1
|
Zhang M, Chen H, Liu H, Tang H. The impact of integrated hepatitis B virus DNA on oncogenesis and antiviral therapy. Biomark Res 2024; 12:84. [PMID: 39148134 PMCID: PMC11328401 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00611-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The global burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains high, with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients facing a significantly increased risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The ultimate objective of antiviral therapy is to achieve a sterilizing cure for HBV. This necessitates the elimination of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and the complete eradication of integrated HBV DNA. This review aims to summarize the oncogenetic role of HBV integration and the significance of clearing HBV integration in sterilizing cure. It specifically focuses on the molecular mechanisms through which HBV integration leads to HCC, including modulation of the expression of proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, induction of chromosomal instability, and expression of truncated mutant HBV proteins. The review also highlights the impact of antiviral therapy in reducing HBV integration and preventing HBV-related HCC. Additionally, the review offers insights into future objectives for the treatment of CHB. Current strategies for HBV DNA integration inhibition and elimination include mainly antiviral therapies, RNA interference and gene editing technologies. Overall, HBV integration deserves further investigation and can potentially serve as a biomarker for CHB and HBV-related HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Han Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Huan Liu
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Hong Tang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Infectious and Liver Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lani L, Stefanini B, Trevisani F. Surveillance for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Successfully Treated Viral Disease of the Liver: A Systematic Review. Liver Cancer 2024; 13:376-388. [PMID: 39114761 PMCID: PMC11305665 DOI: 10.1159/000535497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been proven to increase the proportion of tumors detected at early stages and the chance of receiving curative therapies, reducing mortality by about 30%. Summary Current recommendations consist of a semi-annual abdominal ultrasound with or without serum alpha-fetoprotein measurement in patients with cirrhosis and specific subgroups of populations with chronic viral hepatitis. Antiviral therapies, such as nucleot(s)ide analogs that efficiently suppress the replication of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and direct-acting antiviral drugs able to eliminate the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in >90% of patients, have radically changed the outcomes of viral liver disease and decreased, but not eliminated, the risk of HCC in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients. HCC risk is a key starting point for implementing a cost-effective surveillance and should also guide the decision-making process concerning its modality. As the global number of effectively treated viral patients continues to rise, there is a pressing need to identify those for whom the benefit-to-harm ratio of surveillance is favorable and to determine how to conduct cost-effective screening on such patients. Key Messages This article addresses this topic and attempts to determine which patients should continue HCC surveillance after HBV suppression or HCV eradication, based on cost-effectiveness principles and the fact that HCC risk declines over time. We also formulate a proposal for a surveillance algorithm that switches the use of surveillance for HCC from the "one-size-fits-all" approach to individualized programs based on oncologic risk (precision surveillance).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Lani
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver, and Alcohol-related diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Benedetta Stefanini
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver, and Alcohol-related diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Franco Trevisani
- Unit of Semeiotics, Liver, and Alcohol-related diseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fu MX, Simmonds P, Andersson M, Harvala H. Biomarkers of transfusion transmitted occult hepatitis B virus infection: Where are we and what next? Rev Med Virol 2024; 34:e2525. [PMID: 38375981 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2525] [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: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Blood transfusion is a vital procedure, where transfusion-transmitted infection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains an important issue, especially from blood donors with occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). Occult hepatitis B virus infection is a complex entity to detect using surrogate blood biomarkers for intrahepatic viral transcriptional activity, requiring a continually refined battery of tests utilised for screening. This review aims to critically evaluate the latest advances in the current blood biomarkers to guide the identification of OBI donors and discuss novel HBV markers that could be introduced in future diagnostic practice. Challenges in detecting low HBV surface antigen levels, mutants, and complexes necessitate ultrasensitive multivalent dissociation assays, whilst HBV DNA testing requires improved sensitivity but worsens inaccessibility. Anti-core antibody assays defer almost all potentially infectious donations but have low specificity, and titres of anti-surface antibodies that prevent infectivity are poorly defined with suboptimal sensitivity. The challenges associated with these traditional blood HBV markers create an urgent need for alternative biomarkers that would help us better understand the OBI. Emerging viral biomarkers, such as pre-genomic RNA and HBV core-related antigen, immunological HBV biomarkers of T-cell reactivity and cytokine levels, and host biomarkers of microRNA and human leucocyte antigen molecules, present potential advances to gauge intrahepatic activity more accurately. Further studies on these markers may uncover an optimal diagnostic algorithm for OBI using quantification of various novel and traditional blood HBV markers. Addressing critical knowledge gaps identified in this review would decrease the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted HBV infection without compromising the sustainability of blood supplies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael X Fu
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Peter Simmonds
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Monique Andersson
- Department of Infection, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Heli Harvala
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, Colindale, UK
- Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sukowati CH, El-Khobar K, Jasirwan COM, Kurniawan J, Gani RA. Stemness markers in hepatocellular carcinoma of Eastern vs. Western population: Etiology matters? Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101153. [PMID: 37734662 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101153] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers with a high mortality rate. HCC development is associated with its underlying etiologies, mostly caused by infection of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), alcohol, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and exposure to aflatoxins. These variables, together with human genetic susceptibility, contribute to HCC molecular heterogeneity, including at the cellular level. HCC initiation, tumor recurrence, and drug resistance rates have been attributed to the presence of liver cancer stem cells (CSC). This review summarizes available data regarding whether various HCC etiologies may be associated to the appearance of CSC biomarkers. It also described the genetic variations of tumoral tissues obtained from Western and Eastern populations, in particular to the oncogenic effect of HBV in the human genome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caecilia Hc Sukowati
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato ONLUS, AREA Science Park campus Basovizza, SS14 km 163.5, Trieste 34149, Italy; Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Building, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia.
| | - Korri El-Khobar
- Eijkman Research Center for Molecular Biology, National Research and Innovation Agency of Indonesia (BRIN), B.J. Habibie Building, Jl. M.H. Thamrin No. 8, Jakarta Pusat 10340, Indonesia
| | - Chyntia Olivia Maurine Jasirwan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Medical Staff Group of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.71, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Juferdy Kurniawan
- Hepatobiliary Division, Medical Staff Group of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.71, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| | - Rino Alvani Gani
- Hepatobiliary Division, Medical Staff Group of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia - Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Jl. Pangeran Diponegoro No.71, Jakarta 10430, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gan W, Gao N, Gu L, Mo Z, Pang X, Lei Z, Gao Z. Reduction in Intrahepatic cccDNA and Integration of HBV in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with a Functional Cure. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:314-322. [PMID: 36643049 PMCID: PMC9817062 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Functional cure (FC) is characterized by the clearance of the hepatitis B surface antigen from the serum of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, the level of intrahepatic covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration remains unclear. We conducted this study to determine them and reveal their value in the treatment of CHB. Methods There were two sessions to elucidate the changes in intrahepatic cccDNA and HBV integration after antiviral therapy. In the first session, 116 patients were enrolled and divided into FC, non-functional cure (NFC), and CHB groups, including 48 patients with functionally cured CHB, 27 with CHB without functional cure after antiviral treatment, and 41 with treatment-naïve CHB. Patients were tested for both intrahepatic cccDNA and other viral markers. All patients in the FC group were followed up for at least 24 weeks to observe relapse. In the second session, another ten patients were included for in-depth whole-genome sequencing to analyze HBV integration. Results Thirteen patients in the FC group were negative for intrahepatic cccDNA. Intrahepatic cccDNA was much higher in the CHB group compared with the FC group. Seven patients had HBsAg seroreversion, including two with virological relapse. Integration of HBV was detected in one (33.3%) functionally cured patients and in seven (100%) with CHB. 28.0% of the HBV breakpoints were assigned in the 1,500 nt to 1,900 nt range of the HBV genome. Conclusions After achieving an FC, the rate of intrahepatic cccDNA and HBV integration was significantly reduced in patients with CHB. For those patients who cleared intrahepatic cccDNA, the chances of developing virological relapse were even lower.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqiang Gan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Na Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lin Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhishuo Mo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiuqing Pang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziying Lei
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhiliang Gao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control (Sun Yat-sen University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yip TCF, Wong VWS, Lai MSM, Lai JCT, Hui VWK, Liang LY, Tse YK, Chan HLY, Wong GLH. Risk of hepatic decompensation but not hepatocellular carcinoma decreases over time in patients with hepatitis B surface antigen loss. J Hepatol 2023; 78:524-533. [PMID: 36463985 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We examined the long-term incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic decompensation among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who have achieved hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. METHODS All adult CHB-monoinfected patients who cleared HBsAg between January 2000 and December 2020 were identified using a territory-wide database in Hong Kong. Patients who underwent liver transplantation and/or developed HCC before HBsAg seroclearance or less than 6 months follow-up were excluded. The primary and secondary endpoints were HCC and hepatic decompensation respectively. RESULTS We identified 9,769 patients with CHB who achieved HBsAg seroclearance (mean age 57 years, 60.0% male, 13.2% cirrhosis); most had compensated liver function at HBsAg loss. At a median (25th-75th percentile) follow-up of 4.6 (2.2-8.4) years, 106 (1.1%) patients developed HCC. Patients who developed HCC were older, more likely to be male and have cirrhosis, and had higher alanine aminotransferase and lower platelets at the time of HBsAg loss than patients without HCC. The cumulative incidence of HCC remained steady 0-7 and 8-12 years after HBsAg loss (p = 0.898) (crude annual incidence drop: -0.04%, 95% CI -0.13% to 0.04%, p = 0.265). Moreover, 124/9,640 (1.3%) patients developed hepatic decompensation. The growth in cumulative incidence of hepatic decompensation decelerated 8-12 years after HBsAg loss (p = 0.009) (crude annual incidence drop: -0.23%, 95% CI -0.40% to -0.06%, p = 0.012). In multivariable analysis, HBsAg loss for over 7 years was associated with a reduced risk of hepatic decompensation (adjusted subdistribution hazard ratio [aSHR] 0.55, 95% CI 0.31-0.97, p = 0.039) but not HCC (aSHR 1.35, 95% CI 0.83-2.19, p = 0.230). CONCLUSION HCC risk persists in patients after HBsAg loss, whereas the risk of hepatic decompensation decreases over time. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) still have a non-negligible risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after 12 years of HBsAg seroclearance, especially among those with cirrhosis. The risk of developing hepatic decompensation decreases over time after HBsAg seroclearance. In clinical practice, although patients with CHB who cleared HBsAg have a more favourable clinical outcome than those who remain chronically infected, long-term HCC surveillance would still be necessary for patients with cirrhosis and other high-risk subgroups after HBsAg seroclearance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Terry Cheuk-Fung Yip
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Mandy Sze-Man Lai
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jimmy Che-To Lai
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vicki Wing-Ki Hui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lilian Yan Liang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yee-Kit Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Henry Lik-Yuen Chan
- Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Internal Medicine, Union Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Medical Data Analytics Centre (MDAC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
The Prognostic Value of Serum HBV-RNA during Hepatitis B Virus Infection is Related to Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:8422242. [PMID: 36148157 PMCID: PMC9489391 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8422242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum HBV-RNA levels can predict antiviral response in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients; however, its role in HBV-related ACLF (HBV-ACLF) remains unclear. Here, we determined its implications for HBV-ACLF. METHODS Baseline serum HBV-RNA levels were retrospectively detected in HBV-ACLF and CHB patients. The association of serum HBV-RNA level with clinical outcomes was evaluated by performing multiple logistic regression. A nomogram was developed to formulate an algorithm incorporating serum HBV-RNA for predicting the survival of HBV-ACLF patients. After being discharged from the hospital, the HBV-ACLF patients were followed up for 36 weeks. RESULTS In this study, 82 HBV-ACLF patients and 33 CHB patients were included. Serum HBV-RNA levels were significantly higher in CHB patients than in HBV-ACLF patients (4.15 ± 2.63 log10 copies/mL VS 5.37 ± 2.02 log10 copies/mL) (P < 0.05). Among the HBV-ACLF cases, patients with poor outcomes had lower serum HBV-RNA levels, but the difference was not significant. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the serum HBV-RNA inclusive model was 0.745, superior to 0.66 from MELD scores (P < 0.05). During the follow-up for four weeks, the serum HBV-RNA levels, especially in the survival group, were found to be lower than the baseline levels. CONCLUSIONS Serum HBV-RNA levels were associated with disease severity and might predict the long-term clinical outcome of HBV-ACLF patients.
