Distinct seromarkers predict different milestones of chronic hepatitis B progression

Clinical outcomes of treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection with low serum HBsAg and undetectable HBV DNA

Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level < 100 IU/ml and undetectable hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA have been recently proposed as an alternate endpoint of "partial cure" in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We investigated clinical outcomes of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB patients with HBsAg <100 IU/ml and undetectable HBV DNA. Treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative CHB patients with undetectable HBV DNA and normal alanine aminotransferase were retrospectively included from three institutions. Patients were classified into the low HBsAg group (<100 IU/ml) and the high HBsAg group (≥100 IU/ml). Liver fibrosis was evaluated by noninvasive tests (NITs). A total of 1218 patients were included and the median age was 41.5 years. Patients with low HBsAg were older (45.0 vs. 40.0 years, P < 0.001) than those in the high HBsAg group, while the NIT parameters were comparable between groups. During a median follow-up of 25.7 months, patients with low HBsAg achieved a higher HBsAg clearance rate (13.0% vs. 0%, P < 0.001) and a lower rate of significant fibrosis development (2.2% vs. 7.0%, P = 0.049) compared to patients with high HBsAg. No patient developed HCC in either group. HBsAg level was negatively associated with HBsAg clearance (HR 0.213, P < 0.001) and patients with HBsAg < 100 IU/ml had a low risk of significant fibrosis development (HR 0.010, P = 0.002). The optimal cutoff value of HBsAg for predicting HBsAg clearance was 1.1 Log10 IU/ml. Treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative CHB patients with HBsAg <100 IU/ml and undetectable HBV DNA had favourable outcomes with a high rate of HBsAg clearance and a low risk of fibrosis progression.

A review of Phyllanthus urinaria L. in the treatment of liver disease: viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Due to the pathological production of liver disease in utility particularly complexity, the morbidity and mortality of liver disease including viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rapidly increasing worldwide. Considering its insidious onset, rapid progression and drug resistance, finding an effective therapy is particularly worthwhile. Phyllanthus urinaria L. (P. urinaria), an ethnic medicine, can be applied at the stages of viral hepatitis, liver fibrosis/cirrhosis and HCC, which demonstrates great potential in the treatment of liver disease. Currently, there are numerous reports on the application of P. urinaria in treating liver diseases, but a detailed analysis of its metabolites and a complete summary of its pharmacological mechanism are still scarce. In this review, the phytochemical metabolites and ethnopharmacological applications of P. urinaria are summarized. Briefly, P. urinaria mainly contains flavonoids, lignans, tannins, phenolic acids, terpenoids and other metabolites. The mechanisms of P. urinaria are mainly reflected in reducing surface antigen secretion and interfering with DNA polymerase synthesis for anti-viral hepatitis activity, reducing hepatic stellate cells activity, inflammation and oxidative stress for anti-liver fibrosis/cirrhosis activity, as well as preventing tumor proliferation, invasion and angiogenesis for anti-HCC activity via relevant signaling pathways. Accordingly, this review provides insights into the future application of natural products in the trilogy of liver diseases and will provide a scientific basis for further research and rational utilization of P. urinaria.

Quantitative HBV Core Antibodies as a Prognostic Marker for HBeAg Seroclearance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

During chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the seroclearance of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is an important event and a significant surrogate endpoint of all current therapeutic strategies. The prediction of HBeAg seroclearance can help assess the benefits of therapy in patients during or before therapy initiation. The quantitation of HBV core antibodies (qAnti-HBc) is a new non-invasive biomarker for solving multiple diagnostic dilemmas. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that measured qAnti-HBc in patients who achieved HBeAg seroclearance were performed through PubMed, Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS electronic database searches. Nineteen articles were included in the systematic review, comprising 3434 chronically infected patients (1014 with and 2420 without HBeAg seroclearance). Sixteen publications with data regarding qAnti-HBc levels were included in the meta-analysis. The baseline level of qAnti-HBc antibodies was significantly higher in patients with than without HBeAg seroclearance (SMD = 0.88, 95%CI SMD = 0.56-1.2, p < 0.001). The same conclusion was reached for patients originating from Asia (SMD = 0.94, 95%CI SMD = 0.55-1.33) and for the qAnti-HBc antibodies among adult HBV patients with therapy-induced HBeAg seroclearance (SMD = 0.90, 95%CI SMD = 0.54-1.25, p < 0.001). The systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence of the role of qAnti-HBc as a promising biomarker for predicting HBeAg seroclearance in chronically infected patients.

Baseline Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen Titers in Childhood Predict the Risk of Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Adulthood

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) is a marker of both HBV covalently closed circular DNA and integrated HBV genome, whereas the HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg) indicates the transcriptional activity of covalently closed circular DNA. This study examined the relationship between HBsAg and HBcrAg titers in childhood and advanced fibrosis in adulthood.

METHODS

We recruited 214 initially hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic HBV-infected patients who were followed for a total of 6371 person-years. None of the patients were co-infected with hepatitis C or D virus. Serum HBsAg and HBcrAg titers were assessed at 10 and 15 years of age. Transient elastography was performed at a mean final age of 38.21 years to identify advanced fibrosis.

RESULTS

Patients with advanced fibrosis in adulthood had a higher rate of genotype C HBV infection and a higher HBsAg titer at 10 and 15 years of age (P = .003, P = .03, and P = .005, respectively). The HBcrAg titer was not correlated with advanced fibrosis (P > .05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that HBsAg cutoffs of >4.23 and >4.44 log₁₀ IU/mL at 10 and 15 years of age, respectively, best predicted advanced fibrosis in the fourth decade of life (P = .001 and P < .001, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, both an HBsAg titer >4.44 log₁₀ IU/mL at 15 years of age and HBV genotype C were predictors of advanced fibrosis (odds ratios, 15.43 and 4.77; P = .01 and P = .02, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

HBsAg titers in childhood predict the progression to liver fibrosis in adulthood.

Clinical Utility of Quantitative HBV Core Antibodies for Solving Diagnostic Dilemmas

The present-day management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection relies on constant and appropriate monitoring of viral activity, disease progression and treatment response. Traditional HBV infection biomarkers have many limitations in predicting clinical outcomes or therapy success. Quantitation of HBV core antibodies (qAnti-HBc) is a new non-invasive biomarker that can be used in solving multiple diagnostic problems. It was shown to correlate well with infection phases, level of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, exacerbations during chronic infection and presence of occult infection. Further, the level of qAnti-HBc was recognised as predictive of spontaneous or therapy-induced HBeAg and HBsAg seroclearance, relapse after therapy discontinuation, re-infection after liver transplantation and viral reactivation upon immunosuppression. However, qAnti-HBc cannot be relied upon as a single diagnostic test to solve all dilemmas, and its diagnostic and prognostic power can be much improved when combined with other diagnostic biomarkers (HBV DNA, HBeAg, qHBsAg and anti-HBs antibodies). The availability of commercial qAnti-HBc diagnostic kits still needs to be improved. The comparison of results from different studies and definitions of universal cut-off values continue to be hindered because many methods are only semi-quantitative. The clinical utility of qAnti-HBc and the methods used for its measurement are the focus of this review.

Biomarkers for predicting nucleos(t)ide analogs discontinuation and hepatitis B virus recurrence after drug withdrawal in chronic hepatitis B patients

AIM

To summarize HBV-related biomarkers predicting nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) discontinuation and hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence after drug withdrawal in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients, providing references for clinical medication, so as to manage CHB patients more scientifically.

METHODS

Related pieces of literature were retrieved in PubMed and the results were sorted out. We then analyzed and summarized these articles.

RESULTS

We found that HBV related biomarkers maybe could predict NAs withdrawal safely and the possibility of relapse after treatment cessation, including hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), HBV DNA, HBV RNA, pregenomic-RNA (pgRNA), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg), hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc), and models containing several indicators for predicting the effectiveness of treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

HBV DNA, HBV RNA, pgRNA, HBcrAg, anti-HBc, as well as the prediction models formed by several biomarkers could predict the safe discontinuation of NAs before HBsAg loss and recurrence.

The association between sPD-1 levels versus liver biochemistry and viral markers in chronic hepatitis B patients: a comparative study of different sPD-1 assays

BACKGROUND

Soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) is a novel immune markers and possibly predictive of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) outcome. However, results were inconsistent by different ELISA kits. This study aims to compare the characteristics and correlations with other markers for sPD-1 measured by MyBioSource (MB) and R&D (RD) kits.

METHODS

A total of 254 untreated CHB patients from three sites were assayed with sPD-1 by MB and RD kits at the same time. Spearman's correlations between the kits, and those with viral markers and ALT levels were calculated. Multivariate linear regression analysis was applied for independent factors associated with the sPD-1 levels.

RESULTS

There's no correlation between sPD-1 level using MB and RD assays. sPD-1 by MB correlated profoundly with HBsAg (r = 0.8311, P < 0.0001), HBV DNA (r = 0.3896, P < 0.0001), and ALT levels (r = 0.1604, P = 0.0105) while an opposite trend by RD kit (r = - 0.0644, P = 0.3109; r = 0.2554, P < 0.0001; r = 0.4417, P < 0.0001, respectively for the 3 markers). In the multivariate linear regression analysis, HBsAg and ALT levels was the major factor associated with sPD-1 levels by MB and RD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The characteristics and correlations with host/viral markers of sPD-1 by the two kits are different and leading to different associations on clinical outcomes of CHB.

Serum soluble programmed cell death 1 levels predict spontaneous functional cure in inactive carriers with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is the most important milestone indicating favourable clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, it is difficult to achieve due to the impaired HBV-specific immunity, such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)-associated T cell exhaustion. We assessed soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) as a novel seromarker for predicting spontaneous HBsAg loss.

METHODS

Serial serum levels of sPD-1 were evaluated in 1046 untreated hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-seronegative individuals who had achieved undetectable serum HBV DNA. Multiple regression analyses were applied to assess associations among baseline and subsequent sPD-1 levels, HBsAg decline during follow-up, and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance.

RESULTS

A total of 390 individuals achieved spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance during 6464.4 person-years of follow-up. Baseline sPD-1 levels were inversely associated with baseline HBsAg levels (qHBsAg) as well as a greater decline in qHBsAg during follow-up. Incidence rates of HBsAg seroclearance were 11.5, 61.7, 96.7 and 151.0 per 1000 person-years for sPD-1 levels of ≥4000, 536-3999, 125-535 and <125 pg/mL, respectively (P_trend  < 0.0001). Compared with baseline sPD-1 levels ≥4000 pg/mL, the rate ratio (95% CI) of HBsAg seroclearance was 2.1 (1.1-3.9), 3.0 (1.6-5.5) and 5.1 (2.8-9.5), for baseline sPD-1 levels of 536-3999, 125-535 and <125 pg/mL, respectively, after adjustment for sex, age and serum alanine aminotransferase and HBsAg levels.

CONCLUSION

sPD-1 level is a novel marker which independently predicts spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance of HBeAg-negative inactive CHB patients with undetectable HBV DNA. (word count: 234, <250).

Efficacy of a Chinese herbal formula on hepatitis B e antigen-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND

No guideline recommends antiviral therapy for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels and a high hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA viral load.

AIM

To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a Chinese herbal formula as a therapeutic option for chronic HBV infection.

METHODS

In total, 395 patients (30–65 years old) with confirmed HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase were randomized to receive either Chinese herbal formula or placebo for 96 wk. Endpoints to evaluate therapeutic efficacy included: (1) HBV DNA levels decreased to less than 4 log10 IU/mL at weeks 48 and 96; and (2) HBeAg clearance and seroconversion rates at weeks 48 and 96.

RESULTS

HBV DNA levels ≤ 4 log10 IU/mL were 10.05% at week 48 and 18.59% at week 96 in the treatment group. The HBeAg clearance and conversion rates were 8.54% and 8.04% at week 48 and 16.08% and 14.57% at week 96, respectively. However, HBV DNA levels ≤ 4 log10 IU/mL were 2.55% and 2.55% at weeks 48 and 96, respectively, and the HBeAg clearance rates were 3.06% and 5.61% at weeks 48 and 96, respectively, in the control group. The quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and HBeAg levels at baseline and changes during the treatment period as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at weeks 12 and 24 were strong predictors of HBeAg clearance.

CONCLUSION

High rates of HBV DNA reduction, HBeAg clearance and seroconversion could be achieved with Chinese herbal formula treatments, and the treatments were relatively safe for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase. The ability of the compound to modulate host immune function probably contributed to this effect.

Quantative HBsAg level correlates dendritic cells maturation in chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND

In order to better understand the role of Dendritic cells (DCs) in Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB), we investigated the frequencies and maturation markers on DCs in CHB patients and its change during entecavir treatment.

METHODS

Twenty-six CHB patients on anti-virus treatment for 48 weeks were included in this study. Patients' blood samples were collected on every 3 months since starting treatment. Samples on baseline and after 48 weeks treatment were examined using flow-cytometry to investigate frequencies and maturation markers of DCs.

RESULTS

The frequencies of myeloid DCs (mDCs) and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) were lower in CHB patients than healthy controls on baseline. pDCs frequencies and mDCs maturation markers expression were increased after entecavir (ETV) treatment. Patients with higher baseline HBsAg levels showed a poorer maturation status than those with low baseline HBsAg levels, regardless of changes in HBsAg levels after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Entecavir treatment could restore the decreased DCs frequencies in CHB patients and improve DCs maturation levels. Baseline HBsAg level is an important factor that affecting DCs.

Chronic hepatitis B and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Conspirators or competitors?

Despite the widespread use of vaccines and antiviral drugs, approximately 350-400 million patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remain worldwide, who carry high risk of cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Moreover, owing to improvements in global living standards and lifestyle changes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease. Coexistence of NAFLD and CHB is commonly observed, especially in Asian CHB populations; however, little is known regarding the relationship between these two diseases as comorbidities. In this review, we summarize recent advances in clinical and basic researches related to the underlying mutual interactions, as well as potential animal models to facilitate further investigation.

Effect of nucleos(t)ide analogue on serum HBsAg level in chronic hepatitis B patients: A 3-years study

AIM

We aim to explore the effects of nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) on the changes of HBsAg in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients.

METHODS

A total of 264 CHB patients were enrolled in our study. All of them were treated with NUCs for at least three years. Quantification of HBsAg levels were measured by Elecsys HBsAg II.

RESULTS

Although HBsAg levels were significantly higher in HBeAg seropositive CHB patients at baseline than in HBeAg seronegative CHB patients (3.84 ± 0.82 vs 3.21 ± 0.59 IU/mL), HBsAg levels declined more rapidly in the HBeAg seropositive group (P < 0.001). In HBeAg-positive CHB patients, HBsAg level in the telbivudine (LDT)-treated group was 3.68 ± 0.56 IU/mL after 52-week of treatment, which was significantly higher than that in lamivudine (LAM)-treated group (P = 0.009). Multivariable analyses showed that baseline HBV DNA viral load (OR = 0.75, P = 0.018), baseline ALT level (OR = 0.99, P = 0.015), and baseline HBsAg level (OR = 0.188, P < 0.001) were independent factors that affected HBsAg decline in HBeAg seropositive CHB patients. For HBeAg seronegative CHB patients, the average of serum HBsAg levels in LAM-, LdT-, adefovir (ADV)-, and entecavir (ETV)-treated groups at baseline, 52 weeks, 104 weeks, and 156 weeks were similar. Multivariable analyses showed that only baseline HBV DNA level (OR = 0.56, P = 0.020) and baseline HBsAg level (OR = 0.57, P = 0.012) were independent factors that affected HBsAg decline in HBeAg seronegative patients with CHB. Baseline HBV DNA level (OR = 0.72, P = 0.010) and baseline HBsAg level (OR = 0.19, P < 0.001) were independent factors that affected all CHB patients.

CONCLUSIONS

CHB Patients who had received NUCs antiviral treatment showed a slow but significant decrease in serum HBsAg level. Long-term monitoring and continuous antiviral treatment are necessary, especially for those patients with risk factors associated with HBsAg decline.

Association Between High Levels of Hepatitis B Core Antibody and Seroclearance of Hepatitis B e Antigen in Individuals With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

For chronic hepatitis B patients, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroclearance signals a transition from an immunologically active phase to an inactive carrier state with a reduction in hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and a reduced risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).¹ Predictors of HBeAg seroclearance include lower HBV DNA levels, viral genotype, the precore mutation, and higher serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels.².

Level of Hepatitis B (HB) Core Antibody Associates With Seroclearance of HBV DNA and HB Surface Antigen in HB e Antigen-Seronegative Patients

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Although a low level of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a marker of hepatitis B virus (HBV) seroclearance, additional biomarkers are needed for more accurate prediction. We investigated whether quantification of antibody against HBV core protein (anti-HBc) can identify patients with undetectable levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg seroclearance among those who were HBV e antigen (HBeAg)-seronegative.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of data from a community-based cohort of individuals (30-65 years old) in Taiwan who were HBsAg seropositive, anti-HCV negative, and free of cirrhosis and/or liver cancer, recruited from 1991 through 1992, and evaluated every 6-12 months until June 30, 2004. We measured levels of anti-HBc in blood samples from 2500 participants who were seronegative for HBeAg. The first date at which a sample tested negative for HBV DNA or HBsAg, and remained negative in subsequent tests, was designated as the date of spontaneous HBV DNA undetectability or HBsAg seroclearance. We calculated cumulative incidences of HBV DNA undetectability and HBsAg seroclearance; associations between level of anti-HBc and undetectability of HBV DNA or HBsAg seroclearance were estimated by Cox proportional hazard regression. The effects of time on the associations between level of anti-HBc and HBsAg seroclearance was assessed by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis.

