Abstract
Aim: This study evaluated the use of initial Hepatitis B virus (HBV) core antigen (HBcAg) distribution in hepatocytes to predict chronic infection with HBV patients with minimally elevated ALT who can achieve viral response to PEG-IFNα therapy. Materials & methods: HBeAg-positive chronic infection with HBV patients with minimally elevated ALT who were treated with PEG-IFNα were enrolled. Predictive values of initial HBcAg distribution in hepatocytes were evaluated. Results: HBcAg of no-end-of-treatment viral response group was more likely to be distributed in hepatocyte nuclei (p = 0.02) and exhibited a higher degree of HBcAg expression in nuclei (p < 0.0001) before treatment. The degree of HBcAg expression in nuclei might be a better predictor of end-of-treatment viral response (area under the curve: 0.88). Conclusion: Lower HBcAg expressions in nuclei correspond to higher possibilities of patients benefiting from PEG-IFNα treatment.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
