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Clinical Trials, HDV, Hepatitis D Drug Development, Hepatitis Delta (HDV), Liver, Liver Health, Research

Drug Profile: Three Hepatitis Delta Therapies That We Hope to See Widely Available Soon

 

 

 

 

The full extent of hepatitis delta’s (HDV) global disease burden is still unknown and treatment options for HDV have been limited. However, there are three promising up-and-coming drugs to treat HDV patients. This blog post details the drugs’ current phase of development and testing, how well they work for patients in the real world, and their current path toward regulation and market availability. 

Bulevirtide (Hepcludex) 

Gilead Sciences Inc. has been seeking approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for bulevirtide, or Hepcludex, since 2021. In 2020, Gilead acquired MYR, a German pharmaceutical company that had developed the hepatitis delta virus (HDV) drug. At the time that it was acquired, Hepcludex had already been conditionally authorized for use in Germany, France, and Austria (MYR Pharmaceuticals, 2020). Gilead, which is based in California, in the U.S., hoped to accelerate the global launch of Hepcludex. Since then, however, Hepcludex remains in regulatory limbo. In October 2022, the FDA announced the rejection of Hepcludex, citing concerns around the manufacturing and delivery of the drug. Gilead responded by stating that they plan to resubmit Hepcludex for approval as soon as possible (Dunleavy, 2022). Six months after the FDA rejection, the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, which is the European Medicines Agency’s (EMA’s) committee responsible for conveying its opinions on medicinal products to the public, stated that it recommends Hepcludex for full marketing authorization in Europe. Since its conditional approval, a Phase 3 trial (which utilized data from patients in Germany, Italy, Russia, Sweden, and the U.S.) has shown it to be safe and effective for HDV patients. If the European Commission fully approves Hepcludex, it will be the only authorized HDV treatment available in Europe (Dunleavey, 2023).  

Lonafarnib 

At the end of 2022, Eiger Biopharmaceuticals announced that lonafarnib reached an important milestone in its phase 3 trial.  

The trial includes two regimens in patients with chronic HDV:  

  1. 1. Lonafarnib boosted with ritonavir, a protease inhibitor, which interferes with the ability of certain enzymes to break down proteins, often used in combination with other therapies for antiviral activity (this is an all-oral therapy), and
  2. 2. Lonafarnib in combination peginterferon alfa, an antiviral and immunosuppressive, which either completely or partially suppresses the immune system, often used to treat hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) patients (this is a combination therapy).

Both treatment arms showed statistical significance over the placebo arm of the trial. The placebo arm is used as a control in drug testing and has no therapeutic effect on patients. The results showed three noteworthy findings: 1. After 48 weeks (about 11 months) of treatment with the all-oral regimen, a small number of patients may achieve reduced viral load and improved liver function. 2. Combining lonafarnib and ritonavir with peginterferon alfa showed the potential to almost double the effectiveness of the drugs. 3. Combination treatment may lead to significant liver tissue improvement. Researchers found that most adverse symptoms related to treatment were either mild or moderate in severity, with gastrointestinal issues being the most frequent (Eiger Biopharmaceuticals, 2022). 

Peginterferon Lambda 

In June 2023, the results of a phase 2 trial looking at the safety and efficacy of peginterferon lambda (also an Eiger Biopharmaceuticals product) in HDV patients were published. Previously, peginterferon lambda showed a good tolerability profile (or the degree to which patients can tolerate negative treatment symptoms) in patients with HBV and HCV when compared to peginterferon alfa. In this trial, patients received 120-mcg or 180-mcg peginterferon lambda injections over 48 weeks, followed by 24 weeks of post-treatment follow-up. Researchers found that 180-mcg injections were more effective in HDV patients compared to the 120-mcg injections group. Results showed that with 48 weeks of 180 mcg treatment, patients showed a significant reduction in HDV RNA, the molecules responsible for perpetuating the virus in HDV patients. 36% of patients’ HDV RNA levels were undetectable. Some of the adverse symptoms patients experienced were flu-like symptoms and elevated transaminase levels, or enzymes that are related to a fatty liver. Most adverse symptoms were mild or moderate in nature and were resolved without additional treatment (Etzion et al, 2023). 

These three drug therapies show promise for HDV patients. Hepcludex is well on its way to becoming fully authorized in Europe after its three-year conditional approval and recent Phase 3 trial results. Lonafarnib’s phase 3 trial results are encouraging and Eiger, its manufacturer, plans to begin meeting with regulatory agencies, such as FDA and EMA, to discuss regulatory submissions (Eiger Biopharmaceuticals, 2022). Peginterferon lambda has shown a higher tolerability in patients with a lower adverse event rate than peginterferon alfa, which has been modestly used for the treatment of HDV over the past several decades (Etzion et al, 2023). Peginterferon lambda still has a ways to go before regulatory discussions, considering that results have just been published from its Phase 2 trial. Typically, in Phase 2 trials, researchers seek to learn whether the treatment they are studying is effective in fighting the disease. Phase 3 will test whether peginterferon lambda is more effective than already available, standard treatments. Hopefully, these three drugs continue to show positive results for HDV patients and will become widely available over the next few years. There are a number of other HDV drugs currently in development, but these are still in the early stages of clinical trial testing. You can stay up to date on the latest developments of these drugs by checking out the Hepatitis Delta Connect Drug Watch page. 

Dunleavy, K. (2022, October 28). Gilead hits surprise FDA rejection for hepatitis D drug already authorized in Europe for 2 Years. Fierce Pharma. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/gilead-gets-fda-rejection-hepatitis-d-drug-already-authorized-europe-two-years 

Dunleavy, K. (2023, May 5). After FDA rejection, Gilead’s Hepcludex looks set for full EU NOD. Fierce Pharma. https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/gileads-hdv-drug-hepcludex-gets-thumbs-chmp 

Eiger announces both lonafarnib-based treatments in pivotal phase 3 D-LIVR trial in Hepatitis Delta virus (HDV) achieved statistical significance against Placebo in composite primary endpoint. Eiger BioPharmaceuticals. (n.d.). https://ir.eigerbio.com/news-releases/news-release-details/eiger-announces-both-lonafarnib-based-treatments-pivotal-phase-3 

Etzion, O., Hamid, S., Lurie, Y., Gane, E. J., Yardeni, D., Duehren, S., Bader, N., Nevo-Shor, A., Channa, S. M., Cotler, S. J., Mawani, M., Parkash, O., Dahari, H., Choong, I., & Glenn, J. S. (2023). Treatment of chronic hepatitis D with peginterferon lambda-the phase 2 LIMT-1 clinical trial. Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.), 77(6), 2093–2103. https://doi.org/10.1097/HEP.0000000000000309  

MYR Pharmaceuticals. (2020, September 17). Myr Pharmaceuticals launches HEPCLUDEX® in Germany, France and Austria. PR Newswire: press release distribution, targeting, monitoring and marketing. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/myr-pharmaceuticals-launches-hepcludex-in-germany-france-and-austria-301133006.html 

About Hepatitis B, HBV, Hepatitis B Awareness, Liver, Liver Cancer, Liver Health, Living with Hepatitis B

Understanding the Impact of Drinking Alcohol on Liver Health

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April is Alcohol Awareness Month!  

Hepatitis B is a virus that can damage the liver. The liver is a critical organ in the human body and is responsible for energizing cells, removing toxins and waste, and strengthening the immune system. It is most commonly understood as the body’s primary filtering system and storage unit. Alcohol consumption has been shown to cause serious problems for the liver as it overwhelms the liver’s ability to carry out important tasks. 

Important Functions of the Liver: 

Bile Production: Bile is a greenish liquid released from the liver and into the gallbladder (a small sac located under the liver which stores bile) that helps to break down fats so they can be used by the body. The liver produces and cleans bile so that it can move through the small intestine. Bile also helps to remove some toxins and waste products such as excess cholesterol (a type of fat necessary for digestion and healthy cells) and bilirubin (a yellow substance made from old red blood cells) to keep your immune system healthy and clean. Even though cholesterol is an important substance, excess amounts of cholesterol can clog the bloodstream and cause serious problems like heart disease. This is why the liver removes unwanted cholesterol from the body. Similarly, bilirubin is made during the production of bile and is a waste product of old and broken-down red blood cells. A healthy liver can filter out and remove bilirubin from the body. High amounts of bilirubin may indicate damage to the liver or serious liver disease. 

Natural Detoxification: The liver is most notably known for its natural detox system, which is one of its most important functions. The liver removes toxins, foreign substances, and harmful waste from the bloodstream such as alcohol, drugs, and other chemicals through different ways. Depending on the substance, it may remove the toxin through bile, break it down into safer substances so the toxins don’t cause harm. The liver can even store the toxins, so the rest of the body is safe. It is important to understand that, even though the liver has a remarkable filtering system, it has limits and should not be put under excess stress.  

Blood Glucose Regulation: Glucose is a sugar molecule and the most important source of energy for your body. Glucose enters the body through foods high in carbohydrates, such as grains, potatoes and fruits. During the digestive process, glucose molecules from foods are broken down and used by the body to energize cells and maintain the most basic yet critical functions of the immune system. Glucose turns into blood glucose or blood sugar when it travels through the bloodstream. For glucose to be used as energy by the cells, it needs assistance from insulin (a hormone released by the pancreas), which helps it move around and get to the cells. Think of insulin as the key and glucose as the lock. The key opens the lock to the door. Similarly, insulin opens the door so that glucose can get inside the cells and provide energy. High levels of blood glucose and the inability to produce or use insulin properly can result in diabetes. Even though glucose comes from food, the human body can use the liver to produce its own glucose. The liver is basically the storage unit for glucose, saving it for use at a later time in the form of glycogen. Glycogen or stored glucose is released on an “as– needed basis.” When the body is running low on glucose, the liver uses fats to provide energy and saves the remainder of the glucose for the most important organs that need sugar for energy, such as the brain and kidneys.  

Alcohol Consumption and the Liver: 

Alcohol is a toxic substance and is known to cause a powerful effect on the brain’s ability to understand and process information because the brain is a very sensitive organ. This is why alcohol can be so addictive for some people. It causes chemical effects (excess release of dopamine, a hormone that makes you feel good) in the brain, which can lead to addiction. Increased intake of alcohol is also linked to several health issues such as cancer, heart disease, digestive problems and liver disease. Alcohol use is also associated with injuries such as fatal car crashes and alcohol overdose.  

Since the liver is the body’s natural detox system, alcohol consumption disrupts the liver from carrying out its most important tasks. For example, the liver’s role is to remove alcohol from the blood. Breaking down ethanol (found in alcohol) causes some liver cells to die. The liver is able to make new cells but too much alcohol or long-term use can reduce the ability to make repairs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women to be excessive alcohol use. Drinking too much inflames the liver and disrupts its filtering system. Damaged and weakened liver cells are unable to remove the toxins from alcohol from the blood. When liver cells are destroyed, they are unable to carry out the other important tasks such as producing bile, making proteins and storing glucose.  

The most common type of alcohol– related disease is fatty liver. This is when excess amounts of fat are found in the liver. This causes the liver to swell, and overtime may cause inflammation or cirrhosis (scarring of the liver). Any damage to the liver cells, whether it’s through swelling, inflammation, or scarring, disrupts the liver’s ability to carry out its most essential functions. Cirrhosis or scarring of the liver is the most dangerous thing that can happen to the liver. It means that healthy liver tissue and cells are now being replaced by scar tissue from liver damage. The symptoms of liver damage from alcohol use may consist of fever, vomiting, nausea, jaundice, abdominal pain, fatigue and loss of appetite. This process is not sudden and usually takes a long time to happen. However, symptoms and signs may not always be present.  

What People Living with Hepatitis B Should Know About Drinking Alcohol? 

People living with hepatitis B should know that the liver is already weakened by the virus. The hepatitis B virus attacks the healthy liver cells and tissue and causes inflammation. Alcohol use can result in more problems and can put greater stress on the liver. It can speed up the harm to the liver, resulting in serious liver disease. It can lower the body’s ability to defend itself from foreign invaders, such as other viruses and bacteria. Studies have shown that alcohol intake can result in rapid HBV replication, further increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver disease.  

Love your Liver! 

In a recently published statement by the World Health Organization, it was found that “no amount of alcohol is safe when it comes to health.” It is important to understand that alcohol, whether little or much, is a toxin and puts the liver at the highest risk as the liver is the natural detox for unwanted and harmful substances. The liver does a lot to keep our bodies protected from harm and acts as a natural defense. But, like people, the liver can also experience burnout. It is very important to keep our liver healthy, safe, and away from harm! 

References: 

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/alcoholinduced-liver-disease 

https://www.verywellhealth.com/definition-of-bile-1759867 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470209/ 

https://dtc.ucsf.edu/types-of-diabetes/type1/understanding-type-1-diabetes/how-the-body-processes-sugar/the-liver-blood-sugar/#:~:text=When%20you’re%20not%20eating%20%E2%80%93%20especially%20overnight%20or%20between%20meals,in%20a%20process%20called%20glycogenolysis. 

https://columbiasurgery.org/liver/liver-and-its-functions#:~:text=The%20liver%20filters%20all%20of,fats%20and%20carry%20away%20waste. 

http://hepctrust.org.uk/information/liver/detoxification 

https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health#:~:text=The%20risks%20and%20harms%20associated,that%20does%20not%20affect%20health. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7081008/#:~:text=Hepatitis%20B%20virus%20(HBV)%20and,allows%20HBV%20to%20persist%20chronically. 

https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/effects-of-alcohol-on-your-health-and-liver 

Hepatitis B Research

Hepatitis B Research Review: March

Welcome to the Hepatitis B Research Review! This monthly blog shares recent scientific findings with members of Baruch S. Blumberg Institute (BSBI) labs and the hepatitis B (HBV) community. Technical articles concerning HBV, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and STING protein will be highlighted as well as scientific breakthroughs in cancer, immunology, and virology. For each article, a brief synopsis reporting key points is provided as the BSBI does not enjoy the luxury of a library subscription. The hope is to disseminate relevant articles across our labs and the hep B community.

Summary: This month, researchers at Fudan University in Shanghai, China have identified activation of the cGAS/STING pathway by extracellular DNA as a mediator of radiation-induced liver disease. At the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA, HBV researchers have elucidated the role of the host kinase protein CDK2 in phosphorylating the HBV core protein, leading to new cccDNA formation. Researchers from the University of Charlottesville in Virginia have characterized the “apoptotic metabolite secretome”, a select group of molecules released from cells undergoing apoptosis. 

 DNA sensing and associated type 1 interferon signaling contributes to progression of radiation-induced liver injury – Cellular & Molecular Immunology

This paper from Fudan University in Shanghai, China reveals the role of the cGAS/STING pathway in radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). Either radiation therapy (RT) or accidental exposure to ionizing radiation may cause RILD. RT is used to treat various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The dose of radiation used when treating HCC and gastrointestinal malignancies is limited by the risk of RILD as the liver is a highly radiosensitive organ. RILD is associated with a high mortality in patients with HCC and typically occurs within four months of receiving RT. RILD is characterized by hepatic injury due to the deposition of fibrin into the central veins and sinusoids of the liver. While the exact mechanism of RILD development is not well understood, it has been shown that hepatic nonparenchymal cells (NPCs) such as Kupffer cells, sinusoidal endothelial cells, and hepatic stellate cells play an important role. NPCs are cells in the liver that are not hepatocytes; they consist of immune cells, endothelial cells, pericytes, and other cell types. The cGAS/STING pathway is a component of the innate immune system in cells responsible for sensing double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) in the cytoplasm and subsequently initiating the expression and secretion of type 1 interferons (IFN-I). This publication identifies the cGAS/STING-mediated production of IFN-I by NPCs as a key mediator of RILD. The authors propose that RT induces massive hepatocyte apoptosis, resulting in a large amount of ectopic dsDNA which is then taken up by liver NPCs, resulting in the activation of cGAS and subsequently STING. In order to determine this, the group exposed wild-type (WT), cGAS knockout, and STING knockout mice to 30Gy of radiation. While livers of WT mice subjected to radiation showed increased steatosis (retention of lipids), mice lacking either cGAS or STING showed less at 48 hours as measured by histological staining. The knockout mice also showed reduced apoptosis in liver tissue at 48 hours as measured by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay of histological sections. Additionally, histological staining of mouse liver tissues six weeks after radiation showed that the knockout mice had less veno-occlusive inflammation, an indicator of RILD. Next, the group showed that hepatocytes extracted from mice 24 hours following irradiation secrete much more dsDNA in vitro than NPCs extracted from the same liver. Furthermore, levels of cGAS, STING, IFN-α, IFN-β, and TLR9 mRNA transcripts were found to increase dramatically in liver NPCs but not in hepatocytes following radiation as measured by RT-qPCR. Additionally, expression levels of cGAS/STING-related genes TBK1, IRF3, ISG15, JAK1, TYK2, AKT1, AGBL5, TRIM32, RSAD2, and TTL4 were all increased in liver NPCs but not in hepatocytes following radiation. The group then showed that DNase treatment of mice during and after RT prevented increased expression levels of cGAS, STING, IFN-α, and IFN-β mRNAs. This result indicates that extracellular DNA is a trigger for RT-induced IFN-I secretion. Finally, the group showed that knockout of the IFNα and IFNβ receptors in mice reduced the amount of liver steatosis and apoptosis caused by RT. Additionally, blockade of IFN-I signaling with an interferon alpha and beta receptor subunit 1 (IFNAR1)-specific antibody did not negatively affect the tumor-reducing properties of RT in a mouse HCC model. This paper indicates that cGAS/STING-signaling in liver NPCs is a major cause of RILD. Extracellular DNA from hepatocytes killed during RT is taken up by NPCs where it activates cGAS/STING signaling to produce IFN-I. This finding could help scientists and clinicians devise ways to prevent RILD in patients undergoing RT for HCC or other cancers. Perhaps short-term immune modulators may be used in tandem with RT to prevent an excessive response of the innate immune system. 

Role of Hepatitis B Virus Capsid Phosphorylation in Nucleocapsid Disassembly and Covalently Closed Circular DNA Formation – PLOS Pathogens

This paper from Dr. Jianming Hu’s laboratory at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine in Hershey, PA outlines the role of phosphorylation of the HBV core protein (HBc) in the HBV life cycle. HBV has a relaxed circular (RC) DNA genome which it delivers to the nucleus of hepatocytes. In the nucleus, the RC DNA is converted into covalently closed circular (CCC) DNA which is the viral transcriptional template for all HBV mRNA species including pregenomic RNA (pgRNA). Along with the viral reverse transcriptase (RT), pgRNA is packaged by HBc into newly formed nucleocapsids (NC) where it is reverse-transcribed to form RC DNA resulting in mature NCs. Mature NCs may either be enveloped and secreted as infectious virions or uncoat within the cell and further contribute to CCC DNA formation. Because CCC DNA is the reservoir of HBV in infected hepatocytes, its eradication is highly sought after and is required to achieve a true cure for the virus. This publication reports a model wherein HBc phosphorylation by the host protein cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) facilitates the uncoating of newly formed NCs and their subsequent formation of CCC DNA. Previously, this group has found that CDK2 is a host kinase which is incorporated into HBV NCs. CDK2 is a highly conserved kinase (phosphorylating protein) which is essential during the G1, S, and G2 phases of the cell cycle.  First, the group identified two S-P (serine-proline) motifs on the globular N-terminal domain (NTD) of HBc, S44 and S49 which are potential CDK2 substrates that are on the interior surface of assembled NCs. In order to mimic constitutive phosphorylation or to block phosphorylation of the serine residues, they were mutated to glutamic acid residues (N2E) or alanine residues (N2A) respectively. The phospho-mimetic mutant N2E showed decreased levels of pgRNA packaging into NCs as measured by native agarose gel electrophoresis (NAGE) and Southern blot following transfection of the constructs into HepG2 cells. After release from NCs into the nucleus, the RC DNA HBV genome takes the form of protein free (PF) RC DNA lacking the RT protein, prior to forming CCC DNA. The phospho-mimetic N2E mutant yielded more PF-RC DNA and CCC DNA than wild type (WT) HBV and conversely, the phospho-null N2A mutant yielded less of both species than WT HBV. These results show that while NCs phosphorylated at both S44 and S49 are less efficient at packaging pgRNA, they are more likely to uncoat and release their genomes into the nucleus. Next, PhoenixBio (PXB) primary human hepatocytes harvested from human-liver chimeric mice were infected with HBV and treated with two CDK2 small molecule inhibitors. PF DNA was then extracted from the cells and analyzed via Southern blot. Both CDK2 inhibitors dramatically reduced the level of CCC DNA formation as compared to the mock control. This result indicates that CDK2 activity within NCs modulates their stability causing them to uncoat and deliver their genomes to the nucleus as opposed to being exported as virions. This publication sheds light on the exact stages of HBc phosphorylation and how they affect CCC DNA formation. This work is important because understanding the molecular mechanisms of CCC DNA formation will help in the development HBV antivirals. Small molecules which interfere with specific stages of HBc phosphorylation and dephosphorylation may prove efficacious in preventing CCC DNA formation in individuals chronically infected with HBV.            

 ​Metabolites released from apoptotic cells act as tissue messengers – Nature

This paper from the University of Charlottesville in Virginia investigates the “apoptotic metabolite secretome” and its effect on neighboring cells. Apoptosis is a highly regulated form of programmed cell death (PCD) which accounts for approximately 90% of homeostatic cell turnover. Metabolites are small molecules that are the intermediates or end products of metabolism. Here, a panel of conserved apoptotic metabolites was identified in the supernatants of apoptotic cells using advanced spectroscopy techniques (spectroscopy-based metabolomics). Six metabolites were found to be secreted across a variety of cell types in response to various apoptosis inducers. These six metabolites are: adenosine monophosphate (AMP), guanosine 5′-monophosphate (GMP), creatine, spermidine, glycerol-3-phosphate (G3P), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). These metabolites were all found in the supernatants of Jurkat cells (acute T cell leukemia) following exposure to UV irradiation as well as following treatment with anti-Fas antibody. These metabolites were also released from primary mouse bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) treated with anthrax and primary mouse thymocytes treated with anti-Fas antibody. Additionally, lung and colon cancer cell lines A549 and HCT116 released four of these metabolites (ATP, spermadine, G3P, and creatine) when subjected to the BH3-mimetic ABT-737 (induces mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization) as measured using commercial kits. Secretion of these metabolites was prevented by pretreatment of cells with the pan-caspase inhibitor zVAD, indicating apoptosis as the mechanism of release. The metabolites alanine, pyruvate, and creatinine were retained within apoptotic cells, showing that metabolite release was organized and not due to nonspecific rupture of apoptotic bodies. Because only specific metabolites were released during apoptosis, the group hypothesized that the opening of plasma membrane channels may determine the apoptotic secretome. Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is a membrane channel activated by caspase 3 and 7 cleavage during apoptosis. Previously, this group has demonstrated that PANX1 activation is responsible for the secretion of ATP and UTP from apoptotic cells, which function as “find me” signals to recruit phagocytes to perform efferocytosis. In order to determine the role of PANX1 activation in the apoptotic secretome, prior to UV irradiation, PANX1 was inhibited in Jurkat cells using two methods: pharmacological inhibition with the drugs trovafloxacin (Trovan) or spironolactone and generation of a cell line bearing a dominant-negative PANX1 mutation at the caspase cleavage site. Jurkat cells with inhibited or nonfunctional PANX1 showed less secretion of 25 metabolites released from UV-treated Jurkat cells as measured by spectroscopy-based metabolomics. Spermidine, GMP, AMP, and G3P were all secreted dependent upon PANX1 activation. Next, to test whether metabolic activity within the dying cell affects its secretome, the group chose to focus on the release of spermidine. Spermidine released from apoptotic cells naturally reduces local inflammation and counteracts autoimmunity. Interestingly, while spermidine was heavily secreted from apoptotic cells, its precursor molecule putrescine was not released at all. As the starting product of spermidine synthesis is arginine, the isotope carbon-13 (13C)-containing argenine was administered to Jurkat cells one minute prior to UV irradiation. Apoptotic cells showed 40% and 25% more incorporation of 13C label into putrescine and spermidine respectively than live cells at one hour post-UV. This indicates that in addition to the caspase-dependent opening of membrane channels, apoptotic cells also maintain or even upregulate certain metabolic pathways to contribute to the apoptotic secretome. Next, in order to test the effect of the apoptotic secretome on neighboring cells, supernatant from apoptotic Jurkat cells was administered to LR73 cells (phagocytic, Chinese hamster ovary). RNA-sequencing analysis of the LR73 cells after four hours in the apoptotic supernatant revealed altered transcription of programs linked to cytoskeletal rearrangements, inflammation, wound healing or tissue repair, antiapoptotic functions, metabolism and the regulation of cell size within the phagocyte. Finally, the group used two concoctions of PANX1-dependent metabolites to treat mouse models of inflammatory arthritis and lung-transplant rejection. Treatment with the metabolite mixtures resulted in significantly reduced inflammation and better clinical outcomes in both inflammatory disease models. This publication shows that apoptotic cells affect their microenvironment by secreting anti-inflammatory metabolites. It also demonstrates that apoptosis may be harnessed to ameliorate inflammatory diseases. Once fully elucidated, other forms of PCD may also prove useful in treating other diseases such as cancer and viral infections.  

