Preliminary results of Thymosin-a1 versus interferon-α treatment in patients with HBeAg negative and serum HBV DNA positive chronic hepatitis B

INTRODUCTIONIn China ,the incidence and mortality of gastric cancer rank the second among all cancers. Recent development of cancer [1-20].The aim of this study was investigat the insight of apoptosis and bcl-2, p53 and C-myc protein expression in the development of gastric cancer .

Correlation of hepatitis B surface antigen expression with clinicopathological and biochemical parameters in liver biopsies: A comprehensive study

BACKGROUND Chronic viral B hepatitis(CHB)is a potentially life-threatening liver disease that may progress to liver failure and cirrhosis.Currently,although combinations of different laboratory methods are used in the follow-up and treatment of CHB,the failure of these procedures in some cases has led to the necessity of developing new approaches.In CHB,the intrahepatic expression pattern of viral antigens,including hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg),is related to different phases of inflammation.However,many studies have focused on the intracytoplasmic properties of HBsAg staining,and HBsAg positivity in liver tissue has not been evaluated by objective quantitative methods.AIM To investigate the relationship of image analysis-based quantitative HBsAg expression and its staining patterns with clinicopathological factors and treatment in CHB.METHODS A total of 140 liver biopsies from treatment-naïve cases with CHB infection were included in this study.Following diagnosis,all patients were treated with entecavir(0.5 mg)and followed up at three-month intervals.The percentage of immunohistochemical HBsAg(p-HBsAg)expression in the liver was determined in whole tissue sections of biopsies from each case by image analysis.The immunohistochemical staining pattern was also evaluated separately according to 3 different previously defined classifications.RESULTS A positive correlation between p-HBsAg and serum levels of hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA and HBsAg was observed(P<0.001).The p-HBsAg value was significantly higher in younger patients than in older patients.When the groups were categorized according to the hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)status in HBeAgpositive cases,p-HBsAg was correlated with HBV DNA,hepatitis activity index(HAI)and fibrosis scores(P<0.001).In this group,p-HBsAg and HBsAg expression patterns were also correlated with the viral response(VR)and the serological response(SR)(P<0.001).Multivariate analysis revealed that p-HBsAg was an independent predictor of either VR or SR(P<0.001).In HBeAg-negative patients,although HBsAg expression patterns were correlated with both HAI and fibrosis,no relationship was observed among p-HBsAg,clinicopathological factors and VR.CONCLUSION In pretreatment liver biopsies,the immunohistochemical determination of HBsAg expression by quantitative methods,beyond its distribution within the cell,may be a good predictor of the treatment response,especially in HBeAg-positive cases.

Natural history of chronic hepatitis B:Phases in a complex relationship

Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)is a condition of globalprevalence and its sequelae include cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.The natural history of CHB isa complex interplay of virological,environmental andhost factors.The dynamic relationship between thevirus and host evolves over the duration of the infection and different phases of the disease have been observed and described.These have been conceptualizedin terms of the state of balance between the host immune system and the hepatitis B virus and have beengiven the labels immune tolerant,immune clearance,immune control and immune escape although othernomenclature is also used.Host factors,such as age atinfection,determine progression to chronicity.Virological factors including hepatitis B viral load,mutationsand genotype also have an impact on the adverseoutcomes of the infection,as do hepatotoxic cofactorssuch as alcohol.Our understanding of the natural history of CHB has evolved significantly over the past fewdecades and characterizing the phase of disease ofCHB remains an integral part of managing this virus in the clinic.

