Advances in hepatitis C therapy: What is the current state - what come’s next?

A pilot sentinel surveillance system to monitor treatment and treatment outcomes of chronic hepatitis B and C infections in clinical centres in three European countries, 2019

BackgroundThe World Health Organization European Action Plan 2020 targets for the elimination of viral hepatitis are that > 75% of eligible individuals with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV) are treated, of whom > 90% achieve viral suppression.AimTo report the results from a pilot sentinel surveillance to monitor chronic HBV and HCV treatment uptake and outcomes in 2019.MethodsWe undertook retrospective enhanced data collection on patients with a confirmed chronic HBV or HCV infection presenting at one of seven clinics in three countries (Croatia, Romania and Spain) for the first time between 1 January 2019 and 30 June 2019. Clinical records were reviewed from date of first attendance to 31 December 2019 and data on sociodemographics, clinical history, laboratory results, treatment and treatment outcomes were collected. Treatment eligibility, uptake and case outcome were assessed.ResultsOf 229 individuals with chronic HBV infection, treatment status was reported for 203 (89%). Of the 80 individuals reported as eligible for treatment, 51% (41/80) were treated of whom 89% (33/37) had achieved viral suppression. Of 240 individuals with chronic HCV infection, treatment status was reported for 231 (96%). Of 231 eligible individuals, 77% (179/231) were treated, the majority of whom had received direct acting antivirals (99%, 174/176) and had achieved sustained virological response (98%, 165/169).ConclusionTreatment targets for global elimination were missed for HBV but not for HCV. A wider European implementation of sentinel surveillance with a representative sample of sites could help monitor progress towards achieving hepatitis control targets.

Efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus induced cirrhosis with Child-Pugh class B

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of SOF/DCV ± RBV in a cohort of Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC)-induced cirrhosis with decompensation (class B7–B9).

Results

After excluding the 9 patients who withdrew, SVR12 rate according to per protocol analysis was 82.9% (92/111), non-response and relapse rates were 2.7% (3/111) for each, 4 patients died secondary to hematemesis, and 8.1% stopped therapy due to worsening of Child’s class. SVR12 rate was significantly higher among patients with higher baseline WBCs count and lower among patients with Child-Pugh class B9. All treatment intolerant patients had ascites in pre-treatment assessment (P = 0.02). There was a significant decline in the levels of hemoglobin, ALT and AST, and serum bilirubin (P < 0.001) and a significant increase in albumin level (P < 0.001) at the end of treatment when compared to their pre-treatment levels. Follow-up of the three HCC did not show evidence of tumor recurrence.

Conclusions

The SOF/DCV combination ± ribavirin is an effective and safe regimen for patients with CHC induced cirrhosis with mild decompensation. Treatment did not increase the risk of HCC recurrence.

Hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis using a novel electrochemiluminescence immunoassay targeting serum IgM-free AIM

BACKGROUND

Recent increases in the number of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) warrant the identification of biomarkers for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with NASH (NASH-HCC). IgM-free apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM), which generally associates with IgM in blood and exerts its biological function by dissociation from IgM, may serve as an effective biomarker for NASH-HCC. Here, we established a fully automatic and high-throughput electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) to measure IgM-free AIM and investigated its efficacy in diagnosing NASH-HCC and viral HCC.

METHODS

IgM-free AIM levels were measured in 212 serum samples from patients with, or without, HCC related to NASH, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus, using ECLIA. We also developed an ECLIA for measuring both IgM-free and IgM-bound AIM and investigated the existing form of AIM in blood by size-exclusion chromatography.

RESULTS

IgM-free AIM levels were significantly higher in the HCC group than in the non-HCC group, regardless of the associated pathogenesis. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating curve for IgM-free AIM was greater than that for conventional HCC biomarkers, alpha-fetoprotein or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, regardless of the cancer stage. ECLIA counts of IgM-free AIM derived from samples fractionated by size-exclusion chromatography were significantly higher in patients with NASH-HCC than in healthy volunteers and in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver and NASH.

CONCLUSIONS

Serum IgM-free AIM may represent a universal HCC diagnostic marker superior to alpha-fetoprotein or des-γ-carboxy prothrombin. Our newly established ECLIA could contribute to further clinical studies on AIM and in vitro HCC diagnosis.

The Growing Problem of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: The Case of West Virginia

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most significant public health problems currently facing the United States, especially in West Virginia. If it is undetected and left untreated, the likelihood of sustaining a treatment response decreases. While early identification has been identified as a critical focus in trying to obtain better health outcomes, new drug treatments appear promising, if somewhat expensive. West Virginia is a predominantly rural state, where the incidence of HCV is 9 times the national average and Medicaid costs for treatment amounted to more than $27 million from 2014 to 2016. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the effects of early identification and treatment for patients infected with HCV as it relates to West Virginia. A comprehensive systematic review was limited to 58 articles published from 2008 to 2018 and were in English. Findings from this review identified early detection as the first line of a preventive strategy to help reduce the evolving epidemic and that oral medications could reduce the risk of liver cancer and death. The cost associated with hospitalization of HCV more than tripled from $20 963 in 2005 to $64 867 in 2011 with the average charge per hospitalization at $53 626 due to HVC. The lack of adequate treatment options has led to increasing (and even more expensive) hospital care for untreated HCV. These facts suggest that this state might be facing an expected financial health care crisis due to its increasingly drug-related HCV-infected population.

The Z-Profile Study: a multicenter, retrospective cohort study to assess the real-world use and effectiveness of elbasvir/grazoprevir in Canadian adult patients with chronic hepatitis C

Background: Canada was the first country to approve elbasvir/grazoprevir (EBR/GZR) for the treatment of chronic HCV infection for genotypes 1 and 4 with or without ribavirin and genotype 3 with sofosbuvir, with no recommendation for baseline resistance testing. The aim of this study was to describe the effectiveness of EBR/GZR and the profile of patients selected for treatment in a Canadian real-world setting. Methods: This multicenter retrospective study of HCV-infected patients treated with EBR/GZR took place among selected Canadian health care providers, with no exclusion criteria. Primary outcome measures included parameters associated with patient profile and sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) and 24 weeks after treatment. Results: A total of 408 patients were included; 244 had available SVR12 information (per-protocol population [PP]). Genotype distribution included 1a (54.7%), 1b (17.2%), 3 (11.8%), 4 (10.0%), and other (6.4%). The majority (88.7%) of participants were treated for 12 weeks without ribavirin. Fifty-nine (14.5%) participants, predominantly with genotype 1a (49/59) infection, were tested for baseline resistance-associated substitutions (bRAS). SVR12 was achieved by 95.9% of the PP. In an exploratory analysis assessing potential predictors of SVR12, participants who had undergone bRAS testing (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03–0.64) and participants who had undergone liver transplant (OR 0.05, 95% CI 0.00–0.68) had significantly lower odds of achieving SVR12. Conclusions: This study supports the real-world effectiveness of EBR/GZR—including a broad range of genotypes and diverse fibrosis stages—in the absence of bRAS testing and in special populations.