RESULTS

After a 12-year follow-up period, higher proportions of subjects with levels of anti-HBc <3 log IU/mL had undetectable levels of HBV DNA (58%) and HBsAg seroclearance (53%) than subjects with higher levels of anti-HBc (29.6% and 19.8%, respectively) (P < .001). For subjects with levels of HBsAg <10² IU/mL and anti-HBc <3 log IU/mL, the adjusted rate ratio of HBV DNA undetectability was 16.45 (95% CI, 11.15-24.28) and of HBsAg seroclearance was 17.95 (95% CI, 12.49-25.81), compared to subjects with higher levels of HBsAg and anti-HBc. A model that included level of anti-HBc as a parameter identified subjects with HBsAg seroclearance within 10 years with an AUROC of 82%; this value was significantly higher than that from models that include only level of HBV DNA and HBsAg (P < .0001).

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective analysis of a large cohort of patients with chronic HBV infection in Taiwan, we associated levels of anti-HBc <3 log IU/mL with undetectable HBV DNA and HBsAg seroclearance occurred within 10 years; patients who also have levels of HBsAg <10² IU/mL have greater odds. Combining data on levels of HBsAg, HBV DNA, and anti-HBc is able to identify HBeAg-seronegative patients who can achieve HBsAg seroclearance with an AUROC value of 82%.

Taiwan consensus statement on the management of chronic hepatitis B

The experts of Taiwan Association for the Study of Liver (TASL) have actively participated and led the guidelines on hepatitis B virus (HBV) management by Asian Pacific Association for the Study of Liver (APASL) which is the first international association for the study of liver to publish the statement on HBV management before. However, there are more and more new data on the natural history and treatment of HBV infection in the past decade. These include new application of an old biomarker (quantitative HBsAg), clinical significance of HBV genotype and naturally occurring mutations, the role of non-invasive examination in evaluating severity of hepatic fibrosis, clinical significance of outcome calculators, new drug or new combination strategies towards more effective therapy and organ transplantation including liver and non-liver transplantation. It is time to publish the guidelines on HBV management of Taiwan. Hence, TASL have conducted an expert meeting to review, to discuss and to debate the relevant literatures, followed by draft the manuscript of HBV management guidelines and recommendations. The guidelines include general management, indications for fibrosis assessment, time to start or stop drug therapy, choice of drug to initiate therapy, when and how to monitor the patients during and after stopping drug therapy. Recommendations on the therapy of patients in special circumstances, including women in childbearing age, patients with antiviral drug resistance, concurrent viral infection, hepatic decompensation, patient receiving immune suppression or chemotherapy and patients in the setting of liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma, are also included.

Natural history of serum HBV-RNA in chronic HBV infection

Virus-like particles encapsulating HBV-RNA represent a serum biomarker for assessing viral replication activity in clinical practice. However, baseline levels of serum HBV-RNA and their associations with viral replicative intermediates and liver disease in phases of chronic hepatitis B remain unknown. In this cross-sectional study, 102 patients were categorized into immune-tolerant (IT), HBeAg-positive immune active (HBeAg+IA), inactive carrier (IC) and HBeAg-negative immune active (HBeAg-IA) phases. HBV-RNA in serum samples and in 66 paired liver biopsies were quantified and correlated with serum ALT levels, histopathological scores and the levels of other viral replicative intermediates. Mean levels of serum HBV-RNA differed among phases, with the highest levels among IT (6.78 ± 0.83 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ) patients, followed by HBeAg+IA (5.73 ± 1.16 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ), HBeAg-IA (4.52 ± 1.25 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ) and IC (2.96 ± 0.40 log₁₀ copies mL^-1 ) patients. Serum HBV-RNA levels correlated with HBV DNA in all phases, although correlations with other viral replicative intermediates weakened or disappeared when cases were stratified into phases. Distinct compositions of viral products were found among phases: the ratio of HBsAg to serum HBV-RNA was highest in IC patients, while the ratio of serum HBV-RNA to intrahepatic HBV-RNA and the ratio of intrahepatic HBV-DNA to intrahepatic HBV-RNA were significantly higher in IT patients. In conclusion, baseline levels of HBV-RNA and the composition of viral replicative intermediates differ significantly across the natural course of chronic HBV infection. These findings shed light on the nature of viral replication and pathogenesis of disease among different phases of chronic HBV infection.

