Effects of Lactobacillus paracasei N1115 on gut microbial imbalance and liver function in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B cirrhosis(HBC)is a chronic disease characterized by irreversible diffuse liver damage and aggravated by intestinal microbial imbalance and metabolic dysfunction.Although the relationship between certain single probiotics and HBC has been explored,the impact of the complex ready-to-eat Lactobacillus paracasei N1115(LP N1115)supplement on patients with HBC has not been determined.AIM To compare the changes in the microbiota,inflammatory factor levels,and liver function before and after probiotic treatment in HBC patients.METHODS This study included 160 HBC patients diagnosed at the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University between October 2018 and December 2020.Patients were randomly divided into an intervention group that received LP N1115 supplementation and routine treatment and a control group that received routine treatment only.Fecal samples were collected at the onset and conclusion of the 12-wk intervention period.The structure of the intestinal microbiota and the levels of serological indicators,such as liver function and inflammatory factors,were assessed.RESULTS Following LP N1115 intervention,the intestinal microbial diversity significantly increased in the intervention group(P<0.05),and the structure of the intestinal microbiota was characterized by an increase in the proportions of probiotic microbes and a reduction in harmful bacteria.Additionally,the intervention group demonstrated notable improvements in liver function indices and significantly lower levels of inflammatory factors(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LP N1115 is a promising treatment for ameliorating intestinal microbial imbalance in HBC patients by modulating the structure of the intestinal microbiota,improving liver function,and reducing inflammatory factor levels.

Road to recompensation:BavenoⅦcriteria and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis has long been considered a point of no return,with limited hope for recovery.However,recent advancements,particularly the Baveno VII criteria and the utilization of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS),have illuminated the concept of hepatic recompensation.In this editorial we comment on the article by Gao et al published in the recent issue.This editorial provides a comprehensive overview of the evolution of understanding cirrhosis,the criteria for recompensation,and the efficacy of TIPS in achieving recompensation.We discuss key findings from recent studies,including the promising outcomes observed in patients who achieved recompensation post-TIPS insertion.While further research is needed to validate these findings and elucidate the mechanisms underlying recompensation,the insights presented here offer renewed hope for patients with decompensated cirrhosis and highlight the potential of TIPS as a therapeutic option in their management.

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Eastern Ethiopia:Clinical characteristics and determinants of cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)virus infection is a major cause of liver-associated morbidity and mortality,particularly in low-income countries.A better understanding of the epidemiological,clinical,and virological characteristics of CHB will guide appropriate treatment strategies and improve the control and management of CHB in Ethiopia.AIM To investigate the characteristics of CHB in Eastern Ethiopia and assess the efficacy and safety of antiviral treatment.METHODS This cohort study included 193 adults who were human immunodeficiency virus-negative with CHB between June 2016 and December 2019.Baseline assessments included chemistry,serologic,and viral markers.χ^(2) tests,Mann-Whitney U tests,and logistic regression analyses were used to identify the determinants of cirrhosis.Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate(TDF)was initiated using treatment criteria from the Ethiopian CHB pilot program.RESULTS A total of 132 patients(68.4%)were men,with a median age of 30 years[interquartile range(IQR):24-38].At enrollment,60(31.1%)patients had cirrhosis,of whom 35(58.3%)had decompensated cirrhosis.Khat use,hepatitis B envelope antigen positivity,and a high viral load were independently associated with cirrhosis.Additionally,66 patients(33.4%)fulfilled the treatment criteria and 59(30.6%)started TDF.Among 29 patients who completed 24 months of treatment,the median aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index declined from 1.54(IQR:0.66-2.91)to 1.10(IQR:0.75-2.53)(P=0.002),and viral suppression was achieved in 80.9%and 100%of patients after 12 months and 24 months of treatment,respectively.Among the treated patients,12(20.3%)died within the first 6 months of treatment,of whom 8 had decompensated cirrhosis.CONCLUSION This study highlights the high prevalence of cirrhosis,initial mortality,and the efficacy of TDF treatment.Scaling up measures to prevent and control CHB infections in Ethiopia is crucial.

