Construction, expression and characterization of human interferon α2b-(G4S)n-thymosin α1 fusion proteins in Pichia pastoris

AIM:Interferon α2b (IFNα2b) and thymosin α1 (Tα1) exhibit synergic effects in the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C when used together. For developing a fusion protein drug, fusion proteins of IFNα2b and Ta1 linked by different lengths of (G4S)n(n = 1-3) were constructed and expressed in Pichia pastoris. METHODS: Using PCR and molecular clone techniques, the fusion genes of IFNα2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) were constructed and subcloned into the eukaryotic expression vector pPIC9. After transformation of these plasmids into P. pastoris, the expressed fusion proteins IFNα2b-(G4S) n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) were obtained. These proteins were purified through diethylaminoethyl (DEAE) affinity chromatography and Superdex?75 gel filtration and analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot. Antiviral and E-rosette assays were used to investigate the bioactivities of these fusion proteins. RESULTS: DNA sequencing confirmed that the fusion genes of IFNa2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n= 1-3) were correctly cloned to the pPIC9 vector. The recombinant IFNα2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) fusion proteins expressed in P. pastoris were purified with DEAE and Superdex?75 gel filtration chromatography. The fusion proteins could be observed on sodium dodecylsulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with molecular weight (MW) of 23.2, 22.9, and 22.6 ku, respectively, and reacted to the IFNa2b monoclonal antibody and Tal polyclonal antibody. The purified fusion proteins exhibit antiviral activity and can enhance the percentage of E-rosette-forming-cell in E-rosette assay. CONCLUSION: The recombinant IFNa2b-(G4S)n-Tα1 (n = 1-3) fusion proteins were successfully expressed in P. pastoris. Purified fusion proteins exhibit both antiviral activity of IFNa2b and immunomodulatory activity of Tal in vitro. These results will be the basis for further evaluation of the fusion proteins' function in vivo.

胃癌患者EB病毒感染情况及其对癌组织p53、Bcl-2表达的影响

目的探究胃癌患者人类疱疹(EB)病毒感染情况及其对癌组织p53、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)表达的影响。方法选取新乡市中心医院2019年8月至2023年1月收治的76例胃癌患者,采用原位杂交法检测患者癌组织及癌旁组织EB病毒编码小分子RNA表达,采用逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法检测患者癌组织及癌旁组织p53、Bcl-2 mRNA表达,分析EB病毒感染与胃癌临床病理特征及癌组织p53、Bcl-2表达的关系。结果76例胃癌患者癌组织标本中EB病毒阳性率为27.63%(21/76),邻近癌旁组织标本中EB病毒阳性率为4.29%(3/76),胃癌患者癌组织EB病毒阳性率高于癌旁组织(P<0.05);与EB病毒阴性的胃癌患者比,EB病毒阳性患者中病灶位于近端胃、组织浸至浆膜层、有淋巴结转移的占比较多(P<0.05);胃癌患者癌组织p53及Bcl-2 mRNA表达均高于癌旁组织(P<0.05);EB病毒感染胃癌患者癌组织p53及Bcl-2 mRNA表达均高于未感染胃癌患者(P<0.05)。结论EB病毒感染与胃癌患者近端胃病变、组织浸至浆膜层及有淋巴结转移有关,EB病毒可能通过驱动宿主p53基因甲基化来上调p53表达,与Bcl-2协同促进癌细胞生长,这些可能为临床提供胃癌诊疗评估因子及免疫治疗新靶点。

重组人干扰素α2b联合1,6-二磷酸果糖对轮状病毒肠炎患儿胃肠激素及炎症因子水平的影响

目的探究重组人干扰素α2b联合1,6-二磷酸果糖对轮状病毒肠炎患儿的胃肠激素及炎症因子水平的影响。方法前瞻性选取2018年6月—2023年6月邯郸市妇幼保健院接收的100例轮状病毒肠炎患儿,按信封抽签法随机分为单一组和联合组,每组50例。单一组给予重组人干扰素α2b,联合组给予重组人干扰素α2b联合1,6-二磷酸果糖。比较两组症状改善情况和治疗前后的胃肠激素、心肌酶谱、免疫球蛋白及炎症因子水平。结果联合组的退热时间、止吐时间、大便恢复正常时间、脱水纠正时间均低于单一组(P<0.05)。联合组治疗前后胃泌素、胃动素、血管活性肠肽、乳酸脱氢酶、肌酸激酶同工酶MB、肌酸激酶、免疫球蛋白A、免疫球蛋白G、免疫球蛋白M、白细胞介素-17、白细胞介素-35、肿瘤坏死因子-α的差值均高于单一组(P<0.05)。结论重组人干扰素α2b联合1,6-二磷酸果糖对轮状病毒肠炎患儿胃肠激素及炎症因子水平的影响较为显著。

