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Hepatitis B "e" antigen: an apparent association with lactate dehydrogenase isozyme-5
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 9, 1977
Summary
Hepatitis B virus e antigen presence is linked to an extra band in lactate dehydrogenase isozyme patterns. This finding may aid in diagnosing liver injury and understanding hepatitis B pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global health concern.
- The HBV e antigen is a marker of viral replication and infectivity.
- Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) isozymes are enzymes with diagnostic relevance in liver diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between HBV e antigen and LDH isozyme patterns.
- To explore the potential of this relationship for diagnostic applications.
- To elucidate the role of the e antigen in the pathogenesis of liver injury.
Main Methods:
- Electrophoresis of patient serum in polyacrylamide gel.
- Chromatographic separation of LDH isozyme-5 fraction.
- Neutralization assays using antibodies against HBV e antigen and its components.
Main Results:
- An additional band was observed in the LDH isozyme pattern of sera containing HBV e antigen.
- This extra band was absent in sera with antibodies to the e antigen.
- Antibody neutralization experiments confirmed the association of the extra band with the e antigen.
Conclusions:
- The presence of HBV e antigen influences LDH isozyme patterns, creating a detectable extra band.
- This phenomenon offers a potential new assay system for laboratory diagnosis of HBV infection.
- The findings suggest a possible role for the e antigen in the pathogenesis of liver damage during HBV infection.