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Emerging Therapies for Chronic Hepatitis B and the Potential for a Functional Cure. Drugs 2023; 83:367-388. [PMID: 36906663 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01843-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
Worldwide, an estimated 296 million people are living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. Current therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) and indefinite or finite therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (Nucs) are effective in HBV suppression, hepatitis resolution, and prevention of disease progression. However, few achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss (functional cure), and relapse often occurs after the end of therapy (EOT) because these agents have no direct effect on durable template: covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) and integrated HBV DNA. Hepatitis B surface antigen loss rate increases slightly by adding or switching to Peg-IFN in Nuc-treated patients and this loss rate greatly increases up to 39% in 5 years with finite Nuc therapy with currently available Nuc(s). For this, great effort has been made to develop novel direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and immunomodulators. Among the DAAs, entry inhibitors and capsid assembly modulators have little effect on reducing HBsAg levels; small interfering RNA, antisense oligonucleotides, and nucleic acid polymers in combination with Peg-IFN and Nuc may reduce HBsAg levels significantly, even a rate of HBsAg loss sustained for > 24 weeks after EOT up to 40%. Novel immunomodulators, including T-cell receptor agonists, check-point inhibitors, therapeutic vaccines, and monoclonal antibodies may restore HBV-specific T-cell response but not sustained HBsAg loss. The safety issues and the durability of HBsAg loss warrant further investigation. Combining agents of different classes has the potential to enhance HBsAg loss. Compounds directly targeting cccDNA would be more effective but are still in the early stage of development. More effort is required to achieve this goal.
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Teame G, Gebreyesus A, Tsegay E, Gebretsadik M, Adane K. Hepatitis B and C viral coinfections and their association with HIV viral load suppression among HIV-1 infected patients on ART at Mekelle hospital, northern Ethiopia. AIDS Res Ther 2022; 19:57. [PMID: 36457041 PMCID: PMC9714192 DOI: 10.1186/s12981-022-00479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although Ethiopia is endemic to viral hepatitis and HIV, data that could guide population-specific interventions are limited. In this study, we determined the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and assessed their associations with HIV-1 viral load suppression among HIV-1 infected patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Mekelle hospital in northern Ethiopia. METHODS Between February and April 2020, blood samples were collected from 439 participants. Samples were screened for HBsAg and anti-HCV on the immunochromatographic test and confirmed using the Enzyme-Linked Immuno-sorbent assay (Beijing Wantai Co. China). HIV-1 viral load was quantified using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) on the Abbott platform. Binary and multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify potential predictors. RESULTS Overall, 10% (44/439) and 3.6% (16/439) of the participants were coinfected with HBV and HCV, respectively. In a multivariate analysis, being illiterate (AOR = 6.57; 95% CI 1.04-41.6), and having a history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 4.44; 95% CI 1.31-15.0) and multiple sexual partners (AOR = 29.9; 95% CI 7.82-114.8) were associated with HBV infection. On the other hand, participants with a history of chronic non-communicable diseases (AOR = 10.6, 95% CI 1.61-70.1), and those reporting a history of sexually transmitted infections (AOR = 5.21, 95% CI 1.39-19.5) were more likely to be infected with HCV. In further analysis, HCV infection status was significantly associated with decreased viral load suppression rate (AOR = 7.14; 95% CI 2.18-23.3) whereas no significant association was observed with the HBV infection. CONCLUSIONS The HBV coinfection rate in our study is high and, as per WHO's standard, corresponds to a hyperendemic level. The HCV coinfection rate is also substantially high and urges attention given its influence on the viral load suppression of HIV patients on ART at our study site. Our findings suggest the need to adopt universal screening and vaccination of people with HIV against HBV and screening for HCV at our study site and in Ethiopia at large, which contributes to Ethiopia's progress towards the 2030 global target of reducing the HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Araya Gebreyesus
- grid.30820.390000 0001 1539 8988Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division for Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Ephrem Tsegay
- grid.30820.390000 0001 1539 8988Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Division for Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Mulu Gebretsadik
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Mekelle, Ethiopia
| | - Kelemework Adane
- grid.7123.70000 0001 1250 5688Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Parasitology, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Liaw YF. Perspectives on current controversial issues in the management of chronic HBV infection. J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:828-837. [PMID: 36053366 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-022-01918-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Clinical and basic research in the past decades has achieved consensus in the understanding of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and the management of chronic hepatitis B and HBV-cirrhosis. However, debatable challenges to the existing consensus in the concept and/or definitions have emerged. These include (1). alanine aminotransferase upper limit of normal: traditional laboratory-defined vs fixed; (2). nomenclature for phases of chronic HBV infection: classical vs EASL proposal; (3). indication of antiviral therapy: to treat patients vs to treat HBV; (4). finite vs indefinite long-term antiviral therapy: A. finite therapy in HBV-cirrhosis; B. retreatment decision: biochemical markers vs HBsAg/ALT kinetics. The pros and cons of these controversial issues were reviewed, assessed, and discussed in depth based on relevant lines of scientific evidence, intended to clarify or solve these controversial issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, 199, Tung Hwa North Road, Taipei, 105, Taiwan.
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Liaw YF. Hepatitis B flare: the good, the bad and the ugly. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 16:1043-1051. [PMID: 36476208 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2022.2156338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B flare, defined as an event of abrupt ALT elevation to >5x ULN, is a frequent episode during the natural course or during/after antiviral therapy of chronic HBV infection, in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis. AREAS COVERED The definition, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of hepatitis B flares in the published literature were reviewed. Hepatitis B flares have been considered as a result of the robust immune response of the patient to an upsurging HBV/HBV-antigen(s). 'Host-dominating flares,' reflect effective immune response, may resolve with ALT normalization and decline of HBV/ antigen(s). Contradictorily, 'virus-dominating flares,' reflect ineffective immune response, are usually followed by persistent/intermittent hepatitis and may even develop hepatic decompensation/failure. EXPERT OPINION Not all hepatitis B flares require antiviral therapy, and close observation with combined HBsAg/ALT kinetics along the ascending ALT during hepatitis flare may differentiate hepatitis flares for an appropriate treatment/retreatment decision. More studies are needed to verify this proposal. Further immunologic studies using multiple samples during hepatitis B flare are important to clarify the precise underlying mechanisms as the basis for further improvement in the management of hepatitis flare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Watanabe T, Hayashi S, Tanaka Y. Drug Discovery Study Aimed at a Functional Cure for HBV. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071393. [PMID: 35891374 PMCID: PMC9321005 DOI: 10.3390/v14071393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes acute and, most importantly, chronic hepatitis B worldwide. Antiviral treatments have been developed to reduce viral loads but few patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) achieve a functional cure. The development of new therapeutic agents is desirable. Recently, many novel agents have been developed, including drugs targeting HBV-DNA and HBV-RNA. This review provides an overview of the developmental status of these drugs, especially direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Serological biomarkers of HBV infection are essential for predicting the clinical course of CHB. It is also important to determine the amount and activity of covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. Hepatitis B core-associated antigen (HBcrAg) is a new HBV marker that has an important role in reflecting cccDNA in CHB, because it is associated with hepatic cccDNA, as well as serum HBV DNA. The highly sensitive HBcrAg (iTACT-HBcrAg) assay could be a very sensitive HBV activation marker and an alternative to HBV DNA testing for monitoring reactivation. Many of the drugs currently in clinical trials have shown efficacy in reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels. Combination therapies with DAAs and boost immune response are also under development; finding the best combinations will be important for therapeutic development.
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The Effect of Artificial Liver Support System on Prognosis of HBV-Derived Hepatorenal Syndrome: A Retrospective Cohort Study. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:3451544. [PMID: 35692884 PMCID: PMC9177308 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3451544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) could occur when patients get decompensated liver cirrhosis. Meanwhile, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection raises the risk of mortality of the end-stage liver diseases. As the artificial liver support system (ALSS) has been applied in liver failure, whether ALSS could benefit HBV-derived HRS remains uncertain. We retrospectively enlisted eligible HRS patients and compared the baseline characteristics and prognosis between HBV-derived HRS and non-HBV-derived HRS. Furthermore, propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox regression analyses were used to assess the beneficial effect of ALSS on HBV-derived HRS. In addition, a stratified analysis was carried out according to the degree of acute kidney injury (AKI) and the number of organ failures to observe in which populations ALSS can obtain the most excellent therapeutic effect. 669 patients were diagnosed as HRS, including 298 HBV negative and 371 HBV positive. Baseline characteristics were different between patients with HBV positive and HBV negative. HBV-derived HRS has higher 28-day mortality, though without a statistical difference. After PSM, 50 patients treated with ALSS and 150 patients treated with standard medical treatment (SMT) constituted a new cohort for the following analysis. We found that ALSS could significantly benefit HRS patients (P = 0.025). Moreover, the median survival time of patients treated with ALSS was longer than those treated with SMT. INR, neutrophil percentage, and treatment with ALSS were independent predictive factors for short-term mortality in HBV-derived HRS. The stratified analysis showed that ALSS could reduce the 28-day mortality of patients with HBV-derived HRS, especially those in AKI stage 3 and with organ failure ≥ 2. Additionally, serum bilirubin was significantly lower after ALSS, and the alteration of INR and creatinine were independent predictive elements for the mortality of HBV-derived HRS. HBV-derived HRS is more severe than non-HBV-derived HRS and has a worse prognosis. ALSS could reduce the short-term mortality of patients with HBV-derived HRS, especially those in AKI stage 3 and with organ failure ≥ 2. INR and the change of creatinine and INR could predict the prognosis of HBV-derived HRS. ChiCTR2200060123.
