HBeAg导致慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血Th1/Th2型细胞因子失衡

目的 探讨HBeAg对慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)功能的调节作用. 方法 以重组的HBeAg体外刺激CHB患者和健康志愿者的PBMC,用流式细胞术和酶联免疫吸附试验法检测其刺激前后Th1/Th2型细胞因子的变化情况,并观察HBeAg对CHB患者PBMC表面细胞程序性死亡受体(PD)1及其配体(PD-L)1表达的影响.两组间资料比较采用独立样本t检验; PD-1/PD-L1表达水平与HBV DNA拷贝数的相关性采用Spearman相关分析.结果 HBeAg刺激后可使HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者CD3+CD4+T淋巴细胞内干扰素(IFN)γ表达水平(0.17％±0.08％与0.17％±0.04％)明显低于未刺激组(0.30％±0.16％与0.32％±0.12％),t值分别为-2.382和-4.190,P值均＜0.01;培养上清液中白细胞介素(IL)-6、IL-10和肿瘤坏死因子α含量明显高于未刺激组(HBeAg阴性CHB患者的t值分别为2.504,3.583和4.324,健康志愿者t值分别为3.542,6.246和5.273,P值均＜0.01).HBeAg刺激PBMC后,HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者CD14+细胞表面PD-L1表达水平分别为13.02％±4.98％和3.10％±2.47％,明显高于未刺激组的5.89％±1.56％和0.97％±0.83％,t值分别为4.815和3.454,P值均＜0.05.基础状态下在HBeAg阳性CHB患者外周血中,CD3+CD4+T淋巴细胞内IFNγ表达水平为0.23％±0.09％,明显低于HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者的0.34％±0.15％和0.35％±0.09％(t=-3.177,P＜0.01 ; t=-4.541,P＜0.01);而IL-4表达水平为0.39％±0.16％,明显高于HBeAg阴性CHB患者和健康志愿者的0.26％±0.12％和0.23％±0.12％,t值分别为3.382和4.393,P值均＜0.01.基础状态下在HBeAg阳性CHB患者外周血中,CDB+T淋巴细胞表面PD-1和PD-L1表达水平明显高于HBeAg阴性CHB患者及健康志愿者(P值均＜ 0.01),CD14+T淋巴细胞表面PD-L1表达水平显著高于HBeAg阴性患者和健康志愿者,t值分别为5.092和5.473,P值均＜0.01 ; HBeAg阴性CHB患者外周血中CD3+T淋巴细胞表面PD-L1表达水平明显高于健康志愿者(t=3.214,P＜0.01).结论 HBeAg可以明显抑制Th1型细胞因子IFN γ的产生,促进Th2型细胞因子IL-6和IL-10分泌,上调外周血PBMC表面PD-1/PD-L1的表达,从而有利于形成对HBV感染的免疫耐受.因此,HBeAg可能是造成慢性HBV感染者体内免疫耐受的重要因素之一.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞表达特点研究

目的探讨慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血中CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞频率、功能特点以及与疾病进程之间的关系。方法利用荧光抗体标记结合多色流式技术,检测CHB患者外周血CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞频率及表面TLR2分子的表达,用LPS刺激及细胞内染色方法检测CHB患者外周血CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞产生细胞因子的能力。结果 CHB患者外周血的CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞频率明显高于健康对照;CHB患者CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞频率与ALT呈负相关(R=0.739,P0.01),与HBV DNA载量成正相关(R=-0.283,P=0.008);CHB患者外周血CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞上TLR2的表达高于其他两个亚群;免疫活化CHB患者外周血在LPS刺激后,CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞亚群分泌IL-6的能力均高于CD14highCD16-和CD14lowCD16+单核细胞亚群。结论 CD14~(high)CD16~+单核细胞可能在清除肝炎病毒及肝脏免疫损伤中起重要作用。     

