Hepatitis B virus X protein-mediated upregulation of miR-221 activates the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis to promote NKT cells in HBVrelated hepatocellular carcinoma

Both hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx)and microRNA-221(miR-221)have been implicated in the development of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The present study demonstrates that HBx promotes HCC cell proliferation via the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 12-C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4(CXCL12-CXCR4)axis.We predict that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.Methods:After miR-221 mimic,miR-221 mimic negative control,miR-221 inhibitor,miR-221 inhibitor negative control were transfected into cells,the expression of CXCL12 and miR-221 was detected by qPCR and western blot.Then we constructed a stable HBV-HCC cell line.HBV-HCC cells were injected into the nude mice,thus a HBV-HCC mouse model was constructed.Q-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of HBx,miR-221,CXCL12 and CXCR4 in tumor tissues.The expression of CXCL12 was detected by immunohistochemistry,and the expression of CXCR4,CD3 and CD56 was detected by immunofluorescence.The levels of CXCL12,IL-2 and TNF-αin serum of mice were detected by ELISA.Sixty-one patients with HBV-related HCC,61 patients with HBV-related cirrhosis,61 patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and 30 healthy people were enrolled.CXCL12,cytokine levels,and clinicopathological parameters were tested.Results:Hepatitis B virus X protein upregulates the expression of miR-221 and CXCL12 in lentivirus(LV5)-HBx-transfected HepG2 cells.HBx protein promotes HepG2 cell proliferation in vitro.HBx protein promoted tumor growth via the miR-221/CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway in a mouse tumor model.HBx protein upregulated natural killer T cell expression via the CXCR4/CXCL12 pathway to promote tumor growth.The data demonstrated a positive correlation between CXCL12 concentration with Cre levels and Child-Pugh scores.CXCL12 had an inferior diagnostic efficiency compared to IL-2 and IL-6 for HBV-related HCC.Conclusions:We present evidence that HBx/miR-221-mediated CXCL12/CXCR4 signaling induces NKT cells to promote HBV-related HCC.

Calcitriol attenuates liver fibrosis through hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1-mediated TGF β1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways

BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a serious condition,and the development of hepatic fibrosis can lead to a series of complications.However,the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis remains unclear,and effective therapy options are still lacking.Our group identified hepatitis C virus nonstructural protein 3-transactivated protein 1(NS3TP1) by suppressive subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics analysis,but its role in diseases including hepatic fibrosis remains undefined.Therefore,additional studies on the function of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis are urgently needed to provide new targets for treatment.AIM To elucidate the mechanism of NS3TP1 in hepatic fibrosis and the regulatory effects of calcitriol on NS3TP1.METHODS Twenty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized and separated into three groups,comprising the normal,fibrosis,and calcitriol treatment groups,and liver fibrosis was modeled by carbon tetrachloride(CCl4).To evaluate the level of hepatic fibrosis in every group,serological and pathological examinations of the liver were conducted.TGF-β1 was administered to boost the in vitro cultivation of LX-2 cells.NS3TP1,α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA),collagen I,and collagen Ⅲ in every group were examined using a Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction.The activity of the transforming growth factor beta 1(TGFβ1)/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways in each group of cells transfected with pcDNA-NS3TP1 or siRNA-NS3TP1 was detected.The statistical analysis of the data was performed using the Student’s t test.RESULTS NS3TP1 promoted the activation,proliferation,and differentiation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs)and enhanced hepatic fibrosis via the TGFβ1/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways,as evidenced by the presence of α-SMA,collagen I,collagen Ⅲ,p-smad3,and p-p65 in LX-2 cells,which were upregulated after NS3TP1 overexpression and downregulated after NS3TP1 interference.The proliferation of HSCs was lowered after NS3TP1 interference and elevated after NS3TP1 overexpression,as shown by the luciferase assay.NS3TP1 inhibited the apoptosis of HSCs.Moreover,both Smad3 and p65 could bind to NS3TP1,and p65 increased the promoter activity of NS3TP1,while NS3TP1 increased the promoter activity of TGFβ1 receptor I,as indicated by coimmunoprecipitation and luciferase assay results.Both in vivo and in vitro,treatment with calcitriol dramatically reduced the expression of NS3TP1.Calcitriol therapy-controlled HSCs activation,proliferation,and differentiation and substantially suppressed CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice.Furthermore,calcitriol modulated the activities of the above signaling pathways via downregulation of NS3TP1.CONCLUSION Our results suggest that calcitriol may be employed as an adjuvant therapy for hepatic fibrosis and that NS3TP1 is a unique,prospective therapeutic target in hepatic fibrosis.

Diagnostic value of gamma-glutamyltransferase/aspartate aminotransferase ratio, protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II, and alpha-fetoprotein in hepatitis B virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Researchers have investigated the diagnostic value of protein induced by vitamin K absence or antagonist II (PIVKA-II) and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and obtained abundant clinical diagnostic data. However, PIVKA-II and AFP have unsatisfactory specificity and sensitivity in the diagnosis of early-stage HBV-related HCC. Gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are common biomarkers for evaluating liver function, and we hypothesized that the γ-GT/AST ratio in combination with PIVKA-II and AFP would improve the diagnosis of early-stage HBV-related HCC. AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of γ-GT/AST ratio alone or in combination with PIVKA-II and AFP in HBV-related HCC. METHODS Serum levels of γ-GT, AST, PIVKA-II, and AFP were detected and analysed in 176 patients with HBV-related HCC and in 359 patients with chronic hepatitis B. According to tumour size and serum level of HBV DNA, HBV-related HCC patients were divided into the following categories: Early-stage HCC patients, HCC patients, HBV DNA positive (HBV DNA+) HCC patients, and HBV DNA negative (HBV DNA-) HCC patients. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyse and compare the diagnostic value of the single and combined detection of various biomarkers in different types of HBV-related HCC. RESULTS Tumour size was positively correlated with serum levels of PIVKA-II and AFP in HCC patients (r = 0.529, aP < 0.001 and r = 0.270, bP < 0.001, respectively), but there was no correlation between tumour size and the γ-GT/AST ratio (r = 0.073, P = 0.336). The areas under the receiver-operating characteristic curves (AUROCs) of the γ-GT/AST ratio in early-stage HCC patients, HBV DNA+ HCC patients and HBV DNA- HCC patients were not significantly different from that in the total HCC patients (0.754, 0.802, and 0.705 vs 0.779, respectively;P > 0.05). When PIVKA-II was combined with the γ-GT/AST ratio in the diagnosis of earlystage HCC, HCC, and HBV DNA+ HCC, the AUROCs of PIVKA-II increased, with values of 0.857 vs 0.835, 0.925 vs 0.913, and 0.958 vs 0.954, respectively. When AFP was combined with the γ-GT/AST ratio in the diagnosis of early-stage HCC, HCC, HBV DNA+ HCC, and HBV DNA- HCC, the AUROCs of AFP increased, with values of 0.757 vs 0.621, 0.837 vs 0.744, 0.868 vs 0.757, and 0.840 vs 0.828, respectively. CONCLUSION The γ-GT/AST ratio may be better than PIVKA-II and AFP in the diagnosis of early-stage HBV-related HCC, and its combination with PIVKA-II and AFP can improve the diagnostic value for HBV-related HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatitis B surface protein

The tumorigenesis of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) has been widely studied. HBV envelope proteins are important for the structure and life cycle of HBV, and these proteins are useful for judging the natural disease course and guiding treatment. Truncated and mutated pre S/S are produced by integrated viral sequences that are defective for replication. The pre S/S mutants are considered "precursor lesions" of HCC. Different pre S/S mutants induce various mechanisms of tumorigenesis, such as transactivation of transcription factors and an immune inflammatory response, thereby contributing to HCC. The pre S2 mutants and type Ⅱ "Ground Glass" hepatocytes represent novel biomarkers of HBVassociated HCC. The pre S mutants may induce the unfolded protein response and endoplasmic reticulum stress-dependent and stress-independent pathways. Treatments to inhibit hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag) and damage secondary to HBs Ag or the pre S/S mutants include antivirals and antioxidants, such as silymarin, resveratrol, and glycyrrhizin acid. Methods for the prevention and treatment of HCC should be comprehensive.

