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Mimura S, Fujita K, Takuma K, Nakahara M, Oura K, Tadokoro T, Tani J, Morishita A, Ono M, Himoto T, Masaki T. Predictors of therapeutic response to peginterferon α‑2a and nucleos(t)ide analog combination therapy for HBeAg‑negative chronic hepatitis B: 1‑year follow‑up after treatment. Exp Ther Med 2023; 26:587. [PMID: 38023352 PMCID: PMC10665991 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.12286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major global health concern. Guidelines for the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) indicate that the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a key endpoint of interest. The present study aimed to examine long-term changes in HBsAg levels in HBV-DNA-negative, hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients treated with peginterferon (Peg-IFN) α-2a and nucleos(t)ide analog (NA), and to examine the conditions that make them susceptible to HBsAg decline. A total of 17 patients with CHB treated with NA and Peg-IFN were observed for 96 weeks (48 weeks of Peg-IFN therapy and 48 weeks of post-treatment follow-up). In this study, responders were defined as those with a 50% or greater decrease in HBsAg levels from baseline at week 96. Beginning at week 16 of Peg-IFN therapy, there was a significant difference in the decrease in HBsAg levels from baseline between the responders and non-responders. In responders, HBsAg levels tended to be >60% lower 16 weeks after Peg-IFN initiation than before initiation. Age at the start of NA use and the duration of NA use before Peg-IFN treatment initiation were significant pretreatment factors associated with HBsAg response. In conclusion, Peg-IFN was revealed to be more effective in HBeAg-negative patients with CHB who started NA at a young age and have been on long-term treatment, particularly if the HBsAg levels decreased to less than 60% of the starting level at week 16 after starting Peg-IFN treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Mimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kei Takuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Mai Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Takashi Himoto
- Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Takamatsu, Kagawa 761-0123, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Kita, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
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Li X, Xu L, Lu L, Liu X, Yang Y, Wu Y, Han Y, Li X, Li Y, Song X, Cao W, Li T. CD4 + T cell counts and soluble programmed death-1 at baseline correlated with hepatitis B surface antigen decline in HIV/HBV coinfection during combined antiretroviral therapy. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1178788. [PMID: 37207191 PMCID: PMC10189149 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1178788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have described the rapid decline and clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection after initiating combined antiretroviral therapy (cART). Early decline of HBsAg levels is associated with HBsAg seroclearance in the treatment of chronic HBV infection. This study aims to evaluate the HBsAg kinetics and the determinants of early HBsAg decline in patients with HIV/HBV coinfection during cART. Methods A total of 51 patients with HIV/HBV coinfection were enrolled from a previously established HIV/AIDS cohort and followed for a median of 59.5 months after cART initiation. Biochemical tests, virology and immunology assessments were measured longitudinally. The kinetics of HBsAg during cART were analyzed. Soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) levels and immune activation markers (CD38 and HLA-DR) were measured at baseline, 1-year and 3-year during treatment. HBsAg response was defined as a decline of more than 0.5 log10 IU/ml at 6 months from the baseline after initiation of cART. Results HBsAg declined faster (0.47 log10 IU/mL) in the first six months and attained a decrease of 1.39 log10 IU/mL after 5-year therapy. Seventeen (33.3%) participants achieved a decline of more than 0.5 log10 IU/ml at the first 6 months of cART(HBsAg response) of which five patients achieved HBsAg clearance at a median of 11 months (range: 6-51 months). Multivariate logistic analysis showed the lower baseline CD4+ T cell levels (OR=6.633, P=0.012) and sPD-1 level (OR=5.389, P=0.038) were independently associated with HBsAg response after cART initiation. The alanine aminotransferase abnormality rate and HLA-DR expression were significantly higher in patients who achieved HBsAg response than in those who did not achieve HBsAg response after cART initiation. Conclusion Lower CD4 + T cells, sPD-1, and immune activation were related to a rapid HBsAg decline in patients with HIV/HBV-coinfection after the initiation of cART. These findings imply that immune disorders induced by HIV infection may disrupt immune tolerance to HBV, leading to a faster decline in HBsAg levels during coinfection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Beijing Chao-yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lianfeng Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaosheng Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanni Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxia Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Song
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Taisheng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Taisheng Li,
