significantly higher incidence rate of LT (aHR = 1.248, 95% CI = 1.055-1.478).Higher individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status were significantly associated with higher incidence of LT among patients with higher risk of LT.

Hepatitis B virus infection in Taiwan: The role of NTCP rs2296651 variant in relation to sex

Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is a functional receptor for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. NTCP rs2296651 is believed to be an Asian-specific variant responsible for HBV susceptibility. We investigated the relationship between rs2296651 and HBV infection in Taiwan based on stratification by gender and menopausal status. We recruited 10 017 Taiwan Biobank participants aged 30-70 years with complete genetic data and sociodemographic information. Gender-stratified multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the relationship between NTCP variant and HBV infection. Among individuals with HBV infection, the genotype frequencies of GG, AG and AA in women were 0.85, 0.15 and 0 while those in men were 0.82, 0.18 and 0, respectively. The multivariate-adjusted odds ratios (OR) of HBV infection were 0.77 (95% CI 0.59-0.99) in women and 0.98 (95% CI 0.79-1.20) in men. The adjusted OR was 0.87 (CI 0.63-1.19) in premenopausal and 0.59 (0.36-0.97) in postmenopausal women. We found that genetic variation in the HBV receptor gene (NTCP) was significantly associated with a decreased risk of HBV infection in Taiwanese women.

Fibrosis-4 index predicts cirrhosis risk and liver-related mortality in 2075 patients with chronic HBV infection

BACKGROUND

Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) is a surrogate marker for hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers.

AIM

To investigate whether FIB-4 index stratifies the risks of adverse liver events.

METHODS

A total of 2075 treatment-naïve, noncirrhotic the patients with chronic HBV infection were included. Most of them (82.1%) were HBeAg-negative patients and their baseline FIB-4 levels were explored to stratify the risks of cirrhosis, cirrhosis-related complications and liver-related mortality.

RESULTS

During a mean follow-up period of 15.47 years, we found a higher baseline FIB-4 index was associated with increased incidence rates of cirrhosis in addition to the common host and viral factors. Patients with FIB-4 >1.29, compared to those with FIB-4 <1.29, were associated with increased risks of cirrhosis, cirrhosis-related complications and liver-related mortality with the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 6.19 (4.76-8.05), 6.88, (3.68-12.86) and 7.79, (4.54-13.37) respectively. Within the first 3 years of follow-up, FIB-4 remained stable and its kinetics were consistently associated with the develoopment of adverse liver events. Furthermore, FIB-4 index of 1.29 was able to stratify all the risks of adverse liver events even in HBeAg-negative patients with a low risk of disease progression (HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL, HBsAg <1000 IU/mL and ALT <40 U/L). Only 1 patient with FIB-4 index <1.29 developed cirrhosis but not other events within 15 years of follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

In noncirrhotic patients with chronic HBV infection, a higher FIB-4 index was associated with increased risks of adverse liver events. FIB-4 index <1.29 is useful for the prediction of the lowest risks of disease progression.

Distinct Relapse Rates and Risk Predictors After Discontinuing Tenofovir and Entecavir Therapy

BACKGROUND

We investigated the patterns and predictors for virological relapse (VR), clinical relapse (CR), and sustained clinical response (SCR) and the outcomes of retreatment after nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) therapy discontinuation.

METHODS

Patients with chronic hepatitis B who were discontinuing NUC therapy were prospectively enrolled. Viral and host predictors of relapse were evaluated, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) level, anti-HBV core antibody level, and presence of single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the genes encoding the receptors NTCP (rs2296651) and CTLA4 (rs231775) and in the 3' untranslated regions of the genes encoding HLA-DPA1 (rs3077) and HLA-DPB1 (rs9277535); posttherapy predictors of relapse were also investigated. Information about NUC retreatment and outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

Overall, 100 patients discontinuing 3-year entecavir (ETV) or tenofovir (TDF) therapy were enrolled. Patients discontinuing TDF exhibited significantly higher rates of VR (52.9% vs 6.1%; P < .001) and CR (15.2% vs. 1.5%, P = .007) at 3 months than those discontinuing ETV, but relapse rates at 12 months were comparable. The end-of-therapy HBsAg levels predicted VR (hazard ratio [HR], 1.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-2.21), CR (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.13-2.81), and SCR (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, .35-.94). The CTLA4 (rs231775) non-GG genotype predicted VR (HR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.01-3.00) and CR (HR, 2.06; 95% CI, 1.04-4.11), while the HLA-DPA1 (rs3077) AA genotype predicted SCR (OR, 10.84; 95% CI, 1.12-105). The HBV DNA 1 month after NUC treatment cessation was an early predictor of subsequent relapse.

CONCLUSIONS

Discontinuation of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate treatment rather than entecavir treatment is associated with earlier relapse, and NUC-specific posttherapy monitoring is necessary.

