"Real world" efficacy of bulevirtide in HBV/HDV-related cirrhosis including people living with HIV: Results from the compassionate use programme at INMI Spallanzani in Rome, Italy.

OBJECTIVES: We describe the preliminary results of bulevirtide compassionate use in patients with hepatitis B and delta virus (HBV/HDV)-related cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension, including those living with HIV. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study of consecutive patients. Clinical evaluation, liver function tests, bile acid levels, HDV-RNA, HBV-DNA, hepatitis B surface antigen, and liver and spleen stiffness were assessed at baseline and after treatment months 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, and 12. HIV-RNA and CD4+/CD8+ count were assessed in people living with HIV. The first drug injection was administered under nurse supervision, and counselling was provided and adherence reviewed at each visit. RESULTS: In total, 13 patients (61.5% migrants) were enrolled. The median treatment duration was 11 months. At month 6, mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels fell by 64.5% and mean liver and spleen stiffness decreased by 8.6 and 0.9 kPa, respectively. The mean baseline HDV-RNA was 3.34 log IU/mL and 5.10 log IU/mL in people without and with HIV (n = 5) (p = 0.28), respectively. A similar mean decline was observed in both groups: -2.06 log IU/mL and -1.93 log IU/mL, respectively (p = 0.87). A combined response (undetectable HDV RNA or ≥ -2 log IU/mL decline vs. baseline, with ALT normalization) was achieved in 66% of subjects without and in 60% of patients with HIV. Patients with HIV showed persistently undetectable HIV-RNA and a progressive increase in CD4+/CD8+ cells during treatment. No patient discontinued bulevirtide because of adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results suggest that bulevirtide is feasible and well-tolerated in populations with difficult-to-treat conditions, such as those with HIV/HBV/HDV co-infection and migrants, when special attention is given to patient education. HDV-RNA decline during treatment was similar in people living with and without HIV.

Third dose of SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccination produces robust persistent cellular and humoral immune responses in liver transplant recipients.

Weaker responses have been described after two doses of anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). At the Italian National Institute for Infectious Diseases, 122 LTRs (84% males, median age 64 years) were tested for humoral and cell-mediated immune response after a third doses of anti-SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccines. Humoral response was measured by quantifying anti-receptor binding domain and neutralizing antibodies; cell-mediated response was measured by quantifying IFN-γ after stimulation of T cells with SARS-CoV-2-specific peptides. Humoral and cellular responses improved significantly compared to the second vaccine dose; 86.4% of previous non-responders to the first 2 vaccine doses (N = 22) became responders. Mycophenolate mofetil-containing regimens were not associated with lower response rates to a third vaccine; shorter time since transplantation (<6 years) was associated with lower humoral and cellular responses to third vaccine. Protective antibodies against Omicron variant were detected in 60% of patients 12 weeks after third vaccine dose.

Real-world use of remdesivir for the treatment of patients admitted to Italian hospitals with COVID-19: the nationwide retrospective FADOI-RECOVER study.

BACKGROUND: Remdesivir is widely used for treatment of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients with moderate-to-severe COVID-19 treated with remdesivir, and their outcomes during hospitalization. METHODS: This retrospective observational multicenter study included consecutive patients, hospitalized for moderate-to-severe COVID-19 (September 2020-September 2021), who were treated with remdesivir. RESULTS: One thousand four patients were enrolled, all with onset of symptoms occurring less than 10 days before starting remdesivir; 17% of patients had 4 or more concomitant diseases. Remdesivir was well tolerated, adverse drug reactions (ADRs) being reported in 2.3% of patients. In-hospital death occurred in 80 patients (8.0%). The median timing of the first remdesivir dose was 5 days after symptom onset. The following endpoints did not differ according to the time span from the onset of symptoms to the first dose: length of hospitalization, in-hospital death, composite outcome (in-hospital death and/or endotracheal intubation). Advanced age, number of comorbidities ≥ 4, and severity of respiratory failure at admission were associated with poor in-hospital outcomes. CONCLUSION: In a real-world setting, remdesivir proved to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for moderate-to-severe COVID-19. In patients receiving remdesivir less than 3 or 5 days from the onset of SARS-CoV-2 symptoms, mortality and the need for mechanical ventilation did not differ from the rest of the sample.

