Background: The epidemiology of Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) remains poorly documented in Malaysia. Available statistics are based on data from mostly small studies in special populations. Objectives: In this study, we provide estimates of the proportion of people who are positive for HBs Antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody (Ab) among participants in a community screening campaign. Methods: A total of 10,914 subjects participated in the hepatitis screening campaign organized by Hepatitis Free Pahang in 2018 and 2019. A low-cost point-of-care test, which has previously been validated, was used to screen for HBsAg and anti-HCV Ab. All screened positive subjects were recalled to undergo confirmatory serologic tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and nucleic acid tests (Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: We estimated that 1.17% of adults aged 20 or older who participated in the screening campaign were positive for HBsAg+, and only 0.71 percent were positive for anti-HCV Ab+. Young adults below 30 years of age had a very low proportion of HBsAg+ (0.09%). Women had a lower proportion of HBsAg+ and HCV- Ab+, Chinese had the highest proportion of HBsAg+, while Malay had the highest proportion of anti-HCV Ab+. Conclusions: Among adult participants of screening in Malaysia, chronic HBV is still common, especially among older and Chinese people. Adults with positive anti-HCV Abs are much less common.
{"title":"Proportion of People Who Are Positive for HBsAg and Anti-HCV Antibody Among Participants in a Community Screening Campaign in Malaysia","authors":"Z. Lim, J. Teo, Ah choon Tan, T. Lim","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-128166","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-128166","url":null,"abstract":"Background: The epidemiology of Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) remains poorly documented in Malaysia. Available statistics are based on data from mostly small studies in special populations. Objectives: In this study, we provide estimates of the proportion of people who are positive for HBs Antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibody (Ab) among participants in a community screening campaign. Methods: A total of 10,914 subjects participated in the hepatitis screening campaign organized by Hepatitis Free Pahang in 2018 and 2019. A low-cost point-of-care test, which has previously been validated, was used to screen for HBsAg and anti-HCV Ab. All screened positive subjects were recalled to undergo confirmatory serologic tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and nucleic acid tests (Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction. Results: We estimated that 1.17% of adults aged 20 or older who participated in the screening campaign were positive for HBsAg+, and only 0.71 percent were positive for anti-HCV Ab+. Young adults below 30 years of age had a very low proportion of HBsAg+ (0.09%). Women had a lower proportion of HBsAg+ and HCV- Ab+, Chinese had the highest proportion of HBsAg+, while Malay had the highest proportion of anti-HCV Ab+. Conclusions: Among adult participants of screening in Malaysia, chronic HBV is still common, especially among older and Chinese people. Adults with positive anti-HCV Abs are much less common.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-09-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42249619","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
T. Goya, M. Kurokawa, Tomonobu Hioki, Tomomi Aoyagi, Motoi Takahashi, K. Imoto, S. Tashiro, Hideo Suzuki, Masatake Tanaka, Masaki Kato, M. Kohjima, Yoshihiro Ogawa
Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) is caused by massive hepatocyte death and accompanied by severe coagulation disorder and encephalopathy. It often leads to multiple organ failure and subsequently death. However, the association between ALF and other organ failure remains unclear. Objectives: Here, we evaluated patients with acute liver injury (ALI) and elevated pancreatic enzymes to demonstrate the association between ALI and pancreatic disorder. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study to analyze patients with ALI. Between 2012 and 2017, 163 patients with ALI were treated in our hospital. We stratified patients based on whether serum amylase and lipase were elevated above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal. We compared the baseline characteristics, severity, prognosis, and serum cytokine levels between the two groups. Results: Of the 163 patients, 75 (54.0%) presented elevated pancreatic enzymes above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal. Computed tomography imaging findings associated with pancreatitis were observed in 29 patients (17.8%). The elevation of pancreatic enzymes was associated with ALI severity. High level of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was associated with the elevation of pancreatic enzymes (elevation group Vs. no elevation group: 134.0 ± 177.2 pg/mL Vs. 89.4 ± 159.8 pg/mL). Conclusions: The elevation of pancreatic enzymes was often accompanied by ALI and associated with ALI severity. TNF-α signaling was involved in the elevation of pancreatic enzymes. It is possible that the pancreatic disorder reflected ALI severity, consequently correlated with mortality, and did not directly aggravate ALI pathogenesis. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of ALF.
