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Jagarlamudi N, Reyes M, Fung S, Wong F. The Use of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate in the Management of eAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Infection. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1864. [PMID: 38610629 PMCID: PMC11012673 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13071864] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Currently, there are insufficient data to recommend the treatment of patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic infection who have normal ALT and low HBV DNA, since the prognosis is generally regarded as favorable. The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) 300 mg/day for 3 years was able to achieve functional cure (HBsAg loss) and HBsAg seroconversion in HBeAb-positive individuals. Methods: Fifty patients not on antiviral therapy (40% men, mean age 48.9 ± 10.9 years, 84% Asians) with minimal fibrosis were enrolled. Results: TDF reduced HBV DNA significantly to undetectable levels after 6 months. Overall, 48.3% of inactive carriers (baseline HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL) remained HBV DNA negative 6 months after treatment withdrawal, which was significantly higher than the 5.6% in those who were not inactive carriers (baseline HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL) (p = 0.003). The HBsAg levels did not drop throughout the study period with no difference between inactive carriers versus those who were not. Five inactive carriers achieved functional cure, but none of these were amongst those who were not inactive carriers. No renal dysfunction or ALT flare on treatment withdrawal was observed. Conclusions: TDF could potentially be used to induce functional cure in patients who are inactive carriers with normal ALT, low HBV DNA and without advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Florence Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G2C4, Canada (M.R.); (S.F.)
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Kounoue N, Oguchi H, Mikami T, Yamaguchi Y, Hashiguchi A, Nagai H, Watanabe K, Furukawa S, Hisamatsu K, Sakai K. Hepatitis B Virus-related Membranous Nephropathy with Crescentic Formation in an Inactive Carrier of Positive Hepatitis B Surface Antigen with Undetectable DNA under Anti-viral Treatment. Intern Med 2024; 63:101-106. [PMID: 37225490 PMCID: PMC10824637 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.1515-22] [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: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
A man who was an inactive hepatitis B virus (HBV) carrier with positive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs antigen) and undetectable HBV-DNA under anti-viral treatment developed nephrotic syndrome at 52 years old, and a renal biopsy revealed advanced membranous nephropathy (MN) with focal cellular crescents, interstitial hemorrhaging, and peritubular capillaritis. Immunofluorescence studies demonstrated granular IgG deposition and HBs antigen-positivity along the capillaries. Glomeruli were negative for phospholipase A2 receptor 1. There were no clinical findings of systemic vasculitis. We considered MN combined with small-vessel vasculitis due to HBV infection. These results suggest that HBV-related kidney disease should be considered even in patients with an inactive HBV carrier status under treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Kounoue
- Department of Nephrology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
- Department of Nephrology, Toho University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hideyo Oguchi
- Department of Nephrology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tetuo Mikami
- Department of Pathology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | | | | | - Hidenari Nagai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kaori Watanabe
- Department of Nephrology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Satoshi Furukawa
- Department of Nephrology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kana Hisamatsu
- Department of Nephrology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
| | - Ken Sakai
- Department of Nephrology, Toho University Faculty of Medicine, Japan
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Barone M, Iannone A, Mezzapesa M, Milella M, Di Gennaro F, Niro G, Cotugno R, Cozzolongo R, Mennea G, Rendina M, Di Leo A. Natural History and Hepatitis B Virus Surface Antigen (HBsAg) Spontaneous Seroclearance in Hepatitis B Virus e-Antigen (HBeAg)-Negative Patients with Inactive Chronic Infection: A Multicenter Regional Study from South Italy. Pathogens 2023; 12:1198. [PMID: 37887714 PMCID: PMC10609832 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12101198] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance has been mainly studied in populations from Asia, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and Polynesia. For the first time, we evaluated the spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance and its possible associated factors and the risk of disease progression in HBeAg-negative patients with inactive infection all coming from the same region in South Italy. In this multicenter retrospective study, 146 patients were selected after 18 months of observation and followed for a median of 82 months (IQR 60-107). For our analyses, they were divided into three groups based on their HBsAg levels: <100 IU/mL, 100-1000 IU/mL, and >1000 IU/mL. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for HBsAg seroclearance were determined. During the follow-up period, three patients (2.0%) showed a disease progression with an increased liver stiffness, whereas 17 (11.6%) cleared the HBsAg. Patients with HBsAg levels <100 IU/mL had the highest probability of HBsAg seroclearance compared to the other two groups (p = 0.009). In the multivariate analysis, the HBsAg level <100 IU/mL was the only parameter independently associated with HBsAg seroclearance (adjusted HR = 3.53; CI 1.29-9.69; p = 0.01). In patients with chronic HBV inactive infection, HBsAg levels <100 IU/mL predicted the highest probability of HBsAg seroclearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Barone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine—Jonian Area—(DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Policlinic University Hospital, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Andrea Iannone
- Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.I.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Martino Mezzapesa
- Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.I.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Michele Milella
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Policlinic University Hospital, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Francesco Di Gennaro
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine—Jonian Area—(DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Grazia Niro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS ‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza’, Viale Cappuccini, snc, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (G.N.); (R.C.)
