Biomedical subjects

S C Chen

Publications and source records attributed to S C Chen.

At least 127 records · Page 7Linked to original sources

PubMed2000

Determination of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 subtypes in Taiwan by vpu gene analysis.

The genetic diversity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 (HIV-1) has been characterized mainly by analysis of the env and gag genes. Information on the vpu genes in the HIV sequence database is very limited. In the present study, the nucleotide sequences of the vpu genes were analyzed, and the genetic subtypes determined by analysis of the vpu gene were compared with those previously determined by analysis of the gag and env genes. The vpu genes were amplified by nested PCR of proviral DNA extracted from 363 HIV-1-infected individuals and were sequenced directly by use of the PCR products. HIV-1 subtypes were determined by sequence alignment and phylogenetic analysis with reference strains. The strains in all except one of the samples analyzed could be classified as subtype A, B, C, E, or G. The vpu subtype of one strain could not be determined. Of the strains analyzed, genetic subtypes of 247 (68.0%) were also determined by analysis of the env or gag gene. The genetic subtypes determined by vpu gene analysis were, in general, consistent with those determined by gag and/or env gene analysis except for those for two AG recombinant strains. All the strains that clustered with a Thailand subtype E strain in the vpu phylogenetic analyses were subtype E by env gene analysis and subtype A by gag gene analysis. In summary, our genetic typing revealed that subtype B strains, which constituted 73.8% of all strains analyzed, were most prevalent in Taiwan. While subtype E strains constituted about one-quarter of the viruses, they were prevalent at a higher proportion in the group infected by heterosexual transmission. Genetic analysis of vpu may provide an alternate method for determination of HIV-1 subtypes for most of the strains, excluding those in which intersubtype recombination has occurred.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Clinical evaluation of the automated COBAS AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR test version 2.0 for quantifying serum hepatitis C virus RNA and comparison to the quantiplex HCV version 2.0 test.

A second-generation hepatitis C virus (HCV) quantitative assay (COBAS AMPLICOR HCV MONITOR Test, version 2.0; COBAS HCM-2) has been developed, with the intention of achieving equivalent quantification of all HCV genotypes and improving assay performance. To evaluate the clinical performance of COBAS HCM-2 and its utility in predicting the response to alpha interferon treatment, sera from 215 chronic hepatitis C patients were analyzed and the results were compared with those obtained by the Quantiplex bDNA HCV RNA, version 2.0, assay (bDNA-2). The COBAS HCM-2 had significantly greater sensitivity than bDNA-2 (94.9 versus 88.4%; P < 0.001) when performed with sera from chronic hepatitis C patients who were viremic by a qualitative PCR test. The standard deviations for the within-run and between-run reproducibilities of COBAS HCM-2 were <0. 1 and <0.2, respectively, and it showed an improved linear range between genotypes with the threefold serial dilutions tested (r(2) = 0.986 to 0.995). The COBAS HCM-2 results were positively correlated with the bDNA-2 results, but the values for COBAS HCM-2 were on average 0.96 log lower than the values for bDNA-2. The mean difference in quantification values between these two assays did not differ among samples with different genotypes (0.70 to 1.00 log). No genotype-dependent difference in viral load was observed. The pretreatment viral load was significantly lower in complete responders. By using multivariate analysis, the viral load 2 weeks after the initiation of alpha interferon treatment was the strongest predictor of a complete response. In conclusion, COBAS HCM-2 demonstrated good sensitivity, linearity, and reproducibility and efficiency equal to that of bDNA-2 for the quantification of HCV genotypes 1 and 2. Hence, this assay provides a rapid and reliable method for the quantification of HCV RNA in serum and is useful for the planning of interferon treatment.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Anti-aging effects of the traditional Chinese medicine bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang in mice.