High mobility group box-1 protein inhibits regulatory T cell immune activity in liver failure in patients with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND: Liver failure in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients is a severe, life-threatening condition. Intestinal endotoxemia plays a significant role in the progress to liver failure. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein is involved in the process of endotoxemia. Regulatory T (Treg) cells maintain immune tolerance and contribute to the immunological hyporesponsiveness against HBV infection. However, the roles of HMGB1 and Treg cells in the pathogenesis of liver failure in CHB patients, and whether HMGB1 affects the immune activity of Treg cells are poorly known at present, and so were explored in this study. METHODS: The levels of HMGB1 expression were detected by ELISA, real-time RT-PCR, and Western blotting, and the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low) Treg cells among CD4(+) cells was detected by flow cytometry in liver failure patients with chronic HBV infection, CHB patients, and healthy controls. Then, CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low) Treg cells isolated from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells from CHB patients were stimulated with HMGB1 at different concentrations or at various intervals. The effect of HMGB1 on the immune activity of Treg cells was assessed by a suppression assay of the allogeneic mixed lymphocyte response. The levels of forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression in Treg cells treated with HMGB1 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: A higher level of HMGB1 expression and a lower percentage of Treg cells within the population of CIA(+) cells were found in liver failure patients than in CHB patients (82.6+/-20.1 mu g/L vs. 34.2+/-13.7 mu g/L; 4.55+/-1.34% vs. 9.52+/-3.89%, respectively). The immune activity of Treg cells was significantly weakened and the levels of Foxp3 expression were reduced in a dose- or time-dependent manner when Treg cells were stimulated with HMGB1 in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: The high level of HMGB1 and the low percentage of Treg cells play an important role in the pathogenesis of liver failure in patients with chronic HBV infection. Moreover, HMGB1 can weaken the immune activity of Treg cells. It is suggested that effectively inhibiting HMGB1 expression could be a feasible way to treat liver failure by suppressing endotoxemia and enhancing Treg cell activity.

Inhibition of apoptosis by oncogenic hepatitis B virus X protein: Implications for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus X protein(HBx) plays an important role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). In addition, hepatoma upregulated protein(HURP) is a cellular oncogene that is upregulated in a majority of HCC cases. We highlight here recent findings demonstrating a link between HBx, HURP and anti-apoptosis effects observed in cisplatin-treated HCC cells. We observed that Hep3B cells overexpressing HBx display increased HURP mRNA and protein levels, and show resistance to cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Knockdown of HURP in HBx-expressing cells reverses this effect, and sensitizes cells to cisplatin. The anti-apoptotic effect of HBx requires activation of the p38/MAPK pathway as well as expression of SATB1, survivin and HURP. Furthermore, silencing of HURP using short-hairpin RNA promotes accumulation of p53 and reduces cell proliferation in SK-Hep-1 cells(p53^(+/–)), whereas these effects are not observed in p53-mutant Mahlavu cells. Similarly, HURP silencing does not affect the proliferation of H1299 lung carcinoma cells or Hep3 B HCC cells which lack p53. Silencing of HURP sensitizes SK-Hep-1 cells to cisplatin. While HURP overexpression promotes p53 ubiquitination and degradation by the proteasome, HURP silencing reverses these effects. Inoculation of SK-Hep-1 cancer cells in which HURP has been silenced produces smaller tumors than control in nude mice. Besides, gankyrin, a positive regulator of the E3 ubiquitin ligase MDM2, is upregulated following HURP expression, and silencing of gankyrin reduces HURP-mediated downregulation of p53. In addition, we observed a positive correlation between HURP and gankyrin protein levels in HCC patients(r^2 = 0.778; n = 9). These findings suggest a role for the viral protein HBx and the host protein HURP in preventing p53-mediated apoptosis during cancer progression and establishment of chemoresistance.

