New perspectives of biomarkers for the management of chronic hepatitis B.
- Author:
Chih Lin LIN
1
;
Jia Horng KAO
Author Information
- Publication Type:Review
- Keywords: Chronic hepatitis B; HBV DNA; HBsAg; HBcrAg; Total anti-HBc
- MeSH: Biomarkers/*blood; DNA, Viral/blood; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens/blood; Hepatitis B e Antigens/blood; Hepatitis B virus/genetics; Hepatitis B, Chronic/complications/*diagnosis/prevention & control; Humans; Liver Cirrhosis/etiology; Organic Anion Transporters, Sodium-Dependent/genetics; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Risk Factors; Symporters/genetics
- From:Clinical and Molecular Hepatology 2016;22(4):423-431
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: With recent advances in molecular and genomic investigations, the impact of hepatitis B viral and host factors on the progression of chronic HBV infection has been explored. For viral factors, hepatitis B viral load is a strong predictor for liver disease progression. Hepatitis B viral kinetics appear to be important for successful anti-viral therapy. Serum HBsAg level serves as a complementary marker to viral load for the prediction of HBV-related adverse outcomes in patients with low viral load. In those with low viral load, high serum HBsAg level is associated with higher risks of cirrhosis and HCC. Hepatitis B core-related antigen (HBcrAg) induces host immune responses, and the reduction of the HBcrAg level as well as the increment of total anti-HBc level are significantly associated with favorable outcomes. HBV genotypes (genotype C/D) and mutants (basal core promoter and deletion mutation in pre-S genes) are well known viral genetic markers to predict disease progression. For host factors, serum inflammatory biomarkers have been developed to evaluate the HBV-associated hepatic necroinflammation and fibrosis. Host single nucleotide polymorphism on sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP, an HBV entry receptor) may be associated with a decreased risk for cirrhosis and HCC. In conclusion, patients with chronic hepatitis B should be evaluated with relevant viral and host markers to identify those who are at a higher risk of liver disease progression and then receive timely antiviral therapy.
