Effects of Entecavir on T Lymphocytes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Author Information
Author(s): You Jing, Sriplung Hutcha, Geater Alan, Chongsuvivatwong Virasakdi, Zhuang Lin, Li Yun-Li, Lei Hua, Liu Jun, Chen Hong-Ying, Tang Bao-Zhang, Huang Jun-Hua
Primary Institution: Prince of Songkla University, Thailand
Hypothesis
The study investigates the correlation between serum viral load and peripheral T-lymphocyte subpopulations during entecavir therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients.
Conclusion
Entecavir treatment partially restores T-lymphocyte subpopulations in chronic hepatitis B patients while reducing viral load.
Supporting Evidence
- The majority of patients had serum levels of HBV DNA over 107 copies per milliliter.
- HBV viral load dropped sharply during the first two weeks.
- A significant decrease in CD8+ T cells and increase in CD4+ T cells were found from week 12.
- The CD4+/CD8+ ratio steadily improved throughout the 48 weeks.
Takeaway
This study shows that a medicine called entecavir helps lower the virus in the blood and also helps the body's immune cells work better in people with chronic hepatitis B.
Methodology
Fifty-five patients received entecavir therapy, and their serum HBV DNA and T-lymphocyte subpopulations were measured at various intervals using Real-Time-PCR and flow cytometry.
Limitations
The specific T-lymphocyte subpopulations and their functionality were not explored concurrently, and long-term effects of entecavir were not assessed.
Participant Demographics
42 males and 13 females, aged 16 to 60 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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