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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA

Published on: December 15, 2023

Hepatitis B virus seropositivity and the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction

Joohon Sung1, Yun-Mi Song, Yoon-Ho Choi

  • 1Department of Preventive Medicine, Kangwon National University College of Medicine, Chunchon, Korea.

Stroke
|March 24, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity is linked to cardiovascular disease risk, but this association appears secondary to liver dysfunction, not HBsAg itself. Further research on hepatitis B and atherosclerosis is warranted.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Conflicting findings exist regarding the association between hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) seropositivity and atherosclerosis.
  • Hepatitis B viral infection is highly prevalent in Korea, necessitating investigation into its cardiovascular implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between HBsAg seropositivity and cardiovascular diseases (myocardial infarction and stroke) in a large Korean cohort.
  • To determine if HBsAg seropositivity directly contributes to atherothrombosis or if the association is mediated by liver dysfunction.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 521,421 Korean men aged 30-64 years was followed from 1990 to 2001.
  • Participants were categorized by HBsAg seropositivity and liver dysfunction status.
  • Cox proportional-hazards models were used to assess the risk of fatal and nonfatal myocardial infarctions and strokes.

Main Results:

  • HBsAg seropositivity showed a decreased risk for ischemic stroke (HR 0.79) and myocardial infarction (HR 0.74), but an increased risk for hemorrhagic stroke (HR 1.33).
  • In the absence of liver dysfunction, risks for stroke and MI were similar between HBsAg-seropositive and seronegative men.
  • Men with both HBsAg seropositivity and liver dysfunction exhibited a higher risk of hemorrhagic stroke and lower risks of ischemic stroke and MI.

Conclusions:

  • The observed associations between HBsAg seropositivity and stroke/MI are likely secondary to associated liver dysfunction.
  • HBsAg seropositivity itself does not appear to be a significant factor in atherothrombosis via a proinflammatory effect.
Abstract

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