Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Valentina Cossiga, Stefano Brusa, Roberto Montalti, Annachiara De Conte, Giuseppe Jannuzzi, Luisa Ranieri, Rosanna Sorrentino, Luca Vallefuoco, Luca Pignata, Maria Guarino, Giuseppe Portella, Filomena Morisco
Summary: The implementation of anti-HDV reflex testing increased the diagnoses of HDV infection, with a decrease in anti-HDV positive prevalence but an increase in the absolute number of positive patients. Therefore, reflex testing for anti-HDV should be promoted in clinical practice to identify HBV/HDV co-infection early.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Adriana Palom, Ariadna Rando-Segura, Judit Vico, Beatriz Pacin, Elena Vargas, Ana Barreira-Diaz, Francisco Rodriguez-Frias, Mar Riveiro-Barciela, Rafael Esteban, Maria Buti
Summary: Implementation of reflex anti-HDV testing in HBsAg-positive individuals significantly increases the diagnosis rate of chronic hepatitis D infection. A large percentage of HBsAg-positive individuals had not undergone anti-HDV testing before reflex testing was established.
Article
Virology
Mehwish Sajjad, Syed Ali, Samina Baig, Shaheen Sharafat, Bilal Ahmed Khan, Saeed Khan, Muhammad Nouman Mughal, Syed Hani Abidi
Summary: This study identified unique mutations in HBsAg genes from HBV-HDV coinfected samples, which affected the generation of proteasomal sites, binding of HBsAg epitopes to MHC-I and -II ligands, and the generation of T-cell epitopes. These observations suggest that HBV selectively amplifies certain mutations in the backdrop of HDV coinfection to counteract inhibitory effects and escape the immune response.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Yong Chuan Tan, Guan Huei Lee, Daniel Q. Huang, Seng Gee Lim
Summary: HDV uses the HBV surface antigen to enter hepatocytes and is associated with accelerated fibrosis progression and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Current HBV antiviral agents have poor activity against HDV, therefore the search for drugs that can cure both HBV and HDV is needed.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Virology
Imme Roggenbach, Xiumei Chi, Florian A. Lempp, Bingqian Qu, Lisa Walter, Ruihong Wu, Xiuzhu Gao, Paul Schnitzler, Yanhua Ding, Stephan Urban, Junqi Niu
Summary: HDV infection causes severe liver disease, but the seroprevalence of HDV varies among HBV and HCV patients in China and Germany, with studies showing that HCV cannot promote HDV transmission in humans.
Article
Microbiology
Binfan Chen, Yuchen Chen, Jian Li, Chunyu Wang, Wenping Song, Yumei Wen, Jinzhong Lin, Yanling Wu, Tianlei Ying, Chunfu Zheng
Summary: This study demonstrates the use of mRNA-LNPs to express anti-HBsAg antibodies and their sustained effect on HBsAg serum clearance in an AAV/HBV mouse model. These findings suggest a potential new design for combination therapy for functional cure of HBV infection and highlight the promise of mRNA therapeutics in infectious disease treatment due to their rapid development, economic value, and simplicity.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Buti, Alexia Gonzalez, Mar Riveiro-Barciela, Marc Bourliere
Summary: Hepatitis D virus is a chronic viral hepatitis with the poorest prognosis, and progress in its diagnosis and treatment has been scarce until recent years. The approval of bulevirtide has provided a glimmer of hope for patients with Chronic Hepatitis D, although important gaps still need to be addressed regarding its use in therapy and the epidemiology and diagnosis of the disease.
