Evaluation of Glutathione Peroxidase Enzymatic Activity in Seminal Plasma of Patients Treated at the Institute Pasteur in Cote d’Ivoire

Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an antioxidant that plays an important role in the maintenance of male fertility. The aim of this study was to compare the profile of enzymatic activity of glutathione peroxidase in the seminal plasma of normozoosperm and those of pathological sperm. Thus, the activity of glutathione peroxidase was determined in the seminal plasma of 20 normozoosperms, 9 azoosperms and 31 oligoasthenoteratozoosperms. It was 37.58 ± 3.14 U/L in normozoosperms, 39.39 ± 2.27 U/L in oligoasthenoteratozoosperms, and 29.77 ± 2.62 U/L in azoosperms. The mean GPx enzyme activity of normozoosperms did not differ significantly from that of oligoasthenoteratozoosperms and azoosperms. In contrast, comparison of enzyme activity between abnormal sperms gave a significant difference. This study showed that glutathione peroxidase enzymatic activity is not related to sperm quality.

Assessment of the Drafting Quality of Request Forms Submitted to the Malaria and Parasitology Units at the Institut Pasteur de Cote d’Ivoire

Biological tests provide information on the medical analysis requested by both the patient and the prescriber. It is a communication link between the prescriber and the laboratory staff. The lack of some information on request forms not only affects the drafting quality of the test and patient care, but could also make thousands of data produced by healthcare centers unusable. The aim of this study was to assess the drafting quality of request forms submitted to the Malaria and Parasitology Units at the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire. Methods: It was a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess the drafting quality of request forms of various prescribers received at the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire. This study was conducted at the Malaria and Parasitology Units, department of Parasitology and Mycology (Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire), from 6th December 2020 to 6th December 2021. The information on each request forms was recorded on a data collection form designed for this purpose. Each data collection form corresponds to a request forms and each test to a patient. Results: Out of a total of 1990 request forms received, the patient’s age and sex were missing on 18% and 26.8% of the tests respectively. More than half (51.80%) of request forms did not indicate the patient’s place of residence. Clinical information was not provided on 45.90% of the tests. Prescribers omitting their signatures were 51%, stamps were 50.3% and contacts were 71.2%. Only 5.4% of request forms were of good drafting quality. Providing all the required information on the forms could facilitate the use and analysis of data and samples.

Contribution of COVID-19 Pandemic on the Human Development of Young Researchers at Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire

The response to the COVID-19 pandemic has compelled Institut Pasteur de Cote d’Ivoire (IPCI) to set up strategies for an outstanding mobilisation of human resources to fight against it. Among these strategies, we can quote the screening of people requesting COVID-19 tests at IPCI for emergency travel after the lifting of flight restrictions. Newly recruited Young researchers at IPCI, as well as Ph.D. students and trainees, were mobilised. This document describes firstly, the benefits, knowledge acquired, and difficulties encountered, and secondly, recommendations to be followed for a future large-scale epidemic. This study helped to outline some achievements, such as upgrading the talents of young researchers, strong collaboration between young researchers from different fields, and between IPCI and other institutions. The lessons learned are numerous, including mood and stress management. The difficulties encountered during this study are mainly misunderstandings, increased workload, and insufficient awareness of COVID-19 travel test procedures. These results are relevant for a possible pandemic management in our country, as well as in other African countries.

The Institut Pasteur of Côte D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) in the Emergency Management of Air Travellers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Unique Experience in Supporting the Response Strategy in Côte D’Ivoire from 2021 to 2022

Since its outbreak in December 2019 in Wuhan Province (China), the Coronavirus (COVID-19) disease quickly spread around the world in such a way that most response plans were outdated. There was an urgent need to change and adapt response strategies as the virus globally spread. Entire firms and economies were brought to a standstill in order to reduce the virus’ capacity to spread and to limit some of the short-term impacts in order to save time and find out solutions to come back to a more or less normal way of life. Thus, most of the countries that closed their air, sea and land borders had to reopen them progressively, with travel restrictions submitted to rigid controls. In Côte d’Ivoire, as in all other countries, air travellers leaving the territory were required to provide a certificate for a negative COVID-19 test, valid for 24 to 72 hours depending on the country of destination. However, the national system implemented could not provide a result before 48 hours. The objective of this work was to develop an alternative strategy to the system for air travellers who were in a hurry and those who had a computer bug in obtaining their result. A total of 38,444 air travellers benefited from this strategy implemented by the Institut Pasteur de Côte d’Ivoire during these two years.

