Improvement of bone mineral density and markers of proximal renal tubular function in chronic hepatitis B patients switched from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate to tenofovir alafenamide

Tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is a novel prodrug that reduces tenofovir plasma levels by 90% compared to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), resulting in decreased bone mineral density (BMD) loss and renal toxicity. We aimed to study changes in BMD and markers of renal function of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients previously treated with TDF who were switched to TAF in as early as 12 weeks. This was a prospective single‐arm open‐label study of 75 CHB patients treated with TDF 300 mg daily who were switched to TAF 25 mg daily and followed for 24 weeks. All patients had been treated with TDF for at least 12 months and had HBV DNA <21 IU/mL at the time of switch. BMD and markers of renal function were taken on the day of switch and repeated after 12 and 24 weeks of TAF treatment. Hip and spine bone mineral density significantly increased from baseline to week 12 (+12.9% and +2.4%, respectively, P < 0.01). There were significant decreases in urinary beta‐2‐microglobulin to creatinine and retinol‐binding protein to creatinine ratios by week 12 (P < 0.01 for both). Mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) did not change. Tubular reabsorption of phosphate was decreased at week 24 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, CHB patients previously treated with TDF experienced significant improvement in bone density and some markers of renal tubular function and as early as 12 weeks after switching to TAF. Bone density changes associated with TDF may not be entirely related to renal handling of phosphate.     

Occult hepatitis B virus co-infection in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients: A review of prevalence,diagnosis and clinical significance

The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) and hepatitis B virus(HBV) co-infection is high as they share similar mechanisms of transmission. The development and widespread use of highly sensitive tests for HBV diagnosis has demonstrated that a significant proportion of apparently healthy individuals with evidence of exposure to HBV continue to carry fully functional HBV DNA in their hepatocytes, a situation that predisposes them to the development of progressive liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. The presence of co-infections frequently influences the natural evolution of each of the participating infections present by either facilitating their virulence or competing for resources. Furthermore, the drugs used to treat these infections may also contribute to changes in the natural course of these infections, making the analysis of the impact of co-infection more difficult. The majority of studies has examined the impact of HIV on overt chronic hepatitis B, finding that co-infection carries an increased risk of progressive liver disease and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Although the effect of HIV on the natural history of occult hepatitis B infection(OBI) has not been fully assessed, all available data suggest a persisting risk of repeated flares of hepatitis and progressive liver disease. We describe studies regarding the diagnosis, prevalence and clinical significance of OBI in HIVpositive patients in this short review. Discrepancies in worldwide prevalence show the urgent need for the standardization of diagnostic criteria, as established by the Taormina statements. Ideally, standardized protocols for testing should be employed to enable the comparison of data from different groups. Additional studies are needed to define the differences in risk for OBI without HIV and in HIV-HBV co-infected patients with or without overt disease.     

Highly active antiretroviral therapy improved persistent lamivudine‐resistant viremia in acute hepatitis B virus genotype Ae infection with coinfection of human immunodeficiency virus

A 57‐year‐old man developed acute hepatitis B virus (AHB), caused by HBV genotype Ae. Lamivudine (LAM) therapy was started at 8 months after the disease onset, because the infection was persistent, but not self‐limited. Despite LAM therapy, the hepatitis became chronic. Further, virological breakthrough developed due to the emergence of LAM‐resistant YMDD mutants at 11 months after LAM therapy. Adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) was combined with LAM against breakthrough hepatitis at 28 months after LAM therapy. Sequential genetic analysis revealed that rtL217R, a mutation potentially diminishing the ADV efficacy, was detected before and after the combination therapy. During the follow‐up period, the patient unexpectedly turned out coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by measuring anti‐HIV‐1 antibody. At that time, LAM‐resistant HIV mutation, M184V, had been already detected. We switched from the combination therapy with LAM plus ADV to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which included tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. HAART drastically improved LAM‐resistant viremia and breakthrough hepatitis as well as HIV viremia and CD4 counts. Even in Japan, HBV genotype and HIV coinfection should be determined early in the treatment of AHB, and early induction of nucleotide analogs should be taken into consideration, because the proportion of AHB patients with HBV genotype A and the number of patients horizontally coinfected with HBV and HIV are increasing.     