Transformation of hepatitis B serologic markers in babies born to hepatitis B surface antigen positive mothers

AIM:To better understand the clinical significance of hepatitis B seroiogic markers in babies born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive mothers, the incidence of maternal seroiogic markers of hepatitis B via placenta and its transformation in these babies were investigated. METHODS: Mothers with positive HBsAg were selected in the third trimester of pregnancy. Their babies received immunoprophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin and hepatitis B vaccine after birth, and were consecutively followed up for hepatitis B seroiogic markers and HBV DNA at birth, mo 1, 4, 7, 12, and 24. RESULTS: Forty-two babies entered the study, including 16 born to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive HBsAg carrier mothers and 26 to HBeAg-negative HBsAg carrier mothers. Apart from four babies born to HBeAg-positive carrier mothers and demonstrated persistent positive HBeAg eventually became HBV carriers, all other babies developed anti-HBs before 12 mo of age. Among the other 12 babies born to HBeAg-positive carrier mothers, HBeAg was detected in 7 at birth, in 4 at mo 1, and in none of them thereafter. No antibody response to the transplacental HBeAg was detected. Among the babies born to HBeAg-negative carrier mothers, anti-HBe was detected 100% at birth and mo 1, in 88.5% at mo 4, in 46.2% at mo 7, in 4.2% at mo 12 and none in mo 24. Among all the immunoprophylaxis-protected babies born to either HBeAg-positive or HBeAg-negative carrier mothers, anti-HBc was detected in 100% at birth, mo 1 and mo 4, in 78.9% at mo 7, in 36.1% at mo 12 and in none at mo 24. CONCLUSION: HBeAg can pass through human placenta from mother to fetus and become undetectable before 4 mo of age, but no antibodies response to the transplacental HBeAg can be detected till mo 24 in the immunoprophylaxis-protected babies. The sole existence of anti-HBe before 1 year of age or anti-HBc before 2 years of age in babies born to HBsAg carrier mothers may simply represent the transplacental maternal antibodies, instead of indicators of HBV infection status.

HBeAg negative variants and their role in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Molecular virology methods including polymerase chain reaction, cloning and sequencing have revolutionised our understanding of viral genome variation. In the case of hepatitis B virus (HBV), sequencing studies have identified a number of virus variants normally found during the natural course of chronic infection. The appearance of the precore stop codon (with G-for-A substitution at position 1896) and basal core promoter (BCP) (with A-for-T and G-for-A, at positions 1762 and 1764, respectively) variants which reduce or abrogate hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) production, heralds the initiation of the seroconversion phase from HBeAg to anti-HBe positivity. The gradual removal of the tolerogenic effect of HBeAg leads to the awakening of the immune response (immune clearance phase). Most patients after HBeAg seroconversion become &#x0201c;inactive HBsAg carriers&#x0201d;. However during the course of infection precore and/or BCP variants may emerge and be selected leading to HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with high viremia levels (reactivation phase). The prevalence of HBeAg negative CHB has been increasing over the last few decades and has become the commonest type of HBV infection in many countries of the world. This probably reflects the aging of existing HBV carriers and the effective prevention measures restricting new HBV infections. Frequent acute exacerbations accompanied by high viral replication, elevated alanine aminotransferase levels and histological activity are a common feature of HBeAg negative CHB leading to cirrhosis much faster than in HBeAg positive CHB patients.

Precore/basal core promoter mutants and hepatitis B viral DNA levels as predictors for liver deaths and hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM： To conduct a retrospective study in 400 chronic hepatitis B patients in order to identify hepatitis B viral factors associated with complications of liver disease or development of hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS： The mean follow-up time was 83.6 ± 39.6 mo. Alpha-fetoprotein test and abdominal ultrasound were used for cancer surveillance. Hepatitis B basal core promoter mutants, precore mutants, genotypes, hepatitis B viral DNA （HBV DNA） level and hepatitis B e antigen （HBeAg） were measured. Univariate analysis and logistic regression were used to assess odds ratios for viral factors related to liver deaths and hepatocellular carcinoma development. RESULTS： During follow-up, 38 patients had liver deaths not related to hepatocellular carcinoma. On multivariate analysis, older age [odds ratio： 95.74 （12.13-891.31）, P 〈 0.0001], male sex [odds ratio： 7.61 （2.20-47.95）; P = 0.006], and higher Iogzo HBV DNA [odds ratio： 4.69 （1.16-20.43）; P 〈 0.0001] were independently predictive for these liver related deaths. Also, 31 patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma. Multivariate analysis showed that older age [odds ratio： 26.51 （2.36-381.47）; P = 0.007], presence of precore mutants [odds ratio： 4.23 （1.53-19.58）, P = 0.02] and presence of basal core promoter mutants [odds ratio： 2.93 （1.24-7.57）; P = 0.02] were independent predictors for progression to hepatocellular carcinoma. CONCLUSION： Our results show that high levels of baseline serum HBV DNA are associated with non- hepatocellular carcinoma-related deaths of liver failure, while genetic mutations in the basal core promoter and precore regions are predictive for development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

