04 July 2018 : Laboratory Research
Dexamethasone Stimulates Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Replication Through Autophagy
Qiao He12E*, Xiaoyu Song1F, Yecai Huang3C, Wenjuan Huang2A, Bo Ye1B, Huaichao Luo1C, Hao Luo1C, Lichun Wu1B, Zuo Wang1D, Weixian Chen2A, Li Zhang1ADOI: 10.12659/MSM.906250
Med Sci Monit 2018; 24: LBR4617-4624
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Reactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a fatal complication of chemotherapy. Occult HBV infection might be reactivated in patients undergoing chemotherapy or immunosuppression. However, the mechanism of HBV reactivation induced by chemotherapy or immunosuppression remains unclear.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: HepG2.2.15 cells were treated with an autophagy inducer (rapamycin), an inhibitor (3-methyladenine, 3-MA), and dexamethasone. Autophagosomes were observed by a transmission electron microscope (TEM). LC3-I, LC3-II, and P62 were analyzed by western blot. HBV replicative intermediates were detected by southern blot. HBV DNA expression was quantitated with real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The level of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in culture medium was examined by ELISA.
RESULTS: In this study, we find that dexamethasone stimulates HBV replication and protein expression by inducing autophagy in HepG2.2.15 cells. In contrast, autophagy inhibitor (3-MA) abrogates HBsAg secretion stimulated by dexamethasone.
CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that dexamethasone stimulates HBV replication through autophagy. This might provide a novel insight into the mechanism of glucocorticoid-mediated HBV reactivation through autophagy, which might be a new therapeutic target.
Keywords: Dexamethasone, Hepatitis B virus
Editorial
01 April 2024 : Editorial
Editorial: Forty Years of Waiting for Prevention and Cure of HIV Infection – Ongoing Challenges and Hopes for Vaccine Development and Overcoming Antiretroviral Drug ResistanceDOI: 10.12659/MSM.944600
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e944600
In Press
15 Apr 2024 : Laboratory Research
The Role of Copper-Induced M2 Macrophage Polarization in Protecting Cartilage Matrix in OsteoarthritisMed Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943738
07 Mar 2024 : Clinical Research
Knowledge of and Attitudes Toward Clinical Trials: A Questionnaire-Based Study of 179 Male Third- and Fourt...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943468
08 Mar 2024 : Animal Research
Modification of Experimental Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Rat Pups by Single Exposure to Hyp...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.943443
18 Apr 2024 : Clinical Research
Comparative Analysis of Open and Closed Sphincterotomy for the Treatment of Chronic Anal Fissure: Safety an...Med Sci Monit In Press; DOI: 10.12659/MSM.944127
Most Viewed Current Articles
17 Jan 2024 : Review article
Vaccination Guidelines for Pregnant Women: Addressing COVID-19 and the Omicron VariantDOI :10.12659/MSM.942799
Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942799
14 Dec 2022 : Clinical Research
Prevalence and Variability of Allergen-Specific Immunoglobulin E in Patients with Elevated Tryptase LevelsDOI :10.12659/MSM.937990
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e937990
16 May 2023 : Clinical Research
Electrophysiological Testing for an Auditory Processing Disorder and Reading Performance in 54 School Stude...DOI :10.12659/MSM.940387
Med Sci Monit 2023; 29:e940387
01 Jan 2022 : Editorial
Editorial: Current Status of Oral Antiviral Drug Treatments for SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Non-Hospitalized Pa...DOI :10.12659/MSM.935952
Med Sci Monit 2022; 28:e935952