Liver histopathological lesions is severe in patients with normal alanine transaminase and low to moderate hepatitis B virus DNA replication

BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection remains a major global public health problem.Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients can be divided into treatment indication and non-treatment indication individuals according to alanine transaminase(ALT),HBV DNA,serum hepatitis B e antigen status,disease status[liver cirrhosis,hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC),or liver failure],liver necroinflammation or fibrosis,patients’age,and family history of HCC or cirrhosis.For example,normal ALT patients in‘immune-tolerant’phase with HBV DNA higher than 10^(7)or 2×10^(7)IU/mL,and those in‘inactive-carrier’phase with HBV DNA lower than 2×10^(3)IU/mL do not require antiviral therapy.However,is it reasonable to set the defined values of HBV DNA as the fundamental basis to estimate the disease state and to determine whether to start treatment?In fact,we should pay more attention to those who do not match the treatment indications(grayzone patients both in the indeterminate phase and in the‘inactive-carrier’phase).AIM To analyze the correlation of HBV DNA level and liver histopathological severity,and to explore the significance of HBV DNA for CHB with normal ALT.METHODS From January 2017 to December 2021,a retrospective cross-sectional set of 1299 patients with chronic HBV infection(HBV DNA>30 IU/mL)who underwent liver biopsy from four hospitals,including 634 with ALT less than 40 U/L.None of the patients had received anti-HBV treatment.The degrees of liver necroinflammatory activity and liver fibrosis were evaluated according to the Metavir system.On the basis of the HBV DNA level,patients were divided into two groups:Low/moderate replication group,HBV DNA≤10^(7)IU/mL[7.00 Log IU/mL,the European Association for the Study of the Liver(EASL)guidelines]or≤2×10^(7)IU/mL[7.30 Log IU/mL,the Chinese Medical Association(CMA)guidelines];high replication group,HBV DNA>10^(7)IU/mL or>2×10^(7)IU/mL.Relevant factors(demographic characteristics,laboratory parameters and noninvasive models)for liver histopathological severity were analyzed by univariate analysis,logistics analysis and propensity score-matched analysis.RESULTS At entry,there were 21.45%,24.29%,and 30.28%of the patients had liver histopathological severities with≥A2,≥F2,and≥A2 or/and≥F2,respectively.HBV DNA level(negative correlation)and noninvasive model liver fibrosis 5 value(positive correlation)were independent risk factors for liver histopathological severities(liver necroinflammation,liver fibrosis,and treatment indication).The AUROCs of the prediction probabilities(PRE_)of the models mentioned above(<A2 vs≥A2,<F2 vs≥F2,<A2 and<F2 vs≥A2 or/and≥F2)were 0.814(95%CI:0.770-0.859),0.824(95%CI:0.785-0.863),and 0.799(95%CI:0.760-0.838),respectively.HBV DNA level(negative correlation)was still an independent risk factor when diagnostic models were excluded,the P values(<A2 vs≥A2,<F2 vs≥F2,<A2 and<F2 vs≥A2 or/and≥F2)were 0.011,0.000,and 0.000,respectively.For the propensity score-matched pairs,whether based on EASL guidelines or CMA guidelines,the group with significant liver histology damage(≥A2 or/and≥F2)showed much lower HBV DNA level than the group with non-significant liver histology damage(<A2 and<F2).Patients in the moderate replication group(with indeterminate phase)had the most serious liver disease pathologically and hematologically,followed by patients in the low replication group(with‘inactive-carrier’phase)and then the high replication group(with‘immune-tolerant’phase).CONCLUSION HBV DNA level is a negative risk factor for liver disease progression.The phase definition of CHB may be revised by whether the level of HBV DNA exceeds the detection low limit value.Patients who are in the indeterminate phase or‘inactive carriers’should receive antiviral therapy.

