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Xie H, Deng H, Yang X, Gao X, Yang S, Chen W, Wang Y, Yang N, Yong L, Hou X. Mesencephalic Astrocyte-derived Neurotrophic Factor Supports Hepatitis B Virus-induced Immunotolerance. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:101360. [PMID: 38759839 PMCID: PMC11255368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2024.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The immune tolerance induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major challenge for achieving effective viral clearance, and the mechanisms involved are not well-understood. One potential factor involved in modulating immune responses is mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF), which has been reported to be increased in patients with chronic hepatitis B. In this study, our objective is to examine the role of MANF in regulating immune responses to HBV. METHODS We utilized a commonly used HBV-harboring mouse model, where mice were hydrodynamically injected with the pAAV/HBV1.2 plasmid. We assessed the HBV load by measuring the levels of various markers including hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B envelope antigen, hepatitis B core antigen, HBV DNA, and HBV RNA. RESULTS Our study revealed that following HBV infection, both myeloid cells and hepatocytes exhibited increased expression of MANF. Moreover, we observed that mice with myeloid-specific MANF knockout (ManfMye-/-) displayed reduced HBV load and improved HBV-specific T cell responses. The decreased HBV-induced tolerance in ManfMye-/- mice was associated with reduced accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the liver. Restoring MDSC levels in ManfMye-/- mice through MDSC adoptive transfer reinstated HBV-induced tolerance. Mechanistically, we found that MANF promoted MDSC expansion by activating the IL-6/STAT3 pathway. Importantly, our study demonstrated the effectiveness of a combination therapy involving an hepatitis B surface antigen vaccine and nanoparticle-encapsulated MANF siRNA in effectively clearing HBV in HBV-carrier mice. CONCLUSION The current study reveals that MANF plays a previously unrecognized regulatory role in liver tolerance by expanding MDSCs in the liver through IL-6/STAT3 signaling, leading to MDSC-mediated CD8+ T cell exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyuan Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Haiyan Deng
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoping Yang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xianxian Gao
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Shanru Yang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Weiyi Chen
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Yixuan Wang
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Naibin Yang
- Department of Infection, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Liang Yong
- Laboratory of Stem Cell, the First Affiliated Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Xin Hou
- Health Science Center, Ningbo University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, P. R. China.
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Liu Y, Ren S, Ma L, Lin X, Lu J, Cao Z, Zheng S, Hu Z, Xu X, Chen X. Peg-IFNα combined with hepatitis B vaccination contributes to HBsAg seroconversion and improved immune function. Virol J 2024; 21:77. [PMID: 38555445 PMCID: PMC10981809 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02344-8] [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: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to investigate immunological variations between a group that received the hepatitis B vaccine and a non-vaccine group. We focused on a cohort that achieved HBsAg seroclearance after Peg-IFNα treatment of CHB. METHODS We enrolled twenty-eight individuals who achieved HBsAg seroclearance after Peg-IFNα treatment. They were divided into two groups: a vaccine group (n = 14) and a non-vaccine group (n = 14). We assessed lymphocyte subpopulations, B cell- and T cell-surface costimulatory/inhibitory factors, cytokines and immunoglobulin levels were detected at different time points to explore immune-function differences between both groups. RESULTS The seroconversion rate in the vaccine group at 24 weeks post-vaccination was 100%, which was significantly higher (p = 0.006) than that of the non-vaccine group (50%). Additionally, more individuals in the vaccine group exhibited anti-HBs levels exceeding 100 IUs/L and 300 IUs/L compared to the non-vaccine group (p < 0.05). The vaccine group demonstrated significantly increase total B cells and class-switched B cells at 24 weeks and plasma cells, CD80+B cells, Tfh cells, and ICOS+Tfh cell at 12 weeks, compared with baseline levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, Bregs (CD24+CD27+ and CD24+CD38high) decreased significantly at 24 weeks (p < 0.05). None of the above changes were statistically significance in the non-vaccine group (p > 0.05). Total IgG increased significantly in the vaccine group, and IL-2, IL-5, and IL-6 concentrations increased significantly at week 24 (p < 0.05). Differences in various types of cytokines and immunoglobulins in the plasma of the non-vaccine group were not significant (p > 0.05). Anti-HBs titers positively correlated with Th1/Th2 cells at 24 weeks (r = 0.448 and 0.458, respectively, p = 0.022 and 0.019, respectively), and negatively with CD24+CD38highBreg cells (r = -0.402, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS After achieving HBsAg seroclearance through Peg-IFNα treatment for CHB, administering the hepatitis B vaccine significantly increased anti-HBs-seroconversion rates and antibody levels. We also observed significant immunological differences between the vaccine and non-vaccine groups. Specifically, the vaccine group exhibited significant increases in B cells, plasma cells, and Tfh cells, while Breg levels was significantly lower. These immunological changes are likely conducive to the production of anti-HBs antibodies. However, in the non-vaccine group, the observed changes were not significantlly significant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisi Liu
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shan Ren
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lina Ma
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Junfeng Lu
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhenhuan Cao
- Third Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Sujun Zheng
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Zhongjie Hu
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaoxue Xu
- Department of Core Facility Center, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xinyue Chen
- First Department of Liver Disease Center, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, Xi Tou Tiao, Youanmen wai, Beijing, 100069, China.
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3
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Zhao Q, Liu H, Tang L, Wang F, Tolufashe G, Chang J, Guo JT. Mechanism of interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis B and potential approaches to improve its therapeutic efficacy. Antiviral Res 2024; 221:105782. [PMID: 38110058 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2023.105782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects 296 million people worldwide and causes more than 820,000 deaths annually due to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current standard-of-care medications for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) include nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) viral DNA polymerase inhibitors and pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α). NAs can efficiently suppress viral replication and improve liver pathology, but not eliminate or inactivate HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). CCC DNA is the most stable HBV replication intermediate that exists as a minichromosome in the nucleus of infected hepatocyte to transcribe viral RNA and support viral protein translation and genome replication. Consequentially, a finite duration of NA therapy rarely achieves a sustained off-treatment suppression of viral replication and life-long NA treatment is most likely required. On the contrary, PEG-IFN-α has the benefit of finite treatment duration and achieves HBsAg seroclearance, the indication of durable immune control of HBV replication and functional cure of CHB, in approximately 5% of treated patients. However, the low antiviral efficacy and poor tolerability limit its use. Understanding how IFN-α suppresses HBV replication and regulates antiviral immune responses will help rational optimization of IFN therapy and development of novel immune modulators to improve the rate of functional cure. This review article highlights mechanistic insight on IFN control of HBV infection and recent progress in development of novel IFN regimens, small molecule IFN mimetics and combination therapy of PEG-IFN-α with new direct-acting antivirals and therapeutic vaccines to facilitate the functional cure of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Zhao
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Hui Liu
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Liudi Tang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Fuxuan Wang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | | | - Jinhong Chang
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, United States.
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Kan K, Wong DKH, Hui RWH, Seto WK, Yuen MF, Mak LY. Anti-HBc: a significant host predictor of spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B patients - a retrospective longitudinal study. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:348. [PMID: 37803352 PMCID: PMC10557289 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02983-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB), seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is associated with favourable clinical outcomes compared to those with persistent HBsAg seropositivity, and thus considered as a desired treatment endpoint. This current study explores the possibility of serum antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) as a potential predictive factor of HBsAg seroclearance. METHODS This is a retrospective study that analyzed the plasma samples of CHB patients using the LUMIPULSE® G1200 analyzer. The longitudinal anti-HBc level between patients who subsequently achieved HBsAg seroclearance (S-losers) and those with persistent HBsAg-positivity (controls) were compared at multiple time points before the event. RESULTS A total of 240 subjects (120 S-losers and 120 controls; age- and gender-matched) were included (mean age 56.42 ± 10.81, 65% male). Compared to controls, S-losers had significantly lower plasma anti-HBc levels prior to HBsAg seroclearance, with a significant trend of declining plasma anti-HBc 8-5 years prior to HBsAg seroclearance (p < 0.01), while such trend was not observed in controls. ROC curve analysis revealed that plasma anti-HBc at multiple time points before HBsAg seroclearance return AUC greater than 0.7. Plasma anti-HBc level at the cut-off value of 82.50 COI was 68.3% sensitive and 90% specific for HBsAg seroclearance within 1 year. Combining with quantitative HBsAg < 100 IU/mL, anti-HBc < 82.5 COI identified 88.2% patients who would develop HBsAg seroclearance within 1 year. CONCLUSION Plasma anti-HBc level began to decline 10 years prior to HBsAg seroclearance and can serve as a potential predictor for subsequent HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Kan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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5
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He L, Li H, Li C, Liu Z, Lu M, Zhang R, Wu D, Wei D, Shao J, Liu M, Wei H, Zhang C, Wang Z, Kong L, Chen Z, Bian H. HMMR alleviates endoplasmic reticulum stress by promoting autophagolysosomal activity during endoplasmic reticulum stress-driven hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2023; 43:981-1002. [PMID: 37405956 PMCID: PMC10508155 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mechanism of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-induced carcinogenesis remains an area of interest. The accumulation of hepatitis B surface antigen in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of hepatocytes stimulates persistent ER stress. Activity of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway of ER stress may play an important role in inflammatory cancer transformation. How the protective UPR pathway is hijacked by cells as a tool for malignant transformation in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. Here, we aimed to define the key molecule hyaluronan-mediated motility receptor (HMMR) in this process and explore its role under ER stress in HCC development. METHODS An HBV-transgenic mouse model was used to characterize the pathological changes during the tumor progression. Proteomics and transcriptomics analyses were performed to identify the potential key molecule, screen the E3 ligase, and define the activation pathway. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blotting were conducted to detect the expression of genes in tissues and cell lines. Luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, coimmunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence were employed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of HMMR under ER stress. Immunohistochemistry was used to clarify the expression patterns of HMMR and related molecules in human tissues. RESULTS We found sustained activation of ER stress in the HBV-transgenic mouse model of hepatitis-fibrosis-HCC. HMMR was transcribed by c/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and degraded by tripartite motif containing 29 (TRIM29) after ubiquitination under ER stress, which caused the inconsistent expression of mRNA and protein. Dynamic expression of TRIM29 in the HCC progression regulated the dynamic expression of HMMR. HMMR could alleviate ER stress by increasing autophagic lysosome activity. The negative correlation between HMMR and ER stress, positive correlation between HMMR and autophagy, and negative correlation between ER stress and autophagy were verified in human tissues. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the complicated role of HMMR in autophagy and ER stress, that HMMR controls the intensity of ER stress by regulating autophagy in HCC progression, which could be a novel explanation for HBV-related carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin He
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Hao Li
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
- Department of Gastroenterologythe General Hospital of Western Theatre CommandChengduSichuanP. R. China
| | - Can Li
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Ze‐Kun Liu
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Meng Lu
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Ren‐Yu Zhang
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Dong Wu
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Ding Wei
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Jie Shao
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Man Liu
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Hao‐Lin Wei
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer BiologyDepartment of PathologyXijing Hospital and School of Basic MedicineFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Ling‐Min Kong
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Zhi‐Nan Chen
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
| | - Huijie Bian
- National Translational Science Centre for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell BiologyFourth Military Medical UniversityXi'anShaanxiP. R. China
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6
