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Efficacy and Safety of a Botanical Formula Fuzheng Huayu for Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with CHC: Results of a Phase 2 Clinical Trial. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:4494099. [PMID: 35873630 PMCID: PMC9307334 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4494099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a common cause of progressive hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. Despite the availability of effective direct-acting antivirals, patients often have significant hepatic fibrosis at the time of diagnosis due to delay in diagnosis and comorbidities which promote fibrogenesis. Thus, antifibrotic agents represent an attractive adjunctive therapy. Fuzheng Huayu (FZHY), a traditional Chinese medicine botanical formulation, has been used as an antifibrotic agent in chronic HBV infection. Our aim was to assess FZHY in patients with HCV infection and active viremia. Method. We randomized 118 patients with active viremia from 8 liver centers in the U.S. to receive oral FZHY (n = 59) or placebo (n = 59) for 48 weeks. Efficacy was assessed by histopathologic changes at the end of therapy. A subset of biopsies was further analyzed using qFibrosis to detect subtle changes in fibrosis in different zones of the hepatic lobules. Results. FZHY was well tolerated and safe. Patients with baseline Ishak fibrosis stages F3 and F4 had better response rates to FZHY than patients with baseline F0–F2 (
). qFibrosis zonal analysis showed significant improvement in fibrosis in all zones in patients with regression of the fibrosis stage. Conclusions. FZHY produced antifibrotic effects in patients with baseline Ishak F3 and F4 fibrosis stages. Reduction in fibrosis severity was zonal and correlated with the severity of inflammation. Based on its tolerability, safety, and efficacy, FZHY should be further investigated as a therapy in chronic liver diseases because of its dual anti-inflammatory and antiibrotic properties. Lay Summary. This is the first US-based, multicenter and placebo-controlled clinical trial that shows statistically significant reduction in fibrosis in patients with active HCV using an antifibrotic botanical formula. This has important implications as there is an immediate need for effective antifibrotic agents in treating many chronic diseases including NASH that lead to scarring of the liver. With artificial intelligence-based methodology, qFibrosis, we may provide a more reliable way to assess the FZHY as a therapy in chronic liver diseases because of its dual anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties.
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Airewele NE, Shiffman ML. Chronic Hepatitis B Virus in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:817-829. [PMID: 34593155 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Many patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) have also been exposed to hepatitis B virus (HBV). The 2 viruses interact and in most cases HCV suppresses HBV. When HCV is treated with direct antiviral agents, this suppressive effect is removed, HBV replication may increase, and a flare in liver enzymes with liver injury may occur. All patients with chronic HCV should therefore be checked for serologic evidence of HBV. Patients with hepatitis B surface antigen are at the highest risk for reactivation, and these patients should receive prophylactic treatment of HBV during and for 6 months after HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelson E Airewele
- Liver Institute of Richmond, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Richmond, VA, USA; Liver Institute of Hampton Roads, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Newport News, VA, USA.
| | - Mitchell L Shiffman
- Liver Institute of Richmond, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Richmond, VA, USA; Liver Institute of Hampton Roads, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Newport News, VA, USA
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3
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Priora M, Borrelli R, Parisi S, Ditto MC, Realmuto C, Laganà A, Centanaro Di Vittorio C, Degiovanni R, Peroni CL, Fusaro E. Autoantibodies and Rheumatologic Manifestations in Hepatitis C Virus Infection. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:1071. [PMID: 34827064 PMCID: PMC8614641 DOI: 10.3390/biology10111071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
HCV is a virus that can cause chronic infection which can result in a systemic disease that may include many rheumatologic manifestations such as arthritis, myalgia, sicca syndrome, cryoglobulinemia vasculitis as well as other non-rheumatological disorders (renal failure, onco-haematological malignancies). In this population, the high frequency of rheumatoid factor (45-70%), antinuclear (10-40%) and anticardiolipin (15-20%) antibodies is a B-cell mediated finding sustained by the infection. However, the possibility that a primitive rheumatic pathology may coexist with the HCV infection is not to be excluded thus complicating a differential diagnosis between primitive and HCV-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Priora
- Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Rheumatology Clinic, Hospital of Mondovì, 12084 Cuneo, Italy
| | - Richard Borrelli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Simone Parisi
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Maria Chiara Ditto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Cristina Realmuto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Angela Laganà
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Chiara Centanaro Di Vittorio
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Rosanna Degiovanni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Clara Lisa Peroni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
| | - Enrico Fusaro
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of General and Specialistic Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città Della Salute e Della Scienza di Torino, 10126 Turin, Italy; (R.B.); (S.P.); (M.C.D.); (C.R.); (A.L.); (C.C.D.V.); (R.D.); (C.L.P.); (E.F.)
