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Schollmeier A, Basic M, Glitscher M, Hildt E. The impact of HBx protein on mitochondrial dynamics and associated signaling pathways strongly depends on the hepatitis B virus genotype. J Virol 2024; 98:e0042424. [PMID: 38629837 PMCID: PMC11092329 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00424-24] [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: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections are strongly associated with liver cirrhosis, inflammation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this context, the viral HBx protein is considered as a major factor influencing HBV-associated pathogenesis through deregulation of multiple cellular signaling pathways and is therefore a potential target for prognostic and therapeutic applications. However, HBV-associated pathogenesis differs significantly between genotypes, with the relevant factors and in particular the contribution of the genetic diversity of HBx being largely unknown. To address this question, we studied the specific genotype-dependent impact of HBx on cellular signaling pathways, focusing in particular on morphological and functional parameters of mitochondria. To exclusively investigate the impact of HBx of different genotypes on integrity and function of mitochondria in the absence of additional viral factors, we overexpressed HBx in Huh7 or HepG2 cells. Key signaling pathways were profiled by kinome analysis and correlated with expression levels of mitochondrial and pathogenic markers. Conclusively, HBx of genotypes A and G caused strong disruption of mitochondrial morphology alongside an induction of PTEN-induced putative kinase 1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. These effects were only moderately dysregulated by genotypes B and E, whereas genotypes C and D exhibit an intermediate effect in this regard. Accordingly, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential and elevated reactive oxygen species production were associated with the HBx-mediated dysfunction among different genotypes. Also, genotype-related differences in mitophagy induction were identified and indicated that HBx-mediated changes in the mitochondria morphology and function strongly depend on the genotype. This indicates a relevant role of HBx in the process of genotype-dependent liver pathogenesis of HBV infections and reveals underlying mechanisms.IMPORTANCEThe hepatitis B virus is the main cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and differs in terms of pathogenesis and clinical outcome among the different genotypes. Furthermore, the viral HBx protein is a known factor in the progression of liver injury by inducing aberrant mitochondrial structures and functions. Consequently, the selective removal of dysfunctional mitochondria is essential to maintain overall cellular homeostasis and cell survival. Consistent with the intergenotypic difference of HBV, our data reveal significant differences regarding the impact of HBx of different genotypes on mitochondrial dynamic and function and thereby on radical oxygen stress levels within the cell. We subsequently observed that the induction of mitophagy differs significantly across the heterogenetic HBx proteins. Therefore, this study provides evidence that HBx-mediated changes in the mitochondria dynamics and functionality strongly depend on the genotype of HBx. This highlights an important contribution of HBx in the process of genotype-dependent liver pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Basic
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Mirco Glitscher
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhard Hildt
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
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Hofmann S, Luther J, Plank V, Oswald A, Mai J, Simons I, Miller J, Falcone V, Hansen-Palmus L, Hengel H, Nassal M, Protzer U, Schreiner S. Arsenic trioxide impacts hepatitis B virus core nuclear localization and efficiently interferes with HBV infection. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0378823. [PMID: 38567974 PMCID: PMC11064512 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.03788-23] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The key to a curative treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the eradication of the intranuclear episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the stable persistence reservoir of HBV. Currently, established therapies can only limit HBV replication but fail to tackle the cccDNA. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches toward curative treatment are urgently needed. Recent publications indicated a strong association between the HBV core protein SUMOylation and the association with promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PML-NBs) on relaxed circular DNA to cccDNA conversion. We propose that interference with the cellular SUMOylation system and PML-NB integrity using arsenic trioxide provides a useful tool in the treatment of HBV infection. Our study showed a significant reduction in HBV-infected cells, core protein levels, HBV mRNA, and total DNA. Additionally, a reduction, albeit to a limited extent, of HBV cccDNA could be observed. Furthermore, this interference was also applied for the treatment of an established HBV infection, characterized by a stably present nuclear pool of cccDNA. Arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment not only changed the amount of expressed HBV core protein but also induced a distinct relocalization to an extranuclear phenotype during infection. Moreover, ATO treatment resulted in the redistribution of transfected HBV core protein away from PML-NBs, a phenotype similar to that previously observed with SUMOylation-deficient HBV core. Taken together, these findings revealed the inhibition of HBV replication by ATO treatment during several steps of the viral replication cycle, including viral entry into the nucleus as well as cccDNA formation and maintenance. We propose ATO as a novel prospective treatment option for further pre-clinical and clinical studies against HBV infection. IMPORTANCE The main challenge for the achievement of a functional cure for hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA), the highly stable persistence reservoir of HBV, which is maintained by further rounds of infection with newly generated progeny viruses or by intracellular recycling of mature nucleocapsids. Eradication of the cccDNA is considered to be the holy grail for HBV curative treatment; however, current therapeutic approaches fail to directly tackle this HBV persistence reservoir. The molecular effect of arsenic trioxide (ATO) on HBV infection, protein expression, and cccDNA formation and maintenance, however, has not been characterized and understood until now. In this study, we reveal ATO treatment as a novel and innovative therapeutic approach against HBV infections, repressing viral gene expression and replication as well as the stable cccDNA pool at low micromolar concentrations by affecting the cellular function of promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Hofmann
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Division of Pediatric Neurology and Metabolic Medicine, Center for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julius Luther
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Verena Plank
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Oswald
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Julia Mai
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ilka Simons
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Julija Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Valeria Falcone
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Lea Hansen-Palmus
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hartmut Hengel
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Nassal
- Department of Internal Medicine II/Molecular Biology, University Hospital Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schreiner
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility, EXC 2155), Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
- Institute of Virology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Sukowati CHC, Jayanti S, Turyadi T, Muljono DH, Tiribelli C. Hepatitis B virus genotypes in precision medicine of hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma: Where we are now. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:1097-1103. [PMID: 38660644 PMCID: PMC11037070 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i4.1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major player in chronic hepatitis B that may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV genetics are diverse where it is classified into at least 9 genotypes (A to I) and 1 putative genotype (J), each with specific geographical distribution and possible different clinical outcomes in the patient. This diversity may be associated with the precision medicine for HBV-related HCC and the success of therapeutical approaches against HCC, related to different pathogenicity of the virus and host response. This Editorial discusses recent updates on whether the classification of HBV genetic diversity is still valid in terms of viral oncogenicity to the HCC and its precision medicine, in addition to the recent advances in cellular and molecular biology technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caecilia H C Sukowati
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, Trieste 34149, Italy
| | - Sri Jayanti
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
| | - Turyadi Turyadi
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia, Jakarta 10340, Indonesia
| | - David H Muljono
- Faculty of Medicine, Hasanuddin University, Makassar 90245, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney 2050, Australia
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, Trieste 34149, Italy
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Sirilert S, Khamrin P, Kumthip K, Malasao R, Tongsong T, Maneekarn N. Hepatitis B virus genotypes associated with pregnant women in Northern Thailand. J Infect Public Health 2024; 17:406-411. [PMID: 38262076 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.12.020] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the major route of transmission causing persistent infection. The prevalence of HBV infection and HBV genotypes found in different geographical areas varies from country to country. Therefore, this study was conducted to identify the HBV genotypes in HBV-infected pregnant women in Northern Thailand. METHODS Stored blood samples that were collected from 145 HBsAg-positive pregnant women who gave birth at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Chiang Mai, Thailand from 2017 to 2020 were analyzed. The partial nucleotide sequence of the S gene of HBV was amplified by nested PCR and sequenced. All sequences were analyzed phylogenetically together with the reference strains to define the HBV genotypes. RESULTS A total of 31 blood samples from 145 HBsAg-positive pregnant women were positive for HBV by nested PCR. The detected HBV strains were identified as presumptive subgenotypes C1 (77.4%; 24/31), B9 (9.7%; 3/31), C2 (3.2%; 1/31), B2 (3.2%; 1/31), B4 (3.2%; 1/31), and presumptive B4/C2 recombinant subgenotype (3.2%; 1/31). CONCLUSIONS The findings revealed that presumptive subgenotype C1 was the most common subgenotype circulating in pregnant women in Northern Thailand and accounted for 77.4% of cases, followed by presumptive subgenotypes B9, C2, B2, and B4. Furthermore, this study reported, for the first time in Thailand, the HBV genotypes and presumptive subgenotypes, particularly subgenotype B9 circulating in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sirinart Sirilert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Pattara Khamrin
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Emerging and Re-emerging Diarrheal Viruses Cluster, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Kattareeya Kumthip
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Emerging and Re-emerging Diarrheal Viruses Cluster, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Rungnapa Malasao
- Department of Community Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Theera Tongsong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Niwat Maneekarn
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, and Emerging and Re-emerging Diarrheal Viruses Cluster, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
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Bujandric N, Grujic J, Milanovic MK. An interesting case of isolated false-negative hepatitis B surface antigen in a blood donor. Vox Sang 2023. [PMID: 38157225 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13581] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES An important requirement for a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) screening assay is reliable detection of HBsAg mutant forms, especially in blood donation. Here we investigate and describe the case of an isolated false-negative result of commercial serology HBsAg screening assay of a blood donor. MATERIALS AND METHODS The current donation was routinely tested for HBsAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the mini-pool mode nucleic acid testing (MP-NAT of six samples), and further evaluated by individual donation ID-NAT. Finally, it was quantified and sequenced. All previous donations were found to have negative HBsAg and HBV DNA, as also the subsequent sample taken 3 months after the marked donation. RESULTS The current donation of the 53-year-old unvaccinated female with 14 previous donations was initially HBsAg negative and HBV DNA (MP-NAT) positive. Further testing showed HBsAg positive using other HBV serological assays, antibodies to HBV core antigen immunoglobulin M positive and HBV DNA ID-NAT positive, and contained 200 IU/mL of HBV DNA. The implicated donation carried genotype D strains, subtype ayw2 (F83S, V96A, V190A, L193S, I195T, L213S, F220L). The mutations in three positions, namely amino acids T118A, P120T, and P127T, were proven subsequently. CONCLUSION This unique mutation combination near the target epitope of one of the immunoassay monoclonals is a possible cause of the reduced analytical sensitivity of the serology assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevenka Bujandric