Systematic review of risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance

There is no consensus about factors that increase risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with chronic hepatitis B who have achieved seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). To assess the available evidence about risk factors for HCC after HBsAg seroclearance, Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published through 15 September 2017. A total of 28 studies involving more than 105 411 patients with chronic hepatitis B were included. HBsAg seroclearance occurred spontaneously in 7656, while it occurred after interferon or nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in 1248. The rate of HBsAg seroclearance was 6.77%. Incidence of HCC was significantly lower among patients who experienced HBsAg seroclearance than among those who remained HBsAg-positive (1.86% vs 6.56%, P < .001). Risk factors of HCC occurrence included cirrhosis (incidence with vs without: 9.51% vs 1.66%), male gender (2.34% vs 0.64%) and age ≥ 50 year at HBsAg seroclearance (2.34% vs 0.63%) (all P < .001). The available evidence suggests that HCC can develop at a low rate after HBsAg seroclearance, so periodic surveillance is recommended, especially for male patients, patients with cirrhosis and patients who experience HBsAg seroclearance when at least 50 years old.

Clinical utility of hepatitis B surface antigen kinetics in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients during long-term entecavir therapy

AIM

To investigate the utility of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kinetics in chronic hepatitis B patients during long-term entecavir treatment.

METHODS

This retrospective study included treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients who received at least 2 years of consecutive entecavir treatment. Patients were followed up at three to six month intervals with liver biochemistry, hepatitis B virus DNA, and abdominal sonography. In hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients, HBeAg levels were assessed every three to six month until results became negative. Serum HBsAg levels were determined at the baseline, one-year and five-year time points. Liver cirrhosis was diagnosed through liver biopsy, imaging examinations, or clinical findings of portal hypertension. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed by histological examination or dynamic image studies.

RESULTS

A total of 211 patients were enrolled. The median treatment time was 5.24 (2.00-9.62) years. Multivariate analysis showed that lower baseline HBsAg levels were associated with an earlier virological response, earlier hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, and earlier biochemical response in HBeAg-positive patients (cut-off value: 4 log IU/mL) and an earlier virological response in HBeAg-negative non-cirrhotic patients (cut-off value: 2.4 log IU/mL). Although HBsAg levels decreased slowly during long-term entecavir treatment, higher HBsAg decrease rates were found in the first year for HBeAg-positive non-cirrhotic patients, and patients with higher baseline HBsAg levels. More favorable clinical outcomes were not observed by a rapid HBsAg decline per se, but depended on lower baseline HBsAg levels.

CONCLUSION

Baseline HBsAg can be used to predict treatment responses. HBsAg levels and decrease rates should be considered together according to disease status while interpreting HBsAg changes.

Switching to PegIFNα-2b leads to HBsAg loss in patients with low HBsAg levels and HBV DNA suppressed by NAs

Patients with low hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA suppression by nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) achieve high rate of HBsAg loss through switching to PegIFNα in pre-registration study. The aim of this study was to achieve higher rate of HBsAg loss through extended PegIFN treatment. 98 patients with HBsAg < 2,000 IU/ml and HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml were randomized to receive PegIFNα-2b or continuing NA therapy for 60 weeks. At the end of treatment (EOT) and end of follow-up (EOF), only patients who switched to PegIFNα-2b achieved HBsAg loss (32.6%) and HBsAg seroconversion (27.9% and 25.6%). Patients who switched to PegIFNα-2b also achieved higher HBeAg seroconversion rates (65.1%) and HBeAg loss (81.4% and 90.7%) than those who continued NAs treatment. On-treatment HBsAg declines predicted the responses at EOT, and HBsAg declines at post-baseline times predicted the responses at EOF. The rates of responses were not increased through extended PegIFNα treatment. For patients with low HBsAg and HBV suppression with NAs, switching to PegIFNα-2b significantly increased the rates of HBsAg loss and HBsAg seroconversion. HBsAg decline can predict the response of switching to PegIFNα-2b following from NAs.

Intensification with pegylated interferon during treatment with tenofovir in HIV-hepatitis B virus co-infected patients

