Multi-clustering study on the association between human leukocyte antigen-DP-DQ and hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in Viet Nam

Evaluating the scope of human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms influencing hepatitis B virus-related liver cancer and cirrhosis through multi-clustering analysis

Hepatitis B virus remains a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, with genetic polymorphisms and mutations influencing immune responses and disease progression. Nguyen et al present novel findings on specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles, including rs2856718 of HLA-DQ and rs3077 and rs9277535 of HLA-DP, which may predispose individuals to cirrhosis and liver cancer, based on multi-clustering analysis. Here, we discuss the feasibility of this approach and identify key areas for further investigation, aiming to offer insights for advancing clinical practice and research in liver disease and related cancers.

Direct Reciprocal Interaction Between Platelet Count and HBeAg Status in HBsAg-positive Pregnant Women

Background

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health issue with a significant impact on pregnant women, mainly due to the interplay between liver function and hematological changes. The liver plays a key role in erythropoiesis and systemic hemostasis. In HBeAg-positive pregnant women, platelet dynamics may be uniquely influenced by the interaction of HBV, immune modulation in pregnancy, and liver function. This area remains underexplored.

Objective

Our study aimed to analyze the interaction between HbeAg status with others preclinical factors by using the matrix correlation and multidimensional statistics methods.

Methods

We used SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) to demonstrate and quantify the direct reciprocal interaction between platelet count and HBeAg status in HBsAg-positive pregnant women.

Results

We found the quantity of platelet, with the optimal threshold is 201x10^3cells/ml, directly relates with HBeAg status (R =0.24) and negatively correlates with ratio of AST on ALT (R=-0.139). In case of HbeAg positive, the risk ratio having a high quantity of platelet (>201x103cells/ml) and high AST/ALT ratio (>1.42) is 2.16[1.23,3.80] (p<0.05). SEM model shows that platelet count has a direct impact on HBeAg (p<0.05, Coefficient =0.24) and indirectly through the AST/ALT ratio. This impact is greater than the direct impact from HBeAg on platelet count (p < 0.05, coefficient = 0.23).

Conclusion

Research results show a complex relationship between platelet count, AST/ALT ratio and HBeAg in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The direct interaction between platelet count, HBeAg status, and AST/ALT ratio suggests intriguing complex immuno-biochemical responses to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.