"Take Charge, Get Cured": Pilot testing a targeted mHealth treatment decision support tool for methadone patients with hepatitis C virus for acceptability and promise of efficacy

Hepatitis C (HCV) is a highly prevalent infection in current and former IV drug users. Current estimates indicate that over 70% of those in methadone maintenance treatment programs (MMTs) have HCV, but only 11% have initiated treatments despite availability of new treatments that are easily tolerated and can cure infection in about 8 weeks. We conducted a pilot randomized trial at four Philadelphia, PA MMTs to test acceptability, feasibility and promise of efficacy of our "Take Charge, Get Cured" mobile health (mHealth) treatment decision tool, developed through extensive formative work that included methadone patients' input and targeted directly to concerns of methadone patients with Hepatitis C (HCV). We compared its impact on perceptions and knowledge about HCV and HCV treatment, decisional conflict, intention to and actual initiation of HCV care to a web-based Cochrane-reviewed, non-targeted HCV decision tool. Subjects (n = 122) were randomized, administered baseline questionnaires, interacted with the targeted or non-targeted decision tool on an electronic tablet, and answered post-test questions. After 3-months subjects (n = 93; 76%) were surveyed for follow up. "Take Charge, Get Cured" users were more likely to report the tool helped with decision making and demonstrated greater improvement in knowledge, decisional conflict, and intention to be treated for their HCV infections than users of the non-targeted decision tool. They were significantly more likely to say the targeted tool was helpful and that they would recommend it to others. At three month follow up, targeted group participants were more likely to say the tool helped them make a better decision about treatment and prepared them to talk to their doctor about what matters most to them about treatment. No differences were seen in actions to initiate HCV care, but more targeted group participants reported talking to their doctors about HCV treatment. Results indicate a highly targeted mHealth decision tool is an important strategy to affect perceptions and knowledge of HCV treatment that lowers decisional conflict about initiating treatment, key components in decision making. We believe this highly acceptable and feasible intervention could be utilized in clinical settings to address the important barriers to initiating HCV treatment in a vulnerable population.

A comparison of machine learning algorithms for the prediction of Hepatitis C NS3 protease cleavage sites

Hepatitis is a global disease that is on the rise and is currently the cause of more deaths than the human immunodeficiency virus each year. As a result, there is an increasing need for antivirals. Previously, effective antivirals have been found in the form of substrate-mimetic antiviral protease inhibitors. The application of machine learning has been used to predict cleavage patterns of viral proteases to provide information for future drug design. This study has successfully applied and compared several machine learning algorithms to hepatitis C viral NS3 serine protease cleavage data. Results have found that differences in sequence-extraction methods can outweigh differences in algorithm choice. Models produced from pseudo-coded datasets all performed with high accuracy and outperformed models created with orthogonal-coded datasets. However, no single pseudo-model performed significantly better than any other. Evaluation of performance measures also show that the correct choice of model scoring system is essential for unbiased model assessment.

Hepatitis C and kidney transplant: The eradication time of the virus has arrived

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a factor that reduces the survival of the patient and the graft in renal transplant (RT). The availability of directly acting antivirals agents (DAAs), very effective and with an excellent safety profile, it allows eradicate HCV from patients with kidney disease, and this is a revolutionary radical change in the natural evolution of this infection, until now without effective and safe treatment for the contraindication use of interferon in kidney transplant patients. The efficiency of some DAAs for all genotypes, even in patients with renal insufficiency constitutes a huge contribution to eradicate HCV in the RT population independently the genotype, severity of kidney failure, progression of liver disease and previous anti HCV therapy. All this is raising, although with controversies, the possibility of use kidneys from infected HCV+ donors for transplant in uninfected receptors and can be treated successfully in the early post-TR, thus increasing the total "pool" of kidneys for RT.

From hepatitis C virus infection to B-cell lymphoma

In addition to liver disorders, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is also associated with extrahepatic immune manifestations and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), especially marginal zone lymphoma, de novo or transformed diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and to a lesser extent, follicular lymphoma. Epidemiological data and clinical observations argue for an association between HCV and lymphoproliferative disorders. The causative role of HCV in NHL has been further supported by the response to antiviral therapy. Pathophysiological processes at stake leading from HCV infection to overt lymphoma still need to be further elucidated. Based on reported biological studies, several mechanisms of transformation seem however to emerge. A strong body of evidence supports the hypothesis of an indirect transformation mechanism by which sustained antigenic stimulation leads from oligoclonal to monoclonal expansion and sometimes to frank lymphoma, mostly of marginal zone subtype. By infecting lymphocytes, HCV could play a direct role in cellular transformation, particularly in de novo large B-cell lymphoma. Finally, HCV is associated with follicular lymphoma in a subset of patients. In this setting, it may be hypothesized that inflammatory cytokines stimulate proliferation and transformation of IgH-BCL2 clones that are increased during chronic HCV infection. Unraveling the pathogenesis of HCV-related B-cell lymphoproliferation is of prime importance to optimize therapeutic strategies, especially with the recent development of new direct-acting antiviral drugs.

Take Charge, Get Cured: The development and user testing of a culturally targeted mHealth decision tool on HCV treatment initiation for methadone patients

OBJECTIVE

This paper describes the development of a mobile health tool to facilitate Hepatitis C (HCV) treatment decision making in methadone patients.

METHODS

Using an iterative, formative evaluation framework, we used commercial marketing techniques to create 3D maps of survey data to develop culturally relevant messaging that was concept tested. The resulting tool was then user tested and results were used to modify the tool.

RESULTS

The "Take Charge, Get Cured" tool was developed with surveys (n = 100), perceptual mapping analysis, concept testing (n = 5), and user testing (n = 10). "Think aloud" sessions were audio recorded and surveys given. Patients thought the goal of the tool was to encourage treatment and it was aimed to the needs of methadone patients. Means of 6.7-7 (on a 7 point scale) were observed for survey items related to ease of use, content, and satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

The iterative development was essential to ensuring a culturally targeted tool, specific to the needs of HCV + methadone patients. There was a high level of acceptance for the tool.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Our study indicates that using a formative evaluation strategy is essential for development of highly targeted patient communication, especially in hard-to-reach populations.

Successful direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment of HCV/HIV-coinfected patients before and after liver transplantation

Objectives

The aim of this multicenter retrospective study was to investigate safety and efficacy of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment in the rare subgroup of patients with HCV/HIV-coinfection and advanced liver cirrhosis on the liver transplant waiting list or after liver transplantation, respectively.

