1
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Li G, Liu X, Lu F. What is the real sword of HBV precore and basal core promoter mutations piercing the hepatocyte homeostasis: HBcAg or HBsAg? J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29745. [PMID: 38884414 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Guixin Li
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Infectious Disease and Hepatology Center of Peking University People's Hospital,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Infectious Disease and Hepatology Center of Peking University People's Hospital,Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, China
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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2
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Le Guillou-Guillemette H, Pivert A, ElBara A, Vall M, Sang CNW, Veillon P, Ducancelle A, Bollahi MA, Mohamed MS, Lunel-Fabiani F. Prevalence, clinical and virological characteristics and short-term prognosis of hepatitis delta infection among patients with HIV/HBV in Nouakchott, Mauritania. J Viral Hepat 2024. [PMID: 38771311 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Patients living with HIV infection (PLWH) are at risk of acquiring HBV and HDV. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence and characteristics of HIV-HDV-HBV tri-infection in comparison with HIV-HBV coinfection and to estimate severities and outcomes of associated liver diseases in Mauritanian PLWH. Two-hundred-ninety-two consecutive HBsAg-positive PLWH were included (mean age: 37 years). Clinical data were recorded. Anti-HDV antibodies, HBV and HDV viral loads (VLs) and genotype were determined. APRI, FIB-4 and FibroScan were performed to evaluate the severity of liver disease. The anti-HDV antibodies prevalence was 37% and HDV RNA was positive in 40.7% of patients. Genetic diversities were found with HDV genotype 1 (93%) and HBV genotypes D (42.5%) and E (38%). The HBV VL was detectable in 108 patients at inclusion, and mutations associated with HBV resistance were found in 20. For almost all variables studied, including FIB-4 and APRI scores, no significant differences were found between anti-HDV-Ab positive or negative patients. FibroScan examination, which was performed in 110 patients at end-of-follow-up showed higher, but NS values, in HDV positive patients. After a mean follow-up of 24.55 ± 8.01 months (n = 217 patients), a highly significant worsening of APRI and FIB-4 scores was found. Moreover, patients with HDV showed more severe liver disease progression despite an efficient therapy. In a substantial Mauritanian cohort of relatively young PLWH, we found high HDV prevalence and worsening liver disease. In high-risk countries, screening for HDV and providing appropriate follow-up and treatments are warranted in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Le Guillou-Guillemette
- Virology Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- HIFIH Laboratory EA 3859, Angers University, Angers, France
| | - Adeline Pivert
- Virology Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- HIFIH Laboratory EA 3859, Angers University, Angers, France
| | | | | | | | - Pascal Veillon
- Virology Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
| | - Alexandra Ducancelle
- Virology Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- HIFIH Laboratory EA 3859, Angers University, Angers, France
| | | | | | - Françoise Lunel-Fabiani
- Virology Department, Angers University Hospital, Angers, France
- HIFIH Laboratory EA 3859, Angers University, Angers, France
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3
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Wang L, Wang J, Zhao K, Jiang L, Zhang X, Zhao J, Li J, Lu F. The Relationship between Viral Replication and the Severity of Hepatic Necroinflammatory Damage Changed before HBeAg Loss in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:381-388. [PMID: 38638381 PMCID: PMC11022060 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Disease progression of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is driven by the interactions between viral replication and the host immune response against the infection. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between HBV replication and hepatic inflammation during disease progression. Methods Two cross-sectional, one validation cohort, and meta-analyses were used to explore the relationship between HBV replication and liver inflammation. Spearman analysis, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression were used to explore the relationship between variables. Results In the cross-sectional cohorts A and B including 1,350 chronic hepatitis B patients, Spearman analysis revealed a negative relationship between HBV replication (such as HBV DNA) and liver inflammation (such as ALT) in HBeAg-positive patients with higher HBV DNA >2×106 IU/mL (rho=-0.160 and -0.042) which turned to be positive in HBeAg-positive patients with HBV DNA ≤2×106 IU/mL (rho=0.278 and 0.260) and HBeAg-negative patients (rho=0.450 and 0.363). After adjustment for sex, age, and anti-HBe, results from logistic regression and multiple linear regression showed the opposite relationship still existed in HBeAg-positive patients with different DNA levels; the opposite relationship in HBeAg-positive patients with different DNA levels was validated in a third cohort; the opposite relationship in patients with different HBeAg status was partially confirmed by meta-analysis (overall R: -0.004 vs 0.481). Conclusions These results suggested a negative relationship between viral replication and liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with high HBV DNA, which changed to a positive relationship for those HBeAg-positive patients with DNA less than 2×106 IU/mL and HBeAg-negative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leijie Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kunyu Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Lina Jiang
