Previous hepatitis E virus infection, cirrhosis and insulin resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis C

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in patients with pre-existing liver disease has shown high morbidity and lethality. The consequences of HEV superinfection in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are not fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the presence of anti-HEV antibodies, liver cirrhosis, and insulin resistance. Methods: A total of 618 patients chronically infected with HCV were included from three reference centers for viral hepatitis in São Paulo, Brazil. Presence of anti-HEV IgG was assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (WANTAI HEV-IgG ELISA). Results: The seroprevalence of anti-HEV in patients with cirrhosis was significantly higher than in patients without cirrhosis (13.2% vs 8%, OR = 1.74, p = 0.04). Seropositivity for anti-HEV, adjusted for sex, age, and HCV genotype showed an association trend with hepatic cirrhosis (aOR = 1.75, p = 0.059). Presence of HEV antibodies, adjusted for age, body mass index and cirrhosis, was shown to be independently associated with insulin resistance (aOR: 4.39; p = 0.045). Conclusion: Patients with chronic hepatitis C are under risk of hepatitis E virus superinfection in Brazil. The trend toward association between cirrhosis and previous HEV infection suggests that it may accelerate liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In addition, previous infection by HEV is independently associated with insulin resistance in the studied population, which may be an extra-hepatic manifestation of hepatitis E that persists after resolution of the active infection, and may contribute to fibrosis progression.

IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies against core and NS3 antigens of hepatitis C virus

Abstract INTRODUCTION: IgG subclasses involved in the immune response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigens have been rarely studied. We investigated the immune response mediated by IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies against the recombinant core and NS3 antigens in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: Sixty patients infected with HCV genotype 1 without antiviral treatment and 60 healthy subjects participated in the study. Serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, HCV viremia, and the presence of cryoglobulinemia and liver fibrosis were determined. We investigated the serum IgG1 and IgG4 antibodies against recombinant HCV core and NS3 non-structural protein antigens using amplified indirect ELISA. RESULTS: Anti-core and anti-NS3 IgG1 antibodies were detected in 33/60 (55%) and 46/60 (77%) patients, respectively, whereas only two healthy control samples reacted with an antigen (NS3). Anti-core IgG4 antibodies were not detected in either group, while 30/60 (50%) patients had anti-NS3 IgG4 antibodies. Even though there were higher levels of anti-NS3 IgG4 antibodies in patients with low viremia (< 8 × 105 IU/mL), IgG1 and IgG4 antibody levels did not correlate with ALT levels, the presence of cryoglobulinemia, or degree of hepatic fibrosis. High production of anti-core and anti-NS3 IgG1 antibodies was observed in chronic hepatitis C patients. In contrast, IgG4 antibodies seemed to only be produced against the NS3 non-structural antigen and appeared to be involved in viremia control. CONCLUSIONS: IgG1 antibodies against structural and non-structural antigens can be detected in chronic hepatitis C, while IgG4 antibodies seem to be selectively stimulated by non-structural HCV proteins, such as the NS3 antigen.

The absence of the human platelet antigen polymorphism effect on fibrosis progression in human immunodeficiency virus-1/hepatitis C virus coinfected patients

Hepatic fibrosis progression in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infections has been associated with viral and host factors, including genetic polymorphisms. Human platelet antigen polymorphisms are associated with the rapid development of fibrosis in HCV-monoinfected patients. This study aimed to determine whether such an association exists in human immunodeficiency virus-1/hepatitis C virus-coinfected patients.

Early predictive efficacy of core antigen on antiviral outcomes in genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infected patients

