慢性HBV感染重叠HEV感染的临床研究

目的进一步了解慢性乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)感染重叠戊型肝炎病毒(HEV)感染的临床特点及转归。方法对慢性HBV感染重叠HEV感染与单纯戊型肝炎进行临床对照研究。结果167例戊型肝炎均为散发型,发病无明显季节性,以40岁以上成人发病为主,平均年龄为42.12±14.06岁,男女比例为2.71∶1。其中,慢性HBV感染重叠HEV感染(简称乙戊肝)79例(47.31%),单纯戊型肝炎88例(52.69%)。乙戊肝组重度黄疸(TB>280μmol/L)、严重凝血功能异常(PTA<40%)和低蛋白血症的发生率明显高于单纯戊型肝炎组(P<0.01)。结论重叠戊型肝炎病毒感染是导致慢性HBV感染者病情急性加重和重症化,甚至发展成致死性重型肝炎的重要原因之一。     

NACA as a Potential Cellular Target of Hepatitis B Virus PreS1 Protein

The mechanisms of the attachment and penetration of hepatitis B virus remain obscure. It has been demonstrated that the preS1 region is essential for viral assembly and infectivity, however, as its cellular receptor has still not been identified unequivocally, we used a yeast two-hybrid system to screen the cellular proteins that can interact with preS1 protein. The protein recovered from a human liver cDNA library was nascent polypeptide-associated complex α polypeptide. The interaction between preS1 and nascent polypeptide-associated complex α polypeptide was verified by mating experiment and coimmunoprecipitation of COS7 cell lysates expressing both proteins. Based on these results, we speculate that nascent polypeptide-associated complex α polypeptide is a functional target of hepatitis B virus preS1 protein in cells.This work was supported by Grant C0310018 from the Natural Science Foundation of Fujian Province.Dan Li and Xiao Zhong Wang contributed equally to this work.     

Lower Hepatitis G Virus Infection Prevalence Compared to Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection Prevalences

To more accurately determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection, we surveyed antibody to HGV (anti-E2) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and HGV RNA by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 298 residents of a hepatitis C virus (HCV)-endemic area of Japan and in 225 hemodialysis patients. We then compared these findings with known HCV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection prevalences. Anti-E2 and HGV RNA prevalences were 32 (10.7%) and 5 (1.7%) in the residents and 24 (10.7%) and 10 (4.4%) in the hemodialysis patients, respectively. Anti-E2 and HGV RNA concurrence was found in two of the hemodialysis patients. Total HGV marker (anti-E2 and/or HGV RNA) prevalences [37 (12.4%) in residents and 32 (14.2%) in hemodialysis patients], were significantly lower than the prevalences of antibody to HCV (anti-HCV) by ELISA [59 (19.8%) and 96 (42.7%)], and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) by radioimmunoassay (RIA) [87 (29.2%) and 101 (44.9%)] (P < 0.05). The anti-HCV prevalence in subjects with total HGV marker was significantly higher than in those without total HGV marker. There was no significant difference in anti-HBc prevalence between those with and without total HGV marker. The viremic rate was highest in HCV infection (HCV RNA by PCR/anti-HCV) (83.2%), with HGV infection (HGV RNA/total HGV marker) (21.7%) intermediate, and HBV infection (hepatitis B surface antigen by RIA/anti-HBc) (5.3%) lowest (P < 0.05). These findings indicate that HGV infection was less endemic than HCV and HBV. HGV was eliminated naturally more frequently than HCV infection and less frequently than HBV infection.     

Evaluation of hepatitis B viral replication and proteomic analysis of HepG2.2.15 cell line after knockdown of HBx

BACKGROUND:Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the major pathogens of human liver disease.Studies have shown that HBV X protein (HBx) plays an important role in promoting viral gene expression and replication.In this study we performed a global proteomic profiling to identify the downstream functional proteins of HBx,thereby detecting the mechanisms of action of HBx on virion replication.METHODS:HBx in the HepG2.2.15 cell line was knocked down by the transfection of small interfering RNA (siRNA).The replicati...     