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingming Zhao
- Department of Pathology and Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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4
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Hou L, Zhao J, Cai L, Jin L, Liu B, Li S, Yang J, Ji T, Li S, Shi L, Shen B, Yu H, Wang Y, Cai X. HBV PreC interacts with SUV39H1 to induce viral replication by blocking the proteasomal degradation of viral polymerase. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29607. [PMID: 38628076 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seropositivity during the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is known to coincide with significant increases in serum and intrahepatic HBV DNA levels. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we found that PreC (HBeAg precursor) genetic ablation leads to reduced viral replication both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PreC impedes the proteasomal degradation of HBV polymerase, promoting viral replication. We discovered that PreC interacts with SUV39H1, a histone methyltransferase, resulting in a reduction in the expression of Cdt2, an adaptor protein of CRL4 E3 ligase targeting HBV polymerase. SUV39H1 induces H3K9 trimethylation of the Cdt2 promoter in a PreC-induced manner. CRISPR-mediated knockout of endogenous SUV39H1 or pharmaceutical inhibition of SUV39H1 decreases HBV loads in the mouse liver. Additionally, genetic depletion of Cdt2 in the mouse liver abrogates PreC-related HBV replication. Interestingly, a negative correlation of intrahepatic Cdt2 with serum HBeAg and HBV DNA load was observed in CHB patient samples. Our study thus sheds light on the mechanistic role of PreC in inducing HBV replication and identifies potential therapeutic targets for HBV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidan Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liuxin Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ling Jin
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Boqiang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songyi Li
- Animal Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liang Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bo Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiujun Cai
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Province Medical Research Center of Minimally Invasive Diagnosis and Treatment of Abdominal Diseases, Hangzhou, China
- National Engineering Research Center of Innovation and Application of Minimally Invasive Instruments, Hangzhou, China
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5
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Li G, Yang D, Liu X, Zhang T, Liu H, Zou J, Xu Z, Chen X, Dai L, Chen H, Lu F. Precore mutation enhances viral replication to facilitate persistent infection especially in HBeAg-negative patients. Virol Sin 2024; 39:319-330. [PMID: 38492851 PMCID: PMC11074699 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Naturally occurred precore (PC, G1896A) and/or basal core promoter (BCP, A1762T/G1764A) mutations are prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients, especially those under HBeAg-negative status. However, the replicative capacity of HBV with PC/BCP mutations remains ambiguous. Herein, meta-analysis showed that, only under HBeAg-negative status, the serum HBV DNA load in patients with PC mutation was 7.41-fold higher than those without the mutation. Both PC mutation alone and BCP + PC mutations promoted HBV replication in cell and hydrodynamic injection mouse models. In human hepatocyte chimeric mouse model, BCP + PC mutations led to elevated replicative capacity and intrahepatic core protein accumulation. Mechanistically, preC RNA harboring PC mutation could serve as mRNA to express core and P proteins, and such pgRNA-like function favored the maintenance of cccDNA pool under HBeAg-negative status. Additionally, BCP + PC mutations induced more extensive and severe human hepatocyte damage as well as activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and TNF signaling pathway in livers of chimeric mice. This study indicates that HBeAg-negative patients should be monitored on HBV mutations regularly and are expected to receive early antiviral treatment to prevent disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guixin Li
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Danli Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, 18901, USA
| | - Jun Zou
- Shenzhen Sanyuansheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518000, China
| | - Zimeng Xu
- Precision Medicine Center of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Lizhong Dai
- Peking University-Sansure Biotech Joint Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Sansure Biotech Co., Ltd, Changsha, 410205, China.
| | - Hongsong Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, 100044, China.