Collapse
|
8
|
Cakal B, Atasoy A, Cavus B, Poda M, Bulakci M, Gulluoglu M, Demirci M, Akyuz F. Prevalence of occult hepatitis B infection in liver biopsy sample of patients with nonviral liver disease. Future Virol 2022. [DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2021-0316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Aim: To determine the prevalence of occult hepatitis B (HBV) infection (OBI) in patients with nonviral liver disease. Materials & methods: This study included 83 HBsAg-negative patients followed up at a gastroenterohepatology clinic. The presence of HBV DNA was investigated by using an in-house nested-PCR method applied to liver parenchymal biopsy samples obtained from patients who underwent due nonviral chronic liver disease. Results: OBI was detected in 19 (22.9%) of the 83 cases, in 11 (44%) of 25 anti-HBc-positive patients, and 15 (31.9%) of 47 anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs antibodies-positive patients. Conclusion: There is a considerable prevalence of OBI among patients with nonviral chronic liver disease. Therefore, it is suggested that closely monitoring HBV can be useful to prevent or more effectively manage possible OBI-related complications among patients with nonviral chronic liver disease, especially those who are HBsAg seronegative or anti-HBV antibody seropositive.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bulent Cakal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Alp Atasoy
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilger Cavus
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehves Poda
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute for Experimental Medical Research, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mesut Bulakci
- Department of Radiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mine Gulluoglu
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Demirci
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kirklareli University, Kirklareli, Turkey
| | - Filiz Akyuz
- Division of Gastroenterohepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Saitta C, Pollicino T, Raimondo G. Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection: An Update. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071504. [PMID: 35891484 PMCID: PMC9318873 DOI: 10.3390/v14071504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) refers to a condition in which replication-competent viral DNA is present in the liver (with detectable or undetectable HBV DNA in the serum) of individuals testing negative for the HBV surface antigen (HBsAg). In this peculiar phase of HBV infection, the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is in a low state of replication. Many advances have been made in clarifying the mechanisms involved in such a suppression of viral activity, which seems to be mainly related to the host's immune control and epigenetic factors. OBI is diffused worldwide, but its prevalence is highly variable among patient populations. This depends on different geographic areas, risk factors for parenteral infections, and assays used for HBsAg and HBV DNA detection. OBI has an impact in several clinical contexts: (a) it can be transmitted, causing a classic form of hepatitis B, through blood transfusion or liver transplantation; (b) it may reactivate in the case of immunosuppression, leading to the possible development of even fulminant hepatitis; (c) it may accelerate the progression of chronic liver disease due to different causes toward cirrhosis; (d) it maintains the pro-oncogenic properties of the "overt" infection, favoring the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Saitta
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Medicine and Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98124 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(0)-902212392
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Biomarkers for the Detection and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients Treated with Direct-Acting Antivirals. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112700. [PMID: 35681679 PMCID: PMC9179595 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the main etiological factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in developed countries. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improved the eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) but not the reduction in the incidence of HCV-associated HCC. Some patients still develop HCC, even after reaching a sustained virological response (SVR). This review is a summary of pre-clinical studies that investigated predictive biomarkers for HCC occurrence and recurrence in HCV-infected patients treated with DAAs. The presented biomarkers are found dysregulated in serum or tissue at specific time points (before, during, after DAA treatment or post SVR) and correlated with HCC-predisposing conditions. Thus, this review aims to improve the management of patients developing HCV-induced HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth-most common type of cancer worldwide and chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the main etiological factor in developed countries. HCV promotes hepatocarcinogenesis through persistent liver inflammation and dysregulation of cell signaling pathways. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) resulted in a significant improvement in the eradication of the virus, with an expected reduction of HCC incidence. However, the risk of HCC development can persist after DAA treatment. Recent studies have investigated the potential use of molecular biomarkers that predict HCC occurrence or recurrence helping the stratification of patients under surveillance. This review aimed to summarize all pre-clinical exploration of predictive biomarkers to identify DAA-treated patients at risk for HCC development. Dysregulated microRNAs, lncRNAs, histone modifications, cytokines, proteins, and sphingolipids represent various classes of HCC risk predictors identified in two different biological sources (tissue and serum). The non-invasive serum markers can provide a more accessible means to perform clinical monitoring and predict the risk of HCC. In addition, conditions like cirrhosis, predisposing to HCC, strongly correlate with most of the molecular predictors identified, supporting the value of these molecules as possible biomarkers of HCC in DAA-treated patients.
Collapse
|
11
|
Collis OA, Ashley PA, Chen LH, Pedula KL, Miyashiro SM, Yamashita SK. Hepatitis B Core Antibody Positivity Associated with Increased Risk of Liver Cancer in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: Analysis of a Large Patient Cohort in Hawai'i. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF HEALTH & SOCIAL WELFARE 2022; 81:127-133. [PMID: 35528754 PMCID: PMC9077569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C infection is a major cause of liver cancer in the United States. Hawai'i's incidence of liver cancer consistently ranks among the highest in the US, due in part to the high prevalence of hepatitis B in the state. To better understand the factors associated with liver cancer among patients in Hawai'i with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the patient database of Kaiser Permanente's Hawai'i region was used to identify a cohort of 3198 patients with a history of chronic HCV infection, of whom 159 (5%) were diagnosed with liver cancer between the years 2004-2020. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors independently associated with liver cancer. Male sex (AOR 2.02, 95% CI 1.34-3.06), Asian race (AOR 1.78, 1.16 - 2.74) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBCAB) positivity (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.25 - 2.49) emerged as independent predictors of liver cancer among patients with chronic HCV infection. A history of diabetes (AOR 1.56, 1.07 - 2.27) and older age at the time of HCV diagnosis (AOR 1.19, 1.09-1.29) also emerged as significant associations. HBCAB-positive individuals did not differ significantly from those who were HBCAB-negative in regards to demographics or 5-year survival rate. In this cohort of patients with chronic HCV, a positive HBCAB without evidence of active hepatitis B infection was associated with 1.76 increased odds of liver cancer compared to those with negative HBCAB. This finding may have important implications for screening algorithms among individuals with hepatitis C infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Patrycja A. Ashley
- Kaiser Permanente Internal Medicine Residency Program, Honolulu, HI (PAA, LC)
| | - Li-Hsieh Chen
- Kaiser Permanente Internal Medicine Residency Program, Honolulu, HI (PAA, LC)
| | - Kathryn L Pedula
- Hawai‘i Permanente Medical Group, Kaiser Permanente, Honolulu, HI (KLP)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Franzè MS, Pollicino T, Raimondo G, Squadrito G. Occult hepatitis B virus infection in hepatitis C virus negative chronic liver diseases. Liver Int 2022; 42:963-972. [PMID: 35246933 PMCID: PMC9310828 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Data concerning the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) occult infection (OBI) varies greatly in the different studies according to the sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic approaches and the HBV prevalence in the different populations examined. The clinical implications of OBI are still debated. While the impact of OBI in HBV transmission as well as in HBV reactivation under immunosuppression are well established, the role of OBI in liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development are still not definitively elucidated. It has been hypothesized that OBI might contribute to worsening the liver disease course when other causes of liver damage co-exist. Furthermore, much evidence suggests a role of OBI in the hepato-carcinogenesis processes through both indirect and direct oncogenic mechanisms that might favour HCC development. Data on the OBI clinical implications mainly come from studies performed in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, HCV prevalence has dramatically fallen in the past years also because of the advent of specific and highly effective direct acting antivirals, with a consequent abrupt change of the worldwide scenario of chronic liver disease. Information about OBI prevalence and possible clinical impact in non-HCV-related liver disease are fragmentary, and the objective of this review is to critically summarize the available data in this field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Stella Franzè
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Medicine and HepatologyMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human PathologyMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Advanced Diagnostic LaboratoriesMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Medicine and HepatologyMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
| | - Giovanni Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental MedicineMessina UniversityMessinaItaly,Division of Internal MedicineMessina University HospitalMessinaItaly
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pollicino T. The Impact of Nucleos(t)ide Analogs on Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration: Hype or Reality? Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1030-1033. [PMID: 35120915 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2022.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Pollicino
- Department of Human Pathology, University Hospital G. Martino of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bousali M, Karamitros T. Hepatitis B Virus Integration into Transcriptionally Active Loci and HBV-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10020253. [PMID: 35208708 PMCID: PMC8879149 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10020253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) DNA integrations into the human genome are considered major causative factors to HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma development. In the present study, we investigated whether HBV preferentially integrates parts of its genome in specific genes and evaluated the contribution of the integrations in HCC development per gene. We applied dedicated in-house developed pipelines on all of the available HBV DNA integration data and performed a statistical analysis to identify genes that could be characterized as hotspots of integrations, along with the evaluation of their association with HBV-HCC. Our results suggest that 15 genes are recurrently affected by HBV integrations and they are significantly associated with HBV-HCC. Further studies that focus on HBV integrations disrupting these genes are mandatory in order to understand the role of HBV integrations in clonal advantage gain and oncogenesis promotion, as well as to determine whether inhibition of the HBV-disrupted genes can provide a therapy strategy for HBV-HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bousali
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - Timokratis Karamitros
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-210-6478871