Expression of HBx protein in hepatitis B virus-infected intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is an etiological factor of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), but the pathogenic mechanisms remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the expression and possible role of HBx, an HBV- encoded potentially oncogenic protein, in HBV-infected ICC. METHODS: Tissue samples were obtained from 54 specimens of HBV-infected ICC. Forty-four specimens were of peripheral type and 10 hilar type. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded sections of the specimens were immunohistochemically stained for HBx and p53. RESULTS: HBx expression was found in 70.4% (38/54) of the specimens, and it was more frequently seen in the peripheral type than in the hilar type (79.5% vs 30.0%, P=0.002). All three well-differentiated ICCs expressed HBx, whereas 76.9% (30/39) moderately-differentiated and 41.7% (5/12) poorly-differentiated ICCs had HBx expression (P=0.033). Patients with HBx expression had a significantly higher prevalence of elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (P=0.033). p53 protein expression was found in 18 of 54 cases (33.3%), and was not correlated with that of HBx. CONCLUSIONS: HBx may contribute to the pathogenesis of ICC, particularly the peripheral type. p53 abnormality may not play a significant role in HBx-mediated oncogenicity during ICC carcinogenesis.

Hepatitis B virus X protein promotes liver cell proliferation via a positive cascade loop involving arachidonic acid metabolism and p-ERK1/2

Hepatitis B virus X protein （HBx） plays a crucial role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms by which HBx mediates liver cell proliferation. We found that HBx upregulated the levels of cyclooxygenase-2 （COX-2）, 5-1ipoxygenase （5-LOX） and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2 （p-ERK1/2） in liver cells. HBx-induced p-ERK1/2 was abolished by inhibition of Gi/o proteins, COX or LOX. In addition, HBx increased the amounts of prostaglandin E2 （PGE2） and leukotriene B4 （LTB4） released from cell lines derived from hepatocytes. Moreover, these released arachidonic acid metabolites were able to activate ERK1/2. Interestingly, activated ERK1/2 could upregulate the expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX in a positive feedback manner. In conclusion, HBx enhances and maintains liver cell proliferation via a positive feedback loop involving COX-2, 5-LOX, released arachidonic acid metabolites, Gi/o proteins and p-ERK1/2.

Hepatitis B virus X protein induces hepatic stem cell-like features in hepatocellular carcinoma by activating KDM5B

To determine the role of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx), HBx in regulating hepatic progenitor cell (HPC)-like features in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the underlying molecular mechanisms.METHODSWe used a retrovirus vector to introduce wild type HBx or empty vector into HepG2 cells. We then used these cells to analyze cell proliferation, senescence, transformation, and stem-like features. Gene expression profiling was carried out on Affymetrix GeneChip Human U133A2.0 ver.2 arrays according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis and Class Comparison analysis were performed by BRB-Array Tools software Version 4.2.2. A total of 238 hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related HCC patients’ array data were used for analyzing clinical features.RESULTSThe histone demethylase KDM5B was significantly highly expressed in HBV-related HCC cases (P < 0.01). In HBV proteins, only HBx up-regulated KDM5B by activating c-myc. Hepatic stem cell (HpSC) markers (EpCAM, AFP, PROM1, and NANOG) were significantly highly expressed in KDM5B-high HCC cases (P < 0.01). KDM5B played an important role in maintaining HpSC-like features and was associated with a poor prognosis. Moreover, inhibition of KDM5B suppressed spheroid formation and cell invasion in vitro.CONCLUSIONHBx activates the histone demethylase KDM5B and induces HPC-like features in HCC. Histone demethylases KDM5B may be an important therapeutic target against HBV-related HCC cases.

Serum vitamin D and vitamin-D-binding protein levels in children with chronic hepatitis B