Meet our guest blogger, David Schad, B.Sc., Junior Research Fellow at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute studying programmed cell death such as  apoptosis and necroptosis in the context of hepatitis B infection under the direction of PI Dr. Roshan Thapa. David also mentors high school students from local area schools as part of an after-school program in the new teaching lab at the PA Biotech Center. His passion is learning, teaching and collaborating with others to conduct research to better understand nature.

Liver, Liver Health, Living with Hepatitis B

Love Your Liver This Valentine’s Day

For most people, Valentine’s Day is a day full of love, but for those living with hepatitis B, it can be filled with dread and anticipation. Perhaps you haven’t told your significant other that you have been diagnosed with hepatitis B, or maybe you are spending this year alone because you are scared to begin a relationship. This year, instead of focusing on others, take Valentine’s Day to love yourself – and your liver! 

Taking Care of Your Liver 

Find a Knowledgeable Provider (and be sure to see them regularly!): 

Most people who are diagnosed with hepatitis B lead long, healthy lives. The key is proper care and monitoring by a trained healthcare provider. If you do not yet have a healthcare provider who is regularly monitoring your diagnosis, you can search our physician directory to find one near you. You can also search the World Hepatitis Alliance’s member list to find local resources and organizations who can help you identify a provider in your area.  

It is always a good idea to conduct your own research as well! Look into what your provider specializes in, as some may be more knowledgeable about the infection than others. Ideally, it would be best to regularly see a hepatologist – someone who specializes directly in diseases of the liver. However, due to finances and other constraints, this may not be an option for everyone. Seeing any doctor is extremely important, but if you only have access to a provider who is not as experienced in hepatitis B, make sure that they are performing the correct tests to monitor the health of your liver. At each follow-up appointment, your doctor should: check your liver enzymes (ALT, AST), perform a physical exam of the liver, and any other blood tests they might feel is needed to determine the stage of the infection and the health of the liver. Sometimes, the doctor will also perform an ultrasound of the liver to get a better picture of what is going on. You can find some questions that are important to ask your doctor here. 

Watch What You Consume: 

When people are first diagnosed with hepatitis B, they may feel fine and may not consider making small changes in their daily lives. The truth is that your diet plays a large role in the health of your liver! Everything that enters your body is filtered through your liver. This makes adopting healthy habits essential to keeping the liver in good shape. A standard rule of liver disease is to avoid alcohol – even small amounts – and maintain a steady diet of fruits and vegetables. Foods that are high in fat, salt, and sugar content can lead to weight gain, which puts a strain on your liver. Beware of what you are drinking as well! Drinks like juices and sodas might seem like healthier options, but often contain high amounts of sugar. Diet sodas may lack sugar but have other additives which may have other health implications. Opt for flavored water or seltzer to satisfy a sweet craving instead! If healthier beverage options are not readily available, see if any coffee is available. Studies have shown that drinking coffee can lower one’s risk of developing liver damage and liver cancer – just be sure to watch how much sugar and creamer you put in it! Other diseases of the liver, such as fatty liver, can also increase your risk of liver damage and liver cancer, so it is extremely important to be aware of the risks and what you are consuming. 

Those living with hepatitis B should also be aware of aflatoxins. Aflatoxins – which can cause liver cancer – are natural toxins that are produced by a mold that grows on crops like corn, peanuts, and tree nuts. Aflatoxins are more common in warm, humid parts of the world, such as African countries and areas with tropical climates. Before eating any grains and nuts, check for any signs of mold. If the food appears to be moldy, do not consume it. The World Health Organization also recommends buying grains and nuts as fresh as possible to minimize the risk of aflatoxin exposure. The fresher the food is, the less time it has been in storage, which is where aflatoxins commonly grow. 

Be Mindful of Your Stress Levels: 

Living with hepatitis B can be a big stressor, especially for those who may face stigma and discrimination. Research shows that stress can negatively impact liver health. Take some time to find ways that might relieve your stress, such as meditation, listening to music. Being social can also be a stress reliever for some, so try spending more time with your trusted friends and family members. Exercise is also a great stress reliever and it has the benefit of helping you maintain a healthy weight! 