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Gomez-Quiroz LE, Roman S. Influence of genetic and environmental risk factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in Mexico. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27 Suppl 1:100649. [PMID: 34902602 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2021.100649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The latest studies on the epidemiology of diverse types of cancers have located in the scene the relevance of liver tumors, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is a life-threatening malignancy triggered by chronic exposure to hepatitis B and C viruses, excessive alcohol intake, hepatic lipid droplet accumulation, and aflatoxins that lead to persistent liver damage. The occurrence of such etiological risk factors deeply marks the variability in the incidence of HCC worldwide reflected by geography, ethnicity, age, and lifestyle factors influenced by cultural aspects. New perspectives on the primary risk factors and their potential gene-environment interactions (GxE) have been well-addressed in some cancers; however, it continues to be a partially characterized issue in liver malignancies. In this review, the epidemiology of the risk factors for HCC are described enhancing the GxE interactions identified in Mexico, which could mark the risk of this liver malignancy among the population and the measures needed to revert them. Updated healthcare policies focusing on preventive care should be tailored based on the genetic and environmental risk factors, which may influence the effect of the etiological agents of HCC. Robust regional investigations related to epidemiological, clinical, and basic studies are warranted to understand this health problem complying with the rules of ethnic, genetic, environmental, and social diversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luis E Gomez-Quiroz
- Área de Medicina Experimental y Traslacional, Departamento de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sonia Roman
- Department of Genomic Medicine in Hepatology, Civil Hospital of Guadalajara, "Fray Antonio Alcalde," Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; Health Sciences Center, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Salpini R, D’Anna S, Benedetti L, Piermatteo L, Gill U, Svicher V, Kennedy PTF. Hepatitis B virus DNA integration as a novel biomarker of hepatitis B virus-mediated pathogenetic properties and a barrier to the current strategies for hepatitis B virus cure. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:972687. [PMID: 36118192 PMCID: PMC9478028 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.972687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic infection with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. HBV-DNA integration into the human genome is recognized as a frequent event occurring during the early phases of HBV infection and characterizing the entire course of HBV natural history. The development of refined molecular biology technologies sheds new light on the functional implications of HBV-DNA integration into the human genome, including its role in the progression of HBV-related pathogenesis and in triggering the establishment of pro-oncogenic mechanisms, promoting the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The present review provides an updated and comprehensive overview of the current body of knowledge on HBV-DNA integration, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV-DNA integration and its occurrence throughout the different phases characterizing the natural history of HBV infection. Furthermore, here we discuss the main clinical implications of HBV integration as a biomarker of HBV-related pathogenesis, particularly in reference to hepatocarcinogenesis, and how integration may act as a barrier to the achievement of HBV cure with current and novel antiviral therapies. Overall, a more refined insight into the mechanisms and functionality of HBV integration is paramount, since it can potentially inform the design of ad hoc diagnostic tools with the ability to reveal HBV integration events perturbating relevant intracellular pathways and for identifying novel therapeutic strategies targeting alterations directly related to HBV integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano D’Anna
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Livia Benedetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
| | - Upkar Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Roma, Italy
- *Correspondence: Valentina Svicher,
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
- Patrick T. F. Kennedy,
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Vaillant A. HBsAg, Subviral Particles, and Their Clearance in Establishing a Functional Cure of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:1351-1368. [PMID: 33302622 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.0c00638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In diverse viral infections, the production of excess viral particles containing only viral glycoproteins (subviral particles or SVP) is commonly observed and is a commonly evolved mechanism for immune evasion. In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, spherical particles contain the hepatitis B surface antigen, outnumber infectious virus 10 000-100 000 to 1, and have diverse inhibitory effects on the innate and adaptive immune response, playing a major role in the chronic nature of HBV infection. The current goal of therapies in development for HBV infection is a clinical outcome called functional cure, which signals a persistent and effective immune control of the infection. Although removal of spherical SVP (and the HBsAg they carry) is an important milestone in achieving functional cure, this outcome is rarely achieved with current therapies due to distinct mechanisms for assembly, secretion, and persistence of SVP, which are poorly targeted by direct acting antivirals or immunotherapies. In this Review, the current understanding of the distinct mechanisms involved in the production and persistence of spherical SVP in chronic HBV infection and their immunoinhibitory activity will be reviewed as well as current therapies in development with the goal of clearing spherical SVP and achieving functional cure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Vaillant
- Replicor Inc., 6100 Royalmount Avenue, Montreal, Quebec H8Y 3E6, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Lin SY, Zhang A, Lian J, Wang J, Chang TT, Lin YJ, Song W, Su YH. Recurrent HBV Integration Targets as Potential Drivers in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061294. [PMID: 34071075 PMCID: PMC8224658 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), frequently with HBV integrating into the host genome. HBV integration, found in 85% of HBV-associated HCC (HBV–HCC) tissue samples, has been suggested to be oncogenic. Here, we investigated the potential of HBV–HCC driver identification via the characterization of recurrently targeted genes (RTGs). A total of 18,596 HBV integration sites from our in-house study and others were analyzed. RTGs were identified by applying three criteria: at least two HCC subjects, reported by at least two studies, and the number of reporting studies. A total of 396 RTGs were identified. Among the 28 most frequent RTGs, defined as affected in at least 10 HCC patients, 23 (82%) were associated with carcinogenesis and 5 (18%) had no known function. Available breakpoint positions from the three most frequent RTGs, TERT, MLL4/KMT2B, and PLEKHG4B, were analyzed. Mutual exclusivity of TERT promoter mutation and HBV integration into TERT was observed. We present an RTG consensus through comprehensive analysis to enable the potential identification and discovery of HCC drivers for drug development and disease management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selena Y. Lin
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.W.); (W.S.)
| | - Adam Zhang
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (A.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jessica Lian
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (A.Z.); (J.L.)
| | - Jeremy Wang
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.W.); (W.S.)
| | - Ting-Tsung Chang
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Yih-Jyh Lin
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Medical College, Tainan 704, Taiwan;
| | - Wei Song
- JBS Science, Inc., Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (S.Y.L.); (J.W.); (W.S.)
| | - Ying-Hsiu Su
- The Baruch S. Blumberg Research Institute, Doylestown, PA 18902, USA; (A.Z.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +215-489-4907
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jiang Y, Han Q, Zhao H, Zhang J. The Mechanisms of HBV-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2021; 8:435-450. [PMID: 34046368 PMCID: PMC8147889 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s307962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy, and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is its major pathogenic factor. Over the past decades, it has been confirmed that HBV infection could promote disease progression through a variety of mechanisms, ultimately leading to the malignant transformation of liver cells. Many factors have been identified in the pathogenesis of HBV-associated HCC (HBV-HCC), including HBV gene integration, genomic instability caused by mutation, and activation of cancer-promoting signaling pathways. As research in the progression of HBV-HCC progresses, the role of many new mechanisms, such as epigenetics, exosomes, autophagy, metabolic regulation, and immune suppression, is also being continuously explored. The occurrence of HBV-HCC is a complex process caused by interactions across multiple genes and multiple steps, where the synergistic effects of various cancer-promoting mechanisms accelerate the process of disease evolution from inflammation to tumorigenesis. In this review, we aim to provide a brief overview of the mechanisms involved in the occurrence and development of HBV-HCC, which may contribute to a better understanding of the role of HBV in the occurrence and development of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jiang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajun Zhao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, Shandong Province, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Unique Features of Hepatitis B Virus-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Pathogenesis and Clinical Significance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102454. [PMID: 34070067 PMCID: PMC8158142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Understanding the unique features for HBV-induced HCC can shed new light on the unmet needs in its early diagnosis and effective therapy. During decades of chronic hepatitis B, hepatocytes undergoing repeated damage and regeneration accumulate genetic changes predisposing to HCC development. In addition to traditional mutations in viral and cellular oncogenes, HBV integration into the cell chromosomes is an alternative genetic change contributing to hepatocarcinogenesis. A striking male dominance in HBV-related HCC further highlights an interaction between androgen sex hormone and viral factors, which contributes to the gender difference via stimulating viral replication and activation of oncogenes preferentially in male patients. Meanwhile, a novel circulating tumor biomarker generated by HBV integration shows great potential for the early diagnosis of HCC. These unique HBV-induced hepatocarcinogenic mechanisms provide new insights for the future development of superior diagnosis and treatment strategies. Abstract Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the important risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide, accounting for around 50% of cases. Chronic hepatitis B infection generates an inflammatory microenvironment, in which hepatocytes undergoing repeated cycles of damage and regeneration accumulate genetic mutations predisposing them to cancer. A striking male dominance in HBV-related HCC highlights the influence of sex hormones which interact with viral factors to influence carcinogenesis. HBV is also considered an oncogenic virus since its X and surface mutant proteins showed tumorigenic activity in mouse models. The other unique mechanism is the insertional mutagenesis by integration of HBV genome into hepatocyte chromosomes to activate oncogenes. HCC survival largely depends on tumor stages at diagnosis and effective treatment. However, early diagnosis by the conventional protein biomarkers achieves limited success. A new biomarker, the circulating virus–host chimera DNA from HBV integration sites in HCC, provides a liquid biopsy approach for monitoring the tumor load in the majority of HBV–HCC patients. To maximize the efficacy of new immunotherapies or molecular target therapies, it requires better classification of HCC based on the tumor microenvironment and specific carcinogenic pathways. An in-depth study may benefit both the diagnosis and treatment of HBV-related HCC.
