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Zoulim F, Chen PJ, Dandri M, Kennedy P, Seeger C. Hepatitis B Virus DNA integration: Implications for diagnostics, therapy, and outcome. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)02343-2. [PMID: 38971531 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
HBV DNA integration originally recognized as a non-functional byproduct of the HBV life cycle has now been accepted as a significant contributor to HBV pathogenesis and HDV persistence. Integrated HBV DNA is derived from linear genomic DNA present in virus particles or produced from aberrantly processed relaxed circular genomic DNA following an infection, and can drive expression of HBsAg and HBx. DNA integration events accumulate over the course of viral infection ranging from a few percent during early phases to nearly 100 percent of infected cells after prolonged chronic infection. HBV DNA integration events have primarily been investigated in the context of HCC development where they can activate known oncogenes and other growth promoting genes, cause chromosomal instability and presumably epigenetic alterations promoting tumor growth. More recent evidence suggests that HBsAg expression from integrated DNA might contribute to HBV pathogenesis by attenuating the immune response. Integrated DNA provides a source for envelope proteins required for HDV replication and hence represents a means for HDV persistence. Because integrated DNA is responsible for persistence of HBsAg in the absence of viral replication it impacts established criteria for the resolution of HBV infection which relies on HBsAg as a diagnostic marker. Integrated HBV DNA has been useful in assessing the turnover of infected hepatocytes which occurs during all phases of chronic hepatitis B including the initial phase of infection historically termed immune tolerant. HBV DNA integration was also shown to impact the development of novel therapies targeting viral RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabien Zoulim
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Hospices Civils de Lyon, INSERM, Lyon Hepatology Institute, Lyon, France.
| | - Pei-Jer Chen
- Hepatitis Research Center and Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Maura Dandri
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Hamburg-Lübeck-Borstel-Riems Partner Site
| | - Patrick Kennedy
- Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
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Wang H, Hu B, Liang H, Wang R, Wei L, Su T, Li Q, Yin Q, Feng Y, Su M, Jiang J. Impact of HBV Integration on Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Long-Term Antiviral Therapy. Int J Gen Med 2024; 17:2643-2653. [PMID: 38859910 PMCID: PMC11164208 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s462844] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Few studies have reported the integrated characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after long-term antiviral therapy. This study aimed to investigate the HBV integration features in HBV-HCC patients who had undergone long-term antiviral therapy, evaluate their impact on clinical indicators, and analyze the potential mechanisms involved. Patients and Methods We utilized genome-wide association study (GWAS) to analyze liver cancer tissues and detect the presence of HBV integration. Seventeen patients with HBV integration were included in the integration (Int) group, while the remaining five patients were included in the non-integration (N-int) group. Clinical indicators were regularly monitored and compared between the two groups. The characteristics of HBV integration patterns were analyzed, and differences between the groups were explored at the chromosome and genomic levels. Results After long-term antiviral therapy, although the frequency of HBV integration in HBV-HCC was reduced, residual HBV integration still accelerated the development of HCC. It affected the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of patients. HBV integration events led to changes in chromosome structure, which were closely related to HCC. Novel fusion genes were detected at a high frequency and had the potential to be specific detection sites for HBV-HCC. Conclusion HBV integration events are synergistically involved in the human genome and HBV, which can lead to chromosome structural instability, gene rearrangement events closely related to HCC production, and the formation of new specific fusion genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bobin Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hengkai Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongming Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lu Wei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tumei Su
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qingmei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qianbing Yin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanfei Feng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Minghua Su
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianning Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor(Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People’s Republic of China
