Investment Case for a Comprehensive Package of Interventions Against Hepatitis B in China: Applied Modeling to Help National Strategy Planning

Comparison of the effectiveness four years after Homo/Hetero prime-boost with 10 μg HP and 20 μg CHO recombinant hepatitis B vaccine at 1 and 6 months in maternal HBsAg-negative children

Introduction

Limited data were available on the effectivenessfour years after Homo or Hetero prime-boost with 10 μg Hansenulapolymorpha recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (HepB-HP) and 20 μgChinese hamster ovary cell HepB (HepB-CHO).

Methods

A crosssectional study was performed in maternalhepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative children whoreceived one dose of 10 μg HepB-HP at birth, Homo or Heteroprime-boost with 10 μg HepB-HP and 20 μg HepB-CHO at 1 and 6months. HBsAg and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) fouryears after immunization were quantitatively detected by achemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA).

Results

A total of 359 children were included; 119 childrenreceived two doses of 10 μg HepB-HP and 120 children receivedtwo doses of 20 μg HepB-CHO, called Homo prime-boost; 120children received Hetero prime-boost with 10 μg HepB-HP and 20μg HepB-CHO. All children were HBsAg negative. The geometricmean concentration (GMC) and overall seropositivity rate (SPR) ofanti-HBs were 59.47 (95%CI: 49.00 - 72.16) mIU/ml and 85.51%(307/359). Nearly 15% of the study subjects had an anti-HBsconcentration < 10 mIU/ml and 5.01% had an anti-HBsconcentration ≤ 2.5 mIU/ml. The GMC of the 20 μg CHO Homoprime-boost group [76.05 (95%CI: 54.97 - 105.19) mIU/ml] washigher than that of the 10 μg HP Homo group [45.86 (95%CI:31.94 - 65.84) mIU/ml] (p = 0.035). The GMCs of the Heteroprime-boost groups (10 μg HP-20 μg CHO and 20 μg CHO-10 μgHP) were 75.86 (95% CI: 48.98 - 107.15) mIU/ml and 43.65(95%CI: 27.54 - 69.18) mIU/ml, respectively (p = 0.041). Aftercontrolling for sex influence, the SPR of the 20 μg CHO Homoprime-boost group was 2.087 times than that of the 10 μg HPHomo group.

Discussion

The HepB booster was not necessary in the generalchildren, Homo/Hetero prime-boost with 20 μg HepB-CHO wouldincrease the anti-HBs concentration four years after immunization,timely testing and improved knowledge about the self-pay vaccinewould be good for controlling hepatitis B.

Comprehensive approach to controlling chronic hepatitis B in China

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection was highly endemic in China, where the prevalence of HBsAg was 9.7% in 1992. Comprehensive strategies, including universal infant hepatitis B vaccination with emphasis on timely birth-dose and 3-dose coverage, dramatically reduced the mother-to-infant transmission and early childhood acquisition of HBV, resulting in estimated HBsAg prevalence rates of 5.6% and 0.1% in the general population and among children aged <5 years in 2022, respectively. Clinical guidelines on the prevention and treatment of chronic hepatitis B have been periodically updated based on emerging evidence from clinical research. The continuously improved reimbursement policy and the massively reduced price of antiviral drugs through government negotiation and central procurement have increased treatment accessibility and affordability. However, due to the low rates of diagnosis and treatment, China still faces a large challenge in achieving the 2030 goal of lowering HBV-related mortality by 65%. A public health approach involving concerted efforts from the government, medical community, industry, and society as a whole would be necessary to increase the uptake of HBV tests and treatment to achieve the global goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.

Blueprint to hepatitis B elimination in China: A modelling analysis of clinical strategies

Background & Aims

Globally, one-third of individuals infected with HBV live in China. Eliminating HBV in China would therefore be paramount in achieving the World Health Organization's (WHO's) targets of viral hepatitis elimination as a worldwide public health threat.

Methods

We constructed a dynamic HBV transmission model in China, structured by age and sex. We calibrated the model by HBsAg prevalence, acute HBV incidence, and nationally reported HBV-related cancer mortality. We investigated seven intervention scenarios (A-G) based on assumptions in diagnostic, linkage-to-care, and treatment coverages in achieving the WHO's HBV elimination goals.