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Morais E, Mason L, Dever J, Martin P, Chen JV, Felton L, Kendrick S, Theodore D, Gillespie IA. Clinical Consequences of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Loss in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2023; 2:992-1004. [PMID: 39130769 PMCID: PMC11307919 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2023.06.004] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims Functional cure, which requires sustained hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss after treatment cessation, is currently the optimal treatment endpoint for chronic hepatitis B virus infection. We performed a systematic literature review (SLR) and meta-analyses to assess the association between HBsAg loss and long-term clinical outcomes. Methods We performed a SLR of scientific literature published in Medline and Embase reporting the incidence of cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation (HD), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver-related mortality (LRM), and all-cause mortality (ACM) in relation to HBsAg status. Bayesian hierarchical commensurate prior meta-analyses synthesized evidence on the association between HBsAg loss and each outcome. Results Thirty-eight studies, comprising 50,354 patients with 350,734 patient-years of follow-up, were included in the meta-analyses, reporting on cirrhosis (n = 12), HD (n = 12), HCC (n = 36), LRM (n = 12), and ACM (n = 16). Pooled incidence rate ratios (IRRs; vs HBsAg persistence) and respective credible intervals (Crls) were 0.28 (0.060-1.070) for cirrhosis, 0.13 (0.013-0.38) for HD, 0.27 (0.11-0.53) for HCC, 0.17 (0.028-0.61) for LRM, and 0.64 (0.24-1.17) for ACM. Single-predictor-adjusted IRRs remained consistent with those from the primary analyses for all outcomes except cirrhosis and LRM. Outcome incidence rates were modified by selected study, patient and infection characteristics, but trended in the same direction of reduced risk after loss. Conclusion Overall, HBsAg loss was associated with a reduced risk of most clinically relevant outcomes. While the magnitude of the effect differed across subgroups, the direction of the association remained similar. Our results validate the need to develop new strategies to achieve HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lauren Mason
- Pallas Health Research and Consultancy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John Dever
- Business Intelligence, Three Rivers Federal Credit Union, Fort Wayne, Indiana
| | - Pam Martin
- Modeling & Analytics, Medical Decision Modeling Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jing Voon Chen
- Evidence Strategy, Genesis Research, Hoboken, New Jersey
| | - Leigh Felton
- Development Clinical Sciences, Hepatology and GI, GSK, London, UK
| | | | - Dickens Theodore
- Development Clinical Sciences, Hepatology and GI, GSK, London, UK
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7
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Sun X, Fu H, Wang C, Zhang Y, Han W, Chen H, Wang Y, Chen Q, He Y, Huang Q, Yan C, Chen Y, Han T, Lv M, Mo X, Wang J, Wang F, Chen Y, Zhu X, Xu L, Liu K, Huang X, Zhang X. Predicting the loss of hepatitis B surface antigen following haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with chronic HBV infection. Bone Marrow Transplant 2023; 58:265-272. [PMID: 36456810 DOI: 10.1038/s41409-022-01880-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Clearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an ideal therapeutic goal for patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is the most effective therapy for a variety of haematological diseases. For patients with chronic HBV infection who received allo-HSCT, recipient hepatitis B serological status might change after allo-HSCT; however, data on the loss of HBsAg following allo-HSCT are relatively rare. We first reviewed patients with chronic HBV infection who received allo-HSCT in our centre from 2010 to 2020, and 125 patients were included in our study. A total of 62 patients (49.6%) with chronic HBV infection achieved HBsAg loss after allo-HSCT. Positivity for HBeAb and HBsAb in donors as well as no cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were identified as independent risk factors for HBsAg loss after allo-HSCT. A predictive model including positivity for HBeAb and HBsAb in donors and no CMV infection was subsequently developed and performed well with effective discrimination and calibration. In addition, patients could benefit when this model is used in the clinic, as revealed via decision-curve analysis (DCA). However, multicentre prospective studies are required for validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Sun
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Fu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Chencong Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Yun He
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Qiusha Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Chenhua Yan
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Lv
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Mo
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Fengrong Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolu Zhu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Lanping Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Kaiyan Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Haematology, Beijing, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China. .,Collaborative Innovation Center of Haematology, Peking University, Beijing, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Haematologic Disease, Beijing, China.
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8
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What does quantitative HBsAg level mean in chronic hepatitis D infection? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:320-326. [PMID: 36708303 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection, which is an important etiological cause of chronic liver disease, the relationship between serum quantitative HBsAg level and fibrosis and histological activity was investigated. METHODS Between 2014 and 2020, 98 patients with chronic HDV infection (53 noncirrhotic, 45 cirrhotic) participated in this prospectively designed study. Quantitative HBsAg levels of the patients were measured and their relationship with the stage of chronic liver disease was compared with histological activity index (HAI), fibrosis score and HDV RNA, model for end-stage liver disease score and other biochemical parameters. RESULTS All patients were infected with genotype 1 (100%). HBeAg was positive in 8 (8.1%) of the patients. A correlation was found between quantitative HBsAg level and HDV RNA level in patients with both cirrhotic (r = 0.568; P < 0.001) and noncirrhotic (r = 0.644; P < 0.001) HDV infection. Alanine transaminase (P = 0.001; r = 0.495) and aspartate transaminase (P = 0.001; r = 0.511) levels correlated with quantitative HBsAg levels, more prominently in noncirrhotic patients. There was a correlation between quantitative HBsAg level and histological activity index (HAI) in patients with noncirrhotic HDV infection (P < 0.001; r = 0.664). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, both quantitative HBsAg (for cutoff: 1000; sensitivity 76%; specificity 17%; P = 0.335) and HDV RNA (for cutoff: 100000; sensitivity 2%; specificity 98%; P = 0.096) were not predictive markers for cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Quantitative HBsAg level can be evaluated as an indicator of viral replication and histological activity in patients with chronic delta hepatitis without cirrhosis. We think that quantitative HBsAg level will be useful in the management of chronic HDV infection, especially in noncirrhotic patients.
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9
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Rugaatwa Ndibarema E, Olum R, Ayebare D, Kabakyenga J. Prevalence and Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Infection Among Outpatient Adults in South-Western Uganda. HEPATIC MEDICINE : EVIDENCE AND RESEARCH 2022; 14:163-172. [PMID: 36304917 PMCID: PMC9592731 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s381809] [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: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Background About 2 billion people in the world are exposed to hepatitis B virus. Africa contributes 25% of the global Hepatitis B burden and prevalence in Uganda is 4.3%. Routine testing to establish the burden, improve prevention and control through early diagnosis and management are rare in hospital settings. We aimed at establishing the prevalence and factors associated with hepatitis B infection among adults attending outpatient clinic at Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital (MRRH) in Uganda. Methods A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among outpatients attending MRRH. Consecutive sampling method was used to recruit participants. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect data. Blood samples were collected to test HBsAg. Summary statistics were used to describe the socio-demographic characteristics of study participants and the proportion of Serostatus for hepatitis B infection. Bivariate followed by multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the factors associated with hepatitis B infections. All independent variables with p-values <0.2 were entered into a multivariate model to adjust for confounding. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results A total of 400 participants were recruited. 64.5% were females (n=258) and aged 18–29 years (48.5%, n=193). Overall, 22(5.5%) participants were found to be seropositive for hepatitis B infection. Residing in Kiruhura district (AOR = 11.9, 95% CI: 2.40–59.25, p<0.003) was significantly associated with hepatitis B infection while being female (AOR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11–0.88, p<0.018) was protective. Conclusion Prevalence of hepatitis B infection among adult patients attending outpatient clinic at MRRH was 5.5% with male gender and residing in Kiruhura district as factors associated with high prevalence of hepatitis B infection. Ministry of Health should scale up hepatitis B routine testing and treatment at MRRH and its catchment area, with special control programs such as screening, vaccination, and sensitization involving men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Rugaatwa Ndibarema
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda,Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School / St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda,Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Mbarara, Uganda,Correspondence: Elias Rugaatwa Ndibarema, Mother Kevin Postgraduate Medical School / St. Francis Hospital Nsambya, Uganda Martyrs University, Kampala, Uganda, Email
| | - Ronald Olum
- St Francis Hospital Nsambya, Kampala, Uganda
| | - David Ayebare
- Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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10
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Chung GE, Kim JY, Shin H, Hong JH, Hur MH, Cho H, Park MK, Choi NR, Kim J, Lee YB, Cho EJ, Yu SJ, Kim YJ, Yoon JH, Lee JH. Correlation between Results of Semi-Quantitative and Quantitative Tests for Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen among Patients Achieving Viral Suppression with Antiviral Treatment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12071757. [PMID: 35885659 PMCID: PMC9317496 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12071757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a threat to global public health. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been used in screening for HBV infection. Quantitative HBsAg assays are useful for monitoring the natural history of HBV infection and its response to therapy. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between quantitative (qHBsAg; IU/mL) and semi-quantitative (sqHBsAg; signal-to-cutoff ratio [S/Co]) HBsAg titers in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: We retrospectively included 284 samples with HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL from patients who had simultaneous qHBsAg (using electrochemiluminescence assay) and sqHBsAg tests. Patients were grouped according to their serum HBV-envelope antigen (HBeAg) status (HBeAg-negative, n = 239 and HBeAg-positive, n = 45). The Spearman test was used to analyze the correlation between the quantitative and semi-quantitative assays. Results: There was a significant linear correlation between sqHBsAg and qHBsAg in the HBeAg-negative patients (qHBsAg [IU/mL] = 0.0094 × sqHBsAg [S/Co]1.323; adjusted R2 = 0.8445; p < 0.001). There was a substantial hook effect in the assays from the HBeAg-positive patients, so we performed a stratified analysis according to qHBsAg <1000 IU/mL or ≥1000 IU/mL and found a significant positive linear correlation between sqHBsAg S/Co and qHBsAg (qHBsAg [IU/mL] = 0.072 × sqHBsAg [S/Co]1.331; adjusted R2 = 0.7878; p < 0.001) in HBeAg-positive patients with qHBsAg titers of <1000 IU/mL and a significant negative correlation in HBeAg-positive patients with qHBsAg titers of ≥1000 IU/mL (qHBsAg [IU/mL] = 8.987 × 1014 × sqHBsAg [S/Co]−3.175; adjusted R2 = 0.6350; p < 0.001). Conclusions: There was a highly linear, positive correlation between qHBsAg and sqHBsAg in HBeAg-negative CHB patients. The hook effect led to a negative correlation in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with qHBsAg titers ≥1000 IU/mL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goh Eun Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Healthcare Research Institute, Gangnam Healthcare Center, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul 03080, Korea;
| | - Ju Yeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Hyunjae Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Ji Hoon Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Moon Haeng Hur
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Heejin Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Min Kyung Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Na Ryung Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Jihye Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Yun Bin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Eun Ju Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Su Jong Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Yoon Jun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Jung-Hwan Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (J.Y.K.); (H.S.); (J.H.H.); (M.H.H.); (H.C.); (M.K.P.); (N.R.C.); (J.K.); (Y.B.L.); (E.J.C.); (S.J.Y.); (Y.J.K.); (J.-H.Y.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-2072-2228
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Shi Z, Zheng H, Han M, Hu J, Hu Y, Li X, Zhu W, He X, Deng H, Long Q, Huang A. Durability of Hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in patients experienced nucleoside analogs or interferon monotherapy: A real-world data from Electronic Health Record. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
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12
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Li M, Sun F, Bi X, Lin Y, Yang L, Lu Y, Zhang L, Wan G, Yi W, Zhao L, Xie Y. Consolidation treatment needed for sustained HBsAg-negative response induced by interferon-alpha in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Virol Sin 2022; 37:390-397. [PMID: 35257963 PMCID: PMC9243604 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance is considered as functional cure in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to assess the durability of HBsAg clearance achieved by interferon-based therapies in patients with CHB who were originally positive for hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg). In this prospective study, HBeAg-positive CHB patients with confirmed HBsAg loss under interferon-based therapies were enrolled within 12 weeks from end of treatment and followed up for 48 weeks. Virological markers, biochemical indicators, and liver imaging examinations were observed every 3–6 months. Sustained functional cure was analysed as primary outcome. Factor associated with sustained HBsAg loss or reversion was also investigated. The rate of HBsAg loss sustainability was 91.8% (212/231). Patients receiving consolidation treatment for 12–24 weeks or ≥ 24 weeks had higher rates of sustained HBsAg negativity than those receiving consolidation treatment for < 12 weeks (98.3% and 91.2% vs. 86.7%, P = 0.068), and the former groups had significantly higher anti-HBs levels than the later (P < 0.05). The cumulative incidence of HBsAg reversion and HBV DNA reversion was 8.2% and 3.9%, respectively. Consolidation treatment of ≥ 12 weeks [odd ratio (OR) 3.318, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.077–10.224, P = 0.037) was a predictor of sustained functional cure, and HBeAg-positivity at cessation of treatment (OR 12.271, 95% CI 1.076–139.919, P = 0.043) was a predictor of HBsAg reversion. Interferon-alpha induced functional cure was durable and a consolidation treatment of ≥ 12–24 weeks was needed after HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. It is a large prospective study of clinical cure in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. It showed the functional cure induced by interferon-alpha was durable. The extended IFN therapy is critical for HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. Therapy of IFN consolidation ≥12–24 weeks is necessary in the clinical cure of CHB.
