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Zhang PX, Zheng XW, Zhang YF, Ye J, Li W, Tang QQ, Zhu J, Zou GZ, Zhang ZH. Prediction model for hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B with peginterferon-alfa treated based on a response-guided therapy strategy. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:405-417. [PMID: 38577530 PMCID: PMC10989310 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i3.405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Models for predicting hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) after nucleos(t)ide analog treatment are rare. AIM To establish a simple scoring model based on a response-guided therapy (RGT) strategy for predicting HBeAg seroconversion and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance. METHODS In this study, 75 previously treated patients with HBeAg-positive CHB underwent a 52-week peginterferon-alfa (PEG-IFNα) treatment and a 24-wk follow-up. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess parameters at baseline, week 12, and week 24 to predict HBeAg seroconversion at 24 wk post-treatment. The two best predictors at each time point were used to establish a prediction model for PEG-IFNα therapy efficacy. Parameters at each time point that met the corresponding optimal cutoff thresholds were scored as 1 or 0. RESULTS The two most meaningful predictors were HBsAg ≤ 1000 IU/mL and HBeAg ≤ 3 S/CO at baseline, HBsAg ≤ 600 IU/mL and HBeAg ≤ 3 S/CO at week 12, and HBsAg ≤ 300 IU/mL and HBeAg ≤ 2 S/CO at week 24. With a total score of 0 vs 2 at baseline, week 12, and week 24, the response rates were 23.8%, 15.2%, and 11.1% vs 81.8%, 80.0%, and 82.4%, respectively, and the HBsAg clearance rates were 2.4%, 3.0%, and 0.0%, vs 54.5%, 40.0%, and 41.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION We successfully established a predictive model and diagnosis-treatment process using the RGT strategy to predict HBeAg and HBsAg seroconversion in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB undergoing PEG-IFNα therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Xin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiao-Wei Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hepatology, The Second People's Hospital of Fuyang City, Fuyang 236000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Qian-Qian Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Gui-Zhou Zou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China
| | - Zhen-Hua Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230601, Anhui Province, China.
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Su X, Wang Z, Li J, Gao S, Fan Y, Wang K. Hypermethylation of the glutathione peroxidase 4 gene promoter is associated with the occurrence of immune tolerance phase in chronic hepatitis B. Virol J 2024; 21:72. [PMID: 38515187 PMCID: PMC10958902 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02346-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem that seriously threatens human health. This study aimed to investigate the clinical significance of glutathione peroxidase 4(GPX4) in the occurrence and development of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS A total of 169 participants including 137 patients with CHB and 32 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited. We detected the expression of GPX4 and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The methylation level of GPX4 gene promoter in PBMCs was detected by TaqMan probe-based quantitative methylation-specific PCR (MethyLight). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect the serum levels of GPX4, IFN-β, oxidative stress (OS) related molecules, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS The expression levels of GPX4 in PBMCs and serum of CHB patients were lower than those of HCs, but the methylation levels of GPX4 promoter were higher than those of HCs, especially in patients at the immune tolerance phase. STING mRNA expression levels in PBMCs and serum IFN-β levels of patients at the immune activation phase and reactivation phase of CHB were higher than those at other clinical phases of CHB and HCs. GPX4 mRNA expression level and methylation level in PBMCs from patients with CHB had a certain correlation with STING and IFN-β expression levels. In addition, the methylation level of the GPX4 promoter in PBMCs from patients with CHB was correlated with molecules associated with OS and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS GPX4 may play an important role in the pathogenesis and immune tolerance of CHB, which may provide new ideas for the functional cure of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Su
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, 250012, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhaohui Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, 250012, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jihui Li
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, 250012, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
| | - Shuai Gao
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, 250012, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
- Hepatology Institute of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuchen Fan
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, 250012, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China
- Hepatology Institute of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Wenhuaxi Road 107#, 250012, Jinan City, Shandong Province, China.
- Hepatology Institute of Shandong University, 250012, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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3
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Gane E, Lim YS, Kim JB, Jadhav V, Shen L, Bakardjiev AI, Huang SA, Cathcart AL, Lempp FA, Janas MM, Cloutier DJ, Kaittanis C, Sepp-Lorenzino L, Hinkle G, Taubel J, Haslett P, Milstein S, Anglero-Rodriguez YI, Hebner CM, Pang PS, Yuen MF. Evaluation of RNAi therapeutics VIR-2218 and ALN-HBV for chronic hepatitis B: Results from randomized clinical trials. J Hepatol 2023; 79:924-932. [PMID: 37290591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Current therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV) infection involves lifelong treatment. New treatments that enable HBV functional cure would represent a clinically meaningful advance. ALN-HBV and VIR-2218 are investigational RNA interference therapeutics that target all major HBV transcripts. METHODS We report on: i) the safety of single doses of VIR-2218 (modified from ALN-HBV by enhanced stabilization chemistry plus technology to reduce off-target, seed-mediated binding while maintaining on-target antiviral activity) and ALN-HBV in humanized mice; ii) a cross-study comparison of the safety of single doses of VIR-2218 and ALN-HBV in healthy human volunteers (n = 24 and n = 49, respectively); and iii) the antiviral activity of two doses of 20, 50, 100, 200 mg of VIR-2218 (total n = 24) vs. placebo (n = 8), given 4 weeks apart, in participants with cHBV infection. RESULTS In humanized mice, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were markedly lower following administration of VIR-2218 compared with ALN-HBV. In healthy volunteers, post-treatment ALT elevations occurred in 28% of participants receiving ALN-HBV compared with none in those receiving VIR-2218. In participants with cHBV infection, VIR-2218 was associated with dose-dependent reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The greatest mean reduction of HBsAg at Week 20 in participants receiving 200 mg was 1.65 log IU/ml. The HBsAg reduction was maintained at 0.87 log IU/ml at Week 48. No participants had serum HBsAg loss or hepatitis B surface antibody seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS VIR-2218 demonstrated an encouraging hepatic safety profile in preclinical and clinical studies as well as dose-dependent HBsAg reductions in patients with cHBV infection. These data support future studies with VIR-2218 as part of combination regimens with a goal of HBV functional cure. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02826018 and NCT03672188. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS A significant unmet need exists for therapies for chronic HBV (cHBV) infection that achieve functional cure. We report clinical and non-clinical data on two investigational small-interfering RNAs that target HBx, ALN-HBV and VIR-2218, demonstrating that incorporation of enhanced stabilization chemistry plus technology in VIR-2218 reduces its propensity to cause ALT elevations relative to its parent compound, ALN-HBV. We also show that VIR-2218 reduces hepatitis B surface antigen levels in a dose-dependent manner in participants with cHBV infection. These studies support the continued development of VIR-2218 as part of therapeutic regimens for cHBV infection, with the goal of a functional cure, and are important for HBV researchers and physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Gane
- University of Auckland and New Zealand Clinical Research, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae B Kim
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vasant Jadhav
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ling Shen
- Vir Biotechnology, Inc., San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maja M Janas
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jorg Taubel
- Richmond Pharmacology Ltd., St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Salama II, Sami SM, Salama SI, Abdel-Latif GA, Shaaban FA, Fouad WA, Abdelmohsen AM, Raslan HM. Current and novel modalities for management of chronic hepatitis B infection. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:585-608. [PMID: 37305370 PMCID: PMC10251278 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i5.585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 296 million people are estimated to have chronic hepatitis B viral infection (CHB), and it poses unique challenges for elimination. CHB is the result of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-specific immune tolerance and the presence of covalently closed circular DNA as mini chromosome inside the nucleus and the integrated HBV. Serum hepatitis B core-related antigen is the best surrogate marker for intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA. Functional HBV “cure” is the durable loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), with or without HBsAg seroconversion and undetectable serum HBV DNA after completing a course of treatment. The currently approved therapies are nucleos(t)ide analogues, interferon-alpha, and pegylated-interferon. With these therapies, functional cure can be achieved in < 10% of CHB patients. Any variation to HBV or the host immune system that disrupts the interaction between them can lead to reactivation of HBV. Novel therapies may allow efficient control of CHB. They include direct acting antivirals and immunomodulators. Reduction of the viral antigen load is a crucial factor for success of immune-based therapies. Immunomodulatory therapy may lead to modulation of the host immune system. It may enhance/restore innate immunity against HBV (as toll-like-receptors and cytosolic retinoic acid inducible gene I agonist). Others may induce adaptive immunity as checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic HBV vaccines including protein (HBsAg/preS and hepatitis B core antigen), monoclonal or bispecific antibodies and genetically engineered T cells to generate chimeric antigen receptor-T or T-cell receptor-T cells and HBV-specific T cells to restore T cell function to efficiently clear HBV. Combined therapy may successfully overcome immune tolerance and lead to HBV control and cure. Immunotherapeutic approaches carry the risk of overshooting immune responses causing uncontrolled liver damage. The safety of any new curative therapies should be measured in relation to the excellent safety of currently approved nucleos(t)ide analogues. Development of novel antiviral and immune modulatory therapies should be associated with new diagnostic assays used to evaluate the effectiveness or to predict response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Ibrahim Salama
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Samia M Sami
- Department of Child Health, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Somaia I Salama
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Ghada A Abdel-Latif
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Fatma A Shaaban
- Department of Child Health, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Walaa A Fouad
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Aida M Abdelmohsen
- Department of Community Medicine Research, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
| | - Hala M Raslan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Research Centre, Giza 12411, Dokki, Egypt
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Lim SG, Baumert TF, Boni C, Gane E, Levrero M, Lok AS, Maini MK, Terrault NA, Zoulim F. The scientific basis of combination therapy for chronic hepatitis B functional cure. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023. [PMID: 36631717 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00724-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Functional cure of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) - or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss after 24 weeks off therapy - is now the goal of treatment, but is rarely achieved with current therapy. Understanding the hepatitis B virus (HBV) life cycle and immunological defects that lead to persistence can identify targets for novel therapy. Broadly, treatments fall into three categories: those that reduce viral replication, those that reduce antigen load and immunotherapies. Profound viral suppression alone does not achieve quantitative (q)HBsAg reduction or HBsAg loss. Combining nucleos(t)ide analogues and immunotherapy reduces qHBsAg levels and induces HBsAg loss in some patients, particularly those with low baseline qHBsAg levels. Even agents that are specifically designed to reduce viral antigen load might not be able to achieve sustained HBsAg loss when used alone. Thus, rationale exists for the use of combinations of all three therapy types. Monitoring during therapy is important not just to predict HBsAg loss but also to understand mechanisms of HBsAg loss using viral and immunological biomarkers, and in selected cases intrahepatic sampling. We consider various paths to functional cure of CHB and the need to individualize treatment of this heterogeneous infection until a therapeutic avenue for all patients with CHB is available.
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Lim SG, Yang WL, Ngu JH, Chang J, Tan J, Ahmed T, Dan YY, Lim K, Lee YM, Lee GH, Tan PS, Wai KL, Phyo WW, Khine HHTW, Lee C, Tay A, Chan E. Switching to or Add-on Peginterferon in Patients on Nucleos(t)ide Analogues for Chronic Hepatitis B: The SWAP RCT. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:e228-e250. [PMID: 33895361 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The optimal therapeutic strategy in nucleoside analogue (NA) experienced chronic hepatitis B (CHB) using peginterferon is still unclear; hence we explored a switch to or add-on peginterferon strategy versus continued NA. METHODS We conducted a randomized controlled trial of CHB patients on NA >12 months with HBV DNA(-) randomized to switch or add-on peginterferon-alpha2b (1.5 μg/kg/weekly) for 48 weeks versus continuing NA (controls) (allocation 2:2:1; Clinicaltrial.gov: NCT01928511) in tertiary Singapore hospitals. The primary composite endpoint at week 72 was hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss or quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) >1 log IU/mL reduction, and secondary endpoints were HBsAg loss, HBsAg seroconversion, qHBsAg <200 IU/mL, qHBsAg <100 IU/mL, HBV DNA(-), viral relapse, and safety. Analysis was by intention-to-treat (ITT). RESULTS A total of 253 patients (controls 51, switch 103, add-on 99) were randomized. The primary ITT endpoint was achieved in 3.9% of controls, 33.3% of switch, and 26.7% of add-on (P < .0001, switch/add-on versus controls). HBsAg loss occurred in 0% of controls, 7.8% of switch, and 10.1% of add-on (ITT, P < .001, switch/add-on versus controls). HBeAg(+) patients on peginterferon had higher HBeAg loss than controls but poor HBsAg responses, whereas HBeAg(-) patients on peginterferon achieved better HBsAg responses than controls. Reduction in qHBsAg in HBeAg(+) was 0.14 log IU/mL versus 0.51 log IU/mL in HBeAg(-) (P < .0001) in peginterferon-treated patients. Clinical relapse was higher in switch (13.6% overall, 27% in HBeAg(+)) versus 1% add-on and 0% controls. Adverse events were typically interferon-related symptoms, with one death (myocardial infarction unrelated to therapy). CONCLUSIONS ITT analysis showed that either peginterferon strategies were superior to NA for the primary endpoint and HBsAg loss, but add-on peginterferon is preferred to switch due to improved safety and similar efficacy. ClincialTrials.gov number: NCT01928511.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seng Gee Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Wei Lyn Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jing Hieng Ngu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jason Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jessica Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Taufique Ahmed
- Department of Medicine, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Singapore
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kieron Lim
- Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre, Singapore
| | - Yin Mei Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Poh Seng Tan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Khin Lay Wai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Wah Wah Phyo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Htet Htet Toe Wai Khine
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chris Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Amy Tay
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Edwin Chan
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Singapore
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects more than 250 million people worldwide, and is one of the major aetiologies for the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In spite of universal vaccination programs, HBV infection is still a public health problem, and the limited number of available therapeutic approaches complicates the clinical management of these patients. Thus, HBV infection remains an unmet medical need that requires a continuous effort to develop new individual molecules, treatment combinations and even completely novel therapeutic strategies to achieve the goal of HBV elimination. The following review provides an overview of the current situation in chronic HBV infection, with an analysis of the scientific rationale of certain clinical interventions and, more importantly, explores the most recent developments in the field of HBV drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Andres Roca Suarez
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Barbara Testoni
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR-5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France.,University of Lyon, Université Claude-Bernard (UCBL), Lyon, France.,Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), Lyon, France
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Anderson RT, Choi HSJ, Lenz O, Peters MG, Janssen HLA, Mishra P, Donaldson E, Westman G, Buchholz S, Miller V, Hansen BE. Association Between Seroclearance of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Long-term Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:463-72. [PMID: 32473348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the desired end point of treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, according to guidelines. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the strength of the association between HBsAg seroclearance and long-term clinical outcomes. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for articles that assessed HBsAg status and reported the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver decompensation, liver transplantation, and/or all-cause mortality during follow-up evaluation. We performed a meta-analysis of rate ratios (RR) using a random-effects model independently for each end point and for a composite end point. RESULTS We analyzed data from 28 studies, comprising a total of 188,316 patients with chronic HBV infection (treated and untreated), and 1,486,081 person-years (PY) of follow-up evaluation; 26 reported data on HCC, 7 on liver decompensation, and 13 on liver transplantation and/or death. The composite event rates were 0.19/1000 PY for the HBsAg seroclearance group and 2.45/1000 PY for the HBsAg-persistent group. Pooled RRs for the HBsAg seroclearance group were 0.28 for liver decompensation (95% CI, 0.13-0.59; P = .001), 0.30 for HCC (95% CI, 0.20-0.44; P < .001), 0.22 for liver transplantation and/or death (95% CI, 0.13-0.39; P < .001), and 0.31 for the composite end point (95% CI, 0.23-0.43; P < .001). No differences in RR estimates were observed among subgroups of different study or patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found seroclearance of HBsAg to be associated significantly with improved patient outcomes. The results are consistent among different types of studies, in all patient subpopulations examined, and support the use of HBsAg seroclearance as a primary end point of trials of patients with chronic HBV infection.
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Li Z, Wang F, Liang B, Su Y, Sun S, Xia S, Shao J, Zhang Z, Hong M, Zhang F, Zheng S. Methionine metabolism in chronic liver diseases: an update on molecular mechanism and therapeutic implication. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:280. [PMID: 33273451 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00349-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the bicyclic metabolic pathways of one-carbon metabolism, methionine metabolism is the pivot linking the folate cycle to the transsulfuration pathway. In addition to being a precursor for glutathione synthesis, and the principal methyl donor for nucleic acid, phospholipid, histone, biogenic amine, and protein methylation, methionine metabolites can participate in polyamine synthesis. Methionine metabolism disorder can aggravate the damage in the pathological state of a disease. In the occurrence and development of chronic liver diseases (CLDs), changes in various components involved in methionine metabolism can affect the pathological state through various mechanisms. A methionine-deficient diet is commonly used for building CLD models. The conversion of key enzymes of methionine metabolism methionine adenosyltransferase (MAT) 1 A and MAT2A/MAT2B is closely related to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In vivo and in vitro experiments have shown that by intervening related enzymes or downstream metabolites to interfere with methionine metabolism, the liver injuries could be reduced. Recently, methionine supplementation has gradually attracted the attention of many clinical researchers. Most researchers agree that adequate methionine supplementation can help reduce liver damage. Retrospective analysis of recently conducted relevant studies is of profound significance. This paper reviews the latest achievements related to methionine metabolism and CLD, from molecular mechanisms to clinical research, and provides some insights into the future direction of basic and clinical research.
