Serum miRNAs Predicting Sustained HBs Antigen Reduction 48 Weeks after Pegylated Interferon Therapy in HBe Antigen-Negative Patients.

ABSTRACT: The therapeutic goal for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is HBs antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance, which is achieved through 48-week pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) therapy. This study aimed to identify predictive biomarkers for sustained HBsAg reduction by analyzing serum microRNAs. Twenty-two consecutive chronic HBV infection patients negative for HBe antigen (HBeAg) with HBV-DNA levels <5 log copies/mL, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <100 U/L, and compensated liver functions, were enrolled. The patients were subcutaneously injected with Peg-IFNα-2a weekly for 48 weeks (treatment period), followed by the 48-week observation period. HBsAg 1-log drop relative to baseline levels recorded at the end of the observation period was considered effective. Sera were obtained at weeks 0 and 24 during

SUBMITTER: Fujita K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6073286 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature