IN-SITU HYBRIDIZATION OF HEPATITIS-B DNA IN HEPATITIS B-ASSOCIATED GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

Renal tissues from 43 of 49 children with hepatitis B virus-associated glomerulonephritis (HBV-GN) were examined for HBV DNA by in situ hybr idization (ISH) assay within the last 10 years. HBV DNA was identified in 41 of the 43 cases (95.3%). HBV DNA was distributed generally in t he nucleus and cytoplasm of epithelial cells and mesangial cells of gl omeruli, and epithelial cells of renal tubules. HBV DNA also existed s imultaneously in renal interstitial tissues in some of these cases. Th e positive results from HBV DNA ISH correlated well with HBV antigen a ssays. The analyses implied that the more extensive the existence of H BV DNA in the nephron unit and interstitial tissue, the more severe th e clinical manifestation. The duration of proteinuria in cases with HB V DNA in renal tubules was much longer than in those with no HBV DNA i n renal tubules. The persistence of the HBV genome or genes in the kid ney could lead to the expression of viral antigens in renal tissues an d might cause cellular pathological alteration. This would support uti lization of antiviral therapy, such as cytokines, in the treatment of HBV-GN.