Coordinated cellular and humoral immune responses after two-dose SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccination in liver transplant recipients.

Limited data are available on risks and benefits of anti-SARS-CoV2 vaccination in solid organ transplant recipients, and weaker responses have been described. At the Italian National Institute for Infectious Diseases, 61 liver transplant recipients underwent testing to describe the dynamics of humoral and cell-mediated immune response after two doses of anti-SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccines and compared with 51 healthy controls. Humoral response was measured by quantifying both anti-spike and neutralizing antibodies; cell-mediated response was measured by PBMC proliferation assay with IFN-γ and IL-2 production. Liver transplant recipients showed lower response rates compared with controls in both humoral and cellular arms; shorter time since transplantation and multi-drug immunosuppressive regimen containing mycophenolate mofetil were predictive of reduced response to vaccination. Specific antibody and cytokine production, though reduced, were highly correlated in transplant recipients.

Daclatasvir, sofosbuvir with or without ribavirin for 24 weeks in hepatitis C genotype 3 cirrhosis: A real-life study.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Cirrhotic patients with hepatitis C virus genotype 3 infection show unsatisfactory outcomes after 12 weeks' treatment with direct antiviral agents. The National Italian Drug Agency allows 24 weeks of therapy in difficult-to-treat patients, including genotype 3 cirrhotics. Aim of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of a 24-week course of sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir±ribavirin in this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 106 consecutive cirrhotics (70.8% males, mean age 55.3±7.6 years) in 8 tertiary hepatology centers received sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir for 24 weeks. Ribavirin was administered in 85 (80.2%) based expected tolerability, at a mean dose of 964±202mg/day. Baseline Child-Pugh class was A 91.5%, B 6.6%, C 1.9%; mean baseline MELD was 8.5±2.7. RESULTS: All patients completed 12-week follow-up post-treatment, and 104 (98.1%) obtained sustained virological response (100% in ribavirin -treated patients vs. 90.4% without ribavirin; p=0.04). No worsening in renal and liver function was observed, no serious adverse events occurred. Two virological failures showed resistance associated variants (Y93H and S282T). CONCLUSION: An extended 24-week treatment with sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir+ribavirin obtained 100% efficacy in genotype 3 hepatitis C cirrhosis, with very limited side effects. The role of ribavirin seems crucial in this setting and should be administered if clinically feasible.

Sofosbuvir plus daclatasvir with or without ribavirin is safe and effective for post-transplant hepatitis C recurrence and severe fibrosis and cirrhosis: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: In 2012, an Italian Named Patient Program began for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected liver transplant (LT) recipients with advanced fibrosis, before approval of direct antiviral agents (DAA), to benefit severely ill patients. The aim of this "real-life" study was to assess treatment efficacy and safety with an extended course of daclatasvir (DCV) plus sofosbuvir (SOF) with or without ribavirin (RBV). METHODS: All HCV LT recipients with severe fibrosis in 15 Italian transplant centers were treated with DCV+SOF±RBV for 24 weeks; sustained virological response was assessed at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12). RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients were enrolled (75.9% males, mean age 58.4 ± 7.2 years, 83.9% genotype 1, 81.6% cirrhosis); 52 (59.8%) received RBV. Overall, 79 obtained SVR12 (90.8%): 100% in F3 and 88.7% in cirrhotics (91.5% in Child-Pugh A, 83.3% in Child-Pugh B and C). According to the treatment group, SVR was 80% in DCV + SOF group and 98.1% in SOF + DCV + RBV. Two virological relapses occurred during follow-up in cirrhotic patients who received DCV + SOF. Four cirrhotic patients in DCV + SOF group and 1 in DCV + SOF + RBV group died on treatment. CONCLUSION: An extended course of SOF plus DCV for 24 weeks, with or without RBV, is effective and well tolerated for the treatment of post-LT HCV recurrence with severe fibrosis.