In hepatitis B "e" antigen (HBeAg) positive patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) mono-infection, intensification of nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment with pegylated interferon (PegIFN) could help induce higher HBeAg seroclearance rates. Our aim was to determine the long-term effect of adding PegIFN to tenofovir (TDF)-containing antiretroviral therapy on seroclearance in HBeAg-positive patients co-infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and HBV. In this prospective matched cohort study, 46 patients with 1-year PegIFN intensification during TDF-containing antiretroviral therapy (TDF+PegIFN) were matched 1:1 to controls undergoing TDF without PegIFN (TDF) using a time-dependent propensity score based on age, CD4+ count and liver cirrhosis status. Kinetics of HBeAg quantification (qHBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen quantification (qHBsAg) were estimated using mixed-effect linear regression and time to HBeAg seroclearance or HBsAg seroclearance was modelled using proportional hazards regression. At baseline, previous TDF exposure was a median 39.8 months (IQR=21.4-59.4) and median qHBeAg and qHBsAg levels were 6.9 PEIU/mL and 3.72 log₁₀ IU/mL, respectively (P>.5 between groups). Median follow-up was 33.4 months (IQR=19.0-36.3). During intensification, faster average declines of qHBeAg (-0.066 vs -0.027 PEIU/mL/month, P=.001) and qHBsAg (-0.049 vs -0.026 log₁₀ IU/mL/month, P=.09) were observed in patients undergoing TDF+PegIFN vs TDF, respectively. After intensification, qHBeAg and qHBsAg decline was no different between groups (P=.7 and P=.9, respectively). Overall, no differences were observed in HBeAg seroclearance (TDF+PegIFN=13.2 vs TDF=12.6/100 person·years, P=.5) or HBsAg seroclearance rates (TDF+PegIFN=1.8 vs TDF=1.3/100 person·years, P=.7). In conclusion, PegIFN intensification in HBeAg-positive co-infected patients did not lead to increased rates of HBeAg or HBsAg clearance, despite faster declines of antigen levels while on PegIFN.

Quantitative maternal hepatitis B surface antigen predicts maternally transmitted hepatitis B virus infection

Despite immunoprophylaxis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission in highly viremic mothers remains a global health issue. Using quantitative maternal surface antigen (HBsAg) to predict HBV infection in infants has not been investigated. We enrolled 526 mother-infant pairs with positive maternal HBsAg under current immunoprophylaxis. Maternal viral load and quantitative HBsAg were measured in the peripartum period. Infant HBsAg seropositivity for more than 6 months was defined as chronic infection. Rates of chronic infection in infants at various maternal HBsAg levels were estimated using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results showed that maternal HBsAg was positively correlated with maternal viral load (r = 0.69; P < 0.001) and accurately predicted maternal viral load above 6, 7, and 8 log₁₀ IU/mL with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.97, 0.98, and 0.95. Nineteen infants were chronically infected. After adjustment for the other risk factor, maternal HBsAg level was significantly associated with risk of infection (adjusted odds ratio for each log₁₀ IU/mL increase, 15.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.89-57.94; P < 0.001). The AUC for predicting infection by quantitative maternal HBsAg was comparable to that by maternal viral load (0.89 vs. 0.87; P = 0.459). Estimated rates of infection at maternal HBsAg levels of 4, 4.5, and 5 log₁₀ IU/mL were 2.4% (95% CI, 0.1-4.6; P = 0.04), 8.6% (95% CI, 4.5-12.7; P < 0.001), and 26.4% (95% CI, 12.6-40.2; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Quantitative maternal HBsAg predicts infection in infants as well as maternal viral load does. Antiviral therapy may be considered in pregnant women with an HBsAg level above 4-4.5 log₁₀ IU/mL to interrupt mother-to-infant transmission. (Hepatology 2016;64:1451-1461).

The rs2296651 (S267F) variant on NTCP (SLC10A1) is inversely associated with chronic hepatitis B and progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B

OBJECTIVE

The sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), encoded by SLC10A1, was recently identified as a receptor for HBV. We assessed the association of the p.Ser267Phe variant (rs2296651) with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) serostatus, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with CHB.

DESIGN

The variant was genotyped in 3801 patients with CHB and 3801 matched hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seronegative individuals. ORs with 95% CIs for the variant's association with CHB, cirrhosis and HCC were estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

In patients with CHB, the S267F variant was observed in 515 (18.5%) controls, 40 (17.2%) cirrhosis only cases, 49 (13.2%) non-cirrhotic HCC cases, and 52 (12.7%) cirrhotic-HCC cases. After adjustment for known risk factors, S267F was significantly associated with decreased risk for cirrhosis (OR 0.65 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.86), p=0.002) and HCC (OR 0.55 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.72), p<0.001). This association persisted for non-cirrhotic and cirrhotic-HCC. Compared with patients with HBV DNA levels greater than 10(5) copies/mL who carried the GG genotype, patients who had undetectable HBV DNA and the GA or AA genotypes had a 25-fold decreased risk of developing HCC (OR 0.04 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.11), p<0.001). The AA genotype was also associated with HBsAg seronegativity (OR 0.13 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.34), p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The SLC10A1 (NTCP) S267F variant is independently associated with decreased risk of cirrhosis and HCC, and resistance to CHB infection. Together with serum HBV DNA levels, S267F may help to identify patients with CHB with very low risk of HCC.

