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Chen Y, Mak LY, Tang MH, Yang J, Chow CB, Tan AM, Lyu T, Wu J, Huang Q, Huang HB, Cheung KS, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Immediate postpartum cessation of tenofovir did not increase risk of virological or clinical relapse in highly viremic pregnant mothers with chronic hepatitis B infection. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101050. [PMID: 38699531 PMCID: PMC11063518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Peripartum prophylaxis (PP) with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is the standard of care to prevent mother-to-child transmission of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection in mothers who are highly viremic. We investigated the maternal and infant outcomes in a large Chinese cohort of TDF-treated CHB pregnant participants. Methods In this prospective study, treatment-naive mothers with CHB and highly viremic (HBV DNA ≥200,000 IU/ml) but without cirrhosis were treated with TDF at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy. In accordance with Chinese CHB guidelines, TDF was stopped at delivery or ≥4 weeks postpartum. Serum HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase were monitored every 6-8 weeks to determine virological relapse (VR). Infants received standard neonatal immunization, and HBV serology was checked at 7-12 months of age. Results Among 330 participants recruited (median age 30, 82.7% HBeAg+, median HBV DNA 7.82 log IU/ml), TDF was stopped at delivery in 66.4% and at ≥4 weeks in 33.6%. VR was observed in 98.3%, among which 11.6% were retreated with TDF. Timing of TDF cessation did not alter the risk of VR (99.0 vs. 96.9%), clinical relapse (19.5 vs. 14.3%), or retreatment (12.6 vs. 10.1%) (all p > 0.05). A similar proportion of patients developed alanine aminotransferase flare five times (1.1 vs. 2.1%; p = 0.464) and 10 times (0.5 vs. 0%; p = 0.669) above the upper limit of normal (ULN) in the early withdrawal and late withdrawal groups, respectively. No infants developed HBsAg-positivity. Conclusions PP-TDF and neonatal immunization were highly effective in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HBV in mothers who are highly viremic. Timing of cessation of PP-TDF did not affect the risk of VR or retreatment. Impact and Implications In pregnant mothers with chronic hepatitis B infection who are started on peripartum tenofovir to prevent mother-to-child-transmission (MTCT), the optimal timing for antiviral withdrawal during the postpartum period remains unknown. This prospective study demonstrates that stopping tenofovir immediately at delivery, compared with longer treatment duration of tenofovir, did not lead to an increased risk of virological relapse, retreatment, or transmission of the virus to the baby. Shortening the duration of peripartum antiviral prophylaxis from 12 weeks to immediately after delivery can be considered. The immediate withdrawal of peripartum tenofovir, combined with standard neonatal immunization schemes, is 100% effective in preventing MTCT among pregnant mothers with CHB who are highly viremic, with a high rate of vaccine response in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mary H.Y. Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingyi Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun Bong Chow
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ai-Ming Tan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tao Lyu
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Juan Wu
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingjuan Huang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hai-Bo Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong – Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Zhang S, Chau HT, Tun HM, Huang FY, Wong DKH, Mak LY, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Virological response to nucleos(t)ide analogues treatment in chronic hepatitis B patients is associated with Bacteroides-dominant gut microbiome. EBioMedicine 2024; 103:105101. [PMID: 38583259 PMCID: PMC11002572 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gut dysbiosis is present in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this study, we integrated microbiome and metabolome analysis to investigate the role of gut microbiome in virological response to nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) treatment. METHODS Chronic HBV patients were prospectively recruited for steatosis and fibrosis assessments via liver elastography, with full-length 16S sequencing performed to identify the compositional gut microbiota differences. Fasting plasma bile acids were quantified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. FINDINGS All patients (n = 110) were characterized into three distinct microbial clusters by their dominant genus: c-Bacteroides, c-Blautia, and c-Prevotella. Patients with c-Bacteroides had a higher plasma ursodeoxycholic acids (UDCA) level and an increase in 7-alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (secondary bile acid biotransformation) than other clusters. In NAs-treated patients (n = 84), c-Bacteroides was associated with higher odds of plasma HBV-DNA undetectability when compared with non-c-Bacteroides clusters (OR 3.49, 95% CI 1.43-8.96, p = 0.01). c-Blautia was positively associated with advanced fibrosis (OR 2.74, 95% CI 1.09-7.31, p = 0.04). No such associations were found in treatment-naïve patients. Increased Escherichia coli relative abundance (0.21% vs. 0.03%, p = 0.035) was found in on-treatment patients (median treatment duration 98.1 months) with advanced fibrosis despite HBV DNA undetectability. An enrichment in l-tryptophan biosynthesis was observed in patients with advanced fibrosis, which exhibited a positive correlation with Escherichia coli. INTERPRETATION Collectively, unique bacterial signatures, including c-Bacteroides and c-Blautia, were associated with virological undetectability and fibrosis evolution during NAs therapy in chronic HBV, setting up intriguing possibilities in optimizing HBV treatment. FUNDING This study was supported by the Guangdong Natural Science Fund (2019A1515012003).
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hau-Tak Chau
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hein Min Tun
- The Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; System Microbiology and Antimicrobial Resistance (SMART) Lab, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fung-Yu Huang
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
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Zhang X, Cheung KS, Mak LY, Tan KCB, Kung AWC, Wong ICK, Cheung CL. Low Bone Mineral Density as a Risk Factor for Liver Cirrhosis: A Prospective Cohort Study. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024:dgae223. [PMID: 38574168 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Bone metabolism interplays with liver metabolism, also known as the liver-bone axis. Osteoporosis is a common complication of cirrhosis, but whether bone mineral density (BMD) can predict cirrhosis development is unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to investigate the relationship between BMD and the risk of incident cirrhosis in the Hong Kong Osteoporosis Study (HKOS). METHODS BMD was measured at the lumbar spine, femoral neck, total hip, and trochanter of 7,752 participants by the dual-energy X-ray absorptiometer (DXA), and the incidence of cirrhosis and mortality were followed by linking to the territory-wide electronic health records database. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% CI. RESULTS With a median follow-up of 18.43 years, 42 incident cirrhosis were identified. Higher BMD T-scores at the femoral neck, total hip and trochanter were significantly associated with a reduced risk of cirrhosis (femoral neck: HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.82; total hip: HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.82; trochanter: HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.88). Similar associations were observed in participants without risk factors of cirrhosis at the baseline and further adjusting for the baseline level of alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and alanine transaminase. Consistent relationships in multiple sensitivity analyses suggest the robustness of the results. CONCLUSION Low BMD could be a novel risk factor and early predictor for cirrhosis, with consistent associations observed in multiple sensitivity analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kathryn C B Tan
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Annie W C Kung
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ian Chi-Kei Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, School of Pharmacy, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ching-Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health Limited (D24H), Hong Kong Science Park, Pak Shek Kok, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Mao X, Cheung KS, Tan JT, Mak LY, Lee CH, Chiang CL, Cheng HM, Hui RWH, Yuen MF, Leung WK, Seto WK. Optimal glycaemic control and the reduced risk of colorectal adenoma and cancer in patients with diabetes: a population-based cohort study. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-331701. [PMID: 38569845 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Whether varying degrees of glycaemic control impact colonic neoplasm risk in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) remains uncertain. DESIGN Patients with newly diagnosed DM were retrieved from 2005 to 2013. Optimal glycaemic control at baseline was defined as mean haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)<7%. Outcomes of interest included colorectal cancer (CRC) and colonic adenoma development. We used propensity score (PS) matching with competing risk models to estimate subdistribution HRs (SHRs). We further analysed the combined effect of baseline and postbaseline glycaemic control based on time-weighted mean HbA1c during follow-up. RESULTS Of 88 468 PS-matched patients with DM (mean (SD) age: 61.5 (±11.7) years; male: 47 127 (53.3%)), 1229 (1.4%) patients developed CRC during a median follow-up of 7.2 (IQR: 5.5-9.4) years. Optimal glycaemic control was associated with lower CRC risk (SHR 0.72; 95% CI 0.65 to 0.81). The beneficial effect was limited to left-sided colon (SHR 0.71; 95% CI 0.59 to 0.85) and rectum (SHR 0.71; 95% CI 0.57 to 0.89), but not right-sided colon (SHR 0.86; 95% CI 0.67 to 1.10). Setting suboptimal glycaemic control at baseline/postbaseline as a reference, a decreased CRC risk was found in optimal control at postbaseline (SHR 0.79), baseline (SHR 0.71) and both time periods (SHR 0.61). Similar associations were demonstrated using glycaemic control as a time-varying covariate (HR 0.75). A stepwise greater risk of CRC was found (Ptrend<0.001) with increasing HbA1c (SHRs 1.34, 1.30, 1.44, 1.58 for HbA1c 7.0% to <7.5%, 7.5% to <8.0%, 8.0% to <8.5% and ≥8.5%, respectively). Optimal glycaemic control was associated with a lower risk of any, non-advanced and advanced colonic adenoma (SHRs 0.73-0.87). CONCLUSION Glycaemic control in patients with DM was independently associated with the risk of colonic adenoma and CRC development with a biological gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhua Mao
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jing-Tong Tan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Leung Chiang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ho Ming Cheng
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Keung Leung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Mak LY. Steatotic liver disease: Know your enemies. Clin Mol Hepatol 2024; 30:171-173. [PMID: 38302189 PMCID: PMC11016490 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2024.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Leung RHM, Hui RWH, Mak LY, Mao X, Liu KSH, Wong DKH, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. ALT to qHBsAg ratio predicts long-term HBsAg seroclearance after entecavir cessation in Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00204-6. [PMID: 38527527 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Factors predicting HBsAg seroclearance after treatment cessation, irrespective of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) resumption, have important clinical implications. We evaluated predictors of long-term HBsAg seroclearance after entecavir cessation. METHODS This study followed-up Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B from two previous studies of entecavir cessation. All patients were non-cirrhotic, HBeAg-negative, with undetectable HBV DNA (<20 IU/ml) at end-of-treatment (EOT). They were monitored closely for 48 weeks with regular HBV DNA, quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) measurements. Entecavir was resumed at HBV DNA >2,000 IU/ml, irrespective of ALT levels. After the initial 48 weeks, patients were assessed every 6 months, regardless of entecavir resumption, to monitor for HBsAg seroclearance. RESULTS A total of 194 patients (63.4% male, mean age 49.9 years, on entecavir for a median of 47.2 months) were recruited; 94 (48.5%) and 158 (81.4%) patients had EOT qHBsAg <100 IU/ml and <1,000 IU/ml, respectively; 151 (77.8%) patients were eventually resumed on entecavir. After follow-up for a median of 70.7 (51.0-118.2) months, 28 (14.4%) patients had HBsAg seroclearance. qHBsAg levels at weeks 36 and 48 after EOT independently predicted HBsAg seroclearance (both p <0.01), whereas qHBsAg from EOT to week 24 only trended towards statistical significance. The ratio of ALT/qHBsAg at all time points from EOT to week 48 independently predicted HBsAg seroclearance (hazard ratios ranging from 1.003-1.028, all p <0.01) with excellent diagnostic performance (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.799-0.933, negative predictive value >90% at different time points), regardless of whether entecavir was resumed. CONCLUSIONS The ALT/qHBsAg ratio after entecavir cessation predicts HBsAg seroclearance, even in patients who were resumed on treatment. Its use may mitigate the risk of severe hepatitis flares in patients managed by observation without treatment resumption. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Current predictors of HBsAg seroclearance after finite nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) therapy have suboptimal predictive value. We demonstrated that the ALT/qHBsAg ratio may be able to reflect the balance between host control and virological activity. The ALT/qHBsAg ratio at different time points from end-of-treatment till week 48 independently and accurately predicted HBsAg seroclearance in patients who have stopped entecavir. The ALT/qHBsAg ratio may be utilized by clinicians for patient selection and retreatment decisions in finite NA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Hin-Man Leung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Xianhua Mao
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Kevin Sze-Hang Liu
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR.