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Novel Neplanocin A Derivatives as Selective Inhibitors of Hepatitis B Virus with a Unique Mechanism of Action. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2022; 66:e0207321. [PMID: 35604213 DOI: 10.1128/aac.02073-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel neplanocin A derivatives have been identified as potent and selective inhibitors of hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vitro. These include (1S,2R,5R)-5-(5-bromo-4-methyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]-pyrimidin-7-yl)-3-(hydroxymethyl)cyclopent-3-ene-1,2-diol (AR-II-04-26) and (1S,2R,5R)-5-(4-amino-3-iodo-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-1-yl)-3-(hydroxylmethyl)cyclopent-3-ene-1,2-diol (MK-III-02-03). The 50% effective concentrations of AR-II-04-26 and MK-III-02-03 were 0.77 ± 0.23 and 0.83 ± 0.36 μM in HepG2.2.15.7 cells, respectively. These compounds reduced intracellular HBV RNA levels in HepG2.2.15.7 cells and infected primary human hepatocytes. Accordingly, they could reduce HBs and HBe antigen production in the culture supernatants, which was not observed with clinically approved anti-HBV nucleosides and nucleotides (reverse transcriptase inhibitors). The neplanocin A derivatives also inhibited HBV RNA derived from cccDNA. In addition, unlike neplanocin A itself, the compounds did not inhibit S-adenosyl-l-homocysteine hydrolase activity. Thus, it appears that the mechanism of action of AR-II-04-26 and MK-III-02-03 differs from that of the clinically approved anti-HBV agents. Although their exact mechanism (target molecule) remains to be elucidated, the novel neplanocin A derivatives are considered promising candidate drugs for inhibition of HBV replication.
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Gama JFG, Cardoso LMDF, Lagrota-Candido JM, Alves LA. Animal models applied to acute-on-chronic liver failure: Are new models required to understand the human condition? World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:2687-2699. [PMID: 35434112 PMCID: PMC8968822 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i9.2687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a multifaceted organ; its location and detoxifying function expose this organ to countless injuries. Acute-on-chronic failure liver (ACLF) is a severe syndrome that affects the liver due to acute decompensation in patients with chronic liver disease. An infection environment, ascites, increased liver enzymes and prothrombin time, encephalopathy and fast-evolving multiorgan failure, leading to death, usually accompany this. The pathophysiology remains poorly understand. In this context, animal models become a very useful tool in this regard, as understanding; the disease may be helpful in developing novel therapeutic methodologies for ACLF. However, although animal models display several similarities to the human condition, they do not represent all ACLF manifestations, resulting in significant challenges. An initial liver cirrhosis framework followed by the induction of an acute decompensation by administering lipopolysaccharide and D-GaIN, potentiating liver damage supports the methodologies applied to induce experimental ACLF. The entire methodology has been described mostly for rats. Nevertheless, a quick PubMed database search indicates about 30 studies concerning ACFL models and over 1000 regarding acute liver failure models. These findings demonstrate the clear need to establish easily reproducible ACFL models to elucidate questions about this quickly established and often fatal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaciara Fernanda Gomes Gama
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21045900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Liana Monteiro da Fonseca Cardoso
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21045900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jussara Machado Lagrota-Candido
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Immunobiology, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi 24210-200, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Anastacio Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21045900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Gama JFG, Cardoso LMDF, Lagrota-Candido JM, Alves LA. Animal models applied to acute-on-chronic liver failure: Are new models required to understand the human condition? World J Clin Cases 2022; 10:2685-2697. [DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v10.i9.2685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a multifaceted organ; its location and detoxifying function expose this organ to countless injuries. Acute-on-chronic failure liver (ACLF) is a severe syndrome that affects the liver due to acute decompensation in patients with chronic liver disease. An infection environment, ascites, increased liver enzymes and prothrombin time, encephalopathy and fast-evolving multiorgan failure, leading to death, usually accompany this. The pathophysiology remains poorly understand. In this context, animal models become a very useful tool in this regard, as understanding; the disease may be helpful in developing novel therapeutic methodologies for ACLF. However, although animal models display several similarities to the human condition, they do not represent all ACLF manifestations, resulting in significant challenges. An initial liver cirrhosis framework followed by the induction of an acute decompensation by administering lipopolysaccharide and D-GaIN, potentiating liver damage supports the methodologies applied to induce experimental ACLF. The entire methodology has been described mostly for rats. Nevertheless, a quick PubMed database search indicates about 30 studies concerning ACFL models and over 1000 regarding acute liver failure models. These findings demonstrate the clear need to establish easily reproducible ACFL models to elucidate questions about this quickly established and often fatal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaciara Fernanda Gomes Gama
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21045900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Liana Monteiro da Fonseca Cardoso
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21045900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jussara Machado Lagrota-Candido
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, Department of Immunobiology, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi 24210-200, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Luiz Anastacio Alves
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21045900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Liaw YF, Chien RN. Finite nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B: From an "option" to an "active recommendation". Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2022; 38:295-301. [PMID: 35262284 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nucleos(t)ide analogue (Nuc) including entecavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, and tenofovir alafenamide may suppress hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA profoundly but have no direct action on covalently closed circular DNA, which is a very stable template for HBV production. Therefore, decades of long-term Nuc therapy are required to maintain HBV suppression and to achieve hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients. However, there are concerns including financial burden, adherence, and willingness for indefinite long-term Nuc therapy. Patients lost to follow-up and hence not monitored may risk severe relapse that may deteriorate to hepatic decompensation or even hepatic failure. Cessation of Nuc therapy in HBeAg-negative patients was initially considered in early 2000s. Earlier findings in Asian patients that finite Nuc therapy over 2-3 years is feasible and safe have founded Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of Liver stopping rule since 2008. Subsequent studies have confirmed the feasibility and safety of the strategy of finite Nuc therapy, which has finally been accepted as "an option" by American and European liver associations since 2016. More recent large studies since 2018 have further confirmed the pivotal finding of greatly increased HBsAg loss rate (~5-year 39%) after stopping Nuc therapy. With the high HBsAg loss rate as the main justification, the paradigm shift from indefinite long-term therapy to finite Nuc therapy in HBeAg-negative patients has been changing from an "option" to an "active recommendation" aiming to achieve HBsAg loss. More studies are needed to fine-tuning the strategy, including research for the optimal duration of consolidation therapy, timing to stop, and to start retreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fan Liaw
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Hirode G, Choi HSJ, Chen CH, Su TH, Seto WK, Van Hees S, Papatheodoridi M, Lens S, Wong G, Brakenhoff SM, Chien RN, Feld J, Sonneveld MJ, Chan HLY, Forns X, Papatheodoridis GV, Vanwolleghem T, Yuen MF, Hsu YC, Kao JH, Cornberg M, Hansen BE, Jeng WJ, Janssen HLA. Off-Therapy Response After Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Withdrawal in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: An International, Multicenter, Multiethnic Cohort (RETRACT-B Study). Gastroenterology 2022; 162:757-771.e4. [PMID: 34762906 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Functional cure, defined based on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss, is rare during nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy and guidelines on finite NA therapy have not been well established. We aim to analyze off-therapy outcomes after NA cessation in a large, international, multicenter, multiethnic cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS This cohort study included patients with virally suppressed CHB who were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative and stopped NA therapy. Primary outcome was HBsAg loss after NA cessation, and secondary outcomes included virologic, biochemical, and clinical relapse, alanine aminotransferase flare, retreatment, and liver-related events after NA cessation. RESULTS Among 1552 patients with CHB, cumulative probability of HBsAg loss was 3.2% at 12 months and 13.0% at 48 months of follow-up. HBsAg loss was higher among Whites (vs Asians: subdistribution hazard ratio, 6.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.7-16.8; P < .001) and among patients with HBsAg levels <100 IU/mL at end of therapy (vs ≥100 IU/mL: subdistribution hazard ratio, 22.5; 95% confidence interval, 13.1-38.7; P < .001). At 48 months of follow-up, Whites with HBsAg levels <1000 IU/mL and Asians with HBsAg levels <100 IU/mL at end of therapy had a high predicted probability of HBsAg loss (>30%). Incidence rate of hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma was 0.48 per 1000 person-years and 0.29 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Death occurred in 7/19 decompensated patients and 2/14 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS The best candidates for NA withdrawal are virally suppressed, HBeAg- negative, noncirrhotic patients with CHB with low HBsAg levels, particularly Whites with <1000 IU/mL and Asians with <100 IU/mL. However, strict surveillance is recommended to prevent deterioration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Tung-Hung Su
- National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Stijn Van Hees
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Sabela Lens
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Grace Wong
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Jordan Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henry L Y Chan
- The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Xavier Forns
- Hospital Clinic Barcelona, IDIBAPS and CIBEREHD, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Thomas Vanwolleghem
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special administrative regions of China
| | - Yao-Chun Hsu
- E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Markus Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Germany Centre for Individualized Infection Medicine, Hannover, Germany
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; The Toronto Viral Hepatitis Care Network, Toronto, Canada.
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Current Trend in Antiviral Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B. Viruses 2022; 14:v14020434. [PMID: 35216027 PMCID: PMC8877417 DOI: 10.3390/v14020434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since active hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication is the key driver of hepatic necroinflammation and disease progression, the treatment aim of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is to suppress HBV replication permanently to prevent hepatic decompensation, liver cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma and prolong survival. Currently, pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN), entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are the first-line drugs of choice. Peg-IFN therapy has been used rarely due to its subcutaneous injection and significant side effect profile. Once daily oral ETV, TDF and TAF can suppress HBV DNA profoundly but have no direct action on cccDNA of the HBV-infected hepatocytes, hence continuing long-term therapy is usually needed to maintain HBV suppression, but the ultimate goal of HBsAg loss was rarely achieved (10 year 2%). In addition, long-term NUC therapy comes with several concerns such as increasing cost, medication adherence and loss-to-follow-up. Studies, mainly from Taiwan, have shown that finite NUCs therapy of two to three years in HBeAg-negative patients is feasible, safe and has a great benefit of much increasing HBsAg loss rate up to 30%/5 year. These have led an emerging paradigm shift to finite NUC therapy in HBeAg-negative patients globally. However, off-NUC relapse with hepatitis B flares may occur and have a risk of decompensation or even life-threatening outcomes. Therefore, proper monitoring, assessment, and retreatment decisions are crucial to ensure safety. Ideally, retreatment should be not too late to ensure safety and also not too early to allow further immune response for further HBsAg decline toward HBsAg loss. Assessment using combined HBsAg/ALT kinetics during hepatitis flare is better than biochemical markers alone to make a right retreatment decision. The strategy of finite NUC therapy has set a benchmark of high HBsAg loss rate to be achieved by the new anti-HBV drugs which are under preclinical or early phase study.
