Persistence of intrahepatic hepatitis B virus DNA integration in patients developing hepatocellular carcinoma after hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aims

The role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) integration into the host genome in hepatocarcinogenesis following hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroclearance remains unknown. Our study aimed to investigate and characterize HBV integration events in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after HBsAg seroclearance.

Methods

Using probe-based HBV capturing followed by next-generation sequencing technology, HBV integration was examined in 10 samples (seven tumors and three non-tumor tissues) from seven chronic carriers who developed HCC after HBsAg loss. Genomic locations and patterns of HBV integration were investigated.

Results

HBV integration was observed in six patients (85.7%) and eight (80.0%) of 10 tested samples.

SUBMITTER: Jang JW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7820213 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature