Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the onset of the plateau phase of slow hepatitis B surface antigen decline in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with intermittent interferon therapy is related to...Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the onset of the plateau phase of slow hepatitis B surface antigen decline in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with intermittent interferon therapy is related to the frequency of dendritic cell subsets and expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40,CD80,CD83,and CD86.Method This was a cross-sectional study in which patients were divided into a natural history group(namely NH group),a long-term oral nucleoside analogs treatment group(namely NA group),and a plateau-arriving group(namely P group).The percentage of plasmacytoid dendritic cell and myeloid dendritic cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes and the mean fluorescence intensity of their surface costimulatory molecules were detected using a flow cytometer.Results In total,143 patients were enrolled(NH group,n=49;NA group,n=47;P group,n=47).The results demonstrated that CD141/CD1c double negative myeloid dendritic cell(DNmDC)/lymphocytes and monocytes(%)in P group(0.041[0.024,0.069])was significantly lower than that in NH group(0.270[0.135,0.407])and NA group(0.273[0.150,0.443]),and CD86 mean fluorescence intensity of DNmDCs in P group(1832.0[1484.0,2793.0])was significantly lower than that in NH group(4316.0[2958.0,5169.0])and NA group(3299.0[2534.0,4371.0]),Adjusted P all<0.001.Conclusion Reduced DNmDCs and impaired maturation may be associated with the onset of the plateau phase during intermittent interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.展开更多
Purpose: Interferon-γ (INF-γ) is a cytokine that participates in the immune reaction of the body. Its level of secretion can reflect the immune response condition after the body is infected by pathogens, which is a ...Purpose: Interferon-γ (INF-γ) is a cytokine that participates in the immune reaction of the body. Its level of secretion can reflect the immune response condition after the body is infected by pathogens, which is a significant indication of clinically-related diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance in application to develop a fluorescence biosensor to inspect INF-γ with rapidness, high sensitivity and high practicability. Method: The fluorescence sensor is made on the basis of the two-dimensional nano-material namely Carbon Nitride Nanosheet (CNNS) and the Aptamer probe to identify INF-γ (Apt®INF-γ). CNNS can quickly quench the Cy5 fluorescent dye modified on the Apt®INF-γ probe due to the Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET), but when the INF-γ exists, Apt®INF-γ specifically identifies and combines it. The complex of Apt®INF-γ and INF-γ is away from CNNS, which can effectively block the fluorescent signal of Apt?INF-γ being quenched by CNNS. Result: The sensitive detection of IFN-γ protein can be achieved through the application of CNNS/Apt®INF-γ fluorescence sensing platform. In this method, the intensity of the fluorescent signal is positively correlated with the concentration of IFN-γ, of which the liner response range is 0.5 - 100 ng/mL and the limit of detection is 0.303 ng/mL. In addition, this fluorescence sensing platform has the advantages of high specificity, simple operation and low costs. It can inspect the content of IFN-γ in clinical serum samples without interference. The actual recovery rate of serum samples is 97.11% - 106.96%. Conclusion: Therefore, the CNNS/Apt®INF-γ sensing platform is expected to be implemented in the actual clinical detection, also conducive to developing a universal fluorescence biosensor to inspect other target materials.展开更多
Objective:To study the predictive value of serum pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)on HBeAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B with low HBeAg levels during pegylated interferon therapy.Methods:Twenty chronic hepatitis ...Objective:To study the predictive value of serum pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)on HBeAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B with low HBeAg levels during pegylated interferon therapy.Methods:Twenty chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg positive and quantitative<50S/CO were selected for this study.The subjects underwent pegylated interferon therapy for 48-96 weeks and were followed up in the outpatient clinic after treatment.The patients were then divided into groups based on whether their HbeAg turned negative.The predictive ability of each indicator for HBeAg negative conversion was evaluated in the HBeAg negative group and the HBeAg positive group.Results:The results of logistic regression analysis suggested that pgRNA and HBcrAg were better indicators for predicting the clearance of HBeAg after treatment.Conclusion:For patients with chronic hepatitis B with low HBeAg levels,pgRNA is a good indicator in predicting HBeAg clearance during pegylated interferon therapy.展开更多
Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions of entecavir combined with long-acting interferon in treating hepatitis B.Methods:The study was conducted from January 2020 to ...Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions of entecavir combined with long-acting interferon in treating hepatitis B.Methods:The study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022,and the research subjects were 69 hepatitis B patients admitted to our hospital.The patients were divided into a research group(n=35)and a control group(n=34).Patients in the control group were treated with entecavir,while patients in the study group were treated with entecavir combined with long-acting interferon.The antiviral efficacy,liver function indicators,clinical effectiveness,and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:The HBV-DNA negative conversion rate and HBeAg seroconversion rate of the patients in the study group were higher than those of the control group,and the virological breakthrough rate was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and total bilirubin(TBIL)levels of the patients in the study group were all lower after treatment.In the control group,the albumin(ALB)level was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The clinical effective rate of patients in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The treatment effect of entecavir combined with long-acting interferon in patients with hepatitis B is significant.It can effectively antiviral and improve the liver function of patients.The incidence of adverse reactions is low and can be promoted and applied.展开更多
Ischemic brain injury triggers an inflammatory response. This response is necessary to clear damaged brain tissue but can also exacerbate brain injury. Microglia are the innate immune cells of the brain that execute t...Ischemic brain injury triggers an inflammatory response. This response is necessary to clear damaged brain tissue but can also exacerbate brain injury. Microglia are the innate immune cells of the brain that execute this critical function. In healthy brain, microglia perform a housekeeping function, pruning unused synapses between neurons. However, microglia become activated to an inflammatory phenotype upon brain injury. Interferon regulatory factors modulate microglial activation and their production of inflammatory cytokines. This review briefly discusses recent findings pertaining to these regulatory mechanisms in the context of stroke recovery.展开更多
AIM To assess the effects of hepatitis E virus(HEV) on the production of type Ⅰ interferons(IFNs) and determine the underlying mechanisms.METHODS We measured the production of interferon(IFN)-alpha and-beta(-α/β) i...AIM To assess the effects of hepatitis E virus(HEV) on the production of type Ⅰ interferons(IFNs) and determine the underlying mechanisms.METHODS We measured the production of interferon(IFN)-alpha and-beta(-α/β) in genotype 3 HEV-infected C3 A cells at different time points(0, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 120 h) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression levels of IFN-stimulated gene(ISG)15 in HEVinfected C3A cells at different time points were tested by western blotting. The plasmid-expressing open reading frame 3(ORF3) or control plasmids(green fluorescent protein-expressing) were transfected into C3A cells, and the levels of IFN-α/β and ISG15 were evaluated, respectively. Furthermore, the plasmid-expressing ISG15 or small interfering RNA-inhibiting ISG15 was transfected into infected C3A cells. Then, the production of IFN-α/β was also measured by ELISA.RESULTS We showed that genotype 3 HEV could enhance the production of IFN-α/β and induce elevation of ISG15 in C3A cells. HEV ORF3 protein could enhance the production of IFN-α/β and the expression of ISG15. Additionally, ISG15 silencing enhanced the production of IFN-α/β. Overexpression of ISG15 resulted in the reduction of IFN-α/β.CONCLUSION HEV may promote production of IFN-α/β and expression of ISG15 via ORF3 in the early stages, and increased ISG15 subsequently inhibited the production of IFN-α/β.展开更多
Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the major causes of visual impairment and irreversible blindness in developed regions.Aside from abnormal angiogenesis,inflammation is the most specific and might be the initiating fa...Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the major causes of visual impairment and irreversible blindness in developed regions.Aside from abnormal angiogenesis,inflammation is the most specific and might be the initiating factor of DR.As a key participant in inflammation,interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)can be detected in different parts of the eye and is responsible for the breakdown of the blood-retina barrier and activation of inflammatory cells and other cytokines,which accelerate neovascularization and neuroglial degeneration.In addition,IFN-γis involved in other vascular complications of diabetes mellitus and angiogenesis-dependent diseases,such as diabetic nephropathy,cerebral microbleeds,and age-related macular degeneration.Traditional treatments,such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents,vitrectomy,and laser photocoagulation therapy,are more effective for angiogenesis and not tolerable for every patient.Many ongoing clinical trials are exploring effective drugs that target inflammation.For instance,IFN-αacts against viruses and angiogenesis and is commonly used to treat malignant tumors.Moreover,IFN-αhas been shown to contribute to alleviating the progression of DR and other ocular diseases.In this review,we emphasize the roles that IFNs play in the pathogenesis of DR and discuss potential clinical applications of IFNs in DR,such as diagnosis,prognosis,and therapeutic treatment.展开更多
Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection is a major health concern worldwide. Interferon-α(IFN-α) therapy has been the main antiviral treatment for more than 20 years. Because of its established antitumor effects, IFNbased ...Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection is a major health concern worldwide. Interferon-α(IFN-α) therapy has been the main antiviral treatment for more than 20 years. Because of its established antitumor effects, IFNbased treatments for chronic HCV infection still have a clinical impact, particularly for patients with high risk conditions of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, such as older age and advanced liver fibrosis. As a result of exhaustive research, several viral factors, including NS5 A amino acid mutations such as the IFN sensitivitydetermining region and the IFN/ribavirin resistancedetermining region, and mutations of amino acids in the core protein region(core 70 and 91) were shown to be associated with the response to IFN-α treatment. In addition, among the host factors related to the response to IFN-α treatment, polymorphisms of the interleukin-28 B gene were identified to be the most important factor. In this article, we review the factors associated with the efficacy of IFN-α treatment for chronic HCV infection. In addition, our recent findings regarding the possible involvement of anti-IFN-α neutralizing antibodies in a non-response to pegylated-IFN-α treatment are also described.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the possibility of shortening the duration of peginterferon(Peg-IFN)plus ribavirin(RBV) combination therapy by incorporating interferon-β (IFN-β)induction therapy. METHODS:A one treatment arm,coho...AIM:To investigate the possibility of shortening the duration of peginterferon(Peg-IFN)plus ribavirin(RBV) combination therapy by incorporating interferon-β (IFN-β)induction therapy. METHODS:A one treatment arm,cohort prospective study was conducted on seventy one patients.The patients were Japanese adults with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C,HCV-RNA levels of≥5.0 Log IU/mL or 100 KIU/mL,and platelet counts of≥90 000/μL.The treatment regimen consisted of a 2 wk course of twicedaily administration of IFN-βfollowed by 24 wk PegIFN plus RBV combination therapy.We prolonged the duration of the Peg-IFN plus RBV therapy to 48 wk if the patient requested it. RESULTS:The patients,including 44%males,were characterized by an median age of 63 years(range: 32-78 years),an median platelet count of 13.9(range: 9.1-30.6)×10 4 /μL,62%IFN-na?ve,and median HCV- RNA of 6.1(range:5.1-7.2)Log IU/mL.The sustained virologic response(SVR)rates were 34%(Peg-IFN:1-24 wk,n=61,95%confidence interval(CI): 24%-47%)and 55%(Peg-IFN:20-24 wk,n=31,95% CI:38%-71%,P<0.001;vs Peg-IFN:1-19 wk).TheSVR rate when the administration was discontinued early was 13%(Peg-IFN:1-19 wk,n=30,95%CI: 5%-30%),and that when the administration was prolonged was 50%(Peg-IFN:25-48 wk,n=10,95% CI:24%-76%,P<0.05;vs Peg-IFN:1-19 wk).In the patients who received 20-24 wk of Peg-IFN plus RBV,only the higher platelet count(≥130 000/μL) was significantly correlated with the SVR(odds ratio: 11.680,95%CI:2.3064-79.474,P=0.0024).In 45% (14/31)of the patients with a higher platelet count (≥130000/μL)before therapy,the HCV-RNA level decreased to below 3.3 Log IU/mL at the completion of IFN-β,and their SVR rate was 93%(13/14)after 20-24 wk administration of Peg-IFN plus RBV. CONCLUSION:These results suggest the possibilities of shortening the duration of Peg-IFN plus RBV combination therapy by actively reducing HCV-RNA levels using the IFN-βinduction regimen.展开更多
Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Several studies have demonstrated that the eradication of HCV reduces the occurrence of HCC. In Japan, as many peop...Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Several studies have demonstrated that the eradication of HCV reduces the occurrence of HCC. In Japan, as many people live to an advanced age, HCV-infected patients are also getting older, and the age at HCC diagnosis has also increased. Although older HCV-infected patients have a risk of developing HCC, the treatment response to peginterferon-alpha plus ribavirin therapy is relatively poor in these patients because of drop-out or discontinuation of this treatment due to adverse events. It is established that the mechanism of action between interferon-alpha and interferon-beta is slightly different. Short-term natural interferon-beta monotherapy is effective for patients with acute hepatitis C and patients infected with HCV genotype 2 and low viral loads. Natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin for 48 wk or for 24 wk are also effective for some patients with HCV genotype 1 or HCV genotype 2. Natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin has been used for certain "difficult-totreat" HCV-infected patients. In the era of direct-acting anti-virals, natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin may be one of the therapeutic options for special groups of HCV-infected patients. In the near future, signal transduction pathways of interferon-beta will inform further directions.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the effects of Sishen pill on the expression of type I interferon(IFN)and type III interferon and their receptors in colonic tissues of mice with acute ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods:Male C57B...Objective:To investigate the effects of Sishen pill on the expression of type I interferon(IFN)and type III interferon and their receptors in colonic tissues of mice with acute ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods:Male C57BL/6Cnc mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,sishenwan group and salazosulfapyridine group.The model was made with 0.2 mL 4%dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)for 5 days,and the control group was given 0.2mL normal saline by gavage.On the second day of modeling,sishen pill group was given 0.2mL 1.5 g·kg^(-1) sishen pill,and SASP group was given 0.2mL 0.25 g·kg^(-1) sulfasalazine,twice a day,for 7 days.During the administration period,the disease activity index(DAI)of mice was calculated every day.After administration,the histopathological changes of colon tissues of mice in each group were observed by hematoxylin eosin(HE)staining,and the histological scores were calculated.The expression of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 mRNAs in colon tissues of mice in each group were detected by qRT-PCR.The expression levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 in colon tissues of