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【Research Keyword】
Viral hepatitis, anti-viral therapy, liver steatosis, liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, portal hypertension
【Recent highlights】
Effective antiviral therapies for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are now available, and we can provide these remarkable anti-viral therapies, which can be expected to achieve more than 90% eradication, including in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. On the other hand, in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, viral replication can be suppressed by anti-viral therapy, but it is more difficult to eliminate the virus from infected hepatocytes completely. Currently, a large number of therapeutic candidates, such as antisense oligo targeting of viral RNA and vaccines that activate host immunity against HBV, have been identified, and several clinical trials are underway. However, no drug has yet been developed that successfully eliminates HBV. To identify novel therapeutic targets for HBV elimination, we are performing comprehensive gene expression analyses and examining changes in signaling pathways in hepatocytes that are affected by HBV infection. Furthermore, we also actively participate in clinical trials evaluating novel drugs for chronic HBV infection. Previously, we performed vaccine therapy with Ehime University and demonstrated a reduction of HBs antigen and the acquisition of HBs antibodies in a subset of HBV carriers (Hepatol Res, 2023). We are currently conducting a multicenter clinical trial with a larger number of patients to verify its antiviral effects.
Recently, the number of patients with liver steatosis has increased worldwide, and preventing progression to liver cirrhosis and liver cancer has become an urgent issue. To address this challenge, we are collecting clinical data from Hiroshima University Hospital and related hospitals and clinics and analyzing factors associated with the progression of liver fibrosis and carcinogenesis.
In the treatment of liver cancer, we now have several treatment options in the case of advanced-stage liver cancers owing to the development of molecular targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, the range of available treatments varies by institution. Therefore, we are accumulating clinical data from Hiroshima University Hospital and related hospitals and clinics and conducting basic and clinical research to help guide the selection of optimal anti-cancer treatments.