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13
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Immunopathogenesis of Acute Flare of Chronic Hepatitis B: With Emphasis on the Role of Cytokines and Chemokines. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031407. [PMID: 35163330 PMCID: PMC8835919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute flares (AFs) of chronic hepatitis B usually occur during the immune-active stage (both immune clearance phase and immune reactivation phase), as the host immune system tries to control the virus. Successful host immune control over viral replication is usually presented as hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance; however, 20–30% individuals with chronic hepatitis B may encounter repeated AFs with accumulative liver injuries, finally leading to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. AF can also develop in other clinical situations such as organ transplantation, cancer chemotherapy, and under treatment for chronic hepatitis B or treatment for chronic hepatitis C in patients with co-infected hepatitis B/hepatitis C. Understanding the natural history and immunopathogenesis of AF would help develop effective strategies to eradicate the virus and improve the clinical outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B. In this review article, the immunopathogenesis of AF, and the involvement of innate and adaptive immune responses on the development of hepatitis B flare will be briefly reviewed, with the emphasis on the role of cytokines and chemokines.
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14
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Choi HSJ, Sonneveld MJ, Farag MS, Brouwer WP, Brakenhoff SM, Hirode G, Gehring AJ, de Man RA, Hansen BE, Janssen HLA. Effects of on-treatment ALT flares on serum HBsAg and HBV RNA in patients with chronic HBV infection. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1729-1737. [PMID: 34514678 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) is increasingly used in combination regimens of novel drugs, we aimed to characterize ALT flares and their relationship with serum HBsAg and HBV RNA kinetics in a large combined cohort of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients on PEG-IFN-α-based therapy. In this post hoc analysis of four international randomized trials, 269/130/124/128 patients on PEG-IFN-α monotherapy, PEG-IFN-α plus nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) de novo combination, PEG-IFN-α add-on to NA or NA monotherapy were included, respectively. A flare was defined as an episode of ALT ≥5 × ULN. The association between flares and HBsAg and HBV RNA changes were examined. On-treatment flares occurred in 83/651 (13%) patients (median timing/magnitude: week 8 [IQR 4-12], 7.6 × ULN [IQR 6.2-10.5]). Flare patients were more often Caucasians with genotype A/D and had higher baseline ALT, HBV DNA, HBV RNA and HBsAg levels than the no-flare group. More flares were observed on PEG-IFN-α monotherapy (18%) and PEG-IFN+NA de novo combination (24%) vs. PEG-IFN-α add-on (2%) or NA monotherapy (1%) (p < .001). On-treatment flares were significantly and independently associated with HBsAg and HBV RNA decline ≥1 log10 at the final visit declines started shortly before the flare, progressing towards 24 weeks thereafter. On-treatment flares were seen in 16/22 (73%) patients who achieved HBsAg loss. In conclusion, ALT flares during PEG-IFN-α treatment are associated with subsequent HBsAg and HBV RNA decline and predict subsequent HBsAg loss. Flares rarely occurred during PEG-IFN-α add-on therapy and associated with low HBsAg loss rates. Combination regimens targeting the window of heightened response could be promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah S J Choi
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Milan J Sonneveld
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mina S Farag
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Willem P Brouwer
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sylvia M Brakenhoff
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Grishma Hirode
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Adam J Gehring
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rob A de Man
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Harry L A Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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15
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van Bömmel F, Berg T. Risks and Benefits of Discontinuation of Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Treatment: A Treatment Concept for Patients With HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1632-1648. [PMID: 34558833 PMCID: PMC8485892 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Systematic discontinuation of long-term treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) is one strategy to increase functional cure rates in patients with chronic hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative hepatitis B. Currently, available study results are heterogeneous; however, long-term hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss rates of up to 20% have been reported in prospective trials. This review proposes criteria that can be used when considering NA discontinuation in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV). Discontinuing NA treatment frequently results in a virologic and biochemical relapse that runs through different phases: the lag phase, reactivation phase, and consolidation phase. The HBV-DNA flares observed during the reactivation phase are often transient and most likely represent a trigger for inducing a long-term immune control by specific CD8+ T cells, and therefore do not need immediate interventions but close follow-up evaluation. Low HBsAg levels at the time of treatment cessation predict a positive long-term response to NA discontinuation associated with a higher likelihood of HBsAg clearance. Other host and viral biomarkers are currently under evaluation that may prove to be helpful to further characterize the population that may benefit most from the finite NA treatment concept. Potential harmful biochemical flares during the reactivation phase need to be identified early and can be effectively terminated by reintroducing NA treatment. Hepatic decompensation represents a risk to patients with cirrhosis undergoing NA discontinuation. Therefore, the finite NA approach should only be considered after excluding advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis and if a close follow-up of the patient and supervision by an experienced physician can be guaranteed. Conclusion: For selected patients, NA discontinuation has become a powerful tool to achieve control over HBeAg-negative HBV infections. Its significant effect represents a challenge to novel treatment approaches, but it may also serve as their enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian van Bömmel
- Division of HepatologyDepartment of Medicine IILeipzig University Medical CenterLeipzigGermany
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16
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Abstract
Antiviral therapy has greatly improved the survival and reduced the incidence of adverse liver events such as hepatic decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis (hepatitis B virus [HBV]-cirrhosis). However, hepatitis B surface antigen loss, regarded as the ultimate goal of therapy or functional cure, was rarely achieved during long-term indefinite nucleos(t)ide analogues (Nuc) treatment. Emerging issues such as medication adherence and loss-to-follow-up may lead to increased risk of hepatic decompensation, even catastrophic life-threatening events. Studies have shown that finite therapy is feasible and reasonably safe, even in patients with HBV-cirrhosis. This review critically assesses the scientific evidence of the pros and cons for finite Nuc therapy in HBV-cirrhosis and proposes how to stop Nuc therapy and monitor the off-therapy patients. It also proposes the perspective and unsolved issues to be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juei Jeng
- Liver Research Unit, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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17
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APASL guidance on stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:833-851. [PMID: 34297329 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10223-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is currently incurable. Long-term treatment with potent and safe nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) can reduce hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis-related complications through profound viral suppression. However, indefinite therapy raises several crucial issues with pros and cons. Because seroclearance of hepatitis B surface (HBsAg) as functional cure is not easily achievable, a finite therapy including sequential 48-week pegylated interferon therapy may provide an opportunity to facilitate HBsAg seroclearance by the rejuvenation of exhausted immune cells. However, the cost of stopping NA is the high incidence of virological relapse and surge of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, which may increase the risk of adverse outcomes (e.g., decompensation, fibrosis progression, HCC, or liver-related mortality). So far, the APASL criteria to stop NA treatment is undetectable HBV DNA levels with normalization of ALT; however, this criterion for cessation of treatment is associated with various incidence rates of virological/clinical relapse and more than 40% of NA-stoppers eventually receive retreatment. A very intensive follow-up strategy and identification of low-risk patients for virological/clinical relapse by different biomarkers are the keys to stop the NA treatment safely. Recent studies suggested that decreasing HBsAg level at the end-of-treatment to < 100-200 IU/mL seems to be a useful marker for deciding when to discontinue NAs therapy. In addition, several viral and host factors have been reviewed for their potential roles in predicting clinical relapse. Finally, the APASL guidance has proposed rules to stop NA and the subsequent follow-up strategy to achieve a better prognosis after stopping NA. In general, for both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients who have stopped treatment, these measurements should be done every 1-3 months at the minimum until 12 months.
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18
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Cornberg M, Sandmann L, Protzer U, Niederau C, Tacke F, Berg T, Glebe D, Jilg W, Wedemeyer H, Wirth S, Höner Zu Siederdissen C, Lynen-Jansen P, van Leeuwen P, Petersen J. S3-Leitlinie der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) zur Prophylaxe, Diagnostik und Therapie der Hepatitis-B-Virusinfektion – (AWMF-Register-Nr. 021-11). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2021; 59:691-776. [PMID: 34255317 DOI: 10.1055/a-1498-2512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Markus Cornberg
- Deutsches Zentrum für Infektionsforschung (DZIF), Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover; Centre for individualised infection Medicine (CiiM), Hannover.,Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover
| | - Lisa Sandmann
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover
| | - Ulrike Protzer
- Institut für Virologie, Technische Universität München/Helmholtz Zentrum München, München
| | | | - Frank Tacke
- Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hepatologie und Gastroenterologie, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin
| | - Thomas Berg
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Gastroenterologie und Rheumatologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig
| | - Dieter Glebe
- Institut für Medizinische Virologie, Nationales Referenzzentrum für Hepatitis-B-Viren und Hepatitis-D-Viren, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Gießen
| | - Wolfgang Jilg
- Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universität Regensberg, Regensburg
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Endokrinologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover
| | - Stefan Wirth
- Zentrum für Kinder- und Jugendmedizin, Helios Universitätsklinikum Wuppertal, Wuppertal
| | | | - Petra Lynen-Jansen
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS), Berlin
| | - Pia van Leeuwen
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS), Berlin
| | - Jörg Petersen
- IFI Institut für Interdisziplinäre Medizin an der Asklepios Klinik St. Georg, Hamburg
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19
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Transaminase Elevations during Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Safety Considerations and Role in Achieving Functional Cure. Viruses 2021; 13:v13050745. [PMID: 33922828 PMCID: PMC8146791 DOI: 10.3390/v13050745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While current therapies for chronic HBV infection work well to control viremia and stop the progression of liver disease, the preferred outcome of therapy is the restoration of immune control of HBV infection, allowing therapy to be removed while maintaining effective suppression of infection and reversal of liver damage. This “functional cure” of chronic HBV infection is characterized by the absence of detectable viremia (HBV DNA) and antigenemia (HBsAg) and normal liver function and is the goal of new therapies in development. Functional cure requires removal of the ability of infected cells in the liver to produce the hepatitis B surface antigen. The increased observation of transaminase elevations with new therapies makes understanding the safety and therapeutic impact of these flares an increasingly important issue. This review examines the factors driving the appearance of transaminase elevations during therapy of chronic HBV infection and the interplay of these factors in assessing the safety and beneficial nature of these flares.
