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.

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.

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.

Multi-clustering study on the association between human leukocyte antigen-DP-DQ and hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis in Viet Nam

BACKGROUND Human leukocyte antigen(HLA)class II molecules are cell surface receptor proteins found on antigen-presenting cells.Polymorphisms and mutations in the HLA gene can affect the immune system and the progression of hepatitis B.AIM To study the relation between rs2856718 of HLA-DQ,rs3077,and rs9277535 of HLA-DP,hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related cirrhosis,and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS In this case-control study,the genotypes of these single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs)were screened in 315 healthy controls,471 chronic hepatitis B patients,250 patients with HBV-related liver cirrhosis,and 251 patients with HCC using TaqMan real-time PCR.We conducted Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium and linkage disequilibrium tests on the genotype distributions of rs2856718,rs3077,and rs9277535 before hierarchical clustering analysis to build the complex interaction between the markers in each patient group.RESULTS The physical distance separating these SNPs was 29816 kB with the disequilibrium(D’)values ranging from 0.07 to 0.34.The close linkage between rs3077 and rs9277535 was attributed to a distance of 21 kB.The D’value decreased from moderate in the healthy control group(D’=0.50,P<0.05)to weak in the hepatic disease group(D’<0.3,P<0.05).In a combination of the three variants rs2856718,rs3077,and rs9277535,the A allele decreased hepatic disease risk[A-A-A haplotype,risk ratio(RR)=0.44(0.14;1.37),P<0.05].The G allele had the opposite effect[G-A/G-G haplotype,RR=1.12(1.02;1.23),P<0.05].In liver cancer cases,the A-A-A/G haplotype increased the risk of HCC by 1.58(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Rs9277535 affects liver fibrosis progression due to HBV infection,while rs3077 is associated with a risk of HBVrelated HCC.The link between rs2856718,rs3077,and rs9277535 and disease risk was determined using a multiclustering analysis.

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.

Changes in the etiology of liver cirrhosis and the corresponding management strategies

We read with interest the article by Xing Wang,which was published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Hepatology 2023;15:1294-1306.This article focuses particularly on the prevalence and trends in the etiology of liver cirrhosis(LC),prognosis for patients suffering from cirrhosis-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),and management strategies.The etiology of cirrhosis varies according to geographical,economic,and population factors.Viral hepatitis is the dominant cause in China.Vaccination and effective treatment have reduced the number of people with viral hepatitis,but the overall number is still large.Patients with viral hepatitis who progress over time to LC and HCC remain an important population to manage.The increased incidence of metabolic syndrome and alcohol consumption is likely to lead to a potential exponential increase in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)-associated LC and alcoholic liver disease in the future.Investigating the evolution of the etiology of LC is important for guiding the direction of future research and policy development.These changing trends indicate a need for greater emphasis on tackling obesity and diabetes,and implementing more effective measures to regulate alcohol consumption in order to reduce the occurrence of MASLD.In an effort to help cope with these changing trends,the authors further proposed countermeasures for healthcare authorities doctors,and patients.

OBSERVATION ON THE EFFECT OF MOXIBUSTION ON HYPERBILIRUBINEMIA IN HEPATITIS B TYPE CIRRHOSIS PATIENTS

Objective: To study the effect of moxibustion on hyperbilirubinemia in hepatitis B cirrhosis patients. Methods: 56 cases of inpatients with hepatitis B cirrhosis were divided into treatment group (n=27) and control group (n=29) randomly. All the patients of these two groups were given with routine expectant treatment including administration of medicines (Bifendate, Eessentiale, Potenline, etc) for protecting liver functions, reducing the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), etc., and in the meantime, patients of the treatment group were also treated with moxibustion of Zusanli (足三里 ST 36), Taichong (太冲 LR 3) and Sanyinjiao (三阴交 SP 6), once daily, continuously for 4 weeks. Results: After 4 weeks of treatment, of the 27 and 29 cases of treatment and control group, 23 and 10 patients had improvement in clinical symptoms, 4 and 19 failed, with the total effective rates being 85.18% and 34.48% respectively. Serum total bilirubin (TBil) contents of treatment and control groups decreased significantly, and the level of TBil in the treatment group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.01). Conclusion: Moxibustion is an effective remedy in relieving hyperbilirubinemia and improving clinical symptoms in the treatment of hepatitis B cirrhosis patients.

