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Gabrielli F, Alberti F, Russo C, Cursaro C, Seferi H, Margotti M, Andreone P. Treatment Options for Hepatitis A and E: A Non-Systematic Review. Viruses 2023; 15:v15051080. [PMID: 37243166 DOI: 10.3390/v15051080] [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: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis A and hepatitis E are relatively common causes of liver disease. Both viruses are mainly transmitted through the faecal-oral route and, consequently, most outbreaks occur in countries with poor sanitation. An important role of the immune response as the driver of liver injury is also shared by the two pathogens. For both the hepatitis A (HAV) and hepatitis E (HEV) viruses, the clinical manifestations of infection mainly consist of an acute disease with mild liver injury, which results in clinical and laboratory alterations that are self-limiting in most cases. However, severe acute disease or chronic, long-lasting manifestations may occur in vulnerable patients, such as pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals or those with pre-existing liver disease. Specifically, HAV infection rarely results in fulminant hepatitis, prolonged cholestasis, relapsing hepatitis and possibly autoimmune hepatitis triggered by the viral infection. Less common manifestations of HEV include extrahepatic disease, acute liver failure and chronic HEV infection with persistent viraemia. In this paper, we conduct a non-systematic review of the available literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of the state of the art. Treatment mainly consists of supportive measures, while the available evidence for aetiological treatment and additional agents in severe disease is limited in quantity and quality. However, several therapeutic approaches have been attempted: for HAV infection, corticosteroid therapy has shown outcome improvement, and molecules, such as AZD 1480, zinc chloride and heme oxygenase-1, have demonstrated a reduction in viral replication in vitro. As for HEV infection, therapeutic options mainly rely on the use of ribavirin, and some studies utilising pegylated interferon-alpha have shown conflicting results. While a vaccine for HAV is already available and has led to a significant reduction in the prevalence of the disease, several vaccines for HEV are currently being developed, with some already available in China, showing promising results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Gabrielli
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Alberti
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Cristina Russo
- Postgraduate School of Internal Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Internal and Metabolic Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, AOU di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Hajrie Seferi
- Internal and Metabolic Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, AOU di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Marzia Margotti
- Internal and Metabolic Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, AOU di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Internal and Metabolic Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, AOU di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
- Postgraduate School of Allergology and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41126 Modena, Italy
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Abravanel F, Lhomme S, Marion O, Péron JM, Kamar N, Izopet J. Diagnostic and management strategies for chronic hepatitis E infection. Expert Rev Anti Infect Ther 2023; 21:143-148. [PMID: 36625025 DOI: 10.1080/14787210.2023.2166932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis E Virus (HEV) was initially thought to cause only acute infections, but the discovery of chronic hepatitis E in immunocompromised patients has profoundly changed our understanding of the virus. AREAS COVERED We describe the physiopathology, diagnosis, and clinical management of chronic HEV infection. The virus can persist in nearly two-thirds of immunosuppressed patients. Reducing immunosuppression is the first immunomodulatory strategy to cure chronic hepatitis E. But this may not always be feasible or effective. Ribavirin monotherapy for 3 months has been recommended as first-line treatment for chronically infected patients. Ribavirin is around 80% effective at eradicating HEV in retrospective studies. Apart from ribavirin, interferon has been successfully used in liver transplants recipients, but if the patient does not respond, no other alternative drug is available. The vaccine available to prevent HEV infection is one available only in China. EXPERT OPINION HEV infection is a major concern in immunocompromised patients. But the therapeutic arsenal is limited to ribavirin and interferon. Both produce several side effects and new drugs are urgently needed. Moreover, preventive strategies to limit HEV transmission and/or evolution to a chronic infection are also required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Abravanel
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - Sébastien Lhomme
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Marion
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Néphrologie et transplantation d'organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean Marie Péron
- CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Gastroentérologie, Toulouse, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Rangueil, département de Néphrologie et transplantation d'organe, Toulouse, France
| | - Jacques Izopet
- Inserm UMR 1291 - CNRS UMR5051, Université Toulouse III, Toulouse, France.,CHU Toulouse, Hôpital Purpan, Laboratoire de virologie, National Reference Center for Hepatitis E, Toulouse, France
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Ma Z, de Man RA, Kamar N, Pan Q. Chronic hepatitis E: Advancing research and patient care. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1109-1123. [PMID: 35605741 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis E virus (HEV) was initially thought to exclusively cause acute hepatitis. However, the first diagnosis of chronic hepatitis E in transplant recipients in 2008 profoundly changed our understanding of this pathogen. We have now begun to understand that specific HEV genotypes can cause chronic infection in certain immunocompromised populations. Over the past decade, dedicated clinical and experimental research has substantiated knowledge on the epidemiology, transmission routes, pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnosis, clinical features and treatment of chronic HEV infection. Nevertheless, many gaps and major challenges remain, particularly regarding the translation of knowledge into disease prevention and improvement of clinical outcomes. This article aims to highlight the latest developments in the understanding and management of chronic hepatitis E. More importantly, we attempt to identify major knowledge gaps and discuss strategies for further advancing both research and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongren Ma
- Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Organ Transplantation, CHU Rangueil, INSERM UMR 1291, Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Disease (Infinity), University Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Qiuwei Pan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Unmet Needs for the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis E Virus Infection in Immunocompromised Patients. Viruses 2022; 14:v14102116. [PMID: 36298671 PMCID: PMC9611326 DOI: 10.3390/v14102116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the most prevalent hepatitis virus worldwide. Genotypes 3 (HEV3) and 4 (HEV4) as well as rat HEV can lead to chronic hepatitis E and cirrhosis in immunosuppressed patients. Within the last decade, several options for treating chronic hepatitis have been developed and have achieved a sustained virological response. However, there are still unmet needs such as optimizing immunosuppression to allow HEV clearance with or without ribavirin, as well as alternative therapies to ribavirin that are discussed in this paper.
