Article
Virology
Mariantonietta Di Stefano, Giuseppina Faleo, Thomas Leitner, Wei Zheng, Yang Zhang, Amna Hassan, Marwan J. Alwazzeh, Jose R. Fiore, Mona Ismail, Teresa A. Santantonio
Summary: The study aimed to characterize the genotype and subgenotypes of HBV circulating in Saudi Arabia, the presence of clinically relevant mutations possibly associated with resistance to antivirals or immune escape phenomena, and the possible impact of mutations in the structural characteristics of HBV polymerase. Plasma samples from 12 Saudi Arabian HBV-infected patients were analyzed using an in-house PCR method and direct sequencing. Saudi patients were infected with mainly subgenotype D1 and showed multiple mutations in the RT and S genes, which may have implications for the natural and therapeutic history of HBV infection.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nguyen Thi Cam Huong, Nguyen Quang Trung, Bac An Luong, Duong Bich Tram, Hoang Anh Vu, Hoang Huu Bui, Hoa Pham Thi Le
Summary: This study describes the characteristics of HBV PreS/S mutations in Vietnamese CHB-infected patients and their association with HCC. The results show that several amino acid replacements were detected in the PreS1/PreS2/S genes, and mutations such as W4P/R/Y on PreS1 and T47A/E/V/K, P120S/T, S174N, and P203R on S gene were associated with HCC.
Article
Immunology
Jie Li, Hwai- Yang, Ming-Lun Yeh, Michael H. Le, An K. Le, Yee Hui Yeo, Chia-Yen Dai, Scott Barnett, Jian Q. Zhang, Jee-Fu Huang, Huy N. Trinh, Christopher Wong, Clifford Wong, Joseph K. Hoang, Ramsey Cheung, Ming-Lung Yu, Mindie H. Nguyen
Summary: This study found that concurrent FL in patients with CHB significantly reduces the risk of cirrhosis and HCC, as well as increases the rate of HBsAg seroclearance. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and investigate the underlying mechanisms of FL on CHB.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Milan J. Sonneveld, Shao-Ming Chiu, Jun Yong Park, Sylvia M. Brakenhoff, Apichat Kaewdech, Wai-Kay Seto, Yasuhito Tanaka, Ivana Carey, Margarita Papatheodoridi, Florian van Bommel, Thomas Berg, Fabien Zoulim, Sang Hoon Ahn, George N. Dalekos, Nicole S. Erler, Christoph Honer Zu Siederdissen, Heiner Wedemeyer, Markus Cornberg, Man-Fung Yuen, Kosh Agarwal, Andre Boonstra, Maria Buti, Teerha Piratvisuth, George Papatheodoridis, Chien-Hung Chen, Benjamin Maasoumy
Summary: The probability of HBsAg loss after NUC cessation varies according to patient ethnicity, HBV genotype and end-of-treatment viral antigen levels. Patients with low HBsAg and HBcrAg levels, particularly non-Asian or infected with HBV genotype C, may be the best candidates for treatment withdrawal.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Phat Tan Ho, Mario Giosue Balzanelli, Pietro Distratis, Rita Lazzaro, Duy Khanh Tran, Kieu C. D. Nguyen, Tri Minh Bui, Thinh Tien Nguyen, Son Truong Pham, Huy Song Dinh Nguyen, Vinh Thanh Tran, Toan Trong Ho, Gianna Dipalma, Francesco Inchingolo, Camelia Quek, Huong Thien Pham, Ciro Gargiulo Isacco, Luigi Santacroce, Van Hung Pham
Summary: This study analyzed the genotypes, sub-genotypes, and mutations of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in Vietnamese hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The most common genotypes identified were B and C, with sub-genotypes B4 and C1. The prevalence of genotype B4 was higher in HBV-infected Vietnamese HCC patients.
Article
Virology
Mary C. Kuhns, Vera Holzmayer, Anne L. McNamara, Mark Anderson, Gavin A. Cloherty
Summary: This study provides quantitative molecular and serological data on acute hepatitis B using traditional and novel HBV markers. Results show heterogenous seroconversion profiles which offer insights into the spectrum of acute hepatitis B profiles compared to the typical representation.
Article
Microbiology
Renxiang Xia, Jing Peng, Jian He, Ping Jiang, Chunyan Yuan, Xiaoli Liu, Yunqing Yao
Summary: This study investigated the clinical and virological characteristics of individuals in China with chronic occult hepatitis B virus infection (HBV) and their correlation with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Findings revealed that there are at least 21 million individuals with occult HBV infection in China. The presence of HBcAb(+) indicated not only chronic HBV infection, but also a dangerous marker for surface antigen-negative patients. Regular check-ups every six months or one year are recommended for early detection of HCC in occult infection patients.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Maria Bousali, Timokratis Karamitros
Summary: This study investigated the preferential integration of hepatitis B virus (HBV) into specific genes and evaluated their contribution to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. The results suggested that 15 genes are frequently affected by HBV integrations and significantly associated with HBV-HCC.
Article
Microbiology
Alexis Jose-Abrego, Sonia Roman, Joao Renato Rebello Pinho, Vanessa Fusco Duarte de Castro, Arturo Panduro
Summary: Infection with mixtures of HBV genotypes is common in HIV patients, particularly in cases with triple genotype mixtures, leading to significant hepatic fibrosis. Triple-mixed infection is associated with high viral load and severe liver fibrosis in this population.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Hyun Yang, Si Hyun Bae, Heechul Nam, Hae Lim Lee, Sung Won Lee, Sun Hong Yoo, Myeong Jun Song, Jung Hyun Kwon, Soon Woo Nam, Jong Young Choi, Seung Kew Yoon, Jeong Won Jang
Summary: After HBsAg seroclearance, there is still a risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Age, cirrhosis, family history, and more-than-moderate alcohol consumption are independent factors predictive of HCC. The novel prediction model based on these four variables allows reliable risk estimation of HCC after HBsAg seroclearance.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Oncology
Sheng-Han Wang, Shiou-Hwei Yeh, Pei-Jer Chen
Summary: HBV infection is a major risk factor for HCC globally, with chronic hepatitis B generating an inflammatory microenvironment that leads to genetic mutations in hepatocytes predisposing them to cancer. Male dominance in HBV-related HCC highlights the interplay between sex hormones and viral factors influencing carcinogenesis.
Review
Microbiology
Shahrzad Shoraka, Seyed Mahdi Hosseinian, Ayda Hasibi, Amir Ghaemi, Seyed Reza Mohebbi
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health issue, with most cases being due to long-term infection with Hepatitis B virus (HBV). Understanding the relationship between HBV genome variations and host signaling pathway alteration is crucial for better understanding the molecular pathogenesis of HBV-related HCC. Investigating commonly dysregulated pathways in HBV-related HCC is necessary for the discovery of specific therapeutic targets and the development of more effective strategies for HCC treatment.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Ya Fu, Fengling Fang, Hongyan Guo, Xialin Xiao, Yuhai Hu, Yongbin Zeng, Tianbin Chen, Songhang Wu, Ni Lin, Jinlan Huang, Ling Jiang, Qishui Ou, Can Liu
Summary: This study investigates the evolutionary characteristics of HBV X gene in the hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment, and finds lower heterogeneity in tumor tissues and a location bias in X gene mutations. Additionally, the study reveals that HBx harboring mutation T81P/S101P/L123S promotes cell proliferation and increases genomic instability.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Maria Bousali, George Papatheodoridis, Dimitrios Paraskevis, Timokratis Karamitros