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Mak LY, Chung MSH, Li X, Lai FTT, Wan EYF, Chui CSL, Cheng FWT, Chan EWY, Cheung CL, Au ICH, Xiong X, Seto WK, Yuen MF, Wong CKH, Wong ICK. Effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on incidence and treatment strategies of hepatocellular carcinoma in people with chronic liver disease. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:211-228. [PMID: 38495273 PMCID: PMC10941734 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic liver disease (CLD) was associated with adverse clinical outcomes among people with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. AIM To determine the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the incidence and treatment strategy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with CLD. METHODS A retrospective, territory-wide cohort of CLD patients was identified from an electronic health database in Hong Kong. Patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection [coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)+CLD] between January 1, 2020 and October 25, 2022 were identified and matched 1:1 by propensity-score with those without (COVID-19-CLD). Each patient was followed up until death, outcome event, or November 15, 2022. Primary outcome was incidence of HCC. Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, adverse hepatic outcomes, and different treatment strategies to HCC (curative, non-curative treatment, and palliative care). Analyses were further stratified by acute (within 20 d) and post-acute (21 d or beyond) phases of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were estimated by Poisson regression models. RESULTS Of 193589 CLD patients (> 95% non-cirrhotic) in the cohort, 55163 patients with COVID-19+CLD and 55163 patients with COVID-19-CLD were included after 1:1 propensity-score matching. Upon 249-d median follow-up, COVID-19+CLD was not associated with increased risk of incident HCC (IRR: 1.19, 95%CI: 0.99-1.42, P = 0.06), but higher risks of receiving palliative care for HCC (IRR: 1.60, 95%CI: 1.46-1.75, P < 0.001), compared to COVID-19-CLD. In both acute and post-acute phases of infection, COVID-19+CLD were associated with increased risks of all-cause mortality (acute: IRR: 7.06, 95%CI: 5.78-8.63, P < 0.001; post-acute: IRR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.14-1.36, P < 0.001) and adverse hepatic outcomes (acute: IRR: 1.98, 95%CI: 1.79-2.18, P < 0.001; post-acute: IRR: 1.24, 95%CI: 1.13-1.35, P < 0.001), compared to COVID-19-CLD. CONCLUSION Although CLD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection were not associated with increased risk of HCC, they were more likely to receive palliative treatment than those without. The detrimental effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection persisted in post-acute phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Matthew Shing Hin Chung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xue Li
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Francisco Tsz Tsun Lai
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Eric Yuk Fai Wan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Celine Sze Ling Chui
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Franco Wing Tak Cheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Esther Wai Yin Chan
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ching Lung Cheung
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ivan Chi Ho Au
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xi Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carlos King Ho Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ian Chi Kei Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong, China
- Research Department of Practice and Policy, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
- Aston School of Pharmacy, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, United Kingdom
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Lam S, Lee CH, Fong CHY, Wong Y, Shiu SWM, Mak LY, Yuen MF, Lam KSL, Tan KCB. Serum Tsukushi Level Is Associated With the Severity of Liver Fibrosis Independent of Type 2 Diabetes. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e1048-e1054. [PMID: 37933700 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Tsukushi (TSK) is a recently identified hepatokine, and we aimed to investigate the association between systemic TSK and the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in subjects with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS Three hundred ninety-three DM and 289 without DM individuals were recruited for transient elastography assessment to determine liver steatosis and fibrosis. Serum TSK was measured by ELISA. The presence of NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter ≥ 248 dB/m. RESULTS NAFLD was present in 276 (70.2%) and 129 (44.6%) subjects with and without DM respectively, and they had higher serum TSK levels than those without NAFLD [DM group: 91.0 ng/mL (61.7-133.8) vs 82.5 (60.9-118.5), P < .01 respectively; without DM group: 97.1 ng/mL (69.3-148.6) vs 80.8 (53.4-111.6) respectively, P < .01]. Univariate analysis showed that serum TSK significantly correlated with the degree of steatosis and fibrosis both in subjects with and without DM. On multivariable regression analysis, only liver stiffness and estimated glomerular filtration rate were significant determinants of TSK level, and the relationship was independent of diabetes and serum adiponectin. Out of 405 subjects with NAFLD, 49 had either advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. The area under receiver operating characteristic curve of serum TSK to indicate advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis was 0.70 (95% CI .62-.77), which was significantly better than that of fibrosis-4 index, 0.64 (95% CI .55-.72), P < .05. CONCLUSION Serum TSK levels were increased in subjects with NAFLD and reflected the severity of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sum Lam
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Carol H Y Fong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ying Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sammy W M Shiu
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Karen S L Lam
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kathryn C B Tan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Mak LY, Koffas A, Dolman GE, Saleh H, Kemos P, Riddell A, Gill U, Kennedy PTF. Role of HBsAg levels in guiding hepatitis B virus prophylaxis in pregnancy: Insights from a multi-ethnic cohort. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:3-11. [PMID: 37881873 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
Pregnant mothers with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) need peri-partum antiviral prophylaxis (PAP) to reduce the risk of mother-to-child-transmission. Currently, PAP is recommended in those with high viral load (VL) that is, HBV DNA >200,000 IU/mL. Quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) >10,000 IU/mL, a cut-off derived primarily from hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) positive antenatal cohorts in Chinese populations, is advocated as a surrogate marker of VL for guiding PAP. We investigated the utility of qHBsAg to predict high-VL in a multi-ethnic urban cohort with CHB. A consecutive cohort of women with CHB was identified from Barts Health NHS Trust databases in the United Kingdom. We included women with paired HBV DNA and qHBsAg during pregnancy. Women already on antiviral at conception were excluded. A total of 769 pregnancies in 678 CHB pregnant mothers (median age 31 years-old, 8.6% HBeAg+) were included. At median gestational age of 15.3 weeks, HBV DNA was 336 (IQR 44-2998) IU/mL, with 65 (8.5%) being high-VL. Serum qHBsAg was most useful in Black/Black-British/Caribbean/African (AUROC 0.946) with 100% sensitivity and 80.6% specificity to predict high-VL; but it performed less well for other ethnicities: Asian (AUROC 0.877), White (AUROC 0.797) and mixed ethnicities (AUROC 0.742). In conclusion, for settings where healthcare resources are not limited, HBV DNA remains the optimal marker to identify highly viraemic pregnancies for guiding PAP. For resource-limited settings where the prevailing cost is treatment, serum qHBsAg can be used in Black/Black British/Caribbean/African sub-cohorts, but not for other ethnicities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Apostolos Koffas
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Grace E Dolman
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Hossam Saleh
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Polychronis Kemos
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Anna Riddell
- Virology Department, Division of Infection, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Upkar Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Hui RWH, Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Therapeutic advances in HBV cure. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0161. [PMID: 38623151 PMCID: PMC11018176 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Kan K, Wong DKH, Hui RWH, Seto WK, Yuen MF, Mak LY. Plasma interferon-gamma-inducible-protein 10 level as a predictive factor of spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B patients. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:202-209. [PMID: 37794699 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Spontaneous seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is a rare event that occurs in patients that are chronically infected with the hepatitis B virus. As the functional cure and ultimate treatment endpoint of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), HBsAg seroclearance is an important milestone in the natural history of CHB and serves great clinical value. This study aims to identify host and viral factors associated with HBsAg seroclearance. METHODS This is a retrospective study carried out in the Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. By analyzing the plasma retrieved from the serum archive (collected during 2011-2021) of 100 CHB patients attending the hospital's liver clinic, the longitudinal cytokine profiles between the HBsAg-losers and the control groups were compared. RESULTS Data revealed that plasma levels of IP-10 were significantly lower at 3-5 years prior to HBsAg seroclearance compared with patients who remained HBsAg positive (P < 0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis reveals that plasma IP-10 levels at multiple time points before HBsAg seroclearance return area under receivor-operating characteristic curve (AUC) greater than 0.7. Plasma IP-10 levels at 42.39 pg/mL produced an AUC = 0.723 with 74.0% sensitivity and 75.5% specificity to predict subsequent HBsAg seroclearance in the next 3-5 years. Low plasma IP-10 identified 91.4% patients with quantitative HBsAg < 100 IU/mL who would subsequently develop HBsAg seroclearance, compared with 37% with higher plasma IP-10 levels (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Low plasma levels of IP-10 are associated with subsequent HBsAg seroclearance, suggesting potential clinical utilities of measurement of IP-10 in predicting HBsAg seroclearance, especially among patients with low HBsAg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Kan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Huang FY, Wong DKH, Mak LY, Cheung TT, Zhang SS, Chau HT, Hui RWH, Seto WK, Yuen MF. FAT4 loss initiates hepatocarcinogenesis through the switching of canonical to noncanonical WNT signaling pathways. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0338. [PMID: 38055646 PMCID: PMC10984662 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mutation and downregulation of FAT atypical cadherin 4 (FAT4) are frequently detected in HCC, suggesting a tumor suppressor role of FAT4. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains elusive. METHODS CRISPR-Cas9 system was used to knockout FAT4 (FAT4-KO) in a normal human hepatic cell line L02 to investigate the impact of FAT4 loss on the development of HCC. RNA-sequencing and xenograft mouse model were used to study gene expression and tumorigenesis, respectively. The mechanistic basis of FAT4 loss on hepatocarcinogenesis was elucidated using in vitro experiments. RESULTS We found that FAT4-KO disrupted cell-cell adhesion, induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and increased expression of extracellular matrix components. FAT4-KO is sufficient for tumor initiation in a xenograft mouse model. RNA-sequencing of FAT4-KO cells identified PAK6-mediated WNT/β-catenin signaling to promote tumor growth. Suppression of PAK6 led to β-catenin shuttling out of the nucleus for ubiquitin-dependent degradation and constrained tumor growth. Further, RNA-sequencing of amassed FAT4-KO cells identified activation of WNT5A and ROR2. The noncanonical WNT5A/ROR2 signaling has no effect on β-catenin and its target genes (CCND1 and c-Myc) expression. Instead, we observed downregulation of receptors for WNT/β-catenin signaling, suggesting the shifting of β-catenin-dependent to β-catenin-independent pathways as tumor progression depends on its receptor expression. Both PAK6 and WNT5A could induce the expression of extracellular matrix glycoprotein, laminin subunit alpha 4. Laminin subunit alpha 4 upregulation in HCC correlated with poor patient survival. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that FAT4 loss is sufficient to drive HCC development through the switching of canonical to noncanonical Wingless-type signaling pathways. The findings may provide a mechanistic basis for an in-depth study of the two pathways in the early and late stages of HCC for precise treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fung-Yu Huang