| | - Rosa Cotugno
- Division of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, Fondazione IRCCS ‘Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza’, Viale Cappuccini, snc, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (G.N.); (R.C.)
| | - Raffaele Cozzolongo
- Gastroenterology Unit, IRCCS “S. De Bellis”, Via Turi 27, 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Mennea
- Internal Medicine Unit, “L. Bonomo” Hospital, Viale Istria, 76123 Andria, Italy;
| | - Maria Rendina
- Gastroenterology Unit, Policlinic University Hospital, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.I.); (M.M.); (M.R.)
| | - Alfredo Di Leo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine—Jonian Area—(DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Policlinic University Hospital, 70124 Bari, Italy;
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Lin HC, Liu J, Pan MH, Lee MH, Batrla-Utermann R, Lu SN, Jeng WJ, Yang HI, Chen CJ. Rapid Decline Rather Than Absolute Level of HBsAg Predicts Its Seroclearance in Untreated Chronic Hepatitis B Patients From Taiwanese Communities. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2023; 14:e00586. [PMID: 36988242 PMCID: PMC10461935 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000586] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance leads to favorable outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis B. HBsAg levels <200 IU/mL with HBsAg decline >0.5 log 10 IU/mL in 1 year have been reportedly predictive of HBsAg loss. This study aimed to use the REVEAL-hepatitis B virus cohort to validate and simplify this prediction rule and verify whether the simplified algorithm can be used among various clinical subgroups. METHOD We analyzed 707 patients with untreated chronic hepatitis B who had 3 or more HBsAg measurements within 5 years before HBsAg seroclearance or last visit, greater than 1 year apart from one another. Rapid HBsAg decline was defined as HBsAg decline >0.5 log 10 IU/mL in 1 year or >1 log 10 IU/mL in 2 years. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive values, and negative predictive values were compared to assess the predictability of HBsAg seroclearance. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 10.7 years, 41 of the 707 patients cleared serum HBsAg. HBsAg levels at all measurements were lower ( P < 0.0001) and HBsAg decline was greater ( P < 0.0001) in patients with seroclearance compared with non-seroclearance patients. The predictive accuracy of predicting 1-year HBsAg loss using only the rapid decline algorithm (sensitivity = 0.4412, specificity = 0.9792, positive predictive value = 0.5172, negative predictive value = 0.972) was the same as the model combining rapid HBsAg decline and HBsAg levels <200 IU/mL. The simplified algorithm including only the rapid decline performed similarly among various levels of HBsAg, hepatitis B virus DNA, and alanine aminotransferase and was independent of inactive carrier state. DISCUSSION HBsAg decline >0.5 log 10 IU/mL/yr was a practical predictor of HBsAg seroclearance within 1 year in our community-based untreated cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Che Lin
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Jessica Liu
- Perinatal Epidemiology and Health Outcomes Research Unit, Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Stanford University and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mei-Hung Pan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | | | - Sheng-Nan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Branch, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou Branch, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
- Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Jen Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
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Feld JJ, Wahed AS, Fried M, Ghany MG, Di Bisceglie AM, Perrillo RP, Khalili M, Yang X, Belle SH, Janssen HL, Terrault N, Lok AS. Withdrawal of Long-Term Nucleotide Analog Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis B: Outcomes From the Withdrawal Phase of the HBRN Immune Active Treatment Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1226-1236. [PMID: 36728214 PMCID: PMC10298187 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002176] [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: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Withdrawal of nucleos(t)ide analog therapy is increasingly being evaluated in chronic hepatitis B infection as a strategy to induce hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss. The Hepatitis B Research Network Immune-Active Trial evaluated treatment with tenofovir (TDF) for 4 years ± an initial 6 months of peginterferon-α (PegIFN) (NCT01369212) after which treatment was withdrawn. METHODS Eligible participants (hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-/anti-HBe+, hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA <10 3 IU/mL, no cirrhosis) who discontinued TDF were followed for at least 1 year with optional follow-up thereafter. Retreatment was based on predefined criteria. RESULTS Among 201 participants who received 4 years of treatment, 97 participants (45 TDF and 52 TDF + PegIFN arm, 79 Asian) discontinued TDF. HBsAg loss occurred in 5 participants, 2 within 25 weeks and 3 within 89-119 weeks postwithdrawal (cumulative rate 4.3% by 2 years). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flares (>5× upper limit of normal) after TDF withdrawal occurred in 36 (37.1%) participants and occurred more frequently and earlier in those HBeAg- compared with HBeAg+ at treatment initiation. ALT flares were associated with older age and higher HBV DNA pretreatment and at the visit before the flare. ALT flares were not significantly associated with HBsAg decline or loss but were associated with immune active disease at 1 year (70.6% vs 11.9%, P < 0.0001) and 2 years (66.7% vs 25.9%, P = 0.03) postwithdrawal. Treatment reinitiation was required in 13 (13.4%) participants, and 13 others remained in a sustained inactive carrier state by the end of the study follow-up. No criteria reliably predicted safe treatment withdrawal. DISCUSSION Results from this trial do not support TDF withdrawal as a therapeutic strategy. HBsAg loss was infrequent within 2 years of stopping long-term TDF. If withdrawal is considered, HBV DNA should be carefully monitored with reinitiation of therapy if levels rise above 4 log 10 IU/mL to reduce the risk of ALT flares, as they were not associated with subsequent HBsAg decline or loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan J. Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Abdus S. Wahed
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael Fried
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Marc G. Ghany
- Liver Diseases Branch, NIDDK, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian M. Di Bisceglie
- Department of Medicine, St. Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert P. Perrillo
- Department of Medicine, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Mandana Khalili
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Steven H. Belle
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Harry L.A. Janssen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Norah Terrault
- Department of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Anna S. Lok
- Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Zhou J, Wang F, Li L, Chen E. Expanding antiviral therapy indications for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients with normal ALT and positive HBV DNA. Precis Clin Med 2022; 5:pbac030. [PMID: 36519139 PMCID: PMC9745772 DOI: 10.1093/pcmedi/pbac030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
With the improved efficacy and accessibility of antiviral agents as well as the concerns about disease progression, there is a hot discussion on whether HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and positive HBV DNA should be treated. According to the international guidelines on the stages of the natural history of HBV infection, HBeAg-negative CHB patients with normal ALT and positive HBV DNA can be divided into two groups: one is the well-known "inactive carrier phase", which is defined as serum HBV DNA < 2000 IU/ml and no significant liver inflammation; and the other is the "indeterminate phase", which is defined as serum HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/mL regardless of the pathological changes in liver tissue, or HBV DNA < 2000 IU/mL but accompanied by significant pathological changes in the liver. In this minireview, we will expound the disease characteristics, disease progression, and clinical management status of these two groups. Based on the analysis, we propose that HBeAg-negative patients with normal ALT but detectable serum HBV DNA should be treated, regardless of their age, family history of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or the severity of liver necroinflammation. Expanding the indications of antiviral therapy will help improve the survival and quality of life of patients by preventing disease progression, and consequently reduce the risk of HCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Fada Wang
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lanqing Li
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Enqiang Chen
