Drug-Resistance Associated Mutations in Polymerase (P) Gene of Hepatitis B Virus Isolated From Malaysian HBV Carriers
Conclusions: Detection and surveillance of the significant sites of mutations in HBV is crucial for clinicians to decide on the choice of antiviral treatment and further management of hepatitis B carriers.,Objectives: This study was carried out to detect mutations in P gene of hepatitis B virus isolated from Malaysian HBV carriers.,Materials and Methods: A total of 58 sera samples were analyzed by PCR and sequencing, of which the P gene of isolated HBV was successfully amplified and sequenced from 40 samples.,Results: Genotyping of these samples revealed that the predominant genotype was genotype C (22/40, 55.0%), followed...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - January 4, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Inter-observer and Intra-observer Agreement in Pathological Evaluation of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Suspected Liver Biopsies
Conclusions: NAS scoring system has good overall inter- and intra-observer agreement, but more attention should be given to defining the hepatocyte ballooning and lobular inflammation, and training the pathologists to improve the accuracy of pathology reports.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the inter- and intra-observer reproducibility of histopathologic assessment of liver biopsies based on NAFLD activity score (NAS) scoring system. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - January 2, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Donor Rejection Before Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Causes and Cost Effective Analysis in an Egyptian Transplant Center.
Conclusions: Among potential Egyptian living liver donors, Factor V Leiden mutation was a significant cause for live donor rejection. A stepwise approach to donor assessment was found to be cost-effective. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - January 1, 2014 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
GB Virus C/Hepatitis G Virus Envelope Glycoprotein E2: Computational Molecular Features and Immunoinformatics Study
Conclusions: The comprehensive analysis of a protein with important roles has never been easy, and in case of E2 envelope glycoprotein of HGV, there is no much data on its molecular and immunological features, clinical significance and its pathogenic potential in hepatitis or any other GBV-C related diseases. So, results of the present study may explain some structural, physiological and immunological functions of this protein in GBV-C, as well as designing new diagnostic kits and besides, help to better understandingE2 protein characteristic and other members of Flavivirus family, especially HCV.,Introduction: GB virus C ...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 29, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Baseline Prognostic Factors and Statistic Model to Predict Early Virological Response in Telbivudine-Treated Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B
Conclusions: Family history as well as baseline bilirubin, AST and HBV DNA levels can predict early virological response. The model provides a better tool for response prediction based on the four prognostic factors.,Results: Negative family history of HBV infection (P = 0.000235), baseline higher serum TBIL (P = 0.038714) and AST (P = 0.020684) concentrations, and lower level of HBV-DNA (P = 0.0034784) were identified to be associated with higher possibility of early virological response. A model was established based on these variables to calculate the risk scores (R) for CHB patients. R > -0.38 suggested early virolo...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 22, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Dynamic Changes of Treg and Th17 Cells and Related Cytokines Closely Correlate With the Virological and Biochemical Response in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients Undergoing Nucleos(t)ide Analogues Treatment
Conclusions: The changes of Treg and Th17 cells and their associated cytokines were related to virological and biochemical responses.,Results: In complete and partial-responders, Treg cells frequencies and IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-23 levels were all decreased significantly after NA therapy, while Th17 cells and the IL-17 levels were increased slightly. Treg/Th17 ratio was only dramatically declined in complete-responders. But there was no significant difference in non-responders. Either HBV DNA decreased by at least 2 log copies /mL or ALT turned to normal level, Treg cells frequencies and IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-23 levels were signi...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 22, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Efficacy of Alfacalcidol on PEG-IFN/ Ribavirin Combination Therapy for Elderly Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C: A Pilot Study
Conclusions: PEG-IFN/ ribavirin combined with alfacalcidol may be effective and safe in elderly CHC patients. In particular, concomitant administration of alfacalcidol may lead to a reduced relapse rate, and consequently improving the SVR rate in elderly females.,Objectives: This pilot study explored the efficacy and safety of alfacalcidol as vitamin D source in PEG-IFN/ ribavirin combination therapy for elderly CHC patients infected with hepatitis C virus genotype 1b. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 22, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
A Study of CC-Chemokine Receptor 5 (CCR5) Polymorphism on the Outcome of HCV Therapy in Egyptian Patients