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Chen MB, Wang H, Zheng QH, Cui WY, Xu HL, Zheng XW. Comparative efficacy of the front-line anti-HBV drugs in nucleos(t)ide analogue-naive chronic hepatitis B: A protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e20160. [PMID: 32384507 PMCID: PMC7220057 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: During the COVID-19 period, there was a huge gap in the understanding of masks between east and west. At the same time, the mechanism of the mask and the effect after use, also appeared differences. The Objective of this Meta-analysis is to systematically evaluate the efficacy of masks for influenza in the community. METHODS: The Web of Science, PubMed, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Clinical Trials will be electronically searched to collect randomized controlled trials regarding the efficacy of masks for influenza in the community through Apr 2020. Two researchers independently screened and evaluated the obtained studies and extracted the outcome indexes. Revman 5.3 software will be used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: The outbreak is continuing, and we need to be prepared for a long fight. If masks are effective, we need to promote their use as soon as possible. If masks are ineffective, strong evidence should be given. This is an urgent task and our team will finish it as soon as possible. CONCLUSION: Provide stronger evidence to solve the problem, should we wear masks or not right now.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of ICU, Wujin People Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University and Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | | | - Wei-yan Cui
- Department of ICU, Wujin People Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University and Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
| | - Hua-lan Xu
- Department of ICU, Wujin People Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University and Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, PR China
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11
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Fontana RJ, Avigan MI, Janssen HLA, Regev A, Mishra P, Gaggar A, Brown N, Wat C, Mendez P, Anderson RT, Given B, Miller V, Beumont M. Liver safety assessment in clinical trials of new agents for chronic hepatitis B. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:96-109. [PMID: 31828894 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Investigational agents that reduce or eliminate covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) or enhance host immunity against hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected hepatocytes are intended to induce a durable off-treatment clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (referred to as functional cure). The aim of this paper was to highlight challenges in interpreting liver safety data in clinical trials of these agents when given alone or in combination regimens. The incidence, grading and management of spontaneous serum ALT flares in untreated chronic HBV patients are reviewed along with a summary of serum ALT flares observed during the registration trials for peginterferon and nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitors. Recommendations regarding the detection, management and interpretation of liver safety biomarker data in future clinical trials as well as suggested inclusion and exclusion criteria for phase 1/2 vs phase 3 studies are provided. Criteria to help classify liver safety signals as being due to the intended therapeutic response, emergence of drug-resistant HBV virions, or idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury are provided along with a review of the role of an expert hepatic adjudication panel in assessing a compound's hepatotoxicity profile. Finally, an algorithmic approach to the differential diagnosis and recommended medical evaluation and management of individual clinical trial patients that develop a liver safety signal is provided along with the rationale to collect and test research blood samples for future mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Fontana
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Mark I Avigan
- Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Arie Regev
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Poonam Mishra
- Division of Antiviral Products, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Ryan T Anderson
- Forum for Collaborative Research, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Bruce Given
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - Veronica Miller
- Forum for Collaborative Research, University of California, Berkeley
| | - Maria Beumont
- Janssen Research & Development, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
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12
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Fanning GC, Zoulim F, Hou J, Bertoletti A. Therapeutic strategies for hepatitis B virus infection: towards a cure. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2019; 18:827-844. [PMID: 31455905 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0037-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 318] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a common cause of liver disease globally, with a disproportionately high burden in South-East Asia. Vaccines and nucleoside or nucleotide drugs are available and reduce both new infection rates and the development of liver disease in HBV-positive persons who adhere to long-term suppressive treatment. Although there is still considerable value in optimizing access to virus-suppressing regimens, the scientific and medical communities have embarked on a concerted journey to identify new antiviral drugs and immune interventions aimed at curing infection. The mechanisms and drug targets being explored are diverse; however, the field universally recognizes the importance of addressing the persistence of episomal covalently closed circular DNA, the existence of integrated HBV DNA in the host genome and the large antigen load, particularly of hepatitis B surface antigen. Another major challenge is to reinvigorate the exhausted immune response within the liver microenvironment. Ultimately, combinations of new drugs will be required to cure infection. Here we critically review the recent literature that describes the rationale for curative therapies and the resulting compounds that are being tested in clinical trials for hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory C Fanning
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, China Research & Development, Shanghai, China.
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Centre of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Lyon University, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
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