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MINIREVIEW

Possible Role of Retinoids in Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Liver Damage

Anthony R. Mawson^*,1 and Timothy A. Steele

^* Public Health Program and
Department of Microbiology, Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center, 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines,Iowa 50312

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 graft tissue. Subject to obtaining empirical support for this hypothesis, the use of retinoid-blocking agents could be explored to reduce the risk of liver damage in HBV infection and to enhance the survival of liver grafts. Continued use of such agents may need to be used in conjunction with anti-viral modalities such as HBV hyperimmune globulin and lamivudine to prevent recurrent liver damage and to increase the long-term viability of the graft.

Key Words: hepatitis B • virus • retinoids • graft • liver