乙型肝炎病毒感染不同阶段患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的测定

目的 测定HBV感染不同阶段患者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞(Treg)的频率及标记分子,并分析其与临床指标的相关性.方法 采集79例慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)、12例急性乙型肝炎(AHB)患者、26例无症状HBV携带者(ASC)和20例健康对照的外周血,流式细胞仪分析Treg频率、Treg细胞表面和胞内特征性分子的表达.普通RT-PCR和相对荧光定量PCR测定叉头/翼状转录因子3(Foxp3)在CD25+Treg细胞的表达水平.所有患者及健康对照均经ELISA检测HBV血清标记物水平,实时荧光定量PCR测定血清HBV DNA载量,并进行肝功能检测.结果 总CD4+CD25+T细胞占外周血CD4+T细胞的比率,在各患者组和健康对照组之间差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).HBeAg阳性CHB组CD4+CD25高表达T细胞频率(3.42%±0.81%)与HBeAg阴性CHB组(3.19%±0.67%)、ASC组(3.05%±0.64%)比较,差异无统计学意义(均P＞0.05),但明显高于健康对照组(2.72%±0.71%,P=0.034)和AHB组(2.25%±0.54%,P=0.013).CD4+CD25高表达T细胞表面高表达CD45RO、CD25分子,低表达CD45RA,细胞内高表达细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原-4(CTLA-4)和Foxp3.各患者组及健康对照组Treg中Foxp3表达水平的差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).CHB组患者的Treg频率与血清病毒载量呈正相关(r=0.48,P=0.018).结论 Treg可能通过抑制T细胞免疫应答反应而影响病毒清除,并与CHB患者的持续感染密切相关.     

髓系抑制性细胞在慢性乙型肝炎中的表达特点及与肝病相关性研究

目的观察不同人群和不同感染时期的慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血中CD14~+ HLA-DR~(-/low)髓系抑制性细胞(MDSC)频率、表型变化以及与疾病进程之间的关系。方法利用荧光抗体标记结合多色流式技术,检测慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者外周血CD14~+ HLA-DR~(-/low)细胞频率及表面PD-L1/PD-1分子的表达。结果CHB患者外周血的CD14~+ HLA-DR~(-/low)频率明显高于健康对照;CHB患者CD14+HLA-DR-/lo频率与ALT呈负相关(R=-0.285,P=0.01),与HBV DNA载量成正相关(R=0.396,P=0.01);CHB患者外周血CD14~+ HLA-DR~(-/low)细胞上PD-1的表达高于CD14+HLA-DR+单核细胞。结论 CD14~+ HLA-DR~(-/low)细胞可能与HBV感染慢性化相关。     

聚肌胞刺激后慢性乙型肝炎患者树突状细胞内Toll样受体3的表达变化

目的 研究慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者树突状细胞(DC)内Toll样受体3(TLR3)的表达变化,探讨HBV持续感染与TLR3表达之间的关系.方法 选取CHB患者60例(CHB组)及健康对照者20名(对照组)为研究对象,应用免疫磁珠细胞分选法获得CD14~+单核细胞,体外诱导培养成未成熟的髓样树突状细胞(imDC),并以聚肌胞(poly I;C)刺激以获取成熟的树突状细胞(mDC).刺激48 h后测定细胞内TLR3蛋白及mRNA的表达,表面标志CD80和人白细胞抗原(HLA)-DR的蛋白表达.计量资料采用t检验,计数贤料采用卡方检验.结果 poly I:C刺激前,对照组和CHB组imDC内TLR3的流式平均荧光密度(MFI)分别为1192.95±301.40和1212.05±250.80,组间差异无统计学意义(t=0.280,P>0.05);刺激后MFI均明显升高,对照组与CHB组分别为1593.00±349.65和1352.98±313.67,前者比后者升高更显著(t=2.880,P<0.05).polyI:C刺激后,对照组与CHB组mDC胞内TLR3 mRNA的表达水平均明显升高,分别为0.1780±0.0664和0.1204±0.0267,前者升高更显著(t=3.909,P<0.05).CHB组内再分为HBeAg(+)和HBeAg(-)组,刺激后两组mDC内TLR3的MFI和mRNA水平均较imDC有明显升高,但组间比较差异均无统计学意义(t=0.366,P>0.05).结论 poly I:C刺激后,对照组和CHB组中mDC胞内TLR3的表达均明显升高,但CHB患者升高的程度显著低于健康者,提示CHB患者的TLR3合成不足可能与HBV持续感染相关.     

慢性HBV感染患者外周血CD4~+CD25~+调节性T细胞表达及其临床意义

目的探讨CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞与慢性HBV感染后不同临床转归和临床特点的相关性。方法在26例慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者、15例无症状HBsAg携带者(ASC)和11例肝炎肝硬化(LC)患者和16例正常对照者,分离外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),采用流式细胞仪检测CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的表达水平。结果CHB组和ASC组的CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞占CD4+T细胞的百分率分别为4.40±2.76%和4.43±2.10%,均高于正常对照组(2.70±0.97%),差异显著(P0.01);CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的表达水平与HBVDNA水平无相关性(r=0.018,P0.05);在HBeAg阳性与阴性组患者CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞的表达也无明显的差异(P0.05)。结论慢性HBV感染者外周血CD4+CD25+调节性T细胞水平升高,可能与HBV感染的慢性化有关。     

活动性慢性乙型肝炎患者特异性 CD8＋T 细胞转录因子 T-bet 表达及临床意义

目的：分析转录因子 T-bet 在活动性慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血 HBV 特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞中的表达及其临床意义。方法用 HBV 肽五聚体结合流式细胞仪检测 HLA-A2阳性的活动性慢性乙型肝炎患者和急性乙型肝炎患者外周血 HBV 特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞中 T-bet 的表达。比较分析 HBV 特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞中 T-bet 表达在急性、慢性乙型肝炎之间的差异,并进一步分析慢性乙型肝炎患者 HBV 特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞中 T-bet 表达与 HBV DNA 水平、ALT 水平以及临床预后之间的相关性。结果急性乙型肝炎患者外周血 HBV 特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞中 T-bet 表达水平显著高于活动性慢性乙型肝炎患者。活动性慢性乙型肝炎患者及 CHB 患者外周血 HBV 特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞中 T-bet 表达水平与 HBV DNA 水平及 ALT 水平无明显相关性,HBV 特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞中 T-bet 表达水平高的活动性慢性乙型肝炎患者发生HBeAg 血清转换率显著升高。结论活动性慢性乙型肝炎患者特异性 CD8＋ T 细胞转录因子 T-bet 表达与 HBV 感染的免疫控制密切相关。     

拉米夫定治疗慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的变化

目的探讨拉米夫定治疗慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）患者外周血T淋巴细胞亚群的变化。方法在拉米夫定治疗的HBeAg阳性CHB患者62例和34例健康人,使用流式细胞仪检测外周血淋巴细胞比率。常规检测患者HBV DNA和血生化指标。结果 HBeAg阳性CHB患者治疗前外周血CD4＋T细胞比率为31.4±10.6％,明显低于对照组（47.3±16.5％,P﹤0.05）,而CD8＋T细胞和NK细胞则相对较高（分别为33.4±18.2％和16.6±13.6％）,显著高于健康对照组（分别为29.8±16.4％和13.7±9.4％, P﹤0.05）;抗病毒治疗后患者外周血CD4＋T淋巴细胞比率为74.7±18.9%,CD8＋T淋巴细胞比率为37.2±19.7%,比治疗前显著升高（P﹤0.05）。结论拉米夫定能抑制HBV DNA复制,调节CD4＋和CD8＋T淋巴细胞比率,促进疾病恢复。     

慢性乙型肝炎患者树突状细胞诱导的HBV特异性细胞毒性T淋巴细胞PD-1的表达

目的 探讨慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者树突状细胞(DC)诱导的HBV特异性细胞毒性T细胞(CTL)表面程序性死亡受体1(PD-1)的表达情况及其与HBV DNA的关系.方法 采集30例CHB患者和10例健康人的抗凝外周静脉血,分离外周血单个核细胞(PBMC),在白细胞介素(IL)-4和粒-巨噬细胞集落刺激因子(GM-CSF)的作用下培养使DC增殖、成熟,培养第4d加入纯化的HBsAg进行冲击.采同一患者外周血,分离出自体T淋巴细胞,用含重组人白细胞介素(rhIL)-2的培养基维持T细胞的生长,培养第5d与HBsAg冲击的DC共培养.以流式细胞技术检测CTL的PD-1表达,并分析PD-1表达水平与HBV DNA的关系.结果 与健康对照组比较,CHB组DC诱导的HBV特异CTL的PD-1的表达明显升高(P=0.000).且HBeAg阳性组PD-1的表达率较HBeAg阴性组明显升高(P=0.000).CHB患者DC诱导的HBV特异性CTL的PD-1表达率与血清HBV DNA拷贝数的对数值呈正相关(r=0.53,P=0.008).结论 CHB患者DC诱导的HBV特异性CTL高表达PD-1分子,为HBV慢性感染过程中CTL功能低下,病毒难以清除提供了另一条重要线索.     

慢性乙型肝炎患者外周血树突状细胞的成熟度研究

目的：研究慢性乙型肝炎（CHB）患者外周血树突状细胞（DC）的成熟度及其占单核细胞的比例,探讨CHB患者DC免疫治疗的机制。方法选取20例CHB患者和10例健康人,分别采集外周抗凝全血2 mL,流式细胞仪检测DC表面CD80、CD86、CD83的表达量及单核细胞表面CD14的表达。结果两组DC表面CD80、CD86、CD83分子表达无差异（P＞0．05）;CHB组较健康对照组单核细胞表面分子 CD14表达明显增多,具显著统计学差异（P＜0．05）;CHB组CD80、CD86、CD83三者表达之和占CD14的比例明显高于CHB组,两者有显著统计学意义（P＜0．05）。结论CHB患者外周血存在单核细胞增多、成熟DC减少现象,恢复DC功能是治疗CHB的手段之一。     

Regulation of Toll-like receptor-2 expression in chronic hepatitis B by the precore protein

Toll-like receptors (TLRs) play a key role in the innate immune response. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The TLR2 and TLR4 expression on hepatocytes and Kupffer cells from fresh liver biopsies was measured from 21 patients with untreated hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive and HBeAg-negative CHB. Parallel studies were also undertaken on monocytes from their peripheral blood. Expression of TLR2 on hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and peripheral monocytes was significantly reduced in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB in comparison with HBeAg-negative CHB and controls, whereas it was significantly increased in HBeAg-negative CHB compared with controls. The level of TLR4 expression did not differ significantly between the groups. These results were confirmed in vitro using hepatic cell lines transduced with recombinant HBV baculovirus expressing wild-type HBV (HBeAg-positive), precore stop codon (G1896A) mutant HBV (HBeAg-negative). The functional relevance of these findings was established by the demonstration of significantly reduced cytokine production (TNF-alpha) and phospho-p38 kinase expression in the presence of the HBeAg. In the absence of HBeAg, HBV replication was associated with up-regulation of the TLR2 pathway leading to increased TNF-alpha production. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a potentially important interaction between HBeAg, HBV, and the innate immune response.     

1686例慢性乙型肝炎中HBeAg阴性与阳性患者临床和病毒学特点比较分析

目的通过大样本横断面回顾性调查,了解HBeAg(-)和HBeAg( )两类慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者临床相关因素的异同。方法对1686例CHB患者的住院病历进行回顾性调查,分析HBeAg(-)和HBeAg( )CHB患者ALT、HBV DNA定量、肝组织病理(炎症及纤维化)等指标的组内和组间差异。结果HBeAg(-)CHB628例,占37·3%;HBeAg( )CHB1058例,占62·7%。HBeAg( )组ALT、HBV DNA总体上均高于HBeAg(-)组。HBeAg( )组肝组织炎症及纤维化程度总体上均轻于HBeAg(-)组。结论目前我国CHB病例以HBeAg( )者占多数。无论HBeAg(-)或HBeAg( )CHB,肝炎活动在病毒复制活跃时均重于病毒复制水平较低时。HBeAg(-)CHB肝组织学损害重于HBeAg( )CHB。     

HBeAg阴性与阳性慢性乙型肝炎患者临床和病毒学特点分析

目的:回顾性分析HBeAg阴性和HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者在HBV DNA载量、肝功能及肝脏组织病理学方面的特点。方法:对60例CHB患者的临床资料,包括HBV DNA载量、肝功能及肝组织病理学检查结果进行回顾性分析。结果:60例患者中HBeAg阴性24例,占40.0%(24/60),平均年龄(48.3±7.7)岁;HBeAg阳性36例,占60.0%(36/60),平均年龄(27.7±9.1)岁,两者在平均年龄之间比较,差异有显著性意义(t=13.4,P<0.001)。HBeAg阴性与阳性患者的HBV DNA载量分别为(5.87±0.66)log拷贝/ml和(7.37±0.50)log拷贝/ml,两者之间比较,差异有显著性意义(t=13.6,P<0.001);ALT分别为(115.95±33.6)U/L和(172.2±84.20)U/L,两者之间比较,差异有显著性意义(t=4.81,P<0.001)。HBeAg阴性患者的肝组织炎症活动度分级(G)及纤维化分期(S)与HBeAg阳性者之间比较,差异无统计学意义(χ2值分别为2.53及1.27,P值分别为0.11及0.25)。结论:HBeAg阴性CHB患者的平均年龄高于HBeAg阳性者,HBV DNA载量及ALT值低于HBeAg阳性者,但HBeAg阴性CHB患者的肝脏组织病理学改变与HBeAg阳性者无差异。     

Incidence and clinical significance of hepatitis B virus precore gene translation initiation mutations in e antigen-negative patients

Hepatitis Be antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) variants harbouring changes in the precore region. Most commonly, a G to A point mutation at nucleotide 1896 (m1896) creates a novel translation stop codon that prevents HBeAg production. In the Mediterranean region the m1896 mutation prevails in greater than 98% of HBeAg-negative CHB patients. In this study the prevalence of additional mutations in the precore region was investigated among patients with chronic HBV infection. Precore sequences were determined by sequencing serum HBV DNA amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with primers flanking the precore/core region. Thirty-one HBeAg-negative and five HBeAg-positive individuals were studied. All HBeAg-negative patients (100%) harboured the m1896 mutation and 20 (64.5%) also had a G to A mutation at nucleotide 1899 (m1899). Additional mutations affecting the translation initiation of the precore gene were found in seven (22.5%) patients, all with active liver disease, five of whom had episodes of HBV reactivation. HBeAg-positive patients had no mutations in these positions and neither did any of the five HBeAg-negative patients with normal levels of liver enzymes, representing the healthy carrier state of HBV infection. Serial sample analysis from one patient revealed that the initiation codon mutation developed following HBeAg seroconversion and the appearance of m1896. During periods of high HBV replication, the ratio of mutant to wild-type ATG was found to increase in parallel with HBV DNA levels. These data show that a significant proportion of HBeAg-negative patients who already harbour the 1896 stop codon mutation may subsequently develop precore translation initiation mutations, which appear to be associated with enhanced HBV replication and severe liver disease.     

HBeAg状态及乙型肝炎病毒载量对慢性重型乙型肝炎预后的影响

目的 探讨HBeAg状态及HBV DNA载量对慢性重型乙型肝炎预后的影响.方法 回顾分析2002年1月至2007年12月在南方医科大学南方医院住院的慢性重型乙型肝炎患者406例,研究HBeAg状态、HBV DNA载量对疾病预后的影响.计量资料采用t检验,率的比较采用X2检验.结果 406例重型肝炎患者中,HBeAg阳性208例,占51.2%,HBeAg阴性198例,占48.8%.HBeAg阳性组与HBeAg阴性组比较,两组间男女构成比、TBil峰值及平均凝血酶原活动度谷值差异均无统计学意义;HBeAg阴性组平均年龄(46.7±12.8)岁,显著高于HBeAg阳性组(38.3±13.5)岁(t=6.43,P＜0.01);HBeAg阴性组肝硬化患者占67.7%,亦显著高于HBeAg阳性组的45.7%(X2=19.97,P＜0.01);HBeAg阴性组好转率为32.3%,显著低于HBeAg阳性组的44.7%(X2=6.56,P＜0.05).在208例HBeAg阳性与198例HBeAg阴性患者中,均显示随着HBV DNA载量的升高,其好转率下降,呈显著负相关(X2=22.98,X2=26.04;均P＜0.01).结论 HBeAg阴性重型乙型肝炎较HBeAg阳性者预后差;无论HBeAg状态如何,HBV DNA载量越高,其预后越差.     

慢性乙型肝炎病毒感染者外周血单个核细胞表达程序性死亡分子-1及其配体与血清乙型肝炎病毒DNA水平的相关性

目的 研究程序性死亡分子-1(PD-1)及其配体(PD-L1)表达水平与慢性HBV感染者HBV DNA水平的相关性及抗病毒治疗对其表达的影响.方法 检测137例慢性HBV感染者的外周血单个核细胞(PBMC)表面PD-1和PD-L1,并检测其中64例人类白细胞抗原(HLA)-A2阳性者HBV特异性CTL数量.ELlSA法检测PBMC体外培养上清液中IFN-γ浓度.比较10例HBeAg阳性慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者予替比夫定抗病毒治疗24周前后上述指标的变化.两组间均数比较采用两独立样本的t检验,多组间的差异采用单因素方差分析,相关分析采用Pearson相关分析.结果 HBV DNA＜3 lg、3～6 lg和＞6 lg拷贝/mL组问PBMC表面PD-1和PD-L1表达均明显高于健康对照组,但差异无统计学意义;3组HBV特异性CTL表面PD-1表达分别为(69.3±11.2)%、(76.5±9.1)%和(78.0±11.7)%,HBV DNA＞6 lg拷贝/mL 组PD-1表达明显高于＜3 lg拷贝/mL组,而HBV特异性CTL数量明显低于＜3 lg拷贝/mL组;3组PBMC体外培养上清液中IFN-γ水平差异无统计学意义.HBeAg阳性组和阴性组间上述指标差异无统计学意义.替比夫定抗病毒治疗12周和24周时,PD-1、PD-L1表达较治疗前明显下降,伴有HBV特异性CTL数量逐渐增加和IFN-γ水平升高.结论 慢性HBV感染者PBMC表面PD-1的表达较健康者明显上调,且HBV特异性CTL表面表达PD-1水平与血清HBV DNA水平相关,但与HBeAg状态无关.抑制HBV复制能降低PD-1、PD-L1表达,并增加HBV特异性CTL的数量和功能.

Abstract：

Objective To study the relationship between programmed death-1 (PD-1)/programmed death-1 ligand (PD-L1) expressions and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. Methods A total of 137 CHB patients and 10 healthy controls were enrolled in the study. The peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from fresh blood samples. HBV-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) was expanded in vitro in 64 human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-A2 positive patients. Flow cytometry was used to detect HLA-A2 type,expressions of PD-1/PD-L1 on PBMCs and PD-1 on HBV specific CTL. Interferon gamma (IFN-γ)was measured by commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. PD-1/PD-L1expressions on PBMCs, HBV-specific CTL and IFN-γ level in PBMC culture medium were compared among patients with different baseline HBV DNA levels. Ten hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) positive patients were treated with telbivudine for 24 weeks. The above mentioned parameters were determined and compared before and after the antiviral treatment. Independent-samples t test were used to compare means between two groups and one-way A NOVA were used to compare means among multigroups. We used the pearson corretation test to assess corretation significance. Results The PD-1 and PD-L1 expressions on PBMCs in patients with baseline HBV DNA＜3 lg copy/mL, 3-6 lg copy/mL and ＞6 lg copy/mL were all significant higher than those in healthy control group, but no statistical differences were found. PD-1 expressions on HBV-specific CTL in the three CHB patient groups were (69.3±11.2)%, (76.5±9. 1)% and (78.0±11.7)%, respectively. However, PD-1 expression on HBV-specific CTL was higher, while the frequency of HBV-specific CTL cells was lower in HBV DNA ＞6 lg copy/mL group compared to HBV DNA＜3 lg copy/mL group. The above parameters, including expressions of PD-1 and PD-L1, the frequency of HBV-specific CTL and its PD-1 expression were not significantly different between HBeAg-positive group and HBeAg-negative group. Compared with baseline, PD-1 and PD-L1 expression decreased obviously accompanying with increase of HBV-specific CTL cells frequency and IFN-γ level after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of telbivudine treatment. Conclusions PD-1 expression on HBV-specific CTL correlates with serum HBV DNA level, but not HBeAg status in CHB patients. Suppression of HBV replication can reduce PD-1/PD-L1 expressions and partially restore HBV specific CTL function.     

慢性HBV感染者血清HBeAg、HBV DNA载量与肝组织病理损伤的关系

目的对比不同年龄阶段乙型肝炎e抗原（HBeAg）阳性及HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）感染者的肝脏病理特点。方法 323例慢性HBV感染者分为HBeAg阳性组与HBeAg阴性组,每组以40岁为界分为高龄组与低龄组,均经肝穿刺活组织检查,同时检测血清丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、HBV DNA,分析HBeAg阳性与HBeAg阴性患者高龄组与低龄组的肝脏病理损伤与血清ALT及HBV DNA水平的关系。结果 HBeAg阳性高龄组与HBeAg阴性高龄组比较具有更明显的炎症程度（P〈0.05）及更高的HBV DNA载量（P〈0.01）,HBeAg阳性低龄组与HBeAg阴性低龄组比较HBV DNA载量较高（P〈0.01）,但炎症程度无明显差异（P〉0.05）。HBeAg阴性非活动性HBV携带者与HBeAg阴性慢性乙型肝炎患者肝脏病理炎症、纤维化程度及血清HBV DNA水平在高龄组差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）,而在低龄组差异无统计学意义。结论慢性HBV感染者血清HBeAg表达和HBV DNA水平与肝组织病理炎症分级的关系在不同年龄阶段表现不同,血清HBeAg表达与否和HBV DNA水平高低不能单独作为判断肝组织病理变化程度的指标。     

Hepatitis B virus DNA prediction rules for hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B

After hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion, hepatitis B may become inactive or progress to HBeAg-negative hepatitis with persistent or intermittent alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. The aim of this study was to prospectively identify factors predictive of the clinical course in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Patients were stratified by ALT and HBeAg status and followed every 3 months for up to 5 years. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis using the change from normal ALT to elevated ALT as endpoints were performed to determine factors associated with ALT elevation/normalization. Seventy-four HBeAg-negative and 32 HBeAg-positive patients were prospectively evaluated. For HBeAg-negative patients, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was predictive of future ALT. Only 1 patient with normal ALT and an HBV DNA value lower than 10,000 copies/mL developed an elevated ALT within the subsequent year, whereas 67% with an HBV DNA value greater than 100,000 copies/mL had a rise in ALT above normal within 1 year. Patients with a previous history of ALT elevation and longer follow-up at all levels of HBV DNA were more likely to experience ALT elevations. For HBeAg-negative patients with elevated ALT and all HBeAg-positive patients, HBV DNA did not predict future ALT. Other viral and host factors were not predictive of future ALT. CONCLUSION: HBeAg-negative CHB has a fluctuating course. HBV DNA values lower than 10,000 copies/mL predict persistently normal ALT for at least 1 year. Patients with HBV DNA values between 10,000 and 100,000 copies/mL can safely be followed at 6 monthly intervals, whereas HBV DNA values greater than 100,000 copies/mL are highly predictive of future ALT elevation and should prompt regular follow-up.     