BACKGROUND Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble secosteroid hydroxylated by the liver to form the intermediate metabolite calcidiol{25-hydroxy vitamin D[25(OH)D]},which is a reliable indicator to investigate individual vitamin D status.Vitamin-D-binding protein(VDBP)is a multifunctional glycoprotein mainly synthesized in the liver and the major transport protein for vitamin D and its metabolites.Serum vitamin D and VDBP are both associated with hepatitis B.However,few studies have reported the relationship and clinical significance of vitamin D and VDBP with hepatitis B virus(HBV)replication and hepatic fibrosis in children with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).AIM To explore vitamin D and VDBP serum levels in children with CHB and the association of vitamin D and VDBP with HBV replication and hepatic fibrosis.METHODS We enrolled 204 children with CHB admitted to Hunan Children’Hospital in summer and autumn between 2018 and 2019 and 170 healthy controls.CHB patients included:164 hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)positive and 40 HBeAg negative;193 hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)positive and 11 HBsAg negative;164 with detectable HBV deoxyribonucleic acid(DNA)and 40 with undetectable HBV DNA;131 with HBV genotype B and 23 with HBV genotype C;and 27 without hepatic fibrosis and 97 with hepatic fibrosis.Serum levels of 25(OH)D,VDBP,liver function markers,and other clinical parameters were collected to analyze their association with vitamin D and VDBP.Mann-Whitney U test,Kruskal-Wallis H test,or t test was used to analyze serum 25(OH)D and VDBP levels in different groups.Spearman rank correlation test was utilized to analyze the correlation of 25(OH)D and VDBP with other markers.Statistically significant factors determined by univariate analysis were further analyzed by binary multivariate logistic regression analysis.P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS Children with CHB had lower serum 25(OH)D(56.64±17.89 nmoL/L)and VDBP[122.40(70.74-262.84μg/L)]levels than healthy controls had(P<0.001).Serum 25(OH)D and VDBP levels were significantly different among the different grades of hepatic fibrosis(P<0.05).VDBP levels in children with HBV genotype C,HBsAg,HBeAg,and detectable HBV DNA were significantly lower than those in children with HBV genotype B,no HBsAg,no HBeAg,and undetectable HBV DNA(P<0.05).Serum 25(OH)D level was negatively correlated with age and serum total bilirubin level(r=-0.396 and-0.280,respectively,P<0.001).Serum VDBP level was negatively correlated with HBV DNA(log10 IU/mL)(r=-0.272,P<0.001).Serum 25(OH)D level was not correlated with VDBP level(P>0.05).Univariate(P<0.05)and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low level of 25(OH)D(odds ratio=0.951,95%confidence interval:0.918-0.985)and high level of HBV DNA(odds ratio=1.445,95%confidence interval:1.163-1.794)were independently correlated with hepatic fibrosis(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Serum levels of 25(OH)D and VDBP are decreased in children with CHB.Serum VDBP level is negatively correlated with HBV replication.Low level of 25(OH)D is independently associated with hepatic fibrosis in children with CHB.There is no significant association between serum levels of 25(OH)D and VDBP.

Virus entry mediated by hepatitis B virus envelope proteins

Hepatitis B virus(HBV),a major cause of human liver disease worldwide,encodes three envelope proteins needed for the attachment and entry of the virus into susceptible host cells.A second virus,hepatitis delta virus,which is known to enhance liver disease in HBV infected patients,diverts the same HBV envelope proteins to achieve its own assembly and infection.In the lab,lentiviral vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 can be assembled using the HBV envelope proteins,and will similarly infect susceptible cells.This article provides a partial review and some personal reflections of how these three viruses infect and of how recipient cells become susceptible,along with some consideration of questions that remain to be answered.

Targeting hepatitis B virus antigens to dendritic cells by heat shock protein to improve DNA vaccine potency

AIM： To investigate a novel DNA vaccination based upon expression of the HBV e antigen fused to a heat shock protein （HSP） as a strategy to enhance DNA vaccine potency.METHODS： A pCMV-HBeAg-HSP DNA vaccine and a control DNA vaccine were generated. Mice were immunized with these different construct. Immune responses were measured 2 wk after a second immunization by a T cell response assay, CTL cytotoxicity assay, and an antibody assay in C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice. CT26-HBeAg tumor cell challenge test in vivo was Performed in BALB/c mice to monitor anti-tumor immune responses.RESULTS： In the mice immunized with pCMV-HBe-HSP DNA, superior CTL activity to target HBV-positive target cells was observed in comparison with mice immunized with pCMV-HBeAg （44% ± 5% vs 30% ± 6% in E： T 〉 50：1, P 〈 0,05）, ELISPOT assays showed a stronger T-cell response from mice immunized with pCMV-HBe- HSP than that from pCMV-HBeAg immunized animals when stimulated either with MHC class I or class Ⅱ epitopes derived from HBeAg （74% ± 9% vs 31% ± 6%, P 〈 0.01）. ELISA assays revealed an enhanced HBeAg antibody response from mice immunized with pCMV- HBe-HSP than from those immunized with pCMV-HBeAg. The lowest tumor incidence and the slowest tumor growth were observed in mice immunized with pCMV- HBe-HSP when challenged with CT26-HBeAg.CONCLUSION： The results of this study demonstrate a broad enhancement of antigen-specific CD4^＋ helper,CD8^＋ cytotoxic T-cell, and B-cell responses by a novel DNA vaccination strategy. They also proved a stronger antigen-specific immune memory, which may be superior to currently described HBV DNA vaccination strategies for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.