Collapse
|
21
|
Wang J, Yin G, Bian H, Yang J, Zhou P, Yan K, Liu C, Chen P, Zhu J, Li Z, Xue T. LncRNA XIST upregulates TRIM25 via negatively regulating miR-192 in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Med 2021; 27:41. [PMID: 33858324 PMCID: PMC8050905 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00278-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) XIST has been implicated in the progression of a variety of tumor diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular role of lncRNA XIST in human hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The expression levels of lncRNA XIST, miR-192 and TRIM25 in HBV-related HCC tissues and HepG2.2.15 cells were detected by qRT-PCR. Biological information and luciferin gene reporter assay were performed to detect the interaction among lncRNA XIST, miR-192 and TRIM25. CCk-8 assay, wound healing assay and colony formation assay were conducted to detect the proliferation and migration ability of HepG2.2.15 cells. RESULTS qRT-PCR results showed that the expression levels of lncRNA XIST were remarkably increased in HBV-related HCC tissues and HepG2.2.15 cells. In addition, miR-192 was a direct target gene of lncRNA XIST, and the expression of miR-192 and lncRNA XIST were negatively correlated. Moreover, overexpression of miR-192 observably inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells, while overexpression of lncRNA XIST showed an opposite effect. Furthermore, TRIM25 was a direct target of miR-192, and lncRNA XIST could up-regulate the expression of TRIM25 by targeting miR-192. CONCLUSION LncRNA XIST could up-regulate the expression of TRIM25 by targeting and binding to miR-192, thus accelerating the occurrence and development of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiancheng Wang
- The People's Hospital of Lianshui County, Huai'an City, 223400, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Intervention, The Second People's Hospital of Huai'an City, Huai'an City, 223002, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hu Bian
- Department of Pain and Intervention, Huaiyin Hospital of Huai'an City, Huai'an City, 223300, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangli Yang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Huaian Hospital of Huai'an City, No. 161 Zhenhuailou East Road, Huai'an City, 223200, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Huaian Hospital of Huai'an City, No. 161 Zhenhuailou East Road, Huai'an City, 223200, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Kai Yan
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Huaian Hospital of Huai'an City, No. 161 Zhenhuailou East Road, Huai'an City, 223200, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Liu
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Huaian Hospital of Huai'an City, No. 161 Zhenhuailou East Road, Huai'an City, 223200, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Pei Chen
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Huaian Hospital of Huai'an City, No. 161 Zhenhuailou East Road, Huai'an City, 223200, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhu
- The Third People's Hospital of Yancheng City, No. 75 Juchang Road, Yancheng City, 224001, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No. 188 Shizi Street, Soochow City, 215006, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Tongqing Xue
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Huaian Hospital of Huai'an City, No. 161 Zhenhuailou East Road, Huai'an City, 223200, Jiangsu Province, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Li AY, Liu Z, Song Y, Xiao Y, Jiang J, Li L, Zhai X, Liu J, Duan Z, Ding F, Liu J, Zhuang H, Zhu L, Jiang J, Zou H, Wang J, Li J. Reduction of the occurrence of occult HBV infection in infants by increasing the dose of hepatitis B vaccine: a large prospective cohort study. Emerg Microbes Infect 2021; 9:1881-1891. [PMID: 32779526 PMCID: PMC7473118 DOI: 10.1080/22221751.2020.1808533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) has been observed among infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers despite successful immunoprophylaxis. This study enrolled 549 infants [349 infants received a 10μg/dose of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB), and 200 infants received 20μg/dose HepB] born to HBsAg-positive mothers with HBV DNA load >6log10IU/mL. The anti-HBs levels in the 10μg group were significantly lower than that in the 20μg group both at 7 [652.48 (564.05-754.82) vs. 1541.72 (1268.69-1873.51) mIU/mL, P<0.001] and 12 months old [257.44 (220.29-300.88) vs. 1073.41 (839.27-1372.78) mIU/mL, P<0.001]. The OBI incidence in the 10μg group was significantly higher than that in the 20μg group at both 7 [21.55% (25/116) vs. 7.56% (9/119), P=0.002] and 12 months old [17.07% (14/82) vs. 6.90% (6/87), P=0.041]. OBI incidence in infants with anti-HBs levels <100mIU/mL was higher than that of those with anti-HBs ≥100mIU/mL [35.71% (5/14) vs. 13.12% (29/221), P=0.036]. This study showed that increasing the immunisation dose from 10μg to 20μg significantly improved anti-HBs levels and decreased OBI incidence in infants with a high maternal viral load. We recommend 20μg HepB to treat this high-risk population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Authors Yi Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixiu Liu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yarong Song
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiwei Xiao
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Jiang
- Department of Clinical Research, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangjun Zhai
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxun Liu
- Zhengzhou Municipal Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Ding
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liguo Zhu
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaibin Zou
- Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Microbiology & Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Garcia-Garcia S, Cortese MF, Rodríguez-Algarra F, Tabernero D, Rando-Segura A, Quer J, Buti M, Rodríguez-Frías F. Next-generation sequencing for the diagnosis of hepatitis B: current status and future prospects. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2021; 21:381-396. [PMID: 33880971 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2021.1913055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes a complex and persistent infection with a major impact on patients health. Viral-genome sequencing can provide valuable information for characterizing virus genotype, infection dynamics and drug and vaccine resistance. AREAS COVERED This article reviews the current literature to describe the next-generation sequencing progress that facilitated a more comprehensive study of HBV quasispecies in diagnosis and clinical monitoring. EXPERT OPINION HBV variability plays a key role in liver disease progression and treatment efficacy. Second-generation sequencing improved the sensitivity for detecting and quantifying mutations, mixed genotypes and viral recombination. Third-generation sequencing enables the analysis of the entire HBV genome, although the high error rate limits its use in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selene Garcia-Garcia
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Francesca Cortese
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Algarra
- Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - David Tabernero
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
| | - Ariadna Rando-Segura
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
| | - Josep Quer
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
- Liver Unit, Liver Disease Laboratory-Viral Hepatitis, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca-Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
| | - Maria Buti
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
- Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
| | - Francisco Rodríguez-Frías
- Liver Pathology Unit, Departments of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma De Barcelona, Barcelona Spain
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut Recerca (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro De Investigación Biomédica En Red De Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas, Instituto De Salud Carlos III, Madrid Spain
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
HBV-Integration Studies in the Clinic: Role in the Natural History of Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030368. [PMID: 33652619 PMCID: PMC7996909 DOI: 10.3390/v13030368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global health problem causing acute and chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is essential for viral replication and the establishment of a persistent infection. Integrated HBV DNA represents another stable form of viral DNA regularly observed in the livers of infected patients. HBV DNA integration into the host genome occurs early after HBV infection. It is a common occurrence during the HBV life cycle, and it has been detected in all the phases of chronic infection. HBV DNA integration has long been considered to be the main contributor to liver tumorigenesis. The recent development of highly sensitive detection methods and research models has led to the clarification of some molecular and pathogenic aspects of HBV integration. Though HBV integration does not lead to replication-competent transcripts, it can act as a stable source of viral RNA and proteins, which may contribute in determining HBV-specific T-cell exhaustion and favoring virus persistence. The relationship between HBV DNA integration and the immune response in the liver microenvironment might be closely related to the development and progression of HBV-related diseases. While many new antiviral agents aimed at cccDNA elimination or silencing have been developed, integrated HBV DNA remains a difficult therapeutic challenge.
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen H, Yu M, Zhang X, Zhang B, Cheng L, Ma W. Inconsistent virus DNA quantification results in clinical hepatitis B and the verification by genotyping and sequencing: a case report. J LAB MED 2020. [DOI: 10.1515/labmed-2020-0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiang Chen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory , Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University , Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Mengyuan Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy , the Third Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University , Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory , Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University , Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Bingyang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory , Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University , Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Liying Cheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory , Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University , Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| | - Wanshan Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory , Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, the First Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University , Jinan , Shandong , P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Armandi A, Rosso C, Ribaldone DG, Caviglia GP. Moving towards core antigen for the management of patients with overt and occult HBV infection. Panminerva Med 2020; 63:499-507. [PMID: 33073556 DOI: 10.23736/s0031-0808.20.04163-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection encompasses a wide virologic and clinical spectrum with heterogeneous outcomes. The natural history of chronic HBV infection ranges from an inactive carrier state (hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic infection) to progressive chronic hepatitis that may evolve in end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The issue becomes even more complicated when we consider the unique biology of the virus; the HBV covalently-closed-circular DNA, that acts as virus transcription template, is the key factor responsible of the persistence of the infection even after hepatitis B surface antigen loss. In the last decade, novel serological and immunological biomarkers associated to the core protein of HBV have been approached in different clinical conditions. Remarkable results have been obtained both in the setting of overt and occult HBV infection. Here, we reviewed the meaning and the potential clinical applications of the measurement of core antigen and antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Armandi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Chiara Rosso
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Gian P Caviglia
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy -
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Occult hepatitis B infection and hepatocellular carcinoma: Epidemiology, virology, hepatocarcinogenesis and clinical significance. J Hepatol 2020; 73:952-964. [PMID: 32504662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.05.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI) refers to a condition where replication-competent HBV DNA is present in the liver, with or without HBV DNA in the blood, in individuals with serum HBsAg negativity assessed by currently available assays. The episomal covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in OBI is in a low replicative state. Viral gene expression is mediated by epigenetic control of HBV transcription, including the HBV CpG island methylation pathway and post-translational modification of cccDNA-bound histone, with a different pattern from patients with chronic HBV infection. The prevalence of OBI varies tremendously across patient populations owing to numerous factors, such as geographic location, assay characteristics, host immune response, coinfection with other viruses, and vaccination status. Apart from the risk of viral reactivation upon immunosuppression and the risk of transmission of HBV, OBI has been implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with chronic HCV infection, those with cryptogenic or known liver disease, and in patients with HBsAg seroclearance after chronic HBV infection. An increasing number of prospective studies and meta-analyses have reported a higher incidence of HCC in patients with HCV and OBI, as well as more advanced tumour histological grades and earlier age of HCC diagnosis, compared with patients without OBI. The proposed pathogenetic mechanisms of OBI-related HCC include the influence of HBV DNA integration on the hepatocyte cell cycle, the production of pro-oncogenic proteins (HBx protein and mutated surface proteins), and persistent low-grade necroinflammation (contributing to the development of fibrosis and cirrhosis). There remain uncertainties about exactly how, and in what order, these mechanisms drive the development of tumours in patients with OBI.