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4
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Takahashi H, Nakahara T, Kogiso T, Imajo K, Kessoku T, Kawaguchi T, Ide T, Kawanaka M, Hyogo H, Fujii H, Ono M, Kamada Y, Sumida Y, Anzai K, Shimizu M, Torimura T, Nakajima A, Tokushige K, Chayama K, Eguchi Y. Eradication of hepatitis C virus with direct-acting antivirals improves glycemic control in diabetes: A multicenter study. JGH OPEN 2020; 5:228-234. [PMID: 33553660 PMCID: PMC7857302 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes insulin resistance and diabetes as extrahepatic manifestations. We aimed to analyze the effect of HCV eradication by direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) agents on glucose tolerance. Methods The hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) of 272 patients with HCV infection who achieved a sustained virologic response (SVR) was analyzed at baseline before DAA treatment, at the end of DAA therapy (ETR), and 12 weeks after therapy (Post12W). Results There were no significant differences in HbA1c between baseline, ETR, and Post12W in the overall patients. When the data were stratified according to the presence or absence of diabetes, median HbA1c significantly decreased from baseline (7.2%) to ETR (6.8%) and Post12W (6.8%) in the 55 patients with diabetes, whereas there were no significant changes in the patients without diabetes. Basal HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose, and age were independently associated with the changes in HbA1c according to multivariate analysis, and the predictive formula for changes in HbA1c was found to be ΔHbA1c (%) = 1.449–0.4* HbA1c (%) + 0.012 × Age (year). There were no changes in body mass in diabetic or nondiabetic patients. In diabetic patients taking medication, 63.4% of patients needed less medication. Conclusions Eradication of HCV improves glycemic control, indicated by a 0.4% decrease in HbA1c in diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirokazu Takahashi
- Division of Metabolism and Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine Saga University Saga Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Tokyo Women's Medical University Tokyo Japan
| | - Tomomi Kogiso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine Yokohama Japan
| | - Kento Imajo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine Kurume University School of Medicine Kurume Japan
| | - Takaomi Kessoku
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine Kurume University School of Medicine Kurume Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2 General Medical Center, Kawasaki Medical School Okayama Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ide
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2 General Medical Center, Kawasaki Medical School Okayama Japan
| | - Miwa Kawanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology JA Hiroshima General Hospital Hiroshima Japan
| | - Hideyuki Hyogo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Osaka City Juso Hospital Osaka Japan
| | - Hideki Fujii
- Department of Premier Preventive Medicine Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine Osaka Japan.,Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East Internal Medicine Tokyo Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Clinical Investigation Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine Suita Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kamada
- Division of Hepatology and Pancreatology, Department of Internal Medicine Aichi Medical University Nagakute Japan
| | - Yoshio Sumida
- Department of Gastroenterology Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine Yanagido Japan
| | - Keizo Anzai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
| | | | - Takuji Torimura
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2 General Medical Center, Kawasaki Medical School Okayama Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine Kurume University School of Medicine Kurume Japan
| | - Katsutoshi Tokushige
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine Yokohama Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Tokyo Women's Medical University Tokyo Japan
| | - Yuichiro Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences Hiroshima University Hiroshima Japan
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5
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Wang W, Huang X, Fan X, Yan J, Luan J. Progress in evaluating the status of hepatitis C infection based on the functional changes of hepatic stellate cells (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4116-4124. [PMID: 33000255 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global public health problem. Cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma are the main causes of death in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infection. Liver fibrosis is an important cause of cirrhosis and end‑stage liver disease after CHC infection. Along with the course of infection, liver fibrosis exhibits a progressive exacerbation. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are involved in both physiological and pathological processes of the liver. During the chronic liver injury process, the activated HSCs transform into myofibroblasts, which are important cells in the development of liver fibrosis. At present, HCV infection still lacks specific markers for the accurate detection of the disease condition and progression. Therefore, the present review focused on HSCs, which are closely related to HCV‑infected liver fibrosis, and analyzed the changes in the HSCs, including their surface‑specific markers, cytokine production, activation, cell function and morphological structure. The present review aimed to propose novel diagnostic markers, at both the cellular and molecular level, which would be of great significance for the timely diagnosis of the disease. According to this aim, the characteristic changes of HSCs during HCV infection were reviewed in the present article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xuelian Huang
