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What does quantitative HBsAg level mean in chronic hepatitis D infection? Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:320-326. [PMID: 36708303 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection, which is an important etiological cause of chronic liver disease, the relationship between serum quantitative HBsAg level and fibrosis and histological activity was investigated. METHODS Between 2014 and 2020, 98 patients with chronic HDV infection (53 noncirrhotic, 45 cirrhotic) participated in this prospectively designed study. Quantitative HBsAg levels of the patients were measured and their relationship with the stage of chronic liver disease was compared with histological activity index (HAI), fibrosis score and HDV RNA, model for end-stage liver disease score and other biochemical parameters. RESULTS All patients were infected with genotype 1 (100%). HBeAg was positive in 8 (8.1%) of the patients. A correlation was found between quantitative HBsAg level and HDV RNA level in patients with both cirrhotic (r = 0.568; P < 0.001) and noncirrhotic (r = 0.644; P < 0.001) HDV infection. Alanine transaminase (P = 0.001; r = 0.495) and aspartate transaminase (P = 0.001; r = 0.511) levels correlated with quantitative HBsAg levels, more prominently in noncirrhotic patients. There was a correlation between quantitative HBsAg level and histological activity index (HAI) in patients with noncirrhotic HDV infection (P < 0.001; r = 0.664). In receiver operating characteristic analysis, both quantitative HBsAg (for cutoff: 1000; sensitivity 76%; specificity 17%; P = 0.335) and HDV RNA (for cutoff: 100000; sensitivity 2%; specificity 98%; P = 0.096) were not predictive markers for cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Quantitative HBsAg level can be evaluated as an indicator of viral replication and histological activity in patients with chronic delta hepatitis without cirrhosis. We think that quantitative HBsAg level will be useful in the management of chronic HDV infection, especially in noncirrhotic patients.
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Hepatitis B Virus-Encoded HBsAg Contributes to Hepatocarcinogenesis by Inducing the Oncogenic Long Noncoding RNA LINC00665 through the NF-κB Pathway. Microbiol Spectr 2022; 10:e0273121. [PMID: 35993712 PMCID: PMC9603668 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02731-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical and in vivo studies have demonstrated a role for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-encoded HBsAg (hepatitis B surface antigen) in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of HBsAg in regulating long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) involved in HCC progression. Our analysis of microarray data sets identified LINC00665 as an HBsAg-regulated lncRNA. Furthermore, LINC00665 is upregulated in liver samples from HBV-infected patients as well as in HCC, specifically in HBV-related HCC liver samples. These findings were supported by our in vitro data demonstrating that HBsAg, as well as HBV, positively regulates LINC00665 in multiple HBV cell culture models. Next, we evaluated the oncogenic potential of LINC00665 by its overexpression and CRISPR interference (CRISPRi)-based knockdown in various cell-based assays. LINC00665 promoted cell proliferation, migration, and colony formation but inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro. We then identified the underlying mechanism of HBsAg-mediated regulation of LINC00665. We used immunofluorescence assays to show that HBsAg enhanced the nuclear translocation of NF-κB factors in HepG2 cells, confirming that HBsAg activates NF-κB. Inhibition of NF-κB signaling nullified HBsAg-mediated LINC00665 upregulation, suggesting that HBsAg acts through NF-κB to regulate LINC00665. Furthermore, the LINC00665 promoter contains NF-κB binding sites, and their disruption abrogated HBsAg-induced LINC00665 upregulation. Finally, HBsAg facilitated the enrichment of the NF-κB factors NF-κB1, RelA, and c-Rel in the LINC00665 promoter. Taken together, this work shows that HBsAg can drive hepatocarcinogenesis by upregulating oncogenic LINC000665 through the NF-κB pathway, thereby identifying a novel mechanism in HBV-related HCC. IMPORTANCE Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Numerous reports indicate an oncogenic role for HBV-encoded HBsAg; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we studied the role of HBsAg in regulating lncRNAs involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. We demonstrate that HBsAg, as well as HBV, positively regulates oncogenic lncRNA LINC00665. The clinical significance of this lncRNA is highlighted by our observation that LINC00665 is upregulated in liver samples during HBV infection and HBV-related HCC. Furthermore, we show LINC00665 can drive hepatocarcinogenesis by promoting cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration and inhibiting apoptosis. Taken together, this work identified LINC00665 as a novel gene through which HBsAg can drive hepatocarcinogenesis. Finally, we show that HBsAg enhances LINC00665 levels in hepatocytes by activating the NF-κB pathway, thereby identifying a novel mechanism by which HBV may contribute to HCC.