Correlation between HBeAg and Hepatitis B Virus DNA and RNA Levels in Diverse Liver Disease Cohorts

Objective:To investigate the disparities and associations between HBV DNA and HBV RNA in various liver disease groups with respect to HBeAg status.Methods:Between September 2020 and September 2023,90 patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),74 patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis(LC),and 102 patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)from the Department of Gastroenterology or Infection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University were selected.HBV DNA,HBV RNA,and HBeAg quantitative tests were conducted using serum samples from the same patients.Results:In the three groups of cases,the HBV RNA load was higher when HBeAg was positive than when HBeAg was negative,and this difference was statistically significant.Only in the HCC group was the HBV DNA load significantly higher when HBeAg was positive than when HBeAg was negative.Additionally,there was a positive correlation between HBV DNA and HBV RNA regardless of HBeAg status.Conclusion:During HBeAg conversion,HBV RNA demonstrates a more sensitive response than HBV DNA.As CHB progresses to LC or HCC,HBV RNA exhibits better diagnostic value than HBV DNA.

不同核酸提取方法对HBV-DNA检测性能验证情况分析

目的评估2种乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)-DNA提取方法及2家检测试剂的性能,有助于选择优化提取试剂和检测试剂。方法2023年4月采用达安全自动核酸提取仪提取法(磁珠法)和手工提取法(一步法),并用达安和圣湘2种HBV-DNA试剂检测,对其进行精密度、正确度、线性范围、检出限及抗干扰能力等性能进行验证和评价。结果达安全自动核酸提取仪提取达安试剂检测、手工提取达安试剂检测和手工提取圣湘试剂检测在精密度、正确度、线性范围、检出限方面验证结果均达标;达安全自动核酸提取仪提取圣湘试剂检测在低值检测中变异系数大于5%,最低检测限验证不合格;抗干扰能力方面,全自动核酸提取仪提取的2.0 g/dL血红蛋白浓度的样本用达安和圣湘试剂检测结果均不受影响。手工提取甘油三酯浓度达3000 mg/dL的样本用达安和圣湘试剂检测的结果均不受影响。结论不同厂家的提取和检测试剂避免混用,达安和圣湘试剂对HBV-DNA定量检测的结果均符合要求。

DNA-based vaccination induces humoral and cellular immune responses against hepatitis B virus surface antigen in mice without activation of Cmyc

AIM To develop a safe and effective DNAvaccine for inducing humoral and cellularimmunological responses against hepatitis Bvirus surface antigen(HBsAg).METHODS BALB/c mice were inoculated withNV-HB/s,a recombinant plasmid that had beeninserted S gene of hepatitis B virus genome andcould express HBsAg in eukaryotes.HBsAgexpression was measured by ABC immunohis-tochemical assay,generation of anti-HBs byELISA and cytotoxic T lymphocyte(CTL),byMTT method,existence of vaccine DNA bySouthern blot hybridization and activation ofoncogene C-myc by in situ hybridization,RESULTS With NV-HB/s vaccination byintramuscular injection,anti-HBs was initiallypositive 2 weeks after inoculation while all micetested were HBsAg positive in the muscles.Thetiters and seroconversion rate of anti-HBs weresteadily increasing as time went on and weredose-dependent.All the mice inoculated with100 μg NV-HB/s were anti-HBs positive onemonth after inoculation,the titer was 1:1024 ormore.The humoral immune response was similarinduced by either intramuscular or intradermalinjection.CTL activities were much stronger(45.26%)in NV-HB/s DNA immunized mice as compared with those(only 6%)in plasma-derived HBsAg vaccine immunized mice.Twomonths after inoculation,all muscle sampleswere positive by Southern-blot hybridization forNV.HB/s DNA detection,but decreased to 25%and all were undetectable by in situhybridization after 6 months.No oncogene C-myc activation was found in the muscle ofinoculation site.CONCLUSION NV-HB/s could generatehumoral and cellular immunological responsesagainst HBsAg that had been safely expressed insitu by NV-HB/s vaccination.