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Xuzhou Fan
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jingmei Yan
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Jianfeng Luan
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
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6
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Priora M, Realmuto C, Parisi S, Ditto MC, Borrelli R, Peroni CL, Laganà A, Fusaro E. Rheumatologic manifestations of hepatitis C in the era of direct-acting antiviral agents. MINERVA GASTROENTERO 2020; 66:280-289. [PMID: 32218427 DOI: 10.23736/s1121-421x.20.02680-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the classic hepatic complications, hepatitis C (HCV) infection is considered as a systemic disease, since extrahepatic manifestations become clinically evident in 40% to 70% of the patients and it can frequently include rheumatic ones. Furthermore, HCV can promote the production of several autoantibodies, thus complicating the differential diagnosis between primitive and HCV-related rheumatic disorders. The recent development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) against HCV has revolutionized the field, reducing the damage stemming from systemic inflammatory phenomena and persistent immune activation associated with continuous HCV replication. Our review focuses on the main rheumatologic manifestations associated with chronic HCV infection as well as the impact of DAA interferon-free treatments on such extrahepatic clinical involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Priora
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy -
| | - Cristina Realmuto
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Simone Parisi
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Maria C Ditto
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Richard Borrelli
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Clara L Peroni
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Angela Laganà
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Fusaro
- Division of Rheumatology, Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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7
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Gallo A, Miele M, Badami E, Conaldi PG. Molecular and cellular interplay in virus-induced tumors in solid organ recipients. Cell Immunol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2018.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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8
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Benbow JH, Elam AD, Bossi KL, Massengill DL, Brandon-Warner E, Anderson WE, Culberson CR, Russo MW, deLemos AS, Schrum LW. Analysis of Plasma Tenascin-C in Post-HCV Cirrhosis: A Prospective Study. Dig Dis Sci 2018; 63:653-664. [PMID: 29330728 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-017-4860-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis, one of the most common etiologies of liver cirrhosis in the Western world, is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. To confirm and improve current effectiveness of screening and prognosis of patients with established cirrhosis, a credible, simple plasma biomarker is needed. Hepatic stellate cell activation, a pivotal event in cirrhosis development, results in increased secretion of extracellular matrix proteins, including tenascin-C (TnC). Herein, we tested TnC as a simple biomarker to identify cirrhotic patients with active HCV infection from those with HCV eradication. METHODS A prospective study of subjects with HCV-related cirrhosis, stratified into two groups, HCV or virologic cure, was conducted. Plasma TnC expression was measured by ELISA and Western blots. TnC values were correlated with markers of liver injury and ROC analyses performed between groups. RESULTS The HCV cirrhotic cohort, consisting mostly of men (56%), Caucasians (76%), and genotype 1a or 1b (84%), was compared to healthy controls (HCs). Plasma TnC was significantly higher in HCV cirrhotic patients with active infection compared to HCs (P < 0.0001) and virologic cure (P < 0.0001). TnC concentrations in virologic cure subjects were not statistically different from HCs. TnC levels correlated with AST, platelets, MELD, APRI, FIB-4, and Child-Pugh score. TnC and AST together were significantly better indicators of cirrhosis in patients with active HCV infection than other markers tested. CONCLUSIONS TnC and AST provided the best model for discriminating HCV cirrhotics with active infection from HC and virologic cure cohorts over current liver injury markers, suggesting TnC as a potential indicator of ongoing hepatic injury and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer H Benbow
- Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - April D Elam
- Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA.,Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - Krista L Bossi
- Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - Danae L Massengill
- Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA.,Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - Elizabeth Brandon-Warner
- Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - William E Anderson
- Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - Catherine R Culberson
- Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - Mark W Russo
- Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - Andrew S deLemos
- Center for Liver Diseases and Liver Transplant, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA
| | - Laura W Schrum
- Liver Pathobiology Laboratory, Department of Internal Medicine, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC, 28203, USA.
