Nuclear localization of hepatitis B core antigen and its relations to liver injury, hepatocyte proliferation, and viral load.

Goals: The aim of this study was to determine the factor(s) independently affecting the HBcAg expression pattern in HBV-infected livers.

Background: Subcellular localization of HBcAg have been found to be related to the activity of liver disease, hepatocyte proliferation rate and the level of HBV replication. STUDY A total of 98 patients with biopsy proven chronic hepatitis B were included.