• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권9호
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• pp.4953-4960
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• 2013

Primary liver cancer is one of the most common cancers at the global level, accounting for half of all cancers in some undeveloped countries. This disease tends to occur in livers damaged through alcohol abuse, or chronic infection with hepatitis B and C, on a background of cirrhosis. Various cancer-causing substances are associated with primary liver cancer, including certain pesticides and such chemicals as vinyl chloride and arsenic. The strong association between HBV infection and liver cancer is well documented in epidemiological studies. It is generally acknowledged that the virus is involved through long term chronic infection, frequently associated with cirrhosis, suggesting a nonspecific mechanism triggered by the immune response. Chronic inflammation of liver, continuous cell death, abnormal cell growth, would increase the occurrence rate of genetic alterations and risk of disease. However, the statistics indicated that only about one fifth of HBV carries would develop HCC in lifetime, suggesting that individual variation in genome would also influence the susceptibility of HCC. The goal of this review is to highlight present level of knowledge on the role of viral infection and genetic variation in the development of liver cancer.

• International Journal of Industrial Entomology and Biomaterials
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• 제7권2호
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• pp.139-144
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• 2003

Over 350 million people worldwide are chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic viral infections of the liver can progress to cirrhosis, which may ultimately lead to hepatic failure or the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. There are two antiviral drugs on the market approved for clinical management of chronic HBV infections; interferon-alpha and the nucleoside analog lamivudine. However, they showed adverse side-effects. In the rational drug design for such therapies we would like to utilize antiviral drugs that inhibit the HBV replication in the liver. Investigation of natural extracts of silkworm exhibiting antiviral potential was held in the functional HBV polymerase activity and the release of virion particle in the HepG2.2.15 cell lines. HBV-producing transgenic mouse fed with silkworm DNJ molecule was shown as an inhibitor of serum HBV particles. We could represent this DNJ molecule as an antiviral potential complementing conventional therapies after preclinical tests against WHBV-infected animal model, woodchuck.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제14권9호
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• pp.5489-5494
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• 2013

In the current study we aimed to show the common YMDD motif mutations in viral polymerase gene in chronic hepatitis B patients during lamivudine and adefovir therapy. Forty-one serum samples obtained from chronic hepatitis B patients (24 male, 17 female; age range: 34-68 years) were included in the study. HBV-DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood of the patients using an extraction kit (Invisorb, Instant Spin DNA/RNA Virus Mini Kit, Germany). A line probe assay and direct sequencing analyses (INNO-LIPA HBV DR v2; INNOGENETICS N.V, Ghent, Belgium) were applied to determine target mutations of the viral polymerase gene in positive HBV-DNA samples. A total of 41 mutations located in 21 different codons were detected in the current results. In 17 (41.5%) patients various point mutations were detected leading to lamivudin, adefovir and/or combined drug resistance. Wild polymerase gene profiles were detected in 24 (58.5%) HBV positive patients of the current cohort. Eight of the 17 samples (19.5%) having rtM204V/I/A missense transition and/or transversion point mutations and resistance to lamivudin. Six of the the mutated samples (14.6%) having rtL180M missense transversion mutation and resistance to combined adefovir and lamivudin. Three of the mutated samples (7.5%) having rtG215H by the double base substituation and resistance to adefovir. Three of the mutated samples (7.5%) having codon rtL181W due to the missense transversion point mutations and showed resistance to combined adefovir and lamivudin. Unreported novel point mutations were detected in the different codons of polymerase gene region in the current HBV positive cohort fromTurkish population. The current results provide evidence that rtL180M and rtM204V/I/A mutations of HBV-DNA may be associated with a poor antiviral response and HBV chronicity during conventional therapy in Turkish patients.

• 대한간호학회지
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• 제37권5호
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• pp.665-675
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• 2007

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of people with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) in Korea. The specific aim was to identify major problems that people with CHB face and strategies that they are dealing with. Methods: A grounded theory method was utilized. The data were collected by individual in-depth interviews from 12 CHB patients from one of the major hospitals in Korea. Results: After constant comparative analysis, a core category emerged as "illness management with self-reliance and will." Seven major strategies that were identified in dealing with the illness were maintaining receptive and positive attitudes; restraining excessive work and greed; searching for information; controlling illness information; adhering to practices for not spreading the viral disease; abstaining from alcohol and smoking and maintaining healthy eating habits; nd using alternative therapies. The outcomes that result from employing these strategies were identified as burden, depression and helplessness, stress for maintaining compliance, and dispirited interpersonal relationships. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that most people with CHB in Korea have problems in psychosocial area. Thus health professionals need to provide not only informational support but also emotional one to improve quality of life of the people with CHB.

