Hepatitis B Virus Core Promoter Mutations in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Bucharest,Romania

Background:

Accurate and personalized molecular virological diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is crucial for individualized selection of patients for antiviral therapy in Romania.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate HBV mutations in Romanian patients with chronic HBV infection, also to match HBV genotypes with HBV mutations identified and clinical outcomes.

Patients and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 484 Romanian patients with chronic HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were investigated. This was performed in Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania during January 2005 to August 2010. HBsAg positive patients with chronic HBV infection admitted to Fundeni Clinical Institute were randomly enrolled in the study. Analysis was performed in the Centre for Immunogenetics and Virology, Fundeni Clinical Institute, Bucharest, Romania. Indirect diagnosis was performed with enhanced chemiluminescence method using Architect i2000SR and HBV-DNA was quantified with COBAS TaqMan HBV PCR. Direct sequencing of the PCR-products was performed with the PCR-product sequencing kit. HBV genotyping was performed with INNO-LiPA DR Amplification and INNO-LiPA HBV precore-core.

Results:

We detected two HBV genotypes; A (8.1%) and D (60.5%), and a mixture of genotypes A and D (31.4%) (P < 0.001). Basal core promoter (BCP) A1762T/G1764A and precore (PC) G1896A mutations were detected in these Romanian patients with chronic HBV infection. HBV chronic carriers had mainly genotype D (54.4%) and HBV WT (64.0%). BCP A1762T, G1764A and PC G1896A were significantly associated with HCC-tissue HBV sequencing (75.3%) (P < 0.001). PC G1896A alone was detected in HCC-serum HBV sequencing group (66.7%).

Conclusions:

Genotype D was the main genotype detected in Romanian patients with chronic HBV infection. Genotype D presented both BCP and PC mutations more frequently.     

Combination and evolution of HBV mutant strains in the HBeAg-positive status predict clinical outcomes after HBeAg seroconversion

Purpose

We investigated whether the combined presence and evolution of hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutant strains in the hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive status can predict clinical outcomes after HBeAg seroconversion.

Methods

One hundred and eighty-six patients with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion were enrolled into this longitudinal study. The sequences of pre-S, core promoter, and precore regions were determined at study entry and at the visit immediately before HBeAg seroconversion.

Results

Age ≥40 years at HBeAg seroconversion, male sex, and higher HBV DNA levels at entry were independent predictors for HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients with combined mutations of pre-S deletions and T1762/A1764 had a significantly increased risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) compared to patients with the wild type at both genomic regions. Combinations of pre-S deletions and T1762/A1764 were found on the same HBV genome by cloning analysis of full-length HBV genomes. Patients with a persistent presence of pre-S deletions and T1762/A1764 mutations, and new development of pre-S deletions in the HBeAg-positive status were significantly at an increased risk of HBeAg-negative CHB, cirrhosis, and HCC after HBeAg seroconversion than those with a persistent presence of the wild type at both genomic regions. After adjusting the other risk factors, the evolution of pre-S deletions was an independent predictor for cirrhosis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.52, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.02–2.25] and HCC (HR: 4.0, 95 % CI 1.6–10.1).

Conclusions

The combined presence and evolution of pre-S deletions and T1762/A1764 in the HBeAg-positive status was a useful factor significantly predictive of clinical outcomes in patients with spontaneous HBeAg seroconversion.     

Association between hepatitis B virus basal core promoter/precore region mutations and the risk of hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure in the Chinese population: an updated meta-analysis

Background

The relationship between hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutations in basal core promoter (BCP) and precore (PC) regions and the risk of hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HB-ACLF) remains uncertain.

Methods

Databases were searched for papers that were published in English or Chinese until April 31, 2015. The odds ratios (ORs) of HBV mutation were pooled by using a fixed or random-effects model according to heterogeneity.

