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. METH...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.展开更多
AIM: To identify the distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotype and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations among patients with HBV-associated liver disease in Indonesia.METHODS: Patients with chronic hepat...AIM: To identify the distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotype and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations among patients with HBV-associated liver disease in Indonesia.METHODS: Patients with chronic hepatitis (CH, n =61), liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 62), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 48) were included in this study. HBV subgenotype was identified based on S or preS gene sequence, and mutations in the HBx gene including the overlapping BCP region were examined by direct sequencing.RESULTS: HBV genotype B (subgenotypes B2, B3, B4, 85 and B7) the major genotype in the samples, accounted for 75.4%, 71.0% and 75.0% of CH, LC and HCC patients, respectively, while the genotype C (subgenotypes C1, C2 and C3) was detected in 24.6%, 29.0%, and 25.0% of CH, LC, and HCC patients, respectively. Subgenotypes B3 (84.9%) and C1 (82.2%) were the main subgenotype in HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Serotype adw2 (84.9%) and adrq+ (89.4%) were the most prevalent in HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Double mutation (A1762T/G1764A) in the BCP was significantly higher in LC (59.7%) and HCC (54.2%) than in CH (19.7%), suggesting that this mutation was associated with severity of liver disease. The T1753V was also higher in LC (46.8%), but lower in HCC (22.9%) and CH (18.0%), suggesting that this mutation may be an indicator of cirrhosis.CONCLUSION: HBV genotype B/B3 and C/C1 are the major genotypes in Indonesia. Mutations in BCP, such as A1762T/G1764A and T1753V, might have an association with manifestations of liver disease.展开更多
AIM:To investigate precore/basal core promoter(PC/BCP) mutants throughout hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection and to determine their relationship to hepatitis B early antigen(HBeA g) titers.METHODS:We enrolled 191 patien...AIM:To investigate precore/basal core promoter(PC/BCP) mutants throughout hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection and to determine their relationship to hepatitis B early antigen(HBeA g) titers.METHODS:We enrolled 191 patients in various stages of HBV infection at the Huashan Hospital and the Taizhou Municipal Hospital from 2010 to 2012.None of the patients received antiviral therapy.HBV DNA from serum,was quantified by real-time PCR.The HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing of the S gene.We used the Simpleprobe ultrasensitivequantitative method to detect PC/BCP mutants in each patient.We compared the strain number,percentage,and the changes in PC/BCP mutants in different phases,and analyzed the relationship between PC/BCP mutants and HBe Ag by multiple linear regression and logistic regression.RESULTS:Patients with HBV infection(n = 191) were assigned to groups by phase:Immune tolerance(IT) = 55,Immune clearance(IC) = 67,Low-replicative(LR) = 49,and HBeA g-negative hepatitis(ENH) = 20.Of the patients(male,112; female,79) enrolled,122 were HBe Ag-positive and 69 were HBe Ag-negative.The median age was 33 years(range:18-78 years).PC and BCP mutation detection rates were 84.82%(162/191) and 96.86%(185/191),respectively.In five HBe Ag-negative cases,we detected double mutation G1896A/G1899 A.The logarithm value of PC mutant quantities(log10 PC) significantly differed in IT,IC,and LR phases,as well as in the ENH phase(F = 49.350,P < 0.001).The logarithm value of BCP mutant quantities(log10 BCP) also differed during the four phases(F = 25.530,P < 0.001).Log10 PC and log10 BCP values were high in the IT and IC phases,decreased in the LR phase,and increased in the ENH phase,although the absolute value at this point remained lower than that in the IT and IC phases.PC mutant quantity per total viral load(PC%) and BCP mutant quantity per total viral load(BCP%) differed between phases(F = 20.040,P < 0.001; F = 10.830,P < 0.001),with PC% and BCP% gradually increasing in successive phases.HBeA g titers negatively correlated with PC%(Spearman's rho =-0.354,P < 0.001) and BCP%(Spearman's rho =-0.395,P < 0.001).The negative correlation between PC% and HBeA g status was significant(B =-5.281,P = 0.001),but there was no such correlation between BCP% and HBeA g status(B =-0.523,P = 0.552).CONCLUSION:PC/BCP mutants become predominant in a dynamic and continuous process.Log10 PC,log10 BCP,PC% and BCP% might be combined to evaluate disease progression.PC% determines HBeA g status.展开更多
