Characterization of HCV Genotype 5a Envelope Proteins: Implications for Vaccine Development and Therapeutic Entry Target
Conclusions: This study provided conserved B-cell epitopes and peptides that can be useful for designing entry inhibitors and vaccines able to cover a global population, especially where genotype 5a is common.,Results: Differences in the probability of glycosylation in E1 and E2 regions were observed in this study. Three conserved antigenic B-cell epitopes were predicted in the E2 regions and also 11 short peptides were designed from the highly conserved residues.,Patients and Methods: This study was conducted through PCR amplification of E1 and E2 regions, sequencing, prediction of B-cell epitopes, analysis of N-linked gl...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - November 21, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Entecavir Versus Lamivudine Therapy for Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B-Associated Liver Failure: A Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: ETV and LAM treatments had similar effects to improve 24 weeks survival rate of patients with CHB-associated liver failure, but ETV was associated with greater clinical improvement. Both drugs were tolerated well during the treatment. It is suggested to perform further studies to verify the results.,Background: Nucleoside analogues are recommended as antiviral treatments for patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated liver failure. Clinical data comparing entecavir (ETV) and lamivudine (LAM) are inconsistent in this setting.,Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of ETV and LAM in patients with c...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - November 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Are Women With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome at a High Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; A Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: According to the results of this meta-analysis, there was a high risk of NAFLD in women with PCOS. We suggest evaluating patients with PCOS regarding NAFLD.,Results: We finally included seven eligible studies. According to chi-squared test, there was a significant heterogeneity (73.6%) between studies (P = 0.001). NAFLD prevalence was significantly higher in patients with PCOS compared to healthy control, with an overall OR of 3.93 (95% CI: 2.17, 7.11).There was no significant publication bias based on Begg's and Egger's tests.,Context: Insulin resistance is a hallmark of metabolic syndrome (MS). It ...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 31, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Association of Hepcidin mRNA Expression With Hepatocyte Iron Accumulation and Effects of Antiviral Therapy in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Conclusions: Further studies on the role of hepcidin in pathogenesis of CHC are needed to assess the potency of its use in antiviral treatment.,Results: Patients with CHC had lower hepcidin mRNA expression and more frequently iron deposits in hepatocytes than subjects with CHB did. In CHC group, hepcidin mRNA expression was positively correlated with alanine aminotransferase activity and serum iron concentration. Low expression of hepcidin had no correlation with tissue iron overload in those with CHC. In univariate analysis, HCV viral load and efficacy of antiviral treatment were not significantly associated with hepcidin...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 24, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Hepatitis B Virus Core Promoter Mutations in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Bucharest, Romania
Conclusions: Genotype D was the main genotype detected in Romanian patients with chronic HBV infection. Genotype D presented both BCP and PC mutations more frequently.,Results: We detected two HBV genotypes; A (8.1%) and D (60.5%), and a mixture of genotypes A and D (31.4%) (P < 0.001). Basal core promoter (BCP) A1762T/G1764A and precore (PC) G1896A mutations were detected in these Romanian patients with chronic HBV infection. HBV chronic carriers had mainly genotype D (54.4%) and HBV WT (64.0%). BCP A1762T, G1764A and PC G1896A were significantly associated with HCC-tissue HBV sequencing (75.3%) (P < 0.001). PC G189...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 19, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Apolipoprotein C3 Gene Polymorphisms Are Not a Risk Factor for Developing Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Meta-Analysis
Conclusions: Our meta-analysis, while not ruling out possible publication bias, showed no association between gene polymorphisms of APOC3 and the risk of NAFLD development in different populations in the world.,Evidence Acquisition: We performed a meta-analysis of all relevant studies published in the literature. A total of 115 clinical trials or reports were identified, but only seven trials met our inclusion criteria. A meta-analysis was performed according to the Cochrane Reviewers’ Handbook recommendations.,Results: Five hospital-based and two population-based case-control studies were included in the final analysis....