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Ingasia LAO, Wose Kinge C, Kramvis A. Genotype E: The neglected genotype of hepatitis B virus. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1875-1891. [PMID: 35069995 PMCID: PMC8727212 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i12.1875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) (sub)genotypes A1, D3 and E circulate in sub-Saharan Africa, the region with one of the highest incidences of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma globally. Although genotype E was identified more than 20 years ago, and is the most widespread genotype in Africa, it has not been extensively studied. The current knowledge status and gaps in its origin and evolution, natural history of infection, disease progression, response to antiviral therapy and vaccination are discussed. Genotype E is an African genotype, with unique molecular characteristics that is found mainly in Western and Central Africa and rarely outside Africa except in individuals of African descent. The low prevalence of this genotype in the African descendant populations in the New World, phylogeographic analyses, the low genetic diversity and evidence of remnants of genotype E in ancient HBV samples suggests the relatively recent re-introduction into the population. There is scarcity of information on the clinical and virological characteristics of genotype E-infected patients, disease progression and outcomes and efficacy of anti-HBV drugs. Individuals infected with genotype E have been characterised with high hepatitis B e antigen-positivity and high viral load with a lower end of treatment response to interferon-alpha. A minority of genotype E-infected participants have been included in studies in which treatment response was monitored. Of concern is that current guidelines do not consider patients infected with genotype E. Thus, there is an urgent need for further large-scale investigations into genotype E, the neglected genotype of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luicer Anne Olubayo Ingasia
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Constance Wose Kinge
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa
- Department of Implementation Science, Right to Care, Johannesburg 0046, Gauteng, South Africa
| | - Anna Kramvis
- Hepatitis Virus Diversity Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg 2193, Gauteng, South Africa
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Zhang C, Yang Z, Wang Z, Dou X, Sheng Q, Li Y, Han C, Ding Y. HBV DNA and HBsAg: Early Prediction of Response to Peginterferon α-2a in HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:383-389. [PMID: 32132873 PMCID: PMC7053355 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.39775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: The proportion of hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in China has increased rapidly. However, the response of these patients to peginterferon (peg-IFN) treatment is poor, and the antiviral treatment strategies are inconsistent. This study aimed to investigate the role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in early prediction of response in HBeAg-negative CHB patients receiving peg-IFN α-2a. Patients and Methods: Treatment-naïve HBeAg-negative patients were involved in this prospective study during 2014-2018. The HBV DNA and HBsAg were quantified at baseline and during treatment (weeks 12, 24 and 48) in sera. The factors associated with HBV DNA undetectable and HBsAg <100 IU/ml at treatment 48 weeks were assessed. Results: This study involved 45 patients. There was HBV DNA undetectable in 36 cases (80%), including 19 (52.8%) with HBsAg <100 IU/ml at week 48. The HBV DNA <2.0 log10IU/ml at week 24 (PPV = 96.9%, NPV = 66.7%, P = 0.018) was an independent predictor of HBV DNA undetectable at week 48. The HBsAg <800 IU/ml at baseline (PPV = 92.1%, NPV = 69.7%, P = 0.054) and HBsAg decline >5.00-fold at week 24 (PPV = 83.3%, NPV = 77.8%, P = 0.038) were independent predictors of HBsAg <100 IU/ml and HBV DNA undetectable at week 48. Conclusion: Early on-treatment quantification of HBV DNA and HBsAg in patients with HBeAg-negative CHB treated with peg-IFN α-2a may help identify those likely to be cured by this method and optimize therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Zhengrong Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Ziyi Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Qiuju Sheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Yanwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
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5
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Clinical utility of HBV surface antigen quantification in HBV e antigen-negative chronic HBV infection. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:631-641. [PMID: 31477873 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0197-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious problem owing to its worldwide distribution and potential adverse sequelae that include cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current antiviral therapies have much improved outcomes, but few patients achieve the ultimate goal of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure). As hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic HBV infection is the final phase prior to HBsAg loss, the management of patients in this phase together with quantification of HBsAg has attracted increasing clinical and research interest. This Review integrates the findings from research in HBsAg kinetics and discusses how they might inform our understanding and management of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection. Studies have shown that HBsAg levels are highly predictive of the presence of inactive HBV infection and that serial changes in HBsAg levels might predict HBsAg loss within 1-3 years. Data also suggest that quantitative HBsAg monitoring is important during hepatitis flare and antiviral therapy, especially in the timing of the decision to stop therapy and to start off-therapy retreatment. These findings have shed new light on the natural course of HBV infection and might lead to optimization of the management of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection and contribute to the paradigm shift from indefinite to finite therapy for patients with HBV infection.