DNA-guided hepatitis B treatment,viral load is essential,but not sufficient

Hepatitis B virus （HBV） infection is a global public health problem that concerns 350 million people worldwide. Individuals with chronic hepatitis B （CriB） are at increased risk of developing liver cirrhosis, hepatic de-compensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. To maintain undetectable viral load reduces chronic infection complications. There is no treatment that eradicates HBV infection. Current drugs are expensive, are associated with adverse events, and are of limited efficacy. Current guidelines try to standardize the clinical practice. Nevertheless, controversy remains about management of asymptomatic patients with CriB who are hepatitis B e antigen （HBeAg）-positive with normal alanine aminotransferase, and what is the cut-off value of viral load to distinguish HBeAg- negative CriB patients and inactive carriers. We discuss in detail why DNA level alone is not sufficient to begin treatment of CriB.

Efficacy of telbivudine in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with high baseline ALT levels

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telbivudine(LDT) in hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B(CHB) patients who have high baseline alanine aminotransferase(ALT) levels between 10 and 20 times the upper limit of normal.METHODS:Forty HBeAg-positive CHB patients with high baseline ALT levels between 10 and 20 times the upper limit of normal were enrolled and received LDT monotherapy for 52 wk.Another forty patients with baseline ALT levels between 2 and 10 times the upper limit of normal were included as controls.We compared the virological,biochemical,serological and side effect profiles between the two groups at 52 wk.RESULTS:By week 52,the mean decrease in hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA level compared with baseline was 7.03 log10 copies/mL in the high baseline ALT group and 6.17 log10 copies/mL in the control group,respectively(P < 0.05).The proportion of patients in whom serum HBV DNA levels were undetectable by polymerase chain reaction assay was 72.5% in the high baseline ALT group and 60% in the control group,respectively(P < 0.05).In addition,45.0% of patients in the high baseline ALT group and 27.5% of controls became HBeAg-negative,and 37.5% of those in the high baseline group and 22.5% of controls,respectively,had HBeAg seroconversion(P < 0.05) at week 52.Moreover,in the high baseline group,4 out of 40 patients(10%) became hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)-negative and 3(7.5%) of them seroconverted(became HBsAg-positive).Only 1 patient in the control group became HBsAg-negative,but had no seroconversion.The ALT normalization rate,viral breakthrough,genotypic resistance to LDT,and elevations in creatine kinase levels were similar in the two groups over the 52 wk.CONCLUSION:High baseline ALT level is a strong predictor for optimal results during LDT treatment.