Mitochondrial fission and remodelling contributes to muscle atrophy.

Mitochondria are crucial organelles in the production of energy and in the control of signalling cascades. A machinery of pro-fusion and fission proteins regulates their morphology and subcellular localization. In muscle this results in an orderly pattern of intermyofibrillar and subsarcolemmal mitochondria. Muscular atrophy is a genetically controlled process involving the activation of the autophagy-lysosome and the ubiquitin-proteasome systems. Whether and how the mitochondria are involved in muscular atrophy is unknown. Here, we show that the mitochondria are removed through autophagy system and that changes in mitochondrial network occur in atrophying muscles. Expression of the fission machinery is per se sufficient to cause muscle wasting in adult animals, by triggering organelle dysfunction and AMPK activation. Conversely, inhibition of the mitochondrial fission inhibits muscle loss during fasting and after FoxO3 overexpression. Mitochondrial-dependent muscle atrophy requires AMPK activation as inhibition of AMPK restores muscle size in myofibres with altered mitochondria. Thus, disruption of the mitochondrial network is an essential amplificatory loop of the muscular atrophy programme.

FoxO3 controls autophagy in skeletal muscle in vivo.

Autophagy allows cell survival during starvation through the bulk degradation of proteins and organelles by lysosomal enzymes. However, the mechanisms responsible for the induction and regulation of the autophagy program are poorly understood. Here we show that the FoxO3 transcription factor, which plays a critical role in muscle atrophy, is necessary and sufficient for the induction of autophagy in skeletal muscle in vivo. Akt/PKB activation blocks FoxO3 activation and autophagy, and this effect is not prevented by rapamycin. FoxO3 controls the transcription of autophagy-related genes, including LC3 and Bnip3, and Bnip3 appears to mediate the effect of FoxO3 on autophagy. This effect is not prevented by proteasome inhibitors. Thus, FoxO3 controls the two major systems of protein breakdown in skeletal muscle, the ubiquitin-proteasomal and autophagic/lysosomal pathways, independently. These findings point to FoxO3 and Bnip3 as potential therapeutic targets in muscle wasting disorders and other degenerative and neoplastic diseases in which autophagy is involved.

High prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in a cohort of liver transplant recipients in central Italy.

Asymptomatic subjects account for 25 to 45% of SARS-CoV-2 infections, and in particular, subjects on mild immunosuppressive therapy may have symptoms masked and could spread virus for an extended period of time. To determine the cumulative incidence of symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections and associated risk factors, we conducted a prospective clinical and serological survey in a cohort of 278 liver transplant recipients (LTRs) from Central Italy. Three different serology tests were performed every 4 months in 259 LTRs between April 2020 and April 2021: one based on raw extract of whole SARS-CoV-2 virus and two on specific viral antigens (nucleoprotein and receptor binding domain) to detect specific IgG, IgM and IgA. Hundred fifteen LTRs who reported symptoms or close contact with a SARS-CoV-2-positive subject, or had a positive serological result underwent molecular testing by standard screening procedures (RT-PCR on naso-pharyngeal swab). Thirty-one past or active SARS-CoV-2 infections were identified: 14 had positive molecular test (64% symptomatic), and 17 had positive serology only (18% symptomatic). SARS-CoV-2 infection was not statistically related to gender, age, obesity, diabetes, renal impairment, type of anti-rejection therapy or time from transplant. Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 cases (61.3%) were more frequent in males and in those with glomerular filtrate rate >50 ml/min. Overall, the addition of repeated serology to standard diagnostic molecular protocols increased detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection from 5.1% to 10.9%. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence among our LTRs (11.2%) is comparable to the general population of Central Italy, considered a medium-impact area. Only one asymptomatic subject (6%) was found to carry SARS-CoV-2 in respiratory tract at the time of serological diagnosis.