Collapse
|
28
|
Lau KC, Burak KW, Coffin CS. Impact of Hepatitis B Virus Genetic Variation, Integration, and Lymphotropism in Antiviral Treatment and Oncogenesis. Microorganisms 2020; 8:E1470. [PMID: 32987867 PMCID: PMC7599633 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection poses a significant global health burden. Although, effective treatment and vaccinations against HBV are available, challenges still exist, particularly in the development of curative therapies. The dynamic nature and unique features of HBV such as viral variants, integration of HBV DNA into host chromosomes, and extrahepatic reservoirs are considerations towards understanding the virus biology and developing improved anti-HBV treatments. In this review, we highlight the importance of these viral characteristics in the context of treatment and oncogenesis. Viral genotype and genetic variants can serve as important predictive factors for therapeutic response and outcomes in addition to oncogenic risk. HBV integration, particularly in coding genes, is implicated in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, we will discuss emerging research that has identified various HBV nucleic acids and infection markers within extrahepatic sites (lymphoid cells). Intriguingly, the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-associated HBV variants and viral integration within the lymphoid cells may contribute towards the development of extrahepatic malignancies. Improved understanding of these HBV characteristics will enhance the development of a cure for chronic HBV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith C.K. Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Kelly W. Burak
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| | - Carla S. Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Xu H, Zhang Q, Tan YL, Zhang Y, Wei JZ, Wang LL, Xie B. Efficacy of microwave ablation and entecavir as a combination treatment for primary liver cancer and their effects on hepatitis B virus and liver function. ALL LIFE 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/26895293.2020.1819444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Computational Medicine and Intelligent Health, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Medical Testing, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu-Lin Tan
- Department of Interventional Therapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Interventional Therapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jian-Zhu Wei
- Department of Interventional Therapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ling-Ling Wang
- School of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bo Xie
- School of Medical Imaging, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Interventional Therapy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV), which was discovered in 1965, is a threat to global public health. HBV infects human hepatocytes and leads to acute and chronic liver diseases, and there is no cure. In cells infected by HBV, viral DNA can be integrated into the cellular genome. HBV DNA integration is a complicated process during the HBV life cycle. Although HBV integration normally results in replication-incompetent transcripts, it can still act as a template for viral protein expression. Of note, it is a primary driver of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, with the development of detection methods and research models, the molecular biology and the pathogenicity of HBV DNA integration have been better revealed. Here, we review the advances in the research of HBV DNA integration, including molecular mechanisms, detection methods, research models, the effects on host and viral gene expression, the role of HBV integrations in the pathogenesis of HCC, and potential treatment strategies. Finally, we discuss possible future research prospects of HBV DNA integration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaitao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Andrew Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, National Heart Lung Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Yuchen Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Ren A, Li Z, Zhou X, Zhang X, Huang X, Deng R, Ma Y. Evaluation of the Alpha-Fetoprotein Model for Predicting Recurrence and Survival in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)-Related Cirrhosis Who Received Liver Transplantation for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Surg 2020; 7:52. [PMID: 32974380 PMCID: PMC7472557 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2020.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) model is superior to the Milan criteria in predicting the recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after liver transplantation in European and Latin American populations. The purpose of this study was to determine the predictive value of the AFP model in Chinese hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis HCC patients. Methods: A total of 189 patients with HBV-related cirrhotic HCC were included. The recurrence rate and survival rate were estimated, and predictability was assessed by the Net Reclassification Improvement (NRI) method. Results: Of the 189 patients, patients with an AFP score >2 had a higher recurrence rate at 5 years (48.94 vs. 13.53%, p < 0.05) and lower survival rate (43.96 vs. 68.97%, p < 0.05). Considering patients within the Milan criteria, a higher 5-year recurrence rate and lower survival rate were observed in patients with an AFP model score >2 points compared to patients with a score of ≤ 2 points (recurrence rate: 58.75 vs. 12.98%, p < 0.05; survival rate: 28.57 vs. 67.41%, p = 0.047). NRI analysis showed that the AFP model exhibited superior predictability as compared to the Milan criteria. Conclusions: The AFP model may be used as a selection tool for Chinese HBV patients who require liver transplantation due to HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ao Ren
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongqiu Li
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaozhuan Zhou
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuzhi Zhang
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaochun Huang
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ronghai Deng
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Organ Transplant Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Raimondo G, Saitta C, Lombardo D, Giraudi PJ, Rosso N, Ieni A, Lazzara S, Palmisano S, Bonazza D, Alibrandi A, Navarra G, Tiribelli C, Pollicino T. Occult hepatitis B virus infection predicts non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in severely obese individuals from Italy. Liver Int 2020; 40:1601-1609. [PMID: 32329579 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Obesity is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL), which may progress towards non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) may contribute to hepatic damage in patients with chronic liver disease of different aetiologies (eg HCV, alcohol). However, information on the prevalence and clinical impact of OBI in obese individuals is lacking. The aims of this study were to investigate NASH prevalence and risk factors in obese people who underwent bariatric surgery. METHODS Two-hundred and twenty-six subjects (160 females; mean age 42.9 years ±10.8 SD) without evidence of any further cause of liver disease consecutively underwent bariatric surgery in two Italian liver centers. During surgery, all patients underwent liver biopsy for histological evaluation and molecular studies. Liver DNA extracts were tested for PNPLA3, TM6SF2, MBOAT7, IRGM polymorphisms and for OBI. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify predictors of NASH. RESULTS Histology showed NASH in 115 (50.9%) and NAFL in 111 cases (49.1%). Twenty-nine/226 (12.8%) cases had OBI, 24 (82.8%) of whom had NASH and 5 (17.2%) NAFL, whereas among the 197 OBI-negative cases, 91 (46.2%) had NASH and 106 (53.8%) NAFL (P = .0002). Multivariate analysis showed that older age (P = .03, OR 1.034), alanine aminotransferase values (P = .005, OR 1.023), insulin resistance/diabetes (P = .02, OR 2.257), TM6SF2 polymorphism (P = .04, OR 3.168) and OBI (P = .004, OR 5.503) were independent predictors of NASH. CONCLUSION NASH is highly prevalent in obese individuals undergoing bariatric surgery. OBI is one of the strongest risk factors of NASH in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Unit of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Saitta
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Daniele Lombardo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Pablo J Giraudi
- Italian Liver Foundation, Liver Study Centre, Trieste, Italy
| | - Natalia Rosso
- Italian Liver Foundation, Liver Study Centre, Trieste, Italy
| | - Antonio Ieni
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Unit of Pathology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Lazzara
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Unit of Oncological Surgery, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Silvia Palmisano
- Italian Liver Foundation, Liver Study Centre, Trieste, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Deborah Bonazza
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Angela Alibrandi
- Department of Economics, Unit of Statistical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Navarra
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Unit of Oncological Surgery, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Pollicino
- Unit of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Messina, Italy.,Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Lau KC, Joshi SS, Gao S, Giles E, Swidinsky K, van Marle G, Bathe OF, Urbanski SJ, Terrault NA, Burak KW, Osiowy C, Coffin CS. Oncogenic HBV variants and integration are present in hepatic and lymphoid cells derived from chronic HBV patients. Cancer Lett 2020; 480:39-47. [PMID: 32229190 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), partly driven by viral integration and specific oncogenic HBV variants. However, the biological significance of HBV genomes within lymphoid cells (i.e., peripheral blood mononuclear cells, PBMCs) is unclear. Here, we collected available plasma, PBMC, liver, and tumor from 52 chronic HBV (CHB) carriers: 32 with HCC, 19 without HCC, and one with dendritic cell sarcoma, DCS. Using highly sensitive sequencing techniques, next generation sequencing, and AluPCR, we demonstrate that viral genomes (i.e., HBV DNA, RNA, and cccDNA), oncogenic variants, and HBV-host integration are often found in all sample types collected from 52 patients (including lymphoid cells and a DCS tumor). Viral integration was recurrently identified (n = 90 such hits) in genes associated with oncogenic consequences in lymphoid and liver cells. Further, HBV genomes increased in PBMCs derived from 7 additional (treated or untreated) CHB carriers after extracellular mitogen stimulation. Our study shows novel HBV molecular data and replication not only liver, but also within 63.8% of lymphoid cells analysed (including a representative lymphoid cell malignancy), that was enhanced in ex vivo stimulated PBMC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith Ck Lau
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shivali S Joshi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Giles
- Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ken Swidinsky
- Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Guido van Marle
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Oliver F Bathe
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Stefan J Urbanski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Norah A Terrault
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kelly W Burak
- Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carla Osiowy
- Viral Hepatitis and Bloodborne Pathogens, National Microbiology Laboratory, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Calgary Liver Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Lee SB, Jeong J, Park JH, Jung SW, Jeong ID, Bang SJ, Shin JW, Park BR, Park EJ, Park NH. Low-level viremia and cirrhotic complications in patients with chronic hepatitis B according to adherence to entecavir. Clin Mol Hepatol 2020; 26:364-375. [PMID: 32466635 PMCID: PMC7364359 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Low-level viremia (LLV) after nucleos(t)ide analog treatment was presented as a possible cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, detailed information on patients’ adherence in the real world was lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of LLV on HCC development, mortality, and cirrhotic complications among patients according to their adherence to entecavir (ETV) treatment. Methods We performed a retrospective observational analysis of data from 894 consecutive adult patients with treatment-naïve CHB undergoing ETV treatment. LLV was defined according to either persistent or intermittent episodes of <2,000 IU/mL detectable hepatitis B virus DNA during the follow-up period. Good adherence to medication was defined as a cumulative adherence ≥90% per study period. Results Without considering adherence in the entire cohort (n=894), multivariate analysis of the HCC incidence showed that LLV was an independent prognostic factor in addition to other traditional risk factors in the entire cohort (P=0.031). Good adherence group comprised 617 patients (69.0%). No significant difference was found between maintained virologic response and LLV groups in terms of the incidence of liver-related death or transplantation, HCC, and hepatic decompensation in good adherence group, according to multivariate analyses. Conclusions In patients with treatment-naïve CHB and good adherence to ETV treatment in the real world, LLV during treatment is not a predictive factor for HCC and cirrhotic complications. It may be unnecessary to adjust their antiviral agent for patients with good adherence who experience LLV during ETV treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seung Bum Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Joonho Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jae Ho Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Seok Won Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - In Du Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Sung-Jo Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jung Woo Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Bo Ryung Park
- Biomedical Research Center, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Eun Ji Park
- Biomedical Research Center, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Neung Hwa Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea.,Biomedical Research Center, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
No evidence of occult HBV infection in population born after mass vaccination. Wien Med Wochenschr 2020; 170:218-223. [PMID: 32274600 DOI: 10.1007/s10354-020-00748-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite access to efficient hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine and universal immunization schedules, HBV infection remains a global health concern. HBV infection has decreased by this program. Nevertheless, breakthrough infections occur due to generation of occult HBV infection (OBI) and surface gene mutants in the immunized population. We aimed to determine the presence of OBI in a population born after initiation of nationwide HBV vaccination in Tehran, Iran. A HBV mass vaccination schedule was launched in Iran in 1993. For this study, we enrolled 1120 cases younger than 24 years. ELISA was applied to evaluate the presence of HBsAg, anti-HBs and anti-HBc. HBV-DNA presence was determined in all HBsAg-negative cases using nested polymerase chain reaction. The prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs was 0.1, 0.54 and 39.9% respectively. Out of 6 anti-HBc-positive individuals, 4 cases also had anti-HBs. One case revealed HBsAg co-existence and the other one showed isolated anti-HBc. HBV-DNA was not detected in HBsAg-negative specimens. A very low prevalence of HBsAg and isolated anti-HBc was observed and no occult HBV infection was detected. It seems that evasion mutants are not a potential threat for HBV universal immunization efficacy in the vaccinated population.