Durability of viral response after off-treatment in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To evaluate the durability in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive chronic hepatitis B patients who discontinued antiviral treatment. METHODS:A total of 48 HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients who were administered nucleoside analogues and maintained virological response for ≥ 6 mo [hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA < 300 copies/mL and HBeAg seroconversion] before cessation of treatment were enrolled between February 2007 and January 2010. The criteria for the cessation of the antiviral treatment were defined as follows:(1) achievement of virological response; and (2) duration of consolidation therapy (≥ 6 mo). After treatment cessation, the patients were followed up at 3-6 mo intervals. The primary endpoint was serologic and virologic recurrence rates after withdrawal of antiviral treatment. Serologic recurrence was defined as reappearance of HBeAg positivity after HBeAg seroconversion. Virologic recurrence was defined as an increase in HBV-DNA level > 104 copies/mL after HBeAg seroconversion with previously undetectable HBV-DNA level. RESULTS:During the median follow-up period of 18.2 mo (range:5.1-47.5 mo) after cessation of antiviral treatment, the cumulative serological recurrence rate was 15 % at 12 mo. The median duration between the cessation of antiviral treatment and serologic recurrence was 7.2 mo (range:1.2-10.9 mo). Of the 48 patients with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis, 20 (41.6%) showed virological recurrence. The cumulative virologic recurrence rates at 12 mo after discontinuing the antiviral agent were 41%. The median duration between off-treatment and virologic recurrence was 7.6 mo (range:4.3-27.1 mo). The mean age of the virological recurrence group was older than that of the non-recurrence group (46.7 ± 12.1 years vs 38.8 ± 12.7 years, respectively; P = 0.022). Age (> 40 years) and the duration of consolidation treatment (≥ 15 mo) were significant predictive factors for offtreatment durability in the multivariate analysis [P = 0.049, relative risk (RR) 0.31, 95% CI (0.096-0.998) and P = 0.005, RR 11.29, 95% CI (2.054-65.12), respectively]. Patients with age (≤ 40 years) who received consolidation treatment (≥ 15 mo) significantly showed durability in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients (P = 0.014). These results suggest that additional treatment for more than 15 mo after HBeAg seroconversion in patients who are ≤ 40 years old may be beneficial in providing a sustained virological response. CONCLUSION:Our data suggest that HBeAg seroconversion is an imperfect end point in antiviral treatment. Long-term consolidation treatment (≥ 15 mo) in younger patients is important for producing better prognosis in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B.

Efficacy of a Chinese herbal formula on hepatitis B e antigenpositive chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND No guideline recommends antiviral therapy for hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase levels and a high hepatitis B virus(HBV)DNA viral load.AIM To evaluate the feasibility and safety of a Chinese herbal formula as a therapeutic option for chronic HBV infection.METHODS In total,395 patients(30–65 years old)with confirmed HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B infection and persistently normal alanine aminotransferase were randomized to receive either Chinese herbal formula or placebo for 96 wk.Endpoints to evaluate therapeutic efficacy included:(1)HBV DNA levels decreased to less than 4 log10 IU/mL at weeks 48 and 96;and(2)HBeAg clearance and seroconversion rates at weeks 48 and 96.RESULTS HBV DNA levels≤4 log10 IU/mL were 10.05%at week 48 and 18.59%at week 96 in the treatment group.The HBeAg clearance and conversion rates were 8.54%and 8.04%at week 48 and 16.08%and 14.57%at week 96,respectively.However,HBV DNA levels≤4 log10 IU/mL were 2.55%and 2.55%at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,and the HBeAg clearance rates were 3.06%and 5.61%at weeks 48 and 96,respectively,in the control group.The quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen and HBeAg levels at baseline and changes during the treatment period as well as the alanine aminotransferase elevation at weeks 12 and 24 were strong predictors of HBeAg clearance.CONCLUSION High rates of HBV DNA reduction,HBeAg clearance and seroconversion could be achieved with Chinese herbal formula treatments,and the treatments were relatively safe for HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B-infected patients with persistently normal alanine aminotransferase.The ability of the compound to modulate host immune function probably contributed to this effect.

Clinical significance of hepatitis B e antigen level measurement during long-term lamivudine therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients with e antigen positive