If you are celebrating Valentine’s Day with your partner or if you are in a new relationship, remember that hepatitis B is preventable and cannot be transmitted casually! Holding hands, kissing, or sharing utensils or food made by someone who is living with hepatitis B will not spread the infection. Hepatitis B is a vaccine-preventable disease so make sure that they have completed their hep B vaccine series. If they are not protected from hepatitis B, be sure to practice safe sex (use a condom) to prevent transmission.

Liver, Liver Cancer, Liver Health, Living with Hepatitis B

Protecting Yourself From Liver Cancer While Living with Hepatitis B

This Liver Cancer Awareness Month, we are connecting the dots between hepatitis B and liver cancer. Hepatitis B is responsible for up to 60% of all liver cancer cases worldwide. In fact, some of the highest rates of liver cancer are found in places with extremely high rates of hepatitis B, such as sub-Saharan Africa and Southeast Asia. Although liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world, it is the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Liver cancer prevention should be a priority for all living with hepatitis B. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to prevent liver cancer – whether you are living with hepatitis B or not! 

The Importance of Regular Check-Ups

Did you know that a chronic hepatitis B infection can lead to liver cancer without signs of previous damage such as cirrhosis?  Many people do not realize that chronic hepatitis B is the primary global risk factor for developing liver cancer. Cirrhosis – or scarring or the liver – is often a risk factor for liver cancer, but it is not always the case for those living with hepatitis B. This is one of the reasons why it is so important for family members and sexual partners of infected individuals to get tested as well! Lack of symptoms does not mean that damage is not occurring. 

Visiting a doctor regularly is the best way to prevent liver cancer if you are living with hepatitis B. The standard recommendation for visiting your doctor is every six months however this can vary based upon the severity of your infection. The doctor will take a few blood tests, along with an ultrasound examination of the abdominal area to determine the health of the liver. Based upon these tests and other risk factors, the doctor will be able to determine if liver damage is occurring and can guide you on which steps you should take next. 

If damage is detected early enough, progression to liver cancer can be prevented through highly effective treatments that stop or slow the virus from reproducing in your liver. However, it is important to note that not everyone living with hepatitis B needs treatment. Current treatments have been proven to be most effective when there are signs of active liver damage. Hepatitis B can be managed through regular monitoring by a knowledgeable doctor and lifestyle changes that can go a long way in protecting your body. 

Early detection of liver cancer is extremely important. The average 5-year survival rate once diagnosed with liver cancer ranges from 10% -14%. However, with early detection and proper treatment, those numbers rise to over 50%! This significant difference is because if liver cancer is caught early, a doctor can link you to life-saving treatments including chemotherapy, surgical options, ablation techniques, intra-arterial therapies or a liver transplant. Regular monitoring by a knowledgeable doctor will hopefully identify the markers of liver cancer before it occurs, but if you are living with liver cancer, there are treatment options and resources available to you. 

Preventing Liver Cancer 

Educating oneself is the first step in prevention! If you have hepatitis B, be aware of the risk factors and behaviors that can increase your likelihood of liver damage and liver cancer, such as consuming alcohol and high amounts of junk food, and lack of exercise. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) can also increase your risk of cancer, so it is important to discuss NAFLD risk factors and prevention tips with your doctor. Groups such as the CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases all provide free fact sheets, call lines, and literature by experts that can help you understand what may be occurring in your body and to make educated choices. You can also check out our Liver Cancer Connect resource for more information or for liver cancer support. 

The hepatitis B vaccine is also the first anti-cancer vaccine ever created! Remember that the vaccine is typically given in a set of 3 doses. It is extremely important to take all three in order to receive lifelong protection from hepatitis B-related liver cancer. In the U.S., there is also a 2-dose vaccine available, so you can be fully protected with fewer doses! If you are worried about the cost of the birth dose for your infant or the vaccine for yourself, many countries have free health clinics that can administer it or link you to an organization that can help. 

Another key to preventing liver cancer is to get tested for hepatitis B. If you have not received your vaccine and you think you fall into a high-risk group, talk to your doctor about getting tested. Because hepatitis B often has no symptoms, it is important to get screened even if you do not feel ill. An early diagnosis means that you can begin any needed treatment sooner and prevent irreversible damage from occurring. Like the vaccines, your local doctor or health clinic may be able to test you for free or reduced cost – just ask! Some local community groups also provide free hepatitis B testing, so be sure to look out for flyers and announcements about them in your community as well

Liver Health

Hemochromatosis: Treatment, the Liver, and Hepatitis B

Genetic conditions can be an unfortunate part of life, but with information and support, some can be managed. By sharing your family health history and learning about genetic disorders that run in the family, measures can be taken to prevent damage and help your loved ones stay healthy!

Hereditary hemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic disorders. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that approximately 80-90% of hemochromatosis cases are from the hereditary form of the condition1. Due to a mutation in the HFE gene, the body begins to produce too much iron – a process

Northern European Countries

called iron overload. Iron overload can cause complications in the liver, heart, and pancreas2. According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD), hereditary hemochromatosis has several names that all refer to the same disorder: bronze diabetes, classic hemochromatosis, hemochromatosis type I, hemosiderosis, HFE-related hemochromatosis, HH, and primary hemochromatosis. The two non-hereditary forms of hemochromatosis are secondary hemochromatosis and neonatal hemochromatosis. Both are considered to be rare. Although the hereditary form is common, the exact number of patients worldwide is unknown. Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 227 individuals of Northern European descent is living with hemochromatosis. In the U.S, an estimated 1 million individuals are impacted as well 2. 