Results

Data for 13 studies with a total of 1,149 HB-ACLF and 1,867 chronic hepatitis B (CHB) cases were retrieved. Statistically significant summary ORs for HB-ACLF were obtained for T1753V (1.99; 95 % confidence interval 1.30–3.02) and A1762T/G1764A (2.11; 95 %, 1.75–2.54) in the BCP region and for A1846T (3.33; 95 %, 2.23–4.97), G1896A (2.78; 95 %, 2.07–3.74), and G1899A (3.09; 95 %, 1.82–5.25) in the PC region. In subgroup analysis, BCP mutations were found to have higher ORs in age-matched studies, but PC mutations were found to have higher ORs in age-unmatched studies; patients with the mutations in HBV genotype C were more susceptible to HB-ACLF; patients with pre-existing liver cirrhosis had a higher risk of HB-ACLF occurrence. In sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy analysis, A1762T/G1764A had the highest sensitivity (67.43 %); A1762T/G1764A + G1896A triple mutations had the highest specificity (93.70 %); and T1753V + A1762T + G1764A mutation had the highest accuracy (65.42 %).

Conclusions

HBV T1753V, A1762T/G1764A, A1846T, G1896A, and G1899A mutations are correlated with an increase in the risk of HB-ACLF. These mutations alone and in combination may be predictive of the susceptibility of patients with CHB to developing HB-ACLF.

     

G1896A Precore Mutation and Association With HBeAg Status,Genotype and Clinical Status in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B

Background:

Precore stop codon (G1896A) mutation is one of the commonest mutations found in patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, over the years, this mutation was not reported much in Malaysia.

Objectives:

We therefore investigated the presence of G1896A mutation in Malaysian population and its association with HBeAg status, clinical stage, hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype and e-seroconversion rate.

Patients and Methods:

Serum samples from 93 patients confirmed as hepatitis B carriers were collected for molecular assay. The whole genome of HBV was amplified by polymerase chain reaction and directly sequenced. The precore and basal core promoter regions were analyzed for presence of mutations.

Results:

The most commonly observed mutation in the precore region was C1858T with 64.5% prevalence. The precore mutation of interest (G1896A) was identified in 25.8% of isolates. The basal core promoter mutations detected were A1762T-G1764A (26.9%), C1653T (8.6%), A1752G (10.8%) and C1766T (2.2%). No significant association was observed between G1896A mutation and HBeAg-negativity. Nonetheless, G1896A was highly prevalent among HBV genotype B. Clinical association revealed that subjects with G1896A mutations were mainly detected in asymptomatic chronic hepatitis B (58.3%) and liver cirrhosis (41.7%). One subject was diagnosed with fulminant hepatitis (4.2%) and 8.3% had hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Conclusions:

Our data suggested an intermediate prevalence of G1896A mutation among Malaysian hepatitis B carriers. The stop codon mutation has a significant association with genotype B and patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis.     

Correlation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and mutations in basal core promoter/precore with clinical features of chronic HBV infection.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the correlation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes and basal core promoter (BCP) and precore (PC) mutations in patients with chronic hepatitis B. METHODS: HBV genotyping, nucleotide mutation, serum HBV DNA level and serological markers were analyzed in 121 patients with chronic HBV infection using INNO-LiPA HBV genotyping, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product-based sequencing, fluorescence quantitative PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays respectively. RESULTS: Forty (33.0%), 77 (63.6%), two (1.7%) and two (1.7%) patients had genotypes B, C, B/C and D infections respectively. Significant differences were found in serum HBV DNA levels (log10 copies/ml: 6.18 vs. 5.61, P=0.042) and mutations at nucleotide (nt) 1762/1764 (71.4% vs. 42.5%, P=0.002) between genotypes C- and B-infected patients. There were significant differences in the mean age, serum biochemical parameter levels and mutation rates in BCP/PC among hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and -negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and liver cirrhosis (LC) groups. CONCLUSION: Genotypes C and B are predominant in China, and the frequent nt 1762/1764 mutation, which occurs commonly in HBeAg-negative CHB, especially in genotype C patients, may be associated with the progress of chronic HBV infection.     