Response-guided therapy is of limited use in developing countries because hepatitis C virus RNA detection by sensitive molecular methods is time- and labor-consuming and expen- sive. We evaluated early predictive efficacy of serum hepatitis C virus core antigen kinetics on sustained virologic response in patients with genotype 1 hepatitis C virus during pegylated interferon plus ribavirin treatment. For 478 patients recruited, hepatitis C virus RNAs were detected at baseline, and at weeks 4, 12, 24, 48, and 72 using Cobas TaqMan. Architect hepatitis C virus core antigen was performed at baseline, and weeks 4 and 12. Predictive values of hepatitis C virus core antigen on sustained virologic response were compared to hepatitis C virus RNA. In the first 12 weeks after treatment initiation the dynamic patterns of serum hepatitis C virus core antigen and hepatitis C virus RNA levels were similar in sustained virologic response, relapse, and null response patients groups. Although areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves of hepatitis C virus core antigen were lower than those of hepatitis C virus RNA at the same time points, modeling analysis showed that undetectable hepatitis C virus core antigen (rapid virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen) had similar positive predictive value on sustained virologic response to hepatitis C virus RNA at week 4 (90.4% vs 93.3%), and hepatitis C virus core antigen decrease greater than 1 log10 IU/mL (early virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen) had similar negative predictive value to hepatitis C virus RNA at week 12 (94.1% vs 95.Z%). Analysis on the validation group demonstrated a positive predictivevalue of 97.5% in rapid virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen and a negative predictive value of 100% in early virological response based on hepatitis C virus core antigen. In conclusion, hepatitis C virus core antigen is comparable to hepatitis C virus RNA in predicting sustained virologic response of chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C virus infected patients, and can be used to guide anti-hepatitis C virus treatment, especially in resource-limited areas.

Instituição de longa permanência para idosos: um lugar de cuidado para quem não tem opção? / Long-stay institutions for the elderly: a place of care for those who have no choice? / Institución de larga estadía para las personas mayores: ¿un lugar de atención para aquellos que no tienen otra opción?

Pesquisa descritiva, qualitativa, com abordagem compreensiva, que teve por objetivo compreender o significado da instituição de longa permanência para idosos institucionalizados. Os dados foram coletados com 13 idosos institucionalizados, no período de 5 de abril a 25 de maio de 2013 por meio da entrevista narrativa, e submetidos a análise de conteúdo, na modalidade de análise temática. Os resultados indicam que ser idoso institucionalizado significa ter suas necessidades de cuidado atendidas, no que concerne a suas necessidades básicas; ao acesso a serviços e recursos de saúde, e a ter um lugar onde possam envelhecer e morrer. O estudo permitiu concluir que a instituição aparece como um lugar ambíguo para os idosos, pois ao mesmo tempo em que os acolhe, abriga e atende suas necessidades, é um ambiente que inviabiliza a vida independente e autônoma.

This is a descriptive, qualitative research, with comprehensive approach, which aimed to understand the meaning that the longterm institution has to institutionalized elderly. Data were collected with 13 institutionalized elderly in the period from April 5 to May 25, 2013, through narrative interview, and subjected to content analysis, in the form of thematic analysis. The results indicated that being elderly institutionalized means having their care needs met, with respect to their basic needs; access to health services and resources, and to have a place where they can grow old and die. The study concluded that the institution appears as an ambiguous place for the elderly because, even embracing and housing them and meeting their needs, is an environment that prevents the independent and autonomous life.

Investigación descriptiva, cualitativa con enfoque comprehensivo, que tuve como objetivo comprender el significado de la institución a largo plazo tiene para ancianos institucionalizados. Los datos fueron recolectados con 13 ancianos institucionalizados en el periodo comprendido entre el 5 abril-25 mayo de 2013, a través de entrevista narrativa, y tratados mediante análisis de contenido, en la modalidad de análisis temático. Los resultados indican que estar en edad avanzada y estar institucionalizado significa tener sus atendidas sus necesidades básicas; el acceso a los servicios de salud y los recursos, y tener un lugar donde pueden envejecer y morir. El estudio llegó a la conclusión de que la institución se presenta como un lugar ambiguo para las personas mayores, ya que si bien les acoja, albergue y atiendan sus necesidades, es un ambiente que impide la vida independiente y autónoma.

Assessment of immunological changes in Epstein-Barr virus co-infection in Egyptian chronic HCV patients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) plays a major role in liver pathology. Similar to other members of the herpesvirus family, EBV establishes a persistent infection in more than 90% of adults. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of EBV and chronic hepatitis C co-infection (HCV) on biochemical and immunological responses in patients. The study was conducted in 62 patients and 33 apparently healthy controls. Patients were divided into three groups: group I, consisting of 31 patients with chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC), group II, consisting of eight patients with EBV infection and without HCV infection and group III, consisting of 23 patients with EBV and chronic HCV. The percentage of CD3+ cells, helper CD4+ cells and CD19+ B-cells was measured by flow cytometry. Human interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-15 levels were measured by an ELISA. The levels of liver alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes were higher in EBV/HCV patients compared to that in EBV and HCV mono-infected patients. EBV/HCV patients had significantly reduced percentages of CD3+ and CD4+ cells compared to EBV patients. Serum IFN-γ levels were significantly reduced in EBV/HCV patients (3.86 pg/mL) compared to CHC patients (6.76 pg/mL) and normal controls (4.69 pg/mL). A significant increase in serum IL-15 levels was observed in EBV/HCV patients (67.7 pg/mL) compared to EBV patients (29.3 pg/mL). Taken together, these observations suggest that HCV and EBV co-infection can potentiate immune response dampening in patients.