Individualized management of pregnant women with high hepatitis B virus DNA levels

Hepatitis B is a major health concern in the Asia-Pacific region,and is endemic in China,Southeast Asia,and Africa.Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection may cause hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer.It is estimated that there are more than 350 million chronic HBV carriers worldwide,of whom approximately one quarter will die of chronic hepatitis B-related liver diseases.HBV is transmitted horizontally through blood and blood products or by sexual transmission,and vertically from mother to infant.Perinatal infection is the predominant mode of transmission in countries with a high prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)carriage,and perinatal transmission leads to high rates of chronic infection.Therefore,it is important to prevent the mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)of HBV.Research has shown that pregnant women with high HBV DNA levels have an increased risk of MTCT.However,most of the obstetrics guidelines do not make a distinction between pregnant women with high HBV DNA levels and those who are HBsAg positive only.This review addresses the management of pregnant women with high levels of HBV viremia,in terms of antiviral therapy,use of hepatitis B immunoglobulin(HBIG),the combined application of hepatitis B vaccine and HBIG,choice of delivery mode and feeding practices.

Covalently closed-circular hepatitis B virus DNA reduction with entecavir or lamivudine

AIM: To investigate the reduction in hepatitis B virus(HBV) covalently closed-circular DNA(ccc DNA) with entecavir(ETV) or lamivudine(LAM). METHODS: This analysis included patients who had participated in the randomized Phase Ⅲ study ETV-022 comparing ETV vs LAM in nucleos(t)ide-naive, HBe Agpositive patients. Patients received ETV(0.5 mg daily) or LAM(100 mg daily) for a minimum of 52 wk. Patients were eligible to participate in this sub-study if they had paired biopsies at baseline and week 48 with evaluable measurements for hepatic HBV ccc DNA and total hepatic HBV DNA. The main objective was to compare changes in hepatic HBV ccc DNA and total hepatic HBV DNA at week 48 of ETV or LAM treatment, which was a secondary endpoint of study ETV-022. Additional post hoc analyses included linear regression analyses to assess associations of baseline levels and on-treatment changes of ccc DNA with other baseline factors [sex,age, serum HBV DNA, alanine aminotransferase(ALT), Knodell necroinflammatory score, Ishak fibrosis score, total hepatic HBV DNA, and HBV genotype], or ontreatment factors(changes from baseline at week 48 in serum HBV DNA, ALT, Knodell necroinflammatory score, Ishak fibrosis score, total hepatic HBV DNA, and HBe Ag loss at week 48).RESULTS: Overall, 305 patients(ETV = 159; LAM = 146) of ETV-022 had paired baseline and week 48 liver biopsies with evaluable measurements for hepatic HBV ccc DNA and total hepatic HBV DNA, and were included in this analysis. Baseline demographics and disease characteristics were comparable between the two arms. After 48 wk, ETV resulted in significantly greater reductions in hepatic HBV ccc DNA [-0.9 log10 copies/human genome equivalent(HGEq) vs-0.7 log10 copies/HGEq; P = 0.0033] and total hepatic DNA levels(-2.1 log10 copies/HGEq vs-1.6 log10 copies/HGEq; P < 0.0001) than LAM. Virologic, biochemical, and histologic response rates at week 48 were also greater with ETV than with LAM. Baseline HBV ccc DNA levels were positively associated with baseline levels of serum HBV DNA and total hepatic HBV DNA, and negatively associated with HBV genotype F. On-treatment changes in HBV ccc DNA levels were negatively associated with baseline levels of serum HBV DNA and baseline ALT, and were positively associated with on-treatment changes in the levels of serum HBV DNA, total hepatic HBV DNA levels, and ALT, change in Knodell necroinflammatory score, and HBe Ag loss.CONCLUSION: Forty-eight weeks of ETV resulted in greater reductions in ccc DNA and total hepatic HBV DNA than LAM, but long-term therapy may be needed for ccc DNA elimination.

Novel therapeutic approaches for hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA

Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a major global health problem. Although current therapies, such as the use of nucleos(t)ide analogs, inhibit HBV replication efficiently, they do not eliminate covalently closed circular DNA(ccc DNA), which persists in hepatocyte nuclei. As HBV ccc DNA is a viral transcription template, novel therapeutic approaches to directly target HBV ccc DNA are necessary to completely eradicate persistent HBV infections. HBV ccc DNA levels in HBV-infected human liver cells are extremely low; thus, more reliable and simple measurement methods are needed to correctly monitor their levels during therapeutic treatment. Although reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or Southern blot procedures are currently used in research studies, these methods are not completely reliable and are also time-consuming and labor-intensive. Genome editing technologies, such as zinc finger nucleases, transcription activator-like effector nucleases, and the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/Cas9(CRISPR/Cas9) system, which are designed to target specific DNA sequences, represent highly promising potential therapeutic tools. In particular, the CRISPR/Cas9 system is an easily customizable sequencespecific nuclease with high flexibility and may be the most feasible approach to target HBV ccc DNA. Further research to develop easier, safer, and more effective protocols should be pursued.