- Department of Transfusiology, Faculty of Medicine University in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jasmina Grujic
- Department of Transfusiology, Faculty of Medicine University in Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Mirjana Krga Milanovic
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, Blood Transfusion Institute of Vojvodina, Novi Sad, Serbia
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Patil VS, Harish DR, Charla R, Vetrivel U, Jalalpure SS, Bhandare VV, Deshpande SH, Hegde HV, Roy S. Structural insights into modeling of hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase and identification of its inhibitors from potential medicinal plants of Western Ghats: an in silico and in vitro study. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023:1-19. [PMID: 37811543 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2264400] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study was proposed to model full-length HBV-RT and investigate the intermolecular interactions of known inhibitor and libraries of phytocompounds to probe the potential natural leads by in silico and in vitro studies. Homology modeling of RT was performed by Phyre2 and Modeller and virtual screening of ligands implemented through POAP pipeline. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation (100 ns) and MM-GBSA calculations were performed using Schrodinger Desmond and Prime, respectively. Phytocompounds probable host protein targets gene set pathway enrichment and network analysis were executed by KEGG database and Cytoscape software. Prioritized plant extracts/enriched fraction LC-MS analysis was performed and along with pure compound, RT inhibitory activity, time-dependent HBsAg and HBeAg secretion, and intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA by qRT-PCR was performed in HepG2.2.15 cell line. Among the screened chemical library of 268 phytocompounds from 18 medicinal plants, 15 molecules from Terminalia chebula (6), Bidens pilosa (5), and Centella asiatica (4)) were identified as potential inhibitors of YMDD and RT1 motif of HBV-RT. MD simulation demonstrated stable interactions of 15 phytocompounds with HBV-RT, of which 1,2,3,4,6-Pentagalloyl Glucose (PGG) was identified as lead molecule. Out of 15 compounds, 11 were predicted to modulate 39 proteins and 15 molecular pathways associated with HBV infection. TCN and TCW (500 µg/mL) showed potent RT inhibition, decreased intracellular HBV DNA, and pgRNA, and time-dependent inhibition of HBsAg and HBeAg levels compared to PGG and Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate. We propose that the identified lead molecules from T. chebula as promising and cost-effective moieties for the management of HBV infection.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal S Patil
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Rajitha Charla
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Umashankar Vetrivel
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Tuberculosis, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Sunil S Jalalpure
- KLE College of Pharmacy, Belagavi, KLE Academy of Higher Education and Research, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Vishwambhar Vishnu Bhandare
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
- Department of Microbiology, Shivaji University, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sanjay H Deshpande
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
- Regional Centre for Biotechnology, NCR-Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad, India
| | - Harsha V Hegde
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
| | - Subarna Roy
- ICMR-National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Belagavi, Karnataka, India
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Husseini AA, Baydar SY. Optimization of a rapid and sensitive nucleic acid lateral flow biosensor for hepatitis B virus detection. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:8329-8336. [PMID: 37592176 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08730-9] [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: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The utilization of direct amplification of nucleic acid from lysate has attracted interest in the advancement of straightforward and economical point-of-care assays. Consequently, this study primarily focuses on the development of a rapid, precise, and cost-effective lateral flow biosensor for the convenient detection of HBV nucleic acid at the point-of-care. Furthermore, the study evaluates the effectiveness of the direct amplification method in comparison to purified nucleic acid samples within the context of LAMP-LF biosensing approaches. METHODS The experiments conducted in this study utilized clinical serum samples that were confirmed as HBV-positive through real-time PCR assays. Sample preparation involved employing spin column nucleic acid purification and serum heat treatment. To amplify a 250 bp fragment of the HBV polymerase gene, three pairs of specific LAMP primers were utilized, which were biotin-labeled and FITC-labeled for detection purposes. Various incubation temperatures (ranging from 64 to 68 °C) and durations (30 min, 45 min, and 1 h) were investigated to determine the optimal conditions for the LAMP assay. The results were subsequently assessed through fluorometric analysis, white turbidity measurements, and lateral flow assay. Milenia HybriDetect1 strips, designed for immediate use, were employed to visualize the LAMP amplicons. Furthermore, the performance of the lateral flow biosensor was evaluated using 10-fold serial dilutions of a secondary standard containing a viral load of 108 IU/ml. RESULTS The optimization of the LAMP reaction was achieved at a temperature of 67 °C, resulting in significant turbidity after a 30-minute incubation period. When the spin column purification method was employed, varying test bands were observed for templates ranging from 108 IU/ml to 101 IU/ml viral load. However, when serum samples underwent heat treatment and the resulting supernatant was directly used for LAMP, the lateral flow assay was capable of detecting a minimum viral load of 103 IU/ml. CONCLUSION In resource-limited settings, the LAMP-LF assay presents a promising solution for HBV testing. However, it is important to note that direct amplification without DNA purification may diminish the performance of the approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Ali Husseini
- Life Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Application and Research Centre, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
- Vocational School of health services, Istanbul Gelisim University, 34310, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Serap Yesilkir Baydar
- Life Sciences and Biomedical Engineering Application and Research Centre, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Istanbul Gelisim University, Istanbul, Türkiye
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8
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Gane E, Lim YS, Kim JB, Jadhav V, Shen L, Bakardjiev AI, Huang SA, Cathcart AL, Lempp FA, Janas MM, Cloutier DJ, Kaittanis C, Sepp-Lorenzino L, Hinkle G, Taubel J, Haslett P, Milstein S, Anglero-Rodriguez YI, Hebner CM, Pang PS, Yuen MF. Evaluation of RNAi therapeutics VIR-2218 and ALN-HBV for chronic hepatitis B: Results from randomized clinical trials. J Hepatol 2023; 79:924-932. [PMID: 37290591 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Current therapy for chronic hepatitis B virus (cHBV) infection involves lifelong treatment. New treatments that enable HBV functional cure would represent a clinically meaningful advance. ALN-HBV and VIR-2218 are investigational RNA interference therapeutics that target all major HBV transcripts. METHODS We report on: i) the safety of single doses of VIR-2218 (modified from ALN-HBV by enhanced stabilization chemistry plus technology to reduce off-target, seed-mediated binding while maintaining on-target antiviral activity) and ALN-HBV in humanized mice; ii) a cross-study comparison of the safety of single doses of VIR-2218 and ALN-HBV in healthy human volunteers (n = 24 and n = 49, respectively); and iii) the antiviral activity of two doses of 20, 50, 100, 200 mg of VIR-2218 (total n = 24) vs. placebo (n = 8), given 4 weeks apart, in participants with cHBV infection. RESULTS In humanized mice, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were markedly lower following administration of VIR-2218 compared with ALN-HBV. In healthy volunteers, post-treatment ALT elevations occurred in 28% of participants receiving ALN-HBV compared with none in those receiving VIR-2218. In participants with cHBV infection, VIR-2218 was associated with dose-dependent reductions in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The greatest mean reduction of HBsAg at Week 20 in participants receiving 200 mg was 1.65 log IU/ml. The HBsAg reduction was maintained at 0.87 log IU/ml at Week 48. No participants had serum HBsAg loss or hepatitis B surface antibody seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS VIR-2218 demonstrated an encouraging hepatic safety profile in preclinical and clinical studies as well as dose-dependent HBsAg reductions in patients with cHBV infection. These data support future studies with VIR-2218 as part of combination regimens with a goal of HBV functional cure. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov identifiers: NCT02826018 and NCT03672188. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS A significant unmet need exists for therapies for chronic HBV (cHBV) infection that achieve functional cure. We report clinical and non-clinical data on two investigational small-interfering RNAs that target HBx, ALN-HBV and VIR-2218, demonstrating that incorporation of enhanced stabilization chemistry plus technology in VIR-2218 reduces its propensity to cause ALT elevations relative to its parent compound, ALN-HBV. We also show that VIR-2218 reduces hepatitis B surface antigen levels in a dose-dependent manner in participants with cHBV infection. These studies support the continued development of VIR-2218 as part of therapeutic regimens for cHBV infection, with the goal of a functional cure, and are important for HBV researchers and physicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ed Gane
- University of Auckland and New Zealand Clinical Research, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jae B Kim
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vasant Jadhav
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ling Shen
- Vir Biotechnology, Inc., San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Maja M Janas
- Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Jorg Taubel
- Richmond Pharmacology Ltd., St George's University of London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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9
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Ryabchenko B, Šroller V, Horníková L, Lovtsov A, Forstová J, Huérfano S. The interactions between PML nuclear bodies and small and medium size DNA viruses. Virol J 2023; 20:82. [PMID: 37127643 PMCID: PMC10152602 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Promyelocytic leukemia nuclear bodies (PM NBs), often referred to as membraneless organelles, are dynamic macromolecular protein complexes composed of a PML protein core and other transient or permanent components. PML NBs have been shown to play a role in a wide variety of cellular processes. This review describes in detail the diverse and complex interactions between small and medium size DNA viruses and PML NBs that have been described to date. The PML NB components that interact with small and medium size DNA viruses include PML protein isoforms, ATRX/Daxx, Sp100, Sp110, HP1, and p53, among others. Interaction between viruses and components of these NBs can result in different outcomes, such as influencing viral genome expression and/or replication or impacting IFN-mediated or apoptotic cell responses to viral infection. We discuss how PML NB components abrogate the ability of adenoviruses or Hepatitis B virus to transcribe and/or replicate their genomes and how papillomaviruses use PML NBs and their components to promote their propagation. Interactions between polyomaviruses and PML NBs that are poorly understood but nevertheless suggest that the NBs can serve as scaffolds for viral replication or assembly are also presented. Furthermore, complex interactions between the HBx protein of hepadnaviruses and several PML NBs-associated proteins are also described. Finally, current but scarce information regarding the interactions of VP3/apoptin of the avian anellovirus with PML NBs is provided. Despite the considerable number of studies that have investigated the functions of the PML NBs in the context of viral infection, gaps in our understanding of the fine interactions between viruses and the very dynamic PML NBs remain. The complexity of the bodies is undoubtedly a great challenge that needs to be further addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boris Ryabchenko
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtěch Šroller
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Horníková
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Alexey Lovtsov
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Jitka Forstová
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, 25250, Czech Republic
| | - Sandra Huérfano
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Science, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, 25250, Czech Republic.