Methods

When contacting 54 German liver centers (including all 23 German liver transplant centers), 12 HCV/HIV-coinfected patients on antiretroviral combination therapy were reported having received additional DAA therapy while being on the waiting list for liver transplantation (patient characteristics: Child-Pugh A (n = 6), B (n = 5), C (n = 1); MELD range 7–21; HCC (n = 2); HCV genotype 1a (n = 8), 1b (n = 2), 4 (n = 2)). Furthermore, 2 HCV/HIV-coinfected patients were denoted having received DAA therapy after liver transplantation (characteristics: HCV genotype 1a (n = 1), 4 (n = 1)).

Results

Applied DAA regimens were SOF/DAC (n = 7), SOF/LDV/RBV (n = 3), SOF/RBV (n = 3), PTV/r/OBV/DSV (n = 1), or PTV/r/OBV/DSV/RBV (n = 1), respectively. All patients achieved SVR 12, in the end. In one patient, HCV relapse occurred after 24 weeks of SOF/DAC therapy; subsequent treatment with 12 weeks PTV/r/OBV/DSV achieved SVR 12. One patient underwent liver transplantation while on DAA treatment. Analysis of liver function revealed either stable parameters or even significant improvement during DAA therapy and in follow-up. MELD scores were found to improve in 9/13 therapies in patients on the waiting list for liver transplantation; in only 2 patients a moderate increase of MELD scores persisted at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion

DAA treatment was safe and highly effective in this nation-wide cohort of patients with HCV/HIV-coinfection awaiting liver transplantation or being transplanted.

Preclinical Profile of AB-423, an Inhibitor of Hepatitis B Virus Pregenomic RNA Encapsidation

AB-423 is a member of the sulfamoylbenzamide (SBA) class of hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsid inhibitors in phase 1 clinical trials. In cell culture models, AB-423 showed potent inhibition of HBV replication (50% effective concentration [EC₅₀] = 0.08 to 0.27 μM; EC₉₀ = 0.33 to 1.32 μM) with no significant cytotoxicity (50% cytotoxic concentration > 10 μM). Addition of 40% human serum resulted in a 5-fold increase in the EC₅₀s. AB-423 inhibited HBV genotypes A through D and nucleos(t)ide-resistant variants in vitro Treatment of HepDES19 cells with AB-423 resulted in capsid particles devoid of encapsidated pregenomic RNA and relaxed circular DNA (rcDNA), indicating that it is a class II capsid inhibitor. In a de novo infection model, AB-423 prevented the conversion of encapsidated rcDNA to covalently closed circular DNA, presumably by interfering with the capsid uncoating process. Molecular docking of AB-423 into crystal structures of heteroaryldihydropyrimidines and an SBA and biochemical studies suggest that AB-423 likely also binds to the dimer-dimer interface of core protein. In vitro dual combination studies with AB-423 and anti-HBV agents, such as nucleos(t)ide analogs, RNA interference agents, or interferon alpha, resulted in additive to synergistic antiviral activity. Pharmacokinetic studies with AB-423 in CD-1 mice showed significant systemic exposures and higher levels of accumulation in the liver. A 7-day twice-daily administration of AB-423 in a hydrodynamic injection mouse model of HBV infection resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in serum HBV DNA levels, and combination with entecavir or ARB-1467 resulted in a trend toward antiviral activity greater than that of either agent alone, consistent with the results of the in vitro combination studies. The overall preclinical profile of AB-423 supports its further evaluation for safety, pharmacokinetics, and antiviral activity in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Grazoprevir/elbasvir treatment for the relapse of HCV genotype 1b infection after ledipasvir/sofosbuvir: A case report

The treatment of chronic hepatitis C has radically changed due to the development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Twelve-week treatment with ledipasvir and sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF), a combination of DAAs, is highly effective in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection. However, the overall sustained virological response rate 12 weeks after the end of treatment (SVR12) is not 100%. Elbasvir (EBR) combined with grazoprevir (GZR) is the latest approved therapy for patients with genotype 1 or 4 chronic hepatitis C. However, to the best of our knowledge no case reports have described retreatment with GZR/EBR in patients with a history of failed LDV/SOF treatment. The present case report indicated a case in which GZR/EBR was effective for the retreatment of a patient with a history of failed LDV/SOF treatment and chronic hepatitis C. The present study indicated a 55-year-old Japanese male with a history of chronic hepatitis C and compensated liver cirrhosis. The patient exhibited the amino acid mutation Y93H in NS5A. Therefore, treatment with LDV/SOF was initiated, which was effective and suppressed the virus during oral administration. However, 4 weeks after treatment, the patient's viral load relapsed and returned to its original level. After the patient provided informed consent, treatment with GZR/EBR was initiated. No problems related to GZR/EBR were observed during treatment and the patient's SVR12 was evaluated at 12 weeks posttreatment. In conclusion, GZR/EBR treatment was useful for treating a relapse of HCV genotype 1b infection in the present case after LDV/SOF treatment, despite liver fibrosis, in the presence of the high-frequency amino acid mutation Y93H in NS5A. Although it will be necessary to examine a large number of cases, the present findings suggest that GZR/EBR may be a potential treatment option for relapse of HCV genotype 1b infection after LDV/SOF treatment.

Genotyping & diagnostic methods for hepatitis C virus: A need of low-resource countries

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a blood borne and transfusion-transmitted infection (TTI). It has emerged as one of the major health challenges worldwide. In India, around 12-18 million peoples are infected with HCV, but in terms of prevalence percentage, its looks moderate due to large population. The burden of the HCV infection increases due to lack of foolproof screening of blood and blood products before transfusion. The qualified screening and quantification of HCV play an important role in diagnosis and treatment of HCV-related diseases. If identified early, HCV infection can be managed and treated by recently available antiviral therapies with fewer side effects. However, its identification at chronic phase makes its treatment very challenging and sometimes ineffective. The drugs therapy for HCV infection treatment is also dependent on its genotype. Different genotypes of HCV differ from each other at genomic level. The RNA viruses (such as HCV) are evolving perpetually due to interaction and integration among people from different regions and countries which lead to varying therapeutic response in HCV-infected patients in different geographical regions. Therefore, proper diagnosis for infecting virus and then exact determination of genotype become important for targeted treatment. This review summarizes the general information on HCV, and methods used for its diagnosis and genotyping.

