1
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Huang DQ, Shen L, Phyo WW, Cloherty G, Butler EK, Kuhns MC, McNamara AL, Holzmayer V, Gersch J, Anderson M, Yang WL, Ngu JH, Chang J, Tan J, Ahmed T, Dan YY, Lee YM, Lee GH, Tan PS, Muthiah M, Khine HTW, Lee C, Tay A, Lim SG. Quantitative HBeAg is a strong predictor of HBeAg loss among patients receiving pegylated interferon. Antiviral Res 2024; 227:105876. [PMID: 38641023 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2024.105876] [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: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HBeAg loss is an important endpoint for antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B (CHB), however there are no reliable biomarkers to identify patients who will respond to the addition of pegylated interferon to nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy. AIM To evaluate the use of serum biomarkers to predict HBeAg loss. METHODS HBeAg positive CHB participants on NAs who switched-to or added-on 48 weeks pegylated interferon alpha2b (clinicaltrial.gov NCT01928511) were evaluated at week 72 for HBeAg loss. The predictive ability of qHBeAg, qHBsAg, HBV RNA and clinical variables for HBeAg loss were investigated. RESULTS HBeAg loss occurred in 15/55 (27.3%) participants who completed 48 weeks of pegylated interferon. There was a lower baseline qHBeAg (1.18 IU/mL [2.27] versus 10.04 IU/mL [24.87], P = 0.007) among participants who lost HBeAg. Baseline qHBeAg (OR = 0.15, 95% CI 0.03-0.66, P = 0.01) and detectable HBV DNA at baseline (OR = 25.00, 95% CI 1.67-374.70, P = 0.02) were independent predictors of HBeAg loss. In addition, on-treatment qHBeAg was also a strong predictor of HBeAg loss (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.18-0.81, P = 0.012). The models combining detectable baseline HBV DNA with baseline (C-statistic 0.82) and on-treatment (C-statistic 0.83) had good accuracy for predicting HBeAg loss. A rise in qHBeAg ≥ 10 IU/ml was a predictor of flare (ALT ≥ 120 U/ml) on univariable analysis but not after adjustment for treatment arm. CONCLUSIONS Baseline and on-treatment qHBeAg is a useful biomarker that can identify participants on NA therapy who may benefit from adding or switching to pegylated interferon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Q Huang
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Liang Shen
- Biostatistics Unit, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wah Wah Phyo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Lyn Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Jason Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Jessica Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Changi General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Taufique Ahmed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha Hospital, Brunei
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Yin Mei Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Guan Huei Lee
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Poh Seng Tan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Mark Muthiah
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Htet Toe Wai Khine
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Chris Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Amy Tay
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore.
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2
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Li Y, Wang F, Zhou J, Li L, Song C, Chen E. Optimal Treatment Based on Interferon No Longer Makes Clinical Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Far Away: An Evidence-Based Review on Emerging Clinical Data. Clin Pharmacol Ther 2024. [PMID: 38686952 DOI: 10.1002/cpt.3287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a major global public health problem. The functional cure is the ideal therapeutic target recommended by the latest guidelines, and pursuing a functional cure has become the key treatment end point of current therapy and for upcoming clinical trials. In this review, based on the latest published clinical research evidence, we analyzed the concept and connotation of clinical cures and elaborated on the benefits of clinical cures in detail. Secondly, we have summarized various potential treatment methods for achieving clinical cures, especially elaborating on the latest research progress of interferon-based optimized treatment strategies in achieving clinical cures. We also analyzed which populations can achieve clinical cures and conducted a detailed analysis of relevant virological and serological markers in screening clinical cure advantage populations and predicting clinical cure achievement. In addition, we also introduced the difficulties that may be encountered in the current pursuit of achieving a clinical cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fada Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lanqing Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chengrun Song
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Enqiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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3
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Farag MS, van Campenhout MJH, Sonneveld MJ, Fung S, van Erpecum KJ, Wong DK, Verhey E, de Man R, De Knegt RJ, Brouwer JT, Baak HC, Feld JJ, Liem KS, Boonstra A, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA. Addition of PEG-interferon to long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy enhances HBsAg decline and clearance in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: Multicentre Randomized Trial (PAS Study). J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:197-207. [PMID: 38243144 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13918] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
We studied whether 48 weeks of PEG-IFN alfa-2a add-on increases HBsAg-decline and clearance in HBeAg-negative patients on long-term nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) therapy. In this investigator-initiated, randomized, controlled trial conducted in Europe and Canada, HBeAg-negative patients treated with NA > 12 months, with HBVDNA < 200 IU/mL, were enrolled. Patients were randomized 2:1 to 48 weeks of PEG-IFN alfa-2a add-on (180 μg per week) or continued NA-monotherapy with subsequent follow-up to Week 72. Endpoints were HBsAg decline (≥1 log10 IU/mL) and HBsAg clearance at Week 48. Of the 86 patients in the modified-intention-to-treat analysis, 58 patients received PEG-IFN add-on, and 28 continued NA monotherapy. At Week 48, 16(28%) patients achieved HBsAg decline ≥1 log10 in the add-on arm versus none on NA-monotherapy (p < .001), and HBsAg clearance was observed in 6 (10%) PEG-IFN add-on patients versus 0% NA-monotherapy (p = .01). HBVRNA was only detected in 2% after PEG-IFN treatment versus 19% in NA-monotherapy (p = .002) at Week 48. PEG-IFN add-on therapy was well tolerated in majority of patients. Low baseline HBsAg levels (<10 IU/mL) identified patients most likely to achieve HBsAg loss with PEG-IFN add-on, whereas an HBsAg level > 200 IU/mL at on-treatment Week 12 was highly predictive of non-response (NPV = 100%). Addition of PEG-IFN to long-term NA enhanced HBsAg decline and increased the chance of HBsAg clearance in HBeAg-negative patients on long-term NA. On-treatment HBsAg levels >200 IU/mL identify patients unlikely to benefit from PEG-IFN add-on and could be used as a potential stopping-rule for PEG-IFN therapy. Our findings support further exploration of immune modulation add-on to antiviral therapy, preferably using response-guided strategies, to increase functional cure rates in patients with CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina S Farag
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margo J H van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Scott Fung
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Karel J van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - David K Wong
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elke Verhey
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Robert J De Knegt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes T Brouwer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Reinier de Graaf Groep, Delft, The Netherlands
| | - Hubertus C Baak
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Onze Lieve Vrouwe Gasthuis, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kin Seng Liem
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - André Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- 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
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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4
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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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5
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Sonneveld MJ, Chiu SM, Park JY, Brakenhoff SM, Kaewdech A, Seto WK, Tanaka Y, Carey I, Papatheodoridi M, Colombatto P, van Bömmel F, Janssen HL, Berg T, Zoulim F, Ahn SH, Dalekos GN, Erler NS, Brunetto M, Wedemeyer H, Cornberg M, Yuen MF, Agarwal K, Boonstra A, Buti M, Piratvisuth T, Papatheodoridis G, Chen CH, Maasoumy B. HBV DNA and HBsAg Levels at 24 Weeks Off-Treatment Predict Clinical Relapse and HBsAg Loss in HBeAg-Negative Patients Who Discontinued Antiviral Therapy. Gastroenterology 2024; 166:168-177.e8. [PMID: 37769952 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.09.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients who discontinue nucleo(s)tide analogue therapy are at risk of viral rebound and severe hepatitis flares, necessitating intensive off-treatment follow-up. METHODS We studied the association between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels at off-treatment follow-up week 24 (FU W24), with subsequent clinical relapse, and HBsAg loss in a multicenter cohort of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B who discontinued nucleo(s)tide analogue therapy. RESULTS We studied 475 patients, 82% Asian, and 55% treated with entecavir. Patients with higher HBV DNA levels at FU W24 had a higher risk of clinical relapse (hazard ratio [HR], 1.576; P < .001) and a lower chance of HBsAg loss (HR, 0.454; P < .001). Similarly, patients with higher HBsAg levels at FU W24 had a higher risk of clinical relapse (HR, 1.579; P < .001) and a lower chance of HBsAg loss (HR, 0.263; P < .001). A combination of both HBsAg <100 IU/mL and HBV DNA <100 IU/mL at FU W24 identified patients with excellent outcomes (9.9% clinical relapse and 58% HBsAg loss at 216 weeks of follow-up). Conversely, relapse rates were high and HBsAg loss rates negligible among patients with both HBsAg >100 IU/mL and HBV DNA >100 IU/mL (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS Among HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B who discontinued antiviral therapy and who did not experience clinical relapse before FU W24, serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg at FU W24 can be used to predict subsequent clinical relapse and HBsAg clearance. A combination of HBsAg <100 IU/mL with HBV DNA <100 IU/mL identifies patients with a low risk of relapse and excellent chances of HBsAg loss and could potentially be used as an early surrogate end point for studies aiming at finite therapy in HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Shao-Ming Chiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Koahsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Apichat Kaewdech
- Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Thailand
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Ivana Carey
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Margarita Papatheodoridi
- Department of Gastroenterology, "Laiko" General Hospital of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Florian van Bömmel
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Harry L Janssen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Thomas Berg
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - George N Dalekos
- Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Full Member of the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nicole S Erler
- Department of Biostatistics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kosh Agarwal
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Maria Buti
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron and Ciberehd del Intituto Carlos III de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, "Laiko" General Hospital of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Koahsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Benjamin Maasoumy
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Angelo L, Vaillant A, Blanchet M, Labonté P. Pangenomic antiviral effect of REP 2139 in CRISPR/Cas9 engineered cell lines expressing hepatitis B virus surface antigen. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0293167. [PMID: 37910550 PMCID: PMC10619774 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0293167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B remains a global health problem with 296 million people living with chronic HBV infection and being at risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Non-infectious subviral particles (SVP) are produced in large excess over infectious Dane particles in patients and are the major source of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). They are thought to exhaust the immune system, and it is generally considered that functional cure requires the clearance of HBsAg from blood of patient. Nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) antiviral activity lead to the inhibition of HBsAg release, resulting in rapid clearance of HBsAg from circulation in vivo. However, their efficacy has only been demonstrated in limited genotypes in small scale clinical trials. HBV exists as nine main genotypes (A to I). In this study, the HBsAg ORFs from the most prevalent genotypes (A, B, C, D, E, G), which account for over 96% of human cases, were inserted into the AAVS1 safe-harbor of HepG2 cells using CRISPR/Cas9 knock-in. A cell line producing the D144A vaccine escape mutant was also engineered. The secretion of HBsAg was confirmed into these new genotype cell lines (GCLs) and the antiviral activity of the NAP REP 2139 was then assessed. The results demonstrate that REP 2139 exerts an antiviral effect in all genotypes and serotypes tested in this study, including the vaccine escape mutant, suggesting a pangenomic effect of the NAPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léna Angelo
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologies, Laval, Canada
| | | | - Matthieu Blanchet
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologies, Laval, Canada
- Replicor Inc, Montréal, Canada
| | - Patrick Labonté
- Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologies, Laval, Canada
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7
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Tang Q, Meng C, Liu Y, Cheng Y, Liu Y, Long Y, Sun S, Feng F. Silencing SIRT1 promotes the anti-HBV action of IFN-α by regulating Pol expression and activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110939. [PMID: 37741128 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110939] [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: 05/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose this study is to investigate the impact of SIRT1 on the anti-HBV activity of IFN-α and further elucidate its underlying mechanism. METHODS HepG2.2.15 cells stably transfected with HBV virus were chosen as the primary study subject. IFN-α was used to stimulate the cells and regulate the expression of SIRT1, and the JAK-STAT pathway and HBV-related indices were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the nuclear translocation of STAT1 and STAT2. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to detect the binding of SIRT1 to HBV Polymerase (Pol). RESULTS In HepG2.2.15 cells, we found changes in SIRT1 expression. We show that silencing SIRT1 promotes the IFN-α-triggered Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway and consequently enhances the antiviral effects of IFN-α against HBV replication. Importantly, SIRT1 can interact with Pol and increase JAK-STAT activity by regulating Pol expression. Additionally, the inhibition of SIRT1 activity by treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitor selisistat enhanced the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α and JAK-STAT pathway activity. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our results demonstrate that silencing SIRT1 activates the JAK-STAT pathway and enhances the anti-HBV activity of IFN-α by inhibiting Pol expression. This would be a promising therapeutic target to improve the efficacy of IFN-α in the treatment of CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinyan Tang
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Chunyan Meng
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Yue Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Yanlin Cheng
- School of Life Science, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Yifei Long
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Shufeng Sun
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Fumin Feng
- School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, Hebei Province, China.
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8
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Roma K, Dossaji Z, Haque L, Laeeq T, Gish RG, Brosgart C. Test All for Hepatitis B Virus: Link to Care and Treatment if Quantitative DNA Positive, Vaccinate if Susceptible. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:997-1022. [PMID: 37778782 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.05.009] [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] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B infection affects approximately 262 million people worldwide and is responsible for 900,000 deaths annually. This article reviews the major factors limiting HBV elimination, which includes limited linkage to care and complicated HBV testing and treatment guidelines. The article then provides solutions to these pressing issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Roma
- Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, 1701 West Charleston Boulevard - Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA.
| | - Zahra Dossaji
- Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, 1701 West Charleston Boulevard - Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
| | - Lubaba Haque
- Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, 1701 West Charleston Boulevard - Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
| | - Tooba Laeeq
- Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at the University of Nevada, 1701 West Charleston Boulevard - Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA
| | | | - Carol Brosgart
- Medicine, Biostatistics, and Epidemiology, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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9
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Olenginski LT, Attionu SK, Henninger EN, LeBlanc RM, Longhini AP, Dayie TK. Hepatitis B Virus Epsilon (ε) RNA Element: Dynamic Regulator of Viral Replication and Attractive Therapeutic Target. Viruses 2023; 15:1913. [PMID: 37766319 PMCID: PMC10534774 DOI: 10.3390/v15091913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects millions of people worldwide, which underscores the importance of discovering and designing novel anti-HBV therapeutics to complement current treatment strategies. An underexploited but attractive therapeutic target is ε, a cis-acting regulatory stem-loop RNA situated within the HBV pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). The binding of ε to the viral polymerase protein (P) is pivotal, as it triggers the packaging of pgRNA and P, as well as the reverse transcription of the viral genome. Consequently, small molecules capable of disrupting this interaction hold the potential to inhibit the early stages of HBV replication. The rational design of such ligands necessitates high-resolution structural information for the ε-P complex or its individual components. While these data are currently unavailable for P, our recent structural elucidation of ε through solution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy marks a significant advancement in this area. In this review, we provide a brief overview of HBV replication and some of the therapeutic strategies to combat chronic HBV infection. These descriptions are intended to contextualize our recent experimental efforts to characterize ε and identify ε-targeting ligands, with the ultimate goal of developing novel anti-HBV therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz T. Olenginski
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (R.M.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309, USA
| | - Solomon K. Attionu
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (R.M.L.)
| | - Erica N. Henninger
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (R.M.L.)
| | - Regan M. LeBlanc
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (R.M.L.)
| | - Andrew P. Longhini
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (R.M.L.)
- Neuroscience Research Institute, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA
| | - Theodore K. Dayie
- Center for Biomolecular Structure and Organization, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA (R.M.L.)
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10
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Jeng WJ, Lok ASF. What will it take to cure hepatitis B? Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202304010-00023. [PMID: 36972391 PMCID: PMC10043561 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000084] [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] [Received: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The current treatment of chronic HBV infection, pegylated interferon-α (pegIFNα) and nucleos(t)ide analog (NA), can suppress HBV replication, reverse liver inflammation and fibrosis and reduce the risks of cirrhosis, HCC, and HBV-related deaths, but relapse is common when the treatment is stopped before HBsAg loss. There have been major efforts to develop a cure for HBV, defined as sustained HBsAg loss after a finite course of therapy. This requires the suppression of HBV replication and viral protein production and the restoration of immune response to HBV. Direct-acting antivirals targeting virus entry, capsid assembly, viral protein production and secretion are in clinical trials. Immune modulatory therapies to stimulate adaptive or innate immunity and/or to remove immune blockade are being tested. NAs are included in most and pegIFNα in some regimens. Despite the combination of 2 or more therapies, HBsAg loss remains rare in part because HbsAg can be derived not only from the covalently closed circular DNA but also from the integrated HBV DNA. Achievement of a functional HBV cure will require therapies to eliminate or silence covalently closed circular DNA and integrated HBV DNA. In addition, assays to differentiate the source of circulating HBsAg and to determine HBV immune recovery, as well as standardization and improvement of assays for HBV RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen, surrogate markers for covalently closed circular DNA transcription, are needed to accurately assess response and to target treatments according to patient/disease characteristics. Platform trials will allow the comparison of multiple combinations and channel patients with different characteristics to the treatment that is most likely to succeed. Safety is paramount, given the excellent safety profile of NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Medical Center, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Anna S F Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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11
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Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem, with an estimated 296 million people chronically infected and 820 000 deaths worldwide in 2019. Diagnosis of HBV infection requires serological testing for HBsAg and for acute infection additional testing for IgM hepatitis B core antibody (IgM anti-HBc, for the window period when neither HBsAg nor anti-HBs is detected). Assessment of HBV replication status to guide treatment decisions involves testing for HBV DNA, whereas assessment of liver disease activity and staging is mainly based on aminotransferases, platelet count, and elastography. Universal infant immunisation, including birth dose vaccination is the most effective means to prevent chronic HBV infection. Two vaccines with improved immunogenicity have recently been approved for adults in the USA and EU, with availability expected to expand. Current therapies, pegylated interferon, and nucleos(t)ide analogues can prevent development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, but do not eradicate the virus and rarely clear HBsAg. Treatment is recommended for patients with cirrhosis or with high HBV DNA levels and active or advanced liver disease. New antiviral and immunomodulatory therapies aiming to achieve functional cure (ie, clearance of HBsAg) are in clinical development. Improved vaccination coverage, increased screening, diagnosis and linkage to care, development of curative therapies, and removal of stigma are important in achieving WHO's goal of eliminating HBV infection by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Anna S F Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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12
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Kikuchi K, Fukuda K, Hayashi S, Maeda T, Takashima Y, Fujita M, Ikuta K, Anjiki K, Tachibana S, Onoi Y, Matsumoto T, Kuroda R, Matsubara T. Polyarthritis presented in a patient with untreated chronic hepatitis B infection. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2023; 7:320-323. [PMID: 36214605 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxac075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can cause arthritis, but it is rarely reported. In the current report, we present a case of chronic polyarthritis in a patient with untreated HBV infection. A 63-year-old woman suffering from polyarthritis in her fingers visited our institution. She had experienced exacerbations and remissions of polyarthritis for more than 20 years. She had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and had been treated with conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs) and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs by her primary care doctor, but the csDMARDs were discontinued at the request of the patient 10 years before the first visit to our hospital. The blood test showed negative for rheumatoid factor and anticyclic citrullinated peptides antibody but positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. Hepatitis B surface antigen and HBV-Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid (DNA) were increased to 312.6 (IU/ml) and 4.6 (log copies/ml), respectively. Based on the results of abdominal computed tomography and echography, she was diagnosed with liver cirrhosis. Treatment for HBV infection was begun with oral tenofovir at 25 mg/day. The polyarthritis in her fingers gradually disappeared and has not relapsed for 6 months after the initiation of treatment for HBV infection. When polyarthritis is diagnosed, the possibility that chronic HBV infection can be one of the causes of polyarthritis should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Kikuchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Koji Fukuda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan.,Department of Orthopaedics, Matsubara Mayflower Hospital, Kato, Japan
| | - Shinya Hayashi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Toshihisa Maeda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Takashima
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Masahiro Fujita
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kenmei Ikuta
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Kensuke Anjiki
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Shotaro Tachibana
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Yuma Onoi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Matsumoto
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Kuroda
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Matsubara
- Department of Orthopaedics, Matsubara Mayflower Hospital, Kato, Japan
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13
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Yardeni D, Chang KM, Ghany MG. Current Best Practice in Hepatitis B Management and Understanding Long-term Prospects for Cure. Gastroenterology 2023; 164:42-60.e6. [PMID: 36243037 PMCID: PMC9772068 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Despite an effective vaccine, the prevalence of chronic infection remains high. Current therapy is effective at achieving on-treatment, but not off-treatment, viral suppression. Loss of hepatitis B surface antigen, the best surrogate marker of off-treatment viral suppression, is associated with improved clinical outcomes. Unfortunately, this end point is rarely achieved with current therapy because of their lack of effect on covalently closed circular DNA, the template of viral transcription and genome replication. Major advancements in our understanding of HBV virology along with better understanding of immunopathogenesis have led to the development of a multitude of novel therapeutic approaches with the prospect of achieving functional cure (hepatitis B surface antigen loss) and perhaps complete cure (clearance of covalently closed circular DNA and integrated HBV DNA). This review will cover current best practice for managing chronic HBV infection and emerging novel therapies for HBV infection and their prospect for cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yardeni
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Kyong-Mi Chang
- Medical Research, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.
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14
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Chu JH, Huang Y, Xie DY, Deng H, Wei J, Guan YJ, Li GJ, Zeng YL, Yang JH, Chen XY, Shang J, Li JB, Gao N, Gao ZL. Real-world study on HBsAg loss of combination therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:765-776. [PMID: 35718996 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Combination therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) can enhance hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance. However, the specific treatment strategy and the patients who would benefit the most are unclear. Therefore, we assessed the HBsAg loss rate of add-on PEG-IFN and explored the factors associated with HBsAg loss in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This was a real-world cohort study of adults with CHB. Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative NAs-treated patients with baseline HBsAg ≤1500 IU/ml and HBV DNA < the lower limit of detection, or 100 IU/ml, received 48 weeks of add-on PEG-IFN. The primary outcome of the study was the rate of HBsAg loss at 48 weeks of combination treatment. Using multivariable logistic regression analysis, we determined factors associated with HBsAg loss. HBsAg loss in 2579 patients (mean age: 41.2 years; 80.9% male) was 36.7% (947 patients) at 48 weeks. HBsAg loss was highest in patients from south-central and southwestern China (40.0%). Factors independently associated with HBsAg loss included: increasing age (odds ratio = 0.961); being male (0.543); baseline HBsAg level (0.216); HBsAg decrease at 12 weeks (between 0.5 and 1.0 log10 IU/ml [2.405] and >1.0 log10 IU/ml [7.370]); alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increase at 12 weeks (1.365); haemoglobin (HGB) decrease at 12 weeks (1.558). There was no difference in the primary outcomes associated with the combination regimen. In conclusion, HBsAg loss by combination therapy was higher in patients from southern China than those from the north. An increased chance of HBsAg loss was associated with baseline characteristics and dynamic changes in clinical indicators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hao Chu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Dong-Ying Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guandong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hong Deng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guandong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second People's Hospital Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Yu-Juan Guan
- Department of Hepatology, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guo-Jun Li
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Lan Zeng
- Department of Hepatology, Chengdu Public Health Clinical Medical Center, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia-Hong Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Deyang People's Hospital, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin-Yue Chen
- Department of Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia Shang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jia-Bin Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhi-Liang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Guandong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.,Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-Sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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15
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Xiong J, Jiang Y, Zhang J, Chen Y, Hu Y. CK1α upregulates the IFNAR1 expression to prompt the anti-HBV effect of type I IFN in hepatoma carcinoma cells. Virol Sin 2022; 37:894-903. [PMID: 35985475 PMCID: PMC9797371 DOI: 10.1016/j.virs.2022.08.004] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Casein kinase 1α (CK1α) mediates the phosphorylation and degradation of interferon-α/β receptor 1 (IFNAR1) in response to viral infection. However, how CK1α regulates hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and the anti-HBV effects of IFN-α are less reported. Here we show that CK1α can interact with IFNAR1 in hepatoma carcinoma cells and increased the abundance of IFNAR1 by reducing the ubiquitination levels in the presence of HBV. Furthermore, CK1α promotes the IFN-α triggered JAK-STAT signaling pathway and consequently enhances the antiviral effects of IFN-α against HBV replication. Our results collectively provide evidence that CK1α positively regulates the anti-HBV activity of IFN-α in hepatoma carcinoma cells, which would be a promising therapeutic target to improve the effectiveness of IFN-α therapy to cure CHB.
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16
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Woo HY, Heo J, Tak WY, Lee HJ, Chung WJ, Park JG, Park SY, Park YJ, Lee YR, Hwang JS, Kweon YO. Effect of switching from nucleos(t)ide maintenance therapy to PegIFN alfa-2a in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B: A randomized trial. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270716. [PMID: 35867702 PMCID: PMC9307167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Induction of a durable viral response is difficult to achieve in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), even from long-term use of a nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA). This study investigated whether switching to peginterferon (PegIFN) alfa-2a after long-term NA therapy induced a durable viral response. Methods Patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB who received any NA for at least 72 weeks and had a low level of HBV DNA (≤100 IU/mL) were randomized (1:1) to receive PegIFN alfa-2a (180 μg/week) or NA for 48 weeks. The primary endpoint was change in the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) titer during antiviral therapy. Results We randomized 149 CHB patients to the two groups. Compared to baseline, the HBsAg levels in both groups were not lower at week 12, but were lower after 24, 36, and 48 weeks (all p<0.001). The maximal HBsAg decline in the PegIFN alfa-2a group was at week 36 (0.50±0.88 log10 IU/mL), and this decline was smaller in the NA group (0.08±0.46 log10 IU/mL). The percentage of patients with HBeAg seroconversion at week 48 was also greater in the PegIFN alfa-2a group (15/75 [20.0%] vs. 5/74 [6.8%], p = 0.018). Multivariable analysis indicated the PegIFN alfa-2a group had a greater change in HBeAg seroconversion at week 48 (p = 0.027). Patients had relatively good tolerance to PegIFN alfa-2a therapy. Conclusions CHB patients who switched to PegIFN alfa-2a for 48 weeks had a significantly lower HBsAg titer and increased HBeAg seroconversion relative to those who remained on NA therapy. Trial registration (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT01769833).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Young Woo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (JH); (WYT)
| | - Won Young Tak
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (JH); (WYT)
| | - Heon Ju Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Jin Chung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Gil Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yeungnam University College of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Joo Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Rim Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Seok Hwang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Oh Kweon
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
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17
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Li M, Zhang L, Xie S, Sun F, Zeng Z, Deng W, Jiang T, Bi X, Lin Y, Yang L, Lu Y, Shen G, Liu R, Wu S, Chang M, Hu L, Dong J, Yi W, Xie Y. Dynamic Changes of Cytokine Profiles and Virological Markers Associated With HBsAg Loss During Peginterferon Alpha-2a Treatment in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:892031. [PMID: 35603222 PMCID: PMC9114800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.892031] [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: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore dynamic changes of cytokines and virological markers associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss during peginterferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN α-2a) treatment in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods It was a single-center prospective cohort study. HBeAg-positive CHB patients were prospectively and consecutively enrolled. Cytokines were detected at baseline, week 12 and 24 of PEG-IFN treatment. HBsAg disappearance rate was the primary evaluation index at 48 weeks of PEG-IFN treatment. Results Among 100 patients who completed the 48-week PEG-IFN α-2a treatment, 38 patients achieved serum HBeAg disappearance, 25 patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion, 9 patients achieved functional cure, 37 patients had HBsAg decline of ≥1 log IU/ml, and 8 patients produced hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb). Albumin (ALB), fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3-L) and interferon-alpha2 (IFN-α2) in the clinical cure group were significantly lower than those in the non-clinical-cure group at baseline. After 12 weeks of treatment, HBsAg in the clinical cure group was significantly lower than that in the non-clinical-cure group (median 1.14 vs. 3.45 log10IU/ml, Z=-4.355, P < 0.001). The decrease of HBsAg and hepatitis B virus desoxyribose nucleic acid (HBV DNA) in the clinical cure group was significantly higher than that in non-clinical-cure group (median: HBsAg 1.96 vs. 0.33 log10IU/ml, Z=-4.703, P< 0.001; HBV DNA 4.49 vs.3.13 log10IU/ml, Z=-3.053, P=0.002). The increase of IFN-α2 in the cure group was significantly higher than that in the non-clinical-cure group (497.89 vs. 344.74, Z=-2.126, P=0.034). After 24 weeks of treatment, HBsAg, HBeAg, Flt3-L, and IL-10 in the clinical cure group were significantly lower than those in the non-clinical-cure group (median: HBsAg 0.70 vs. 3.15 log10IU/ml, Z=-4.535, P< 0.001; HBeAg 1.48 vs. 13.72 S/CO, Z = 2.512, P = 0.012; Flt3-l 0.00 vs 2.24 pg/ml, Z = 3.137, P=0.002; IL-10 0.70 vs. 2.71 pg/ml, Z=-4.067, P < 0.001). HBsAg decreased significantly in the clinical cure group compared with non-clinical-cure group (median 3.27 vs. 0.45, Z=-4.463, P < 0.001). Conclusion Dynamic changes of cytokines and virology markers during early PEG IFN α-2a treatment were associated with HBsAg loss in HBeAg-positive CHB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Luxue Zhang
- Infectious Disease Department, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Si Xie
- Division of Hepatology, Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fangfang Sun
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhan Zeng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Deng
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Jiang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Bi
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanjie Lin
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Yang
- 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
| | - Ge Shen
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruyu Liu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuling Wu
- 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
| | - Leiping Hu
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Haidian Hospital, Beijing Haidian Section of Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
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18
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Hui RWH, Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Assessing the developing pharmacotherapeutic landscape in hepatitis B treatment: A spotlight on drugs at phase II clinical trials. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2022; 27:127-140. [PMID: 35511483 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2022.2074977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Functional cure, defined as sustained HBsAg seroclearance, is associated with favorable outcomes in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). While nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are effective in suppressing HBV replication, NAs are unable to induce functional cure at high rates. A range of novel HBV antivirals, aiming to induce functional cure, are currently under development. AREAS COVERED This article covered novel hepatitis B virus (HBV) antivirals that have entered phase II trials. Virus-directing agents covered include entry inhibitors, transcription inhibitors, RNA silencers, core protein allosteric modulators, non-competitive polymerase inhibitors, and viral protein export inhibitors. Immunomodulators covered include innate immune stimulators, T-cell modulators, therapeutic vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies. Upcoming developmental directions would also be discussed. EXPERT OPINION Among novel HBV antivirals, RNA silencers, viral protein export inhibitors (with pegylated interferon) and entry inhibitors (with pegylated interferon) appear to be effective in suppressing HBsAg and may even induce functional cure. The other virus-targeting agents have variable effects on HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg and HBcrAg. Immunomodulators have modest effects on HBsAg, but may have important roles in combination therapy. Upcoming trials will answer important questions on ideal dosing, long-term drug effects, and efficacy of combination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Zhu L, Li J, Xu J, Chen F, Wu X, Zhu C. Significance of T-Cell Subsets for Clinical Response to Peginterferon Alfa-2a Therapy in HBeAg-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. Int J Gen Med 2022; 15:4441-4451. [PMID: 35509606 PMCID: PMC9058244 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s356696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The adaptive immune response may reflect the immunomodulatory efficacy during peginterferon alfa-2a (PEG-IFN α-2a) treatment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We evaluated the predictive efficiency of T-cell subsets on patient's response to PEG-IFN α-2a treatment. Methods The proportions of CD8+PD-1+, CD8+Tim-3+ and CD4+CD25high T-cells were measured at baseline and week 52 in CHB patients who underwent PEG-IFN α-2a treatment. The proportions of T-cell subsets were compared among different responders and non-responders (determined by biochemical, serological, and virological responses). Results The baseline proportions of the three T-cell subsets were significantly higher in CHB patients (65 cases) than in healthy controls (28 cases), while the proportions declined significantly after 52 weeks of PEG-IFN treatment. Responders (ALT < 40 IU/L, 89.2% [58/65]; HBV DNA < 2.7 log10 IU/ml, 66.2% [43/65]; and HBeAg seroconversion [SR], 53.9% [35/65]) experienced more pronounced declines in the proportion of T-cell subsets compared to non-responders. In particular, the baseline proportions of CD4+CD25high T-cells displayed significant difference between SR and non-SR groups. The stepwise logistic regression analysis identified that CD4+CD25high T-cells combined with baseline HBV DNA and ALT can predict SR and CR (ALT < 40 IU/L, HBV DNA < 2.7 log10 IU/mL and HBeAg seroconversion) after 52 weeks of PEG-IFN treatment with high accuracy. Conclusion PEG-IFN therapy induces significant declines in the proportion of some key T-cell subsets in HBeAg-positive patients. The model constructed with CD4+CD25high T-cells combined with ATL and HBV DNA may help to predict the efficacy of PEG-IFN α-2a therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jin Li
- Central Laboratory, the Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Central Laboratory, the Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junchi Xu
- Central Laboratory, the Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Central Laboratory, the Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fan Chen
- Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xunxun Wu
- Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanwu Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatology, the Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Hepatology, the Fifth People’s Hospital of Suzhou, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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Yardeni D, Ghany MG. Review article: hepatitis B-current and emerging therapies. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:805-819. [PMID: 35224760 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects an estimated 290 million individuals worldwide and is responsible for approximately 900 000 deaths annually, mostly from complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although current treatment is effective at preventing complications of chronic hepatitis B, it is not curative, and often must be administered long term. There is a need for safe, effective, finite duration curative therapy. AIM Our aim was to provide a concise, up to date review of all currently available and emerging treatment options for chronic hepatitis B. METHODS We conducted a search of PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, major meeting abstracts and pharmaceutical websites for publications and communications on current and emerging therapies for HBV. RESULTS Currently approved treatment options for chronic hepatitis B include peginterferon alpha-2a and nucleos(t)ide analogues. Both options do not offer a 'complete cure' (clearance of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA) and rarely achieve a 'functional cure' (hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss). An improved understanding of the viral lifecycle, immunopathogenesis and recent advances in drug delivery technologies have led to many novel therapeutic approaches that are currently being evaluated in clinical trials including targeting of viral entry, cccDNA, viral transcription, core protein, and release of HBsAg and HBV polymerase. Additionally, novel immunological approaches that include targeting the innate and adaptive immune system and therapeutic vaccination are being pursued. CONCLUSION The breadth and scope of novel therapies in development hold promise for regimen/s that will achieve functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Yardeni
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marc G Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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21
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Terrault NA, Wahed AS, Feld JJ, Cooper SL, Ghany MG, Lisker-Melman M, Perrillo R, Sterling RK, Khalili M, Chung RT, Rosenthal P, Fontana RJ, Sarowar A, Lau DTY, Wang J, Lok AS, Janssen HLA. Incidence and prediction of HBsAg seroclearance in a prospective multi-ethnic HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B cohort. Hepatology 2022; 75:709-723. [PMID: 34743343 PMCID: PMC8943823 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Achieving HBsAg loss is an important landmark in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A more personalized approach to prediction of HBsAg loss is relevant in counseling patients. This study sought to develop and validate a prediction model for HBsAg loss based on quantitative HBsAg levels (qHBsAg) and other baseline characteristics. METHODS The Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN) is a prospective cohort including 1240 untreated HBeAg-negative patients (1150 adults, 90 children) with median follow-up of 5.5 years. Incidence rates of HBsAg loss and hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) acquisition were determined, and a predictor score of HBsAg loss using readily available variables was developed and externally validated. RESULTS Crude incidence rates of HBsAg loss and anti-HBs acquisition were 1.6 and 1.1 per 100 person-years (PY); 67 achieved sustained HBsAg loss for an incidence rate of 1.2 per 100 PY. Increased HBsAg loss was significantly associated with older age, non-Asian race, HBV phenotype (inactive CHB vs. others), HBV genotype A, lower HBV-DNA levels, and lower and greater change in qHBsAg. The HBRN-SQuARe (sex,∆quantHBsAg, age, race) score predicted HBsAg loss over time with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) (95% CIs) at 1 and 3 years of 0.99 (95% CI: 0.987-1.00) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.91-1.00), respectively. In validation in another cohort of 1253 HBeAg-negative patients with median follow-up of 3.1 years, HBRN SQuARe predicted HBsAg loss at 1 and 3 years with AUROC values of 0.99 (0.98-1.00) and 0.88 (0.77-0.99), respectively. CONCLUSION HBsAg loss in predominantly untreated patients with HBeAg-negative CHB can be accurately predicted over a 3-year horizon using a simple validated score (HBRN SQuARe). This prognostication tool can be used to support patient care and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- NA Terrault
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Division, Keck Medicine of University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - AS Wahed
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - JJ Feld
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - SL Cooper
- San Francisco Center for Liver Disease, California Pacific Medical & Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - MG Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - M Lisker-Melman
- Washington University School of Medicine and John Cochran VA Medical Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - R Perrillo
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - RK Sterling
- Section of Hepatology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - M Khalili
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - RT Chung
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - P Rosenthal
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - RJ Fontana
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - A Sarowar
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - DTY Lau
- Liver Center, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - J Wang
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology Data Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - AS Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - HLA Janssen
- Toronto Center for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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22
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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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23
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Current Trend in Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020434. [PMID: 35216027 PMCID: PMC8877417 DOI: 10.3390/v14020434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since active hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is the key driver of hepatic necroinflammation and disease progression, the treatment aim of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to suppress HBV replication permanently to prevent hepatic decompensation, liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma and prolong survival. Currently, pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN), entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are the first-line drugs of choice. Peg-IFN therapy has been used rarely due to its subcutaneous injection and significant side effect profile. Once daily oral ETV, TDF and TAF can suppress HBV DNA profoundly but have no direct action on cccDNA of the HBV-infected hepatocytes, hence continuing long-term therapy is usually needed to maintain HBV suppression, but the ultimate goal of HBsAg loss was rarely achieved (10 year 2%). In addition, long-term NUC therapy comes with several concerns such as increasing cost, medication adherence and loss-to-follow-up. Studies, mainly from Taiwan, have shown that finite NUCs therapy of two to three years in HBeAg-negative patients is feasible, safe and has a great benefit of much increasing HBsAg loss rate up to 30%/5 year. These have led an emerging paradigm shift to finite NUC therapy in HBeAg-negative patients globally. However, off-NUC relapse with hepatitis B flares may occur and have a risk of decompensation or even life-threatening outcomes. Therefore, proper monitoring, assessment, and retreatment decisions are crucial to ensure safety. Ideally, retreatment should be not too late to ensure safety and also not too early to allow further immune response for further HBsAg decline toward HBsAg loss. Assessment using combined HBsAg/ALT kinetics during hepatitis flare is better than biochemical markers alone to make a right retreatment decision. The strategy of finite NUC therapy has set a benchmark of high HBsAg loss rate to be achieved by the new anti-HBV drugs which are under preclinical or early phase study.
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24
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You H, Ma X, Efe C, Wang G, Jeong SH, Abe K, Duan W, Chen S, Kong Y, Zhang D, Wei L, Wang FS, Lin HC, Yang JM, Tanwandee T, Gani RA, Payawal DA, Sharma BC, Hou J, Yokosuka O, Dokmeci AK, Crawford D, Kao JH, Piratvisuth T, Suh DJ, Lesmana LA, Sollano J, Lau G, Sarin SK, Omata M, Tanaka A, Jia J. APASL clinical practice guidance: the diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:1-23. [PMID: 35119627 PMCID: PMC8843914 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Mainland, China
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gazi Yaşargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Guiqiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Weijia Duan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Sha Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospial, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin Mo Yang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rino A Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Diana A Payawal
- Department of Medicine, Fatima University Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Barjesh C Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Mainland, China
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - A Kadir Dokmeci
- Department of Medicine, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Darrell Crawford
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teerha Piratvisuth
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Thailand
| | - Dong Jin Suh
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Jose Sollano
- Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - George Lau
- Humanity and Health Clinical Trial Center, Humanity and Health Medical Group, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Yamanashi, Japan. .,University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China.