Impact of Nursing Interventions Based on Self- Efficacy Theory on HAMA and HAMD Scores in Patients with Hepatitis B Cirrhosis

Objective:To explore the effect of nursing interventions based on self-efficacy theory guidance on psychological stress indicators in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods:70 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis from October 2023 to May 2024 were selected and grouped by random number table.The observation group received nursing intervention based on self-efficacy theory,while the control group received routine nursing.The differences in psychological stress indicators,self-efficacy indicators,and nursing satisfaction were compared between the two groups.Results:Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale(HAMD)scores of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.05);Chronic Disease Self-Efficacy Scale(CDSES)scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05);and nursing satisfaction scores of the observation group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Hepatitis B cirrhosis patients receiving nursing care based on self-efficacy theory can stimulate patients'self-efficacy,calm their emotions,and their overall satisfaction is high.

Network meta-analysis of the compensatory effect of different Chinese herbal compounds combined with Entecavir in the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of different Chinese herbal compounds combined with Entecavir in the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis during the compensatory period by using mesh meta-analysis.Methods:PubMed,CNKI,Wanfang and VIP databases were searched by computer,and the retrieval time was from the establishment of each database to October 5,2022.According to inclusion and exclusion criteria,literature search was conducted independently by two researchers.RevMan5.4.1 software provided by Cochrane was used for evaluation,and Stata16.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 34 RCTs were included,involving 16 TCM compounds and 1543 patients.The results of network meta-analysis showed that ALT indexes of liver function were listed as Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Method>Luoshugan Tablet>Anluo Huaxian Wan>Qishenrugan Capsule>Qingganhuaji Decoction>Ganshuang Granules>Compound Biejia Rugan Tablet>Rougan Sanjie Decoction>Shugan Jianpi Decoction>Shenqi Fuzheng Huayu Decoction>Peituhua Decoction>Shugan Jianpi Huoxu prescription>Rhubarb Zhezhan Capsule combined with Entecavir treatment respectively;The order of HA index of liver fibrosis was Heluo Shugan Tablet>Shugan Jianpi Huoxui prescription>Anluo Huaxian Wan>Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablet>Rougan Sanjie Decoction>Ganshuang Granules>Danji Huoxui Decoction>Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Method>Rhubarb Zhezhe Capsule>Fuzheng Huayu Table>Shugan Jianpi Decoction>Rougan Huayu Decoction>Peitu Huayu Decoction>Qingganhuaji Prescription>Shenqi Fuzheng Huayu prescription combined with Entecavir respectively;In order of adverse reactions from best to worst,Shuganjianpi Decoction,Qishenrugangan Capsule,Ganshuang Granules,Peituhuazhi Decoction,compound Biejiruganpian,and He Shugan Pian combined with entecavir,respectively;The effective rate of treatment was listed as Ganshuang Granules>Compound Biejia Ruangan Tablets>uoshugan Tablets>Rougansanjie Decoction>Rhubarb Zhezhe Capsules>Yiqi Jiedu Tongluo Method>Qingganhuaji prescription>Anluo Huaxia Wan>Shugan Jianpi Decoction>Fuzheng Huayu tablets>Peituhuazhi Decoction>Shenqi Fuzheng Huayu prescription combined with Entecavir respectively.Conclusion:Entecavir combined with supplementing qi and detoxifying and dredging collages is the best method to recover ALT index of liver function during the compensation period for hepatitis B cirrhosis;Entecavir combination and Luoshugan tablet were the best treatment for HA index of hepatic fibrosis;Entecavir combined with Shuganjianpi Decoction was the best treatment for adverse reactions;The best treatment efficiency was Entecavir combined with Ganshuang granules.