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Wen X, Wu X, Sun Y, Zhou J, Guan G, Chen S, Shan S, Ma H, Zhao X, Wang Y, Ou X, You H, Guo JT, Lu F, Jia J. Long-term antiviral therapy is associated with changes in the profile of transcriptionally active HBV integration in the livers of patients with CHB. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29606. [PMID: 38818708 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration exists throughout the clinical course of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study investigated the effects of long-term antiviral therapy on the level and profiles of transcriptionally active HBV integration. Serial liver biopsies and paired blood samples were obtained from 16, 16, and 22 patients with CHB at baseline, 78, and 260 weeks of entecavir monotherapy or combined with pegylated interferon alfa, respectively. Serum HBV biomarkers were longitudinally assessed. RNA-seq and HIVID2 program was used to identify HBV-host chimeric RNAs transcribed from integrated DNA. The counts of HBV integration reads were positively related to both serum HBV DNA levels (r = 0.695, p = 0.004) and HBeAg titers (r = 0.724, p = 0.021) at baseline, but the positive correlation exited only to the serum HBsAg levels after 260 weeks of antiviral therapy (r = 0.662, p = 0.001). After 78 weeks of antiviral therapy, the levels of HBV integration expression decreased by 12.25 folds from baseline. The viral junction points were enriched at the S and HBx genes after the long-term antiviral therapy. HBs-FN1 became one of the main transcripts, with the mean proportion of HBs-FN1 in all integrated expression increased from 2.79% at baseline to 10.54% at Week 260 of antiviral treatment. Antiviral therapy may reduce but not eliminate the HBV integration events and integration expression. Certain integration events, such as HBs-FN1 can persist in long-term antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiajie Wen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoning Wu
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yameng Sun
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jialing Zhou
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Guiwen Guan
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shan Shan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hong Ma
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xinyan Zhao
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ju-Tao Guo
- Baruch S. Blumberg Institute, Doylestown, PA, USA
| | - Fengmin Lu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, P.R. China
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Lim YS. Treatment decisions based on HBV DNA. J Viral Hepat 2024. [PMID: 38785204 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide is chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (CHB). Long-term suppression of HBV replication by antiviral treatment reduces the risk of HCC and mortality. Nonetheless, only 2.2% of CHB patients globally received the treatment in 2019. Current international CHB guidelines recommend antiviral treatment only in subsets of patients with clear evidence of liver damage as evidenced by elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). This review aims to provide existing evidence that the risk of HCC is significantly associated with serum levels of HBV DNA, and the association is non-linear parabolic, in both untreated and treated CHB patients, regardless of HBeAg status or ALT levels. Therefore, the decision for the antiviral treatment should be based on serum HBV DNA levels and age, rather than ALT levels or liver biopsy, to reduce or prevent the risk of HCC in CHB patients. The potential impact and cost-effectiveness data on early antiviral treatment initiation were also collated.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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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Yu X, Gong Q, Yu D, Chen Y, Jing Y, Zoulim F, Zhang X. Spatial transcriptomics reveals a low extent of transcriptionally active hepatitis B virus integration in patients with HBsAg loss. Gut 2024; 73:797-809. [PMID: 37968095 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330577] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can integrate into the chromosomes of infected hepatocytes, contributing to the production of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and to hepatocarcinogenesis. In this study, we aimed to explore whether transcriptionally active HBV integration events spread throughout the liver tissue in different phases of chronic HBV infection, especially in patients with HBsAg loss. DESIGN We constructed high-resolution spatial transcriptomes of liver biopsies containing 13 059 tissue spots from 18 patients with chronic HBV infection to analyse the occurrence and relative distribution of transcriptionally active viral integration events. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate the expression of HBsAg and HBV core antigen. Intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) levels were quantified by real-time qPCR. RESULTS Spatial transcriptome sequencing identified the presence of 13 154 virus-host chimeric reads in 7.86% (1026 of 13 059) of liver tissue spots in all patients, including three patients with HBsAg loss. These HBV integration sites were randomly distributed on chromosomes and can localise in host genes involved in hepatocarcinogenesis, such as ALB, CLU and APOB. Patients who were receiving or had received antiviral treatment had a significantly lower percentage of viral integration-containing spots and significantly fewer chimeric reads than treatment-naïve patients. Intrahepatic cccDNA levels correlated well with viral integration events. CONCLUSION Transcriptionally active HBV integration occurred in chronically HBV-infected patients at different phases, including in patients with HBsAg loss. Antiviral treatment was associated with a decreased number and extent of transcriptionally active viral integrations, implying that early treatment intervention may further reduce the number of viral integration events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiming Gong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Demin Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyan Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Jing