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20
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Goh ZY, Ren EC, Ko HL. Intracellular interferon signalling pathways as potential regulators of covalently closed circular DNA in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. World J Gastroenterol 2021; 27:1369-1391. [PMID: 33911462 PMCID: PMC8047536 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v27.i14.1369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is still a major global health threat as 250 million people worldwide continue to be chronically infected with the virus. While patients may be treated with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, this only suppresses HBV titre to sub-detection levels without eliminating the persistent HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) genome. As a result, HBV infection cannot be cured, and the virus reactivates when conditions are favorable. Interferons (IFNs) are cytokines known to induce powerful antiviral mechanisms that clear viruses from infected cells. They have been shown to induce cccDNA clearance, but their use in the treatment of HBV infection is limited as HBV-targeting immune cells are exhausted and HBV has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade and suppress IFN signalling. Thus, to fully utilize IFN-mediated intracellular mechanisms to effectively eliminate HBV, instead of direct IFN administration, novel strategies to sustain IFN-mediated anti-cccDNA and antiviral mechanisms need to be developed. This review will consolidate what is known about how IFNs act to achieve its intracellular antiviral effects and highlight the critical interferon-stimulated gene targets and effector mechanisms with potent anti-cccDNA functions. These include cccDNA degradation by APOBECs and cccDNA silencing and transcription repression by epigenetic modifications. In addition, the mechanisms that HBV employs to disrupt IFN signalling will be discussed. Drugs that have been developed or are in the pipeline for components of the IFN signalling pathway and HBV targets that detract IFN signalling mechanisms will also be identified and discussed for utility in the treatment of HBV infections. Together, these will provide useful insights into design strategies that specifically target cccDNA for the eradication of HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Yi Goh
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, NUS Graduate School, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119077, Singapore
| | - Ee Chee Ren
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119260, Singapore
| | - Hui Ling Ko
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138648, Singapore
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21
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Liaw YF. Hepatitis B Flare After Cessation of Nucleos(t)ide Analogue Therapy in HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B: To Retreat or Not to Retreat. Hepatology 2021; 73:843-852. [PMID: 32810321 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research UnitChang Gung Memorial HospitalChang Gung University College of MedicineTaipeiTaiwan
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22
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Shi H, Xiao G, Liao M, Zheng L, Jie Y, Lin G, Chong Y. Inappropriate cessation of nucleos(t)ide analog associated with reduced liver transplant-free survival in patients with HBV-related acute on chronic liver failure. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 134:111118. [PMID: 33341047 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The inappropriate cessation of nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy may lead to acute exacerbations of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and even death. This study aims to elucidate the association between inappropriate NA cessation and prognosis in patients with HBV-ACLF. A total of 901 patients with ACLF were enrolled and stratified into inappropriate NA cessation and non-NA cessation group. Clinical characteristics and prognosis between the two groups were compared. The association between inappropriate NA cessation and the prognosis of patients with HBV-ACLF was evaluated using Cox proportional hazard models after propensity score matching (PSM). NA cessation was identified in 132 patients (NA cessation group), while 769 patients were triggered by other factors (non-NA cessation group). The 28- and 90-day liver transplant-free survival rates were higher in patients with non-NA cessation than in those with NAs cessation (78.3 % vs. 62.1 %, P < 0.001; 62.8 % vs. 44.7 %, P < 0.001). The need for liver transplantation was significantly higher in the NA cessation group compared with the non-NAs cessation group (21.2 % vs. 7.0 %, P < 0.001). The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that inappropriate NA therapy discontinuation had reduced 28- and 90-day live transplant-free survival compared with other precipitating events prior to PSM (all P < 0.001). After matching, the 28- and 90-day transplantation-free survival was also significantly lower in the NA cessation group vs. the non-NA cessation group (P = 0.012 and P = 0.022). In conclusion, the inappropriate cessation of NA therapy is associated with reduced liver transplant-free survival in patients with HBV-related ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Shi
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Gemin Xiao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Mei Liao
- Department of Ultrasound, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Lihua Zheng
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yusheng Jie
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Guoli Lin
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yutian Chong
- Department of Infectious Disease, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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23
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Shehi E, Alemam A, Mantri N, Patel H. Terbinafine-Induced Hepatitis B Reactivation in a Patient With Chronic Hepatitis B. Cureus 2020; 12:e11958. [PMID: 33312827 PMCID: PMC7725446 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.11958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactivation of chronic inactive hepatitis B infection can be spontaneous or triggered by chemotherapy or immunosuppression. Although the pathophysiology behind this remains unclear, several mechanisms have been proposed in the literature. Data describing hepatitis B flares caused by other classes of medications are sparse. We describe a case of reactivation of chronic hepatitis B in a 48-year-old man, who presented with generalized weakness after initiating terbinafine for a fungal toenail infection. He was found to have deranged liver function tests and elevated hepatitis B viral load. Both resolved after discontinuation of terbinafine and starting tenofovir.
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24
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Wang XH, Jiang XM, Gao PX, Liu Q, Yuan JH, Chen SJ. Risk factors and prognostic analysis of acute-on-chronic liver failure of chronic hepatitis B after cessation of nucleos(t)ide analogs. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 32:265-275. [PMID: 31789948 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the risk factors and prognostic factors related to the acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) occurrence and adverse outcome after withdrawal of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODS Hospitalized CHB patients with relapse after NAs withdrawal at our medical center were retrospectively included in the present study from January 2011 to May 2018. Logistic regression, Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier log-rank test, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) were used. RESULTS A total of 389 CHB patients (including 46 ACLF patients) were included. Their median age was 48.0 years; 315 patients were male and 74 were female. The age ≥30 years and HBVDNA ≤1000 copies at admission in logistic regression were the independent risk factors for ACLF after NAs withdrawal in CHB patients. In patients who developed ACLF, only the model of end-stage liver disease combining serum natrium concentration (MELD-Na) score and relapse after Lamivudine (LAM) cessation in the Cox multivariate regression analysis were independent predictors for 12-week mortality. The artificial liver support system (ALSS) showed no improvement in the 12-week survival of ACLF patients. We further defined 22.35 as the optimal cutoff value of MELD-Na score to predict 12-week mortality for ACLF patients, with the AUROC of 0.817, a sensitivity of 76.5%, and a specificity of 75.9%. CONCLUSION The age ≥30 years and HBVDNA ≤1000 copies at admission strongly correlate with occurrence of ACLF, and higher MELD-Na score and relapse after LAM withdrawal are closely related with 12-week mortality among patients with ACLF after NAs withdrawal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hua Wang
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Liver diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University
| | - Xue-Mei Jiang
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Liver diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University
| | | | - Qian Liu
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Liver diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University
| | - Jun-Hua Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shi-Jun Chen
- Departments of Infectious Diseases and Liver diseases, Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University
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25
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Su CW, Wu CY, Lin JT, Ho HJ, Wu JC. Nucleos(t)ide analogue continuous therapy associated with reduced adverse outcomes of chronic hepatitis B. J Chin Med Assoc 2020; 83:125-133. [PMID: 32015266 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy reduces the risk of disease progression in chronic hepatitis B virus-infected patients. However, the risk of liver decompensation, hepatic failure, and mortality after discontinuation of NA therapy remains unknown. METHODS Among 51,574 chronic hepatitis B patients who received NAs in the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database, we identified 8,631 patients who continued NA therapy (treatment cohort) and 8,631 propensity-score matched patients who stopped NA therapy after their initial 1.5 years treatment (off-therapy cohort) between October 1, 2003 and December 31, 2011. All study subjects were followed up from the index date, that is, the date 1.5 years after the first prescription of NA, until development of liver decompensation and hepatic failure, death or end of 18-month follow-up period. RESULTS Treatment cohort had significantly lower risks of liver decompensation (1.05%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81%-1.30% vs 2.13%; 95% CI, 1.82%-2.45%; p < 0.001), hepatic failure (0.35%; 95% CI, 0.21%-0.49% vs 0.63%; 95% CI, 0.46%-0.80%; p = 0.008) and overall mortality (1.67%; 1.37%-1.98% vs 2.44%; 95% CI, 2.10%-2.77%; p < 0.001) during the 18-month follow-up period. After adjusting for potential confounders, NA continuous therapy was associated with reduced risks of liver decompensation (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.47; 95% CI, 0.36-0.62, p < 0.001), hepatic failure (HR: 0.53; 95% CI, 0.33-0.86, p = 0.01) and overall mortality (HR: 0.67; 95% CI, 0.53-0.84, p = 0.001). The number needed to reduce one less disease progression and mortality was 47. The protective effect of NA continuous therapy was found in nearly all subgroups. CONCLUSION NA continuous therapy is associated with reduced risks of liver decompensation, hepatic failure, and overall mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Wei Su
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chun-Ying Wu
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Translational Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Public Health and Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Life Sciences and RongHsing Research Center for Translational Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jaw-Town Lin
- School of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fu-Jen Catholic University Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Population Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiu J Ho
- Division of Translational Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jaw-Ching Wu
- Division of Translational Research, Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Artificial Liver Support System Improves Short-Term Outcomes of Patients with HBV-Associated Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure: A Propensity Score Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:3757149. [PMID: 31871940 PMCID: PMC6907045 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3757149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure (HBV-ALCF) is a complicated syndrome with extremely high short-term mortality. The artificial liver support system (ALSS) may improve the liver function for patients with HBV-ACLF, but the data on its short-term outcomes are insufficient in China. Methods We recruited HBV-ACLF patients in this nationwide, multicenter, retrospective study. Patients with HBV-ACLF were diagnosed by the COSSH-ACLF criteria. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was used to generate compared pairs. The short-term (28/90 days) survival rates between the standard medical therapy (SMT) group and ALSS group were calculated using a Kaplan–Meier graph. Result In total, 790 patients with HBV-ACLF were included in this retrospective study; 412 patients received SMT only (SMT group), and 378 patients received SMT and ALSS treatment (ALSS group). PSM generated 310 pairs and eliminated the baseline differences between the two groups (p > 0.05 for all baseline variables). The probabilities of survival on day 28 were 65.2% (205/310) in the ALSS group and 59.0% (185/310) in the SMT group; on day 90, they were 51.0% (163/310) and 42.3% (136/310). The short-term (28/90 days) survival rates of the ALSS group were significantly higher than those of the SMT group (p=0.0452 and p=0.0187, respectively). Compared to receiving SMT alone, treatment with ALSS was associated with a significant reduction in serum bilirubin levels and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores at day 7 and day 28. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that older age, high total bilirubin (T-Bil), low albumin, high ALT, high MELD scores, and high COSSH-ACLF grade were independent baseline factors associated with poor prognosis. Conclusions This retrospective study found that compared to SMT, the ALSS improved the short-term (28/90 days) survival rates and laboratory parameters in HBV-ACLF patients. The ALSS had a better therapeutic effect than SMT for patients with HBV-ACLF in China.