乙肝肝硬化失代偿期并发肝功能衰竭患者血清Autotaxin、Copeptin、LBP与预后的关系研究

目的探讨乙肝肝硬化失代偿期(HBV-DC)并发肝功能衰竭(LF)患者血清自分泌运动因子(Autotaxin)、和肽素(Copeptin)、内毒素结合蛋白(LBP)与预后的关系。方法选取2018年2月至2023年8月我院收治的143例HBV-DC并发LF患者为研究对象,随访90 d,根据预后情况分组为死亡组(55例)与存活组(88例),比较两组血清Autotaxin、Copeptin、LBP水平。收集HBV-DC并发LF患者的临床资料,采用单因素和多因素Logistic回归模型分析HBV-DC并发LF患者预后的影响因素。采用受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析血清Autotaxin、Copeptin、LBP单独或联合预测HBV-DC并发LF患者预后的临床价值。结果143例HBV-DC并发LF患者随访90 d时,有55例死亡,88例存活,死亡率38.46%。与存活组比较,死亡组血清Autotaxin、Copeptin、LBP水平明显增加(P<0.05)。与存活组比较,死亡组住院时间≥14 d比例、并发腹水比例、并发肝性脑病比例、谷丙转氨酶、总胆红素、终末期肝病模型(MELD)评分显著升高(P<0.05),白蛋白显著降低(P<0.05),年龄、性别、合并糖尿病、合并高血压、血肌酐、血小板计数、纤维蛋白原无显著性差异(P>0.05)。总胆红素升高、并发肝性脑病、MELD评分升高以及血清Autotaxin、Copeptin、LBP水平升高均为HBV-DC并发LF患者预后不良的危险因素(P<0.05)。ROC曲线结果显示,血清Autotaxin、LBP、Copeptin标联合检测预测HBV-DC并发LF患者预后不良的曲线下面积(AUC)、灵敏度、特异度分别为0.930、85.45%、88.64%,显著优于单项指标检测预测的效能。结论血清Autotaxin、Copeptin、LBP高表达与HBV-DC并发LF患者短期死亡发生风险有关,且联合检测对HBV-DC并发LF患者短期死亡的发生具有较高的临床预测价值。

Serum and ascites levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor, TNF-α and IL-6 in patients with chronic virus hepatitis B and hepatitis cirrhosis

Objective: To study the potential role of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the development of chronic virus hepatitis B (CH) and hepatitis cirrhosis (HC). Methods: The serum concentrations of MIF, TNF-α and IL-6 in 18 patients with chronic virus hepatitis B and in 14 patients with hepatitis cirrhosis without as- citic fluid, and the serum and ascites cytokine con- centrations in 22 HC patients with ascitic fluid were detected by enzyme linked immunity sorbed assay. Results: The cytokine concentrations of the patients were significantly higher than those of the controls. The serum levels of MIF, TNF-α and IL-6 of the 22 patients with ascitic fluid were higer than those of 14 HC patients without ascites. In the 18 patients with CH, the serum cytokine concentrations were the low- est. The serum cytokine concentrations of the 22 HC patients with ascites were significantly higher than those of the 14 HC patients without ascites (P< 0. 01). Their serum cytokine concentrations were sig- nificantly higher than those in the 18 patients with CH (P<0. 01). The concentration of IL-6 in ascites was the highest among all the groups. The serum le- vels of MIF, TNF-α and IL-6 are correlated with al- anine aminotransferase (ALT) in the patients with CH, but not in those with HC with or without asci- tes. Conclusions: These results indicated that MIF, TNF- α and IL-6 may participate in the pathological process of CH and cirrhosis, that IL-6 seems to play an important role in ascites formation, and that se- rum levels of MIF, TNF-α and IL-6 appear to reflect the severity of tissue injury in HBV disease.

Analysis of the Clinical Value of Baogan Lishui Decoction and Conventional Western Medicine in Treating Hepatitis B Cirrhosis Refractory Ascites

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of combination treatment of Chinese medicine Baogan Lishui decoction and western medicine on hepatitis B(Hep B)cirrhosis-related refractory ascites.The control group was given conventional western medicine therapy while the observation group was given same conventional western medicine therapy with additional of Chinese medicine Baogan Lishui decoction.The total effective of clinical treatment on Hep B cirrhosis-related refractory ascites in observation group was higher than that of the control group which was 88.89%compared to 71.11%,respectively,and it was significant different(P<0.05).The combination treatment of Chinese medicine Baogan Lishui decoction and conventional western medicine can significantly increase the treatment effect on Hep B cirrhosis refractory ascites,and thus increases the quality and safety of life.

