Currently,human health due to corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has been seriously threatened.The coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)spike(S)protein plays a crucial role i...Currently,human health due to corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has been seriously threatened.The coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)spike(S)protein plays a crucial role in virus transmission and several S-based therapeutic approaches have been approved for the treatment of COVID-19.However,the efficacy is compromised by the SARS-CoV-2 evolvement and mutation.Here we report the SARS-CoV-2 S protein receptor-binding domain(RBD)inhibitor licorice-saponin A3(A3)could widely inhibit RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants,including Beta,Delta,and Omicron BA.1,XBB and BQ1.1.Furthermore,A3 could potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus in Vero E6 cells,with EC50 of 1.016μM.The mechanism was related to binding with Y453 of RBD determined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry(HDX-MS)analysis combined with quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics(QM/MM)simulations.Interestingly,phosphoproteomics analysis and multi fluorescent immunohistochemistry(mIHC)respectively indicated that A3 also inhibits host inflammation by directly modulating the JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathways and rebalancing the corresponding immune dysregulation.This work supports A3 as a promising broad-spectrum small molecule drug candidate for COVID-19.展开更多
The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)poses a major threat to global health.The high mortality rate reported during the early stage of the COVID-19 ...The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)poses a major threat to global health.The high mortality rate reported during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in panic among patients,including lactating mothers.1-3 The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in breastmilk raised great concerns regarding the possibility of mother-tochild transmission(MTCT)of the virus.4 According to several reports on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breastmilk,some experts suggested that breastfeeding should be conducted with caution,while others recommended that,infants should be separated from their mother and breastfeeding should be discontinued.展开更多
AIM: To comprehensively understand the underlying molecular events accounting for aberrant Wnt signaling activation in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: This study was retrospective. The HCC tissue specimens used...AIM: To comprehensively understand the underlying molecular events accounting for aberrant Wnt signaling activation in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: This study was retrospective. The HCC tissue specimens used in this research were obtained from patients who underwent liver surgery. The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer(COSMIC) database was searched for the mutation statuses of CTNNB1, TP53, and protein degradation regulator genes of CTNNB1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed with TOP/FOP reporters to detect whether TP53 gain-of-function(GOF) mutations could enhance the transcriptional activity of Wnt signaling. Methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR was used to explore the methylation status of Cp G islands located in the promoters of APC, SFRP1, and SFRP5 in HCCs with different risk factors. Finally, nestedreverse transcription PCR was performed to examine the integration of HBx in front of LINE1 element and the existence of HBx-LINE1 chimeric transcript in Hepatitis B virus-related HCC. All results in this article were analyzed with the software SPSS version 19.0 for Windows, and different groups were compared by χ2 test as appropriate.RESULTS: Based on the data from COSMIC database, compared with other solid tumors, mutation frequency of CTNNB1 was significantly higher in HCC(P < 0.01). The rate of CTNNB1 mutation was significantly less frequent in Hepatitis B virus-related HCC than in other etiologies(P < 0.01). Dual-luciferase reporter system and TOP/FOP reporter assays confirmed that TP53 GOF mutants were able to enhance the transcriptional ability of Wnt signaling. An exclusive relationship between the status of TP53 and CTNNB1 mutations was observed. However, according to the COSMIC database, TP53 GOF mutation is rare in HCC, which indicates that TP53 GOF mutation is not a reason for the aberrant activation of Wnt signaling in HCC. APC and AXIN1 were mutated in HCC. By using methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR, hypermethylation of APC was detected in HCC with different risk factors, whereas SFRP1 and SFRP5 were not hypermethylated in any of the HCC etiologies, which indicates thatthe mutation of APC and AXIN1, together with the methylation of APC could take part in the overactivation of Wnt signaling. Nested-reverse transcription PCR failed to detect the integration of HBx before the LINE1 element, or the existence of an HBx-LINE1 chimeric transcript, suggesting that integration could not play a role in the aberrant activation of Wnt signaling in HCC.CONCLUSION: In HCC, genetic/epigenetic aberration of CTNNB1 and its protein degradation regulators are the major cause of Wnt signaling overactivation.展开更多
In 2015, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology published a consensus on pri-mary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In the past years, numerous clinical studies have been published in t...In 2015, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology published a consensus on pri-mary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In the past years, numerous clinical studies have been published in the field of PBC. To guide the clinical diagnosis and management of PBC patients, the Chinese Society of Hepatology invited a panel of experts to assess the new clinical evidence and formulate the current guidelines.展开更多
Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,referred to the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)over 6 months,is a serious health issue because of its severe sequelae such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcino...Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,referred to the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)over 6 months,is a serious health issue because of its severe sequelae such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Prevention of mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)of HBV is most important to control hepatitis B because a vast majority of HBV acquisition in infancy will become chronic carriers.展开更多