Results

With the status quo, HBsAg prevalence among children 1-4 years would reduce to 0.09% (95% CI 0.09-0.10%) by 2025; acute HBV incidence would drop to <2/100,000 person-years by 2024, achieving the elimination target of 90% incidence reduction. Nonetheless, China would not achieve a 65% reduction target in HBV-related mortality until 2059 with 9.98 (95% CI 9.27-10.70) million HBV-related deaths occurred by 2100. If China achieves 90% diagnostic and 80% treatment coverages (scenario E), HBV elimination would be achieved 8 years earlier, potentially saving 1.98 (95% CI 1.83-2.12) million lives. With more effective therapies for HBV control in preventing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, elimination targets could be achieved in 2048 (scenario F) and 2038 (scenario G), additionally saving 3.59 (95% CI 3.37-3.82) and 5.19 (95% CI 4.83-5.55) million lives, respectively.

Conclusions

Eliminating HBV will require interventional strategies to improve diagnostic, linkage-to-care, and treatment coverages. Developing novel therapies will be crucial in further reducing HBV-related mortality and removing HBV as a public health threat.

Impact and Implications

This study explores the key developments and optimal intervention strategies needed to achieve WHO hepatitis B elimination targets by 2030 in China. It highlights that China can realise the HBV elimination targets in the incidence by 2025, and by upscaling diagnostic, linkage-to-care, and treatment coverages, up to 2 million lives could potentially be saved from HBV-related deaths.

A global investment case for hepatitis B elimination: a modelling study

Hepatitis B is estimated to cause 500 000-900 000 deaths globally each year. WHO has targets for elimination by 2030; however, progress has stalled due to multiple barriers, notably a paucity of global funding and insufficient evidence on the economic burden of disease. Using a dynamic mathematical model of hepatitis B transmission, disease progression, and mortality in the six WHO regions, we estimate the costs and benefits of reaching 90% vaccination, 90% diagnosis, and 80% treatment coverage by either 2030 (as targeted), 2040, or 2050. Without increased intervention coverage, hepatitis B mortality was estimated to cost US$784·35 billion (95% Crl 731·63-798·33 billion) globally in lost productivity over 2022-50. Achieving targets by 2030 averted 25·64 million infections (95% Crl 17·39-34·55 million) and 8·63 million hepatitis B-attributable deaths (95% Crl 7·12-9·74 million) over 2022-50. This achievement incurred an incremental cost of $2934·55 (95% Crl 2778·55-3173·52) per disability-adjusted life year averted by 2050 under a health systems perspective, and was cost-saving with a net economic benefit of $99·03 billion (95% Crl 78·66-108·96 billion) by 2050 from a societal perspective. Delayed achievement of intervention coverage targets had reduced health and economic benefits. These findings highlight that hepatitis B is an underappreciated cause of economic burden and show investment toward elimination will probably yield substantial returns.

Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Biomedical Interventions on Adult Hepatitis B Elimination in China: A Mathematical Modelling Study

BACKGROUND

China has one of the highest hepatitis B virus (HBV) disease burdens worldwide and tracking progress toward the 2030 HBV elimination targets is essential. This study aimed to assess the impact of biomedical interventions (i.e., adult vaccination, screening and treatment) on the adult HBV epidemic, estimate the time for HBV elimination, and evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the interventions in China.

METHODS

A deterministic compartmental model was developed to project the HBV epidemic from 2022 to 2050 and estimate the time to meet elimination targets under four intervention scenarios. Cost-effectiveness was calculated using incremental cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained, i.e., average cost-effectiveness ratio (CER).

RESULTS

Under the status quo, there will be 42.09-45.42 million adults living with HBV in 2050 and 11.04-14.36 million HBV-related deaths cumulatively from 2022 to 2050. Universal vaccination would cumulatively avert 3.44-3.95 million new cases at a cost of US$1027-1261/QALY gained. The comprehensive strategy would cumulatively avert 4.67-5.24 million new chronic cases and 1.39-1.85 million deaths, expediting the realization of the elimination targets forward to 2049. This strategy was also cost-effective with an average CER of US$20,796-26,685/QALY and a saved healthcare cost of US$16.10-26.84 per person.

CONCLUSION

China is not on track to meet the elimination targets but comprehensive biomedical interventions can accelerate the realization of the targets. A comprehensive strategy is cost-effective and cost-saving, which should be promoted in primary care infrastructures. Universal adult vaccination may be appropriate in the near future considering practical feasibility.