Among the "alternative medicines," which may ably supplement modern Western medicine in the treatment of certain diseases, the holistic approach and mild nature of the majority of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) may make it particularly suitable for the treatment of diseases associated with old age, as the general health of elderly patients is already compromised. The TCM formulation of bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang (B.Z.Y.Q.T.), prescribed mainly for the improvement of circulation and in particular that to the gastroenteric regions, may have anti-aging effects. In the present study, possible anti-aging effects of B.Z.Y.Q.T. were studied using normal (ICR) mice and the Dull, P/8 and R/1 strains of the Senescence Accelerated Mouse (S.A.M.). Following repeated oral administrations of B.Z.Y.Q.T. at 250 and 500 mg/kg the test mice were assessed for (1) endurance (2) learning and memory (3) neuromuscular coordination and (4) changes in the levels of monoamines in the brain. The results indicated that B.Z.Y.Q.T. improved endurance in all strains in a dose-dependent manner. At the higher dose of 500 mg/kg, it improved memory in the R/1 and P/8 S.A.M. mice. In prolonged rota-rod tests, which assessed both motor coordination and endurance, B.Z.Y.Q.T. significantly improved performance in the P/8 S.A.M. mice. Elevated dopamine and noradrenaline were observed in cortical tissues of the S.A.M./Dull and ICR mice respectively with the high dose of 500 mg/Kg, B.Z.Y.Q.T. Taken together, the results indicated that B.Z.Y.Q.T. appeared to exert anti-aging effects in mice and elevation in certain monoamines in brain cortical tissues. How and whether the monoamines changes after B.Z.Y.Q.T. treatment might be related to the behavioral effects await further investigation.

Aging↗

PubMed2000

Detection of human cytomegalovirus retinitis and monitoring of ganciclovir treatment using conjunctival swab with polymerase chain reaction in AIDS patients.

This report studies the accuracy of conjunctival swab polymerase chain reaction (CS-PCR) for the diagnosis of human cytomegalovirus retinitis (HCMV) in AIDS patients. PCR and virus culture were used for the detection of HCMV in conjunctival swab, serum, and urine specimens from 38 AIDS patients between April 1996 and April 1998. The clinical utility of the identification of HCMV retinitis by these 6 different methods was demonstrated by their prediction power to estimate AIDS patients at risk of contracting HCMV retinitis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of CS-PCR for the detection of HCMV retinitis were 91.5%, 80.9%, 60.8%, and 92.7%, respectively; for serum PCR were 74.3%, 81.7%, 57.2%, and 90.3%; for urine PCR were 100%, 17.3%, 20.4%, and 100%; for conjunctival swab culture were 22.7%, 100%, 100%, and 86%; for serum culture were 27.3%, 98.1%, 75%, and 86.4%; and for urine culture were 90.9%, 44.2%, 25.6%, and 95.8%.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

PubMed2000

Inhibition of methyl-n-amylnitrosamine hydroxylation by diallyl sulfide and phenethylisothiocyanate in the rat.

Formation of the stable 2-, 3-, and 4-hydroxy derivatives of methyl-n-amylnitrosamine (MNAN) probably reflects cytochrome P-450-catalyzed activation of MNAN by 1-hydroxylation. Here we studied inhibition of the oxidation of MNAN to hydroxy-MNANs (HO-MNANs) by freshly excised tissues from MRC-Wistar rats treated with the vegetable-derived chemicals diallyl sulfide (DAS) and phenethylisothiocyanate (PEITC). Rats were gavaged with DAS (200 mg/kg), PEITC (163 mg/kg), or vehicle (corn oil) alone. After various times, the rats were killed, the esophagus, nasal mucosa, and liver were removed, and the tissues/tissue slices were incubated for two hours with 23 microM MNAN. HO-MNAN formation was measured by gas chromatography-thermal energy analysis. Significant (p < 0.01) 72-75%, 40%, and 44% inhibitions of total HO-MNAN formation were observed for nasal mucosa removed at 3-18 hours, for esophagus at 18 hours, and for liver at 3 hours, respectively, after gavage of DAS. Significant (p < 0.03) 46-75% inhibition of HO-MNAN formations was observed for the esophagus at 2-24 hours after gavage of PEITC. In disposition studies, rats were treated with DAS (200 mg/kg) in corn oil and sacrificed after various intervals. DAS was determined by gas chromatography of tissue homogenate extracts. After gavage of DAS, its total recovery from all tissues studied was 27% of the dose after 45 minutes and 15-19% after 90 and 180 minutes, with > 80% of the recovered DAS in the stomach contents. Up to 2% per tissue of the recovered DAS was found in the stomach wall, liver, and blood. After intraperitoneal injection of DAS, < or = 2% of the dose was recovered in the blood and < or = 0.7% in the liver. Hence, gavage of DAS and PEITC significantly inhibited HO-MNAN formation for up to 18 and 24 hours, respectively, whereas DAS was > 80% metabolized 90 minutes after its gavage. These findings suggest that long-lasting inhibitors or their metabolites, or inactivation of P-450 enzymes, were responsible for the persistence of inhibition of MNAN metabolism.