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Finite nucleos(t)ide analog therapy in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B: an emerging paradigm shift. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:665-673. [PMID: 31559604 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09989-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Potent nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUC), such as entecavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, are able to suppress HBV DNA to undetectable level. These agents have no direct action on cccDNA, which is a very stable template for HBV production, hence long-term or even life-long NUC therapy is required in HBeAg-negative patients to maintain HBV suppression and to achieve the ultimate goal of HBsAg loss. However, there are concerns of indefinite or life-long NUC therapy, including drug resistance, financial burden, adherence and willingness for indefinite long-term NUC therapy. Patients lost to follow-up and hence, not monitored may risk severe relapse that may deteriorate to hepatic decompensation or even hepatic failure. This Review integrated the cumulated evidence and assessed the strategy of finite NUC therapy in HBeAg-negative patients which was first tried in early 2000s. Earlier Asian findings that 2-year NUC therapy is feasible and safe have founded APASL stopping rule for patients on NUC therapy over 2-3 years since 2008. Subsequent studies have supported the strategy of finite NUC therapy, which has finally been accepted as an option by American and European liver associations since 2016. More recent studies have further shown greatly increased HBsAg loss rate (up to 5-year 39%) after stopping NUC therapy. The cumulated evidence has shown that the paradigm shift from indefinite long-term therapy to finite NUC therapy in HBeAg-negative patients is emerging. More studies are needed to fine-tuning the strategy including research for the optimal duration of consolidation therapy, timing to stop and to start re-treatment.
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Vittal A, Ghany MG. WHO Guidelines for Prevention, Care and Treatment of Individuals Infected with HBV: A US Perspective. Clin Liver Dis 2019; 23:417-432. [PMID: 31266617 PMCID: PMC9616205 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) differs globally. CHB is responsible for 30% of all deaths from cirrhosis and 40% from hepatocellular carcinoma. The WHO developed guidelines in 2015 on prevention, care, and treatment of chronic HBV infection targeted to program managers in all health care settings, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Several of the recommendations differ from those of the major Liver Societies, including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD). This review highlights key differences between the AASLD and WHO guidelines and discusses the impact on management of CHB.
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Toyama M, Sakakibara N, Takeda M, Okamoto M, Watashi K, Wakita T, Sugiyama M, Mizokami M, Ikeda M, Baba M. Pyrimidotriazine derivatives as selective inhibitors of HBV capsid assembly. Virus Res 2019; 271:197677. [PMID: 31376401 DOI: 10.1016/j.virusres.2019.197677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is currently treated with nucleoside/nucleotides analogs. They are potent inhibitors of HBV DNA polymerase, which also functions as reverse transcriptase. Although nucleoside/nucleotide analogs efficiently suppress HBV replication in liver cells, they cannot eradicate HBV DNA from liver cells and cure the disease. Therefore, it is still mandatory to identify and develop effective inhibitors that target a step other than reverse transcription in the viral replication cycle. HBV capsid assembly is a critical step for viral replication and an attractive target for inhibition of HBV replication. We conducted in silico screening of compounds expected to bind to the HBV capsid dimer-dimer interaction site. The selected compounds were further examined for their anti-HBV activity in vitro. Among the test compounds, novel pyrimidotriazine derivatives were found to be selective inhibitors of HBV replication in HepG2.2.15.7 cells. Among the compounds, 2-[(2,3-dichlorophenyl)amino]-4-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-8-methyl-4H,9H-pyrimido[1,2-a][1,3,5]triazin-6-one was the most active against HBV replication. Studies on its mechanism of action revealed that the compound interfered with HBV capsid assembly determined by a cell-free capsid assembly system. Thus, the pyrimidotriazine derivatives are considered to be potential leads for novel HBV capsid assembly inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaaki Toyama
- Division of Antiviral Chemotherapy, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Norikazu Sakakibara
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Kagawa Campus, Tokushima Bunri University, Sanuki, Japan
| | - Midori Takeda
- Division of Biological Information Technology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Mika Okamoto
- Division of Antiviral Chemotherapy, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Koichi Watashi
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takaji Wakita
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masaya Sugiyama
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masashi Mizokami
- The Research Center for Hepatitis and Immunology, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Masanori Ikeda
- Division of Biological Information Technology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Masanori Baba
- Division of Antiviral Chemotherapy, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
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30
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Sarin SK, Choudhury A, Sharma MK, Maiwall R, Al Mahtab M, Rahman S, Saigal S, Saraf N, Soin AS, Devarbhavi H, Kim DJ, Dhiman RK, Duseja A, Taneja S, Eapen CE, Goel A, Ning Q, Chen T, Ma K, Duan Z, Yu C, Treeprasertsuk S, Hamid SS, Butt AS, Jafri W, Shukla A, Saraswat V, Tan SS, Sood A, Midha V, Goyal O, Ghazinyan H, Arora A, Hu J, Sahu M, Rao PN, Lee GH, Lim SG, Lesmana LA, Lesmana CR, Shah S, Prasad VGM, Payawal DA, Abbas Z, Dokmeci AK, Sollano JD, Carpio G, Shresta A, Lau GK, Fazal Karim M, Shiha G, Gani R, Kalista KF, Yuen MF, Alam S, Khanna R, Sood V, Lal BB, Pamecha V, Jindal A, Rajan V, Arora V, Yokosuka O, Niriella MA, Li H, Qi X, Tanaka A, Mochida S, Chaudhuri DR, Gane E, Win KM, Chen WT, Rela M, Kapoor D, Rastogi A, Kale P, Rastogi A, Sharma CB, Bajpai M, Singh V, Premkumar M, Maharashi S, Olithselvan A, Philips CA, Srivastava A, Yachha SK, Wani ZA, Thapa BR, Saraya A, Shalimar, Kumar A, Wadhawan M, Gupta S, Madan K, Sakhuja P, Vij V, Sharma BC, Garg H, Garg V, Kalal C, Anand L, Vyas T, Mathur RP, Kumar G, Jain P, Pasupuleti SSR, Chawla YK, Chowdhury A, Alam S, Song DS, Yang JM, Yoon EL. Acute-on-chronic liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Asian Pacific association for the study of the liver (APASL): an update. Hepatol Int 2019; 13:353-390. [PMID: 31172417 PMCID: PMC6728300 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-019-09946-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 453] [Impact Index Per Article: 90.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The first consensus report of the working party of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) set up in 2004 on acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was published in 2009. With international groups volunteering to join, the "APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC)" was formed in 2012, which continued to collect prospective ACLF patient data. Based on the prospective data analysis of nearly 1400 patients, the AARC consensus was published in 2014. In the past nearly four-and-a-half years, the AARC database has been enriched to about 5200 cases by major hepatology centers across Asia. The data published during the interim period were carefully analyzed and areas of contention and new developments in the field of ACLF were prioritized in a systematic manner. The AARC database was also approached for answering some of the issues where published data were limited, such as liver failure grading, its impact on the 'Golden Therapeutic Window', extrahepatic organ dysfunction and failure, development of sepsis, distinctive features of acute decompensation from ACLF and pediatric ACLF and the issues were analyzed. These initiatives concluded in a two-day meeting in October 2018 at New Delhi with finalization of the new AARC consensus. Only those statements, which were based on evidence using the Grade System and were unanimously recommended, were accepted. Finalized statements were again circulated to all the experts and subsequently presented at the AARC investigators meeting at the AASLD in November 2018. The suggestions from the experts were used to revise and finalize the consensus. After detailed deliberations and data analysis, the original definition of ACLF was found to withstand the test of time and be able to identify a homogenous group of patients presenting with liver failure. New management options including the algorithms for the management of coagulation disorders, renal replacement therapy, sepsis, variceal bleed, antivirals and criteria for liver transplantation for ACLF patients were proposed. The final consensus statements along with the relevant background information and areas requiring future studies are presented here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiv Kumar Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India.
