Serum HBsAg and HBcrAg is associated with inflammation in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Biomarker Discovery

Background:

• Liver inflammation is a key driver of fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B (CHB).
• Accurate, non-invasive biomarkers are needed to diagnose and grade liver necroinflammation, reducing reliance on liver biopsy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the correlation between serum biomarkers and liver inflammation grade in CHB patients.
• To evaluate the diagnostic performance of novel biomarkers for significant liver inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Ninety-four CHB patients received antiviral therapy (entecavir or adefovir).
• Serum HBV RNA, HBV DNA, HBsAg, HBcrAg, ALT, AST, and intrahepatic HBV DNA were measured.
• Liver inflammation was assessed by biopsy at baseline and 60 months, with regression defined as ≥1-grade decrease.

Main Results:

• In HBeAg-positive patients, HBsAg and HBcrAg negatively correlated with inflammation, while ALT and AST positively correlated.
• The combination of AST and HBsAg showed excellent diagnostic ability for significant inflammation (AUROC 0.896).
• After 60 months of treatment, liver inflammation significantly improved in nearly all patients, with no progression observed.

Conclusions:

• Serum HBsAg and HBcrAg, in addition to ALT and AST, correlate with liver inflammation grade in HBeAg-positive CHB patients before antiviral treatment.
• The combination of HBsAg and AST demonstrates strong diagnostic potential for significant liver inflammation.
• Antiviral therapy leads to significant amelioration of liver inflammation in CHB patients.