拉米夫定对慢性乙型肝炎伴重度肝纤维化患者的长期应用疗效——NUCB 4006十年随访研究

目的 评估拉米夫定(LAM)对慢性乙型肝炎伴重度肝纤维化患者长期治疗的临床和组织学结果.方法 39例重度肝纤维化(Ishak评分≥4分)的慢性乙型肝炎患者接受LAM治疗,最长达10年,评估随访期末患者疾病进展、肝组织学、病毒学以及生化学应答.数据分析采用配对t检验、Fisher确切概率法以及Willcoxon检验.结果 28例完成10年随访的患者中,5例出现疾病进展,占1 7.9%.16例患者在随访期末接受了第2次肝组织活检,与基线水平相比,肝组织学活动指数和纤维化评分均有明显好转(1.1±1.4比7.1±3.2,t=-0.82,P＜0.01;3.6±2.2比5.3±0.7,t=-2.89,P＜0.05).其中3例患者纤维比评分由基线时的5分改善为随访期末的0分.27例患者中,3例HBsAg消失,占11%,2例HBsAg血清学转换,占7%.23例HBeAg阳性患者至随访末,19例HBeAg消失,占83%,9例HBeAg血清学转换,占39%.在治疗期间,共有11例患者发生了病毒学突破或检测到LAM相关耐药变异,加用或换用其他核苷酸类似物,随访期末所有患者HBV DNA均＜1×103拷贝/mL.结论 LAM长期治疗能延缓慢性乙型肝炎伴重度肝纤维化患者的疾病进展,提高HBsAg及HBeAg的阴转率,持续维持HBV DNA于低水平,对某些患者能完全逆转肝纤维化,挽救治疗可减少LAM耐药变异对患者预后的影响.     

TT virus infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B and response of l－TTV to lamivudine

AIM: To investigate the responses of TT virus (TTV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) to a long-term lamivudine therapy. METHODS: Sixteen patients infected with both TTV and HBV were treated with lamivudine 100 mg daily for 30 months. Blood samples were drawn at the beginning of the therapy and subsequently at month 3, 6, 9, 12 and 30. Serum TTV was quantified by real time PCR and serum HBV was detected by hybridization assay and nested polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: TTV infection was detected in 100 % of HBV-infected patients. Loss of serum TTV DNA after one year of treatment occurred in 1/16 (6 %) patients. At the end of therapy, TTV DNA was positive in 94 % of them. The decline of HBV viremia was evident at 3 months after therapy and the response rate was 31 %, 44 %, 63 %, 50 % and 50 % at month 3, 6, 9, 12 and 30, respectively. CONCLUSION: TTV replication is not sensitive to lamivudine and is highly prevalent in HBV-infected patients.     

Long-term alpha interferon and lamivudine combination therapy in non-responder patients with anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B： Results of an open, controlled trial

AIM: To investigate the safety and efficacy of long-term combination therapy with alpha interferon and lamivudine in non-responsive patients with anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: 34 patients received combination treatment (1 month lamivudine, 12 month lamivudine+interferon, 6 month lamivudine), 24 received lamivudine (12 months), 24 received interferon (12 months). Interferon was administered at 6 MU tiw and lamivudine at 100 mg orally once daily. Patients were followed up for 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: At the end of treatment, HBV DNA negativity rates were 88 % with lamivudine+interferon, 99 % with lamivudine and 55 % with interferon, (P=0.004, combination therapy vs. interferon, and P=0.001 lamivudine vs. interferon), and serum transaminase normalization rates were 84 %, 91 % and 53 % (P=0.01 combination therapy vs. interferon, and P=0.012 lamivudine vs. interferon). Six months later, HBV DNA negativity rates were 44 % with lamivudine+interferon, 33 % with lamivudine and 25 % with interferon, and serum transaminase normalization rates were 61 %, 42 % and 45 %, respectively, without statistical significance. No YMDD variants were observed with lamivudine+interferon (vs. 12 % with lamivudine). The combination therapy appeared to be safe. CONCLUSION: Although viral clearance and transaminase normalization are slower with long-term lamivudine+interferon than that with lamivudine alone, the combination regimen seems to provide more lasting benefits and to protect against the appearance of YMDD variants. Studies with other regimens regarding sequence and duration are needed.     

Long-term lamivudine treatment for chronic hepatitis B in Japanese patients： A project of Kyushu University Liver Disease Study

AIM:To determine the efficacy of long-term lamivudinetreatment of a large number of Japanese patients withchronic hepatitis B.METHODS:In this retrospective,multi-center trial,318 Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B received100 mg of lamivudine daily for up to 36(median 21)mo.Virological response was a decline to a serumHBV DNA level less than 3.7 log copies/mL.Virological breakthrough was defined as the reappearance of aserum HBV DNA level to more than 10-fold the minimumduring treatment.RESULTS:Lamivudine produced virological responsein 86.8% of the 318 patients at 6 mo,in 80.2% of252 patients at 12 mo,in 69.2% of 133 patients at 24mo,and in 53.6% of 28 patients at 36 mo.Forwardstepwise logistic regression analysis showed an HBV DNAlevel less than 6.8 log copies/mL(P<0.0001),HBeAgnegativity(P<0.0001),a platelet count of 100×10~9/L ormore(P=0.0162)at baseline,and a decline of the HBVDNA level of more than 3.2 log copies/mL as comparedwith the baseline level at 3 mo after the start oftreatment(P=0.0003)to be significantly associated withvirological response.Among patients with a virologicalresponse,virological breakthrough was seen in 5.3%of 19 patients who responded virologically at 1 mo,in20.7% of 203 patients at 3 mo,in 27.5% of 51 patientsat 6 mo,in 33.3% of 12 patients at 9 mo,and in 100%of 3 patients at≥15 mo.A virological breakthrough wasfound significantly more often in patients with delayedvirological response.CONCLUSION:Lamivudine treatment could suppressserum HBV DNA in most of the tested Japanese patients.Long-term efficacy might be seen in patients withoutHBeAg at baseline,in the absence of cirrhosis,and inpatients with a decline in HBV DNA level soon after thestart of treatment.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells after Toll like receptor 3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Objective To detect the expression of type Ⅰ interferon in monocyte-derived dendritic cells(MoDCs)after Toll like receptor(TLR)3 triggered in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB),and to evaluate immune responses of CHB patients and its roles in the mechanisms of persistent infection of hepatitis B virus(HBV)and chronicity of hepatitis.Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMCs)were isolated and purified using magnetic beads(plasma was saved simultaneously)from 26 CHB patients and 18 healthy volunteers(HV).Dendritic cells(DCs)were induced and proliferated in a culture medium with recombinant human granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor(rhGM-CSF)and recombinant human interleukin(rhIL-4).EX3s were stimulated with Poly Ⅰ:C and the supernatants were collected at 0 h and 24 h after stimulation.Type Ⅰ interferon(IFN-α and IFN-β)in plasma and supernatants were examined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results The levels of type Ⅰ interferon in plasma were not significantly different in groups of HV and CH B.IFN-α and IFN-β expressions in supernatants before Poly Ⅰ:C stimulation were(80.00±16.15)ng/L,(36.39±13.90)ng/L in CHB group and(76.76±15.90)ng/L,(37.14±13.68)ng/L in HV group,respectively.And there were no statistical differences between two groups(t=1.651,t=0.178;both P＞0.05).IFN-α expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in two groups were both higher than those before stimulation(at 0 h),but there were no statistical differences(t=1.534,t=1.243;both P＞0.05).IFN-β expressions in supernatants at 24 h after stimulation in HV group was(54.57±16.80)ng/L,which was significantly higher than that at 0 h(37.14±13.68)ng/L(t=4.061,P＜0.05).However,there was no significant difference at 24 h than tht at 0 h in CHB group(t=1.796,P＞0.05).At 24 h after stimulation.IFN-β level was(54.57±16.80)ng/L in HV group,which was significantly higher than that[(41.64±12.57)ng/L]in CHB group(t=2.921,P＜0.05).Conclusions Functions of MoDCs from CHB patients are impaired and MoDCs could not express type Ⅰ interferon normally.Expression of type Ⅰ interferon after TLR3 triggered in CHB patients is mainly IFN-β.     

