HBV Virus Research Articles

KNOWLEDGE, CONCEPTION AND ATTITUDE TOWARDS HBV AND HCV AMONG DENTISTS IN DUHOK PROVINCE; KURDISTAN REGION OF IRAQ

ABSTRACT Background: Healthcare workers including physicians, dentists, nurses and laboratory workers are considered to be among the groups at the risk of blood-borne pathogen transmission. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and conception of Duhok province dentists toward bloodborne viruses HBV and HCV regarding transmission, treatment, and prevention; furthermore, to know their attitude in dealing with HCV or HBV positive patients Method: It’s a cross sectional that had performed by asking dentists from Duhok province to fulfill a standardized online based questionnaire. There were four main parts in the questionnaire; demographic data collection, general HBV and HCV information, attitude questions and prevention questions. Result: One hundred eighty-seven dentists had participated in the study, 54% were males. The mean age of the participants was 28.48 ± SD 7.53. The mean experience years of study population was 5.87 ± SD 6.39. Eighty-one (43.3%), 122 (65.2%), and 101 (54%) dentists out of 187 had good knowledge, favorable attitude, and good preventive practices toward HBV & HCV, respectively. Good knowledge frequency was more common among dentists whose ages were above 40 years, and among those with MSc or PhD degree, p=0.016 and 0.03, respectively. Whilst good preventive practices against HBV & HCV was more common among more experience dentists p= 0.001, 0.008 respectively. HBV vaccine coverage is 98.8% Conclusion: Duhok dentists at under and post- graduate levels necessitates improving educational programs and regular dental auditing. The HBV vaccine coverage is highly satisfactory.

A duplex HiFi-LAMP assay for screening of two novel human circoviruses HCirV-1 and HCirV-2

Circoviruses belong to the family Circoviridae, which is classified into two genera, Circovirus and Cyclovirus. Some circoviruses have been identified in various organisms and/or their fecal samples and might be associated with diseases in their hosts. However, few circoviruses are reported in human. Recently, two novel circoviruses HCirV-1 and HCirV-2 were identified in humans through next-generation sequencing and were defined as the species of Circovirus human in the family Circoviridae. Both viruses are suspected to be associated with liver diseases, particularly among immunosuppressed people, showing potential health implication. Investigation on the prevalence of both viruses, and identification of vulnerable population are important and need a rapid, accurate, and specific assay for detecting and screening the two viruses. In this study, we developed a duplex HiFi-LAMP assay for simultaneous detection of HCirV-1 and HCirV-2. The assay exhibits high sensitivity with LOD of 64 and 49 copies per 25 µL reaction for HCirV-1 and HCirV-2, respectively. The duplex assay was demonstrated to have a rapid reaction time within 35 min. Clinical screening tests showed that neither HCirV-1 nor HCirV-2 were detected among 875 patients with infection of HBV, HIV-1 or other viruses. Large-scale screening of both viruses in diverse populations is encouraged to enhance our understanding of their relevance to various diseases.

Mathematical analysis with control of liver cirrhosis causing from HBV by taking early detection measures and chemotherapy treatment

Reformulating the physical processes associated with the evolution of different ailments in accordance with globally shared objectives is crucial for deeper comprehension. This study aims to investigate the mechanism by which the HB virus induces harmful inflammation of the liver, with a focus on early detection and therapy using corticosteroids or chemotherapy. Based on the developed hypothesis, a new mathematical model has been created for this purpose. The recently developed system for HBV is SEI1I2R\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$SEI_{1} I_{2}R$$\\end{document}, which is examined both quantitatively and qualitatively to determine its actual effect on stability. Reliable conclusions are ensured by examining the system’s boundedness, positivity, existence, uniqueness, and conducting local and global stability analysis-all crucial components of epidemic models. Global stability is tested using Lyapunov first derivative functions to assess the overall impact of asymptomatic persons and chemotherapy treatment. Additionally, the Lipschitz condition is used to confirm the unique solutions for the newly built HBV model using methods from fixed point theory, thus meeting the requirements for uniqueness and existence. Since the population must maintain this property, positivity is confirmed using global derivatives and Lipschitz criteria to calculate the rate of change in each sub-compartment. Applying the Mittag-Leffler kernel with a fractal-fractional operator to continuously monitor the HBV virus for liver cirrhosis infection yields dependable results. Furthermore, the current situation regarding the HBV outbreak pertaining to liver cirrhosis infection, along with the control measures implemented following early diagnosis through asymptomatic measures and chemotherapy treatment under constant observation, are established to prevent chronic stage infections. Simulations have been used to study the true behavior and impact of HBV in asymptomatic persons receiving chemotherapy for liver cirrhosis infection in the community. This research is essential for understanding the spread of viruses and developing control strategies based on our validated findings to mitigate the risk factors associated with liver cirrhosis.