流感患儿经重组人干扰素α2b雾化吸入联合帕拉米韦注射液治疗的效果分析

目的 分析流感患儿经重组人干扰素α2b雾化吸入联合帕拉米韦注射液的治疗效果。方法 回顾性分析2020年8月至2023年8月驻马店广济心血管病医院88例流感患儿,按不同治疗方案分为对照组(接受帕拉米韦注射液治疗)、研究组(接受重组人干扰素α2b雾化吸入联合帕拉米韦注射液),各44例。比较两组临床疗效,症状改善及住院时间,不良反应发生率及治疗前后血清炎性因子[肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1(MCP-1)、C反应蛋白(CRP)、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)],免疫球蛋白[免疫球蛋白A(IgA)、免疫球蛋白M(IgM)、免疫球蛋白G(IgG)]。结果 研究组临床总有效率95.45%高于对照组81.82%(P<0.05);研究组咳嗽、咽痛、高热等症状改善时间及住院时间短于对照组(P<0.05);研究组TNF-α、CRP、IL-6、MCP-1较对照组低(P<0.05);与治疗前比较,两组IgA、IgM、IgG均升高,且研究组更高(P<0.05);研究组不良反应发生率(9.09%)与对照组(6.82%)比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论 流感患儿采用重组人干扰素α2b雾化吸入联合帕拉米韦注射液治疗可减轻机体炎症反应,改善免疫功能,加速病情恢复,效果显著,且安全性高。

重组人干扰素α-2b对丙型肝炎患者血清铁调素的影响及其机制

目的探讨重组人干扰素α-2b(IFNα-2b)对丙型肝炎患者血清铁调素(Hepcidin)的影响及其机制。方法选择2020年1月至2023年1月丙型肝炎患者35例,按近3个月是否接受IFNα-2b治疗分为治疗组(n=20)和未治疗组(n=15),检测2组血清Hepcidin水平。另用0、50、100、200、400μL五种不同剂量的IFNα-2b处理HepG2细胞24 h。分别检测血清Hepcidin、信号转导与转录激活子3(STAT3)及磷酸化STAT3(pSTAT3)的mRNA表达量。结果治疗组血清Hepcidin为(94.91±16.28)ng/mL,明显低于未治疗组的(107.99±17.06)ng/mL,差异有统计学意义(t=4.396,P<0.05)。IFNα-2b剂量为0、50、100、200、400μL时,HepG2细胞的Hepcidin mRNA表达分别为1.00±0.23、0.67±0.12、0.28±0.04、0.25±0.03、0.17±0.02,呈递减趋势,各组Hepcidin mRNA表达差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。组间两两比较,400μL低于0、50、100、200μL;100、200μL低于0、50μL;50μL低于0μL,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。0、50、100、200、400μL HepG2细胞的STAT3 mRNA表达水平分别为0.72±0.11、0.74±0.12、0.68±0.09、0.66±0.06、0.66±0.08,差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。50、100、200、400μL剂量的IFNα-2b的PSTAT3蛋白水平分别为0.76±0.14、0.65±0.06、0.57±0.07、0.54±0.05均低于0μL的(0.85±0.16),差异有统计学意义(P<0.05),50、100、200、400μL剂量的IFNα-2b的PSTAT3蛋白水平比较差异均无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论丙型肝炎患者IFNα-2b治疗后血清Hepcidin水平会下调,且下调幅度与剂量有关,其机制可能与STAT3通路磷酸活化受阻有关。