Patterns of chronic hepatitis B in Central Italy: a cross-sectional study.

We investigated the patterns of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related disease in a large cohort of HBsAg-positive patients, in Central Italy, by collecting a screening form with demographic, clinical and laboratory data. Overall, 737 HBsAg-positive cases were included (70% male; median age 52 years): 30% were inactive HBsAg carriers, 51% had chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 19% had HBV-related cirrhosis. Patients from non-European Union (EU) countries (n = 65) were significantly younger, had a higher prevalence of HBeAg-positive infection and hepatitis delta virus (HDV) co-infection than patients of Italian origin. Therefore, as immigration from non-EU countries continues to grow, we can expect a change in the landscape of HBV-related disease in our area.

Markers for hepatitis A, B and C in methadone maintained patients: an unexpectedly high co-infection with silent hepatitis B.

AIMS: To determine the prevalence of hepatitis A, B and C viruses in patients attending a methadone maintenance clinic in New York City. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: The Adult Services Clinic of Weill Cornell Medical College, an urban hospital-affiliated methadone program. PARTICIPANTS: Former heroin addicted adults (n = 103) on methadone maintenance therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Markers for hepatitis A virus [HAV immunoglobulin M (IgM) and imunoglobulin G (IgG)], hepatitis B [hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) and hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb)] and hepatitis C virus (HCVAb). Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and quantitative HCV RNA were also obtained. Qualitative detection of HBV DNA and HCV genotype were obtained in a subset of subjects. FINDINGS: More than 40% of subjects had markers for all three viruses. HCVAb was the most prevalent (83.5%), followed by HBcAb (65.0%), HAV IgG (46.1%) and HBsAb (41.1%). Hepatitis C RNA was detected in 70.6% of HCVAb positive subjects. While no subject had HBsAg, HBV DNA was detected in 26.4% of subjects who underwent this measure; all (n = 20) had HBcAb as their only HBV marker. The presence of HBV DNA did not influence ALT. Subjects with HCV RNA had higher ALTs than those without HCV RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Most methadone-maintained subjects had at least one marker for viral hepatitis, with 41.8% having markers for HAV, HBV and HCV. A quarter of subjects had silent HBV infection, defined as the presence of HBV DNA in the absence of HBsAg. These subjects should be considered infectious and pose a public health risk.

Peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin versus peginterferon alpha-2a monotherapy in early virological responders and peginterferon alpha-2a and ribavirin versus peginterferon alpha-2a, ribavirin and amantadine triple therapy in early virological nonresponders: the SMIEC II trial in naïve patients with chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) treatment schedules on the basis of an early virological response (EVR), defined as undetectable serum HCV-RNA (<50 IU/ml) after a 12-week induction course of peginterferon alpha-2a (PEG-IFN) 180 mcg/week. METHODS: A total of 210 interferon-naïve patients (69% male; median age, 42 years) with histologically proven chronic hepatitis C infection (genotype 1: 62%) received PEG-IFN 180 mcg/week for 12 weeks. Patients with EVR (58%) were randomized to continue PEG-IFN monotherapy (n=64) or to add ribavirin (RBV), 800 mg/day (n=57), for 36 additional weeks. Patients without EVR (42%) were randomized to add RBV (n=42), or RBV plus amantadine, 200 mg/day (n=47), for 36 additional weeks. Sustained virological response (SVR, undetectable HCV-RNA 24 weeks after treatment completion) was compared among treatment groups. RESULTS: Patients with EVR: SVR rate was 60.3% in the PEG-IFN group versus 67.2% in the PEG-IFN+RBV group (NS). In genotypes 2/3, SVR rates were 66.7 versus 73.1% (NS); in genotypes 1/4, SVR rates were 51.6 versus 61.3%, respectively (NS). Patients without EVR: SVR was 16.7% in the PEG-IFN+RBV group versus 31.9% in the triple therapy group (P=0.07). In patients with genotypes 1/4, SVR rates were 9.4 versus 29.7% (P=0.041). CONCLUSION: In genotypes 1/4 patients without EVR, triple therapy results in higher SVR rates than standard dual therapy. This study confirms that addition of amantadine is beneficial in early-recognized 'difficult-to-treat' patients.

