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End-stage liver disease (ESLD) includes decompensated liver cirrhosis and liver failure, which usually have dangerous conditions and a poor prognosis. Liver transplantation is the only effective therapy for ESLD, but its clinical application is limited due to shortage of liver donors, immunological rejection, and expensive costs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and alleviate liver fibrosis by regulating immune function through paracrine, and therefore, MSCs have a wide application prospect in the field of ESLD treatment. A number of clinical studies have shown that MSC infusion is safe and effective in the treatment of ESLD during a short period of time, and there is also certain clinical evidence for its long-term safety and efficacy. MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-Exo) do not have a complete cellular structure and can promote hepatocyte regeneration through a variety of mechanisms, and their clinical value has attracted more and more attention, but there are few studies on this issue. Currently, the core mechanism of MSC therapy for ESLD and the standardized process of MSC preparation are the problems needing to be solved urgently.
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Objective:To explore the early predictors for clinical cure by sequential combined interferon therapy in nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) experienced patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Methods:CHB patients received NAs treatment≥one year with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) ≤1 500 IU/mL, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negative and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA <100 IU/mL in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from June 2016 to September 2019 were included. According to the different treatment regimens, the patients were divided into interferon alone for 48 weeks group (group A), interferon combined with NAs for 12 weeks and continued NAs treatment for 48 weeks group (group B), interferon combined with NAs for 48 weeks group (group C). Basic data such as age and gender of patients were collected. HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were monitored at week 4, 8, 12, 24, 36 and 48. The decline of HBsAg from baseline, and the rates of clinical cure at 48 weeks were analyzed. The independent sample t test, chi-square test and rank sum test were used for statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to achieve the early prediction index of clinical cure at week 48. Results:A total of 1 020 CHB patients were followed up regularly for at least five time points. The rates of clinical cure at week 48 in group A, B and C were 34.6%(157/454), 32.7%(69/211) and 33.5%(119/355), respectively, with no statistical significance ( χ2=0.25, P=0.883). Patients were divided into the cured group (345 cases) and the uncured group (675 cases) according to the clinical outcomes at week 48. The age ((38±13) years old vs (43±12) years old), baseline HBsAg (131.00(359.80) IU/mL vs 437.60(531.50) IU/mL) and the proportion of male patients (81.7%(282/345) vs 89.5%(604/675)) of patients in the cured group were all lower than those of patients in the uncured group. The differences were all statistically significant ( t=6.32, Z=12.67, χ2=11.99, respectively, all P<0.050). There were 212 patients in the cured group who achieved clinical cure within 24 weeks of treatment. The rate of clinical cure at 48 weeks in patients whose HBsAg at week 4 decreased from baseline was higher than that in patients with increased HBsAg (41.6%(149/358) vs 28.2%(108/383)). The difference was statistically significant ( χ2=14.13, P<0.001). The rate of clinical cure at week 48 in patients with HBsAg at week 12 decreased ≤34.03% of baseline was only 6.9%(13/188). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio ( OR)=0.962, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.936 to 0.989, P=0.006), HBsAg level at week 24 ( OR=0.950, 95% CI 0.934 to 0.966, P<0.001) and anti-HBs level at week 24 ( OR=1.012, 95% CI 1.005 to 1.019, P=0.001) were early predictors for clinical cure at week 48 of treatment in NAs experienced CHB patients. Conclusions:Clinical cure of NAs experienced CHB patients received sequential combined interferon therapy mostly occurs in the early stage (within 24 weeks). Age, HBsAg level at week 24, and anti-HBs level at week 24 are early predictors for clinical cure of 48-week sequential combined interferon treatment.
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Objective:To analyze the value of serum ceruloplasmin (CP) levels in predicting the outcome of patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF).Methods:The clinical data of 1 751 patients with HBV-ACLF treated in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from January 2010 to March 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to 30-day outcomes, 1 220 survival patients were classified into group A; 465 fatal patients and 46 patients receiving liver transplantation were classified into group B (total 531 cases). Risk factors associated with 30-day survival were estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. ROC curve analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of CP on the 30-day outcome of patients with HBV-ACLF.Results:Multivariate analysis indicated that CP, albumin and alpha fetoprotein were independent protective factors for 30-day survival of HBV-ACLF patients ( P<0.05 or <0.01), while age, white blood cell count, AST, total bilirubin, INR, serum creatinine, HBV DNA, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy were independent risk factors ( P<0.01). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of CP was 0.570 (95% CI 0.540-0.599, P<0.01); while AUC of MELD score was 0.783 (95% CI 0.759-0.807, P<0.01) and MELD-Na score was 0.774 (95% CI 0.750-0.798, P<0.01). Compared with MELD score and MELD-Na score, the value of CP in predicting the 30-day prognosis of HBV-ACLF patients was lower ( P<0.01). The cut-off value of CP for predicting 30-day outcome of HBV-ACLF patients was 0.173 g/L, with the sensitivity of 69.4%, and the specificity of 41.6%. According to the cut-off value, the patients were divided into low CP level group (level of CP<0.173 g/L) and high CP level group (level of CP≥0.173 g/L); the 30-day cumulative survival rate of low CP level group was lower than that of high CP level group ( χ2=17.75, P<0.01). Conclusions:Serum CP level can predict the 30-day outcome of HBV-ACLF patients to a certain extent.
