The efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination program in upper Egypt: Flow cytometry and the evaluation of long term immunogenicity.

Anti-HBs levels wanes with time. Many studies discussed the B cell response to HBV vaccine. However, the data about memory T cell response are limited. To evaluate the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccine via evaluating anti-HBs levels and HBsAg specific memory T-lymphocytes through descriptive study. The study was conducted in a tertiary care setting. This study included 440 vaccinated persons during infancy. Group I: 6 to less than 10 years old; Group II: 10 to less than 14 years old; Group III: 14 to less than 17 years old; Group IV: 17 years old. The serum samples were screened for HBV markers. Cytokines secretion by HBsAg-specific memory CD45RO(+) CD4(+) T cells was measured after in vitro culture using flow cytometry. The mean titer of anti-HBs was higher in group I in comparison to others (P-value = 0.000 for each). IFN-γ and IL-4 secreted by memory CD4(+) T cells were positive in all with anti-HBs >100 mIU/ml, while positive in 87% and 75% of participants with anti-HBs <10 mIU/ml and positive in 73% and 32% of participants with absent anti-HBs. The percentage of cells secreting IFN-γ and those secreting IL-4 were higher among participants with serum anti-HBs >100 mIU/ml than those having <10 mIU/ml or absent (P < 0.001 for each). Anti-HBs positivity decreased with time since childhood vaccination. Breakthrough infections are rare in vaccinated persons. Hepatitis-B vaccine is efficient in controlling HBV infection. Flow cytometry is a useful tool to assess the long term persistence of T cell memory after childhood vaccination. J. Med. Virol. 88:1567-1575, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Study of the Urinary Ratio of 6 beta-Hydroxycortisol/Cortisol as a Biomarker of CYP3A4 Activity in Egyptian Patients with Chronic Liver Diseases.

The urinary ratio of 6 beta-hydroxycortisol/cortisol (6 beta-OHC/C) as a biomarker of CYP3A4 metabolizing activity has been studied in Egyptian patients with chronic liver cirrhosis associated with previous hepatic Schistosomiasis infection to determine any possible alteration in enzyme activity. The ratio of 6-beta OHC/C was determined in morning urine samples collected from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in healthy adults (n = 36) and patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 57). The median age for control was 27 years (range: 18-50 years) and 50 years (range: 27-75 years) for patients. 6 beta-OHC was detected in urine by ELIZA kits (Stabiligen, France). Patients with liver cirrhosis were categorized according to Child Pugh Classification into Child B (n = 28) and Child C (n = 29) classes. Cholestasis was observed in 9/28 of Child B class and 8/29 of Child C class of patients. The control subjects showed gender-related difference in the urinary ratio of 6 beta-OHC/C. A significant reduction (P < 0.001) in 6 beta-OHC/C ratio was observed only in Child C patients in comparison with control subjects. Regression analysis showed a significant correlation (P < 0.05) between 6 beta-OHC/C ratio and serum albumin. The influence of cholestasis on the urinary ratio of 6-beta OHC/C was observed on cirrhotic patients of Child B class. In conclusion, patients with chronic liver cirrhosis might have a reduction of metabolizing activity of CYP3A4 enzymes which could be identified by measuring the urinary ratio of 6 beta-OHC/C. This reduction is more apparent in severe liver injury (Child C class). Therefore, it is important to understand the metabolic fate of drugs metabolized by 3A4 enzymes in patients with liver cirrhosis to avoid drug accumulation that might lead to development of drug toxicity.