Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Edward J. Gane, P. Rod Dunbar, Anna E. Brooks, Fangqiu Zhang, Diana Chen, Jeffrey J. Wallin, Nicholas van Buuren, Priyanka Arora, Simon P. Fletcher, Susanna K. Tan, Jenny C. Yang, Anuj Gaggar, Shyamasundaran Kottilil, Lydia Tang
Summary: Selgantolimod treatment showed positive effects on hepatitis B surface antigen, but only a few patients achieved the primary efficacy endpoint. The common adverse events during treatment included nausea, upper respiratory tract infection, and vomiting. Overall, this treatment approach showed potential in a small proportion of patients.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Yanhang Gao, Fei Kong, Xinwen Song, Jia Shang, Lvfeng Yao, Jinyu Xia, Yanzhong Peng, Weidong Liu, Huanyu Gong, Mao Mu, Hesong Cui, Tao Han, Wen Chen, Xiaolu Wu, Yongfeng Yang, Xuebing Yan, Zhenjing Jin, Peng Wang, Qingjing Zhu, Liang Chen, Caiyan Zhao, Dengke Zhang, Weili Jin, Daidi Wang, Xiuhong Wen, Chunmei Liu, Jidong Jia, Qing Mao, Yanhua Ding, Xueyuan Jin, Zong Zhang, Qianguo Mao, Guangming Li, Junqi Niu
Summary: In a phase 2 trial, pradefovir showed comparable antiviral activity against HBV and good safety profile to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Pradefovir at doses of 30, 45, 60, and 75 mg effectively reduced HBV DNA levels and resulted in more HBeAg loss compared to TDF.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Virology
Ana Carolina Cardoso, Claudio Figueiredo-Mendes, Cristiane A. Villela-Nogueira, Patrick Marcellin
Summary: Staging liver fibrosis has always been a challenge in viral hepatitis and other liver diseases. Non-invasive tests have been developed to overcome the limitations of liver biopsy. This review discusses the use of serological and physical markers for liver fibrosis staging in chronic hepatitis B and C. Furthermore, it addresses the issue of evaluating liver fibrosis after HCV cure.
Review
Immunology
Shuling Wu, Wei Yi, Yuanjiao Gao, Wen Deng, Xiaoyue Bi, Yanjie Lin, Liu Yang, Yao Lu, Ruyu Liu, Min Chang, Ge Shen, Leiping Hu, Lu Zhang, Minghui Li, Yao Xie
Summary: Functional cure is considered achieved when chronic hepatitis B patients achieve HBsAg seroclearance after treatment. Clearing the virus is challenging due to the difficulty in clearing both cccDNA and integrated dslDNA. High levels of HBsAg in the serum lead to immune system failure, making it unable to produce an effective antiviral response. Only less than 1% of chronic hepatitis B patients are cured annually with antiviral treatment. Coinfection with other viruses such as HIV, HCV, and HDV makes it even more difficult to cure. However, it has been found that patients with coinfection have a higher probability of achieving HBsAg seroclearance, especially those with HBV/HIV coinfection with up to 36% 5-year seroclerance rate. This interesting phenomenon is related to the functional reconstruction of the immune system after antiretroviral therapy (ART).
