Relationship between HBV genotypes and anti-viral therapeutic efficacy of interferon-alpha.
BACKGROUND
Much evidence demonstrates that the genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present differences in pathogenicity and outcomes owing to differences in genetic structure. This study aimed to investigate the influences of HBV genotypes on the anti-viral therapeutic efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in chronic hepatitis B patients, and to determine the relationship between HBV genotypes and levels of viral replication or gene variations.


METHODS
The chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with IFN-alpha were selected randomly. Anti-viral therapeutic efficacy was monitored in these patients. The HBV genotypes were detected by PCR microplate hybridization ELISA. The levels of serum HBV-DNA were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR. HBV gene variation at pre-C and basic core promoter (BCP) regions were assayed by gene chip technology.


RESULTS
Genotypes B and C were predominant in 94 chronic hepatitis B patients. A, E and F genotypes were not found in these patients. The HBV-DNA levels of genotype C and mixed genotypes were significantly higher than those of genotype B. The response to IFN-alpha in patients with genotype B was markedly better than in those with genotypes C and D, and the complete response to IFN-alpha was only observed in genotype B. The response to IFN-alpha in patients with mixed genotypes was the least sensitive. The negative transition of HBeAg was correlated with variations in the HBV pre-C and BCP regions in patients with partial or no response to IFN-alpha. The variation rates of HBV pre-C and BCP regions were clearly higher in genotype C than in genotype B.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that HBV genotype is correlated with the serum levels of HBV-DNA, HBV gene variations and therapeutic efficacy of IFN-alpha. The regular detection of HBV genotypes in the clinic will be of benefit for disease prognosis and planning of anti-viral therapeutic strategies.
Ma
Jin-Chun
JC
Department of Infectious Diseases, Huangshi Aikang Hospital, Huangshi, China.
Wang
Lu-Wen
LW
Li
Xin-Jian
XJ
Liao
Yong-Feng
YF
Hu
Xi-Ya
XY
Gong
Zuo-Jiong
ZJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics*; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D004279:DNA, Viral; D016898:Interferon-alpha