UNITED EUROPEAN GASTROENTEROLOGY JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Ying Yan, Huizhen Sun, Le Chang, Huimin Ji, Xinyi Jiang, Shi Song, Yingzi Xiao, Kaihao Feng, Abudulimutailipu Nuermaimaiti, Zhuoqun Lu, Lunan Wang
Summary: This study identified a minority of individuals with occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) who were HBsAg-negative but HBeAg and anti-HBs positive. The undetectability of HBsAg in these individuals was mainly attributed to HBsAg-circulating immune complexes (CICs). In addition, immune escape-associated mutations were found. It is recommended to use HBsAg dissociation methods or the Lumipulse HBsAg-HQ assay to distinguish these individuals.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Pfefferkorn, Tina Schott, Stephan Boehm, Danilo Deichsel, Christin Felkel, Wolfram H. Gerlich, Dieter Glebe, Cynthia Wat, Vedran Pavlovic, Renate Heyne, Thomas Berg, Florian van Boemmel
Summary: This study found that the decline in MHBs levels occurred earlier than HBsAg loss before treatment, and the proportion of MHBs was the best predictor of HBsAg loss before NA treatment. LHBs and MHBs show promise as novel biomarkers for predicting the cure of chronic HBV infection.
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Benedetta Armocida, Giulia Zamagni, Elena Magni, Lorenzo Monasta, Manola Comar, Nunzia Zanotta, Carolina Cason, Giorgia Argentini, Marianela Urriza, Andrea Cassone, Fulvia Vascotto, Roberto Buzzetti, Egidio Barbi, Massimo Del Pin, Paola Pani, Alessandra Knowles, Claudia Carletti, Federica Concina, Mariarosa Milinco, Luca Ronfani
Summary: This study aimed to identify the clinical, anamnestic, and sociodemographic characteristics associated with a positive SARS-CoV-2 swab in children aged 2-14 years. Using collected data, a predictive score was generated to identify at-risk children. The study found that factors such as contact with symptomatic cases, female sex, age, and symptoms like fever were associated with positive test results. The predictive score showed high sensitivity and negative predictive value.
Article
Virology
Yi-Tse Su, Ming-Ling Chang, Rong-Nan Chien, Yun-Fan Liaw
Summary: This study found that HCV reactivation can occur in chronic hepatitis B patients undergoing nucleos(t)ide analogue therapies, and the viral load of HCV may evolve during the treatment. The reverse evolution of HBV and HCV viruses after treatment indicates that HBV relapse may suppress HCV replication again.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sisi Chen, Feng Ren, Xiaojie Huang, Ling Xu, Yao Gao, Xiangying Zhang, Yaling Cao, Zihao Fan, Yuan Tian, Mei Liu
Summary: This study found that the prevalence of HIV/HBV/HDV triple infection in the global population is underestimated, with higher rates in the Asian population, men, and men who have sex with men. Efforts should be focused on prevention and control of this triple infection.
JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE
(2022)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Megan Glynn, Chari Cohen, Robert G. Gish, Richard Andrews, Amy Trang, Beatrice Zovich, Warren Hall, Ryan Clary, Balestreri Joseph, Lori Scott, Rachel Scott, Tamika Jackson, Boatemaa Ntiri-Reid, Alia Southworth, Douglas Dieterich, Thomas Sepe
Summary: HDV, the most aggressive form of viral hepatitis, has a higher risk of progression to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death compared to HBV monoinfection. Despite being a major contributor to hepatitis B-associated liver disease, hepatitis delta remains largely unknown to the public and healthcare providers. A recent virtual roundtable meeting highlighted the major challenges surrounding hepatitis delta, including lack of awareness, complex testing protocols, limited prevalence data, and inadequate communication. Potential strategies to address these challenges include education, simplified testing protocols, surveillance, improved data sharing, and enhanced communication. Urgent action is needed to progress in addressing hepatitis delta.