Allyl Compounds↗

PubMed2000

Synthesis and anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of methoxyisoflavanquinone and related compounds.

In a continuation of our search for novel anti-platelet agents, isoflavone quinone and isoflavanquinone were selected as lead compounds and the synthesis of their methoxy derivatives was carried out. Among them, the 4'- and 7-methoxy derivatives were successfully prepared, whereas the attempt to obtain 3'-methoxy derivatives resulted in their isomers, 3'-methoxyflavone quinone and 3'-methoxyflavanquinone, instead. After screening for their anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities, a preliminary structure-activity relationship was established. Compounds 6c, 7a-c, 8c and 9a-c were found to exhibit significant activities. In particular, compound 7c demonstrated very potent anti-platelet, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities and was then recommended for further pharmacological investigation.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Percutaneous ethanol injection of the supplying artery to hepatocellular carcinoma that is not amenable to conventional treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical usefulness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous ethanol injection of the supplying artery (PEISA) to the tumour in the palliative management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is not amenable to conventional treatments. A total of 23 cases of HCC, measuring from 3.1 cm to larger than 15 cm (median 5.4 cm) in 17 cirrhotic patients, were treated by PEISA. PEISA was used to control rapid growth of the tumour in seven patients and to reduce abdominal discomfort caused by rapid expansion of the tumour in 10 patients. Tumours with arterial Doppler signals persisting after PEISA underwent repeated treatment. The follow-up period ranged from 2-48 months. PEISA was achieved in 69 out of 76 attempts (90.8%). The amount of ethanol injected on each occasion ranged from 2.5-33 ml. Follow-up colour Doppler scanning showed complete elimination of tumour Doppler signals in 22 out of 23 lesions (95.7%). Following treatment, one tumour disappeared, 13 tumours shrank and nine tumours were unchanged in size. All patients with abdominal discomfort had relief after treatment. The common complications of PEISA were local pain and fever. In conclusion, PEISA is effective at treating painful HCC unsuitable for conventional treatment.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

Metabolism of the hamster pancreatic carcinogen methyl-2-oxopropylnitrosamine by hamster liver and pancreas.

BACKGROUND: The mechanism whereby methyl-2-oxopropylnitrosamine (MOP) is activated remains unknown. To begin investigating this mechanism, we followed MOP disappearance during its incubation with liver and pancreatic slices and homogenates from Syrian hamsters and rats. METHODS: After the incubations, disappearance of 100 microM MOP and appearance of a metabolite was followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet (UV) detection. RESULTS: Disappearance rates were 1.2 nmol/mg protein/h for hamster liver slices; zero for hamster pancreatic slices, ducts and acini; zero for rat liver and pancreatic slices; and 11.8, 12.8, 1.3, and 2.3 nmol MOP/mg/h for hamster liver homogenate and cytosol, and hamster pancreas homogenate and microsomes, respectively. The principal MOP metabolite was identified as methyl-2-hydroxypropylnitrosamine (MHP) by its HPLC behavior and its 1H-NMR and mass spectra. MHP yields were generally similar to MOP consumption, but were zero for hamster pancreatic homogenate despite its ability to metabolize MOP. CONCLUSION: MOP is a pancreatic carcinogen in hamsters but not in rats. In metabolic studies, hamster liver slices and homogenate (especially the cytosol) produced MHP from MOP. This is probably an inactivation reaction. Hamster pancreas homogenate (especially the microsome fraction), but not rat pancreas homogenate, metabolized MOP without forming MHP, indicating another route of metabolism, perhaps activation to give the proximal carcinogen.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Virologic factors related to interferon-alpha-induced thyroid dysfunction in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatitis C virus (HCV), being reported to be associated with a high prevalence of serological markers of autoimmunity in HCV-infected patients, and possibly sharing partial sequences in amino acid segments with thyroid tissue antigens, may be associated with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha)-induced thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients. We conducted this study to clarify the issue. DESIGN AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty chronic hepatitis C patients with normal baseline thyroid function were treated with IFN-alpha 2a, 2b and n1 (3-6 million Units three times weekly for 24 weeks). Pretreatment sera were tested for HCV genotype and HCV RNA levels. Serum thyrotropin, total thyroxine and free thyroxine index were performed every 4 weeks for 24 weeks followed by every 8 weeks for another 24 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-one (14.0%) patients developed early thyroid dysfunction (abnormal thyroid function during the first 3 months of therapy). Female gender, lower HCV RNA levels, IFN-alpha n1 and a lower IFN-alpha dose were significantly associated with early thyroid dysfunction. On multivariate analysis, gender, IFN-alpha preparation and HCV RNA levels were the significant factors associated with early thyroid dysfunction. Seven (4.7%) patients developed thyroid dysfunction during the second 3 months of IFN-alpha therapy. Taken together, 18.7% patients developed thyroid dysfunction. Female, mixed HCV genotype infection and lower HCV RNA levels were significantly associated with thyroid dysfunction. However, only gender remained significantly associated with IFN-alpha-induced thyroid dysfunction in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The virologic features of HCV may be associated with thyroid dysfunction in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with IFN-alpha. Nevertheless, gender still plays the most important role in IFN-alpha-induced thyroid dysfunction.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