Low-dose hepatitis B immunoglobulin given "on demand" in combination with lamivudine: a highly cost-effective approach to prevent recurrent hepatitis B virus infection in the long-term follow-up after liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Cost of long-term prophylaxis with high-dose human hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIg) after liver transplantation is extremely high. The aim of the present study was to assess consumption rates of high (5,000 IU) and low (2,000 IU) doses of HBIg given intravenously "on demand", and determine their cost-effectiveness compared with conventional fixed monthly schedules. METHODS: The study included 11 male patients (mean age 53 years) who received transplants for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis 29 to 96 months earlier, all receiving lamivudine (100 mg/day) prophylaxis. Each patient received three consecutive intravenous infusions of 5,000 IU HBIg, followed by three 2,000 IU infusions. HBIg consumption was assessed by serial measurement of serum hepatitis B surface antibody (HBsAb) titer at 2-week intervals. HBIg was readministered only when HBsAb titers dropped below 70 IU/L (i.e., "on demand"). RESULTS: Mean HBsAb peak titers after high and low HBIg doses were 1,641 +/- 385 and 848 +/- 216 IU/L, respectively (P <0.0001). Mean time to reach an HBsAb titer less than 70 IU/L was 79.5 +/- 38.2 days versus 61.6 +/- 32.1 days, respectively (P =NS). Interindividual variation coefficients were 23 +/- 18% and 32 +/- 26% (5,000 IU and 2,000 IU, respectively). Using the on demand approach, maintenance of a protective anti-HBs titer required an average number of 4.0 (5,000 IU) and 5.6 (2,000 IU) HBIg administrations per year, respectively (P =NS). CONCLUSIONS: Individual HBIg consumption profiles are highly variable. A low-dose (2,000 IU) on demand HBIg administration schedule is highly cost-effective and provides more than 50% savings compared with conventional high-dose monthly schedules.

Hepatitis C virus and human immunodeficiency virus-1 co-infection in former heroin addicts in methadone maintenance treatment.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) prevalence in former opiate or heroin addicts currently in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). METHODS: Retrospective chart review for patients (n = 342) currently attending two MMT clinics affiliated with New York Presbyterian Hospital (Adolescent Development Program, ADP: n = 106, median age 30 years; Adult Clinic, AC: n = 236, median age 45 years), as of May 2000. RESULTS: Overall seroprevalence of those tested was 67% for HCV (ADP, 44%; AC, 80%), and 29% for HIV-1 (ADP, 13%, AC, 39%). Co-infection was present in 26% of patients (ADP, 13%; AC, 35%). Prevalence of HCV reached 92% in the 45-49 year old group (n = 53). The greatest HIV-1 prevalence (45%) was in the 35-39 year old group (n = 33). There was a linear relationship between infection seroprevalence and age at admission into MMT. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of HCV and HIV-1 infections in MMT patients varies both by current age and by age at admission to MMT. This population needs risk reduction education and treatment for HCV and HIV- 1.