The core promoter(CP) of the viral genome plays an important role for hepatitis B virus(HBV) replication as it directs initiation of transcription for the synthesis of both the precore and pregenomic(pg) RNAs. The CP ...The core promoter(CP) of the viral genome plays an important role for hepatitis B virus(HBV) replication as it directs initiation of transcription for the synthesis of both the precore and pregenomic(pg) RNAs. The CP consists of the upper regulatory region and the basa core promoter(BCP). The CP overlaps with the 3'-end of the X open reading frames and the 5'-end of the precore region,and contains cis-acting elements that can independently direct transcription of the precore mRNA and pgRNA. Its transcription regulation is under strict control of viral and cellular factors. Even though this regulatory region exhibits high sequence conservation,when variations appear,they may contribute to the persistence of HBV within the host,leading to chronic infection and cirrhosis,and eventually,hepatocellular carcinoma. Among CP sequence variations,those occurring at BCP may dysregulate viral gene expression with emphasis in the hepatitis B e antigen,and contribute to disease progression. In this review these molecular aspects and pathologic topics of core promoter are deeply evaluated.展开更多
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 geno...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.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate of the effects of mutations in BCP-A1762T/G1764A and PC-G1896A genes on hepatocarcinogenesis.Methods:Computer searches for PubMed,SCI,CNKI,VIP and WanFang Data databases were conducted to collect...Objective:To evaluate of the effects of mutations in BCP-A1762T/G1764A and PC-G1896A genes on hepatocarcinogenesis.Methods:Computer searches for PubMed,SCI,CNKI,VIP and WanFang Data databases were conducted to collect literature on the role of mutations in the disease process associated with HBV infection from database creation to July 1,2021.Two researchers independently screened the articles,extracted information and evaluated the quality of the studies.Review Manager software version 5.4 was used for Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 40 articles were included,with a total of 12423 cases and 3710 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma.Meta-analysis showed that mutations in BCP-A1762T/G1764A gene were associated with the disease process of HBV infection and promoted hepatocellular carcinogenesis.mutations in BCP/PC gene were significant in the process of HBV infection in BCP-A1762T/G1764A in HCC vs non-HCC[OR=4.05,95%CI=2.64~6.22],CHBC[OR=3.90,95%CI=2.13~7.17],CHB[OR=2.77,95%CI=1.78~4.32],LC[OR=1.64,95%CI=0.95~2.84],which were statistically significant;in PC-G1896A mutation HCC vs non-HCC[OR=1.49,95%CI=1.02~2.17],CHBC[OR=1.56,95%CI=0.89~2.72],CHB[OR=1.80,95%CI=1.17~2.77]were statistically significant,while the difference was not statistically significant when comparing HCC with LC(P=0.4).The BCP-A1762T/G1764A mutation in the B genotypes/genotyped versus the C genotype[OR=0.36,95%CI=0.20~0.64],with a statistically significant difference,and no statistically significant difference in the PC-G1896A mutation.BCP-A1762T/G1764A mutation in the C gene in HCC versus non-HCC[OR=3.71,95%CI=1.82~7.61]and PC-G1896A mutation in HCC vs non-HCC[OR=2.81,95%CI=1.34~5.91],the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions:Current evidence suggests that mutations in the BCP-A1762T/G1764A and PC-G1896A genes have a significant effect on the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and are genotype dependent.However,due to the limitation of the number and quality of included studies,these findings need to be validated by more high-quality studies.展开更多
Naturally occurred precore(PC,G1896A)and/or basal core promoter(BCP,A1762T/G1764A)mutations are prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients,especially those under HBeAg-negative status.However,the replicative capacity ...Naturally occurred precore(PC,G1896A)and/or basal core promoter(BCP,A1762T/G1764A)mutations are prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients,especially those under HBeAg-negative status.However,the replicative capacity of HBV with PC/BCP mutations remains ambiguous.Herein,meta-analysis showed that,only under HBeAg-negative status,the serum HBV DNA load in patients with PC mutation was 7.41-fold higher than those without the mutation.Both PC mutation alone and BCPþPC mutations promoted HBV replication in cell and hydrodynamic injection mouse models.In human hepatocyte chimeric mouse model,BCPþPC mutations led to elevated replicative capacity and intrahepatic core protein accumulation.Mechanistically,preC RNA harboring PC mutation could serve as mRNA to express core and P proteins,and such pgRNA-like function favored the maintenance of cccDNA pool under HBeAg-negative status.Additionally,BCPþPC mutations induced more extensive and severe human hepatocyte damage as well as activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and TNF signaling pathway in livers of chimeric mice.This study indicates that HBeAg-negative patients should be monitored on HBV mutations regularly and are expected to receive early antiviral treatment to prevent disease progression.展开更多
文摘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.