Expression of OB receptor splice variants during prenatal development of the mouse.

In adult animals, signaling through the leptin receptor (OB-R) has been shown to play a critical role in fat metabolism. However, it is not known when these receptors are first expressed and what their role may be during embryonic development. To date, at least 6 splice variants of the OB-R have been identified. Although the function of each of these individual splice variants are unknown, only one of them, ob-rL ,encodes a receptor with a long intracellular domain that is implicated in OB-R signaling. In this study we have used in situ hybridization to examine the localization of OB-R splice variants during embryonic development of C57B1/6J mice. Using a probe, ob-r, that recognizes all of the splice variants, ob-r mRNA was found to be distributed in developing bone, mesenchyme, notochord and liver. In addition, epithelial structures including leptomeninges, choroid plexi and hair follicles also expressed ob-r. No ob-r mRNA was detected in the CNS. ob-rL, expression was only detected in notochord, bone and mesenchyme. The differential expression of these two mRNA isoforms suggests that the extracellular and intracellular domains of the OB receptor perform different biological functions.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Ophthalmic findings in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

Ocular manifestations have been reported in up to 60% of individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the United States, and it is becoming increasing apparent that these ocular manifestations almost invariably reflect extent of progression of the disease. The prevalence of ocular abnormalities among acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients in Taiwan has not been reported. In the present study, we examined and followed up the ophthalmic conditions of a total of 274 HIV-infected patients during the period from March 1993 to May 1999. The results show that cotton-wool spots was the most common ocular finding in this series of patients with AIDS, occurring in 22 (32.8%) of 67 AIDS patients. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis was the most commonly seen opportunistic ocular infection, occurring in 14 (20.8%) of 67 AIDS patients. These findings suggest that AIDS patients should be closely followed for signs of opportunistic ocular disease which may initially be asymptomatic. Close co-operation between the ophthalmologist and the internist is essential to ensure timely therapeutic intervention, which can decrease the risk of further complications including visual impairment and blindness.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

PubMed2000

Preservation of the thin distal urethra in hypospadias repair.