AIM: To screen and investigate the effective g RNAs against hepatitis B virus(HBV) of genotypes A-D.METHODS: A total of 15 g RNAs against HBV of genotypes A-D were designed. Eleven combinations of two above g RNAs(dua...AIM: To screen and investigate the effective g RNAs against hepatitis B virus(HBV) of genotypes A-D.METHODS: A total of 15 g RNAs against HBV of genotypes A-D were designed. Eleven combinations of two above g RNAs(dual-g RNAs) covering the regulatory region of HBV were chosen. The efficiency of each g RNA and 11 dual-g RNAs on the suppression of HBV(genotypes A-D) replication was examined by the measurement of HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) or e antigen(HBe Ag) in the culture supernatant. The destruction of HBV-expressing vector was examined in Hu H7 cells co-transfected with dual-g RNAs and HBVexpressing vector using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and sequencing method, and the destruction of ccc DNAwas examined in Hep AD38 cells using KCl precipitation, plasmid-safe ATP-dependent DNase(PSAD) digestion, rolling circle amplification and quantitative PCR combined method. The cytotoxicity of these g RNAs was assessed by a mitochondrial tetrazolium assay.RESULTS: All of g RNAs could significantly reduce HBs Ag or HBe Ag production in the culture supernatant, which was dependent on the region in which g RNA against. All of dual g RNAs could efficiently suppress HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production for HBV of genotypes A-D, and the efficacy of dual g RNAs in suppressing HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production was significantly increased when compared to the single g RNA used alone. Furthermore, by PCR direct sequencing we confirmed that these dual g RNAs could specifically destroy HBV expressing template by removing the fragment between the cleavage sites of the two used g RNAs. Most importantly, g RNA-5 and g RNA-12 combination not only could efficiently suppressing HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production, but also destroy the ccc DNA reservoirs in Hep AD38 cells.CONCLUSION: These results suggested that CRISPR/Cas9 system could efficiently destroy HBV expressing templates(genotypes A-D) without apparent cytotoxicity. It may be a potential approach for eradication of persistent HBV ccc DNA in chronic HBV infection patients.展开更多
Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a critical risk factor for the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). It promotes HCC development by inducing liver fibrogenesis, genetic and epige...Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a critical risk factor for the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). It promotes HCC development by inducing liver fibrogenesis, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and the expression of active viral-coded proteins. Effective antiviral treatments inhibit the replication of HBV, reduce serum viral load and accelerate hepatitis B e antigen serum conversion. Timely initiation of antiviral treatment is not only essential for preventing the incidence of HCC in chronic hepatitis B patients, but also important for reducing HBV reactivation, improving liver function, reducing or delaying HCC recurrence, and prolonging overall survival of HBV-related HCC patients after curative and palliative therapies. The selection of antiviral drugs, monitoring of indicators such as HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen, and timely rescue treatment when necessary, are essential in antiviral therapies for HBVrelated HCC.展开更多
With the development and rising of antimicrobial resistance,rapid and effective killings of bacteria are urgently needed,especially for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial biofilms that are usually hard to be ...With the development and rising of antimicrobial resistance,rapid and effective killings of bacteria are urgently needed,especially for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial biofilms that are usually hard to be treated with conventional antibiotics.Here,a rapid and broad-spectrum antibacterial strategy is demonstrated through photothermal ablation with MXene and light.Ti3C2 MXenes,when combined with 808 nm light,show significant antibacterial effects in just 20 min.The antibacterial strategy is effective to 15 bacterial species tested,including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci(VRE).In addition,the rapid antibacterial strategy works for MRSA biofilms,by damaging the structures as well as killing bacteria in biofilms.Furthermore,the investigation of the antibacterial mechanisms shows that Ti3C2 with light kills bacteria mainly physically through inserting/contact and photothermal effect.This work broadens the potential applications of MXene and provides a way to eradicate bacteria and biofilms physically,without the likelihood of resistance development.展开更多
Background:Hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)caused by enterovirus 71(EV71)is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease that commonly occurs in children.Diagnosis of HFMD caused by EV71 largely depends on clini...Background:Hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)caused by enterovirus 71(EV71)is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease that commonly occurs in children.Diagnosis of HFMD caused by EV71 largely depends on clinical manifestations and rare serological biomarkers used to identify children suffering from HFMD.Serum cholinesterase(SChE)activity has frequently been reported as a potential biomarker for solid central nervous system tumors,chronic heart failure,and liver cirrhosis.However,its potential value in the diagnosis of neurotropic virus infections,such as HFMD caused by EV71,remains to be determined.Findings:In our study,220 children hospitalized with HFMD caused by EV71,34 inpatients infected with coxsackievirus A16(CVA16),and 43 undefined enterovirus-infected HFMD inpatients were recruited at the Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital between January 2011 and December 2012.SChE activity was measured.The non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test showed that SChE activity in children diagnosed with HFMD caused by EV71 was significantly higher than in healthy controls(p<0.001),as well as in children with upper respiratory tract infections(p=0.011),bronchopneumonia(p<0.001),septicemia(p<0.001),amygdalitis(p<0.001),and appendicitis(p<0.001).In addition,higher SChE activity was observed in male inpatients with HFMD caused by EV71(47.7%positivity)compared to female inpatients(26.1%positivity)(chi-square test,p=0.002).In our study,no significant differences in SChE levels were observed among different ages(up to 120 months)(r=-0.112,p>0.05).An important finding was that SChE activity declined in the recovery phase of HFMD caused by EV71 compared to the acute phase(p<0.001).Conclusions:Elevated SChE activity was observed in patients with severe HFMD caused by EV71.Therefore,SChE might be a potential assistant biomarker for the diagnosis of HFMD caused by EV71 in children.展开更多