Danshao Huaxian capsule in treatment of decompensated cirrhosis resulting from chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND: The prognosis of decompensated cirrhosis resulting from chronic hepatitis B is poor, and the benefits of treatment with interferon are ourweight serious sideeffects and the risk of fatal exacerbation of disease. Danshao Huaxian capsule rapidly reduces hepatitis B virus(HBV)-DNA in serum to undetectable levels. METHODS: A total of 35 patients with chronic hepatitis B and decompensated cirrhosis were treated with Danshao Huaxian 1.2g. po. tid daily. Before the treatment, HBVDNA in serum was positive in all patients. Ten patients had Child-Pugh class B and 25, class C hepatitis B. Seven patients underwent liver transplantation within 6 months of initial treatment. Of the 10 patients of class B, 5 died within 6 months, and the other 5 did not complete the treatment for some reasons; the 25 patients of class C were treated for at least 6 months (mean =19 months). RESULTS: In most of the 25 patients, liver function was improved slowly but markedly after 9 months of treatment, showing a decreased level of serum bilirubin from 67±13 to 30±4μmol/L (P<0.05, baseline vs.6 months), an increased level of serum albumin from 27±1 to 34±1 g/L(P<0.05) and a decreased level of Child-Pugh score from 10.3±0.4 to 7.5+0.5 (P<0.05). Three patients developed resistance to Danshao Huaxian because of a mutation in the YMDD motif, but liver function was not deteriorated. Inhibition of viral replication with Danshao Huaxian resulted in a significant improvement of liver function in patients with decompensated HBV cirrhosis, but the long-term results remain uncertain. CONCLUSION: Danshao Huaxian capsule is effective in inhibiting viral DNA replication in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and making clinical improvement.

Short Term Efficacy of Entecavir in the Treatment of Decompensated Chronic Hepatitis B Cirrhosis

Objective:To explore the effect of entecavir on patients with decompensated chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods:From October 2007 to December 2019,100 patients with decompensated chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis who were treated in our hospital were selected to carry out this study.The clinical data of the patients were analyzed.According to whether entecavir treatment was carried out,100 patients were divided into two groups,50 cases in the control group and 50 cases in the observation group.The control group was treated with conventional drugs,and the observation group was treated with entecavir.Liver function indexes,liver fibrosis indexes,HBV-DNA negative conversion rate and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:Compared with the control group,the liver function indexes of the observation group were lower,P<0.05;Compared with the control group,the observation group was better,P<0.05;The negative rate of HBV-DNA in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(P<0.05);There was no difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups,P>0.05.Conclusion:Entecavir can not only improve the liver function,but also enhance the shortterm treatment effect,without increasing adverse reactions,and has high safety,which is worthy of recommendation.

Non-invasive diagnosis of hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis

Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)infection is a major public health problem associated with significant morbidity and mortality worldwide.Twenty-three percent of patients with CHB progress naturally to liver cirrhosis,which was earlier thought to be irreversible.However,it is now known that cirrhosis can in fact be reversed by treatment with oral anti-nucleotide drugs.Thus,early and accurate diagnosis of cirrhosis is important to allow an appropriate treatment strategy to be chosen and to predict the prognosis of patients with CHB.Liver biopsy is the reference standard for assessment of liver fibrosis.However,the method is invasive,and is associated with pain and complications that can be fatal.In addition,intra-and inter-observer variability compromises the accuracy of liver biopsy data.Only small tissue samples are obtained and fibrosis is heterogeneous in such samples.This confounds the two types of observer variability mentioned above.Such limitations have encouraged development of non-invasive methods for assessment of fibrosis.These include measurements of serum biomarkers of fibrosis;and assessment of liver stiffness via transient elastography,acoustic radiation force impulse imaging,real-time elastography,or magnetic resonance elastography.Although significant advances have been made,most work to date has addressed the diagnostic utility of these techniques in the context of cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis C infection.In the present review,we examine the advantages afforded by use of non-invasive methods to diagnose cirrhosis in patients with CHB infections and the utility of such methods in clinical practice.