Relationship between hepatitis B virus DNA levels and liver histology in patients with chronic hepatitis B

瞄准：与长期的肝炎 B (CHB ) 在病人学习在肝炎 B (HBV ) DNA 层次和肝组织学之间的关系并且决定肝炎 B e 的流行和特征抗原(HBeAg )negative 病人。方法：有 CHB 的 213 个病人的一个总数被学习，并且浆液 HBV DNA 层次被 COBAS Amplicor HBV 监视器测量测试。所有病人根据 HBeAg 地位被划分成二个组。在浆液 HBV DNA 层次和肝损坏(肝组织学和生物化学) 之间的关联被探索。结果：有比 105 copies/mL 高的浆液 HBV DNA 层次的 213 个病人，(83.6%) 178 是 HBeAg 积极，(16.4%) 35 是 HBeAg 否定。浆液 HBV DNA 层次没在否定的 HBeAg 或 HBeAg 被相关到肝疾病的年龄， CHB 的历史，组织学的等级和阶段积极病人。在 HBV DNA 和丙氨酸 aminotransferanse (中高音) 的浆液层次之间没有关联，在 HBeAg 积极病人的 aspartate aminotrans-ferase (著名计算机生产厂商) 。在 HBeAg 否定病人，当浆液 DNA 层次与中高音相关时，在 HBV DNA 和著名计算机生产厂商的浆液层次之间没有关联(r = 0.351， P = 0.042 ) 。肝疾病的等级(G) 与中高音和著名计算机生产厂商相关(P 【 0.05， r = 0.205， 0.327 分别地) 在 HBeAg 积极病人。在 HBeAg 否定病人，关联在中高音，著名计算机生产厂商和 G 之间被显示出(P 【 0.01，并且 r = 0.862， 0.802 分别地) 。 HBeAg 否定病人更老( 35 +/- 9 年对 30 +/- 9 年， P 【 0.05 )并且有 HBV 感染的更长的历史( 8 +/- 4 年对 6 +/- 4 年， P 【 0.05 )并且更低的 HBV DNA 比 HBeAg 积极病人铺平( 8.4 +/- 1.7 木头 HBV DNA 对 9.8 +/- 1.3 木头 HBV DNA ， P 【 0.001 )。在在二个组之间的两性比率，中高音和著名计算机生产厂商层次和肝组织学没有有效差量。结论：浆液 HBV DNA 水平没与 HBV DNA 在 CHB 病人被相关到肝疾病的组织学的等级或舞台超过 105 copies/mL。比作 HBeAg 积极病人， HBeAg 否定病人更老并且有更低的 HBV DNA 水平和更长的 HBV 感染历史。在在二个组之间的两性比率，中高音和著名计算机生产厂商层次和肝组织学没有有效差量。

Existence and significance of hepatitis B virus DNA in kidneys of IgA nephropathy

AIM: To investigate the existence and significance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy(IgAN).METHODS: Fifty cases of IgAN with HBV antigenaemia and/or hepatitis B virus antigens (HBAg, or HBsAg, HBcAg)detected by immunohistochemistry in renal tissues were enrolled in our study. The distribution and localization of HBV DNA were observed using in situ hybridization.Southern blot analysis was performed to reveal the state of renal HBV DNA.RESULTS: Among the 50 patients with IgAN, HBs antigenemia was detected in 17 patients (34%). HBAg in renal tissues was detected in 48 patients (96%), the positive rate of HBAg, HBsAg, and HBcAg was 82% (41/50), 58% (29/50),and 42% (21/50) in glomeruli, respectively; and was 94%(47/50), 56% (28/50) and 78% (39/50) in tubular epithelia,respectively. Positive HBV DNA was detected in 72% (36/50)and 82% (41/50) cases in tubular epithelia and glomeruli respectively by in Situ hybridization, and the positive signals were localized in the nuclei of tubular epithelial cells and glomerular mesangial cells as well as infiltrated interstitial lymphocytes. Moreover, 68% (34/50) cases were proved to be HBV DNA positive by Southern blot analysis, and all were the integrated form.CONCLUSION: HBV infection might play an important role in occurrence and progress of IgAN. In addition to humoral immune damages mediated by HBAg-HBAb immune complex,renal tissues of some IgAN are directly infected with HBV and express HBAg in situ, and the cellular mechanism mediated by HBV originating from renal cells in situ may also be involved in the pathogenesis of IgAN.