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Objective To evaluate the efficacy and long-term safety of autologous bone marrow stem cells(ABMSC)transplantation in patients with hepatitis B virus(HBV)-associated decompensated liver cirrhosis.Methods This was an open-label,prospective matched case-control study.Thirty patients with HBV-associated decompensated liver cirrhosis hospitalized at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2005 to June 2010 were collected and infused with stem cells(stem cell group). Another thirty patients in control group were matched according to baseline characteristics and treated with standard medicine therapy.The patients in stem cell group were treated with stem cells infusion by hepatic artery or portal vein based on standard medicine therapy.All the patients were followed up for 5 to 10 years after surgery. Biochemical indicators were evaluated within the first 48 weeks after transplantation.The complications of cirrhosis and the cumulative incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)were observed.Measurement data with normal distribution were analyzed by t test. Measurement data with non-normal distribution were compared by Mann-Whitney test.Count data were compared by χ2 test.The cumulative incidence rate of HCC development was compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results The bone marrow aspiration and transplantation surgery were well tolerated in all patients in stem cell group.No complication related to stem cell transplantation therapy was observed. The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),total bilirubin(TBil) and prothrombin time(PT)decreased,albumin level increased,while model for end-stage liver disease (MELD)scores decreased in both groups after treatment.Serum albumin level in stem cell group increased and ALT level decreased markedly at week 4,compared with that in control group at week 4(Z=2.188,P=0.029,Z=3.296,P=0.001,respectively).In stem cell group,21 patients received stem cells transplantation by hepatic artery and 9 patients by portal vein.Biochemical indicators were improved in all patients compared to baseline.However,there was no statistically significant differences between hepatic artery group and portal vein group.The median follow-up time was 6 years.Two patients in stem cell group and 1 patient in control group died(χ2=0.351,P=0.554).Six patients in stem cell group (20.0%)and 11 patients(36.7%)in control group developed HCC.There was no significant differences in the cumulative incidence rate of HCC between two groups(χ2= 0.148,P= 0.701).Hepatorenal syndrome did not development in either group.There were no statistically significant differences in the rates of complications including spontaneous peritonitis,hepatic encephalopathy and gastrointestinal hemorrhage between two groups after 5 to 10 years of follow-up(χ2=0.162,P=0.688,χ2=1.071,P=0.301,χ2=1.071,P=0.301,respectively).Conclusion ABMSC transplantation in patients with HBV-associated decompensated liver cirrhosis improves liver function transiently and has long-term safety.
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Objective To evaluate the effects of nucleoside/nucleotide analogue treatment on immunoglobulin and complement in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).MethodsA total of 157 CHB patients were recruited and divided into CHB group,liver cirrhosis (LC) group and severe hepatitis B (SHB) group.There were 50 patients who received oral antiviral treatment (lamivudine 100 mg/d,or entecavir 0.5 mg/d,or telbivudine 600 mg/d).Serum levels of complement 3 and 4 (C3,C4),C-reaction protein (CRP),hemolytic complement (CH50),immunoglobulin G,M,A (IgG,IgM,IgA),hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or immunoturbidimetry.Hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) before and 1,2,3 and 4 weeks after nucleoside antiviral therapy.Comparison of means was done by t test and Mann-Whitney test.The correlation was analyzed by Pearson correlation coefficient test.ResultsSerum IgA and IgM levels of SHB and LC patients were significantly higher than those of CHB patients (P＜0.01).Levels of C3,C4,CH50 and CRP were significantly different among three groups.Levels of C3,IgM,IgG and HBV DNA in HBeAg positive patients were significantly different from those in HBeAg negative patients.There was a statistically significant difference of IgA,IgM,C3 and CH50 levels between patients with high HBV DNA level and low HBV DNA level in HBeAg-positive patients.While in the HBeAg-negative patients,only the IgA level was significantly different with HBV DNA levels.After anti-viral treatment,immunoglobulin and HBV DNA levels were all decreased in three groups,while the serum complement level was increased compared to baseline,and the differences became significant at week 4 of treatment. HBV DNA level was negatively correlated with C3 (r=-0.78,P=0.021) and HBeAg titer was positively correlated with C3 (r=0.87,P=0.015).ConclusionsThe immunoglobulin,CRP,C3,C4,and C H50 could reflect the inflammatory activity in liver.The changes of C3 level can predict the efficacy of antiviral therapy.