AIM： To determine the changes of quantitative hepatitis B e antigen （HBeAg） that predicts early detection of non-response or breakthrough to long-term lamivudine （LAM） therapy. METHODS： Among HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B patients who failed to achieve HBeAg seroconversion within 12 too, we retrospectively analyzed 220 patients who had received LAM more than 24 too. RESULTS： The mean duration of LAM therapy was 36 （range, 24-72） mo. HBeAg seroconversion after the first 12 mo of LAM therapy was achieved in 53 （24.1%） patients. Viral breakthrough was observed in 105 （47.7%） patients. To find out whether the changing patterns of HBeAg levels can predict the outcome of LAM therapy, we analyzed the reduction rates of HBeAg levels during LAM therapy. Using the decrease more than 90% of pretreatment HBeAg levels, the sensitivity and specificity of response were 96.2% and 70.1%, respectively. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to the reduction patterns of the decrease of quantitative HBeAg： decrescendo, decrescendo-crescendo, no change or fluctuating groups. The optimal time to predict non-response or breakthrough was the first 9 mo of therapy. At 9 mo of therapy, 49 （92.5%） of 53 patients who had achieved HBeAg seroconversion were included in the decrescendo group. On the contrary, in the no change or fluctuating group, only four （7.5%） had achieved HBeAg seroconversion. Among patients who did not show the continuous decrease of HBeAg levels at 9 too, 95.2% （negative predictive value） failed to achieve HBeAg seroconversion. CONCLUSION： Almost all patients who failed to show a continuous decrease of HBeAg levels at 9 mo of LAM therapy were non-response or breakthrough. Therefore, monitoring changes of HBeAg levels during LAM therapy in HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B may be valuable for identifying patients who are at high risk of non-response or breakthrough.

Different natural courses of chronic hepatitis B with genotypes B and C after the fourth decade of life

MIM： To investigate the different impact of genotypes E and C on the development of liver cirrhosis （LC） among different age groups of patients with chronic hepatitis （CH-B）.METHODS： We examined the outcome of 121 patients with CH-B, divided by age and genotype. Univariate analyses were used to compare different groups. The Cox proportional hazard model was employed to evaluate factors affecting the development of LC.RESULTS： In patients 〈 30 years old, there were no significant predictors for development of LC. However, in patients ≥ 30 years old, genotype C was the only significant predictor. In the genotype C group, 8 of 12 patients who progressed to LC were 30-49 years old at initial diagnosis of chronic hepatitis （7 patients were positive for HBeAg）. In the genotype B group, 4 of 8 patients who developed LC were ≥50 years old at initial diagnosis and were HBeAg-negative.CONCLUSION： The rate of development of LC was comparable in patients infected with genotypes B and C when CH-B occurred at 〈 30 years old. However, CH-B patients infected with genotype C showed poor prognosis if they were 30-49 years old and were positive for HBeAg. Age-specific natural course of CH-B should be considered when patients with CH-B are treated with antiviral drugs.

High-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis B virus-DNA/hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients after living donor liver transplantation

AIM: To investigate the impact of high-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin(HBIG) on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and hepatitis B virus(HBV) recurrence and overall survival after living donor liver transplantation(LDLT).METHODS: We investigated 168 patients who underwent LDLT due to HCC, and who were HBV-DNA/hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag)-positive, from January 2008 to December 2013. After assessing whether the patients met the Milan criteria, they were assigned to the low-dose HBIG group and high-dose HBIG group. Using the propensity score 1:1 matching method, 38 and 18 pairs were defined as adhering to and not adhering to the Milan criteria. For each pair, HCC recurrence, HBV recurrence and overall survival were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test according to the HBIG dose. RESULTS: Among those who met the Milan criteria, the 6-mo, 1-year, and 3-year HCC recurrence-free survival rates were 88.9%, 83.2%, and 83.2% in the low-dose HBIG group and 97.2%, 97.2%, and 97.2% in the high-dose HBIG group, respectively(P = 0.042).In contrast, among those who did not meet the Milan criteria, HCC recurrence did not differ according to the HBIG dose(P = 0.937). Moreover, HBV recurrence and overall survival did not differ according to the HBIG dose among those who met(P = 0.317 and 0.190, respectively) and did not meet(P = 0.350 and 0.987, respectively) the Milan criteria. CONCLUSION: High-dose HBIG therapy can reduce HCC recurrence in HBV-DNA/HBe Ag-positive patients after LDLT.

mi R-29a promotes hepatitis B virus replication and expression by targeting SMARCE1 in hepatoma carcinoma