HEPATOLOGY COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Milan J. Sonneveld, Bettina E. Hansen, Willem P. Brouwer, Henry L-Y Chan, Teerha Piratvisuth, Ji-Dong Jia, Stefan Zeuzem, Rong-Nan Chien, Robert J. de Knegt, Cynthia Wat, Vedran Pavlovic, Anuj Gaggar, Qing Xie, Maria Buti, Robert A. de Man, Harry L. A. Janssen
Summary: This study investigated the relationship between HBsAg levels and hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The results showed that lower HBsAg levels were associated with higher rates of fibrosis and cirrhosis in HBeAg-positive patients, but not in HBeAg-negative patients. Additionally, genotype-specific HBsAg cutoffs could be used to rule out the presence of cirrhosis. These findings are important for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis B patients.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jing Zhao, Dandan Bian, Hao Liao, Yang Wang, Yan Ren, Yingying Jiang, Shuang Liu, Xinyue Chen, Zhongjie Hu, Zhongping Duan, Fengmin Lu, Sujun Zheng
Summary: Liver inflammation is a major risk factor for liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients. Non-invasive biomarkers are urgently needed in clinical practice to diagnose and grade liver necroinflammation. The combination of HBsAg and AST showed excellent diagnostic ability for significant inflammation in HBeAg-positive CHB patients.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Maria Gazouli, Nikolas Dovrolis, Marilena M. Bourdakou, Michalis Gizis, Georgios Kokkotis, George Kolios, Georgios Michalopoulos, Spyridon Michopoulos, Ioannis Papaconstantinou, Maria Tzouvala, Nikos Viazis, Vasilleios Xourafas, Eirini Zacharopoulou, Evanthia Zampeli, Gerasimos Mantzaris, George Papatheodoridis, Giorgos Bamias
Summary: This study aimed to explore the baseline mucosal gene expression profiles in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) before vedolizumab treatment, in order to predict their response to the therapy. The results revealed specific differential gene expression in nonresponders to vedolizumab, indicating dysregulation of immunological and inflammatory pathways. These findings provide potential molecular markers for optimal treatment strategies in patients with active UC.
INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Alkistis Papatheodoridi, George Papatheodoridis
Summary: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health problem and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses have been identified as oncoviruses and are responsible for most cases of HCC, while the role of hepatitis D (HDV) virus in liver cancer development remains unclear. Coinfection of HDV/HBV is associated with more severe liver damage than HBV mono-infection, and recent studies suggest that HDV/HBV patients are at increased risk of developing HCC compared to those with HBV alone. This review summarizes the current literature on the impact of HDV in HCC development and discusses the potential interactions between HBV, HDV, and neighboring liver tissue in liver carcinogenesis.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Margarita Papatheodoridi, Anna S. Lok, George V. Papatheodoridis
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Heiner Wedemeyer, Tammo L. Tergast, Jeffrey V. Lazarus, Homie Razavi, Kostas Bakoyannis, Ricardo Baptista-Leite, Marco Bartoli, Philip Bruggmann, Cristian-Silviu Busoi, Maria Buti, Manuel Carballo, Laurent Castera, Massimo Colombo, Rodrigo Sousa Coutinho, Yuval Dadon, Gamal Esmat, Rafael Esteban, Joan Colom Farran, Mark Gillyon-Powell, David Goldberg, Sharon Hutchinson, Harry L. A. Janssen, George Kalamitsis, Loreta A. Kondili, John S. Lambert, Rui Tato Marinho, Mojca Maticic, Aldo Patricello, Markus Peck-Radosavljevic, Stanislas Pol, Mario Poljak, Cora Pop, Tomislov Sokol, Vana Sypsa, Nurdan Tozun, Zobair Younossi, Alessio Aghemo, George V. Papatheodoridis, Angelos Hatzakis
Summary: In 2016, the Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association (HepBCPPA) launched the HCV Elimination Manifesto, calling for the elimination of HCV in the EU by 2030. Although progress has been made, most countries are not on track to reach the elimination targets. The COVID-19 pandemic has also hindered efforts, resulting in a decrease in HCV diagnoses and treatment initiations. It is crucial to reinforce action and gain commitment from policymakers to achieve HCV elimination.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Dimitrios S. Karagiannakis, Theodoros Voulgaris, George Markakis, Dimitra Lakiotaki, Elisavet Michailidou, Evangelos Cholongitas, George Papatheodoridis
Summary: This study found that spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by 2D shear-wave elastography could better predict the probability of liver decompensation and mortality compared to liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and other parameters. SSM showed better diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of 1-year decompensation or death.
JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Letter
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
George Papatheodoridis, Vasileios Lekakis, Anna S. Lok, K. Rajender Reddy
JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Zobair M. Younossi, Ming-Lung Yu, Yusuf Yilmaz, Khalid Aida Alswat, Maria Buti, Marlen Ivon Castellanos Fernandez, Georgios Papatheodoridis, Saeed S. Hamid, Mohamed El-Kassas, Wah Kheong Chan, Ajay K. Duseja, Stuart C. Gordon, Yuichiro Eguchi, Vasily A. Isakov, Stuart K. Roberts, Jian-Gao Fan, Ashwani K. Singal, Manuel Romero-Gomez, Aijaz Ahmed, Janus Ong, Brian P. Lam, Issah Younossi, Fatema Nader, Andrei Racila, Maria Stepanova, Saleh Alqahtani
Summary: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection is a common cause of cirrhosis and liver cancer worldwide. The Global Liver Registry is being used to assess the clinical and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of CHB patients from different regions. The study included 1818 CHB patients from 15 countries, with varying rates of advanced fibrosis. HBV subjects from the Middle East/North Africa had the lowest PRO scores, while those from Southeast/East and South Asia had the highest. Factors associated with PRO impairment in CHB patients included advanced fibrosis, non-hepatic comorbidities, and female sex.
JOURNAL OF VIRAL HEPATITIS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Huai Zhang, Rafael S. Rios, Jerome Boursier, Rodolphe Anty, Wah-Kheong Chan, Jacob George, Yusuf Yilmaz, Vincent Wai-Sun Wong, Jiangao Fan, Jean-Francois Dufour, George Papatheodoridis, Li Chen, Joern M. Schattenberg, Junping Shi, Liang Xu, Grace Lai-Hung Wong, Naomi F. Lange, Margarita Papatheodoridi, Yuqiang Mi, Yujie Zhou, Christopher D. Byrne, Giovanni Targher, Gong Feng, Minghua Zheng
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the utility of cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) M30 concentrations as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The results showed that there was a difference in CK-18 M30 levels between NASH and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) patients, but the sensitivity and positive predictive value were not ideal. Therefore, measurement of CK-18 M30 levels alone has limited value for non-invasively diagnosing NASH.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Review
Surgery
Evangelos Cholongitas, Patrizia Burra, Georgia Vourli, George V. Papatheodoridis
Summary: The use of initial/early everolimus appears to be effective and has a satisfactory safety profile, making it a reasonable therapeutic option in liver transplantation.