PURPOSE: We report our experience with preserving the thin distal urethra lacking corpus spongiosum for the treatment of hypospadias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1997 to October 1999 we treated primary hypospadias in 77 boys with a mean age of 4 years 10 months. After degloving the penile skin a segment of thin distal urethra lacking corpus spongiosum was noted in 18 patients (23.4%) with a mean age of 3 years 5 months. The thin distal urethra was preserved and incorporated as part of urethroplasty (group 1). The procedure was primarily completed by tubularized incised plate urethroplasty. We also performed tubularized incised plate urethroplasty in 31 boys (40.3%) with a mean age of 5 years 2 months who had normal coverage of the corpus spongiosum of a hypospadiac urethra (group 2). We compared the results of treatment in these 2 groups. The remaining 28 patients (36.4%) treated with other methods were excluded from study. RESULTS: In group 1 the distance from the original meatus to the urethra covered by healthy corpus spongiosum was 4 to 20 mm. (mean 8.2). If the thin distal urethra had been excised, the urethral meatus would have been relocated more proximal in these boys. Mean followup in groups 1 and 2 was 9.9 and 7.6 months, respectively. Postoperatively there were 2 (11.1%) urethrocutaneous fistulas in group 1 and 4 (12.9%) in group 2. Tubularized incised plate repair was successful in all 10 cases (100%) of distal hypospadias in group 2, and in 15 of 18 (83.3%) and 17 of 21 (81%) of proximal hypospadias cases in groups 1 and 2, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the success rate of hypospadias repair in the groups. CONCLUSIONS: We noted a significantly thin distal urethra in 23.4% of our cases of primary hypospadias. Mean length of the thin distal urethra was 8.2 mm. Preserving the thin distal urethra may simplify the operative procedure without compromising the surgical results of tubularized incised plate urethroplasty.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2000

An epidemiologic study of dog bites among postmen in central Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the occupational hazard of dog bites among postmen. METHODS: Data were collected from postmen working for 9 post offices in central Taiwan using the postmen's 1994 annual health examinations. Of 237 eligible postmen, 192 postmen (81.0%), including 183 men and 9 women, participated in this study. Detailed personal and occupational information and experiences of dog bites during a 3-year period (1991 to 1994) were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Baseline variables and occupational data were examined as risk factors for the dog bites among the postmen using multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: We found that, during the 3-year period of study, 71.4% (137/192) of the postmen had had the experience of dog bites. Only 48.9% (67/137) had sought medical attention after a dog bite injury. There was also a regional difference among postmen experiencing dog bites. After controlling multiple variables, there was a 2.70-fold increase in risk of having dog bite accidents among postmen who worked in rural areas compared with those who worked in urban areas (95% confidence interval, 1.39 to 5.25). CONCLUSION: Dog bites are a common occupational hazard for postmen. The incidence of dog bites among postmen is higher than the reported rates among general populations. There is a need to develop an effective prevention strategy to reduce the occurrence of dog bites among postmen. We also emphasize the importance of seeking adequate medical treatment after a dog bite injury.

Adult↗

PubMed2000

Effects of bombesin on gut mucosal immunity in rats after thermal injury.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Severe burns induce a disruption in gastrointestinal mucosal integrity and facilitate bacterial translocation (BT). Bombesin (BBS), a tetradecapeptide analogous to mammalian gastrin-releasing peptide, can induce the release of all gut hormones except secretin. This study examined the effects of BBS on mucosal immunity in rats after thermal injury. METHODS: Forty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into one sham control group and six burn groups. Burn groups were subjected to 35% total body surface area burn injury. One to 6 days after the injury, six animals (one from each group) were killed every 24 hours. Biliary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), jejunal mucosal height, intestinal permeability, and BT to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), liver, and spleen were examined. In a second experiment, three groups of rats (6 in each) received either sham treatment and saline injection, or thermal injury and saline injection, or thermal injury and BBS injection. Twenty-four hours after burns or sham treatment, six animals (1 from each group) were killed. The biliary SIgA, jejunal mucosal height, and BT to the MLNs, liver, and spleen were examined. RESULTS: The biliary SIgA decreased to one-seventh of normal levels 1 day after burn injury, and increased thereafter. The jejunal mucosal height decreased significantly to two-thirds of the normal value 1 day after burn injury. The intestinal mucosal permeability increased significantly to three times the normal level 2 days after the burn injury, and decreased thereafter. BBA significantly reduced the BT incidence and significantly increased the biliary SIgA and jejunal mucosal height 1 day after burn injury. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that, in rats, the intestinal permeability increased, the gut mucosal barrier failed, and the gut immunity deteriorated in the first few days after burn injury. BBS therapy helped to restore the postburn gut mucosal barrier in rats, by increasing biliary SIgA levels and the jejunal mucosal height.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Reanalysis of stone manipulation prior to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for management of upper ureteral calculi.

