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[Liver cirrhosis and hepatitis viruses]
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Shinshu University School of Medicine.
Insights
Hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses are the primary causes of liver cirrhosis in Japan, leading to persistent infections. While HBV can become inactive, HCV often results in chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis in many patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are the leading causes of liver cirrhosis in Japan, accounting for approximately 80% of cases.
- HBV and HCV are responsible for 38% and 59% of viral hepatitis-induced liver cirrhosis, respectively.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the etiological roles of HBV and HCV in the development of liver cirrhosis.
- To differentiate the progression pathways of HBV and HCV infections towards liver cirrhosis.
Summary:
- Liver cirrhosis develops from persistent HBV or HCV infections.
- While HBV infection can lead to a non-replicative, inactive phase, some cases progress to cirrhosis.
- Chronic HCV infection, occurring in 65% of exposed individuals, frequently leads to chronic hepatitis and, in about 40% of cases, cirrhosis within 10-20 years.
Impact:
- Highlights the significant public health burden of viral hepatitis-induced liver cirrhosis in Japan.
- Provides insights into the distinct pathogenic mechanisms of HBV and HCV in liver disease progression.
- Informs clinical management strategies for patients with chronic hepatitis B and C to prevent cirrhosis development.
Abstract:
The main etiological cause of liver cirrhosis that account for approximately 80% of liver cirrhosis in Japan in hepatitis virus, and HBV and HCV account for 38% and 59% of this hepatitis virus-induced liver cirrhosis, respectively. Liver cirrhosis develops in patients with persistent infection of HBV or HCV. A diminution in HBV replication can occur due to the immune response in cases with chronic hepatitis. In such cases, the liver disease may become almost normal or inactive after conversion to the nonreplicative phase. To the contrary, in some cases with HBV infection, such conversion does not occur leading finally to liver cirrhosis. Chronic infection takes place in 65% of the patients exposed to HCV, which results in the development of chronic hepatitis, and only quite rarely resolves. About 40% of these patients with chronic HCV infection will develop liver cirrhosis in 10 to 20 years.