Conclusions: SNPs within the CCR5 gene should be considered as an important factor used in combination with other host gene SNPs when developing a mathematical model for anticipating response to HCV therapy.,Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a globally serious public health issue.,Objectives: In this study, we investigated CC chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5-59029) polymorphism which is considered an important component of the immune system in determining the outcome of HCV infection. Its critical role as a marker in response to interferon therapy of HCV infection is also investigated besides its effect on...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 18, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Hepatitis C Virus NS5B Sequence-Based Genotyping Analysis of Patients From the Sharkia Governorate, Egypt
Conclusions: This molecular epidemiology study revealed high prevalence of HCV genotype 4, subtype 4a among Egyptian patients residing in Sharkia governorate, Egypt.,Patients and Methods: The HCV molecular epidemiology in Sharkia governorate was studied using direct sequencing and further phylogenetic analysis of a partial NS5B region of the HCV genome from 63 patients. HCV genotype and subtype were successfully determined in 62 out of 63 patients.,Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection and its sequela are major health problems facing the Egyptian community. The high prevalence and spread rates of the disease requ...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 16, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Genotypes Among Patients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hormozgan, Iran
Conclusions: This results the same as many similar studies demonstrated that common HCV genotypes in Iranian patients were 1a, 3a and 1b, respectively. Patients with 1a and 1b genotypes have lower responses to interferon treatment, and it is reasonable to perform early screening to diagnose and determine HCV genotype for effective treatment and diagnose high-risk cases.,Results: In overall, 509 patients enrolled to this study. The mean age of these patients was 38.87 ± 9.55 years ranging from 1 to 90 years. Routs of transmission were: 238 (46.7%) inject of substance, 149 (29.3%) unknown rout, 62 (12.2%) blood transfusion,...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Clinical Profile and HLA Typing of Autoimmune Hepatitis From Pakistan
Conclusions: AIH in our region presents with advanced disease affecting predominantly children and adolescents. There is a genetic association of HLA DR6 along with other alleles and antigens in our patients with AIH.,Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and determine the associated antigens and alleles by performing HLA typing.,Patients and Methods: A total of 58 patients, diagnosed and treated as AIH in the last 10 years were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on International AIH Group criteria. Forty one patients underwent liver biopsy. HLA typing was performe...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 15, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Amino Acid Polymorphisms Within the Entire HCV NS5A Region in Estonian Chronic HCV 1b Patients With Different Treatment Response
Conclusions: Specific amino acid substitutions correlating with the treatment response were found. Polymorphisms revealed by phylogenetic analysis may define the signature patterns for treatment susceptible and treatment resistant strains prevalent in Estonia.,Background: A substantial proportion of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-1b infected patients do not response to pegylated interferon-α plus ribavirin (PegIFNα/RBV) combination therapy that was partially associated with mutations in the non-structural 5A (NS5A) protein. (Source: Hepatitis Monthly)
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 13, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Consensus Interferon Plus Ribavirin for Hepatitis C Genotype 3 Patients Previously Treated With Pegylated Interferon Plus Ribavirin
Conclusions: More than one-quarter of treatment-experienced patients with HCV genotype 3 achieved SVR after re-treatment with consensus interferon plus ribavirin.,Objectives: We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of CIFN and ribavirin in non-responders and relapsers to pegylated interferon with ribavirin therapy.,Patients and Methods: This open-label investigator-initiated study included 44 patients who received CIFN 15 µg /day plus ribavirin 800-1200 mg daily. In patients with an early virological response (EVR), the dose of CIFN was reduced to 15 µg thrice a week for further 36 weeks. Patients with delayed virolog...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 13, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
Hyaluronic Acid: From Biochemical Characteristics to its Clinical Translation in Assessment of Liver Fibrosis
Conclusions: Use of HA in an algorithm model, is an extra and valuable tool for assessing liver necro inflammatory injuries- in parallel with liver biopsy- but more comprehensive studies are needed to approve the use of HA as an appropriate clinical tool.,Results: There are several scientific studies indicating HA as a biomarker for high score fibrosis and cirrhosis in various liver diseases alone or in algorithm models. It seems from various algorithm models that the use of HA as a major constituent has more diagnostic reliability and accuracy than the use of HA alone.,Context: Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a high molecular wei...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 13, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
How Much Weight Loss is Effective on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease?
Conclusions: This intervention offers a practical approach for treatment of patients with NAFLD with diet therapy.,Patients and Methods: Forty four patients with NAFLD received a diet including a 500 to 1000 kcal per day intake reduction as30% fat, 15% protein, and 55% carbohydrate for six months. Anthropometric parameters, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), lipid profile, malondialdehyde (MDA), TNF-α, IL-6, CK18-M30 were measured at baseline and at the end of the study. At the end of follow up, patients were classified as adherent or nonadherent to treatmen...
Source: Hepatitis Monthly - December 6, 2013 Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research