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing International Cooperation Base for Science and Technology on NAFLD Diagnosis, Beijing, 100044, China; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
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Reuter T, Gomes-Gouvea MS, Chuffi S, Duque UH, Perini W, Azevedo RS, Pinho JRR. Core Promoter and Pre-Core Variants of the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Are Frequent in Chronic Hepatitis B HBeAg-Negative Patients Infected by Genotypes A and D. Viruses 2023; 15:2339. [PMID: 38140580 PMCID: PMC10746983 DOI: 10.3390/v15122339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, hepatitis B virus endemicity is low, moderate, or high in some areas, such as Espírito Santo State in the southeast region. In this study, we intend to characterize the basal core promoter (BCP) and pre-core region (PC) variants and their association with clinical/epidemiological disease patterns in patients infected with genotypes A and D. The study included 116 chronic hepatitis B patients from Espírito Santo State, Southeast Brazil, infected with genotypes A and D. Basal core promoter (BCP) and pre-core mutations were analyzed in these patients. The frequency of BCP and PC mutations was compared with age, HBeAg status, HBV genotype and subgenotype, HBV-DNA level, clinical classification, and transmission route. HBeAg-negative status was found in 101 (87.1%) patients: 87 (75.0%) were infected with genotype A (A1 = 85; A2 = 2) and 29 (25.0%) were infected with genotype D (D3 = 24; D4 = 3; D2 = 2). BCP + PC variants altogether were more frequent (48.1%) in genotype D than in genotype A strains (6.0%) (p < 0.001). When this evaluation was performed considering the cases that presented only the A1762T and/or G1764A (BCP) mutations, it was observed that the frequency was higher in genotype A (67.5%) compared to genotype D (7.4%) (p < 0.001). On the other hand, considering the samples with mutations only in positions G1896A and/or G1899A (PC), the frequency was higher in genotype D (75.8%) than in genotype A (6.9%) (p < 0.001). Interestingly, HBV DNA was lower than 2000 IU/mL especially when both BCP/PC mutations were present (p < 0.001) or when only PC mutations were detected (p = 0.047), reinforcing their role in viral replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Reuter
- Internal Medicine Department, Health Science Center, University Hospital Cassiano Antônio de Moraes, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória 29041-295, ES, Brazil; (U.H.D.); (W.P.)
- LIM-07, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05403-907, SP, Brazil; (M.S.G.-G.); (S.C.); (J.R.R.P.)
| | - Michele Soares Gomes-Gouvea
- LIM-07, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05403-907, SP, Brazil; (M.S.G.-G.); (S.C.); (J.R.R.P.)
| | - Samira Chuffi
- LIM-07, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05403-907, SP, Brazil; (M.S.G.-G.); (S.C.); (J.R.R.P.)
| | - Ulisses Horst Duque
- Internal Medicine Department, Health Science Center, University Hospital Cassiano Antônio de Moraes, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória 29041-295, ES, Brazil; (U.H.D.); (W.P.)
| | - Waltesia Perini
- Internal Medicine Department, Health Science Center, University Hospital Cassiano Antônio de Moraes, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitória 29041-295, ES, Brazil; (U.H.D.); (W.P.)
| | - Raymundo Soares Azevedo
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 01246-903, SP, Brazil;
| | - João Renato Rebello Pinho
- LIM-07, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05403-907, SP, Brazil; (M.S.G.-G.); (S.C.); (J.R.R.P.)