{"title":"Elevated Pancreatic Enzymes Associated with Acute Liver Injury Were Mediated by Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Signaling","authors":"T. Goya, M. Kurokawa, Tomonobu Hioki, Tomomi Aoyagi, Motoi Takahashi, K. Imoto, S. Tashiro, Hideo Suzuki, Masatake Tanaka, Masaki Kato, M. Kohjima, Yoshihiro Ogawa","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-128106","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-128106","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) is caused by massive hepatocyte death and accompanied by severe coagulation disorder and encephalopathy. It often leads to multiple organ failure and subsequently death. However, the association between ALF and other organ failure remains unclear. Objectives: Here, we evaluated patients with acute liver injury (ALI) and elevated pancreatic enzymes to demonstrate the association between ALI and pancreatic disorder. Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study to analyze patients with ALI. Between 2012 and 2017, 163 patients with ALI were treated in our hospital. We stratified patients based on whether serum amylase and lipase were elevated above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal. We compared the baseline characteristics, severity, prognosis, and serum cytokine levels between the two groups. Results: Of the 163 patients, 75 (54.0%) presented elevated pancreatic enzymes above 1.5 times the upper limit of normal. Computed tomography imaging findings associated with pancreatitis were observed in 29 patients (17.8%). The elevation of pancreatic enzymes was associated with ALI severity. High level of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) was associated with the elevation of pancreatic enzymes (elevation group Vs. no elevation group: 134.0 ± 177.2 pg/mL Vs. 89.4 ± 159.8 pg/mL). Conclusions: The elevation of pancreatic enzymes was often accompanied by ALI and associated with ALI severity. TNF-α signaling was involved in the elevation of pancreatic enzymes. It is possible that the pancreatic disorder reflected ALI severity, consequently correlated with mortality, and did not directly aggravate ALI pathogenesis. These findings provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of ALF.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46602223","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Xuan Li, Xueqian Zhou, Hong Yang, Liangjun Zhang, Xiaoxun Zhang, Jin Chai
Background: SLC10A1 codes for the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). The SLC10A1S267F mutation is associated with loss of function of bile acid (BA) uptake and defined as a new type of hypercholanemia. This kind of hypercholanemia is characterized by high levels of serum BA. However, limited studies have been conducted on this topic. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the biochemical and bioinformatic characterization of patients with an SLC10A1S267F mutation, as well as to dissect pathogenesis in hypercholanemia. Methods: In this study, a total of 12 individuals (including 5 homozygous, 3 heterozygous, and 4 wild-type individuals) were recruited. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the genotype. Tests of liver function, renal function, and serum lipid level, in addition to routine blood tests, were performed to evaluate the clinical consequences of patients with an SLC10A1S267F mutation. The ClinVar website and protein prediction tools were used to analyze other cholesterol and BAs related gene mutations in SLC10A1S267F patients, as well as to evaluate their possible effects on serum BA levels of patients. Results: All SLC10A1S267F homozygous patients displayed high levels of BAs. Liver and renal functions were generally normal. According to previous reports, homozygous patients are prone to vitamin D deficiency and deviated blood lipids. However, all homozygous individuals had normal levels of blood lipids, thyroid hormones, and vitamin D (25(OH)D). Moreover, except for the SLC10A1S267F mutation, according to the WGS results, multiple gene mutations were found in 5 homozygous and might affect the level of BAs, but the SLC10A1S267F mutation still is the most important reason resulting in a high level of BAs. Conclusions: This study provided a more detailed description of the SLC10A1S267F mutation-induced hypercholanemia, delivering a new idea that there might be some mutations in SLC10A1S267F homozygotes, probably influencing BA metabolism.