mice in each group were detected by ELISA.Western blot was used to detect the expression of interferon receptors IFNAR1,IFNAR2 and IFNLR1 in colon tissues of mice in each group.Results:Compared with the control group,the DAI of mice increased significantly(P<0.001)in the model group.The inflammatory cells in colonic tissues infiltrated heavily,lymph nodes enlarged,colonic mucosal structure destroyed,crypt structure lost,inflammation involved a wide range,and the histological score increased significantly(P<0.001).The levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand IFNλ2 mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01).The expression levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.001).The levels of IFNAR1,IFNAR2 and IFNLR1 were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the DAI decreased significantly(P<0.001)in Sishen pill group,the infiltration of inflammatory cells in colon tissue were significantly reduced,the structural regeneration of colon mucosa was significantly recovered,the crypt structure was significantly recovered,the lymph nodes were significantly reduced,the range of inflammation involvement was reduced,and the histological score was significantly reduced(P<0.001).The levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand IFN-λ2 mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.001).The levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 were significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.01,P<0.001).The levels of IFNAR1,IFNAR2 and IFNLR1 were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.001,P<0.05).Conclusion:Sishen pill may alleviate the symptoms and signs of mice with acute ulcerative colitis by regulating the expression of type I and type III interferon and their receptors in colon tissues.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the antifibrotic effect ofdifferent doses of recombinant human Gamma-Interferon (IFN-γ) intwo rat models of hepaticfibrosis, and to observe its effect on moderatechronic hepatitis B virus fibrosis.MET...AIM To evaluate the antifibrotic effect ofdifferent doses of recombinant human Gamma-Interferon (IFN-γ) intwo rat models of hepaticfibrosis, and to observe its effect on moderatechronic hepatitis B virus fibrosis.METNODS Hepatic fibrosis was successfullyinduced in 150 and 196 rats by subcutaneousinjection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) andintraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosamine(DMN), respectively. Each of the two modeldose IFN-γ group (15 MU/kg per day, i.m. for 8group (1.67 MU/kg daily, i.m. for 8 weeks).Another group of 10 rats without any treatmentwas used as normal controls. At the end of theexperiment, semi-quantitative histopathologicalscores of inflammation and fibrosis, liver (αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression level,liver hydroxyl proline content and serumhyaluronic acid levels were compared. And 47medium chronic hepatitis B viral fibrosispatients were studied. They were given IFN-γtreatment, 100MU/day i.m. for the first threemonths and 100MU qod i.m. for the next sixmonths. Semi-quantitative pathological scoresof inflammation and fibrosis and serum hepaticfibrosis indices were compared within the 9months.RESULTS In animal experiment, thepathological fibrosis scores and liver hydroxylproline content were found to be significantlylower in rats treated with different doses of IFN-γ as compared with rats in fibrotic model groupinduced by either CCI4 or DMN, in a dose-dependent manner. For CCI4-induced model,pathological fibrosis scores in high, medium andIow doses IFN-γ groups were 5.10 ± 2.88, 7.70 ±3.53 and 8.00 ± 3.30, respectively, but the scorewas 14.60 ± 7.82 in fibrotic model group.Hydroxyl proline contents were 2.83 ± 1.18, 3.59± 1.22 and 4.80 ± 1.62, in the three IFN-γgroups, and 10.01 ± 3.23 in fibrotic model group.The difference was statistically significant(P＜0.01). Similar results were found in DMN-induced model. Pathological fibrosis scoreswere 6.30±0.48, 8.10 ±2.72 and 8.30 ±2.58, inhigh, medium and Iow doses IFN-γ groups, and12.60 ± 3.57 in fibrotic model group. Hydroxylproline contents were 2.72 ± 0.58, 3.14 ± 0.71and 3.62 ± 1.02, in the three IFN-γ groups, and12.79 ± 1.54 in fibrotic model group. Thedifference was statistically significant(P＜0.01). Serum hepatic fibrosis indicesdecreased significantly in the 47 patients afterIFN-γ treatment (HA: 433.38 ± 373.00 vs 281.57± 220.48; LN: 161.22± 41.02 vs 146.35 ± 44.67;PCⅢ: 192.59 ± 89.95 vs 156.98 ± 49.22; C-Ⅳ:156.30 ± 44.01 vs 139.14 ± 34.47) and thedifferences between the four indices weresignificant (P＜0.05). Thirty-three patientsCONCLUSION All the three doses of IFN-γ areeffective in treating rat liver fibrosis induced byeither CCl4 or DMN, the higher the dose, thebetter the effect. And IFN-γ is effective forpatients with moderate chronic hepatitis B viralfibrosis.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The interferon(IFN)-mediated innate immune responses could restrict HBV replication at t...Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The interferon(IFN)-mediated innate immune responses could restrict HBV replication at the different steps of viral life cycle. Indeed, IFN-α has been successfully used for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the role of the innate immune response in HBV replication and the mechanism of the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α are not completely explored. In this review, we summarized the currently available knowledge about the IFN-mediated anti-HBV effect in the HBV life cycle and the possible effectors downstream the IFN signaling pathway. The antiviral effect of Toll-like receptors(TLRs) in HBV replication is briefly discussed. The strategies exploited by HBV to evade the IFN- and TLR-mediated antiviral actions are summarized.展开更多
AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chron...AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chronic hepatitis C virus-infected non-responders to interferon alfa2a monotherapy (a course of at least 3 months treatment) and 13 relapsers to interferon alfa 2a monotherapy (a dose of 3 to 6 million units three times per week for at least 20 weeks but not more than 18 months) were treated with the same dose of interferon alfa-2a used before (3 to 6 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (10 mg/ kg daily) for 6 months. In complete responders, interferon alfa-2a was administered for further 6 months at the same dose used before as monotherapy.RESULTS Seven (20.6%) of 34 non-responders stopped the combined therapy due to adverse events, including two patients with histological and clinical Child A cirrhosis. In 17/27 (63%)non-responders, the combined therapy was stopped after three months because of non-response. Ten of the 27 non-responders completed the 1;2-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 28 months (16- 37 months)after the treatment, 4/10 (15%) previous non-responders still remained complete responders,All 13 previous relapsers completed the 12-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 22months (9 - 36 months) after treatment, 6/13(46%) the previous relapsers were stillsustained complete responders.CONCLUSION Our treatment schedule of the combined therapy for 6 months of interferon alfa2a with a low dose of ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day)followed by 6 months of interferon alfa-2amonotherapy is able to induce a sustainedcomplete response rate in 15% of non-responders and 46% of relapsers with chronic hepatitis C virus-related liver diseases comparable to those obtained with the standarddoses of ribavirin 1000 - 1200 mg/day.Randomized prospective controlled trials using lower total amounts of ribavirin in combination with interferon should be performed.展开更多