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Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis B Virus-Infected Patients and the Role of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg). J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11041126. [PMID: 35207397 PMCID: PMC8878376 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11041126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is among the main risk factors for HCC. The risk of HCC is not eliminated completely after viral suppression, due to HBV DNA integrated into human chromosomes. Cirrhosis, HBV viral DNA levels, age, male gender, the immune response of the host against HBV, and a combination of obesity and diabetes are among the main risk factors for HCC. Active viral replication and long-standing active disease with inflammation are associated with a higher risk of HCC. Treatment of HBV with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) decreased HCC risk by effectively decreasing viral load and inflammation. Similar risk factors have been reported in hepatitis B patients after seroclearance. Studies have reported decreased risk of HCC after seroclearance, but there were also conflicting results from a few studies indicating no difference in risk of developing HCC. The difference in HCC rates could be because of other factors such as coinfection, occult HBV infection, family history, HBV genotype, and other comorbidities. Due to the persistent risk of HCC after seroclearance, HCC surveillance is critical for early detection, especially in high-risk patients. However, long-term studies might be needed to further validate the results.
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Wei L, Zhao T, Zhang J, Mao Q, Gong G, Sun Y, Chen Y, Wang M, Tan D, Gong Z, Li B, Niu J, Li S, Gong H, Zou L, Zhou W, Jia Z, Tang Y, Fei L, Hu Y, Shang X, Han J, Zhang B, Wu Y. Efficacy and safety of a nanoparticle therapeutic vaccine in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A randomized clinical trial. Hepatology 2022; 75:182-195. [PMID: 34396571 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM HBV DNA can be reduced using antiviral drugs in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, the rate of HBeAg seroconversion remains low. A clinical trial was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of a de novo designed liposome-based nanoparticle lipopeptide vaccine, εPA-44, for CHB. APPROACH AND RESULTS A two-stage phase 2 trial, which included a 76-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (stage 1) and a 68-week open-label extension (stage 2), was conducted in 15 centers across China (Clinicaltrials.gov No. NCT00869778). In stage 1, 360 human leukocyte antigen A2 (HLA-A2)-positive and HBeAg-positive patients were randomly and equally distributed to receive six subcutaneous injections of 600 µg or 900 µg εPA-44 or placebo at week 0, 4, 8, 12, 20, and 28. In stage 2, 183 patients received extended 900 µg εPA-44, and 26 patients were observed for relapse without further treatment. The primary endpoint was the percentage of patients with HBeAg seroconversion at week 76. At week 76, patients receiving 900 µg εPA-44 achieved significantly higher HBeAg seroconversion rate (38.8%) versus placebo (20.2%) (95% CI, 6.9-29.6%; p = 0.002). With a combined endpoint of HBeAg seroconversion, alanine aminotransferase normalization and HBV DNA < 2,000 IU/mL, both 900 µg (18.1%) and 600 µg (14.3%), resulted in significantly higher rate versus placebo (5.0%) (p = 0.002 and p = 0.02, respectively) at week 76. In stage 2, none (0 of 20) of 900 µg εPA-44-treated patients experienced serologic relapse. The safety profile of εPA-44 was comparable to that of placebo. CONCLUSIONS Among HLA-A2-positive patients with progressive CHB, a finite duration of 900 µg εPA-44 monotherapy resulted in significantly higher HBeAg seroconversion rate than placebo and sustained off-treatment effect. A phase 3 trial is ongoing (ChiCTR2100043708).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Wei
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology institute, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
| | - Ji Zhang
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qing Mao
- Infectious Diseases Institute of PLA, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guozhong Gong
- Infectious Diseases Department, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongtao Sun
- Infectious Diseases Department, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongping Chen
- Infectious Diseases Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Maorong Wang
- Infectious Diseases Department, The 81th Hospital of PLA, Nanjing, China
| | - Deming Tan
- Infectious Diseases Department, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zuojiong Gong
- Infectious Diseases Department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Baosen Li
- Infectious Diseases Department, 302 Military Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Junqi Niu
- Infectious Diseases Department, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuchen Li
- Infectious Diseases Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Huanyu Gong
- Infectious Diseases Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Liyun Zou
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhengcai Jia
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Tang
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Fei
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Shang
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junfeng Han
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bei Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuzhang Wu
- Institute of Immunology, PLA, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Vittal A, Sharma D, Hu A, Majeed NA, Terry N, Auh S, Ghany MG. Systematic review with meta-analysis: the impact of functional cure on clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:8-25. [PMID: 34850415 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is considered the ideal therapeutic endpoint for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, its impact on clinical outcomes remains uncertain. AIM To assess the impact of HBsAg loss on clinical outcomes following spontaneous and treatment-related HBsAg loss. METHODS We searched PUBMED, Embase, the Cochrane library, and published abstracts through to May 2021 for studies that reported HBsAg loss, had >1 year of follow-up and reported at least one clinical outcome in adults with chronic HBV infection. RESULTS We identified 57 studies (258 744 HBsAg-positive patients, 63 270 with HBsAg loss). Based on 24 studies including 160 598 patients with and without HBsAg loss, HBsAg loss was associated with a non-significant 23% relative risk reduction of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to those who remained HBsAg-positive (RR = 0.77; 95% CI: 0.38-1.57). In subgroup meta-analysis of 10 studies, treatment-related HBsAg loss was associated with a non-significant higher pooled proportion of HCC (0.94%) compared to spontaneous HBsAg loss (0.45%). HCC development after HBsAg loss was significantly higher in males, those with underlying cirrhosis, and those with a family history of HCC. HBsAg loss was associated with lower pooled proportions of incident cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, overall and liver-related mortality compared to no HBsAg loss. Substantial heterogeneity was noted across studies for all outcomes. CONCLUSION HBsAg loss is associated with a reduced risk of clinical outcomes. However, several shortcomings in the published studies prevent a more definitive conclusion on the potential benefits of HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anusha Vittal
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Disha Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medstar Washington Hospital Center, Washington DC, USA
| | - Alvin Hu
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nehna A Majeed
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nancy Terry
- Division of Library Services, National Institutes of Health Library, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Sungyoung Auh
- Biostatistics Program, Office of the Director, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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Chen CC, Guan G, Qi X, Abulaiti A, Zhang T, Liu J, Lu F, Chen X. Pacbio Sequencing of PLC/PRF/5 Cell Line and Clearance of HBV Integration Through CRISPR/Cas-9 System. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:676957. [PMID: 34485380 PMCID: PMC8416172 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.676957] [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: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of HBV DNA is one of the carcinogenic mechanisms of HBV. The clearance of HBV integration in hepatocyte is of great significance to cure chronic HBV infection and thereby prevent the occurrence of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the low throughput of traditional methods, such as Alu-PCR, results in low detecting sensitivity of HBV integration. Although the second-generation sequencing can obtain a large amount of sequencing data, but the sequencing fragments are extremely short, so it cannot fully explore the characteristics of HBV integration. In this study, we used the third-generation sequencing technology owning advantages both in sequencing length and in sequencing depth to analyze the HBV integration characteristics in PLC/PRF/5 cells comprehensively. A total of 4,142,311 cleaning reads was obtained, with an average length of 18,775.6 bp, of which 84 reads were fusion fragments of the HBV DNA and human genome. These 84 fragments located in seven chromosomes, including chr3, chr4, chr8, chr12, chr13, chr16, and chr17. We observed lots of DNA rearrangement both in the human genome and in HBV DNA fragments surrounding the HBV integration site, indicating the genome instability causing by HBV integration. By analyzing HBV integrated fragments of PLC/PRF/5 cells that can potentially express HBsAg, we selected three combinations of sgRNAs targeting the integrated fragments to knock them out with CRISPR/Cas9 system. We found that the sgRNA combinations could significantly decrease the level of HBsAg in the supernatant of PLC/PRF/5 cells, while accelerated cell proliferation. This study proved the effectiveness of third-generation sequencing to detect HBV integration, and provide a potential strategy to reach HBsAg clearance for chronic HBV infection patients, but the knock-out of HBV integration from human genome by CRISPR/Cas9 system may have a potential of carcinogenic risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chen Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xuewei Qi
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Abudurexiti Abulaiti
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China.,Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangmei Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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17
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Mimura S, Fujita K, Takuma K, Nakahara M, Oura K, Tadokoro T, Kobara H, Tani J, Morishita A, Himoto T, Masaki T. Effect of pegylated interferon alfa-2a in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B during and 48 weeks after off-treatment follow-up: the limitation of pre-treatment HBsAg load for the seroclearance of HBsAg. Intern Emerg Med 2021; 16:1559-1565. [PMID: 33502731 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-020-02622-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem worldwide. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) alfa-2a treatment for seroclearance of HBs antigen (HBsAg) in HBe antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This retrospective study investigated 16 HBeAg-negative CHB patients who received Peg-IFN alfa-2a weekly for 48 weeks. Thereafter, the patients were followed-up for 48 weeks after the end of therapy. The following criteria were also used for inclusion: HBV-DNA < 5.0 log copies/mL and without nucleot(s)ide analogs. Four HBsAg-positive cases became HBsAg negative. The HBsAg levels of the 4 patients who achieved HBsAg seroclearance were lower significantly than that of the non-seroclearance group (p = 0.007). The mean HBsAg levels in these 4 cases were 68 IU/mL, while the mean HBsAg levels in the non-seroclearance group were 2,114 IU/mL. The mean HBV-DNA levels in the 4 HBsAg seroclearance cases were 2.8 log copies/mL as compared to 3.6 log copies/mL in HBsAg-non-seroclearance cases (p = 0.01). Cases that are HBeAg negative, with HBV-DNA levels < 5 log copies/mL, and HBsAg titers < 120 IU/mL cases may achieve HBsAg clearance with Peg-IFN therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Mimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan.
