Baseline value of intrahepatic HBV DNA over cccDNA predicts patient's response to interferon therapy

Sci Rep. 2017 Jul 19;7(1):5937. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-05242-y.

Abstract

Methodology for accurate quantification of intra-hepatic cccDNA has long been a technical challenge, yet it is highly desired in the clinic. Here, we developed a sensitive method for quantification of intrahepatic cccDNA in liver biopsies from patients, which allowed to predict patient's response to interferon therapy at baseline. Twenty-five patients with HBeAg+ CHB were recruited and liver biopsies were obtained at baseline and 1-year after interferon treatment, respectively. Both intrahepatic cccDNA and HBV DNA were absolutely quantified by a droplet digital PCR amplification system. Patients were categorized as either responder or non-responder group based on their HBeAg status 1-year after interferon therapy. Levels of both intrahepatic HBV DNA and HBV cccDNA were significantly reduced after interferon treatment among the responders, but not the non-responders, in comparison with their levels at baseline. Baseline values of intrahepatic HBV DNA over cccDNA significantly correlated with patient's response to PEG-IFN therapy (P = 0.000). In addition, HBeAg seroconversion also correlates with a significant reduction in intrahepatic pgRNA production among the responders after interferon therapy (P = 0.030). In conclusion, our results suggest that baseline value of intrahepatic HBV DNA over cccDNA may be a preferable indicator for selecting appropriate patients for IFN-based therapy in the clinic.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Biopsy
  • DNA, Circular / genetics*
  • DNA, Viral / genetics*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / metabolism
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / blood
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / virology*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver / virology*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • RNA, Viral / metabolism
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • DNA, Circular
  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens
  • Interferon-alpha
  • RNA, Viral