Unmet Needs in Clinical and Basic Hepatitis B Virus Research

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has become a treatable and controllable disease. The current nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) and pegylated interferon therapies effectively help slow disease progression and reduce the risk of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and CHB-associated mortality. Long-term viral suppression is easily achievable by NUC therapy, with limited adverse reactions. However, several unmet requirements still exist, including safety and risk-stratified HCC surveillance among patients who received long-term NUC therapy. Criteria for determining which patients should receive finite-duration NUC therapy and which should receive combination therapy with both NUC and pegylated interferon remain unsettled. The management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) e antigen-positive viremic patients with normal liver function and the incorporation of new biomarkers to help manage CHB require further exploration. To achieve functional cure (ie, HBV surface antigen seroclearance) and complete cure (ie, eradication of covalently closed circular DNA) of CHB, several challenges in basic research must be addressed, including the development of an efficient cell culture system and animal models for HBV investigation, development of treatment to eradicate covalently closed circular HBV DNA, and development of immunotherapy for CHB. This brief review focuses on unmet needs in both clinical and basic HBV research.

Fibrosis-4 Index Helps Identify HBV Carriers With the Lowest Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBJECTIVES

Several viral and host risk factors have been used to predict risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, little is known whether fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index, a liver fibrosis biomarker, helps identify non-cirrhotic patients with the lowest HCC risk.

METHODS

A total of 2075 treatment-naive Taiwanese patients with chronic HBV infection were followed for an average period of 16.02 years. None of them had liver cirrhosis at baseline. We explored whether a low FIB-4 index complements the favourable predictors to defines patients with the lowest HCC risk. The finding was validated in 532 non-cirrhotic patients receiving long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) treatment with suppressed viral replication.

RESULTS

A total of 137 treatment-naive and 10 NUC-treated patients developed HCC, respectively. We found that HCC risk started to increase when baseline FIB-4 index >1.29 in the treatment-naive cohort. Patients with FIB-4 >1.29, compared to those with FIB-4 <1.29, were associated with a higher risk of HCC with hazards ratio of 5.56 (95% confidence interval: 3.93-7.86). More importantly, among patients with low viral load (HBV DNA level <2,000 IU/ml), baseline FIB-4 index helped stratify different HCC risks such that none of 326 HBeAg-negative patients with FIB-4 index <1.29, ALT level <40 U/l, and HBsAg level <1,000 IU/ml developed HCC. In addition, the patients with the FIB-4 index <1.29 consistently had the lowest HCC risks in the validation cohort receiving long-term NUC treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In non-cirrhotic patients with chronic HBV infection, FIB-4 index <1.29 complements the existing clinical profile to define patients with the lowest HCC risk.

Cirrhosis has no impact on therapeutic responses of entecavir for chronic hepatitis B

OBJECTIVE

As the efficacy of a direct antiviral agent is reduced in cirrhotic chronic hepatitis C patients, prolonged duration of treatment or addition of ribavirin is recommended to improve the rates of sustained virological response. However, the impact of cirrhosis on the efficacy of antiviral treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remained unclear.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study screened entecavir (ETV)-treated CHB patients in Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital from January 2007 till October 2014. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was made on the basis of clinical/imaging or histologic findings. The primary endpoints were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss in HBeAg-positive patients and undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the overall study population. Initial virological response is defined as undetectable HBV DNA at 1-year ETV treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 381 (262 men; mean age: 49.6±12.9 years) CHB patients were recruited for the final analysis. Of these, 138 were cirrhotic. In 143 HBeAg-positive patients, there was no difference in the rates of 1- and 2-year HBeAg loss between cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients (P=0.226 and 0.729, respectively). In the overall population, the rate of 1-year undetectable HBV DNA was higher in patients with cirrhosis than those without cirrhosis (76.1 vs. 64.2%, P=0.016). The rate of 2-year undetectable HBV DNA was not different between these two groups. Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, baseline HBV DNA levels (P=0.006) and HBeAg status (P=0.007), were associated with initial virological response, but not cirrhosis.

CONCLUSION

Therapeutic responses of ETV are not decreased in cirrhotic CHB patients. Thus, cirrhotic CHB patients can be treated with ETV without the need for dose adjustment.