| | - Ashok Choudhury
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Manoj K Sharma
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Rakhi Maiwall
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Mamun Al Mahtab
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Salimur Rahman
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sanjiv Saigal
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - Neeraj Saraf
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - A S Soin
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | | | - Dong Joon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - R K Dhiman
- Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - C E Eapen
- Department of Hepatology, CMC, Vellore, India
| | - Ashish Goel
- Department of Hepatology, CMC, Vellore, India
| | - Q Ning
- Institute and Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Translational Hepatology Institute Capital Medical University, Beijing You'an Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Institute and Department of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Z Duan
- Translational Hepatology Institute Capital Medical University, Beijing You'an Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Yu
- Translational Hepatology Institute Capital Medical University, Beijing You'an Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - S S Hamid
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Amna S Butt
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Wasim Jafri
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Akash Shukla
- Department of Gastroenterology, Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College, Sion, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Soek Siam Tan
- Department of Medicine, Hospital Selayang, Bata Caves, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ajit Sood
- Department of Gastroenterology, DMC, Ludhiana, India
| | - Vandana Midha
- Department of Gastroenterology, DMC, Ludhiana, India
| | - Omesh Goyal
- Department of Gastroenterology, DMC, Ludhiana, India
| | - Hasmik Ghazinyan
- Department of Hepatology, Nork Clinical Hospital of Infectious Disease, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Anil Arora
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and GRIPMER, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Jinhua Hu
- Department of Medicine, 302 Millitary Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Manoj Sahu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Sciences, IMS & SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - P N Rao
- Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, India
| | - Guan H Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seng G Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Samir Shah
- Department of Hepatology, Global Hospitals, Mumbai, India
| | | | - Diana A Payawal
- Fatima University Medical Center Manila, Manila, Philippines
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Medicine, Ziauddin University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - A Kadir Dokmeci
- Department of Medicine, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jose D Sollano
- Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Gian Carpio
- Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - Ananta Shresta
- Department of Hepatology, Foundation Nepal Sitapaila Height, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - G K Lau
- Department of Medicine, Humanity and Health Medical Group, New Kowloon, Hong Kong, China
| | - Md Fazal Karim
- Department of Hepatology, Sir Salimullah Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gamal Shiha
- Egyptian Liver Research Institute And Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rino Gani
- Division of Hepatobiliary, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kemal Fariz Kalista
- Division of Hepatobiliary, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital Hong Kong, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Seema Alam
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Rajeev Khanna
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Vikrant Sood
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Bikrant Bihari Lal
- Department of Pediatric Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Viniyendra Pamecha
- Department of Hepatobilliary Pancreatic Surgery and Liver Transplant, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Ankur Jindal
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - V Rajan
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | - Vinod Arora
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, 110070, India
| | | | | | - Hai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- CHESS Frontier Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Mochida
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | | | - Ed Gane
- New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Wei Ting Chen
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Medical Foundation, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Mohd Rela
- Department of Liver Transplant Surgery, Dr. Rela Institute and Medical Centre, Chennai, India
| | | | - Amit Rastogi
- Department of Hepatology, Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon, India
| | - Pratibha Kale
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Archana Rastogi
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Chhagan Bihari Sharma
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Meenu Bajpai
- Department of Immunohematology and Transfusion Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | - A Olithselvan
- Division of Liver Transplantation and Hepatology, Manipal Hospitals, Bangalore, India
| | - Cyriac Abby Philips
- The Liver Unit, Cochin Gastroenterology Group, Ernakulam Medical Centre, Kochi, India
| | - Anshu Srivastava
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, SGPGIMS, Lucknow, India
| | | | | | - B R Thapa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Pediatric Gastroenterology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India
| | - Anoop Saraya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Shalimar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Human Nutrition, AIIMS, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashish Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital and GRIPMER, New Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Manav Wadhawan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, B L K Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Subash Gupta
- Centre for Liver and Biliary Science, Max Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Kaushal Madan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Max Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Puja Sakhuja
- Department of Pathology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Vivek Vij
- Department of Liver Transplant and Hepatobilliary Surgery, Fortis Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Barjesh C Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Hitendra Garg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Vishal Garg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Chetan Kalal
- Department of Hepatology, Sir H N Reliance Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Lovkesh Anand
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Narayana Hospital, Gurugram, India
| | - Tanmay Vyas
- Department of Hepatology, Parimal Multi-Speciality Hospital, Ahmedabad, India
| | - Rajan P Mathur
- Department of Nephrology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Guresh Kumar
- Department of Statistics and Clinical Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Priyanka Jain
- Department of Statistics and Clinical Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Samba Siva Rao Pasupuleti
- Department of Statistics and Clinical Research, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Yogesh K Chawla
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Kalinga Institute of Med Sciences, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Abhijit Chowdhury
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research, Kolkata, India
| | - Shahinul Alam
- Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Do Seon Song
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jin Mo Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eileen L Yoon
- Department Of Internal Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
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31
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Pham C, Kuo A. Minority Report: ENUMERATing Treatment of Chronic HBV Infection Among Asian-American Communities. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:289-291. [PMID: 30390233 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5354-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Christina Pham
- Digestive Disease Institute, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander Kuo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, 8700 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
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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.
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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.
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Van Hees S, Bourgeois S, Van Vlierberghe H, Sersté T, Francque S, Michielsen P, Sprengers D, Reynaert H, Henrion J, Negrin Dastis S, Delwaide J, Lasser L, Decaestecker J, Orlent H, Janssens F, Robaeys G, Colle I, Stärkel P, Moreno C, Nevens F, Vanwolleghem T, Van Hees S, Bourgeois S, Van Vlierberghe H, Sersté T, Francque S, Michielsen P, Sprengers D, Reynaert H, Henrion J, Negrin‐Dastis S, Delwaide J, Lasser L, Decaestecker J, Orlent H, Janssens F, Robaeys G, Colle I, Stärkel P, Moreno C, Nevens F, Vanwolleghem T. Stopping nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment in Caucasian hepatitis B patients after HBeAg seroconversion is associated with high relapse rates and fatal outcomes. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2018; 47:1170-1180. [PMID: 29498078 PMCID: PMC5900846 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stopping nucleos(t)ide analogues (NA) after hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion is associated with high relapse rates in Asian patients, but data in Caucasian cohorts are scarce. Clinical course, outcomes and immunological aspects of chronic hepatitis B infections differ substantially between distinct ethnicities. AIM The aim of this study was to determine relapse rates, factors predicting relapse and clinical outcomes after nucleos(t)ide analogue cessation in a large, predominantly Caucasian cohort of chronic hepatitis B patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue-induced HBeAg seroconversion. METHODS This is a nationwide observational cohort study including HBeAg positive, mono-infected chronic hepatitis B patients with nucleos(t)ide analogue-induced HBeAg seroconversion from 18 centres in Belgium. RESULTS A total of 98 patients with nucleo(s)tide analogue-induced HBeAg seroconversion were included in the study. Of the 62 patients who stopped treatment after a median consolidation treatment of 8 months, 30 relapsed. Higher gamma-glutamyl transferase levels at both treatment initiation (HR 1.004; P = 0.001 per unit increment) and HBeAg seroconversion (HR 1.006; P = 0.013 per unit increment) were associated with an increased risk of clinically significant relapse in a multivariate Cox regression model. Treatment cessation led to liver-related death in 2 patients, of whom one showed a severe flare. Of the patients who continued treatment after HBeAg seroconversion, none relapsed or developed severe hepatic outcomes. CONCLUSION Treatment withdrawal in Caucasian chronic hepatitis B patients after nucleos(t)ide analogue-induced HBeAg seroconversion results in viral relapses in more than half of patients with potential fatal outcomes. These real-world data further lend support to preferentially continue NA treatment after HBeAg seroconversion until HBsAg loss.
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Chong CH, Lim SG. When can we stop nucleoside analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B? Liver Int 2017; 37 Suppl 1:52-58. [PMID: 28052620 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Treatment with nucleoside analogue (NAs) is now the most common treatment for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and is recommended by all guidelines. Stopping NAs is a controversial issue in these patients, unless the clinical endpoints of HBeAg seroconversion or HBsAg seroclearance are achieved. While HBeAg seroconversion can occur in a significant number of patients, HBsAg seroclearance rates are low. HBsAg seroclearance is increasingly accepted as the ideal end of treatment, representing a functional cure. Treatment withdrawal leads to relapse in 50% of patients who achieve HBeAg seroconversion and complete at least 12 months of consolidation therapy. In HBeAg negative CHB, the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) stopping rules show that although clinical relapse occurs in approximately 43% and virological relapse occurs in 70%, very few patients experience flare or decompensation. NAs treatment for >2 years was associated with a lower rate of relapse. Recently, stopping NA therapy was shown to be associated with HBsAg in 20%-39% of HBeAg negative patients and more frequently in those with low quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg). However, the most optimal level is unclear. Quantitative HBsAg is becoming a useful tool to predict a sustained response or relapse before stopping therapy. In conclusion, stopping NA therapy is generally safe and can be an option in specific situations such as HBeAg seroconversion. However, it is associated with disease relapse. Thus, patient selection based on qHBsAg may help identify patients who are more likely to achieve HBsAg seroclearance or a sustained response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chern Hao Chong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.,Faculty of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Mo YQ, Liang AQ, Ma JD, Chen LF, Zheng DH, Schumacher HR, Dai L. Discontinuation of antiviral prophylaxis correlates with high prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in rheumatoid arthritis patients with HBV carrier state: a real-world clinical practice. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 2014; 15:449. [PMID: 25532827 PMCID: PMC4320507 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2474-15-449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with HBV carrier state during treatment of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and the use of antiviral prophylaxis in real-world clinical practice. Methods Consecutive RA patients with HBV carrier state were included. Clinical data including liver evaluation, HBV infection evaluation and the use of antiviral prophylaxis were recorded. Results Fifty-three RA patients with HBV carrier state were screened and 36 patients were qualified for analysis. Thirty-six percentage of patients developed HBV reactivation and 17% developed HBV hepatitis together with reactivation, one of which developed decompensate cirrhosis. Only 50% of patients accepted lamivudine although all patients were recommended antiviral prophylaxis with entecavir or tenofovir and only 31% continued during DMARDs therapy. Seventy-one percentage of patients who discontinued antiviral prophylaxis developed HBV reactivation 3 ~ 21 months after discontinuation. Logistic regression analyses showed discontinuation of antiviral prophylaxis (OR: 66, p = 0.027), leflunomide (OR: 64, p = 0.011) and past history of hepatitis (OR: 56, p = 0.013) were risk factors of HBV reactivation. Past history of hepatitis (OR: 10, p = 0.021) was also risk factor of HBV hepatitis together with reactivation. Conclusion Our results suggest poor patient acceptance and discontinuation of antiviral prophylaxis should not be ignored for Chinese RA patients with HBV carrier state in real-world clinical practice. Discontinuation of antiviral prophylaxis, past history of hepatitis and LEF might increase risk of HBV reactivation for RA patients with HBV carrier state during DMARDs therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-449) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lie Dai
- Department of Rheumatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, 107# Yan Jiang West Road, Guangzhou 510120, People's Republic of China.