Patient visit behaviour shapes the virus infection dynamics in hosts

Chronic HBV infection is a dynamic process of rapid viral replication and clearance, with large amounts of virus being produced and lost in the body daily. The patient's visit behaviour is closely related to viral load in the body, while the data-driven mathematical model still lacking. Therefore, we first include 28,912 patients to investigate the relationships between the visit behaviour and the HBV-DNA virus load. Then, we propose an HBV virus infection dynamics model that considers the patient's visit behaviour. The system is chaotic once the behaviour of patients during visits depends on the virus load. Our results may help us understand the process of viral transmission, and increasing the visit probability to the clinic can lead to stabilising HBV-DNA viral loads and further help healthcare professionals develop targeted clinical intervention strategies.

Frequency of viral hepatitis D among hepatic patients positive for HBV through PCR presenting at Aria Institute of Medical Sciences.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to report frequency of hepatitis D virus among hepatitis B positive patients.Methodology: This observational study was conducted from March 15, 2024 to August 28, 2024; at Aria Institute of Med-ical Sciences Quetta. Data for the research was collected after approval from IRB approval letter no ARIA-IRB-009-2024. Samples from all patients were collected after written consent permission with reassurance for anonymity of the data and it will be used only for research purpose. Samples were collected from those patients who were not diagnosed previously to hepatitis D.Results: A total 138 positive HBS positive patient’s samples were tested for HDV through PCR among total samples 27 were positive and 111 were negative for HDV. Patient were divided into 3 age groups among them HBV positive were most common in 13 – 36 age group and HDV positive were most common in same age group.Conclusion: HDV virus is becoming very common in 13 – 36 age groups which are positive for HBV virus. Keywords: KAP, Immunization, Mothers, Infectious Diseases, Vaccination

Use of HBsAg-positive donors in liver transplantation: An ILTS-EASL-AASLD multisociety survey.

The gap between organ supply and demand in liver transplantation remains large in most parts of the world. One strategy to increase the donor pool is to use grafts infected with HCV, HBV, and/or HIV viruses. We aimed to explore the current use of HBsAg-positive liver grafts worldwide. A prospective cross-sectional web-based survey was designed, with a total of 28 queries, assessing national and local regulations, center experience, and center-specific experience related to the topic, and sent to all members of International Liver Transplantation Society, European Association for the Study of the Liver, and American Association for the Study of the Liver, and promoted on social media. A total of 135 liver transplant centers answered the survey: 38% from WHO European Regions, 39% from American regions, and 9.7% from South-East Asian regions. Most of the participating centers (67.3%) had been performing liver transplantation for over 15 years, with a mean of 66.5 liver transplants per year, and 54% also performed living-donor liver transplants. HBV-related disease was the indication for liver transplantation in an average of 15% of all liver transplantation cases. Regarding national and/or regional regulations, 40% of the centers reported that the use of HBsAg-positive donors was permitted, and an additional 20% could use them under special circumstances. Thirty-two centers (31%) had previously used HBsAg-positive donors. Among these centers, 62.5% conducted living-donor liver transplants and showed an increased inclination toward the use of HBsAg-positive grafts in centers with elevated waitlist mortality. HBsAg-positive donors are underutilized worldwide. The use of HBsAg-positive liver grafts could help to increase the donor pool, particularly in highly endemic areas.

