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Circulating microRNA‐122 levels are important predictor of hepatitis B virus surface antigen seroclearance

It is currently unclear what impact serum microRNA‐122 (miR‐122) levels have on clearance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) in HBV‐infected patients who had not received antiviral therapy. The current study evaluated the impact of serum miR‐122 levels on HBsAg seroclearance in 367 consecutive HBV‐infected patients who had not received antiviral therapy between their initial and last visit, and investigated the predictive factors of HBsAg seroclearance. Cumulative HBsAg seroclearance rates were 13.5%, 32.0%, and 37.4% after 10, 20, and 30 years, respectively. The yearly incidence of HBsAg seroclearance over the investigated 30‐year period was 1.25%. A significant and strong correlation was observed between serum miR‐122 and HBsAg levels. Moreover, there was a significant correlation between serum miR‐122 levels and the levels of HBV DNA, hepatitis B e‐antigen, and HBV core‐related antigen. The HBsAg seroclearance rate in patients with a <1.0‐fold change of serum miR‐122 levels was significantly higher than in those with a ≥1.0‐fold change. Multivariate analysis identified age (≥30 years), HBV DNA levels (<2.2 log U/mL), HBV genotype (non‐C), and serum miR‐122 levels (<1.0‐fold change) as significant predictors of HBsAg seroclearance. Our results indicated that serum miR‐122 level is an important predictor of HBsAg seroclearance in Japanese patients who do not receive antiviral therapy. Understanding the complexity of the interactions among various virus‐related and host‐related factors could potentially help in the design of new therapies that enhance HBsAg seroclearance.