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Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disorder that can be divided into benign steatosis or nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Elastography and scoring systems based on clinical features and routine biochemical testing can be used to assess fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Patients with fibrosis are thought to have NASH. However, only a liver biopsy can reliably diagnose NAFLD and differentiate NAFL from NASH. Because medical therapy for NASH is not available, it is not necessary to perform a liver biopsy in all patients. Patients suspected of having NASH should undergo liver biopsy.
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10
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Ignatova TM, Kozlovskaya LV, Gordovskaya NB, Chernova OA, Milovanova SY, Novikov PI, Nekrasova TP, Beketova TV, Mukhin NA. [Hepatitis C virus-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis: A 20-year experience with treatment]. TERAPEVT ARKH 2017. [PMID: 28631698 DOI: 10.17116/terarkh201789546-52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM To summarize the experience of a multidisciplinary therapy hospital in treating patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV). SUBJECTS AND METHODS Seventy-two patients (mean age, 49.4±10.3 years) with HCV-associated CV were examined and followed up for an average period of 2.8±3.6 years. The efficiency of traditional (corticosteroids ± cyclophosphamide) and selective (rituximab) immunosuppressive therapy (IST) was estimated in 31 and 15 observations, respectively, and that of antiviral therapy (AVT) in 25. Vasculitis activity was assessed using the Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS). The patients' survival was studied; multivariate logistic regression analysis was carried out. RESULTS 24 (33.4%) of the 72 patients had a stage of liver cirrhosis (LC). The pretreatment mean BVAS was 11.9±7.2 (range 2 to 36). Severe CV (BVAS ≥15) was present in 30.6% of the patients. AVT was accompanied by achievement of sustained virologic response in 48% of the patients, clinical remission in 68% and had an advantage over IST in relation to long-term treatment results. Rituximab was significantly more effective than traditional immunosuppressants (remission rates of 73 and 13%, respectively). Combined therapy (rituximab and AVT) was most effective in patients with severe forms of vasculitis. Sixteen patients died from complications of vasculitis (37.5%), infection (37.5%), and LC (25%). The factors adversely affecting prognosis were age >55 years (odds ratio (OR), 4.49), the presence of LC (OR, 3.68), renal failure (OR, 4.66) and the use of glucocorticosteroids (OR, 3.91). CONCLUSION HCV-associated CV can determine the prognosis of chronic HСV infection. AVT is the treatment of choice in all patients with HСV-associated CV. AVT must be combined with rituximab therapy in patients with severe forms of vasculitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- T M Ignatova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia; V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - L V Kozlovskaya
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - N B Gordovskaya
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - O A Chernova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - S Yu Milovanova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia; V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - P I Novikov
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - T P Nekrasova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
| | - T V Beketova
- V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
| | - N A Mukhin
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia, Moscow, Russia
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11
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Berenguer J, Rodríguez‐Castellano E, Carrero A, Von Wichmann MA, Montero M, Galindo MJ, Mallolas J, Crespo M, Téllez MJ, Quereda C, Sanz J, Barros C, Tural C, Santos I, Pulido F, Guardiola JM, Rubio R, Ortega E, Montes ML, Jusdado JJ, Gaspar G, Esteban H, Bellón JM, González‐García J. Eradication of hepatitis C virus and non-liver-related non-acquired immune deficiency syndrome-related events in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus coinfection. Hepatology 2017; 66:344-356. [PMID: 28109003 PMCID: PMC5575524 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED We assessed non-liver-related non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related (NLR-NAR) events and mortality in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)-coinfected patients treated with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), between 2000 and 2008. The censoring date was May 31, 2014. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the adjusted hazard rate (HR) of overall death in responders and nonresponders. Fine and Gray regression analysis was conducted to determine the adjusted subhazard rate (sHR) of NLR deaths and NLR-NAR events considering death as the competing risk. The NLR-NAR events analyzed included diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, cardiovascular events, NLR-NAR cancer, bone events, and non-AIDS-related infections. The variables for adjustment were age, sex, past AIDS, HIV transmission category, nadir CD4+ T-cell count, antiretroviral therapy, HIV RNA, liver fibrosis, HCV genotype, and exposure to specific anti-HIV drugs. Of the 1,625 patients included, 592 (36%) had a sustained viral response (SVR). After a median 5-year follow-up, SVR was found to be associated with a significant decrease in the hazard of diabetes mellitus (sHR, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.93; P = 0.024) and decline in the hazard of chronic renal failure close to the threshold of significance (sHR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.17-1.09; P = 0.075). CONCLUSION Our data suggest that eradication of HCV in coinfected patients is associated not only with a reduction in the frequency of death, HIV progression, and liver-related events, but also with a reduced hazard of diabetes mellitus and possibly of chronic renal failure. These findings argue for the prescription of HCV therapy in coinfected patients regardless of fibrosis stage. (Hepatology 2017;66:344-356).
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Berenguer
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio MarañónMadridSpain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)MadridSpain
| | | | - Ana Carrero
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio MarañónMadridSpain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)MadridSpain
| | | | | | | | | | - Manuel Crespo
- Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de VigoVigoSpain
| | | | | | - José Sanz
- Hospital Universitario Príncipe de AsturiasAlcalá de HenaresSpain
| | | | - Cristina Tural
- Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i PujolBadalonaSpain
| | | | | | | | - Rafael Rubio
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre (imas12)MadridSpain
| | | | | | | | | | | | - José M. Bellón
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio MarañónMadridSpain,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón (IiSGM)MadridSpain
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12
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Zhao Y, Xing H. A Different Perspective for Management of Diabetes Mellitus: Controlling Viral Liver Diseases. J Diabetes Res 2017; 2017:5625371. [PMID: 28352640 PMCID: PMC5352886 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5625371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Knowing how to prevent and treat diabetes mellitus (DM) earlier is essential to improving outcomes. Through participating in synthesis and catabolism of glycogen, the liver helps to regulate glucose homeostasis. Viral related liver diseases are associated with glycometabolism disorders, which means effective management of viral liver diseases may be a therapeutic strategy for DM. The present article reviews the correlation between DM and liver diseases to give an update of the management of DM rooted by viral liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Zhao
- Department of Hepatology, Division 3, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University and Teaching Hospital of Peking University, 8 Jingshundong Street, Beijing 100015, China
| | - Huichun Xing
- Department of Hepatology, Division 3, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University and Teaching Hospital of Peking University, 8 Jingshundong Street, Beijing 100015, China
- *Huichun Xing:
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13
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Abraham JA, Golubnitschaja O. Time for paradigm change in management of hepatocellular carcinoma: is a personalized approach on the horizon? Per Med 2016; 13:455-467. [PMID: 29767598 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2016-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most frequent cancer form but the second leading cause of all cancer-related deaths. There are several reasons for high mortality in the HCC cohort: lack of effective screening programs and consequently late diagnosis, multifactorial origin with cumulative risk factors, complex carcinogenesis, tumor heterogeneity, unpredictable impacts of individual microenvironment on tumor development and progression, and, as the consequence, frequently untargeted therapy and cancer resistance toward currently applied treatment approaches. The currently applied 'treat and wait' approach is inappropriate in the overall HCC management. Urgent need in paradigm change toward predictive, preventive and personalized medicine is discussed in this review article. Innovative strategies for an advanced predictive, preventive and personalized medicine approach in the overall HCC management benefiting the patient are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jella-Andrea Abraham
- Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Olga Golubnitschaja
- Department of Radiology, University of Bonn, Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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14