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Tsai HW, Lee YP, Yen CJ, Cheng KH, Huang CJ, Huang W. The Serum Hepatitis B Virus Large Surface Protein as High-Risk Recurrence Biomarker for Hepatoma after Curative Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105376. [PMID: 35628188 PMCID: PMC9140564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection is the most important cause of HCC and is also associated with tumor progression. The development of viral biomarkers for HCC prognosis is critical in evaluating relative risks to recurrence in the CHB HCC patients. We report that the large HBV surface protein (LHBS) expression increased in the tumors, implicating that it played a significant role in tumor development. To detect the LHBS in serum and evaluate its association with HCC progression, we developed a sandwich ELISA method for LHBS. The mouse monoclonal antibodies for the pre-S1, pre-S2, and HBS regions were in-house generated and constructed into a chemiluminescent sandwich ELISA system, which allowed sensitive and quantitative measurement of the protein. Using this ELISA assay, we estimated the expression of LHBS in CHB and HCC patients. We found that the serum LHBS level was correlated with the HBS but not the viral titer in serum, indicating that HBV surface proteins’ expression does not mainly depend on viral replication. Moreover, both serum LHBS and HBS levels were lower in the HCC patients than in the CHB. The liver LHBS signals, detected by immunohistochemical staining, showed significant correlations with the serum LHBS and HBS levels. In addition, the more elevated serum LHBS but not HBS level was significantly associated with cirrhosis and worse disease-free and overall survival rates, based on the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: LHBS plays a specific role in tumor progression and is an independent parameter associated with HCC recurrence. Serum LHBS represents a novel noninvasive biomarker for HCC patients with a worse prognosis after surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Wen Tsai
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (H.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
| | - Yun-Ping Lee
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Chia-Jui Yen
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
| | - Kuang-Hsiung Cheng
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (H.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
| | - Chien-Jung Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei 10341, Taiwan;
| | - Wenya Huang
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan; (H.-W.T.); (K.-H.C.)
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan;
- Institute of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-235-3535 (ext. 5766)
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Mbaga DS, Kenmoe S, Kengne-Ndé C, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Mahamat G, Foe-Essomba JR, Amougou-Atsama M, Tchatchouang S, Nyebe I, Feudjio AF, Kame-Ngasse GI, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Fokou LKM, Meta-Djomsi D, Maïdadi-Foudi M, Touangnou-Chamda SA, Daha-Tchoffo AG, Selly-Ngaloumo AA, Nayang-Mundo RA, Yéngué JF, Taya-Fokou JB, Kenfack-Momo R, Atembeh Noura E, Demeni Emoh CP, Tazokong HR, Bowo-Ngandji A, Sake CS, Atenguena Okobalemba E, Njiki Bikoi J, Njouom R, Riwom Essama SH. Hepatitis B, C and D virus infections and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in Africa: A meta-analysis including sensitivity analyses for studies comparable for confounders. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0262903. [PMID: 35061846 PMCID: PMC8782350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0262903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Africa denotes unique facies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) characterized by a conjunction of low sensitization, restricted access to diagnosis and treatment and associated with the highest incidence and mortality in the world. We investigated whether hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (VHD) viruses were etiological agents of HCC in Africa. Methods Relevant articles were searched in PubMed, Web of Science, African Index Medicus, and African Journal Online databases, as well as manual searches in relevant reviews and included articles. Analytical studies from Africa evaluating the association between HCC development and HBV, HCV, and HDV were included. Relevant studies were selected, data extracted, and the risk of bias assessed independently by at least 2 investigators. The association was estimated using odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (95% CI) determined by a random-effects model. Sources of heterogeneity were determined by subgroup analyses. Results A total of 36 case-control studies were