重组干扰素α-2b联合CO_(2)激光气化治疗宫颈低级别上皮内病变伴HR-HPV感染患者的临床效果及对HPV转阴率的影响

目的分析重组干扰素α-2b联合CO_(2)激光气化治疗宫颈低级别上皮内病变伴高危型人乳头瘤病毒(HR-HPV)感染的临床效果。方法选取宫颈低级别上皮内病变伴HR-HPV感染患者80例,采用随机数表法分为对照组及研究组,每组40例。对照组采用重组干扰素α-2b治疗,研究组采用重组干扰素α-2b联合CO_(2)激光气化治疗。比较两组患者的治疗效果。结果研究组治疗总有效率为90.00%,高于对照组的72.50%(P<0.05)。研究组治疗3、6个月的HPV转阴率均高于对照组(P<0.05)。两组不良反应总发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论采用重组干扰素α-2b联合CO_(2)激光气化治疗宫颈低级别上皮内病变伴HR-HPV感染患者,可提高疗效及HPV转阴率。

Effects of recombinant human interferon α 2b atomization on serum cytokines and peripheral blood immune cells in children with HFMD

Objective:To study the effects of recombinant human interferon 2b atomization on serum cytokines and peripheral blood immune cells in children with HFMD.Methods: Children who were diagnosed with hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Tongji Hospital? Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science & Technology between June 2014 and August 2017 were selected as the research subjects and randomly divided into the interferonα2b group who accepted human recombinant interferonα2b atomization combined with conventional symptomatic treatment and the control group who accepted conventional symptomatic treatment. The contents of cytokines in serum and the contents of immune cells in peripheral blood were determined before treatment as well as 3 days and 5 days after treatment. Results: 3 days and 5 days after treatment, IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α, CRP, MCP-1, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 contents in serum as well as CD19+CD24highCD27+B cell contents in peripheral blood of both groups of children were greatly lower than those before treatment whereas CD3+CD4+T cell, CD3+CD8+T cell and CD16+CD56+NK cell contents in peripheral blood were higher than those before treatment, and IL-6, IL-13, TNF-α, CRP, MCP-1, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 contents in serum as well as CD19+CD24highCD27+B cell contents in peripheral blood of interferonα2b group were significantly lower than those of control group whereas CD3+CD4+T cell, CD3+CD8+T cell and CD16+CD56+NK cell contents in peripheral blood were higher than those of control group.Conclusion: Recombinant human interferonα2b atomization treatment of HFMD can reduce the inflammatory response and improve the immune response.

Development of novel-nanobody-based lateral-flow immunochromatographic strip test for rapid detection of recombinant human interferon a2b

Recombinant human interferon a2b(rhIFNa2b)is widely used as an antiviral therapy agent for the treatment of hepatitis B and hepatitis C.The current identification test for rhIFNa2b is complex.In this study,an anti-rhIFNa2b nanobody was discovered and used for the development of a rapid lateral flow strip for the identification of rhIFNa2b.RhIFNa2b was used to immunize an alpaca,which established a phage nanobody library.After five steps of enrichment,the nanobody I22,which specifically bound rhIFNa2b,was isolated and inserted into the prokaryotic expression vector pET28a.After subsequent purification,the physicochemical properties of the nanobody were determined.A semiquantitative detection and rapid identification assay of rhIFNa2b was developed using this novel nanobody.To develop a rapid test,the nanobody I22 was coupled with a colloidal gold to produce lateral-flow test strips.The developed rhIFNa2b detection assay had a limit of detection of 1 mg/mL.The isolation of I22 and successful construction of a lateral-flow immunochromatographic test strip demonstrated the feasibility of performing ligand-binding assays on a lateral-flow test strip using recombinant protein products.The principle of this novel assay is generally applicable for the rapid testing of other commercial products,with a great potential for routine use in detecting counterfeit recombinant protein products.

Expression of Human Interferon α 2b Gene in Ginseng Cells

The human interferon α 2b（hIFN-α2b） gene was cloned into binary vector pBI121 to obtain plant expression vector pBIFN. The recombinant plasmid pBIFN was transferred into Agrobacterium tumefaciens strain LBA4404. Then the hIFN-α2b gene was introduced into ginseng callus cells via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and the ginseng cell line carrying hIFN-α2b gene was selected on G418-containing medium. The presence of target gene in transformed cells was confirmed by PCR and RT-PCR. The results indicate that hIFN-α2b gene has been integrated into the ginseng cells＇ genome, with transcription products, hIFN-α2b expressed by the transgenic ginseng cells was detected by Western blot. It was shown that a specific protein band at 19000 could be observed. Cytopathic effect（CPE） inhibition assay using the W1SH-VSV system shows that the mean antiviral activity of expressed hlFN-a2α was 6.0× 10^4 IU/mL.

人乳头瘤病毒感染对乳腺癌患者p53、bcl-2和c-erbB-2表达及预后的影响

目的探讨人乳头瘤病毒(HPV)感染对乳腺癌患者p53、B淋巴细胞瘤2基因(bcl-2)和人类表皮生长因子受体2(c-erbB-2)的表达及预后的影响。方法选取2017年2月至2020年1月在首都医科大学附属北京友谊医院行乳腺癌根治术的乳腺癌患150例,原位杂交法检测乳腺癌患者HPV感染情况,按照是否有HPV感染将150例患者分成HPV感染组86例和未感染组64例。采用免疫组化法检测乳腺癌组织中p53、bcl-2和c-erbB-2蛋白表达情况。收集患者的临床特征并分析HPV感染及p53、bcl-2、c-erbB-2蛋白阳性表达与临床特征的关系;随访患者术后2年的生存情况。结果150例乳腺癌患者中HPV感染86例,感染率57.33%。HPV感染组p53、c-erbB-2阳性表达率高于未感染组,bcl-2阳性表达率低于未感染组(P<0.05);HPV感染与国际妇产科协会(FIGO)肿瘤分期有关,p53阳性表达淋巴转移有关,bcl-2阳性表达与FIGO分期有关,c-erbB-2阳性表达与组织学分级、淋巴转移有关(P<0.05)。HPV感染组2年生存率低于未感染组[82.55%(71/86)vs.93.75%(60/64),χ2=4.155,P=0.042]。结论乳腺癌患者HPV感染率较高,HPV感染可能通过促进c-erbB-2和p53表达以及抑制bcl-2表达,促进乳腺癌进展并导致患者预后不良。

弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤患者血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、NK细胞与其临床分期的关系

目的探讨弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(DLBCL)患者血浆干扰素γ(IFN-γ)、白细胞介素-2(IL-2)水平及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、自然杀伤(NK)细胞与临床分期的关系。方法纳入河南中医药大学第三附属医院2020年12月至2022年12月收治的DLBCL患者198例,根据临床分期分成Ⅰ期组(31例)、Ⅱ期组(56例)、Ⅲ期组(59例)、Ⅳ期组(52例)。比较4组血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平,分析各指标与DLBCL分期的相关性。结果Ⅲ期组、Ⅳ期组的血浆IFN-γ、IL-2水平低于Ⅰ期组、Ⅱ期组(P<0.05)。Ⅲ期组、Ⅳ期组外周血CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平低于Ⅰ期组、Ⅱ期组(P<0.05)。DLBCL患者IFN-γ、IL-2与CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平呈正相关(P<0.05)。DLBCL患者的血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平与临床分期呈负相关(P<0.05)。IFN-γ、IL-2、CD3^(+)、CD3^(+)CD4^(+)T、CD3^(+)CD8^(+)T、NK细胞水平增高是控制临床分期增高的保护因素(P<0.05)。结论DLBCL患者的临床分期与血浆IFN-γ、IL-2及外周血T淋巴细胞亚群、NK细胞水平相关,且血浆IFN-γ、IL-2水平与T淋巴细胞亚群、NK细胞存在相关性,上述指标有望对DLBCL进展风险进行预测。

SREBP2及PI3K/Akt/mTORC2在喉癌中的表达及相关性研究

目的探究磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(AKT)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白C2(mTORC2)信号通路分子及人胆固醇调节元件结合蛋白2(SREBP2)分子在喉癌组织中的表达情况。方法选取本院2019年1月至2022年6月收治的原发性喉癌患者60例,取其肿瘤组织及癌旁组织样本,以免疫组织化学法测定PI3K、AKT、mTORC2及SREBP2表达情况并进行比较。结果肿瘤组织PI3K(88.3%vs.40.0%)、AKT(76.7%vs.31.7%)、mTORC2(78.3%vs.21.7%)、SERBP2(65.0%vs.8.3%)阳性表达率高于癌旁组织,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。肿瘤直径大于或等于3 cm患者AKT、mTORC2、SERBP2阳性表达率高于肿瘤直径小于3 cm患者,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);临床分期Ⅲ~Ⅳ期患者AKT、SERBP2阳性表达率高于Ⅰ~Ⅱ期患者,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);不同分化程度患者mTORC2、SERBP2阳性表达率比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05)。PI3K、AKT、mTORC2、SERBP2阳性表达患者2年生存率低于阴性表达患者,但差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论喉癌患者肿瘤组织中PI3K/AKT/mTORC2信号通路分子及SREBP2均呈高表达,与肿瘤直径、临床分期及分化程度有相关性,是潜在的喉癌靶向代谢重编程治疗的靶点。

