International Hepatology

From July 25 to 28, 2024, the Combined GIHep & SHC 2024 was held in Singapore. Dr. Jidong Jia from Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, participated in the Chronic Hepatitis B symposium and delivered a remarkable presentation on the new Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B (2022 Edition) (hereinafter referred to as the "New Guidelines"). Hepatology Digest conducted an exclusive interview with Professor Jia to discuss the highlights of his presentation.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presents a significant public health challenge in China, with the majority of HCC patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Postoperative survival rates for HBV-related HCC patients are often poor. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of HBV-related HCC urgently require comprehensive management. China has achieved remarkable success in primary prevention of hepatitis B. Regular screening and early treatment in high-risk populations are crucial to reducing HCC mortality. Antiviral treatment is an important measure for secondary and tertiary prevention of HBV-related HCC. At the 2024 World Hepatitis Day and the Elimination of Hepatitis Harm Action Conference, Dr. Yingli He from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University shared insights into antiviral treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from the perspective of comprehensive liver cancer management.

China has historically been a high-prevalence area for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, with a hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence rate of 9.7% in 1992. Comprehensive strategies, including the hepatitis B vaccine program for newborns (HepB), with a strong emphasis on timely administration of the birth dose and completion of the three-dose schedule, have significantly reduced mother-to-child transmission and early childhood HBV infections. With the significant reduction in the cost of antiviral drugs, treatment accessibility and affordability have greatly improved. From July 20 to 21, the "2024 World Hepatitis Day Campaign and Hepatitis Elimination Action Conference" was held in Beijing. Dr. Jidong Jia from Beijing Friendship Hospital ,Capital Medical University delivered a keynote speech titled "Progress and Challenges in the Prevention and Treatment of Hepatitis B in China," where he systematically explained the progress made, the challenges faced, and the urgent actions needed in the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B in China.

Yttrium-90 (Y90) resin microsphere selective internal radiotherapy (Y90-RE) is a minimally invasive local treatment method that can effectively control tumor progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who are ineligible for resection or ablation, with compensated liver function and good overall condition. With the advancement of precision medicine, the clinical understanding of immune activation by Y90-RE has deepened, revealing the potential of pre-Y90-RE peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) immune profiling in predicting patient prognosis. Hepatology Digest invited Dr. Lin Zhang from Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital to interpret a study published in Gut (IF=23), which explores the immune activation mechanisms of Y90-RE.

Over time, alcohol consumption has become a significant public health concern. Alcohol is associated with more than 200 diseases, including diabetes and cirrhosis, contributing to 5.3% of global mortality. Despite increased awareness of alcohol's harmful effects, overall consumption levels have not decreased. Previous studies have investigated the impact of diabetes on patients with alcoholic cirrhosis, but the relationship between diabetes and clinical outcomes in these patients has remained unclear. Recently, a study published in Hepatology International has shed light on the relationship between diabetes and clinical outcomes in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis.

Greetings to all experts and colleagues. In this issue of CDM Monthly Review (Issue 83), we will share five recent papers in the field of diagnosis and treatment of portal hypertension in liver cirrhosis (three on diagnostic monitoring and two on multidisciplinary treatment). The guest experts for this issue's review are Dr. Qianwen Zhao from the Department of Infectious Diseases at Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Dr. Yanna Liu from the Liver Disease and Gastroenterology Center at Beijing You'an Hospital , Capital Medical University, Dr. Kefeng Jia from Tianjin Third Central Hospital, and Dr. Wenhui Zhang from the Department of Gastroenterology at Beijing Daxing District People's Hospital.

The Journal of Hepatology (JOH) recently published an online systematic review and individual patient data meta-analysis conducted by Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. The study investigates the impact of using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) before liver transplantation on various key clinical outcomes post-transplantation. The findings reveal that while ICIs treatment may increase the risk of post-transplant rejection, the overall risk remains manageable, with patient age and ICI clearance time being closely related to rejection risk. This study provides valuable clinical data to support the use of ICIs before liver transplantation, offering new insights and directions for research and clinical practice in this area.

Most patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) exhibit varying degrees of cholestasis. Previous studies have shown that compared to standard medical treatment alone, the artificial liver support system (ALSS) can improve prognosis and extend survival time in ACLF patients. Additionally, research has confirmed gut microbiota dysbiosis in ACLF patients. However, the specific impact of ALSS on the gut microbiota composition in these patients remains unclear. Considering the complex interactions between gut microbiota, bile acids (BAs), and the liver, researchers conducted a study to elucidate the unique effects of ALSS on gut microbiota and serum BAs in ACLF patients. Furthermore, the study visualized the relationships between gut microbiota, serum BAs, and clinical outcomes in ACLF patients using correlation heatmaps, providing insights into potential therapeutic targets for ACLF. The study was recently published in Hepatology International.

July 28, 2024, marks the 14th World Hepatitis Day. Despite significant progress in combating viral hepatitis, it remains the most prevalent infectious disease in China. Hepatitis E (HEV) is particularly challenging, as China is a high-endemic region for the virus. To address the need for more standardized in-hospital screening procedures, accurate assessments, and a reduction in disease burden, the Chinese Consortium for the Study of Hepatitis E (CCSHE), in collaboration with the Chinese Physician Association for Infectious Disease and the National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, has developed the "Expert Consensus on the Process of In-Hospital Screening Management of Viral Hepatitis E in China (2023)" (referred to as the Consensus). During a recent academic exchange on hepatitis E prevention and control, Dr. Jian Wu, from the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. Hepatology Digest invited Dr. Jian Wu to share his insights and experiences on hepatitis E prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, aiming to further raise public awareness and encourage proactive measures to curb the spread of the virus.

July 28 is "World Hepatitis Day," and this year's theme in China is "Eliminate Hepatitis: Act Now." While the focus remains on viral hepatitis, the prevention and treatment of Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) should not be overlooked. In honor of World Hepatitis Day, Hepatology Digest invited Dr. Yuemin Nan from the Hebei Medical University Third Hospital to share valuable insights on MAFLD.