AIM: To review the prevalence,clinical data and course of interferon-associated type 1 diabetes in chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection.METHODS: Search of all interferon(INF)-related type 1diabetes mellitus(T1DM) ...AIM: To review the prevalence,clinical data and course of interferon-associated type 1 diabetes in chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection.METHODS: Search of all interferon(INF)-related type 1diabetes mellitus(T1DM) cases published in the English literature from 1992 to December 2013 according to the key words: chronic hepatitis C infection,diabetes mellitus type 1,insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,and interferon treatment.We found 107 cases and analyzed their clinical and laboratory data and long-term followup.Due to the predominance of cases described in Japanese literature,we analyzed separately cases of Caucasian and Japanese origin.In addition we describe a representative case with HCV who developed INFrelated T1 DM.RESULTS: Our data show that INF treatment increases the risk of developing T1 DM by 10-18 fold compared with the corresponding general population and the median age of onset was 43 years(range: 24-66 years) in Caucasians and 52 years(range: 45-63 years) in Japanese.Most patients developed T1 DM during INF treatment,after a median time-period of 4.2 and 5.7 mo in Caucasian and Japanese groups,respectively.The clinical course was characterized by a fulminant course with abrupt severe hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis,a high titer of anti-islet autoantibodies and almost all patients(105/107) permanently required insulin therapy with a follow-up of up to 4 years.A substantial number of patients had evidence for other autoimmune disorders mainly thyroid diseases(25% and 31% in Caucasian and Japanese groups,respectively).CONCLUSION: INF-associated T1 DM in HCV has a fulminant course,often associated with other autoimmune diseases,and results almost inevitably in permanent insulin therapy requirement.展开更多
AIM:To investigate the effect of pegylated interferon (IFN) α-2b on specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS:Twenty-one patients with CHB were treated with pegylated IFN α-2b. ...AIM:To investigate the effect of pegylated interferon (IFN) α-2b on specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS:Twenty-one patients with CHB were treated with pegylated IFN α-2b. Periphery blood mononuclear cells were isolated from fresh heparinized blood by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation (density:1.077 g/L,Pharmingen) at weeks 0,4,8,12,and 24,respectively. Frequency of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) epitope-specific CD8 T cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokines were detected by cytometric bead assay. RESULTS:The frequency of circulating HBV core or env-specific CD8 T cells was higher (P < 0.05),the number of HBV core specific CD8 T cells was greater at week 24 (P < 0.05),the level of Th1-type cytokines [interleukin (IL)-12,tumor necrosis factor-α,and IFN-γ] was higher,while that of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4,IL-6,and IL-10) was lower in responders than in nonresponders (P < 0.05) after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment. The IL-6 level was correlated with HBV DNA (r = 0.597,P = 0.04),while the inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level was correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.545,P = 0.005). The IP-10 level at week 8 after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment could predict the normalization of ALT in CHB patients (positive predict value = 56%,negative predict value = 92%). CONCLUSION:Pegylated IFN α-2b can enhance the immune response of CHB patients by increasing the frequency of HBV specific CD8+ T cells and regulating the Th1/Th2 cytokines.展开更多
AIM:To develop models to predict hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag)seroconversion in response to interferon(IFN)-αtreatment in chronic hepatitis B patients.METHODS:We enrolled 147 treatment-nave HBe Agpositive chronic h...AIM:To develop models to predict hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag)seroconversion in response to interferon(IFN)-αtreatment in chronic hepatitis B patients.METHODS:We enrolled 147 treatment-nave HBe Agpositive chronic hepatitis B patients in China and analyzed variables after initiating IFN-α1b treatment.Patients were tested for serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),hepatitis B virus-DNA,hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag),antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen,HBe Ag,antibody to hepatitis B e antigen(anti-HBe),and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen(anti-HBc)at baseline and 12 wk,24 wk,and 52 wk after initiating treatment.We performed univariate analysis to identify response predictors among the variables.Multivariate models to predict treatment response were constructed at baseline,12 wk,and 24 wk.RESULTS:At baseline,the 3 factors correlating most with HBe Ag seroconversion were serum ALT level>4×the upper limit of normal(ULN),HBe Ag≤500 S/CO,and anti-HBc>11.4 S/CO.At 12 wk,the 3 factors most associated with HBe Ag seroconversion were HBe Ag level≤250 S/CO,decline in HBe Ag>1 log10 S/CO,and anti-HBc>11.8 S/CO.At 24 wk,the 3 factors most associated with HBe Ag seroconversion were HBe Ag level≤5 S/CO,anti-HBc>11.4 S/CO,and decline in HBe Ag>2 log10 S/CO.Each variable was assigned a score of1,a score of 0 was given if patients did not have any of the 3 variables.The 3 factors most strongly correlating with HBe Ag seroconversion at each time point were used to build models to predict the outcome after IFN-αtreatment.When the score was 3,the response rates at the 3 time points were 57.7%,83.3%,and 84.0%,respectively.When the score was 0,the response rates were 2.9%,0.0%,and 2.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION:Models with good negative and positive predictive values were developed to calculate the probability of response to IFN-αtherapy.展开更多
The ideal goal of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) treatment should be suppression of emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma through the disappearance of hepatitis B s antigen(HBs Ag) rather than the control of serum hepatitis...The ideal goal of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) treatment should be suppression of emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma through the disappearance of hepatitis B s antigen(HBs Ag) rather than the control of serum hepatitis B virus-DNA level. For this purpose, various types of combination therapies using nucleoside analogs(NAs) and interferon(IFN) have been conducted. The therapeutic effects of combination of two different kinds of agents are better than those of the monotherapy using NAs or IFN alone, probably because different pharmaceutical properties might act in a coordinated manner. Recently, combination therapies with NAs and IFN and sequential therapies with NAs administration followed by IFN therapy have been routinely employed. We previously reported that combination therapy using entecavir(ETV) and pegylated(PEG)-IFN showed antiviral effects in 71% of CHB patients; the effect of this combination was better than that using lamivudine(LAM) and PEG-IFN. This is partially explained by the better antiviral effects of ETV than those of LAM. In our analysis, the cohort of CHB consisted of the patients who showed a flare-up of hepatitis before antiviral therapy, and their baseline HBs Ag levels were relatively low. Therefore, in addition to the combination of the agents, the appropriate selection of patients is critical to achieve a good viral response.展开更多
Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a serious clinical problem worldwide. Conventional interferon(IFN)-α has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Short-term studies have demonstrated that IFN-...Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a serious clinical problem worldwide. Conventional interferon(IFN)-α has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Short-term studies have demonstrated that IFN-based therapy is moderately effective in inducing the loss of hepatitis e antigen(HBeAg) or seroconversion(30%-40%) in HBeAg-positive patients and also produces sustained HBV DNA suppression(20%-30%) in HBeAg-negative patients. Many studies have reported a correlation between the HBV genotype and response to IFN treatment. The highest response rate to IFN treatment was found in patients infected with HBV genotype A, followed by HBV genotypes B, C, and D. The long-term effect of IFN-α on CHB has not yet been elucidated. The ability of IFN-α treatment to prevent new cirrhosis, complications associated with cirrhosis, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is controversial. The beneficial effect of IFN-α treatment in reducing the development of HCC has mainly been observed in treatment responders who already have cirrhosis. These inconsistent findings may be attributed to the inevitable limitations of comparisons across studies, including differences in the baseline characteristics of the study and the moderate suppression of HBV replication by IFN-α relative to nucleoside/nucleos(t)ide analogs.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program[2022YFC2603500,2022YFC2603505]Capital Clinical Diagnostic Techniques and Translational Application Projects(Z211100002921059)+2 种基金Capital’s Funds for Health Improvement and Research[2022-1-2172]Beijing Hospitals Authority Clinical Medicine Development of Special Funding Support[XMLX 202127]National Science and Technology Major Project of China[2017ZX10203202-003]。