Relationship of human leukocyte antigen class II genes with the susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection and the response to interferon in HBV-infected patients

AIM： To study the relationship of human leukocyte antigen （HLA）-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles with the genetic susceptibility to HBV infection and the response to interferon （IFN） in HBV-infected patients. METHODS： Low-resolution DNA typing kit was used to determine HLA-DR-1 and -DQB1 genes in 72 patients with chronic hepatitis B （CHB） and HLA-DRB1 in 200 healthy people ready to donate their bone marrow in Shanghai. Among CHB patients, 35 were treated with IFNα-1b for 24 wk. RESULTS： The frequencies of HLA-DRBI＊06, DRBI＊08 and DRB1＊16 alleles in 72 patients were higher than in 200 healthy people （2.08% vs0%, OR = 3.837, P= 0.018; 11.11% vs5.50%, OR = 2.148, P= 0.034; and 6.94% vs 3.00%, OR = 0.625, P = 0.049, respectively）; whereas that of DRBI＊07 allele was lower （2.78% vs 7.75%, OR = 0.340, P= 0.046）. The frequency of HLA-DRBI＊ 14 allele was higher in 11 responders to IFN compared with 24 non-responders （18.18% vs2.08%, OR = 10.444, P = 0.031）, whereas that of DQBI＊07 allele was inverse （9.09% vs37.50%, OR = 0.167, P= 0.021）. CONCLUSION： The polymorphism of HLA class II may influence the susceptibility to HBV infection and the response to IFN in studied CHB patients. Compared with other HLA-DRB1 alleles, HLA-DRBI＊06, DRBI＊08, and DRB1＊16 may be associated with chronicity of HBV infection, HLA-DRBI＊07 with protection against HBV infection, and HLA-DRB1＊14 allele may be associated with a high rate of the response of CHB patients to IFN treatment. Compared with other HLA-DQB1 alleles, HLA-DQBI＊07 may be associated with low response rate to IFN. 2005 The WJG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Pegylated interferon α-2b up-regulates specific CD8+ T cells in patients with chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To investigate the effect of pegylated interferon (IFN) α-2b on specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS:Twenty-one patients with CHB were treated with pegylated IFN α-2b. Periphery blood mononuclear cells were isolated from fresh heparinized blood by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation (density:1.077 g/L,Pharmingen) at weeks 0,4,8,12,and 24,respectively. Frequency of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) epitope-specific CD8 T cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokines were detected by cytometric bead assay. RESULTS:The frequency of circulating HBV core or env-specific CD8 T cells was higher (P < 0.05),the number of HBV core specific CD8 T cells was greater at week 24 (P < 0.05),the level of Th1-type cytokines [interleukin (IL)-12,tumor necrosis factor-α,and IFN-γ] was higher,while that of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4,IL-6,and IL-10) was lower in responders than in nonresponders (P < 0.05) after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment. The IL-6 level was correlated with HBV DNA (r = 0.597,P = 0.04),while the inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level was correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.545,P = 0.005). The IP-10 level at week 8 after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment could predict the normalization of ALT in CHB patients (positive predict value = 56%,negative predict value = 92%). CONCLUSION:Pegylated IFN α-2b can enhance the immune response of CHB patients by increasing the frequency of HBV specific CD8+ T cells and regulating the Th1/Th2 cytokines.