HBsAg, HBeAg and HBV DNA level changes and precore/basal core promoter mutations in the natural history of chronic hepatitis B in Indonesian patients

Introduction

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a state of complex interactions between the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and host. We studied the changes in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B ‘e’ antigen (HBeAg) and HBV DNA levels, considering the implications of HBV genotype, basal core promoter (BCP) A1762T/G1764A and precore G1896A mutations in CHB.

Methods

One hundred fifty-two treatment-naïve CHB patients were classified into immune-tolerant (IT), immune-clearance (IC), low/non-replicative (LR) and ‘e’-negative hepatitis B (ENH) phases, based on HBeAg status, HBV DNA and ALT levels. HBV DNA was detected and quantified by polymerase chain reaction, then analyzed by sequencing. HBsAg and HBeAg levels were measured serologically.

Results

HBsAg and HBV DNA levels varied between CHB phases, with HBsAg highest in IT and lowest in LR, and HBV DNA high in IT and IC, and lowest in LR. Both markers increased in ENH. Correlation between HBsAg and HBV DNA was significant in IT and IC, modest in ENH, but missing in LR. HBeAg and HBV DNA levels were dissociated in HBeAg-positive patients. Genotypes B and C were similarly distributed, with precore mutations higher in HBeAg-negative patients and BCP mutations comparable in all phases. Temporal association between HBeAg seroconversion and an increase of BCP/precore mutations was observed.

Conclusion

HBsAg and HBV DNA levels were high and correlated in early CHB phases and dissociated after HBeAg seroconversion, indicating different controls affecting HBV replication and HBsAg production. Selection of BCP/precore mutants may affect disease course and explain the HBeAg–HBV DNA dissociation, a precaution for clinical application of quantitative HBeAg.     

Hepatitis B virus genotype B and mutations in basal core promoter and pre-core/core genes associated with acute-on-chronic liver failure: a multicenter cross-sectional study in China

Background and aim

In China, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is mostly caused by hepatitis B virus (HBV). However, the mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the association between both HBV genotype and mutations in basal core promoter (BCP) and pre-core/core (pre-C/C) regions with the development of HB-ACLF.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed in China. Serum samples from 522 patients were analyzed, including 231 patients with mild-chronic hepatitis B (CHB-M), 84 with severe-chronic hepatitis B (CHB-S) and 207 with HB-ACLF. HBV genotype and related mutations in the BCP and pre-C/C regions were determined by direct sequencing.

Results

A significantly higher ratio of HBV genotype B to C was detected in HB-ACLF patients than in CHB-M or CHB-S patients. The A1762T/G1764A, A1846T and G1896A mutations were significantly more common in HB-ACLF patients infected with either genotype B or C as compared with CHB-M, whereas the C1913A/G and A2159G mutations were more associated with HB-ACLF in genotype C patients. Comparing with CHB-S, the A1762T/G1764A mutation in genotype B and the A2159G mutation in genotype C were significantly more common in HB-ACLF patients. A multivariate analysis showed that factors such as HBV genotype B, age ≥40 years and A1762T/G1764A, A1846T and G1896A mutations were independently associated with the development of HB-ACLF.

Conclusion

Chronic HBV infection with genotype B, A1762T/G1764A, A1846T and G1896A mutations has a higher possibility to develop HB-ACLF. These virological factors could serve as possible molecular markers for prediction of the clinical outcomes of chronic HBV infection.     

The Effect of HBV Genotype C on the Development of HCC Differs Between Wild-Type Viruses and Those With BCP Double Mutations (T1762A1764)

Background:

Association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development remains controversial. HBV basal core promoter (BCP) double mutations (T¹⁷⁶²A¹⁷⁶⁴) are very strong confounding factors of genotypes B and C in HCC development.

Objectives:

To investigate the association of HBV genotype C with HCC development after controlling for BCP double mutations.