{"title":"Biochemical and Bioinformatic Characterization of Patients with a Sodium Taurocholate Cotransporting Polypeptide Mutation","authors":"Xuan Li, Xueqian Zhou, Hong Yang, Liangjun Zhang, Xiaoxun Zhang, Jin Chai","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-121842","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-121842","url":null,"abstract":"Background: SLC10A1 codes for the sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP). The SLC10A1S267F mutation is associated with loss of function of bile acid (BA) uptake and defined as a new type of hypercholanemia. This kind of hypercholanemia is characterized by high levels of serum BA. However, limited studies have been conducted on this topic. Objectives: This study aimed to describe the biochemical and bioinformatic characterization of patients with an SLC10A1S267F mutation, as well as to dissect pathogenesis in hypercholanemia. Methods: In this study, a total of 12 individuals (including 5 homozygous, 3 heterozygous, and 4 wild-type individuals) were recruited. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and Sanger sequencing were used to confirm the genotype. Tests of liver function, renal function, and serum lipid level, in addition to routine blood tests, were performed to evaluate the clinical consequences of patients with an SLC10A1S267F mutation. The ClinVar website and protein prediction tools were used to analyze other cholesterol and BAs related gene mutations in SLC10A1S267F patients, as well as to evaluate their possible effects on serum BA levels of patients. Results: All SLC10A1S267F homozygous patients displayed high levels of BAs. Liver and renal functions were generally normal. According to previous reports, homozygous patients are prone to vitamin D deficiency and deviated blood lipids. However, all homozygous individuals had normal levels of blood lipids, thyroid hormones, and vitamin D (25(OH)D). Moreover, except for the SLC10A1S267F mutation, according to the WGS results, multiple gene mutations were found in 5 homozygous and might affect the level of BAs, but the SLC10A1S267F mutation still is the most important reason resulting in a high level of BAs. Conclusions: This study provided a more detailed description of the SLC10A1S267F mutation-induced hypercholanemia, delivering a new idea that there might be some mutations in SLC10A1S267F homozygotes, probably influencing BA metabolism.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46568277","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
A. Alizadeh, F. Joukar, Najmeh Ghorani, A. Mansour-Ghanaei, Mohammadjavad Tabatabaii, N. Faraji, Tahereh Zeinali, M. Naghipour, F. Mansour-Ghanaei
Background: Early diagnosis of hepatic lesions can result in more successful treatment. Objectives: The present study aimed to diagnose hepatic space-occupying lesions by sonography in Guilan Cohort Center participants. Methods: In this cross-sectional prospective epidemiological research studies of Iranian adults (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (Sowme'eh Sara, Guilan, Iran) conducted in 2014 - 2017, the sample included 960 individuals of both genders, aged 35 - 60 years. A radiologist examined all individuals with sonography to determine hepatic space-occupying lesions. Demographical and clinical characteristics were recorded via a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: Only 2.3% of the patients were diagnosed with hepatic lesions such as hemangioma, hepatic cysts, and other lesions with frequencies of 1.1%, 0.8%, and 0.4%, respectively. Also, there was a significant relationship between gender and the presence of hepatic lesions (P < 0.05). The frequencies of hepatic lesions were 1.7% and 3.6% in men and women and 1.6%, 2.5%, and 4.4% in the age groups of 35 - 45, 45 - 55, and over 55 years, respectively. Conclusions: Hemangioma was the most common hepatic lesion diagnosed in ultrasonography examinations. Moreover, the only factor influencing the frequency of hepatic lesions was gender, which was found twice more in women than in men.
{"title":"Prevalence of Hepatic Space-Occupying Lesions Based on Sonographic Findings in Patients Referred to Guilan Cohort Center, Iran","authors":"A. Alizadeh, F. Joukar, Najmeh Ghorani, A. Mansour-Ghanaei, Mohammadjavad Tabatabaii, N. Faraji, Tahereh Zeinali, M. Naghipour, F. Mansour-Ghanaei","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-127545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-127545","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Early diagnosis of hepatic lesions can result in more successful treatment. Objectives: The present study aimed to diagnose hepatic space-occupying lesions by sonography in Guilan Cohort Center participants. Methods: In this cross-sectional prospective epidemiological research studies of Iranian adults (PERSIAN) Guilan cohort study (Sowme'eh Sara, Guilan, Iran) conducted in 2014 - 2017, the sample included 960 individuals of both genders, aged 35 - 60 years. A radiologist examined all individuals with sonography to determine hepatic space-occupying lesions. Demographical and clinical characteristics were recorded via a questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 16). Results: Only 2.3% of the patients were diagnosed with hepatic lesions such as hemangioma, hepatic cysts, and other lesions with frequencies of 1.1%, 0.8%, and 0.4%, respectively. Also, there was a significant relationship between gender and the presence of hepatic lesions (P < 0.05). The frequencies of hepatic lesions were 1.7% and 3.6% in men and women and 1.6%, 2.5%, and 4.4% in the age groups of 35 - 45, 45 - 55, and over 55 years, respectively. Conclusions: Hemangioma was the most common hepatic lesion diagnosed in ultrasonography examinations. Moreover, the only factor influencing the frequency of hepatic lesions was gender, which was found twice more in women than in men.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42371557","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
M. Hedayati-Moghaddam, M. Danaee, Hossein Soltanian, Seyed Ahmad Vahedi, Arman Mosavat, Maryam Shahi, Azam Shafaei
Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 58 million people globally. The frequency of HCV infection in the general Iranian population is less than 0.5%; however, a concentrated epidemic was reported among people who use drugs, particularly those with a history of drug injection. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of HCV infection among high-risk groups outside of prison in northeastern Iran. Methods: A total of 962 participants in Razavi Khorasan province were enrolled from 2018 to 2022. They included drug users referred to drug treatment and harm reduction centers and individuals with a history of crimes such as drug use or imprisonment who worked in a private industrial unit. Serum anti-HCV antibodies were assessed using a rapid or ELISA kit, and seroreactive samples were confirmed by single-step reverse transcriptase or qualitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of 707 males and 255 females was 39.8 ± 10.2 years. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected from 129 samples (13.41%), of which 107 were available for polymerase chain reaction testing. HCV RNA was detected in 88 cases (75.2%); the total viremia rate was calculated as 9.26% (88/950). Logistic regression analysis revealed that HCV infection among drug users was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.002), being single (P = 0.009), and history of drug injection (P < 0.001) or incarceration (P = 0.04). Conclusions: The findings showed a considerably high prevalence of HCV infection among people who use drugs in northeastern Iran. To achieve the global goal of viral hepatitis elimination by 2030, we strongly recommend stricter screening and treatment of this infection among such hard-to-access populations in Iran.
{"title":"Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among High-risk Populations in Northeastern Iran","authors":"M. Hedayati-Moghaddam, M. Danaee, Hossein Soltanian, Seyed Ahmad Vahedi, Arman Mosavat, Maryam Shahi, Azam Shafaei","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-127166","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-127166","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 58 million people globally. The frequency of HCV infection in the general Iranian population is less than 0.5%; however, a concentrated epidemic was reported among people who use drugs, particularly those with a history of drug injection. Objectives: This cross-sectional study was performed to assess the prevalence of HCV infection among high-risk groups outside of prison in northeastern Iran. Methods: A total of 962 participants in Razavi Khorasan province were enrolled from 2018 to 2022. They included drug users referred to drug treatment and harm reduction centers and individuals with a history of crimes such as drug use or imprisonment who worked in a private industrial unit. Serum anti-HCV antibodies were assessed using a rapid or ELISA kit, and seroreactive samples were confirmed by single-step reverse transcriptase or qualitative real-time polymerase chain reactions. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of 707 males and 255 females was 39.8 ± 10.2 years. Anti-HCV antibodies were detected from 129 samples (13.41%), of which 107 were available for polymerase chain reaction testing. HCV RNA was detected in 88 cases (75.2%); the total viremia rate was calculated as 9.26% (88/950). Logistic regression analysis revealed that HCV infection among drug users was significantly associated with older age (P = 0.002), being single (P = 0.009), and history of drug injection (P < 0.001) or incarceration (P = 0.04). Conclusions: The findings showed a considerably high prevalence of HCV infection among people who use drugs in northeastern Iran. To achieve the global goal of viral hepatitis elimination by 2030, we strongly recommend stricter screening and treatment of this infection among such hard-to-access populations in Iran.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"49416073","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hepatitis E Virus; An Underestimated Threat for the Viral Hepatitis Elimination Program","authors":"M. Pourkarim","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-129678","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-129678","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48456596","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Context: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and different hepatitis viruses might affect the prognosis of patients with HCC. Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the differences in the postoperative prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related HCC (HBV-HCC), hepatitis C virus-related HCC (HCV-HCC), and non-HBV non-HCV hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC). Methods: The databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for articles published until April 2022. Stata software version 12 and Review Manager version 5.4 were used to conduct the meta-analysis, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was adopted in this study. Results: In the present study, 26 papers on a total of 20381 participants who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The 5-year overall survival in the HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC groups was lower than in the NBNC-HCC group (HBV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0.005; HCV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0.001). Patients with HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC had worse 5-year recurrence-free survival than patients with NBNC-HCC (HBV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0; HCV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0). In addition, the 5-year recurrence-free rate in the HCV-HCC group was lower than in the HBV-HCC group (P = 0). The observed association between serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and the postoperative prognosis was inconsistent in different subgroups. Conclusions: Patients with NBNC-HCC had a significantly better postoperative prognosis than those with virus-related HCC. The alpha-fetoprotein levels significantly correlated with the postoperative prognosis of patients with HCC.