Hepatitis B virus DNA is more powerful than HBeAg in predicting peripheral T-lymphocyte subpopulations in chronic HBV-infected individuals with normal liver function tests

AIM:To investigate the peripheral T-lymphocyte subpopulation profile,and its correlations with hepatitis B virus(HBV) replication level in chronic HBV-infected(CHI) individuals with normal liver function tests(LFTs) . METHODS:Frequencies of T-lymphocyte subpopu-lations in peripheral blood were measured by flow cytometry in 216 CHI individuals. HBV markers were detected with ELISA. Serum HBV DNA load was assessed with quantitative real-time PCR. Information of age at HBV infection,and maternal HBV infection status was collected. ANOVA linear trend test and linear regression were used in statistical analysis. RESULTS:CHI individuals had significantly decreased relative frequencies of CD3+,CD4+ subpopulationsand CD4+/CD8+ ratio,and increased CD8+ subset percentage compared with uninfected individuals(all P < 0.001) . There was a significant linear relationship between the load of HBV DNA and the parameters of T-lymphocyte subpopulations(ANOVA linear trend test P < 0.01) . The parameters were also significantly worse among individuals whose mothers were known to be HBV carriers,and those having gained infection before the age of 8 years. In multiple regressions,after adjustment for age at HBV infection and status of maternal HBV infection,log copies of HBV DNA maintained its highly significant predictive coefficient on T-lymphocyte subpopulations,whereas the effect of HBeAg was not significant. CONCLUSION:HBV DNA correlates with modification in the relative T-lymphocyte subpopulation frequencies. High viral load is more powerful than HBeAg in predicting the impaired balance of T-cell subsets.

Curcumin inhibits hepatitis B virus infection by downregulating ccc DNA-bound histone acetylation

AIM To investigate the potential effect of curcumin on hepatitis B virus(HBV) covalently closed circular DNA(ccc DNA) and the underlying mechanism.METHODS A Hep G2.2.15 cell line stably transfected with HBV was treated with curcumin, and HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) and e antigen(HBe Ag) expression levels were assessed by ELISA. Intracellular HBV DNA replication intermediates and ccc DNA were detected by Southern blot and real-time PCR, respectively. The acetylation levels of histones H3 and H4 were measured by Western blot. H3/H4-bound ccc DNA was detected by chromatin immunoprecipitation(Ch IP) assays. The deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A and sodium butyrate were used to study the mechanism of action for curcumin. Additionally, short interfering RNAs(si RNAs) targeting HBV were tested along with curcumin.RESULTS Curcumin treatment led to time-and dose-dependent reductions in HBs Ag and HBe Ag expression and significant reductions in intracellular HBV DNA replication intermediates and HBV ccc DNA. After treatment with 20 μmol/L curcumin for 2 d, HBs Ag and ccc DNA levels in Hep G2.2.15 cells were reduced by up to 57.7%(P < 0.01) and 75.5%(P < 0.01), respectively, compared with levels in non-treated cells. Meanwhile, time-and dose-dependent reductions in the histone H3 acetylation levels were also detected upon treatment with curcumin, accompanied by reductions in H3-and H4-bound ccc DNA. Furthermore, the deacetylase inhibitors trichostatin A and sodium butyrate could block the effects of curcumin. Additionally, transfection of si RNAs targeting HBV enhanced the inhibitory effects of curcumin.CONCLUSION Curcumin inhibits HBV gene replication via downregulation of ccc DNA-bound histone acetylation and has the potential to be developed as a ccc DNA-targeting antiviral agent for hepatitis B.

Detection of hepatitis B virus DNA by real-time PCR using TaqMan-MGB probe technology

AIM: To develop a real-time PCR for detecting hepatitis B virus-(HBV) DNA based on TaqMan technology using a new MGB probe.METHODS: Plasmid containing the sequence of X gene (1414-1744 nt) was constructed as HBV-DNA standard for quantitative analysis. A TaqMan-MGB probe between primers for amplification was designed to detect PCR products. The interested sequence contained in the plasmid and in clinical specimens was quantitatively measured.RESULTS: The detection limit of the assay for HBV DNA was 1 genome equivalent per reaction. A linear standard curve was obtained between 100 and 109 DNA copies/reaction (r＞0.990). None of the negative control samples showed false-positive reactions in duplicate. HBV DNA was detected in 100% (50/50) of HBV patients with HbeAg, and in 72.0% (36/50) with HBsAg, HBeAb and HBcAb. The coefficient of variation for both intra- and inter-experimental variability demonstrated high reproducibility and accuracy.CONCLUSION: Real-time PCR based on TaqMan-MGB probe technology is an excellent method for detection of HBV DNA.

High-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma with hepatitis B virus-DNA/hepatitis B e antigen-positive patients after living donor liver transplantation

AIM: To investigate the impact of high-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin(HBIG) on hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) and hepatitis B virus(HBV) recurrence and overall survival after living donor liver transplantation(LDLT).METHODS: We investigated 168 patients who underwent LDLT due to HCC, and who were HBV-DNA/hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag)-positive, from January 2008 to December 2013. After assessing whether the patients met the Milan criteria, they were assigned to the low-dose HBIG group and high-dose HBIG group. Using the propensity score 1:1 matching method, 38 and 18 pairs were defined as adhering to and not adhering to the Milan criteria. For each pair, HCC recurrence, HBV recurrence and overall survival were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test according to the HBIG dose. RESULTS: Among those who met the Milan criteria, the 6-mo, 1-year, and 3-year HCC recurrence-free survival rates were 88.9%, 83.2%, and 83.2% in the low-dose HBIG group and 97.2%, 97.2%, and 97.2% in the high-dose HBIG group, respectively(P = 0.042).In contrast, among those who did not meet the Milan criteria, HCC recurrence did not differ according to the HBIG dose(P = 0.937). Moreover, HBV recurrence and overall survival did not differ according to the HBIG dose among those who met(P = 0.317 and 0.190, respectively) and did not meet(P = 0.350 and 0.987, respectively) the Milan criteria. CONCLUSION: High-dose HBIG therapy can reduce HCC recurrence in HBV-DNA/HBe Ag-positive patients after LDLT.

Cellular DNA repair cofactors affecting hepatitis B virus infection and replication

AIM: To investigate whether hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection activates DNA damage response and DNA repair cofactors inhibit HBV infection and replication. METHODS: Human hepatocyte cell line HL7702 was studied. Immunoblotting was performed to test the expression of ataxia telangiectasia-mutated (ATM)- Rad3-related protein (ATR), p21 and the level of phosphorylation of Chk1, p53, H2AX, ATM in HBV- infected or non-infected-cells. Special short RNAi oligos was transfected to induce transient ATR knockdown in HL7702. ATR-ATM chemical inhibitors caffeine (CF) and theophylline (TP), or Chk1 inhibitor 7-hydroxystaurosporine (UCN01) was studied to determine whether they suppress cellular DNA damage response and MG132 inhibits proteasome. RESULTS: The ATR checkpoint pathway, responding to single-strand breaks in DNA, was activated in response to HBV infection. ATR knockdown cells decreased the HBV DNA yields, implying that HBV infection and replication could activate and exploit the activated DNA damage response. CF/TP or UCN01 reduced the HBV DNA yield by 70% and 80%, respectively. HBV abrogated the ATR-dependent DNA damage signaling pathway by degrading p21, and introduction of the p21 protein before HBV infection reduced the HBV DNA yield. Consistent with this result, p21 accumulation after MG132 treatment also sharply decreased the HBVDNA yield. CONCLUSION: HBV infection can be treated with therapeutic approaches targeting host cell proteins by inhibiting a cellular gene required for HBV replication or by restoring a response abrogated by HBV, thus providing a potential approach to the prevention and treatment of HBV infection.