Materials and methods:

Four hundred and two serum samples from patients with HCC, liver cirrhosis (LC) and chronic hepatitis (CH) and also from asymptomatic HBsAg carriers were analyzed.

Results:

Genotypes B (31.1%), C (62.8%), and I (6.1%) were detected. With the severity of liver disease the prevalence of genotype B decreased, but genotype C increased. No trend was found for genotype I. The prevalence of BCP double mutations in genotypes C and I viruses was significantly higher than genotype B. BCP double mutations are risk factors for CH, LC and HCC. Genotype C was not identified as a particular risk factor for HCC prior to the stratification analysis but after that genotype C viruses with BCP double mutations were found to be a particular risk factor for HCC (P = 0.008, OR = 17.19 [95% CI: 2.10 - 140.41]), but those with the wild-type BCP were not. In the interaction analysis, genotype C and BCP double mutations were found to have a synergistic effect on HCC development (P < 0.0001, OR = 52.56 [95% CI: 11.49-240.52]).

Conclusions:

The effect of HBV genotype C on the development of HCC differs between wild-type viruses and those with BCP double mutations, suggesting that not all individuals infected with genotype C HBV are at increased risk of HCC.     

Correlation between HBsAg quantitative assay results and HBV DNA levels in chronic HBV

Background

Viral load has been used to diagnose and monitor patients who are being treated for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The Diagnosis methods are molecular-based and expensive. Quantitation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) by automated chemiluminescent micro-particle immunoassay has been proposed to be a surrogate marker. Quantitating HBV DNA levels molecularly is expensive; thus, a cheaper laboratory test as a surrogate diagnostic marker might simplify our management.

Objectives

We determined whether quantitative HBsAg levels correlate with HBV DNA levels in CHB.

Patients and Methods

In this cross-sectional study, all CHB patients who were referred by a gastroenterologist to undergo quantitative HBV DNA assay in a qualified laboratory in Mashhad, Iran in 2009 were enrolled, and blood samples was obtained. Patients who were positive for antibodies to HCV and HDV were excluded. HBV DNA was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and serum HBsAg was quantified byelectrochemiluminescence assay (Roche Diagnostic).

Results

Of 97 patients, 70 were male (72%) and 27 were female (28%); the mean age was 39 ± 11 years. Eighty-seven percent wasHBeAg-negative. By Mann-Whitney test,HBSAg titer differed significantly between HBeAg-positive and -negative patients (P = 0.001), as did HBV DNA levels (P = 0.009). By Spearman test, there was no significant correlation between HBsAg and HBV DNA levels (P= 0.606 and r = 0.53).

Conclusions

HBeAg-negative patients have higher levels of HBsAg and lower levels of HBV DNA. By electrochemiluminescence assay,HBsAg has no significant correlation with HBV DNA levels in CHB with predominant genotype D and HBeAg negativity in Iran.     

HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎患者出现前C和基本核启动子联合突变的意义

目的 探讨HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎患者出现前C区G1896A突变和基本核启动子(BCP)区A1762T／G1764A双突变，以及两者的联合突变对患者血清病毒含量的影响。方法 收集240份HBeAg阴性、60份HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎患者血清及40份阴性对照血清，采用竞争分化聚合酶链反应(CD-PCR)检测G1896A突变及A1762T/G1764A双突变，采用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)检测血清中病毒含量。结果 G1896A突变在HBeAg阴性和HBeAg阳性患者中的检出率分别为57．6％和6．7％；A1762T／G1764A双突变的检出率分别为37．9％和31．7％；其中两者联合突变在HBeAg阴性患者中的检出率为13．5％。在HBeAg阴性患者中，G1896A突变主要出现在血清病毒含量低的患者，而A1762T／G1764A双突变与血清病毒含量无关。联合变异株主要见于重度慢性乙型肝炎患者，与血清病毒含量无关。结论 G1896A变异株复制能力较低，而A1762T／G1764A变异株对病毒复制能力影响可能较为复杂，对HBeAg合成的影响较G1896A变异株小。联合变异株的致病力相对较强，其复制能力较单纯G1896A强，值得警惕。     

Association of Hepatitis B Virus Mutations of A1846T and C1913A/G With Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure Development From Different Underlying Chronic Liver Diseases

Background

As most HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) have concurrent cirrhosis, it is important to clarify the association of viral factors with ACLF with or without cirrhosis.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyze the association of HBV genotypes and mutations with ACLF development underlying different chronic liver diseases.

