Abnormal immunity and gene mutation in patients with severe hepatitis-B

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Immunology

Background:

• Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
• The precore 1896 site mutation in HBV is associated with disease progression.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of HBV precore 1896 site mutations in severe hepatitis B.
• To evaluate associated immune system abnormalities and gene mutations.

Main Methods:

• Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis to detect HBV precore 1896 mutations.
• Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure cytokine levels (TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-8).
• Alkaline phosphatase anti-alkaline phosphatase (APAAP) technique to detect T lymphocyte subgroups.

Main Results:

• A high infective rate (52.5%) of HBV mutant strain was observed in severe hepatitis B patients.
• Mutant strains were associated with lower CD8+ T lymphocyte percentages and higher CD4+/CD8+ ratios.
• Elevated levels of TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, IL-6, and IL-8 were found in severe hepatitis B patients, particularly in the mutant group.
• Mortality was significantly higher (100%) in patients infected with the HBV mutant strain compared to the wild-type (0.9%).

Conclusions:

• HBV precore 1896 mutations are prevalent in severe hepatitis B and contribute to immune dysregulation.
• The mutant strain induces significant immune disorders, including lymphocyte activation and cytokine release.
• HBV DNA mutation appears to be an adaptive response to altered host immunity, exacerbating liver damage.