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Qin G, Shao JG, Wang B, Shen Y, Zheng J, Liu XJ, Zhang YY, Liu YM, Qin Y, Wang LJ. Artificial liver support system improves short- and long-term outcomes of patients with HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure: a single-center experience. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e338. [PMID: 25526495 PMCID: PMC4603116 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), artificial liver support system (ALSS) may help prolong lifespan and function as a bridge to liver transplantation (LT), but data on its long-term benefit are lacking. We conducted this prospective, controlled study to determine the efficacy of ALSS and the predictors of mortality in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated ACLF.From January 2003 to December 2007, a total of 234 patients with HBV-associated ACLF not eligible for LT were enrolled in our study. They were allocated to receive either plasma exchange centered ALSS plus standard medical therapy (SMT) (ALSS group, n=104) or SMT alone (control group, n=130). All the patients were followed-up for at least 5 years, or until death.At 90 days, the survival rate of ALSS group was higher than that of the control group (62/104 [60%] vs 61/130 [47%], respectively; P<0.05). Median survival was 879 days in the ALSS group (43% survival at 5 years) and 649 days in the control group (31% survival at 5 years, log-rank P<0.05). ALSS was found to be associated with favorable outcome of these patients by both univariate and multivariate analysis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis also revealed that lower serum sodium levels, higher grades of encephalopathy, presence of cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome, and higher model for end-stage liver disease scores were independent predictors for both 90-day and 5-year mortality due to ACLF.Our findings suggest that ALSS is safe and may improve the short- and long-term prognosis of patients with HBV-associated ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Qin
- From the Center for Liver Diseases (GQ, J-GS, BW, X-JL, Y-YZ, L-JW), Nantong Third People's Hospital, Nantong University; Department of Biostatistics (YS, Y-ML), School of Public Health, Nantong University, Jiangsu, China; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine (JZ), Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; and Department of Internal Medicine (YQ), Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
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Chang ML, Liaw YF. Hepatitis B flares in chronic hepatitis B: pathogenesis, natural course, and management. J Hepatol 2014; 61:1407-17. [PMID: 25178562 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2014.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Revised: 08/22/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B flare, defined as an event with abrupt rise of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels to >5 times the upper limit of normal during chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, is considered to be the result of a human leukocyte antigen-I restricted, cytotoxic T lymphocyte mediated immune response against HBV and its downstream mechanisms. It may occur spontaneously, during or after antiviral therapy and in the setting of immunosuppression and/or chemotherapy. The clinical spectrum of hepatitis B flares varies from asymptomatic to symptomatic and typical overt acute hepatitis, even with hepatic decompensation or failure. Flares may also occur in viraemic patients with cirrhosis with higher incidence of decompensation/mortality, hence requiring immediate antiviral therapy. An upsurge of serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen levels usually precedes the abrupt rise of ALT levels. Rising or stable and high HBV DNA during flares represent ineffective immune clearance and further hepatocytolysis, even hepatic decompensation, may occur. Such patients require immediate antiviral therapy. In contrast, bridging hepatic necrosis and/or alpha-fetoprotein levels >100 ng/ml or decreasing HBV DNA during flares represent a more effective immune clearance and frequently leads to seroclearance of HBV DNA and/or hepatitis B e antigen with remission. If patients are non-cirrhotic and there is no concern of developing decompensation, patients may be observed for 3-6 months before deciding on the need of antiviral therapy. Severe and repeated flares are prone to develop into decompensation or lead to the development of cirrhosis, thus a timely treatment to prevent the hepatitis B flare is better than to cope with the flare. Screening, monitoring and prophylactic or pre-emptive antiviral therapy is mandatory for patients who are going to receive immunosuppressants or chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ling Chang
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Fan Liaw
- Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
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Acute-on-chronic liver failure: consensus recommendations of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) 2014. Hepatol Int 2014. [PMID: 26202751 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-014-9580-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 461] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The first consensus report of the working party of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) set up in 2004 on acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was published in 2009. Due to the rapid advancements in the knowledge and available information, a consortium of members from countries across Asia Pacific, "APASL ACLF Research Consortium (AARC)," was formed in 2012. A large cohort of retrospective and prospective data of ACLF patients was collated and followed up in this data base. The current ACLF definition was reassessed based on the new AARC data base. These initiatives were concluded on a 2-day meeting in February 2014 at New Delhi and led to the development of the final AARC consensus. Only those statements which were based on the evidence and were unanimously recommended were accepted. These statements were circulated again to all the experts and subsequently presented at the annual conference of the APASL at Brisbane, on March 14, 2014. The suggestions from the delegates were analyzed by the expert panel, and the modifications in the consensus were made. The final consensus and guidelines document was prepared. After detailed deliberations and data analysis, the original proposed definition was found to withstand the test of time and identify a homogenous group of patients presenting with liver failure. Based on the AARC data, liver failure grading, and its impact on the "Golden therapeutic Window," extra-hepatic organ failure and development of sepsis were analyzed. New management options including the algorithms for the management of coagulation disorders, renal replacement therapy, sepsis, variceal bleed, antivirals, and criteria for liver transplantation for ACLF patients were proposed. The final consensus statements along with the relevant background information are presented here.
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Lim R, Holt A. Hepatitis B and C prophylaxis in patients receiving chemotherapy. VIRAL HEPATITIS IN PRACTICE 2014; 6:10-13. [PMID: 25893086 PMCID: PMC4398984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Reactivation of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is defined as increased viral replication in patients with previously low-grade chronic infection. This may occur following the use of immunomodulatory therapy, chemotherapy or in response to severe illness. Most cases of HBV reactivation are asymptomatic; however, hepatic decompensation can occur in severe cases, where HBV reactivation is associated with a mortality of up to 30%.1 Over the last decade, it has been recognised that HBV reactivation can be effectively prevented by antiviral prophylaxis. In contrast, severe flares of hepatitis in response to HCV reactivation are less commonly reported and, when they occur, are associated with a much lower mortality. This article summarises the recent advances in this area and provides guidance for the management of HBV and HCV reactivation in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reina Lim
- Liver Research Laboratory, University of Birmingham
| | - Andrew Holt
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Edgbaston, Birmingham
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Hadziyannis SJ, Vassilopoulos D, Sevastianos V, Hadziyannis E. Can Nucleos(t)ide Analogue (NA) Therapy Ever be Stopped in HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s11901-014-0236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Chokshi S, Cooksley H, Riva A, Phillips S, Williams R, Gaggar A, Naoumov NV. Identification of serum cytokine profiles associated with HBeAg seroconversion following antiviral treatment interruption. Viral Immunol 2014; 27:235-44. [PMID: 24797262 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2014.0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The major shortcoming of nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is the frequent requirement for indefinite therapy. Withdrawal of treatment can result in viral rebound with an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare leading to hepatic decompensation, while in others this can lead to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion. The aim of the study was to identify host immune profiles associated with these different outcomes. Eighteen HBeAg(+) patients, enrolled on a phase III trial with the nucleoside analogue adefovir dipivoxil, were followed for up to 128 weeks. For the first 48 weeks, all patients received continuous therapy. Subsequently, patients experienced cycles of treatment interruptions due to random drug/placebo misallocations. Host immune profiles were characterized by measuring a panel of serum cytokines before, during, and after each cycle of treatment withdrawal. Virus-specific T-cell responses were also determined at these time points in a subset of patients to elucidate the mechanisms utilized to control hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication post-treatment. Significantly, elevated levels of IFN-γ, IP-10, and IL-2 on-treatment were associated with HBeAg seroconversion after treatment withdrawal. In these patients, treatment interruption induced further increases in serum IFN-γ levels and marked increases in virus-specific T-cells producing IFN-γ, but minimal alterations in viremia and ALT. In HBeAg(+) patients with low on-treatment levels of serum IFN-γ, the interruption of therapy induced significant elevations in HBV-DNA, ALT, IP-10, and increases in virus-specific T-cells producing IL-10. Evaluating on-treatment serum cytokines in concert with virologic and clinical parameters may help to identify CHB patients who can successfully discontinue nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shilpa Chokshi
- 1 Institute of Hepatology , Foundation for Liver Research, London, United Kingdom
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Tanaka E, Matsumoto A. Guidelines for avoiding risks resulting from discontinuation of nucleoside/nucleotide analogs in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:1-8. [PMID: 23607862 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2013] [Revised: 03/02/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nucleoside/nucleotide analogs (NUC) can lead to rapid reduction in hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in blood and normalization of alanine aminotransferase levels in many patients. They also provide histological improvement which results in a reduction in liver carcinogenesis. However, it is difficult to completely remove viruses even by NUC and there are some problems such as emergence of resistant strains and hepatitis relapse resulting from discontinuation of treatment. One of the reasons for this is that NUC reduce the HBV DNA level in blood but have almost no effects on the HBV cccDNA level in hepatocyte nuclei, which are the origins of HBV replication, and HBV cccDNA remains for a long period. For treatment with NUC in patients with hepatitis B, it is considered that NUC should not be easily discontinued because discontinuation often results in hepatitis relapse. However, it has not been clearly revealed when and how hepatitis relapses after discontinuation. Although some patients do not experience hepatitis relapse after discontinuation of NUC, or experience only mild relapse and finally achieve a stable condition, it has not been established how to identify such patients efficiently. We performed research to investigate characteristics of the course after discontinuation of treatment and definition of hepatitis relapse and estimate the relapse rate. "Guidelines for avoiding risks resulting from discontinuation of NUCs 2012" is summarized based on the study results. Because the guidelines are written in Japanese, we explain them in English as a review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Wang J, Ma K, Han M, Guo W, Huang J, Yang D, Zhao X, Song J, Tian D, Qi J, Huang Y, Ning Q. Nucleoside analogs prevent disease progression in HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure: validation of the TPPM model. Hepatol Int 2013. [PMID: 26202407 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-013-9485-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of entecavir, lamivudine and telbivudine for treating patients with HBV-ACLF and to validate the Tongji prognostic predictor model (TPPM) in these patients. METHODS In this retrospective study, we enrolled 283 patients with HBV-ACLF (100 treated with entecavir, 98 treated with lamivudine and 85 treated with telbivudine). There were no significant differences in baseline clinical and virological characteristics among patients treated with entecavir, telbivudine or lamivudine. RESULTS There were no significant differences in the 4- and 12-week survival rates of entecavir-, telbivudine- and lamivudine-treated patients (79.00, 81.18 and 86.73 %, respectively, at 4 weeks; 67.00, 65.88 and 73.47 %, respectively, at 12 weeks). Patients in all three groups achieved an improvement in the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test, the validation of the TPPM score for HBV-ACLF demonstrated a good degree of fit with disease prognosis. Based on this unique group of patients, the TPPM score with an AUC of 0.787 was superior to the MELD score, which had an AUC of 0.736 in the prediction of 12-week mortality. The TPPM had an AUC of 0.733, and the MELD score had an AUC of 0.672 in the prediction of 4-week mortality. Using a cutoff value of 0.22 for 12-week mortality prediction by the TPPM, the positive predictive value was 49.66 %, with a negative predictive value of 89.55 %. CONCLUSION Treatment with nucleoside analogs including entecavir, lamivudine and telbivudine prevented disease progression and increased the survival of patients with HBV-ACLF. Validation of the established TPPM scoring system in this study confirmed its superior predictive value for HBV-ACLF patients when compared with the MELD system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshuai Wang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ke Ma