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Kim DH, Choi YM, Jang J, Kim BJ. Global prevalence and molecular characteristics of three clades within hepatitis B virus subgenotype C2: Predominance of the C2(3) clade in South Korea. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1137084. [PMID: 36970691 PMCID: PMC10033913 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1137084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) genotypes reflect geographic, ethical or clinical traits and are currently divided into 10 genotypes (A–J). Of these, genotype C is mainly distributed in Asia, is the largest group and comprises more than seven subgenotypes (C1–C7). Subgenotype C2 is divided into three phylogenetically distinct clades, C2(1), C2(2), and C2(3), and is responsible for most genotype C infections in three East Asian nations, including China, Japan, and South Korea, which are major HBV endemic areas. However, despite the significance of subgenotype C2 with regard to clinical or epidemiologic aspects, its global distribution and molecular characteristics remain largely unknown. Here, we analyze the global prevalence and molecular characteristics between 3 clades within subgenotype C2 using 1,315 full genome sequences of HBV genotype C retrieved from public databases. Our data show that almost all HBV strains from South Korean patients infected with genotype C belong to clade C2(3) within subgenotype C2 [96.3%] but that HBV strains from Chinese or Japanese patients belong to diverse subgenotypes or clades within genotype C, suggesting clonal expansion of a specific HBV type, C2(3), among the Korean population. Our genome sequence analysis indicated a total of 21 signature sequences specific to the respective clades C2(1), C2(2), and C2(3). Of note, two types of four nonsynonymous C2(3) signature sequences, sV184A in HBsAg and xT36P in the X region, were detected in 78.9 and 82.9% of HBV C2(3) strains, respectively. In particular, HBV strains C2(3) versus C2(1) and C2(2) show a higher frequency of reverse transcriptase mutations related to nucleot(s)ide analog (NA) resistance, including rtM204I and rtL180M, suggesting an increased possibility of C2(3) infection in those with NA treatment failure. In conclusion, our data show that HBV subgenotype C2(3) is extremely prevalent in Korean patients with chronic HBV infection, which is distinct from two other East Asian nations, China and Japan, where diverse subgenotypes or clades within genotype C coexist. This epidemiologic trait might affect distinct virological and clinical traits in chronic HBV patients in Korea, where exclusively C2(3) infection is predominant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hyun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu-Min Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghwa Jang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Liver Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Seoul National University Medical Research Center (SNUMRC), Seoul, Republic of Korea
- *Correspondence: Bum-Joon Kim,
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11
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Watanabe M, Toyoda H, Kawabata T. Rapid quantification assay of hepatitis B virus DNA in human serum and plasma by Fully Automated Genetic Analyzer μTASWako g1. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0278143. [PMID: 36758029 PMCID: PMC9910706 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Real-time monitoring of serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) levels is essential for the management of patients with chronic HBV infection in clinical practice, including monitoring the resistance of anti-HBV nucleotide analog or the detection of HBV reactivation. In this context, serum HBV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) quantification should be rapidly measured. A rapid HBV DNA quantification assay was established on the Fully Automated Genetic Analyzer, μTASWako g1. The assay performs automated sample preparation and DNA extraction, followed by the amplification and detection of quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) combined with capillary electrophoresis (qPCR-CE) on integrated microfluidic chip. This study aimed to evaluate the analytical and clinical performance of HBV DNA assay on the μTASWako g1 platform in human serum and EDTA-plasma. The HBV DNA assay has a linear quantitative range from 20 to 108 IU/mL of HBV DNA with standard deviation (SD) of ≤0.14 log10 IU/mL. The limits of detection of the assay were 4.18 for the serum and 4.35 for EDTA-plasma. The HBV assay demonstrated the equivalent performance in both human serum and EDTA-plasma matrices. The HBV genotypes A to H were detected with an accuracy of ±0.34 log10 IU/mL. In quantification range, the HBV DNA assay was correlated with Roche cobas AmpliPrep/cobas TaqMan Ver2.0 (CAP/CTM v2) (r = 0.964). The mean difference (μTASWako g1-CAP/CTM v2) of the reported HBV DNA was -0.01 log10 IU/mL. Overall, the sensitivity, accuracy, and precision of the μTASWako g1 HBV assay were comparable to the existing commercial HBV DNA assay, and the assay can be completed within 110 min. This evaluation suggests that the HBV DNA assay on the μTASWako g1 is potentially applied for alternative method of the HBV viral load test, in particular with the advantage of the HBV DNA result availability within 2 h, improving the HBV infection management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moto Watanabe
- Diagnostics Research Laboratories, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Kawabata
- Department of Diagnostics Development, FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation, Chuo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
- * E-mail:
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Sarfaraz N, Somarowthu S, Bouchard MJ. The interplay of long noncoding RNAs and hepatitis B virus. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28058. [PMID: 35946066 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections remain a major global health burden with an estimated 296 million people living with a chronic infection and 884,000 HBV-related deaths annually. Notably, patients with a chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection are at a 30-fold greater risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of primary liver cancer, which is the 3rd deadliest cancer worldwide. Several groups have assessed HBV-related aberrant expression of host-cell long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and how altered expression of specific lncRNAs affects HBV replication and progression to associated disease states. Given the challenges in establishing effective HBV models and analyzing transcriptomic data, this review focuses on lncRNA expression data primarily collected from clinical patient samples and primary human hepatocytes, with the subsequent mechanism of action analysis in cell lines or other model systems. Ultimately, understanding HBV-induced lncRNA-expression dysregulation could lead to new treatments and biomarkers for HBV infection and its associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Sarfaraz
- Graduate Program in Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Srinivas Somarowthu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael J Bouchard
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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Al-Masoodi BAH, Reem A, Bahaj SS, Al-Haimi RM, Al-Shamahy HA, Abuasba N, Al-shawkany ARM, Kumal JPP. Prevalence of occult hepatitis B virus infection among patients receiving haemodialysis in Sana'a city. IJID REGIONS 2022; 5:141-145. [PMID: 36341041 PMCID: PMC9634008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2022.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) is a challenging entity. Due to the increase in invasive procedures, blood transfusions, and difficulties in diagnosing OBI, patients are more likely to acquire OBI. This cross-sectional study was conducted to assess the prevalence of OBI by hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA detection, the prevalence of HBV infection by total hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) detection, and the potential risk factors for HBV infection in patients receiving haemodialysis regularly. METHODS This study included 80 patients receiving haemodialysis regularly, without acute or chronic HBV infection. They were selected from the dialysis units in Sana'a city, Yemen from June 2016 to June 2017. Patients who were positive for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B surface antibody were excluded from this study. Blood samples were taken prior to each haemodialysis session, and serological markers of HBV were included. HBcAb was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and HBV-DNA was measured by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS HBV-DNA was detected in four patients (5%) and HBcAb was detected in 38 patients (47.5%). There was a significant association between HBV-DNA and HBcAb in patients receiving haemodialysis regularly. CONCLUSIONS Patients who test positive for HBcAb should undergo additional HBV-DNA testing to allow accurate HBV screening and prevent infection of other patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alariqi Reem
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana`a, Yemen
- Corresponding author. Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana`a, 72738 Yemen.
| | - Saleh S. Bahaj
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana`a, Yemen
| | - Raja M. Al-Haimi
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana`a, Yemen
| | - Hassan A. Al-Shamahy
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana`a, Yemen
| | - Nagib Abuasba
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana`a, Yemen
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Bi Z, Wang L, Hou H, Lu M, Wang W, Li Z, Liu C. Comparing the efficacy and safety of tenofovir and adefovir or combined drug treatment for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2022; 10:1016. [PMID: 36267714 PMCID: PMC9577806 DOI: 10.21037/atm-22-3747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects a vast population globally. A variety of drugs are available for the treatment of CHB, including tenofovir (TDF) and adefovir (ADV). However, the efficacy of monotherapy drug treatment is inconclusive, the safety and efficacy of TDF remain unclear, more data are needed to be included and combined drug treatment is considered to exhibit higher efficacy. To explore this issue, we performed a current literature review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of ADV vs. TDF, TDF vs. ADV + lamivudine (LAM); TDF vs. ADV + entecavir (ETV). METHODS We systematically searched China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Chinese VIP, and Wanfang Data, for relevant clinical trials since July 2015, all included studies were based on PICOS principles and evaluated independently by the reviewers in accordance with the Cochrane Handbook (Rob2.0). A meta-analysis was performed by using Review Manager 5.4. RESULTS We included a total of 32 studies, including 31 randomized controlled trials and one retrospective study involving 2,473 patients. The results revealed a low risk of bias in included studies, that the virologic response of TDF was superior to ADV (P<0.05). And TDF was also superior to ADV in Serum creatinine levels, Immunologic function, and safety profile. However, when ADV was combined with other medications, it was superior to TDF in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level and Tbil level and adverse reactions, but on other indicators, TDF was superior to drug combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS Results showed that TDF was superior to ADV in the parameters of ALT, hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA reduction, HBeAg-negative conversion rate, safety, and total bilirubin levels in patients with CHB. However, when ADV was combined with LAM or ETV, they often showed the same therapeutic effect as TDF in parameters such as ALT level and Tbil level and combined therapy can effectively reduce the occurrence of adverse reactions. In this study, because the sample source countries were limited, a greater number of global studies are needed in the future to verify the current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyu Bi
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Huixin Hou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Miao Lu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Environmental and Health Effects of Persistent Toxic Substances, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of outpatients, Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Zishuo Li
- Department of outpatients, Wuhan Asian Heart Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Chengjiang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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15
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Maity SN, Poonati R, Punati RD, Mallepaddi P, Marothi Y, Mallepaddi PC. Development of sensitive and specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification combined with lateral flow device for the rapid detection of hepatitis B virus infection. Braz J Microbiol 2022; 53:615-623. [PMID: 35178681 PMCID: PMC9151950 DOI: 10.1007/s42770-022-00690-9] [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: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus is a highly infectious blood borne microbial pathogen that causes several hepatic complications like liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Several methods are available for the detection of HBV, but every method has their own merits and demerits, which restrict their use in clinical laboratories. The aim of this present study is the development of rapid, inexpensive, sensitive, and specific loop-mediated isothermal amplification followed by lateral flow device (LFD) for detection of HBV in blood specimens. METHODS HBV standard plasma panels and donor plasma specimens were used to evaluate the assay. HBV DNA was extracted by using QiAamp DNA Blood Mini Kit. Amplification was carried out at constant temperature 63 °C for 60 min. LAMP end products were analyzed by using ESE LAMP tube scanner, gel electrophoresis, UV-lamp, and lateral flow device. RESULTS HBV-LAMP-LFD assay revealed sensitivity of 92% (138/150) of HBV positive plasma specimens. Specificity of HBV-LAMP-LFD was calculated 100%. CONCLUSION Our study concludes that HBV-LAMP-LFD is rapid, easy to use, sensitive, and specific point-of-care diagnostic assay for the detection of hepatitis B virus in blood samples. This assay can be used in resource-limited settings as well as in HBV endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumendra Nath Maity
- Department of Microbiology, RDGMC, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Genomix Molecular Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, India.
| | - Revathi Poonati
- Department of Medical Microbiology, GenomixCARL Pvt.Ltd, Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Rudrama Devi Punati
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Genomix Molecular Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, India
| | - Pratyusha Mallepaddi
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Genomix Molecular Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, India
| | - Yogyata Marothi
- Department of Microbiology, RDGMC, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Prudhvi Chand Mallepaddi
- Department of Clinical Research Laboratory, Genomix Molecular Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd, Hyderabad, India
- Department of Medical Microbiology, GenomixCARL Pvt.Ltd, Pulivendula, Andhra Pradesh, India
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16
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a hepatotropic virus and an important human pathogen. There are an estimated 296 million people in the world that are chronically infected by this virus, and many of them will develop severe liver diseases including hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV is a small DNA virus that replicates via the reverse transcription pathway. In this review, we summarize the molecular pathways that govern the replication of HBV and its interactions with host cells. We also discuss viral and non-viral factors that are associated with HBV-induced carcinogenesis and pathogenesis, as well as the role of host immune responses in HBV persistence and liver pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chen Chuang
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
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17
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Khan IW, Dad Ullah MU, Choudhry M, Ali MJ, Ali MA, Lam SLK, Shah PA, Kaur SP, Lau DTY. Novel Therapies of Hepatitis B and D. Microorganisms 2021; 9:2607. [PMID: 34946209 PMCID: PMC8707465 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9122607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health issue and is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) to replicate. The eradication of HBV, therefore, can also cure HDV. The current therapies for chronic hepatitis B and D are suboptimal and cannot definitely cure the viruses. In order to achieve functional or complete cure of these infections, novel therapeutic agents that target the various sites of the viral replicative cycle are necessary. Furthermore, novel immunomodulatory agents are also essential to achieve viral clearance. Many of these new promising compounds such as entry inhibitors, covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) inhibitors, small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), capsid assembly modulators and nucleic acid polymers are in various stages of clinical developments. In this review article, we provided a comprehensive overview of the structure and lifecycle of HBV, the limitations of the current therapies and a summary of the novel therapeutic agents for both HDV and HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman Waheed Khan
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Mati Ullah Dad Ullah
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Mina Choudhry
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Mukarram Jamat Ali
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Muhammad Ashar Ali
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Sam L. K. Lam
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Department of Pharmacy, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Pir Ahmad Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Satinder Pal Kaur
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
| | - Daryl T. Y. Lau
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; (I.W.K.); (M.U.D.U.); (M.C.); (M.J.A.); (M.A.A.); (S.P.K.)
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18
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Hepatitis B virus small envelope protein promotes HCC angiogenesis via ER stress signaling to upregulate VEGFA expression. J Virol 2021; 96:e0197521. [PMID: 34910612 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01975-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a hypervascular tumor and accumulating evidence has indicated that stimulation of angiogenesis by HBV may contribute to HCC malignancy. The small protein of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), SHBs, is the most abundant HBV viral protein and has a close clinical association with HCC, however, whether SHBs contributes to HCC angiogenesis remains unknown. This study reports that forced expression of SHBs in HCC cells promoted xenograft tumor growth and increased the microvessel density (MVD) within the tumors. Consistently, HBsAg was also positively correlated with MVD count in HCC patients' specimens. The conditioned media from the SHBs-transfected HCC cells increased the capillary tube formation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Intriguingly, overexpression of SHBs increased VEGFA expression at both mRNA and protein levels. A higher VEGFA expression level was also observed in the xenograft tumors transplanted with SHBs-expressing HCC cells and in HBsAg-positive HCC tumor tissues as compared to their negative controls. As expected, in the culture supernatants, the secretion of VEGFA was also significantly enhanced from HCC cells expressing SHBs, which promoted HUVECs migration and vessel formation. Furthermore, all the three unfolded protein response (UPR) sensors IRE1α, PERK and ATF6 associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress were found activated in the SHBs-expressing cells and correlated with VEGFA protein expression and secretion. Taken together, these results suggest an important role of SHBs in HCC angiogenesis and may highlight a potential target for preventive and therapeutic intervention of HBV-related HCC and its malignant progression. IMPORTANCE Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is one of the important risk factors for the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is characteristic of hypervascularization even at early phases of the disease due to overexpression of angiogenic factors like vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA). However, a detailed mechanism in the HBV-induced angiogenesis remains to be established. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the most abundant HBV viral protein, i.e. small surface antigens (SHBs) can enhance the angiogenic capacity of HCC cells by upregulation of VEGFA expression both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SHBs induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress which consequently activated unfolded protein response (UPR) signaling to increase VEGFA expression and secretion. This study suggests that SHBs plays an important pro-angiogenic role in HBV-associated HCC and may represent a potential target for anti-angiogenic therapy in the HCC.
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19
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Watanabe T, Inoue T, Tanaka Y. Hepatitis B Core-Related Antigen and New Therapies for Hepatitis B. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9102083. [PMID: 34683404 PMCID: PMC8537336 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9102083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is an unprecedented novel HBV biomarker that plays an essential role in reflecting covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) because its levels correlate with intrahepatic cccDNA and serum HBV DNA. In this review, we describe the clinical application of serum HBcrAg in CHB patients, with a particular focus on new therapies targeting intrahepatic HBV replication. (1) HBcrAg can be detected in clinical cases where serum HBV DNA is undetectable during anti-HBV therapy. (2) A highly sensitive HBcrAg assay (iTACT-HBcrAg) may be useful for monitoring HBV reactivation, as an alternative to HBV DNA. (3) Decreased HBcrAg levels have been significantly associated with promising outcomes in CHB patients, reducing the risk of progression or recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Additionally, we focus on and discuss several drugs in development that target HBV replication, and monitoring HBcrAg may be useful for determining the therapeutic efficacies of such novel drugs. In conclusion, HBcrAg, especially when measured by the recently developed iTACT-HBcrAg assay, may be the most appropriate surrogate marker, over other HBV biomarkers, to predict disease progression and treatment response in CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehisa Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan;
| | - Takako Inoue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya 467-8602, Japan;
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan;
- Correspondence:
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20
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Lv X, Xiang X, Wu Y, Liu Y, Xu R, Xiang Q, Lai G. GATA binding protein 4 promotes the expression and transcription of hepatitis B virus by facilitating hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha in vitro. Virol J 2021; 18:196. [PMID: 34583732 PMCID: PMC8479913 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-021-01668-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background GATA binding protein 4 (GATA4) has been reported as a potential target of gene therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is well known that the main cause of HCC is the chronic infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, whether the effect of GATA4 on HBV has not yet been reported. Methods In this study, the regulation of GATA4 on HBV was analyzed in vitro. In turn, the effect of HBV on GATA4 was also observed in vitro, in vivo, and clinical HCC patients. Subsequently, we analyzed whether the effect of GATA4 on HBV was related to hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4α) in vitro. Results The results showed that GATA4 significantly promoted the secretion of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and HBV e antigen in the cell culture medium, improved the replication of HBV genomic DNA, and increased the level of HBV 3.5 kb pre-genomic RNA and HBV total RNA (P < 0.05). Moreover, it was showed that HBV had no significant effect on GATA4 in vitro and in vivo (P > 0.05). At the same time, GATA4 expression was decreased in 78.9% (15/19) of HCC patients regardless of the HBV and HBsAg status. Among them, there were 76.9% (10/13) in HBV-associated patients with HCC (HBV-HCC), and 83.3% (5/6) in non-HBV-HCC patients. In addition, the expression of HNF4α was also up-regulated or down-regulated accordingly when stimulating or interfering with the expression of GATA4. Furthermore, stimulating the expression of HNF4α could only alleviate the HBsAg level and HBV transcription levels, but had no significant effect on GATA4. Conclusions In summary, this study found that GATA4 has a positive effect on HBV, and the potential pathway may be related to another transcription factor HNF4α that regulates HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqin Lv
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xia Xiang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yue Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 40010, China
| | - Yang Liu
- LuXian No. 2 High School, Sichuan, 646100, China
| | - Ruqing Xu
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qin Xiang
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Guoqi Lai
- Laboratory Animal Center of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1, Yixueyuan Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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21
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Elpek GO. Molecular pathways in viral hepatitis-associated liver carcinogenesis: An update. World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:4890-4917. [PMID: 34307543 PMCID: PMC8283590 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i19.4890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of cancer among primary malignant tumors of the liver and is a consequential cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. In recent years, uncovering the molecular mechanisms involved in the development and behavior of this tumor has led to the identification of multiple potential treatment targets. Despite the vast amount of data on this topic, HCC remains a challenging tumor to treat due to its aggressive behavior and complex molecular profile. Therefore, the number of studies aiming to elucidate the mechanisms involved in both carcinogenesis and tumor progression in HCC continues to increase. In this context, the close association of HCC with viral hepatitis has led to numerous studies focusing on the direct or indirect involvement of viruses in the mechanisms contributing to tumor development and behavior. In line with these efforts, this review was undertaken to highlight the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) participate in oncogenesis and tumor progression in HCC and summarize new findings. Cumulative evidence indicates that HBV DNA integration promotes genomic instability, resulting in the overexpression of genes related to cancer development, metastasis, and angiogenesis or inactivation of tumor suppressor genes. In addition, genetic variations in HBV itself, especially preS2 deletions, may play a role in malignant transformation. Epigenetic dysregulation caused by both viruses might also contribute to tumor formation and metastasis by modifying the methylation of DNA and histones or altering the expression of microRNAs. Similarly, viral proteins of both HBV and HCV can affect pathways that are important anticancer targets. The effects of these two viruses on the Hippo-Yap-Taz pathway in HCC development and behavior need to be investigated. Additional, comprehensive studies are also needed to determine these viruses' interaction with integrins, farnesoid X, and the apelin system in malignant transformation and tumor progression. Although the relationship of persistent inflammation caused by HBV and HCV hepatitis with carcinogenesis is well defined, further studies are warranted to decipher the relationship among inflammasomes and viruses in carcinogenesis and elucidate the role of virus-microbiota interactions in HCC development and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulsum Ozlem Elpek
- Department of Pathology, Akdeniz University Medical School, Antalya 07070, Turkey
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22
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Detection of Q129H Immune Escape Mutation in Apparently Healthy Hepatitis B Virus Carriers in Southwestern Nigeria. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071273. [PMID: 34210073 PMCID: PMC8310067 DOI: 10.3390/v13071273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
As the global effort to eradicate hepatitis B continues, immune escape mutations (IEMs) and drug resistance mutations (DRMs) affecting its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention are compromising this goal. However, knowledge about the prevalence and circulation of these mutations in Nigeria is scarce. Serum samples (n = 199) from apparently healthy prospective blood donors, pregnant women, and individuals presenting with fever in southwestern Nigeria were analyzed for the presence of IEMs and DRMs by means of nested PCR in the HBV S (HBs) and HBV polymerase (Pol) genes, followed by phylogenetic and mutational analyses. In total, 25.1% (n = 50/199) of samples were positive for HBV, as measured by PCR. In 41 samples (20.6%), both fragments could be amplified, whereas the HBs gene and the Pol gene fragment alone were detected in 0.5% (n = 1/199) and 4% (n = 8/199) of samples, respectively. Sequences were successfully obtained for all 42 HBs gene fragments but for only 31/49 Pol gene fragments (totaling 73 sequences from 44 individuals). All sequences were identified as HBV genotype E. IEMs were present in 18.2% (n = 8/44) of the sequences of HBV-positive individuals with available sequences. IEM Q129H was detected in eight out of the 44 (18.2%) HBV isolates sequenced in this study; however, no DRMs were observed. This study confirms the circulation of HBV IEMs and reports the presence of Q129H IEM for the first time in Nigeria. Intensified research on the dynamics of IEM is necessary in order to enhance the elimination of HBV.
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Sajjad M, Ali S, Baig S, Sharafat S, Khan BA, Khan S, Mughal N, Abidi SH. HBV S antigen evolution in the backdrop of HDV infection affects epitope processing and presentation. J Med Virol 2021; 93:3714-3729. [PMID: 33289144 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION HBV can evolve under selection pressure exerted by drugs and/or host immunity, resulting in accumulation of escape mutations that can affect the drug or the immune activity. Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) coinfection is also known to exert selection pressure on HBV, which leads to selective amplification of certain mutations, especially in genes that are required for HDV pathogenesis, such as HBsAg. However, little is known about the function of these mutations on HBV or HDV life cycle. The purpose of this study is to determine mutations selectively amplified in the backdrop of HDV, and how these mutations affect processing of CD4- and CD8-T cell epitopes. METHODS HBsAg was successfully amplified from 49/50 HBV mono- and 36/50 coinfected samples. The sequences were used to identify mutations specific to each study group, followed by an in silico analysis to determine the effect of these mutations on (1) proteasomal degradation, (2) MHC-I and MHC-II biding, and (3) processing of T-cell epitopes. RESULTS HBV-HDV coinfected sequences exhibited certain unique mutations in HBsAg genes. Some of these mutations affected the generation of proteasomal sites, binding of HBsAg epitopes to MHC-I and -II ligands, and subsequent generation of T- cell epitopes. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that HBV selectively amplifies certain mutations in the backdrop of HDV coinfection. Selective amplification of these mutations at certain strategic locations might not only enable HBV to counteract the inhibitory effects of HDV on HBV replication but also facilitate its survival by escaping the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Sajjad
- Department of Microbiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Ali
- Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan
| | - Samina Baig
- Department of Microbiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shaheen Sharafat
- Department of Microbiology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Bilal Ahmed Khan
- Department of Pathology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Saeed Khan
- Department of Pathology, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nouman Mughal
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
- Department of Surgery, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Hani Abidi
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
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24
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Prifti GM, Moianos D, Giannakopoulou E, Pardali V, Tavis JE, Zoidis G. Recent Advances in Hepatitis B Treatment. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:417. [PMID: 34062711 PMCID: PMC8147224 DOI: 10.3390/ph14050417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus infection affects over 250 million chronic carriers, causing more than 800,000 deaths annually, although a safe and effective vaccine is available. Currently used antiviral agents, pegylated interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues, have major drawbacks and fail to completely eradicate the virus from infected cells. Thus, achieving a "functional cure" of the infection remains a real challenge. Recent findings concerning the viral replication cycle have led to development of novel therapeutic approaches including viral entry inhibitors, epigenetic control of cccDNA, immune modulators, RNA interference techniques, ribonuclease H inhibitors, and capsid assembly modulators. Promising preclinical results have been obtained, and the leading molecules under development have entered clinical evaluation. This review summarizes the key steps of the HBV life cycle, examines the currently approved anti-HBV drugs, and analyzes novel HBV treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Myrto Prifti
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Dimitrios Moianos
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Erofili Giannakopoulou
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - Vasiliki Pardali
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
| | - John E. Tavis
- Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA;
| | - Grigoris Zoidis
- Department of Pharmacy, Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis Zografou, 15771 Athens, Greece; (G.-M.P.); (D.M.); (E.G.); (V.P.)
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25
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Xu D, Tian Y, Xia Q, Ke B. The cGAS-STING Pathway: Novel Perspectives in Liver Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:682736. [PMID: 33995425 PMCID: PMC8117096 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.682736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases represent a major global health burden accounting for approximately 2 million deaths per year worldwide. The liver functions as a primary immune organ that is largely enriched with various innate immune cells, including macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, NK cells, and NKT cells. Activation of these cells orchestrates the innate immune response and initiates liver inflammation in response to the danger signal from pathogens or injured cells and tissues. The cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)-stimulator of interferon genes (STING) pathway is a crucial signaling cascade of the innate immune system activated by cytosol DNA. Recognizing DNA as an immune-stimulatory molecule is an evolutionarily preserved mechanism in initiating rapid innate immune responses against microbial pathogens. The cGAS is a cytosolic DNA sensor eliciting robust immunity via the production of cyclic GMP-AMPs that bind and activate STING. Although the cGAS-STING pathway has been previously considered to have essential roles in innate immunity and host defense, recent advances have extended the role of the cGAS-STING pathway to liver diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that overactivation of cGAS-STING may contribute to the development of liver disorders, implying that the cGAS-STING pathway is a promising therapeutic target. Here, we review and discuss the role of the cGAS-STING DNA-sensing signaling pathway in a variety of liver diseases, including viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), alcoholic liver disease (ALD), primary hepatocellular cancer (HCC), and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), with highlights on currently available therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Xu
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yizhu Tian
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Qiang Xia
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bibo Ke
- The Dumont-UCLA Transplant Center, Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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26
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Rattanachaisit P, Suksawatamnuay S, Sriphoosanaphan S, Thanapirom K, Thaimai P, Siripon N, Sittisomwong S, Poovorawan Y, Komolmit P. Stability of hepatitis B virus pregenomic RNA in plasma specimens under various temperatures and storage conditions. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11207. [PMID: 33954043 PMCID: PMC8052958 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) has gained increasing attention owing to its role in replication of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in HBV. This marker has the potential to be used in clinical programs aimed to manage HBV infections. However, several reports on HBV pgRNA levels in clinical cases have conflicting results. RNA is easily degraded when exposed to heat and other environmental stressors. However, the stability of HBV pgRNA, during blood sample collection before the standard automated quantification, has never been estimated. This study aimed to demonstrate the effect of two different temperature conditions and storage durations on the stability of HBV pgRNA. Method Blood from forty patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, who also showed evidence of active HBV DNA replication, was collected and processed within 2 h of collection. Plasma from each patient was divided and stored at 4 °C and 25 °C (room temperature) for six different storage durations (0, 2, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h) and subsequently transferred to −80 °C for storage. The effect of multiple cycles of freezing and thawing of plasma at −20 °C or −80 °C was evaluated using samples from ten patients. Quantification of pgRNA from the samples was performed simultaneously, using the digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) method. The differences in pgRNA levels at baseline and each time point were compared using generalized estimating equation (GEE). A change greater than 0.5 log10 copies/mL of pgRNA is considered clinically significant. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 16.0. Results The mean HBV pgRNA level in the initially collected plasma samples was 5.58 log10copies/mL (ranging from 3.08 to 8.04 log10 copies/mL). The mean pgRNA levels in samples stored for different time periods compared with the initial reference sample (time 0) significantly decreased. The levels of pgRNA for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h of storage reduced by −0.05 log10 copies/mL (95% confidence interval (CI) −0.095 to −0.005, p = 0.03), −0.075 log10 copies/mL (95% CI [−0.12 to −0.03], p = 0.001), −0.084 log10 copies/mL (95% CI [−0.13 to −0.039], p = < 0.001), and −0.120 log10 copies/mL (95% CI [−0.17 to −0.076], p = < 0.001), respectively. However, these changes were below 0.5 log10 copies/mL and thus were not clinically significant. Compared with the samples stored at 4 °C, there were no significant differences in pgRNA levels in samples stored at 25 °C for any of the storage durations (−0.01 log10 copies/mL; 95% CI [−0.708 to 0.689], p = 0.98). No significant difference in the levels of pgRNA was observed in the plasma samples, following four freeze-thaw cycles at −20 °C and −80 °C. Conclusion The plasma HBV pgRNA level was stable at 4 °C and at room temperature for at least 48 h and under multiple freeze-thaw cycles. Our results suggest that pgRNA is stable during the process of blood collection, and therefore results of pgRNA quantification are reliable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pakkapon Rattanachaisit
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.,Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sirinporn Suksawatamnuay
- Center of Excellence in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.,Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Supachaya Sriphoosanaphan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Kessarin Thanapirom
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.,Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Panarat Thaimai
- Center of Excellence in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.,Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Nipaporn Siripon
- Center of Excellence in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.,Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Sukanya Sittisomwong
- Center of Excellence in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.,Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Yong Poovorawan
- Center of Excellence in Clinical Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Piyawat Komolmit
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University and King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand.,Center of Excellence in Liver Diseases, King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand.,Liver Fibrosis and Cirrhosis Research Unit, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Cocchio S, Baldo V, Volpin A, Fonzo M, Floreani A, Furlan P, Mason P, Trevisan A, Scapellato ML. Persistence of Anti-Hbs after up to 30 Years in Health Care Workers Vaccinated against Hepatitis B Virus. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:vaccines9040323. [PMID: 33915763 PMCID: PMC8067181 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9040323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem all over the world. Vaccination remains the most effective prevention measure, and safe and effective HBV vaccines have been available since 1982. Health care workers (HCWs) vaccinated against HBV and prospectively followed up for at least 14 years were classified by their antibody titers after primary vaccination as: poor responders (10–99 mIU/mL); moderate responders (100–999 mIU/mL); and good responders (≥1000 mIU/mL). The incidence of antibody loss was calculated for 1000 person-years and the anti-HBs persistence was calculated. The analysis concerned 539 HCWs: 494 good responders (91.7%); 37 moderate responders (6.9%); and eight poor responders (1.5%). The incidence of anti-HBs loss was 52.1 per 1000 person-years for the poor responders, 11.3 per 1000 person-years for the moderate responders, and 1.4 per 1000 person-years for the good responders. The mean persistence of anti-HBs differed significantly between the three groups, being: 19.2 years (95% CI: 15.6–22.8), 25.4 years (95% CI: 23.0–27.9), and 31.0 years (95% CI: 30.5–31.5) for the poor, moderate and good responders, respectively. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate a good persistence of protective anti-HBs titers in HCWs exposed to occupational risk for up to 30 years after a primary vaccination cycle (even without a booster dose) if their titer was initially higher than 100 mIU/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cocchio
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Baldo
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Volpin
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
| | - Marco Fonzo
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
| | - Annarosa Floreani
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare Negrar, 37024 Negrar, Italy;
- Department of Surgical, Oncological and Gastroenterological Sciences, University of Padua, 35124 Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Furlan
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
| | - Paola Mason
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
| | - Andrea Trevisan
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
| | - Maria Luisa Scapellato
- Department of Cardiac Thoracic and Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35100 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (A.V.); (M.F.); (P.F.); (P.M.); (A.T.); (M.L.S.)