- Center for Intelligent Medicine Research, Greater Bay Area Institute of Precision Medicine (Guangzhou), School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM U1052- Cancer Research Center of Lyon (CRCL), Lyon, France
- University of Lyon, UMR_S1052, CRCL, Lyon, France
- Department of Hepatology, Croix Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Xinxin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Research Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Medical School Affiliated Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai, China
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Choi WM, Kim GA, Choi J, Choi GH, Lee YB, Sinn DH, Lim YS. Non-linear association of baseline viral load with on-treatment hepatocellular carcinoma risk in chronic hepatitis B. Gut 2024; 73:649-658. [PMID: 37813567 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The association between baseline pretreatment serum HBV DNA levels and on-treatment hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk remains controversial in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to investigate the association between baseline HBV viral load and on-treatment HCC risk in CHB patients without cirrhosis. DESIGN Using a multicentre historical cohort study including 4693 hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative and HBeAg-positive, adult CHB patients without cirrhosis who initiated antiviral treatment, HCC risk was estimated by baseline HBV viral load as a categorical variable. RESULTS During a median of 7.6 years of antiviral treatment, 193 patients developed HCC (0.53 per 100 person- years). Baseline HBV DNA level was independently associated with on-treatment HCC risk in a non-linear, parabolic pattern. Patients with moderate baseline viral loads (5.00-7.99 log10 IU/mL) exhibited the highest HCC risk (HR, 2.60; p<0.001), followed by those with low viral loads (3.30-4.99 log10 IU/mL; HR, 1.66; p=0.11). Patients with high viral loads (≥8.00 log10 IU/mL) presented the lowest HCC risk. Particularly, patients with baseline HBV DNA levels 6.00-6.99 log10 IU/mL had the highest on-treatment HCC risk (HR, 3.36; p<0.001) compared with those with baseline HBV DNA levels≥8.00 log10 IU/mL. These findings were more prominent among HBeAg-positive patients, younger patients, or those with less advanced hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION Patients with moderate baseline viral load, particularly around 6 log10 IU/mL, demonstrated the highest on-treatment HCC risk, despite long-term antiviral treatment. Early initiation of antiviral treatment, tailored to viral load, should be considered to minimise HCC risk in adult CHB patients without cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gi-Ae Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Gwang Hyeon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam-si, South Korea
| | - Yun Bin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sinn
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
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Lim YS. Gray zone of hepatitis B virus infection. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:76-82. [PMID: 37843134 PMCID: PMC10980295 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_279_23] [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: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT A substantial proportion of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) do not fall into any of the defined phases and are considered to be in the "gray zone" or "indeterminate phase." Most of the current clinical practice guidelines have no recommendations for antiviral treatment for them. However, the gray zone CHB patients with significant hepatitis B virus levels (>2000 IU/mL) and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have a significantly high risk of hepatic inflammation, fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecular, clinical, and economic data that we have reviewed collectively in this article provide support for simplification of treatment initiation strategies that incorporate broader treatment of adult patients with CHB in the gray zone (hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA ≥2000 IU/mL), regardless of ALT levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- 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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Cai L, Liu X, Zhou H, Li J, Zhou D, Hong Z. Case report: Identification of Hepatitis B Virus in the cerebrospinal fluid of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders and successful treatment with ofatumumab and inebilizumab. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1351782. [PMID: 38426084 PMCID: PMC10902669 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1351782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a rare demyelinating disease of the central nervous system primarily affecting the optic nerves, spinal cord, and brainstem. Viral infection may trigger NMOSD. Here, we report the case of a 34-year-old female presenting with a range of symptoms including nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, choking, and fatigue with unsteady gait, diplopia, hearing loss, left-sided facial paralysis, breathing difficulties, and hoarseness of voice. Her HBV DNA concentration, as determined by quantitative PCR analysis, exceeded 5×107 IU/ml in serum and 4.48×102 IU/ml in CSF. Next-generation sequencing of CSF revealed 1,528 HBV sequences in DNA analysis and 6 sequences in RNA analysis. Serum aquaporin-4 antibody (AQP4-Ab) titer was 1:10, and the CSF titer was 1:3.2. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed high signal intensities in the brain stem, medulla oblongata, and left middle cerebellar peduncle with mild restricted-diffusion. The patient received antiviral and hepatoprotective medications before the high-dose methylprednisolone pulse therapy. However, the patient did not respond well to the first-line treatment. Subsequently, the patient received ofatumumab and inebilizumab. Throughout the follow-up period, there was a gradual improvement in her neurological symptoms, with no reactivation of hepatitis B or deterioration of liver function observed. Thereby, to the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of successful treatment with ofatumumab and inebilizumab in a patient with NMOSD concurrent with HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjun Cai
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongyu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jinmei Li
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Dong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Hong
- Department of Neurology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Institute of Brain Science and Brain-inspired Technology of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Neurology, Chengdu Shangjin Nanfu Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Mak LY. Editorial: HBsAg seroclearance after pegylated interferon treatment-The beginning of the end. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:1103-1104. [PMID: 37885169 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Gao et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17670 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17710
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key of Laboratory Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Su F, Jacobson IM. Chronic Hepatitis B: Treat all Who Are Viremic? Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:791-808. [PMID: 37778770 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.001] [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
The main aim of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In general, treatment is recommended for select patient groups viewed as being at higher risk of developing adverse outcomes from CHB. However, patients who do not meet treatment criteria under current international guidelines may still benefit from antiviral therapy to reduce CHB-related complications. Moreover, well-tolerated antiviral drugs that are highly effective at suppressing viral replication are now widely available, and withholding therapy from patients with viremia is increasingly controversial. In this article, we review traditional treatment paradigms and argue the merits of expanding treatment eligibility to patients with CHB who do not meet current treatment criteria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Su
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 150 East 32nd Street, Suite 101, New York, NY 10016, USA; New York University Langone Transplant Institute, 317 East 34th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
| | - Ira M Jacobson
- Department of Medicine, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, 150 East 32nd Street, Suite 101, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Hershkovich L, Shekhtman L, Bazinet M, Pântea V, Placinta G, Cotler SJ, Vaillant A, Dahari H. Rapid monophasic HBsAg decline during nucleic-acid polymer-based therapy predicts functional cure. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0205. [PMID: 37458583 PMCID: PMC10351942 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Analyzing the interplay among serum HBV DNA, HBsAg, anti-HBs, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) during nucleic-acid polymer (NAP)-based therapy for chronic hepatitis B provides a unique opportunity to identify kinetic patterns associated with functional cure. METHODS All participants with HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection in the REP 401 study (NCT02565719) first received 24 weeks of tenofovir-disoproxil-fumarate (TDF) monotherapy. The early triple therapy group (n = 20) next received 48 weeks of TDF+pegylated interferon-α2a (pegIFN)+NAPs. In contrast, the delayed triple therapy group (n = 20) next received 24 weeks of TDF+pegIFN before 48 weeks of triple therapy. Three participants discontinued treatment and were excluded. Functional cure (HBsAg and HBV DNA not detectable with normal ALT) was assessed at 48 weeks post-treatment. Different kinetic phases were defined by at least a 2-fold change in slope. A single-phase decline was categorized as monophasic, and 2-phase declines were categorized as biphasic. RESULTS Fourteen (35%) participants achieved a functional cure. HBV DNA remained below or near undetectable for all participants by the end of TDF monotherapy and during subsequent