Perfil imunofenotípico e nível de citocinas plásmáticas em portadores de hepatite C crônica (genótipo 1) com diferentes graus de comprometimento hepático / Immunophenotypic profile and level of plasmatic cytokines in patients with chronic hepatitis C with varying degrees of hepatic impairment

O vírus da hepatite C crônica (VHC) é causa de doença hepática crônica afetando cerca de 3% da população mundial, aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas. Investigações sobre a resposta imune em indivíduos infectados com HCV é justificável pelo fato desta constituir doença infecciosa cujas alterações imunológicas têm relação direta com o desenvolvimento e a manutenção da infecção. Este projeto visou avaliar aspectos que compõem a resposta imune de pacientes com hepatite C crônica com diferentes graus de lesão hepática. Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes VHC+ (n=83), genótipo 1, pré-tratamento, os quais foram estratificados conforme o grau de fibrose hepática determinada por biópsia (classificação METAVIR), compondo: G1 (n = 15) pacientes nos estágios F0 (nenhuma fibrose) + F1 (fibrose em expansão dos espaços porta); G2 (n = 21) pacientes no estágio F2 (poucas fontes de fibrose nos espaços porta); G3 (n = 15) pacientes em estágio F3 (início da formação de nódulos); G4 (n = 32) pacientes em estágio F4 (fibrose severa); G5 (n = 16) doadores de sangue voluntários (grupo controle). Foram avaliadas características imunofenotípicas de subpopulações de leucócitos do sangue periférico (células NK totais, NKdim, NKbright, células dendríticas mielóides e plasmocitóides, monócitos clássicos e pro-inflamatórios, linfócitos T CD4+/CD8+), níveis de citocinas e quimiocinas plasmáticas (TGF-β, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10), analisando a relação destes com a progressão da fibrose. Todas as frequências das subpopulações leucocitárias avaliadas estão alteradas em portadores de hepatite C crônica comparados com indivíduos saudáveis. Além disso, há correlação entre o grau de fibrose e a quantidade de linfócitos T CD4, T CD8, monócitos pro-inflamatórios e células NKbright circulantes...

The chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the cause of chronic liver disease affecting about 3% of world population, approximately 170 million people. Investigations of the immune response in individuals infected with HCV is justifiable because this form infectious disease whose immunological changes are directly related to the development and maintenance of infection. This project aimed to evaluate aspects that make up the immune chronic hepatitis C patients with different degrees of liver damage response. The study included patients HCV+ (n = 83), genotype 1, pretreatment, which were classified according to the rate of hepatic fibrosis determined by biopsy (METAVIR classification), composed of: G1 (n = 15) patients in stages F0 (no fibrosis) + F1 (fibrosis expansion of port spaces), G2 (n = 21) patients in the F2 stage (few sources of fibrosis in portal ), G3 ( n = 15 ) patients with stage F3 (early nodule formation), G4 (n = 32) patients with stage F4 (severe fibrosis), G5 (n = 16) volunteer blood donors (control group). Immunophenotypic characteristics of subpopulations of peripheral blood leukocytes (total NK cells, NKdim , NKbright , myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid , classical monocytes, pro- inflammatory CD4 + / CD8 + cells), cytokine levels and plasma chemokines (were evaluated TGF- β , TNF - α , CCL2 , CCL3 , CCL4 , CCL5 , CXCL8 , CXCL9, CXCL10), analyzing their relationship with the progression of fibrosis. All frequencies of evaluated leukocyte subpopulations are altered in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared with healthy subjects. In addition, no correlation between the degree of fibrosis and the amount of CD4, CD8, pro-inflammatory monocytes and circulating NKbright cells. Increased levels of TNF-α were observed in cirrhotic patients (G4) and TGF - β in HCV + groups with moderate hepatic fibrosis (G2 and G3)...