Coimmunization with IL-15 plasmid enhances the longevity of CD8 T cells induced by DNA encoding hepatitis B virus core antigen

瞄准：为了测试交付为改善作为一个 DNA 疫苗的助手编码 IL-15 的一个原生质标志的可行性，有免疫力的回答由肝炎 B 核心基因 DNA 疫苗导致了。方法：我们使用了 RT-PCR 开发 IL-15 表示构造的基于的策略。我们首先证实基因能由于 IL-15 的差的表示在埃希氏杆菌属关口 i 被表示。然后， IL-15 原生质标志表示产品的简历活动被 CTLL-2 增长试金识别。从每 IL-15 的 DNA 的 100 微克真核细胞的表示原生质标志和怀有编码 HBV 核心基因(缩短的 pHBc144 ) 的 N 终点的 144 氨基酸的 DNA 的 recombinant 原生质标志习惯于共同使免疫 C57 BL/6 老鼠。anti-HBcIgG 的效价被 ELISA 检测，抗原特定的 CD8 (+) T 房间(CD8 (+) IFN-gamma (+) T 房间) 被在不同时间点染色的细胞内部的 cytokine 检测。结果：在由 pIL-15 和老鼠的抗原特定的 CD8 (+) 房间逐渐地增加了的 pHBc144 DNA 疫苗的合作免疫以后，有免疫力的反应的第一座山峰出现了 14 d 以后，然后，抗原特定的 CD8 (+) T 房间的数字逐渐地减少了并且在 3 瞬间在稳定的水平维持了。在增加以后，抗原特定的 CD8 (+) T 房间的数字到达了第二座山峰与以后的 10 d 一第一山峰双，然后，抗原特定的 CD8 (+) T 房间的数字慢慢地减少了。一个基因助手没在体液的有免疫力的回答上有重要效果的 IL-15 由肝炎 B 核心基因 DNA 疫苗导致了，但是增加了抗原特定的 CD8 (+) T 房间由肝炎 B 核心基因 DNA 疫苗导致了的记忆。结论：HBc Ag 1-144 氨基酸构造的 DNA 疫苗导致交付 plasmid 的 IL-15 提高的有效房间免疫，和 cytokine CD8 (+) T 房间的长寿。

Rapid quantification of hepatitis B virus DNA by real-time PCR using efficient TaqMan probe and extraction of virus DNA

AIM: To rapidly quantify hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA by real-time PCR using efficient TaqMan probe and extraction methods of virus DNA. METHODS: Three standards were prepared by cloning PCR products which targeted S, C and X region of HBV genome into pGEM-T vector respectively. A pair of primers and matched TaqMan probe were selected by comparing the copy number and the Ct values of HBV serum samples derived from the three different standard curves using certain serum DNA. Then the efficiency of six HBV DNA extraction methods including guanidinium isothiocyanate, proteinase K, NaI, NaOH lysis, alkaline lysis and simple boiling was analyzed in sample A, B and C by real-time PCR. Meanwhile, 8 clinical HBV serum samples were quantified. RESULTS: The copy number of the same HBV serum sample originated from the standard curve of S, C and X regions was 5.7 × 104/mL, 6.3 × 102/mL and 1.6 × 103/ mL respectively. The relative Ct value was 26.6, 31.8 and 29.5 respectively. Therefore, primers and matched probe from S region were chosen for further optimization of six extraction methods. The copy number of HBV serum samples A, B and C was 3.49 × 109/mL, 2.08 × 106/mL and 4.40 × 107/mL respectively, the relative Ct valuewas 19.9, 30 and 26.2 in the method of NaOH lysis, which was the efficientest among six methods. Simple boiling showed a slightly lower efficiency than NaOH lysis. Guanidinium isothiocyanate, proteinase K and NaI displayed that the copy number of HBV serum sample A, B and C was around 105/mL, meanwhile the Ct value was about 30. Alkaline failed to quantify the copy number of three HBV serum samples. Standard deviation (SD) and coefficient variation (CV) were very low in all 8 clinical HBV serum samples, showing that quantification of HBV DNA in triplicate was reliable and accurate. CONCLUSION: Real-time PCR based on optimized primers and TaqMan probe from S region in combination with NaOH lysis is a simple, rapid and accurate method for quantification of HBV serum DNA.

