title: Therapeutic response of chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB) to a new immunomodulator: AM3. Immunohematological effects.
abstract: AM3, a biological response modifier (BRM) of polysaccharide/protein nature, was given by the oral route to 13 patients with chronic active hepatitis B (CAHB). After 12 months of daily treatment, 8 patients cleared serum HBV-DNA and HBeAg together with ALT normalization. Immunohaematologic studies showed how time of inhibition of viral replication was related to significant decreases of CD4, CD8 and B cell blood lymphocytes. After serum viral elimination, however, a significant haematologic rebound of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMNC): CD3, CD4 and CD8 lymphocytes was seen. These data, suggest that the antiviral activities of AM3 may be due to its immunodulatory capacities. These promising results, together with the absence of any side effects, justify the entry to trials with a larger number of patients. Furthermore, treatment with AM3 may help to elucidate the pathophysiology of CAHB.
authors.affiliation: Medical Dept., Lab. Andrómaco, Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: V G
authors.initials: VG
authors.lastname: Villarrubia
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Valladolid
authors.forename: F L
authors.initials: FL
authors.lastname: Elorza
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sada
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Vilchez
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Jimenez
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Herrerias
mesh_terms: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D002130:Calcium Phosphates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006020:Glycopeptides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
chemical_list: D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D002130:Calcium Phosphates; D006020:Glycopeptides; C038773:Immunoferon