Patients and Methods

Eighty-seven ACLF patients including 29 patients with chronic hepatitis (ACLF-CHB) and 58 patients with liver cirrhosis (ACLF-LC) were enrolled. Age and sex matched patients with chronic hepatitis (CHB) and liver cirrhosis (LC) were enrolled as controls. The genotypes and mutations at HBV basic core promoter (BCP), precore (PC), and partial C regions were determined by nested PCR and direct sequencing.

Results

Our results revealed significantly higher incidences (P < 0.05) of genotype B with C1913A/G or A1846T in patients with ACLF-CHB than those with CHB; genotype C with C1913A/G or A1846T in patients with ACLF-CHB and ACLF-LC than those with CHB and LC, respectively. Multivariable analysis indicated that A1846T and C1913A/G mutations were independent factors for ACLF (OR = 2.86 and 5.93, respectively), suggesting an association between the mutations and development of ACLF. In addition, there were no significant differences in mutations at T1753V, A1762T, G1764A, G1896A, and G1899A which were found between either CHB and ACLF-CHB or LC and ACLF-LC patients， suggesting no associations of these mutations with ACLF development.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that CHB or LC patients infected with HBV A1846T and C1913A/G mutants are more susceptible to develop ACLF.     

乙型肝炎病毒前C区和BCP区突变及基因型对HBeAg表达的影响

研究乙型肝炎病毒前C区和BCP区突变及基因型对HBeAg表达的影响。分别用基因芯片和基因测序的方法检验HBV DNA阳性的乙型肝炎病毒前C区和BCP区突变及基因型,应用时间分辨免疫荧光法检测HBeAg含量,按照有无HBV前C区1896、BCP区1762、1764双突变、基因型等指标进行分组分析。无前C区1896和BCP区1762/1764双突变组、单纯1762、1764双突变和1896突变组以及1896、1762、1764联合突变组之间相互比较,HBeAg含量相差显著,F=6.47,P〈0.01;B、C基因型间HBeAg含量相比,相差无显著性,t=0.1394,P〉0.05。乙型肝炎病毒前C区和BCP区突变能显著影响HBeAg量的表达,从而导致乙型肝炎病毒致病能力的变化。     

Clinical significance and evolution of core promoter and precore mutations in HBeAg-positive patients with HBV genotype B and C: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aims of this longitudinal study were to investigate whether the clinical outcome and evolution of core promoter and precore mutations were different during hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion between hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes B and C in HBeAg-positive patients with chronic hepatitis B. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The core promoter and precore sequences were determined from serial sera of 156 HBeAg-positive patients with chronic HBV infection. RESULTS: In HBV genotype C, the T1762/A1764 mutant was detected earlier than the A1896 mutant, and the frequency was significantly higher than in HBV genotype Ba over the entire follow-up period. In HBV genotype Ba, A1896 was found earlier than the T1762/A1764 mutant, and the frequency was significantly higher than in genotype C only before HBeAg seroconversion, and the A1896 mutant played an important role in HBeAg seroconversion in HBV genotype Ba. In addition, the T1846 variant was an independent factor associated with HBeAg seroconversion. Furthermore, HBV genotype C was associated with the development of G or C1753 and T1766/A1768 mutations, and the reactivation of hepatitis after HBeAg seroconversion. Based on Cox's regression analysis, the significant risk factors of liver cirrhosis were older age at entry [hazard ratio (HR)=1.085, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.036-1.136, P=0.001], alanine transaminase (ALT) >80 U/l (HR=3.48, 95% CI=1.37-8.86, P=0.009), and the T1762/A1764 mutant (HR=5.54, 95% CI=2.18-14.08, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that different HBV genotypes were associated with various mutations in the core promoter and precore regions during HBeAg seroconversion. T1762/A1764 mutation could be useful in predicting clinical outcomes in HBeAg-positive patients with HBV infection.     