文摘Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether the onset of the plateau phase of slow hepatitis B surface antigen decline in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with intermittent interferon therapy is related to the frequency of dendritic cell subsets and expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40,CD80,CD83,and CD86.Method This was a cross-sectional study in which patients were divided into a natural history group(namely NH group),a long-term oral nucleoside analogs treatment group(namely NA group),and a plateau-arriving group(namely P group).The percentage of plasmacytoid dendritic cell and myeloid dendritic cell subsets in peripheral blood lymphocytes and monocytes and the mean fluorescence intensity of their surface costimulatory molecules were detected using a flow cytometer.Results In total,143 patients were enrolled(NH group,n=49;NA group,n=47;P group,n=47).The results demonstrated that CD141/CD1c double negative myeloid dendritic cell(DNmDC)/lymphocytes and monocytes(%)in P group(0.041[0.024,0.069])was significantly lower than that in NH group(0.270[0.135,0.407])and NA group(0.273[0.150,0.443]),and CD86 mean fluorescence intensity of DNmDCs in P group(1832.0[1484.0,2793.0])was significantly lower than that in NH group(4316.0[2958.0,5169.0])and NA group(3299.0[2534.0,4371.0]),Adjusted P all<0.001.Conclusion Reduced DNmDCs and impaired maturation may be associated with the onset of the plateau phase during intermittent interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
文摘Purpose: Interferon-γ (INF-γ) is a cytokine that participates in the immune reaction of the body. Its level of secretion can reflect the immune response condition after the body is infected by pathogens, which is a significant indication of clinically-related diseases. Therefore, it is of great significance in application to develop a fluorescence biosensor to inspect INF-γ with rapidness, high sensitivity and high practicability. Method: The fluorescence sensor is made on the basis of the two-dimensional nano-material namely Carbon Nitride Nanosheet (CNNS) and the Aptamer probe to identify INF-γ (Apt®INF-γ). CNNS can quickly quench the Cy5 fluorescent dye modified on the Apt®INF-γ probe due to the Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET), but when the INF-γ exists, Apt®INF-γ specifically identifies and combines it. The complex of Apt®INF-γ and INF-γ is away from CNNS, which can effectively block the fluorescent signal of Apt?INF-γ being quenched by CNNS. Result: The sensitive detection of IFN-γ protein can be achieved through the application of CNNS/Apt®INF-γ fluorescence sensing platform. In this method, the intensity of the fluorescent signal is positively correlated with the concentration of IFN-γ, of which the liner response range is 0.5 - 100 ng/mL and the limit of detection is 0.303 ng/mL. In addition, this fluorescence sensing platform has the advantages of high specificity, simple operation and low costs. It can inspect the content of IFN-γ in clinical serum samples without interference. The actual recovery rate of serum samples is 97.11% - 106.96%. Conclusion: Therefore, the CNNS/Apt®INF-γ sensing platform is expected to be implemented in the actual clinical detection, also conducive to developing a universal fluorescence biosensor to inspect other target materials.
基金the grant from SPPH Incubator Fund for Development of Science and Technology(2021YJY-19)SPPH Foundation for Development of Science and Technology(2021BJ-26)International Science and Technology Cooperation Projects of Shaanxi Province(2022KW-14).
文摘Objective:To study the predictive value of serum pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)on HBeAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B with low HBeAg levels during pegylated interferon therapy.Methods:Twenty chronic hepatitis B patients with HBeAg positive and quantitative<50S/CO were selected for this study.The subjects underwent pegylated interferon therapy for 48-96 weeks and were followed up in the outpatient clinic after treatment.The patients were then divided into groups based on whether their HbeAg turned negative.The predictive ability of each indicator for HBeAg negative conversion was evaluated in the HBeAg negative group and the HBeAg positive group.Results:The results of logistic regression analysis suggested that pgRNA and HBcrAg were better indicators for predicting the clearance of HBeAg after treatment.Conclusion:For patients with chronic hepatitis B with low HBeAg levels,pgRNA is a good indicator in predicting HBeAg clearance during pegylated interferon therapy.
文摘Objective:To explore and analyze the clinical efficacy and incidence of adverse reactions of entecavir combined with long-acting interferon in treating hepatitis B.Methods:The study was conducted from January 2020 to December 2022,and the research subjects were 69 hepatitis B patients admitted to our hospital.The patients were divided into a research group(n=35)and a control group(n=34).Patients in the control group were treated with entecavir,while patients in the study group were treated with entecavir combined with long-acting interferon.The antiviral efficacy,liver function indicators,clinical effectiveness,and incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results:The HBV-DNA negative conversion rate and HBeAg seroconversion rate of the patients in the study group were higher than those of the control group,and the virological breakthrough rate was lower than that of the control group(P<0.05);the alanine transaminase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),and total bilirubin(TBIL)levels of the patients in the study group were all lower after treatment.In the control group,the albumin(ALB)level was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05).The clinical effective rate of patients in the study group was higher than that in the control group(P<0.05);there was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion:The treatment effect of entecavir combined with long-acting interferon in patients with hepatitis B is significant.It can effectively antiviral and improve the liver function of patients.The incidence of adverse reactions is low and can be promoted and applied.
基金supported by a grant from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada(HHC,AFRS)a grant from the Natural Science&Engineering Research Council of Canada(HHC,AFRS)a Mid-Career Investigator Award from the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario,Canada(HHC)
文摘Ischemic brain injury triggers an inflammatory response. This response is necessary to clear damaged brain tissue but can also exacerbate brain injury. Microglia are the innate immune cells of the brain that execute this critical function. In healthy brain, microglia perform a housekeeping function, pruning unused synapses between neurons. However, microglia become activated to an inflammatory phenotype upon brain injury. Interferon regulatory factors modulate microglial activation and their production of inflammatory cytokines. This review briefly discusses recent findings pertaining to these regulatory mechanisms in the context of stroke recovery.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81570540
文摘AIM To assess the effects of hepatitis E virus(HEV) on the production of type Ⅰ interferons(IFNs) and determine the underlying mechanisms.METHODS We measured the production of interferon(IFN)-alpha and-beta(-α/β) in genotype 3 HEV-infected C3 A cells at different time points(0, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 120 h) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The expression levels of IFN-stimulated gene(ISG)15 in HEVinfected C3A cells at different time points were tested by western blotting. The plasmid-expressing open reading frame 3(ORF3) or control plasmids(green fluorescent protein-expressing) were transfected into C3A cells, and the levels of IFN-α/β and ISG15 were evaluated, respectively. Furthermore, the plasmid-expressing ISG15 or small interfering RNA-inhibiting ISG15 was transfected into infected C3A cells. Then, the production of IFN-α/β was also measured by ELISA.RESULTS We showed that genotype 3 HEV could enhance the production of IFN-α/β and induce elevation of ISG15 in C3A cells. HEV ORF3 protein could enhance the production of IFN-α/β and the expression of ISG15. Additionally, ISG15 silencing enhanced the production of IFN-α/β. Overexpression of ISG15 resulted in the reduction of IFN-α/β.CONCLUSION HEV may promote production of IFN-α/β and expression of ISG15 via ORF3 in the early stages, and increased ISG15 subsequently inhibited the production of IFN-α/β.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81800855 and No.82070967Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,No.2018JJ3765.