Perfil imunofenotípico e nível de citocinas plásmáticas em portadores de hepatite C crônica (genótipo 1) com diferentes graus de comprometimento hepático / Immunophenotypic profile and level of plasmatic cytokines in patients with chronic hepatitis C with varying degrees of hepatic impairment

O vírus da hepatite C crônica (VHC) é causa de doença hepática crônica afetando cerca de 3% da população mundial, aproximadamente 170 milhões de pessoas. Investigações sobre a resposta imune em indivíduos infectados com HCV é justificável pelo fato desta constituir doença infecciosa cujas alterações imunológicas têm relação direta com o desenvolvimento e a manutenção da infecção. Este projeto visou avaliar aspectos que compõem a resposta imune de pacientes com hepatite C crônica com diferentes graus de lesão hepática. Foram incluídos no estudo pacientes VHC+ (n=83), genótipo 1, pré-tratamento, os quais foram estratificados conforme o grau de fibrose hepática determinada por biópsia (classificação METAVIR), compondo: G1 (n = 15) pacientes nos estágios F0 (nenhuma fibrose) + F1 (fibrose em expansão dos espaços porta); G2 (n = 21) pacientes no estágio F2 (poucas fontes de fibrose nos espaços porta); G3 (n = 15) pacientes em estágio F3 (início da formação de nódulos); G4 (n = 32) pacientes em estágio F4 (fibrose severa); G5 (n = 16) doadores de sangue voluntários (grupo controle). Foram avaliadas características imunofenotípicas de subpopulações de leucócitos do sangue periférico (células NK totais, NKdim, NKbright, células dendríticas mielóides e plasmocitóides, monócitos clássicos e pro-inflamatórios, linfócitos T CD4+/CD8+), níveis de citocinas e quimiocinas plasmáticas (TGF-β, TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10), analisando a relação destes com a progressão da fibrose. Todas as frequências das subpopulações leucocitárias avaliadas estão alteradas em portadores de hepatite C crônica comparados com indivíduos saudáveis. Além disso, há correlação entre o grau de fibrose e a quantidade de linfócitos T CD4, T CD8, monócitos pro-inflamatórios e células NKbright circulantes...

The chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the cause of chronic liver disease affecting about 3% of world population, approximately 170 million people. Investigations of the immune response in individuals infected with HCV is justifiable because this form infectious disease whose immunological changes are directly related to the development and maintenance of infection. This project aimed to evaluate aspects that make up the immune chronic hepatitis C patients with different degrees of liver damage response. The study included patients HCV+ (n = 83), genotype 1, pretreatment, which were classified according to the rate of hepatic fibrosis determined by biopsy (METAVIR classification), composed of: G1 (n = 15) patients in stages F0 (no fibrosis) + F1 (fibrosis expansion of port spaces), G2 (n = 21) patients in the F2 stage (few sources of fibrosis in portal ), G3 ( n = 15 ) patients with stage F3 (early nodule formation), G4 (n = 32) patients with stage F4 (severe fibrosis), G5 (n = 16) volunteer blood donors (control group). Immunophenotypic characteristics of subpopulations of peripheral blood leukocytes (total NK cells, NKdim , NKbright , myeloid dendritic cells and plasmacytoid , classical monocytes, pro- inflammatory CD4 + / CD8 + cells), cytokine levels and plasma chemokines (were evaluated TGF- β , TNF - α , CCL2 , CCL3 , CCL4 , CCL5 , CXCL8 , CXCL9, CXCL10), analyzing their relationship with the progression of fibrosis. All frequencies of evaluated leukocyte subpopulations are altered in patients with chronic hepatitis C compared with healthy subjects. In addition, no correlation between the degree of fibrosis and the amount of CD4, CD8, pro-inflammatory monocytes and circulating NKbright cells. Increased levels of TNF-α were observed in cirrhotic patients (G4) and TGF - β in HCV + groups with moderate hepatic fibrosis (G2 and G3)...