Impact of Fuzheng Huayu tablet on antiviral effect of entecavir in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis

Background:Fuzheng Huayu tablet is a traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)used for the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.However,whether the combination with Fuzheng Huayu tablet could affect the antiviral efflcacy of nucleos(t)ide remains a concern.The objective of this trial was to explore the impact of Fuzheng Huayu tablet on antiviral effect of entecavir in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.Methods:A prospective,randomized control trial was conducted.Patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis were randomly divided into the treatment group(entecavir capsule plus Fuzheng Huayu tablet)and the control group(entecavir capsule plus simulant of Fuzheng Huayu),and followed up for 48 weeks.The dynamic changes of HBV DNA load,the rate of serological conversion of HBeAg,liver function,renal function and liver stiffness measurement(LSM)were monitored.The general clinical data and adverse events were also recorded.Results:There was no significant difference in the rate of virological response and cumulative virological response between the treatment group and the control group(P>0.05).After 48 weeks of treatment,the HBeAg seroconversion rate,biochemical response rate and LSM value were 21.05%and 4.76%(P=0.164),86.96%and 65.96%(P=0.017),9.5 kpa and 10.6 kpa(P=0.827)in the treatment group and the control group,respectively.No serious adverse events related to the study therapy occurred during the trial.Conclusions:The antiviral entecavir combined with Fuzheng Huayu tablet did not affect the antiviral efflcacy of entecavir,but could improve the rate of biochemical response,and had a tendency to improve the rate of serological conversion of HBeAg and liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.Fuzheng Huayu tablet is clinically safe for patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis.

Liver fibrosis index-based nomograms for identifying esophageal varices in patients with chronic hepatitis B related cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Esophageal varices(EV)are the most fatal complication of chronic hepatitis B(CHB)related cirrhosis.The prognosis is poor,especially after the first upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.AIM To construct nomograms to predict the risk and severity of EV in patients with CHB related cirrhosis.METHODS Between 2016 and 2018,the patients with CHB related cirrhosis were recruited and divided into a training or validation cohort at The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University.Clinical and ultrasonic parameters that were closely related to EV risk and severity were screened out by univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses,and integrated into two nomograms,respectively.Both nomograms were internally and externally validated by calibration,concordance index(C-index),receiver operating characteristic curve,and decision curve analyses(DCA).RESULTS A total of 307 patients with CHB related cirrhosis were recruited.The independent risk factors for EV included Child-Pugh class[odds ratio(OR)=7.705,95%confidence interval(CI)=2.169-27.370,P=0.002],platelet count(OR=0.992,95%CI=0.984-1.000,P=0.044),splenic portal index(SPI)(OR=3.895,95%CI=1.630-9.308,P=0.002),and liver fibrosis index(LFI)(OR=3.603,95%CI=1.336-9.719,P=0.011);those of EV severity included Child-Pugh class(OR=5.436,95%CI=2.112-13.990,P<0.001),mean portal vein velocity(OR=1.479,95%CI=1.043-2.098,P=0.028),portal vein diameter(OR=1.397,95%CI=1.021-1.912,P=0.037),SPI(OR=1.463,95%CI=1.030-2.079,P=0.034),and LFI(OR=3.089,95%CI=1.442-6.617,P=0.004).Two nomograms(predicting EV risk and severity,respectively)were well-calibrated and had a favorable discriminative ability,with C-indexes of 0.916 and 0.846 in the training cohort,respectively,higher than those of other predictive indexes,like LFI(C-indexes=0.781 and 0.738),SPI(C-indexes=0.805 and 0.714),ratio of platelet count to spleen diameter(PSR)(C-indexes=0.822 and 0.726),King’s score(C-indexes=0.694 and 0.609),and Lok index(C-indexes=0.788 and 0.700).The areas under the curves(AUCs)of the two nomograms were 0.916 and 0.846 in the training cohort,respectively,higher than those of LFI(AUCs=0.781 and 0.738),SPI(AUCs=0.805 and 0.714),PSR(AUCs=0.822 and 0.726),King’s score(AUCs=0.694 and 0.609),and Lok index(AUCs=0.788 and 0.700).Better net benefits were shown in the DCA.The results were validated in the validation cohort.CONCLUSION Nomograms incorporating clinical and ultrasonic variables are efficient in noninvasively predicting the risk and severity of EV.

