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Positive hepatitis B core antibody is associated with advanced fibrosis and mortality in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:294-301. [PMID: 36708301 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Concomitant hepatitis B virus infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are relatively common, while little is known about the impact of anti-hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) on NAFLD individuals. We aimed to investigate the association of positive anti-HBc with advanced fibrosis and mortality in NAFLD. METHODS We analyzed data from 3268 NAFLD participants who underwent abdominal ultrasonography during the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). The fibrosis 4 index (FIB-4) score >2.67, NAFLD fibrosis score >0.676, or aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index >1.5 were defined as advanced fibrosis. All-cause and cause-specific mortality were obtained from the NHANES III-linked follow-up file through 31 December 2015. RESULTS A total of 242 (7.4%) patients had positive anti-HBc. Patients with positive anti-HBc had a higher percentage of advanced fibrosis than those with negative anti-HBc (12.2% vs. 5.8%). Positive anti-HBc was significantly associated with advanced fibrosis [adjusted odds ratio = 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.05-2.72]. During a median follow-up of 22 years, the cumulative all-cause and cancer-related mortalities were higher in participants with positive anti-HBc than in their counterparts (log-rank test P < 0.001). When demographic and metabolic risk factors were considered, NAFLD cases with positive anti-HBc had a significantly higher cancer-related mortality (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.54, 95% CI, 1.05-2.25). CONCLUSION Our findings suggested that NAFLD cases with positive anti-HBc had higher risks for liver fibrosis and long-term mortality, justifying the medical importance of testing anti-HBc in NAFLD patients.
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Cangemi R, Miglionico M, Basili S. Infections as predictors of NAFLD progression. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:2185-2186. [PMID: 36334187 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-03096-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cangemi
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marzia Miglionico
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Basili
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza-University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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Saitta C, Caruso A, Maimone S, Filomia R, Cacciola I, Caccamo G, Franzè MS, Pitrone C, Alibrandi A, Gaeta M, Mandraffino G, Squadrito G, Raimondo G. Antibody to hepatitis B virus core antigen positivity is a predictor of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease severity. Intern Emerg Med 2022; 17:1609-1616. [PMID: 35332431 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-022-02971-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Insufficient information is available about co-factors favoring the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) toward cirrhosis. We aimed to evaluate the impact of a limited alcohol intake and of occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) on the severity of NAFLD. Three-hundred-seventy-four alcohol non-abusers and HBV surface antigen negative NAFLD patients (223 males; mean age 55.4 years), consecutively admitted to the outpatients clinic of a referral liver unit from January 1st, 2018 to December 31st, 2019, were studied. Anti-HBV core antigen antibody [(anti-HBc), a surrogate marker of OBI] was assessed in all patients. Patients were distinguished between teetotal and moderate alcohol consumers (intake of less than 30 g and 20 g if males or females, respectively). Liver fibrosis was non-invasively assessed by FIB-4 and transient elastography. Uni- and multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictors of advanced fibrosis. Patients had a mean BMI of 28.5 kg/m2, and the majority presented metabolic and cardio-vascular comorbidities [258 patients (69%) had insulin resistance/diabetes, 249 (66.6%) dyslipidemia, 200 (53.5%) arterial hypertension]. Multivariate analysis showed that anti-HBc positivity (p = 0.046, OR 2.153) was a factor associated with advanced fibrosis at FIB-4 score testing, whereas moderate alcohol intake was not associated with severe NAFLD both at FIB-4 and transient elastography evaluations. The study showed that a moderate alcohol intake has no impact on NAFLD severity and suggested that OBI might negatively affect the NAFLD outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Saitta
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy.
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy.