保妇康栓联合重组人干扰素α2b阴道泡腾胶囊治疗宫颈HPV感染的临床研究

目的探讨宫颈HPV感染联用保妇康栓、重组人干扰素α2b阴道泡腾胶囊治疗的效果。方法选择宫颈HPV感染患者160例,以随机数字表法分组。对照组80例予以重组人干扰素α2b阴道泡腾胶囊治疗,研究组再加保妇康栓治疗。对比临床效果。结果研究组总有效率91.25%,高于对照组的76.25%(P<0.05)。6个月后研究组HPV转阴率、复发率均低于对照组(77.50%VS53.75%、6.25%VS21.25%,P<0.05)。不良反应发生率方面,研究组与对照组分别为17.50%、13.75%,对比差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论宫颈HPV感染患者采用重组人干扰素α2b阴道泡腾胶囊联合保妇康栓治疗可显著提升临床效果,促进HPV转阴并降低疾病复发,且不会显著增加药物的不良反应,值得临床推广。

The Predictive Value of Baseline HBs Ag Level and Early Response for HBs Ag Loss in Patients with HBe Ag-positive Chronic Hepatitis B during Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a Treatment

Objective To explore the predictive value of baseline HBs Ag level and early response for HBs Ag loss in patients with HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B during pegylated interferon alpha-2a treatment. Methods A total of 121 patients with HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B who achieved HBs Ag loss were enrolled; all patients were treated with PEG-IFNα-2a 180 μg/week. Serum HBV DNA and serological indicators （HBs Ag, anti-HBs, HBe Ag, and anti-HBe） were determined before and every 3 months during treatment. Results The median treatment time for HBs Ag loss was 84 weeks （7-273 weeks）, and 74.38% （90 cases） of the patients needed extended treatment （〉 48 weeks）. The correlation between baseline HBs Ag levels and the treatment time of HBs Ag loss was significant （B = 14.465, t = 2.342, P = 0.021）. Baseline HBs Ag levels together with the decline range of HBs Ag at 24 weeks significantly correlated with the treatment time of HBs Ag loss （B = 29.862, t = 4.890, P = 0.000 and B = 27.993, t = 27.993, P = 0.005）. Conclusion Baseline HBs Ag levels and extended therapy are critical steps toward HBs Ag loss. Baseline HBs Ag levels together with early response determined the treatment time of HBs Ag loss in patients with HBe Ag-positive chronic hepatitis B during pegylated interferon alpha-2a treatment.

Hepatitis B surface antigen clearance in inactive hepatitis B surface antigen carriers treated with peginterferon alfa-2a

AIM: To examine the association between interferon(IFN) therapy and loss of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) in inactive HBs Ag carriers. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study in inactive HBs Ag carriers, who were treatment-naive, with a serum HBs Ag level < 100 IU/m L and an undetectable hepatitis B virus(HBV) DNA level(< 100 IU/m L). All the 20 treated patients received subcutaneous PEG-IFN alfa-2a 180 μg/wk for 72 wk and were then followed for 24 wk. There were 40 untreated controls matched with 96 wk of observation. Serum HBs Ag, HBV DNA, and alanine aminotransferases were monitored every 3 mo in the treatment group and every 3-6 mo in the control group. RESULTS: Thirteen(65.0%) of 20 treated patients achieved HBs Ag loss, 12 of whom achieved HBs Ag seroconversion. Mean HBs Ag level in treated patients decreased to 6.69 ± 13.04 IU/m L after 24 wk of treatment from a baseline level of 26.22 ± 33.00 IU/m L. Serum HBV DNA level remained undetectable(< 100 IU/m L) in all treated patients during the study. HBs Ag level of the control group decreased from 25.72 ± 25.58 IU/m L at baseline to 17.11 ± 21.62 IU/m L at week 96(P = 0.108). In the control group, no patient experienced HBs Ag loss/seroconversion, and two(5.0%) developed HBV reactivation.CONCLUSION: IFN treatment results in HBs Ag loss and seroconversion in a considerable proportion of inactive HBs Ag carriers with low HBs Ag concentrations.