Nuevos antivirales frente al VHC: actualidad y perspectivas / New direct acting antiviral for hepatitis C: future perspectives

Aproximadamente 175 millones de personas están infectadas por el virus de la hepatitis C (VHC), lo que representa un 3% de la población mundial. En ausencia de tratamiento eficaz, un 25% de los pacientes desarrollan complicaciones hepáticas tras 25 años de hepatitis crónica C. Hasta hace poco, la única opción terapéutica en estos pacientes era la combinación de interferón pegilado (peg-IFN) y ribavirina (RBV). Alcanzaban la erradicación del VHC un 30-40% de los pacientes infectados con el genotipo 1 del VHC. Recientes avances han permitido desarrollar replicones y sistemas de cultivo tisulares para el VHC. Esto ha facilitado el diseño de fármacos antivirales directos (DAA) que inhiben específicamente la replicación del VHC. Los dos primeros inhibidores de la proteasa del VHC fueron aprobados en mayo de 2011. Permiten obtener tasas de curación en el 70% de los pacientes infectados con el genotipo 1 sin experiencia previa a interferón. La respuesta es menor en pacientes con fracasos previos, excepto en los recidivantes, en los que tasa de curación es del 90%...

Approximately 175 million people worldwide are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV), representing 3% of the total world population. In the absence of successful therapy nearly 25% of these patients will develop hepatic complications within 25 years. Until recently, the only available therapeutic option for these patients was the combination of peginterferon-a plus ribavirin. Overall it allowed achievement of eradication in only 30-40% of patients infected by HCV genotype 1. The development of HCV replicons and the chance of producing infectious viral particles in culture systems have both enabled the rational design of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) that specifically inhibit HCV replication. The first two HCV protease inhibitors were marketed in May 2011. Triple therapy has increased the response rate to 70% in HCV genotype 1 carrier naïve to interferon. Although response rates are lower in prior failures, 90% sustained virological response rates are achieved in prior relapsers...

Autoantibody profile in individuals with chronic hepatitis C

Introduction Autoantibodies are often produced during infection with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), but it remains controversial whether they influence the biochemical profile and histological features of this disease. Therefore, this current study sought to describe these autoantibodies and evaluate their impact on the clinical and histological presentation of hepatitis C. Methods This cross-sectional analytical study assessed patients with HCV (RNA+) from October 2011 to July 2012. Results This study included 66 patients, with a mean age of 53.2±10.5 years. Of these patients, 60.6% were male, and 54.3% presented with genotype 1. Non-organ-specific autoantibodies (NOSA) were detected in 24% of the patients; of these, 7.6% were anti-mitochondrial antibodies (AMA+), 26.7% were anti-smooth muscle antibodies (SMA+) and 6.8% were liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies (LKM1+). With respect to the thyroid autoantibodies, 7.4% were anti-peroxidase (ATPO+) antibodies, and none were anti-thyroglobulin (ATG+) antibodies. Regarding celiac disease autoantibodies, 5.8% were endomysial antibodies (EMA+), and no transglutaminase (TTG+) antibodies were detected. Cryoglobulins were found in 2.1% of patients. When NOSA+ individuals were compared to patients without the presence of NOSAs, they exhibited higher median alkaline phosphatase (0.7 vs. 0.6 xULN; p=0.041), lower median platelet counts (141,500.0 vs. 180,500.0/mm 3 ; p=0.036), lower mean prothrombin activity (72.6±11.5% vs. 82.2±16.0%; p=0.012) and an increased prevalence of significant fibrosis (E≥2) (45.5% vs. 18.2%; p=0.012). There was also a tendency for a greater proportion of NOSA+ cases to have marked periportal activity (APP≥3) (44.5% vs. 15.6%; p=0.087). Conclusions In addition to the high prevalence of autoantibodies associated with HCV infection, it was observed that NOSA ...

Serum level of interleukin-10 with its gene polymorphism can be predictors of response to treatment in Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the role of interleukin-10 [IL-10] gene polymorphism and its serum level in predicting response to treatment in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus. This study was carried out on 35 Egyptian patients with chronic HCV [Hepatitis C Virus] and 15 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects as control. They were divided as follows: Group I: 35 chronic HCV patients. They were subdivided according to their response to combination therapy of pegylated interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin into: Group I [a]: 21 responder patients. Group I [b]: 14 non responder patients. Group II: 15 healthy subjects as a control group. IL-10 serum level was assessed by ELISA [Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay] before, during and after treatment. IL-10 gene polymorphism and genotype were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism [PCR-RFLP]. A significant higher level of serum IL-10 was detected in HCV patients compared to the control group. A significant reduction was detected during treatment and a persistent decrease was found in patients with SVR. Low serum level of IL-10 pretreatment was associated with high treatment response. High pretreatment of the serum level of IL-10 was associated with the severity of chronic necroinflammation and non response to treatment. A positive correlation was found between IL-10 and serum ALT. The frequency of IL-10 592 genotype polymorphism was higher in HCV patients compared to control. A significant higher frequency of the IL-10 592 C/C polymorphism was found in the responder group compared to non responder. No correlation was observed between IL-10 polymorphism and liver histopathology. Serum IL-10 level pretreatment is useful for predicting treatment response in HCV patients. IL-10 may be a useful marker to assess necroinflammation and to monitor the evolution of liver damage. IL-10 gene polymorphism has no relation to liver histopathology. IL-10 592 C/C genotype was more frequent in responder patients

