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Chang ML, Le PH, Chen WT, Chen TD, Chien RN. Hepatic and Extrahepatic Characteristics of Autoimmune Hepatitis: A 23-year Hospital-Based Cohort Study. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:2193-2203. [PMID: 38653947 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08439-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The characteristics of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in Asia mostly remain elusive. METHODS A cohort study of liver biopsy-proven AIH patients was conducted in a tertiary care cancer of Taiwan. RESULTS From 1999 to 2022, of 13,766 patients who underwent liver biopsy, 150 patients with AIH were enrolled. The female-to-male ratio was 2.26. At baseline, the mean age was 51.09 years, mean alanine aminotransferase level was 494.11 U/L, and 17 (11.3%) had cirrhosis. All except one patient had AIH type 1. The females were older and had higher baseline cirrhosis rates than did the males. The 23-year cumulative incidences of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mortality/liver transplantation, autoimmune diseases and extrahepatic cancer were 64.2%, 13.3%, 23.4%, 30.7% and 21.2%, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year, 3-year, 5-year, 10-year and 20-year postimmunosuppressive therapy relapse rates were 60%, 78.2%, 81.8%, 89.1%, 94.5% and 100%, respectively. Baseline associations were as follows: alkaline phosphatase (Alk-p) levels with postimmunosuppressive therapy flare [hazard ratio (HR): 1.003; 95% CI HR: 1.000-1.005]; age with HCC (1.072; 1.010-1.138) and all-cause cancer (1.041;1.005-1.079); cirrhosis with mortality/liver transplantation (11.933;1.984-71.787); and antinuclear antibody (ANA) titers with mortality/liver transplantation (1.001;1.000-1.003), cirrhosis (1.001;1.000-1.002), and autoimmune diseases (1.001; 1.000-1.002). CONCLUSION In an Asian country endemic for viral hepatitis, the female-to-male and baseline cirrhosis rates of AIH patients were lower than expected, while over 60% of the patients eventually developed cirrhosis. The high posttherapy relapse rate warrants cautious monitoring, particularly for patients with high baseline Alk-p levels. Baseline age, cirrhosis status and ANA titers are crucial for outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ling Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Puo-Hsien Le
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Di Chen
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Wang L, Wang J, Zhao K, Jiang L, Zhang X, Zhao J, Li J, Lu F. The Relationship between Viral Replication and the Severity of Hepatic Necroinflammatory Damage Changed before HBeAg Loss in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:381-388. [PMID: 38638381 PMCID: PMC11022060 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Disease progression of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is driven by the interactions between viral replication and the host immune response against the infection. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between HBV replication and hepatic inflammation during disease progression. Methods Two cross-sectional, one validation cohort, and meta-analyses were used to explore the relationship between HBV replication and liver inflammation. Spearman analysis, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between variables. Results In the cross-sectional cohorts A and B including 1,350 chronic hepatitis B patients, Spearman analysis revealed a negative relationship between HBV replication (such as HBV DNA) and liver inflammation (such as ALT) in HBeAg-positive patients with higher HBV DNA >2×106 IU/mL (rho=-0.160 and -0.042) which turned to be positive in HBeAg-positive patients with HBV DNA ≤2×106 IU/mL (rho=0.278 and 0.260) and HBeAg-negative patients (rho=0.450 and 0.363). After adjustment for sex, age, and anti-HBe, results from logistic regression and multiple linear regression showed the opposite relationship still existed in HBeAg-positive patients with different DNA levels; the opposite relationship in HBeAg-positive patients with different DNA levels was validated in a third cohort; the opposite relationship in patients with different HBeAg status was partially confirmed by meta-analysis (overall R: -0.004 vs 0.481). Conclusions These results suggested a negative relationship between viral replication and liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with high HBV DNA, which changed to a positive relationship for those HBeAg-positive patients with DNA less than 2×106 IU/mL and HBeAg-negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leijie Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kunyu Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lina Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingming Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Alexandrova R, Tsachev I, Kirov P, Abudalleh A, Hristov H, Zhivkova T, Dyakova L, Baymakova M. Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) Infection Among Immunocompromised Individuals: A Brief Narrative Review. Infect Drug Resist 2024; 17:1021-1040. [PMID: 38505248 PMCID: PMC10948336 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s449221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a single-stranded positive-sense RNA virus that belongs to Hepeviridae family. HEV is the most common cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are estimated 20 million HEV infections worldwide every year, leading to estimated 3.3 million symptomatic cases of HEV infection. The WHO estimates that HEV infection caused approximately 44,000 deaths in 2015, which represents 3.3% of mortality rates due to viral hepatitis. In low-income (LI) countries and lower-middle-income (LMI) countries, HEV is a waterborne infection induced by HEV genotype (gt) 1 and HEV gt 2 that cause large outbreaks and affect young individuals with a high mortality rate in pregnant women from South Asian countries and patients with liver diseases. HEV gt 3, HEV gt 4, and HEV gt 7 are responsible for sporadic infections with zoonotic transmission mainly through the consumption of raw or undercooked meat from different animals. Acute HEV infection is relatively asymptomatic or mild clinical form, in rare cases the disease can be moderate/severe clinical forms and result in fulminant hepatitis or acute liver failure (ALF). Furthermore, HEV infection is associated with extrahepatic manifestations, including renal and neurological clinical signs and symptoms. Pregnant women, infants, older people, immunocompromised individuals, patients with comorbidities, and workers who come into close contact with HEV-infected animals are recognized as major risk groups for severe clinical form of HEV infection and fatal outcome. Chronic HEV infection can occur in immunocompromised individuals with the possibility of progression to cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radostina Alexandrova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Ilia Tsachev