Immunoprophylaxis of HBV infection in medical personnel

The intensity and duration of the preservation of the immune response to viral hepatitis B after vaccination among the medical staff of the polyclinic was studied. The features of postvaccinal immunity in medical staff have been revealed. No postvaccinal antibodies were found in 35 % of the examined patients. The intensity of post-vaccination immunity to the HBV virus among various groups of medical staff at the polyclinic depends on the type of professional activity. Revaccination led to the appearance of antibodies to the HB virus (anti-HBs) in 100 %, and the intensity of immunity was at medium or high levels.

Study on the mechanism of quercetin in Sini Decoction Plus Ginseng Soup to inhibit liver cancer and HBV virus replication through CDK1.

To explore the anti-tumor and anti-virus key active ingredients of Sini Decoction Plus Ginseng Soup (SNRS) and their mechanisms. The main ingredients of SNRS were analyzed by network pharmacology, and quercetin was identified as the key active ingredient. Then, we obtained the targets of quercetin by using Drugbank, PharmMapper, and SwissTargetPrediction databases. Then, the targets of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV-related HCC) were obtained by using Genecards database. In addition, using the gene expression profiles of HBV-related HCC patients in GEO database and the genes with the greatest survival difference in GEPIA 2 database identified the potential targets of quercetin. In addition, the mechanism of potential genes was studied through GO, KEGG analysis, and PPI network. Using AUC and survival analysis to evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic value of cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) and CCNB1. Finally, the effects of quercetin on proliferation of Hep3B and HepG2215 cells and the level of CDK1 and CCNB1 were verified invitro. ELISA was used to measure the expression levels of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) after the intervention by quercetin for 24 h and 48 h in HepG2215 cell. The first 10 key ingredients of SNRS were identified, and quercetin was the most key ingredient. The 101 potential quercetin targets were identified for the treatment of HBV-related HCC. GO and KEGG showed that 101 potential target enrichment in cancer and cell cycle regulation. By Venn analysis, CDK1 and CCNB1 were intersection targets, which could be used as potential targets for the action of quercetin on HBV-related HCC. Moreover, the expression of CDK1 and CCNB1 was highly expressed in the high-risk group, while the OS rate was low. The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year area under the curve (AUC) curves of CDK1 and CCNB1 were 0.724, 0.676, 0.622 and 0.745, 0.678, 0.634, respectively. Moreover, experimental results also showed that quercetin inhibited cell proliferation and reduced CDK1 expression in Hep3B and HepG2215 cells. The expressions of HBsAg and HBeAg in HepG2215 cell supernatant and cell gradually decreased with the increase of intervention time of quercetin and CDK1 inhibitor. Quercetin is a key ingredient of anti-HBV-related HCC activity and inhibits HBV replication in SNRS by inhibiting CDK1.

Pharmacogenetics of tenofovir drug transporters in the context of HBV: Is there an impact?

BackgroundCurrent treatments for chronic hepatitis B management include orally administered nucleos(t)ide analogues, such as tenofovir (TDF), which is an acyclic adenine nucleotide analogue used both in HBV and human immune deficiency virus (HIV). The course of HBV infection is mainly dependent on viral factors, such as HBV genotypes, immunological features and host genetic variables, but a few data are available in the context of HBV, in particular for polymorphisms of genes encoding proteins involved in drug metabolism and elimination.Consequently, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential impact of genetic variants on TDF plasma and urine concentrations in patients with HBV, considering the role of HBV genotypes. MethodsA retrospective cohort study at the Infectious Disease Unit of Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Torino, Italy, was performed. Pharmacokinetic analyses were performed through liquidi chromatography, whereas pharmacogenetic analyses through real-time PCR. FindingsSixty - eight patients were analyzed: ABCC4 4976 C>T genetic variant showed an impact on urine TDF drug concentrations (p = 0.014). In addition, SLC22A6 453 AA was retained in the final regression multivariate model considering factors predicting plasma concentrations, while ABCC4 4976 TC/CC was the only predictor of urine concentrations in the univariate model. InterpretationIn conclusion, this is the first study showing a potential impact of genetic variants on TDF plasma and urine concentrations in the HBV context, but further studies in different and larger cohorts of patients are required.

Molecular characterization of plasma virome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as the most common cancer type, arising from various causes, and responsible for a substantial number of cancer-related fatalities. Recent advancements in viral metagenomics have empowered scientists to delve into the intricate diversity of the virosphere, viral evolution, interactions between viruses and their hosts, and the identification of viral causes behind disease outbreaks, the development of specific symptoms, and their potential role in altering the host’s physiology. The present study had the objective of “Molecular Characterization of HBV, HCV, anelloviruses, CMV, SENV-D, SENV-H, HEV, and HPV viruses among individuals suffering from HCC.” A total of 381 HCC patients contributed 10 cc of blood each for this study. The research encompassed the assessment of tumor markers, followed by molecular characterization of HBV, HCV, Anelloviruses (TTV, TTMV, and TTMDV), SENV-H and SENV-D viruses, HEV, CMV, and HPV, as well as histopathological examinations. The outcomes of this study revealed that majority of the HCC patients 72.4% (276/381) were male as compared to females. HCV infection, at 76.4% (291 out of 381), exhibited a significant association (p < 0.05) with HCC. Most patients displayed singular lesions in the liver, with Child Pugh Score Type B being the predominant finding in 45.2% of cases. Plasma virome analysis indicated the prevalence of TTMDV (75%), followed by TTMV (70%) and TTV (42.1%) among anelloviruses in HCC patients. Similarly, SENV-H (52%) was followed by SENV-D (20%), with co-infections at 15%. The presence of CMV and HEV among the HCC patients was recorded 5% each however 3.5% of the patients showed the presence of HPV. In conclusion, this study underscores that HCC patients serve as reservoirs for various pathogenic and non-pathogenic viruses, potentially contributing to the development, progression, and severity of the disease.

Cross sectional study on the molecular detection of Hepatitis B virus in patients with chronic liver disease in Guntur, India revealed mutations in Genotype A of occult HBV

The present study was aimed at the molecular detection of HBV infection among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and to study the mutation spectrum S-gene region in the occult HBV strains. An observational study conducted on 200 clinically diagnosed CLD cases enrolled from the Gastroenterology unit. Two hundred serum samples were screened with Fibroscan and for HBsAg, HBCT and estimated liver enzymes. Samples positive for either HBsAg or Anti HBc total were further evaluated for other HBV markers and presence of HBV DNA. The S region was amplified in occult CHB cases and sequenced. 70.5% (141) of the patients with CLD were suffering with Chronic Hepatitis B virus (CHB). The HBV DNA was detected in 19.14% patients. Four cases were in occult phase. Two samples of them could be amplified. The isolates belong to the genotype A, and revealed certain mutations leading to novel amino acids. Mutations in the S gene sequences of HBV virus from the Occult HBV infection (OBI) patients would lead to immune escape or cause occult infection. In the Genotype A at two positions, amino acids that are likely to cause occult infection are observed apart from mutations at certain positions leading to novel amino acids.

Comparison of the efficacy and safety of TAF, TDF, and LdT to prevent the transmission of hepatitis B in pregnant women: A retrospective study.

To compare the efficacy and safety of telbivudine (LdT), tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) for preventing hepatitis B transmission in immune-tolerant pregnant women with HBV infection. We conducted a retrospective cohort study involving women who had hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid (HBV DNA) ≥ 2 × 105 IU/mLand initiated LdT, TDF, or TAF to prevent mother-to-child transmission (MTCT). The primary endpoint was the safety of mothers and infants. The secondary endpoints were maternal HBV DNAreduction at delivery and MTCT rate. A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study (LdT group, n = 36; TDF group, n = 35; TAF group, n = 25). All infants received hepatitis B virus immunoprophylaxis. The MTCT rate was 0%([0 of 25] vs. [0 of 35] vs. [0 of 36], p > .05). No severe liver function damage occurred in any of the mothers. Babies delivered in all groups had prenatal ultrasound screening abnormalities, but abnormality rates were not statistically significant between groups. The application of TDF, TAF, or LdT to immune-tolerant HBV-infected pregnant women in middle-late pregnancycan successfully interrupt MTCT of the HBV virus. However, for all three groups of pregnant women who delivered babies with abnormal prenatal ultrasound screening, an expanded sample size may be needed for further observation.