- Center of Infectious Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
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Kumada T, Toyoda H, Yasuda S, Ito T, Tanaka J. Mortality of inactive hepatitis B virus carriers in Japan is similar to that of the general population. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:81-92. [PMID: 34665918 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Data on the long-term outcomes of individuals with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection who are hepatitis envelope antigen (HBeAg)-negative inactive carriers (ICs) are limited due to small numbers. We compared the long-term prognosis of well-defined ICs with that of age- and gender-matched general population controls. METHODS A total of 526 HBeAg-negative patients who demonstrated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level ≤40 U/L and HBV DNA level ≤4.3 log IU/ml at least three times within 1 year after the start of follow-up were enrolled as ICs. Inactive carriers were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 332), whose ALT level was ≤30 U/L and HBV DNA level was ≤3.3 log IU/ml, and Group B (remaining patients, n = 194). We determined the long-term prognosis of ICs and compared it with that of general population controls. We also analyzed factors associated with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance and phase transition in ICs. RESULTS There were no significant differences in hepatocellular carcinoma development or all-cause, liver-related, or non-liver-related mortality between Groups A and B. There was no significant difference in all-cause mortality between ICs and the general population. Low HBsAg level (≤3.0 log IU/ml) and the presence of fatty liver were associated with HBsAg clearance and high alpha-fetoprotein level was associated with phase transition. CONCLUSIONS The long-term prognosis of well-defined ICs was similar to that of general population controls. In addition, the ICs had a high HBsAg clearance rate and low phase transition rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Kumada
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Gifu Kyoritsu University, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Ogaki, Gifu, Japan
| | - Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Department of Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control, and Prevention, Hiroshima University Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima, Japan
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Erken R, Loukachov VV, de Niet A, Jansen L, Stelma F, Helder JT, Peters MW, Zaaijer HL, Kootstra NA, Willemse SB, Reesink HW. A Prospective Five-Year Follow-up After peg-Interferon Plus Nucleotide Analogue Treatment or no Treatment in HBeAg Negative Chronic Hepatitis B Patients. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:735-44. [PMID: 35677522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently available treatment options for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are not recommended for HBeAg-negative patients with a low viral load. These patients may however benefit from treatment by achieving a functional cure, defined by HBsAg-loss and undetectable HBV DNA. This study evaluated the long-term effect of combination treatment with peg-interferon-alpha-2a (peg-IFN) and adefovir or tenofovir compared to no treatment in these patients. METHODS HBeAg-negative CHB patients with HBV-DNA levels < 20,000 IU/mL (n = 151) were previously randomised 1:1:1 for peg-IFN 180 μg/week plus either adefovir 10 mg/day or tenofovir 245 mg/day, or no treatment and treated for 48 weeks in an open-label study. In this prospective long-term follow-up study, patients were monitored yearly up to five years after end of treatment (week 308). The primary outcome was sustained HBsAg-loss and secondary outcome the dynamics of HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels over time. RESULTS Of the 131 followed patients, the HBsAg-status was known for 118 patients after five-year follow-up. HBsAg-loss occurred similarly (P = 0.703) in all arms: 8/43 (18.6%) peg-IFN + adefovir, 4/34 (11.7%) peg-IFN + tenofovir, and 6/41 (14.6%) among the untreated patients. The time to HBsAg-loss did not differ between groups (P = 0.641). Low baseline HBsAg levels and genotype A were independently associated with HBsAg-loss irrespective of allocation. HBsAg and HBV-DNA levels declined similarly during follow-up in all patient groups. CONCLUSIONS This prospective randomised controlled study showed that HBsAg-loss overtime was not influenced by treatment with a combination of nucleotide analogue and Peg-IFN. Low baseline HBsAg levels can predict HBsAg-loss irrespective of treatment allocation.