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a global health burden. Timely and effective antiviral therapy is beneficial for patients with HBV infection. With existing antiviral drugs, including nucleos(t)ide analogs and interferon-alfa, patients can achieve viral suppression with improved prognosis. However, the rate of hepatitis B surface antigen loss is low. To achieve a functional cure and even complete cure in chronic hepatitis B patients, new antivirals need to be developed. In this review, we summarized the advantages and disadvantages of existing antiviral drugs and focused on new antivirals including direct-acting antiviral drugs and immunotherapeutic approaches.
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26
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Charatcharoenwitthaya P, Kaewdech A, Piratvisuth T. Controversies in Treating Chronic HBV: The Role of PEG-interferon-alfa. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:741-762. [PMID: 34593151 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pegylated interferon-alpha therapy is one of the first-line chronic hepatitis B treatment. Finite treatment duration, absence of drug resistance, delayed response, and higher hepatitis B surface antigen loss than nucleos(t)ides analog therapy are the advantages of pegylated interferon-alpha treatment. Common side effects and subcutaneous injections requirement limit its use. Identifying patients likely to respond to pegylated interferon-alpha and optimizing treatment is reasonable. Motivating patients to complete the 48-week treatment is necessary. Treatment is stopped or switched to other treatment strategies in patients with stopping rule criteria. Combination therapy with nucleos(t)ides analog may improve response, but remains controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya
- Gastroenterology Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Wang-Lang Road, Bangkok 10700, Thailand
| | - Apichat Kaewdech
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand
| | - Teerha Piratvisuth
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Songklanagarind Hospital, Prince of Songkla University, Kanchanawanich Road, Songkhla 90110, Thailand.
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27
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Kuzma BA, Pence IJ, Greenfield DA, Ho A, Evans CL. Visualizing and quantifying antimicrobial drug distribution in tissue. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 177:113942. [PMID: 34437983 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.113942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of drugs are vital to the mechanistic understanding of their efficacy. Measuring antimicrobial drug efficacy has been challenging as plasma drug concentration is used as a surrogate for tissue drug concentration, yet typically does not reflect that at the intended site(s) of action. Utilizing an image-guided approach, it is feasible to accurately quantify the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics within the desired site(s) of action. We outline imaging modalities used in visualizing drug distribution with examples ranging from in vitro cellular drug uptake to clinical treatment of microbial infections. The imaging modalities of interest are: radio-labeling, magnetic resonance, mass spectrometry imaging, computed tomography, fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy. We outline the progress, limitations, and future outlook for each methodology. Further advances in these optical approaches would benefit patients and researchers alike, as non-invasive imaging could yield more profound insights with a lower clinical burden than invasive measurement approaches used today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Kuzma
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA
| | - Isaac J Pence
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA
| | - Daniel A Greenfield
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA
| | - Alexander Ho
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA
| | - Conor L Evans
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02114, USA.
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28
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Jeng WJ, Lok AS. Should Treatment Indications for Chronic Hepatitis B Be Expanded? Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:2006-2014. [PMID: 32434068 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.04.091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Antiviral therapy has greatly improved the outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and active liver disease or advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis. However, current treatment does not eradicate HBV and long-term treatment is needed in most patients to maintain clinical benefit. Thus, professional society guidelines do not recommend treatment of all patients with chronic HBV infection. This review article will examine evidence for and against expansion of treatment to patients in whom treatment is not recommended based on current guidelines. RESULTS Available data support expanding treatment to immune tolerant patients and patients in the grey zones who have evidence of active/advanced liver disease based on liver biopsy or non-invasive tests and those who remain in the immune tolerant phase after age 40. Evidence supporting treatment expansion to confirmed inactive carriers and other immune tolerant patients is lacking. CONCLUSIONS HBV treatment indications can be more liberal when new therapies that can achieve HBsAg loss safely in a high percentage of patients after a finite course of treatment are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou branch, Taiwan; Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taiwan
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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29
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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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30
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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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31
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Pan CQ, Li MH, Yi W, Zhang L, Lu Y, Hao HX, Wan G, Cao WH, Wang XY, Ran CP, Shen G, Wu SL, Chang M, Gao YJ, Xie Y. Outcome of Chinese patients with hepatitis B at 96 weeks after functional cure with IFN versus combination regimens. Liver Int 2021; 41:1498-1508. [PMID: 33486874 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nucleotides with add-on interferon treatment (NUC-IFN) provide significantly higher rates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to investigate the sustainability of HBsAg loss and the prevention of clinical relapse. METHODS Patients with CHB who achieved HBsAg loss and HBV DNA levels <20 IU/ml after IFN or NUC-IFN therapy were enrolled and followed up for 96 weeks. The primary outcome was HBsAg negativity without viremia at week 96. Secondary outcomes included virological or clinical relapse and predictors of relapse. RESULTS 420 patients were included in intention-to-treat analysis with 290 and 130 in the IFN and NUC-IFN groups respectively. At week 96, the intention-to-treat analysis revealed similar outcomes between groups, including HBsAg seroreversion (24.83% vs. 23.08%, P = .70), viremia (16.90% vs 13.08%, P = .32) and clinical relapse (11.38% vs 10.00%, P = .68); the per-protocol analyses also showed HBsAg seroreversion, viremia and clinical relapse in IFN group (15.50%, 6.59% and 0.39%) did not differ from those in NUC-IFN group (15.25%, 4.24% and 0.85%, P > .05). These outcomes were similar between patients who received entecavir and those who received telbivudine/lamivudine/adefovir before the combination therapy. In NUC-IFN-treated patients, fibrosis regression was observed at week 96. Baseline HBsAb negativity was independent predictors of HBsAg sero-reversion and recurrence of viremia in IFN treated group. CONCLUSION NUC-IFN and IFN therapies are equally effective in achieving sustained functional cure and fibrosis regression. (ClinicalTrials.gov, Number NCT02336399).
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Affiliation(s)
- Calvin Q Pan
- Center of Liver Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ming-Hui Li
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Yi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 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
| | - Hong-Xiao Hao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Wan
- Department of Medical and Biological Statistics, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Hua Cao
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Yue Wang
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chong-Ping Ran
- 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
| | - Min Chang
- 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
| | - Yao Xie
- Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, China
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32
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Vaillant A. HBsAg, Subviral Particles, and Their Clearance in Establishing a Functional Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1351-1368. [PMID: 33302622 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In diverse viral infections, the production of excess viral particles containing only viral glycoproteins (subviral particles or SVP) is commonly observed and is a commonly evolved mechanism for immune evasion. In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, spherical particles contain the hepatitis B surface antigen, outnumber infectious virus 10 000-100 000 to 1, and have diverse inhibitory effects on the innate and adaptive immune response, playing a major role in the chronic nature of HBV infection. The current goal of therapies in development for HBV infection is a clinical outcome called functional cure, which signals a persistent and effective immune control of the infection. Although removal of spherical SVP (and the HBsAg they carry) is an important milestone in achieving functional cure, this outcome is rarely achieved with current therapies due to distinct mechanisms for assembly, secretion, and persistence of SVP, which are poorly targeted by direct acting antivirals or immunotherapies. In this Review, the current understanding of the distinct mechanisms involved in the production and persistence of spherical SVP in chronic HBV infection and their immunoinhibitory activity will be reviewed as well as current therapies in development with the goal of clearing spherical SVP and achieving functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Vaillant
- Replicor Inc., 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H8Y 3E6, Canada
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33
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Choi J, Yoo S, Lim YS. Comparison of Long-Term Clinical Outcomes Between Spontaneous and Therapy-Induced HBsAg Seroclearance. Hepatology 2021; 73:2155-2166. [PMID: 33131063 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS HBsAg seroclearance is considered a realistic goal in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB), known as "functional cure." However, it remains elusive whether nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC)-induced HBsAg seroclearance, compared with spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance, differs in its association with favorable long-term clinical outcomes. APPROACH AND RESULTS A total of 1,972 CHB patients with confirmed HBsAg seroclearance at least two consecutive times, 6 months apart, were retrospectively analyzed. Risks of HCC development and composite clinical events, including HCC, liver-related death, and liver transplantation, were compared between spontaneous and NUC-induced HBsAg seroclearance. Of 1,972 patients, mean patient age was 53.7 years, and 64.4% were men. Cirrhosis was present in 297 (15.1%) patients. HBsAg seroclearance was achieved spontaneously in 1,624 (82.4%) patients and by NUC treatment in 348 (17.6%). HCC developed in 49 patients, with an annual incidence of 0.38 of 100 person-years (PY) during a median follow-up of 5.6 years. With 336 propensity-score-matched pairs, risks of HCC (P = 0.52) and clinical events (P = 0.14) were not significantly different between NUC-induced and spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance. By multivariable analysis, NUC-induced HBsAg seroclearance, compared with spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance, was not associated with the significantly higher risk of HCC (adjusted HR [AHR], 1.49; P = 0.26) and clinical events (AHR, 1.78; P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS Risks of HCC and clinical events were not significantly different between spontaneous and NUC-induced HBsAg seroclearance. Nonetheless, annual risk of HCC exceeds the recommended cutoff for HCC surveillance even after HBsAg seroclearance, suggesting that continued HCC surveillance is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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34
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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: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [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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35