AIM To investigate the functional role and underlying molecular mechanism of mi R-29 a in hepatitis B virus(HBV) expression and replication.METHODS The levels of mi R-29 a and SMARCE1 in HBV-infected Hep G2.2.15 cells were measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot analysis. HBV DNA replication was measured by quantitative PCR and Southern blot analysis. The relative levels of hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The Cell Counting Kit-8(CCK-8) was used to detect the viability of Hep G2.2.15 cells. The relationship between mi R-29 a and SMARCE1 were identified by target prediction and luciferase reporter analysis.RESULTS mi R-29 a promoted HBV replication and expression, w h i le S MA R C E 1 r e p r e s s e d H B V r e p lic a t io n a n d expression. Cell viability detection indicated that mi R-29 a transfection had no adverse effect on the host cells. Moreover, SMARCE1 was identified and validated to be a functional target of mi R-29 a. Furthermore, restored expression of SMARCE1 could relieve the increased HBV replication and expression caused by mi R-29 a overexpression.CONCLUSION mi R-29 a promotes HBV replication and expression through regulating SMARCE1. As a potential regulator of HBV replication and expression, mi R-29 a could be a promising therapeutic target for patients with HBV infection.

HBsAg levels in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with different immune conditions

AIM: To investigate hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and different immune conditions.

Association of core promoter mutations of hepatitis B virus and viral load is different in HBeAg(+) and HBeAg(-) patients

AIM:To identify the prevalence of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and to assess the association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) core promoter mutations and viral load in Indonesian patients.METHODS:Sixty-four patients with chronic hepatitis,65 with liver cirrhosis and 50 with hepatocellular carcinoma were included in this study.HBeAg and hepatitis B e antibody (HBeAb) tests were performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and the mutations were analyzed by sequencing.Viral load was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS:Of 179 patients,108 (60.3%) were HBeAg(-) and 86 (79.6%) of these HBeAg(-) patients had been seroconverted.The A1896 mutation was not found in HBeAg(+) patients,however,this mutation was detected in 70.7% of HBeAg(-) patients.This mutation was frequently found when HBeAg was not expressed (87.7%),compared to that found in HBeAg seroconverted patients (65.1%).The A1899 mutation was also more prevalent in HBeAg(-) than in HBeAg(+) patients (P=0.004).The T1762/A1764 mutation was frequently found in both HBeAg(+) and HBeAg(-) patients,however,the prevalence of this mutation did not significantly differ among the two groups (P=0.054).In HBeAg(+) patients,the T1762/A1764 mutation was correlated with lower HBV DNA (P < 0.001).The A1899 mutation did not correlate with HBV DNA (P=0.609).In HBeAg(-) patients,the T1762/A1764 mutation alone was not correlated with HBV DNA (P=0.095),however,the presence of either the T1762/A1764 or A1896 mutations was associated with increased HBV DNA (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:The percentage of HBeAg(-) patients is high in Indonesia,and most of the HBeAg(-) patients had been seroconverted.The A1896 mutation was most likely the major cause of HBeAg loss.The T1762/A1764 mutation alone was associated with lower viral loads in HBeAg(+) patients,but not in HBeAg(-) patients.

Review on hepatitis B virus precore/core promoter mutations and their correlation with genotypes and liver disease severity

Of 350 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus(HBV)and are at risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)later in life.HBV is the most diverse DNA virus,and its genome is composed of four open reading frames:Presurface antigen/surface antigen gene(preS/S),precore/core gene(preC/C),polymerase gene(P),and theχgene(χ).HBV produces quasispecies naturally or in response to antiviral agents because of the absence of proofreading activity amid reverse transcription and a high replication rate.The virus has 10 genotypes(A to J)with different geographical distributions.There are various HBV mutations in the HBV genome,including preC/C mutations,preS/S mutations,P gene mutations,andχgene mutations.The core promoter region plays a vital part in the replication,morphogenesis and pathogenesis of the virus.The precore region also plays a crucial role in viral replication.Both core promoter and precore mutations rescue the virus from host immune surveillance and result in the formation of mutated strains that may have altered pathogenicity.preC/C mutations are associated with liver disease progression.Precore mutations stop hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)production and basal core promoter mutations downregulate HBeAg production.Mutations in the basal core promoter are also associated with increased HBV replication and an increased incidence of advanced liver diseases such as cirrhosis and HCC.The emergence of antiviral-resistant mutations is the main reason for treatment failure.This review focuses mainly on preC/C promoter mutations and their correlation with genotypes and liver disease severity.Thorough perception and knowledge of HBV genetic variety and mutants could be vital to discover techniques for the prognosis and control of HBV infection.