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Tan-To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Sai-Sai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Hau-Tak Chau
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Mak LY. Editorial: HBsAg seroclearance after pegylated interferon treatment-The beginning of the end. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:1103-1104. [PMID: 37885169 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Gao et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17670 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17710
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key of Laboratory Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Mak LY, Hui RWH, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Novel Drug Development in Chronic Hepatitis B Infection: Capsid Assembly Modulators and Nucleic Acid Polymers. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:877-893. [PMID: 37778775 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Currently approved treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B infection is insufficient to achieve functional cure. Numerous new compounds are identified, and among many, capsid assembly modulators (CAMs) and nucleic acid polymers (NAPs) are 2 classes of virus-directing agents in clinical development. CAMs interfere with viral pregenomic RNA encapsidation and are effective in viral load reduction but have limited effects on hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). NAPs prevent HBsAg release from hepatocytes and induce intracellular degradation, leading to potent suppression of serum HBsAg when combined with nucleoside analogues and pegylated interferon demonstrated by initial data, but awaiting further confirmation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, 7/F, HK Jockey Club Building of Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, 7/F, HK Jockey Club Building of Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, 7/F, HK Jockey Club Building of Interdisciplinary Research, 5 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, China.
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Lee CH, Mak LY, Tang EHM, Lui DTW, Mak JHC, Li L, Wu T, Chan WL, Yuen MF, Lam KSL, Wong CKH. SGLT2i reduces risk of developing HCC in patients with co-existing type 2 diabetes and hepatitis B infection: A territory-wide cohort study in Hong Kong. Hepatology 2023; 78:1569-1580. [PMID: 37055020 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) are risk factors of HCC. Sodium glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) inhibit HCC oncogenesis in preclinical studies. However, clinical studies are lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of SGLT2i use on incident HCC using a territory-wide cohort of exclusively patients with co-existing T2D and CHB. APPROACH AND RESULTS Patients with co-existing T2D and CHB between 2015 and 2020 were identified from the representative electronic database of the Hong Kong Hospital Authority. Patients with and without SGLT2i use were 1:1 matched by propensity score for their demographics, biochemistry results, liver-related characteristics, and background medications. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between SGLT2i use and incident HCC. A total of 2,000 patients with co-existing T2D and CHB (1,000 in each SGLT2i and non-SGLT2i group; 79.7% on anti-HBV therapy at baseline) were included after propensity-score matching. Over a follow-up of 3,704 person-years, the incidence rates of HCC were 1.39 and 2.52 cases per 100 person-year in SGLT2i and non-SGLT2i groups, respectively. SGLT2i use was associated with a significantly lower risk of incident HCC (HR 0.54, 95%CI: 0.33-0.88, p =0.013). The association remained similar regardless of sex, age, glycemic control, diabetes duration, presence of cirrhosis and hepatic steatosis, timing of anti-HBV therapy, and background antidiabetic agents including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, insulin, or glitazones (all p interaction>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Among patients with co-existing T2D and CHB, SGLT2i use was associated with a lower risk of incident HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Eric Ho-Man Tang
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - David Tak-Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jimmy Ho-Cheung Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lanlan Li
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wing Lok Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen Siu-Ling Lam
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Carlos King Ho Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D24H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Cheung KS, Mok CH, Lam LK, Mao XH, Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Carvedilol Versus Other Nonselective Beta Blockers for Variceal Bleeding Prophylaxis and Death: A Network Meta-analysis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1143-1149. [PMID: 37577228 PMCID: PMC10412710 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00130s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims We aimed to perform a network meta-analysis (NWM) to examine comparative effectiveness of non-selective beta blockers (NSBBs) on prophylaxis of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GVB) and mortality benefit. Methods MEDLINE (OVID) and EMBASE databases were searched for eligible randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from inception to July 3, 2021. Outcomes of interest included primary/secondary prophylaxis of GVB, failure to achieve hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) decremental response, liver-related and all-cause mortality. A Bayesian NWM was performed to derive relative risk (RR) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs). The ranking probability of each NSBB was assessed by surface under cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Results Thirty-three RCTs including 3,188 cirrhosis patients with gastroesophageal varices were included. Compared with placebo, nadolol ranked first for reducing variceal bleeding [RR:0.25, (95% CrI:0.11-0.51); SUCRA:0.898], followed by carvedilol [RR:0.33, (95% CrI: 0.11-0.88); SUCRA:0.692] and propranolol [RR:0.52, (95% CrI:0.37-0.75); SUCRA:0.405]. Carvedilol was more effective than propranolol in achieving HVPG decremental response [RR:0.43, (95% CrI: 0.26-0.69)]. Carvedilol ranked first for reducing all-cause mortality [RR: 0.32, (95% CrI:0.17-0.57); SUCRA:0.963), followed by nadolol [RR:0.48, (95% CI:0.29-0.77); SUCRA:0.688], and propranolol [RR:0.77, (95% CI:0.58-1.02); SUCRA: 0.337]. Similar findings were observed for liver-related mortality. Carvedilol ranked the safest. The RR of adverse events was 4.38, (95% CrI:0.33-161.4); SUCRA:0.530, followed by propranolol [RR: 7.54, (95% CrI:1.90-47.89); SUCRA:0.360], and nadolol [RR: 18.24, (95% CrI:91.51-390.90); SUCRA:0.158]. Conclusions Carvedilol is the preferred NSBB with better survival benefit and lower occurrence of adverse events among patients with gastroesophageal varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Chiu-Hang Mok
- School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lok-Ka Lam
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xian-Hua Mao
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Kan K, Wong DKH, Hui RWH, Seto WK, Yuen MF, Mak LY. Anti-HBc: a significant host predictor of spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance in chronic hepatitis B patients - a retrospective longitudinal study. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:348. [PMID: 37803352 PMCID: PMC10557289 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02983-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM In chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB), seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is associated with favourable clinical outcomes compared to those with persistent HBsAg seropositivity, and thus considered as a desired treatment endpoint. This current study explores the possibility of serum antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) as a potential predictive factor of HBsAg seroclearance. METHODS This is a retrospective study that analyzed the plasma samples of CHB patients using the LUMIPULSE® G1200 analyzer. The longitudinal anti-HBc level between patients who subsequently achieved HBsAg seroclearance (S-losers) and those with persistent HBsAg-positivity (controls) were compared at multiple time points before the event. RESULTS A total of 240 subjects (120 S-losers and 120 controls; age- and gender-matched) were included (mean age 56.42 ± 10.81, 65% male). Compared to controls, S-losers had significantly lower plasma anti-HBc levels prior to HBsAg seroclearance, with a significant trend of declining plasma anti-HBc 8-5 years prior to HBsAg seroclearance (p < 0.01), while such trend was not observed in controls. ROC curve analysis revealed that plasma anti-HBc at multiple time points before HBsAg seroclearance return AUC greater than 0.7. Plasma anti-HBc level at the cut-off value of 82.50 COI was 68.3% sensitive and 90% specific for HBsAg seroclearance within 1 year. Combining with quantitative HBsAg < 100 IU/mL, anti-HBc < 82.5 COI identified 88.2% patients who would develop HBsAg seroclearance within 1 year. CONCLUSION Plasma anti-HBc level began to decline 10 years prior to HBsAg seroclearance and can serve as a potential predictor for subsequent HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Kan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Mak LY, Chan AC, Wong TC, Dai WC, She WH, Ma KW, Sin SL, Chu KW, Seto WK, Yuen MF, Lo CM, Fung J. High prevalence of de novo metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease after liver transplantation and the role of controlled attenuation parameter. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:307. [PMID: 37700227 PMCID: PMC10498589 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02940-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Although non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains an uncommon indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the Chinese, the prevalence of NAFLD is increasing. We aimed to determine the prevalence of de novo steatosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) after LT. METHODS Transient elastography assessment for liver stiffness and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) were performed after LT in 549 patients at median time of 77 months from LT. CAP was compared with implant liver biopsy, and also validated in 42 patients with post-LT liver biopsy. Longitudinal history including diabetes mellitus (DM), dyslipidemia, hypertension, and immunosuppressive regimen were recorded. RESULTS The optimal cut-off level of CAP for diagnosing at least mild (≥ S1) and moderate-to-severe steatosis (≥ S2/3) was 266 and 293 dB/m respectively, with AUROC of 0.740 and 0.954 respectively. Using this newly derived cut-off, 28.9% patients have de novo NAFLD, of which 95.6% fulfilled the criteria for MAFLD. After multivariate analysis, BMI (HR 1.34), DM (HR 2.01), hypertension (HR 2.03), HDL-cholesterol (HR 0.25), LDL-cholesterol (HR 1.5) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (HR 4.85) were associated with the development of S2/3 graft steatosis. de novo NAFLD was associated with higher incidence of new-onset hypertension (p < 0.001), graft dysfunction (defined as ALT > 40 U/L; p = 0.008), but not associated with graft fibrosis (defined as liver stiffness > 12 kPa; p = 0.761). CONCLUSION Although NAFLD remains an uncommon primary liver disease indication for LT in Chinese patients, post-transplant de novo graft steatosis is common and the majority is classified as MAFLD. Development of graft steatosis is not associated with an increase in graft fibrosis but was associated with worse metabolic control and graft dysfunction. Routine CAP measurement to detect de novo graft steatosis should be considered after LT regardless of the primary indication of LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Albert Cy Chan
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Tiffany Cl Wong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wing-Chiu Dai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wong-Hoi She
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Wing Ma
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Sui-Ling Sin
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Wan Chu
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Chung-Mau Lo
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Queen Mary Hospital, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
- State Key Laboratory Research of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong.