| | - Alessia Caruso
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Sergio Maimone
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Roberto Filomia
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Irene Cacciola
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Gaia Caccamo
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Maria Stella Franzè
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Concetta Pitrone
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Division of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, Department of Economics, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Michele Gaeta
- Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and of Morphologic and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Mandraffino
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Squadrito
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 1, 98124, Messina, Italy
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Cakal B, Atasoy A, Cavus B, Poda M, Bulakci M, Gulluoglu M, Demirci M, Akyuz F. Prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection in liver biopsy sample of patients with nonviral liver disease. Future Virol 2022. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B (HBV) infection (OBI) in patients with nonviral liver disease. Materials & methods: This study included 83 HBsAg-negative patients followed up at a gastroenterohepatology clinic. The presence of HBV DNA was investigated by using an in-house nested-PCR method applied to liver parenchymal biopsy samples obtained from patients who underwent due nonviral chronic liver disease. Results: OBI was detected in 19 (22.9%) of the 83 cases, in 11 (44%) of 25 anti-HBc-positive patients, and 15 (31.9%) of 47 anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs antibodies-positive patients. Conclusion: There is a considerable prevalence of OBI among patients with nonviral chronic liver disease. Therefore, it is suggested that closely monitoring HBV can be useful to prevent or more effectively manage possible OBI-related complications among patients with nonviral chronic liver disease, especially those who are HBsAg seronegative or anti-HBV antibody seropositive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Cakal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alp Atasoy
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilger Cavus
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehves Poda
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Bulakci
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Gulluoglu
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Demirci
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kirklareli University, Kirklareli, Turkey
| | - Filiz Akyuz
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Saitta C, Pollicino T, Raimondo G. Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection: An Update. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071504. [PMID: 35891484 PMCID: PMC9318873 DOI: 10.3390/v14071504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) refers to a condition in which replication-competent viral DNA is present in the liver (with detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals testing negative for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). In this peculiar phase of HBV infection, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is in a low state of replication. Many advances have been made in clarifying the mechanisms involved in such a suppression of viral activity, which seems to be mainly related to the host's immune control and epigenetic factors. OBI is diffused worldwide, but its prevalence is highly variable among patient populations. This depends on different geographic areas, risk factors for parenteral infections, and assays used for HBsAg and HBV DNA detection. OBI has an impact in several clinical contexts: (a) it can be transmitted, causing a classic form of hepatitis B, through blood transfusion or liver transplantation; (b) it may reactivate in the case of immunosuppression, leading to the possible development of even fulminant hepatitis; (c) it may accelerate the progression of chronic liver disease due to different causes toward cirrhosis; (d) it maintains the pro-oncogenic properties of the "overt" infection, favoring the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Saitta
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-902212392
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Update on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease-Associated Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Their Involvement in Liver Steatosis, Inflammation, and Fibrosis: A Narrative Review. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2022; 26:252-68. [PMID: 36000237 PMCID: PMC9432469 DOI: 10.52547/ibj.3647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors are involved in the development, progression, and severity of NAFLD. Polymorphisms in genes regulating liver functions may increase liver susceptibility to NAFLD. Therefore, we conducted this literature study to present recent findings on NAFLD-associated polymorphisms from published articles in PubMed from 2016 to 2021. From 69 selected research articles, 20 genes and 34 SNPs were reported to be associated with NAFLD. These mutated genes affect NAFLD by promoting liver steatosis (PNPLA3, MBOAT7, TM2SF6, PTPRD, FNDC5, IL-1B, PPARGC1A, UCP2, TCF7L2, SAMM50, IL-6, AGTR1, and NNMT), inflammation (PNPLA3, TNF-α, AGTR1, IL-17A, IL-1B, PTPRD, and GATAD2A), and fibrosis (IL-1B, PNPLA3, MBOAT7, TCF7L2, GATAD2A, IL-6, NNMT, UCP, AGTR1, and TM2SF6). The identification of these genetic factors helps to better understand the pathogenesis pathways of NAFLD
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Franzè MS, Pollicino T, Raimondo G, Squadrito G. Occult hepatitis B virus infection in hepatitis C virus negative chronic liver diseases. Liver Int 2022; 42:963-972. [PMID: 35246933 PMCID: PMC9310828 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Data concerning the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occult infection (OBI) varies greatly in the different studies according to the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic approaches and the HBV prevalence in the different populations examined. The clinical implications of OBI are still debated. While the impact of OBI in HBV transmission as well as in HBV reactivation under immunosuppression are well established, the role of OBI in liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development are still not definitively elucidated. It has been hypothesized that OBI might contribute to worsening the liver disease course when other causes of liver damage co-exist. Furthermore, much evidence suggests a role of OBI in the hepato-carcinogenesis processes through both indirect and direct oncogenic mechanisms that might favour HCC development. Data on the OBI clinical implications mainly come from studies performed in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, HCV prevalence has dramatically fallen in the past years also because of the advent of specific and highly effective direct acting antivirals, with a consequent abrupt change of the worldwide scenario of chronic liver disease. Information about OBI prevalence and possible clinical impact in non-HCV-related liver disease are fragmentary, and the objective of this review is to critically summarize the available data in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stella Franzè