背景:肝细胞癌(HCC)是癌症最常见的原发性肝癌,不同的肝炎病毒可能影响HCC患者的预后。目的:本研究旨在揭示乙型肝炎病毒相关性肝癌(HBV-HCC)、丙型肝炎病毒相关性HCC(HCV-HCC和非HBV非HCV肝细胞癌(NBNC-HCC)患者术后预后的差异。方法:检索PubMed、Embase、Cochrane、Web of Science和Scopus数据库中截至2022年4月发表的文章。Stata软件版本12和Review Manager版本5.4用于进行荟萃分析,本研究采用了系统评价和荟萃分析的首选报告项目(PRISMA)声明。结果:在本研究中,分析了26篇论文,共20381名符合纳入标准的参与者。HBV-HCC和HCV-HCC组的5年总生存率低于NBNC-HCC组(HBV-HCCvs.NBNC-HCC,P=0.005;HCV-HCCvs.NB NC-HCC,P=0.001)。此外,HCC组的5年无复发率低于HBV-HCC组(P=0.0)。观察到的血清甲胎蛋白水平与术后预后之间的相关性在不同的亚组中是不一致的。结论:NBNC-HCC患者的术后预后明显好于病毒相关HCC患者。甲胎蛋白水平与HCC患者术后预后显著相关。
{"title":"Comparison of Postoperative Prognosis Among HBV-Related, HCV-Related, and non-HBV non-HCV Hepatocellular Carcinomas: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis","authors":"Yue Zhao, Yuanyuan Jia, Sufen Qi, Chensi Wu, Jianhua Wu, Ruixing Zhang, Jing Li, Zhanjun Guo","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-121820","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-121820","url":null,"abstract":"Context: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of primary liver cancer, and different hepatitis viruses might affect the prognosis of patients with HCC. Objectives: This study aimed to reveal the differences in the postoperative prognosis of patients with hepatitis B virus-related HCC (HBV-HCC), hepatitis C virus-related HCC (HCV-HCC), and non-HBV non-HCV hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC). Methods: The databases PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched for articles published until April 2022. Stata software version 12 and Review Manager version 5.4 were used to conduct the meta-analysis, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was adopted in this study. Results: In the present study, 26 papers on a total of 20381 participants who met the inclusion criteria were analyzed. The 5-year overall survival in the HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC groups was lower than in the NBNC-HCC group (HBV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0.005; HCV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0.001). Patients with HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC had worse 5-year recurrence-free survival than patients with NBNC-HCC (HBV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0; HCV-HCC vs. NBNC-HCC, P = 0). In addition, the 5-year recurrence-free rate in the HCV-HCC group was lower than in the HBV-HCC group (P = 0). The observed association between serum alpha-fetoprotein levels and the postoperative prognosis was inconsistent in different subgroups. Conclusions: Patients with NBNC-HCC had a significantly better postoperative prognosis than those with virus-related HCC. The alpha-fetoprotein levels significantly correlated with the postoperative prognosis of patients with HCC.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42671825","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
L. Kasraian, A. Farhadi, G. Rafiei Dehbidi, Mehdi Mirzakhani, S. Sharifzadeh, S. Namdari, A. Behzad-Behbahani
Background: Immunoassay is still used to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in donated blood in many developing countries. However, an immunoblotting confirmation test is needed to confirm positive results. Objectives: We compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of nucleic acid testing and HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) detection in the serum samples of blood donors with HCV antibodies to determine active infection. Methods: Overall, 90 serum samples from blood donors referred to Fars Blood Transfusion Organization, Iran during March 2017-March 2019 and initially tested for HCV antibodies were included in the study. Enzyme immunoassays were used to detect the HCV antigen and anti-HCV antibody. A commercial reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) kit was used to quantify HCV RNA. The HCV genotypes were also determined by DNA sequencing. In order to compare the HCVcAg detection method with the RT-qPCR reference method, sensitivity, specificity, performance, PPV, and NPV were calculated. Results: Out of 90 serum samples, 73 were positive for anti-HCV antibody, and 17 sera were negative. The HCV RNA was detected in 60 (82%) of anti-HCV antibody-positive samples, whereas the HCVcAg test detected HCV antigen in 54 (74%) of the samples, indicating a significant correlation between the two assays (r = 0.86). The overall sensitivity and specificity for HCVcAg detection method were 93.85% [95% confidence interval (CI): 84.99 - 98.3%] and 100% (95% CI: 94.64 - 100%), respectively. Based on the statistical analysis, the accuracy of the antigen detection test was 94.83% (95% CI: 87.26 - 98.58%). Moreover, the agreement between HCV RNA detection using RT-qPCR and HCVcAg detection was 97.78% (kappa value: 0.94). Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of HCVcAg detection in blood donors were ideal compared to the RT-qPCR reference method. However, the method should be tested on more HCV antibody-positive and -negative samples. Furthermore, our study revealed a significant association between the number of RT-qPCR-positive cases and the cases diagnosed by the HCVcAg detection method for screening and detecting active HCV infection in blood donors.