Parents’s knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B can influence the vaccination of their children

BACKGROUND Birth-dose(Hep-BD)followed by three additional doses(Hep-B3)of hepatitis B virus(HBV)vaccine are key to eliminating HBV by 2030.Unfortunately,Hep-BD and Hep-B3 coverage in our country is poor.AIM To studied the parent’s knowledge and awareness about HBV infection,its prevention,consequences and vaccination.METHODS Parents of 6 months to 8 years old children were interviewed to assess their knowledge&awareness about hepatitis B,its transmission,prevention,illness caused by this,and vaccination.Eighteen close-ended questions were admini-stered,and responses were recorded as‘yes’,‘no’,or‘not sure’.HBV knowledge score was calculated based on the sum of correct answers.Each correct response scored one point and incorrect,missing or‘not sure’responses received no points.Categorical data are presented as number(%)and numerical data are expressed as median.Data were compared using Chi2 tests and level of significance was kept as P<0.05.RESULTS Parents(58.3%mothers)of 384 children(89.9%age<5 years;82%age-appropriately vaccinated)were included.Three hundred and twenty-two(83.9%)children were Hep-B3 vaccinated.94.3%,87.5%,and 29.2%parents knew about polio,tetanus,and hepatitis B vaccine.Overall,41.2%,15.8%,and 23%parents knew about hepatitis B transmission,consequences of infection,and prevention respectively.Only 7.6%parents knew about three-dose schedule of hepatitis B vaccination.Only 23%parents believed that vaccine could prevent HBV,15.7%knew that HBV affects liver.Parents of Hep-B3 vaccinated children were significantly more aware about HBV than the parents of unvaccinated children(P<0.05 for 17/18 questions).CONCLUSION The knowledge and awareness among the parents about hepatitis B is poor.The Increasing knowledge/awareness about HBV among parents may improve Hep-B3 vaccination coverage.

Baseline hepatocyte ballooning is a risk factor for adverse events in patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND Although many studies have investigated the impact of chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)on liver disease,few have investigated the relationship between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)defined by liver pathology and the prognosis of chronic HBV infection.Most patients were followed up for a short time.This study aimed to further explore the impact of NAFLD and the pathological changes confirmed by liver pathology in patients with chronic HBV infection.AIM To study the effect of NAFLD confirmed using liver pathology on the outcomes of long-term serious adverse events[cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and death]in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)virus infection.METHODS We enrolled patients with chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection who underwent liver biopsy at the Third People’s Hospital of Zhenjaing Affiliated Jiangsu University between January 2005 and September 2020.Baseline clinical and pathological data on liver pathology and clinical data at the end of follow-up were collected.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance baseline parameters,Kaplan-Meier(K-M)survival analysis was used to evaluate the risk of clinical events,and Cox regression was used to analyze the risk factors of events.RESULTS Overall,456 patients with chronic HBV infection were included in the study,of whom 152(33.3%)had histologically confirmed NAFLD.The median follow-up time of the entire cohort was 70.5 mo.Thirty-four patients developed cirrhosis,which was diagnosed using ultrasound during the follow-up period.K-M survival analysis showed that NAFLD was not significantly associated with the risk of cirrhosis(log-rank test,P>0.05).Patients with CHB with fibrosis at baseline were more prone to cirrhosis(log-rank test,P=0.046).After PSM,multivariate analysis showed that diabetes mellitus,ballooning deformation(BD),and platelet(PLT)were independent risk factors for cirrhosis diagnosed using ultrasound(P<0.05).A total of 10 patients(2.2%)developed HCC,and six of these patients were in the combined NAFLD group.K-M survival analysis showed that the cumulative risk of HCC in the NAFLD group was significantly higher(log-rank test,P<0.05).Hepatocyte ballooning,and severe liver fibrosis were also associated with an increased risk of HCC(log-rank test,all P<0.05).Cox multivariate analysis revealed that hepatocyte ballooning,liver fibrosis,and diabetes mellitus were independent risk factors for HCC.CONCLUSION There was no significant correlation between chronic HBV infection and the risk of cirrhosis in patients with NAFLD.Diabetes mellitus,BD,and PLT were independent risk factors for liver cirrhosis.Patients with chronic HBV infection and NASH have an increased risk of HCC.BD,liver fibrosis,and diabetes mellitus are independent risk factors for HCC.