Dear Editor,Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2)RNA has been detected in human breastmilk,infants’safety with breastmilk feeding is of great concern for women with coronavirus disease 2019...Dear Editor,Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2)RNA has been detected in human breastmilk,infants’safety with breastmilk feeding is of great concern for women with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).1 It is known that milk has antiviral properties.2 However,little is known about the antiviral property of human breastmilk to SARS-CoV-2 and its related pangolin coronavirus(GX_P2V).Here we present for the first time that whey protein from human breastmilk effectively inhibited both SARS-CoV-2 and GX_P2V by blocking viral attachment and viral replication at entry and even post entry.Moreover,human whey protein inhibited infectious virus production,as proved by the plaque assay.We found that whey protein from different species,such as cow and goat,also showed anti-coronavirus properties.Commercial bovine formula milk also showed similar anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.展开更多
AIMTo investigate potential predictors for treatment response to nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODSSeventy-six HBeAg-positive CHB patien...AIMTo investigate potential predictors for treatment response to nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODSSeventy-six HBeAg-positive CHB patients received 96-wk NAs optimized therapy (lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil) were studied retrospectively. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen, HBeAg, hepatitis B core antibody, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and alanine aminotransferase levels were quantitatively measured before and during the treatment at 12 and 24 wk. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for treatment response, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) of the independent predictors were calculated. RESULTSForty-three CHB patients (56.6%) achieved virological response (VR: HBV DNA ≤ 300 copies/mL) and 15 patients (19.7%) developed HBeAg seroconversion (SC) after the 96-wk NAs treatment. The HBeAg level (OR = 0.45, P = 0.003) as well as its declined value (OR = 2.03, P = 0.024) at 24-wk independently predicted VR, with the AUROC of 0.788 and 0.736, respectively. The combination of HBeAg titer 1.6 lg PEIU/mL at 24-wk predicted VR with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of 85%, 100%, 100% and 83%, respectively, and the AUROC increased to 0.923. The HBeAg level (OR = 0.37, P = 0.013) as well as its declined value (OR = 2.02, P = 0.012) at 24-wk also independently predicted HBeAg SC, with the AUROC of 0.828 and 0.814, respectively. The HBeAg titer 2.2 lg PEIU/mL at 24-wk predicted HBeAg SC with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of 88%, 98%, 88% and 98%, respectively, and the AUROC reached 0.928. CONCLUSIONThe combination of HBeAg level and its declined value at 24-wk may be used as a reference parameter to optimize NAs therapy.展开更多
Using high-throughput pseudovirus assay in conjunction with neutralizing antibodies,Wang et al.investigated 80 natural variants and 26 glycosylation-spike(S)mutants of SARS-CoV-2 in terms of infectivity and antigenici...Using high-throughput pseudovirus assay in conjunction with neutralizing antibodies,Wang et al.investigated 80 natural variants and 26 glycosylation-spike(S)mutants of SARS-CoV-2 in terms of infectivity and antigenicity.1 They identified several mutations that can critically affect the virus infectivity and reactivity to neutralizing antibodies(Fig.1).This study provides abundant and comprehensive data that will help us better understand the impact of mutations in S protein,and may contribute to future design of potent vaccine candidate and monoclonal antibodies(mAbs).展开更多
Background and Aims: Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)in-fection remains a major public health problem globally.Here,we describe the baseline characteristics and treatment pro-files of HBV-infected patients recruited to ...Background and Aims: Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)in-fection remains a major public health problem globally.Here,we describe the baseline characteristics and treatment pro-files of HBV-infected patients recruited to the China Registry of Hepatitis B.Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients with different stages of chronic HBV infection and complete key data.Exclusion criteria were patients with hepatocellular car-cinoma.The baseline clinical,laboratory and treatment pro-files were analyzed.Results: Finally,40,431 patients were included.The median age was 43 years,with 65.2%being men and 51.3%being positive for hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg).The most common initial diagnosis was chronic hep-atitis B(81.0%),followed by cirrhosis(9.3%),inactive carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)(6.7%),and immune tolerant phase of hepatitis B infection(3.0%).Among the 21,228 patients who were on treatment,88.0%,10.0%and 2.0%received nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs),interferon or combination of NAs and interferon,respectively.The propor-tion of patients who received preferred NAs(entecavir or te-nofovir disoproxil fumarate)had increased from 13.5%in 2003 to 79.7%in 2016.Conclusions: We concluded that middle-aged men accounted for most of the patients with chronic hepatitis B in this cross-sectional study.About half of the patients were HBeAg-positive.NAs were the most com-monly used therapy,and use of the preferred NAs had steadily increased in the past decade.展开更多