Changing incidence of hepatitis B and persistent infection risk in adults: a population-based follow-up study from 2011 in China

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to estimate hepatitis B incidence and chronicity risk in rural adults in China under the background of eliminating viral hepatitis.

METHODS

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening was conducted every 2 years in demonstration areas since 2011. Individuals with baseline HBsAg-negative were included. Incidence was calculated as the number of HBsAg-positive cases divided by the total person-times. HBsAg-positive individuals were followed up to study the persistent infection (> 6 months), chronic infection (> 12 months), and recovery with hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). The chi-square test and cox proportional regression analysis were performed.

RESULTS

There were 8,942 incident cases over 2,138,532 person-years, yielding an average incidence of 0.42 per 100 person-years. HBV incidence decreased rapidly in both genders and all age groups and then kept stable. Male gender, low population density, low gross domestic product per capita, and islanders were associated with higher incidence. Of the positive cases, 4,989 (55.8%) patients were followed up. The persistent infection, chronic infection, and recovery with anti-HBs rates were 32.3%, 31.0%, and 31.4%, respectively. Persistent or chronic infection was more common in younger adults and males, while seroconversion had no concern with gender or age.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV incidence in adult rural residents was decreasing and stayed low. The chronicity rate was relatively high and protective antibodies were induced in only one third. The importance of population-based screening and vaccination for susceptible individuals should be addressed.

Cost-Effectiveness of Hepatitis B Mass Screening and Management in High-Prevalent Rural China: A Model Study From 2020 to 2049

BACKGROUND

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is highly prevalent among adults in rural China and better management of those populations is of vital importance for viral hepatitis elimination. Adult immunization has been the subject of much controversy in previous studies. This study estimates the cost-effectiveness of population-based hepatitis B screening, treatment, and immunization strategy (comprehensive strategy) in rural areas with high prevalence under the national policy of sharp-drop drug prices.

METHODS

We constructed a Markov model comparing 4 strategies in a 30-year horizon from the healthcare payer perspective: (1) the conventional pattern; (2) screening and treating infected (treatment); (3) screening and immunizing susceptible individuals (immunization); and (4) the comprehensive strategy. Screening intensity ranged from 50% to 100%. Outcomes were measured by costs, quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The costs for the conventional pattern, treatment strategy, immunization strategy, and comprehensive strategy were US$ 341, 351, 318, and 323, respectively. In addition, effects were 17.45, 17.57, 17.46, and 17.58 QALYs, respectively. The ICER of the comprehensive strategy was US$ 35/QALY gained at 50% screening intensity and 420 US$/QALY gained at 100%. The net monetary benefit increased with increasing screening intensity and declined after 90%, with the highest value of US$40 693. All new infections and 52.5% mortality could be avoided from 2020 to 2049 if all patients were properly treated and all susceptible individuals were immunized. The results were stable within a wide range of parameters.

CONCLUSION

It was cost-effective to implement the mass hepatitis B screening, treatment, and immunization strategy in areas of rural China with high prevalence, and the strategy gained the most net monetary benefit at a screening intensity of 90%. Although it was impractical to fulfill 100% coverage, efforts should be made to obtain more people screened.

Uptake of hepatitis B antiviral treatment: A panel data analysis of 31 provinces in China (2013-2020)

BACKGROUND

China has made substantial efforts aimed to promote the uptake of antiviral treatment of hepatitis B (HB). It is unclear whether these policies achieved the desired impact. This study adopted medicines procurement data from 31 provinces to generate the first evidence about the number of standard antiviral treatment of HB overtime at both national and provincial levels in China.

METHODS

We performed the panel data analyses and quasi-experimental design with the time-varying difference-in-difference method combined with the event study approach to estimate the uptake of HB antiviral treatment before and after national policy changes.

RESULTS

The overall trends in HB antiviral treatment at the national level increased incrementally during 2013-2020. There was 2.8862 million 12-month (person-year) antiviral standard treatment in 2020, which was only 8.93% of the eligible people estimated to need treatment. The number of monthly antiviral standard treatment increased by 42.4% (p = .001) overall following the nationwide adoption of the '4 + 7' pilot-pooled procurement prices in 2019, which brought substantial price reduction of core antivirals.