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious and Parasitic Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria
| | - Plamen Kirov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Abedulkadir Abudalleh
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Hristo Hristov
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Zhivkova
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Experimental Morphology, Pathology and Anthropology with Museum, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Lora Dyakova
- Department of Synaptic Signaling and Communication, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Magdalena Baymakova
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Military Medical Academy, Sofia, Bulgaria
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Rey I, Effendi-Ys R, Sukatendel K. The Comparison of Serum Interleukin-8 Levels Based on Severity of Liver Cirrhosis. Med Arch 2024; 78:92-94. [PMID: 38566873 PMCID: PMC10983089 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2024.78.92-94] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The molecule known as Interleukin-8 (IL-8), a chemotactic leukocyte, has been found to have a crucial role in the perpetuation of the inflammatory environment that is associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, as well as in the development of liver cirrhosis and cancer. Objective The aim of this study was to carefully examine the role of IL-8 in the inflammatory reaction and to compare the levels based on the severity of liver cirrhosis. Methods The study was conducted from February 2018 to September 2018 at the Gastroenterohepatology Division, Internal medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara. The study was designed as an analytic comparative, cross-sectional study. The liver cirrhosis patients who participated in this study met the inclusion criteria and provided informed consent. Results A total of 70 patients were included in the study, from which we identified 1 individual with child-pugh A, 28 individuals with child-pugh B, and 41 individuals with child-pugh C. The serum level of IL-8 was found to be 98 (11-320) (pg/ml). The IL-8 levels between child-pugh B and C patients did not exhibit any noteworthy differences during our analysis (p = 0.109, p>0.05). Conclusion There is no notable inequality in the levels of IL-8 across different stages of liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imelda Rey
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
- Haji Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Rustam Effendi-Ys
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
- Pirngadi General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Khairani Sukatendel
- Department of Obstetric Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
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Dera A, Sanou AM, Ouattara MNG, Ilboudo AK, Lankoande DB, Ilboudo D, Napon-Zongo D, Gomgnimbou MK. Evaluation of the Diagnostic Performances of the SD-Bioline ®HBeAg Rapid Test Used Routinely for the Management of HBV-Infected Individuals in Burkina Faso. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:3144. [PMID: 37835887 PMCID: PMC10572218 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13193144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is a marker of wild-type hepatitis B virus replication. In resource-limited countries where access to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) remains a challenge, rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) constitute a good alternative. The HBeAg status is employed to evaluate eligibility for antiviral therapy and to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B from mother to child (PMTCT). The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the SD-Bioline®HBeAg RDT commonly used for detecting HBeAg in laboratories in Burkina Faso. The sample panel used was collected from HBsAg-positive patients received in the laboratory for the detection of HBeAg with the rapid test. The samples were retested for HBeAg using the VIDAS HBe/Anti-HBe enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA) (Gold standard). Then, the viral load (VL) of HBV DNA was determined using the GENERIC HBV CHARGE VIRLAE kit (GHBV-CV). The diagnostic performances of the SD-Bioline®HBeAg and its agreement with the gold standard were calculated with their 95% confidence intervals. Overall, 340 sera obtained from HBsAg-positive patients were included in this evaluation Compared to the VIDAS HBe/Anti-HBe ELFA test, the sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) of the SD-Bioline®HBeAg test were 33.3% and 97.9%, respectively. The concordance between the two tests was 0.42. Depending on the viral load, the Se and Sp varied from 8.8% and 98.3% for a VL < 2000 IU/mL to 35.5% and 98.4% for a VL > 2,000,000 IU/mL. The results showed a low sensibility of the SD-Bioline®HBeAg RDT test, indicating that its use is inappropriate for the clinical management of HBV-infected patients. They also highlight the urgent need to develop HBeAg rapid tests with better sensitivities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdoulaye Dera
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Parasitaire (LR-MIP), Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso 2779, Burkina Faso; (A.D.); (M.N.G.O.)
- Département des Laboratoires, Centre “Assaut-Hépatites”, Bobo-Dioulasso 2285, Burkina Faso
| | - Armel M. Sanou
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Parasitaire (LR-MIP), Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso 2779, Burkina Faso; (A.D.); (M.N.G.O.)
- Département des Laboratoires, Centre “Assaut-Hépatites”, Bobo-Dioulasso 2285, Burkina Faso
| | - Mathuola N. G. Ouattara
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Parasitaire (LR-MIP), Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Bobo-Dioulasso 2779, Burkina Faso; (A.D.); (M.N.G.O.)
- Département des Laboratoires, Centre “Assaut-Hépatites”, Bobo-Dioulasso 2285, Burkina Faso
| | - Abdoul K. Ilboudo
- Laboratoire de Recherche sur les Maladies Infectieuses et Parasitaire (LR-MIP), Institut de Recherche en Science de la Santé, Ouagadougou 7192, Burkina Faso;
- Département Méthodologie et Gestion des Données, Centre “Assaut-Hépatites”, Bobo-Dioulasso 2285, Burkina Faso
| | - David B. Lankoande
- Service des Urgences Médicales, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bogodogo, Ouagadougou 314, Burkina Faso;
- Département Clinique, Centre “Assaut-Hépatites”, Bobo-Dioulasso 2285, Burkina Faso; (D.I.); (D.N.-Z.)
| | - Dieudonné Ilboudo
- Département Clinique, Centre “Assaut-Hépatites”, Bobo-Dioulasso 2285, Burkina Faso; (D.I.); (D.N.-Z.)