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.

Novel index for the prediction of significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients in China

BACKGROUND Noninvasive,practical,and convenient means of detection for the prediction of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in China are greatly needed.AIM To develop a precise noninvasive test to stage liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.METHODS With liver biopsy as the gold standard,we established a new index,[alkaline phosphatase(U/L)+gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase(U/L)/platelet(109/L)(AGPR)],to predict liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.In addition,we compared the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUROC)of AGPR,gammaglutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio,aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index,and FIB-4 and evaluated the accuracy of these routine laboratory indices in predicting liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.RESULTS Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between AGPR and liver fibrosis stage(P<0.001).In the training cohort,the AUROC of AGPR was 0.83(95%CI:0.78-0.87)for predicting fibrosis(≥F2),0.84(95%CI:0.79-0.88)for predicting extensive fibrosis(≥F3),and 0.87(95%CI:0.83-0.91)for predicting cirrhosis(F4).In the validation cohort,the AUROCs of AGPR to predict≥F2,≥F3 and F4 were 0.83(95%CI:0.77-0.88),0.83(95%CI:0.77-0.89),and 0.84(95%CI:0.78-0.89),respectively.CONCLUSION The AGPR index should become a new,simple,accurate,and noninvasive marker to predict liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B patients.

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.

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.

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.

De novo combined lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil therapy vs entecavir monotherapy for hepatitis B virus-related decompensated cirrhosis

AIM:To compare efficacy of combined lamivudine(LAM)and adefovir dipivoxil(ADV)therapy with that of entecavir(ETV)monotherapy for hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related decompensated liver cirrhosis.METHODS:A total of 120 na ve patients with HBVrelated decompensated cirrhosis participated in this study.Sixty patients were treated with combined LAM and ADV therapy(LAM+ADV group),while the other60 were treated with ETV monotherapy(ETV group)for two years.Tests for liver and kidney function,alpha-fetoprotein,HBV serum markers,HBV DNA load,prothrombin time(PT),and ultrasonography or computed tomography scan of the liver were performed every1 to 3 mo.Repeated measure ANOVA and theχ2test were performed to compare the efficacy,side effects,and the cumulative survival rates at 48 and 96 wk.RESULTS:Forty-five patients in each group were observed for 96 wk.No significant differences in HBV DNA negative rates and alanine aminotransferase(ALT)normalization rates at weeks 48(χ2=2.12 and 2.88)and96(χ2=3.21 and 3.24)between the two groups were observed.Hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion rate in the LAM+ADV group at week 96 was significantly higher in the ETV group(43.5%vs 36.4%,χ2=4.09,P<0.05).Viral breakthrough occurred in 2 cases(4.4%)by week 48 and in 3 cases(6.7%)by week 96 in the LAM+ADV group,and no viral mutation was detected.In the ETV group,viral breakthrough occurred in 1 case(2.2%)at the end of week 96.An increase in albumin(F=18.9 and 17.3),decrease in total bilirubin and in ALT(F=16.5,17.1 and 23.7,24.8),reduced PT(F=22.7 and 24.5),and improved Child-Turcotte-Pugh and the model for end-stage liver disease scores(F=18.5,17.8,and 24.2,23.8)were observed in both groups.The cumulative rates of mortality and liver transplantation were 16.7%(10/60)and 18.3%(11/60)in the LAM+ADV and ETV groups,respectively.CONCLUSION:Both LAM+ADV combination therapy and ETV monotherapy can effectively inhibit HBV replication,improve liver function,and decrease mortality.

Antiviral therapy delays esophageal variceal bleeding in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis

AIM:To investigate the effect of antiviral therapy with nucleoside analogs in hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related cirrhosis and esophageal varices.METHODS:Eligible patients with HBV-related cirrhosis and esophageal varices who consulted two tertiary hospitals in Beijing,China,the Chinese Second Artillery General Hospital and Chinese PLA General Hospital,were enrolled in the study from January 2005 to December 2009. Of 117 patients,79 received treatment with different nucleoside analogs and 38 served as controls. Bleeding rate,change in variceal grade and non-bleeding duration were analyzed. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression was used to identify factors related to esophageal variceal bleeding.antiviral group compared to the control group(29.1%vs 65.8%,P < 0.001). Antiviral therapy was an independent factor related to esophageal bleeding in multivariate analysis(HR = 11.3,P < 0.001). The mean increase in variceal grade per year was lower in the antiviral group(1.0 ± 1.3 vs 1.7 ± 1.2,P = 0.003). Nonbleeding duration in the antiviral group was prolonged in the Kaplan-Meier model. Viral load rebound was observed in 3 cases in the lamivudine group and in 1 case in the adefovir group,all of whom experienced bleeding. Entecavir and adefovir resulted in lower bleeding rates(17.2% and 28.6%,respectively) than the control(P < 0.001 and P = 0.006,respectively),whereas lamivudine(53.3%) did not(P = 0.531).CONCLUSION:Antiviral therapy delays the progression of esophageal varices and reduces bleeding risk in HBV-related cirrhosis,however,high-resistance agents tend to be ineffective for long-term treatment.

Differential hepatic features presenting in Wilson disease-associated cirrhosis and hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis

BACKGROUND Cirrhosis is a chronic late stage liver disease associated with hepatitis viruses,alcoholism, and metabolic disorders, such as Wilson disease(WD). There are no clear markers or clinical features that define cirrhosis originating from these disparate origins. We hypothesized that cirrhosis is not one disease and cirrhosis of different etiology may have differential clinical hepatic features.AIM To delineate the liver features between WD-associated cirrhosis and hepatitis Bassociated cirrhosis in the Chinese population.METHODS In this observational study, we reviewed the medical data of consecutive inpatients who had WD-associated cirrhosis or hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis from January 2010 to August 2018, and excluded patients who had carcinoma,severe heart or pulmonary diseases, or other liver diseases. According to the etiology of cirrhosis, patients were divided into two groups: WD-associated cirrhosis group(60 patients) and hepatitis B-associated cirrhosis group(56 patients). The liver fibrosis degree, liver function indices, and portal hypertension features of these patients were compared between the two groups.RESULTS No inter-group differences were observed in the diagnostic liver fibrosis markers,however, clinical features clearly defined the origin of cirrhosis. WD-associated cirrhosis patients(16-29 years) had lower levels of alanine transaminase,aspartate transaminase, and bilirubin, lower prothrombin time, lower incidence of hepatic encephalopathy, and lower portal vein diameter(P < 0.05), compared to cirrhosis resulting from hepatitis B in older patients(45-62 years). Importantly,they had decreased risks of progression from Child-Pugh grade A to B(odds ratio = 0.046, 95% confidence interval: 0.006-0.387, P = 0.005) and of ascites(odds ratio = 0.08, 95% confidence interval: 0.01-0.48, P = 0.005). Conversely, WDassociated cirrhosis patients had a higher risk of splenomegaly(odds ratio = 4.15,95% confidence interval: 1.38-12.45, P = 0.011).CONCLUSION WD-associated cirrhosis presents a higher risk of splenomegaly associated with leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, although revealing milder liver dysfunction and portal hypertension symptoms, which recommends WD patients to be monitored for associated complications.