included. With controls having non-hepatic disease, the overall results suggested a significantly increased risk of HCC in patients with HBV (HBeAg (OR = 19.9; 95% CI = [3.7–105.2]), HBsAg (OR = 9.9; 95%) CI = [6.2–15.6]) and DNA (OR = 8.9; 95% CI = [5.9–13.4]); HCV (Anti-HCV (OR = 9.4; 95% CI = [6.3–14.0]) and RNA (OR = 16.5; 95% CI = [7.8–34.6]); HDV (Anti-VHD, (OR = 25.8; 95% CI = [5.9–112.2]); and HBV/HCV coinfections (HBV DNA/HCV RNA (OR = 22.5; 95% CI = [1.3–387.8]). With apparently healthy controls, the overall results suggested a significantly increased risk of HCC in patients with HBV (HBsAg, (OR = 8.9; 95% CI = [6.0–13.0]); HCV (Anti-HCV, (OR = 7.7; 95% CI = [5.6–10.6]); and HBV/HCV coinfections (HBsAg/Anti-HCV (OR = 7.8; 95% CI = [4.4–13.6]) Substantial heterogeneity and the absence of publication bias were recorded for these results. Conclusions In Africa, HBV/HCV coinfections and HBV, HCV, and HDV infections are associated with an increased risk of developing HCC. The implementation of large-scale longitudinal and prospective studies including healthy participants to search for early biomarkers of the risk of progression to HCC is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donatien Serge Mbaga
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- * E-mail: (DSM); (SK)
| | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- * E-mail: (DSM); (SK)
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Gadji Mahamat
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Marie Amougou-Atsama
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Re-Emergentes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Inès Nyebe
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Dowbiss Meta-Djomsi
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Re-Emergentes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Martin Maïdadi-Foudi
- Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Re-Emergentes, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Efietngab Atembeh Noura
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Jacky Njiki Bikoi
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Schemmer P, Burra P, Hu R, Hüber CM, Loinaz C, Machida K, Vogel A, Samuel D. State of the art treatment of hepatitis B virus hepatocellular carcinoma and the role of hepatitis B surface antigen post-liver transplantation and resection. Liver Int 2022; 42:288-298. [PMID: 34846790 PMCID: PMC9300017 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major aetiology of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The optimal goal of therapy, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss and anti-HBs production, is achieved rarely and HBsAg-associated HCC risk is well recognized. Here we review the role of HBsAg in HCC, the link between HBsAg and HCC recurrence post-liver transplantation or resection, and the implications for therapy. HBV-associated carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process. The observation that HBV-related HCC can occur in the absence of cirrhosis is compatible with a direct oncogenic effect of the virus, which may occur via multiple mechanisms, including those mediated by both mutated and unmutated HBsAg. HCC recurrence in HBsAg-positive patients post-liver transplantation has been reported in 10%-15% of patients and is likely to be because of expansion of residual HCC tumour cell populations containing integrated HBV DNA, which expand and independently replicate HBV, leading to the recurrence of both HCC and HBV. The direct role of HBsAg in HCC recurrence post-liver resection is less clear. Cirrhosis is the most important risk factor for HCC development, and precancerous cirrhotic liver remains after resection, with the potential to undergo malignant transformation regardless of the existence of HBV-derived oncogenic drivers. The role of HBsAg in the development of HCC and its recurrence post-surgical intervention has multiple implications for therapy and suggests a potential role for immunotherapy in the future management of HCC, in particular post-liver transplantation. Use of hepatitis B immunoglobulins that target HBsAg directly, alongside immune-oncology therapies, may be relevant in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Schemmer
- General, Visceral and Transplant SurgeryDepartment of SurgeryMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Department of Surgery, Oncology, and GastroenterologyPadua University HospitalPaduaItaly
| | - Rey‐Heng Hu
- Department of SurgeryNational Taiwan University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | | | - Carmelo Loinaz
- Department of General and Digestive SurgeryUniversity Hospital 12 de OctubreMadridSpain
| | - Keigo Machida
- Keck Hospital of University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and EndocrinologyMedizinische Hochschule HannoverHannoverGermany
| | - Didier Samuel
- Centre HepatobiliaireUniversity Hospital Paul BrousseUniversity Paris‐Saclay and Inserm‐Paris Saclay Research Unit 1193VillejuifFrance
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Use of a Deep Learning Approach for the Sensitive Prediction of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Levels in Inactive Carrier Patients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11020387. [PMID: 35054079 PMCID: PMC8779966 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11020387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Deep learning is a subset of machine learning that can be employed to accurately predict biological transitions. Eliminating hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAgs) is the final therapeutic endpoint for chronic hepatitis B. Reliable predictors of the disappearance or reduction in HBsAg levels have not been established. Accurate predictions are vital to successful treatment, and corresponding efforts are ongoing worldwide. Therefore, this study aimed to identify an optimal deep learning model to predict the changes in HBsAg levels in daily clinical practice for inactive carrier patients. We identified patients whose HBsAg levels were evaluated over 10 years. The results of routine liver biochemical function tests, including serum HBsAg levels for 1, 2, 5, and 10 years, and biometric information were obtained. Data of 90 patients were included for adaptive training. The predictive models were built based on algorithms set up by SONY Neural Network Console, and their accuracy was compared using statistical analysis. Multiple regression analysis revealed a mean absolute percentage error of 58%, and deep learning revealed a mean absolute percentage error of 15%; thus, deep learning is an accurate predictive discriminant tool. This study demonstrated the potential of deep learning algorithms to predict clinical outcomes.
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In Vivo Modelling of Hepatitis B Virus Subgenotype A1 Replication Using Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors. Viruses 2021; 13:v13112247. [PMID: 34835053 PMCID: PMC8618177 DOI: 10.3390/v13112247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The paucity of animal models that simulate the replication of the hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an impediment to advancing new anti-viral treatments. The work reported here employed recombinant adeno-associated viruses (AAVs) to model HBV subgenotype A1 and subgenotype D3 replication in vitro and in vivo. Infection with subgenotype A1 is endemic to parts of sub-Saharan Africa, and it is associated with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Recombinant AAV serotype 2 (AAV2) and 8 (AAV8) vectors bearing greater-than-genome-length sequences of HBV DNA from subgenotype A1 and D3, were produced. Transduced liver-derived cultured cells produced HBV surface antigen and core antigen. Administration of AAV8 carrying HBV subgenotype A1 genome (AAV8-A1) to mice resulted in the sustained production of HBV replication markers over a six-month period, without elevated inflammatory cytokines, expression of interferon response genes or alanine transaminase activity. Markers of replication were generally higher in animals treated with subgenotype D3 genome-bearing AAVs than in those receiving the subgenotype A1-genome-bearing vectors. To validate the use of the AAV8-A1 murine model for anti-HBV drug development, the efficacy of anti-HBV artificial primary-microRNAs was assessed. Significant silencing of HBV markers was observed over a 6-month period after administering AAVs. These data indicate that AAVs conveniently and safely recapitulate the replication of different HBV subgenotypes, and the vectors may be used to assess antivirals’ potency.
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Controversies in Treating Chronic Hepatitis B virus: The Role of Hepatitis B Virus DNA and Surface Antigen Titer. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:763-784. [PMID: 34593152 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Controversial areas in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are those where there is uncertainty, or differences of opinion in management, or where evidence may be insufficient. Areas of controversy include whether patients with high viral load but normal liver function tests should be treated to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or liver disease progression to cirrhosis. Another area is whether quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) can be used to better characterize phases of CHB and prognosticate. Finally, the utility of qHBsAg in the management of patients on antiviral therapy such as interferon and nucleoside analogues could improve management practices.