CONCLUSIONS

A low treatment rate is a critical issue in reaching the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat in China. Affordability is an important but not the only factor that determines the uptake of hepatitis treatment. Further scaling up and acceleration of treatment uptake will need strategies improving public awareness of HB, strengthening diagnosis, linking people who are infected to chronic care, reducing loss to follow-up, and ensuring people who are eligible get timely treatment.

Costs and health impact of delayed implementation of a national hepatitis B treatment program in China

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading public health problem in China. COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted the delivery of health care interventions worldwide, including HBV infection control.

Methods

In this study, we used a Markov model to quantify the costs and population health impact of HBV treatment in China for the following scenarios: 1) current practice with only 17% of treatment eligible HBV infected adults receiving antiviral treatment; 2) reaching the World Health Organization (WHO) treatment target of 80% by 2030 with a steady increase in treatment rate beginning in 2022; and 3) the effect of a 1-5-year delay in meeting the 2030 WHO treatment target. A one-way as well as a probabilistic sensitivity analysis were conducted.

Results

Without increasing antiviral treatment for treatment eligible HBV infected adults, the life-time health care costs for the estimated 89.2 million adults living with HBV in China is US$1305 billion and 10.8 million (12%) will die from HBV-related liver disease. Increasing treatment to achieve the WHO 80% target by 2030 would save US$472 billion and prevent 3.3 million HBV-related deaths. We estimated that a 1-year delay beyond 2030 in reaching the WHO 80% treatment target would likely lead to US$55 billion increase in future health care costs, and an additional 334 000 future deaths from HBV-related liver disease or cancer.

Conclusions

Reaching the WHO 2030 with minimal delays would have an immense health and economic benefit. Implementing a national treatment program for HBV in China should be a key priority for policymakers.

Impact of National Centralized Drug Procurement Policy on Antiviral Utilization and Expenditure for Hepatitis B in China

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The National Centralized Drug Procurement (NCDP) policy was launched in mainland China in April 2019, with entecavir (ETV) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) being included in the procurement list. We conducted the current study to investigate the impact of the NCDP policy on the utilization and expenditures of antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in China.

METHODS

Procurement records, including monthly purchase volume, expenditure, and price of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs), were derived from the National Healthcare Security Administration from April 2018 to March 2021. The changes in volumes and expenditures of the first-line NAs and bid-winning products were calculated. The effects of price, volume, and structure related to drug expenditure were calculated by the Addis and Magrini (AM) Index System Analysis.

RESULTS

The purchase volume of NAs significantly increased from 134.3 to 318.3 million DDDs, whereas the expenditure sharply decreased from 1,623.41 to 490.43 million renminbi (RMB) or 241.94 to 73.09 million US dollars (USD). The proportions of first-line NAs rose from 72.51% (ETV: 69.00%, TDF: 3.51%) to 94.97% (ETV: 77.42%, TDF: 17.55%). AM analysis showed that the NCDP policy decreased the expenditure of all NAs (S=0.91) but increased that of the first-line NAs in the bid-winning list (S=1.13). Assuming the population size of CHB patients remains stable and a compliance rate of ≥75%, the proportion of CHB patients receiving first-line antiviral therapy would increase from 6.36-8.48% to 11.56-15.41%.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the NCDP policy significantly increased the utilization of first-line NAs for CHB patients at a lower expenditure. The findings provided evidence for optimizing antiviral therapy strategy and allocating medical resources in China.

Question Answering System Based on Knowledge Graph in Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Viral Hepatitis B

This article uses the real medical records and web pages of Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B to extract structured medical knowledge, and obtains a total of 8,563 entities, 96,896 relationships, 32 entity types, and 40 relationship types. The structured data was stored in the Neo4j graph structure database, and a knowledge graph of Chinese medical diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B was constructed. The knowledge map is used as a structured data source to provide high-quality knowledge information for the medical question and answer system based on hepatitis B disease. Applying the deep learning method to the question identification and knowledge response of the question answering system makes the hepatitis B medical intelligent question answering system has important research and application significance. The question-and-answer system takes aim at hepatitis B, a public health problem in the world and leverages the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine for diagnosis and treatment. It provides a reference for doctors' disease diagnosis, treatment, and patient self-care. Its value is important for the treatment of hepatitis B disease.