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Mak LY, Fung J. Editorial: Mitigating the risk of severe hepatitis flare following nucleoside analogue discontinuation-Insights from a real-world study. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:548-549. [PMID: 37559515 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Hsu et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17614 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17644
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Lam LK, Chan TSY, Hwang YY, Mak LY, Seto WK, Kwong YL, Yuen MF. Hepatitis B virus reactivation in seronegative occult hepatitis B patient receiving ibrutinib therapy. Virol J 2023; 20:168. [PMID: 37528444 PMCID: PMC10394758 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02140-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ibrutinib is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor approved for the treatment for several mature B-cell malignancies. Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a well-described complication in patients with chronic HBV infection or prior HBV exposure undergoing cytotoxic or immunosuppressive chemotherapy for hematologic malignancies. This phenomenon has been frequently reported with rituximab. However, published data on the risk of HBV reactivation induced by ibrutinib are scarce. Cases of HBV reactivation in hematologic patients receiving ibrutinib therapy have recently been described, but limited only to overt hepatitis B patients or seropositive occult hepatitis B patients. CASE PRESENTATION We report the first case of HBV reactivation during ibrutinib treatment in an asymptomatic 82-year-old woman with seronegative occult hepatitis B patient (i.e., negative for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs). Four months after ibrutinib treatment, her liver function test (LFT) was deranged, with seroconversion to HBsAg positivity. Serum hepatitis B virus DNA was quantified to be 1.92 × 108 IU/ml. Antiviral treatment was initiated, and viral load was gradually suppressed with improvement in LFT. CONCLUSIONS Our case illustrated that in populations with a high incidence of HBV exposure, systematic screening for HBV exposure is essential prior to ibrutinib treatment, followed by serial monitoring of serologic and molecular markers of hepatitis B. There is a need for an international consensus to support the recommendation of antiviral prophylaxis against HBV reactivation in patients using ibrutinib.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lok-Ka Lam
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
| | - Thomas Sau Yan Chan
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
| | - Yu-Yan Hwang
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
| | - Yok-Lam Kwong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong.
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hongkong.
- Queen Mary Hospital, Professorial Block, 102, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong.
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Li JHW, Touboul A, Zouari F, Cheung PT, Wei E, Wong EC, Zhou IY, Yuen MF, Seto WK, Mak LY, Chan RW. Portable electrical impedance tomography (EIT) system stages non-alcoholic fatty liver disease for potential screening and monitoring at home. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2023; 2023:1-4. [PMID: 38083484 DOI: 10.1109/embc40787.2023.10339955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
This study demonstrates the feasibility of predicting NAFLD using multi-spectral electrical impedance tomography (EIT), group source separation, constant reference EIT and anthropometric measures. Vibration-controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) Controlled Attenuated Parameter (CAP; n = 121) and magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF; n = 34) achieved a sensitivity of 70.9% and specificity of 73.8% with our CAP predicting model and sensitivity of 77.8% and specificity of 80.0% with our MRI-PDFF predicting model. In summary, a portable EIT can be a cost-effective and self-administrable alternative for widespread home-based and community-based diagnostic screening and treatment monitoring of NAFLD.Clinical Relevance- Portable multi-spectral EIT system has the sensitivity and specificity to potentially unlock biomedical imaging in telemedicine for home-based and community-based screening, staging and monitoring for NAFLD.
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Mak LY, Hui RWH, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Bepirovirsen (GSK3228836) in chronic hepatitis B infection: an evaluation of phase II progress. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:971-983. [PMID: 37902953 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2277389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis B infection is a major global health issue associated with significant liver-related morbidity and mortality. While existing treatments can suppress the virus effectively, they are incapable of inducing functional cure, as defined by hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance. Currently, numerous novel compounds are being developed, including bepirovirsen, an antisense oligonucleotide (ASO). AREAS COVERED This review summarizes the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy and safety data collected from phase I and II studies of bepirovirsen. The data were extracted from publications relevant to the pivotal trials of bepirovirsen, in either full manuscript or conference abstracts. EXPERTOPINION Bepirovirsen, a 20-mer ASO, has already entered phase III clinical evaluation using the optimal dosing regimen of 300 mg subcutaneous injection weekly for 24 weeks in nucleoside analogue-treated HBeAg-negative non-cirrhotic patients with low (<3000 IU/mL) baseline HBsAg. The durability and long-term clinical outcomes among Bepirovirsen responders will need to be evaluated. The stop-to-cure approach in those reaching HBsAg < 100 IU/mL should also be explored. In the long run, Bepirovirsen has the potential to facilitate viral hepatitis elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Mak LY, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Reply: Hepatic steatosis and glycemic burden in chronic hepatitis B. Hepatology 2023; 78:E12-E13. [PMID: 36929950 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Zeng G, Koffas A, Mak LY, Gill US, Kennedy PT. Utility of novel viral and immune markers in predicting HBV treatment endpoints: A systematic review of treatment discontinuation studies. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100720. [PMID: 37138673 PMCID: PMC10149368 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Antivirals represent the mainstay of chronic hepatitis B treatment given their efficacy and tolerability, but rates of functional cure remain low during long-term therapy. Treatment discontinuation has emerged as a strategy to maintain partial cure and achieve functional cure in select patient groups. We aimed to evaluate how data from treatment discontinuation studies exploring novel viral and/or immune markers could be applied to the functional cure program. Methods Treatment discontinuation studies evaluating novel viral and/or immune markers were identified by a systematic search of the PubMed database through to October 30, 2022. Data extraction focused on information regarding novel markers, including identified cut-off levels, timing of measurement, and associated effect on study outcomes of virological relapse, clinical relapse, and HBsAg seroclearance. Results From a search of 4,492 citations, 33 studies comprising a minimum of 2,986 unique patients met the inclusion criteria. Novel viral markers, HBcrAg and HBV RNA, were demonstrated across most studies to be helpful in predicting off-therapy partial cure, with emerging evidence to support a link with functional cure. From novel immune marker studies, we observed that treatment discontinuation has the potential to trigger immune restoration, which may be associated with a transient virological relapse. To this end, these studies support the combination of virus-directing agents with immunomodulator therapies to induce two key steps underlying functional cure: viral antigen load reduction and restoration of the host immune response. Conclusions Patients with a favourable profile of novel viral and immune markers stand to benefit from a trial of antiviral treatment discontinuation alongside novel virus-directing agents with the aim of achieving functional cure without excessive risk of severe clinical relapse. Impact and implications Select patients with chronic hepatitis B undergoing nucleoside analogue therapy may benefit from a trial of treatment discontinuation, aiming to maintain partial cure and/or achieve functional cure. We propose a profile of novel viral and immune markers to identify patients who are likely to achieve these goals without excessive risk of hepatic decompensation. Furthermore, treatment discontinuation may also be considered as a therapeutic strategy to trigger immune restoration, which may increase the chance of functional cure when used in conjunction with novel virus-directing agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Zeng
- Faculty of Medicine, St Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Apostolos Koffas
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick T.F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Immunobiology, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Mak LY, Gane E, Schwabe C, Yoon KT, Heo J, Scott R, Lee JH, Lee JI, Kweon YO, Weltman M, Harrison SA, Neuschwander-Tetri BA, Cusi K, Loomba R, Given BD, Christianson DR, Garcia-Medel E, Yi M, Hamilton J, Yuen MF. A phase I/II study of ARO-HSD, an RNA interference therapeutic, for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. J Hepatol 2023; 78:684-692. [PMID: 36513186 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Loss-of-function HSD17β13 mutations protect against the development of chronic liver disease. HSD17β13 inhibition represents a potential approach to treat liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). ARO-HSD is an RNA interference (RNAi) therapeutic designed to selectively reduce expression of HSD17β13 mRNA in hepatocytes. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ARO-HSD in normal healthy volunteers (NHVs) and patients with confirmed or clinically suspected NASH. METHODS The safety, tolerability, and pharmacodynamics of ARO-HSD were evaluated in 32 NHVs and 18 patients with confirmed/clinically suspected NASH. Double-blind NHV cohorts received single escalating doses of ARO-HSD (25, 50, 100, or 200 mg) or placebo subcutaneously on Day 1. Open-label patient cohorts received ARO-HSD (25, 100, or 200 mg) subcutaneously on Days 1 and 29. Liver biopsy was performed pre-dose and on Day 71 to evaluate expression levels of HSD17β13 mRNA and protein. RESULTS ARO-HSD treatment was well tolerated with no treatment-related serious adverse events or drug discontinuations. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events were mild injection site reactions, which were short in duration. Mean changes in hepatic HSD17β13 mRNA from baseline to Day 71 were: -56.9% (25 mg), -85.5% (100 mg), and -93.4% (200 mg). The mean HSD17β13 mRNA reduction was 78.6% (p <0.0001) across pooled cohorts. Hepatic HSD17β13 protein levels were similarly reduced across doses. In patients, mean changes in alanine aminotransferase from baseline to Day 71 were -7.7% (25 mg), -39.3% (100 mg), and -42.3% (200 mg) (p <0.001 for pooled cohorts). CONCLUSIONS ARO-HSD was well tolerated at doses ≤200 mg. This proof-of-concept study demonstrated that short-term treatment with ARO-HSD reduces hepatic HSD17β13 mRNA and protein expression, which is accompanied by reductions in alanine aminotransferase. CLINICALTRIALS GOV NUMBER NCT04202354. IMPACTS AND IMPLICATIONS There is an unmet medical need for new therapies to treat alcohol-related and non-alcoholic liver disease. ARO-HSD is a small-interfering RNA designed to silence HSD17β13 expression and hence to phenocopy the protective effect seen in individuals with HSD17β13 loss-of-function. The reductions in HSD17β13 expression and in transaminases seen with ARO-HSD administration represent an initial step towards clinical validation of HSD17β13, a drug target with substantial genetic validation, as an important modulator of human liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ed Gane
- University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Pusan National University College of Medicine and Liver Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Pusan National University and Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Russell Scott
- Lipid and Diabetes Research, New Zealand Clinical Research, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | | | | | | | - Kenneth Cusi
