Possible role of retinoids in hepatitis B virus-associated liver damage

Liver damage following hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection may be due to the action of retinoids as modulators of viral replication. The reduced rate of survival of liver grafts in patients with HBV infection could also be due to the continued presence of the virus, stimulated by retinoids in the graf t tissue. Subject to obtaining empirical support for this hypothesis, the u se of retinoid-blocking agents could be explored to reduce the risk of live r damage in HBV infection and to enhance the survival of liver grafts. Cont inued use of such agents may need to be used in conjunction with anti-viral modalities such as HBV hyperimmune globulin and lamivudine to prevent recu rrent liver damage and to increase the long-term viability of the graft.