Transforming growth factor-β1 gene polymorphisms are associated with progression of liver fibrosis in Caucasians with chronic hepatitis C infection

AIM: Considerable attention is focused on polymorphisms in the gene encoding transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), a multifunctional cytokine that is in turn a potent growth inhibitor involved in wound healing and differentiation. In humans, it promotes the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis, atherosclerosis, cancer, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, keloid disease, and hypertrophic scarring. Forth is reason, much emphasis has been placed on studies elucidating the impact of TGF-131 and its gene variationsf or the susceptibility and pathogenesis of these diseases. Unfortunately, some studies have serious limitations. METHODS: We have recently described a high-throughput method for investigation the Arg25Pro polymorphism of human TGF-β1 gene and showed that the frequency of the Pro25 allele is significantly associated with hepatic fibrogenesis. In this report, we describe two novel Light Cycler (LC) techniques that facilitate the examination of the two other known alterations in the coding region of TGF-β1. We investigated whether these polymorphisms contribute to hepatitis-induced progression of fibrogenesis in Chinese and Caucasians. RESULTS: In the Chinese ancestry, the gene polymorphisms at codons 25 and 263 were not found and the genetic variant at codon 10 is unlikely to confer susceptibility to hepatic fibrosis. Contrarily, in Caucasians TGF-β1 allelic variations are more frequent and the presence of prolines     

Ultrastructure of oval cells in children with chronic hepatitis B, with special emphasis on the stage of liver fibrosis： The first pediatric study

AIM:To investigate the ultrastructure of oval cells in children with chronic hepatitis B,with special emphasis on their location in areas of collagen fibroplasia. METHODS:Morphological investigations were conducted on biopsy material obtained from 40 children,aged 3-16 years with chronic hepatitis B. The stage of fibrosis was assessed histologically using the arbitrary semiquantitative numerical scoring system proposed by Ishak et al. The material for ultrastructural investigation was fixed in glutaraldehyde and paraformaldehyde and processed for transmission-electron microscopic analysis. RESULTS:Ultrastructural examination of biopsy specimens obtained from children with chronic hepatitis B showed the presence of two types of oval cells,the hepatic progenitor cells and intermediate hepatic-like cells. These cells were present in the parenchyma and were seen most commonly in areas of intense periportal fibrosis (at least stage 2 according to Ishak et al) and in the vicinity of the limiting plate of the lobule. The activated nonparenchymal hepatic cells,i.e. transformed hepatic stellate cells and Kupffer cells were seen in close proximity to the intermediate hepatic-like cells. CONCLUSION:We found a distinct relationship between the prevalence of oval cells (hepatic progenitor cells and intermediate hepatocyte-like cells) and fibrosis stage in pediatric patients with chronic hepatitis B.     

Effect of lamivudine treatment on plasma levels of transforming growth factor β1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 and metalloproteinase-1 in patients with chronic hepatitis B