- University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, UCSD, Division of Gastroenterology, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Bruce D Given
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pasadena, CA, United States
| | | | | | - Min Yi
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - James Hamilton
- Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Pasadena, CA, United States
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Hui RWH, Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF, Fung J. Chronic hepatitis B - A scoping review on the guidelines for stopping nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:443-450. [PMID: 36972516 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2196405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) are effective in suppressing the replication of the hepatitis B virus. However, NAs cannot effectively induce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, which represents the optimal treatment endpoint in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Hence, most CHB patients are advised for indefinite NA therapy, but recent data has supported the concept of finite NA therapy before HBsAg seroclearance. AREAS COVERED This article covered the latest evidence on stopping NAs in CHB, with focused analysis on international guidelines. Articles were retrieved by a literature search on PubMed with the keywords "chronic hepatitis B", "antiviral therapy", "nucleos(t)ide analogue", "cessation", "stopping" and "finite". Studies up till 1 December 2022 were included. EXPERT OPINION Finite NA therapy in CHB has potential in enhancing HBsAg seroclearance, however it also carries rare but potentially severe risks. NA cessation before HBsAg seroclearance is only suitable for a highly-selected group of patients, whereas the majority of CHB patients should be treated indefinitely or until HBsAg seroclearance. Current guidelines have provided recommendations on stopping NAs, but further research is required to optimize the monitoring and retreatment protocol after stopping NAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Mak LY, Hui RWH, Cheung KS, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Advances in determining new treatments for hepatitis B infection by utilizing existing and novel biomarkers. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2023; 18:401-416. [PMID: 36943183 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2023.2192920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a major global health threat and accounts for significant liver-related morbidity and mortality. An improved understanding of how hepatitis B virus (HBV) interacts with the host immune system allows the discovery of novel biomarkers and new treatment options. Viral biomarkers including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and newer ones like HBV RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen appear to be useful to select patients who are likely to benefit from cessation of long-term antiviral therapy. These markers can also help to confirm target engagement for novel compounds, and efficacy in HBsAg reduction and seroclearance is deemed essential as this is how the current treatment endpoint of functional cure is defined. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss the current standard of care and the gaps between such standard and the ideal goals for treatment in CHB. The authors highlight novel viral and immunological biomarkers that are potentially useful to evaluate treatment response. Novel treatment approaches in relation to these novel biomarkers are also evaluated. EXPERT OPINION Novel serum viral biomarkers and immunological markers are indispensable in the HBV functional cure program. These will likely become part of standard monitoring soon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam, Hong Kong
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Hui KY, Fung J, Cheung KS, Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Long-term Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Profile and Seroclearance after Severe Acute Flares of Chronic Hepatitis B. Gut Liver 2023; 17:280-287. [PMID: 36317514 PMCID: PMC10018308 DOI: 10.5009/gnl220122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance remains uncommon in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. During acute flares of CHB (AFOCHB), alanine aminotransferase elevation reflects a mounting immune response toward viral clearance. We hypothesized that severe AFOCHB is associated with a greater quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg) decline and HBsAg seroclearance rate. Methods A total of 75 patients with severe AFOCHB with alanine aminotransferase 10× the upper limit of normal were matched to a control group by age and sex in a 1:2 ratio. qHBsAg levels were measured at the time of flare and annually (for both cases and controls) until the last follow-up. Results The median follow-up times for patients with severe AFOCHB and controls were 8.8 and 10.5 years, respectively. The cumulative rate of HBsAg seroclearance was higher in the severe AFOCHB group than in the control group (11.8% vs 5.0%, p=0.04) despite the former group having a trend of a higher baseline median qHBsAg (3,127 IU/mL vs 1,178 IU/mL, p=0.076). Compared with the control group, the severe AFOCHB group had a greater annual qHBsAg reduction (-242.4 IU/mL/yr vs -47.3 IU/mL/yr, p=0.002). Increasing age (p=0.049), lower baseline qHBsAg (p=0.002), and severe AFOCHB (p=0.014) were independently associated with HBsAg seroclearance. However, the cumulative rate of hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly higher in the severe AFOCHB group than in the control group (15.8% vs 1.9%, p<0.001). Conclusions Severe AFOCHB was associated with a greater incidence of HBsAg seroclearance and qHBsAg decline. However, it was associated with a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Yin Hui
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Wong DKH, Inoue T, Mak LY, Hui RWH, Fung J, Cheung KS, Seto WK, Tanaka Y, Yuen MF. A longitudinal study to detect hepatitis B surface and core-related antigens in chronic hepatitis B patients with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance using highly sensitive assays. J Clin Virol 2023; 160:105375. [PMID: 36623378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2022.105375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to evaluate the usefulness of two novel assays, namely the iTACT-hepatitis B surface antigen (iTACT-HBsAg) and iTACT-hepatitis B core-related antigen (iTACT-HBcrAg) assays, in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with HBsAg seroclearance (SC) documented by standard assays. METHODS HBsAg and HBcrAg were measured by the two iTACT-assays in 556 serial sera collected from 96 CHB patients at 7 different time points spanning from 5 years before to 10 years after SC and 120 HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive individuals. As controls, 60 seronegative individuals, who were negative for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs, were tested. RESULTS Using the iTACT-assays, HBsAg was detectable in 154/418 (36.8%) samples collected after SC. HBcrAg was detectable in 78.3% and 65.9% of samples collected before and after SC, respectively. The detectability rates of both HBsAg and HBcrAg progressively decreased over time after SC. At 10 years after SC, 20.4% and 64.5% of the patients still had detectable HBsAg and HBcrAg, respectively. 66 (71%) patients had detectable HBsAg and/or HBcrAg. Among the 120 HBsAg-negative, anti-HBc-positive individuals, 11 (9.2%) and 4 (3.3%) had detectable HBsAg and HBcrAg respectively. Both HBsAg and HBcrAg were undetectable in the controls. CONCLUSION The iTACT assays detected a low level of HBsAg and/or HBcrAg in >70% of patients even at 10 years after SC, suggesting that CHB patients with SC still harbour a low level of HBV protein expression. The clinical significance of detectable viral proteins after SC with regard to disease progression and HBV reactivation deserves further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Takako Inoue
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya City University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yasuhito Tanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Chow N, Wong D, Lai CL, Mak LY, Fung J, Ma HT, Lei MW, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Effect of Antiviral Treatment on Hepatitis B Virus Integration and Hepatocyte Clonal Expansion. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 76:e801-e809. [PMID: 35594553 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the effect of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NUC) treatment on hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA integration and hepatocyte clonal expansion, both of which are implicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B. METHODS Twenty-eight patients receiving NUCs (11 lamivudine, 7 telbivudine, 10 entecavir) were included. All had liver biopsies at baseline and year 1, and 7 had a third biopsy at year 10. HBV DNA integration and hepatocyte clone size were assessed by inverse polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS All patients had detectable HBV integration at baseline, with a median integration frequency of 1.01 × 109 per liver and hepatocyte clone size of 2.41 × 105. Neither integration frequency nor hepatocyte clone size correlated with age and HBV virologic parameters. After 1 year of treatment, HBV integration was still detectable in all patients, with a median of 5.74 × 108 integration per liver (0.22 log reduction; P = .008) and hepatocyte clone size of 1.22 × 105 (0.40 log reduction; P = .002). HBV integration remained detectable at year 10 of treatment, with a median integration frequency of 4.84 × 107 integration per liver (0.93 log reduction from baseline) and hepatocyte clone size of 2.55 × 104 (1.02 log reduction from baseline). From baseline through year 1 to year 10, there was a decreasing trend in both integration frequency and hepatocyte clone size (P = .066 and.018, respectively). CONCLUSIONS NUCs reduced both HBV DNA integration and hepatocyte clonal expansion, suggesting another alternative pathway besides direct viral suppression to reduce HCC risk. Our findings supported the notion for a long-term NUC treatment to prevent HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Chow
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danny Wong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ching-Lung Lai
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hoi-Tang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.,Department of Pathology, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Meng-Wai Lei
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Mak LY, Hui RWH, Lee CH, Mao X, Cheung KS, Wong DKH, Lui DTW, Fung J, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Glycemic burden and the risk of adverse hepatic outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B with type 2 diabetes. Hepatology 2023; 77:606-618. [PMID: 36130882 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is common among patients with chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB) and has been associated with increased risk of carcinogenesis, including HCC. We investigated factors associated with HCC and fibrosis progression among patients with CHB with T2D (CHB+T2D). APPROACH AND RESULTS Chinese patients with CHB were prospectively recruited for the incidence of HCC and fibrosis progression defined by transient elastography. Among patients with CHB+T2D, glycemic control was assessed by mean glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and HbA1c variability determined using HbA1c measurements in the 5 years preceding recruitment. A total of 2330 patients with CHB were recruited (mean age 54.6 ±11.8 years old, 55.5% male, 57.9% antiviral-treated), with 671 (28.8%) having CHB+T2D (mean T2D duration 7.2 ± 4.6 years, mean HbA1c 7.2 ± 0.9%). T2D was independently associated with HCC (HR 2.080, 95% CI 1.343-3.222) and fibrosis progression (OR 4.305, 95% CI 3.416-5.424) in the overall cohort. In patients with CHB+T2D, factors reflecting glycemic burden (T2D duration [HR 1.107, 95% CI 1.023-1.198]), mean HbA1c (HR 1.851, 95% CI 1.026-3.339), time reaching target HbA1c (HbA1c-TRT; HR 0.978, 95% CI 0.957-0.999), liver stiffness (HR 1.041-1.043), and smoking (HR 2.726-3.344) were independently associated with HCC (all p < 0.05), but not HbA1c variability or controlled attenuation parameter. The same glycemic burden-related factors (T2D duration, mean HbA1c, and HbA1c-TRT), in addition to baseline fasting glucose, baseline HbA1c, AST and antiviral therapy, were independently associated with fibrosis progression at 3 years. CONCLUSIONS High glycemic burden was associated with HCC development and fibrosis progression among patients with CHB+T2D, highlighting the importance of glycemic control in reducing liver-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Chi-Ho Lee