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6
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Chen Q, Zhang J, Huang J, Quan B, Wu X, Deng S, Han W. Early Serum HBsAg Drop Is a Strong Predictor of HBeAg Seroconversion and HBsAg Loss to Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Prior Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Exposure. Med Sci Monit 2019; 25:4665-4674. [PMID: 31230063 PMCID: PMC6604672 DOI: 10.12659/msm.916441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High rates of HBeAg and/or HBsAg seroconversion or clearance have been achieved in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving pegylated interferon (pegIFN) in addition to ongoing nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) treatment. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate HBsAg kinetics to predict HBeAg seroconversion and HBsAg clearance in these patients. Material/Methods A total of 33 HBeAg-positive and 17 HBeAg-negative patients were enrolled between January 2010 and January 2018. At the end of pegIFN treatment, 9 of 50 patients achieved HBsAg clearance, and 9 of 33 HBeAg-positive patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion. Results The cutoff value of 0.41 log10 IU/mL in HBsAg decline at week 12 had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 58.3% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.6% for HBsAg clearance. The cutoff value of 1.94 log10 IU/mL in HBsAg decline at week 24 had a PPV of 80.0% and an NPV of 97.5% for HBsAg clearance. The cutoff value of 0.47 log10 IU/mL in HBsAg decline at week 12 had a PPV of 83.3% and an NPV of 85.2% for HBeAg seroconversion. The cutoff value of 1.29 log10 IU/mL in in HBsAg decline at week 24 had a PPV of 85.7% and an NPV of 88.5% for HBeAg seroconversion. Conclusions Early HBsAg drop has a high predictive value for HBsAg clearance and HBeAg seroconversion in patients who were treated with combination therapy of pegIFN and NUCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Chen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wanan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Jun Zhang
- Clinical Blood Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wanan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Jianjun Huang
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wanan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Bin Quan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wanan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoxin Wu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China (mainland)
| | - Shengming Deng
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China (mainland)
| | - Wenzheng Han
- Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wanan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China (mainland)
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7
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Boglione L, Lupia T, Cariti G, Ghisetti V, Milia MG, Burdino E, Di Perri G. Antiviral treatment with pegylated interferon and clinical outcomes in a cohort of immigrants patients affected by hepatitis delta: A retrospective analysis. J Med Virol 2019; 91:1329-1334. [PMID: 30794324 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) is the most severe chronic hepatitis, with no satisfactory treatment options and severe clinical outcomes. This infection is frequent in the migrant subjects from endemic areas, especially from Africa and East-Europe. The pegylated (PEG)-interferon α (IFN) is limited by side effects and poor response. In this retrospective analysis, we reported our experience of treatment with PEG-IFN in a cohort of immigrant patients affected by CHD. We evaluated the virological responses are as follows: complete response (CR; clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen [HBsAg] and hepatitis D virus [HDV]-RNA), partial response (PR; HBsAg clearance with HDV-RNA+), and null response (NR; HBsAg and HDV-RNA+). Clinical outcomes were clinical stabilization, disease progression, hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), death, and liver transplantation. Forty-six patients were included. At the end of treatment (ET), 11 patients gained a CR (23.9%), 10 were PR (21.7%), and 16 were NR (34.8%). After 1 year, 10 remained with CR (21.7%), after 2 years, 9 (19.5%), and at 3 years, 8 (17.4%). Relapse rate was 2.2%, 4.4%, and 6.5% at year 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Favorable factors were CR at the ET (odds ratio [OR] = 4.559, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.219-7.116; P = 0.003), PEG-IFN course greater than 1 (OR = 1.240, 95% CI: 0.998-4.839; P = 0.012), prolonged treatment (OR = 1.276, 95% CI: 0.816-3.108; P = 0.018), quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) decline at 12 weeks greater than 0.5 log IU/mL (OR = 4.816, 95% CI: 2.190-8.194; P < 0.001). The unfavorable factors were cirrhosis (OR = 3.122, 95% CI: 1.466-4.190; P = 0.012), active hepatitis B virus (OR = 2.334, 95% CI: 1.788-3.992; P = 0.018), NR at ET (OR = 6.998, 95% CI: 5.987-11.404; P < 0001). Treatment of CHD is limited by poor virological response; is NR unfavorable outcomes were unavoidable. No other treatment options were available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Boglione
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Tommaso Lupia
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cariti
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Ghisetti
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Milia
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Burdino
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Virology, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Viral Biomarkers in Chronic HBeAg Negative HBV Infection. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9100469. [PMID: 30262738 PMCID: PMC6210948 DOI: 10.3390/genes9100469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral biomarkers are important tools for monitoring chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg) negative infection, both in its natural course as well as during and after treatment. The biomarkers consist of antibodies against viral epitopes, viral proteins, and molecular surrogate markers of the quantity and transcriptional activity of the stable episomal HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) which is located in the nuclei of the infected hepatocytes. HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or else viral load measurement in plasma or serum is a marker of HBV replication of major clinical importance. HBV DNA is used for staging and treatment monitoring as described in international scientific guidelines. Quantification of HBV antigens, mainly hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) as well as Hepatitis B core related antigen (HBcrAg), play an important yet secondary role, especially in cases of low or undetectable HBV DNA and has been evaluated for the classification of the inactive carrier state, as a predictor of subsequent HBsAg clearance, treatment outcome, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The measurement of the replicative intermediate HBV RNA in serum is currently evaluated and may also prove to be a significant biomarker particularly in patients treated with nucleot(s)ide analogs. This review focuses on the viral biomarkers mentioned above and their role in HBV, HBeAg negative, infection.