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Roberts SK, Majeed A, Kemp W. Controversies in the Management of Hepatitis B: Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Liver Dis 2021; 25:785-803. [PMID: 34593153 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2021.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis B is the leading cause of hepatocellular cancer (HCC) worldwide. Untreated, annual HCC incidence rates in chronic hepatitis B subjects are 0.4% in noncirrhotics and 2% to 3% in cirrhotics. Surveillance with ultrasound with/without α-fetoprotein at 6-month intervals is recommended in at-risk persons including children. Antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B with entecavir or tenofovir significantly lowers the risk of HCC across all stages of liver disease, and lowers the risk of HCC recurrence following curative therapy. There are insufficient data to recommend use of tenofovir over entecavir in the prevention of de novo or recurrent HCC postcurative therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart K Roberts
- The Alfred, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Ammar Majeed
- The Alfred, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - William Kemp
- The Alfred, 55 Commercial Road, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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10
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Ahluwalia S, Choudhary D, Tyagi P, Kumar V, Vivekanandan P. Vitamin D signaling inhibits HBV activity by directly targeting the HBV core promoter. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101233. [PMID: 34562448 PMCID: PMC8517215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical and epidemiological studies support a role for vitamin D in suppressing hepatitis B virus (HBV). This antiviral role of vitamin D is widely attributed to vitamin D receptor (VDR)/retinoid X receptor-mediated regulation of host immunomodulatory genes through vitamin D response elements (VDREs) in their promoters. Here, we investigated the ability of calcitriol (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, metabolically activated vitamin D) to directly regulate HBV activity through this signaling pathway. We observed that calcitriol selectively inhibited only the HBV core promoter without affecting the HBV-PreS1, HBV-PreS2/S, or HBx promoters. We then identified a VDRE cluster in the HBV core promoter that is highly conserved across most HBV genotypes. Disruption of this VDRE cluster abrogated calcitriol-mediated suppression of the HBV core promoter. Furthermore, we showed that VDR interacts directly with the VDRE cluster in the HBV core promoter independent of retinoid X receptor. This demonstrates that calcitriol inhibits HBV core promoter activity through a noncanonical calcitriol-activated VDR pathway. Finally, we observed that calcitriol suppressed expression of the canonical HBV core promoter transcripts, pregenomic RNA, and precore RNA in multiple HBV cell culture models. In addition, calcitriol inhibited the secretion of hepatitis B "e" antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBV-encoded proteins linked to poor disease prognosis), without affecting virion secretion. Our findings identify VDR as a novel regulator of HBV core promoter activity and also explain at least in part the correlation of vitamin D levels to HBV activity observed in clinical studies. Furthermore, this study has implications on the potential use of vitamin D along with anti-HBV therapies, and lays the groundwork for studies on vitamin D-mediated regulation of viruses through VDREs in virus promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivaksh Ahluwalia
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Divya Choudhary
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Purnima Tyagi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Vijay Kumar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Institute of Liver and Biliary sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Perumal Vivekanandan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India.
