Experimental studies on the inactivation of HBV in blood via riboflavin photochemical treatment

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of riboflavin photochemical method on the inactivation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and the functions of red blood cells. Twenty patients suffering viral hepatitis B were selected in this study, and venous blood was collected and final concentration of 1,500 µmol/l riboflavin were added, to accept the λ=400–500 nm. The light intensity of 40,000 lux was treated with 2 h. The effect of inactivation was then evaluated and the function of red blood cells was detected. Two hours after treatment of the blood samples with riboflavin (1,500 µmol/l), the numbers of copy of HBV DNA were significantly decreased (5.1×10(9)±4.2×10 vs. 1.2×10(7)±1.2×10(6) after the inactivation, while, 2,3-DPG, Na(+)K(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)-ATPase, Mg(2+)-ATPase, FHb were unchanged. In conclusion, HBV DNA can be reduced using riboflavin photochemical inactivation method. Inactivate the B virus had no effect on erythrocyte function.