Detection of ARV-Resistant Mutants in HIV-1-Infected Individuals in a Context of Systematic Switching to an Association Based on Dolutegravir in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

The emergence of antiretroviral resistance mutations represents a major threat to the achievement of national and global goals for the elimination of HIV-1 infection. The global strategy in 2019 in Cte d'Ivoire is a new national policy for the management of people living with HIV with the administration of dolutegravir (DTG)-based fixed-dose combination. The aim of our study was to evaluate HIV-1 resistance to antiretrovirals (ARVs) in infected adult subjects in Cte d’Ivoire in the context of a systematic switch to a DTG-based combination. Between February 2022 and October 2023, a cross-sectional survey with random sampling was conducted in 06 services caring for people living with HIV. A total of 139 participants were included in the study. Adults with a viral load ≥ 1000 copies/mL were tested for HIV-1 ARV resistance mutations. Molecular analyses were performed using protocol of ANRS-MIE (National Agency for Research on AIDS and emerging infectious diseases). The interpretation is performed by HIVGRAD (https://www.hiv-grade.de/cms/grade/). The frequencies of HIV-1 resistance to non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), integrase inhibitors (IINTs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) were 82%, 73%, 19% and 11% respectively. The main mutations observed in the different classes were K103N (45%), M184V (64%), E157Q (19%) and L10V/M46I/A71V/I54V (6%) respectively. This study reveals the emergence of resistance to DTG-based fixed-dose combinations, favored by high rates of resistance to NRTIs and NNRTIs. This finding underlines the need for enhanced viral load monitoring and HIV-1 genotyping tests to guide the choice of NRTIs for combination therapy. In addition, monitoring for mutations to second-generation NRTIs is essential, given the scale-up of DTG-based regimens currently underway in Cte d’Ivoire.

Cardiac Tolerance of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Bark of Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier (HAEBTM) in Wistar Rats

Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier is a plant used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various pathologies. However, Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier could present potential health effects on patients. In order to determine the possible cardiotoxic effects of the hydro-alcoholic extract of the bark of Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier, (HAEBTM) forty (40) rats distributed randomly into 4 groups, including 10 animals per group (5 males and 5 females) were used. Animals in group 1 received distilled water and were used as a control group. On the other hand, groups 2, 3, 4 received oral administration a volume of the hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia mantaly H. Perrier corresponding to 1 mL/100g of body weight at 150 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, respectively. The extract was administered daily at the same time for 28 days and serum was collected once a week to evaluate cardiac biochemical markers using spectrophotometric methods using a Cobas C311 HITACHI biochemistry system. After one month of study, all rats were euthanized by overdose of ether, and the hearts of the rats were removed for gross morphological and histopathological analysis. Results were analysed using variance analysis (ANOVA) to compare outcomes as a function of doses administered and treatment times. The biochemical parameters ALT, LDH, CPK, CPKMB showed no significant change (p Terminalia mantaly showed no lesions, edema and necrosis. These results suggest that the hydroalcoholic extract of Terminalia mantaly did not interfere with the functioning or alter the integrity of the heart.

Comparative Study of Gut Microbiota in Breast Cancer Patients versus Controls in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

Context: The gut microbiota represents a complex ecosystem encompassing all unicellular microorganisms residing in the digestive tract, primarily bacteria, fungi, archaea, and even viruses. The relationship between the host and the microbiota is symbiotic: bacteria benefit from a stable environment, while the host gains numerous capabilities in terms of digestion, metabolism, nutrition, and immunity. However, numerous studies suggest that the gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various non-communicable diseases, including obesity, chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, allergic and immune disorders, behavioral disorders, and even certain cancers. The objective of our study was to characterize the gut microbiota of a group of breast cancer patients by comparing it to that of control subjects in Côte d’Ivoire, using a metagenomic approach. Method: A case-control study was conducted from May 2020 to September 2023. A total of 85 women (39 cases and 46 controls) were recruited, and stool samples were collected from both breast cancer patients and healthy women. Among these, ten (10) samples from patients and ten (10) samples from healthy women were randomly selected for the study of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota was characterized by sequencing the V4 region of 16S rRNA using metagenomic NGS technology, and bioinformatic analysis was performed using the mothur pipeline. Results: In women with breast cancer, we observed a reduction in the relative abundance of the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, as well as an increase in the phyla Actinobacteria and Verrucomicrobia. Additionally, their microbiota exhibited lower Chao1 and Sobs diversities compared to the control women (p < 0.05). Molecular variance analysis (AMOVA) revealed a significant difference between the case and control groups (p < 0.001). This study has highlighted a significant difference in the relative abundance of major phyla within the gut microbiota of cases compared to healthy controls. It will contribute to enriching African and global data, thus promoting a better understanding of the role of gut microbiota in breast cancer.

