Research Progress Of Occult Hepatitis B And OBI-ralated Hepatocellular Carcinoma

OBI(Occult Hepatitis B virus infection)is a specific form of HBV infection.Since it was first reported in the 1970 s,more and more studies have confirmed the widespread existence of OBI.Occult Hepatitis B is commonly found in areas with high prevalence of HBV infection,people with negative HBsAg after HBV infection,people with negative HBsAg liver disease,and people with low immunity.The pathogenesis of OBI is may related to HBV gene mutation,host immune response,co-infection with other infections such as HCV infection and HIV infection.Otherwise,the sensitivity of detection techniques is still the reason of OBI.Since it’s not easy to be detected clinically,OBI may progress to occult cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Though occult HBV infection plays a role in the pathogenesis of HCC,the specific mechanisms are still not clear yet.Studies have shown that high expression of hepatitis b virus x protein(HBx)and Yes related protein(YAP)may cause malignant transformation of liver cells.OBI may be involved in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma through immune-mediated therapy,and the hypermethylation of HBV may also play an important role in the development of OBI associatedhepatocellular carcinoma.Otherwise,OBI also retained the classic mechanism of cancerization after hepatitis b infection.OBI is widely existed but not considered seriously.The pathogenesis of HCC caused by OBI is not completely clear.To explore its pathogenesis is helpful to warn clinicians and patients with OBI,so as to make more timely and standardized diagnosis and prevention.