Background and Aims:Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)can cause liver fibrosis and lead to cirrhosis and cancer.As the effectiveness of antiviral therapy to reverse liver fibrosis is limited,We aimed to evaluate the effect of A...Background and Aims:Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)can cause liver fibrosis and lead to cirrhosis and cancer.As the effectiveness of antiviral therapy to reverse liver fibrosis is limited,We aimed to evaluate the effect of An-Luo-Hua-Xian pill(ALHX)on fibrosis regression in CHB patients treated with entecavir(ETV).Methods:Treatment-naïve patients with CHB were randomly treated with ETV alone or combined with ALHX(ETV+ALHX)between October 1,2013 and December 31,2020.Demographic,laboratory,and liver histology data before and after 78 weeks of treatment were collected.The Ishak fibrosis score(F)was used and fibrosis regression required a decrease in F of≥1 after treatment.Results:A total of 780 patients were enrolled,and 394 with a second liver biopsy after treatment were included in the per-protocol population,132 in ETV group and 262 in ETV+ALHX group.After 78 weeks of treatment,the fibrosis regression rate in the ETV+ALHX group was significantly higher than that of the ETV group at baseline F≥3 patients:124/211(58.8%)vs.45/98(45.9%),p=0.035.The percentage of patients with a decreased liver stiffness measurement(LSM)was higher in the ETV+ALHX group:156/211(73.9%)vs.62/98(63.%),p=0.056.Logistic regression analysis showed that ETV combined with ALHX was associated with fibrosis regression[odds ratio(OR)=1.94,p=0.018],and a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma was on the contrary.(OR=0.41,p=0.031).Conclusions:ETV combined with ALHX increased liver fibrosis regression in CHB patients.展开更多
The pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)of hepatitis B virus(HBV)serves not only as a bicistronic message RNA to translate core protein(Cp)and DNA polymerase(Pol),but also as the template for reverse transcriptional replication of v...The pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)of hepatitis B virus(HBV)serves not only as a bicistronic message RNA to translate core protein(Cp)and DNA polymerase(Pol),but also as the template for reverse transcriptional replication of viral DNA upon packaging into nucleocapsid.Although it is well known that pgRNA translates much more Cp than Pol,the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of Cp and Pol translation efficiency from pgRNA remains elusive.展开更多
Recently,an outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children has been reported in more than 27 countries worldwide.However,information on its prevalence in different countries and regions is still la...Recently,an outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children has been reported in more than 27 countries worldwide.However,information on its prevalence in different countries and regions is still lacking.The evidence is suggestive of a potential viral infection,but this has not been fully confirmed.Cases of this disease have been reported in children,mainly in those younger than 5years old.The reason for the age range of the disease requires further investigation.展开更多
Naturally occurred precore(PC,G1896A)and/or basal core promoter(BCP,A1762T/G1764A)mutations are prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients,especially those under HBeAg-negative status.However,the replicative capacity ...Naturally occurred precore(PC,G1896A)and/or basal core promoter(BCP,A1762T/G1764A)mutations are prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients,especially those under HBeAg-negative status.However,the replicative capacity of HBV with PC/BCP mutations remains ambiguous.Herein,meta-analysis showed that,only under HBeAg-negative status,the serum HBV DNA load in patients with PC mutation was 7.41-fold higher than those without the mutation.Both PC mutation alone and BCPþPC mutations promoted HBV replication in cell and hydrodynamic injection mouse models.In human hepatocyte chimeric mouse model,BCPþPC mutations led to elevated replicative capacity and intrahepatic core protein accumulation.Mechanistically,preC RNA harboring PC mutation could serve as mRNA to express core and P proteins,and such pgRNA-like function favored the maintenance of cccDNA pool under HBeAg-negative status.Additionally,BCPþPC mutations induced more extensive and severe human hepatocyte damage as well as activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and TNF signaling pathway in livers of chimeric mice.This study indicates that HBeAg-negative patients should be monitored on HBV mutations regularly and are expected to receive early antiviral treatment to prevent disease progression.展开更多
To the Editor:Acute lobar nephronia(ALN),also known as acute focal bacterial nephritis,is a severe form of upper urinary tract infection(UTI)that is characterized by the presence of an inflammatory mass lesion in the ...To the Editor:Acute lobar nephronia(ALN),also known as acute focal bacterial nephritis,is a severe form of upper urinary tract infection(UTI)that is characterized by the presence of an inflammatory mass lesion in the kidney without abscess formation.It is considered to be the midpoint between acute pyelonephritis and renal abscess.^([1])ALN was first described in 1979 as a radiologic diagnosis in ten adults and two children.^([2])展开更多
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health problem. Approximately 887,000 people die of HBV infection-related diseases annually, with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being t...Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health problem. Approximately 887,000 people die of HBV infection-related diseases annually, with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the principal causes of mortality.[1] Timely antiviral therapy greatly reduces the risks of cirrhosis and HCC. However, unfortunately, of those patients who are eligible for antiviral treatment, only 25% of patients in clinic settings and 12% of those in community settings obtain timely antiviral therapy.[2] Therefore, reliable means of identifying patients with chronic HBV infection that require antiviral therapy are necessary, particularly for use in the community.展开更多
基金supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.:81891010/81891011,81725023,82003614,82173950,31770192,32070187,32161133003 and 82003681)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No:2022T150029).