Cost-effectiveness of universal screening for chronic hepatitis B virus infection in China: an economic evaluation

Background

China has the highest prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection worldwide. Universal HBV screening might enable China to reach the WHO 2030 target of 90% diagnostics, 80% treatment, and 65% HBV-related death reduction, and eventually elimination of viral hepatitis. We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of implementing universal HBV screening in China and identified optimal screening strategies.

Methods

We used a Markov cohort model, inputting parameters based on data from previous studies and public databases, to assess the cost-effectiveness of four HBV serological screening strategies in China in different screening scenarios. We simulated universal screening scenarios in 15 adult age groups between 18 and 70 years, with different years of screening implementation (2021, 2026, and 2031) and compared to the status quo (ie, no universal screening); in total, we investigated 180 different screening scenarios. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) between the different screening strategies and the status quo (current screening strategy). We performed probabilistic and one-way deterministic sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of our findings.

Findings

With a willingness-to-pay level of three times the Chinese gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (US$30 828), all universal screening scenarios in 2021 were cost-effective compared with the status quo. The serum HBsAg/HBsAb/HBeAg/HBeAb/HBcAb (five-test) screening strategy in people aged 18–70 years was the most cost-effective strategy in 2021 (ICER $18 295/quality-adjusted life-years [QALY] gained). This strategy remained the most cost-effective, when the willingness-to-pay threshold was reduced to 2 times GDP per capita. The two-test strategy for people aged 18–70 years became more cost-effective at lower willingness-to-pay levels. The five-test strategy could prevent 3·46 million liver-related deaths in China over the lifetime of the cohort. It remained the most cost-effective strategy when implementation was delayed until 2026 (ICER $20 183/QALY) and 2031 (ICER $23 123/QALY). Screening young people (18–30 years) will no longer be cost-effective in delayed scenarios.

Interpretation

The five-test universal screening strategy in people aged 18–70 years, implemented within the next 10 years, is the optimal HBV screening strategy for China. Other screening strategies could be cost-effective alternatives, if budget is limited in rural areas. Delaying strategy implementation reduces overall cost-effectiveness. Early screening initiation will aid global efforts in achieving viral hepatitis elimination.

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China.

The Changing Demographics of Hepatitis B Virus Infection

Hepatitis B virus infection remains a global public health problem with changing epidemiology due to several factors including vaccination policies and migration.

The impact of the timely birth dose vaccine on the global elimination of hepatitis B

In 2016 the World Health Organization set the goal of eliminating hepatitis B globally by 2030. Horizontal transmission has been greatly reduced in most countries by scaling up coverage of the infant HBV vaccine series, and vertical transmission is therefore becoming increasingly dominant. Here we show that scaling up timely hepatitis B birth dose vaccination to 90% of new-borns in 110 low- and middle-income countries by 2030 could prevent 710,000 (580,000 to 890,000) deaths in the 2020 to 2030 birth cohorts compared to status quo, with the greatest benefits in Africa. Maintaining this could lead to elimination by 2030 in the Americas, but not before 2059 in Africa. Drops in coverage due to disruptions in 2020 may lead to 15,000 additional deaths, mostly in South-East Asia and the Western Pacific. Delays in planned scale-up could lead to an additional 580,000 deaths globally in the 2020 to 2030 birth cohorts.

Changing clinical care cascade of patients with chronic hepatitis B in Beijing, China

Background

High uptake of hepatitis B virus (HBV) tests and antiviral therapy are required to improve the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) at the population level. In the current study, we used the Basic Medical Care Insurance for Employees (BMCIE) to investigate the changes of clinical care cascade of CHB in Beijing, China.

Methods

Records for medical service of CHB patients from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018 were retrieved from the BMCIE database. The annual and cumulative rates of CHB patients in care, receiving HBV tests and on antiviral therapy were calculated. The trends of annual percentage changes (APCs) were estimated using Joinpoint regression model.

Findings

Among estimated HBsAg positive employees, the rate of CHB patients in care increased from 4•77% in 2010 to 18•61% in 2018 (APC=17•3, 95%CI: 14•4-20•4). The rate of HBV tests increased from 4•41% in 2010 to 16•39% in 2018. Among the estimated eligible employees for treatment, the rate of antiviral therapy increased from 3•92% in 2010 to 30•88% in 2018. The proportion of hospital visits for HBV≥4 times per year had increased from 47•07% in 2010 to 65•31% in 2018. By 2018, entecavir (65•07%) and tenofovir (12•98%) had become the predominantly prescribed antiviral agents.

