The role of interleukin‐27 in predicting spontaneous HB HB eAg seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B infection

摘要

Abstract Background and Aims Hepatitis B e seroconversion, associated with preceding hepatic inflammation, marks the transition from immune active to residual phase in the natural disease history of chronic hepatitis B. Recently, interleukin‐27 has been reported to be associated with hepatic inflammation in hepatitis B infection. We aimed to evaluate the role of interleukin‐27 in predicting spontaneous e seroconversion in chronic hepatitis B. Methods A total of 142 treatment‐naive hepatitis B patients with positive e antigen were recruited. Interleukin‐27, hepatitis B viral DNA levels and liver function parameters, were measured on presentation. Patients who had spontaneous e seroconversion within 3?years of follow‐up were compared with those without e seroconversion within the same period of time. Factors predictive of spontaneous e seroconversion were identified. Results Of the 142 patients (M:F=80:62, median age: 31), 44 (31%) had spontaneous e seroconversion within 3?years of follow‐up. Multivariate analyses revealed that younger age, lower viral DNA and lower interleukin‐27 levels on presentation independently predicted spontaneous e seroconversion: the rate was significantly higher in patients aged 31 ( OR : 11.022, 95% CI : 3.658‐33.205; P .001), viral DNA 5 log IU / mL ( OR : 2.311, 95% CI : 1.049‐5.091; P =.038) and interleukin‐27 67.3?pg/ mL ( OR : 3.276, 95% CI : 1.257‐8.536; P =.015). Among patients with all these three favourable factors on presentation, 77% of them underwent spontaneous e seroconversion within 3?years. Conclusions Low interleukin‐27 levels were associated with early e seroconversion. The combination of baseline interleukin‐27 67.3?pg/ mL and viral DNA 5 log IU / mL in young patients was useful for predicting early spontaneous e seroconversion in treatment‐na?ve chronic hepatitis B patients.