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jun Li, Zhao Wu, Gui-Qiang Wang, Hong Zhao
Summary: The study revealed correlations between HBcrAg and antiviral efficacy, virological, and histological variables in chronic hepatitis B patients, with a decreased HBcrAg predicting HBeAg loss after antiviral therapy.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Mi Na Kim, Kyungdo Han, Juhwan Yoo, Seong Gyu Hwang, Sang Hoon Ahn
Summary: This study found that patients with chronic viral hepatitis and concurrent fatty liver have a higher risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality, highlighting the importance of managing fatty liver in reducing these risks for patients.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Vicente Soriano, Carmen Alvarez, Benson Edagwa, Carmen de Mendoza, Noemi Montoya, Ana Trevino, Howard Gendelman
Summary: Viral hepatitis is a significant global cause of mortality, with 1.4 million deaths each year. Hepatitis B and C account for 90% of these deaths, and the World Health Organization aims to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. While current antivirals can suppress viral replication, they cannot eliminate the virus from infected patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Mar Riveiro-Barciela, Juan M. Pericas, Maria Buti
Summary: This review summarizes the importance of HBV markers in the natural history of hepatitis B infection and predicting clinical and treatment outcomes. It includes data on classic markers like HBV-DNA, as well as newer markers such as quantitative HBsAg, HBcrAg, HBV-RNA, and quantitative anti-HBc, showing their usefulness in predicting events and treatment responses. Evidence on newer therapeutic agents like capsid assembly modulators or small interference RNAs is promising but still limited.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Shuqin Gu, Xin Fu, Guofu Ye, Chengcong Chen, Xiaoyi Li, Shihong Zhong, Libo Tang, Haitao Chen, Deke Jiang, Jinlin Hou, Yongyin Li
Summary: Persistent exposure to antigens during chronic hepatitis B infection leads to exhausted immune responses, hindering viral control. L-carnitine was found to modulate immune cells in chronic HBV infection by altering transcriptional profiles and suppressing T cell proliferation and function while enhancing other immune responses. The study suggests that manipulation of L-carnitine levels may influence the prognosis of patients with HBV infection.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Suh-Young Lee, Sun-Sin Kim, So-Hee Lee, Heung-Woo Park
Summary: This study found an association between chronic viral hepatitis infection and decreased lung function, specifically in smokers. Non-invasive measurement of hepatic fibrosis may be useful in predicting rapid lung function decline in smokers with chronic viral hepatitis.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Joerg F. Schlaak
Summary: The majority of chronic viral hepatitis cases are caused by HBV, HCV, or HDV infections. HBV infection can be controlled with currently available drugs, but a functional cure is rare. HCV treatment has been revolutionized by the development of DAAs, which are highly effective and have few side effects. HDV remains the most challenging type of viral hepatitis to treat.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Virology
Yi-Wen Huang, Albert Qin, Chan-Yen Tsai, Pei-Jer Chen
Summary: Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a promising treatment option for MPN and chronic viral hepatitis due to its favorable pharmacokinetic profile and demonstrated efficacy in clinical studies. Administered once every two weeks, it has shown to be well-tolerated and effective in treating chronic hepatitis B, C, and D.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lung-Yi Mak, Rex Wan-Hin Hui, James Fung, Wai Kay Seto, Man-Fung Yuen
Summary: Chronic hepatitis B infection is a significant public health challenge. Antiviral therapies can impact viral biomarkers, which play a role in predicting disease risk, treatment outcomes, and potential efficacy of novel compounds.
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Do Seon Song, Won Kim, Sang Hoon Ahn, Hyung Joon Yim, Jae Young Jang, Young Oh Kweon, Yong Kyun Cho, Yoon Jun Kim, Gun Young Hong, Dong Joon Kim, Young Kul Jung, Joo Hyun Sohn, Jin-Woo Lee, Sung Jae Park, Byung Seok Lee, Ju Hyun Kim, Hong Soo Kim, Seung Kew Yoon, Moon Young Kim, Kwan Sik Lee, Young Suk Lim, Wan Sik Lee, Jin Mo Yang, Kyun-Hwan Kim, Kwang-Hyub Han, Soon Ho Um
Summary: Besifovir dipivoxil maleate (BSV) demonstrated sustained antiviral efficacy and improved safety over 192 weeks in treatment-naive chronic hepatitis B patients. BSV showed no evidence of drug resistance and was well tolerated, effective, and safe, particularly in patients switching from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to BSV.