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There are approximately 250 million people in the world that are chronically infected by this virus, resulting in nearly 1 million deaths every year. Many of these patients die from severe liver diseases, including HCC. HBV may induce HCC through the induction of chronic liver inflammation, which can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage. However, many studies also indicated that HBV could induce HCC via the alteration of hepatocellular physiology that may involve genetic and epigenetic changes of the host DNA, the alteration of cellular signaling pathways, and the inhibition of DNA repair mechanisms. This alteration of cellular physiology can lead to the accumulation of DNA damages and the promotion of cell cycles and predispose hepatocytes to oncogenic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Lee
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR-401, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Kuen-Nan Tsai
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR-401, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jing-Hsiung James Ou
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, 2011 Zonal Avenue, HMR-401, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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29
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Brakenhoff SM, de Man RA, Boonstra A, van Campenhout MJH, de Knegt RJ, van Bömmel F, van der Eijk AA, Berg T, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA, Sonneveld MJ. Hepatitis B virus RNA decline without concomitant viral antigen decrease is associated with a low probability of sustained response and hepatitis B surface antigen loss. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2021; 53:314-320. [PMID: 33222190 PMCID: PMC7839551 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA may reflect intrahepatic HBV replication. Novel anti-viral drugs have shown potent HBV RNA decline without concomitant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decrease. How this relates to off-treatment response is yet unclear. AIM To study the degree of on-treatment viral antigen decline among patients with pronounced HBV RNA decrease in relation to off-treatment sustained response and HBsAg loss. METHODS HBV RNA, HBsAg and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) were quantified in patients with chronic hepatitis B who participated in two randomised controlled trials of peginterferon-based therapy. Sustained response (HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL) and/or HBsAg loss were assessed in patients with and without on-treatment HBV RNA response (either >2 log HBV RNA decline or >1 log decline resulting in an undetectable value at on-treatment week 24), stratified by concomitant HBsAg decline (<0.5/0.5-1/>1 log). RESULTS We enrolled 279 patients; 176 were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive, and 103 were HBeAg-negative. Sustained response was achieved in 20.4% of patients. At on-treatment week 24, HBV RNA response was associated with higher sustained response rates (27.4% vs 13.0% in non-responders, P = 0.004). However, among patients with an HBV RNA response (n = 135), 56.4% did not experience >0.5 log HBsAg decline. Among HBV RNA responders, sustained response was achieved in 47.6% of those with >1 log HBsAg decline (n = 20/42), vs 16.0% with <0.5 log decline (n = 12/75, P = 0.001). Similar results were obtained with HBcrAg and when response was defined as HBsAg loss. CONCLUSIONS In this cohort, many patients with HBV RNA response during peginterferon-based treatment did not experience HBsAg and/or HBcrAg decline. The absence of concomitant decline in these viral antigens was associated with low rates of treatment response and HBsAg loss. Future trials should therefore consider kinetics of combined biomarkers to assess anti-viral efficacy. Trial registration, ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00114361, NCT00146705.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia M. Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Robert A. de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - André Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Margo J. H. van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Robert J. de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Florian van Bömmel
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of Medicine IILeipzig University Medical CenterLeipzigGermany
| | | | - Thomas Berg
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of Medicine IILeipzig University Medical CenterLeipzigGermany
| | - Bettina E. Hansen
- Toronto Center for Liver DiseaseToronto Western and General HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada,Institute of Health Policy, Management and EvaluationUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Harry L. A. Janssen
- Toronto Center for Liver DiseaseToronto Western and General HospitalUniversity Health NetworkTorontoONCanada
| | - Milan J. Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyErasmus MCUniversity Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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Small hepatitis B virus surface antigen promotes malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma via endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced FGF19/JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Cancer Lett 2020; 499:175-187. [PMID: 33249195 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.11.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the major global health problems. Although the small protein of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), SHBs, is the most abundant HBV viral protein, its pathogenic role and molecular mechanism in malignant progression of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unknown. Here we reported that SHBs expression induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in HCC cells and significantly increased their migratory and invasive ability as well as metastatic potential. Mechanistically, SHBs expression in HCC cells induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress that activated the activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) to increase the expression and secretion of fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19). The autocrine released FGF19 in turn activated JAK2/STAT3 signaling for induction of EMT process in HCC. Notably, SHBs was positively correlated with the expression of mesenchymal markers, the phosphorylation status of JAK2 and STAT3 as well as FGF19 levels in human HCC samples. HCC patients with SHBs positive had a more advanced clinical stage and worse prognosis. These results suggest an important role of SHBs in the metastasis and progression of HCC and may highlight a potential target for preventive and therapeutic intervention of HBV-related HCC and its malignant progression.
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Hosseini SY, Sanaei N, Fattahi MR, Malek-Hosseini SA, Sarvari J. Association of HBsAg mutation patterns with hepatitis B infection outcome: Asymptomatic carriers versus HCC/cirrhotic patients. Ann Hepatol 2020; 18:640-645. [PMID: 31105017 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Revised: 10/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) variations suggested having some effects on infection outcome. Due to some controversial issues, the aim of this study was to compare the pattern of HBsAg variation between asymptomatic carriers and HCC/cirrhosis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, 19 HCC/cirrhotic and 26 asymptomatic patients were enrolled. After viral DNA extraction, HBs gene was amplified using an in-house nested-PCR. Then, PCR products were introduced into bi-directional Sanger sequencing. The retrieved sequences were compared with references, to investigate the variation of immunologic sites, major hydrophilic region (MHR) of HBsAg as well as reverse transcriptase (RT), and also to determine genotype/subtype. RESULTS The analysis of MHR and epitopes on HBsAg showed dozens of substitution, which occurred more prevalently in I110, P120, Y134, G159, S193, Y206, S207, I208, L213 and P214 positions. However, Y134N/F/L (P=0.04) and P120T/S (P=0.009) were significantly detected in MHR and B-cell epitope of HCC/Cirrhotic group. A number of truncation-related mutations were higher in HCC/Cirrhotic group (P>0.001), albeit only C69* stop codon was statistically significant (P=0.003). In RT, some potentially resistant substitutions such as Q215S, V191I and V214A, were revealed. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of isolates belonged to genotype D, and the major serotype was ayw1. CONCLUSION The higher frequency of substitutions in MHR and immune epitopes at positions such as Y134 and P120 as well as stop codons such as C69* in HCC/cirrhotic group might candidate them as predictive factors for infection outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Y Hosseini
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Neda Sanaei
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohamad-Reza Fattahi
- Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Jamal Sarvari
- Department of Bacteriology and Virology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Gastroenterohepatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Surveillance and impact of occult hepatitis B virus, SEN virus, and torque teno virus in Egyptian hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Int J Infect Dis 2019; 92:13-18. [PMID: 31863879 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2019.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Egypt ranks first regarding the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Many patients have concomitant diseases like kidney disorders requiring hemodialysis, a procedure carrying the hazard of transmitting other hepatitis viruses. The purpose of this study was to investigate for occult hepatitis B virus (HBV), SEN virus (SENV), and torque teno virus (TTV) among chronic HCV patients on maintenance hemodialysis to identify their impacts. METHODS A total of 325 hemodialysis patients were enrolled and divided into two groups based on HCV RNA testing results. Blood samples were collected before hemodialysis. Sera were tested for hepatitis B core antibodies (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) using ELISA. HBV, SENV, and TTV DNA were detected by PCR. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level was measured. RESULTS Anti-HBc and HBV DNA were detected in 73.1% and 50.8% of group 1 versus 36.4% and 22.6% of group 2. The serum ALT level was higher in group 1 than group 2. SENV was detected in 11.5% of group 1 versus 8.2% of group 2. TTV was detected in 29% of group 1 versus 27% of group 2. CONCLUSIONS There is an increased prevalence of occult HBV in our locality among chronic HCV patients undergoing hemodialysis. The existence of SENV and TTV viremia has no clinical impact.
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A Global View to HBV Chronic Infection: Evolving Strategies for Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention in Immunocompetent Individuals. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16183307. [PMID: 31505743 PMCID: PMC6766235 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16183307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a significant public health challenge. Around 250 million people live with chronic HBV infection. With a global approach to this issue, we focus on new perspective in diagnosis, management and prevention of HBV chronic infection. Precise diagnosis of HBV status is crucial to guide patient management. Although available drugs reduce the risk of liver disease progression, they are not able to definitely eradicate HBV, and new therapeutic options are urgently needed. Thus, prevention of HBV infection is still the most effective strategy to achieve the control of the disease. Key aspects of prevention programs include surveillance of viral hepatitis, screening programs and immunization strategies. In spite of the high success rate of licensed HBV vaccines, a need for improved vaccine persists, especially in order to provide coverage of current non-responders.