Influence of GB virus C on IFN-γ and IL-2 production and CD38 expression in T lymphocytes from chronically HIV-infected and HIV-HCV-co-infected patients

This study was designed to assess the effect of GB virus (GBV)-C on the immune response to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in chronically HIV-infected and HIV- hepatitis C virus (HCV)-co-infected patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy. A cohort of 159 HIV-seropositive patients, of whom 52 were HCV-co-infected, was included. Epidemiological data were collected and virological and immunological markers, including the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin (IL)-2 by CD4, CD8 and Tγδ cells and the expression of the activation marker, CD38, were assessed. A total of 65 patients (40.8 percent) presented markers of GBV-C infection. The presence of GBV-C did not influence HIV and HCV replication or TCD4 and TCD8 cell counts. Immune responses, defined by IFN-γ and IL-2 production and CD38 expression did not differ among the groups. Our results suggest that neither GBV-C viremia nor the presence of E2 antibodies influence HIV and HCV viral replication or CD4 T cell counts in chronically infected patients. Furthermore, GBV-C did not influence cytokine production or CD38-driven immune activation among these patients. Although our results do not exclude a protective effect of GBV-C in early HIV disease, they demonstrate that this effect may not be present in chronically infected patients, who represent the majority of patients in outpatient clinics.

Smooth muscle antibodies and cryoglobulinemia are associated with advanced liver fibrosis in Brazilian hepatitis C virus carriers

Cryoglobulinemia and non-organ-specific-autoantibody are biomarkers of autoimmunity of the chronic infection caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). In this work, we report the association between the presence of smooth muscle antibodies (SMA) and cryoglobulinemia and chronic liver disease in HCV carriers. Sixty-five untreated HCV patients, 38 women and 27 men were included in this study. Cryoglobulinemia was tested by cryoprecipitation, SMA by indirect fluorescent antibody test, and liver fibrosis and hepatocellular inflammation activity was investigated by histology of liver biopsy using the METAVIR score. The prevalence of SMA in the patients was 33.8 percent and cryoglobulinemia was demonstrated in 36.9 percent patients. Cryoglobulinemia and SMA seropositivity was associated with advanced fibrosis (p < 0.05). The presence of SMA and cryoglobulinemia was not associated with hepatocellular inflammation activity, age, carrier gender or HCV genotype. We concluded that liver biopsy should be recommended for HCV carriers that are seropositive for SMA or cryoglobulinemia.

Tissue and serum immune response in chronic hepatitis C with mild histological lesions

The immunopathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a matter of great controversy and has been suggested to involve a complex balance between cytokines with pro and anti-inflammatory activity. We investigated the expression of inflammatory cells and cytokines in the liver and serum of 51 chronically HCV infected patients and compared them to data from two sets of normal controls: 51 healthy blood donors and 33 liver biopsies of healthy liver donors. We also assessed the relationship between selected cytokines and cell populations in hepatic compartments and the disease stage. Compared with controls, hepatitis C patients had a greater expression of portal TNF-á, TGF-â and CD4+ and acinar IFN-ã, TNF-á, IL-1â and IL-4, as well as a higher serum concentration of IL-2, IL-10 and TGF-â. Significant positive correlations were found between portal CD4+ and TNF-á, portal CD8+ and TGF-â, portal CD45+RO and TNF-á, acinar CD45+RO and IFN-ã and acinar CD57+ and TGF-â. In conclusion, we have shown that (i) in this sample of predominantly mild disease, the immune response was associated with a pro-inflammatory response pattern, (ii) CD4+ T-lymphocytes played a major role in orchestrating the immune response and (iii) these events primarily took place in the portal space.