Polymorphisms of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein in different hepatitis B virus-infected patients

AIM: To identify the two polymorphisms of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) gene in the Chinese population and to explore their correlation with both hepatitis B virus (HBV) self-limited infection and persistent infection. METHODS: A total of 316 subjects with self-limited HBV infection and 316 patients with persistent HBV infection (195 subjects without familial history), matched with age and sex, from the Chinese Han population were enrolled in this study. Polymorphisms of MTP at the promoter region -493 and at H297Q were determined by the allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The ratio of males to females was 2.13:1 for each group and the average age in the self-limited and chronic infection groups was 38.36 and 38.28 years, respectively. None of the allelic distributions deviated significantly from that predicted by the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. There was a linkagedisequilibrium between H297Q and -493G/T (D’ = 0.77). As the χ2 test was used, the genotype distribution of MTP -493G/T demonstrated a significant difference between the self-limited infection group and the entire chronic group or the chronic patients with no family history (χ2 = 8.543, P = 0.015 and χ2 = 7.199, P = 0.019). The allele distribution at the MTP-493 position also demonstrated a significant difference between the study groups without family history (χ2 = 6.212, P = 0.013). The T allele emerged as a possible protective factor which may influence the outcomes of HBV infection (OR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.389-0.897). CONCLUSION: The polymorphism of the MTP gene, T allele at -493, may be involved in determining the HBV infection outcomes, of which the mechanism needs to be further investigated.

Transactivating effect of complete S protein of hepatitis B virus and cloning of genes transactivated by complete S protein using suppression subtractive hybridization technique

AIM: To investigate the transactivating effect of complete S protein of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and to construct a subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by complete S protein of HBV by suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) technique and to clone genes associated with its transactivation activity, and to pave the way for elucidating the pathogenesis of hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS: pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S containing full-length HBV S gene was constructed by insertion of HBV complete S gene into BamH I/Kpn I sites. HepG2 cells were cotransfected with pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S and pSV-lacZ. After 48 h, cells were collected and detected for the expression of β-galactosidase (β-gal). Suppression subtractive hybridization and bioinformatics techniques were used. The mRNA of HepG2 cells transfected with pcDNA3.Incomplete S and pcDNA3.1(-) empty vector was isolated, and detected for the expression of complete S protein by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method, and cDNA was synthesized. After digestion with restriction enzyme RsaI, cDNA fragments were obtained. Tester cDNA was then divided into two groups and ligated to the specific adaptors 1 and 2, respectively. After tester cDNA had been hybridized with driver cDNA twice and underwent nested PCR twice, amplified cDNA fragments were subcloned into pGEM-Teasy vectors to set up the subtractive library. Amplification of the library was carried out within E. coli strain DH5α. The cDNA was sequenced and analyzed in GenBank with BLAST search after polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. RESULTS: The complete S mRNA could be detected by RT-PCR in HepG2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1(-)-complete S. The activity of β-gal in HepG2 cells transfected with the pcDNA3.1(-)-complete s was 6.9 times higher than that of control plasmid. The subtractive library of genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein was constructed successfully. The amplified library contains 86 positive clones. Colony PCR showed that 86 clones contained DNA inserts of 200-1 000 bp, respectively. Sequence analysis was performed in 35 clones randomly, and the full length sequences were obtained with bioinformatics method and searched for homologous DNA sequence from GenBank, altogether 33 coding sequences were obtained. These cDNA sequences might be target genes transactivated by complete S protein of HBV. Moreover, two unknown genes were discovered, full length coding sequences were obtained by bioinformatics techniques, one of them was named complete S transactivated protein 1 (CSTP1) and registered in GenBank (AY553877). CONCLUSION: The complete S gene of HBV has a transactivating effect on SV40 early promoter. A subtractive cDNA library of genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein using SSH technique has been constructed successfully. The obtained sequences may be target genes transactivated by HBV complete S protein among which some genes coding proteins are involved in cell cycle regulation, metabolism, immunity, signal transduction, cell apoptosis and formation mechanism of hepatic carcinoma.