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Medicine and HepatologyMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human PathologyMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Advanced Diagnostic LaboratoriesMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Medicine and HepatologyMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
| | - Giovanni Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Internal MedicineMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
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Giraudi PJ, Salvoza N, Bonazza D, Saitta C, Lombardo D, Casagranda B, de Manzini N, Pollicino T, Raimondo G, Tiribelli C, Palmisano S, Rosso N. Ficolin-2 Plasma Level Assesses Liver Fibrosis in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2813. [PMID: 35269955 PMCID: PMC8911336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the strongest predictor for disease-specific mortality in non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), but the need for liver biopsy limits its diagnosis. We assessed the performance of plasma ficolin-2 (FCN-2) as a biomarker of fibrosis identified by an in silico discovery strategy. Two hundred and thirty-five morbidly obese (MO) subjects with biopsy-proven NAFLD stratified by fibrosis stage (F0, n = 44; F1, n = 134; F2, n = 46; F3/F4, n = 11) and 40 cirrhotic patients were enrolled. The cohort was subdivided into discovery (n = 76) and validation groups (n = 159). The plasma level of FCN-2 and other candidate markers was determined. FCN-2 was inversely correlated with the stage of liver fibrosis (ρ = −0.49, p < 0.001) independently of steatosis (p = 0.90), inflammation (p = 0.57), and ballooning (p = 0.59). In the global cohort, FCN-2 level decreased significantly in a stepwise fashion from F0/F1 (median 4753 ng/mL) to F2−F3−F4 (2760 ng/mL) and in cirrhotic subjects (1418 ng/mL). The diagnostic performance of FCN-2 in detecting F ≥ 2 was higher than other indexes (APRI, FIB-4) (AUROC 0.82, 0.68, and 0.6, respectively). The accuracy improved when combined with APRI score and HDL values (FCNscore, AUROC 0.85). Overall, the FCN-2 plasma level can accurately discriminate liver fibrosis status (minimal vs. moderate/advanced) significantly improving the fibrosis diagnostic algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo J. Giraudi
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, Centro Studi Fegato, Area Science Park Basovizza Bldg.Q SS14 Km, 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.S.); (C.T.); (S.P.); (N.R.)
| | - Noel Salvoza
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, Centro Studi Fegato, Area Science Park Basovizza Bldg.Q SS14 Km, 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.S.); (C.T.); (S.P.); (N.R.)
- Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, DOST Compound, Bicutan Taguig City 1631, Philippines
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Surgical Pathology Unit, Cattinara Hospital, ASUGI, 34149 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Carlo Saitta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Medicine and Hepatology, Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Daniele Lombardo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Medicine and Hepatology, Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Biagio Casagranda
- Surgical Clinic Division, Cattinara Hospital, ASUGI, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (B.C.); (N.d.M.)
| | - Nicolò de Manzini
- Surgical Clinic Division, Cattinara Hospital, ASUGI, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (B.C.); (N.d.M.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human Pathology, Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Unit of Medicine and Hepatology, Laboratory of Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98121 Messina, Italy; (C.S.); (D.L.); (G.R.)
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, Centro Studi Fegato, Area Science Park Basovizza Bldg.Q SS14 Km, 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.S.); (C.T.); (S.P.); (N.R.)
| | - Silvia Palmisano
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, Centro Studi Fegato, Area Science Park Basovizza Bldg.Q SS14 Km, 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.S.); (C.T.); (S.P.); (N.R.)
- Surgical Clinic Division, Cattinara Hospital, ASUGI, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (B.C.); (N.d.M.)
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Natalia Rosso
- Fondazione Italiana Fegato, Centro Studi Fegato, Area Science Park Basovizza Bldg.Q SS14 Km, 163.5, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (N.S.); (C.T.); (S.P.); (N.R.)
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Armandi A, Rosso C, Ribaldone DG, Caviglia GP. Moving towards core antigen for the management of patients with overt and occult HBV infection. Panminerva Med 2020; 63:499-507. [PMID: 33073556 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.20.04163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection encompasses a wide virologic and clinical spectrum with heterogeneous outcomes. The natural history of chronic HBV infection ranges from an inactive carrier state (hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic infection) to progressive chronic hepatitis that may evolve in end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The issue becomes even more complicated when we consider the unique biology of the virus; the HBV covalently-closed-circular DNA, that acts as virus transcription template, is the key factor responsible of the persistence of the infection even after hepatitis B surface antigen loss. In the last decade, novel serological and immunological biomarkers associated to the core protein of HBV have been approached in different clinical conditions. Remarkable results have been obtained both in the setting of overt and occult HBV infection. Here, we reviewed the meaning and the potential clinical applications of the measurement of core antigen and antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Armandi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Gian P Caviglia
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy -
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