• 정신신체의학
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• 제8권1호
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• pp.3-10
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• 2000

연구목적 : 저자는 만성 B형 간질환 환자의 정신과학적 측면과 사회학적 측면을 관찰해 보고자 본 연구를 실시하였다. 방법 : 저자는 1966년부터 1999년까지의 Medline database에 등록된 B형 간질환에 관한 모든 문헌들을 고찰하였다. 결과 : 만성 B형 간질환 환자와 관계되는 정신과학적 측면은 섬망, 전반적인 의학적 상태에 기인하는 정신병(특히 조증), 불안, 우울, 적응장애, 알코올 남용과 의존, 및 약물남용과 의존 등이다. 만성 B형 간질환 환자와 관계되는 사회학적 측면은 간염보균자로서의 낙인문제, 감염과 연관된 죄책감, 증가된 가족들의 부담에 대한 죄책감, 대인관계의 소외와 철수, 성장애, 직업상실 및 의료진의 치료 거부등이다. 결론 : 만성 경과를 거치는 B형 간염환자의 여러 가지 정신과학적 사회학적 문제로 볼 때, 적절한 조기의 교육적 상담 개업이 필요하다고 하겠다. 적절한 교육적 상담 개입은 간염으로부터 간경화 간암으로의 진행과정에 B형 간염환자의 치료의 순응도를 높이고 나아가 악화의 과정을 예방할 수 있다.

• Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention
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• 제15권17호
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• pp.7213-7218
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• 2014

Background: Egypt has one of the highest prevalences of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection worldwide. Although the IL28B gene polymorphism has been shown to modify the course of chronic HCV infection, this has not been properly assessed in the Egyptian population. Materials and Methods: The IL28B rs12979860 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was therefore examined in 256 HCV-infected Egyptian patients (group II) at different stages of disease progression and in 48 healthy volunteers (group I). Group II was subdivided into GII-A (chronic hepatitis patients, n=119), GII-B (post hepatitis cirrhosis, n=66) and GII-C (HCC on top of cirrhosis, n=71). Results: The C/T genotype was the commonest in all groups. It was more frequent in GI (52%) than in GII (48%). There was no significant difference in the frequency of C/T and C/C or T/T genotypes between groups and subgroups (p=0.82). Within the subgroups; the C/C genotype was more common in GII-B while C/T and T/T genotypes were more common in GII-C, though with no significant difference (p=0.59 and p=0.80). There was no significant association between IL28B rs12979860 SNP and viral load, ALT, AFP level, METAVIR scores for necro-inflammation and fibrosis, and Child-Pugh classification. Conclusions: 1) IL28Brs12979860 C/T genotype is the commonest genotype in HCV-associated CH and HCC in Egypt. 2) IL28Brs12979860 polymorphisms are not associated with disease progression or aggression (histological staging, severity of fibrosis in CH or the incidence of post-HCV HCC). 3) Differences in IL28Brs12979860 genotypes could be a consequence of environmental or ethnic variation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제11권2호
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• pp.186-192
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• 2001

A primary culture of human fetal hepatocytes was obtained through a therapeutic abortion process at 26 weeks of gestation period. More than $10^8$ cells were seeded on a plastic plate. These hepatocytes were infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). The HBV was purified from serum of one chronic HBV carrier. Transformed hepatocytes were subcultured in a 10% FBS-supplemented medium. The morphology of the transformed cell was epithelial-like. The cells from the first pass showed signs of early proliferation and had a latent period of more than 3 months after 6-7 passages. After the rest period, the transformed cell proliferated actively and they were subcultured every three days. Transformed hepatocytes were characterized by detection of the HBV transcript by RT-PCR. The secretion of virions from transformed cells was investigated by PCR with the cell medium. Two types of virions secreted into the culture medium were examined by using the transmission electron microscope. Another approach to study the secretion of virions in to culture medium was carried out with HBV antibody. HBsAg was detected in the culture medium of transformed cells using ELISA and Western blot analyses. These data suggested that the human fetal hepatocyte cell line has been established by infection of HBV, in which this cell line secreted viral particles into the culture medium.

• 대한간학회지
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• 제24권4호
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• pp.384-391
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• 2018

Backgrounds/Aims: The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological, laboratory, and serological characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and normal transaminases. The study also aimed to evaluate liver damage by measuring the liver fibrosis (LF) grade and to identify possible factors associated with the presence of fibrosis. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients with chronic HBV infection and classified as inactive carriers or immune-tolerant. Epidemiological variables of age, sex, immigrant, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), as well as virological variables (HBV DNA) and transaminase level were collected throughout the follow-up. The LF grade was evaluated by transient elastography. The cutoff value for significant fibrosis (SF) was liver stiffness ${\geq}7.9kPa$. Results: A total of 214 patients were included in the analysis, and 62% of them had a BMI ${\geq}25kg/m^2$. During follow-up, 4% of patients showed transaminase elevation (<1.5 times normal). Most patients had a viral DNA level <2,000 IU/mL (83%). Data on LF were available in 160 patients; of these, 14% had SF, 9% F3, and 6% F4. The variables associated with the presence of SF were transaminase alteration during follow-up, as 23% of patients with SF had elevated transaminases versus 3% of patients without SF (P<0.005), and BMI, as the vast majority of patients with SF (88%) had a BMI ${\geq}25kg/m^2$ versus 56% of patients without SF (P<0.05). Conclusions: In patients with chronic HBV infection and normal transaminases, liver damage does not seem to be related to DNA levels, alcohol consumption, or immigrant status. SF seems to be associated with transaminase alteration during follow-up and elevated BMI. It is therefore recommended to measure LF grade with validated non-invasive methods in such patients.

• Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition
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• 제8권2호
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• pp.202-212
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• 2005

목 적: Transfusion-transmitted virus는 간염과의 연관성이 아직 명확하지 않지만 특정 유전형이 원인불명의 간염 병원체로 작용하거나 다른 간염 바이러스와 중복 감염되어 임상 경과에 영향을 줄 가능성에 대한 연구가 필요하다. 본 연구는 국내 소아 B형 간염, C형 간염 및 원인 불명의 간염 환자의 TTV DNA 양성률과 유전형의 분포를 알아보기 위해 시행하였다. 방 법: 간 기능이 정상인 소아 88명을 대조군으로 하였으며 B형 간염 환자 14명, C형 간염 환아 12명, 2001년 6월부터 2004년 6월까지 인제의대 상계백병원을 방문한 원인 불명의 간염 환자 25명을 대상으로 하였다. 환아의 혈청 검체를 대상으로 N22 시발체를 이용한 PCR과 5'NCR 시발체를 이용한 PCR을 시행하였다. 또한 TLMV DNA 검출을 위한 seminested PCR을 시행 하였다. N22 primer를 이용한 PCR 양성 산물을 대상으로 염기서열의 직접 분석이 시행되었다. 결 과: 1) N22 시발체를 이용한 TTV DNA 양성률은 대조군에서 11.3%, 간염군에서 19.6%였다(p=0.105). B형 간염의 28.5%, C형 간염의 25%, 원인 불명의 간염 24%에서 TTV DNA가 양성이었으며 대조군에 비해 유의한 차이는 없었다. 2) 5'NCR 부위 시발체를 이용한 TTV DNA 양성률은 대조군에서 32.9%, 간염군에서 54.9%였다. B형 간염의 71.4%, C형 간염의 50%, 원인 불명의 간염 48%에서 TTV DNA가 양성이었다. B형 간염 환자군에서 양성률이 대조군에 비해 높았다(p=0.008). 3) 5'NCR 부위 시발체를 이용한 TLMV DNA양성률은 간염 환자군과 정상 대조군에서 각각 29.4% (15/51명), 48.9% (43/88명)였다. B형 간염 21.4% (3/14), C형 간염 16.6% (2/12), 원인 불명의 간염 환자에서 40% (10/25)였다. 4) 염기 서열 분석: N22 시발체를 이용해서 PCR 반응 산물 중 총 29예(간염 환자 8명, 대조군 11명)의 염기서열을 분석한 결과 G1 유전형은 10예(52%)였고 이 중 G1a형이 7예였다. G2 유전형은 3예, G3 유전형은 2예였으며 나머지는 정확한 분류가 되지 않았다. 결 론: 국내 소아에 감염된 TTV 유전형 중 가장 흔한 것은 G1형이었다. TTV DNA 양성률은 대조군과 원인 불명의 간염군 간에 차이는 없었으며, B형 간염군에서 대조군에 비해 높았다.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• 제34권2호
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• pp.233-239
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• 2024

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation has recently emerged as a significant co-transcriptional modification involved in regulating various RNA functions. It plays a vital function in numerous biological processes. Enzymes referred to as m6A methyltransferases, such as the methyltransferase-like (METTL) 3-METTL14-Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)-associated protein (WTAP) complex, are responsible for adding m6A modifications, while m6A demethylases, including fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) and alkB homolog 5 (ALKBH5), can remove m6A methylation. The functions of m6A-methylated RNA are regulated through the recognition and interaction of m6A reader proteins. Recent research has shown that m6A methylation takes place at multiple sites within hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNAs, and the location of these modifications can differentially impact the HBV infection. The addition of m6A modifications to HBV RNA can influence its stability and translation, thereby affecting viral replication and pathogenesis. Furthermore, HBV infection can also alter the m6A modification pattern of host RNA, indicating the virus's ability to manipulate host cellular processes, including m6A modification. This manipulation aids in establishing chronic infection, promoting liver disease, and contributing to pathogenesis. A comprehensive understanding of the functional roles of m6A modification during HBV infection is crucial for developing innovative approaches to combat HBV-mediated liver disease. In this review, we explore the functions of m6A modification in HBV replication and its impact on the development of liver disease.