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Analysis of the core gene of hepatitis B virus in Korean patients
Author(s) -
Kim Hyung Joon,
Lee Dong Ho,
Gwak GeumYoun,
Choi Moon Seok,
Lee Joon Hyeok,
Koh Kwang Cheol,
Paik Seung Woon,
Yoo Byung Chul
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2007.01481.x
Subject(s) - hbeag , hepatitis b virus , virology , gene , biology , hepatitis b , polymerase chain reaction , virus , genetics , hbsag
Background/Aims: As the core gene of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major immunological target, its mutation may evoke or evade immune clearance. We investigated the frequency and location of HBV core gene substitutions according to hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status and viral replication status, and evaluated the association of these substitutions with the different stages of chronic HBV infection in Korean patients. Methods: The study population included 45 HBeAg‐positive/DNA‐positive patients (group I), 49 HBeAg‐negative/DNA‐positive patients (II) and 50 HBeAg‐negative/DNA‐negative patients (III). The HBV core gene was analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. Results: The frequency of core gene substitutions increased from group I to group III. Substitutions were commonly detected at codons 87, 97, 112 and 130. The frequency of substitutions at codons 87 and 112 was higher in groups II/III than in group I. The frequency of the codon I97F substitutions was the highest in group III. However, the codon 130 substitution was more frequently found in groups I/II than in group III. Conclusion: Core gene substitutions were more frequently detected in HBeAg‐negative and/or HBV DNA‐negative patients. The substitutional hot spots were codons 87, 97, 112 and 130; substitutions at these codons might play a role in immune‐modulation during the course of chronic HBV infection.