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kei Takuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Mai Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hideki Kobara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Takashi Himoto
- Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University Hospital, Ikenobe Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
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18
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Choi HSJ, van Campenhout MJH, van Vuuren AJ, Krassenburg LAP, Sonneveld MJ, de Knegt RJ, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA. Ultra-Long-term Follow-up of Interferon Alfa Treatment for HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:1933-1940.e1. [PMID: 32890755 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is finite and leads to relatively higher functional cure rates (HBsAg loss) than nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) therapy. Effects of pegylated (PEG)/conventional IFN-α treatment on clinical outcomes were evaluated in an ultra-long-term follow-up of CHB patients. METHODS HBeAg-positive patients treated with (PEG)IFN-α at a tertiary referral centre between 1977-2014 were included. We reviewed medical charts and consulted the municipal registry for patient information. Patients were invited for a single visit at the outpatient clinic in the case of missing follow-up data. The endpoints included serum HBeAg/HBsAg loss and incidence of clinical events, using life table methods and person-years to analyze the incidence of events. Patients were censored upon retreatment. RESULTS The study cohort included 267 patients, 67% male, 58% Caucasian, with a median age of 32 years. The median follow-up duration was 11.5 years. The 5 and 10-year cumulative incidence of HBsAg loss were 14% and 32%, respectively. Baseline factors associated with a higher rate of HBsAg loss were male sex, Caucasian race, genotype A, age ≥40 years, and cirrhosis. HBsAg loss rates did not differ significantly between those who received short-term (≤24 weeks) vs long-term (>24 weeks) therapy. Both HBeAg and HBsAg loss were significantly associated with improved clinical outcomes. Early response (HBeAg loss) was associated with more HBsAg loss and better patient outcomes. CONCLUSIONS During long-term follow-up, high rates of HBsAg loss were observed from a single (PEG)IFN-α course. Its persistent effects suggest that a role for IFN-α remains, potentially in novel combination therapies in search of a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margo J H van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anneke J van Vuuren
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette A P Krassenburg
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert J de Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Wu F, Lu R, Liu Y, Wang Y, Tian Y, Li Y, Li M, Wang W, Zhang X, Jia X, Dang S. Efficacy and safety of peginterferon alpha monotherapy in Chinese inactive chronic hepatitis B virus carriers. Liver Int 2021; 41:2032-2045. [PMID: 33896094 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The effectiveness and safety of peginterferon alpha (peg-IFN-α) monotherapy in inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers (IHCs) have not been fully evaluated. METHODS This observational study prospectively enrolled 298 IHCs in China from 2015 to 2019. Participants were given the right to choose to either receive peg-IFN-α monotherapy (treatment group, n = 142) or be monitored without treatment (control group, n = 156) according to their wishes. The scheduled treatment duration was 48 weeks. All participants were followed up to 72 weeks. The main efficacy endpoint was hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance at 72 weeks. RESULTS Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups. At 72 weeks, intention-to-treat analysis showed that the rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion of the treatment group were 47.9% (68/142) and 36.6% (52/142), respectively, which were significantly higher than the HBsAg clearance rate of 1.9% (3/156) and the seroconversion rate of 0.6% (1/156) in the control group (both P < .001). Baseline HBV DNA < 20 IU/mL, lower HBsAg levels at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks, alanine aminotransferase elevation at 12 weeks, and greater HBsAg reduction from baseline to 12 and 24 weeks were independent predictors of HBsAg clearance. Generally, the therapy was well tolerated. Only five participants discontinued therapy as a result of peg-IFNα-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Peg-IFN-α monotherapy results in high rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion and the treatment is safe for IHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengping Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Rui Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yixin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yikai Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Tian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yaping Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wenjun Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoli Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuangsuo Dang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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20
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Wang L, Wu L, Li X, Zhang Y, Lai J, Zhu X, Xie C, Peng L. Tenofovir alafenamide fumarate therapy in subjects with positive HBV-DNA and normal levels of alanine transaminase: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e048410. [PMID: 34408049 PMCID: PMC8375735 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The current clinical guidelines do not recommend antiviral therapy for subjects with positive hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA and normal alanine transaminase (ALT). In this study, we will assess the safety and efficacy of tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) in the treatment of adults with positive HBV-DNA and normal ALT, including long-term prognosis. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This study is a non-double-blind randomised controlled trial. Study participants will be randomised into the treatment group and the control group. In the treatment group, subjects will receive TAF monotherapy, while those in the control group will receive no antiviral treatment. Subjects will be followed up at the beginning of the study and every 12 or 24 weeks thereafter for review of laboratory findings and to record adverse events. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients with serum hepatitis B surface antigen loss. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University for Human Study (reference number [2019]02-599-01). The results of this study will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04231565.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lina Wu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Lai
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiang Zhu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chan Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang Peng
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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21
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Nishio A, Bolte FJ, Takeda K, Park N, Yu ZX, Park H, Valdez K, Ghany MG, Rehermann B. Clearance of pegylated interferon by Kupffer cells limits NK cell activation and therapy response of patients with HBV infection. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/587/eaba6322. [PMID: 33790025 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aba6322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFN-α), where IFN-α is attached to polyethylene glycol (PEG), is an approved treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a disease that causes liver-related morbidity and mortality in 257 million people worldwide. It is unknown why only a minority of patients respond to PEG-IFN-α. Using sequential blood samples and liver biopsies of patients with chronic HBV infection before, during, and after PEG-IFN-α treatment, we find that patients with early natural killer (NK) cell activation after PEG-IFN-α injection experienced greater liver inflammation, lysis of HBV-infected hepatocytes, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline than those without. NK cell activation was associated with induction of interferon-stimulated genes and determined by PEG-IFN-α pharmacokinetics. Patients with delayed increases in PEG-IFN-α concentrations had greater amounts of PEG-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) immune complexes in the blood and more PEG and IgM detected in the liver than patients with rapid increase in PEG-IFN-α concentration. This was associated with reduced NK cell activation. These results indicate that the immunomodulatory functions of PEG-IFN-α, particularly activation of NK cells, play a pivotal role in the response to treatment and further demonstrate that these functions are affected by PEG-IFN-α pharmacokinetics. Accelerated clearance of antibody-complexed pegylated drugs by Kupffer cells may be important beyond the field of HBV therapeutics. Thus, these findings may contribute to improving the efficacy of pegylated drugs that are now being developed for other chronic diseases and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Nishio
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Fabian J Bolte
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kazuyo Takeda
- Pathology Core, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Nana Park
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Zu-Xi Yu
- Pathology Core, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Heiyoung Park
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Kristin Valdez
- Clinical Research Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Clinical Research Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Barbara Rehermann
- Immunology Section, Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, DHHS, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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22
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Song A, Wang X, Lu J, Jin Y, Ma L, Hu Z, Zheng Y, Shen C, Chen X. Durability of hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance and subsequent risk for hepatocellular carcinoma: A meta-analysis. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:601-612. [PMID: 33455067 PMCID: PMC7986681 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance is regarded as the ideal endpoint for antiviral treatment. However, reports on the durability of and outcomes after HBsAg seroclearance are few, which has become a focus in clinical practice. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the durability and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) incidence after HBsAg seroclearance after treatment cessation. We searched PubMed, Embase, Medline and Web of Science for studies that reported the durability and HCC incidence after HBsAg seroclearance published between 1 January 2000 and 31 January 2020. Data were analysed by a random-effects model. Thirty-eight studies and 43,924 patients were finally included. The results showed that HBsAg seroclearance was durable, with a pooled recurrence rate of 6.19% (95% CI: 4.10%-8.68%). There was no significant difference in recurrence rates after different seroclearance methods or among recurrence types and different regions. Anti-HBs seroconversion resulted in a significantly reduced recurrence rate (RR = 0.25, p < .001). Patients who experienced HBsAg seroclearance had significantly lower HCC incidence than HBsAg-positive (RR = 0.41, p < .001). The pooled HCC incidence after HBsAg seroclearance was 1.88%; this rate was reduced to 0.76% among patients without baseline cirrhosis. In conclusion, the analysis during an average follow-up of 4.74 years suggested that in patients who experienced sustained HBsAg seroclearance and anti-HBs seroconversion, this was associated with low HCC incidence. Patients without baseline cirrhosis benefited even more. We emphasize the importance of gaining HBsAg seroclearance while highlighting the benefits of achieving this as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aixin Song
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Junfeng Lu
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yi Jin
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Lina Ma
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Zhongjie Hu
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Yanhong Zheng
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
| | - Chengli Shen
- Division of Surgical OncologyJames Cancer HospitalThe Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterColumbusOHUSA
| | - Xinyue Chen
- First Department of Liver Disease CenterBeijing Youan HospitalCapital Medical UniversityBeijingChina
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23
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Association Between Seroclearance of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Long-term Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:463-472. [PMID: 32473348 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.05.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is the desired end point of treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, according to guidelines. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the strength of the association between HBsAg seroclearance and long-term clinical outcomes. METHODS We performed a systematic review of the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases for articles that assessed HBsAg status and reported the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver decompensation, liver transplantation, and/or all-cause mortality during follow-up evaluation. We performed a meta-analysis of rate ratios (RR) using a random-effects model independently for each end point and for a composite end point. RESULTS We analyzed data from 28 studies, comprising a total of 188,316 patients with chronic HBV infection (treated and untreated), and 1,486,081 person-years (PY) of follow-up evaluation; 26 reported data on HCC, 7 on liver decompensation, and 13 on liver transplantation and/or death. The composite event rates were 0.19/1000 PY for the HBsAg seroclearance group and 2.45/1000 PY for the HBsAg-persistent group. Pooled RRs for the HBsAg seroclearance group were 0.28 for liver decompensation (95% CI, 0.13-0.59; P = .001), 0.30 for HCC (95% CI, 0.20-0.44; P < .001), 0.22 for liver transplantation and/or death (95% CI, 0.13-0.39; P < .001), and 0.31 for the composite end point (95% CI, 0.23-0.43; P < .001). No differences in RR estimates were observed among subgroups of different study or patient characteristics. CONCLUSIONS In a systematic review and meta-analysis, we found seroclearance of HBsAg to be associated significantly with improved patient outcomes. The results are consistent among different types of studies, in all patient subpopulations examined, and support the use of HBsAg seroclearance as a primary end point of trials of patients with chronic HBV infection.