CLINICAL TRANSPLANTATION
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Dimitrios Bampatsias, Maria-Angeliki Dimopoulou, Dimitrios Karagiannakis, Alexandros Sianis, Eleni Korompoki, Kanella Kantreva, Erasmia Psimenou, Georgia Trakada, George Papatheodoridis, Kimon Stamatelopoulos
Summary: This article reports a case of a HoFH patient who experienced a sudden decrease in blood lipid levels during SARS-CoV-2 infection, followed by a rebound increase refractory to treatment. Marker of liver stiffness increased at 9 months and decreased at 18 months after the infection. The potential interactions of hypolipidemic treatment with the viral replication process and the therapeutic dilemmas in the post-infection period are discussed.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL LIPIDOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Anastasia Katsoula, Georgios Axiaris, Afroditi Mpitouli, Maria Palatianou, Angeliki Christidou, Nikolaos Dimitriadis, Andreas Nakos, Ploutarchos Pastras, Panagiotis Kourkoulis, Pantelis Karatzas, Miltiadis Moutzoukis, Charalampos Zlatinoudis, Athanasios Philippidis, Anastasia Kourikou, Georgios Kokkotis, Antonios Gklavas, Angeliki Machaira, Aikaterini Mantaka, Persefoni Talimtzi, Evaggelia Anagnostopoulou, Ioannis E. Koutroubakis, Ioannis Papaconstantinou, Georgios Bamias, Spilios Manolakopoulos, Nicoletta Mathou, Konstantina Paraskeva, Andreas Protopappas, Eftychia Tsironi, Konstantinos H. H. Katsanos, Dimitrios K. K. Christodoulou, Georgios Papatheodoridis, Georgios Michalopoulos, Georgios Theocharis, Christos Triantos, Ioannis Pachiadakis, Konstantinos Soufleris, Nikolaos Viazis, Gerassimos J. Mantzaris, Georgios Tribonias, Maria Tzouvala, Angeliki Theodoropoulou, Konstantinos Karmiris, Evanthia Zampeli, Spyridon Michopoulos, Anna-Bettina Haidich, Olga Giouleme
Summary: The aim of this study was to validate the content of IBD-Disk in a Greek cohort of IBD patients. The results showed good correlation and consistency between the scores of IBD-Disk and IBD-DI at baseline and follow-up. Female gender and extraintestinal manifestations were significantly associated with a higher IBD-Disk total score. Therefore, the Greek version of IBD-Disk was proven to be a reliable and valid tool for assessing IBD-related disability.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Maria Tampaki, George V. Papatheodoridis, Evangelos Cholongitas
Summary: Patients with decompensated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have limited therapeutic options and are often excluded from clinical trials. Liver transplantation is the best treatment option, but strict criteria and donor shortages limit its availability. Locoregional treatments may provide a survival benefit if well tolerated. Systemic treatments, particularly immunotherapy, may be the safest choice based on real-life data. Close monitoring is necessary due to the high risk of liver disease deterioration.
Article
Microbiology
Nikolaos D. D. Karakousis, Lampros Chrysavgis, Alkistis Papatheodoridi, Aigli-Ioanna Legaki, Panagiotis Lembessis, Evangelos Cholongitas, Antonios Chatzigeorgiou, George Papatheodoridis
Summary: This study investigates the levels of circulating cf-DNA and 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine in HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The results show that circulating cf-DNA concentration significantly increased after treatment initiation. There was also a trend in increasing levels of 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine after treatment initiation in CHB patients. These findings suggest that both cf-DNA and 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine may serve as useful biomarkers to monitor liver disease activity and response to antiviral treatment in HBeAg-negative chronic HBV patients.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Theodoros Voulgaris, Vassileios Lekakis, Jiannis Vlachogiannakos, Dimitrios Kamberoglou, Afroditi Orfanidou, George Papatheodoridis, George Karamanolis
Summary: In this study, we retrospectively assessed the efficacy of citalopram or amitriptyline versus no treatment in patients with functional chest pain (FCP). The results showed that both citalopram and amitriptyline are effective pharmacological options in the symptomatic relief of almost 50% of patients with well characterized FCP.
ANNALS OF GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Milan J. Sonneveld, S-M. Chiu, Jun Yong Park, Sylvia Brakenhoff, Apichat Kaewdech, Wai-Kay Seto, Yasuhito Tanaka, Ivana Carey, Margarita Papatheodoridi, Piero Colombatto, Florian Van Boemmel, Thomas Berg, Fabien Zoulim, Sang Hoon Ahn, George N. Dalekos, Nicole S. Erler, Maurizia Brunetto, Heiner Wedemeyer, Markus Cornberg, Man-Fung Yuen, Kosh Agarwal, Andre Boonstra, Maria Buti, Teerha Piratvisuth, George V. Papatheodoridis, Chien Hung Chen, Benjamin Maasoumy