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - XianHua Mao
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital , Shenzhen , China
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - David Tak-Wai Lui
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine , Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital , Shenzhen , China
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease, affecting approximately 25% of the general population worldwide, and is forecasted to increase global health burden in the 21st century. With the advancement of non-invasive tests for assessing and monitoring of steatosis and fibrosis, NAFLD screening is now feasible, and is increasingly highlighted in international guidelines related to hepatology, endocrinology, and pediatrics. Identifying high-risk populations (e.g., diabetes mellitus, obesity, metabolic syndrome) based on risk factors and metabolic characteristics for non-invasive screening is crucial and may aid in designing screening strategies to be more precise and effective. Many screening modalities are currently available, from serum-based methods to ultrasonography, transient elastography, and magnetic resonance imaging, although the diagnostic performance, cost, and accessibility of different methods may impact the actual implementation. A two-step assessment with serum-based fibrosis-4 index followed by imaging test vibration-controlled transient elastography can be an option to stratify the risk of liverrelated complications in NAFLD. There is a need for fibrosis surveillance, as well as investigating the cost-effectiveness of different screening algorithms and engaging primary care for first-stage triage screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Mak LY, Hui RWH, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. The role of different viral biomarkers on the management of chronic hepatitis B For special issue 'Challenging issues in the treatment of viral hepatitis'. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:263-276. [PMID: 36655304 PMCID: PMC10121282 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B infection is a major public health challenge. With the advancement in technology, various components of the viral cycle can now be measured in the blood to assess viral activity. In this review article, we summarize the relevant data of how antiviral therapies impact viral biomarkers, and discuss their potential implications. Viral nucleic acids including HBV DNA and to a lesser extent, pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA), are readily suppressed by nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs). The primary role of these markers include risk prediction for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and risk stratification for partial cure, defined as off-therapy virological control, or functional cure, defined as hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance plus undetectable serum HBV DNA for ≥6 months. Viral translational products including hepatitis e antigen, quantitative HBsAg and hepatitis B core-related antigen can be reduced by NUCs and pegylated interferon α. They are important in defining disease phase, delineating treatment endpoints, and predicting clinical outcomes including HCC risk and partial/ functional cure. As the primary outcome of phase III trials in CHB is set as HBsAg seroclearance, appropriate viral biomarkers can potentially inform the efficacy of novel compounds. Early viral biomarker response can help with prioritization of subjects into clinical trials. However, standardization and validation studies would be crucial before viral biomarkers can be broadly implemented in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Mak LY, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Correspondence on Editorial regarding "HBV pgRNA and HBcrAg reductions at week 4 predict favourable HBsAg response upon long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue in CHB". Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:191-193. [PMID: 36417889 PMCID: PMC9845668 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,Corresponding author : Man-Fung Yuen Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: +852-22553984, Fax: +852-28162863, E-mail:
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Mak LY, Beasley I, Kennedy PTF. Chronic viral hepatitis in athletes: an overlooked population? Br J Sports Med 2023; 57:72-74. [PMID: 36167668 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2022-105837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China.,Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ian Beasley
- Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary College of London, London, UK
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Mak LY, Wong D, Kuchta A, Hilfiker M, Hamilton A, Chow N, Mao X, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Hepatitis B virus pre-genomic RNA and hepatitis B core-related antigen reductions at week 4 predict favourable hepatitis B surface antigen response upon long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue in chronic hepatitis B. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:146-162. [PMID: 35989092 PMCID: PMC9845664 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS We investigated the dynamics of serum HBV pre-genomic RNA (pgRNA) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) in patients receiving nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) and their predictability for favourable suppression of serum hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). METHODS Serum viral biomarkers were measured at baseline, weeks 4, 12, 24, 36, and 48 of treatment. Patients were followed up thereafter and serum HBsAg level was measured at end of follow-up (EOFU). Favourable HBsAg response (FHR) was defined as ≤100 IU/mL or HBsAg seroclearance upon EOFU. RESULTS Twenty-eight hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and 36 HBeAg-negative patients (median, 38.2 years old; 71.9% male) were recruited with median follow-up duration of 17.1 years (interquartile range, 12.8-18.2). For the entire cohort, 22/64 (34.4%) achieved FHR. For HBeAg-positive patients, serum HBV pgRNA decline at week 4 was significantly greater for patients with FHR compared to non-FHR (5.49 vs. 4.32 log copies/mL, respectively; P=0.016). The area under the receiver-operating-characteristic curve (AUROC) for week 4 HBV pgRNA reduction to predict FHR in HBeAg-positive patients was 0.825 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.661-0.989). For HBeAg-negative patients, instead of increase in serum HBcrAg in non-FHR patients, FHR patients had median reduction in HBcrAg at week 4 (increment of 1.75 vs. reduction of 2.98 log U/mL; P=0.023). The AUROC for week 4 change of HBcrAg to predict FHR in HBeAg-negative patients was 0.789 (95% CI, 0.596-0.982). CONCLUSION Early on-treatment changes of serum HBV pgRNA and HBcrAg at 4 weeks predict HBsAg seroclearance or ≤100 IU/mL in NA-treated CHB patients upon long-term FU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Wong
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | | | | | | | - Ning Chow
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - XianHua Mao
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,Corresponding author : Man-Fung Yuen Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: +852-22553984, Fax: +852-28162863, E-mail:
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong,Corresponding author : Man-Fung Yuen Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong Tel: +852-22553984, Fax: +852-28162863, E-mail:
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Hui RWH, Mak LY, Cheung TT, Lee VHF, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Clinical practice guidelines and real-life practice on hepatocellular carcinoma: the Hong Kong perspective. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 29:217-229. [PMID: 36577426 PMCID: PMC10121277 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health burden in Hong Kong, and chronic hepatitis B is the most common HCC etiology in our region. With the high case load, extensive local expertise on HCC has been accumulated. This article summarized local guidelines and real-life practice on HCC management in Hong Kong. For HCC surveillance, liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein for periodic screening is recommended in viral hepatitis or cirrhotic patients, and this is adhered to in clinical practice. HCC diagnosis is not covered in local guidelines, yet our practice is in-line with regional guidelines, where diagnosis is usually achieved by cross-sectional imaging and without the need for histology. Our guidelines recommend using the Hong Kong Liver Cancer (HKLC) Staging for pre-treatment staging, yet we routinely use other widely-adopted systems such as the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) Staging and the Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) Staging as well. Our local guidelines have provided clear treatment algorithms for the whole range of HCC therapies, including resection, ablation, transplant, transarterial chemoembolization, transarterial radioembolization, stereotactic body radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Real-life treatment choices are largely in line with the guidelines, although treatment protocols are individualized, and availability of specific therapies can vary between centers. Overall, HCC guidelines in Hong Kong are tailored based on local expertise and our unique patient population. The guidelines are up-to-date and provide practical pathways to assist our routine practice. Regular updates of local guidelines are warranted to account for the rapidly evolving paradigm of HCC management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tan-To Cheung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Victor Ho-Fun Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Mak LY, Cheung KS, Hui RWH, Wong DKH, Fung J, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Score Stratifies Hepatocellular Carcinoma Risk in Patients With Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Seroclearance. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:2257-2259. [PMID: 35594565 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In this prospective study involving 337 chronic hepatitis B patients who achieved spontaneous hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance (SC), serum enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) before SC was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (hazard ratio 2.588), and ELF <10.8 was associated with >97% reduction in risk of HCC development in patients with age SC ≥ 50 (n = 190).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
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Koffas A, Mak LY, Kennedy PTF. Hepatitis delta virus: Disease assessment and stratification. J Viral Hepat 2022; 30 Suppl 1:11-20. [PMID: 36458851 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis D virus (HDV) causes one of the most severe forms of hepatitis in people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. Timely and accurate assessment of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) and disease stratification is mandatory for thorough pre-therapeutic evaluation for prioritizing treatment and outcome prediction. Viral biomarkers associated with HDV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) are crucial to aid in diagnosis, and monitoring of serum viral nucleic acids for both viruses is recommended. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for staging of liver fibrosis and grading of histological activity and should remain central for diagnostic purposes, but is also of importance for research to enhance our understanding of HDV. The emergence of novel non-invasive tests for the assessment of liver fibrosis in HDV patients coupled with the well-recognized potential complications of liver biopsy has resulted in reduced utility of liver biopsy in clinical practice. Preliminary data suggest that these emerging non-invasive modalities appear to be reliable, and their use is supported, similar to other viral hepatitis. Nevertheless, further validation is required before their widespread adoption into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Koffas