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Development of recombinant infectious hepatitis E virus harboring the nanoKAZ gene and its application in drug screening. J Virol 2022; 96:e0190621. [PMID: 35107380 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01906-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a quasi-enveloped virus with a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome belonging to family Hepeviridae. Studies on molecular aspects of HEV and drug screening have benefited from the discovery of bioluminescent reporter genes. However, the stability of large foreign genes is difficult to maintain after insertion into the viral genome. Currently, ribavirin is used to treat HEV-infected patients who require antiviral therapy. This has several major drawbacks. Thus, the development of novel anti-HEV drugs is of great importance. We developed a system consisting of recombinant infectious HEV harboring small luciferase gene (nanoKAZ) in the hypervariable region (HVR) of the open reading frame 1 (ORF1) (HEV-nanoKAZ). It replicated efficiently in cultured cells, was genetically stable, and had morphological characteristics similar to the parental virus. Both membrane-associated (eHEV-nanoKAZ) and membrane-unassociated (neHEV-nanoKAZ) particles were infectious. HEV particles circulating in the blood stream and attaching to hepatocytes in HEV-infected patients are membrane-associated, thus, eHEV-nanoKAZ was applied in drug screening. The eHEV-nanoKAZ system is able to cover at least the inhibitor of HEV entry and inhibitor of HEV RNA replication. Four drugs with anti-HEV activity were identified. Their effectiveness in cultured cells was confirmed in naïve and HEV-producing PLC/PRF/5 cells. Two hit drugs (azithromycin and ritonavir) strongly inhibited HEV production in culture supernatants, as well as intracellular expression of ORF2 protein, and may therefore be candidate novel anti-HEV drugs. The HEV-nanoKAZ system was developed and applied in drug screening, and is expected to be useful for investigating the HEV life cycle. IMPORTANCE Bioluminescent reporter viruses are essential tools in molecular virological research. It has been widely used to investigate viral life cycles and in the development of antiviral drugs. For drug screening, the use of a bioluminescent reporter virus helps shorten the time required to perform the assay. A system, consisting of recombinant infectious HEV harboring the nanoKAZ gene in the HVR of ORF1 (HEV-nanoKAZ), was developed in this study, and was successfully applied to drug screening in which four hit drugs with anti-HEV activity were identified. The results of this study provide evidence supporting the use of this system in more variable HEV studies. In addition, both forms of viral particles (eHEV-nanoKAZ and neHEV-nanoKAZ) are infectious, which will enable their application in HEV studies requiring both forms of viral particles, such as in the investigation of unknown HEV receptors and the elucidation of host factors important for HEV entry.
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Gorris M, van der Lecq BM, van Erpecum KJ, de Bruijne J. Treatment for chronic hepatitis E virus infection: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:454-463. [PMID: 33301609 PMCID: PMC7898834 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus infection can cause chronic hepatitis in immunocompromised patients with significant chance of progressive fibrosis and possibly cirrhosis. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize the efficacy and safety of the various treatment options for chronic hepatitis E. We performed a systematic literature search. The primary outcome measure was a sustained virological response (SVR). Secondary end points were rapid virological response (RVR), relapse rates, side effects and adverse events. Forty-four articles were included with a total of 582 patients. Reduction of immunosuppressive medication induced viral clearance in 55/174 (32%) of the patients. Meta-analysis of 395 patients showed a pooled SVR rate of 78% (95-CI 72%-84%) after ribavirin treatment. Twenty-five per cent of the patients obtained a RVR, whereas a relapse occurred in 18% of the patients. Anaemia during treatment led to dose reduction, use of erythropoietin and/or blood transfusion in 37% of the patients. A second treatment attempt with ribavirin led to a SVR in 39/51 (76%) of the patients. Pegylated interferon-alpha was administered to 13 patients and SVR was obtained in 85%. Two patients (15%) suffered from acute transplant rejection during treatment with interferon. In conclusion, reduction of immunosuppressive medication and treatment with ribavirin is safe, generally well tolerated and induced viral clearance in 32% and 78% of patients, respectively. Therefore, ribavirin should be considered as first treatment step for chronic hepatitis E. Treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha increases the risk of transplant rejection and should therefore be administered with great caution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrte Gorris
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Bernice M. van der Lecq
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Karel J. van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Joep de Bruijne
- Department of Gastroenterology & HepatologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
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