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24
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Lee SK, Kwon JH, Lee SW, Jang JW, Nam H, Baik KW, Yoo SH, Nam SW, Sung PS, Bae SH, Choi JY, Yoon SK. Sustained off therapy response after peglyated interferon favours functional cure and no disease progression in chronic hepatitis B. Liver Int 2021; 41:288-294. [PMID: 33043567 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients reduces liver-related mortality. However, long-term outcomes after pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) therapy remain to be elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the long-term effectiveness and clinical outcomes of PEG-IFN therapy. METHODS A total of 190 patients treated with PEG-IFN for CHB or compensated cirrhosis were consecutively enrolled between 2005 and 2014, and 122 patients who completed the treatment were analysed. The initial response was assessed at 6 months post-treatment and defined as achieving both <2000 IU/mL HBV DNA and HBeAg loss or seroconversion in the HBeAg-positive group, and <2000 IU/mL HBV DNA in the HBeAg-negative group. The rates of HBsAg loss, disease progression to cirrhosis or HCC, and sustained off-therapy response, defined as not requiring further NAs because of low viremia and liver enzymes, were analysed. RESULTS The median follow-up period was 7.2 years. Forty-three (35.2%) patients achieved an initial response and 53 patients (43.4%) achieved a sustained response. Initial responders displayed higher rates of sustained response than noninitial responders (69.6% vs 32.5%, P < .001). A higher rate of HBsAg loss was observed in patients who achieved a sustained response than in non-sustained responders (16.2% vs 2.5%, P = .01). Disease progression to cirrhosis or HCC was observed in eight patients (6.6%) who were nonsustained responders. CONCLUSIONS During long-term follow-up after PEG-IFN treatment, nearly half of patients achieved sustained response without the need of further NA and these patients displayed favourable outcomes, including HBsAg loss and no disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soon Kyu Lee
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Kwon
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sung Won Lee
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heechul Nam
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoung Won Baik
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea
| | - Sun Hong Yoo
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea
| | - Soon Woo Nam
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Incheon, Korea
| | - Pil Soo Sung
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Si Hyun Bae
- The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jong Young Choi
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.,The Catholic University Liver Research Center, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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Lee S, Goyal A, Perelson AS, Ishida Y, Saito T, Gale M. Suppression of hepatitis B virus through therapeutic activation of RIG-I and IRF3 signaling in hepatocytes. iScience 2021; 24:101969. [PMID: 33458618 PMCID: PMC7797372 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) mediates persistent infection, chronic hepatitis, and liver disease. HBV covalently closed circular (ccc)DNA is central to viral persistence such that its elimination is considered the cornerstone for HBV cure. Inefficient detection by pathogen recognition receptors (PRRs) in the infected hepatocyte facilitates HBV persistence via avoidance of innate immune activation and interferon regulatory factor (IRF)3 induction of antiviral gene expression. We evaluated a small molecule compound, F7, and 5'-triphosphate-poly-U/UC pathogen-associated-molecular-pattern (PAMP) RNA agonists of RIG-I, a PRR that signals innate immunity, for ability to suppress cccDNA. F7 and poly-U/UC PAMP treatment of HBV-infected cells induced RIG-I signaling of IRF3 activation to induce antiviral genes for suppression of cccDNA formation and accelerated decay of established cccDNA, and were additive to the actions of entecavir. Our study shows that activation of the RIG-I pathway and IRF3 to induce innate immune actions offers therapeutic benefit toward elimination of cccDNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyoung Lee
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Ashish Goyal
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Alan S. Perelson
- Theoretical Biology and Biophysics, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, USA
| | - Yuji Ishida
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- PhoenixBio Co., Ltd., Research and Development Unit, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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26
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Pang X, Zhang L, Liu N, Liu B, Chen Z, Li H, Chen M, Peng M, Ren H, Hu P. Combination of pegylated interferon-alpha and nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment enhances the activity of natural killer cells in nucleos(t)ide analogue experienced chronic hepatitis B patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 202:80-92. [PMID: 32638357 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A combination of pegylated interferon-alpha (peg-IFN-α) and nucleos(t)ides analogue (NA) therapy can effectively reduce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), especially in NA-experienced chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the immune mechanism of this therapy is unclear. Forty NA-experienced CHB patients were enrolled into this study. The frequencies of peripheral blood natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells (DCs), CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, T helper (Th) cells, regulatory T cells (Treg ), B cells and follicular T helper (Tfh) cells were evaluated by flow cytometry. Seven of the 40 patients converted to peg-IFN-α combined with NA treatment, while the other 33 continued to NA therapy. The decrease in HBsAg was more pronounced in the combination treatment group, and only patients receiving combination treatment achieved HBsAg loss. The frequency and absolute number of CD56bright NK cells in the combination treatment group increased significantly compared with the NA treatment group, whereas the CD56dim NK cells were decreased. In the NA treatment group, the proportions of CD4+ TN , CD8+ TN , CD19+ B and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4)+ CD4+ T cells were increased, while the proportions of CD4+ TEM , CD8+ TEM , CD25+ CD4+ Treg , CD25high CD4+ Treg , CD127low CD25+ Treg , programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)+ CD4+ T, PD-1+ CD8+ T, CTLA-4+ CD8+ T, CCR4+ CD25+ Treg and CCR4+ CD25high Treg cells were decreased after therapy. For NA-experienced CHB patients who achieved low HBsAg levels, combination treatment is more likely to result in HBsAg decline and HBsAg clearance by increasing the activity of CD56bright NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Pang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - L Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - N Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - B Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Z Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - M Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - M Peng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - P Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, The Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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27
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Lok AS, Zoulim F, Dusheiko G, Chan HLY, Buti M, Ghany MG, Gaggar A, Yang JC, Wu G, Flaherty JF, Subramanian GM, Locarnini S, Marcellin P. Durability of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Loss With Nucleotide Analogue and Peginterferon Therapy in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B. Hepatol Commun 2019; 4:8-20. [PMID: 31909352 PMCID: PMC6939500 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is considered a functional cure. However, HBsAg loss is uncommon with existing therapies, and predictive factors associated with HBsAg seroreversion are unknown. Using pooled data from three phase 3 clinical trials of patients with CHB treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) monotherapy or peginterferon (Peg‐IFN) ± NUC combination therapy, we conducted a retrospective analysis to characterize patients who achieved sustained HBsAg loss, the predictors of HBsAg seroreversion, and the impact of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti‐HBs) seroconversion on durability of HBsAg loss. In these three international trials, 1,381 adults with CHB received either NUC monotherapy for up to 10 years or Peg‐IFN‐containing regimens for up to 1 year. A total of 55 patients had confirmed HBsAg loss, defined as two or more consecutive negative‐qualitative HBsAg results, with a minimum of one repeat result after the end of treatment. Throughout a median of 96 (quartile [Q]1, Q3, 46, 135) weeks follow‐up after HBsAg loss, HBsAg loss was durable in 82% (n = 45) of patients, with 10 patients experiencing HBsAg seroreversion. Anti‐HBs seroconversion was observed during follow‐up in 78% of patients who lost HBsAg and in 60% of those who subsequently seroreverted. In analyzing predictors of HBsAg seroreversion, study treatment was significant, yet anti‐HBs seroconversion and treatment duration after initial HBsAg loss were not. Risk of HBsAg seroreversion was observed to be lower if HBsAg loss was sustained through the off‐treatment week 24 visit (8/10 seroreversions occurred by posttreatment week 24). Conclusion: HBsAg loss after NUC or Peg‐IFN‐containing regimens was durable in 82% of patients with CHB. Anti‐HBs seroconversion and treatment duration after initial HBsAg loss were not significantly associated with durability of HBsAg loss.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Hospices Civils de Lyon and INSERM Unit 1052 Lyon France
| | - Geoffrey Dusheiko
- Kings College Hospital University College London Medical School London United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - George Wu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc. Foster City CA
| | | | | | - Stephen Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory Melbourne Australia
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28
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Li MH, Yi W, Zhang L, Lu Y, Lu HH, Shen G, Wu SL, Hao HX, Gao YJ, Chang M, Liu RY, Hu LP, Cao WH, Chen QQ, Li JN, Wan G, Xie Y. Predictors of sustained functional cure in hepatitis B envelope antigen-negative patients achieving hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance with interferon-alpha-based therapy. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26 Suppl 1:32-41. [PMID: 31380582 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is considered a functional cure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the durability of HBsAg loss after stopping treatment remains unknown. This study aimed to assess the sustained functional cure achieved by interferon therapy in hepatitis B envelope antigen (HBeAg)-negative CHB patients. In this prospective study, 176 HBeAg-negative CHB patients with functional cure were enrolled for 12 weeks of cessation treatment, and treatment information and baseline data were collected. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) biomarkers and clinical biochemical indicators were evaluated every 3 months; liver imaging examinations were performed every 3-6 months during the 48-week follow-up. The sustained functional cure was evaluated. After the 48-week follow-up, the sustained functional cure rate was 86.63%. The cumulative rates of HBsAg reversion and HBV DNA reversion were 12.79% and 2.33%, respectively. Consolidation treatment ≥ 12 weeks after HBsAg loss achieved a significantly higher rate of sustained functional cure and significantly lower rate of HBsAg reversion than consolidation treatment < 12 weeks (76.19% vs 90.00%, P = 0.022 and 23.81% vs 9.23%, P = 0.014, respectively). Patients with hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) had higher rate of sustained functional cure than patients achieving HBsAg loss but without HBsAb (89.86% vs 73.53%, P = 0.012). Consolidation treatment ≥ 12 weeks (odds ratio [OR] 16.478; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.135-127.151; P = 0.007) and high HBsAb levels (OR 8.312; 95% CI, 1.824-37.881; P = 0.006) were independent predictors of sustained functional cure. Results suggested that 12 weeks of consolidation therapy after HBsAg clearance and elevated HBsAb levels help to improve functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Hui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Hui Lu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ge Shen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shu-Ling Wu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Xiao Hao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Jiao Gao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Chang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ru-Yu Liu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei-Ping Hu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Hua Cao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Qi Chen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Nan Li
- Scientific Research and Education Department, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wan
- Medical Records and Statistics Department, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Using Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2019; 2019:6915850. [PMID: 31281411 PMCID: PMC6594274 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6915850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance during treatment is associated with a better prognosis among patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Significant gaps remain in our understanding on how to predict HBsAg seroclearance accurately and efficiently based on obtainable clinical information. This study aimed to identify the optimal model to predict HBsAg seroclearance. We obtained the laboratory and demographic information for 2,235 patients with CHB from the South China Hepatitis Monitoring and Administration (SCHEMA) cohort. HBsAg seroclearance occurred in 106 patients in total. We developed models based on four algorithms, including the extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), random forest (RF), decision tree (DCT), and logistic regression (LR). The optimal model was identified by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The AUCs for XGBoost, RF, DCT, and LR models were 0.891, 0.829, 0.619, and 0.680, respectively, with XGBoost showing the best predictive performance. The variable importance plot of the XGBoost model indicated that the level of HBsAg was of high importance followed by age and the level of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA. Machine learning algorithms, especially XGBoost, have appropriate performance in predicting HBsAg seroclearance. The results showed the potential of machine learning algorithms for predicting HBsAg seroclearance utilizing obtainable clinical data.
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30
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Sequential combination therapy with interferon, interleukin-2 and therapeutic vaccine in entecavir-suppressed chronic hepatitis B patients: the Endeavor study. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:573-586. [PMID: 31172415 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09956-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Switching from nucleos(t)ide analogues to interferon (IFN) improves hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. We aimed to evaluate whether combining immunomodulators such as interleukin-2 (IL-2) and therapeutic vaccine with IFN enhances HBsAg loss in entecavir (ETV)-suppressed patients. METHODS Ninety-four patients exhibiting virological suppression and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss following ETV treatment were randomized 1:1:1 to receive ETV (group I) or IFN (group II) for 48 weeks, or IFN and vaccine for 48 weeks plus IL-2 for 12 weeks (group III). The primary endpoint was HBsAg loss at week 48. Peripheral natural killer (NK) cells and regulatory T cells (Treg) were measured as immune checkpoint indicators. RESULTS Mean HBsAg decline at week 48 was significantly greater in group III (0.85 log 10 IU/mL) and group II (0.74 log 10 IU/mL), than in group I (0.13 log 10 IU/mL). At week 48, 9.38%, 3.03%, and 3.70% of subjects in group III, II, and I, respectively, achieved HBsAg loss. Among patients with baseline HBsAg titers ranging from 100 to 1500 IU/mL, HBsAg loss rate was 27.3, 7.1, and 0% in group III, II, and I, respectively. Responders in group III showed a significantly higher increase in CD56bright CD16-NK cells from week 24 to 36, and a significant decline in Treg from week 12 to 24 than non-responders. CONCLUSION For ETV-suppressed patients, particularly those with low baseline HBsAg levels, combination therapy with IFN and other immunomodulators may enhance HBsAg loss, while successful response correlates with partial restoration of NK cells and Tregs.