Serum chitinase-3-like protein 1 is a biomarker of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B in China

Background:Serum chitinase-3-like protein 1(CHI3L1)is a potential biomarker for fibrosis assessment.We aimed to evaluate serum CHI3L1 as a noninvasive diagnostic marker for chronic hepatitis B virusrelated fibrosis.Methods:Serum CHI3L1 levels were measured by ELISA in 134 chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients.Significant fibrosis was defined as a liver stiffness>9.7 kPa.The performance of CHI3L1 was assessed and compared to that of other noninvasive tests by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.Results:Serum CHI3L1 levels were significantly higher in CHB patients with significant hepatic fibrosis(≥F2)than in those without significant hepatic fibrosis(<F2)(56.5 ng/mL vs.81.9 ng/mL,P<0.001).In CHB patients,the specificity and sensitivity of CHI3L1 for predicting significant fibrosis were 75.6%and 59.1%,respectively,with a cut-off of 76.0 ng/mL and an area under the ROC curve of 0.728(95%CI:0.637–0.820).Conclusions:Serum CHI3L1 levels could be an effective new serological biomarker for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis.Moreover,CHI3L1 is feasible in monitoring disease progression.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by pokeweed antiviral protein in vitro

AIM: To explore the inhibitory effects of pokeweed antiviral protein seed (PAP-S) and PAP encoded by a eukaryotic expression plasmid on hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in vitro. METHODS: HepG2 2.2.15 cells in cultured medium were treated with different concentrations of PAP-S. HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA in supernatants were determined by ELISA and fluorescent quantitative PCR respectively. MTT method was used to assay for cytotoxicity. HepG2 were cotransfected with various amounts of PAP encoded by a eukaryotic expression plasmid and replication competent wild-type HBV 1.3 fold over- length plasmid. On d 3 after transfection, HBsAg and HBeAg were determined by using ELISA. Levels of HBV core-associated DNA and RNA were detected by using Southern and Northern blot, respectively. RESULTS: The inhibitory effects of PAP-S on HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA were gradually enhanced with the increase of PAP concentration. When the concentration of PAP-S was 10 μg/mL, the inhibition rates of HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA were 20.9%, 30.2% and 50%, respectively. After transfection of 1.0 μg and 2.0 μg plasmid pXF3H-PAP, the levels of HBV nucleocapside- associated DNA were reduced by 38.0% and 74.0% respectively, the levels of HBsAg in the media by 76.8% and 99.7% respectively, and the levels of HBeAg by 72.7% and 99.3% respectively as compared with controls. Transfection with 2 μg plasmid pXF3H-PAP reduced the levels of HBV nucleocapside-associated RNA by 69.0%.CONCLUSION: Both PAP-S and PAP encoded by a eukaryotic expression plasmid could effectively inhibit HBV replication and antigen expression in vitro, and the inhibitory effects were dose-dependent.

Serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer level predicts hepatocellular carcinoma development in E-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)development in chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Serum Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer(M2 BPGi) is a novel serological marker for fibrosis. The role of M2 BPGi in prediction of HCC is unknown.AIM To examine the role of serum M2 BPGi in predicting HCC development in hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg)-negative patients.METHODS Treatment-naive CHB patients with documented spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion were recruited. Serum M2 BPGi was measured at baseline(within3 years from HBeAg seroconversion), at 5 years and 10 years after HBeAg seroconversion and expressed as cut-off index(COI). Multivariate cox regression was performed to identify predictors for HCC development. ROC analysis was used to determine the cut-off value of M2 BPGi.RESULTS Among 207 patients(57% male, median age at HBeAg seroconversion 40 years old) with median follow-up of 13.1(11.8-15.5) years, the cumulative incidence of HCC at 15 years was 7%. Median M2 BPGi levels were significantly higher in patients with HCC compared to those without HCC(baseline: 1.39 COI vs 0.38 COI, P < 0.001; 5-year: 1.45 COI vs 0.47 COI, P < 0.001; 10-year: 1.20 COI vs 0.55 COI, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed age at HBeAg seroconversion[odds ratio(OR) = 1.196, 95% confidence interval(CI): 1.034-1.382, P = 0.016] and baseline M2 BPGi(OR = 4.666, 95%CI: 1.296-16.802, P = 0.018) were significant factors predictive of HCC. Using a cut-off value of 0.68 COI, baseline M2 BPGi yielded AUROC of 0.883 with 91.7% sensitivity and 80.8% specificity.CONCLUSION High serum M2 BPGi within 3 years after HBeAg seroconversion was a strong predictor for subsequent HCC development in treatment-naive HBeAg-negative CHB patients.