- Clinical Laboratory, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, SP, Brazil
- LIM-03, Central Laboratories Division, Clinics Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo 05403-000, SP, Brazil
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7
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Yang D, Zou J, Guan G, Feng X, Zhang T, Li G, Liu H, Zheng H, Xi J, Yu G, Dai L, Lu F, Chen X. The A1762T/G1764A mutations enhance HBV replication by alternating viral transcriptome. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29129. [PMID: 37772469 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The A1762T/G1764A mutations, one of the most common mutations in the hepatitis B virus basal core promoter, are associated with the progression of chronic HBV infection. However, effects of these mutations on HBV replication remains controversial. This study aimed to systematically investigate the effect of the mutations on HBV replication and its underlying mechanisms. Using the prcccDNA/pCMV-Cre recombinant plasmid system, a prcccDNA-A1762T/G1764A mutant plasmid was constructed. Compared with wild-type HBV, A1762T/G1764A mutant HBV showed enhanced replication ability with higher secreted HBV DNA and RNA levels, while Southern and Northern blot indicated higher intracellular levels of relaxed circular DNA, single-stranded DNA, and 3.5 kb RNA. Meanwhile, the mutations increased expression of intracellular core protein and decreased the production of HBeAg and HBsAg. In vitro infection based on HepG2-NTCP cells and mice hydrodynamic injection experiment also proved that these mutations promote HBV replication. 5'-RACE assays showed that these mutations upregulated transcription of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) while downregulating that of preC RNA, which was further confirmed by full-length transcriptome sequencing. Moreover, a proportion of sub-pgRNAs with the potential to express polymerase were also upregulated by these mutations. The ChIP-qPCR assay showed that A1762T/G1764A mutations created a functional HNF1α binding site in the BCP region, and its overexpression enhanced the effect of A1762T/G1764A mutations on HBV. Our findings revealed the mechanism and importance of A1762T/G1764A mutations as an indicator for management of CHB patients, and provided HNF1α as a new target for curing HBV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danli Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Research and Development Center, Shenzhen Sanyuansheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyu Feng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Guixin Li
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiling Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Xi
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Guangxin Yu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lizhong Dai
- Peking University-Sansure Biotech Joint Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Sansure Biotech Co., LTD, Changsha, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
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8
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Feld JJ, Wahed AS, Fried M, Ghany MG, Di Bisceglie AM, Perrillo RP, Khalili M, Yang X, Belle SH, Janssen HL, Terrault N, Lok AS. Withdrawal of Long-Term Nucleotide Analog Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B: Outcomes From the Withdrawal Phase of the HBRN Immune Active Treatment Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1226-1236. [PMID: 36728214 PMCID: PMC10298187 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Withdrawal of nucleos(t)ide analog therapy is increasingly being evaluated in chronic hepatitis B infection as a strategy to induce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. The Hepatitis B Research Network Immune-Active Trial evaluated treatment with tenofovir (TDF) for 4 years ± an initial 6 months of peginterferon-α (PegIFN) (NCT01369212) after which treatment was withdrawn. METHODS Eligible participants (hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-/anti-HBe+, hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA <10 3 IU/mL, no cirrhosis) who discontinued TDF were followed for at least 1 year with optional follow-up thereafter. Retreatment was based on predefined criteria. RESULTS Among 201 participants who received 4 years of treatment, 97 participants (45 TDF and 52 TDF + PegIFN arm, 79 Asian) discontinued TDF. HBsAg loss occurred in 5 participants, 2 within 25 weeks and 3 within 89-119 weeks postwithdrawal (cumulative rate 4.3% by 2 years). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares (>5× upper limit of normal) after TDF withdrawal occurred in 36 (37.1%) participants and occurred more frequently and earlier in those HBeAg- compared with HBeAg+ at treatment initiation. ALT flares were associated with older age and higher HBV DNA pretreatment and at the visit before the flare. ALT flares were not significantly associated with HBsAg decline or loss but were associated with immune active disease at 1 year (70.6% vs 11.9%, P < 0.0001) and 2 years (66.7% vs 25.9%, P = 0.03) postwithdrawal. Treatment reinitiation was required in 13 (13.4%) participants, and 13 others remained in a sustained inactive carrier state by the end of the study follow-up. No criteria reliably predicted safe treatment withdrawal. DISCUSSION Results from this trial do not support TDF withdrawal as a therapeutic strategy. HBsAg loss was infrequent within 2 years of stopping long-term TDF. If withdrawal is considered, HBV DNA should be carefully monitored with reinitiation of therapy if levels rise above 4 log 10 IU/mL to reduce the risk of ALT flares, as they were not associated with subsequent HBsAg decline or loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Abdus S. Wahed