Hepatitis B Virus in Cirrhosis and Primary Livers Cancers

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa, due to its frequency and progression to complications such as cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Objective: To help improve the management of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Patients and Methods: This was a 34-month cross-sectional study conducted in the Hepato-Gastroenterology Department of the CHU de l’Amitié Sino-centra-fricaine in Bangui. It included patients of both sexes aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of HBV-related cirrhosis and/or HCC. Results: During the study period, 1344 patients were admitted to hospital, 681 of them for chronic liver disease (51%). Among patients admitted for chronic liver disease, in particular cirrhosis and/or HCC, HBV was implicated in 288 cases (42.30%), of whom 170 (24.96%) met our inclusion criteria. These included 123 men (72.35%) and 47 women (27.65%). The sex ratio was 2.61. The mean age of our patients was 40 years (±11 years) with extremes of 18 and 76 years. Cirrhosis was observed in 101 cases (59.41%), HCC on cirrhosis in 59 cases (34.70%) and HCC in 10 cases (5.89%). Cirrhosis was classified as Child-Pugh B in 62 cases and C in 20 cases. HCC on cirrhosis was classified according to BCLC stage C in 7 cases and stage D in 52 cases. Conclusion: HBV is the leading cause of cirrhosis and HCC in the Central African Republic. Chronic liver disease is diagnosed at the advanced stage of the disease. Hence the importance of early detection, prevention through vaccination at birth, and management of infected patients.

Correlations of portal hypertensive gastropathy of hepatitis B cirrhosis with other factors

Objective: To study the clinical relations of portal hy- pertensive gastropathy (PHG) of hepatitis B cirrho- sis to other factors. Methods: Three groups of subjects were studied pro- spectively at our hospital from March 2000 to March 2001: 159 hepatitis B cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension, 114 hepatitis B cirrhotic patients with- out portal hypertension, and 97 control subjects. Free portal vein pressure (FPP) was measured dur- ing surgery. Liver function was assessed by Pugh's modification of Child's criteria. The area of liver collagen fibrin was studied using color image analysis system. Esophageal varices were identified by Dagra- di grading. Gastric varices were identified according to Northern Italian Endoscopic Council (NIEC) grading. Hypersplenism was assessed with the reduc- tion of WBC, HGB and PLT. Hepatitis B virus in the gastric mucosa was detected by immunizing histo- chemistry. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) organisms were identified by rapid urease testing and/or exami- nation of the stained biopsy specimens (haematoxylin and eosin). To analyze the correlation between these endoscopic signs at the gastric level and other fac- tors. Results: The differences of FPP among the three groups (patients with grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ gastropa- thy) were not significant. There was no correlation between Child-Pugh classification grading and the se- verity of gastropathy (P=0. 153). The differences of the area of liver collagen fibrin among the three grade gastropathy were not statistically significant (P =0. 801). There was a significant difference in the prevalence of severe PHG among grade Ⅰ, Ⅱ, Ⅲ, Ⅳ and Ⅴ esophageal varices (P<0. 001). PHG was present in a similar percentage of patients with gas- tric varices compared with those without gastric vari- ces (P=0. 209). There was a significant difference in the severity between PHG and hypersplenism (P= 0. 003). Seven patients with PHG had no microscopic evidence of hepatitis B virus infection in the gastric wall. There was no correlation between Child-Pugh classification grading and infection of H. pylori (P= 0. 7491). Conclusions: The most important element causing PHG is the increased portal pressure as a prerequi- site. In addition, other factors may contribute to the development of PHG. PHG often occurs in patients with the presence of esophageal varices. There is a marked correlation between the severity of PHG and hypersplenism. Hepatitis B virus and H. pylori infec- tion are unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of PHG. The development of PHG is less influenced ei- ther by the severity of liver disease (Child-Pugh grade) and cirrhosis or by the presence or non pre- sence of gastric varices.