Facing stress and inflammation:From the cell to the planet

As identified in 1936 by Hans Selye,stress is shaping diseases through the induction of inflammation.But inflammation display some yin yang properties.On one hand inflammation is merging with the innate immune response aimed to fight infectious or sterile insults,on the other hand inflammation favors chronic physical or psychological disorders.Nature has equipped the cells,the organs,and the individuals with mediators and mechanisms that allow them to deal with stress,and even a good stress(eustress)has been associated with homeostasis.Likewise,societies and the planet are exposed to stressful settings,but wars and global warming suggest that the regulatory mechanisms are poorly efficient.In this review we list some inducers of the physiological stress,psychologic stress,societal stress,and planetary stress,and mention some of the great number of parameters which affect and modulate the response to stress and render it different from an individual to another,from the cellular level to the societal one.The cell,the organ,the individual,the society,and the planet share many stressors of which the consequences are extremely interconnected ending in the domino effect and the butterfly effect.

Detection of Adenovirus in Fresh Fruit, Vegetables, Wastewater and Manure from Irrigated Farms in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Enteric viral pathogens are responsible for numerous epidemics associated with the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetable, whether raw or minimally processed. The aim of the present study was to assess agricultural practices and the presence of adenovirus (AdV) in fruits and vegetables, manure and irrigation wastewater sampled in the urban and peri-urban perimeters of Ouagadougou. A total of 286 samples including 30 lettuces, 42 tomatoes, 30 carrots, 30 strawberries, 74 manures and 80 wastewater samples were collected from four market garden sites in and around Ouagadougou. Nested PCR was performed with specific primers to detect adenoviruses (AdVs). A face-to-face survey was carried out using a questionnaire on market garden production practices. Overall, adenoviruses prevalence was 5.9% [IC95, 3.2% - 8.7%] in all samples analyzed. It was specifically 7.14% (3/42) from tomatoes, 6.7% (2/30) from lettuces, 20% (6/30) on strawberries and 7.5% (6/80) in irrigation water. The survey showed that irrigation water came from untreated sources (dam, well, canal) and then 52% of farms used untreated manure. No farms have implemented measures to limit access by domestic and wild animals. This work shows the presence of human adenoviruses in surface irrigation water and fresh produce, which is of concern when fresh produce is consumed raw. To reduce the public health risks associated with consuming these foods, it is essential to follow good hygiene and cultivation practices.

Docking of Human Band 3 Anion Transporter Proteins with Their Plasmodium falciparum Interactors Based on Short Linear Motifs

Plasmodium (P.) falciparum is a pathogen that causes severe forms of malaria. Protein interactions have been shown to occur between P. falciparum and human erythrocytes in human blood. The Band 3 Anion Transporter (B3AT) protein is considered the main invasive pathway for the parasite in erythrocytes that causes clinical symptoms for malaria in humans. The interactions between P. falciparum parasites and erythrocytes along this receptor have previously been explored. Short linear motifs (SLIMs) are short linear mediator sequences that involve several biological processes, acting as mediators of protein interactions identifiable by computational tools such as SLiMFinder. For a given protein, the identification of SLIMs allows predicting its interactors. Using the SLIMs approach, protein-protein interaction network analyses between P. falciparum and its human host, were used to identify a tryptophan-rich protein, A5K5E5_PLAVS as an essential interactor of B3AT. To better understand the interaction mechanism, a guided protein-protein docking approach based on SLIM motifs was performed for human B3AT and A5K5E5_PLAVS. The highlights of this important interaction between P. falciparum and its human host have the potential to pave the way to identify new therapeutic candidates.