AIM: Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and its tissue inhibitor (TIMP)-I are considered predictive biomarkers of chronic hepatitis activity and fibrosis.The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of lamivudine treatment on the plasma levels of these peptides in patients with chronic hepatitis B.METHODS: TGF-β1, MMP-1 and TIMP-1 plasma concentrations were measured with an enzyme immunoassay in 40 patients treated with lamivudine for 48 wk. Elimination of HBV-DNA and HBV antigens was evaluated 24 wk after treatment completion.RESULTS: Baseline TGF-β1(29.6&#177;2.2 ng/mL) and TIMP-1(1 578&#177;93 ng/mL) significantly exceeded normal values(18.3&#177;1.6 ng/mL and 1 102&#177;67 ng/mL respectively). Lamivudine treatment resulted in a significant decrease of TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 during treatment with an increase after 24 wk of treatment. Pretreatment MMP-1 levels (6.7&#177;0.7 ng/mL) were significantly lower than normal values (11.9&#177;0.9 ng/mL) and increased during treatment and follow-up. A significant correlation was noted between TGF-β1 or TIMP-1 and aminotransferases as well as fibrosis scored in liver biopsy specimens. There were no statistically significant differences of TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and MMP-1 between four groups at baseline, 24 and 48 wk of treatment. TGF-β1 and TIMP-1 levels increased significantly in non-responders and normalized in responders at wk 72. MMP-1 also normalized in responders and decreased to values significantly lower than normal in non-responders.CONCLUSION: These findings support the role of TGF-β1,TIMP-1 and MMP-1 in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis B.Because of their association with hepatic injury and antiviral treatment efficacy, determination of these peptides may be useful in disease management.     

CCR△532 mutation does not influence the susceptibility to HCV infection, severity of liver disease and response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C

AIM: To study whether CCR5Delta32 mutation was associated with viral infection and severity of liver disease. METHODS: Two hundred and fifty two histologically proven, chronic HCV patients (mean age: 41 +/- 14 years; M/F: 164/88) were genotyped. PCR based genotyping of 32 bp deletion at the CCR5 locus was done. Four-hundred and eight matched healthy controls were studied to assess susceptibility to HCV infection. To assess correlation of immune gene polymorphism with severity of HCV related liver disease, patients with chronic HCV infection were divided into those with a fibrosis score of <= 2 (mild) or > 2 (severe) and histological activity index (HAI) of <= 5 or > 5. For correlation between CCR5Delta32 mutations and response to therapy, 129 patients who completed therapy were evaluated. RESULTS: The majority (89.4%) of the patients were infected with genotype 3. The frequency of homozygous CCR5Delta32 mutants was comparable to HCV patients as compared to the healthy controls (0.7% vs 0%, P = 0.1). Further more, the frequency of CCR5Delta32 mutation was comparable in patients with mild or severe liver disease. (P = NS). There was also no association observed with response to therapy and CCR5Delta32 mutation. CONCLUSION: CCR5Delta32 mutation does not have a role in disease susceptibility, severity or response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.     

Capsule oxymatrine in treatment of hepatic fibrosis due to chronic viral hepatitis： A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical study

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oxymatrine capsule in treatment of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. METHODS: It was a randomized, double blind, placebocontrolled, multicenter clinical study. One hundred and fortyfour patients were divided into oxymatrine capsule group (group A) and placebo group (group B). The course was 52wk. Patients were visited once every 12wk and the last visit was at 12wk after cessation of the treatment. All patients had liver biopsy before treatment, part of them had a second biopsy at the end of therapy. Clinical symptoms, liver function test, serum markers of hepatic fibrosis were tested. Ultrasound evaluation was performed before, during and at the end of therapy. RESULTS: One hundred and forty-four patients enrolled in the study. Of them 132 patients completed the study according to the protocol, 49 patients had liver biopsy twice (25 patients in group A and 24 in group 13). At the end of therapy, significant improvements in hepatic fibrosis and inflammatory activity based on Semi-quantitative scoring system (SSS) were achieved in group A. The total effective rate of the treatment was 48.00%, much higher than that of 4.17% in group B (P&lt;0.05). Significant improvement in serum markers of hepatic fibrosis such as hyaluronic acid (HA) and type Ⅲ procollagenic peptide (PⅢ P) in group A was seen (P&lt;0.05). The total effective rate of serum markers at the end of therapy in group A was 68.19%, much higher than that of 34.85% in group B (P&lt;0.05). The total effective rate of noninvasive markers at the end of therapy in group A was 66.67%, much higher than that of 30.30% in group B (P&lt;0.05). The rate of adverse events was similar in two groups. CONCLUSION: Oxymatrine capsule is effective and safe in treatment of hepatic fibrosis due to chronic viral hepatitis.