Not everyone who has the mutant gene develops hemochromatosis. These individuals are known as “carriers”; they can pass the gene on without suffering from the symptoms. Symptoms include joint pain, fatigue, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and a bronze or grey skin color. For most patients, symptoms do not appear until middle age (40-60) because it takes time for the iron to build up in the body. Males tend to be affected more often than women and experience symptoms at a younger age as well 3,2. Some carriers for the mutant gene may develop a more severe version of the disorder called juvenile hemochromatosis. With juvenile hemochromatosis, patients experience an excessive amount of iron overload that can lead to liver and heart damage between the ages of 15 and 30.

Hemochromatosis, the Liver, and Hepatitis B

While the body needs a certain amount of iron to function, iron overload can be dangerous.  Hemochromatosis can lead to two major liver issues: hepatomegaly and cirrhosis. Hepatomegaly is the enlargement of the liver and cirrhosis is the scarring of the liver. Both issues can impair the liver’s ability to function and filter out toxins that enter the body. They can also increase a person’s risk of developing liver cancer. Recently, two major studies by the University of Exeter and the U.K. University of Connecticut, and the U.S. National Institute on Aging have found that a person living with hemochromatosis has four times the risk of developing a liver disease than a person who is living with the disorder.

For individuals living with hepatitis B, it is extremely important to understand any behaviors or conditions that may have a negative impact on your liver. Since one liver disease can increase your risk of another liver disease, it is important to identify the disorder as early as possible, especially if you have any of the following risk factors:

Risk Factors for Hereditary Hemochromatosis:

  • Men or postmenopausal women
  • Of Northern European descent
  • Having a relative with hemochromatosis

Risk Factors for Secondary Hemochromatosis:

  • Alcoholism
  • Family history of diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease
  • Taking iron or vitamin C supplements

Hepatitis B patients do not have an increased risk of developing hemochromatosis4. However, if you have any of the above risk factors, it is important to get tested. Hemochromatosis can easily be identified by a comprehensive look at a person’s family health history, a physical exam, and a simple blood sample. Your doctor will then use the blood sample to run a series of tests that may include transferrin saturation (TS), serum ferritin, or liver function tests. In certain cases, the doctor may also perform genetic testing to see if the mutant HFE gene is present.

Treatment

Treatment for hemochromatosis is available! Based up tests results, family history, medical history, and the appearance of symptoms, the doctor may suggest a few different treatment methods. In therapeutic phlebotomy – the most common treatment method – a patient undergoes regular blood draw to lower the amount of iron in the body. This method is effective, affordable, and typically lasts for an extended period of time. Through iron chelation therapy, patients can either receive an injection or orally consume a medication that will lower the amount of iron in your blood. Finally, some doctors may suggest changes to your diet, such as eating less vitamin C, avoiding alcohol and shellfish, and not taking iron supplements. Dietary changes are mainly used to prevent liver damage.

For more information on HH, you can visit the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.

References:

  1. Grosse, S. (2017). A New Public Health Assessment of the Disease Burden of Hereditary Hemochromatosis: How Clinically Actionable is C282Y Homozygosity? [Blog]. Retrieved from https://blogs-origin.cdc.gov/genomics/2017/08/16/a-new-public-health-assessment/
  2. National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2019). Classic Hereditary Hemochromatosis. Retrieved from https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/classic-hereditary-hemochromatosis/#general-discussion
  3. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). Hemochromatosis. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/liver-disease/hemochromatosis
  4. Beaton, M., & Adams, P. (2007). The Myths and Realities of Hemochromatosis. Canadian Journal Of Gastroenterology, 21(2), 101-104. doi: 10.1155/2007/619401

Living with Hepatitis B

You Have Hepatitis B, Will Liver-Detox Diets or Supplements Help? Experts Weigh In

Courtesy of Pixabay.
Courtesy of Pixabay.

By Christine Kukka

Manufacturers and health “gurus” around the world market liver detox diets and supplements that promise to remove toxins, reduce inflammation, strengthen the immune system and help you lose weight. But do they help people with chronic hepatitis B?

A team of Australian researchers examined these claims and concluded, “At present, there is no compelling evidence to support the use of detox diets for weight management or toxin elimination.

“Considering the financial costs to consumers, unsubstantiated claims and potential health risks of detox products, they should be discouraged by health professionals and subject to independent regulatory review and monitoring,” the authors wrote in their report published in the Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics.

Let’s look at some of the diets and products the researchers evaluated.

  • The Cleanser/Lemon Detox Diet that requires 10 days of drinking only lemon juice, water, cayenne pepper and tree syrup, along with sea salt water and a mild laxative herbal tea.

    Courtesy of Pixabay.
    Courtesy of Pixabay.
  • The Liver Cleansing Diet featuring vegetarian, high-fiber, low-fat, dairy-free, minimally processed food for eight weeks, along with “liver tonics and Epsom salts.”
  • Martha’s Vineyard Detox Diet: A 21-day regimen features vegetable juice and soup, herbal tea and special powders, tablets, cocktails and digestive enzymes.
  • Dr Oz’s 48-hour Weekend Cleanse: A two-day program featuring quinoa, vegetables, fruit juices and smoothies, vegetable broth and dandelion root tea, and;
  • The Hubbard purification rundown: This requires increasing doses of niacin with a range of A, D, C, E and B vitamins, a variety of minerals and a blend of polyunsaturated oils and mandates that adherents spend five hours in a hot sauna daily.

According to researchers, none of these plans have been evaluated scientifically, which includes using a control group that receives a placebo instead of the treatment. The L. Ron Hubbard plan, promoted by the Church of Scientology, received some scientific evaluation after the purification protocol was applied to 14 rescue workers who were exposed to high levels of chemicals after the 9/11 collapse of the World Trade Center.

The program used niacin supplements, sweating in a sauna and physical exercise to get rid of toxins stored in body fat — which is where nearly all toxins end up – not in liver cells.

“The firemen’s scores on several memory tests reportedly improved after the intervention but the sample size was small and no control group was included,” researchers noted. The Church of Scientology used a similar program and employed a small control group, but the length of the treatment varied widely (ranging from 11 to 89 days). “Rather dubiously, the average increase in IQ in the experimental group was reported to be 6.7 points, despite the average intervention length being only 31 days,” researchers noted.