Meta-Analysis the Effect of Pregnancy with Hepatitis B on Preterm Birth and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

Background: HBsAg positive pregnant women are responsible for around 50% of the global disease burden. Hepatitis B is caused by inflammation or infection of liver cells caused by the HBV virus. Pregnant women with hepatitis B can experience increased levels of cytokines which then cause pregnancy disorders. This study aims to examine the effect of pregnancy with hepatitis B on the incidence of preterm birth and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM). Subjects and Method: This study is a meta-analysis study and a systematic review. The articles used were obtained from several electronic databases including PubMed, Science Direct, Research Gate, and Google Scholar. The articles used in this study were articles that have been published from 2012-2022. The keywords to search for articles are as follows Pregnancy AND (“Hepatitis B” OR HBV OR HBsAg) AND (“pregnancy outcome” OR “fetal outcome”) AND (“preterm birth” OR “preterm delivery” OR premature) AND (“gestational diabetes mellitus” OR GDM). The researched article is a complete text with an observational study design. Articles were collected using the PRISMA diagram, and analyzed using the Review Manager 5.4 application. Results: A total of 14 prospective and retrospective cohort studies were analyzed. Articles were originated from China, Hong Kong, France and Botswana. Hepatitis B in pregnancy increased the risk of preterm birth (aOR=1.20; CI 95%=1.09 to 1.33; p&lt;0.001) and gestational diabetes mellitus (aOR= 1.20; CI 95%= 1.12 to 1.28; p&lt;0.001). Conclusion: Hepatitis B in pregnancy increases the risk of preterm birth and GDM significantly. Keywords: Hepatitis B, pregnancy;, preterm birth, gestational diabetes mellitus Correspondence: Alfi Zamilul Haniah. Master’s Program in Public Health, Universitas Sebelas Maret, Jl. Ir. Sutami 36A, Surakarta 57126, Central Java. Email: alfizamilul11@gmail.com. Mobile: +6281334801248.

Contagious order as a risk factor for liver fibrosis progression in co-infection with human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C viruses

In triple co-infection with HIV/HCV/HBV, the prognosis is significantly poorer and life expectancy is lower because of the rapid progression of liver fibrosis or development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that one of the risk factors for the unfavorable course of HIV/HCV/HBV co-infection is contagious order and the interval between coinfections. The study analyzed anamnestic data and the results of direct follow-up of 97 patients co-infected with HIV/HCV/HBV for 1-2 years. Patients were divided into three study groups: (1) HIV as the first pathogen, (2) HCV as the first pathogen, and (3) HBV as the first pathogen. For each patient, the period (in years) between the acquisition of the first and subsequent pathogens was considered. During the fol-low-up period, viral HIV, HCV, and HBV load was assessed by PCR, and annual transient liver fibro-elastometry was performed to determine the fibrosis stage using the METAVIR scoring system. The risk of progressive liver fibrosis in HIV/HCV/HBV co-infection is higher when HIV or HBV is the first pathogen, but the interval between the acquisition of HBV and other viruses is 10 years. Meanwhile, a stable course of liver fibrosis is associated with an HBV viral load of &gt;7,200 copies/ml. In the risk group, the most effective antiretroviral therapy was a combination of reverse transcriptase inhibitors, HIV protease inhibitors, and direct antiviral (anti-HCV) drugs. Therefore, the order of infection and intervals between pathogen acquisition in triple co-infection with HIV/HCV/HBV have a significant effect on liver fibrosis progression, which requires specific approaches to the organization of diagnostic tests and the control of antiretroviral therapy.

Spread of Hepatitis A and B among Inmates of Correctional Centers: A cause for concern