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Fried
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marc G. Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian M. Di Bisceglie
- Department of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert P. Perrillo
- Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mandana Khalili
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven H. Belle
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harry L.A. Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Norah Terrault
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anna S. Lok
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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9
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Feld JJ, King WC, Ghany MG, Chang KM, Terrault N, Perrillo RP, Khalili M, Hinerman AS, Janssen HLA, Lok AS. Characteristics of Older Patients With Immunotolerant Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:1503-1512.e4. [PMID: 35843468 PMCID: PMC10363409 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Most patients in the immunotolerant (IT) phase of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) transition to the immune active (IA-hepatitis B surface antigen [HBeAg]+) phase by early adulthood. We examined characteristics of adults in the IT vs IA-HBeAg+ phase and rate of transition from IT to other phases of CHB, with a focus on those ≥40 years. METHODS Demographic, clinical, and virologic characteristics of participants in the Hepatitis B Research Network adult cohort study with IT CHB (alanine aminotransferase ≤1.5 × upper limit of normal, hepatitis B virus DNA >107 IU/mL) were compared by age category, and to those with IA-HBeAg+ CHB in cross-sectional analysis. This study received institutional review board approval at all participating centers. RESULTS Of 107 adult IT participants, 52 (48%) were <30, 33 (31%) were 30 to 39, and 22 (21%) were ≥40 years old (maximum, 71 years). Among IT groups, the proportion born in Asia and duration of CHB were greater in older IT groups, but virologic and liver disease characteristics were similar. Compared with IA-HBeAg+ participants (n = 192), IT participants were younger, fewer were men, more were Asian, and platelets, qHBsAg, and qHBeAg levels were higher. Similar differences were observed when comparisons were made with the ≥40 years IT group. Among IT participants, 60 (56%) transitioned during 206 person-years of follow-up. The phase transition rate per 100 person-years was highest in the <30 years group (33.0 [95% confidence interval [CI], 23.4-46.7]) vs the 30 to 39 years group (24.8 [95% CI, 15.6-39.4]) and ≥40 group (27.4 [95% CI, 14.8-50.9]), but 95% CIs overlapped. CONCLUSIONS In a large North American population, over 50% of adults in the IT phase of CHB were ≥30 years and 20% were ≥40 years old, but older IT patients had similar characteristics and rates of transition as younger IT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Wendy C King
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and the Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VAMC, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Norah Terrault
- University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Mandana Khalili
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Amanda S Hinerman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Harry LA Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna S Lok
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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10
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem, with an estimated 296 million people chronically infected and 820 000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Diagnosis of HBV infection requires serological testing for HBsAg and for acute infection additional testing for IgM hepatitis B core antibody (IgM anti-HBc, for the window period when neither HBsAg nor anti-HBs is detected). Assessment of HBV replication status to guide treatment decisions involves testing for HBV DNA, whereas assessment of liver disease activity and staging is mainly based on aminotransferases, platelet count, and elastography. Universal infant immunisation, including birth dose vaccination is the most effective means to prevent chronic HBV infection. Two vaccines with improved immunogenicity have recently been approved for adults in the USA and EU, with availability expected to expand. Current therapies, pegylated interferon, and nucleos(t)ide analogues can prevent development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but do not eradicate the virus and rarely clear HBsAg. Treatment is recommended for patients with cirrhosis or with high HBV DNA levels and active or advanced liver disease. New antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies aiming to achieve functional cure (ie, clearance of HBsAg) are in clinical development. Improved vaccination coverage, increased screening, diagnosis and linkage to care, development of curative therapies, and removal of stigma are important in achieving WHO's goal of eliminating HBV infection by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna S F Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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11