Collapse
|
36
|
Wong DKH, Cheng SCY, Mak LLY, To EWP, Lo RCL, Cheung TT, Seto WK, Fung J, Man K, Lai CL, Yuen MF. Among Patients with Undetectable Hepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, a High Proportion Has Integration of HBV DNA into Hepatocyte DNA and No Cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:449-456. [PMID: 31252193 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.06.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In some individuals with undetectable serum levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA can still be detected in serum or hepatocytes and HBV replicates at low levels-this is called occult HBV infection (OBI). OBI has been associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We investigated the incidence of OBI in patients with HCC and other liver diseases. We also investigated whether, in patients with OBI and HCC, HBV DNA has integrated into the DNA of hepatocytes. METHODS We collected clinical information and liver tissues from 110 HBsAg-negative patients (90 with HCC and 20 without HCC; median ages at surgical resection and biopsy collection, 64.1 and 48.6 years, respectively) who underwent liver resection or liver biopsy from November 2002 through July 2017 in Hong Kong. HBV DNA and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) were analyzed and quantified by PCR in liver tissues. Integration of HBV DNA into the DNA of liver cells was detected by Alu-PCR. RESULTS Of the 90 HBsAg-negative patients with HCC, 18 had alcoholic liver disease (20%), 14 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or steatohepatitis (16%), 2 had primary biliary cholangitis, 2 had recurrent pyogenic cholangitis, 1 had autoimmune hepatitis, and 53 had none of these (59%). Among the 20 patients without HCC, 7 had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease or steatohepatitis, 7 had primary biliary cholangitis, and 6 had autoimmune hepatitis. OBI was detected in 62/90 patients with HCC (69%) and 3/20 patients without HCC (15%) (P < .0001). cccDNA was detectable in liver cells of 29 patients with HCC and OBI (47%) and HBV DNA had integrated into DNA of liver cells of 43 patients with HCC and OBI (69%); cccDNA and integrated HBV DNA were not detected in the 3 patients who had OBI without HCC. There were 29 patients with integration of HBV DNA among 33 patients with undetectable cccDNA in liver tissues (88%) and 14 patients with integration of HBV DNA among the 29 patients with cccDNA in liver tissues (48%) (P = .001). HBV DNA was found to integrate near genes associated with hepatocarcinogenesis, such as those encoding telomerase reverse transcriptase, lysine methyltransferase 2B, and cyclin A2. Among the 43 patients with integration of HBV DNA, 39 (91%) did not have cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS In an analysis of clinical data and liver tissues from 90 HBsAg-negative patients with HCC, we found that almost 70% had OBI, of whom 70% had integration of HBV DNA into liver cell DNA; 90% of these patients did not have cirrhosis. HBV DNA integrated near hepatic oncogenes; these integrations might promote development of liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Serene Ching Yan Cheng
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Loey Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Elvis Wai-Pan To
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Regina Cheuk-Lam Lo
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Pathology, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tan-To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwan Man
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ching-Lung Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kim J, Kang W, Sinn DH, Gwak GY, Paik YH, Choi MS, Lee JH, Koh KC, Paik SW. Potential etiology, prevalence of cirrhosis, and mode of detection among patients with non-B non-C hepatocellular carcinoma in Korea. Korean J Intern Med 2020; 35:65-78. [PMID: 31189301 PMCID: PMC6960045 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2018.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We systematically evaluated the clinical characteristics, prevalence of cirrhosis, and mode of detection in virus-unrelated (non-B non-C, NBNC) hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients in Korea. METHODS A total of 447 consecutive treatment-naïve NBNC-HCC adult patients who were registered at the Samsung Medical Center HCC registry in Korea from 2010 to 2013 were analyzed. NBNC was defined as negative hepatitis B surface antigen and negative anti-hepatitis C virus antibody. Presence of cirrhosis was determined based on histological, radiological, endoscopic, and serologic results. Mode of detection was classified as either under surveillance, incidental, or symptomatic. RESULTS Heavy alcohol use was the most common potential etiology in NBNCHCC (NBNC-A, alcohol) (59.7%). Ten patients had other identifiable causes (NBNC-O, other identifiable cause) such as autoimmune hepatitis. The rest (38.0%) had no-identifiable cause (NBNC-NA-NO, non-alcohol, no-other identifiable cause). In NBNC-NA-NO group, 83.5% (96/115) of patients with available hepatitis B core immunoglobulin G antibody (HBcIgG) showed HBcIgG positivity, and 80.6% (137/170) had metabolic risk factors (diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and/ or dyslipidemia). Cirrhosis was present in 90.0%, 70.4%, and 60.0% of NBNC-O, NBNC-A, and NBNC-NA-NO patients, respectively. The proportion of patients diagnosed under surveillance was 25.5% across all patients, with specific proportions being 80.0%, 27.7%, and 18.8% for NBNC-O, NBNC-A, and NBNC-NA-NO, respectively. CONCLUSION Among NBNC-HCC patients, heavy alcohol use or any other identifiable cause was not found in 38.0%. These NBNC-NA-NO HCC patients showed a high prevalence of HBcIgG positivity and metabolic risk factors, suggesting that prior hepatitis B virus infection and metabolic risk factors may be major contributing factors in the hepatocarcinogenesis in NBNC-NA-NO patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jihye Kim
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wonseok Kang
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Dong Hyun Sinn
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Geum-Youn Gwak
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yong-Han Paik
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Moon Seok Choi
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Hyeok Lee
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kwang Cheol Koh
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Woon Paik
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Correspondence to Seung Woon Paik, M.D. Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, 81 Irwon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul 06351, Korea Tel: +82-2-3410-3409 Fax: +82-2-3410-6983 E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Gu Y, Chen L, Lian Y, Gu L, Chen Y, Bi Y, Huang Z, Huang Y, Hu B, Huang Y. Serum HBV pregenomic RNA is correlated with Th1/Th2 immunity in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients. J Med Virol 2019; 92:317-328. [PMID: 31642539 PMCID: PMC7004183 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatitis B virus (HBV) load and antigens are related to the innate and adaptive immunity of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. As a new HBV biomarker, the role of pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) in host immunity is not known. This study aimed to identify the relationship between serum HBV pgRNA and host immunity in CHB patients. METHODS Two hundred twenty-five treatment-naïve CHB patients were enrolled. Serum cytokines were measured by cytokine antibody array (Luminex multiplex platform). Th1 (T-helper cell, Th) and Th2 cells were tested by flow cytometry. Serum HBV pgRNA was detected by a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Serum HBV pgRNA was significantly different among patients in different disease phases and significantly associated with both HBV antigens and antibodies. Serum HBV pgRNA was positively correlated with the HBsAg level (P < .001) and the presence of HBeAg (P < .001). Patients with higher HBcAb levels showed lower serum HBV pgRNA levels (P = .003). Notably, HBsAb positivity was associated with higher levels of serum HBV pgRNA in HBeAg(-) patients (P = .049). Serum HBV pgRNA was positively associated with ALT level, Th2 cell frequency, and related cytokine sCD30 (P < .001, P < .001, and P = .003, respectively), but negatively associated with Th1-related cytokine interleukin (IL)-12P70 and cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTLs) (P = .017 and P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSION Our study confirmed the relationship between serum HBV pgRNA and host immunity. The results demonstrated that serum HBV pgRNA is positively correlated with Th2 immunity but negatively correlated with Th1 immunity, indicating that it might have a relationship with HBV antigen conversion and CTL immunodeficiency in CHB patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yurong Gu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lubiao Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yifan Lian
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Gu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yaqiong Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanhua Bi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zexuan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanlin Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuehua Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Tatsuno K, Midorikawa Y, Takayama T, Yamamoto S, Nagae G, Moriyama M, Nakagawa H, Koike K, Moriya K, Aburatani H. Impact of AAV2 and Hepatitis B Virus Integration Into Genome on Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Prior Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:6217-6227. [PMID: 31320595 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-4041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatitis B viral (HBV) DNA is frequently integrated into the genomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic HBV infection (chronic HBV, hereafter), whereas the frequency of HBV integration in patients after the disappearance of HBV (prior HBV, hereafter) has yet to be determined. This study aimed to detect integration of HBV and adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV2) into the human genome as a possible oncogenic event. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Virome capture sequencing was performed, using HCC and liver samples obtained from 243 patients, including 73 with prior HBV without hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection and 81 with chronic HBV. RESULTS Clonal HBV integration events were identified in 11 (15.0%) cases of prior HBV without HCV and 61 (75.3%) cases of chronic HBV (P < 0.001). Several driver genes were commonly targeted by HBV, leading to transcriptional activation of these genes; TERT [four (5.4%) vs. 15 (18.5%)], KMT2B [two (2.7%) vs. five (6.1%)], CCNE1 [zero vs. one (1.2%)], CCNA2 [zero vs. one (1.2%)]. Conversely, CCNE1 and CCNA2 were, respectively, targeted by AAV2 only in prior HBV. In liver samples, HBV genome recurrently integrated into fibrosis-related genes FN1, HS6ST3, KNG1, and ROCK1 in chronic HBV. There was not history of alcohol abuse and 3 patients with a history of nucleoside analogue treatment for HBV in 8 prior HBV with driver gene integration. CONCLUSIONS Despite the seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen, HBV or AAV2 integration in prior HBV was not rare; therefore, such patients are at risk of developing HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Tatsuno
- Genome Science Division, RCAST, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Midorikawa
- Genome Science Division, RCAST, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan. .,Department of Digestive Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadatoshi Takayama
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Yamamoto
- Genome Science Division, RCAST, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Genta Nagae
- Genome Science Division, RCAST, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiko Moriyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Koike
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoji Moriya
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
|
41
|
Raimondo G, Locarnini S, Pollicino T, Levrero M, Zoulim F, Lok AS. Update of the statements on biology and clinical impact of occult hepatitis B virus infection. J Hepatol 2019; 71:397-408. [PMID: 31004683 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2019.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 301] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In October 2018 a large number of international experts with complementary expertise came together in Taormina to participate in a workshop on occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). The objectives of the workshop were to review the existing knowledge on OBI, to identify issues that require further investigation, to highlight both existing controversies and newly emerging perspectives, and ultimately to update the statements previously agreed in 2008. This paper represents the output from the workshop.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
| | - Stephen Locarnini
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory at the Doherty Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Teresa Pollicino
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Levrero
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Fabien Zoulim
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, INSERM U1052, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon University, Lyon, France
| | - Anna S Lok
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Boni C, Janssen HLA, Rossi M, Yoon SK, Vecchi A, Barili V, Yoshida EM, Trinh H, Rodell TC, Laccabue D, Alfieri A, Brillo F, Fisicaro P, Acerbi G, Pedrazzi G, Andreone P, Cursaro C, Margotti M, Santoro R, Piazzolla V, Brunetto MR, Coco B, Cavallone D, Zhao Y, Joshi A, Woo J, Lau AH, Gaggar A, Subramanian GM, Massetto B, Fung S, Ahn SH, Ma X, Mangia A, Ferrari C. Combined GS-4774 and Tenofovir Therapy Can Improve HBV-Specific T-Cell Responses in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis. Gastroenterology 2019; 157:227-241.e7. [PMID: 30930022 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS One strategy to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection could be to increase the functions of virus-specific T cells. We performed a multicenter phase 2 study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of GS-4774, a yeast-based therapeutic vaccine engineered to express HBV antigens, given with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to untreated patients with chronic HBV infection. METHODS We performed an open-label study at 34 sites in Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Romania, South Korea, and United States from July 2014 to August 2016. Adults who were positive for HB surface antigen (HBsAg) > 6 months and levels of HBV DNA ≥2000 IU/mL who had not received antiviral treatment for HBV within 3 months of screening were randomly assigned (1:2:2:2) to groups given oral TDF 300 mg daily alone (n = 27; controls) or with 2, 10, or 40 yeast units GS-4774 (n = 168), administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks until week 20 for a total of 6 doses. Blood samples were collected and analyzed and patients received regular physical examinations. Efficacy was measured by decrease in HBsAg from baseline to week 24. Specific responses to HBV (production of interferon gamma [IFNG], tumor necrosis factor [TNF], interleukin 2 [IL2], and degranulation) were measured in T cells derived from 12 HBeAg-negative patients with genotype D infections, after overnight or 10 days of stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells with peptides from the entire HBV proteome. T-regulatory cells were analyzed for frequency and phenotype. Data from studies of immune cells were compared with data on reductions in HBsAg, HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferase in blood samples from patients. RESULTS GS-4774 was safe and well tolerated but did not produce significant decreases in levels of HBsAg. Production of IFNG, TNF, and IL2 increased significantly at weeks 24 and 48, compared with baseline, in HBV-specific CD8+ T cells from patients given GS-4774 but not from controls. GS-4774 had greater effects on CD8+ than CD4+ T cells, which were not affected at all or very weakly by TDF with or without GS-4774. GS-4774 did not affect responses of T cells to other viruses tested. HBV core peptides induced the greatest production of IFNG by T cells following overnight stimulation, whereas HBV envelope antigens did not induce a response. Following 10 days of stimulation, production of IFNG and TNF increased with time of exposure to GS-4774; the greatest levels of responses were to HBV envelope antigens followed by core and polymerase peptides. We observed a correlation in patients given GS-4774 between increased T-cell functions and reductions in numbers of T-regulatory cells. CONCLUSIONS In a phase 2 study of patients with chronic HBV infection given TDF with or without GS-4774, we found that vaccination can increase production of IFNG, TNF, and IL2 by CD8+ T cells exposed to antigenic peptides, with little effect on CD4+ T cells. Although GS-4774 did not reduce levels of HBsAg in patients, its strong immune stimulatory effect on CD8+ T cells might be used in combination with other antiviral agents to boost the antivirus immune response. Clinicaltrials.gov no: NCT02174276.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Boni
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Center for Liver Diseases, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marzia Rossi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Seung Kew Yoon
- The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Andrea Vecchi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Barili
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Huy Trinh
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, California
| | | | - Diletta Laccabue
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Arianna Alfieri
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Federica Brillo
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Greta Acerbi
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pedrazzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Biophysics and Medical Physics Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
| | - Carmela Cursaro
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
| | - Marzia Margotti
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Bologna, Italy
| | - Rosanna Santoro
- Liver Unit, IRCCS, "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Valeria Piazzolla
- Liver Unit, IRCCS, "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Maurizia R Brunetto
- Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Coco
- Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Cavallone
- Hepatology and Liver Physiopathology Laboratory and Internal Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - Yang Zhao
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | - Jacky Woo
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | - Anuj Gaggar
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | | | - Scott Fung
- Toronto Center for Liver Diseases, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Xiaoli Ma
- Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- Liver Unit, IRCCS, "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrari
- Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma and Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda-Ospedaliero-Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Pollicino T, Musolino C, Saitta C, Tripodi G, Lanza M, Raffa G, Tocco FCD, Raggi C, Bragazzi MC, Barbera A, Navarra G, Invernizzi P, Alvaro D, Raimondo G. Free episomal and integrated HBV DNA in HBsAg-negative patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Oncotarget 2019; 10:3931-3938. [PMID: 31231470 PMCID: PMC6570464 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is evidence that chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with an increased risk of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) development, and it has been hypothesized an etiological role of HBV in the development of this tumor. Very little is known about occult HBV infection (OBI) in ICC. Aims of the study were to investigate the OBI prevalence and to characterize the HBV molecular status at intrahepatic level in OBI-positive cases with ICC. Frozen liver tumor specimens from 47 HBV surface-antigen-negative patients with ICC and 41 paired non-tumor liver tissues were tested for OBI by 4 different HBV-specific nested PCR. Covalently closed circular HBV DNA (HBV cccDNA) and viral integrations were investigated in OBI-positive cases. HBV DNA was detected in tumor and/or non-tumor specimens from 29/47 (61.7%) ICC patients. HBV cccDNA was found in tissues from 5/17 (34.5%) cases examined. HBV integration was detected in 4/10 (40%) tumor tissues tested and involved HBx and HBV-core gene sequences in 3 and 1 cases, respectively. Viral integration occurred: (a) 9,367 nucleotides upstream of the cat-eye-syndrome critical region protein-5-isoform coding sequence; (b) within the cystinosin isoform-1-precursor gene; (c) within the thromboxane-A-synthase-1 gene; (d) within the ATPase phospholipid transporting 9B gene. Occult HBV infection is highly prevalent in patients with ICC. Both free viral genomes and integrated HBV DNA can be present in these cases. These results suggest an involvement of HBV in the carcinogenic process leading to ICC development even in cases with occult infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Pollicino
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Italy.,Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Cristina Musolino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Carlo Saitta
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tripodi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Marika Lanza
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Raffa
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Raggi
- Humanitas Research and Clinical Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Present address: Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | | | - Adalberto Barbera
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy.,Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Navarra
- Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Italy.,Division of Surgical Oncology, University Hospital of Messina, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Humanitas Research and Clinical Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Present address: Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano - Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Raimondo
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University Hospital of Messina, Italy.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Tan AT, Yang N, Lee Krishnamoorthy T, Oei V, Chua A, Zhao X, Tan HS, Chia A, Le Bert N, Low D, Tan HK, Kumar R, Irani FG, Ho ZZ, Zhang Q, Guccione E, Wai LE, Koh S, Hwang W, Chow WC, Bertoletti A. Use of Expression Profiles of HBV-DNA Integrated Into Genomes of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells to Select T Cells for Immunotherapy. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:1862-1876.e9. [PMID: 30711630 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.01.251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is often associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Cells of most HBV-related HCCs contain HBV-DNA fragments that do not encode entire HBV antigens. We investigated whether these integrated HBV-DNA fragments encode epitopes that are recognized by T cells and whether their presence in HCCs can be used to select HBV-specific T-cell receptors (TCRs) for immunotherapy. METHODS HCC cells negative for HBV antigens, based on immunohistochemistry, were analyzed for the presence of HBV messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by real-time polymerase chain reaction, sequencing, and Nanostring approaches. We tested the ability of HBV mRNA-positive HCC cells to generate epitopes that are recognized by T cells using HBV-specific T cells and TCR-like antibodies. We then analyzed HBV gene expression profiles of primary HCCs and metastases from 2 patients with HCC recurrence after liver transplantation. Using the HBV-transcript profiles, we selected, from a library of TCRs previously characterized from patients with self-limited HBV infection, the TCR specific for the HBV epitope encoded by the detected HBV mRNA. Autologous T cells were engineered to express the selected TCRs, through electroporation of mRNA into cells, and these TCR T cells were adoptively transferred to the patients in increasing numbers (1 × 104-10 × 106 TCR+ T cells/kg) weekly for 112 days or 1 year. We monitored patients' liver function, serum levels of cytokines, and standard blood parameters. Antitumor efficacy was assessed based on serum levels of alpha fetoprotein and computed tomography of metastases. RESULTS HCC cells that did not express whole HBV antigens contained short HBV mRNAs, which encode epitopes that are recognized by and activate HBV-specific T cells. Autologous T cells engineered to express TCRs specific for epitopes expressed from HBV-DNA in patients' metastases were given to 2 patients without notable adverse events. The cells did not affect liver function over a 1-year period. In 1 patient, 5 of 6 pulmonary metastases decreased in volume during the 1-year period of T-cell administration. CONCLUSIONS HCC cells contain short segments of integrated HBV-DNA that encodes epitopes that are recognized by and activate T cells. HBV transcriptomes of these cells could be used to engineer T cells for personalized immunotherapy. This approach might be used to treat a wider population of patients with HBV-associated HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ninghan Yang