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.,Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Patrick T F Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Mak LY, Wong DKH, Cheung KS, Hui RWH, Liu F, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. Role of Serum M2BPGi Levels in Predicting Persistence of Advanced Fibrosis in Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection. Dig Dis Sci 2022; 67:5127-5136. [PMID: 35258755 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-022-07429-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Serum mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel marker for liver fibrosis assessment in patients with different liver diseases. For chronic hepatitis B infection (CHB), advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis is a risk factor for liver cancer and hepatic decompensation. We aimed to assess the role of serum M2BPGi in prediction of persistence of advanced fibrosis in CHB patients despite potent antiviral therapy. METHODS CHB patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis who were put on nucleos(t)ide analogs for ≥ 3 years with normal alanine aminotransferase and undetectable serum HBV DNA were prospectively recruited. Assessment of liver fibrosis with transient elastography (TE) and M2BPGi measurements were performed at baseline and repeated at 3 years. Advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were defined by liver stiffness (LS) ≥ 9.0 kPa and ≥ 12.0 kPa, respectively. RESULTS A total of 143 patients (M:F = 101:42; median age 58.7 years; 53.8% cirrhotic) were recruited and completed paired assessment. The median value of baseline LS and M2BPGi were 12.0 (IQR: 10.5-18.2) kPa and 0.99 cut-off-index (IQR: 0.75-1.74) (COI), respectively, with 96% concordance for diagnosing F3/F4. Ninety-six (67.1%) patients had persistent advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis at 3 years despite continuation of long-term antiviral treatment. Upon multivariate analysis, baseline M2BPGi (OR 2.128, 95% CI 1.037-4.366) and presence of central obesity (OR 4.648, 95% CI 1.742-12.402) were significantly associated with persistent advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis at 3 years. Baseline M2BPGi ≥ 1.265 COI has 50.6% sensitivity and 79.4% specificity for predicting persistent advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis at 3 years (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve: 0.695). The presence of central obesity in combination with baseline M2BPGi ≥ 1.265 COI was associated with 95.7% patients having persistent advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis at 3 years. HCC development was observed in five patients during follow-up and was associated with bigger median increase in the level of serum M2BPGi compared to patients without HCC (46% vs 6.2%, P = 0.038). CONCLUSION Persistent advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis was observed in two-thirds of CHB patients despite potent antiviral therapy. High serum M2BPGi and central obesity were associated with more than twofold and fourfold increase in risk of persistent advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fen Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Mak LY, Beasley I, Kennedy PTF. Chronic Viral Hepatitis in Elite Athletes: Approaches to Risk Assessment, Prevention and Management. Sports Med Open 2022; 8:123. [PMID: 36192563 PMCID: PMC9530082 DOI: 10.1186/s40798-022-00517-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Elite athletes who participate in contact sports are at risk of bleeding injuries, leading to transmission of blood-borne viruses including hepatitis type B, C and D (HBV, HCV and HDV) capable of causing chronic liver disease, liver failure and liver cancer. In view of the significant advances in the viral hepatitis field over the past decade, more structured approaches should be in place to screen for and manage viral hepatitis in elite athletes. HBV status should be assessed in all elite athletes, and those infected should receive nucleos(t)ide analogues for viral suppression, while uninfected individuals should receive HBV vaccination. The all-oral direct acting antivirals for HCV are highly effective and safe, thus the remaining challenge with hepatitis C is case identification and linkage to care. HDV is only found in HBV-infected individuals, which is characterized by rapid disease progression and higher rates of cirrhosis and liver cancer in infected subjects. Pegylated interferon was the mainstay of treatment for HDV infection until bulevirtide, a viral entry inhibitor, was recently approved by the European Union (EMA) and FDA in America, while multiple novel therapies are already in clinical trials as part of the HBV cure program. Overall, awareness of chronic viral hepatitis in athletes should be improved. Prevention remains the cornerstone of the management of viral hepatitis in sport coupled with rigorous disease assessment in infected individuals, and antiviral therapy where indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Department of Immunobiology, Barts Liver Centre, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China ,grid.194645.b0000000121742757State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ian Beasley
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary College, London, UK
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- grid.4868.20000 0001 2171 1133Department of Immunobiology, Barts Liver Centre, The Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Mao X, Cheung KS, Peng C, Mak LY, Cheng HM, Fung J, Peleg N, Leung HHW, Kumar R, Lee JH, Shlomai A, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Steatosis, HBV-related HCC, cirrhosis, and HBsAg seroclearance: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatology 2022; 77:1735-1745. [PMID: 36111362 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS NAFLD and chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection are common etiologies of HCC. The impact of hepatic steatosis on HCC in CHB, as well as its relationship with the development of cirrhosis, fibrosis, and HBsAg seroclearance, remains controversial. APPROACH AND RESULTS Data from observational studies were collected through PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library from inception to February 1, 2022. Outcomes of interest included the association of hepatic steatosis with HCC, cirrhosis, advanced fibrosis, and HBsAg seroclearance, expressed in terms of pooled ORs. Additional subgroup and sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of findings. A total of 34 studies with 68,268 patients with CHB were included. Hepatic steatosis was associated with higher odds of HCC (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.12-2.26; I2 = 72.5%), with the association remaining consistent in Asia (OR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.08-2.25), studies with a median follow-up duration of ≥5 years (OR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.57-5.08), exclusion of alcohol use (OR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.01-2.91), and biopsy-proven steatosis (OR, 2.86; 95% CI, 1.61-5.06), although no significant association was noted among nucleos(t)ide analogue-treated patients (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.62-1.77). Steatosis was associated with the development of cirrhosis (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.07-2.16; I2 = 0%) and HBsAg seroclearance (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.58-3.10; I2 = 49.0%). CONCLUSIONS Hepatic steatosis was associated with an increased risk of HCC and cirrhosis among patients with CHB but with a higher chance of achieving a functional cure, highlighting the importance of identifying concomitant steatosis in CHB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianhua Mao
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chengzhi Peng
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ho Ming Cheng
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Noam Peleg
- Division of Gastroenterology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva, Israel.,Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Howard H-W Leung
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rajneesh Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore
| | - Jeong-Hoon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine and Liver Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Amir Shlomai
- Department of Medicine D and The Liver Institute, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Hospital, Petah-Tikva and the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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Touboul A, Zouari F, Minciullo L, Modak D, Lee RMV, Wong EC, Yuen MF, Seto WK, Mak LY, Chan RW. Unmixing multi-spectral electrical impedance tomography (EIT) predicts clinical-standard controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease classification: a feasibility study. Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc 2022; 2022:576-579. [PMID: 36086553 DOI: 10.1109/embc48229.2022.9871313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Here, we tested the feasibility of predicting CAP with multi-spectral EIT. Conductivity and CAP were acquired from nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients using a portable EIT system and vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). We then used frequency-difference conductivity and waist-over-height as prediction features to estimate CAP and found an adj. R2 of 0.92. We further developed a novel prediction method by incorporating EIT spectral unmixing reconstruction and demonstrated an improvement in CAP estimation. Last, we optimized the EIT acquisition process by minimizing the total variance of the CAP estimator. Clinical Relevance: EIT can estimate clinical-standard liver disease classification. This portable EIT system is potentially cost-effective and self-administrable with short acquisition time (3 mins), while VCTE are costly and usually requires a trained personnel to operate with longer acquisition time (5-10 mins).
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Mak LY, Cheung KS, Fung J, Seto WK, Yuen MF. New strategies for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B. Trends Mol Med 2022; 28:742-757. [PMID: 35780008 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Functional cure, as defined by seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), is the desired treatment endpoint for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, yet is rarely achieved with the currently approved therapy. Novel treatments currently in the clinical phase of development act by inhibiting viral replication/antigen reduction and/or by restoring host immune control. Although some agents are effective in reducing the viral antigen load, a greater magnitude of suppression is required to achieve functional cure. Compounds that target the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) pool, hepatitis B X (HBx) protein inhibition, and mRNA destabilization are also in the preclinical phase of development. Challenges which remain include the clinical implications, immunological perturbations, and safety of these novel compounds to be used in the real-life setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ka-Shing Cheung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Koffas A, Mak LY, Gill US, Kennedy PTF. Early Treatment Consideration in Patients with Hepatitis B 'e' Antigen-Positive Chronic Infection: Is It Time for a Paradigm Shift? Viruses 2022; 14:v14050900. [PMID: 35632642 PMCID: PMC9143099 DOI: 10.3390/v14050900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, due to the adverse sequelae of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To date, antiviral therapy has been reserved for patients with ostensibly active liver disease, fibrosis or cirrhosis, and/or increased risk of HCC. Historically, patients with hepatitis B 'e' antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic infection, were not offered antiviral therapy. Nevertheless, there has been compelling evidence emerging in recent years, demonstrating that this disease phase is in fact not characterized by immunological tolerance. HBV integration into the human genome is a frequent event found in these patients. Additionally, it may well be associated with active inflammation and fibrosis, even in the presence of persistently normal liver enzymes. Likewise, it appears that the mechanisms of hepatocarcinogenesis are already present during this early stage of the disease. This was reflected in the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) guidelines, where treating patients above the age of 30 years with HBeAg-positive chronic infection was proposed. Lowering the treatment threshold to broaden treatment eligibility is likely to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of developing HCC. The current review discusses the reasons to consider early antiviral therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apostolos Koffas
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
- Department of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
| | - Patrick T. F. Kennedy
- Barts Liver Centre, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.K.); (L.-Y.M.); (U.S.G.)