基金Supported by MRIN Funding,Budget No.cc041/2007 and cc041/2008
文摘AIM: To identify the distribution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) subgenotype and basal core promoter (BCP) mutations among patients with HBV-associated liver disease in Indonesia.METHODS: Patients with chronic hepatitis (CH, n =61), liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 62), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 48) were included in this study. HBV subgenotype was identified based on S or preS gene sequence, and mutations in the HBx gene including the overlapping BCP region were examined by direct sequencing.RESULTS: HBV genotype B (subgenotypes B2, B3, B4, 85 and B7) the major genotype in the samples, accounted for 75.4%, 71.0% and 75.0% of CH, LC and HCC patients, respectively, while the genotype C (subgenotypes C1, C2 and C3) was detected in 24.6%, 29.0%, and 25.0% of CH, LC, and HCC patients, respectively. Subgenotypes B3 (84.9%) and C1 (82.2%) were the main subgenotype in HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Serotype adw2 (84.9%) and adrq+ (89.4%) were the most prevalent in HBV genotype B and C, respectively. Double mutation (A1762T/G1764A) in the BCP was significantly higher in LC (59.7%) and HCC (54.2%) than in CH (19.7%), suggesting that this mutation was associated with severity of liver disease. The T1753V was also higher in LC (46.8%), but lower in HCC (22.9%) and CH (18.0%), suggesting that this mutation may be an indicator of cirrhosis.CONCLUSION: HBV genotype B/B3 and C/C1 are the major genotypes in Indonesia. Mutations in BCP, such as A1762T/G1764A and T1753V, might have an association with manifestations of liver disease.
基金Supported by National Science and Technology Major Project of China,No.2012ZX10002007-001-002 and No.2013ZX10002001(to Zhang JM)the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81271833 and No.81471933(to Zhang JM)+1 种基金the Science and Technology Plan Project of Taizhou,Zhejiang province,No.1402ky19(to Tu WH and Hou W)the Scientific Research Project of Taizhou University,Zhejiang province,No:2014PY054(to Tu WH and Hou W)
文摘AIM:To investigate precore/basal core promoter(PC/BCP) mutants throughout hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection and to determine their relationship to hepatitis B early antigen(HBeA g) titers.METHODS:We enrolled 191 patients in various stages of HBV infection at the Huashan Hospital and the Taizhou Municipal Hospital from 2010 to 2012.None of the patients received antiviral therapy.HBV DNA from serum,was quantified by real-time PCR.The HBV genotype was determined by direct sequencing of the S gene.We used the Simpleprobe ultrasensitivequantitative method to detect PC/BCP mutants in each patient.We compared the strain number,percentage,and the changes in PC/BCP mutants in different phases,and analyzed the relationship between PC/BCP mutants and HBe Ag by multiple linear regression and logistic regression.RESULTS:Patients with HBV infection(n = 191) were assigned to groups by phase:Immune tolerance(IT) = 55,Immune clearance(IC) = 67,Low-replicative(LR) = 49,and HBeA g-negative hepatitis(ENH) = 20.Of the patients(male,112; female,79) enrolled,122 were HBe Ag-positive and 69 were HBe Ag-negative.The median age was 33 years(range:18-78 years).PC and BCP mutation detection rates were 84.82%(162/191) and 96.86%(185/191),respectively.In five HBe Ag-negative cases,we detected double mutation G1896A/G1899 A.The logarithm value of PC mutant quantities(log10 PC) significantly differed in IT,IC,and LR phases,as well as in the ENH phase(F = 49.350,P < 0.001).The logarithm value of BCP mutant quantities(log10 BCP) also differed during the four phases(F = 25.530,P < 0.001).Log10 PC and log10 BCP values were high in the IT and IC phases,decreased in the LR phase,and increased in the ENH phase,although the absolute value at this point remained lower than that in the IT and IC phases.PC mutant quantity per total viral load(PC%) and BCP mutant quantity per total viral load(BCP%) differed between phases(F = 20.040,P < 0.001; F = 10.830,P < 0.001),with PC% and BCP% gradually increasing in successive phases.HBeA g titers negatively correlated with PC%(Spearman's rho =-0.354,P < 0.001) and BCP%(Spearman's rho =-0.395,P < 0.001).The negative correlation between PC% and HBeA g status was significant(B =-5.281,P = 0.001),but there was no such correlation between BCP% and HBeA g status(B =-0.523,P = 0.552).CONCLUSION:PC/BCP mutants become predominant in a dynamic and continuous process.Log10 PC,log10 BCP,PC% and BCP% might be combined to evaluate disease progression.PC% determines HBeA g status.