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Behzadi MA, Alborzi A, Kalani M, Pouladfar G, Dianatpour M, Ziyaeyan M. Immunization with a Recombinant Expression Vector Encoding NS3/NS4A of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 3a Elicits Cell-Mediated Immune Responses in C57BL/6 Mice. Viral Immunol 2016; 29:138-47. [PMID: 26909520 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2015.0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Today, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is considered as one of the most significant international health concerns. Although novel therapeutic regimens against the infection have shown satisfactory results, no approved vaccine exists yet. This study aimed to evaluate the immunogenicity of a DNA vaccine candidate for HCV-3a, based on nonstructural proteins NS3/NS4A, in C57BL/6 mice. Immunogenicity effect of pDisplay-NS3/NS4A was analyzed through immunization with 100 and 200 μg concentrations of the construct with complete Freund's adjuvant, monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL), or without adjuvant. The frequencies of different splenic mononuclear cells were measured using the Mouse Th1/Th2/Th17 Phenotyping Kit. Moreover, the number of T-CD8(+) cells was determined using conjugated anti-CD8a and anti-CD3e antibodies by flow cytometry. As observed, the frequencies of Th1, T-CD8(+), and Th2 cells increased in all the experimental groups, compared with the controls. The highest levels of the respective cells were seen in the group immunized with 200 μg of the construct with MPL. Also, there were positive correlations between the frequency of Th1 cells and those of Th2 and T-CD8(+) cells in all the immunized groups, but were significant in those receiving adjuvants. The frequency of Th17 cells did not statistically change among the groups. Taken together, our findings revealed that the constructed DNA vaccine encoding HCV-3a NS3/NS4A gene induces the cell-mediated immune responses significantly. However, its coadministration with adjuvants exhibits more efficient results than the recombinant plasmid alone. Further study is currently underway to evaluate the specific immune responses and recognize the responsible antigenic epitopes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Behzadi
- 1 Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran .,2 Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolvahab Alborzi
- 1 Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Kalani
- 1 Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Pouladfar
- 1 Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dianatpour
- 3 Stem Cell and Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran .,4 Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mazyar Ziyaeyan
- 1 Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Nemazee Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences , Shiraz, Iran
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15
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Behzadi MA, Alborzi A, Pouladfar G, Dianatpour M, Ziyaeyan M. Expression of NS3/NS4A Proteins of Hepatitis C Virus in Huh7 Cells Following Engineering Its Eukaryotic Expression Vector. Jundishapur J Microbiol 2016; 8:e27355. [PMID: 26862385 PMCID: PMC4741058 DOI: 10.5812/jjm.27355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Revised: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the development of novel therapeutic regimens to combat hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have been speeded up with successful results, no efficient vaccines exist yet. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to construct a eukaryotic expression vector encoding nonstructural proteins, NS3/NS4A, of HCV genotype 3a, and evaluate its expression on Huh7 cell surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS The NS3/NS4A sequence was isolated from a patient with HCV-3a chronic infection, cloned into intermediate vector pTZ57R/T, and then used for engineering a mammalian expression vector, pDisplay, to direct the respective protein to the secretory pathway and anchor it to the plasma membrane. The expression of the protein in Huh7 cell, which was transiently transfected with the vector using Lipofectamine, was determined by immunocytochemical staining assay with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated antibodies to the HA/myc tags located besides the fusion fragment. RESULTS The results showed that the fragment was successfully amplified and cloned into a eukaryotic expression vector. Sequencing and enzyme digestion analysis confirmed the cloned gene completion and its correct position in the pDisply-NS3/NS4A plasmid. Immunocytochemical staining revealed that the target protein was expressed as a membrane-anchored protein in the Huh7 cells. CONCLUSIONS This study can serve as a fundamental experiment for the construction of a NS3/NS4A eukaryotic expression vector and its expression in mammalian cells. Further research is underway to evaluate the fragment immunogenicity in lab animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Behzadi
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
| | - Abdolvahab Alborzi
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
| | - Gholamreza Pouladfar
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
| | - Mehdi Dianatpour
- Stem Cell and Transgenic Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
| | - Mazyar Ziyaeyan
- Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, IR Iran
- Corresponding author: Mazyar Ziyaeyan, Professor Alborzi Clinical Microbiology Research Center, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, P. O. Box: 7193711351, Shiraz, IR Iran. Tel: +98-7136474304, Fax: +98-7136474303, E-mail:
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16