- Correspondence:
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Tey SK, Wong SWK, Chan JYT, Mao X, Ng TH, Yeung CLS, Leung Z, Fung HL, Tang AHN, Wong DKH, Mak LY, Yuen MF, Sin CF, Ng IOL, Ma SKY, Lee TKW, Cao P, Zhong K, Gao Y, Yun JP, Yam JWP. Patient pIgR-enriched extracellular vesicles drive cancer stemness, tumorigenesis and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2022; 76:883-895. [PMID: 34922977 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in connecting tumor cells with their local and distant microenvironments. Herein, we aimed to understand the role (on a molecular basis) patient-derived EVs play in modulating cancer stemness and tumorigenesis in the context of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS EVs from patient sera were isolated, quantified and characterized. The EVs were vigorously tested, both in vitro and in vivo, through various functional assays. Proteomic analysis was performed to identify the functional components of EVs. The presence and level of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) in circulating EVs and tumor and non-tumorous tissues of patients with HCC were determined by ELISA, immunoblotting, immunohistochemistry and quantitative PCR. The functional role and underlying mechanism of EVs with enhanced pIgR expression were elucidated. Blockade of EV-pIgR with neutralizing antibody was performed in nude mice implanted with patient-derived tumor xenografts (PDTXs). RESULTS Circulating EVs from patients with late-stage HCC (L-HCC) had significantly elevated pIgR expression compared to the EVs released by control individuals. The augmenting effect of L-HCC-EVs on cancer stemness and tumorigenesis was hindered by an anti-pIgR antibody. EVs enriched with pIgR consistently promoted cancer stemness and cancerous phenotypes in recipient cells. Mechanistically, EV-pIgR-induced cancer aggressiveness was abrogated by Akt and β-catenin inhibitors, confirming that the role of EV-pIgR depends on the activation of the PDK1/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling axis. Furthermore, an anti-pIgR neutralizing antibody attenuated tumor growth in mice implanted with PDTXs. CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates a previously unknown role of EV-pIgR in regulating cancer stemness and aggressiveness: EV-pIgR activates PDK1/Akt/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling cascades. The blockade of the intercellular communication mediated by EV-pIgR in the tumor microenvironment may provide a new therapeutic strategy for patients with cancer. LAY SUMMARY The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1 million patients will die from liver cancer, mostly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in 2030. Understanding the underlying mechanism by which HCC acquires aggressive attributes is crucial to improving the diagnosis and treatment of patients. Herein, we demonstrated that nanometer-sized extracellular vesicles released by tumors promote cancer stemness and tumorigenesis. Within these oncogenic vesicles, we identified a key component that functions as a potent modulator of cancer aggressiveness. By inhibiting this functional component of EVs using a neutralizing antibody, tumor growth was profoundly attenuated in mice. This hints at a potentially effective therapeutic alternative for patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sze Keong Tey
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Samuel Wan Ki Wong
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Janice Yuen Tung Chan
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Xiaowen Mao
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Tung Him Ng
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Cherlie Lot Sum Yeung
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Zoe Leung
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hui Ling Fung
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Alexander Hin Ning Tang
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Danny Ka Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong
| | - Chun-Fung Sin
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Kwai Yee Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong; School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Terence Kin Wah Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong
| | - Peihua Cao
- Clinical Research Center, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China; Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Kebo Zhong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yi Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jing Ping Yun
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Judy Wai Ping Yam
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research (The University of Hong Kong), Hong Kong.
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Zhang S, Tun HM, Zhang D, Chau HT, Huang FY, Kwok H, Wong DKH, Mak LY, Yuen MF, Seto WK. Alleviation of Hepatic Steatosis: Dithizone-Related Gut Microbiome Restoration During Paneth Cell Dysfunction. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:813783. [PMID: 35283810 PMCID: PMC8914291 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.813783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the world’s most common chronic liver disease, is increasingly linked to gut dysbiosis. Paneth cells secrete antimicrobial peptides that regulate the gut microbiome, but their role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD remains unclear. Here, we determine the changes in NAFLD development and gut microbial composition and function via the injection of dithizone that can pharmacologically deplete the granules of Paneth cells. Eight-week-old C57BL/6J male mice (n = 31) were given a high-fat diet (HFD) or standard control diet for 12 weeks. Dithizone (10 mg/kg) was intravenously injected every 3 weeks during the period of diet feeding. Metagenomic DNA was extracted from fecal samples for PacBio Single-Molecule Real-Time sequencing to identify changes in microbial composition and predicted function. We observed dithizone-treated HFD mice, when compared to non-treated HFD mice, to have significant reductions in hepatic triglyceride content (28.98 vs. 53.52 mg/g, p = 0.0419); plasma insulin level (2.18 vs. 6.63 ng/ml, p = 0.0079); and relative mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase (0.52 vs. 1.57, p = 0.0428) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (0.43 vs. 1.20, p = 0.0121). Bacterial taxonomic profiling found dithizone-treated HFD mice, when compared to non-treated HFD mice, had a lower Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio (2.53 vs. 5.26, p = 0.0541); a higher relative abundance of Bacteroides ASV21 and ASV42 (1.04 vs. 0.22%, p = 0.0277 and 0.96 vs. 0.09%, p = 0.0213); and a reduction in microbes belonging to Firmicutes (all p < 0.05). Bacteroides species correlated positively with predicted microbial functions such as L-methionine (r = 0.54, p = 0.0019) and tetrahydrofolate (r = 0.52, p = 0.0029) biosynthesis. Collectively, dithizone treatment was associated with alleviation in the severity of liver steatosis in HFD mice, possibly through gut microbiome modulation involving the increase in Bacteroides, suggesting microbiome-targeted therapies may have a role in the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saisai Zhang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hein M. Tun
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dengwei Zhang
- HKU-Pasteur Research Pole, School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hau-Tak Chau
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Fung-Yu Huang
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Hin Kwok
- Centre for PanorOmic Sciences, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danny Ka-Ho Wong
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Man-Fung Yuen,
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Wai-Kay Seto,
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Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Functional cure of CHB, defined as sustainable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, is associated with improved clinical outcomes. However, functional cure is rarely attainable by current treatment modalities. RNA interference (RNAi) by small-interfering RNA (siRNA) and anti-sense oligonucleotide (ASO) has been studied as a novel treatment strategy for CHB. RNAi targets post-transcriptional messenger RNAs and pregenomic RNAs to reduce hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen production and viral replication. By reducing viral antigens, host immune reconstitution against HBV may also be attained. Phase I/II trials on siRNAs have demonstrated them to be safe and well-tolerated. siRNA is effective when given in monthly doses with different total number of doses according to different trial design, and can lead to sustainable dose-dependent mean HBsAg reduction by 2–2.5 log. Incidences of HBsAg seroclearance after siRNA therapy have also been reported. ASOs have also been studied in early phase trials, and a phase Ib study using frequent dosing regimen within 4 weeks could achieve similar HBsAg reduction of 2 log from baseline. Given the established efficacy and safety of nucleos(t) ide analogues (NAs), future RNAi regimens will likely include NA backbone. While the current evidence on RNAi appears promising, it remains undetermined whether the potent HBsAg reduction by RNAi can result in a high rate of HBsAg seroclearance with durability. Data on RNAi from phase IIb/III trials are keenly anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Wai-Kay Seto
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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49
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Mak LY, Fung J. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in cerebrovascular disease: a bystander or a real risk factor? Hepatol Int 2022; 16:24-26. [PMID: 35088389 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10273-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - James Fung
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Department of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Room 305, New Clinical Building, Pokfulam Road 102, Hong Kong, China.
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50
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Mak LY, Hoang J, Jun DW, Chen CH, Peng CY, Yeh ML, Kim SE, Huang DQ, Jeong JY, Yoon E, Oh H, Tsai PC, Huang CF, Ahn SB, Trinh H, Xie Q, Wong GLH, Enomoto M, Shim JJ, Lee DH, Liu L, Kozuka R, Cho YK, Jeong SW, Kim HS, Trinh L, Dao A, Huang R, Hui RWH, Tsui V, Quek S, Khine HHTW, Ogawa E, Dai CY, Huang JF, Cheung R, Wu C, Chuang WL, Lim SG, Yu ML, Yuen MF, Nguyen MH. Longitudinal renal changes in chronic hepatitis B patients treated with entecavir versus TDF: a REAL-B study. Hepatol Int 2021; 16:48-58. [PMID: 34822056 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10271-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aimed to compare the longitudinal changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with entecavir (ETV) vs. tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF). METHODS This is a retrospective study of 6189 adult treatment-naïve CHB patients initiated therapy with TDF (n = 2482) or ETV (n = 3707) at 25 international centers using multivariable generalized linear modeling (GLM) to determine mean eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2) and Kaplan-Meier method to estimate incidence of renal impairment (≥ 1 chronic kidney disease [CKD] stage worsening). We also examined above renal changes in matched ETV and TDF patients (via propensity score matching [PSM] on age, sex, diabetes mellitus [DM], hypertension [HTN], cirrhosis, baseline eGFR, and follow-up duration). RESULTS In the overall cohort (mean age 49.7 years, 66.2% male), the baseline eGFR was higher for TDF vs. ETV group (75.9 vs. 74.0, p = 0.009). PSM yielded 1871 pairs of ETV or TDF patients with baseline eGFR ≥ 60 and 520 pairs for the eGFR < 60 group. GLM analysis of the overall (unmatched) cohort and PSM cohorts revealed lower adjusted mean eGFRs in TDF (vs. ETV) patients (all p < 0.01) during 10 years of follow-up. Among PSM eGFR ≥ 60 patients, the 5-year cumulative incidences of renal impairment were 42.64% for ETV and 48.03% for TDF (p = 0.0023). In multivariable Cox regression, TDF vs. ETV (adjusted HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.11-1.43) was associated with higher risk of worsening renal function. CONCLUSION Over the 10-year study follow-up, compared to ETV, TDF was associated with a lower mean eGFR and higher incidence of renal impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lung-Yi Mak
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Joseph Hoang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Yuan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, China
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jae Yoon Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eileen Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sanggye Paik Hospital, Inje University Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sang Bong Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Huy Trinh
- San Jose Gastroenterology, San Jose, CA, USA
| | - Qing Xie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Grace L H Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Masaru Enomoto
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jae-Jun Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University Hospital, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong-Hyun Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Good Gang-An Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Infection Disease, The Third Hospital of Kumming City, Kumming, People's Republic of China
| | - Ritsuzo Kozuka
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yong Kyun Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soung Won Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyoung Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Lindsey Trinh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Allen Dao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Rex Wan-Hin Hui
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Vivien Tsui
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sabrina Quek
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Htet Htet Toe Wai Khine
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Eiichi Ogawa
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Chia Yen Dai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee Fu Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare, Livermore, USA
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine and Cohort Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. .,State Key Laboratory for Liver Research, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
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