Correlation Between NLRP3 Inflammasome and GP73 Levels and Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with Esophageal Varices Rupture

Objective:To investigate the correlation between NOD-like receptor family protein 3(NLRP3)inflammasome and Golgi protein 73(GP73)levels and hepatitis B cirrhosis with esophageal varices(EV)rupture.Methods:The subjects of this study were 145 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and varices who were treated in our hospital in recent years.Endoscopic examination was performed on the patients.The patients were divided into two groups according to whether there was EV rupture:rupture group and non-rupture group.The correlation between plasma NLRP3 and GP73 levels and hepatitis B cirrhosis with EV rupture was analyzed.Results:Through observation,comparing the levels of NLRP3 and GP73 between the two groups,the levels of NLRP3 and GP73 were significantly higher in the rupture group than in the non-rupture group(P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that NLRP3 and GP73 levels and Child-Pugh classification were related risk factors of hepatitis B cirrhosis with EV rupture.Conclusion:NLRP3 inflammasome and GP73 levels are closely related to hepatitis B cirrhosis with EV rupture.The corresponding evaluation aids in predicting EV rupture and bleeding in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Adjuvant hepatic chemotherapy after resection of solitary hepatocellular carcinoma associated with hepatitis B virus cirrhosis

BACKGROUND: Although resection is the major treatment for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma ( HCC), the high intrahepatic recurrence remains a cardinal cause of death. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy on the survival and recurrence of HCC patients with hepatitis B virus ( HBV) cirrhosis after resection. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients who had undergone placement of a hepatic arterial pump at the time of liver wedge resection for HCC from 1998 through 2004 were reviewed retrospectively. These patients aged 23-71 years had HBV cirrhosis (Child-Pugh class A or B). They were given floxuridine(FUDR) (250 mg), doxorubicin (10 mg) and mitomycin C (4 mg) alternatively every 2 or 3 days through arterial pumps for 8 cycles each year in the first two years after resection. Meanwhile, traditional Chinese herbal medicine was prescribed to the patients. When the leucocyte count was as low as 3 x 109/L or asparate aminotransferase (AST) level was significantly increased, the regimen of chemotherapy was delayed for the normalization of leucocyte count and AST level (below 80 U/L). RESULTS: Of the 28 patients, 23 received 8 or 16 cycles of the set regimen of chemotherapy. These patients are alive with no evidence of recurrence. Among them, 5,7, and 11 patients are alive beyond 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year respectively. In the remaining 5 patients, 3 who had had a HCC 10 cm or more in diameter showed tumor recurrence within 1 year, in whom, 8 cycles of chemotherapy were not completed because of their low leucocyte count (<3 × 109/L) and poor liver function. One patient who had received 8 cycles of chemotherapy demonstrated recurrence at 16 months after resection. One patient who had received 16 cycles of chemotherapy had intrahepatic recurrence at 58 months after surgery. No recurrence was observed in 17 patients who had received 16 cycles of chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant hepatic arterial chemotherapy may be feasible to improve the survival of patients after resection of solitary HCC associated with HBV cirrhosis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma progression in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis patients receiving nucleoside(acid)analogs therapy:A retrospective cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND Antiviral therapy cannot completely block the progression of hepatitis B to hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Furthermore,there are few predictors of early HCC progression and limited strategies to prevent progression in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis who receive nucleos(t)ide analog(NA)therapy.AIM The study aim was to clarify risk factors and the diagnostic value of alphafetoprotein(AFP)for HCC progression in NA-treated hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related cirrhosis patients.METHODS In this retrospective cross-sectional study,we analyzed the clinical data of 266 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis who received NA treatment between February 2014 and April 2020 at Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital.The patients were divided into two groups,145 who did not progress to HCC(No-HCC group),and 121 who progressed to HCC during NA treatment(HCC group).The logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of HCC progression.The diagnostic value of AFP for HCC was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Univariate analysis showed that age≥60 years(P=0.001),hepatitis B and alcoholic etiology(P=0.007),smoking history(P<0.001),family history of HBV-related HCC(P=0.002),lamivudine resistance(P=0.011),HBV DNA negative(P=0.023),aspartate aminotransferase>80 U/L(P=0.002),gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase>120 U/L(P=0.001),alkaline phosphatase>250 U/L(P=0.001),fasting blood glucose(FBG)≥6.16(mmol/L)(P=0.001)and Child-Pugh class C(P=0.005)were correlated with HCC progression.In multivariate analysis,age≥60 years[hazard ratio(HR)=3.089,95%confidence interval(CI):1.437-6.631,P=0.004],smoking history(HR=4.001,95%CI:1.836-8.716,P<0.01),family history of HBV-related HCC(HR=6.763,95%CI:1.253-36.499,P<0.05),lamivudine resistance(HR=2.949,95%CI:1.207-7.208,P=0.018),HBV DNA negative(HR=0.026,95%CI:0.007-0.139,P<0.01),FBG≥6.16 mmol/L(HR=7.219,95%CI:3.716-14.024,P<0.01)were independent risk factors of HCC progression.ROC of AFP for diagnosis of HCC was 0.746(95%CI:0.674-0.818).A cutoff value of AFP of 9.00 ug/L had a sensitivity of 0.609,and specificity of 0.818 for diagnosing HCC.CONCLUSION Age≥60 years,smoking history,family history of HCC,lamivudine resistance,HBV DNA negative,FBG≥6.16 mmol/L were risk factors of HCC progression.Serum AFP had limited diagnostic value for HCC.