{"title":"Comparing RT-qPCR and Hepatitis C Virus Antigen Detection Assay for Detecting Active Infection in Blood Donors in Fars Province, Iran","authors":"L. Kasraian, A. Farhadi, G. Rafiei Dehbidi, Mehdi Mirzakhani, S. Sharifzadeh, S. Namdari, A. Behzad-Behbahani","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-123438","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-123438","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Immunoassay is still used to detect hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in donated blood in many developing countries. However, an immunoblotting confirmation test is needed to confirm positive results. Objectives: We compared the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of nucleic acid testing and HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) detection in the serum samples of blood donors with HCV antibodies to determine active infection. Methods: Overall, 90 serum samples from blood donors referred to Fars Blood Transfusion Organization, Iran during March 2017-March 2019 and initially tested for HCV antibodies were included in the study. Enzyme immunoassays were used to detect the HCV antigen and anti-HCV antibody. A commercial reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) kit was used to quantify HCV RNA. The HCV genotypes were also determined by DNA sequencing. In order to compare the HCVcAg detection method with the RT-qPCR reference method, sensitivity, specificity, performance, PPV, and NPV were calculated. Results: Out of 90 serum samples, 73 were positive for anti-HCV antibody, and 17 sera were negative. The HCV RNA was detected in 60 (82%) of anti-HCV antibody-positive samples, whereas the HCVcAg test detected HCV antigen in 54 (74%) of the samples, indicating a significant correlation between the two assays (r = 0.86). The overall sensitivity and specificity for HCVcAg detection method were 93.85% [95% confidence interval (CI): 84.99 - 98.3%] and 100% (95% CI: 94.64 - 100%), respectively. Based on the statistical analysis, the accuracy of the antigen detection test was 94.83% (95% CI: 87.26 - 98.58%). Moreover, the agreement between HCV RNA detection using RT-qPCR and HCVcAg detection was 97.78% (kappa value: 0.94). Conclusions: The sensitivity and specificity of HCVcAg detection in blood donors were ideal compared to the RT-qPCR reference method. However, the method should be tested on more HCV antibody-positive and -negative samples. Furthermore, our study revealed a significant association between the number of RT-qPCR-positive cases and the cases diagnosed by the HCVcAg detection method for screening and detecting active HCV infection in blood donors.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43629931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most promising tools for cell treatment and human tissue regeneration, e.g., in liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells repair tissue damage through paracrine mediators such as exosomes. Types and concentrations of inflammatory mediators, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ1), in MSCs microenvironment can affect MSCs’ function and therapeutic potency. Objectives: This experimental study aimed to explore the effects of Wharton jelly MSCs (WJ-MSCs) exosomes on fibrotic gene expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3)). Moreover, we further investigated whether WJ-MSCs pretreatment with different concentrations of TGFβ1 changes the anti-fibrotic properties of their exosomes. Methods: After isolation from the umbilical cord, WJ-MSCs were characterized by observing differentiation and measuring surface biomarkers using flowcytometry. The WJ-MSC-derived exosomes were extracted and identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and western blotting. Real-time PCR and western blot for extracellular matrix (ECM) and p-Smad2/3 expression detection were used to investigate the effect of exosomes from untreated and TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSCs on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Phospho-Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen1α1 levels were enhanced following treatment with TGFβ1, whereas E-cadherin was decreased. However, the outcomes were reversed after treatment with WJ-MSC-derived exosomes. Exosomes from TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSCs induced a significant decrease in p-Smad2/3 levels in activated HSCs, accompanied by the upregulation of E-cadherin gene expression and downregulation of α-SMA and collagen1α1 when compared to untreated WJ-MSC-derived exosomes. The p-Smad2/3 proteins were significantly decreased (fold change: 0.23, P-value < 0.0001) after exposure to low-dose TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSC-derived exosomes (0.1 ng/mL), showing the best effect on activated HSCs. Conclusions: Exosomes derived from untreated WJ-MSCs could regress TGFβ-Smad2/3 signaling and the expression of fibrotic markers in activated LX-2 cells. However, these effects were significantly profound with applying exosomes derived from 0.1 ng/mL TGFβ-pretreated WJ-MSCs. We also observed the dose-response effects of TGFβ on WJ-MSCs-derived exosomes. Therefore, exosomes derived from TGFβ-pretreated WJ-MSCs may be critical in improving fibrosis and benefit liver fibrosis patients.