Physico-Chemical and Nutritional Properties of a Food Broth Based on Nere (Parkia biglobosa)

Purpose: Diet and eating habits are major risk factors for the health and the development of disease, such as, for example, metabolic disorder leading to cardiovascular pathology and cancer, decreased immunity exposing to infections. This study of the physico-chemical and nutritional properties of a soumara-based food broth was carried out with the aim of promoting the consumption of organic broth made from nere seeds (soumara). That is to alleviate certain metabolic diseases, which is a matter of food safety, and also to limit the risk for the health about the consumption of some cooking stocks on the market. Methods: Several natural ingredients such as nere seeds (soumara), ginger, black pepper, parsley and garlic were used to create a nere-based stock. All these ingredients were freeze-dried and the powder obtained was used to make the broth, regarding their physical and chemical properties. Results: The broth had a good protein content of 17.41 ± 0.367 g/100g, a lipid content of 16.80 ± 0.08 g/100g and a fiber content of 8.66 ± 0.04 g/100g. In terms of nutritional values, the broth showed good levels of calcium 184.21 ± 0.09 mg/100g, potassium 50.04 ± 1.45 mg/100g and iron and zinc. In terms of antioxidant activity, the broth also showed good antioxidant activity. Conclusion: Regarding the properties of our food broth, whose composition is based on natural ingredients, could be recommended for consumption and, its properties, could play an important role in preventing and combating certain metabolic diseases.

Mercury Levels Assessment in the Population of Aby and Frambo Villages in the Vinicity of Aby Lagoon in Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

The Minamata Convention in the aim to protect human life and the environment, seeks to reduce mercury (Hg) by monitoring it concentrations in the environment. Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) has been identified as the most important anthropogenic source of human exposure to Hg. In this context, the main goal of this study was to assess the level of mercury in hair of two (2) populations living along two lagoons respectively Aby and Tendo, in Ivory Coast. To reach this goal, hair samples of 138 residents were collected and analyzed by using Cold Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrophotometry (CV-AFS) technique for mercury concentration. Results showed that for the entire population the Hg mean was 2.34 μg/g. Also, they were ranged between 0.15 to 8.53 μg/g and presented substantial differences amongst the villages. In Aby village, we observed the highest Hg concentrations (Mean = 2.62 μg/g). Our findings showed that almost the entire sample group (82%) exceed the USEPA recommended limit, furthermore 56% of them exceed the normal level of WHO and 2% of the respondent has the unhealthy levels of mercury (≥6 μg Hg/g) of hair by WHO standards. Gender differences in hair mercury varies greatly among reports. Lower levels in women’s hair compared to men were reported in the both village. Considering age, the lowest concentrations were observed with children. However, when we take in account the age groups, data suggested that the most exposed sub-population of [18-29] years old is from Aby village in opposite at Frambo village, the same case those who were ≥ 40 years old. It’s convenient to note that, the proportion of Mercury levels would not to be neglected among studied population especially with the resident from Aby village. So, some measures need to be taken at the political level to control mercury contamination.

Distribution and Contamination of Arsenic in Fish, Gastropods and Bivalves in the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in East of Ivory Coast

Lagoons are ecosystems for biodiversity and the livelihoods of coastal communities. The main objective of the study was to analyze the variability of arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves in the Aby and Tendo lagoons, taking into account spatial, seasonal and hydrological variations. The study was carried out in four stages spread over two successive hydroclimatic cycles, including two seasons during the rainy season and two more during the dry season. The samples were taken in two areas of the Aby and Tendo lagoons. Arsenic levels were measured by ICP-MS. The results showed that mean arsenic concentrations in the muscles of organisms in Aby Lagoon ranged from 0.01 to 1.26 μg As/g, with a mean and median of 0.17 and 0.06 μg As/g, respectively. Fish had the highest levels of arsenic, followed by crustaceans, while molluscs and plants had lower and comparable concentrations of As. Arsenic concentrations in tilapia and jawbones varied significantly between sites and seasons, with higher concentrations at Tendo and during the rainy season. Arsenic concentrations in gastropods and bivalves were significantly higher than those of other species, with averages of 0.74 and 1.03 mg As/kg, respectively.