Interaction between the Hepatitis B Virus and Cellular FLIP Variants in Viral Replication and the Innate Immune System

During viral evolution and adaptation, many viruses have utilized host cellular factors and machinery as their partners. HBx, as a multifunctional viral protein encoded by the hepatitis B virus (HBV), promotes HBV replication and greatly contributes to the development of HBV-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HBx interacts with several host factors in order to regulate HBV replication and evolve carcinogenesis. The cellular FADD-like IL-1β-converting enzyme (FLICE)-like inhibitory protein (c-FLIP) is a major factor that functions in a variety of cellular pathways and specifically in apoptosis. It has been shown that the interaction between HBx and c-FLIP determines HBV fate. In this review, we provide a comprehensive and detailed overview of the interplay between c-FLIP and HBV in various environmental circumstances. We describe strategies adapted by HBV to establish its chronic infection. We also summarize the conventional roles of c-FLIP and highlight the functional outcome of the interaction between c-FLIP and HBV or other viruses in viral replication and the innate immune system.     

拉米夫定治疗慢性乙肝病毒感染病人的疗效分析

目的：观察拉米夫定（Lamivudine）治疗慢性乙肝病毒（HBV）感染病人的疗效及影响因素。方法：60例慢性HBV感染病人予拉米夫定（100mg qd）治疗12个月。疗效评估包括血清HBV病毒学、血清HBV免疫学、血清生化学应答率。结果：治疗12个月后，HBV DNA PCR荧光定量检测总的血清HBV DNA转阴率为57.89％，HBeAg/抗-HBe血清转换率为6.25％，ALT复常率为68.89％。其中，（1）血清ALT异常、HBeAg阳性组病人的荧光定量检测HBV DNA转阴率为55.56％，HBeAg/抗-HBe血清转换率为8.33％，ALT恢复正常率为63.89％；完全应答率为8.33％，部分应答率为75.00％，无应答率为16.67％。（2）ALT正常、HBeAg阳性组的12例病人中，仅有4例病人的血清HBV DNA转阴，无1例发生HBeAg/抗-HBe血清转换。（3）ALT异常、HBeAb阳性组的9例病人中，8例病人的HBV DNA转阴同时伴ALT复常。结论：本组病例分析结果表明，拉米夫定可以有效地抑制血清HBV的复制，改善肝功能。机体免疫状况对拉米夫定抗病毒治疗有较大影响，治疗前ALT水平是预测疗效的重要指标。对ALT异常的慢性HBV感染病人，HBeAg阴性者似乎比HBeAg阳性者有更好的治疗反应，可能更适合用拉米夫定治疗。病人对拉米夫定普遍耐受性良好。     

Significance of Prior Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

To clarify the clinical significance of prior hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in the development of C-viral hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), we conducted two studies: (1) Two hundred thirty-four patients with C-viral HCC and 320 patients with C-viral chronic liver disease without HCC admitted to our hospital between 1990 and 1994 were analyzed for the association of hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) positivity with HCC by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and this revealed HBcAb positivity as an independent risk factor for development of HCC adjusted for age and sex. (2) Four hundred fifty-nine patients with biopsy-proven hepatitis C virus-related chronic liver disease between 1986 and 1998 were enrolled in the cohort study and followed for the development of HCC. During an average follow-up of 6.6 ± 3.3 years, HCC developed in 63 patients, 37 of 160 patients positive for HBcAb and 26 of 299 patients negative for HBcAb. Multivariate Cox proportional regression analysis showed that the incidence of HCC increased by age, advanced stage of liver fibrosis, mean alanine aminotransferase value of more than 80 IU/liter, and positivity of HBcAb. Sustained virological responders after interferon therapy revealed a reduced risk for HCC development. In conclusion, prior HBV infection was shown to be one of the independent risk factors for development of HCC in C-viral chronic liver disease.     