Association of core promoter/precore mutations and viral load in e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B patients

Apart from core promoter A1762T/G1764A and precore G1896A mutations, other hepatitis B virus (HBV) mutants are detected in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of this study was to determine the effects of those mutants on clinical manifestation and viral loads of genotypes B and C HBV. Seventy-nine HBeAg-negative CHB patients with hepatitis flare were enrolled in this study and their HBV precore/core region were sequenced. Serial biochemical profiles and viral loads were assessed and compared. Fifty-three patients (67%) were infected by genotype B HBV and 26 (33%) were infected by genotype C HBV. The clinical manifestation and HBV viral loads were comparable between the two groups. However, genotype B was significantly associated with precore G1896A mutation (92.5%), and more mutations within nucleotide 1809-1817 were detected in patients infected by genotype B as compared with those infected by genotype C (18.9%vs 3.8%). Most of the cases had mutations at the -2, -3 or -5 position from the precore AUG initiation codon. Triple core promoter mutations T1753C/A1762T/G1764A [corrected] appeared to be linked to genotype C rather than genotype B HBV (19.2%vs 1.9%; P = 0.013). In multivariate analysis, the presence of either triple core promoter 1753/1762/1764 mutation or nucleotide 1809-1817 mutation was the only factor associated with lower HBV viral load (<70 Meq/mL) (odds ratio = 9.01; 95% CI 1.11-71.43; P = 0.04). In conclusion, minor HBV variants with mutations in the core promoter and precore region were detectable in genotypes B and C. Such HBV variants are genotype specific and related to viraemia levels.     

Mutations of Basal Core Promoter and Precore Regions in Hepatitis B Virus Genotypes B and C

Background:

Mutations in basal core promoter (BCP) and precore regions of hepatitis B virus (HBV) are associated with course and treatment outcomes of chronic HBV infection. While BCP and precore mutation analysis have been carried out in adult patients between different genotypes, this analysis has rarely been performed for chronically infected children.

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to assess the mutation profiles of BCP and precore regions in different HBV genotypes in chronically infected children.

Patients and Methods:

A cohort of 245 children and 92 adults with chronic HBV infection was included in this study. BCP and precore regions were analyzed by PCR amplification and sequenced.

Results:

Ten nucleotide positions, including nt1679, nt1721, nt1753, nt1757, nt1758, nt1762, nt1764, nt1775, nt1856 and nt1858 in BCP/precore regions of HBV genome, showed obviously higher frequencies of mutation in genotype C subjects than in genotype B subjects among children, while there were only three positions, including nt1679, nt1758 and nt1775 showing higher mutation frequencies in genotype C subjects than in genotype B subjects in adults. Several combined mutations were obviously highly distributed in children with chronic HBV genotype C infection, such as G1721A/A1775G/T1858C triple mutation; a novel combined mutation type, exclusively detected in children with chronic HBV genotype C infection. In addition, G1721A/A1775G/T1858C combined mutation was associated with higher viral load and lower age distribution.

Conclusions:

The mutation ratio difference between genotypes B and C in children was higher than that of adults and several combined mutations were exclusively detected in children with chronic HBV genotype C infection associated with higher viral load.     

Tenofovir in the Treatment of Na?ve and Refractory Chronic Hepatitis B: A Single Center Experience in Saudi Arabia

Background/Aims:

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a nucleotide analog used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection. This study evaluated the efficacy of TDF in achieving undetectable HBV DNA after 48 weeks of treatment in a Saudi cohort of CHB patients.