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Won-Mook Choi, Gi-Ae Kim, Jonggi Choi, Gwang Hyeon Choi, Yun Bin Lee, Dong Hyun Sinn, Young-Suk Lim
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the association between baseline HBV viral load and on-treatment HCC risk in patients with CHB without cirrhosis. The study found that patients with moderate baseline viral load had the highest HCC risk.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ka-Yin Hui, James Fung, Ka-Shing Cheung, Lung-Yi Mak, Wai-Kay Seto, Man-Fung Yuen
Summary: Severe acute flares of chronic hepatitis B (AFOCHB) are associated with a greater incidence of HBsAg seroclearance and qHBsAg decline. However, severe AFOCHB is also associated with a higher incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Xianhua Mao, Ka Shing Cheung, Chengzhi Peng, Lung-Yi Mak, Ho Ming Cheng, James Fung, Noam Peleg, Howard H-W Leung, Rajneesh Kumar, Jeong-Hoon Lee, Amir Shlomai, Man-Fung Yuen, Wai-Kay Seto
Summary: This study collected data from observational studies to investigate the association of hepatic steatosis with HCC, cirrhosis, fibrosis, and HBsAg seroclearance. The results showed that hepatic steatosis was associated with an increased risk of HCC and cirrhosis among patients with CHB, but it also increased the chance of achieving a functional cure.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lung-Yi Mak, Rex Wan-Hin Hui, Chi-Ho Lee, XianHua Mao, Ka-Shing Cheung, Danny Ka-Ho Wong, David Tak-Wai Lui, James Fung, Man-Fung Yuen, Wai-Kay Seto
Summary: This study found that high glycemic burden was associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and fibrosis progression among patients with chronic hepatitis B and type 2 diabetes. The findings highlight the importance of glycemic control in reducing liver-related complications.
Article
Immunology
Kelvin Hei-Yeung Chiu, Cyril Chik-Yan Yip, Rosana Wing-Shan Poon, Kit-Hang Leung, Xin Li, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Kwok-Yung Yuen
Summary: Cytokine dynamics in respiratory specimens of COVID-19 patients were studied in this retrospective case-control study. The study found that levels of MPO, ADA, CCL22, TNF alpha, and IL-6 mRNA were significantly higher in infected patients compared to controls, with ADA showing better performance. Additionally, severe COVID-19 patients had lower CCL22 mRNA levels. ADA may be a better biomarker for differentiating between infected and uninfected patients, while CCL22 has potential in stratifying the severity of COVID-19.
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Letter
Immunology
Kelvin Hei-Yeung Chiu, Shuk-Ching Wong, Anthony Raymond Tam, Siddharth Sridhar, Cyril Chik-Yan Yip, Kwok-Hung Chan, Nicholas Foo-Siong Chew, Kenyon Ka-Yun Man, Wan-Mui Chan, Jonathan Daniel Ip, Allen Wing-Ho Chu, Janice Yee-Chi Lo, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Kelvin Kai-Wang To, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
EMERGING MICROBES & INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Carol Ho-Yan Fong, Xiaojuan Zhang, Lin-Lei Chen, Rosana Wing-Shan Poon, Brian Pui-Chun Chan, Yan Zhao, Carlos King-Ho Wong, Kwok-Hung Chan, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Jacqueline Kwan Yuk Yuen, Kelvin Kai-Wang To
Summary: This study examined the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccine regimens on vaccine-elicited immunity among adults aged >= 70 years in Hong Kong. The results showed that booster doses enhance immunity in individuals with prior infection, while mRNA vaccine boosters enhance T cell response in non-infected individuals. These findings support the use of booster doses for older adults and the use of mRNA vaccine boosters for non-infected individuals.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Benjamin Y. F. So, Chun Ka Wong, Gordon Chun Kau Chan, Jack Kit Chung Ng, Grace Chung Yan Lui, Cheuk Chun Szeto, Ivan Fan Ngai Hung, Hung Fat Tse, Sydney C. W. Tang, Tak Mao Chan, Kai Ming Chow, Desmond Y. H. Yap
Summary: Hypernatraemia is common in COVID-19 patients, especially during the Omicron era. Patients with hypernatraemia have higher 30-day mortality and longer hospital stays. This study provides insights into the epidemiology and clinical outcomes of hypernatraemia in COVID-19 patients.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Saisai Zhang, Lung-Yi Mak, Man-Fung Yuen, Wai-Kay Seto
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common chronic liver disease with a significant global health burden. Non-invasive tests for assessing and monitoring NAFLD are now feasible and highlighted in international guidelines. Identifying high-risk populations and utilizing various screening methods are important for precise and effective screening strategies.
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Rex Wan-Hin Hui, Lung-Yi Mak, Tan -To Cheung, Victor Ho -Fun Lee, Wai-Kay Seto, Man-Fung Yuen
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant public health issue in Hong Kong, with chronic hepatitis B being the most common cause. This article provides an overview of local guidelines and real-life practices for managing HCC in Hong Kong. The guidelines recommend regular screening with liver ultrasound and serum alpha-fetoprotein for viral hepatitis or cirrhotic patients, and this is followed in clinical practice. Diagnosis is usually done through imaging, without the need for histology. Treatment options, such as stereotactic body radiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, are outlined in the guidelines. Overall, the guidelines are tailored to the local expertise and patient population, and regular updates are necessary to keep up with advancements in HCC management. (Clin Mol Hepatol 2023;29:217-229)
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lung-Yi Mak, Rex Wan-Hin Hui, James Fung, Wai Kay Seto, Man-Fung Yuen
Summary: Chronic hepatitis B infection is a significant public health challenge. Antiviral therapies can impact viral biomarkers, which play a role in predicting disease risk, treatment outcomes, and potential efficacy of novel compounds.
CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Danny Ka-Ho Wong, Takako Inoue, Lung-Yi Mak, Rex Wan-Hin Hui, James Fung, Ka-Shing Cheung, Wai-Kay Seto, Yasuhito Tanaka, Man-Fung Yuen
Summary: This study evaluated the usefulness of two novel assays, the iTACT-HBsAg and iTACT-HBcrAg assays, in CHB patients with HBsAg seroclearance (SC). The results showed that over 70% of patients still had a low level of HBV protein expression even at 10 years after SC, indicating that CHB patients with SC still harbor a low level of HBV. Further investigations are needed to determine the clinical significance of detectable viral proteins after SC.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ka-Shing Cheung, Chiu-Hang Mok, Lok-Ka Lam, Xian-Hua Mao, Lung-Yi Mak, Wai-Kay Seto, Man-Fung Yuen
Summary: This study conducted a network meta-analysis to compare the effectiveness of non-selective beta blockers (NSBBs) in the prophylaxis of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding (GVB) and mortality benefit. The results showed that compared to placebo, nadolol ranked first in reducing variceal bleeding, followed by carvedilol and propranolol. Carvedilol was more effective in achieving HVPG decremental response and had the highest safety.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Scott K. Fung, Calvin Q. Pan, Grace Lai-Hung Wong, Wai-Kay Seto, Sang Hoon Ahn, Chi-Yi Chen, Hie-Won L. Hann, Maciej S. Jablkowski, Yoon Jun Kim, Cihan Yurdaydin, Cheng-Yuan Peng, Tuan Nguyen, Hiroshi Yatsuhashi, John F. Flaherty, Leland J. Yee, Frida Abramov, Hongyuan Wang, Dzhamal Abdurakhmanov, Young-Suk Lim, Maria Buti
Summary: Patients with CHB who switch from TDF to TAF show changes in lipid profiles but no significant impact on cardiovascular risk.
ALIMENTARY PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Lung-Yi Mak, Albert C. Y. Chan, Tiffany C. L. Wong, Wing-Chiu Dai, Wong-Hoi She, Ka-Wing Ma, Sui-Ling Sin, Ka-Wan Chu, Wai-Kay Seto, Man-Fung Yuen, Chung-Mau Lo, James Fung
Summary: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of de novo steatosis and MAFLD in liver transplant patients. The results showed that post-transplant de novo graft steatosis is common in Chinese patients, with the majority classified as MAFLD. The development of graft steatosis was not associated with an increase in graft fibrosis but was associated with worse metabolic control and graft dysfunction.
BMC GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Tom Wai-Hin Chung, Hui Zhang, Fergus Kai-Chuen Wong, Siddharth Sridhar, Tatia Mei-Chun Lee, Gilberto Ka-Kit Leung, Koon-Ho Chan, Kui-Kai Lau, Anthony Raymond Tam, Deborah Tip-Yin Ho, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Ivan Fan-Ngai Hung, Henry Ka-Fung Mak
Summary: This pilot trial recruited long COVID patients with persistent olfactory dysfunction and found that a combination treatment of oral vitamin A and olfactory training was effective in improving olfactory function.