Clinical Predictors of Liver Fibrosis in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection From Children to Adults

Background. This study aimed to elucidate predictors of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Methods. Transient elastography was performed to define liver stiffness in 533 patients with chronic HBV infection (mean age +/- standard deviation, 30.72 +/- 0.57 years). Protein array was performed on serum samples and lysates of IIuh7 cells transfected with HBV mutants; the results were confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the gene encoding interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) were examined in patients with chronic HBV infection with and without liver fibrosis. Results. Male sex, age >= 18 years, and serum alpha-fetoprotein level >3.6 ng/mL were independent predictors of a liver stiffness measurement of >= 7kPa (P = .005, .019, and <.001, respectively). HBV e antigen (IIBeAg)-negative hepatitis is associated with increased liver stiffness (P < .001). Elevation of the serum IL-1 beta level was demonstrated in subjects with liver fibrosis. IL-1 beta was upregulated in IIuh7 cells transfected with HBV mutants associated with HBeAg-negative hepatitis. The AA genotype at rs16944 and the CC genotype at rs1143627 in the gene encoding IL-1 beta were associated with higher serum IL-1 beta levels and liver fibrosis. Conclusions. Male sex, age >= 18 years, elevated alpha-fetoprotein level, and IIBeAg-negative hepatitis are risk factors for liver fibrosis. IL-1 beta is involved in the progression of liver fibrosis in subjects with HBeAg-negative hepatitis.