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Aghamiri S, Jafarpour A, Gomari MM, Ghorbani J, Rajabibazl M, Payandeh Z. siRNA nanotherapeutics: a promising strategy for anti‐HBV therapy. IET Nanobiotechnol 2019; 13:457-463. [PMCID: PMC8676379 DOI: 10.1049/iet-nbt.2018.5286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis worldwide. In spite of the numerous advances in the treatment of CHB, drugs and vaccines have failed because of many factors like complexity, resistance, toxicity, and heavy cost. New RNA interference (RNAi)‐based technologies have developed innovative strategies to target Achilles' heel of the several hazardous diseases involving cancer, some genetic disease, autoimmune illnesses, and viral disorders particularly hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Naked siRNA delivery has serious challenges including failure to cross the cell membrane, susceptibility to the enzymatic digestion, and excretion by renal filtration, which ideally can be addressed by nanoparticle‐mediated delivery systems. cccDNA formation is a significant problem in obtaining HBV infections complete cure because of strength, durability, and lack of proper immune response. Nano‐siRNA drugs have a great potential to address this problem by silencing specific genes which are involved in cccDNA formation. In this article, the authors describe siRNA nanocarrier‐mediated delivery systems as a promising new strategy for HBV infections therapy. Simultaneously, the authors completely represent the clinical trials which use these strategies for treatment of the HBV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahin Aghamiri
- Student research committeeDepartment of Medical BiotechnologySchool of Advanced Technologies in MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Ali Jafarpour
- Students' Scientific Research CenterVirology DivisionDepartment of PathobiologySchool of Public HealthTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Jaber Ghorbani
- Department of Medical BiotechnologySchool of Advanced Technologies in MedicineTehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Masoumeh Rajabibazl
- Department of Clinical BiochemistryFaculty of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell SciencesSchool of Advanced Technologies in MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Immunology Research CenterTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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35
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Chiu AP, Tschida BR, Sham TT, Lo LH, Moriarity BS, Li XX, Lo RC, Hinton DE, Rowlands DK, Chan CO, Mok DKW, Largaespada DA, Warner N, Keng VW. HBx-K130M/V131I Promotes Liver Cancer in Transgenic Mice via AKT/FOXO1 Signaling Pathway and Arachidonic Acid Metabolism. Mol Cancer Res 2019; 17:1582-1593. [PMID: 30975706 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-1127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection remains a high underlying cause for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, while the genetic mechanisms behind this remain unclear. This study elucidated the mechanisms contributing to tumor development induced by the HBV X (HBx) gene of predominantly Asian genotype B HBV and its common HBx variants. To compare the potential tumorigenic effects of K130M/V131I (Mut) and wild-type (WT) HBx on HCC, the Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposon system was used to deliver HBx Mut and WT into the livers of fumarylacetoacetate hydrolase (Fah)-deficient mice and in the context of transformation related protein 53 (Trp53) deficiency. From our results, HBx Mut had a stronger tumorigenic effect than its WT variant. Also, inflammation, necrosis, and fibrosis were evident in HBx experimental animals. Reduction of forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) with increased phosphorylation of upstream serine/threonine kinase (AKT) was detected under HBx Mut overexpression. Thus, it is proposed that HBx Mut enhances disease progression by reducing FOXO1 via phosphorylation of AKT. At the metabolomic level, HBx altered the expression of genes that participated in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, as a result of inflammation via accumulation of proinflammatory factors such as prostaglandins and leukotriene in liver. Taken together, the increased rate of HCC observed in chronic hepatitis B patients with K130M/V131I-mutated X protein, may be due to changes in AA metabolism and AKT/FOXO1 signaling. IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggested that HBx-K130M/V131I-mutant variant promoted HCC progression by activating AKT/FOXO1 pathway and inducing stronger inflammation in liver via AA metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy P Chiu
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Barbara R Tschida
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Tung-Ting Sham
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lilian H Lo
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Xiao-Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Regina C Lo
- Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - David E Hinton
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Dewi K Rowlands
- Laboratory Animal Services Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-On Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Daniel K W Mok
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - David A Largaespada
- Center for Genome Engineering, Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nadia Warner
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vincent W Keng
- State Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology (Incubation), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China. .,Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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36
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Ebrahimi S, Teimoori A, Khanbabaei H, Tabasi M. Harnessing CRISPR/Cas 9 System for manipulation of DNA virus genome. Rev Med Virol 2018; 29:e2009. [PMID: 30260068 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The recent development of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeat (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9) system, a genome editing system, has many potential applications in virology. The possibility of introducing site specific breaks has provided new possibilities to precisely manipulate viral genomics. Here, we provide diagrams to summarize the steps involved in the process. We also systematically review recent applications of the CRISPR/Cas9 system for manipulation of DNA virus genomics and discuss the therapeutic potential of the system to treat viral diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Ebrahimi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hashem Khanbabaei
- Medical Physics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Maryam Tabasi
- Department of Virology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Choi YM, Lee SY, Kim BJ. Naturally occurring hepatitis B virus reverse transcriptase mutations related to potential antiviral drug resistance and liver disease progression. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:1708-1724. [PMID: 29713126 PMCID: PMC5922991 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i16.1708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The annual number of deaths caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related disease, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is estimated as 887000. The reported prevalence of HBV reverse transcriptase (RT) mutation prior to treatment is varied and the impact of preexisting mutations on the treatment of naïve patients remains controversial, and primarily depends on geographic factors, HBV genotypes, HBeAg serostatus, HBV viral loads, disease progression, intergenotypic recombination and co-infection with HIV. Different sensitivity of detection methodology used could also affect their prevalence results. Several genotype-dependent HBV RT positions that can affect the emergence of drug resistance have also been reported. Eight mutations in RT (rtL80I, rtD134N, rtN139K/T/H, rtY141F, rtM204I/V, rtF221Y, rtI224V, and rtM309K) are significantly associated with HCC progression. HBeAg-negative status, low viral load, and genotype C infection are significantly related to a higher frequency and prevalence of preexisting RT mutations. Preexisting mutations are most frequently found in the A-B interdomain of RT which overlaps with the HBsAg “a” determinant region, mutations of which can lead to simultaneous viral immune escape. In conclusion, the presence of baseline RT mutations can affect drug treatment outcomes and disease progression in HBV-infected populations via modulation of viral fitness and host-immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Min Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul 110799, South Korea
| | - So-Young Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul 110799, South Korea
| | - Bum-Joon Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences, Liver Research Institute and Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul 110799, South Korea
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38
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Lin Y, Gao ZX, Shen X, Chen MJ, Li YT, Li SL, Lin HL, Zhao QF, Liu F, Niu JJ. Correlation between polymorphisms in toll-like receptor genes and the activity of hepatitis B virus among treatment-naïve patients: a case-control study in a Han Chinese population. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:28. [PMID: 29320990 PMCID: PMC5764005 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-2943-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because of the high prevalence and absence of cure for infection, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been acknowledged as a pressing public health issue. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activate the human innate immune system and the polymorphisms in TLRs may alter their function. The present study aimed to investigate the association between TLR polymorphisms and disease progression of chronic HBV infection. METHODS During the study period, 211 treatment-naïve patients with chronic HBV infection were recruited, and blood samples were collected from each individual. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry was employed to genotype the selected TLR polymorphisms after human genome extraction. In addition, HbsAg, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were quantified using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Statistical analyses were conducted to investigate the association between TLR polymorphisms and hepatitis activity, liver function parameters, HbsAg level, and cytokine level. RESULTS We did not observe any mutations in rs4986790, rs4986791, and rs5743708 among all study subjects. A logistic regression revealed that mutations in rs3804099 and rs4696480 were associated with milder hepatitis activity. Consistent with the logistic regression, improved liver function parameters and reduced level of both HbsAg and cytokines were also correlated with the mutant carriers of rs3804099 and rs4696480. CONCLUSIONS TLR mutations were significantly associated with milder hepatitis activity among patients with chronic HBV infection. Therefore, we conclude that the activation of TLR pathways may further intensify the inflammation of hepatocytes, and leads to progression of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Lin
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Zheng-Xiang Gao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Xu Shen
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Mei-Jun Chen
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ting Li
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Lian Li
- Xiamen Huli District Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Hui-Ling Lin
- Xiamen Huli District Maternity and Child Care Hospital, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Qi-Feng Zhao
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,School of Public Health, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Infectious Disease, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
| | - Jian-Jun Niu
- Center of Clinical Laboratory, Zhongshan Hospital, Medical College of Xiamen University, 201-209 Hubin South Road, Siming District, Xiamen City, 361004, Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. .,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China.
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39
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Ničković V, Katanić R, Katanić N, Kocić I. CHRONIC HEPATITIS B. ACTA MEDICA MEDIANAE 2017. [DOI: 10.5633/amm.2017.0408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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40
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Portilho MM, Mendonça A, Marques VA, Nabuco LC, Villela-Nogueira CA, Ivantes C, Lewis-Ximenez LL, Lampe E, Villar LM. Comparison of oral fluid collection methods for the molecular detection of hepatitis B virus. Oral Dis 2017; 23:1072-1079. [PMID: 28544047 DOI: 10.1111/odi.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to compare the efficiency of four oral fluid collection methods (Salivette, FTA Card, spitting and DNA-Sal) to detect HBV DNA by qualitative PCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-four individuals (32 HBV reactive and 42 with no HBV markers) donated serum and oral fluid. In-house qualitative PCR to detect HBV was used for both samples and commercial quantitative PCR for serum. RESULTS HBV DNA was detected in all serum samples from HBV-infected individuals, and it was not detected in control group. HBV DNA from HBV group was detected in 17 samples collected with Salivette device, 16 samples collected by FTA Card device, 16 samples collected from spitting and 13 samples collected by DNA-Sal device. Samples that corresponded to a higher viral load in their paired serum sample could be detected using all oral fluid collection methods, but Salivette collection device yielded the largest numbers of positive samples and had a wide range of viral load that was detected. CONCLUSION It was possible to detect HBV DNA using all devices tested, but higher number of positive samples was observed when samples were collected using Salivette device, which shows high concordance to viral load observed in the paired serum samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Portilho
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Acf Mendonça
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - V A Marques
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L C Nabuco
- Clementino Fraga Filho Hospital, University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - C A Villela-Nogueira
- Clementino Fraga Filho Hospital, University of Rio de Janeiro, UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Cap Ivantes
- Center of Guidance and Advisor (COA), Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - L L Lewis-Ximenez
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - E Lampe
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - L M Villar
- Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, FIOCRUZ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Abstract
Liver cancer remains one of the most common human cancers with a high mortality rate. Therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain ineffective, due to the heterogeneity of HCC with regard to both the etiology and mutation spectrum, as well as its chemotherapy resistant nature; thus surgical resection and liver transplantation remain the gold standard of patient care. The most common etiologies of HCC are extrinsic factors. Humans have multiple defense mechanisms against extrinsic factor-induced carcinogenesis, of which tumor suppressors play crucial roles in preventing normal cells from becoming cancerous. The tumor suppressor p53 is one of the most frequently mutated genes in liver cancer. p53 regulates expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression, cell death, and cellular metabolism to avert tumor development due to carcinogens. This review article mainly summarizes extrinsic factors that induce liver cancer and potentially have etiological association with p53, including aflatoxin B1, vinyl chloride, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, iron overload, and infection of hepatitis viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Link
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Tomoo Iwakuma
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Datta S, Chakravarty R. Role of RNA secondary structure in emergence of compartment specific hepatitis B virus immune escape variants. World J Virol 2016; 5:161-169. [PMID: 27878103 PMCID: PMC5105049 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v5.i4.161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the role of subgenotype specific RNA secondary structure in the compartment specific selection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) immune escape mutations.
METHODS This study was based on the analysis of the specific observation of HBV subgenotype A1 in the serum/plasma, while subgenotype A2 with G145R mutation in the peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs). Genetic variability found among the two subgenotypes was used for prediction and comparison of the full length pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) secondary structure and base pairings. RNA secondary structures were predicted for 37 °C using the Vienna RNA fold server, using default parameters. Visualization and detailed analysis was done using RNA shapes program.
RESULTS In this analysis, using similar algorithm and conditions, entirely different pgRNA secondary structures for subgenotype A1 and subgenotype A2 were predicted, suggesting different base pairing patterns within the two subgenotypes of genotype A, specifically, in the HBV genetic region encoding the major hydrophilic loop. We observed that for subgenotype A1 specific pgRNA, nucleotide 358U base paired with 1738A and nucleotide 587G base paired with 607C. However in sharp contrast, in subgenotype A2 specific pgRNA, nucleotide 358U was opposite to nucleotide 588G, while 587G was opposite to 359U, hence precluding correct base pairing and thereby lesser stability of the stem structure. When the nucleotides at 358U and 587G were replaced with 358C and 587A respectively (as observed specifically in the PBL associated A2 sequences), these nucleotides base paired correctly with 588G and 359U, respectively.
CONCLUSION The results of this study show that compartment specific mutations are associated with HBV subgenotype specific alterations in base pairing of the pgRNA, leading to compartment specific selection and preponderance of specific HBV subgenotype with unique mutational pattern.
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Inoue T, Tanaka Y. Hepatitis B virus and its sexually transmitted infection - an update. MICROBIAL CELL 2016; 3:420-437. [PMID: 28357379 PMCID: PMC5354569 DOI: 10.15698/mic2016.09.527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiology: incidence and prevalence:
About 5% of the world’s population has chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)
infection, and nearly 25% of carriers develop chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and
hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The prevalence of chronic HBV infection in human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals is 5%-15%; HIV/HBV coinfected
individuals have a higher level of HBV replication, with higher rates of
chronicity, reactivation, occult infection, and HCC than individuals with HBV
only. The prevalence of HBV genotype A is significantly higher among men who
have sex with men (MSM), compared with the rest of the population.