Influence of human t-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) Infection on laboratory parameters of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus / Influência da infecção pelo vírus linfotrópico humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1) em parâmetros laboratoriais de pacientes com hepatite C crônica

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) share routes of transmission and some individuals have dual infection. Although some studies point to a worse prognosis of hepatitis C virus in patients co-infected with HTLV-1, the interaction between these two infections is poorly understood. This study evaluated the influence of HTLV-1 infection on laboratory parameters in chronic HCV patients. Twelve HTLV-1/HCV-coinfected patients were compared to 23 patients infected only with HCV, in regard to demographic data, risk factors for viral acquisition, HCV genotype, presence of cirrhosis, T CD4+ and CD8+ cell counts and liver function tests. There was no difference in regard to age, gender, alcohol consumption, smoking habits, HCV genotype or presence of cirrhosis between the groups. Intravenous drug use was the most common risk factor among individuals co-infected with HTLV-1. These patients showed higher TCD8+ counts (p = 0.0159) and significantly lower median values of AST and ALT (p = 0.0437 and 0.0159, respectively). In conclusion, we have shown that HCV/HTLV-1 co-infected patients differs in laboratorial parameters involving both liver and immunological patterns. The meaning of these interactions in the natural history of these infections is a matter that deserves further studies.

O vírus da hepatite C (VHC) e vírus linfotrópico humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1) compartilham formas de transmissão e algumas pessoas apresentam coinfecção. Embora alguns estudos apontem para um pior prognóstico da infecção pelo VHC em pacientes coinfectados com HTLV-1, a interação entre estas infecções é mal compreendida. Este estudo avaliou a influência da infecção pelo HTLV-1 em parâmetros laboratoriais de pacientes com VHC. 12 coinfectados VHC/HTLV-1 foram comparados com 23 pacientes monoinfectados com VHC, no que diz respeito aos dados demográficos, fatores de risco para aquisição viral, genótipo do VHC, presença de cirrose, contagens de linfócitos T CD4+ e CD8+ e testes de função hepática. Não houve diferença em relação à idade, sexo, consumo de álcool, tabagismo, genótipo do VHC ou presença de cirrose entre os grupos. O uso de drogas injetáveis foi o fator de risco mais comum entre coinfectados. Esses pacientes apresentaram maiores contagens de linfócitos T CD8+ e valores medianos de AST e ALT significativamente mais baixos (p = 0,0437 e 0,0159, respectivamente). Em conclusão, demonstrou-se que os pacientes com VHC/HTLV-1 diferem quanto aos parâmetros hepáticos e imunológicos. O significado destas diferenças na história natural destas infecções é um assunto que merece estudos mais aprofundados.

Distribution of the human leukocyte antigen class II alleles in Brazilian patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global medical problem. The current standard of treatment consists of the combination of peginterferon plus ribavirin. This regimen eradicates HCV in 55 percent of cases. The immune response to HCV is an important determinant of disease evolution and can be influenced by various host factors. HLA class II may play an important role in immune response against HCV. The objective of the present study was to determine the distribution of HLA class II (DRB1 and DQB1) alleles, their association with chronic HCV infection and their response to interferon therapy. One hundred and two unrelated white Brazilian patients with chronic HCV infection, 52 responders (45 males and 7 females) and 50 non-responders (43 males and 7 females) to antiviral treatment, were included in the study. Healthy Brazilian bone marrow donors of Caucasian origin from the same geographic area constituted the control group (HLA-DRB1, N = 99 and HLA-DQB1, N = 222 individuals). HLA class II genotyping was performed using a low-resolution DRB1, DQB1 sequence-specific primer amplification. There were higher frequencies of HLA-DRB1*13 (26.5 vs 14.1 percent) and HLA-DQB1*02 (52.9 vs 38.7 percent) in patients compared with controls; however, these were not significantly different after P correction (Pc = 0.39 and Pc = 0.082, respectively). There was no significant difference between the phenotypic frequencies of HLA-DRB1 (17.3 vs 14.0 percent) and HLA-DQB1 alleles in responder and non-responder HCV patients. The HLA-DRB1*07 allele was significantly more common in HCV patients (33.3 vs 12.1 percent) than in controls (Pc = 0.0039), suggesting that the HLA-DRB1*07 allele is associated with chronic HCV infection.