Mannose-binding lectin 2 rs11003123 polymorphism is associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis B-related cirrhosis in the Chinese population

BACKGROUND： Mannose-binding lectin 2 （MBL2） plays a key role in the host immune response, but whether it is associ- ated with hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） is not dear. The present study aimed to identify the association between MBL2 gene polymorphisms and HCC in patients with hepatitis B virus （I-IBV）-related cirrhosis in the Chinese population.

EXPRESSION OF INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR Ⅱ(IGF-Ⅱ)IN HUMAN HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA AND LIVER CIRRHOSIS:ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH HEPATITIS B VIRUS X PROTEIN EXPRESSION

Sixty cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 47 cases of liver cirrhosis (LC) were examined with immunocytochemistry method using antibodies against IGF-II and HBxAg on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections. 32 HCC and 37 LC were found to be positive to HBxAg, in which the positive rates of IGF-II were 100% (32/32) and 94.6% (35/37) respectively. 28 HCC and 10 LC were found to be HBxAg negative, IGF-II was positive in 23 HCC (83.1%) and 6 LC (60%). The positive expression rates of IGF-II in HBxAg positive tissues were significantly higher than those in HBxAg negative tissues (P<0.05). There were three types of distribution of IGF-II expression in HCC and LC: (1) perinucleus; (2) diffuse in cytoplasm; (3) inside nucleus. IGF-II was highly expressed in most of hyperplastic and neoplastic nodules hepatocytes and some of regeneration nodules. Small polygonal liver cells (SPLCs) were found in the liver tissues surrounding the tumor and cirrhosis and they were positive to both IGF-II and HBxAg. The positive rates of IGF-II in SPLC were 86.4% (38/44) in the HBxAg-positive tissues and 40.5%, (15/37) in the HBxAg-negative tissues. The above findings suggest that IGF-II plays an important role in abnormal proliferation of HCC and SPLC. The relation between IGF-II andHBxAg and the nature of SPLCs are also discussed.

