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Long-term expression of the hepatitis B virus core-e- and X-proteins does not cause pathologic changes in transgenic
K Reifenberg1, J Löhler, H P Pudollek
1Laboratory Animal Research Unit, University of Ulm, Germany.
Background/Aims:
Chronic infections with the human hepatitis B virus can result in liver cirrhosis and primary hepatocellular carcinoma. The reasons for these long-term effects are unclear. The aim of this study was to generate transgenic mice expressing the HBV X- and c/e-gene under authentic and foreign promoter control and to test whether the respective gene products can cause pathologic effects during the lifespan of a mouse. Moreover, the temporal and the tissue-specific regulation of the crucial HBV c/e-gene promoter was analyzed.
Methods:
Eight transgenic mouse lines were generated. Four contained the c/e- and X-gene and two contained only the X-gene under authentic promoter control. Two lines expressed only the X-gene under control of the rat insulin promoter/enhancer. Gene expression was tested by protein and mRNA analyses. During an observation period of 2 years, mice were sacrificed and organs subjected to histologic examination. Mice expressing the X-gene in pancreatic beta cells were tested for the development of diabetes.
Results:
In the liver, slight histopathologic alterations but no neoplastic changes could be observed in mice expressing the X-gene. Activity of the c/e-gene promoter/enhancer was age dependent and was not restricted to hepatocytes.
Conclusion:
No evidence was obtained that long-term expression of the HBV c/e- and X-gene products can cause neoplasia during the lifespan of a mouse.