Patients and Methods:

This retrospective study included patients treated at a tertiary care center in Saudi Arabia from January 2009 to December 2012. Of the 68 eligible patients, 51 were treatment naïve and 17 were treatment-refractory. Twenty-three patients tested positive for HBeAg. The remaining 45 patients were HBeAg-negative.

Results:

The mean HBV DNA viral load decreased from 95 million IU/mL at baseline to 263 IU/mL after 48 weeks of treatment (P < 0.001). Overall, 62% of patients achieved a complete virological response (CVR) and 37% a partial virological response (PVR). Respective CVR and PVR rates according to subgroup were: HBeAg-positive (21.7% and 78.3%) and HBeAg-negative (84.4% and 15.6%). At 48 weeks, HBV DNA was undetectable in 66.7% of treatment-naïve and 53% of treatment-refractory patients (P = 0.3). Seroconversion occurred in 13 (57%) of HBeAg-positive patients. Two (3%) of the HBeAg-negative patients lost HBsAg at follow up. Mean alanine aminotransferase decreased significantly from 134 U/L before treatment to 37 U/L at 48 weeks (P < 0.001). Significant adverse events were not encountered during the study period.

Conclusion:

Forty-eight weeks of treatment with TDF reduced HBV DNA to undetectable levels in more than half of our patients regardless of whether they were treatment-naïve or refractory. HBeAg-negative (vs positive) patients experienced a better response rate.     

福州市乙肝病毒基因型和基因亚型的分布及其与前C、C基因启动子变异的关系

目的 研究福州市乙肝病毒基因型和亚型分布及其与T1762/A1764、A1896变异的关系,为完善预防、诊断、治疗病毒感染的策略和方法提供科学依据. 方法 应用型特异性引物PCR法检测HBsAg阳性血清的基因型,应用PCR-RFLP方法检测基因亚型、T1762/A1764变异和A1896变异. 结果 282份HBsAg阳性血清样品中103份未能成功分型,其余179份样品中B基因型122份(68.2%),C基因型54份(30.2%),B C型3份(1.7%),未检测到其他基因型.随机选取的100份B基因型样品中,Ba亚型71份(71.0%),Bj亚型8份(8.0%),未能分亚型者21份(21.0%).54份C基因型样品中Ce亚型 31份(57.4%),Cs亚型 14份(25.9%),Ce Cs 1份(1.9%),未能分亚型者8份(14.8%).T1762/A1764变异标本9份(8.7%),Ce亚型变异率最高(29.2%),Ba亚型次之(3.3%),Cs和Bj亚型未检测到变异株,T1762/A1764变异在不同基因型和亚型间的分布差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).A1896变异标本10份(10.0%),Ba亚型变异率最高(14.0%),Cs亚型次之(10.0%),Ce亚型最低(4.0%),不同基因型和亚型中的变异差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).HBeAg阳性和阴性样品中的基因型和亚型分布差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05). 结论 福州市乙肝病毒以B、C基因型为主,Ba、Ce亚型占优势,HBV各基因型和亚型发生T1762/A1764、A1896变异的模式不同.     

Prevalence and clinical significance of hepatitis B Basal core promoter and precore gene mutations in southern Iranian patients

Background and Aims

To investigate the prevalence and pattern of PC and BCP mutations and their clinical significance in patients with genotype D chronic hepatitis B infection in the Fars province of southern Iran.

Materials and Methods

From January 2007 to March 2008, we evaluated 44 patients with chronic hepatitis B infection who were referred to our hepatology clinics affiliated with the Shiraz University of Medical Science. All Patients were HBeAg Negative and HBeAb positive. Basal core promoter and precore mutations in these patients were evaluated with clinical phenotype and laboratory tests.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 37.21 ± 10.54 years. Twenty-seven patients (61.4%) had no mutations, whereas 17 patients (38.6%) had mutations in the precore or basal core promoter regions or both. The mean serum ALT level in mutation-free patients was 59.74 ± 55.86 IUL, whereas patients with PC and BCP mutations had a mean serum ALT level of 71.35 ± 59.49 IUL. The mean serum AST level in patients with mutations was higher than for patients without mutations (59.53 ± 41.35 IUL vs. 40.65 ± 25.21 IUL, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference between the mutation and mutation-free groups in terms of age, sex, and liver enzyme levels (P > 0.05). Fourteen of the 44 patients (31.8%) had mutations in the precore region (G 1896A). 17 patients (38.6%) had mutations in basal core promoter region.