Serum Levels of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and DNA Can Predict Inactive Carriers With Low Risk of Disease Progression

Serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA (≤2000 IU/mL) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (<1000 IU/mL) have been shown to distinguish inactive carriers with high accuracy. The goal of this study was to validate the predictability of one-time measurement of quantitative HBsAg and HBV DNA levels for inactive carrier status and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) progression in a community-based cohort. This study included 1529 participants chronically infected with HBV genotype B or C from the REVEAL-HBV cohort. They were ascertained as inactive or active CHB after 18 months of follow-up. Validity of the one-time measurement was assessed by sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic curves, while associations with clinical outcomes were calculated with Cox proportional hazards regressions. The one-time baseline measurement of HBsAg <1000 IU/mL and HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL distinguished inactive carriers from active CHB with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of 71%, 85%, 83%, 74%, and 78%, respectively. Those identified as inactive carriers using the one-time baseline measurement had multivariate adjusted hazard ratios of 0.36 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.20-0.63) and 0.36 (0.23-0.56) for hepatocellular carcinoma and liver cirrhosis, respectively, and an adjusted rate ratio of 6.97 (95% CI, 5.21-9.33) for HBsAg seroclearance. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of predicting these outcomes using the one-time definition were similar to those obtained when using long-term follow-up defined carrier status for prediction.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the predictability of a one-time combined HBsAg and HBV DNA measurement for future inactive carriers. This single-point strategy provides new and complementary information useful for management of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection. (Hepatology 2016;64:381-389).

Mutation Changes in the preC/Core Promoter in HBeAg-Positive Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B During Interferon Therapy

To study the changes in 3 mutations related with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) during interferon therapy.HBeAg seroconversion is a major therapeutic milestone for patients with HBeAg-positive CHB. The precore mutation G1896A and the basal core promoter mutations A1762T/G1764A are 3 important mutations that affect the expression of HBeAg; however, the change of these 3 mutations in CHB patients during interferon therapy has not yet been evaluated.Sixty-four treatment-naive patients with HBeAg-positive CHB were treated with interferon for 48 weeks and followed up for 24 weeks. Serum samples were collected from all of the participants at different time points and then subjected to viral DNA extraction. The precore and basal core promoter sequences were determined using nested PCR and direct sequencing. The treatment outcomes were confirmed both at the end of therapy and the follow-up period, and the results were compared between patients with mutant and wild-type virus.No significant difference in HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion was observed between patients with mutant versus wild-type virus although the portion of patients who achieved HBeAg loss/seroconversion with mutant virus was a little higher than in patients with wild-type virus. Once a mutation exists, it is not replaced with the wild-type sequence during interferon therapy and follow-up; moreover, our results show that mutants stably coexist with the wild-type virus during interferon therapy.This study shows the changes in 3 mutations affecting the expression of HBeAg during interferon therapy. However, additional studies with a larger sample size and more sensitive detection methods are needed to uncover the underlying mechanism and clinical significance of these results.

The Relationship of Diabetes and Smoking Status to Hepatocellular Carcinoma Mortality

The relationship of diabetes and smoking status to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality is not clear. We aimed to investigate the association of smoking cessation relative to diabetes status with subsequent deaths from HCC.We followed up 51,164 participants (aged 44-94 years) without chronic hepatitis B or C from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2008 enrolled from nationwide health screening units in a prospective cohort study. The primary outcomes were deaths from HCC.During the study period, there were 253 deaths from HCC. History of diabetes was associated with deaths from HCC for both total participants (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 2.97; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.08-4.23) and ever smokers with current or past smoking habits (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.10-3.34). Both never smokers (HR, 0.46; 95% CI, 0.32-0.65) and quitters (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.97) had a lower adjusted risk of HCC deaths compared with current smokers. Among all ever smokers with current or past smoking habits, as compared with diabetic smokers, only quitters without diabetes had a lower adjusted risk of HCC deaths (HR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.18-0.78). However, quitters with diabetes were observed to have a similar risk of deaths from HCC when compared with smokers with diabetes. Regarding the interaction between diabetes and smoking status on adjusted HCC-related deaths, with the exception of quitters without history of diabetes, all groups had significantly higher HRs than nondiabetic never smokers. There was also a significant multiplicative interaction between diabetes and smoking status on risk of dying from HCC (P = 0.033). We suggest clinicians should promote diabetes prevention and never smoking to associate with reduced subsequent HCC mortality even in adults without chronic viral hepatitis.