Objective: To investigate the dynamic changes in serum β2-microglobulin,
retinol-binding protein, and
cystatin C in
chronic hepatitis B(CHB)patients treated with
tenofovir or
entecavir alone as the anti-HBV
therapy, as well as their value in identifying early renal dysfunction. Methods: A total of 61 previously untreated CHB patients who were diagnosed and treated in the Department of
Infectious Diseases in Henan Provincial People's Hospital from June 2013 to August 2015 were enrolled and divided into
tenofovir group and
entecavir group. The serum levels of β2-microglobulin,
retinol-binding protein,
cystatin C, and
creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR)were compared between the two groups at baseline and 4, 8, 39, 52, 78, and 104 weeks after
antiviral therapy. The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 61 CHB patients were enrolled, with 31 in the
tenofovir group and 30 in the
entecavir group. The two groups had comparable serum levels of β2-microglobulin,
retinol-binding protein, and
cystatin C at baseline, but there were significant differences in β2-microglobulin and
retinol-binding protein over time(both P < 0.05). There was a significant difference in
cystatin C at 78 weeks(t = -2.062, P = 0.044), but there was no significant difference at 104 weeks(t = -1.544, P = 0.128). There were no significant differences in serum
creatinine or eGFR at any time point between the two groups(P > 0.05). At 104 weeks, there were no significant differences in HBV-
DNA clearance rate or the level of virologic breakthrough between the two groups(P > 0.05). Conclusion: Serum β2-microglobulin,
retinol binding protein, and
cystatin C are more sensitive than eGFR in the monitoring of early renal dysfunction during the anti-HBV
therapy with
tenofovir or
entecavir alone.