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Jia W, Zhu MQ, Qi X, Wang T, Wen X, Chen PD, Fan QQ, Zhang WH, Zhang JM. Serum hepatitis B virus RNA levels as a predictor of HBeAg seroconversion during treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a. Virol J 2019; 16:61. [PMID: 31064399 PMCID: PMC6505123 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-019-1152-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion represents an endpoint of treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. Methods We have studied whether levels of serum hepatitis B virus ribonucleic acid (HBV RNA) during pegylated interferon alfa-2a treatment might be helpful for predicting HBeAg seroconversion. 61 HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a alone or in combination with adefovir (10 mg/day) for 48 weeks were included in this retrospective analysis. Response was defined as HBeAg seroconversion at 24 weeks posttreatment. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were used to identify baseline and on-treatment HBV RNA levels associated with response. Results Twenty-two of 61 (36.1%) patients achieved a response. Baseline HBV RNA levels were lower in responders than in nonresponders (4.55 ± 1.19 and 5.90 ± 1.13 copies/mL, respectively, P = 0.001). Baseline HBV RNA cut off level (200,000 copies/mL) provided a positive predictive value (PPV) of 56.0% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 77.8%. HBV RNA level (3000 copies/mL) at week 12 provide a PPV of 75.0% and a NPV of 82.8%. Moreover, HBeAg seroconversion rates at 24 weeks posttreatment were significantly higher in patients with HBV RNA ≤ 200,000 copies/mL at baseline and HBV RNA ≤ 3000 copies/mL at week 12 (92.9%) versus others (12.5%) (All P < 0.05). Conclusions In Conclusions, serum HBV RNA levels may serve as a novel tool for prediction of HBeAg seroconversion during therapy with pegylated interferon alfa-2a in HBeAg-positive CHB patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12985-019-1152-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Men Qi Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xun Qi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Wen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei Dong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Qi Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Ji Ming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Jing'An District Centre Hospital of Shanghai, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. .,Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Room 510, Building 5, 12 Middle Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, China.
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32
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Hepatitis B surface antigen loss after discontinuing nucleos(t)ide analogue for treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients is persistent in White patients. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:267-271. [PMID: 30576297 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the long-term clinical outcome and persistence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss after discontinuation of treatment. BACKGROUND The prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) who discontinue treatment after loss of HBsAg remains largely unknown, particularly in White patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analysed a cohort of patients with CHB who discontinued NA treatment after loss of HBsAg. A total of 69 patients with hepatitis-B-e antigen-positive or hepatitis-B-e antigen-negative CHB with undetectable HBsAg during NA treatment were included after discontinuation of treatment, and followed up for a median period of 37.8 months (interquartile range: 23.8-54.6 months). RESULTS At the end of follow-up, none of the patients showed spontaneous reappearance of HBsAg and only one patient had detectable hepatitis B virus DNA (22 IU/ml). Another patient negative for HBsAg and anti-HBs developed hepatitis B virus reactivation without elevated transaminases after treatment with corticosteroids and vincristine for dendritic cell neoplasm, 38 months after withdrawal of the antiviral treatment. Regarding clinical outcome, a patient with cirrhosis developed hepatocellular carcinoma, 6.6 years after discontinuing treatment. None of the patients had hepatic decompensation or underwent liver transplantation. CONCLUSION HBsAg clearance after discontinuing NAs in patients with CHB is persistent and associated with good prognosis. The risk for developing hepatocellular carcinoma persists among patients with cirrhosis.
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33
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Lampertico P, Messinger D, Cornberg M, Brunetto M, Petersen J, Kennedy P, Asselah T, Rothe V, Caputo A, Bakalos G, Pavlovic V, Papatheodoridis GV. A genotype-specific baseline score predicts post-treatment response to peginterferon alfa-2a in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B. Ann Gastroenterol 2018; 31:712-721. [PMID: 30386122 PMCID: PMC6191871 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peginterferon alfa-2a induces durable responses in some hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients, but robust pretreatment predictors are not available to identify likely responders. In this study we aimed to develop genotype-specific baseline scoring systems to predict response. Methods Data from 323 hepatitis B e antigen-negative peginterferon alfa-2a recipients from three studies were analyzed. Scoring systems were developed using generalized additive models and multiple logistic regression analysis. Response was defined as hepatitis B virus DNA <2000 IU/mL alone (virological response) or in combination with alanine aminotransferase normalization (combined response) 48 weeks post-treatment. Results Points were assigned to genotype B/C patients for: age, alanine aminotransferase ratio, genotype B or C, and hepatitis B surface antigen level; and to genotype D patients for age, hepatitis B surface antigen level and hepatitis B virus DNA level. Higher total scores (range 0-5 for B/C; 0-3 for D) indicated a higher likelihood of response. Among genotype B/C patients with scores of 0-1, 2 and ≥3, respectively, virological response rates were 16.7%, 25.8% and 70.2%, and combined response rates were 12.5%, 21.0% and 57.4%. Among genotype D patients with scores of 0-1, 2 and 3, respectively, virological response rates were 10.1%, 28.0% and 50.0%, and combined response rates were 7.8%, 28.0% and 33.3%. Conclusion Genotype-specific baseline scoring systems can identify hepatitis B e antigen-negative patients with low or high likelihood of achieving sustained responses to peginterferon alfa-2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Lampertico
- CRC "A. M. e A. Migliavacca", Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy (Pietro Lampertico)
| | | | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany (Markus Cornberg)
| | - Maurizia Brunetto
- Hepatology Unit and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory, University Hospital of Pisa and Internal Medicine, Clinical and Experimental Medicine Department, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy (Maurizia Brunetto)
| | - Jörg Petersen
- IFI Institute for Interdisciplinary Medicine, Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, University of Hamburg, Germany (Jörg Petersen)
| | - Patrick Kennedy
- Centre for Digestive Diseases, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK (Patrick Kennedy)
| | - Tarik Asselah
- Service d'Hépatologie & INSERM UMR1149, Centre de Recherche sur l'inflammation, Labex INFLAMEX, University of Paris Diderot, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France (Tarik Asselah)
| | - Vivien Rothe
- PROMETRIS GmbH, Mannheim, Germany (Diethelm Messinger, Vivien Rothe)
| | | | - Georgios Bakalos
- F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland (Georgios Bakalos)
| | - Vedran Pavlovic
- Roche Products Ltd., Welwyn Garden City, UK (Vedran Pavlovic)
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece (George V. Papatheodoridis)
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Shi A, Zhang X, Xiao F, Zhu L, Yan W, Han M, Luo X, Chen T, Ning Q. CD56 bright natural killer cells induce HBsAg reduction via cytolysis and cccDNA decay in long-term entecavir-treated patients switching to peginterferon alfa-2a. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1352-1362. [PMID: 29888839 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 04/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction is well observed in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2a (PegIFNα). However, the mechanism of HBsAg suppression has not been fully elucidated. Twenty-seven of 55 entecavir-treated CHB e antigen positive patients were switched to PegIFNα treatment (Group A) whereas 28 patients continued entecavir treatment (Group B). The percentage or absolute number of CD56bright /CD56dim NK cells, expression of receptors and cytokines were evaluated by flow cytometry for 48 weeks and correlated with treatment efficacy. In vitro, purified NK cells were co-cultured with HepAD38 cells for measurement of HBsAg, apoptosis and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA). In association with a reduction of HBsAg, the percentage and absolute number of CD56bright NK cells was significantly elevated in patients in group A, especially in Virologic Responders (VRs, HBsAg decreased). Furthermore, the percentage of NKp30+ , NKp46+ , TRAIL+ , TNF-α+ and IFNγ+ CD56bright NK cells were significantly expanded in Group A, which were positively correlated with the decline of HBsAg at week 48. In vitro, peripheral NK cells from Group A induced a decline of HBsAg in comparison with NK cells from Group B which was significantly inhibited by anti-TRAIL, anti-TNF-α and anti-IFNγ antibodies. Furthermore, apoptosis of HepAD38 cells and levels of cccDNA, were significantly reduced by TRAIL+ and TNF-α+ /IFNγ+ NK cells from Group A, respectively. A functional restoration of CD56bright NK cells in entecavir-treated patients who were switched to PegIFNα contributes to HBsAg and cccDNA clearance through TRAIL-induced cytolysis and TNF-α/IFNγ-mediated noncytolytic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Shi
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - X Zhang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - F Xiao
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - L Zhu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - W Yan
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - M Han
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - X Luo
- Department of Pediatric Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - T Chen
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Q Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Kuang XJ, Jia RR, Huo RR, Yu JJ, Wang JJ, Xiang BD, Li LQ, Peng Z, Zhong JH. Systematic review of risk factors of hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1026-1037. [PMID: 29624821 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
There is no consensus about factors that increase risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with chronic hepatitis B who have achieved seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). To assess the available evidence about risk factors for HCC after HBsAg seroclearance, Scopus, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published through 15 September 2017. A total of 28 studies involving more than 105 411 patients with chronic hepatitis B were included. HBsAg seroclearance occurred spontaneously in 7656, while it occurred after interferon or nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in 1248. The rate of HBsAg seroclearance was 6.77%. Incidence of HCC was significantly lower among patients who experienced HBsAg seroclearance than among those who remained HBsAg-positive (1.86% vs 6.56%, P < .001). Risk factors of HCC occurrence included cirrhosis (incidence with vs without: 9.51% vs 1.66%), male gender (2.34% vs 0.64%) and age ≥ 50 year at HBsAg seroclearance (2.34% vs 0.63%) (all P < .001). The available evidence suggests that HCC can develop at a low rate after HBsAg seroclearance, so periodic surveillance is recommended, especially for male patients, patients with cirrhosis and patients who experience HBsAg seroclearance when at least 50 years old.
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Affiliation(s)
- X-J Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, China
| | - R-R Jia
- Department of Basic Research, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - R-R Huo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - J-J Yu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - J-J Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, China
| | - B-D Xiang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - L-Q Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Z Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, China
| | - J-H Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Lou C, Bai T, Bi LW, Gao YT, Du Z. Negative impact of hepatitis B surface seroclearance on prognosis of hepatitis B-related primary liver cancer. World J Clin Cases 2018; 6:192-199. [PMID: 30148147 PMCID: PMC6107526 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v6.i8.192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the impact of hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) seroclearance on survival outcomes in hepatitis B-related primary liver cancer.
METHODS Information from patients with hepatitis B-related liver cancer admitted in our hospital from 2008-2017 was retrieved. Cases diagnosed with HBsAg (-) and HBcAb (+) liver cancer were included in the HBsAg seroclearance (SC) group. HBsAg (+) liver cancer patients strictly matched for liver cancer stage (AJCC staging system, 8th edition), Child-Pugh score, and first diagnosis/treatment method (surgery, ablation and TACE) were assigned to the HBsAg non-seroclearance (NSC) group. Then, clinical, pathological and survival data in both groups were assessed.
RESULTS The SC and NSC groups comprised of 72 and 216 patients, respectively. Patient age (P < 0.001) and platelet count (P = 0.001) in the SC group were significantly higher than those of the NSC group. SC group patients who underwent surgery had more intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) and combined HCC-CC (CHC) cases than the NSC group, but no significant differences in tumor cell differentiation and history of liver cirrhosis were found between the two groups. The numbers of interventional treatments were similar in both groups (4.57 vs 5.07, P > 0.05). Overall survival was lower in the SC group than the NSC group (P = 0.019), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 82.1% vs 85.1%, 43.2% vs 56.8%, and 27.0% vs 45.2%, respectively. Survival of patients with AJCC stage I disease in the SC group was lower than that of the NSC group (P = 0.029).