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11
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Zhang X, Guan L, Tian H, Zeng Z, Chen J, Huang D, Sun J, Guo J, Cui H, Li Y. Risk Factors and Prevention of Viral Hepatitis-Related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:686962. [PMID: 34568017 PMCID: PMC8458967 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.686962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer in the world, and its incidence is increasing yearly. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are important causes of HCC. Liver cirrhosis, age, sex, smoking and drinking, and metabolic risk factors will increase the risk of cancer in HBV/HCV patients. And viral load, APRI, FIB-4, and liver stiffness can all predict the risk of HCC in patients with viral infection. In addition, effective prevention strategies are essential in reducing the risk of HCC. The prevention of HCC involves mainly tertiary prevention strategies, while the primary prevention is based on standardized vaccine injections to prevent the occurrence of HBV/HCV. Eliminating the route of transmission and vaccination will lead to a decrease in the incidence of HCC. Secondary prevention involves effective antiviral treatment of HBV/HCV to prevent the disease from progressing to HCC, and tertiary prevention is actively treating HCC to prevent its recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhe Zhang
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lin Guan
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Haoyu Tian
- The 3rd Clinical Department of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zilu Zeng
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Die Huang
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ji Sun
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiaqi Guo
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Huipeng Cui
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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12
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Bousali M, Papatheodoridis G, Paraskevis D, Karamitros T. Hepatitis B Virus DNA Integration, Chronic Infections and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Microorganisms 2021; 9:1787. [PMID: 34442866 PMCID: PMC8398950 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9081787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) is an Old World virus with a high mutation rate, which puts its origins in Africa alongside the origins of Homo sapiens, and is a member of the Hepadnaviridae family that is characterized by a unique viral replication cycle. It targets human hepatocytes and can lead to chronic HBV infection either after acute infection via horizontal transmission usually during infancy or childhood or via maternal-fetal transmission. HBV has been found in ~85% of HBV-related Hepatocellular Carcinomas (HCC), and it can integrate the whole or part of its genome into the host genomic DNA. The molecular mechanisms involved in the HBV DNA integration is not yet clear; thus, multiple models have been described with respect to either the relaxed-circular DNA (rcDNA) or the double-stranded linear DNA (dslDNA) of HBV. Various genes have been found to be affected by HBV DNA integration, including cell-proliferation-related genes, oncogenes and long non-coding RNA genes (lincRNAs). The present review summarizes the advances in the research of HBV DNA integration, focusing on the evolutionary and molecular side of the integration events along with the arising clinical aspects in the light of WHO's commitment to eliminate HBV and viral hepatitis by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Bousali
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
| | - George Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece;
| | - Timokratis Karamitros
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece;
- Laboratory of Medical Microbiology, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, 11521 Athens, Greece
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Li W, Deng R, Liu S, Wang K, Sun J. Hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma in the era of antiviral therapy: The emerging role of non-viral risk factors. Liver Int 2020; 40:2316-2325. [PMID: 32666675 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the major malignant lethal tumours, is most prevalent in Asian patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Both viral and non-viral factors contribute to the development of HCC. It is established that viral factors associated with HBV DNA level, HBV genotype, designated gene mutation, HBV DNA integration, HBx protein, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) and HBV RNA are correlated with hepatocarcinogenesis. Before the introduction of antiviral therapy, viral factors once attracted more attention during the development of HCC. With the widespread use of antiviral therapy, predominantly nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs), most patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have achieved sustained viral control. The role of non-viral factors, especially modifiable factors, is anticipated to be reinforced in the future. Herein, we reviewed the modifiable non-viral risk factors of HBV-related HCC, in the hope of providing substantial evidence for further development of novel precautionary measures for HCC. In addition, the therapeutic interventions for reducing the risk of HCC, like potential conventional pharmaceutical interventions and lifestyle modification are also discussed in this review. Future studies that would explore the specific mechanism of HBV-related HCC development in patients with satisfactory viral control and related precision treatment are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanying Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Hayat Davoudi G, Makvandi M, Teimoori A, Samarbafzade A, Biparva Haghighi S, Bavi A, Alavinejad P, Keyvani H. Frequency of OBI among Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:2555-2559. [PMID: 32986352 PMCID: PMC7779448 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.9.2555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is recognized as a serious disease in which the body’s immune system attacks liver cells so untreated patients may consequently suffer from liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver failure. The role of viral infection may be involved in AIH. Presence of anti-HBc alone is a predictive signal of potential OBI. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the rate OBI among the patients with AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golnaz Hayat Davoudi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Manoochehr Makvandi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran.,Virology Department, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Teimoori
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Alireza Samarbafzade
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Akbar Bavi
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Pezhman Alavinejad
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Imam Khomeini hospital, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Hossein Keyvani
- Virology Department, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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