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Objective To analyze clinical features of patients with chikungunya fever and provide future reference for prevention and control of the disease. Methods Forty-six confirmed chikungunya fever inpatients were included. Their clinical symptoms, signs, blood count, key biochemical indicators and treatments were analyzed. The comparison between groups were done by ttest. Results The percentages of total cases presenting with fever, rash and joint pain were 100. 0% (46/46), 91. 3% (42/46) and 89. 1% (41/46), respectively. Fifteen (32.6%) cases displayed leucopenia. Increases in lactose dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) were observed in 45. 5%(20/44) and 28. 9%(13/45) of the cases, respectively. Three cases displayed an increase of alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Administration of ribavarin extend febrile time compared to symptom-relieving treatments (t=2. 588, P = 0. 013). Conclusions Clinical features of chikungunya fever include fever, rash and joint pain. Good prognosis can be resulted from symptom-relieving treatment. Antiviral treatment may not be beneficial to reducing course of disease.
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Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and its related factors of entecavir treatment for patients with acute on chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF).Methods One hundred and eight patients with ACHBLF were enrolled and divided into entecavir group (n=53) and control group (n=55).HBV DNA level, liver function and 48-week survival rate were observed, and C ox regression model was established to identify the factors which may affect the efficacy of entecavir treatment.Results Totally 70 patients died in the study and 66 died within 12 weeks.The statistical difference on cumulative survival rate between two groups was observed from the third week on (χ2=5.357, P ＜ 0.05).The 48-weekcumulative survival rate in entecavir group was 47.2% (25/53), while that in the control group was 23.6%(13/55) (χ2=7.432, P ＜ 0.01).In entecavir group, for patients aged ＜ 40 with serum bilirubin level ＜513 μnol/L and international normalized ratio (INR) ＜ 2.5, the fatality rates decreased 74.9%, 75.3%and 76.0%, respectively.Conclusions Entecavir may improve the survival rate of patients with ACHBLF.Age, serum bilirubin level and INR are major factors related to the therapeutic efficacy.
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Objective To investigate the susceptibility of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during induction toward hepatocyte and the role of asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) in BMSC HBV infection. Methods BMSC obtained from hepatitis B patients were tested for HBV infection and then cultured with HBV infectious serum in vitro and induced to differentiate into hepatocyte through exposure to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factor-4(FGF-4), and epidermal growth factor(EGF). Subsequently these cells were determined for the presence of hepatitis B virus e antigen( HBeAg), hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg) and ASGPR. All experiments were repeated for 3 times in 5 different samples. The results were analyzed by non-parametric test. Results After 6 days of exposure, BMSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells expressed hepatic special genes and proteins, including alpha fetoprotein(AFP),cytokeratin18 (CK18), albumin (Alb), and manifested hepatocyte functions, including glycogen synthesis, urea secretion and albumin synthesis. Expressions of CK18 and Alb were increased, and AFP was decreased with time of induction. The BMSC were resistant to HBV infection both in vitro and in vivo or after induction toward hepatocyte. ASGPR expression level was low in BMSC, which was increased in the induced BMSC but still lower than that of the control HepG2 cells. Conclusions BMSC are resistant to HBV infection both in vitro and in vivo. The low level expression of ASGPR may be a reason for this.
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Objective To apply the model for end-stage liver disease(MELD)and the ChildTurcotte-Pugh(CTP)in predicting short-term prognosis of patients with severe chronic hepatitis B,and to evaluate their clinical value.Methods Data of 115 patients with severe chronic hepatitis B were retrospectively analyzed and all patients were divided into survival gnmp and fatal group by survival status at 3rd month of the treatment.The scores of MELD and CTP were obtained.The accuracies of MELD and CTP were evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The difference between two systems was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier survival curve.Results MELD and CTP scores in fatal group were significantly higher than those in the survival group(t=4.891 and 3.949,P＜0.05),and two systems were significantly correlated(γ=0.500,P=0.000).MELD and CTP scores were good for predicting the fatality rate of patients with severe chronic hepatitis B within 3 months(C-statistic:0.765 and 0.834,respectively),and there was no significant difference between the two systems(Z=1.516,P＞0.05).Patients with CTP＜10.5 or MELD＜27.5 had longer survival time(Z:17.88 and 25.28,P=0.000)and higher survival rates(χ2=16.88 and 31.59.P=0.000)than those with CTP＞10.5 or MELD＞27.5.Conclusion MELD and CTP scores have similar predictive valHe for short-term prognosis of patients with severe chronic hepatitis B.and clinical data should be contained to better predict the short-term prognosis.