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Lin SR, Yang TY, Peng CY, Lin YY, Dai CY, Wang HY, Su TH, Tseng TC, Liu IJ, Cheng HR, Shen YC, Wu FY, Liu CJ, Chen DS, Chen PJ, Yang HC, Kao JH. Whole genome deep sequencing analysis of viral quasispecies diversity and evolution in HBeAg seroconverters. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100254. [PMID: 33870157 PMCID: PMC8042178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims We aimed to investigate how viral quasispecies of the HBV whole genome evolves and diversifies in response to HBeAg seroconversion and viral control utilising next-generation sequencing (NGS). Methods Fifty HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients, including 18 treatment-naïve and 32 interferon (IFN)-treated individuals, were recruited. Serial HBV whole genomes in serum were analysed by NGS to determine sequence characteristics and viral quasispecies. Results HBV quasispecies diversity, measured by nucleotide diversity, was negatively correlated with viral load and hepatitis activity. Spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters exhibited significantly greater viral quasispecies diversity than treatment-naïve non-seroconverters from >1 year before seroconversion (0.0112 vs. 0.0060, p <0.01) to >1 year after seroconversion (0.0103 vs. 0.0068, p <0.01). IFN-induced HBeAg seroconverters tended to have higher viral genetic diversity than non-seroconverters along with treatment. Particularly, the IFN responders, defined as IFN-induced HBeAg seroconversion with low viraemia, exhibited significantly greater genetic diversity of whole HBV genome at 6 months post-IFN treatment than IFN non-responders (0.0148 vs. 0.0106, p = 0.048). Moreover, spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters and IFN responders exhibited significantly higher evolutionary rates and more intra-host single-nucleotide variants. Interestingly, in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters and IFN responders, there were distinct evolutionary patterns in the HBV genome. Conclusions Higher HBV quasispecies diversity is associated with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion and IFN-induced HBeAg seroconversion with low viraemia, conferring a favourable clinical outcome. Lay summary HBeAg seroconversion is a landmark in the natural history of chronic HBV infection. Using next-generation sequencing, we found that the nucleotide diversity of HBV was negatively correlated with viral load and hepatitis activity. Patients undergoing HBeAg seroconversion had more diverse HBV genomes and a faster viral evolution rate. Our findings suggest HBeAg seroconversion is driven by host selection pressure, likely immune selection pressure. Deep sequencing of whole HBV genome uncovers the quasispecies changes in chronic hepatitis B patients. The nucleotide diversity of HBV negatively correlates with viraemia during HBeAg loss/seroconversion. Viral quasispecies diversity is greater in spontaneous HBeAg seroconverters before and after seroconversion than in treatment-naïve non-seroconverters. Responders to IFN have greater viral quasispecies diversity than non-responders at 24 weeks after treatment. The genome positions of non-synonymous intra-host single nucleotide variants (iSNVs) of HBV tend to be located at possible T cell epitopes.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AUC, area under curve
- BCP, basal core promoter
- C, core
- CHB, chronic hepatitis B
- Chronic hepatitis B
- EOT, end of treatment
- HBeAg seroconversion
- IFN, interferon
- IFN-NR, IFN-non-responders
- IFN-No-eSC, IFN-treated HBeAg non-seroconverters
- IFN-RS, IFN-responders
- IFN-eSC, IFN-treated HBeAg seroconverters
- Intra-host single nucleotide variants
- NGS, next-generation sequencing
- ORFs, open reading frames
- P, polymerase
- S, surface
- TN-No-eSC, treatment-naïve non-seroconverters
- TN-eSC, treatment-naïve HBeAg seroconverters
- dN, nonsynonymous substitution rate
- dS, synonymous substitution rate
- iSNVs, intra-host single-nucleotide variants
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Affiliation(s)
- Su-Ru Lin
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ta-Yu Yang
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Digestive Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - You-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepato-Biliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hurng-Yi Wang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Hung Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Chung Tseng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Jung Liu
- Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Ru Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Chi Shen
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yi Wu
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jen Liu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ding-Shinn Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Yang
- Department of Microbiology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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36
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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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37
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Stability Analysis and Cauchy Matrix of a Mathematical Model of Hepatitis B Virus with Control on Immune System near Neighborhood of Equilibrium Free Point. Symmetry (Basel) 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/sym13020166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mathematical models are useful tools to describe the dynamics of infection and predict the role of possible drug combinations. In this paper, we present an analysis of a hepatitis B virus (HBV) model including cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) and antibody responses, under distributed feedback control, expressed as an integral form to predict the effect of a combination treatment with interleukin-2 (IL-2). The method presented in this paper is based on the symmetry properties of Cauchy matrices C(t,s), which allow us to construct and analyze the stability of corresponding integro-differential systems.
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38
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Itokawa N, Atsukawa M, Tsubota A, Shimada N, Toyoda H, Takaguchi K, Hiraoka A, Senoh T, Koeda M, Yoshida Y, Okubo T, Arai T, Hayama K, Nakagawa-Iwashita A, Kondo C, Iwakiri K. Factors Associated with Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Kinetics and Responses in Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Monotherapy for Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B. Intern Med 2021; 60:507-516. [PMID: 33583931 PMCID: PMC7946504 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.5432-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Pegylated-interferon monotherapy is the standard treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B; however, the factors associated with its therapeutic effects remain unclear. Methods Patients with chronic hepatitis B were treated with pegylated interferon α-2a for 48 weeks. We evaluated the kinetics of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) during treatment and follow-up periods and the factors associated with an HBsAg response (defined as a change in HBsAg of ≥-1 log IU/mL from baseline). Results The study population comprised 50 patients. The median baseline levels of hepatitis B virus DNA and HBsAg were 5.00 and 3.40 log IU/mL. The median values of HBsAg reduction from baseline were -0.44 (n=48), -0.41 (n=40), and -0.68 (n=11) log IU/mL at the end of treatment and at 48 and 144 weeks post-treatment, respectively. The rates of HBsAg response were 24.0% and 22.5% at the end of treatment and at 48 weeks post-treatment, respectively. A multivariate analysis identified HBsAg <3.00 log IU/mL as an independent baseline factor contributing to the HBsAg response at the end of treatment and 48 weeks post-treatment (p=1.07×10-2 and 4.42×10-2, respectively). There were significant differences in the reduction of the HBsAg levels at 12 weeks of treatment and in the incidence of serum ALT increase during treatment between patients with and without an HBsAg response. Conclusion These findings suggest that the baseline HBsAg level, HBsAg kinetics at 12 weeks of treatment, and ALT increase during treatment are important factors contributing to the HBsAg response in pegylated interferon α-2a monotherapy for patients with chronic hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norio Itokawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Japan
| | - Akihito Tsubota
- Core Research Facilities, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Noritomo Shimada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Otakanomori Hospital, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Japan
| | - Koichi Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Atsushi Hiraoka
- Gastroenterology Center, Ehime Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomonori Senoh
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Japan
| | - Mai Koeda
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Yuji Yoshida
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Tomomi Okubo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Taeang Arai
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Korenobu Hayama
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Ai Nakagawa-Iwashita
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Japan
| | - Chisa Kondo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Iwakiri
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Nippon Medical School, Japan
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Shih WL, Fang CT, Chen PJ. Chapter XX Antiviral Treatment and Cancer Control. Recent Results Cancer Res 2021; 217:325-354. [PMID: 33200371 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-57362-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human papilloma virus (HPV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV) contribute to about 10-15% global burden of human cancers. Conventional chemotherapy or molecular target therapies have been used to treat virus-associated cancers. However, a more proactive approach would be the use of antiviral treatment to suppress or eliminate viral infections to prevent the occurrence of cancer in the first place. Antiviral treatments against chronic HBV and HCV infection have achieved this goal, with significant reduction in the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in treated patients. Antiviral treatments for EBV, KSHV, and HTLV-1 had limited success in treating refractory EBV-associated lymphoma and post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, KSHV-associated Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS patients, and HTLV-1-associated acute, chronic, and smoldering subtypes of adult T-cell lymphoma, respectively. Therapeutic HPV vaccine and RNA interference-based therapies for treating HPV-associated infection or cervical cancers also showed some encouraging results. Taken together, antiviral therapies have yielded promising results in cancer prevention and treatment. More large-scale studies in a real-world setting are necessary to confirm the efficacy of antiviral therapy. Further investigation for more effective and convenient antiviral regimens warrants more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Liang Shih
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Tai Fang
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Liu Y, May L, Liu X, Martin R, Svarovskaia E, Gaggar A, Mo H, Feierbach B. Developing a sensitive HBV genotyping assay for HBV DNA suppressed patients using both DNA and RNA sequencing. J Med Virol 2020; 92:3420-3425. [PMID: 32609910 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.26249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes impact treatment outcomes and disease progression. The current genotyping methods have limitations in patients with low HBV viral load. In this study, a more sensitive assay has been developed for determining the HBV genotype in HBV DNA suppressed patients. Fifty-five serum samples from 55 chronic hepatitis B patients (HBeAg-, n = 20; HBeAg+, n = 35) across genotypes A to H with long-term nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) treatment were collected. All samples had HBV DNA less than 29 IU/mL. Total nucleic acid (viral DNA and RNA) was extracted and a 341 bp amplicon located at HBV S gene overlapping with reverse transcriptase domain of polymerase (pol/RT) was amplified via real time (RT)-nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by population sequencing. HBV genotype was determined by phylogenetic analysis. The assay successfully amplified HBV S/RT gene from 53 of 55 (96.4%) patient serum samples. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the genotypes of all the 53 PCR positive samples matched the historical genotypes as determined by INNO-LiPA or RT sequence from the corresponding baseline samples. This assay was able to accurately determine HBV genotype irrespective of baseline genotype, HBeAg status, or duration of viral suppression. The ability to determine genotype in virally suppressed patients may facilitate the evaluation of novel treatment agents for HBV in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
| | - Lindsey May
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
| | - Xinan Liu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
| | - Ross Martin
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
| | | | - Anuj Gaggar
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
| | - Hongmei Mo
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., Foster City, California