- District Sanitaire de Banfora, Direction Régionale de la Santé des Cascades, Banfora 117, Burkina Faso
| | - Delphine Napon-Zongo
- Département Clinique, Centre “Assaut-Hépatites”, Bobo-Dioulasso 2285, Burkina Faso; (D.I.); (D.N.-Z.)
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (INSSA), Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso 1091, Burkina Faso;
| | - Michel K. Gomgnimbou
- Institut Supérieur des Sciences de la Santé (INSSA), Université Nazi Boni, Bobo-Dioulasso 1091, Burkina Faso;
- Laboratoire de Biologie Moléculaire, Centre Muraz, Bobo-Dioulasso 2054, Burkina Faso
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Akbar SMF, Al Mahtab M, Yoshida O, Aguilar J, Gerardo GN, Hiasa Y. Development of Therapy Based on the Exploration of Biological Events Underlying the Pathogenetic Mechanisms of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1944. [PMID: 37509583 PMCID: PMC10376977 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 296 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Approximately 15-25% of these people develop complications such as advanced chronic liver diseases (ACLDs). Mortality due to HBV-related complications accounted for an estimated 882,000 deaths in 2019. Potent preventive vaccines have already restricted new HBV infections, and several drugs are available to treat chronic HBV infections. However, the positive impacts of these drugs have been recorded in only a few patients with chronic HBV infection. These drugs do not show long-term efficacy and cannot halt the progression to complications. Thus, more effective and evidence-based therapeutic strategies need to be urgently developed for patients with chronic HBV infection. CHB is a pathological entity induced by HBV that progresses due to impaired host immunity. This indicates the inherent limitations of antiviral-drug-based monotherapy for treating patients with chronic HBV infection. Additionally, commercially available antiviral drugs are not available to patients in developing and resource-constrained countries, posing a challenge to achieving the following WHO goal: "Elimination of Hepatitis by 2030". As such, this review aimed to provide insights regarding evidence-based and effective management strategies for chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
- Miyakawa Memorial Research Foundation, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Interventional Hepatology Division, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Osamu Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
| | - Julio Aguilar
- Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Havana 10400, Cuba
| | | | - Yoichi Hiasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabology, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon 791-0295, Japan
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Emerging Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis B and the Potential for a Functional Cure. Drugs 2023; 83:367-388. [PMID: 36906663 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Current therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and indefinite or finite therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (Nucs) are effective in HBV suppression, hepatitis resolution, and prevention of disease progression. However, few achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure), and relapse often occurs after the end of therapy (EOT) because these agents have no direct effect on durable template: covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss rate increases slightly by adding or switching to Peg-IFN in Nuc-treated patients and this loss rate greatly increases up to 39% in 5 years with finite Nuc therapy with currently available Nuc(s). For this, great effort has been made to develop novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and immunomodulators. Among the DAAs, entry inhibitors and capsid assembly modulators have little effect on reducing HBsAg levels; small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and nucleic acid polymers in combination with Peg-IFN and Nuc may reduce HBsAg levels significantly, even a rate of HBsAg loss sustained for > 24 weeks after EOT up to 40%. Novel immunomodulators, including T-cell receptor agonists, check-point inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies may restore HBV-specific T-cell response but not sustained HBsAg loss. The safety issues and the durability of HBsAg loss warrant further investigation. Combining agents of different classes has the potential to enhance HBsAg loss. Compounds directly targeting cccDNA would be more effective but are still in the early stage of development. More effort is required to achieve this goal.
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Hu M, Liao G, Wei S, Qian Z, Chen H, Xia M, Xie Q, Peng J. Effective Analysis of Antiviral Treatment in Patients with HBeAg-Seropositive Chronic Hepatitis B with ALT < 2 Upper Limits of Normal: A Multi-center Retrospective Cohort Study. Infect Dis Ther 2023; 12:637-647. [PMID: 36633817 PMCID: PMC9925662 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00757-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the indications for antiviral therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B have been gradually expanded in different guidelines, antiviral treatment efficacy remains unclear among HBeAg-seropositive patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) < 2 upper limits of normal (ULN). This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral therapy for these patients. METHODS In total, 102 treatment-naive patients who were HBeAg seropositive with ALT < 2 ULN and had received nucleotide analogs were included, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS After 96-week treatment, 84.3% (n = 86), 26.5% (n = 27) and 20.6% (n = 21) patients achieved virological response, HBeAg seroclearance and HBeAg seroconversion, respectively. Logistic regression analysis revealed that baseline AST (odds ratio [OR] = 1.069, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.014-1.127, p = 0.014), serum HBV DNA (OR = 0.540, 95% CI 0.309-0.946, p = 0.031) and quantitative HBsAg levels (OR = 0.147, 95% CI 0.036-0.597, p = 0.007) were independent factors for virological response. At baseline, HBsAg < 4.63 log10 IU/ml was identified as a strong predictor for the 96-week virological response, with a concordance rate of 0.902. Moreover, the levels of liver stiffness values (8.30 ± 3.86 vs. 6.17 ± 1.91, p < 0.001) at week 96 had significantly declined compared to baseline. CONCLUSION Nucleotide analog treatment effectively suppressed HBV DNA in patients with HBeAg-seropositive chronic hepatitis B with ALT < 2 × ULN and greatly improved liver fibrosis. The study also found that HBsAg < 4.63 log10 IU/ml was a strong predictor of the virological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guichan Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sufang Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Zhe Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongjie Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muye Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuli Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Jie Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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Yu M, Huang L, Zhang S, Jiang L, Jin Y, Gu M, Liao J, Zhang J. Follow-up value of serum AFP and aminotransferases in chronic hepatitis B progression. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1082390. [PMID: 36761898 PMCID: PMC9905438 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1082390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Chronic viral hepatitis (CH) is a stage prior to cirrhosis and primary cancer. Standard protocols for CH assessment during the long follow-up period are of great importance for precise treatment and living quality improvement. In this study, we aimed to analyze multiple serum indexes in chronic hepatitis B (CHB)-infected patients and to discuss their combined values in clinical applications. Methods Total 503 lines of laboratory data from 2012 to 2021 were extracted from103 CHB patients who were followed-up in our hospital. They were divided into the remission group and the progression group according to their complete clinical information and laboratory data. A series of models of serum indexes were analyzed to illustrate the fluctuation trend of @ach index in a time-dependent manner. Results The models revealed that abundant serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in the remission group was characteristically associated with hepatocyte destruction markers aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase and favored a much longer progression-free period (P 0.0001). A model-derived equation consisting of serum AFP and AST values showed a good performance (83% reliability) to distinguish the two groups. Discussion This study clearly demonstrates the intrinsic quantitative relationship between serum AFP and liver aminotransferases involving antivirus treatment response. The model-based equation compensates for serum hepatitis B virus DNA detection during outpatient follow-up and it may serve as a useful laboratory tool for CHB progression assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyao Yu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shichang Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Longfeng Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuexinzi Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Min Gu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Liao
- School of Science, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Jiexin Zhang, ; Jun Liao,
| | - Jiexin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing, China,*Correspondence: Jiexin Zhang, ; Jun Liao,
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10
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Zeng Z, Liu R, Cao W, Yang L, Lin Y, Bi X, Jiang T, Deng W, Wang S, Lu H, Sun F, Shen G, Chang M, Lu Y, Wu S, Hao H, Xu M, Chen X, Hu L, Zhang L, Wan G, Xie Y, Li M. Study on pathological and clinical characteristics of chronic HBV infected patients with HBsAg positive, HBV DNA negative, HBeAg negative. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1113070. [PMID: 36685494 PMCID: PMC9850163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1113070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims Study of clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA)-negative, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients based on liver histopathology. Methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with chronic HBV infection diagnosis at Beijing Ditan Hospital from May 2008 to November 2020. To study the differences between patients with significant hepatic histopathology and those without significant hepatic histopathology. And to study the independent factors of significant hepatic histopathology. Results 85 HBV DNA-negative and HBeAg-negative patients were 37.90 ± 10.30 years old, 23.50% of patients with grade of inflammation (G) >1, 35.30% of patients with liver fibrosis stage (S) >1, 44.70% patients were diagnosed with significant hepatic histopathology. Compared to the no significant hepatic histopathology group, another group had older age (41.70 ± 10.70 vs 34.80 ± 8.87 years, t=-3.28, P=0.002), higher total bilirubin (TBIL) [14.9(10.3, 22.4) vs 11(8.9, 14.4) μmol/L, z=-2.26, P=0.024], lower cholinesterase (CHE) (t=-2.86, P=0.005, 7388.00 ± 2156.00 vs 8988.00 ± 2823.00 U/L) and lower platelet (PLT) (t=2.75, P=0.007, 157.00 ± 61.40 vs 194.00 ± 61.00 10^9/L). Abnormal ALT patients are more likely to have significant hepatic histopathology (z=5.44, P=0.020, 66.70% vs 337.50%). G had significant correlation with CHE (P=0.008, r=-0.23), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P=0.041, r=0.18), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P=0.001, r=0.29). S had significant correlation with TBIL (P = 0.008, r = 0.23), age (P < 0.001, r = 0.32), international normalized ratio (INR) (P = 0.04, r = 0.23), CHE (P < 0.001, r = -0.30), PLT (P < 0.001, r = -0.40) and prothrombin time activity (PTA) (P = 0.046, r = -0.22). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated only age (95%CI=1.014~1.130, OR=1.069, P=0.013) was an impact factor for significant hepatic histopathology. The cutoff point of age was 34.30 years. Conclusions A large proportion of chronic HBV infection patients with HBeAg-negative and HBV DNA-negative still have chronic hepatitis. Age is an independent factor for significant hepatic histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Zeng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyu Liu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weihua Cao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjie Lin
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Bi
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Sun
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Shen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuling Wu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxiao Hao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjiao Xu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxue Chen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Leiping Hu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wan
- Department of Biostatistics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Minghui Li,
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11
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Su YT, Chang ML, Liaw YF. Case report: Unusual viral evolutions following antiviral therapies in a patient with concurrent hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus infection. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1136111. [PMID: 36873880 PMCID: PMC9975149 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1136111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Concurrent hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is not uncommon as the two viruses shared the similar transmission routes. HCV is usually the dominant virus to suppress HBV, and HBV reactivation may occur during or after the course of anti-HCV treatment. By contrast, HCV reactivation after anti-HBV therapy in the concurrent HBV- and HCV-infected patients was rarely noted. Here, we reported the unusual viral evolutions of a patient with concurrent HBV and HCV infection, in whom HCV reactivation occurred during the entecavir therapy to rescue the severe HBV flare, while the following anti-HCV combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin elicited the second HBV flare despite sustained virological response to HCV infection, and further entecavir therapy healed the flare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tse Su
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ling Chang
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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12
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Zeng Z, Hao H, Bi X, Lin Y, Yang L, Wang S, Shen G, Chang M, Jiang T, Deng W, Lu H, Sun F, Lu Y, Gao Y, Liu R, Xu M, Chen X, Hu L, Zhang L, Li M, Xie Y. Study on liver histopathology of chronic HBV infected patients with different normal ALT values. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1069752. [PMID: 36483546 PMCID: PMC9725112 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1069752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Comparison of liver histopathological findings to explore the occurrence of liver inflammation in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) under different alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normal values. Methods The patients who were diagnosed as chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection by liver histopathology at the Department of Pathology, Beijing Ditan Hospital due to clinical difficulty in defining the degree of liver inflammation or fibrosis were retrospectively enrolled from May 2008 to November 2020. Study of the incidence of significant hepatic histopathology in enrolled patients according to different ALT normal values. Using logistic regression to investigate the relevant factors of significant hepatic histopathology. Results A total of 1474 patients were enrolled, 56.20% of the patients were male, and the overall patients' age was 36.80 ± 10.60 years. 39.00% of patients had liver inflammation grade G > 1, 34.70% liver fibrosis stage S > 1, and 48.17% patients had significant hepatic histopathology (G > 1 and/or S > 1). Among patients with normal ALT values, 36.40% and 40.40% had significant hepatic histopathology by American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) criteria and Chinese guideline criteria, respectively, but the difference was not statistically significant (χ2 = 3.38, P =0.066). In contrast, among patients with abnormal ALT values, 58.90% and 62.20% of patients had significant hepatic histopathology by AASLD criteria and Chinese guideline criteria, respectively, with no significant difference (χ2 = 2.28, P =0.131). ALT (P <0.001, OR=1.019), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (P <0.001, OR=0.665) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status (P <0.001, OR=2.238) were relevant factors in the occurrence of significant hepatic histopathology. ALT was positively corelated with grade of inflammation G (r =0.194, P <0.001) and negatively correlated with liver fibrosis stage S (r =-0.066, P =0.021). Conclusions Our study found no statistically significant differences in the presence of significant hepatic histopathology under the two ALT criteria. ALT, HBsAg and HBeAg status were related to the occurrence of significant hepatic histopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhan Zeng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongxiao Hao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Bi
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjie Lin
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Shen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huihui Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Sun
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanjiao Gao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyu Liu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjiao Xu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxue Chen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Leiping Hu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yao Xie, ; Minghui Li,
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Yao Xie, ; Minghui Li,
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13
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Zheng JR, Wang ZL, Feng B. Hepatitis B functional cure and immune response. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1075916. [PMID: 36466821 PMCID: PMC9714500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1075916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus, which damage to hepatocytes is not direct, but through the immune system. HBV specific CD4+ T cells can induce HBV specific B cells and CD8+ T cells. HBV specific B cells produce antibodies to control HBV infection, while HBV specific CD8+ T cells destroy infected hepatocytes. One of the reasons for the chronicity of HBV infection is that it cannot effectively activate adoptive immunity and the function of virus specific immune cells is exhausted. Among them, virus antigens (including HBV surface antigen, e antigen, core antigen, etc.) can inhibit the function of immune cells and induce immune tolerance. Long term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment and inactive HBsAg carriers with low HBsAg level may "wake up" immune cells with abnormal function due to the decrease of viral antigen level in blood and liver, and the specific immune function of HBV will recover to a certain extent, thus becoming the "dominant population" for functional cure. In turn, the functional cure will further promote the recovery of HBV specific immune function, which is also the theoretical basis for complete cure of hepatitis B. In the future, the complete cure of chronic HBV infection must be the combination of three drugs: inhibiting virus replication, reducing surface antigen levels and specific immune regulation, among which specific immunotherapy is indispensable. Here we review the relationship, mechanism and clinical significance between the cure of hepatitis B and immune system.
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14
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Liaw YF. Hepatitis B flare: the good, the bad and the ugly. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:1043-1051. [PMID: 36476208 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2156338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B flare, defined as an event of abrupt ALT elevation to >5x ULN, is a frequent episode during the natural course or during/after antiviral therapy of chronic HBV infection, in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis. AREAS COVERED The definition, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of hepatitis B flares in the published literature were reviewed. Hepatitis B flares have been considered as a result of the robust immune response of the patient to an upsurging HBV/HBV-antigen(s). 'Host-dominating flares,' reflect effective immune response, may resolve with ALT normalization and decline of HBV/ antigen(s). Contradictorily, 'virus-dominating flares,' reflect ineffective immune response, are usually followed by persistent/intermittent hepatitis and may even develop hepatic decompensation/failure. EXPERT OPINION Not all hepatitis B flares require antiviral therapy, and close observation with combined HBsAg/ALT kinetics along the ascending ALT during hepatitis flare may differentiate hepatitis flares for an appropriate treatment/retreatment decision. More studies are needed to verify this proposal. Further immunologic studies using multiple samples during hepatitis B flare are important to clarify the precise underlying mechanisms as the basis for further improvement in the management of hepatitis flare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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15