Assessment of Nitrates and Nitrites in Borehole Water from the Southern and the Northern Region of Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)

This study aimed to evaluate the quality of water from village boreholes by measuring physicochemical parameters such as nitrates, nitrites, and total organic carbon (TOC). Forty-five (45) village pumps from the Southern (Basse Côte) and the Northern (Korhogo) region of Cte d’Ivoire (west Africa) were sampled. Physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH, conductivity at 25˚C, and turbidity were determined in situ, while nitrite and nitrate were analyzed according to ISO 10304-1 (2007) standard and total organic carbon (TOC) by NF EN 1484 (1997) standard. The results showed that the borehole waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo analyzed are acidic, with an average temperature of 27.51˚C ± 0.16˚C and 29.95˚C ± 0.51˚C respectively for the Basse Côte and Korhogo regions. The borehole waters of the Basse Côtedo not contain nitrites, while those of Korhogo have average nitrite contents of 0.32 mg/l. The average nitrate rate in the waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo are 12.08 ± 2.11 mg/l and 11.03 ± 3.18 mg/l respectively. The average TOC concentration of the waters of the Basse Côte is 1.28 ± 0.32 mg/l and that of Korhogo is 0.56 ± 0.09 mg/L. The study showed that the borehole waters of the Basse Côte and Korhogo have average temperatures between 27.4˚C and 29.95˚C with a slightly acidic pH value and acceptable salinity. The TOC concentrations obtained at the different sampling points were all below the French standard (2 mg/L) except for certains pumps of the Basse Côte. The water samples from the Basse Côte were devoid of nitrite. On the other hand, those from Korhogo revealed the presence of nitrite. Also, the borehole waters of the regions of the Basse Côte and Korhogo contain relatively high nitrate contents, presumably due to anthropometric activity. Overall, our study on the quality of drinking water showed that the waters analyzed are in compliance with international standards and safe for consumption.

Assessment of Selenium Contamination in Sediments of the Aby and Tendo Lagoons in Côte d’Ivoire

Selenium is a trace element that can have both beneficial and harmful effects on aquatic life. The Aby Lagoon is a coastal environment in Côte d’Ivoire that receives selenium inputs from various natural and anthropogenic sources. The aim of this study was to assess the levels of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon and its tributaries, the Tanoe River and the Tendo Lagoon, and to examine the spatial and seasonal variations of selenium concentrations. Sediment samples were collected from different sites and seasons, and selenium concentrations were measured by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The results showed that the average concentration of selenium in the sediments of the Aby Lagoon was 0.82 mg/kg, indicating moderate contamination. The concentration of selenium varied between sites and seasons, with higher values in the channel of the Tendo Lagoon and during the dry season. The study highlighted the complexity of selenium dynamics in aquatic ecosystems, and the need to take into account seasonal and spatial variability as well as interactions between environmental factors. The study also suggested potential ecotoxicological risks for some sensitive organisms in certain areas of the lagoon. This study contributes to the knowledge of the dynamics of selenium in lagoon ecosystems and to the assessment of the environmental risks associated with its presence.

Correlation between in vitro and in vivo immunomodulatory properties of lactic acid bacteria

AIM： To investigate the correlation between in vitro and in vivo immunomodulation potential of the probiotic strain and its ability to prevent experimental colitis in mice. METHODS： In vitro immunomodulation was assessed by measuring interleukJn （IL）-12p70, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNFα） and interferon 7 （IFNγ） release by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） after 24 h stimulation with 13 live bacterial strains. A murine model of acute TNBS-colitis was next used to evaluate the prophylactic protective capacity of the same set of strains. RESULTS： A strain-specific in vivo protection was observed. The strains displaying an in vitro potential to induce higher levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and lower levels of the inflammatory cytokine IL-12, offered the best protection in the in vivo colitis model. In contrast, strains leading to a low IL-10/IU12 cytokine ratio could not significantly attenuate colitis symptoms, CONCLUSION：These results show that we could predict the in vivo protective capacity of the studied lactic acid bacteria （LAB） based on the cytokine profile we established in vitro. The PBHC-based assay we used may thus serve as a useful primary indicator to narrow down the number of candidate strains to be tested in murine models for their anti-inflammatory potential.