The influence of hepatitis B virus X protein on the clock genes in liver cells and its significance

Objective： The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of hepatitis B virus X protein （HBx） on the clock genes in LO2 cells and its significance. Methods： A cell line LO2-HBx, Stably transfected with HBx gene, was established. The levels of mRNA and protein expression of CLOCK and BMAL1 were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. Resuits： The expression of CLOCK mRNA and protein were increased in cell line LO2-HBx （P 〈 0.05）, while the expression of BMAL1 mRNA and protein were decreased in cell line LO2-HBx （P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： The expressions of core clock gene CLOCK and BMAL1 have been changed by HBx, which breaks down the previous circadian rhythm of liver cells. This maybe one of the reasons leads to the formation of liver cancer.

Interferon-alpha restrains growth and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by hepatitis B virus X protein

AIM: To investigate the effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-α) to restrain the growth and invasive potential of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) X protein. METHODS: The pcDNA3.1-HBx plasmid was transfected into Chang cells by Lipofectamine in vitro, and Chang/HBx was co-cultured with IFN-α. Cell survival growth curve and clonogenicity assay were used to test the growth potential of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vitro. Growth assay in nude mice was used to detect the growth potential of Chang/ pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx in vivo. Wound healing and transwell migration assays were used to detect the invasive ability of Chang/pcDNA3.1, Chang/HBx and IFN-α-Chang/HBx. RESULTS: Compared with CCL13 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1, CCL13 with stable expression of hepatitis B virus X protein showed the characteristics of malignant cells with high capability of growth and invasion by detecting their growth curves, colony forming efficiency, wound healing , transwell migration assays and growth assays in nude mice. Its capability of growth and invasion could be controlled by IFN-α. CONCLUSION: IFN-α can restrain the growth and invasive potential of HCC cells induced by HBx protein, which has provided an experimental basis for IFN-α therapy of HCC.

Screening and identification of interacting proteins with hepatitis B virus core protein in leukocytes and cloning of new gene C1

AIM： To investigate the biological function of HBcAg in pathogenesis of HBV replication in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs）.METHODS： HBcAg region was amplified by polymerase chain reaction （PCR） and HBV HBcAg bait plasmid pGBKT7-HBcAg was constructed by routine molecular biological methods. Then the recombinant plasmid DNA was transformed into yeast AH109. After the HBV core protein was expressed in AH109 yeast strains （Western blot analysis）, yeast-two hybrid screening was performed by mating AH109 with Y187 containing leukocyte cDNA library plasmid. Diploid yeast cells were plated on synthetic dropout nutrient medium （SD/-Trp-Leu-His- Ade） （QDO） and synthetic dropout nutrient medium （SD/-Trp-Leu-His-Ade） （TDO）. The second screening was performed with the LacZ report gene （ yeast cells were grown in QDO medium containing X-a-gal）. The interaction between HBV core protein and the protein obtained from positive colonies was further confirmed by repeating yeast-two hybrid. After plasmid DNA was extracted from blue colonies and sequenced, the results were analyzed by bioinformatic methods.RESULTS： Eighteen colonies were obtained and sequenced, including hypermethylated in cancer 2 （3 colones）, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 2 （2 colones）, acetyl-coenzyme A synthetase 3 （1 colone）, DNA polymerase gamma （1 colone）, putative translation initiation factor （1 colone）, chemokine （C-C motif） receptor 5 （1 colone）, mitochondrial ribosomal protein L41 （1 colone）, kyot binding protein genes （1 colone）, RanBPM （1 colone）, HBeAg-binding protein 3 （1 colone）, programmed cell death 2 （1 colone）. Four new genes with unknown function were identified.CONCLUSION： Successful cloning of genes of HBV core protein interacting proteins in leukocytes may provide some new clues for studying the biological functions of HBV core protein.