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Yin GQ, Chen KP, Gu XC. Heterogeneity of immune control in chronic hepatitis B virus infection: Clinical implications on immunity with interferon-α treatment and retreatment. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:5784-5800. [PMID: 36353205 PMCID: PMC9639659 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i40.5784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue. Interferon-α (IFN-α) treatment has been used to treat hepatitis B for over 20 years, but fewer than 5% of Asians receiving IFN-α treatment achieve functional cure. Thus, IFN-α retreatment has been introduced to enhance antiviral function. In recent years, immune-related studies have found that the complex interactions between immune cells and cytokines could modulate immune response networks, in-cluding both innate and adaptive immunity, triggering immune responses that control HBV replication. However, heterogeneity of the immune system to control HBV infection, particularly HBV-specific CD8+ T cell heterogeneity, has consequ-ential effects on T cell-based immunotherapy for treating HBV infection. Altogether, the host’s genetic variants, negative-feedback regulators and HBV components affecting the immune system's ability to control HBV. In this study, we reviewed the literature on potential immune mechanisms affecting the immune control of HBV and the clinical effects of IFN-α treatment and retreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Qing Yin
- Center of Hepatology, Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ke-Ping Chen
- Center of Hepatology, Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Chun Gu
- Center of Hepatology, Zhong-Da Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu Province, China
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16
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Chang ML, Chien RN, Liaw YF. Robust antiviral responses in severe hepatitis flare persist after early retreatment cessation and lead toward hepatitis B surface antigen loss: A proof-of-concept study. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:817-823. [PMID: 35716249 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM Hepatitis B flare has been interpreted as result of immune response against upsurging hepatitis B virus (HBV) and its antigen(s) that may lead to HBV decline/clearance spontaneously. It has been speculated that antiviral therapy could halt the effective immune response with viral persistent as a consequence. A proof-of-concept study was conducted to investigate this issue. METHODS Serial biochemical, quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) assays were performed in four patients with severe hepatitis flare who had achieved precipitous HBsAg decline within 4 weeks of antiviral therapy. RESULTS TNF-α and IFN-γ were found to be elevated in parallel to upsurging HBV DNA and HBsAg levels in all patients. Higher levels of TNF-α and IFN-γ and levels relative to qHBsAg were observed during and after early termination of therapy within 4 weeks in two patients and were followed by further HBsAg decline to <5 IU/ml and even achieved HBsAg loss in one patient. The patient who had stopped therapy on day 44 showed minimal HBsAg decline afterward and the patient who continued therapy showed a 10-fold rebound of qHBsAg from its nadir. The subsequent IFN-γ and TNF-α activity of these two patients was minimal. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that patients with severe hepatitis flare who achieved precipitous HBsAg decline may have robust immune response to clear the virus, and early termination of antiviral therapy may allow the protective immune response to continue and accelerate HBV decline toward HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ling Chang
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Bacterial Infections Confer a Risk of Progression to Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Patients with HBV-Related Compensated Cirrhosis During Severe Hepatitis Flares. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:1839-1851. [PMID: 36151452 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-022-00695-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aims of this study were to investigate the risk factors for bacterial infections (BIs) and the association of BIs with the progression to acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related compensated liver cirrhosis and severe hepatitis flares. METHODS A total of 237 patients were retrospectively reviewed. Baseline biochemical characteristics were compared between patients with and without the occurrence of BIs and progression to ACLF. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify independent risk factors for ACLF before and after 1:1 propensity score matching. RESULTS Forty-eight (20.3%) patients progressed to ACLF after admission. Additionally, 136 (57.4%) patients progressed to hepatic decompensation (HD) and 52 (21.9%) patients had BIs before the development of ACLF. Patients with BIs had significantly higher incidences of HD (84.6%) and ACLF (46.2%) than those without BIs (49.7% and 13.0%, respectively; P < 0.01). CTP score (OR 1.660, 95% CI 1.267-2.175) and MELD-Na score (OR 1.082, 95% CI 1.010-1.160) were independent risk factors for BIs. BIs (OR 4.037, 95% CI 1.808-9.061), CLIF-SOFA score (OR 2.007, 95% CI 1.497-2.691), and the MELD-Na score (OR 1.167, 95% CI 1.073-1.260) were independent risk factors for the progression to ACLF. BIs (OR 4.730, 95% CI 1.520-14.718) were also an independent risk factor for the progression to ACLF after propensity score matching. CONCLUSION High CTP and MELD-Na scores are risk factors for BIs, and BIs are risk factors for the progression to ACLF in patients with HBV-related compensated liver cirrhosis and severe hepatitis flares.
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18
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Su YT, Chang ML, Chien RN, Liaw YF. Hepatitis C Virus Reactivation in Anti-HCV Antibody-Positive Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Following Anti-HBV Therapies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14091858. [PMID: 36146665 PMCID: PMC9502903 DOI: 10.3390/v14091858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) reactivation occurs and how the viral load evolves in anti-HCV antibody-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who underwent nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) therapies remain unsolved. Methods: A cohort of 66 such patients was studied. Results: At the start of Nuc treatment (baseline), all patients had detectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels (6.05 ± 1.88 log IU/mL), while HCV RNA levels (3.79 ± 1.43 log IU/mL) were detected (i.e., chronic hepatitis C (CHC)) in only 13 patients (19.7%). Following Nuc therapies, HBV DNA levels reached the nadirs at end of therapy (EOT) (6.05 ± 1.88 vs. 0.25 ± 0.99 log IU/mL, p < 0.0001) and relapsed at 6 months after EOT (6mEOT) at a level of 3.45 ± 2.64 log IU/mL compared with EOT (p < 0.0001). Among the 13 CHC patients, a non-significant decrease in HCV RNA was noted at EOT (3.52 ± 1.71 vs. 2.77 ± 2.63 log IU/mL, p = 0.166) but tended to decrease further at 6mEOT (2.77 ± 2.63 vs. 1.89 ± 2.06 log IU/mL, p = 0.063). Two of the thirteen CHC patients showed an increase in HCV-RNA ≥ 1 log10 IU/mL at EOT, and one of the fifty-three patients with undetectable HCV RNA at baseline (i.e., resolved past HCV infection) showed detectable HCV RNA at year 1 (3200 IU/mL) and year 2 (1240 IU/mL) following entecavir therapy. Conclusions: HCV reactivation did occur during HBV suppression, and the rate was 4.5% (3/66), 15.4% (2/13), and 1.9% (1/53), for all patients, CHC patients, and patients with resolved past HCV infection, respectively. The reverse HBV and HCV viral evolutions at 6mEOT indicate that HBV relapse may suppress HCV replication again.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tse Su
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ling Chang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-L.C.); (Y.-F.L.); Tel.: +886-3-3281200-8107 (M.-L.C.); Fax: +886-3-3272-236 (M.-L.C.); +886-3-3282-824 (Y.-F.L.)