{"title":"TGFβ1-Pretreated Exosomes of Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell as a Therapeutic Strategy for Improving Liver Fibrosis","authors":"Samaneh Salehipour Bavarsad, M. Jalali, Darioush Bijan Nejad, Behnam Alypoor, Hossein Babaahmadi Rezaei, Narges Mohammadtaghvaei","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-123416","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-123416","url":null,"abstract":"Background: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are the most promising tools for cell treatment and human tissue regeneration, e.g., in liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cells repair tissue damage through paracrine mediators such as exosomes. Types and concentrations of inflammatory mediators, including transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ1), in MSCs microenvironment can affect MSCs’ function and therapeutic potency. Objectives: This experimental study aimed to explore the effects of Wharton jelly MSCs (WJ-MSCs) exosomes on fibrotic gene expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation (phospho-Smad2/3 (p-Smad2/3)). Moreover, we further investigated whether WJ-MSCs pretreatment with different concentrations of TGFβ1 changes the anti-fibrotic properties of their exosomes. Methods: After isolation from the umbilical cord, WJ-MSCs were characterized by observing differentiation and measuring surface biomarkers using flowcytometry. The WJ-MSC-derived exosomes were extracted and identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and western blotting. Real-time PCR and western blot for extracellular matrix (ECM) and p-Smad2/3 expression detection were used to investigate the effect of exosomes from untreated and TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSCs on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Results: Phospho-Smad2/3, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen1α1 levels were enhanced following treatment with TGFβ1, whereas E-cadherin was decreased. However, the outcomes were reversed after treatment with WJ-MSC-derived exosomes. Exosomes from TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSCs induced a significant decrease in p-Smad2/3 levels in activated HSCs, accompanied by the upregulation of E-cadherin gene expression and downregulation of α-SMA and collagen1α1 when compared to untreated WJ-MSC-derived exosomes. The p-Smad2/3 proteins were significantly decreased (fold change: 0.23, P-value < 0.0001) after exposure to low-dose TGFβ1-pretreated WJ-MSC-derived exosomes (0.1 ng/mL), showing the best effect on activated HSCs. Conclusions: Exosomes derived from untreated WJ-MSCs could regress TGFβ-Smad2/3 signaling and the expression of fibrotic markers in activated LX-2 cells. However, these effects were significantly profound with applying exosomes derived from 0.1 ng/mL TGFβ-pretreated WJ-MSCs. We also observed the dose-response effects of TGFβ on WJ-MSCs-derived exosomes. Therefore, exosomes derived from TGFβ-pretreated WJ-MSCs may be critical in improving fibrosis and benefit liver fibrosis patients.","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-07-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44124399","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Acute Hepatitis of Unknown Origin in Children; Lessons Learned from the COVID-19 Pandemic","authors":"M. Pourkarim","doi":"10.5812/hepatmon-128796","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.5812/hepatmon-128796","url":null,"abstract":"<jats:p />","PeriodicalId":12895,"journal":{"name":"Hepatitis Monthly","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.6,"publicationDate":"2022-06-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47982210","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}