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Relevance of HBx for Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054964. [PMID: 36902395 PMCID: PMC10003785 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) counts as a major global health problem, as it presents a significant causative factor for liver-related morbidity and mortality. The development of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) as a characteristic of a persistent, chronic infection could be caused, among others, by the pleiotropic function of the viral regulatory protein HBx. The latter is known to modulate an onset of cellular and viral signaling processes with emerging influence in liver pathogenesis. However, the flexible and multifunctional nature of HBx impedes the fundamental understanding of related mechanisms and the development of associated diseases, and has even led to partial controversial results in the past. Based on the cellular distribution of HBx-nuclear-, cytoplasmic- or mitochondria-associated-this review encompasses the current knowledge and previous investigations of HBx in context of cellular signaling pathways and HBV-associated pathogenesis. In addition, particular focus is set on the clinical relevance and potential novel therapeutic applications in the context of HBx.
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12
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Yang D, Zou J, Wang L, Chen X, Lu F. Letter to the editor: HBeAg expression suppressing/abolishing mutation elevated HBV DNA level in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic HBV infection. Hepatology 2022; 76:E69-E70. [PMID: 35383987 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Danli Yang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zou
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Leijie Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China.,Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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13
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Terrault NA, Wahed AS, Feld JJ, Cooper SL, Ghany MG, Lisker-Melman M, Perrillo R, Sterling RK, Khalili M, Chung RT, Rosenthal P, Fontana RJ, Sarowar A, Lau DTY, Wang J, Lok AS, Janssen HLA. Incidence and prediction of HBsAg seroclearance in a prospective multi-ethnic HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B cohort. Hepatology 2022; 75:709-723. [PMID: 34743343 PMCID: PMC8943823 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Achieving HBsAg loss is an important landmark in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A more personalized approach to prediction of HBsAg loss is relevant in counseling patients. This study sought to develop and validate a prediction model for HBsAg loss based on quantitative HBsAg levels (qHBsAg) and other baseline characteristics. METHODS The Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN) is a prospective cohort including 1240 untreated HBeAg-negative patients (1150 adults, 90 children) with median follow-up of 5.5 years. Incidence rates of HBsAg loss and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) acquisition were determined, and a predictor score of HBsAg loss using readily available variables was developed and externally validated. RESULTS Crude incidence rates of HBsAg loss and anti-HBs acquisition were 1.6 and 1.1 per 100 person-years (PY); 67 achieved sustained HBsAg loss for an incidence rate of 1.2 per 100 PY. Increased HBsAg loss was significantly associated with older age, non-Asian race, HBV phenotype (inactive CHB vs. others), HBV genotype A, lower HBV-DNA levels, and lower and greater change in qHBsAg. The HBRN-SQuARe (sex,∆quantHBsAg, age, race) score predicted HBsAg loss over time with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) (95% CIs) at 1 and 3 years of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.987-1.00) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.91-1.00), respectively. In validation in another cohort of 1253 HBeAg-negative patients with median follow-up of 3.1 years, HBRN SQuARe predicted HBsAg loss at 1 and 3 years with AUROC values of 0.99 (0.98-1.00) and 0.88 (0.77-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSION HBsAg loss in predominantly untreated patients with HBeAg-negative CHB can be accurately predicted over a 3-year horizon using a simple validated score (HBRN SQuARe). This prognostication tool can be used to support patient care and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- NA Terrault
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Division, Keck Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - AS Wahed
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - JJ Feld