Hepatitis C virus: Morphogenesis, infection and therapy

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) is a major cause of liver diseases including liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Approximately 3% of the world population is infected with HCV. Thus, HCV infection is considered a public healthy challenge. It is worth mentioning, that the HCV prevalence is dependent on the countries with infection rates around 20% in high endemic countries. The review summarizes recent data on HCV molecular biology, the physiopathology of infection(immune-mediated liver damage, liver fibrosis and lipid metabolism), virus diagnostic and treatment. In addition, currently available in vitro, ex vivo and animal models to study the virus life cycle, virus pathogenesis and therapy are described. Understanding of both host and viral factors may in the future lead to creation of new approaches in generation of an efficient therapeutic vaccine.

Hepatitis C virus genetic variability and evolution

Hepatitis C virus(HCV) has infected over 170 million people worldwide and creates a huge disease burden due to chronic, progressive liver disease. HCV is a singlestranded, positive sense, RNA virus, member of the Flaviviridae family. The high error rate of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the pressure exerted by the host immune system, has driven the evolution of HCV into 7 different genotypes and more than 67 subtypes. HCV evolves by means of different mechanisms of genetic variation. On the one hand, its high mutation rates generate the production of a large number of different but closely related viral variants during infection, usually referred to as a quasispecies. The great quasispecies variability of HCV has also therapeutic implications since the continuous generation and selection of resistant or fitter variants within the quasispecies spectrum might allow viruses to escape control by antiviral drugs. On the other hand HCV exploits recombination to ensure its survival. This enormous viral diversity together with some host factors has made it difficult to control viral dispersal. Current treatment options involve pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin as dual therapy or in combination with a direct-acting antiviral drug, depending on the country. Despite all the efforts put into antiviral therapy studies, eradication of the virus or the development of a preventive vaccine has been unsuccessful so far. This review focuses on current available data reported to date on the genetic mechanisms driving the molecular evolution of HCV populations and its relation with the antiviral therapies designed to control HCV infection.

Hepatitis C virus proteins

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) encodes a single polyprotein, which is processed by cellular and viral proteases to generate 10 polypeptides. The HCV genome also contains an overlapping +1 reading frame that may lead to the synthesis of an additional protein. Until recently, studies of HCV have been hampered by the lack of a productive cell culture system. Since the identification of HCV genome approximately 17 years ago, structural, biochemical and biological information on HCV proteins has mainly been obtained with proteins produced by heterologous expression systems. In addition, some functional studies have also been confirmed with replicon systems or with retroviral particles pseudotyped with HCV envelope glycoproteins. The data that have accumulated on HCV proteins begin to provide a framework for understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the major steps of HCV life cycle. Moreover, the knowledge accumulated on HCV proteins is also leading to the development of antiviral drugs among which some are showing promising results in early- phase clinical trials. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the functions and biochemical features of HCV proteins.

Comprehensive review of telbivudine in pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B

AIM:To achieve an evidence-based conclusion regarding the safety and efficacy of telbivudine during pregnancy.METHODS:A pooled analysis of data from a literature search reported 1739 pregnancy outcomes(1673 live births)from 1725 non-overlapping pregnant women treated with telbivudine.The prevalence of live birth defects(3.6/1000)was similar to that of the nonantiviral controls(3.0/1000)and not increased as compared with overall prevalence(14.5 to 60/1000).No target organ toxicity was identified.The prevalence of spontaneous abortion in pregnant women treated with telbivudine(4.2/1000)was not increased compared with the overall prevalence(16/1000).The mother-to-child transmission rate was significantly reduced in pregnant women treated with telbivudine(0.70%)compared to those treated with the non-antiviral controls(11.9%;P<0.0001)or compared to the historical rates of hepatitis B virus(HBV)-infected population without antiviral treatment(10%-15%).RESULTS:Cumulatively 489 pregnancy cases have been reported in the telbivudine pharmacovigilance database(with a cut-off date 31 August 2014),of those,308 had known pregnancy outcomes with 249 cases of live births(239 cases of live birth without congenital anomaly and 10 cases of live birth with congenital anomaly).In the latest antiretroviral pregnancy registry report(1 January 1989 through 31 January 2015)of27 patients exposed to telbivudine during pregnancy(18,6 and 3 during first,second and third trimester,respectively)19 live births were reported and there were no cases of birth defects reported.CONCLUSION:Telbivudine treatment during pregnancy presents a favorable safety profile without increased rates of live birth defects,spontaneous abortion or elective termination,or fetal/neonatal toxicity.Exposure to telbivudine in the first,second and third trimester of pregnancy has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of HBV transmission from mother to child on the basis of standard immune prophylaxis procedure.