文摘Diabetic retinopathy(DR)is one of the major causes of visual impairment and irreversible blindness in developed regions.Aside from abnormal angiogenesis,inflammation is the most specific and might be the initiating factor of DR.As a key participant in inflammation,interferon-gamma(IFN-γ)can be detected in different parts of the eye and is responsible for the breakdown of the blood-retina barrier and activation of inflammatory cells and other cytokines,which accelerate neovascularization and neuroglial degeneration.In addition,IFN-γis involved in other vascular complications of diabetes mellitus and angiogenesis-dependent diseases,such as diabetic nephropathy,cerebral microbleeds,and age-related macular degeneration.Traditional treatments,such as anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents,vitrectomy,and laser photocoagulation therapy,are more effective for angiogenesis and not tolerable for every patient.Many ongoing clinical trials are exploring effective drugs that target inflammation.For instance,IFN-αacts against viruses and angiogenesis and is commonly used to treat malignant tumors.Moreover,IFN-αhas been shown to contribute to alleviating the progression of DR and other ocular diseases.In this review,we emphasize the roles that IFNs play in the pathogenesis of DR and discuss potential clinical applications of IFNs in DR,such as diagnosis,prognosis,and therapeutic treatment.
文摘Hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection is a major health concern worldwide. Interferon-α(IFN-α) therapy has been the main antiviral treatment for more than 20 years. Because of its established antitumor effects, IFNbased treatments for chronic HCV infection still have a clinical impact, particularly for patients with high risk conditions of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, such as older age and advanced liver fibrosis. As a result of exhaustive research, several viral factors, including NS5 A amino acid mutations such as the IFN sensitivitydetermining region and the IFN/ribavirin resistancedetermining region, and mutations of amino acids in the core protein region(core 70 and 91) were shown to be associated with the response to IFN-α treatment. In addition, among the host factors related to the response to IFN-α treatment, polymorphisms of the interleukin-28 B gene were identified to be the most important factor. In this article, we review the factors associated with the efficacy of IFN-α treatment for chronic HCV infection. In addition, our recent findings regarding the possible involvement of anti-IFN-α neutralizing antibodies in a non-response to pegylated-IFN-α treatment are also described.
文摘AIM:To investigate the possibility of shortening the duration of peginterferon(Peg-IFN)plus ribavirin(RBV) combination therapy by incorporating interferon-β (IFN-β)induction therapy. METHODS:A one treatment arm,cohort prospective study was conducted on seventy one patients.The patients were Japanese adults with genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C,HCV-RNA levels of≥5.0 Log IU/mL or 100 KIU/mL,and platelet counts of≥90 000/μL.The treatment regimen consisted of a 2 wk course of twicedaily administration of IFN-βfollowed by 24 wk PegIFN plus RBV combination therapy.We prolonged the duration of the Peg-IFN plus RBV therapy to 48 wk if the patient requested it. RESULTS:The patients,including 44%males,were characterized by an median age of 63 years(range: 32-78 years),an median platelet count of 13.9(range: 9.1-30.6)×10 4 /μL,62%IFN-na?ve,and median HCV- RNA of 6.1(range:5.1-7.2)Log IU/mL.The sustained virologic response(SVR)rates were 34%(Peg-IFN:1-24 wk,n=61,95%confidence interval(CI): 24%-47%)and 55%(Peg-IFN:20-24 wk,n=31,95% CI:38%-71%,P<0.001;vs Peg-IFN:1-19 wk).TheSVR rate when the administration was discontinued early was 13%(Peg-IFN:1-19 wk,n=30,95%CI: 5%-30%),and that when the administration was prolonged was 50%(Peg-IFN:25-48 wk,n=10,95% CI:24%-76%,P<0.05;vs Peg-IFN:1-19 wk).In the patients who received 20-24 wk of Peg-IFN plus RBV,only the higher platelet count(≥130 000/μL) was significantly correlated with the SVR(odds ratio: 11.680,95%CI:2.3064-79.474,P=0.0024).In 45% (14/31)of the patients with a higher platelet count (≥130000/μL)before therapy,the HCV-RNA level decreased to below 3.3 Log IU/mL at the completion of IFN-β,and their SVR rate was 93%(13/14)after 20-24 wk administration of Peg-IFN plus RBV. CONCLUSION:These results suggest the possibilities of shortening the duration of Peg-IFN plus RBV combination therapy by actively reducing HCV-RNA levels using the IFN-βinduction regimen.
文摘Chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). Several studies have demonstrated that the eradication of HCV reduces the occurrence of HCC. In Japan, as many people live to an advanced age, HCV-infected patients are also getting older, and the age at HCC diagnosis has also increased. Although older HCV-infected patients have a risk of developing HCC, the treatment response to peginterferon-alpha plus ribavirin therapy is relatively poor in these patients because of drop-out or discontinuation of this treatment due to adverse events. It is established that the mechanism of action between interferon-alpha and interferon-beta is slightly different. Short-term natural interferon-beta monotherapy is effective for patients with acute hepatitis C and patients infected with HCV genotype 2 and low viral loads. Natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin for 48 wk or for 24 wk are also effective for some patients with HCV genotype 1 or HCV genotype 2. Natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin has been used for certain "difficult-totreat" HCV-infected patients. In the era of direct-acting anti-virals, natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin may be one of the therapeutic options for special groups of HCV-infected patients. In the near future, signal transduction pathways of interferon-beta will inform further directions.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82160835)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the effects of Sishen pill on the expression of type I interferon(IFN)and type III interferon and their receptors in colonic tissues of mice with acute ulcerative colitis(UC).Methods:Male C57BL/6Cnc mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,sishenwan group and salazosulfapyridine group.The model was made with 0.2 mL 4%dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)for 5 days,and the control group was given 0.2mL normal saline by gavage.On the second day of modeling,sishen pill group was given 0.2mL 1.5 g·kg^(-1) sishen pill,and SASP group was given 0.2mL 0.25 g·kg^(-1) sulfasalazine,twice a day,for 7 days.During the administration period,the disease activity index(DAI)of mice was calculated every day.After administration,the histopathological changes of colon tissues of mice in each group were observed by hematoxylin eosin(HE)staining,and the histological scores were calculated.The expression of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 mRNAs in colon tissues of mice in each group were detected by qRT-PCR.The expression levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 in colon tissues of mice in each group were detected by ELISA.Western blot was used to detect the expression of interferon receptors IFNAR1,IFNAR2 and IFNLR1 in colon tissues of mice in each group.Results:Compared with the control group,the DAI of mice increased significantly(P<0.001)in the model group.The inflammatory cells in colonic tissues infiltrated heavily,lymph nodes enlarged,colonic mucosal structure destroyed,crypt structure lost,inflammation involved a wide range,and the histological score increased significantly(P<0.001).The levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand IFNλ2 mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01).The expression levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.001).The levels of IFNAR1,IFNAR2 and IFNLR1 were significantly decreased(P<0.01,P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the DAI decreased significantly(P<0.001)in Sishen pill group,the infiltration of inflammatory cells in colon tissue were significantly reduced,the structural regeneration of colon mucosa was significantly recovered,the crypt structure was significantly recovered,the lymph nodes were significantly reduced,the range of inflammation involvement was reduced,and the histological score was significantly reduced(P<0.001).The levels of IFN-α,IFN-βand IFN-λ2 mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.001).The levels of IFN-α,IFN-β,IFN-λ2 and IFN-λ3 were significantly increased(P<0.01,P<0.001,P<0.01,P<0.001).The levels of IFNAR1,IFNAR2 and IFNLR1 were significantly increased(P<0.05,P<0.001,P<0.05).Conclusion:Sishen pill may alleviate the symptoms and signs of mice with acute ulcerative colitis by regulating the expression of type I and type III interferon and their receptors in colon tissues.