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333323, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (M.-L.C.); (Y.-F.L.); Tel.: +886-3-3281200-8107 (M.-L.C.); Fax: +886-3-3272-236 (M.-L.C.); +886-3-3282-824 (Y.-F.L.)
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19
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Liu J, Zhang D, Cao Y, Zhang H, Li J, Xu J, Yu L, Ye S, Yang L. Screening of crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes linking periodontitis and osteoporosis based on bioinformatics and machine learning. Front Immunol 2022; 13:955441. [PMID: 35990678 PMCID: PMC9389017 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.955441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective This study aimed to identify crosstalk genes between periodontitis (PD) and osteoporosis (OP) and potential relationships between crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes. Methods PD and OP datasets were downloaded from the GEO database and were performed differential expression analysis to obtain DEGs. Overlapping DEGs got crosstalk genes linking PD and OP. Pyroptosis-related genes were obtained from literature reviews. Pearson coefficients were used to calculate crosstalk and pyroptosis-related gene correlations in the PD and OP datasets. Paired genes were obtained from the intersection of correlated genes in PD and OP. PINA and STRING databases were used to conduct the crosstalk-bridge-pyroptosis genes PPI network. The clusters in which crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes were mainly concentrated were defined as key clusters. The key clusters' hub genes and the included paired genes were identified as key crosstalk-pyroptosis genes. Using ROC curve analysis and XGBoost screened key genes. PPI subnetwork, gene-biological process and gene-pathway networks were constructed based on key genes. In addition, immune infiltration was analyzed on the PD dataset using the CIBERSORT algorithm. Results A total of 69 crosstalk genes were obtained. 13 paired genes and hub genes TNF and EGFR in the key clusters (cluster2, cluster8) were identified as key crosstalk-pyroptosis genes. ROC and XGBoost showed that PRKCB, GSDMD, ARMCX3, and CASP3 were more accurate in predicting disease than other key crosstalk-pyroptosis genes while better classifying properties as a whole. KEGG analysis showed that PRKCB, GSDMD, ARMCX3, and CASP3 were involved in neutrophil extracellular trap formation and MAPK signaling pathway pathways. Immune infiltration results showed that all four key genes positively correlated with plasma cells and negatively correlated with T cells follicular helper, macrophages M2, and DCs. Conclusion This study shows a joint mechanism between PD and OP through crosstalk and pyroptosis-related genes. The key genes PRKCB, GSDMD, ARMCX3, and CASP3 are involved in the neutrophil extracellular trap formation and MAPK signaling pathway, affecting both diseases. These findings may point the way to future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Liu
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ding Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Cao
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Huichao Zhang
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jianing Li
- Department of Endodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jingyu Xu
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Surong Ye
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Luyi Yang
- Department of Orthodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Lee KC, Cheng JS, Chang ML, Chien RN, Liaw YF. Comparable outcomes of decompensated chronic hepatitis B patients treated with entecavir or tenofovir: an 8-year cohort study. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:799-806. [PMID: 35699864 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10357-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Whether the efficacies of entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treating liver-related outcomes of decompensated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients are comparable remained inconclusive. METHODS An 8-year cohort study of 736 decompensated CHB patients was conducted, and 65 TDF-treated patients were sex, age and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores-1:4 matched with 260 ETV-treated patients through propensity score-matching method. RESULTS Of 736 patients, 574 (78%) were male, with a mean age of 54.3 years, 438 (59.5%) had cirrhosis, 147 (20%) were positive for HBeAg, and 84 (11.6%) and 652 (88.4%) were treated with TDF and ETV, respectively. The 652 ETV-treated patients were older, had higher baseline MELD score and rates of encephalopathy, but lower ALT levels than the 84 TDF-treated patients. No significant differences were observed in the cumulative incidences of liver-related mortality or liver transplantation (1-month, 18.45 vs. 14.01%, p = 0.368; 8-year, 39.74 vs. 34.24%, p = 0.298), and hepatocellular carcinoma development (5-year, 7.21 vs.13.17%, p = 0.994; 8-year, 11.60 vs.13.17%, p = 0.857) between the matched 260 ETV- and 65 TDF-treated patients, regardless of time points. Baseline MELD score (subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR): 1.063; 95% confidence interval (CI) of sHR: 1.016-1.112) and hepatic encephalopathy (sHR: 5.127; 95% CI sHR: 3.032-8.669) were independently associated with liver-related mortality or liver transplantation in the matched patients. CONCLUSIONS ETV and TDF had comparable efficacy in the short- and long-term liver-related outcomes of decompensated CHB patients, and baseline liver reserve was associated with the outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan-Chieh Lee
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 199, Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, 105, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jur-Shan Cheng
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ling Chang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 199, Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, 105, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 199, Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, 105, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 199, Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, 105, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
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21
