Genomic Variability of Hepatitis B Virus Circulating in Brazilian Western Amazon

Molecular genetic association of rs8099917 and rs1800795 polymorphisms in the progression of hepatitis Delta virus liver disease

Background

The relationship between viral infections and host factors holds high hopes for identifying the role of Interferon Lambda 3 (IFNL3) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) polymorphisms in the development of Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) in patients infected with hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

Methods

Cross-sectional study conducted with a cohort of 40 chronic HDV patients, 27 with CLD and 13 without evident liver damage. Biological samples from the participants were analyzed using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, followed by sequencing by the automated Sanger method.

Results

The rs8099917 T allele, from the IFNL3 gene, showed a higher frequency in both groups; however, it was not possible to establish an association with HDV infection [OR = 1.42 (0.42 - 4.75; p = 0.556 (95% CI). For IL-6, the rs1800795 G allele was superior to rs1800795 C. Analyzing both distributions in the studied groups, any association with HDV was absent (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The results suggest that the rs8099917 T/G (IFNL3) and rs1800795 G/C (IL-6) polymorphisms are not associated with the evolution of HDV in the studied population.

Host and HBV Interactions and Their Potential Impact on Clinical Outcomes

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a challenge for global health services, affecting millions and leading thousands to end-stage liver disease each year. This comprehensive review explores the interactions between HBV and the host, examining their impact on clinical outcomes. HBV infection encompasses a spectrum of severity, ranging from acute hepatitis B to chronic hepatitis B, which can potentially progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Occult hepatitis B infection (OBI), characterized by low HBV DNA levels in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative individuals, can reactivate and cause acute hepatitis B. HBV genotyping has revealed unique geographical patterns and relationships with clinical outcomes. Moreover, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the human host genome have been linked to several clinical outcomes, including cirrhosis, HCC, OBI, hepatitis B reactivation, and spontaneous clearance. The immune response plays a key role in controlling HBV infection by eliminating infected cells and neutralizing HBV in the bloodstream. Furthermore, HBV can modulate host metabolic pathways involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and bile acid absorption, influencing disease progression. HBV clinical outcomes correlate with three levels of viral adaptation. In conclusion, the clinical outcomes of HBV infection could result from complex immune and metabolic interactions between the host and HBV. These outcomes can vary among populations and are influenced by HBV genotypes, host genetics, environmental factors, and lifestyle. Understanding the degrees of HBV adaptation is essential for developing region-specific control and prevention measures.