文摘The core promoter(CP) of the viral genome plays an important role for hepatitis B virus(HBV) replication as it directs initiation of transcription for the synthesis of both the precore and pregenomic(pg) RNAs. The CP consists of the upper regulatory region and the basa core promoter(BCP). The CP overlaps with the 3'-end of the X open reading frames and the 5'-end of the precore region,and contains cis-acting elements that can independently direct transcription of the precore mRNA and pgRNA. Its transcription regulation is under strict control of viral and cellular factors. Even though this regulatory region exhibits high sequence conservation,when variations appear,they may contribute to the persistence of HBV within the host,leading to chronic infection and cirrhosis,and eventually,hepatocellular carcinoma. Among CP sequence variations,those occurring at BCP may dysregulate viral gene expression with emphasis in the hepatitis B e antigen,and contribute to disease progression. In this review these molecular aspects and pathologic topics of core promoter are deeply evaluated.
文摘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.
基金Hainan Natural Science Foundation Project(No.819MS122)Hainan Provincial Department of Education Fund Project(No.hnky 2017‑38)。
文摘Objective:To evaluate of the effects of mutations in BCP-A1762T/G1764A and PC-G1896A genes on hepatocarcinogenesis.Methods:Computer searches for PubMed,SCI,CNKI,VIP and WanFang Data databases were conducted to collect literature on the role of mutations in the disease process associated with HBV infection from database creation to July 1,2021.Two researchers independently screened the articles,extracted information and evaluated the quality of the studies.Review Manager software version 5.4 was used for Meta-analysis.Results:A total of 40 articles were included,with a total of 12423 cases and 3710 cases of hepatocellular carcinoma.Meta-analysis showed that mutations in BCP-A1762T/G1764A gene were associated with the disease process of HBV infection and promoted hepatocellular carcinogenesis.mutations in BCP/PC gene were significant in the process of HBV infection in BCP-A1762T/G1764A in HCC vs non-HCC[OR=4.05,95%CI=2.64~6.22],CHBC[OR=3.90,95%CI=2.13~7.17],CHB[OR=2.77,95%CI=1.78~4.32],LC[OR=1.64,95%CI=0.95~2.84],which were statistically significant;in PC-G1896A mutation HCC vs non-HCC[OR=1.49,95%CI=1.02~2.17],CHBC[OR=1.56,95%CI=0.89~2.72],CHB[OR=1.80,95%CI=1.17~2.77]were statistically significant,while the difference was not statistically significant when comparing HCC with LC(P=0.4).The BCP-A1762T/G1764A mutation in the B genotypes/genotyped versus the C genotype[OR=0.36,95%CI=0.20~0.64],with a statistically significant difference,and no statistically significant difference in the PC-G1896A mutation.BCP-A1762T/G1764A mutation in the C gene in HCC versus non-HCC[OR=3.71,95%CI=1.82~7.61]and PC-G1896A mutation in HCC vs non-HCC[OR=2.81,95%CI=1.34~5.91],the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions:Current evidence suggests that mutations in the BCP-A1762T/G1764A and PC-G1896A genes have a significant effect on the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and are genotype dependent.However,due to the limitation of the number and quality of included studies,these findings need to be validated by more high-quality studies.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC2306800)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82072280 and No.82272315)Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation(No.7212063 and No.7222108).
文摘Naturally occurred precore(PC,G1896A)and/or basal core promoter(BCP,A1762T/G1764A)mutations are prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients,especially those under HBeAg-negative status.However,the replicative capacity of HBV with PC/BCP mutations remains ambiguous.Herein,meta-analysis showed that,only under HBeAg-negative status,the serum HBV DNA load in patients with PC mutation was 7.41-fold higher than those without the mutation.Both PC mutation alone and BCPþPC mutations promoted HBV replication in cell and hydrodynamic injection mouse models.In human hepatocyte chimeric mouse model,BCPþPC mutations led to elevated replicative capacity and intrahepatic core protein accumulation.Mechanistically,preC RNA harboring PC mutation could serve as mRNA to express core and P proteins,and such pgRNA-like function favored the maintenance of cccDNA pool under HBeAg-negative status.Additionally,BCPþPC mutations induced more extensive and severe human hepatocyte damage as well as activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and TNF signaling pathway in livers of chimeric mice.This study indicates that HBeAg-negative patients should be monitored on HBV mutations regularly and are expected to receive early antiviral treatment to prevent disease progression.