血清WFA+-M2BP、DNASE1L3联合检测对乙型肝炎病毒相关性肝癌患者肝切除术后复发的预测价值

目的探讨乙型肝炎病毒相关性肝癌(HBV-HCC)患者肝切除术后两年内复发的影响因素,分析血清紫藤花凝集素阳性人Mac-2结合蛋白(WFA^(+)-M2BP)联合脱氧核糖核酸酶1类似物3(DNASE1L3)检测用于评估术后复发的价值。方法选择2017年1月至2019年11月宜昌市第一人民医院收治的HBV-HCC并接受肝切除术的患者122例作为研究对象,根据随访结果,分为复发组(42例)、未复发组(80例)。检测两组患者术前的血清WFA^(+)-M2BP、DNASE1L3水平,对影响术后复发的因素进行多因素Logistic回归分析,使用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析WFA^(+)-M2BP、DNASE1L3水平对术后两年内复发的评估价值。结果复发组的血清WFA^(+)-M2BP水平明显高于未复发组,DNASE1L3水平明显低于未复发组(P<0.05);单因素分析结果中,患者有门静脉侵犯、肿瘤最大径、WFA^(+)-M2BP、DNASE1L3、甲胎蛋白(AFP)水平、肝癌分期及肿瘤分化程度是影响术后复发的独立相关因素(P<0.05);多因素Logistic回归分析中,有门静脉侵犯、肿瘤最大径≥2 cm、WFA^(+)-M2BP≥4.74 COI是影响术后复发的危险因素(P<0.05,OR>1),而DNASE1L3≥1.10 ng/L是影响术后复发的独立保护因素(P<0.05,OR<1)。ROC曲线分析显示,WFA^(+)-M2BP和DNASE1L3的联合检测对预测HBV-HCC术后复发有较高的价值,其曲线下面积为0.890(95%CI:0.835~0.952)。结论血清WFA^(+)-M2BP、DNASE1L3是HBV-HCC术后两年内复发的影响因素。此外,患者的血清WFA^(+)-M2BP、DNASE1L3水平变化对HBV-HCC患者术后两年内复发均具有较好的预测价值,二者联合检测具有更高的预测效能。

Combination Therapy with Pegylated Interferon alpha-2b and Adefovir Dipivoxil in HBeAg-positive Chronic Hepatitis B versus Interferon Alone: A Prospective, Randomized Study

Currently available monotherapies of oral nucleoside/nucleotide analogs or interferon are unable to achieve a sustained and effective response in most of patients with chronic hepatitis B（CHB）. The objective of the present study was to compare the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon（Peg-IFN） alpha-2b plus adefovir dipivoxil combination therapy versus Peg-IFN alpha-2b alone. Sixty-one HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients were randomized to receive Peg-IFN alpha-2b alone（1.5 μg/kg once weekly） or Peg-IFN alpha-2b plus adefovir（10 mg daily） for up to 52 weeks. Efficacy and safety analyses were performed on all participants who received at least one dose of study medication. The rate of HBeAg seroconversion and undetectable HBV-DNA were evaluated after 52 weeks of therapy. At the end of treatment, 11 of 30（36.7%） patients receiving combination therapy achieved HBeAg seroconversion versus 8 of 31（25.8%） in the monotherapy group（P=0.36）. In contrast, the percentage of patients with undetectable serum HBV DNA was significantly higher in the combination group than in the monotherapy group（76.7% vs. 29.0%, P〈0.001）. Thyroid dysfunction was more frequent in the combination group than in the monotherapy group（P〈0.05）. In HBeAg-positive CHB, combination of Peg-IFN alpha-2b and adefovir for 52 weeks resulted, at the end of treatment, in a higher virological response but without significant impact on the rate of HBeAg seroconversion and possibly an adverse effect on thyroid function.

Changes of NF-kB,p53,Bcl-2 and caspase in apoptosis induced by JTE-522 in human gastric adenocarcinoma cell line AGS cells:role of reactive oxygen species

AIM: To identify whether JTE-522 can induce apoptosis in AGS cells and ROS also involved in the process, and to investigate the changes in NF-kB, p53, bcl-2 and caspase in the apoptosis process. METHODS: Cell culture, MTT, Electromicroscopy, agarose gel electrophoresis, lucigenin, Western blot and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) analysis were employed to investigate the effect of JTE-522 on cell proliferation and apoptosis in AGS cells and related molecular mechanisms. RESULTS: JTE-522 inhibited the growth of AGS cells and induced the apoptosis. Lucigenin assay showed the generation of ROS in cells under incubation with JTE-522. The increased ROS generation might contribute to the induction of AGS cells to apoptosis. EMSA and Western blot revealed that NF-kB activity was almost completely inhibited by preventing the degradation of IkBalpha. Additionally, by using Western blot we confirmed that the level of bcl-2 was decreased, whereas p53 showed a great increase following JTE-522 treatment. Their changes were in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that reactive oxygen species, NF-kB, p53, bcl-2 and caspase-3 may play an important role in the induction of apoptosis in AGS cells after treatment with JTE-522.