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Sleeman MA, Parker J, Murray LA. Living with Fibrosis: From Diagnosis to Future Hope. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:288. [PMID: 26733867 PMCID: PMC4684076 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2015] [Accepted: 11/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Sleeman
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, MedImmune Ltd. Cambridge, UK
| | - Joseph Parker
- Clinical Development, MedImmune LLC Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Lynne A Murray
- Respiratory, Inflammation and Autoimmunity, MedImmune Ltd. Cambridge, UK
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17
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Fernández-Montero JV, Barreiro P, de Mendoza C, Labarga P, Soriano V. Hepatitis C virus coinfection independently increases the risk of cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive patients. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23:47-52. [PMID: 26390144 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients infected with HIV are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease despite successful antiretroviral therapy. Likewise, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with extrahepatic complications, including cardiovascular disease. However the risk of cardiovascular disease has not been formally examined in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients. A retrospective study was carried out to assess the influence of HCV coinfection on the risk of cardiovascular events in a large cohort of HIV-infected patients recruited since year 2004. A composite event of cardiovascular disease was used as an endpoint, including myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke or death due to any of them. A total of 1136 patients (567 HIV-monoinfected, 70 HCV-monoinfected and 499 HIV/HCV-coinfected) were analysed. Mean age was 42.7 years, 79% were males, and 46% were former injection drug users. Over a mean follow-up of 79.4 ± 21 months, 3 patients died due to cardiovascular disease, whereas 29 suffered a first episode of coronary ischaemia or stroke. HIV/HCV-coinfected patients had a greater incidence of cardiovascular disease events and/or death than HIV-monoinfected individuals (4% vs 1.2%, P = 0.004) and HCV-monoinfected persons (4% vs 1.4%, P = 0.5). After adjusting for demographics, virological parameters and classical cardiovascular disease risk factors (smoking, hypertension, diabetes, high LDL cholesterol), both HIV/HCV coinfection (HR 2.91; CI 95%: 1.19-7.12; P = 0.02) and hypertension (HR 3.65; CI 95%: 1.34-9.94; P = 0.01) were independently associated with cardiovascular disease events and/or death in HIV-infected patients. Chronic hepatitis C and hypertension are independently associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk in HIV-infected patients. Therefore, treatment of chronic hepatitis C should be prioritized in HIV/HCV-coinfected patients regardless of any liver fibrosis staging.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - P Barreiro
- Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - C de Mendoza
- Department of Internal Medicine, Puerta de Hierro Research Institute & University Hospital, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - P Labarga
- Department of Internal Medicine, La Luz Clinic, Madrid, Spain
| | - V Soriano
- Infectious Diseases Unit, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Shiffman ML. Universal screening for chronic hepatitis C virus. Liver Int 2016; 36 Suppl 1:62-6. [PMID: 26725899 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects an estimated 123 million persons worldwide and is the leading cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in most countries. Approximately 75% of persons with chronic HCV were born between the years 1945-1965 and screening of patients in this birth cohort is now advocated. Unfortunately, these recommendations are not readily applied and a sizable population of infected persons who could benefit from treatment fall outside the birth cohort. Universal screening for HCV would be optimal. However, the primary limitation once patients are identified is accessing treatment which remains restricted in most countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell L Shiffman
- Liver Institute of Virginia, Bon Secours Health System, Richmond and Newport News, VA, USA
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19
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Extrahepatic comorbidities associated with hepatitis C virus in HIV-infected patients. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2015; 10:309-15. [DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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20
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario U Mondelli
- Research Laboratories, Department of Infectious Diseases, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy; Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
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22
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Soriano V, Labarga P, Fernandez-Montero JV, de Mendoza C, Esposito I, Benítez-Gutiérrez L, Barreiro P. Hepatitis C cure with antiviral therapy – benefits beyond the liver. Antivir Ther 2015; 21:1-8. [DOI: 10.3851/imp2975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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