Severe liver disease related to chronic hepatitis C virus infection in treatment-naive patients: epidemiological characteristics and associated factors at first expert centre visit, France, 2000 to 2007 and 2010 to 2014

Given recent profound improvements in the effectiveness of antiviral treatment for chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we aimed to describe the characteristics of patients referred to hepatology expert centres in France from 2000 to 2007 and from 2010 to 2014, and to identify factors associated with severe liver disease at their first visit for evaluation. We analysed data from two sources covering all of France: the former hepatitis C surveillance network, which included patients between 2000 and 2007, and the ANRS CO22 HEPATHER multi-centre cohort, which included patients between 2012 and 2014. Severe liver disease (SLD) was defined as the presence of either cirrhosis (histological, biochemical or clinical) or hepatocellular carcinoma. Multivariable Poisson regression models were used to identify the factors associated with SLD in complete-case analysis and after multiple imputation. Overall, 16,851 patients were included in the analysis and SLD was diagnosed in 11.6%. SLD at first visit was significantly associated with known risk factors (male sex, history of excessive alcohol intake, HCV genotype 3), late referral to hepatologists after diagnosis and HCV diagnosis at an older age. Providing earlier specialised care and treatment may be an important target for public health action.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir in patients with hepatitis C virus genotypes 1-6 and compensated cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and advanced fibrosis (Metavir F3) or cirrhosis (Metavir F4) have been identified as a priority group for immediate treatment. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of sofosbuvir-velpatasvir in patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 1-6 infection and compensated cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis.

METHODS

This retrospective analysis included 501 patients with compensated cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis (F3/F4), as defined by >0.59 on Fibrotest, >9.5 kPa on Fibroscan, or F3/F4 (Metavir) or F4 (Ishak) on liver biopsy. Patients received sofosbuvir-velpatasvir for 12 weeks. Sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment was determined.

RESULTS

Forty-four per cent of patients had cirrhosis. Sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment was achieved by 98% of patients (490/501; 95% confidence interval, 96-99). Sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment rates were 100% for hepatitis C virus genotypes 2 (85/85), 4 (60/60), 5 (13/13), and 6 (20/20). Sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment rates were 98% (167/170) in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 patients and 95% (145/153) in hepatitis C virus genotype 3 patients. Among patients with cirrhosis 96% (212/220) achieved sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment, vs 99% (278/281) for those with advanced fibrosis. Sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment was 98% (306/311) for treatment-naïve patients and 97% (184/190) for treatment-experienced patients. No patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events. Eight patients reported nine serious adverse events; none was considered related to study procedures or drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Sofosbuvir plus velpatasvir is highly effective and safe for treating patients with hepatitis C virus genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 and advanced fibrosis or compensated cirrhosis.

Epidemiological investigation and analysis of the NS5B gene and protein variability of non-primate hepacivirus in several horse cohorts in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil

Among the hepacivirus species recently described, the non-primate hepacivirus/hepacivirus A found in horses and donkeys is closely related to the human hepatitis C virus (HCV). Therefore, the equine is an attractive surrogate large animal model for the study of HCV therapy, pathogenesis and prophylaxis. Despite global efforts, epidemiological and genetic studies have not elucidated the risk factors, virus distribution or genetic variability of the hepacivirus A, which are also important issues for the equine welfare. Little information about this background scenery is available in Brazil. The aims of this study were to investigate potential risk factors associated with hepacivirus A infection among different horse cohorts throughout the state of Rio de Janeiro and to evaluate the diversity of the viral NS5B gene and protein. Hepacivirus A RNA was detected in horse cohorts from all geographical mesoregions, independent of horse activity or breed investigated. Statewide prevalence ranged from 4.0% to 27.5%. Potential risk factors such as geographical location and age of female horses were significantly associated with the presence of virus RNA. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of subtype 2 in all mesoregions. NS5B gene sequences clustered according to geographical origin, while the NS5B fragments did not allow discriminant analysis. The predicted NS5B protein showed marked conservation, especially in the thumb domain. In conclusion, the higher frequency of hepacivirus A RNA detection in horses bred for reproduction purposes as well as in young females suggests a direct link between reproduction practices and the virus's spread. Additional studies are necessary to understand the distribution of this genetically conserved hepacivirus.

NS5B polymerase inhibitors in phase II clinical trials for HCV infection

INTRODUCTION

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection might be the first chronic viral disease to be eradicated without the introduction of a prophylactic vaccine. This is essentially due to therapeutic revolution encapsulated by the advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) agents, whose efficacy, safety and tolerability (all oral regimens) have made the previous standard of care (interferon plus ribavirin) a vestige of the past. The new regimens achieve very high response rates and have an excellent tolerability profile. Notwithstanding, the first wave of DAAs has brought over problems regarding costs and failures which warrant research and development of further antiviral molecules.

AREAS COVERED

This review outlines the main clinical data concerning novel NS5B polymerase inhibitors currently in pipeline, focusing on the ones that have completed a phase 2 trial.

EXPERT OPINION

NS5B is one the main viral target for anti-HCV therapy. The large majority of the approved regimens so far include a NS5B inhibitor. Although not frequently, failure related to mutations can occur. The potential place in therapy in the mid-term of new NS5B inhibitors may be, in the first instance, the role of backbone in salvage combinations with DAAs of other classes.

Mapping the Barriers and Facilitators of HCV Treatment Initiation in Methadone Maintenance Therapy Patients: Implications for Intervention Development

An estimated 70-90% of current methadone users have Hepatitis C (HCV). Current treatments have few side effects and can cure infection in 8-12 weeks, but less than 10% of methadone patients initiate treatment. Engaging this group in treatment is an important strategy to lower both morbidity and mortality from liver disease and eliminate a significant reservoir of HCV in communities. To understand how to address this treatment gap we used commercial marketing techniques called perceptual mapping and vector message modeling to analyze survey data from 100 HCV+ methadone patients from four centers in Philadelphia. Results were used to understand barriers and facilitators to treatment initiation and to devise targeted message strategies to adapt to a mobile health communication intervention. Results indicate that focusing on how treatment can make one feel "in charge", positive interactions with healthcare providers, the positive attributes of the new vs. old HCV treatments, and providing strategies to address tangible barriers to getting treatment, would be important to address in a communication intervention. These marketing methods allow for focusing on specific variables to "move" the group toward a treatment decision, making them an innovative technique to use in developing highly targeted health communication messages.

Purification of Zika virus RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and its use to identify small-molecule Zika inhibitors

Background

The viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) enzymes of the Flaviviridae family are essential for viral replication and are logically important targets for development of antiviral therapeutic agents. Zika virus (ZIKV) is a rapidly re-emerging human pathogen for which no vaccine or antiviral agent is currently available.

Methods

To facilitate development of ZIKV RdRp inhibitors, we have established an RdRp assay using purified recombinant ZIKV NS5 polymerase.