Hepatitis B Virus Gene in Liver Tissue Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) gene has been detected in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissue negative for the hepatitis B surface antigen and positive for the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody, but the precise role of the HBV gene in hepatocarcinogenesis has yet to be clarified. We studied the HBV gene in liver tissue several years before the emergence of HCC. Eleven patients diagnosed with HCV-positive chronic liver disease and who developed HCC were assigned to group A. HBV DNA was detected in 8 of the 11 patients (73%). Twenty-five patients, who did not develop HCC, were selected as group B. Six of the group B patients were classified as DNA-positive (24%). The HBV DNA in liver tissue was found to be significantly related to HCC development (P < 0.01). Thus, the presence of the HBV gene in patients with chronic HCV associated-liver injury appears to promote hepatocarcinogenesis, although prospective studies are needed to confirm this result.     

Interaction of Hepatitis B Virus X Protein with the Pregnane X Receptor Enhances the Synergistic Effects of Aflatoxin B1 and Hepatitis B Virus on Promoting Hepatocarcinogenesis

Background and AimsHepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has been found to increase hepatocellular sensitivity to carcinogenic xenobiotics, by unknown mechanisms, in the generation of hepatocellular carcinoma. The pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a key regulator of the body’s defense against xenobiotics, including xenobiotic carcinogens and clinical drugs. In this study, we aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of HBV X protein (HBx)-PXR signaling in the synergistic effects of chemical carcinogens in HBV-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.MethodsThe expression profile of PXR-cytochrome p450 3A4 (CYP3A4) signaling was determined by PCR, western blotting, and tissue microarray. Cell viability and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) cytotoxicity were measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay. Target gene expression was evaluated using transient transfection and real time-PCR. The genotoxicity of AFB1 was assessed in newborn mice with a single dose of AFB1.ResultsHBx enhanced the hepatotoxicity of AFB1 by activating CYP3A4 and reducing glutathione S-transferase Mu 1 (GSTM1) in cell lines. Activation of PXR by pregnenolone 16α-carbonitrile increased AFB1-induced liver tumor incidence by up-regulating oncogenic KRAS to enhance interleukin (IL)-11:IL-11 receptor subunit alpha-1 (IL11RA-1)-mediated inflammation in an HBx transgenic model.ConclusionsOur finding regarding AFB1 toxicity enhancement by an HBx-PXR-CYP3A4/ GSTM1-KRAS-IL11:IL11RA signaling axis provides a rational explanation for the synergistic effects of chemical carcinogens in HBV infection-associated hepatocarcinogenesis.     

Previous or Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Hepatitis C Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Without Hepatic Fibrosis

We investigated the role of hepatitis B virus infection in development of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C virus-infected patients without hepatic fibrosis. Of 253 patients, 8 lacked hepatic fibrosis (group 1); group 2 included the remaining 245 patients. Clinicopathologic findings were compared between the groups. Hepatitis B x gene was sought in cancers and adjoining noncancerous liver. Group 1 showed better liver function parameters and milder active hepatitis than group 2. The proportion of patients with anti-hepatitis B virus antibody tended to be higher in group 1 than in group 2. The proportion of patients with hepatitis B x RNA in cancers was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2. All group 1 patients had previous or occult hepatitis B virus infection. Previous or occult hepatitis B virus infection may be critical in development of hepatocellular carcinomas in hepatitis C virus-infected patients without hepatic fibrosis.     

Kidney Transplantation in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection

The impact of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on the long-term outcome of kidney transplant patients is controversial. A total of 34 chronic hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers among 143 renal allograft recipients were identified in this study (mean follow-up period: 5.6 ± 3.3 years; range: 1–13 years). During the follow-up, one HBsAg-positive recipient with preexisting cirrhosis died of liver failure, and seven (21%) others developed serious HBV-related complications (four fulminant hepatitis, two hepatocellular carcinoma, one cirrhosis), and four died. Although HBsAg-positive recipients had a higher rate of liver-related complications and deaths than HBsAg-negative recipients did, there were no significant differences in the long-term graft and patient survival between the two groups. The survival rates, liver-related complications, and deaths in HBsAg-positive allograft recipients and 28 HBsAg-positive uremic patients under dialysis were similar. In conclusion, HBV infection is not a contraindication to kidney transplantation. However, pretransplant candidates should be warned of potentially serious liver-related complications.     