文摘Currently,human health due to corona virus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic has been seriously threatened.The coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)spike(S)protein plays a crucial role in virus transmission and several S-based therapeutic approaches have been approved for the treatment of COVID-19.However,the efficacy is compromised by the SARS-CoV-2 evolvement and mutation.Here we report the SARS-CoV-2 S protein receptor-binding domain(RBD)inhibitor licorice-saponin A3(A3)could widely inhibit RBD of SARS-CoV-2 variants,including Beta,Delta,and Omicron BA.1,XBB and BQ1.1.Furthermore,A3 could potently inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Omicron virus in Vero E6 cells,with EC50 of 1.016μM.The mechanism was related to binding with Y453 of RBD determined by hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry(HDX-MS)analysis combined with quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics(QM/MM)simulations.Interestingly,phosphoproteomics analysis and multi fluorescent immunohistochemistry(mIHC)respectively indicated that A3 also inhibits host inflammation by directly modulating the JNK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)pathways and rebalancing the corresponding immune dysregulation.This work supports A3 as a promising broad-spectrum small molecule drug candidate for COVID-19.
文摘The coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)poses a major threat to global health.The high mortality rate reported during the early stage of the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in panic among patients,including lactating mothers.1-3 The detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in breastmilk raised great concerns regarding the possibility of mother-tochild transmission(MTCT)of the virus.4 According to several reports on the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in breastmilk,some experts suggested that breastfeeding should be conducted with caution,while others recommended that,infants should be separated from their mother and breastfeeding should be discontinued.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81372603973 Program,No.2015CB554000+1 种基金National S T Major Project for Infectious Diseases,No.2012ZX10004-904The 111 Project,No.B07001
文摘AIM: To comprehensively understand the underlying molecular events accounting for aberrant Wnt signaling activation in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).METHODS: This study was retrospective. The HCC tissue specimens used in this research were obtained from patients who underwent liver surgery. The Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer(COSMIC) database was searched for the mutation statuses of CTNNB1, TP53, and protein degradation regulator genes of CTNNB1. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed with TOP/FOP reporters to detect whether TP53 gain-of-function(GOF) mutations could enhance the transcriptional activity of Wnt signaling. Methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR was used to explore the methylation status of Cp G islands located in the promoters of APC, SFRP1, and SFRP5 in HCCs with different risk factors. Finally, nestedreverse transcription PCR was performed to examine the integration of HBx in front of LINE1 element and the existence of HBx-LINE1 chimeric transcript in Hepatitis B virus-related HCC. All results in this article were analyzed with the software SPSS version 19.0 for Windows, and different groups were compared by χ2 test as appropriate.RESULTS: Based on the data from COSMIC database, compared with other solid tumors, mutation frequency of CTNNB1 was significantly higher in HCC(P < 0.01). The rate of CTNNB1 mutation was significantly less frequent in Hepatitis B virus-related HCC than in other etiologies(P < 0.01). Dual-luciferase reporter system and TOP/FOP reporter assays confirmed that TP53 GOF mutants were able to enhance the transcriptional ability of Wnt signaling. An exclusive relationship between the status of TP53 and CTNNB1 mutations was observed. However, according to the COSMIC database, TP53 GOF mutation is rare in HCC, which indicates that TP53 GOF mutation is not a reason for the aberrant activation of Wnt signaling in HCC. APC and AXIN1 were mutated in HCC. By using methylation sensitive restriction enzyme-quantitative PCR, hypermethylation of APC was detected in HCC with different risk factors, whereas SFRP1 and SFRP5 were not hypermethylated in any of the HCC etiologies, which indicates thatthe mutation of APC and AXIN1, together with the methylation of APC could take part in the overactivation of Wnt signaling. Nested-reverse transcription PCR failed to detect the integration of HBx before the LINE1 element, or the existence of an HBx-LINE1 chimeric transcript, suggesting that integration could not play a role in the aberrant activation of Wnt signaling in HCC.CONCLUSION: In HCC, genetic/epigenetic aberration of CTNNB1 and its protein degradation regulators are the major cause of Wnt signaling overactivation.
文摘In 2015, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology published a consensus on pri-mary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In the past years, numerous clinical studies have been published in the field of PBC. To guide the clinical diagnosis and management of PBC patients, the Chinese Society of Hepatology invited a panel of experts to assess the new clinical evidence and formulate the current guidelines.
基金This work was funded by the Health Commission of Nanjing City(ZKX20021)Science and Technology Department of Jiangsu Province(BK20221169)Jiangsu Province Center for Innovation in Obstetrics and Gynecology(CXZX202229),China.
文摘Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection,referred to the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)over 6 months,is a serious health issue because of its severe sequelae such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Prevention of mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)of HBV is most important to control hepatitis B because a vast majority of HBV acquisition in infancy will become chronic carriers.