Conclusion

This study revealed a high prevalence of precore and basal core promoter mutations in southern Iran. Although no statistically significant difference was noted in liver enzymes, patients with mutations had higher liver enzymes in comparison with mutation-free patients.     

Mutations of the core promoter and response to interferon treatment in chronic replicative hepatitis B

In chronic replicative hepatitis B the significance of mutations in the basic core promoter (BCP), core upstream regulatory sequences (CURS) and negative regulatory element (NRE) for response to interferon (IFN) is unknown. A sequence analysis of the NRE, CURS, BCP, and precore region was performed from sera of 96 patients with chronic replicative hepatitis B (64 hepatitis B e antigen [HBeAg]-positive patients and 32 HBeAg-negative patients) treated with alfa-IFN (IFN-alpha). The overall sustained response (SR) rate to IFN was 30% with no significant difference between HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients. IFN responsiveness correlated to hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA levels, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, the number of mutations in the complete BCP, especially nucleotide (nt) region 1753 to 1766 and mutations at nt 1762 and 1764. In HBeAg-positive hepatitis, SR to IFN was associated with a high number of mutations in the BCP (P <.04) and nucleotide region 1753 to 1766 (P <.015) as well as mutations at nucleotide 1764 (P <.007). In HBeAg-negative hepatitis, SR to IFN correlated with a low number of mutations in the BCP (P <.04) and nucleotide region 1753 to 1766 (P <.02) and a wild-type sequence at nt 1764 (P <.003). Prediction of IFN response was possible on the basis of nt 1764 in 77% of HBeAg-positive patients and 78% of HBeAg-negative patients. IFN response did not correlate with the occurrence of the 1896 mutation, mutations in the CURS or NRE, disease duration, ethnic origin of the patient, alanine transaminase (ALT) levels and HBV genotype. Our data suggest that HBV genome mutations located within the BCP are determinants of a response to IFN therapy.     

Entecavir therapy in Turkish adult patients with chronic hepatitis B: one-year results from Izmir province, Turkey

Background

In the present study, we aimed to present the initial results of chronic hepatitis B patients who received entecavir (ETV) therapy in our hospital in Izmir, Turkey.

Methods

A total of 52 patients were enrolled in the study. ETV was given in a dosage of 0.5 mg/day and 1 mg/day to 50 patients without Lamivudine/Adefovir (LAM/ADV) resistance and to 2 patients with LAM resistance, respectively. ETV was given in a dose of 0.5mg/day every three days to one patient with a renal transplant. The treatment duration was 48 weeks.

Results

Out of a total of 52 patients, 23 (44.23%) were hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive, and 29 (55.77%) of them were HBeAg-negative. In 29 HBeAg-negative patients, early biochemical and virological responses were 82.6% and 100%, respectively. These responses were 97% and 79.3% in the 12th month. In HBeAg-positive patients, early biochemical and virological responses were found to be 78.3% and 82.6%, respectively. They were 100% and 52.2% in the 12th month. HBeAg s oconversion developed in 4.5% of HBeAg-positive patients.

Conclusions

According to our one-year ETV treatment results, both HBeAg-negative and -positive patients had high biochemical and virological response rates. Their HBeAg seroconversion rate was 4.5%. In conclusion, more studies of longer duration are needed to understand the required duration of treatment, to assess its long-term effectiveness, and to check the resistance and side effects of ETV. There is also a need to have late-phase results after treatment.