A simple rule to personalize standard dual therapy across all genotypes in naive chronic hepatitis C patients: the TT4 randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Rapid and early virological responses to peginterferon-alpha and ribavirin are predictive of sustained virological response (SVR) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed at finding a simple rule to determine the shortest duration of dual therapy for all HCV genotypes, obtained by multiplying time to Initial Viral Response, IVR (first undetectable HCV-RNA) by 4 (Tailored Therapy-4, or TT4). METHOD: 267 naïve HCV-infected patients with compensated liver disease were randomized (2:1) to the TT4 (n=180) or current standard-of-care (SoC, n=87) and received peginterferon-alpha plus ribavirin. Patients with HCV-RNA decrease ≤2log10 at week 12 or detectable HCV-RNA at week 24 discontinued treatment. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics, SVR rates were similar in the whole population (60.6% vs. 60.9%) and within each genotype subgroup (G1: 46.6% vs. 55.6%; G2: 90.2% vs. 94.4%; G3: 74.1% vs. 58.3%; G4: 45.8% vs. 33.3%). Relapse rate was higher in G1-TT4 than G1-SoC. Treatment duration in SVR patients was shorter in TT4 compared to SoC, both overall [25±15 vs. 36±12.1 weeks], and for subgroups: G1 [35.3±16.7 vs. 47.3±2.6 weeks], G2 [18.3±7.5 vs. 24±2.8 weeks], G3 [15.2±8.7 vs. 22.8±3 weeks] and G4 [26.9±13 vs. 48 weeks]. CONCLUSIONS: In HCV-naive patients, TT4-rule treatment yields similar SVR rates compared to SoC but with shorter treatment duration and remarkable cost reduction.

A randomized controlled trial of sequential pegylated interferon-α and telbivudine or vice versa for 48 weeks in hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Short-term treatment for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B remains unsatisfactory. The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of two sequential regimens of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-α and telbivudine (LdT). METHODS: Adult patients with biopsy-proven HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B, elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and serum HBV DNA ≥ 2,000 IU/ml were randomized 1:1 at baseline to receive PEG-IFN 180 µg/week for 24 weeks followed by LdT 600 mg/day for 24 weeks (PEG-IFN first), or vice versa (LdT first), plus 24-week follow-up; individuals with HCV, HDV or HIV coinfections and lamivudine resistance were excluded. Primary end points were serum HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml and normal ALT at week 72. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients (86% male, median age 48 years) were enrolled: mean ±sd baseline serum HBV DNA was 5.56 ± 1.4 log IU/ml and ALT was 2.9 ± 2.5× upper limit of normal. At end of follow-up (week 72), HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml was achieved in 13.3% of participants in the PEG-IFN first group versus 46.7% of those in the LdT first group (P=0.046). Mean ±sd ALT levels were significantly lower in the LdT first group (1.3 ± 0.9 versus 3.2 ± 2.7× upper limit of normal; P=0.03). PEG-IFN dose was reduced in 2 (7%) patients and 1 (7%) patient dropped out due to myalgia. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential treatment with 24 weeks PEG-IFN followed or preceded by 24 weeks of LdT is safe. Virological response rate at week 72 was significantly higher in patients treated with LdT followed by PEG-IFN than vice versa. A sequential antiviral regimen of LdT followed by PEG-IFN, if confirmed in larger series, could improve response rates compared with standard PEG-IFN monotherapy.

No evidence for inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent Ca2+ release in isolated fibers of adult mouse skeletal muscle.

The presence and role of functional inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP(3)) receptors (IP(3)Rs) in adult skeletal muscle are controversial. The current consensus is that, in adult striated muscle, the relative amount of IP(3)Rs is too low and the kinetics of Ca(2+) release from IP(3)R is too slow compared with ryanodine receptors to contribute to the Ca(2+) transient during excitation-contraction coupling. However, it has been suggested that IP(3)-dependent Ca(2+) release may be involved in signaling cascades leading to regulation of muscle gene expression. We have reinvestigated IP(3)-dependent Ca(2+) release in isolated flexor digitorum brevis (FDB) muscle fibers from adult mice. Although Ca(2+) transients were readily induced in cultured C2C12 muscle cells by (a) UTP stimulation, (b) direct injection of IP(3), or (c) photolysis of membrane-permeant caged IP(3), no statistically significant change in calcium signal was detected in adult FDB fibers. We conclude that the IP(3)-IP(3)R system does not appear to affect global calcium levels in adult mouse skeletal muscle.