Results

We have shown that both the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nucleoside inhibitor sofosbuvir triphosphate and a pyridoxine-derived non-nucleoside small-molecule inhibitor, DMB213, can act against ZIKV RdRp activity at IC 50 s of 7.3 and 5.2 μM, respectively, in RNA synthesis reactions catalysed by recombinant ZIKV NS5 polymerase. Cell-based assays confirmed the anti-ZIKV activity of sofosbuvir and DMB213 with 50% effective concentrations (EC 50 s) of 8.3 and 4.6 μM, respectively. Control studies showed that DMB213 did not inhibit recombinant HIV-1 reverse transcriptase and showed only very weak inhibition of HIV-1 integrase strand-transfer activity. The S604T substitution in motif B of the ZIKV RdRp, which corresponds to the S282T substitution in motif B of HCV RdRp, which confers resistance to nucleotide inhibitors, also conferred resistance to sofosbuvir triphosphate, but not to DMB213. Enzyme assays showed that DMB213 appears to be competitive with natural nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) substrates.

Conclusions

Recombinant ZIKV RdRp assays can be useful tools for the screening of both nucleos(t)ide compounds and non-nucleotide metal ion-chelating agents that interfere with ZIKV replication.

Lurking epidemic of hepatitis C virus infection in Iran: A call to action

Despite having a relatively low prevalence in the Iranian general population, the burden of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is on the rise, and hepatitis C is predicted to be the most important leading cause of viral hepatitis-related mortality in the near future in Iran. The recent population-based epidemiological studies have revealed the predominant role of injecting drug use in increasing prevalence of HCV infection. Undoubtedly, new management paradigm is required to drive down the rising wave of hepatitis C in Iran. Priority should be given to young injecting drug users as the cornerstone of the lurking epidemic of HCV infection in Iran.

Low prevalence of hepatitis C virus RNA in blood donors with anti-hepatitis C virus reactivity in Rwanda

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the leading cause of severe liver disease worldwide and is highly endemic in Africa, where it often has nosocomial spread. Little is known on the HCV prevalence, risk for transfusion-transmitted HCV, and circulating genotypes in Rwanda. This study was performed to investigate the prevalence of anti-HCV among blood donors from all regions of the country and genetically characterize identified HCV strains.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Data on anti-HCV reactivity for all 45,061 Rwandan blood donations during 2014 were compiled. Samples from 720 blood donors were reanalyzed for anti-HCV in Sweden. Line immunoassay INNO-LIA HCV and detection of HCV RNA by polymerase chain reaction were used to confirm anti-HCV reactivity. The NS5B and core regions were sequenced and phylogenetic analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The anti-HCV prevalence among all first-time blood donors was 1.6%, with the highest occurrence in donors from the eastern region. On further analysis, only 25 of 120 primarily anti-HCV-reactive samples could be confirmed reactive and 15 samples had indeterminate results by INNO-LIA. Confirmed reactivity was more common among females than males (p = 0.03) with no regional difference. Phylogenetic analysis of the sequences showed a predominance of subtypes 4k, 4q, and 4r, with no geographical difference in their distribution.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of anti-HCV among Rwandan blood donors has probably been overestimated previously due to the high rate of nonconfirmable anti-HCV reactivity. Further study of the involved mechanism is needed to avoid loss of blood products and distress for blood donors and other test recipients.

Safety of direct antiviral agents for treatment of hepatitis C virus infection

Antiviral drugs for treatment of hepatitis C have grown dramatically in recent years. The emergence of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) is a major advance in hepatitis C treatment. Since the first generation DAAs appeared in 2011, two more generations of DAAs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration in only five years. With the advantages of coverage of all genotypes, high availability and easy administration, DAAs have been widely used worldwide in recent years. DAAs have nearly solved the main problems encountered in hepatitis C antiviral therapy. However, adverse events associated with DAAs use have been reported constantly, and the safety of DAAs has attracted more and more attention. According to recent reports, the adverse reactions of DAAs have been gradually reduced from the first generation to the third generation. When combined with other drugs, the drug-drug interactions (DDIs) need special attention. In addition, the usage of DAAs in special patient groups should be cautious. In this paper, we will summarize the adverse effects and DDIs of DAAs as well as their usage in the general population and special patient groups.

A Biologically-validated HCV E1E2 Heterodimer Structural Model

The design of vaccine strategies and the development of drugs targeting the early stages of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are hampered by the lack of structural information about its surface glycoproteins E1 and E2, the two constituents of HCV entry machinery. Despite the recent crystal resolution of limited versions of both proteins in truncated form, a complete picture of the E1E2 complex is still missing. Here we combined deep computational analysis of E1E2 secondary, tertiary and quaternary structure with functional and immunological mutational analysis across E1E2 in order to propose an in silico model for the ectodomain of the E1E2 heterodimer. Our model describes E1-E2 ectodomain dimerization interfaces, provides a structural explanation of E1 and E2 immunogenicity and sheds light on the molecular processes and disulfide bridges isomerization underlying the conformational changes required for fusion. Comprehensive alanine mutational analysis across 553 residues of E1E2 also resulted in identifying the epitope maps of diverse mAbs and the disulfide connectivity underlying E1E2 native conformation. The predicted structure unveils E1 and E2 structures in complex, thus representing a step towards the rational design of immunogens and drugs inhibiting HCV entry.

Colitis during new direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy with sofosbuvir, simeprevir and ribavirin for genotype 1b hepatitis C

Since 2014 several direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) have been made available, allowing interferon-free antiviral treatments with high sustained virological response rates. Side effects are, however, a real challenge during treatment. Sarkar et al. recently published a case of colitis following initiation of sofosbuvir and simeprevir for genotype 1 hepatitis C. We report the case of a patient with no prior history of inflammatory bowel disease, who developed significant bloody diarrhea within 3 weeks of sofosbuvir/simeprevir/ribavirin initiation. Colonoscopy and biopsy suggested a drug-induced colitis.

State of the Art, Unresolved Issues, and Future Research Directions in the Fight against Hepatitis C Virus: Perspectives for Screening, Diagnostics of Resistances, and Immunization

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) still represents a major public health threat, with a dramatic burden from both epidemiological and clinical points of view. New generation of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has been recently introduced in clinical practice promising to cure HCV and to overcome the issues related to the interferon-based therapies. However, the emergence of drug resistance and the suboptimal activity of DAAs therapies against diverse HCV genotypes have been observed, determining treatment failure and hampering an effective control of HCV spread worldwide. Moreover, these treatments remain poorly accessible, particularly in low-income countries. Finally, effective screening strategy is crucial to early identifying and treating all HCV chronically infected patients. For all these reasons, even though new drugs may contribute to impacting HCV spread worldwide a preventive HCV vaccine remains a cornerstone in the road to significantly reduce the HCV spread globally, with the ultimate goal of its eradication. Advances in molecular vaccinology, together with a strong financial, political, and societal support, will enable reaching this fundamental success in the coming years. In this comprehensive review, the state of the art about these major topics in the fight against HCV and the future of research in these fields are discussed.