Summary: HBV is an Old World virus with a high mutation rate, originating in Africa alongside Homo sapiens. It can lead to chronic infection by integrating its genome into host DNA, affecting various genes including those related to cell proliferation and oncogenes.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Yu Xiang, Yang Yang, Pu Chen, Xiaofei Lai, Shan Shi, Shuang Li, Wenxian You
Summary: This study examined levels of hepatitis B virus pgRNA in HBsAg and HBsAb copositive patients and found a positive correlation with HBV DNA, HBsAg, ALT, and AST levels. The study also demonstrated significant differences in HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, ALT, and AST levels in different natural phases of HBV infection, and suggested that HBV RNA could be used as a virological indicator for antiviral therapy in HBsAg and HBsAb copositive hepatitis B patients.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tai-Chung Tseng, Chieh Chiang, Chun-Jen Liu, Chun-Ming Hong, Tung-Hung Su, Hung-Chih Yang, Wan-Ting Yang, Chen-Hua Liu, Pei-Jer Chen, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study aimed to explore the association between spontaneous seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) levels. The results showed that lower HBcrAg levels were associated with an increased likelihood of HBsAg seroclearance. Especially for patients with HBsAg levels >1000 IU/mL, HBcrAg levels <10,000 U/mL served as an independent predictor for HBsAg seroclearance.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yu-Ming Cheng, Chia-Chi Wang, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: A new nomenclature for metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed in 2020, but its coherence with clinical demand remains controversial.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chen-Hua Liu, Cheng-Yuan Peng, Chun-Jen Liu, Chi-Yi Chen, Ching-Chu Lo, Kuo-Chih Tseng, Pei-Yuan Su, Wei-Yu Kao, Ming-Chang Tsai, Hung-Da Tung, Hao-Tsai Cheng, Fu-Jen Lee, Chia-Sheng Huang, Ke-Jhang Huang, Yu-Lueng Shih, Sheng-Shun Yang, Jo-Hsuan Wu, Hsueh-Chou Lai, Yu-Jen Fang, Po-Yueh Chen, Jow-Jyh Hwang, Chi-Wei Tseng, Wei-Wen Su, Chun-Chao Chang, Pei-Lun Lee, Jyh-Jou Chen, Chi-Yang Chang, Tsai-Yuan Hsieh, Chung-Hsin Chang, Yi-Jie Huang, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This multicenter study evaluated the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir (SOF/VEL/VOX) for retreating East Asian patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who previously received NS5A direct-acting antivirals (DAAs). The results showed that SOF/VEL/VOX is highly effective and well-tolerated for these patients.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Medicine, General & Internal
Jia-Horng Kao
JOURNAL OF THE FORMOSAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tai-Chung Tseng, Jia-Horng Kao
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Te-Sheng Chang, Chung-Feng Huang, Hsing-Tao Kuo, Ching-Chu Lo, Chien-Wei Huang, Lee-Won Chong, Pin-Nan Cheng, Ming-Lun Yeh, Cheng-Yuan Peng, Chien-Yu Cheng, Jee-Fu Huang, Ming-Jong Bair, Chih-Lang Lin, Chi-Chieh Yang, Szu-Jen Wang, Tsai-Yuan Hsieh, Tzong-Hsi Lee, Pei-Lun Lee, Wen-Chih Wu, Chih-Lin Lin, Wei-Wen Su, Sheng-Shun Yang, Chia-Chi Wang, Jui-Ting Hu, Lein-Ray Mo, Chun-Ting Chen, Yi-Hsiang Huang, Chun-Chao Chang, Chia-Sheng Huang, Guei-Ying Chen, Chien-Neng Kao, Chi-Ming Tai, Chun-Jen Liu, Mei-Hsuan Lee, Pei-Chien Tsai, Chia-Yen Dai, Jia-Horng Kao, Han-Chieh Lin, Wang-Long Chuang, Chi-Yi Chen, Kuo-Chih Tseng, Chao-Hung Hung, Ming-Lung Yu
Summary: The study analyzed the data of Taiwanese patients with chronic hepatitis C infection receiving 8-week glecaprevir/pibrentasvir therapy. The results showed good treatment efficacy with minimal adverse events. This is of great significance for the treatment of patients with compensated cirrhosis.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Shang-Chin Huang, Tung-Hung Su, Tai-Chung Tseng, Chi-Ling Chen, Shih-Jer Hsu, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Chen-Hua Liu, Ting-Yuan Lan, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Pei-Jer Chen, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study aimed to explore the impact of concurrent MAFLD on the risk of HCC in CHB patients. The study found that concurrent MAFLD reduced the risk of HCC in CHB patients, while an increasing burden of metabolic dysfunction increased the risk of HCC.
HEPATOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Tung-Hung Su, Shan-Han Chang, Chi-Ling Chen, Sih-Han Liao, Tai-Chung Tseng, Shih-Jer Hsu, Chun-Ming Hong, Chen-Hua Liu, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Pei-Jer Chen, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the controversial use of AFP checkup with abdominal ultrasonography for HCC surveillance. It was found that serial AFP-increase and high AFP levels can predict the occurrence of HCC. AFP levels at 12, 9, and 6 months before the outcome date were evaluated. Group-based trajectory analysis and multivariable regression analysis were performed to identify AFP trajectories as risk predictors for HCC.
HEPATOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Meng-Ju Lin, Tung-Hung Su, Chieh-Chang Chen, Wei-Kai Wu, Shih-Jer Hsu, Tai-Chung Tseng, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Ming-Shiang Wu, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study investigated the gut microbiota of patients with HBV-related liver diseases and found that the diversity and composition of the gut microbiota varies significantly between healthy individuals and patients at different stages of HBV-related liver disease. The study also revealed changes in microbial functions with disease progression, suggesting that understanding the gut microbiota may provide novel therapeutic options for these patients.
Correction
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Meng-Ju Lin, Tung-Hung Su, Chieh-Chang Chen, Wei-Kai Wu, Shih-Jer Hsu, Tai-Chung Tseng, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Ming-Shiang Wu, Jia-Horng Kao
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Pei-Shan Tsai, Yu-Ming Cheng, Chia-Chi Wang, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) patients with concomitant chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The results showed that MAFLD patients with HCV infection may have a higher risk of advanced liver fibrosis, but a similar risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared to those without HCV infection.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY & HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chi-Ling Chen, Tai-Chung Tseng, Chun-Jen Liu, Jia-Horng Kao, Pei-Jer Chen, Wei-Shiung Yang
Summary: This study reveals a positive relationship between serum RNase L levels and HBV viral titers or advanced disease status. Further investigation in this area may provide more details of an innate immune response for HBV and opportunity for novel therapeutic strategy.
HEPATOLOGY RESEARCH
(2023)
Letter
Medicine, General & Internal
Tai-Chung Tseng, Jia-Horng Kao
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Chia-Chi Wang, Jia-Horng Kao
Article
Oncology
Yi-Cheng Lu, Tung-Hung Su, Tai-Chung Tseng, Shih-Jer Hsu, Sih-Han Liao, Chun-Ming Hong, Chen-Hua Liu, Hung-Chih Yang, Chun-Jen Liu, Jia-Horng Kao
Summary: Protein induced by Vitamin K absence or antagonists-II (PIVKA-II) serves as a diagnostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the predictive role of PIVKA-II and ASAP score in the development of HCC within 1 year among untreated chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. The results showed that baseline PIVKA-II level was significantly higher in the HCC group compared to the control group and could predict HCC development within 1 year. Furthermore, the ASAP score, which combines age, sex, alpha-fetoprotein, and PIVKA-II, improved the predictability for HCC within 1 year. The findings suggest that both high PIVKA-II level and ASAP score may serve as predictors for HCC development in untreated CHB patients, particularly in those with normal alpha-fetoprotein levels.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CANCER RESEARCH
(2023)