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 14, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Immunogenicity of Multi-Epitope DNA and Peptide Vaccine Candidates Based on Core, E2, NS3 and NS5B HCV Epitopes in BALB/c Mice
Conclusions: Evaluation of multi-epitope DNA and peptide-vaccines confirmed their specific immunogenicity in BALB/c mice. However, lower Th1 immune responses in mice immunized with DNA vaccine suggests further investigations to improve the immunogenicity of the multi-epitope DNA vaccine through immune enhancers. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 14, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Rapamycin Enhances HBV Production by Inducing Cellular Autophagy
Conclusions: These results indicated a potential explanation for reactivation of HBV infection when patients with hepatitis receive rapamycin.,Results: In HepG2.2.15 cells, HBV DNA and HBsAg increased when host cells were treated with rapamycin and the effect was reversed by autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA).,Materials and Methods: HepG2.2.15 cells were treated with rapamycin to induce autophagy. Autophagosomes were observed by fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Autophagy marker protein LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰwas detected by Western blotting. HBV DNA and mRNA were determined by real time PCR an...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 14, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The Therapeutic Use of Analgesics in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis: A Literature Review and Evidence-Based Recommendations
Conclusions: No evidence-based guidelines exist on the use of analgesics in patients with liver disease and cirrhosis. As a result pain management in these patients generates considerable misconception among health care professionals, leading under-treatment of pain in this population. Providing concrete guidelines toward the administration of these agents will lead to more efficient and safer pain management in this setting.,Evidence Acquisition: An indexed MEDLINE search was conducted in July 2014, using keywords “analgesics”, “hepatic impairment”, “cirrhosis”, “acetaminophen or paracetamol”, “NSAIDs or...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Geographic Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes in Pakistan
Conclusions: This study may facilitate treatment options and preventive strategies in Pakistan. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - October 10, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
The Impact of IFNL4 rs12979860 Polymorphism on Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C; A Case-Control Study
Conclusions: The rs12979860 SNP was observed as a strong host genetic factor associated with spontaneous clearance of hepatitis C infection.,Background: About 30% of individuals with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are able to clear HCV spontaneously. Differences in host genetics affect the outcome of HCV infection. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the Interferon lambda (IFNL) genes were associated with spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of HCV infection.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between the IFNL4 rs12979860 SNP and spontaneous clearance of HCV infection in Irani...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - September 30, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
NAFLD Prevalence in a Young Cadaveric Organ Donor Population
Conclusions: Our comprehensive literature review showed that our study was the first investigation in Iran and the region, which determined the prevalence of NAFLD based on tissue diagnosis. We believe that the prevalence of NAFLD/NASH in our donors can represent the overall prevalence in this age group in Iran.,Results: Among 116 cases, two were diagnosed as probable NASH. There was a significant association between NAFLD and male gender (P = 0.04). Moreover, we found a higher steatosis level in male gender. There was a significant association between NAFLD and BMI (P = 0.05). Those with BMI more than 27 had severe steato...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - September 30, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Analytical Assessment of Interleukin - 23 and -27 Cytokines in Healthy People and Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection (Genotypes 1 and 3a)
Conclusions: These findings may reflect a vigorous pro-inflammatory reaction orchestrated by the host immune system against chronic HCV. Also, a better understanding of the involvement mechanism considering the correlation between other genotypes with inflammatory cytokines in various stages of disease can be obtained. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - September 26, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
An Unusual Cause for a Hepatic Flare in a Chronic HBV Carrier
Conclusions: Elevated aminotransferases in CHB patients are most commonly caused by exacerbation of CHB. Nevertheless, when HBV DNA is not elevated, other reasons should be excluded. Amongst others, superinfection with another hepatotropic virus can be the reason for decompensation of chronic hepatitis B. This case report describes an asymptomatic HEV superinfection followed by a flare in HBV replication in an HBsAg carrier without signs of HBV replication for eight years. In CHB carriers with signs of acute hepatitis, rare causes should be considered as well. HEV should be a part of routine laboratory evaluation for hepat...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - September 26, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Serological Assay and Genotyping of Hepatitis C Virus in Infected Patients in Zanjan Province
Conclusions: According to the results, it was found that HCV high prevalent genotype in Zanjan is subtype 3a. Analysis of the results provides identification of certain HCV genotypes, and these valuable findings could affect the type and duration of the treatment.,Results: Samples indicated 216 bp bands on 2% agarose gel. Analyses of the results demonstrated that the most dominant subtype was 3a with frequency of 38.26% in Zanjan Province followed by subtypes of 1b, 1a, 2, and 4 with frequencies of 25.73%, 22.05%, 5.14%, and 4.41%, respectively. The frequency of unknown HCV genotypes was 4.41%.,Materials and Methods: Serum...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - September 26, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