基金Supported by Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81471938the National S and T Major Project for Infectious Diseases,No.2013ZX10002-002 and No.2012ZX10002-005111 Project,No.B07001
文摘AIM: To screen and investigate the effective g RNAs against hepatitis B virus(HBV) of genotypes A-D.METHODS: A total of 15 g RNAs against HBV of genotypes A-D were designed. Eleven combinations of two above g RNAs(dual-g RNAs) covering the regulatory region of HBV were chosen. The efficiency of each g RNA and 11 dual-g RNAs on the suppression of HBV(genotypes A-D) replication was examined by the measurement of HBV surface antigen(HBs Ag) or e antigen(HBe Ag) in the culture supernatant. The destruction of HBV-expressing vector was examined in Hu H7 cells co-transfected with dual-g RNAs and HBVexpressing vector using polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and sequencing method, and the destruction of ccc DNAwas examined in Hep AD38 cells using KCl precipitation, plasmid-safe ATP-dependent DNase(PSAD) digestion, rolling circle amplification and quantitative PCR combined method. The cytotoxicity of these g RNAs was assessed by a mitochondrial tetrazolium assay.RESULTS: All of g RNAs could significantly reduce HBs Ag or HBe Ag production in the culture supernatant, which was dependent on the region in which g RNA against. All of dual g RNAs could efficiently suppress HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production for HBV of genotypes A-D, and the efficacy of dual g RNAs in suppressing HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production was significantly increased when compared to the single g RNA used alone. Furthermore, by PCR direct sequencing we confirmed that these dual g RNAs could specifically destroy HBV expressing template by removing the fragment between the cleavage sites of the two used g RNAs. Most importantly, g RNA-5 and g RNA-12 combination not only could efficiently suppressing HBs Ag and/or HBe Ag production, but also destroy the ccc DNA reservoirs in Hep AD38 cells.CONCLUSION: These results suggested that CRISPR/Cas9 system could efficiently destroy HBV expressing templates(genotypes A-D) without apparent cytotoxicity. It may be a potential approach for eradication of persistent HBV ccc DNA in chronic HBV infection patients.
基金National Fund of Nature Science of China,No.30570825,No.81070340 and No.91129705
文摘Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV) infection is a critical risk factor for the carcinogenesis and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). It promotes HCC development by inducing liver fibrogenesis, genetic and epigenetic alterations, and the expression of active viral-coded proteins. Effective antiviral treatments inhibit the replication of HBV, reduce serum viral load and accelerate hepatitis B e antigen serum conversion. Timely initiation of antiviral treatment is not only essential for preventing the incidence of HCC in chronic hepatitis B patients, but also important for reducing HBV reactivation, improving liver function, reducing or delaying HCC recurrence, and prolonging overall survival of HBV-related HCC patients after curative and palliative therapies. The selection of antiviral drugs, monitoring of indicators such as HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen, and timely rescue treatment when necessary, are essential in antiviral therapies for HBVrelated HCC.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81901790 and 21803006)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing(7204274)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universitiesthe Interdisciplinary Medicine Seed Fund of Peking University(BMU2017MX015)。
文摘With the development and rising of antimicrobial resistance,rapid and effective killings of bacteria are urgently needed,especially for antibiotic-resistant bacteria and bacterial biofilms that are usually hard to be treated with conventional antibiotics.Here,a rapid and broad-spectrum antibacterial strategy is demonstrated through photothermal ablation with MXene and light.Ti3C2 MXenes,when combined with 808 nm light,show significant antibacterial effects in just 20 min.The antibacterial strategy is effective to 15 bacterial species tested,including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci(VRE).In addition,the rapid antibacterial strategy works for MRSA biofilms,by damaging the structures as well as killing bacteria in biofilms.Furthermore,the investigation of the antibacterial mechanisms shows that Ti3C2 with light kills bacteria mainly physically through inserting/contact and photothermal effect.This work broadens the potential applications of MXene and provides a way to eradicate bacteria and biofilms physically,without the likelihood of resistance development.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No:81271826).
文摘Background:Hand,foot,and mouth disease(HFMD)caused by enterovirus 71(EV71)is a potentially life-threatening infectious disease that commonly occurs in children.Diagnosis of HFMD caused by EV71 largely depends on clinical manifestations and rare serological biomarkers used to identify children suffering from HFMD.Serum cholinesterase(SChE)activity has frequently been reported as a potential biomarker for solid central nervous system tumors,chronic heart failure,and liver cirrhosis.However,its potential value in the diagnosis of neurotropic virus infections,such as HFMD caused by EV71,remains to be determined.Findings:In our study,220 children hospitalized with HFMD caused by EV71,34 inpatients infected with coxsackievirus A16(CVA16),and 43 undefined enterovirus-infected HFMD inpatients were recruited at the Anhui Provincial Children’s Hospital between January 2011 and December 2012.SChE activity was measured.The non-parametric Mann–Whitney U test showed that SChE activity in children diagnosed with HFMD caused by EV71 was significantly higher than in healthy controls(p<0.001),as well as in children with upper respiratory tract infections(p=0.011),bronchopneumonia(p<0.001),septicemia(p<0.001),amygdalitis(p<0.001),and appendicitis(p<0.001).In addition,higher SChE activity was observed in male inpatients with HFMD caused by EV71(47.7%positivity)compared to female inpatients(26.1%positivity)(chi-square test,p=0.002).In our study,no significant differences in SChE levels were observed among different ages(up to 120 months)(r=-0.112,p>0.05).An important finding was that SChE activity declined in the recovery phase of HFMD caused by EV71 compared to the acute phase(p<0.001).Conclusions:Elevated SChE activity was observed in patients with severe HFMD caused by EV71.Therefore,SChE might be a potential assistant biomarker for the diagnosis of HFMD caused by EV71 in children.