Natural history of acute and chronic hepatitis B: The role of HBV genotypes and mutants

Molecular epidemiologic studies reveal remarkable differences in the geographical distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes. The frequency of mutants among HBV genotypes also varies. The role of HBV genotypes/mutants in the pathogenesis of HBV infection and natural history of HBV infection has been extensively investigated. The distribution of HBV genotypes in acute hepatitis B patients reflects the predominant genotypes in a given geographic area. In chronic hepatitis B patients, genotype C and D have a higher frequency of basal core promoter A1762T/G1764A mutations than genotype A and B. HBV genotypes C, D and F carry a higher lifetime risk of cirrhosis and HCC development than genotype A and B. HBV pre-S/S gene mutations were associated with immune escape of hepatitis B immunoglobulin or vaccine-induced immunity. Mutations in the pre-S, core promoter and X regions correlate with an increased risk of cirrhosis and HCC. In summary, HBV genotypes and mutants are associated with the disease progression and long-term outcome of HBV infection. They may serve as viral genetic markers for risk stratification of chronic hepatitis B patients in clinical practice.

Incidence and predictors of HBV relapse after cessation of nucleoside analogues in HBeAg-negative patients with HBsAg ≤ 200 IU/mL

The predictors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) relapse and HBsAg loss after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) in HBeAg-negative patients with end-of-treatment HBsAg ≤ 200 IU/mL remains unclear. The study recruited 119 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who achieved end-of-treatment HBsAg ≤ 200 IU/mL, were treated with lamivudine (n = 34) and entecavir (n = 85). The 5-year rates of post-treatment virological relapse, clinical relapse, and HBsAg loss at 60 months were 39.4%, 27.6%, and 45.9%, respectively. Cox regression analysis revealed that HBV DNA at entry and end-of-treatment HBsAg levels were independent predictors of virolgical and clinical relapse. HBV genotype C and end-of-treatment HBsAg were independent factors of HBsAg loss. Patients with a combination of end-of-treatment HBsAg < 50 IU/mL and HBV DNA < 2 × 10⁵ IU/mL at entry experienced the lowest virological and clinical relapse rates (5% and 0% at 60 months, respectively). In contract, patients with a combination of end-of-treatment HBsAg ≥ 50 IU/mL and HBV DNA ≥ 2 × 10⁵ IU/mL at entry experienced high virological and clinical relapse (80.7% and 71.5% at 60 months, respectively). No patients experienced hepatic decompensation when clinical relapse occurred after timely retreatment. A combination of HBV DNA levels at entry and end-of-treatment HBsAg levels was useful for predicting the post-treatment HBV relapse in HBeAg-negative patients with HBsAg ≤ 200 IU/mL.

The use of Chinese herbal medicine as an adjuvant therapy to reduce incidence of chronic hepatitis in colon cancer patients: A Taiwanese population-based cohort study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

There is a decided lack of in-depth studies to evaluate the effectiveness of Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) as an adjuvant therapy on the incidence of chronic hepatitis in patients with colon cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to assess whether CHM treatment decreased the incidence of chronic hepatitis in colon cancer patients who received conventional Western medical treatment.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A Taiwanese nationwide population-based study of colon cancer patients receiving Western medicine treatment in conjunction with CHM treatment, using data provided by the National Health Insurance (NHI) Research Database, was conducted. A total of 61676 patients were diagnosed with colon cancer in Taiwan within the defined study period, from 1997 to 2010. After randomly equal matching for age, sex, excluding patients younger than 18 years of age, chronic hepatitis before colon cancer diagnosis date, receiving acupuncture and/or moxibustion and taking CHM for less than 30 days, data from 155 patients were analyzed. Hazard ratios of incidence rate of chronic hepatitis were used to determine the influence of CHM and the therapeutic potential of herbal products in treating patients with colon cancer.

RESULTS

CHM used for patients with colon cancer exhibited significantly decreased incidence rates of chronic hepatitis [hazard ratio (HR)=0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI):0.38-0.74], with multivariate adjustment, compared to those without CHM use. The protective effect of CHM treatment with statistical significance across the stratification of age, gender, co-morbidity and treatment modality was noted. The cumulative incidence of chronic hepatitis was also reduced in patients with colon cancer receiving CHM treatment during a five-year period. In this study, we provide the ten most used single herbs and herbal formulas that were prescribed for patients with colon cancer; moreover, we identify the eight single herbs and five formulas used in CHM treatment which significantly decreased incidence of chronic hepatitis among colon cancer patients.

CONCLUSIONS

This nationwide retrospective cohort study determined that therapy using CHM as an adjuvant modality may have a significant impact on liver protection in patients with colon cancer.

Prevalence and influencing factors of hepatitis B among a rural residential population in Zhejiang Province, China: a cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES

To reveal the prevalence and associated influencing factors of hepatitis B among a rural residential population in Zhejiang, China, in order to help develop specific control strategies.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study among a rural residential population in Zhejiang, China. Stratified multistage cluster sampling was utilised in five districts; a structured questionnaire was used to collect the information such as age, gender, education, occupation, living status, and other health related information of the participants by trained local staff; and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status of the participants was determined by the chemiluminescence immunoassay test. Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to evaluate the influencing factors of HBV infection. The odds ratio of each related factor was assessed with or without adjustment separately.