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Huang YW, Hsu CW, Lu SN, Yu ML, Su CW, Su WW, Chien RN, Hsu CS, Hsu SJ, Lai HC, Qin A, Tseng KC, Chen PJ. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b every 2 weeks as a novel pegylated interferon for patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Int 2020; 14:997-1008. [PMID: 33099752 PMCID: PMC7803873 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-020-10098-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a novel mono-pegylated interferon that has only one major form as opposed to 8–14 isomers of other on-market pegylated interferon, allowing injection every two or more weeks with higher tolerability. It received European Medicines Agency and Taiwan marketing authorization in 2019 and 2020, for treatment of polycythemia vera. This phase I/II study aimed to have preliminary evaluation of safety and efficacy in chronic hepatitis B. Methods Thirty-one HBeAg-positive and 31 HBeAg-negative were stratified by HBeAg status and randomized at 1:1:1 ratio to q2w ropeginterferon alfa-2b 350 μg (group 1), q2w 450 μg (group 2) or q1w PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg (group 3). Each patient received 48-week treatment (TW48) and 24-week post-treatment follow-up (FW24). Results The baseline demographics were comparable among the three groups, except for mean HBeAg in HBeAg-positive patients (2.90, 2.23, 2.99 log10 S/CO, respectively). Cumulative HBeAg seroconversion rate at follow-up period was 27.3% (3/11), 36.4% (4/11), and 11.1% (1/9) with time to HBeAg seroconversion starting from TW24, TW16, and TW48 in group 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The rate of HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL and HBsAg levels < 1500 IU/mL at FW24 were comparable in all groups. Ropeginterferon alfa-2b (group 1 & 2) had numerically lower incidence of rash (9.5% and 4.5%) as compared to PEG-IFN alfa-2a (36.8%). Ropeginterferon alfa-2b 350 μg (group 1) had more ALT elevation (38.1%), however the rate was comparable in group 2 (9.1%) and group 3 (10.5%). Conclusion In this preliminary study, ropeginterferon alfa-2b, although in only half the number of injections, is as safe and effective as pegylated interferon alfa-2a for chronic hepatitis B. Graphic abstract ![]()
Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s12072-020-10098-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Huang
- Liver Center, Cathay General Hospital Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Wei Hsu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chia-Yi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chia-Yi, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Section, Department of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Wen Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Keelung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Sheng Hsu
- Liver Diseases Research Center, Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jer Hsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin Branch, Yunlin, Taiwan
| | - Hsueh-Chou Lai
- Division of Hepatogastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, No. 7, Chung-Shan South Rd., Taipei, Taiwan. .,Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Chen L, Lin L, Zhou H, Tang W, Wang H, Cai W, Bao S, Guo S, Xie Q. Peginterferon and Entecavir Combination Therapy Improves Outcome of Non-Early Response Hepatitis B e Antigen-Positive Patients. Open Forum Infect Dis 2020; 7:ofaa462. [PMID: 33889654 PMCID: PMC8050793 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofaa462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The efficacy of nucleot(s)ide analogs (NAs) and pegylated interferon (PegIFN) combination therapy for hepatitis B e antigen–positive (HBeAg+) patients is still controversial. Whether PegIFN and entecavir (ETV) combination therapy could provide a greater benefit for HBeAg+ patients was assessed. Methods Treatment-naïve HBeAg+ patients initiated on PegIFN alfa-2a (PegIFNα-2a) for 24 weeks without early response (early response: HBsAg <1500 IU/mL and hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA <105 copies/mL) were recruited in the current study. Among total of 94 patients, 51 were continued on PegIFNα-2a monotherapy, and 43 were offered PegIFNα-2a and ETV combined therapy. Results Better outcomes in response to the combined therapy, compared with that of the monotherapy, were demonstrated, including more HBsAg decline and loss and HBV DNA decline and HBeAg clearance. Importantly, the patients with HBsAg levels between 1500 and 20 000 IU/mL initially or between 5000 and 20 000 IU/mL after 24 weeks of PegIFNα-2a benefitted more from the combined therapy, compared with those on monotherapy. Conclusions Combined therapy of PegIFNα-2a and ETV is more efficacious for HBeAg+ patients without early response to PegIFN monotherapy, and HBsAg levels are a good predictor of treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lanyi Lin
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijuan Zhou
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiliang Tang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shisan Bao
- Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Science, Charles Perkins Centre, The Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simin Guo
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Sbarigia U, Vincken T, Wigfield P, Hashim M, Heeg B, Postma M. A comparative network meta-analysis of standard of care treatments in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients. J Comp Eff Res 2020; 9:1051-1065. [PMID: 32945178 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2020-0068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Published network meta-analyses of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) treatments are either out-of-date or excluded key treatments. Therefore, we aimed to comprehensively update the efficacy evidence for the following end points: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, hepatitis B early antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion and hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV DNA) suppression. Materials & methods: Approved treatments in CHB and their combinations were evaluated. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify all randomized controlled trials in treatment-naïve CHB patients. Included studies reported at least one of the end points of interest. A frequentist probability network meta-analysis was performed for each end point. The choice of fixed effect or random-effect model was based on the I-square statistic, a measure of variation in study outcomes between studies. The analyses were performed separately for HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients. For the primary analyses, end points measured 48 ± 4 weeks after treatment initiation were considered. Results: A total of 47 randomized controlled trials (13,826 patients), covering 23 unique treatment regimens, were included: a total of 29 reported HBsAg loss, 36 reported HBeAg seroconversion and 37 reported HBV DNA suppression. For both HBsAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion, pegylated interferon-based regimens were the most effective strategy in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients. On the other hand, for HBV DNA suppression, nucleosides-based regimens were the most effective strategy in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients. Conclusion: Our findings confirm available evidence around the comparative efficacy of available CHB treatments. Therefore, they can be used to update relevant cost-effectiveness analyses and clinical guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Talitha Vincken
- Ingress-Health, Weena 316 Rotterdam, 3012NJ, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Wigfield
- Ingress-Health, Weena 316 Rotterdam, 3012NJ, The Netherlands
| | - Mahmoud Hashim
- Ingress-Health, Weena 316 Rotterdam, 3012NJ, The Netherlands
| | - Bart Heeg
- Ingress-Health, Weena 316 Rotterdam, 3012NJ, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Postma
- Unit of PharmacoEpidemiology & PharmacoEconomics, Rijksuniversiteit Groningen - Pharmacy, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Institute of Science in Healthy Aging & healthcaRE (SHARE), Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Epidemiology, Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Brouwer WP, Chan HLY, Lampertico P, Hou J, Tangkijvanich P, Reesink HW, Zhang W, Mangia A, Tanwandee T, Montalto G, Simon K, Ormeci N, Chen L, Tabak F, Gunsar F, Flisiak R, Ferenci P, Akdogan M, Akyuz F, Hirankarn N, Jansen L, Wong VWS, Soffredini R, Liang X, Chen S, Groothuismink ZMA, Santoro R, Jaroszewicz J, Ozaras R, Kozbial K, Brahmania M, Xie Q, Chotiyaputta W, Xun Q, Pazgan-Simon M, Oztas E, Verhey E, Montanari NR, Sun J, Hansen BE, Boonstra A, Janssen HLA. Genome-wide Association Study Identifies Genetic Variants Associated With Early and Sustained Response to (Pegylated) Interferon in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: The GIANT-B Study. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 69:1969-1979. [PMID: 30715261 PMCID: PMC6853659 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background (Pegylated) Interferon ([Peg]IFN) therapy leads to response in a minority of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Host genetic determinants of response are therefore in demand. Methods In this genome-wide association study (GWAS), CHB patients, treated with (Peg)IFN for at least 12 weeks ± nucleos(t)ide analogues within randomized trials or as standard of care, were recruited at 21 centers from Europe, Asia, and North America. Response at 24 weeks after (Peg)IFN treatment was defined as combined hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) loss with hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <2000 IU/mL, or an HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL for HBeAg-negative patients. Results Of 1144 patients, 1058 (92%) patients were included in the GWAS analysis. In total, 282 (31%) patients achieved the response and 4% hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. GWAS analysis stratified by HBeAg status, adjusted for age, sex, and the 4 ancestry components identified PRELID2 rs371991 (B= −0.74, standard error [SE] = 0.16, P = 3.44 ×10–6) for HBeAg-positive patients. Importantly, PRELID2 was cross-validated for long-term response in HBeAg-negative patients. G3BP2 rs3821977 (B = 1.13, SE = 0.24, P = 2.46 × 10–6) was associated with response in HBeAg-negative patients. G3BP2 has a role in the interferon pathway and was further examined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy controls stimulated with IFNα and TLR8. After stimulation, less production of IP-10 and interleukin (IL)-10 proteins and more production of IL-8 were observed with the G3BP2 G-allele. Conclusions Although no genome-wide significant hits were found, the current GWAS identified genetic variants associated with (Peg)IFN response in CHB. The current findings could pave the way for gene polymorphism-guided clinical counseling, both in the setting of (Peg)IFN and the natural history, and possibly for new immune-modulating therapies. Clinical Trials Registation NCT01401400.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem P Brouwer
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Italy
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Centro di riferimento per la diagnosi e lo studio delle malattie del fegato e delle vie biliari "Angela Maria ed Antonio Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico di natura pubblica Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Jinlin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Hepatology Unit and Dept of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | | | - Wenhong Zhang
- Clinical Center Hepatitis, Institute of Biomedical Science, Huashan hospital "Fu Dan University," Shanghai, China
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico di natura pubblica Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Foggia, Italy
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Kris Simon
- Wroclaw University of Medicine Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Poland
| | | | - Liang Chen
- Shanghai Public Health Center "Fu Dan University," China
| | - Fehmi Tabak
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istanbul
| | | | - Robert Flisiak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland
| | | | | | - Filiz Akyuz
- Istanbul Üniversitesi Istanbul Tip Fakültesi Hastanesi, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Louis Jansen
- Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Italy
| | - Roberta Soffredini
- Centro di riferimento per la diagnosi e lo studio delle malattie del fegato e delle vie biliari "Angela Maria ed Antonio Migliavacca" Center for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico di natura pubblica Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Xieer Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Hepatology Unit and Dept of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shalom Chen
- Clinical Center Hepatitis, Institute of Biomedical Science, Huashan hospital "Fu Dan University," Shanghai, China
| | | | - Rosanna Santoro
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico di natura pubblica Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, Foggia, Italy
| | - Jerzy Jaroszewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Resat Ozaras
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Department of Infectious Diseases, Istanbul
| | | | - Mayur Brahmania
- Liver Clinic, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Qing Xie
- Shanghai Ruijin Hospital, Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Watcharasak Chotiyaputta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Qi Xun
- Shanghai Public Health Center "Fu Dan University," China
| | - Monika Pazgan-Simon
- Wroclaw University of Medicine Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Poland
| | | | - Elke Verhey
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Noé R Montanari