基金We thank Prof.Youchun Wang and Weijin Huang(National Institutes for Food and Drug Control,China)for sharing the pseudovirus of SARS-CoV-2.We thank Xiaoyun Liu(Peking University Health Science Center)for helpful discussion.K.X.and Y.-H.Z.declare grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China[Grant No.81802002 and 81873579(to K.X.)81672002(to Y.-H.Z.)].K.X.declares grants from the Peking University Medicine Fund of Fostering Young Scholars’Scientific&Technological Innovation(Grant No.BMU2017YB001).Y.T.declares grants from the Funds for First-class Discipline Construction(XK1805),Key Project of Beijing University of Chemical Technology(No.XK1803-06),and Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(No.BUCTRC201917).H.F.declares grants from the Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities(No.BUCTZY2022).
文摘Dear Editor,Since severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARSCoV-2)RNA has been detected in human breastmilk,infants’safety with breastmilk feeding is of great concern for women with coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19).1 It is known that milk has antiviral properties.2 However,little is known about the antiviral property of human breastmilk to SARS-CoV-2 and its related pangolin coronavirus(GX_P2V).Here we present for the first time that whey protein from human breastmilk effectively inhibited both SARS-CoV-2 and GX_P2V by blocking viral attachment and viral replication at entry and even post entry.Moreover,human whey protein inhibited infectious virus production,as proved by the plaque assay.We found that whey protein from different species,such as cow and goat,also showed anti-coronavirus properties.Commercial bovine formula milk also showed similar anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity.
基金Supported by Major Science and Technology Special Project of China Twelfth Five-year Plan,Nos.2013ZX10002004 and 2012ZX10002003
文摘AIMTo investigate potential predictors for treatment response to nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. METHODSSeventy-six HBeAg-positive CHB patients received 96-wk NAs optimized therapy (lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil) were studied retrospectively. Serum hepatitis B surface antigen, HBeAg, hepatitis B core antibody, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and alanine aminotransferase levels were quantitatively measured before and during the treatment at 12 and 24 wk. Stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors for treatment response, and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC) of the independent predictors were calculated. RESULTSForty-three CHB patients (56.6%) achieved virological response (VR: HBV DNA ≤ 300 copies/mL) and 15 patients (19.7%) developed HBeAg seroconversion (SC) after the 96-wk NAs treatment. The HBeAg level (OR = 0.45, P = 0.003) as well as its declined value (OR = 2.03, P = 0.024) at 24-wk independently predicted VR, with the AUROC of 0.788 and 0.736, respectively. The combination of HBeAg titer 1.6 lg PEIU/mL at 24-wk predicted VR with a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) of 85%, 100%, 100% and 83%, respectively, and the AUROC increased to 0.923. The HBeAg level (OR = 0.37, P = 0.013) as well as its declined value (OR = 2.02, P = 0.012) at 24-wk also independently predicted HBeAg SC, with the AUROC of 0.828 and 0.814, respectively. The HBeAg titer 2.2 lg PEIU/mL at 24-wk predicted HBeAg SC with a sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of 88%, 98%, 88% and 98%, respectively, and the AUROC reached 0.928. CONCLUSIONThe combination of HBeAg level and its declined value at 24-wk may be used as a reference parameter to optimize NAs therapy.
基金supported by China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2019M660365)to Lin Wang.
文摘Using high-throughput pseudovirus assay in conjunction with neutralizing antibodies,Wang et al.investigated 80 natural variants and 26 glycosylation-spike(S)mutants of SARS-CoV-2 in terms of infectivity and antigenicity.1 They identified several mutations that can critically affect the virus infectivity and reactivity to neutralizing antibodies(Fig.1).This study provides abundant and comprehensive data that will help us better understand the impact of mutations in S protein,and may contribute to future design of potent vaccine candidate and monoclonal antibodies(mAbs).
文摘Background and Aims: Chronic hepatitis B virus(HBV)in-fection remains a major public health problem globally.Here,we describe the baseline characteristics and treatment pro-files of HBV-infected patients recruited to the China Registry of Hepatitis B.Methods: Inclusion criteria were patients with different stages of chronic HBV infection and complete key data.Exclusion criteria were patients with hepatocellular car-cinoma.The baseline clinical,laboratory and treatment pro-files were analyzed.Results: Finally,40,431 patients were included.The median age was 43 years,with 65.2%being men and 51.3%being positive for hepatitis B e antigen(HBeAg).The most common initial diagnosis was chronic hep-atitis B(81.0%),followed by cirrhosis(9.3%),inactive carrier of hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)(6.7%),and immune tolerant phase of hepatitis B infection(3.0%).Among the 21,228 patients who were on treatment,88.0%,10.0%and 2.0%received nucleos(t)ide analogues(NAs),interferon or combination of NAs and interferon,respectively.The propor-tion of patients who received preferred NAs(entecavir or te-nofovir disoproxil fumarate)had increased from 13.5%in 2003 to 79.7%in 2016.Conclusions: We concluded that middle-aged men accounted for most of the patients with chronic hepatitis B in this cross-sectional study.About half of the patients were HBeAg-positive.NAs were the most com-monly used therapy,and use of the preferred NAs had steadily increased in the past decade.