RESULTS

The mean age of the 16 601 participants (7881 males and 8720 females) who completed the survey was 40.28±19.47 years. The positive rate of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was 4.04% (95% CI 3.74% to 4.35%), and 3.85% when standardised by age and gender. Univariate analysis showed that age, educational level, occupation, living status, history of hepatitis B examinations, history of blood transfusion, vaccination, family history, coastal living, and district were the potential influencing factors. Multivariate logistic regression indicated that occupation, living status, history of hepatitis B examinations, vaccination and district were the influencing factors. Undertaking a service-based tertiary industry job (OR_a 1.19, 95% CI 0.94 to 1.51) and non-single living (OR_a 2.84, 95% CI 2.17 to 3.70) might be risk factors, while vaccination (OR_a 0.43, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.53) and history of hepatitis B examinations (OR_a 0.71, 95% CI 0.48 to 1.03) were potential protective factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hepatitis B is at an intermediate epidemic level in a rural residential population in Zhejiang, China. Raising vaccination coverage, especially in adults, is a suitable strategy for the prevention and control of hepatitis B.

A molecular epidemiology study investigating familial clustering of hepatitis B virus infection in families with unfavorable prognoses in Northwest China

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and adverse outcome have been demonstrated to show characteristics of familial clustering. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of different HBV genotypes, HBV sub-genotypes, and Pre-S mutations associated with familial HBV infection clusters with unfavorable prognoses. Families presenting with clustered HBV infections and unfavorable prognoses were enrolled in this study. Non-clustered HBV-infected individuals were used as the control group. DNA extracted from patient serum samples was used to facilitate characterization of the HBV genotypes, HBV sub-genotypes, and Pre-S mutations by phylogenetic analysis. The Pre-S/S gene was successfully amplified in 83 patients from the clustering group and 105 patients from the sporadic group. The prevalence of genotype C in the clustering group (71/83, 85.54%) was significantly higher than in the sporadic group (77/105, 73.33%) (P = 0.042). The prevalence of sub-genotype C2 in the clustering group (33/83, 39.76%) was also higher than in the sporadic group (21/105, 20%) (P = 0.003). Analyses of functional mapping of pre-S sequences showed that the prevalence of the mutation in the S promoter site (nt 3045-3189 of pre-S1 domain) was significantly increased in the clustering group compared with the sporadic group (15.7% vs. 3.8%) (P = 0.009). This study suggests that genotype C, especially sub-genotype C2, may be associated with the progression of HBV infection in familial clustering infection cohorts with unfavorable prognoses. We also observed that the natural occurrence of S promoter mutations in the clustering group was significantly prevalent.

Overexpression of c-Jun contributes to sorafenib resistance in human hepatoma cell lines

Background

Despite recent advances in treatment strategies, it is still difficult to cure patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib is the only approved multiple kinase inhibitor for systemic chemotherapy in patients with advanced HCC. The majority of advanced HCC patients are resistant to sorafenib. The mechanisms of sorafenib resistance are still unknown.

Methods

The expression of molecules involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in human hepatoma cell lines was examined in the presence or absence of sorafenib. Apoptosis of human hepatoma cells treated with sorafenib was investigated, and the expression of Jun proto-oncogene (c-Jun) was measured.

Results

The expression and phosphorylation of c-Jun were enhanced in human hepatoma cell lines after treatment with sorafenib. Inhibiting c-Jun enhanced sorafenib-induced apoptosis. The overexpression of c-Jun impaired sorafenib-induced apoptosis. The expression of osteopontin, one of the established AP-1 target genes, was enhanced after treatment with sorafenib in human hepatoma cell lines.

Conclusions

The protein c-Jun plays a role in sorafenib resistance in human hepatoma cell lines. The modulation and phosphorylation of c-Jun could be a new therapeutic option for enhancing responsiveness to sorafenib. Modulating c-Jun may be useful for certain HCC patients with sorafenib resistance.

Elimination of Hepatitis B: Is It a Mission Possible?

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. Although the disease cannot be cured effectively, disease management has been improved over the past decade. The introduction of potent nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) to suppress viral replication represented a giant leap in the control of this disease. It has been shown that tenofovir treatment, a potent NA, complements current immunoprophylaxis to diminish mother-to-infant transmission in pregnant women with a high viral load. For patients with chronic HBV infection, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen is a useful tool to define inactive carriers and to guide antiviral therapy. Quantification of HBV mutants is also useful in predicting long-term outcomes more precisely than ever. The next challenge is how to achieve an HBV cure; although immunotherapy is a promising strategy, the current results from two clinical trials using therapeutic vaccines to induce HBV-specific immune response in patients with chronic HBV infection are disappointing. In the coming years, we are expecting to see a combination of therapeutic agents with various modes of action to complete the mission of HBV elimination.