Ultra-Deep Sequencing Characterization of HCV Samples with Equivocal Typing Results Determined with a Commercial Assay

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is classified into seven phylogenetically distinct genotypes, which are further subdivided into related subtypes. Accurate assignment of genotype/subtype is mandatory in the era of directly acting antivirals. Several molecular methods are available for HCV genotyping; however, a relevant number of samples with indeterminate, mixed, or unspecified subtype results, or even with misclassified genotypes, may occur. Using NS5B direct (DS) and ultra-deep pyrosequencing (UDPS), we have tested 43 samples, which resulted in genotype 1 unsubtyped (n = 17), mixed infection (n = 17), or indeterminate (n = 9) with the Abbott RealTime HCV Genotype II assay. Genotype 1 was confirmed in 14/17 samples (82%): eight resulted in subtype 1b, and five resulted in subtype 1a with both DS and UDPS, while one was classified as subtype 1e by DS and mixed infection (1e + 1a) by UDPS. Three of seventeen genotype 1 samples resulted in genotype 3h with both sequencing approaches. Only one mixed infection was confirmed by UDPS (4d + 1a), while in 88% of cases a single component of the mixture was detected (five genotype 1a, four genotype 1b, two genotype 3a, two genotype 4m, and two genotype 4d); 44% of indeterminate samples resulted genotype 2c by both DS and UDPS, 22% resulted genotype 3a; one indeterminate sample by Abbott resulted in genotype 4d, one resulted in genotype 6n, and one was classified as subtype 3a by DS, and resulted mixed infection (3a + 3h) by UDPS. The concordance between DS and UDPS was 94%, 88%, and 89% for genotype 1, co-infection, and indeterminate results, respectively. UDPS should be considered very useful to resolve ambiguous HCV genotyping results.

APSA Awardee Submission: Tumor/cancer stem cell marker doublecortin-like kinase 1 in liver diseases

Liver diseases are the fourth leading cause of mortality among adults in the United States. Patients with chronic liver diseases such as viral hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis have significantly higher risks of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). With a dismal five-year survival rate of 11%, HCC is the third most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Regardless of the underlying cause, late presentation and a lack of effective therapy are the major impediments for successful treatment of HCC. Therefore, there is a considerable interest in developing new strategies for the prevention and treatment of chronic liver diseases at the early stages. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small cell subpopulation in a tumor, exhibit unlimited self-renewal and differentiation capacity. These cells are believed to play pivotal roles in the initiation, growth, metastasis, and drug-resistance of tumors. In this review, we will briefly discuss pivotal roles of the CSC marker doublecortin-like kinase 1 (DCLK1) in hepatic tumorigenesis. Recent evidence suggests that anti-DCLK1 strategies hold promising clinical potential for the treatment of cancers of the liver, pancreas, and colon.

Low Pretreatment Acoustic Radiation Force Impulse Imaging (ARFI) Values Predict Sustained Virological Response in Antiviral Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Therapy

Background

Non-invasive procedures such as acoustic radiation force impulse imaging (ARFI) shear-wave elastography are currently used for the assessment of liver fibrosis. In the course of chronic hepatitis C, significant liver fibrosis or cirrhosis develops in approximately 25% of patients, which is a negative predictor of antiviral treatment response. Cirrhosis can be prevented by successful virus elimination.

In this prospective study, a pretreatment ARFI cutoff value of 1.5 m/s was evaluated in relation to sustained virological response to anti-HCV therapy.

Material/Methods

In 23 patients with chronic hepatitis C, liver stiffness was examined with ARFI at defined times before and under antiviral triple therapy (peginterferon, ribavirin in combination with a first-generation protease inhibitor, and telaprevir or boceprevir). Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on pretreatment ARFI values (<1.5 m/s and ≥1.5 m/s) for the assessment of virological response.

Results

The liver stiffness at baseline for all patients was 1.57±0.79 m/s (ARFI median ± standard deviation; margin: 0.81 m/s to 3.45 m/s). At week 4 of triple therapy, patients with low pretreatment ARFI values had higher rates of HCV-RNA negativity (69% vs. 43%), reflecting an early rapid virological response (eRVR). Sustained virological response (SVR) was found in 75% (12/16) of patients with an ARFI value <1.5 m/s and only 57% (4/7) of patients with ARFI value ≥1.5 m/s.

Conclusions

Patients with chronic hepatitis C and pretreatment ARFI <1.5 m/s showed earlier virus elimination and better response to treatment.

International diagnostic guidelines for patients with HCV-related extrahepatic manifestations. A multidisciplinary expert statement

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is responsible for both hepatic and extra-hepatic disorders (HCV-EHDs); these latter are correlated on one hand clearly with HCV lymphotropism causing immune-system dysregulation as well as with viral oncogenic potential, and on the other hand probably with chronic inflammatory status causing cardio-metabolic complications as well as neurocognitive disturbances. The spectrum of HCV-EHDs ranges from mild or moderate manifestations, such as arthralgia, sicca syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, to severe, life-threatening complications, mainly vasculitis and neoplastic conditions. Given the clinical heterogeneity of HCV-EHDs, HCV-infected individuals are inevitably referred to different specialists according to the presenting/prevalent symptom(s); therefore, the availability of comprehensive diagnostic guidelines is necessary for a patient's whole assessment that is decisive for early diagnosis and correct therapeutic approach of various hepatic and HCV-EHDs, regardless of the specific competencies of different physicians or referral centers. In this respect, a multidisciplinary network of experts, the International Study Group of Extrahepatic Manifestations Related to Hepatitis C Virus Infection (ISG-EHCV), was organized with the intention to formulate diagnostic guidelines for the work-up of possible HCV-EHDs. There was a broad consensus among ISG-EHCV members on the proposed guidelines, which essentially are based on two main levels of patient's assessment. At the referral stage, it is proposed that all patients with HCV infection should be invariably examined by means of first-line diagnostic procedures including virological and hepatic parameter evaluation, as well as the detection of clinical findings that may suggest one or more HCV-EHDs. This preliminary assessment should reveal specific HCV-EHDs, which will be deeper analyzed by means of second-line, targeted investigations. The proposed multidisciplinary expert statement represents the first attempt to draw comprehensive diagnostic guidelines for HCV-infected individuals encompassing the entire spectrum of HCV-related disorders, namely typical hepatic manifestations along with less common, often unpredictable HCV-EHDs. The HCV-EHDs may compromise to a substantial degree the overall disease outcome in a significant number of HCV-infected individuals that renders their timely identification and treatment an imperative. In conclusion, the application of standardized but thorough diagnostic guidelines of HCV-EHDs is advisable at the referral stage as well as during the follow-up period of HCV infected patients. It is envisioned that the proposed strategy will result in improvement of clinical outcomes in such patients.

