E-Book

E-Book 3rd Congress

  • Investigation of Interferon Alpha in the Treatment of Hepatitis D and Alternative Treatment Methods in Hepatitis D
  • Ghazale Borvaye,1,* dr Issa Layali,2 Armina aghazade,3
    1. department of microbiology, Islamic Azad university, medical branch, Tehran,Iran
    2. Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Faculty of Advanced Sciences and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
    3. department of microbiology, Islamic Azad university, medical branch, Tehran,


  • Introduction: Hepatitis B is one of the dangerous and deadly diseases, with its chronic form having the ability to cause liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. Hepatitis D is the most severe type of hepatitis, which can occur in individuals already infected with hepatitis B, although the presence and function of hepatitis D are dependent on hepatitis B. Its structure is completely different from other types of hepatitis, namely hepatitis A, C, and E, and can lead to more severe liver diseases compared to hepatitis B. Vaccination against hepatitis B can help prevent infection with the hepatitis D virus and reduce its replication. The most effective treatment for hepatitis D so far has been the administration of drug complexes tailored to the individual's condition, which help prevent virus replication and boost the body's immune system. It is important to note that currently, the only standard treatment for hepatitis D worldwide is interferon alpha, which has been shown to have an effectiveness rate of approximately 15 to 40 percent on average in patients with hepatitis D. Overall, interferon alpha does not have the same effect on all individuals and may be ineffective in some cases. It has its own advantages and disadvantages, which may not be suitable for everyone. Some of its benefits include reducing virus replication, reducing liver inflammation, increasing the immune system, while its side effects may include weight loss, decreased energy, depression, flu-like symptoms, joint pain, etc. The effectiveness of interferon alpha typically depends on the duration of the infection, disease severity, basic liver function, response to treatment, and other factors. The most commonly prescribed treatment for patients is pegylated interferon alpha, administered for approximately one year, which can vary depending on the individual's condition. Alternative treatments are still in the experimental stages, and the following approaches can be mentioned: 1) Nucleoside Analogues (NAs): NAs, which are prescribed for the treatment of hepatitis B, can indirectly help suppress hepatitis D infection by suppressing hepatitis B viral replication. 2) Entry Inhibitors: The Hepatitis D virus (HDV) requires entry receptors in liver cells to penetrate. Researchers are studying compounds that can block the entry of HDV into liver cells and prevent infection and its spread. 3) RNAi Therapy: RNAi is a biological process that can suppress specific genes. Scientists are investigating the use of RNAi-based therapies to target and inhibit HDV replication, which may reduce the level of the virus in infected individuals. 4) Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs): ASOs are artificial DNA or RNA molecules that can selectively bind to specific target RNAs. Research is underway to develop ASOs that can penetrate HDV replication and block viral protein production.
  • Methods: We utilize a compilation of information that researchers have obtained using diverse materials and methods, such as patient samples, various approaches, and tools, to study the life cycle of the Hepatitis D virus. Additionally, we evaluate the efficacy and safety of therapeutic strategies, screen potential antiviral compounds, optimize drug candidates, conduct clinical trials, analyze the viral genome, and develop immunotherapeutic strategies. The combination of these materials and methods has facilitated the discovery of new treatment options for Hepatitis D.
  • Results: All of these treatments are still in the experimental stages. Liver transplantation, vaccination, safe sexual practices, prevention of blood-borne transmission, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can also help prevent disease progression and provide preventive measures. Hopefully, the successful development of new treatment approaches will contribute to the advancement of hepatitis treatment and aid patients in their recovery.
  • Conclusion: there are ongoing clinical trials assessing the efficacy of new antiviral agents specifically targeting HDV, as well as combination therapies with nucleos(t)ide analogs and immunomodulatory drugs. These new treatments aim to further improve the management of hepatitis D and potentially achieve a functional cure, which is the sustained suppression of both HBV and HDV replication.
  • Keywords: hepatitis_d, vaccination, treatment, Interferon_Alpha , hepatitis_b