As with herbal supplements sold around the world, there is also no regulation of the detox diet industry.

“At present, the European Union has refused to authorize the detoxification claims of a dozen nutritional substances (including green coffee, grapefruit and taurine), although there are hundreds of other ‘detox’ products that do not yet appear on the Health and Nutrition Claims Register,” researchers wrote.

More alarming, it appears these companies are now using new marketing terms, such as “reinvention” and “revamp,” instead of detox and cleansing, which makes it difficult for government agencies to regulate these products.

“In some cases, the components of detox products may not match their labels, which is a potentially dangerous situation,” researchers noted. “In Spain, a 50-year-old man died from manganese poisoning after consuming Epsom salts as part of a liver cleansing diet.”

So why are these diets and supplements so popular?

“The seductive power of detox diets presumably lies in their promise of purification and redemption, which are ideals that are deep-rooted in human psychology,” researchers observed. “These diets … are highly reminiscent of the religious fasts that have been popular throughout human history. Unfortunately, equating food with sin, guilt and contamination is likely to set up an unhealthy relationship with nutrition. There is no doubt that sustained healthy habits are of greater long-term value than the quick fixes offered by commercial detox diets.”

Hepatitis B Diagnosis & Monitoring, Living with Hepatitis B

Got HBV? Adding Vitamin D to Your Diet

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Do you have hepatitis B, and are you considering adding vitamin D to your diet?  Adding vitamin D seems to be a win-win for those with liver disease since it is a potent immune modulator, appears to aid in the prevention of cancer, and other potentially related disorders such as NAFLD, along with Type I and II Diabetes, glucose intolerance and metabolic syndrome.  Before you make any big additions, be sure to talk to your doctor or liver specialist to ensure it’s safe for you with your current health status.

Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin (needs a little fat to digest), versus a water soluble vitamin, that is ultimately stored in the liver.  There are pros and cons to this.  Fat soluble vitamins are not necessarily needed on a daily basis as they are stored in fatty tissues and in the liver making it available for longer periods of time.  Vitamin D is specifically stored in the liver. Unlike water soluble vitamins, excesses are not excreted through urine on a daily basis. That makes the balance a little trickier because you don’t want vitamin D accumulating in the liver and causing toxicity. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include osteomalacia, or softening of the bones, or perhaps less obvious bone pain and muscle weakness. Symptoms of vitamin D toxicity may include decreased appetite, nausea,vomiting, excess calcium blood levels or an accumulation of calcium in soft tissues. Too much of a good thing is NOT good for you!

Current guidelines for vitamin D intake are 600 IU or 15 mcg per day. (See table for age specific info). Natural sources of vitamin D in foods (vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol) are hard to come by, but they are out there.  Mega sources include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and tuna.  Cod liver oil is an excellent source, which is probably why we see old movies with mom spooning cod liver oil into the mouths of young children! In the U.S. many dairy products, and others such as cereals, or orange juice are fortified with vitamin D and other vitamins. (There’s a great reason for the fortification of dairy with vitamin D – absorption is enhanced in the presence of calcium.) It is also found in smaller amounts in egg yolks. Naturally all of this needs to be balanced with the concerns of farm raised fish and possible exposure to PCBs, or mercury levels found in tuna, pollution of our oceans, raising your cholesterol levels due to focusing on the yolks, possible toxic levels of vitamin A with cod liver oil  (in Western countries where foods are fortified with vitamin A), or simply the bad, fishy taste associated with cod-liver oil. It’s a tough balance, but it’s important to work through some of the risks versus benefits in your own mind.

Sunshine is another readily available source of vitamin D (vitamin D3, cholecalciferol), but you need to be sure to balance it with the risk of over-exposure to the sun’s rays. And of course in the north, during the winter months, it may be difficult to get adequate sunshine to boost your vitamin D levels. You can get adequate sun exposure with 10-15 minutes in the sun, 3-5 times per week, with the exposure of face and arms. Naturally this will vary based on the sun’s intensity, how much skin is exposed and each individual’s skin tone, since the amount of necessary sun increases with the amount of melanin (pigment) in the skin.  Just to confuse matters, a recent study shows a possible link of higher levels of vitamin D to non-melanoma skin cancer, even though higher levels are thought to reduce the risk of basal cell cancer. Clearly more studies need to be done, but until that time, just keep reminding yourself that balance is important.

Sometimes it’s tough to get adequate vitamin D levels from natural sources such as food and sunshine, so there is the option for vitamin D supplements. This is where my anxiety levels intensify. Bad enough I have to worry about my food sources – PCBs from farm raised fish and such things, but now I have to choose a supplement – perhaps cod liver oil in a liquid or capsule that I can take daily.  Will it be in a form that is able to be absorbed?  (There’s a debate on the true benefit of cod liver oil once it is processed.  The same argument might apply to many available supplements.) How will I know this?  Will I break the bank trying to purchase these supplements?  I started to do the research on vitamin D supplementation, but like so many supplements, it’s very complex.  I always feel like I’m being sold. Using supplements is a personal thing. My personal preference would be to get my vitamin D through the foods I eat, and a short duration of sunshine.  However, I currently have adequate levels of vitamin D, so whatever I’m doing seems to be adequate.  That’s the key: tailoring your decisions based on you, your family history, or ethnicity and things you might be prone to such as a vitamin D deficiency, or other issues.

Please don’t forget to talk to your PCP and your liver specialist before drastically changing your vitamin D intake.  This is especially important if you are currently undergoing treatment for HBV.  Your doctor may wish to get a general baseline of your vitamin D levels, and continue to monitor them if there are problems.  Your doctor may be uncomfortable recommending a specific supplement since there is little or no regulation. Heed her advice before moving forward, and if you choose the supplementation route, be sure to do your homework to get the best quality product that is readily absorbable, without causing toxicity.

Be sure to take a look at last week’s blog on Vitamin D here.

Baruch S. Blumberg Institute