Clearance of hepatitis C virus in HIV-infected patients with multiple chronic viral hepatitis

Viral interferences between hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) viruses were investigated in a case-control study conducted in 107 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with HCV antibodies. Overall, 15 (68%) of 22 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive patients had negative serum HCV-RNA while it occurred in only nine (10%) of 85 HBsAg-negative counterparts (P = 0.02). After adjusting for age, antiretroviral therapy, plasma HIV-RNA and CD4 counts, being HBsAg-positive was strongly associated with having negative serum HCV-RNA (odds ratio: 23; 95% confidence interval: 6-59; P < 0.001). Thus, HBV may favour the elimination of HCV in HIV-infected patients, which may influence liver disease and therapeutic decisions.     

湖南省HIV-1和HBV合并感染者中HBV基因亚型流行情况分析

目的调查湖南省艾滋病病毒1型(HIV-1)和乙型肝炎(乙肝)病毒(HBV)合并感染人群中,HBV基因亚型的流行、分布及其与HIV-1感染进展的关系。方法收集152份湖南省HIV-1、HBV合并感染人群标本,调查患者的临床症状,同时检测乙肝五项指标,用实时荧光定量聚合酶链反应(PCR)进行HBV载量测定及亚型分析。结果 134例检出HBV载量的标本中,B基因型77例(57.46%),C基因型4例(2.99%),B/C基因混合型4例(2.99%),非B非C型11例(8.21%),无法分型的38例(28.36%)。不同基因型按感染途径、HBeAg阳性率及临床表现等方面分组进行比较,均有显著性差异,但与患者性别无关。非B非C亚型的HBV DNA水平显著低于其他各型。结论湖南省HIV和HBV合并感染者中,HBV基因亚型以B亚型为主;尚未发现HBV基因型与HIV感染者性别、死亡率以及病程进展之间的关系;性传播是非B非C型主要的传染途径。     

Maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA positivity and sexual intercourse are associated with HBV intrauterine transmission in China: a prospective case-control study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) intrauterine transmission from infected mothers contributes significantly to the persistence of the high number of HBV carriers. The aim of this study was to identify potential risk factors for HBV intrauterine transmission. METHODS: A case-control study was performed on pregnant women tested positive for HBsAg at Shaanxi Maternal and Neonatal Health Hospital, Xi'an, China, from September 2002 to October 2004. Serum samples were taken from infected women and their newborn infants and used for the detection of HBsAg. A structured standard questionnaire was used to collect demographic, medical and maternal data, and maternal HBV DNA, HBeAg, anti-hepatitis C virus and anti-hepatitis D virus were also assessed. Ten neonates validated as having HBV intrauterine transmission were selected as cases and others as controls. RESULTS: The univariate analysis indicated that maternal HBeAg positivity (odds ratio [OR] = 5.96, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.61-22.12), HBV DNA positivity (OR = 12.09, 95% CI: 2.97-40.17) and sexual intercourse in the second trimester (OR = 9.15, 95% CI: 1.08-202.99) were significantly associated with an increased risk for HBV intrauterine transmission, whereas contraceptive measures before pregnancy (OR = 0.21, 95%CI: 0.04-0.99) were associated with a decreased risk. The multivariate analysis, however, identified maternal HBV DNA positivity (OR = 19.18, 95%: CI: 3.26-118.73) and sexual intercourse in the second trimester (OR = 1.29, 95%: CI: 1.00-1.66) as the only independent risk factors for HBV intrauterine transmission. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of HBV intrauterine transmission increased with increased frequency of sexual intercourse. Therefore, it is concluded that maternal HBV DNA positivity and sexual intercourse in the second trimester are independent risk factors for HBV intrauterine transmission.     

Long‐term observation on hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in therapy experienced HIV/HBV co‐infected Chinese

The aim of this retrospective study was to observe hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance and explore predictors of HBsAg loss in HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients receiving long‐term lamivudine or both tenofovir and lamivudine containing therapies. Quantification of HBsAg, hepatitis B e antigen and HBV DNA before and after initiation of HBV‐active antiretroviral therapy in a total of 268 HIV/HBV‐co‐infected patients started treatment between 2005 and 2017 were performed. Over a median of 65.63 months of follow‐up, 10 (3.7%) were observed HBsAg loss and the quantification of HBsAg in 7 (2.6%) patients were less than 50 IU/mL. With the prolongation of antiretroviral therapy duration time, the rates of HBsAg seroclearance tended to increase gradually, rising from 1.8% (3/163) during 2‐4 years treatment to 29.4% (10/34) after antiretroviral therapy for up to 10 years. Lower baseline qHBsAg and HBV DNA levels and strong 12‐month declines in qHBsAg were significantly associated with HBsAg seroclearance. The event of HBsAg seroclearance is uncommon among Chinese individuals with HIV/HBV co‐infection who have been treated with anti‐HBV containing antiretroviral therapy, and lifelong therapy for HBV is needed for HIV/HBV co‐infected patients. Baseline qHBsAg and HBV DNA levels and qHBsAg decline rate were predictors for HBsAg seroclearance.     

Longitudinal evaluation of viral interactions in treated HIV-hepatitis B co-infected patients with additional hepatitis C and D virus

Summary  Virological interactions of hepatitis B (HBV), hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis D (HDV) viruses in HIV-infected patients have been poorly characterized especially under treatment influences. Undetection rates of hepatitis viruses were longitudinally analyzed in a 3-year cohort of 308 HIV–HBV co-infected patients and compared using Generalized Estimating Equation models adjusted for age, HIV-RNA, CD4 cell-count and antiviral treatment. Chronic hepatitis co-infection in HIV-infected patients (age years, SD) was: 265 HBV (40.7, 8.2); 19 HBV–HCV (39.7, 4.1); 12 HBV–HDV (35.2, 9.9); 12 HBV–HCV–HDV (39.2, 5.2). At inclusion, treatment with lamivudine/tenofovir was not significantly different between co-infection groups. HBV suppression was significantly associated with HDV (aOR = 3.85, 95%CI 1.13–13.10, P  =   0.03) and HCV tri-infection (aOR = 2.65, 95%CI 1.03–6.81, P  =   0.04), but marginally associated with HIV–HBV–HCV–HDV (aOR = 2.32, 95%CI 0.94–5.74, P  =   0.07). In quad-infection, lower HDV-undetectability ( vs HIV–HBV–HDV, P  =   0.2) and higher HCV-undetectability ( vs HIV–HBV–HCV, P  =   0.1) were demonstrated. The degree of HBV suppression varied between visits and co-infection groups [range of aOR during follow-up ( vs HIV–HBV co-infection): HIV–HBV–HCV = 2.23–5.67, HIV–HBV–HDV = 1.53–15.17]. In treated co-infected patients, HDV expressed continuous suppression over HCV- and HBV-replications. Peaks and rebounds from undetectable hepatitis B, C and/or D viremia warrant closer follow-up in this patient population. HDV-replication was uncontrolled even with antiviral treatment.     

Interferon treatment of two patients with quadruple infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), and TT virus (TTV)

Abstract: We administered interferon (IFN) to two patients who had quadruple infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis G virus (HGV), and TT virus (TTV), a recently isolated novel DNA virus. Nine mega-units of natural alpha-IFN were administered daily during the first two weeks and thrice weekly during the following 22 weeks (total dose, 720 mega-units). In both cases, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels decreased during IFN administration but increased thereafter. The concentrations of HCV, HIV, HGV, and TTV declined with the administration of IFN. However, the concentrations of these 4 viruses increased after the cessation of IFN with the except of TTV in patient 2 which disappeared during treatment and did not subsequently reappear. IFN reduced the concentrations of 4 viruses, in an apparently independent manner.     

Quantification of serum markers of hepatitis B (HBV) and Delta virus (HDV) infections in patients with chronic HDV infection

The interplay between hepatitis B (HBV) and delta (HDV) viruses is complex and not always characterized during chronic HDV infection. We assessed the clinical usefulness of new quantitative assays for HBV and HDV serum markers in a retrospective cross‐sectional study. Sera obtained from 122 HDV genotype 1 and HBV genotype D coinfected, anti‐HIV‐negative patients (71 males; median age 49.8 [21.7‐66.9] years), recruited consecutively in two geographical areas (Italy 69 patients, Romania 53 patients) with different HBV and HDV epidemiology, were tested for HBsAg, HBV‐DNA, HBcrAg, total anti‐HBc, HDV‐RNA, IgM and total anti‐HDV using quantitative assays. Cirrhosis, which showed comparable prevalence in the two cohorts, was diagnosed in 97 of 122 (79.5%) patients. At multivariate analysis, cirrhosis was associated with lower total anti‐HBc/IgM anti‐HDV ratio (OR 0.990, 95% CI 0.981‐0.999, P = .038), whereas disease activity was associated with higher total anti‐HDV (OR 10.105, 95% CI 1.671‐61.107, P = .012) and HDV‐RNA levels (OR 2.366, 95% CI 1.456‐3.844, P = .001). HDV‐RNA serum levels showed a positive correlation with HBV‐DNA (ρ = 0.276, P = .005), HBsAg (ρ = 0.404, P < .001) and HBcrAg (ρ = 0.332, P < .001). The combined quantitative profiling of HBV and HDV serum markers identifies specific patterns associated with activity and stage of chronic hepatitis D (CHD). HDV pathogenicity depends on the underlying active HBV infection in spite of the inhibition of its replication. HDV‐RNA, IgM anti‐HDV, total anti‐HDV, total anti‐HBc, HBsAg and HBcrAg serum levels qualify for prospective studies to predict progressive CHD and identify candidates to antiviral therapy.     

Fulminant hepatitis after allogenic bone marrow transplantation caused by reactivation of hepatitis B virus with gene mutations in the core promotor region

Under immunosuppressive conditions after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), even if hepatitis B virus (HBV) antigen is negative but hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) or hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) is presented, HBV reactivates and sometimes causes fulminant hepatitis. However, it remains unclear which patients will develop fulminant hepatitis, or whether fulminant hepatitis is caused by host-related factors or by virus-related factors. A 30-yr-old man with a history of aplastic anemia since 3 yr of age underwent allogenic BMT, when HBsAb and HBcAb were positive but HBs antigen (HBsAg) was negative. The donor was negative for HBsAg, HBsAb and HBcAb. After transplantation, the patient was complicated by acute graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD), cytomegalovirus infection, intestinal thrombotic microangiopathy and aspergillus colitis. Chronic GVHD was well controlled by FK506 and prednisolone. Twenty months after transplantation, the patient was admitted with general fatigue and liver dysfunction and was found to be positive for HBsAg and HBeAg. His serum HBV-DNA level was >8.8 log of the genome equivalent (LGE)/mL. Therefore, he was diagnosed as having hepatitis B caused by HBV reactivation and 100 mg/d lamivudine treatment was started. However, jaundice and hepatic failure deteriorated and became fatal. On analysis of the HBV-DNA, two adjacent gene mutations in the core promoter region (T1762/A1764) were detected. Increased replication of the mutated HBV might have caused HBV reactivation which progressed to fulminant hepatitis.     