文摘AIM To evaluate the antifibrotic effect ofdifferent doses of recombinant human Gamma-Interferon (IFN-γ) intwo rat models of hepaticfibrosis, and to observe its effect on moderatechronic hepatitis B virus fibrosis.METNODS Hepatic fibrosis was successfullyinduced in 150 and 196 rats by subcutaneousinjection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) andintraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosamine(DMN), respectively. Each of the two modeldose IFN-γ group (15 MU/kg per day, i.m. for 8group (1.67 MU/kg daily, i.m. for 8 weeks).Another group of 10 rats without any treatmentwas used as normal controls. At the end of theexperiment, semi-quantitative histopathologicalscores of inflammation and fibrosis, liver (αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression level,liver hydroxyl proline content and serumhyaluronic acid levels were compared. And 47medium chronic hepatitis B viral fibrosispatients were studied. They were given IFN-γtreatment, 100MU/day i.m. for the first threemonths and 100MU qod i.m. for the next sixmonths. Semi-quantitative pathological scoresof inflammation and fibrosis and serum hepaticfibrosis indices were compared within the 9months.RESULTS In animal experiment, thepathological fibrosis scores and liver hydroxylproline content were found to be significantlylower in rats treated with different doses of IFN-γ as compared with rats in fibrotic model groupinduced by either CCI4 or DMN, in a dose-dependent manner. For CCI4-induced model,pathological fibrosis scores in high, medium andIow doses IFN-γ groups were 5.10 ± 2.88, 7.70 ±3.53 and 8.00 ± 3.30, respectively, but the scorewas 14.60 ± 7.82 in fibrotic model group.Hydroxyl proline contents were 2.83 ± 1.18, 3.59± 1.22 and 4.80 ± 1.62, in the three IFN-γgroups, and 10.01 ± 3.23 in fibrotic model group.The difference was statistically significant(P＜0.01). Similar results were found in DMN-induced model. Pathological fibrosis scoreswere 6.30±0.48, 8.10 ±2.72 and 8.30 ±2.58, inhigh, medium and Iow doses IFN-γ groups, and12.60 ± 3.57 in fibrotic model group. Hydroxylproline contents were 2.72 ± 0.58, 3.14 ± 0.71and 3.62 ± 1.02, in the three IFN-γ groups, and12.79 ± 1.54 in fibrotic model group. Thedifference was statistically significant(P＜0.01). Serum hepatic fibrosis indicesdecreased significantly in the 47 patients afterIFN-γ treatment (HA: 433.38 ± 373.00 vs 281.57± 220.48; LN: 161.22± 41.02 vs 146.35 ± 44.67;PCⅢ: 192.59 ± 89.95 vs 156.98 ± 49.22; C-Ⅳ:156.30 ± 44.01 vs 139.14 ± 34.47) and thedifferences between the four indices weresignificant (P＜0.05). Thirty-three patientsCONCLUSION All the three doses of IFN-γ areeffective in treating rat liver fibrosis induced byeither CCl4 or DMN, the higher the dose, thebetter the effect. And IFN-γ is effective forpatients with moderate chronic hepatitis B viralfibrosis.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China to Pei RJ and Chen XC,Nos.31200135 and 31200699German Research Foundation to Lu MG,Nos.TRR60,GK1045/2 and GK1949
文摘Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is one of the major causes of liver diseases, affecting more than 350 million people worldwide. The interferon(IFN)-mediated innate immune responses could restrict HBV replication at the different steps of viral life cycle. Indeed, IFN-α has been successfully used for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. However, the role of the innate immune response in HBV replication and the mechanism of the anti-HBV effect of IFN-α are not completely explored. In this review, we summarized the currently available knowledge about the IFN-mediated anti-HBV effect in the HBV life cycle and the possible effectors downstream the IFN signaling pathway. The antiviral effect of Toll-like receptors(TLRs) in HBV replication is briefly discussed. The strategies exploited by HBV to evade the IFN- and TLR-mediated antiviral actions are summarized.
文摘AIM To report on the efficacy, safety and tolerability of interferon alfa-2a combined with a "low dose" of ribavirin for relapsers and non responders to alpha interferon monotherapy.METHODS Thirty-four chronic hepatitis C virus-infected non-responders to interferon alfa2a monotherapy (a course of at least 3 months treatment) and 13 relapsers to interferon alfa 2a monotherapy (a dose of 3 to 6 million units three times per week for at least 20 weeks but not more than 18 months) were treated with the same dose of interferon alfa-2a used before (3 to 6 million units three times per week) and ribavirin (10 mg/ kg daily) for 6 months. In complete responders, interferon alfa-2a was administered for further 6 months at the same dose used before as monotherapy.RESULTS Seven (20.6%) of 34 non-responders stopped the combined therapy due to adverse events, including two patients with histological and clinical Child A cirrhosis. In 17/27 (63%)non-responders, the combined therapy was stopped after three months because of non-response. Ten of the 27 non-responders completed the 1;2-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 28 months (16- 37 months)after the treatment, 4/10 (15%) previous non-responders still remained complete responders,All 13 previous relapsers completed the 12-month treatment course. At a mean follow up of 22months (9 - 36 months) after treatment, 6/13(46%) the previous relapsers were stillsustained complete responders.CONCLUSION Our treatment schedule of the combined therapy for 6 months of interferon alfa2a with a low dose of ribavirin (10 mg/kg/day)followed by 6 months of interferon alfa-2amonotherapy is able to induce a sustainedcomplete response rate in 15% of non-responders and 46% of relapsers with chronic hepatitis C virus-related liver diseases comparable to those obtained with the standarddoses of ribavirin 1000 - 1200 mg/day.Randomized prospective controlled trials using lower total amounts of ribavirin in combination with interferon should be performed.
文摘AIM: To review the prevalence,clinical data and course of interferon-associated type 1 diabetes in chronic hepatitis C virus(HCV) infection.METHODS: Search of all interferon(INF)-related type 1diabetes mellitus(T1DM) cases published in the English literature from 1992 to December 2013 according to the key words: chronic hepatitis C infection,diabetes mellitus type 1,insulin dependent diabetes mellitus,and interferon treatment.We found 107 cases and analyzed their clinical and laboratory data and long-term followup.Due to the predominance of cases described in Japanese literature,we analyzed separately cases of Caucasian and Japanese origin.In addition we describe a representative case with HCV who developed INFrelated T1 DM.RESULTS: Our data show that INF treatment increases the risk of developing T1 DM by 10-18 fold compared with the corresponding general population and the median age of onset was 43 years(range: 24-66 years) in Caucasians and 52 years(range: 45-63 years) in Japanese.Most patients developed T1 DM during INF treatment,after a median time-period of 4.2 and 5.7 mo in Caucasian and Japanese groups,respectively.The clinical course was characterized by a fulminant course with abrupt severe hyperglycemia or ketoacidosis,a high titer of anti-islet autoantibodies and almost all patients(105/107) permanently required insulin therapy with a follow-up of up to 4 years.A substantial number of patients had evidence for other autoimmune disorders mainly thyroid diseases(25% and 31% in Caucasian and Japanese groups,respectively).CONCLUSION: INF-associated T1 DM in HCV has a fulminant course,often associated with other autoimmune diseases,and results almost inevitably in permanent insulin therapy requirement.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 30771905National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program), No. 2007CB512800+1 种基金Mega-projects of Science Research, No. 008ZX10002-008Beijing Municipal Science & Technology Commission, No. D08050700650803
文摘AIM:To investigate the effect of pegylated interferon (IFN) α-2b on specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS:Twenty-one patients with CHB were treated with pegylated IFN α-2b. Periphery blood mononuclear cells were isolated from fresh heparinized blood by Ficoll-Hypaque density gradient centrifugation (density:1.077 g/L,Pharmingen) at weeks 0,4,8,12,and 24,respectively. Frequency of circulating hepatitis B virus (HBV) epitope-specific CD8 T cells was detected by flow cytometry. Cytokines were detected by cytometric bead assay. RESULTS:The frequency of circulating HBV core or env-specific CD8 T cells was higher (P < 0.05),the number of HBV core specific CD8 T cells was greater at week 24 (P < 0.05),the level of Th1-type cytokines [interleukin (IL)-12,tumor necrosis factor-α,and IFN-γ] was higher,while that of Th2-type cytokines (IL-4,IL-6,and IL-10) was lower in responders than in nonresponders (P < 0.05) after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment. The IL-6 level was correlated with HBV DNA (r = 0.597,P = 0.04),while the inducible protein-10 (IP-10) level was correlated with serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = 0.545,P = 0.005). The IP-10 level at week 8 after pegylated IFN α-2b treatment could predict the normalization of ALT in CHB patients (positive predict value = 56%,negative predict value = 92%). CONCLUSION:Pegylated IFN α-2b can enhance the immune response of CHB patients by increasing the frequency of HBV specific CD8+ T cells and regulating the Th1/Th2 cytokines.
基金Supported by Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education of China,No.20093420120005National Science Foundation of China,No.30771907
文摘AIM:To develop models to predict hepatitis B e antigen(HBe Ag)seroconversion in response to interferon(IFN)-αtreatment in chronic hepatitis B patients.METHODS:We enrolled 147 treatment-nave HBe Agpositive chronic hepatitis B patients in China and analyzed variables after initiating IFN-α1b treatment.Patients were tested for serum alanine aminotransferase(ALT),hepatitis B virus-DNA,hepatitis B surface antigen(HBs Ag),antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen,HBe Ag,antibody to hepatitis B e antigen(anti-HBe),and antibody to hepatitis B core antigen(anti-HBc)at baseline and 12 wk,24 wk,and 52 wk after initiating treatment.We performed univariate analysis to identify response predictors among the variables.Multivariate models to predict treatment response were constructed at baseline,12 wk,and 24 wk.RESULTS:At baseline,the 3 factors correlating most with HBe Ag seroconversion were serum ALT level>4×the upper limit of normal(ULN),HBe Ag≤500 S/CO,and anti-HBc>11.4 S/CO.At 12 wk,the 3 factors most associated with HBe Ag seroconversion were HBe Ag level≤250 S/CO,decline in HBe Ag>1 log10 S/CO,and anti-HBc>11.8 S/CO.At 24 wk,the 3 factors most associated with HBe Ag seroconversion were HBe Ag level≤5 S/CO,anti-HBc>11.4 S/CO,and decline in HBe Ag>2 log10 S/CO.Each variable was assigned a score of1,a score of 0 was given if patients did not have any of the 3 variables.The 3 factors most strongly correlating with HBe Ag seroconversion at each time point were used to build models to predict the outcome after IFN-αtreatment.When the score was 3,the response rates at the 3 time points were 57.7%,83.3%,and 84.0%,respectively.When the score was 0,the response rates were 2.9%,0.0%,and 2.1%,respectively.CONCLUSION:Models with good negative and positive predictive values were developed to calculate the probability of response to IFN-αtherapy.
基金Supported by Grant--in--Aid for Scientific Research(in part,KAKENHI:24590997)from the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Science(to Nishida N)a grant from the Smoking Research Foundation(to Nishida N)
文摘The ideal goal of chronic hepatitis B(CHB) treatment should be suppression of emergence of hepatocellular carcinoma through the disappearance of hepatitis B s antigen(HBs Ag) rather than the control of serum hepatitis B virus-DNA level. For this purpose, various types of combination therapies using nucleoside analogs(NAs) and interferon(IFN) have been conducted. The therapeutic effects of combination of two different kinds of agents are better than those of the monotherapy using NAs or IFN alone, probably because different pharmaceutical properties might act in a coordinated manner. Recently, combination therapies with NAs and IFN and sequential therapies with NAs administration followed by IFN therapy have been routinely employed. We previously reported that combination therapy using entecavir(ETV) and pegylated(PEG)-IFN showed antiviral effects in 71% of CHB patients; the effect of this combination was better than that using lamivudine(LAM) and PEG-IFN. This is partially explained by the better antiviral effects of ETV than those of LAM. In our analysis, the cohort of CHB consisted of the patients who showed a flare-up of hepatitis before antiviral therapy, and their baseline HBs Ag levels were relatively low. Therefore, in addition to the combination of the agents, the appropriate selection of patients is critical to achieve a good viral response.
文摘Hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a serious clinical problem worldwide. Conventional interferon(IFN)-α has been approved for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B(CHB). Short-term studies have demonstrated that IFN-based therapy is moderately effective in inducing the loss of hepatitis e antigen(HBeAg) or seroconversion(30%-40%) in HBeAg-positive patients and also produces sustained HBV DNA suppression(20%-30%) in HBeAg-negative patients. Many studies have reported a correlation between the HBV genotype and response to IFN treatment. The highest response rate to IFN treatment was found in patients infected with HBV genotype A, followed by HBV genotypes B, C, and D. The long-term effect of IFN-α on CHB has not yet been elucidated. The ability of IFN-α treatment to prevent new cirrhosis, complications associated with cirrhosis, and development of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) is controversial. The beneficial effect of IFN-α treatment in reducing the development of HCC has mainly been observed in treatment responders who already have cirrhosis. These inconsistent findings may be attributed to the inevitable limitations of comparisons across studies, including differences in the baseline characteristics of the study and the moderate suppression of HBV replication by IFN-α relative to nucleoside/nucleos(t)ide analogs.