Correctional centers have populations with higher rates of blood borne infections, including hepatitis B Virus, due to the concentration of impoverished and vulnerable groups of people at increased risk in these settings, such as people who inject drugs and people who exchange sex for drugs or money. Many people who are incarcerated also have risk factors for hepatitis A virus infection mainly due to the environment of closed penal institutions and socioeconomic conditions. Aim The purpose of this study was to evaluate HAV and HBV virus status among inmates of a correctional center in Calabar, Cross River State Nigeria.. Method A total of one hundred inmates with the mean age of 35 years participated in the study. their serum samples were tested for HAV and HBsAg antibody using one step Anti-HAV and Anti-HBV test strips. Results The prevalence of HAV infection among the inmates was found to be 1.00% and 10.0% for HBV. Male prison inmates had seroprevalence of 1.14% for HAV while all the females that participated in the study were non-reactive for hepatitis A virus (0.00% prevalence). The result also showed highest prevalence of 14.28% among inmates aged 40 years and above while the lowest prevalence was observed among those aged below 20years with 4.54% prevalence for HBsAg and highest prevalence was recorded between 20 to 40 years of age for hepatitis A with a prevalence of 1.56%. There was a statistically significant association (p&lt;0.05) between duration of stay in prison, equipment sharing, sexual exposure, multiple partners and Hepatitis B virus infection. Alcoholism was also found to associate significantly with both Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B virus infection. Conclusion 10.0% prevalence of Hepatitis B virus infection and 1.0% Hepatitis A virus that were observed among correctional center inmates studied are high and course for concern. Attitude and behaviors by inmates such as tattooing/scarification, injection drugs use, sharing of shaving equipment, multiple sexual partners and alcohol consumption should be discouraged. There is need to promote advocacy programs especially as regards avoiding practices that enhances hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus infection and transmission.

Progress in the application of CRISPR/Cas system in the precise detection and treatment of diseases associated with viral infections

Various pathogens can cause infectious diseases, which can spread from one person or animal to another or even between humans and other animals. Microorganisms, viruses, and parasites make up the majority of pathogens. The disease can typically be spread through direct contact with infected people, contact with their bodily fluids and feces, their contaminated objects, vertical transmission (mom-to-child transmission), soil transmission, water transmission, food transmission, contact transmission, and oral transmission of feces and bodily fluids. The importance of treating infectious diseases is heightened by the fact that they are difficult to totally eradicate and are disseminated so widely. Now, CRISPR/Cas9 has been applied in the field of detection and treatment of diseases related to viral infection. It has the characteristics of high specificity and low off-target rate, and is an emerging approach for rapid and accurate detection of viral infection and safe and effective treatment of diseases related to viral infection. In recent years, the system has been successfully applied in the detection and treatment of many viruses such as HIV, HBV, HPV and multiple herpes virus, and the development prospect is broad. This review introduced the RNA-targeting CRISPR/Cas system's composition, structure, molecular mechanism, and potential application, focused on the research progress of the CRISPR/Cas system in the detection and treatment of viral infection-related diseases, and summarized and forecasted the development of relevant systems and related research.

Construction of a screening and evaluation system for anti-hepatitis B virus drugs based on quadratic exponential smoothing model

Abstract Exploring the construction of an anti-hepatitis B virus drug screening and evaluation system is to better develop anti-HBV virus drugs. In this paper, we analyzed the types of hepatitis B virus present in different hepatocytes, starting from the hepatitis B cell line model. Based on the quadratic, exponential smoothing model, a QES-LSTM viral gene detection model was constructed by introducing a long and short term memory neural network, and experimental analysis of the sensitivity and specificity of viral gene detection was conducted for this model. From the sensitivity experiments, the sensitivity of HBV DNA, DHBV DNA and DHBV cccDNA were 60 copies/ml, 60 copies/ml and 10 copies/ml, respectively. From the specificity experiments, the mean values of specificity of HBV DNA, DHBV DNA, and DHBV cccDNA were 0.489, 0.481, 0.429, respectively, 0.429, which showed positive amplification compared to other types. This indicates that effective discrimination of HBV viral genes is needed in the construction of an anti-HBV virus drug screening and evaluation system, which in turn allows targeted screening of drugs for the treatment of the HBV virus.