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9
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Cannizzo ES, Tincati C, Binda F, Ronzi P, Cazzaniga FA, Antinori S, d'Arminio Monforte A, Marchetti G, Milazzo L. Unconventional T cells in chronic hepatitis B patients on long-term suppressive therapy with tenofovir followed by a Peg-IFN add-on strategy: A randomized study. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:381-390. [PMID: 29091327 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
HBV eradication in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) subjects is rarely achieved with either nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) or pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN), which both have a limited effect in restoring immune responses. Thirty CHB subjects on long-term treatment with tenofovir (TDF) and HBV suppression were enrolled and randomized 1:2 to either receive Peg-IFN-α-2a add-on therapy or continue TDF alone. We studied γδ T and iNKT frequency and function (by flow cytometry) at baseline, at 12 weeks and 12 weeks after the end of treatment. A higher reduction in qHBsAg occurred in the add-on group compared with the NA group at W12 (P = .016) and at W24 (P = .012). A decline of qHBsAg ≥0.5 log10 at week 24 occurred in 4 of 10 patients in the add-on arm and 1 of 20 in the NA arm, respectively (P = .03). HBsAg loss was seen in 20% of subjects in the add-on group and in none of the NA group. Compared to HBV negative, CHB on TDF showed lower frequency of iNKT (P = .03) and γδ T cells (P = .03) as well as fewer γδ T cells expressing Vδ2 T-cell receptors (P = .005). No changes in unconventional T-cell frequency and function were shown in both add-on and NA patients nor were differences detected between the two treatment groups. We report persistent impairment of unconventional T cells in CHB. Despite a greater qHBsAg decline of add-on patients, our data failed to detect any effect of Peg-IFN treatment on unconventional T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- E S Cannizzo
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - C Tincati
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - F Binda
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Luigi Sacco, III Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - P Ronzi
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Luigi Sacco, III Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - F A Cazzaniga
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - S Antinori
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Luigi Sacco, III Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A d'Arminio Monforte
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - G Marchetti
- Department of Health Sciences, Clinic of Infectious Diseases, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L Milazzo
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences Luigi Sacco, III Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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10
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Boglione L, Cariti G, Ghisetti V, Burdino E, Di Perri G. Extended duration of treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a in patients with chronic hepatitis B, HBeAg-negative and E genotype: A retrospective analysis. J Med Virol 2018; 90:1047-1052. [PMID: 29384201 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
An alternative approach in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with pegylated (PEG)-interferon (IFN) is the prolonged course to 96 weeks of therapy, with higher sustained response (SR) than patients treated for 48 weeks. This result was confirmed in patients with CHB and D genotype, while no data are currently available about the prolonged course of PEG-IFN in E genotype. This retrospective analysis reported the role of different treatment duration of PEG-IFN on the SR in patients affected by CHB and E genotype. A total of 86 subjects with CHB and E genotype were considered in this analysis; different treatment durations were: 48 weeks (control group, 41 patients), 72 weeks (25 patients), and 96 weeks (19 patients). Treatment effectiveness was evaluated with sustained response (SR) and serological response. SR was significantly higher in patients who underwent PEG-IFN for 96 weeks in comparison to 48 weeks: 14.6% versus 26.3% (P = 0.016). HBsAg loss rate was 5.3% in patients treated for 96 weeks and 2.4% in the control group. In the multivariate analysis only the 72 and 96 weeks of therapy (OR 2.335, 95% CI 1.550-4.578; P = 0.020 and (OR 3.890, 95% CI 1.991-10.961; P = 0003) were predictive of SR. The extended duration of PEG-IFN course in patients with CHB and genotype E is a promising approach to increase the SR and HBsAg clearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Boglione
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cariti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Valeria Ghisetti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elisa Burdino
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Department of Medical Sciences, Unit of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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