Antiphospholipid antibodies in Brazilian hepatitis C virus carriers

Hepatitis C, a worldwide viral infection, is an important health problem in Brazil. The virus causes chronic infection, provoking B lymphocyte dysfunction, as represented by cryoglobulinemia, non-organ-specific autoantibody production, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The aim of this research was to screen for the presence of antiphospholipid autoantibodies in 109 Brazilian hepatitis C virus carriers without clinical history of antiphospholipid syndrome. Forty healthy individuals were used as the control group. IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against cardiolipin and ß2-glycoprotein I were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, using a cut-off point of either 20 UPL or 20 SBU. While 24 (22.0 percent) hepatitis C carriers had moderate titers of IgM anticardiolipin antibodies (median, 22.5 MPL; 95 percentCI: 21.5-25.4 MPL), only three carriers (<3 percent) had IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (median, 23 GPL; 95 percentCI: 20.5-25.5 GPL). Furthermore, IgA anticardiolipin antibodies were not detected in these individuals. Male gender and IgM anticardiolipin seropositivity were associated in the hepatitis C group (P = 0.0004). IgA anti-ß2-glycoprotein-I antibodies were detected in 29 of 109 (27.0 percent) hepatitis C carriers (median, 41 SAU; 95 percentCI: 52.7-103.9 SAU). Twenty patients (18.0 percent) had IgM anti-ß2-glycoprotein I antibodies (median, 27.6 SMU; 95 percentCI: 23.3-70.3 SMU), while two patients had IgG antibodies against this protein (titers, 33 and 78 SGU). Antiphospholipid antibodies were detected in only one healthy individual, who was seropositive for IgM anticardiolipin. We concluded that Brazilian individuals chronically infected with hepatitis C virus present a significant production of antiphospholipid antibodies, mainly IgA anti-ß2-glycoprotein I antibodies, which are not associated with clinical manifestations of antiphospholipid syndrome.

Portal cd4+ and cd8+ t lymphocyte correlate to intensity of interface hepatitis in chronic hepatitis C

BACKGROUND: The pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C is still a matter of debate. CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes (TL) are typically observed within the portal and periportal spaces of affected livers, but their functional role in hepatitis C progression has not been fully elucidated. METHODS: CD4+ and CD8+ TL were quantified by immunohistochemistry in portal and periportal spaces of 39 liver biopsies from patients with chronic hepatitis C. They were associated to demographic data, histological parameters, laboratory findings of patients and hepatitis C genotypes. RESULTS: There was high numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ TL from which the density of CD4+ T was higher than CD8+ TL in portal and periportal spaces. CD4+ and CD8+ TL were directly correlated to intensity of interface hepatitis. CD8+ TL correlated to serum enzyme levels. CONCLUSION: The high numbers of CD4+ and CD8+ TL in portal and periportal spaces and their correlation to interface hepatitis suggest that hepatitis C evolution depends on the action of intrahepatic T lymphocytes, lending support to the notion of an immune-mediated mechanism in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C.

INTRODUÇÃO: A patogênese da hepatite C crônica ainda está em discussão. Sabe-se que linfócitos T (LT) CD4+ e CD8+ são tipicamente observados no espaço portal e peri-portal de pacientes com hepatite C crônica, mas o conhecimento exato de suas ações no fígado, bem como sua influência na progressão da doença hepática ainda estão em discussão. MÉTODOS: Os LT CD4+ e T CD8+ foram quantificados por imunohistoquímica nos espaços porta e peri-portais em 39 biópsias hepáticas de pacientes cronicamente infectados pelo vírus da hepatite C. Esses dados foram associados com os dados demográficos, as alterações histológicas, os achados laboratoriais dos pacientes com hepatite C e com os genótipos do vírus da hepatite C. RESULTADOS: Houve grande quantidade tanto de LT CD4+ como de CD8+, sendo que houve maior densidade de LTCD4+ do que CD8+ nos espaços portal e peri-portal. Tanto o número de linfócitos T CD4+ como de CD8+ foram diretamente relacionados com a intensidade da hepatite de interface. Os linfócitos T CD8+ foram estatisticamente relacionados às enzimas hepáticas. CONCLUSÃO: O encontro de numerosos linfócitos T CD4+ e linfócitos T CD8+ no espaço-portal e peri-portal e sua correlação com a hepatite de interface sugerem que a evolução da hepatite C dependa da ação dos linfócitos T intra-hepáticos, ou seja, há um mecanismo imuno-mediado na patogênese da hepatite C crônica.