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Key Words
- ADV, Adefovir dipivoxil
- ALT, Alanine aminotransferase
- CHB, Chronic hepatitis B
- EOT, End of treatment
- GZ, Grey zone
- HBeAg, Hepatitis B e antigen
- HBsAg, Hepatitis B surface antigen
- HCC, Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- HNCH, HBeAg-negative chronic infection
- NA, Nucleot(s)ide analogue
- ROC, Receiver operating characteristic
- TAF, Tenofovir alafenamide fumarateor
- TDF, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate
- ULN, Upper limit of normal
- UMC, University Medical Centers
- combination therapy
- functional cure
- hepatitis B virus
- inactive carrier
- low viral load
- peg-IFN, Pegylated-interferon
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Koc ÖM, Verbeek J, Koek GH, Bielen R, Busschots D, Gamil M, Robaeys G, Nevens F. A long-term study of liver-related events in Caucasian hepatitis B patients with normal ALT values and high viremia. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2022; 85:56-61. [PMID: 35304994 DOI: 10.51821/85.1.9160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Background and study aims There is ongoing debate whether antiviral therapy should be initiated in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels but high HBV DNA levels >2,000 IU/mL. Since the need for antiviral therapy might be different between Asian and Caucasian patients, we studied the long-term disease outcome in Caucasian patients living in Western Europe. Patients and methods One hundred sixteen patients with high HBV DNA levels (>2,000 IU/mL) at diagnosis were included in the high viremia group, while those with HBV DNA <2,000 IU/mL were used as controls (n = 327). All patients were Caucasian, HBeAg negative, had normal ALT levels and had no significant liver disease at diagnosis. Results Median follow-up was 7 + 9.8 years in the high viremia group and this was 10 + 12.5 years in controls. The cumulative probability of a liver-related event over 10 years was 4.8% vs 0.0% in the control group (p=.008). In multivariable analysis, high viremia group was associated with the occurrence of a liver-related event (hazards ratio (HR) 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.20-11.98, p=.023). In this subgroup, older age at diagnosis (HR 95% CI: 1.01-1.16, p=.023) predicted a higher risk of liver-related event. In the high viremia group, liver-related mortality was 0.9% and none of the patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusions HBV DNA >2,000 IU/mL influences the long-term disease outcome in Caucasian HBeAg-negative patients living in Western Europe. Nevertheless, the risk of liver-related events is low.
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10
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Lee MY, Kang SY, Lee WI, Kim MH. Need for Confirmatory Neutralization Tests for Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Tests in Populations with Intermediate Prevalence. Lab Med 2021; 52:485-492. [PMID: 33629106 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmab006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is known as the hallmark of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. This study aimed to determine whether an HBsAg neutralization test is necessary to accurately interpret HBsAg test results. METHODS Initially reactive HBsAg specimens from a 5-year period, with cutoff index values between 1.0 and 2.0, were subjected to neutralization confirmatory testing using an Elecsys HBsAg Confirmatory test kit (Roche Diagnostics GmbH. Mannheim, Germany). RESULTS The neutralization test showed 46.1% positive (confirmed positive group) and 53.9% negative (confirmed negative group) results from the total specimens. Among the confirmed negative group, 79.5% of patients were confirmed to be negative for the current infection, whereas 4 patients in the chronic hepatitis B subgroup showed a neutralization percentage close to 40%. More than half of patients in the confirmed positive group were considered to be in the hepatitis B e antigen-negative inactive HBsAg carrier phase. CONCLUSION In populations with intermediate HBV prevalence, a neutralization test is necessary to confirm an HBsAg result and reduce the false positive and false negative rates of initial HBsAg tests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Young Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine and Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Young Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine and Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Woo In Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine and Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Myeong Hee Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine and Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
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Wang J, Li J, Wu J, Dong M, Shen Z, Lin Y, Li F, Zhang Y, Mao R, Lu M, Zhang J. Host Gene SEL1L Involved in Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation Pathway Could Inhibit Hepatitis B Virus at RNA, DNA, and Protein Levels. Front Microbiol 2019; 10:2869. [PMID: 31921048 PMCID: PMC6923250 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) belongs to the Hepadnaviridae family of enveloped DNA viruses. Recent studies have found that host factors can suppress HBV replication. HBV envelope proteins are reported to be degraded by the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) pathway. As a component of the ERAD pathway, suppressor of lin-12-like 1 (SEL1L) was earlier found to be upregulated in the inactive carrier phase of chronic HBV infection relative to that in the immune tolerant phase. However, the role of SEL1L in regulating HBV replication remains largely unknown. In this study, we found the levels of HBV RNA, DNA, and core and envelope proteins to be significantly downregulated by SEL1L overexpression and upregulated by SEL1L silencing in Huh7 cells transiently transfected with an overlength HBV genome. Similar upregulation was observed in HepG2.2.15 cells as well. SEL1L co-localized with HBV surface antigen (HBsAg), which changed its staining pattern. Treatment with an inhibitor of ERAD pathway remarkably increased intracellular S protein. Surprisingly, silencing SEL1L to block the ERAD pathway activated an alternative ER quality control (ERQC)-autophagy pathway, which might account for the increased HBV RNAs and core protein. Together, our results demonstrate that SEL1L is a host restriction factor that exerts anti-HBV effect through ERAD and alternative ERQC-autophagy pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingwen Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minhui Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongliang Shen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Lin