Molecular mechanisms of infection, pathology, and
symptomatology: HBV replication begins with entry into the
hepatocyte. Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide was identified in
2012 as the entry receptor of HBV. Although chronic hepatitis B develops slowly,
HIV/HBV coinfected individuals show more rapid progression to cirrhosis and HCC.
Transmission and protection: The most common sources
of HBV infection are body fluids. Hepatitis B (HB) vaccination is recommended
for all children and adolescents, and all unvaccinated adults at risk for HBV
infection (sexually active individuals such as MSM, individuals with
occupational risk, and immunosuppressed individuals). Although HB vaccination
can prevent clinical infections (hepatitis), it cannot prevent 100% of
subclinical infections. Treatment and curability:
The goal of treatment is reducing the risk of complications
(cirrhosis and HCC). Pegylated interferon alfa and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs)
are the current treatments for chronic HBV infection. NAs have improved the
outcomes of patients with cirrhosis and HCC, and decreased the incidence of
acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takako Inoue
- Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Clinical Laboratory, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan. ; Department of Virology & Liver unit, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya, Japan
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Kim H, Lee SA, Kim BJ. X region mutations of hepatitis B virus related to clinical severity. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:5467-5478. [PMID: 27350725 PMCID: PMC4917607 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i24.5467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major health problem, with more than 240 million people chronically infected worldwide and potentially 650000 deaths per year due to advanced liver diseases including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV-X protein (HBx) contributes to the biology and pathogenesis of HBV via stimulating virus replication or altering host gene expression related to HCC. The HBV X region contains only 465 bp encoding the 16.5 kDa HBx protein, which also contains several critical cis-elements such as enhancer II, the core promoter and the microRNA-binding region. Thus, mutations in this region may affect not only the HBx open reading frame but also the overlapped cis-elements. Recently, several types of HBx mutations significantly associated with clinical severity have been described, although the functional mechanism in most of these cases remains unsolved. This review article will mainly focus on the HBx mutations proven to be significantly related to clinical severity via epidemiological studies.
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Zare A, Karimi MH, Rashki A, Geramizadeh B, Afshari A, Miri HR, Yaghobi R. Association of the Interleukin-27 Gene Expression and Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Liver Transplanted Patients. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2016; 15:554-560. [PMID: 26925776 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2015.0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hepatitis B viral infection is among the most common causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and a frequent viral indication for liver transplant. Cytokine-mediated immunity plays a critical role in introducing and promoting hepatitis B virus outcomes and in graft microenvironment. Interleukin 27 is a heterodimeric cytokine and a member of interleukin-6/interleukin-12 family. Interleukin-27 shows a broad range of pro- and antiinflammatory properties and plays a determining role during immune responses in combating hepatitis B virus. Therefore, in this study, the possible association between expressions of interleukin-27 gene with hepatitis B virus infection was evaluated in liver transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a cross-sectional study from liver transplant patients with the risk of hepatitis B virus infection who admitted to Namazi Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, 50 patients were selected and subgrouped to 25 hepatitis B virus-infected and 25 noninfected ones between years 2011 and 2013. The 25 healthy controls also were enrolled in this study. The presence of hepatitis B virus infection was assessed using polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay protocols in liver transplant patients. In addition, the interleukin-27 gene expression level was analyzed using an in-house-SYBER Green real time polymerase chain reaction method. The rate of interleukin-27 gene expression level was statistically analyzed in studied patient groups and controls using the Livak (2-▵▵CT) method. RESULTS The expression level of interleukin-27 gene was increased 10.27- and 2.36-fold in hepatitis B virus-infected and uninfected liver transplanted patients compared with healthy controls. CONCLUSION Hepatitis B virus infection can lead to overexpression of interleukin-27 gene in liver transplant patients compared with uninfected ones and controls. However, further studies are needed to characterize the effective antihepatitis B virus effects of interleukin-27 in liver transplant patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolhossein Zare
- From the Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Zabol University, Zabol; and the Shiraz Transplant Research Center-Shiraz University of Medical Sciences-Shiraz, Iran
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Caligiuri P, Cerruti R, Icardi G, Bruzzone B. Overview of hepatitis B virus mutations and their implications in the management of infection. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:145-154. [PMID: 26755866 PMCID: PMC4698481 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i1.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects approximately two billion people worldwide and more than 240 million people in the world are currently chronic carrier that could develop serious complications in the future, like liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although an extended HBV immunization program is being carried out since the early ‘80s, representing effective preventive measure, leading to a dramatic reduction of HBV hepatitis incidence, globally HBV infection still represents a major public health problem. The HBV virus is a DNA virus belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family. The HBV-DNA is a circular, partial double strand genome. All coding information is on the minus DNA strand and it is organized into four open reading frames. Despite hepatitis B virus is a DNA virus, it has a high mutation rate due to its replicative strategy, that leads to the production of many non-identical variants at each cycle of replication. In fact, it contains a polymerase without the proofreading activity, and uses an RNA intermediate (pgRNA) during its replication, so error frequencies are comparable to those seen in retroviruses and other RNA viruses rather than in more stable DNA viruses. Due to the low fidelity of the polymerase, the high replication rate and the overlapping reading frames, mutations occur throughout the genome and they have been identified both in the structural and not structural gene. The arise of mutations being to develop of a whole of viral variants called “quasi-species” and the prevalent population, which favors virus replication, was selected by viral fitness, host’s immune pressure and external pressure, i.e., vaccination or antiviral therapy. Naturally occurring mutations were found both in acute and chronic subjects. In the present review we examine and discuss the most recent available data about HBV genetic variability and its significance.
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Ye Q, Shang SQ, Li W. A new vaccine escape mutant of hepatitis B virus causes occult infection. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2015; 11:407-10. [PMID: 25692622 DOI: 10.4161/21645515.2014.994461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
There is growing public concern regarding assay sensitivity to HBsAg mutants in clinical diagnosis and vaccine escape. The aim of this study is to introduce a new HBsAg mutant strain. The serum samples were those of patient X at the age of 3 months and 3 years respectively, and of her mother immediately before parturition, which were used to amplify the HBsAg-coding DNA fragments by PCR. The HBsAg DNA sequences were translated into their corresponding amino acid sequences and then aligned in pubmed with nucleotide blast. The sequencing data of S coding regions shows that patient X has been infected by a new HBV variant with an A to C substitution at nt431, resulting in an Asp(GAC)to Ala(GCC) substitution at aa144 of major protein; CC to AA substitution at nt359 and nt360, resulting in an Pro(CCC) to Gln(CAA) substitution at aa120 of pre "a" epitope; A to G substitution at nt491, resulting in an Glu(GAG) to Gly(GGG) substitution at aa164 of post "a" epitope. Three new mutations (S171F, S174N and Q181R) at the antigenic epitopes of HBV presented by HLA class I molecules are found. The HBV mutant strain causes vaccine escape and occult infection.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- AchE, acetylcholin esterase
- Alb, albumin
- Anti-HBc, antibodies to hepatitis B core antigen
- Anti-HBs, antibodies to HBsAg
- CMV, cytomegalovirus
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- EBNA, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen
- EBV, Epstein-Barr virus
- EIA, enzyme immunoassay
- HBV
- HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- Hb, hemoglobin
- LDH, lactate dehydrogenase
- Plt, platelet count
- RBC, red blood cell count
- T-Bil, total bilirubin
- TG, triglycerides
- TP, total protein
- UA, uric acid
- VCA, viral capsid antigen
- WBC, white blood cell count
- anti-HA, antibody to hepatitis A
- gene mutation
- occult infection
- vaccine escape
- γGTP, γ-glutamyl transferase
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ye
- a Clinical Laboratory; The Children's Hospital; School of Medicine ; Zhejiang University ; Hangzhou , PR China
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Chiu AP, Tschida BR, Lo LH, Moriarity BS, Rowlands DK, Largaespada DA, Keng VW. Transposon mouse models to elucidate the genetic mechanisms of hepatitis B viral induced hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:12157-12170. [PMID: 26576100 PMCID: PMC4641133 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i42.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The major type of human liver cancer is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and there are currently many risk factors that contribute to this deadly disease. The majority of HCC occurrences are associated with chronic hepatitis viral infection, and hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection is currently a major health problem in Eastern Asia. Elucidating the genetic mechanisms associated with HBV-induced HCC has been difficult due to the heterogeneity and genetic complexity associated with this disease. A repertoire of animal models has been broadly used to study the pathophysiology and to develop potential treatment regimens for HBV-associated HCC. The use of these animal models has provided valuable genetic information and has been an important contributor to uncovering the factors involved in liver malignant transformation, invasion and metastasis. Recently, transposon-based mouse models are becoming more widely used in liver cancer research to interrogate the genome by forward genetics and also used to validate genes rapidly in a reverse genetic manner. Importantly, these transposon-based rapid reverse genetic mouse models could become crucial in testing potential therapeutic agents before proceeding to clinical trials in human. Therefore, this review will cover the use of transposon-based mouse models to address the problems of liver cancer, especially HBV-associated HCC occurrences in Asia.
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CRISPR/Cas9-based tools for targeted genome editing and replication control of HBV. Virol Sin 2015; 30:317-25. [PMID: 26511989 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-015-3660-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a major global health problem because current therapies rarely eliminate HBV infections to achieve a complete cure. A different treatment paradigm to effectively clear HBV infection and eradicate latent viral reservoirs is urgently required. In recent years, the development of a new RNA-guided gene-editing tool, the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated nuclease 9) system, has greatly facilitated site-specific mutagenesis and represents a very promising potential therapeutic tool for diseases, including for eradication of invasive pathogens such as HBV. Here, we review recent advances in the use of CRISPR/Cas9, which is designed to target HBV specific DNA sequences to inhibit HBV replication and to induce viral genome mutation, in cell lines or animal models. Advantages, limitations and possible solutions, and proposed directions for future research are discussed to highlight the opportunities and challenges of CRISPR/Cas9 as a new, potentially curative therapy for chronic hepatitis B infection.
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The analysis of correlation between IL-12 gene expression and hepatitis B virus in the affected patients. Virusdisease 2015; 26:196-9. [PMID: 26396987 DOI: 10.1007/s13337-015-0261-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B viral (HBV) infection, which is one of the global public health concerns, is among the most common causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. It was proposed that cytokine-mediated immunity plays a critical role in determining the outcomes of hepatitis B virus infection. Interleukin 12 (IL-12) is a heterodimeric cytokine that shows a broad range of immunoregulatory properties during immune responses and combats host invading pathogens. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the possible association between expression levels of IL-12 gene with HBV infection in patients with HBV infection. This clinical study was performed on 30 HBV patients and 30 healthy controls. SYBR Green Real-time PCR was performed to examine the expression level of IL-12 gene in HBV patients. Then, the rate of expression was calculated using the Livak ([Formula: see text] ) method. ΔCT of samples in the two groups were compared using t test method. PCR was also used for HBV-DNA evidence. The results of our study demonstrated that the difference in mean of IL-12 gene expression between healthy subjects and HBV patients is statistically significant.
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