替比夫定初治慢性乙型肝炎患者疗效与安全性观察

目的分析HBeAg阳性、阴性慢性乙型肝炎(CHB)患者初次使用替比夫定的疗效及安全性。方法 73例CHB患者(HBeAg阳性50例,阴性23例),接受替比夫定治疗至少1年,于治疗基线、病毒学应答前每个月、病毒学应答后每3个月检测HBV DNA、ALT、HBV血清标志物,观察治疗期间累计病毒学应答率、血清学转换率和耐药率;分析12、24周HBeAg下降幅度对预测血清学转换的价值;根据患者的情况不定期检测肌酸激酶(CK)。结果 (1)HBeAg阳性、阴性累计病毒学应答率1年分别为96%、100%,2年分别为96%、100%,其中90%HBeAg阳性、95%阴性患者在24周获得病毒学应答;(2)HBeAg阳性者1、2年累计血清学转换率分别为48%、61%;(3)HBeAg阳性、阴性累计耐药率1年分别为2%、4%,2年分别为24%、11%;(4)12、24周HBeAg下降幅度预测血清学转换的cut-off值分别为0.2557、0.3844log PEIU/ml,12周HBeAg下降幅度≥0.2557log PEIU/ml、24周≥0.3844log PEIU/ml的患者较低于该值者2年累计血清学转换率高,χ2值分别为28.996、15.036,P均=0.000(log-rank);(5)186人次查CK,78.8%数值超过参考范围(>140 IU/L),其中95.6%升高值在2级内,3级以上仅占4.4%。CK升高者无明显肌痛、肌炎,3～6个月内能自行下降至正常,无因CK升高而停药者。结论替比夫定对初治HBeAg阳性、阴性CHB患者疗效佳、安全性好。12、24周HBeAg下降幅度可作为2年血清学转换预测指标。     

Toll‐IL1 receptor‐mediated innate immune responses vary across HBV genotype and predict treatment response to pegylated‐IFN in HBeAg‐positive CHB patients

Patients with hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) have suppressed TLR2 expression, function and cytokine production. The aim of this study was to explore the importance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype in innate immune responses and investigate whether Toll‐like receptor (TLR) expression/function has potential roles as predictive biomarkers of successful therapy with pegylated interferon (Peg‐IFN) therapy of HBeAg seroconversion in HBeAg‐positive patients. We showed that as early as 4 weeks after initiation of Peg‐IFN, future HBeAg seroconverters had significantly elevated levels of TLR2 expression on monocytes. TLR2‐associated IL‐6 production at baseline and week 4 of therapy and TLR4 IL‐6 production at week 4 were also markedly elevated in HBeAg seroconverters. HBV genotype also influenced treatment response, with genotypes A and B more likely to seroconvert than D. We were able to demonstrate that these differences were due in part to the interaction of the specific HBeAg proteins with TLR pathway adaptor molecules, and these interactions were genotype dependent. HBeAg‐mediated modulation of TLR signalling was also observed in Huh7 cells, following stimulation with Pam3Cys. Importantly, the addition of IFN‐α to TLR2‐stimulated cells cotransfected with an HBeAg expression plasmid reversed HBeAg‐mediated suppression of hepatocytes. These findings demonstrate that patients with an activated inflammatory response are much more likely to respond to IFN therapy, with TLR responses showing promise as potential biomarkers of HBeAg seroconversion in this setting. Furthermore, our findings suggest there is differential genotype‐specific HBeAg suppression of innate signalling pathways which may account for some of the clinical differences observed across the CHB spectrum.