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Fahong Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongmei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Richeng Mao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengji Lu
- Institute of Virology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology of the Ministry of Education (MOE) and Ministry of Health (MOH), Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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12
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Ungtrakul T, Sriprayoon T, Kusuman P, Chunnuan P, Soonklang K, Sornsamdang G, Auewarakul CU, Tanwandee T. Role of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen in predicting inactive carriers and HBsAg seroclearance in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e6554. [PMID: 28353619 PMCID: PMC5380303 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000006554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To evaluate quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (qHBsAg) as a diagnostic marker for inactive carriers (ICs) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. We retrospectively studied 300 HBeAg-negative CHB patients with initial serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) levels <2000 IU/mL. Serum HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were monitored every 6 months for 24 months. ICs were identified as having persistent HBV DNA levels <2000 IU/mL and normal ALT levels, whereas active carriers (ACs) were identified as having HBV DNA levels ≥2000 IU/mL, with or without elevated ALT levels. The serum qHBsAg level was defined at baseline and evaluated as a diagnostic predictor using a receiver-operating characteristic curve. The study group comprised 134 men and 166 women with a median age of 41.5 years. At baseline, 200 ICs displayed lower levels of qHBsAg (1492 IU/mL) compared with 100 ACs (2936 IU/mL) (P = 0.005). The qHBsAg level was independently associated with the IC state and HBsAg seroclearance. Baseline qHBsAg levels <1000 IU/mL and HBV DNA levels <2000 IU/mL, when detected simultaneously, allowed for identification of ICs with 41% sensitivity and 72% specificity. Fifteen patients (5%) displayed HBsAg seroclearance after 24 months. A qHBsAg cutoff value of <50 IU/mL provided 100% sensitivity and 92% specificity in predicting HBsAg seroclearance. The qHBsAg level at a single timepoint among HBeAg-negative CHB patients with low HBV DNA levels at baseline was not a predictive marker for ICs; however, it accurately predicted spontaneous HBsAg seroclearance at 24 months.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Chirayu U. Auewarakul
- Chulabhorn Hospital
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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13
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Martinot-peignoux M, Lapalus M, Laouénan C, Lada O, Netto-cardoso ACF, Boyer N, Ripault MP, Carvalho-filho R, Asselah T, Marcellin P. Prediction of disease reactivation in asymptomatic hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients using baseline serum measurements of HBsAg and HBV-DNA. J Clin Virol 2013; 58:401-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcv.2013.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2013] [Revised: 08/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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14
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Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM To assess the correlation between serum HBsAg titers and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in patients with hepatitis B envelop antigen-negative (HBeAg -ve) HBV genotype-D (HBV/D) infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 106 treatment- naïve, HBeAg -ve HBV/D patients were included; 78 in the inactive carrier (IC) state and 28 in the active hepatitis (AH) stage. HBV DNA load and HBsAg titers were tested using TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and automated chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, respectively. RESULTS The median (range) log10 HBsAg titer was significantly lower in the IC group compared with AH group, 3.09 (-1 to -4.4) versus 3.68 (-0.77 to 5.09) IU/mL, respectively; P < 0.001. The suggested cutoff value of HBsAg titer to differentiate between the two groups was 3.79 log10 IU/mL. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between HBsAg and HBV DNA levels in the whole cohort, AH, and IC groups (r = 0.6, P < 0.0001; r = 0.591, P = 0.001; and r = 0.243, P = 0.032, respectively). CONCLUSION Serum HBsAg titers may correlate with HBV DNA in treatment-naïve HBeAg -ve HBV/D patients, and supports the use of HBsAg levels in clinical practice as a predictor of serum HBV DNA levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Alghamdi
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nagwa Aref
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Malak El-Hazmi
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Waleed Al-Hamoudi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia,Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alswat
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia,Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Helmy
- Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia,Department of Tropical Medicine and Gastroenterology, Assiut University Hospitals, Assiut 71511, Egypt
| | - Faisal M. Sanai
- Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia,Department of Hepatobiliary Sciences and Liver Transplantation, King Abdul Aziz Medical City, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayman A. Abdo
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia,Liver Disease Research Center, King Saud University, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Ayman Abdo, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, King Saud University, P. O. Box-2925 (59), Riyadh - 11461, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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