BACKGROUND: In situ extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for upper ureteral stones is controversial, in contrast to ESWL treatment of the majority of other renal calculi. Some urologists recommend retrograde mobilization of the calculi into the renal pelvis prior to ESWL as a routine procedure, while others report little advantage in manipulating a ureteral stone into the kidney before treatment by ESWL. To better understand this controversial issue, we reanalyzed clinical studies and the mechanism of stone disintegration in ESWL. METHODS: We performed a computerized MEDLINE search and manual bibliographic review of relevant peer reviewed reports from 1980 to 1998. Ten reports were analyzed with respect to stone-free rate and the important findings are summarized. RESULTS: Two of 10 data sets are statistically significant (p < 0.05) to verify a higher stone-free rate and another five reports also revealed that higher stone-free rates could be expected with retrograde stone manipulation into the renal collecting system before treatment by ESWL. CONCLUSIONS: Higher stone-free rates with retrograde stone manipulation into the renal collecting system before treatment by ESWL is statistically significant and theoretically supported by the mechanism of stone disintegration.

Humans↗

PubMed2000

[Studies on submerged fermentation of alkaline beta-1,4-glycanases by Bacillus pumilus A-30].

The effects of stirring rate, pH control and feed time of (NH4)2SO4 on beta-1,4-glycanases were investigated. The operating conditions of batch fermentation and fed-batch culture were optimized. The results showed there were a large amount of bacterial cells adsorbing on the surface of wheat bran, and stirring rate had a pronounced influence on the adsorption and the production of beta-1,4-glycanases. The uncontrolled pH could promote the induction of beta-1,4-glycanases. When (NH4)2SO4 was fed at a constant rate in the earlier age, and regulated later by determining the content of (NH4)2SO4, xylanase and CMCase activity could reach 616 IU/mL and 1.33 IU/mL respectively.

Bacillus↗

PubMed2000

Papulonecrotic tuberculid--a rare skin manifestation in a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Papulonecrotic tuberculid (PNT), a cutaneous manifestation of tuberculosis, is rare even in areas endemic for tuberculosis such as Taiwan. Concomitant pulmonary tuberculosis is uncommon in patients with PNT. We describe a patient with rare skin manifestations and simultaneous pulmonary tuberculosis. This 48-year-old woman had suffered from productive cough for 4 months, and pea-sized papules with central umbilication were noted over the extensor surface of her four extremities and lower abdomen 1 month prior to admission to our hospital. Chest roentgenography showed reticulonodular lesions with small cavitation over the lower right lung field, and sputum culture yielded Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. PNT was diagnosed using the skin biopsy results and the papules healed with scar formation after antituberculous therapy.

Female↗

PubMed2000

The epidemiology of TT virus (TTV) infection in a hepatitis C and B virus hyperendemic area of southern Taiwan.

TT virus (TTV) is a newly isolated DNA virus from the serum of a patient with posttransfusion hepatitis of unknown etiology in 1997. To evaluate the clinical and molecular characteristics of TT virus (TTV) in a hepatitis C virus (HCV) and B (HBV) hyperendemic area (Masago), 200 residents were enrolled in the study. The sera were tested for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HCV RNA and GB virus C/Hepatitis G virus (HGV) RNA, TTV DNA, HBsAg, anti-HCV and antibodies to HGV E2-protein (anti-E2). TTV DNA was positive in 99 of the 200 sera with a prevalence rate of 49.5%. The prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HCV, HCV RNA, HGV RNA, anti-E2 and HGV exposure (defined as positive for serum HGV RNA and/or anti-E2) was 38.9%, 69.5%, 64.5%, 17.0%, 25.5% and 39.5%, respectively. Neither clinical nor virological factors were associated with TTV viremia. The rate of ALT abnormality was significantly elevated in HCV RNA-positive (34.9%) than -negative (7.0%) residents (p < 0.001). HCV viremia was the only factor significantly associated with ALT elevation by multiple logistic regression (odds ratio: 6.96; 95% C.I.: 2.60-18.7). We concluded that in this HCV/HBV hyperendemic area, the prevalence of TTV DNA was high. No significant clinical factor was observed to be associated with TTV infection. TTV infection is not related to abnormal ALT levels and ALT abnormality was mainly attributable to HCV but not TTV, HBV or HGV infection.

Adult↗