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Objective To investigate the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and its relationship with prognosis of severe chronic hepatitis B ( CHB ). Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from 112 severe CHB patients, 30 CHB patients and 30 healthy controls. IL-4, IFN-γ levels and HBV DNA loads were measured by ELISA and fluorescent PCR, respectively. The levels of cytokines in different stages, and their correlations with HBV DNA loads and short-term prognosis were analyzed. Results Higher levels of IL-4, IFN-γ and Th1/Th2 ratios in peripheral blood were detected in patients with severe CHB than those with CHB and the healthy controls (Z = 8.968, 10. 004 and 26. 067, P =0. 009, 0. 007 and 0. 000). IL4 levels in patients with end-stage server CHB were markedly higher than those in other stages ( Z = 3. 672 and 3. 158, P= 0.000 and 0.002), while their Thl/Th2 ratios were lower (Z=3. 161 and 2. 166, P=0.002 and 0. 030). No significant differences on levels of IL-4, IFN-γ and Th1/Th2 ratios were observed in severe CHB patients with different HBV DNA levels (Z =4.431, 2.626 and 0. 140, P =0.219, 0.403 and 0. 987). Elevated IL-4 was closely correlated with the high case-fatality rate within 12 weeks. Conclusions The balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines is- disturbed in patients with severe CHB. Thl/Th2 ratio decreases with the aggravation of diseases, which may indicate unfavorable short-term prognosis.
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Objective To investigate HBV genotypes and gene mutations in chrenic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with liver failure after lamivudine withdrawal. Methods Twenty four patients with relapsing CHB after lamivudine withdrawal were divided into liver failure group ( n = 12 ) and chronic hepatitis group ( n = 12 ). HBV DNA from these patients was amplified by PCR. The PCR products were cloned into PGEM-T vector and HBV DNA sequences were analyzed. Results In liver failure group, there were 6 sequences detected, in which 3 were of genotype B and 3 were of genotype C. In chronic hepatitis group, there were 9 sequences detected, in which 2 were of genotype B and 7 were of genotype C. Compared with the wild type HBV sequences, there were multiples mutations in S, P, C, X regions. Gene mutations in high conservative sequences of BCP and P regions were detected in liver failure patients after lamivudine withdrawal. Conclusions In HBV patients with liver failure after lamivudine withdrawal, half of them were of genotype B and the others were of genotype C. Some mutations in high conservative sequences of BCP and P regions may be related to the liver failure in these patients.
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Objective To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety profile of alpha-1-thymosin (T?_1) combined with Lamivudine(LAM) in the patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods Eighty patients with chronic hepatitis B were randomly assigned by 1∶1 proportion to be given 100 mg LAM orally alone (LAM group) or T?_1 1.6 mg subcutaneous injection, combined with LAM(LAM+T?_1 group). Results 51.4 percent (18/35) of the patients achieved HBeAg seroconversion in combination group, while 5.4%(2/37) of the patients in LAM group achieved HBeAg seroconversion at 52 week, P
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Objective To study the relationship of hepatitis and pregnan cy .Methods 49 cases with viral hepatitis of pregnancy were analyze d and compared with viral hepatitis of non-pregnant cases.Results Most of the hepatitis following pregnancy were HBV,with the increment of preg nant weeks,the incidence and mortality rates of hepatitis were increased.PT was remarkably prolonged and ALB lowered in 49 cases.Complications of hepatic enceph alopathy and hepto-renal syndrome were more,the incidence and fatality rates of severe hepatitis were higher than that in healthy group (P
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Objective:To determine the effect of IL-12 on the cellular immune response of PBMC from patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection, and provide basic scientific information for clinic therapy of this disease.Methods:PBMCS were prepared from peripheral blood of individuals with chronic HBV infection and cultured in the presence or absence of HBsAg and HBcAg with or without IL-12.The level of IFN-?in culture supernatants, the frequency of IFN-?-producing cells, and the subpopulation of IFN-?-producing cells were detected by either ELISA,ELISPOT or FACS.Results:Less than 30% patients and very low level of IFN-? were observed when PBMCs were stimulated with HBsAg or HBcAg alone. Addition of IL-12 to the cultures resulted in significant increase in IFN-?production and IFN-?-producing cells. In addition, IL-12 induced expression of IFN-? not only by CD8~+T cells, but also by non-T cell populations.Conclusion:IL-12 can promote the cellular immune response to the chronic hepatitis B virus by the enhancement of IFN-?production.