combination therapies. Three HBsAg kinetic patterns were found in both the early and delayed groups, nonresponders (n = 4 and n = 4), monophasic (n = 11 and n = 11), and biphasic (n = 4 and n = 3), respectively. All participants who achieved a functional cure had a monophasic HBsAg kinetic pattern during triple therapy. Among participants with a monophasic HBsAg decline, those who had a functional cure had a shorter median time to HBsAg loss of 21 (interquartile range=11) weeks compared with those who did not achieve functional cure [median: 27 (7) weeks] (p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Functional cure was associated with a rapid monophasic HBsAg decline during NAP-based therapy. A nonmonophasic HBsAg kinetic pattern had a 100% negative predictive value (NPV) for a functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leeor Hershkovich
- Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | - Louis Shekhtman
- Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
- Network Science Institute, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Victor Pântea
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nicolae Testemiţanu, State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chişinău, Republic of Moldova
| | - Gheorge Placinta
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nicolae Testemiţanu, State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Chişinău, Republic of Moldova
| | - Scott J. Cotler
- Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
| | | | - Harel Dahari
- Program for Experimental & Theoretical Modeling, Department of Medicine, Division of Hepatology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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Feld JJ, Lok AS, Zoulim F. New Perspectives on Development of Curative Strategies for Chronic Hepatitis B. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2040-2050. [PMID: 37080262 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.02.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
A functional cure of chronic hepatitis B defined as sustained hepatitis B surface antigen loss after finite course of therapy is rarely achieved with current therapy but is the goal of novel treatments. Understanding the virological and immunological mechanisms of hepatitis B virus persistence has enabled the identification of novel treatment targets, drug discovery, and the evaluation of novel agents in clinical trials. Lessons were learned from early phase 1 and phase 2 trials regarding the antiviral activity and safety profile of these agents. There is a strong rationale to combine agents to reduce viral replication, reduce viral antigen load, invigorate immune responses, and induce specific adaptive immune responses. Nucleos(t)ide analogs will likely remain an essential backbone of future combinations to control viral replication and prevent resistance to antiviral drugs. In this review, we discuss perspectives on approaches to achieving functional cure, with a review of virological and immunological strategies, highlighting challenges and unresolved questions with the various attempts to achieve cure, as well as exploring alternative endpoints such as partial cure and new noninvasive viral and immunological biomarkers to stratify patients and predict/monitor antiviral response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- INSERM Unit 1052 - Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon Hepatology Institute, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
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Lim YS, Kim WR, Dieterich D, Kao JH, Flaherty JF, Yee LJ, Roberts LR, Razavi H, Kennedy PTF. Evidence for Benefits of Early Treatment Initiation for Chronic Hepatitis B. Viruses 2023; 15:v15040997. [PMID: 37112976 PMCID: PMC10142077 DOI: 10.3390/v15040997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. Antiviral treatment reduces the risk of HCC and mortality; nonetheless, globally in 2019, only 2.2% of CHB patients received treatment. Current international CHB guidelines recommend antiviral treatment only in subsets of patients with clear evidence of liver damage. This contrasts with hepatitis C or HIV where early treatment is recommended in all infected patients, regardless of end-organ damage. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of data on the early initiation of antiviral treatment and its related potential economic impact. Literature searches were performed using PubMed and abstracts from international liver congresses (2019-2021). Data on risk of disease progression and HCC and the impact of antiviral treatment in currently ineligible patients were summarized. Cost-effectiveness data on early antiviral treatment initiation were also collated. Accumulating molecular, clinical, and economic data suggest that early initiation of antiviral treatment could save many lives through HCC prevention in a highly cost-effective manner. In light of these data, we consider several alternative expanded treatment strategies that might further a simplified 'treatment as prevention' approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea
| | - W Ray Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94063, USA
| | - Douglas Dieterich
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical Research, Hepatitis Research Center, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | | | | | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Homie Razavi
- Center for Disease Analysis Foundation, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK
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Hsu YC, Huang DQ, Nguyen MH. Global burden of hepatitis B virus: current status, missed opportunities and a call for action. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023:10.1038/s41575-023-00760-9. [PMID: 37024566 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-023-00760-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection affects about 296 million people worldwide and is the leading aetiology of cirrhosis and liver cancer globally. Major medical complications also include acute flares and extrahepatic manifestations. In addition, people living with HBV infection also experience stigma. HBV-related cirrhosis resulted in an estimated 331,000 deaths in 2019, and it is estimated that the number of deaths from HBV-related liver cancer in 2019 was 192,000, an increase from 156,000 in 2010. Meanwhile, HBV remains severely underdiagnosed and effective measures that can prevent infection and disease progression are underutilized. Birth dose coverage for HBV vaccines remains low, particularly in low-income countries or regions where HBV burden is high. Patients with HBV infection are inadequately evaluated and linked to care and are undertreated worldwide, even in high-income countries or regions. Despite the goal of the World Health Organization to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health problem by 2030, the annual global deaths from HBV are projected to increase by 39% from 2015 to 2030 if the status quo remains. In this Review, we discuss the current status and future projections of the global burden of HBV infection. We also discuss gaps in the current care cascade and propose future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao-Chun Hsu
- Center for Liver Diseases, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- School of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, New Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Centre, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Centre, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Dusheiko
- From University College London (G.D.), Kings College Hospital London (G.D., K.A.), Kings College London (K.A.), and the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London (M.K.M.) - all in London
| | - Kosh Agarwal
- From University College London (G.D.), Kings College Hospital London (G.D., K.A.), Kings College London (K.A.), and the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London (M.K.M.) - all in London
| | - Mala K Maini
- From University College London (G.D.), Kings College Hospital London (G.D., K.A.), Kings College London (K.A.), and the Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London (M.K.M.) - all in London
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Mak LY, Wong D, Kuchta A, Hilfiker M, Hamilton A, Chow N, Mao X, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Hepatitis B virus pre-genomic RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen reductions at week 4 predict favourable hepatitis B surface antigen response upon long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue in chronic hepatitis B. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:146-162. [PMID: 35989092 PMCID: PMC9845664 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We investigated the dynamics of serum HBV pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and their predictability for favourable suppression of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). METHODS Serum viral biomarkers were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 of treatment. Patients were followed up thereafter and serum HBsAg level was measured at end of follow-up (EOFU). Favourable HBsAg response (FHR) was defined as ≤100 IU/mL or HBsAg seroclearance upon EOFU. RESULTS Twenty-eight hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 36 HBeAg-negative patients (median, 38.2 years old; 71.9% male) were recruited with median follow-up duration of 17.1 years (interquartile range, 12.8-18.2). For the entire cohort, 22/64 (34.4%) achieved FHR. For HBeAg-positive patients, serum HBV pgRNA decline at week 4 was significantly greater for patients with FHR compared to non-FHR (5.49 vs. 4.32 log copies/mL, respectively; P=0.016). The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) for week 4 HBV pgRNA reduction to predict FHR in HBeAg-positive patients was 0.825 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.661-0.989). For HBeAg-negative patients, instead of increase in serum HBcrAg in non-FHR patients, FHR patients had median reduction in HBcrAg at week 4 (increment of 1.75 vs. reduction of 2.98 log U/mL; P=0.023). The AUROC for week 4 change of HBcrAg to predict FHR in HBeAg-negative patients was 0.789 (95% CI, 0.596-0.982). CONCLUSION Early on-treatment changes of serum HBV pgRNA and HBcrAg at 4 weeks predict HBsAg seroclearance or ≤100 IU/mL in NA-treated CHB patients upon long-term FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | - Ning Chow
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - XianHua Mao
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,Corresponding author : Man-Fung Yuen Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: +852-22553984, Fax: +852-28162863, E-mail:
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,Corresponding author : Man-Fung Yuen Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: +852-22553984, Fax: +852-28162863, E-mail:
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