乙肝病毒复制与细胞免疫功能的研究

采用间接免疫荧光染色法、MTT法分别检测52例乙型病毒性肝炎（简称乙肝）患者CD／CD值、NK和LAK细胞活性。结果表明，26例有乙肝病毒复制者（复制组）CD／CD值为1．36±0．34，26例无乙肝病毒复制者（非复制组）为2．99±0．61，两组差异有显著性意义（P＜0．05）。复制组LAK细胞活性为44．20±11．51，非复制组为67．90±9．82，两组比较差异有非常显著性意义（P＜0．01）。复制组NK细胞活性为40．01±12．48，非复制组68．80±9．82，两组比较差异有非常显著性意义（P＜0．01）。表明复制组细胞免疫功能明显低下，可为乙肝病毒复制者使用免疫促进剂治疗提供依据。     

HBV特异性T细胞治疗慢性乙型肝炎的研究

为寻求一种治疗慢性乙型肝炎的新方法,应用ＨＢＶ特异性Ｔ细胞输注治疗慢性乙型肝炎９例,结果显示,在疗程结束后,患者的ＨＢｓＡｇ,ＨＢｅＡｇＨＢＶＤＮＡ的含量均有所下降,其中ＨＢｅＡｇ下降较明显,Ｐ〈０．０１,２例ＨＢｃＡｇ阳性患者,ＨＢｃＡｇ阴转,ＣＤ＾＋３,ＣＤ＾＋４,ＣＤ＾＋４／ＣＤ＾＋８ＮＫ活性上升,ＣＤ＾＋８,ｓＩＬ－２Ｒ较治疗前后所回复,表明特异性Ｔ细胞治疗慢性乙型肝炎有一定疗效,远期疗效     

Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients: A Concept for Consideration

Hemodialysis patients potentially have an increased risk of infection with parenterally transmitted viral agents due to an impaired host immune response and multiple transfusion requirements. Viral hepatitis is considered as a problem for hemodialysis patients because 1.9% of all deaths among this population are related to the consequence of viral hepatitis. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is one of the most important causes of transmitted infections by the parenteral route in hemodialysis patients. Occult HBV infection is characterized by presence of HBV infection without detectable hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), which harbors potential risk of HBV transmission through hemodialysis. There are conflicting reports on the prevalence of occult HBV infection (OBI) in hemodialysis patients. Considering the importance of occult HBV infection in hemodialysis patients and the growing evidence on this subject, the purpose of this review is to provide comprehensive information on OBI prevalence in hemodialysis patients and highlight the most important points in this issue.     

MicroRNA-27a通过靶向HBx mRNA抑制HBV复制

目的 探究微小RNA-27a(microRNA-27a,miR-27a)在HBV感染中的作用及分子机制.方法 实时定量PCR(quantitative real-time PCR,qRT-PCR)方法检测miR-27a对HBV DNA和HBV RNA的影响.ELISA法检测miR-27a对HBeAg和HBsAg的影响....     

Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is DNA-based virus, member of the Hepadnaviridae family, which can cause liver disease and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in infected individuals, replicating within the hepatocytes and interacting with several cellular proteins. Chronic hepatitis B can progressively lead to liver cirrhosis, which is an independent risk factor for HCC. Complications as liver decompensation or HCC impact the survival of HBV patients and concurrent HDV infection worsens the disease. The available data provide evidence that HBV infection is associated with the risk of developing HCC with or without an underlying liver cirrhosis, due to various direct and indirect mechanisms promoting hepatocarcinogenesis. The molecular profile of HBV-HCC is extensively and continuously under study, and it is the result of altered molecular pathways, which modify the microenvironment and lead to DNA damage. HBV produces the protein HBx, which has a central role in the oncogenetic process. Furthermore, the molecular profile of HBV-HCC was recently discerned from that of HDV-HCC, despite the obligatory dependence of HDV on HBV. Proper management of the underlying HBV-related liver disease is fundamental, including HCC surveillance, viral suppression, and application of adequate predictive models. When HBV-HCC occurs, liver function and HCC characteristics guide the physician among treatment strategies but always considering the viral etiology in the treatment choice.