基金supported by National Science and Technology Major Project (2013ZX10002005 and 2017ZX10203202).
文摘Background and Aims:Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)can cause liver fibrosis and lead to cirrhosis and cancer.As the effectiveness of antiviral therapy to reverse liver fibrosis is limited,We aimed to evaluate the effect of An-Luo-Hua-Xian pill(ALHX)on fibrosis regression in CHB patients treated with entecavir(ETV).Methods:Treatment-naïve patients with CHB were randomly treated with ETV alone or combined with ALHX(ETV+ALHX)between October 1,2013 and December 31,2020.Demographic,laboratory,and liver histology data before and after 78 weeks of treatment were collected.The Ishak fibrosis score(F)was used and fibrosis regression required a decrease in F of≥1 after treatment.Results:A total of 780 patients were enrolled,and 394 with a second liver biopsy after treatment were included in the per-protocol population,132 in ETV group and 262 in ETV+ALHX group.After 78 weeks of treatment,the fibrosis regression rate in the ETV+ALHX group was significantly higher than that of the ETV group at baseline F≥3 patients:124/211(58.8%)vs.45/98(45.9%),p=0.035.The percentage of patients with a decreased liver stiffness measurement(LSM)was higher in the ETV+ALHX group:156/211(73.9%)vs.62/98(63.%),p=0.056.Logistic regression analysis showed that ETV combined with ALHX was associated with fibrosis regression[odds ratio(OR)=1.94,p=0.018],and a family history of hepatocellular carcinoma was on the contrary.(OR=0.41,p=0.031).Conclusions:ETV combined with ALHX increased liver fibrosis regression in CHB patients.
基金This work is supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82272315)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality(7222108)National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFA1303600).
文摘The pregenomic RNA(pgRNA)of hepatitis B virus(HBV)serves not only as a bicistronic message RNA to translate core protein(Cp)and DNA polymerase(Pol),but also as the template for reverse transcriptional replication of viral DNA upon packaging into nucleocapsid.Although it is well known that pgRNA translates much more Cp than Pol,the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of Cp and Pol translation efficiency from pgRNA remains elusive.
文摘Recently,an outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children has been reported in more than 27 countries worldwide.However,information on its prevalence in different countries and regions is still lacking.The evidence is suggestive of a potential viral infection,but this has not been fully confirmed.Cases of this disease have been reported in children,mainly in those younger than 5years old.The reason for the age range of the disease requires further investigation.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFC2306800)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82072280 and No.82272315)Beijing Municipal Natural Science Foundation(No.7212063 and No.7222108).
文摘Naturally occurred precore(PC,G1896A)and/or basal core promoter(BCP,A1762T/G1764A)mutations are prevalent in chronic HBV-infected patients,especially those under HBeAg-negative status.However,the replicative capacity of HBV with PC/BCP mutations remains ambiguous.Herein,meta-analysis showed that,only under HBeAg-negative status,the serum HBV DNA load in patients with PC mutation was 7.41-fold higher than those without the mutation.Both PC mutation alone and BCPþPC mutations promoted HBV replication in cell and hydrodynamic injection mouse models.In human hepatocyte chimeric mouse model,BCPþPC mutations led to elevated replicative capacity and intrahepatic core protein accumulation.Mechanistically,preC RNA harboring PC mutation could serve as mRNA to express core and P proteins,and such pgRNA-like function favored the maintenance of cccDNA pool under HBeAg-negative status.Additionally,BCPþPC mutations induced more extensive and severe human hepatocyte damage as well as activated endoplasmic reticulum stress and TNF signaling pathway in livers of chimeric mice.This study indicates that HBeAg-negative patients should be monitored on HBV mutations regularly and are expected to receive early antiviral treatment to prevent disease progression.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82070770)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province(No.2020A1515010674)+2 种基金the Science and Technology Planning Project of Guangzhou(No.201803010109)the President Funding of Nanfang Hospital(Nos.2018B009 and 2018C003)the College Students’Innovative Entrepreneurial Training Plan Program(Nos.X202012121239,202012121046)。
文摘To the Editor:Acute lobar nephronia(ALN),also known as acute focal bacterial nephritis,is a severe form of upper urinary tract infection(UTI)that is characterized by the presence of an inflammatory mass lesion in the kidney without abscess formation.It is considered to be the midpoint between acute pyelonephritis and renal abscess.^([1])ALN was first described in 1979 as a radiologic diagnosis in ten adults and two children.^([2])
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No. 81902115)National Key Research and Development Program of China(No. SQ2020YFF0426358)National S and T Major Project for Infectious Diseases(No. 2017ZX10201201)。
文摘Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health problem. Approximately 887,000 people die of HBV infection-related diseases annually, with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being the principal causes of mortality.[1] Timely antiviral therapy greatly reduces the risks of cirrhosis and HCC. However, unfortunately, of those patients who are eligible for antiviral treatment, only 25% of patients in clinic settings and 12% of those in community settings obtain timely antiviral therapy.[2] Therefore, reliable means of identifying patients with chronic HBV infection that require antiviral therapy are necessary, particularly for use in the community.