Silencing SIRT1 promotes the anti-HBV action of IFN-α by regulating Pol expression and activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway

PurposeThe purpose this study is to investigate the impact of SIRT1 on the anti-HBV activity of IFN-α and further elucidate its underlying mechanism. MethodsHepG2.2.15 cells stably transfected with HBV virus were chosen as the primary study subject. IFN-α was used to stimulate the cells and regulate the expression of SIRT1, and the JAK-STAT pathway and HBV-related indices were measured by qRT-PCR, Western blotting and ELISA. Immunofluorescence (IF) was used to detect the nuclear translocation of STAT1 and STAT2. Coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was used to detect the binding of SIRT1 to HBV Polymerase (Pol). ResultsIn HepG2.2.15 cells, we found changes in SIRT1 expression. We show that silencing SIRT1 promotes the IFN-α-triggered Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling pathway and consequently enhances the antiviral effects of IFN-α against HBV replication. Importantly, SIRT1 can interact with Pol and increase JAK-STAT activity by regulating Pol expression. Additionally, the inhibition of SIRT1 activity by treatment with the SIRT1 inhibitor selisistat enhanced the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α and JAK-STAT pathway activity. ConclusionIn conclusion, our results demonstrate that silencing SIRT1 activates the JAK-STAT pathway and enhances the anti-HBV activity of IFN-α by inhibiting Pol expression. This would be a promising therapeutic target to improve the efficacy of IFN-α in the treatment of CHB.

An Insight Into the Factors Affecting the Prevalence and Natural History of Hepatitis D.

Epidemiological studies and recent metanalyses addressing hepatitis D have reported a wide variation in the prevalence of the disease. Between 4.5% to 15% of all hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive patients are thought to harbor the hepatitis D virus. The emergent variation in prevalence can be attributed to several factors. Unsurprisingly, published literature shows that the prevalence of the disease is higher in areas where aggregate viral hepatitis infections are endemic and amongst groups with high-risk practices facilitating the horizontal transfer. Meanwhile, the natural history of the disease is influenced by the genotype of the virus, the hepatitis D virus (HDV) RNA levels, HBV-HDV codominance, HBsAg titers, HBV genotype, nutritional status, HIV co-infection, and prior treatment. Together these factors contribute to the accelerated development of fibrosis and the increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Superinfection with genotype 1 results in rapid progression to cirrhosis with lower rates of remission. Genotype 3 follows an aggressive course but shows a good response to interferon therapy. Other genotypes have better outcomes. The course of the disease leading to these outcomes can be tracked by HDV-specific models integrating clinical surrogate markers and epidemiological factors such as age, region, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase, albumin, platelets and cholinesterase, and liver stiffness.

Incongruity Between Knowledge and Preventive Practices on Hepatitis B Infection Among University Students in Northeastern, Tanzania.

Young population is at high risk of acquiring sexually transmitted infections including hepatitis B virus, and thus the key target group for intervention. University students are reported to have inadequate knowledge concerning HBV. This study aimed to generate information on students' knowledge and attitudes surrounding HBV preventive practices. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three Tanzanian universities in Moshi town of the northern Tanzanian region of Kilimanjaro. A total of 283 students were interviewed regarding their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Hepatitis B Virus infection. Bloom's cut-off of 80% was used throughout to determine whether respondents had appropriate Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP). Chi-squared test was used to measure independent associations between observed KAP levels with any demographic risk factors, with a P value of 0.05 as the cut-off for statistical significance. There was a fairly good knowledge about HBV among students among the three universities such that; 22.3%, 33.9% and 43.8% of the students had good, moderate and poor knowledge about HBV, respectively. While 46.3% of the students showed neutral attitude towards HBV, 29.3% and 24.4% had positive and negative attitudes, respectively. Only 6.0% of the students had good practices for HBV whereas 21.6% and 72.4 showed moderate and poor practices respectively. With regards to good knowledge, associated demographic factors included: Being single (P=.007); Having a master's degree (P=.039) and being a student at MWECAU (P=.001). Being single and being a student at MWECAU were also independently associated with positive attitude to HBV (P=.007) and (.001), respectively. No demographic factor was associated with HBV practices. The overall knowledge regarding HBV was fairly good among students from the three universities. Neutral attitude towards HBV demonstrated by the studied students may indicate stigma against HBV carriers. Notwithstanding the positive knowledge and the moderate attitude about HBV, there was an apparent poor practice towards HBV prevention especially vaccination and screening. Our findings, underscore the need to bridge the prominent gap between knowledge and practices among the high-risk youth in universities and schools by up scaling sensitization campaigns on preventive practices against HBV and other related viruses.