CONCLUSION Seroclearance in patients with hepatitis B-related primary liver cancer has protective effects with respect to tumorigenesis, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension but confers worse prognosis, which may be due to the frequent occurrence of highly malignant ICC and CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Lou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Tianjin 300170, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin 300170, China
| | - Tong Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China
| | - Le-Wei Bi
- the Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300070, China
| | - Ying-Tang Gao
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Tianjin 300170, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin 300170, China
| | - Zhi Du
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin 300170, China
- Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin 300170, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Artificial Cell, Tianjin 300170, China
- Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center of Public Health Ministry, Tianjin 300170, China
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Preclinical Profile of AB-423, an Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA Encapsidation. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2018; 62:AAC.00082-18. [PMID: 29555628 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00082-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AB-423 is a member of the sulfamoylbenzamide (SBA) class of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid inhibitors in phase 1 clinical trials. In cell culture models, AB-423 showed potent inhibition of HBV replication (50% effective concentration [EC50] = 0.08 to 0.27 μM; EC90 = 0.33 to 1.32 μM) with no significant cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration > 10 μM). Addition of 40% human serum resulted in a 5-fold increase in the EC50s. AB-423 inhibited HBV genotypes A through D and nucleos(t)ide-resistant variants in vitro Treatment of HepDES19 cells with AB-423 resulted in capsid particles devoid of encapsidated pregenomic RNA and relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), indicating that it is a class II capsid inhibitor. In a de novo infection model, AB-423 prevented the conversion of encapsidated rcDNA to covalently closed circular DNA, presumably by interfering with the capsid uncoating process. Molecular docking of AB-423 into crystal structures of heteroaryldihydropyrimidines and an SBA and biochemical studies suggest that AB-423 likely also binds to the dimer-dimer interface of core protein. In vitro dual combination studies with AB-423 and anti-HBV agents, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs, RNA interference agents, or interferon alpha, resulted in additive to synergistic antiviral activity. Pharmacokinetic studies with AB-423 in CD-1 mice showed significant systemic exposures and higher levels of accumulation in the liver. A 7-day twice-daily administration of AB-423 in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model of HBV infection resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in serum HBV DNA levels, and combination with entecavir or ARB-1467 resulted in a trend toward antiviral activity greater than that of either agent alone, consistent with the results of the in vitro combination studies. The overall preclinical profile of AB-423 supports its further evaluation for safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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Qiu K, Liu B, Li SY, Li H, Chen ZW, Luo AR, Peng ML, Ren H, Hu P. Systematic review with meta-analysis: combination treatment of regimens based on pegylated interferon for chronic hepatitis B focusing on hepatitis B surface antigen clearance. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:1340-1348. [PMID: 29577360 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 03/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is considered to be associated with favourable clinical outcomes. AIMS This meta-analysis was performed to establish the proportion of HBsAg loss rates among CHB patients who received combination treatment based on pegylated interferon (PegIFN). Four combination strategies have been studied with the aim of improving HBsAg loss: "de novo," "NA-experienced," "switch-to" and "add-on." This meta-analysis was performed to determine which, if any, of these combination strategies was more effective. METHODS Medline, Web of Science and Embase databases were searched from inception to December 2017. The proportion of patients who achieved HBsAg loss after combination therapy was pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS Twenty-four studies fulfilled the meta-analysis criteria. The overall pooled proportion suggested that the rate of HBsAg loss could be increased to 9% (95% CI: 7%-12%) based on the combination treatment in CHB patients. Compared with "de novo" strategy (8%, 95% CI: 6%-10%), the "nucleos(t)ide analogues-experienced" (11%, 95% CI: 8%-15%) was found to be more likely (P = 0.036) to achieve a response. Compared with the "add-on" strategy (8%, 95% CI: 5%-13%), the "switch-to" (14%, 95% CI: 9%-20%) was found to be more likely (P = 0.012) to achieve HBsAg loss. CONCLUSION The "nucleos(t)ide analogues-experienced" strategy was more effective than the "De novo" strategy in achieving HBsAg loss for CHB patients. Combination treatment using regimens based on Peg-IFN may be useful to help nucleos(t)ide analogues-treated patients, who have experienced at least 48 weeks of nucleot(s)ide analogue, achieve HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Qiu
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - B Liu
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - S-Y Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Li
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Z-W Chen
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - A-R Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - M-L Peng
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - H Ren
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - P Hu
- The Key Laboratory of Molcular Biology for Infectious Diseases, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Chinese Ministry of Education, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Hu P, Shang J, Zhang W, Gong G, Li Y, Chen X, Jiang J, Xie Q, Dou X, Sun Y, Li Y, Liu Y, Liu G, Mao D, Chi X, Tang H, Li X, Xie Y, Chen X, Jiang J, Zhao P, Hou J, Gao Z, Fan H, Ding J, Zhang D, Ren H. HBsAg Loss with Peg-interferon Alfa-2a in Hepatitis B Patients with Partial Response to Nucleos(t)ide Analog: New Switch Study. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2018; 6:25-34. [PMID: 29577029 PMCID: PMC5862996 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2017.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is seldom achieved with nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients but may be enhanced by switching to finite pegylated-interferon (Peg-IFN) alfa-2a. We assessed HBsAg loss with 48- and 96-week Peg-IFN alfa-2a in chronic hepatitis B patients with partial response to a previous NA. Methods: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients who achieved HBeAg loss and hepatitis B virus DNA <200 IU/mL with previous adefovir, lamivudine or entecavir treatment were randomized 1:1 to receive Peg-IFN alfa-2a for 48 (n = 153) or 96 weeks (n = 150). The primary endpoint of this study was HBsAg loss at end of treatment. The ClinicalTrials.gov identifier is NCT01464281. Results: At the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 14.4% (22/153) and 20.7% (31/150) of patients, respectively, who switched from NA to Peg-IFN alfa-2a cleared HBsAg. Rates were similar irrespective of prior NA or baseline HBeAg seroconversion. Among those who cleared HBsAg by the end of 48 and 96 weeks' treatment, 77.8% (14/18) and 71.4% (20/28), respectively, sustained HBsAg loss for a further 48 weeks. Baseline HBsAg <1500 IU/mL and week 24 HBsAg <200 IU/mL were associated with the highest rates of HBsAg loss at the end of both 48- and 96-week treatment (51.4% and 58.7%, respectively). Importantly, extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks enabled 48.3% (14/29) more patients to achieve HBsAg loss. Conclusions: Patients on long-term NA who are unlikely to meet therapeutic goals can achieve high rates of HBsAg loss by switching to Peg-IFN alfa-2a. HBsAg loss rates may be improved for some patients by extending treatment from 48 to 96 weeks, although the differences in our study cohort were not statistically significant. Baseline and on-treatment HBsAg may predict HBsAg loss with Peg-IFN alfa-2a.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jia Shang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wenhong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guozhong Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongguo Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xinyue Chen
- International Medical Department, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianning Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yongtao Sun
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yufang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yingxia Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guozhen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dewen Mao
- Liver Disease Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoling Chi
- Liver Disease Department, Guangdong Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoou Li
- Liver Disease Department, The Sixth People’s Hospital of Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Liver Disease Department, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaji Jiang
- Center of Liver Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhao
- International Center for Liver Disease Treatment, 302 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Fan
- Hepatology Unit, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiguang Ding
- Hepatology Unit, Ruian People’s Hospital, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dazhi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence to: Hong Ren, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China. Tel: +86-23-63693029, Fax: +86-23-63711527, E-mail:
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Han W, Ni Q, Liu K, Yao Y, Zhao D, Liu X, Chen Y. Decreased CD122 on CD56 dim NK associated with its impairment in asymptomatic chronic HBV carriers with high levels of HBV DNA, HBsAg and HBeAg. Life Sci 2018; 195:53-60. [PMID: 29307521 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS NK cells play important roles in inhibiting HBV replication and preventing HBV infection. However, NK-cell dysfunction has not been fully studied in asymptomatic chronic HBV carriers (ASC). This study aims to assess decreased expression of CD122 associated with impaired NK cells and the restoration of NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 stimulation. MAIN METHODS The experiments were performed by flow cytometer, cytotoxicity assay, ELISA and western blotting. KEY FINDINGS The reduced CD122 on CD56+ NK cells and CD56dim NK cells is associated with high levels of HBV DNA, HBsAg or HBeAg in ASCs, in which CD56dim NK-cell impairment is observed. Moreover, decreased IFN-γ and degranulation and low cytotoxicity by CD56dim NK cells after CD122 blockade were revealed. IL-2 and/or IL-15 can restore impaired CD56dim NK cells, together with increased p-STAT5, which can be reversed by CD122 blockade. Additionally, IL-2 or IL-15 can enhance IFN-α2-activated CD56dim NK-cell immune responses via up-regulating interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 2 (IFNAR2). SIGNIFICANCE Down-regulated CD122 on CD56dim NK cell in ASCs with massive viral antigens and high viremia is associated with its impairment, which can be restored by IL-2 and/or IL-15, or combined with IFN-α2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzheng Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Qin Ni
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Kezhou Liu
- State Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases Diagnosis and Treatment, Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yunliang Yao
- Program in Molecular & Translational Medicine (PMTM), Huzhou University, Huzhou 313000, China
| | - Dejian Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, 79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou 310003, China.
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Altered expression of interferon-stimulated genes is strongly associated with therapeutic outcomes in hepatitis B virus infection. Antiviral Res 2017; 147:75-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2017.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Cao Z, Liu Y, Ma L, Lu J, Jin Y, Ren S, He Z, Shen C, Chen X. A potent hepatitis B surface antigen response in subjects with inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carrier treated with pegylated-interferon alpha. Hepatology 2017; 66:1058-1066. [PMID: 28407271 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance represents a clinical cure, although the clearance rate is extremely low. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety profiles of pegylated-interferon α-2a (PEG-IFNα-2a) as a therapeutic option for inactive HBsAg carriers. There were 144 inactive HBsAg carriers enrolled and divided into a therapeutic group (102 subjects) and a control group (42 subjects). PEG-IFNα-2a and PEG-IFNα-2a combined with adefovir dipivoxil were used for treatment group subjects with hepatitis B virus DNA <20 IU/mL and 20 IU/mL ≤ hepatitis B virus DNA < 2,000 IU/mL, respectively. Total therapy duration was no more than 96 weeks. HBsAg clearance and seroconversion rates at therapeutic weeks 48 and 96 were used to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy. Per protocol analysis showed that the HBsAg clearance rate and seroconversion rate in the treatment group were 29.8% and 20.2% at week 48 and increased to 44.7% and 38.3% at week 96, respectively. However, the HBsAg clearance rate in the control group was 2.4% at weeks 48 and 96, and no subject achieved seroconversion. The quantitative HBsAg levels and changes during the early period of treatment (at week 12 and week 24) as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at week 12 were strong predictors of HBsAg clearance. The adverse events were similar to those with treatment for chronic hepatitis B patients. CONCLUSION High rates of HBsAg clearance and seroconversion could be achieved by PEG-IFNα-2a-based treatments and the treatments were relatively safe for inactive HBsAg carriers. (Hepatology 2017;66:1058-1066).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhuan Cao
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yali Liu
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lina Ma
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junfeng Lu
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Jin
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Ren
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhimin He
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chengli Shen
- Section on Biomarkers and Prediction Modeling, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Xinyue Chen
- International Medical Department, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Addition of nucleoside analogues to peg-IFNα-2a enhances virological response in chronic hepatitis B patients without early response to peg-IFNα-2a: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Gastroenterol 2017; 17:102. [PMID: 28854883 PMCID: PMC5577782 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-017-0657-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current treatments for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) include pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) which is an immune modulator, and nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) which directly inhibit HBV DNA polymerase. With the limited efficacy of PEG-IFN-α and prolonged treatment periods associated with NAs, there is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies, especially for patients with a poor early response to anti-viral therapy. METHODS In this study, 178 patients with chronic hepatitis B (n = 131) and compensated (n = 47) HBV-induced cirrhosis were enrolled, 120 patients with HBeAg (+). All the patients were treated for 12 weeks with PEG-IFN-α. Among them, a total of 138 patients with a poor virological response after 12 weeks were treated for an additional 48 weeks with Peg-IFNα-2a (control) (n = 43), with Peg-IFNα-2a + entecavir (ETV) (n = 49), or Peg-IFNα-2a + adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) (n = 46), and were followed for 48 weeks after therapy. Early virological response was defined as undetectable HBV DNA after anti-viral therapy for 12 weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined as no change in therapeutic effectiveness after 6 months follow-up, and no recurrence.Therapeutic efficacy was determined by evaluating HBV DNA levels, serum and liver HBsAg levels, liver function tests and liver histology. RESULTS Patients in the Peg-IFNα-2a + ETV and Peg-IFNα-2a + ADV groups showed a significantly greater decrease in HBV DNA levels over time, and a significantly higher SVR compared to patients receiving Peg-INFα-2a monotherapy (both P values <0.05). Although patients receiving combination therapy had a significantly higher change in serum HBsAg levels compared to the monotherapy group, there was no significant difference in liver HBsAg levels between the three treatment groups. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that in patients with a poor virological response after 12 weeks of treatment with Peg-IFNα-2a alone, addition of ADV or ETV significantly reduced HBV DNA levels, serum HBsAg levels, and increased SVR. Individualization of anti-viral therapy would ensure that only patients who do not respond to Peg-IFNα-2a would receive combination therapy. Our data have important implications for the treatment of CHB patients who fail to show an early response to Peg-IFNα-2a monotherapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was retrospectively registered on 2012 May 24 at the China Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR-OCC-12002196).