Severe drug induced acute hepatitis associated with use of St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) during treatment with pegylated interferon α.

A 61-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C received peginterferon α 180 µg/week, and obtained undetectable qualitative hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA (lower limit of detection 50 IU/ml) after 8 weeks of treatment. Shortly thereafter aminotransferase values greatly increased (>20 × upper limit of normal) and did not decline after treatment suspension. The patient admitted taking St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for depressed mood, recommended by a friend, during the preceding 6 weeks. Liver function tests continued to worsen and international normalised ratio (INR) prolongation developed; the patient was hospitalised. Test for antinuclear antibody was positive (1:320) and treatment with methylprednisolone was started; bilirubin and aminotransferase levels slowly declined, though a new flare occurred when steroids were tapered. After 6 months of prednisone treatment, the liver function tests returned to baseline levels. The combination of peginterferon α and St John's wort resulted in a severe acute hepatitis in this patient. Patients should be advised of this potential toxic effect of this herbal remedy.

A randomized controlled trial of pegylated interferon-alpha2a plus adefovir dipivoxil for hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B.

BACKGROUND: Pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN)-alpha monotherapy is the current standard of care for short-term antiviral treatment of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB). We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of PEG-IFN-alpha plus adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) versus PEG-IFN-alpha monotherapy for compensated HBeAg-negative CHB. METHODS: A multicentre randomized controlled trial was performed in eight outpatient hepatology/infectious disease clinics in central Italy. A total of 60 patients (67% male and median age 48 years) with biopsy-proven HBeAg-negative compensated CHB (mean alanine aminotranferase [ALT] levels 3.3 +/-3x the upper normal limit and serum hepatitis B virus [HBV] DNA 5.8 +/-0.9 log(10) IU/ml) were randomized at baseline to receive PEG-IFN-alpha2a 180 microg/week plus ADV 10 mg/day or PEG-IFN-alpha2a monotherapy for 48 weeks. Post-treatment follow-up was for 24 additional weeks. The primary end point was sustained HBV DNA suppression defined as serum HBV DNA<2,000 IU/ml after 24 weeks of post-treatment follow-up. The secondary end point was ALT normalization at the end of follow-up. RESULTS: At week 48, HBV DNA was undetectable in 20/30 (67%) in the combination group versus 11/30 (37%) patients in the monotherapy group (P=0.02). ALT normalization was achieved in 17/30 (57%) versus 10/30 (30%) patients, respectively (P=0.03). At week 72, sustained virological response was achieved in 7/30 (23.3%) in the combination group versus 6/30 (20%) patients in the monotherapy group (P=0.75); 5 (16%) patients in each group dropped out because of adverse events or non-compliance. CONCLUSIONS: In HBeAg-negative CHB, combination PEG-IFN-alpha2a plus ADV for 48 weeks is safe and resulted in greater on-treatment efficacy than PEG-IFN-alpha2a monotherapy. No difference in sustained virological and biochemical response rates were observed between the two treatment regimens.

Interferon-alpha treatment of hepatitis D induces tuberculosis exacerbation in an immigrant.

This report describes the case of a young Romanian patient who developed a severe exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis during interferon-alpha treatment for chronic hepatitis D. While this occurrence underscores that clinical guidelines should be applied with caution in immigrants from underdeveloped countries, due to the possible presence of unrecognized or unreported comorbidity, the mechanisms for an interferon-related exacerbation of pulmonary tuberculosis are also examined. We propose that IFN-induced weight loss and anorexia may have played an important role in promoting clinical manifestations of tuberculosis in our patient.