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Meifang Han
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiaquan Huang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Daofeng Yang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiping Zhao
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jiangxin Song
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Deying Tian
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Junying Qi
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuancheng Huang
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Qin Ning
- Department and Institute of Infectious Disease, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 1095, Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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Li-Na M, Xiang-Chun D, Xiao-Yan L, Chun-Qiong X, Liu SW, Yan X. De novo combination therapy adefovir plus lamivudine as a treatment for women of child-bearing age with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B Before Pregnancy. J Med Virol 2013; 86:433-6. [PMID: 24166586 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.23828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ma Li-Na
- Department of Infectious Disease; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University; Yinchuan Ningxia China
| | - Ding Xiang-Chun
- Department of Infectious Disease; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University; Yinchuan Ningxia China
| | - Liu Xiao-Yan
- Department of Infectious Disease; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University; Yinchuan Ningxia China
| | - Xu Chun-Qiong
- Department of Infectious Disease; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University; Yinchuan Ningxia China
| | - Shuai-Wei Liu
- Department of Infectious Disease; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University; Yinchuan Ningxia China
| | - Xie Yan
- Tissue Engineering Centre; General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University; Yinchuan Ningxia China
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation; Queensland University of Technology; Kelvin Grove Queensland Australia
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Dziuban EJ, Marton SA, Hughey AB, Mbingo TL, Draper HR, Schutze GE. Seroprevalence of hepatitis B in a cohort of HIV-infected children and adults in Swaziland. Int J STD AIDS 2013; 24:561-5. [DOI: 10.1177/0956462413476274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Summary Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an important co-morbidity in the HIV epidemic. A retrospective chart review was performed of HIV-infected patients with no previous antiretroviral history enrolled in a Swaziland clinic from January 2009 to May 2011. The seroprevalence of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) was calculated and the data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Fisher's exact tests. A total of 1282 patients were included in analysis. Five hundred were children aged <15 years. Overall HBsAg seroprevalence was 3.7% (1.4% of children and 5.1% of adults). Prevalence in under-5s was low (0.4%). Among adult women and men, prevalence was 4.2% and 9.8%, respectively ( P = 0.022). Median alanine aminotransferase level was 19 U/L in the HBsAg-negative adults and 25 U/L in the HBsAg-positive adults ( P = 0.005). Given the number of patients found to be HBsAg-positive, especially among adults, it is important for antiretroviral programmes to consider universal screening and strategically utilize medications that have been found effective in treating both HBV and HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- E J Dziuban
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Clinical Center of Excellence-Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - S A Marton
- Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A B Hughey
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - T L Mbingo
- Baylor College of Medicine Children's Foundation, Mbabane, Swaziland
| | - H R Draper
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G E Schutze
- Baylor International Pediatric AIDS Initiative at Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Department of Pediatrics, Houston, TX, USA
- Baylor College of Medicine Bristol Myers Squibb Children's Clinical Center of Excellence-Swaziland, Mbabane, Swaziland
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Baxter C, Yende-Zuma N, Tshabalala P, Abdool Karim Q, Abdool Karim SS. Safety of coitally administered tenofovir 1% gel, a vaginal microbicide, in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers: results from the CAPRISA 004 trial. Antiviral Res 2013; 99:405-8. [PMID: 23832086 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2013.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/25/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, a licensed oral treatment for both HIV and Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, has been associated with severe rebound hepatic flares when treatment is interrupted. A gel formulation of tenofovir is currently being assessed as a microbicide against HIV. If licensed, it is possible that tenofovir gel could be used either intentionally or unintentionally by HBV carriers. The purpose of this study was to establish the safety of tenofovir gel use in this patient group participating in the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir gel trial. HBV infection status was assessed at enrolment and study exit. Liver function testing was performed at enrolment, study months 3, 12, 24, study exit, and 2 months after exiting the study. At enrolment, 34 women were identified as being HBV carriers and 22 women acquired HBV infections during follow-up; 14 and 8 in the tenofovir and placebo gel arms, respectively (p=0.21). Intermittent tenofovir gel use did not cause an increase in hepatic flares or impact on viral load suppression in women with HBV infection. There were 2 hepatic flares in each gel arm during follow-up and none 2months after cessation of gel at study exit. The mean HBV DNA levels were similar at enrolment and exit in both study arms. Tenofovir gel, when used intermittently, was safe to use in women with HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Baxter
- Centre for the AIDS Programme of Research in South Africa (CAPRISA), University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa.
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47
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Kim HY, Choi JY, Park CH, Jang JW, Kim CW, Bae SH, Yoon SK, Yang JM, Lee CD, Lee YS. Outcome after discontinuing antiviral agents during pregnancy in women infected with hepatitis B virus. J Clin Virol 2012; 56:299-305. [PMID: 23273664 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2012.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2012] [Revised: 11/18/2012] [Accepted: 11/26/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women who are taking antiviral agents and become pregnant have several options that include, continuing therapy, ceasing drugs, or switching to safer drugs. However, there are limited data on the outcome in pregnant women after withdrawal of antiviral agents. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the outcome of stopping antiviral agents in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. STUDY DESIGN In this single-center, retrospective cohort study, 12 pregnant patients who had received antiviral therapy for HBV and cease drugs after awareness of pregnancy between 2003 and 2010 were enrolled. We retrospectively studied virologic and biochemical flares during pregnancy and postpartum period. RESULTS Median age at pregnancy was 30.5 (range, 24-35) years, median duration of antiviral drug before pregnancy was 15.3 (range, 3.0-131.3) months, and median HBV DNA at withdrawal of therapy was 4.8 (range, 1.7-8.0) log(10) copies/mL. Eight out of twelve patients (66.7%) had a viral rebound after stopping antiviral drugs during pregnancy. Severe hepatitis flares, defined as a 5-fold increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), were observed in six patients (50%) during pregnancy. However, all of these patients spontaneously recovered without an event of hepatic decompensation. High pretreatment ALT was associated with severe hepatitis flares after cessation of therapy during pregnancy. Five patients with at least 1-year treatment before pregnancy maintained low hepatitis activity after delivery. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women with high pretreatment ALT or those treated less than 1 year before pregnancy have high risk of severe hepatitis flares after cessation of antiviral agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee Yeon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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48
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Kumar M, Singh T, Sinha S. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection and pregnancy. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2012; 2:366-81. [PMID: 25755458 PMCID: PMC3940289 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2012.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Accepted: 09/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Planning of pregnancy and management of chronic hepatitis B virus during pregnancy includes recognition of maternal virological status, assessment of liver disease severity and minimization of risk for mother to infant transmission of infection. Decisions regarding the use of antivirals during pregnancy need to be individualized. Monitoring for infection and immunization in newborns is also important. For mothers on antiviral therapy, breastfeeding is not recommended.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- APASL, Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver
- APR, Antiretroviral Pregnancy Registry
- CDC, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- CI, confidence interval
- DART, Development of Antiretroviral Therapy Study
- EASL, European Association for the Study of the Liver
- ECS, elective caesarian section
- FDA, Food and Drug Administration
- HBIg, hepatitis B immunoglobulin
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HBeAg, hepatitis B e antigen
- HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen
- HIV, human immunodeficiency virus
- NA, nucleot(s)ide analog
- PEG-IFN, pegylated interferon
- PHACS, Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study
- RCTs, randomized clinical trials
- breast feeding
- chronic hepatitis B
- pregnancy
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Kumar
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Tarandeep Singh
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, D-1, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070, India
| | - Swati Sinha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research, B-16, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110016, India
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49
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Abbott WGH, Tsai P, Ross HA, 'Ofanoa M, Trevarton AJ, Hornell J, Munn SR, Gane EJ. Selection pressure on the hepatitis B virus pre-S/S and P open reading frames in Tongan subjects with a chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Antiviral Res 2012; 96:148-57. [PMID: 22960602 DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2012.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2012] [Revised: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the full repertoire of hepatitis B virus (HBV) peptides that are presented to CD8+ T cells by common HLA class I alleles will be useful for designing immunotherapies for chronic hepatitis B. One hundred and seventy five cloned sequences containing the pre-S/S and P open reading frames (ORF) of the HBV were obtained from serum HBV-DNA of HBeAg-positive (n=4) and HBeAg-negative (inactive healthy carriers (IHC), n=16) Tongan subjects with an inactive chronic HBV infection. In addition, 34 and 32 sequences were obtained 5.2±1.4 (mean±SD) years apart from eight subjects. PAML was used to identify codons in the pre-S/S and P ORFs that were under positive selection pressure (ω>1). The number of non-synonymous substitutions in these codons was compared in IHC who were homozygous for either HLA-B∗4001 (n=9) or HLA-B*5602 (n=7), and who were either positive (n=6) or negative (n=10) for HLA-A*02. 34 codons in the pre-S/S and 11 codons in the P ORFs were under positive selection pressure. There was a higher number of non-synonymous substitutions in these codons in HBeAg-negative versus HBeAg-positive subjects in the P (p=0.02) but not the pre-S/S (p=0.64) ORF. There was no association between any HLA class I allele and non-synonymous substitutions in these codons. There was no increase in positive selection pressure on the pre-S/S and P ORFs with time. In conclusion, we could not find HLA class I-restricted selection pressure on any pre-S/S or P ORF amino acid; raising the possibility that peptide-based immunotherapies for chronic hepatitis B may not require peptides from these ORFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- William G H Abbott
- The New Zealand Liver Transplant Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Private Bag 92-024, Auckland, New Zealand.
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50
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Wang J, Wang M, Huang Y. Acute liver failure resulting from discontinuation of nucleoside analogues in chronic hepatitis B patients: A report of two cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 45:158-60. [DOI: 10.3109/00365548.2012.704152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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