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - SL Cooper
- San Francisco Center for Liver Disease, California Pacific Medical & Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - MG Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - M Lisker-Melman
- Washington University School of Medicine and John Cochran VA Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - R Perrillo
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - RK Sterling
- Section of Hepatology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - M Khalili
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - RT Chung
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - RJ Fontana
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - A Sarowar
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - DTY Lau
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - AS Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - HLA Janssen
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Lee WM, King WC, Janssen HL, Ghany MG, Fontana RJ, Fried M, Sterling RK, Feld JJ, Wang J, Mogul DB, Cooper SL, Di Bisceglie AM. Hepatitis B e antigen loss in adults and children with chronic hepatitis B living in North America: A prospective cohort study. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1526-1538. [PMID: 34355475 PMCID: PMC8622507 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) is a soluble viral protein in plasma of patients with hepatitis B virus infection. HBeAg loss is an important first stage of viral antigen clearance. We determined the rate and predictors of HBeAg loss in a North American cohort with chronic hepatitis B viral infection (CHB). Among children and adults with CHB and without HIV, HCV or HDV co-infection enrolled in the Hepatitis B Research Network prospective cohort studies, 819 were HBeAg positive at their first assessment (treatment naïve or >24 weeks since treatment). Of these, 577 (200 children, 377 adults) were followed every 24-48 weeks. HBeAg loss was defined as first HBeAg-negative value; sustained HBeAg loss was defined as ≥2 consecutive HBeAg-negative values ≥24 weeks apart. During a median follow-up of 1.8 years, 164 participants experienced HBeAg loss, a rate of 11.4 (95% CI, 9.8-13.3) per 100 person-years. After adjustment for confounders, HBeAg loss rate was significantly higher in males than females, in older than younger individuals, in Whites or Blacks than Asians, in those with genotype A2 or B versus C, and in those with basal core promoter/pre-core mutations versus wild type. Additionally, during follow-up, an ALT flare and a lower quantitative HBsAg, quantitative HBeAg or HBV DNA level predicted higher rates of HBeAg loss. The majority (88%) with HBeAg loss had sustained HBeAg loss. In conclusion, a number of specific demographic, clinical and viral characteristics impacted rate of HBeAg loss and may prove useful in design and interpretation of future therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy C. King
- Graduate School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Harry L.A. Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Richard K. Sterling
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto
| | - Junyao Wang
- Graduate School of Public Health University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Stewart L. Cooper
- California Pacific Medical Center & Research Institute, San Francisco, CA
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15
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Hayashi S, Nagaoka K, Tanaka Y. Blood-Based Biomarkers in Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Including the Viral Genome and Glycosylated Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011051. [PMID: 34681709 PMCID: PMC8540379 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and is a global public health issue. High performance biomarkers can aid the early detection of HCC development in HBV-infected individuals. In addition, advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis of HBV infection and in clinical laboratory techniques have enabled the establishment of disease-specific tests, prediction of the progression of liver diseases, including HCC, and auxiliary diagnosis of HCC, using blood-based methods instead of biopsies of liver or HCC tissues. Viral factors such as the HBV genotype, HBV genetic mutations, HBV DNA, and HBV-related antigens, as well as host factors, such as tumor-associated proteins and post-translational modifications, especially glycosylated proteins, can be blood-based, disease-specific biomarkers for HCC development in HBV-infected patients. In this review, we describe the clinical applications of viral biomarkers, including the HBV genome and glycosylated proteins, for patients at a risk of HBV-related HCC, based on their molecular mechanisms. In addition, we introduce promising biomarker candidates for practical use, including colony stimulating factor 1 receptor (CSF1R), extracellular vesicles, and cell-free, circulating tumor DNA. The clinical use of such surrogate markers may lead to a better understanding of the risk of disease progression and early detection of HCC in HBV-infected patients, thereby improving their prognosis.
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