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 classⅠor 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.

Novel DNA vaccine based on hepatitis B virus core gene induces specific immune responses in Balb/c mice

AIM: To investigate the immunogenicity of a novel DNA vaccine,pSW3891/HBc, based on HBV core gene in Balb/c mice.METHODS: A novel DNA vaccine, pSW3891/HBc, encoding HBV core gene was constructed using a vector plasmid pSW3891. Balb/c mice were immunized with either pSW3891/HBc or empty vector DNA via gene gun. IgG anti-HBc responses in mouse sera were demonstrated by ELISA. Specific cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) of mice was quantitatively measured by lactate dehydrogenase release assay.RESULTS: HBcAg was expressed effectively in 293T cell line transiently transfected with pSW3891/HBc. Strong IgG anti-HBc responses were elicited in mice immunized with pSW3891/HBc. The end-point titers of anti-HBc reached the highest 1:97 200, 4 wk after the third immunization. The specific CTL killing with the highest specific lysis reached 73.25% at effector:target ratio of 20:1 in mice that received pSW3891/HBc DNA vaccine.CONCLUSION: pSW3891/HBc vaccination elicits specific anti-HBc response and induces HBc-specific CTL response in immunized Balb/c mice.

Comparison of real-time polymerase chain reaction with the COBAS Amplicor test for quantitation of hepatitis B virus DNA in serum samples

AIM:To compare the clinical performance of a real-time PCR assay with the COBAS Amplicor Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Monitor test for quantitation of HBV DNA in serum samples. METHODS: The reference sera of the Chinese National Institute for the Control of Pharmaceutical and Biological Products and the National Center for Clinical Laboratories of China, and 158 clinical serum samples were used in this study. The linearity, accuracy, reproducibility, assay time, and costs of the real-time PCR were evaluated and compared with those of the Cobas Amplicor test. RESULTS: The intra-assay and inter-assay variations of the real-time PCR ranged from 0.3% to 3.8% and 1.4% to 8.1%, respectively. The HBV DNA levels measured by the real-time PCR correlated very well with those obtained with the COBAS Amplicor test (r = 0.948). The real-time PCR HBV DNA kit was much cheaper and had a wider dynamic range. CONCLUSION: The real-time PCR assay is an excellent tool for monitoring of HBV DNA levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA联合检测对HBV所致肝癌的诊断及预后预测价值

目的探究血清异常凝血酶原Ⅱ(PIVKA-Ⅱ)、甲胎蛋白(AFP)与乙肝病毒脱氧核糖核酸(HBV-DNA)联合检测对HBV所致肝癌(HCC)的诊断及预后预测价值。方法选取2018年8月至2020年7月在本院接受治疗的98例HCC患者作为研究对象(肝癌组),另取同期95例体检健康人群作为健康组,95例肝硬化患者作为肝硬化组,观察3组受试者血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA表达水平和一般资料差异。根据肝癌组3年内预后情况将患者分为生存组(57例)和死亡组(41例)。比较肝癌组一般资料和血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平关系;多因素Logistic和COX回归分析分别分析影响受试者患肝癌和患者预后不良的影响因素;四格表法计算血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平对HCC的预测价值;ROC曲线分析评估血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平对HCC患者预后的预测价值。结果肝癌组患者血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平显著高于健康组和肝硬化组(P<0.05);HCC发病与血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平有关,且是危险因素(P<0.05)。HCC患者预后不良与血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平以及肿瘤数量有关(P<0.05),且是危险因素。血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平以及3项联合诊断HCC发病的准确度分别为77.43%、72.57%、77.43%和84.72%。血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平以及3项联合诊断HCC预后不良的AUC分别为0.823、0.841、0.824和0.958,3项联合诊断效能优于单一诊断(P<0.05)。结论血清PIVKA-Ⅱ、AFP与HBV-DNA水平在HCC患者和预后不良患者中呈高表达,且3项联合可有效预测HCC发病和HCC患者预后情况。