Effect of Bijia Jian Pill on inflammatory factors and liver fibrosis indexes in patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated with cirrhosis

Objective: To detect the effect of BiJia Jian Pill on inflammatory factors and liver fibrosis indexes in patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated with cirrhosis. Methods: A total of 94 patients with chronic hepatitis B combined with cirrhosis admitted in the hospital from January 2017 to December 2017 were selected as the subjects, and they were randomly divided into 47 cases in the observation group and 47 cases in the control group. The control group was given Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, and the observation group was treated with Bijia Jian pills on the basis of control group. The changes of liver function, inflammatory factors and liver fibrosis indexes were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Results Before treatment, there was no significant difference in AST, ALT, TBIL and ALB between the two groups. After treatment, the AST, ALT and TBIL of the two groups were all decreased, and the AST, ALT and TBIL in the observation group were lower than those of the control group;the ALB of the two groups increased, and the ALB of the observation group was higher than that of the control group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in TNF-α, IL-1 βand IL-10 between the two groups. After treatment, the TNF-α and IL-1β of the two groups were decreased, and the TNF-α and IL-1β in the observation group were lower than those of the control group;the IL-10 of the two groups increased, and the IL-10 in the observation group was higher than that in the control group. Before treatment, there was no significant difference in HA, LN, IV-C and PCIII between the two groups. After treatment, the HA, LN, IV-C and PCIII of the two groups were all decreased, and the HA, LN, IV-C and PCIII of the observation group were lower than those of the control group. Conclusion Bijia Jian pills can effectively improve the inflammatory factors and liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B complicated with cirrhosis.

Effect of Qianggan Pills combined with antiviral treatment on the fibrosis indexes, immune and inflammatory response in patients with compensated hepatitis b cirrhosis

Objective:To study the effect of Qianggan Pills combined with antiviral treatment on the fibrosis indexes, immune and inflammatory response in patients with compensated hepatitis b cirrhosis.Methods:A total of 88 patients with compensated hepatitis b cirrhosis treated in our hospital between April 2013 and March 2016 were collected and divided into observation group and control group according to single blind randomized control. Observation group of patients accepted Qianggan Pills combined with antiviral treatment and control group of patients received antiviral treatment alone. After 6 months of treatment, chemiluminescence method was used to detect serum fibrosis indexes, flow cytometer was used to detect peripheral blood T lymphocyte subset levels, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum levels of inflammatory factors.Results: Before treatment, differences in fibrosis indexes, immune and inflammatory response indexes were not statistically significant between two groups of patients;after 6 months of treatment, serum LN, HA andⅣ-C levels of observation group were lower than those of control group, peripheral blood CD3+ and CD4+T lymphocyte levels as well as CD4+/CD8+ ratio were higher than those of control group, and CD8+ T lymphocyte level was lower than that of control group;serum PCT and CRP levels were lower than those of control group while IL-10 and IL-13 levels were higher than those of control group.Conclusion:Qianggan Pills combined with antiviral treatment can inhibit the fibrosis process, strengthen the body's immune function and also relieve systemic inflammatory response in patients with compensated hepatitis b cirrhosis.

Effects of adjuvant therapy with anluohuaxian capsule on serum inflammatory factors, hepatic fibrosis indexes and immune function in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis

Objective: To investigate the effect of adjuvant therapy with anluohuaxian capsule on the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis, and its influence on serum inflammatory factors, liver fibrosis indexes and immune function. Methods: A total of 112 cases of hepatitis B cirrhosis patients were divided into the control group (n=55) and observation group (n=57) according to the random data table, patients in the two groups were given routine treatment, on this basis, the control group received the treatment of Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets, and the observation group was treated with Adefovir Dipivoxil Tablets combined with Anluo Huaxian pill treatment, two groups were treated for 48 weeks. The levels of serum inflammatory factors, liver fibrosis indexes and immune function indexes of the two groups were compared before and after treatment. Results: Before treatment, There was no significant difference between the two groups of TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, IVC, HA, PIIIP, LN, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+and CD4+/CD8+ levels. After treatment, TNF-α, IL-6, hs-CRP, IVC, HA, PIIIP, LN, CD3+, CD4+, CD8+and CD4+/CD8+ levels in the observation group and control group were significantly lower than those before treatment in the same group, and levels in the observation group after treatment were significantly lower than the control group;Compared with the group before treatment, the levels of CD3+, CD4+ and CD4+/CD8+ of two groups after treatment were significantly increased, and the observation group was significantly higher than the control group. Conclusion: Adjuvant therapy with anluohuaxian capsule on the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis, can effectively reduce the inflammatory stress reaction, reduce the level of serum liver fibrosis index and improve the immune function, and has important clinical value.