Hepatitis C Treatment: Clinical Issues for Psychiatrists in the Post-Interferon Era

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a widespread and costly cause of morbidity and mortality globally and in the United States. The treatment of HCV has been revolutionized with the recent development of direct-acting antiviral medications. These new treatments are substantially better tolerated and more efficacious than previously used interferon-based therapies. Despite these innovations, sustained virologic response has remained low, hovering at approximately 9% of all infected persons. The reasons for this failure include lack of screening, low rates of linkage to care, cost of direct-acting antivirals, and barriers in access to care for patients. Psychiatrists work with patients at a disproportionately high risk for HCV infection yet many do not currently assume an active role in the HCV epidemic.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this clinical review is to familiarize psychiatrists with currently available hepatitis C treatments and discuss the remaining treatment challenges, including the high cost of treatment.

METHODS

The authors used information from the Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration on the most current estimates of HCV epidemiology, risk factors, and approved interferon-free treatments. PUBMED was searched for examples of HCV treatment in community psychiatry settings.

CONCLUSIONS

The mental health community is well-positioned to take on a more active role in HCV treatment and engage patients׳ trust in the treatment process. However, many barriers still exist. We encourage psychiatrists to assume a collaborative role in caring for psychiatric patients infected with HCV.

Implementation of the ECHO® telementoring model for the treatment of patients with hepatitis C

We aimed to implement the Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) telementoring model for hepatitis C and to evaluate its outcomes in the health providers. Following the ECHO model, an hepatitis C teleECHO clinic was established at the Hospital Italiano in Argentina. The teleECHO clinic provides support and training to physicians from Patagonia who treat patients with hepatitis C. In order to evaluate the teleECHO clinic outcomes, physicians completed a survey focused on skills and competence in hepatitis C before and after 6 months of participating in the project. The survey consisted of 10 questions, which participants rated from 1 to 7 (1 no ability; 7 highest ability). To analyze the difference before and after participation in the project, Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used. During the first 6 months of implementation of the model, a total of 14 physicians from 12 sites in Patagonia agreed to participate in the survey. The median age of the participants was 42 years. Participants' primary specialties were Hepatology (55%), Infectious Diseases (25%), General Practice (10%), and other (10%). A significant improvement was observed in all the evaluated fields after 6 month of the participation in the teleECHO clinic, namely fibrosis staging, determining appropriate candidates for treatment, and selecting appropriate HCV treatment. In addition, their general interest in hepatitis C increased. We successfully replicated and implemented the first teleECHO clinic in Argentina. Physicians improved their ability to provide best practice care for patients with Hepatitis C. J. Med. Virol. 89:660-664, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A real-world intention-to-treat analysis of a decade's experience of treatment of hepatitis C with interferon-based therapies

Objectives: To assess the uptake of pegylated interferon (PegIFN) plus ribavirin (RBV)-based regimens in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a large, single-centre, real-world setting over 10 years.

Methods: This was a single centre, retrospective analysis of data from patients who attended their first appointment for treatment of HCV genotype 1–3 between 2003 and 2013. Patients were stratified by HCV genotype. The total number of patients who attended their first appointment, incidence of patients who did not proceed to treatment and associated reasons, and incidence of patients treated were analysed. Sustained virological response (SVR) rates were also reported for all patient populations.

Results: Overall, 1,132 patients attended their first appointment; 47.8% were included in the genotype 1 group (genotype 1a: 22.2%, genotype 1b: 13.3%, genotype 1 other: 12.3%), 7.7% in the genotype 2 group and 44.5% in the genotype 3 group. A greater proportion of patients received treatment versus those who did not receive treatment (84.4% vs 15.6%, respectively). Reasons for declining treatment included: patient declined treatment with PegIFN plus RBV: 35.0%, medical contraindications: 20.3% and mental health-related contraindications: 13.6%. An SVR was achieved in 52.6% of patients who attended their first appointment and 62.3% of patients who received treatment.

Conclusions: Approximately half of the patients included in this study achieved an SVR. A noteworthy proportion of patients did not receive treatment due to a reluctance to receive PegIFN plus RBV or contraindications to therapy. Results suggest an ongoing need for improvement in the treatment uptake and overall outcomes – particularly for genotype 2 and 3 patients for whom availability of interferon-free regimens is limited. The introduction of more tolerable direct-acting antiviral regimes may help overcome barriers to uptake demonstrated within this cohort.

Isolation and characterization of hepatitis C virus resistant to a novel phenanthridinone derivative

BACKGROUND

The novel phenanthridinone derivative HA-719 has recently been identified as a highly potent and selective inhibitor of hepatitis C virus replication. To elucidate its mechanism of inhibition, we have isolated and analyzed a clone of hepatitis C virus replicon cells resistant to HA-719.

METHODS

To isolate HA-719-resistant replicon cells, Huh-7 cells containing subgenomic hepatitis C virus replicons (genotype 1b) with a luciferase reporter (LucNeo#2) were cultured in the presence of G418 and escalating concentrations of HA-719. After several passages, total RNA was extracted from the growing cells, and Huh-7 cells were transfected with the extracted RNA. Limiting dilution of the transfected cells was performed to obtain an HA-719-resistant clone.

RESULTS

The 50% effective concentration (EC₅₀) of HA-719 for hepatitis C virus replication was 0.058 ± 0.012 µM in LucNeo#2 cells. The replicon cells capable of growing in the presence of G418 and 3 µM HA-719 were obtained after 18 passages (72 days). The HA-719-resistant clone LucNeo719R showed 98.3-fold resistant to the compound (EC₅₀ = 5.66 ± 0.92 µM), but the clone had no cross-resistance to telaprevir (NS3 inhibitor), daclatasvir (NS5A inhibitor), and VX-222 (NS5B inhibitor). The sequence analysis for the wild-type and LucNeo719R identified 3, 2 and 7 mutations in NS3/4 A, NS4B, and NS5A, respectively, but no mutations in NS5B.

CONCLUSION

None of the amino acid mutations in the resistant clone corresponds to those reported to confer drug-resistance to current anti-hepatitis C virus agents, suggesting that the target of HA-719 for hepatitis C virus inhibition differs from those of the existing agents.

Anti-hepatitis C virus potency of a new autophagy inhibitor using human liver slices model

AIM

To evaluate the antiviral potency of a new anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antiviral agent targeting the cellular autophagy machinery.

METHODS

Non-infected liver slices, obtained from human liver resection and cut in 350 μm-thick slices (2.7 × 10(6) cells per slice) were infected with cell culture-grown HCV Con1b/C3 supernatant (multiplicity of infection = 0.1) cultivated for up to ten days. HCV infected slices were treated at day 4 post-infection with GNS-396 for 6 d at different concentrations. HCV replication was evaluated by strand-specific real-time quantitative reverse transcription - polymerase chain reaction. The infectivity titers of supernatants were evaluated by foci formation upon inoculation into naive Huh-7.5.1 cells. The cytotoxic effect of the drugs was evaluated by lactate dehydrogenase leakage assays.

RESULTS

The antiviral efficacy of a new antiviral drug, GNS-396, an autophagy inhibitor, on HCV infection of adult human liver slices was evidenced in a dose-dependent manner. At day 6 post-treatment, GNS-396 EC50 was 158 nmol/L without cytotoxic effect (compared to hydroxychloroquine EC50 = 1.17 μmol/L).

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that our ex vivo model is efficient for evaluation the potency of autophagy inhibitors, in particular a new quinoline derivative GNS-396 as antiviral could inhibit HCV infection in a dose-dependent manner without cytotoxic effect.

Sofosbuvir/velpatasvir: A promising combination

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) affects 3% of the world population. It represents the main cause of chronic liver disease and is responsible for extra-hepatic complications, such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. HCV includes 7 genotypes differing in the nucleotide sequence variability, the geographic distribution, the rates of viral clearance, the risk of progression to liver fibrosis and to hepatocellular carcinoma, and the response to therapy. Last years have seen remarkable advances in the field of HCV infection with the approval of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) targeting key viral proteins involved in the HCV replication. Several oral regimens combining DAAs from different families have been developed and these regimens showed increased and sustained virological response rates to above 90% reducing the treatment duration to 12 wk or less. In particular, sofosbuvir, a nucleotide analogue nonstructural (NS)5B polymerase inhibitor, and velpatasvir, a NS5A inhibitor, have been tested in two phase 3 trials, the ASTRAL-2 (against HCV genotype 2) and the ASTRAL-3 (against HCV genotype 3), demonstrating to be effective, safe, and well tolerated in patients who were 18 years of age or older and had at least a 6-mo history of HCV infection with a compensated liver disease.

Symbiotic chemo- and immuno-therapy for hepatitis B and C viruses

Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV), both cause serious chronic infections leading to fatal liver diseases. The prototype therapy for both HBV and HCV was based on IFN-α with or without ribavirin. The advent of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) for both HBV and HCV has remarkably improved the standard of treatment for both infections. While HCV can be eliminated following combination DAA therapy, HBV persists even after treatment, requiring life-long therapy with DAAs. Treatment with DAAs is also associated with high cost, the development of resistance and side effects. There is ample published evidence that both HBV and HCV can be eliminated from infected host cells through non-cytolytic immune mechanisms. We need to identify the mechanisms behind this successful elimination of replicating viruses and develop them into novel immunotherapeutic regimens. Moreover, a synergy of, chemo- and immuno-therapeutic strategies will be necessary to eradicate HBV or HCV from a host.

Laparoscopic versus open liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: initial experience in Greece

Background

Liver resection represents the treatment of choice for a small proportion of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), amenable to surgery. The remarkable evolution in surgical techniques during the last decades introduced laparoscopic hepatectomy in the operative management of HCC, even in the presence of liver cirrhosis. No comparative study on laparoscopic or open liver resection for HCC has been conducted in Greece yet.

Methods

Patients undergoing liver resection for HCC by one senior hepatobiliary surgeon in our Institution during the period 11/2011-02/2016 were prospectively sampled and retrospectively analyzed for the purposes of this study. Statistical analysis encompassed Student’s t-test, Fisher’s exact test, the Kaplan-Meier method/log rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses.

Results

Eleven patients underwent laparoscopic and 21 open liver resection, respectively. Statistical differences between the 2 groups were observed for tumor size (P=0.04), major resections (P=0.01), Pringle maneuver (P=0.008), intraoperative blood transfusion (P=0.03), and duration of operation (P=0.004). Resection margins, and tumor recurrence showed no statistical differences. Three-year postoperative survival after laparoscopic and open hepatectomy was 100%, and 67%, respectively (P=0.06). Regression analysis for patient survival revealed prognostic value for BCLC staging, γ-glutamyl transferase levels, laparoscopic hepatectomy, UICC stage, Dindo-Clavien classification, and hospital stay. Laparoscopic hepatectomy remained as independent predictor of survival by multivariate analysis (P=0.0142).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic hepatectomy for HCC in chronic liver disease represents a safe and innovative treatment tool in the management of these patients under the presupposition of careful patient selection.

Pharmacological Targeting of the Hepcidin/Ferroportin Axis

The iron regulatory hormone hepcidin limits iron fluxes to the bloodstream by promoting degradation of the iron exporter ferroportin in target cells. Hepcidin insufficiency causes hyperabsorption of dietary iron, hyperferremia and tissue iron overload, which are hallmarks of hereditary hemochromatosis. Similar responses are also observed in iron-loading anemias due to ineffective erythropoiesis (such as thalassemias, dyserythropoietic anemias and myelodysplastic syndromes) and in chronic liver diseases. On the other hand, excessive hepcidin expression inhibits dietary iron absorption and leads to hypoferremia and iron retention within tissue macrophages. This reduces iron availability for erythroblasts and contributes to the development of anemias with iron-restricted erythropoiesis (such as anemia of chronic disease and iron-refractory iron-deficiency anemia). Pharmacological targeting of the hepcidin/ferroportin axis may offer considerable therapeutic benefits by correcting iron traffic. This review summarizes the principles underlying the development of hepcidin-based therapies for the treatment of iron-related disorders, and discusses the emerging strategies for manipulating hepcidin pathways.

Elbasvir/Grazoprevir: A Review of the Latest Agent in the Fight against Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to affect up to 150 million people worldwide. Despite worldwide prevalence, treatment modalities prior to 2011 remained suboptimal, with low virologic response rates and intolerable side effect profiles. Fortunately, the landscape of treatment for chronic hepatitis C has rapidly evolved since the introduction of HCV NS3/4 protease inhibitors in 2011. Elbasvir, a NS5A inhibitor, combined with grazoprevir, a NS3/4A protease inhibitor, is the latest FDA-approved therapy for patients with genotype 1 or 4 chronic hepatitis C, with or without compensated cirrhosis. This review will focus on the current literature and clinical evidence supporting elbasvir/grazoprevir as first-line therapy in patients with genotypes 1 and 4 chronic hepatitis C.