Interpretation

The rates of CHB patients in care, receiving HBV tests and on antiviral therapy substantially increased in Beijing, China. However, more efforts are still needed to increase the uptake of HBV tests and treatment for achieving the goal of HBV elimination by 2030.

Funding

Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission (No.D161100002716003), National Science and Technology Major Special Project for Infectious Diseases (No.Z191100007619037, No.2018ZX10302204), and Digestive Medical Coordinated Development Center of Beijing Municipal Administration of Hospitals (No. XXX 0104).

A global investment framework for the elimination of hepatitis B

BACKGROUND & AIMS

More than 292 million people are living with hepatitis B worldwide and are at risk of death from cirrhosis and liver cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set global targets for the elimination of viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. However, current levels of global investment in viral hepatitis elimination programmes are insufficient to achieve these goals.

METHODS

To catalyse political commitment and to encourage domestic and international financing, we used published modelling data and key stakeholder interviews to develop an investment framework to demonstrate the return on investment for viral hepatitis elimination.

RESULTS

The framework utilises a public health approach to identify evidence-based national activities that reduce viral hepatitis-related morbidity and mortality, as well as international activities and critical enablers that allow countries to achieve maximum impact on health outcomes from their investments - in the context of the WHO's 2030 viral elimination targets.

CONCLUSION

Focusing on hepatitis B, this health policy paper employs the investment framework to estimate the substantial economic benefits of investing in the elimination of hepatitis B and demonstrates how such investments could be cost saving by 2030.

LAY SUMMARY

Hepatitis B infection is a major cause of death from liver disease and liver cancer globally. To reduce deaths from hepatitis B infection, we need more people to be tested and treated for hepatitis B. In this paper, we outline a framework of activities to reduce hepatitis B-related deaths and discuss ways in which governments could pay for them.

17β-Estradiol Promotes Apoptosis of HepG2 Cells Caused by Oxidative Stress by Increasing Foxo3a Phosphorylation

Liver cancer is associated with high mortality, particularly in patients infected with the hepatitis B virus. Treatment methods remain very limited. Here, we explored the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) on apoptosis of various liver cell lines (LO2, HepG2, and HepG2.2.15 cells). Within a certain concentration range, 17β-estradiol induced oxidative stress and apoptosis of HepG2 cells, downregulated ERα-36 expression, and increased Akt and Foxo3a phosphorylation. p-Foxo3a became localized around the nucleus but did not enter the organelle. The levels of mRNAs encoding manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase, to the promoters of which Foxo3a binds to trigger gene expression, were significantly reduced in HepG2 cells. 17β-estradiol had no obvious effects on LO2 or HepG2.2.15 cells. We speculate that 17β-estradiol may induce oxidative stress in HepG2 cells by increasing Foxo3a phosphorylation, thus promoting apoptosis. This may serve as a new treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Disease burden of viral hepatitis A, B, C and E: A systematic analysis

Viral hepatitis has been recognized as a leading cause of deaths worldwide. We aimed to analyse the disease burden of viral hepatitis at the global, regional and national levels. We collected the data of death number, mortality rate, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) of viral hepatitis by sex, age, geography and type of disease from the Global Health Data Exchange platform. Estimated average percentage change (EAPC) was used to quantify the age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) of viral hepatitis between 1990 and 2017. Globally, the number of deaths from viral hepatitis increased from 980.9 thousand in 1990 to 1412.3 thousand in 2017, accompanying by the DALYs increased from 35.2 million to 43.1 million in the same period. Hepatitis B and C accounted for 97.6% of total viral hepatitis-related deaths worldwide in 2017. While the death number and DALYs were decreased in acute hepatitis A, B, C and E, a significant increase was found in liver cancer and cirrhosis due to hepatitis B and C. The ASMRs of liver cancer and cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B and C were decreased at the global level and in most regions. However, a significant increase was observed in several developed countries, such as the USA and the UK. The disease burden of viral hepatitis continues to increase worldwide, which was driven by the increase in burden of chronic hepatitis B and C.