慢性丙型肝炎患者混合或重叠感染其他病原体状况分析

目的了解丙型肝炎病毒（HCV）感染者混合或重叠感染乙型肝炎病毒（HBV）、人免疫缺陷病毒（HIV）和梅毒螺旋体（TP）的状况,为HCV感染的防治提供依据。方法采用ELISA法检测乙型肝炎病毒标志物、抗TP和抗HIV;采用化学发光法检测抗HCV;采用蛋白印迹法确认HIV感染。结果在169例HCV感染者中,重叠感染HBV 25例（14.8%）、HIV 4例（2.4%）、TP 9例（5.3%）,重叠感染HBV和TP 2例（1.2%）,重叠感染HBV和HIV 2例（1.2%）;静脉吸毒者重叠感染HIV（6.7%）和TP（11.1%）的比例均明显高于非静脉吸毒者（P〈0.05）;男性患者重叠感染HBV的比例（19.7%）明显高于女性患者（3.8%,P〈0.01）,女性患者重叠感染TP的比例（11.5%）明显高于男性患者（2.6%,P〈0.05）。结论随着感染方式的多元化,慢性丙型肝炎患者重叠感染其他病原体的情况更加常见。     

Current practice and recommendations for management of hepatitis B virus in people living with HIV in Asia

Background

The prevalence of HIV and hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection is higher in Asia than in Europe and North America and varies significantly between different regions within Asia. Important routes of transmission of both these infections include high-risk unprotected sexual contact, intravenous drug use, and transmission of maternal infection perinatally or in early childhood. While life expectancy among people living with HIV has been extended with effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HBV-induced liver injury and complications have emerged as a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV.

Objectives

This article describes the prevalence of co-infection, current clinical practice, and recommendations for the management of people living with HIV-HBV co-infection in Asia.

Results and Conclusions

Screening for HBV should occur at the time of HIV diagnosis; however, HBV screening rates in people living with HIV in Asia vary widely by region. Similarly, people with HBV should be screened for HIV before initiation of HBV antiviral therapy. People with HIV-HBV co-infection should be assessed for liver damage and risk factors for liver disease and be monitored regularly for liver complications and HBV DNA. Medical treatment with ART is lifelong and includes tenofovir and lamivudine or emtricitabine, unless intolerant or contraindicated, as these are active against both HIV and HBV. HBV vaccination programmes are effective in reducing co-infection rates. Mother-to-child transmission can be prevented through measures such as vaccination, antenatal screening, and treatment of pregnant women who are infected.     

乙型肝炎病毒(HBV)反基因与HBV的结合及对HBV复制的影响

目的 研究三螺旋形成寡核苷酸与HBV基因的结合情况及其对HBV复制的影响。方法 全盛一段能与HBV核心启动子位点（1734-1753nt)形成三螺旋的寡核苷酸（TF020）并标记上生物素分别用脂质体-TF020及裸TF020转染HepG2.2.15细胞,用链酶亲和素-生物素法（SABC）检测其转染效率及其与HepG2.2.15细胞中HBVDNA的结合情况;并采用ELISA、半定量逆转录（RT）-PCR及荧光定量PCR法分别检测经寡核苷酸处理的HepG2.2.15细胞及空白对照细胞上清HBsAg、HBeAg、HBV DNA及细胞中HBV RNA的水平。结果 脂质体-TF020转染HepG2.2.15细胞的效率可达80%,而裸TFO20转染率最高为40%;TF020主要定位于细胞核及胞浆中,TF020处理组细胞上清中HBsAg、HBeAg含量分别较空白对照组降低37.0%及78.2%,HBV DNA水平较空白对照组明显降低;而细胞中2.4kb/2.1kb RNA、3.5kb/3.4kbRNA亦分别降低31.6%及70.2Z%。结论 TF020通过脂质体包裹后可以很好地进入细胞并与HBV DNA结合;TF020能够有效地抑制HBV复制,发挥抗病毒作用。