The Presence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen in the Ova of Pregnant Women and Its Relationship with Intra-Uterine Infection by Hepatitis B Virus

Human Oocytes Express Both ACE2 and BSG Genes and Corresponding Proteins: Is SARS-CoV-2 Infection Possible?

In addition to a number of scientific and medical questions about SARS-CoV-2 infection that still need to be answered, there is also the question of how this highly virulent virus and COVID-19 disease affect gametogenesis in humans. Even more important is the question of whether the virus can also enter and infect oocytes and possibly alter them in an unknown way, which could also affect the development and status of the human embryo. The answers to these questions are still poorly known, so we reviewed the human oocyte transcriptome and proteome obtained in our previous studies and found that human oocytes from the in vitro fertilization program expressed both the ACE2 and BSG genes and the corresponding ACE2 and BSG proteins. This means that human oocytes possess the molecular 'machinery' to facilitate SARS-CoV-2 entrance and infection. According to various studies, especially in animal models, different viruses can infect oocytes, so infection of the oocyte with SARS-Cov-2 cannot be completely ruled out. A hypothetical model of human oocyte infection with this virus has been proposed.

Ovarian HBV replication following ovulation induction in female hepatitis B carriers undergoing IVF treatment: A prospective observational study

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be found in ovarian tissues. This study compared HBV DNA levels in follicular fluid collected during oocyte retrieval with paired serum samples in HBV carriers after ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment for infertility. Sixty-four HBV carrier women referred to the Assisted Reproductive Units of two Hong Kong hospitals were recruited. At oocyte retrieval, the follicular fluid aspirated from the first follicle was collected for study. In 22 women, the first follicular fluid sample from both ovaries was similarly collected and studied. These women were also tested for liver function test and HBeAg. In 28 (43.8%) women, HBV DNA was detected in follicular fluid and the level correlated with serum levels (Spearman's correlation P < .001). There was concordant detection of HBV DNA in both ovaries, and the levels were significantly correlated (Spearman's correlation P = .029). In 40% of women with FF HBV DNA, the follicular fluid:serum ratio was >1.0, suggesting stimulation of HBV replication. These women also had significantly different liver function test results. Increased HBV replication exists in 40% of women with HBV DNA detected in follicular undergoing ovarian stimulation during IVF treatment.

Correlation between vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus and the expression of HBsAg in ovarian follicles and placenta

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the expression of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in human ovary and placenta and the vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV).

Methodology/Principal Fidnings

Ovarian and placental tissue specimens of pregnant women infected with HBV were collected during cesarean section and immunostained for HBsAg. The sera of the corresponding newborns were tested for HBV markers and HBV DNA. HBsAg was detected in 15 out of 33 (45%) placental tissues and was further detected in capillary endothelial cells in 4 specimens (26%), of which 3 (75%) corresponding infants were infected with HBV in utero. Out of the 33 ovarian tissues, 7 (21%) were positive for HBsAg, of which 2 (28%) showed HBsAg in ovarian follicles and the 2 corresponding infants (100%) had intrauterine HBV infection.

Conclusions/Significance

HBsAg expression in cells of the ovarian follicle or placental capillary endothelium signal a higher risk for intrauterine HBV infection.

Relationship between HBV cccDNA expression in the human ovary and vertical transmission of HBV

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in the ovary and vertical transmission of HBV. HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were assayed in the ovaries of 33 pregnant women who were positive for HBV DNA. The HBVM (HBV markers, including HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, HBcAb) level and the HBV DNA content in peripheral blood of infants were measured. The overall positive rate of HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA in samples was 51·52% (17/33). The intrauterine infection rate of the infants was 12·12% (4/33). When HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were both positive, the intrauterine infection rate of infants was significantly higher than when they were both negative (P<0·05). Levels of HBV cccDNA and the rate of positive samples were significantly higher in mothers with infants with intrauterine infection than in those without (P<0·01 and P<0·05, respectively). HBV can infect the human ovary and may transmit to the filial generation via the ovum.

Presence of hepatitis B virus in oocytes and embryos: a risk of hepatitis B virus transmission during in vitro fertilization

OBJECTIVE

To define the risk of hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmission through oocytes and embryos from chronic HBV carriers.

DESIGN

Laboratory-based study.

SETTING

Research laboratory in a university hospital.

PATIENT(S)

Thirty-one couples with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative women and HBsAg-positive men, 41 couples with HBsAg-positive women and HBsAg-negative men, and 39 seronegative couples.

INTERVENTION(S)

None.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)

Hepatitis B virus DNA and RNA analyses in oocytes and embryos, and the location of virus particles containing HBsAgs.

RESULT(S)

Hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in 3 of 18 male HBsAg-positive/female HBsAg-negative couples (and in 13 of 84 embryos) and 3 of 14 male HBsAg-negative/female HBsAg-positive couples (and in 15 of 71 oocytes and embryos). Hepatitis B virus RNA was detected in 9 of 13 male HBsAg-positive/female HBsAg-negative couples (and in 39 of 52 embryos) and 8 of 17 male HBsAg-negative/female HBsAg-positive couples (and in 30 of 63 oocytes and embryos). The HBsAg, which is present in the nuclei and cytoplasm of oocytes and embryos, was detected in 6 of 10 male HBsAg-negative/female HBsAg-positive couples (and in 13 of 20 oocytes and embryos). Hepatitis B virus DNA, HBV RNA, and HBsAg were not found in 135 oocytes and embryos from 39 seronegative couples.

CONCLUSION(S)

The presence of HBV in oocytes and embryos suggests the possibility of vertical transmission of HBV via the germ line.