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), Singapore
| | | | - Vincent Oei
- Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Adeline Chia
- Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Nina Le Bert
- Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Diana Low
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Hiang Keat Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Rajneesh Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Farah Gillan Irani
- Department of Vascular and Interventional Radiology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | | | - Qi Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guandong, China
| | - Ernesto Guccione
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Lu-En Wai
- Lion TCR Pte Ltd, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - Sarene Koh
- Lion TCR Pte Ltd, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), Singapore
| | - William Hwang
- Department of Haematology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Wan Cheng Chow
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Antonio Bertoletti
- Emerging Infectious Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore; Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science and Technology (A*STAR), Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome detection and genotyping in virally suppressed patients using nested polymerase chain reaction-based Sanger sequencing. Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis 2019; 93:318-324. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
46
|
Tanaka N, Kimura T, Fujimori N, Nagaya T, Komatsu M, Tanaka E. Current status, problems, and perspectives of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease research. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:163-177. [PMID: 30670907 PMCID: PMC6337019 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i2.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major chronic liver disease that can lead to liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and ultimately death. NAFLD is pathologically classified as non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) based on the existence of ballooned hepatocytes, although the states have been known to transform into each other. Moreover, since the detection of ballooned hepatocytes may be difficult with limited biopsied specimens, its clinical significance needs reconsideration. Repeated liver biopsy to assess histological NAFLD activity for therapeutic response is also impractical, creating the need for body fluid biomarkers and less invasive imaging modalities. Recent longitudinal observational studies have emphasized the importance of advanced fibrosis as a determinant of NAFLD outcome. Thus, identifying predictors of fibrosis progression and developing better screening methods will enable clinicians to isolate high-risk NAFLD patients requiring early intensive intervention. Despite the considerable heterogeneity of NAFLD with regard to underlying disease, patient age, and fibrosis stage, several clinical trials are underway to develop a first-in-class drug. In this review, we summarize the present status and future direction of NAFLD/NASH research towards solving unmet medical needs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tanaka
- Department of Metabolic Regulation, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
- International Research Center for Agricultural Food Industry, Shinshu University, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Naoyuki Fujimori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Tadanobu Nagaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Michiharu Komatsu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| | - Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto 390-8621, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kim BG, Park NH, Lee SB, Jeon S, Park JH, Jung SW, Jeong ID, Bang SJ, Shin JW. The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma within and beyond the first 5 years of entecavir in Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B. Liver Int 2018; 38:2269-2276. [PMID: 30052303 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) has decreased due to potent antiviral agents. However, it remains uncertain whether the risk of HCC will diminish after long-term antiviral therapy in Asia, where CHB is endemic and vertical transmission is common. This study aimed to compare the incidence of HCC within and beyond the first 5 years of entecavir (ETV) in treatment-naïve Korean patients with CHB. METHODS We performed a retrospective observational analysis of data from 894 consecutive, adult patients with CHB undergoing ETV treatment at a tertiary referral hospital in Ulsan, Korea from January 1, 2007 through April 31, 2017. We compared the HCC incidence rates per 100 person-years within and beyond the first 5 years. Univariate and multivariate analyses for factors predictive of HCC were performed. RESULTS The incidence rate of HCC in patients with CHB did not differ statistically when we compared within and beyond the first 5 years of ETV therapy (2.29% vs 1.66% per person-year, P = 0.217). Failure to achieve maintained virological response (MVR) was a major independent risk factor for HCC in patients at a follow-up of <5 years. In contrast, in patients with a follow-up of ≥5 years, achieving MVR was not significantly associated with HCC development. CONCLUSIONS The incidence rate of HCC may not change significantly before and after 5 years of ETV therapy in Korean CHB patients. The risk of HCC in Asian CHB patients may remain in the long-term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Byung Gyu Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Neung Hwa Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Seung Bum Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Soyoung Jeon
- Statistical Consulting Laboratory, Department of Mathematical Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas
| | - Jae Ho Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Seok Won Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - In Du Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Sung-Jo Bang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| | - Jung Woo Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kostyusheva A, Kostyushev D, Brezgin S, Volchkova E, Chulanov V. Clinical Implications of Hepatitis B Virus RNA and Covalently Closed Circular DNA in Monitoring Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Today with a Gaze into the Future: The Field Is Unprepared for a Sterilizing Cure. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E483. [PMID: 30301171 PMCID: PMC6210151 DOI: 10.3390/genes9100483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has long remained a critical global health issue. Covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) is a persistent form of the HBV genome that maintains HBV chronicity. Decades of extensive research resulted in the two therapeutic options currently available: nucleot(s)ide analogs and interferon (IFN) therapy. A plethora of reliable markers to monitor HBV patients has been established, including the recently discovered encapsidated pregenomic RNA in serum, which can be used to determine treatment end-points and to predict the susceptibility of patients to IFN. Additionally, HBV RNA splice variants and cccDNA and its epigenetic modifications are associated with the clinical course and risks of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver fibrosis. However, new antivirals, including CRISPR/Cas9, APOBEC-mediated degradation of cccDNA, and T-cell therapies aim at completely eliminating HBV, and it is clear that the diagnostic arsenal for defining the long-awaited sterilizing cure is missing. In this review, we discuss the currently available tools for detecting and measuring HBV RNAs and cccDNA, as well as the state-of-the-art in clinical implications of these markers, and debate needs and goals within the context of the sterilizing cure that is soon to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Brezgin
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, 111123, Russia.
- National Research Centre, Institute of Immunology, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow, 115478, Russia.
| | - Elena Volchkova
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 119146, Russia.
| | - Vladimir Chulanov
- Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, Moscow, 111123, Russia.
- I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, 119146, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Wu CC, Chen YS, Cao L, Chen XW, Lu MJ. Hepatitis B virus infection: Defective surface antigen expression and pathogenesis. World J Gastroenterol 2018; 24:3488-3499. [PMID: 30131655 PMCID: PMC6102499 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v24.i31.3488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health concern. HBV causes chronic infection in patients and can lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and other severe liver diseases. Thus, understanding HBV-related pathogenesis is of particular importance for prevention and clinical intervention. HBV surface antigens are indispensable for HBV virion formation and are useful viral markers for diagnosis and clinical assessment. During chronic HBV infection, HBV genomes may acquire and accumulate mutations and deletions, leading to the expression of defective HBV surface antigens. These defective HBV surface antigens have been found to play important roles in the progression of HBV-associated liver diseases. In this review, we focus our discussion on the nature of defective HBV surface antigen mutations and their contribution to the pathogenesis of fulminant hepatitis B. The relationship between defective surface antigens and occult HBV infection are also discussed.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- DNA, Viral/genetics
- DNA, Viral/isolation & purification
- Disease Progression
- Genome, Viral/genetics
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/genetics
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/immunology
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/metabolism
- Hepatitis B virus/genetics
- Hepatitis B virus/immunology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/immunology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/pathology
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/prevention & control
- Hepatitis B, Chronic/virology
- Humans
- Liver/immunology
- Liver/pathology
- Liver/virology
- Liver Failure, Acute/immunology
- Liver Failure, Acute/pathology
- Liver Failure, Acute/prevention & control
- Liver Failure, Acute/virology
- Mutation
- Virus Replication/genetics
- Virus Replication/immunology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ying-Shan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Liang Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
| | - Xin-Wen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan 430071, Hubei Province, China
| | - Meng-Ji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital of Essen, Essen 45122, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Budzinska MA, Shackel NA, Urban S, Tu T. Cellular Genomic Sites of Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E365. [PMID: 30037029 PMCID: PMC6071206 DOI: 10.3390/genes9070365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 07/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is one of the strongest risk-factors for liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC). One of the reported drivers of HCC is the integration of HBV DNA into the host cell genome, which may induce pro-carcinogenic pathways. These reported pathways include: induction of chromosomal instability; generation of insertional mutagenesis in key cancer-associated genes; transcription of downstream cancer-associated cellular genes; and/or formation of a persistent source of viral protein expression (particularly HBV surface and X proteins). The contribution of each of these specific mechanisms towards carcinogenesis is currently unclear. Here, we review the current knowledge of specific sites of HBV DNA integration into the host genome, which sheds light on these mechanisms. We give an overview of previously-used methods to detect HBV DNA integration and the enrichment of integration events in specific functional and structural cellular genomic sites. Finally, we posit a theoretical model of HBV DNA integration during disease progression and highlight open questions in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas A Shackel
- Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney NSW 2050, Australia.
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia.
- Gastroenterology, Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool NSW 2170, Australia.
| | - Stephan Urban
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg Hospital University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Heidelberg, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Tu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Molecular Virology, Heidelberg Hospital University, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|