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Chang ML, Chen WT, Chan TM, Lin CY, Chang MY, Chen SC, Chien RN. Anti-Mitochondrial Antibody Titers Decrease Over Time in Primary Biliary Cholangitis Patients With Ursodeoxycholic Acid Therapeutic Response: A Cohort Study Followed Up to 28 Years. Front Immunol 2022; 13:869018. [PMID: 35663951 PMCID: PMC9160714 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.869018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background How anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) and liver biochemistry levels change in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) remains unclear. Methods A 28-year cohort of 157 PBC patients was conducted. Patients with alkaline phosphatase (Alk-p) levels >1.67 × upper limit of normal after 1 year of UDCA treatment were considered nonresponders. Results At baseline, of 157 (mean age: 54.41 years), 136 (86.6%) were female, 51 (32.5%) had cirrhosis, and 128 (81.5%) had detectable AMAs (immunoglobulin G). UDCA nonresponders (n=61) were younger and had higher Alk-p and total bilirubin levels and cirrhosis rates than UDCA responders (n=84). Alk-p levels and cirrhosis were negatively associated with UDCA response. Regardless of cirrhosis and UDCA response, most PBC patients had decreased Alk-p and γ-glutamyltransferase levels at last follow-up (up to 28.73 years) compared with baseline levels. Patients with baseline cirrhosis (2.78 ± 2.56 vs. 6.84 ± 9.00 mg/dL, p=0.024) and UDCA nonresponders (2.54 ± 2.19 vs. 4.51 ± 6.99 mg/dL, p=0.006) had increased total bilirubin levels while patients without cirrhosis (AST: 91.5 ± 84.5 vs. 58.9 ± 43.7 U/L, p<0.001; ALT: 107.3 ± 122.5 vs. 50.7 ± 36.8 U/L, p<0.001) and UDCA responders (AST: 83.8 ± 101.3 vs. 45.58 ± 38.42 U/L, p=0.014; ALT: 95.10 ± 144.6 vs. 39.12 ± 30.65 U/L, p=0.009) had decreased aminotransferase levels. Only UDCA responders had decreased AMA titers from 1 year after UDCA treatment (p=0.028) until the last follow-up (p<0.001). Conclusions UDCA responders exhibited decreased AMA titers 1 year after treatment. Regardless of UDCA response, PBC patients showed improved cholestatic features, but only UDCA responders and patients without baseline cirrhosis exhibited attenuated hepatobiliary damage following UDCA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ling Chang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Chen
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Tien-Ming Chan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yu Lin
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yu Chang
- Division of Pediatrics, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Shiang-Chi Chen
- Department of Nursing, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Li M, Zhang L, Xie S, Sun F, Zeng Z, Deng W, Jiang T, Bi X, Lin Y, Yang L, Lu Y, Shen G, Liu R, Wu S, Chang M, Hu L, Dong J, Yi W, Xie Y. Dynamic Changes of Cytokine Profiles and Virological Markers Associated With HBsAg Loss During Peginterferon Alpha-2a Treatment in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:892031. [PMID: 35603222 PMCID: PMC9114800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.892031] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore dynamic changes of cytokines and virological markers associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss during peginterferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN α-2a) treatment in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods It was a single-center prospective cohort study. HBeAg-positive CHB patients were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. Cytokines were detected at baseline, week 12 and 24 of PEG-IFN treatment. HBsAg disappearance rate was the primary evaluation index at 48 weeks of PEG-IFN treatment. Results Among 100 patients who completed the 48-week PEG-IFN α-2a treatment, 38 patients achieved serum HBeAg disappearance, 25 patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion, 9 patients achieved functional cure, 37 patients had HBsAg decline of ≥1 log IU/ml, and 8 patients produced hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb). Albumin (ALB), fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3-L) and interferon-alpha2 (IFN-α2) in the clinical cure group were significantly lower than those in the non-clinical-cure group at baseline. After 12 weeks of treatment, HBsAg in the clinical cure group was significantly lower than that in the non-clinical-cure group (median 1.14 vs. 3.45 log10IU/ml, Z=-4.355, P < 0.001). The decrease of HBsAg and hepatitis B virus desoxyribose nucleic acid (HBV DNA) in the clinical cure group was significantly higher than that in non-clinical-cure group (median: HBsAg 1.96 vs. 0.33 log10IU/ml, Z=-4.703, P< 0.001; HBV DNA 4.49 vs.3.13 log10IU/ml, Z=-3.053, P=0.002). The increase of IFN-α2 in the cure group was significantly higher than that in the non-clinical-cure group (497.89 vs. 344.74, Z=-2.126, P=0.034). After 24 weeks of treatment, HBsAg, HBeAg, Flt3-L, and IL-10 in the clinical cure group were significantly lower than those in the non-clinical-cure group (median: HBsAg 0.70 vs. 3.15 log10IU/ml, Z=-4.535, P< 0.001; HBeAg 1.48 vs. 13.72 S/CO, Z = 2.512, P = 0.012; Flt3-l 0.00 vs 2.24 pg/ml, Z = 3.137, P=0.002; IL-10 0.70 vs. 2.71 pg/ml, Z=-4.067, P < 0.001). HBsAg decreased significantly in the clinical cure group compared with non-clinical-cure group (median 3.27 vs. 0.45, Z=-4.463, P < 0.001). Conclusion Dynamic changes of cytokines and virology markers during early PEG IFN α-2a treatment were associated with HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Luxue Zhang
- Infectious Disease Department, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Si Xie
- Division of Hepatology, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Sun
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Zeng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Bi
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjie Lin
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Shen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyu Liu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuling Wu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Leiping Hu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haidian Hospital, Beijing Haidian Section of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
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