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Development of anti-hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibodies after HBs antigen loss in HIV-hepatitis B virus co-infected patients. J Clin Virol 2017; 95:55-60. [PMID: 28869890 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2017.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-seroconversion, or loss of HBsAg and acquisition of anti-hepatitis B surface (HBs) antibodies, defines functional cure of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. After HBsAg-loss, little is known regarding the development of anti-HBs antibodies and even less so in individuals co-infected with HIV. OBJECTIVES To determine anti-HBs antibody kinetics after HBsAg-loss and explore determinants of HBsAg-seroconversion in HIV-HBV co-infected patients. STUDY DESIGN Patients enrolled in the French HIV-HBV cohort were included if they had >1 study visit after HBsAg-loss. Individual patient kinetics of anti-HBs antibody levels were modeled over time using mixed-effect non-linear regression, whereby maximum specific growth rate and maximal level of antibody production were estimated from a Gompertz growth equation. RESULTS Fourteen (4.6%) of 308 co-infected patients followed in the cohort exhibited HBsAg-loss, all of whom were undergoing antiretroviral therapy. Nine (64.3%) of these patients achieved HBsAg-seroconversion during a median 3.0 years (IQR=1.1-5.1) after HBsAg-loss. Across individuals with HBsAg-seroconversion, the fastest rates of antibody growth ranged between 0.57-1.93year-1 (population maximum growth rate=1.02) and antibody production plateaued between 2.09-3.66 log10 mIU/mL at the end of follow-up (population maximal antibody levels=2.66). Patients with HBsAg-seroconversion had substantial decreases in HBV DNA viral loads (P=0.03) and proportion with elevated ALT levels (P=0.02) and HBeAg-positive serology (P=0.08). No such differences were observed in those without HBsAg-seroconversion. CONCLUSIONS Most co-infected patients with HBsAg-seroconversion produced and maintained stable antibody levels, yet kinetics of anti-HBs production were much slower compared to those observed post-vaccination or after clearance of acute HBV-infection.
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Yano Y, Seo Y, Hayashi H, Hatazawa Y, Hirano H, Minami A, Kawano Y, Saito M, Ninomiya T, Sugano M, Yamada H, Kitajima N, Yoon S, Hayashi Y. Factors associated with the decrease in hepatitis B surface antigen titers following interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B: Is interferon and adefovir combination therapy effective? Biomed Rep 2017; 7:257-262. [PMID: 28819561 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 07/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is generally to achieve a decrease and ultimately disappearance of HBs antigen (HBsAg). Interferon (IFN) therapy of CHB appears to be less effective in Asian countries than in European countries, and the advantage of IFN and nucleotide(s) analog (NA) combination therapy has yet to be fully investigated. The present study focused on the factors associated with a decrease in HBs antigen following IFN monotherapy or IFN + NA combination therapy. A total of 35 patients with CHB who received IFN-based therapy (mean ± standard deviation age 36.7±8.5 years; 27 males and 8 females) were enrolled in this study. Of the 35 patients, 21 patients received pegylated IFN monotherapy and 14 patients received IFN and adefovir (ADV) combination therapy. We examined the factors associated with reductions in the HBsAg titer of >1.0 log IU/ml from the initial HBsAg titer to the end of treatment and to 24 weeks after treatment. Although 13 patients (37%) had a reduction in HBsAg of >1.0 IU/ml at the end of treatment, it was only maintained to 24 weeks after treatment in 7 patients (20%). The HBV core-related antigen (HBcrAg) titer before treatment was significantly higher in patients with a decrease in HBsAg at the end of treatment than in patients without a decrease in HBsAg (6.56±0.78 vs. 5.30±1.66 log IU/ml, P<0.05). Moreover, an increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) of >2 times from baseline occurred significantly more frequently in patients with a decrease in HBsAg (62 vs. 14%, P<0.05). The proportion of patients with a decrease in HBsAg was significantly greater in patients who received IFN monotherapy than in patients who received IFN and ADV combination therapy (43 vs. 29%, P<0.05). The present results revealed that the HBcr antigen titer before therapy and an on-treatment elevation of ALT (indicative of host instruction flare) are important factors associated with a decrease in HBsAg titers after IFN-based therapy. The efficacy of IFN and ADV combination therapy was not apparent in terms of a reduction in the HBsAg titer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Yano
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | | | - Hiroki Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yuri Hatazawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Hirano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Akihiro Minami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Hajime Yamada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shinko Hospital, Kobe 651-0072, Japan
| | - Naoto Kitajima
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kasai City Hospital, Kasai 675-2393, Japan
| | - Seitetsu Yoon
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kakogawa Municipal Hospital, Kakogawa 675-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshitake Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe 650-0017, Japan
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B treatment is available for a long period, allowing disease control and infection suppression, but it is rarely responsible for HBsAg clearance. None of the drugs available aim at cccDNA, the obstacle in HBV infection eradication. Complications related to CHB, such as liver insufficiency, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma are reduced in conditions of good viremia suppression, but still exist even after HBsAg seroclearance, what makes a need for urgent forthcoming of new therapeutics. Recent years brought promising and interesting results of experimental approaches, which are directed against different phases of HBV life cycle, target ccc DNA, or boost, and restore host immune response. Unfortunately, encouraging results in vitro and on animal models are not always reflected in human. Nevertheless, the multiplicity of novel antivirals allows to expect that at least some of them will enter clinical practice and relieve patients from chronic hepatitis B, fatal and devastating disease.
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47
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Stelma F, Reesink HW. Peginterferon add-on: an added benefit? Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:147-148. [PMID: 28404122 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(16)30220-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Femke Stelma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hendrik W Reesink
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Academic Medical Center, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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48
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Telbivudine versus entecavir in patients with undetectable hepatitis B virus DNA: a randomized trial. BMC Gastroenterol 2017; 17:15. [PMID: 28103819 PMCID: PMC5248511 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-017-0572-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Telbivudine has been suggested to induce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline to the similar degree as pegylated interferon. We aimed to investigate whether telbivudine could further decrease HBsAg titer in patients who maintain undetectable serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA after initial entecavir treatment. METHODS In this open-label trial, patients who had serum HBsAg and HBV DNA levels ≥1,000 IU/mL and <60 IU/mL, respectively, following entecavir (0.5 mg/day) treatment for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B were randomized to either switch treatment to telbivudine (600 mg/day, n = 47) or continue entecavir (n = 50) for 48 weeks. RESULTS The baseline characteristics were comparable between groups including HBsAg levels (median, 3.41 log10 IU/mL). All patients had undetectable HBV DNA and normal alanine aminotransferase level. At week 48, the mean change in serum HBsAg levels was not significantly different between the telbivudine and entecavir groups (-0.03 log10 IU/mL vs. -0.05 log10 IU/mL; P = 0.57). No patient experienced HBsAg seroclearance or HBsAg decline >0.5 log10 IU/mL. Eleven patients (23.4%) in the telbivudine group, but none in the entecavir group, experienced virologic breakthrough (P < 0.001). Seven patients (14.9%) exhibited genotypic resistance mutations (M204I +/- L180M) during the virologic breakthrough. CONCLUSION Sequential therapy with entecavir followed by telbivudine resulted in a high rate of virologic breakthrough and drug-resistance without any beneficial effect on HBsAg decline. These results do not support the use of low genetic barrier drugs as a switch treatment strategy in patients who achieve virologic response with high genetic barrier drugs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01595685 (date of trial registration: May 8, 2012).
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Al Ashgar H, Peedikayil MC, Al Quaiz M, Al Sohaibani F, Al Fadda A, Khan MQ, Thoralsson E, Al Thawadi S, Al Jedai A, Al Kahtani K. HBsAg clearance in chronic hepatitis B patients with add-on pegylated interferon alfa-2a to ongoing tenofovir treatment: A randomized controlled study. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:190-198. [PMID: 28611343 PMCID: PMC5470379 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_541_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The ideal end point of treatment for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is sustained off-therapy hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss with or even without seroconversion to anti-HBs. We investigated the role of adding PEGylated interferon (PEG IFN) to ongoing tenofovir treatment in chronic HBV patients for achieving HBsAg clearance. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this randomized controlled trial, chronic HBV patients who have been receiving tenofovir for >6 months with HBV viral load <2000 IU/ml were randomized into two groups. One group (add-on therapy) was given subcutaneous PEG IFN 180 mcg weekly for 12 months in addition to tenofovir. Patients in the other group received only tenofovir 300 mg orally on a daily basis. Patients in both groups were followed up for a total of two years, and patients in both groups were given tenofovir 300 mg daily indefinitely until they developed HBsAg clearance. RESULTS Twenty-three patients were allocated to the PEG IFN and tenofovir (add-on therapy) group, and another 25 patients were recruited to the tenofovir monotherapy group. Before randomization, patients had received tenofovir for 1135 mean days (range203 to 1542 days). One patient (4.3%) in add-on therapy lost HBsAg and seroconverted. Within two years, mean HBsAg decreased significantly with add-on therapy (from 4753 IU/ml to 2402; P= 0.03); and it decreased from 5957 IU/ml to 4198; P= 0.09 in tenofovir monotherapy group. More patients in the add-on group developed serious side effects, with treatment discontinuation, and dose reductions (P = 0.3). CONCLUSION PEG IFN and tenofovir add-on therapy was successful in achieving HBsAg clearance and seroconversion in 4.3% of the patients. Add-on therapy patients had a significant decrease in HBsAg levels in two years; and no significant decrease in HBsAg levels with the tenofovir monotherapy. With no significant HBsAg clearance, the utility of this combination regimen is questionable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad Al Ashgar
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Musthafa C. Peedikayil
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Musthafa C. Peedikayil, Department of Medicine, MBC 46, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
| | - Mohammed Al Quaiz
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Al Sohaibani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Al Fadda
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Q. Khan
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Einar Thoralsson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sahar Al Thawadi
- Department of Microbiology Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Al Jedai
- Department of Pharmaceutical Care Services, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al Kahtani
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Marcellin
- Service d'hépatologie, INSERM CRI, Université Paris-Diderot, Clichy, France
| | - Emilie Estrabaud
- Service d'hépatologie, INSERM CRI, Université Paris-Diderot, Clichy, France
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