Short-term intravenous interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of short- term, multiple daily dosing of intravenous interferon (IFN) in patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B. METHODS:IFN-β was intravenously administered at a total dose of 102 million international units (MIU) over a period of 28 d in 26 patients positive for HBeAg and HBV-DNA. IFN-beta was administered at doses of 2 MIU and 1 MIU on d 1, 3 MIU twice daily from d 2 to d 7, and 1 MIU thrice daily from d 8 to d 28. Patients were followed up for 24 wk after the end of treatment. RESULTS:Six months after the end of the treatment, loss of HBV-DNA occurred in 13 (50.0%) of the 26 patients, loss of HBeAg in 9 (34.6%), development of anti-HBe in 10 (38.5%), HBeAg seroconversion in 8 (30.8%), and normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in 11 (42.0%). CONCLUSION:This 4-wk long IFN-β therapy, which was much shorter than conventional therapy lasting 12 wk or even more than 1 year, produced therapeutic effects similar to those achieved by IFN-α or pegylated- IFN-α (peg-IFN). Fewer adverse effects, greater efficacy, and a shorter treatment period led to an improvement in patients’ quality of life. IFN-β is administered intravenously, whereas IFN-α is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Because both interferons are known to bind to an identical receptor and exert antiviral effects through intracellular signal transduction, the excellent results of IFN-β found in this study may be attributed to the multiple doses allowed by the intravenous route.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara Solomon Islands,2015

AIMTo determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic in Honiara, Solomon Islands. METHODSThis descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in seven area health centers in Honiara. From March to June 2015, identification of eligible pregnant women in each site was conducted using systematic random sampling technique. A total of 243 pregnant women who gave written informed consent were enrolled. Standardized tool was used to record demographics, obstetric history and serology results. HBsAg and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were tested using point-of-care rapid diagnostic test. All HBsAg positive samples were verified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTSThe mean age of participants was 26 &plusmn; 6 years. The overall hepatitis HBsAg prevalence was 13.8% with higher rate (22%) reported in women between 30-34 years of age. Majority of HBsAg positive participants were Melanesians (29 out for 33). None of the pregnant women in the 15-19 years and &ge; 40 years tested positive for HBsAg. There was no statistically significant difference in HBsAg prevalence by age, ethnicity, education and residential location. The overall HBeAg seroprevalence was 36.7%. Women between 20-24 years of age had the highest rate of 54.5%. Low level of knowledge about hepatitis B vaccination was reputed. Overall, 54.6% of participants were not aware of their hepatitis B vaccination status and only 65.2% of mothers reported their child had been vaccinated. CONCLUSIONHepatitis B is a disease of public health importance in Solomon Islands and emphasize the need for integrated preventative interventions for its control.

Interplay between chronic hepatitis B and atherosclerosis:Innovative perspectives and theories

Elaboration of carotid atherosclerosis in the setting of hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection should emphasize the significance of extrahepatic manifestations of the infection pathogenesis.Diverse processes comprise the pathoevolution of HBV infection,rendering it a multi-systemic disease in its essence.Our work not only exemplified atherosclerosis as an often-underestimated contributor to the severity of HBV infection but has also highlighted the bidirectional relationship between the two.Therefore,it is suggested that HBV-induced inflammation is one of the root causes of atherosclerosis,which in turn has a consequent effect on the severity of the chronic infection disease state,creating a vicious cycle.Additionally,we coupled prior data with the current concepts of HBV infection to postulate intriguing perspectives and theories.