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Hepatology Unit and Dept of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Liver Clinic, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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Ma Y, Wang J, Xiong F, Lu J. Extended duration therapy regimens based on Pegylated interferon for chronic hepatitis B patients focusing on hepatitis B surface antigen loss: A systematic review and meta-analysis. INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION 2020; 85:104492. [PMID: 32763441 DOI: 10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is associated with disease control and improvement of prognosis. Therefore, it is regarded as the optimal treatment endpoint for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Pegylated interferon (PegIFN)-based extended therapy regimens was assessed in several studies. In order to summarize a conclusion on the HBsAg loss rate and safety in this regimen, a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. METHODS Studies on Hepatitis B and PegIFN were searched thoroughly in Pubmed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to November 18, 2019. The primary endpoint of this study was the HBsAg loss rate at the end of the extended duration therapy. The secondary endpoint was safety. All analyses were performed by using the R3.6.1 version Software. Quality assessment of RCTs was carried out by using Review manager 5.3. RESULTS A total of nine studies, including 545 CHB patients met the inclusion criteria. The pooled HBsAg loss rate after PegIFN-based extended duration therapy was 11% (95% CI: 0.05-0.19), I2 = 82%, P < 0.01(Q test). The extended duration therapy regimen was safe and tolerable. Subgroup analysis showed HBsAg loss rates were 14% (95% CI: 0.04-0.29) and 10% (95% CI: 0.02-0.20) respectively for HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative patients (P = 0.52). HBsAg loss rates were 11%(95%CI:0.03-0.22)and 12%(95%CI:0.04-0.24)respectively for PegIFN monotherapy and PegIFN with Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) therapy (P = 0.84). HBsAg loss rates were 25% (95% CI: 0.19-0.31) and 8% (95% CI: 0.03-0.15) respectively for the advantageous group and non-advantageous group (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS For CHB patients, extended duration of PegIFNα-based treatment for more than 48 weeks is likely to improve HBsAg clearance rate. Specially, the advantageous group will benefit a lot. In addition, the extended duration therapy regimen is safe and tolerable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanpin Ma
- International Medical Department, Beijing You-an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinhuan Wang
- International Medical Department, Beijing You-an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Xiong
- International Medical Department, Beijing You-an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Lu
- International Medical Department, Beijing You-an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Bahardoust M, Mokhtare M, Barati M, Bagheri-Hosseinabadi Z, Karimi Behnagh A, Keyvani H, Agah S. A randomized controlled trial of pegylated interferon-alpha with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B: A 48-week follow-up study. J Infect Chemother 2020; 26:1265-1271. [PMID: 32762882 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2020.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies report incongruent finds regarding the addition of pegylated interferon -alpha (Peg- IFNα) to nucleos(t)ide analogues. This study was designed to compare the efficacy of Peg- IFNα and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) combination therapy with each of the treatments separately. METHODS In this open-label, randomized clinical trial, treatment-naive hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients were randomly assigned to three treatment groups: Group A: Peg- IFNα (180 mcg/week) with TDF (300 mg/day); Group B: TDF (300 mg/day); and Group C: Peg- IFNα (180 mcg/week). The intervention spanned 48 weeks and patients were followed up every 12 weeks. The primary end-point was HBV DNA load <20 IU/mL. RESULTS Groups A, B and C each comprised of 22, 23 and 22 patients, respectively. The number of patients with HBV DNA suppression in group A was significantly higher compared to groups B and C (P = 0.034). No significant difference was observed in the normalization trends of serum ALT levels between the three groups (P = 0.082). At week 48, combination therapy was significantly more effective in suppressing HBV DNA concentration to below the level of detection than TDF monotherapy (OR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.18-4.15; P = 0.034). Furthermore, a comparison between monotherapy arms revealed that both interventions had similar effects on the overall outcome (OR = 1.24, 95%CI: 1.02-5.8; P = 0.062). CONCLUSION A Peg- IFNα and TDF combination therapy resulted in improved virologic response and was safe in HBeAg negative patients. Monotherapy with Peg-IFNα or TDF procured limited benefits in comparison. TRIAL REGISTRATION This study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20181113041635N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Bahardoust
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marjan Mokhtare
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Barati
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Bagheri-Hosseinabadi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | | | - Hossein Keyvani
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Agah
- Colorectal Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Wu W, Wu D, Yan W, Wang Y, You J, Wan X, Xi D, Luo X, Han M, Ning Q. Interferon-Induced Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Mediate Antiviral Activity Against Hepatitis B Virus Through miR-574-5p. J Infect Dis 2020; 223:686-698. [PMID: 32663850 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon alfa (IFN-α) has been proved effective in treating chronic hepatitis B (CHB), owing to its ability to suppress hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA. However, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. METHODS We investigated the antiviral activities of exosomes from responders and nonresponders to pegylated IFN-α (PegIFN-α) as well as the supernatants of IFN-α-treated macrophages derived from THP-1 (the human leukemia monocyte cell line). Then the expression profiles of exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) were analyzed using miRNA sequencing. The luciferase reporter assay was used to locate the binding position of HBV genomic sequence targeted by the identified miRNA. RESULTS Exosomes from PegIFN-α-treated patients, particularly responders, as well as the supernatants of IFN-α-treated macrophages exhibited anti-HBV activities, as manifested by the suppression of hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B e antigen, HBV DNA, and covalently closed circular DNA levels in HBV-related cell lines. PegIFN-α treatment up-regulated exosomal hsa-miR-193a-5p, hsa-miR-25-5p, and hsa-miR-574-5p, which could partially inhibit HBV replication and transcription, and hsa-miR-574-5p reduced pregenomic RNA and polymerase messenger RNA levels by binding to the 2750-2757 position of the HBV genomic sequence. CONCLUSIONS Exosomes can transfer IFN-α-related miRNAs from macrophages to HBV-infected hepatocytes, and they exhibit antiviral activities against HBV replication and expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyu Wu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weiming Yan
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongli Wang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie You
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyang Wan
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Dong Xi
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Meifang Han
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qin Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Lee HW. [Long Term Efficacy of Antiviral Therapy: Mortality and Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2020; 74:251-257. [PMID: 31765553 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2019.74.5.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Multiple studies have shown that oral antiviral therapies reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and improved the survival of patients with chronic hepatitis B when compared with that of untreated patients. In particular, entecavir and tenofovir share the qualities of high efficacy in reducing the HBV DNA levels, and they have excellent tolerability and safety. These drugs modified the natural history of liver fibrosis, improve liver function, decrease the incidence of HCC, decrease the need for liver transplantation, and improve survival. Many studies have suggested that long-term antiviral therapy reduces the risk of HCC and liver cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis. The mechanism of these drugs in reducing the risk of HCC is not clear. This article reviews the mechanisms of carcinogenic HBV by conducting a review of the literature on the efficacy of therapy for reducing the risk of HCC. A few recent articles have suggested that tenofovir offers advantages over entecavir in terms of HCC prevention, but these articles have the inherent limitations of observational data. No other head-to-head randomized trials exist. Further randomized studies would help provide stronger evidence of the association between the type of antiviral agent and the HCC outcomes. Only achieving complete viral eradication from the liver will truly decrease the mortality and incidence of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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49
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Xun Z, Lin JP, Liu C, Huang JL, Shen Y, Xu SY, Wu WN, Ou QS. Association of serum total cholesterol with pegylated interferon-α treatment in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients. Antivir Ther 2020; 24:85-93. [PMID: 30520414 DOI: 10.3851/imp3282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest that serum lipids are associated with pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-α) treatment response in chronic hepatitis C patients. However, the role of serum lipids in influencing the outcome of HBV treatment is not well understood. This study aims to investigate the association of serum lipids with the response to interferon-alpha treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS We dynamically measured 11 clinical serum lipid parameters of 119 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients, including 53 patients who achieved sustained response (SR) and 66 patients who achieved non-response (NR) induced by PEG-IFN-α treatment for 48 weeks. RESULTS The dynamic analysis showed that the baseline serum total cholesterol (TCHO) level was higher in the NR group than that in the SR group (P=0.004). Moreover, the correlation analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation between TCHO and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) at baseline (P=0.009). In addition, CHB patients with high baseline TCHO levels exhibited higher HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBeAg and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb) levels during early treatment periods (weeks 0, 4, 12 and 24) than those with the low TCHO levels. Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis identified that baseline serum TCHO was a risk factor for NR achievement (OR=4.94; P=0.047). CONCLUSIONS Our results indicated that serum TCHO was associated with PEG-IFN-α therapeutic response in HBeAg-positive CHB patients which suggested that serum TCHO could be useful as an auxiliary clinical factor to predict poor efficacy of PEG-IFN-α therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Xun
- First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Piao Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Can Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jin-Lan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ye Shen
- First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Si-Yi Xu
- First Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen-Nan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qi-Shui Ou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Gene Diagnostic Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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50
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Lee HW, Lee JI, Kim S, Kim S, Chang HY, Lee KS. Cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B surface antigen Seroclearance after Nucleos(t) ide analogue-induced hepatitis B e antigen Seroclearance. BMC Gastroenterol 2020; 20:113. [PMID: 32305059 PMCID: PMC7166314 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-020-01236-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroclearance has been considered as the treatment endpoint in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Although HBeAg seroclearance has been accomplished, some aspects are yet unclear. We investigated the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and evaluated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in patients undergoing nucleos(t) ide analogue (NA)-induced HBeAg seroclearance. Methods In this retrospective cohort study, 203 patients with CHB were HBsAg and HBeAg seropositive before NA (entecavir or tenofovir) treatment. All patient who experienced NA -induced HBeAg seroclearance were recruited. Patients with documented HBeAg seroclearance were followed-up every 6 months. Baseline characteristics and laboratory results were recorded. Results The mean age at HBeAg seroclearance was 40 years (range, 20–84), and the mean follow-up duration was 5 years (range, 2–11). The cumulative incidence of HCC was 1.5 to 11.5% at 1 to 8 years after HBeAg seroclearance. Cirrhosis was the only significant factor for HCC development (hazard ratio [HR], 24.651; confidence interval [CI], 3.018 to 201.365; P = 0.003). The cumulative incidence of HBsAg seroclearance was 3.5 to 18.7% after 1 to 8 years from HBeAg seroclearance. Conclusions A significant proportion of patients developed HCC after NA-induced HBeAg seroclearance. The presence of liver cirrhosis at the time of HBeAg seroclearance serves as an independent factor for HCC development. Some patients with NA-induced HBeAg seroclearance achieved HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Woong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Saein Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Sora Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Hye Young Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06273, South Korea
| | - Kwan Sik Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 211 Eonju-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 06273, South Korea.
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