Increase in the prevalence of fatty liver in Japan over the past 12 years: analysis of clinical background

Hepatic manifestations of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) than the general population. The link between NAFLD/NASH and PCOS is not just a coincidence. Indeed, both of these disorders comprise common risk factors, including central obesity, insulin resistance, chronic low-grade inflammation, and hyperandrogenemia. The characteristics of hyperandrogenemia in women with PCOS include elevated total and free testosterone levels and low sex hormone-binding globulin levels and are reported to be associated with NAFLD and elevated liver enzymes; however, not all elevated androgen levels in women with PCOS have the same adverse effects on the liver. With the exception of weight loss and encouraging exercise in obese women, few evidence-based effective treatments target NAFLD/NASH in women with PCOS. Selective antiandrogens and insulin sensitizers might be beneficial in treating NAFLD/NASH in women with PCOS, but further elucidation is needed.

Noninvasive fatty liver markers predict liver disease mortality in the U.S. population

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) contributes to premature death along with obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease (CVD). We examined whether hepatic steatosis (HS) on ultrasound and liver enzyme activities were associated with increased liver disease mortality in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), 1988-1994, with up to 23 years of linked-mortality data. Survey-linked National Death Index records were analyzed among 14,527 adult participants who were negative for viral hepatitis B and C and iron overload. HS on ultrasound was categorized as normal, mild, moderate, or severe. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) elevation was defined as the highest sex-specific decile. Cumulative mortality was 36.2% from all causes, including 16.3% from CVD, 10.8% from cancer, 5.4% from diabetes, and 1.1% from liver disease. Severe HS was associated with increased liver disease mortality in both age-adjusted (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.92; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.49-10.27; P for trend: 0.011) and multivariate-adjusted analyses (HR, 2.68; 95% CI: 1.02-7.03; P for trend: 0.072). HS was not independently associated with mortality from all causes, CVD, cancer, or diabetes. Higher liver disease mortality was found with elevated ALT (HR, 4.08; 95% CI: 1.99-8.33), AST (HR, 4.33; 95% CI: 2.18-8.59), and GGT (HR, 7.91; 95% CI: 3.06-20.46). GGT elevation was associated with increased overall mortality (HR, 1.45; 95% CI: 1.21-1.74). Liver enzymes were otherwise unrelated to overall or cause-specific mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

In the U.S. population, severe hepatic steatosis on ultrasound and liver enzyme elevation were associated with increased liver disease mortality, but were not independently associated with mortality from all causes (except for GGT), CVD, cancer, or diabetes.

Effects of Alcohol Consumption on Hepatocarcinogenesis in Japanese Patients With Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The effect of ethanol consumption on hepatocarcinogenesis in patients with fatty liver disease (FLD) is not clear. We aimed to investigate the influence of alcohol consumption on hepatocarcinogenesis and determine the risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a large number of Japanese patients with FLD without viral hepatitis.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at a specialized center for hepatology in Japan and included 9959 patients with FLD without viral hepatitis, diagnosed by ultrasonography from January 1997 through December 2011. The patients' level of ethanol consumption was divided into 4 categories: <20 g/day (n = 6671), 20-39 g/day (n = 753), 40-69 g/day (n = 1589), and ≥70 g/day (n = 946). The primary endpoint was the onset of HCC. Statistical analyses performed included the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazard analysis. The median follow-up period was 5.4 years.

RESULTS

Of the study cohort, 49 cases (0.49%) developed HCC during the follow-up period. The annual incidence rate of HCC was 0.05% in patients with FLD and a daily ethanol consumption <20 g/day. Increasing levels of ethanol consumption were associated with increased annual incidence rates of HCC: 0.06% for patients with 20-39 g/day ethanol consumption (hazard ratio [HR], 1.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34-7.04), 0.16% for patients with 40-69 g/day ethanol consumption (HR, 3.49; 95% CI, 1.50-8.12), and 0.22% for patients with ≥70 g/day ethanol consumption (HR, 10.58; 95% CI, 5.06-22.13), compared with patients with ethanol consumption <20 g/day. Multivariate analysis showed that ethanol consumption ≥40 g/day was an independent risk factor for HCC: for 40-69 g/day the HR was 2.48 (95% CI, 1.01-6.05; P < .047) and for ≥70 g/day the HR was 12.61 (95% CI, 5.68-28.00; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on a multicenter, retrospective analysis of almost 10,000 patients with FLD, ethanol consumption ≥40 g/day is an independent risk factor for HCC.

Steatosis Grade is the Most Important Risk Factor for Development of Endothelial Dysfunction in NAFLD

It is shown that there are strong associations between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and endothelial dysfunction. The aim of our study was to reveal whether steatosis or fibrosis score is more important in the development of endothelial dysfunction in patients with NAFLD in a prospective manner.This cross-sectional study included 266 subjects. These subjects were divided into 2 groups depending on presence of hepatosteatosis sonographically. Patients with hepatosteatosis were also divided into 3 subgroups depending on degree of steatosis: grade 1, 2, and 3. In all patients, Aspartate aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index and Fibrosis-4 (FIB4) scores were calculated. In addition, flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) measurements were recorded.There was NAFLD in 176 (66.2%) of 266 patients included. There were no significant differences in sex and age distributions between patients with NAFLD (group 1) and controls without NAFLD (group 2) (P = 0.05). Mean Aspartate aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index score was significantly higher in group 1 compared with the control group (P = 0.001), whereas no significant difference was detected regarding FIB4 scores between groups (P = 0.4). Mean FMD value was found to be significantly lower in group 1 (P = 0.008). Patients with grade 3 hepatosteatosis had significantly lower FMD values than those with grade 1 steatosis and controls (P = 0.001). In univariate and multivariate analyses in group 1, no significant difference was detected regarding mean FMD measurements (P = 0.03). Again, no significant difference was detected in mean FMD measurement between FIB4 subgroups among patients with NAFLD and the whole study group (P = 0.09).The endothelial dysfunction is associated with steatosis in patients with NAFLD.

Influence of the rs738409 polymorphism in patatin-like phospholipase 3 on the treatment efficacy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with type 2 diabetes mellitus

AIM

A genome-wide association study revealed that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs738409 in the patatin-like phospholipase 3 gene (PNPLA3) was strongly associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent pilot studies investigated the effects of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors on liver function and glucose metabolism in NAFLD with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). We herein evaluated the efficacy of alogliptin in NAFLD patients with type 2 DM as well as the relationship between genotypes at rs738409 in PNPLA3 and treatment efficacy.

METHODS

Forty-one biopsy-proven NAFLD patients with type 2 DM treated with 25 mg/day alogliptin were retrospectively enrolled. SNP rs738409 in PNPLA3 was present in all patients. Clinical data were measured before and after the treatment.

RESULTS

Average hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels mostly remained unchanged. Moreover, significant changes were not noted in the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) during the follow-up period. A positive correlation was observed between improvements in HbA1c (ΔHbA1c) levels and changes in AST (ΔAST) and ALT (ΔALT) levels (r = 0.325 and 0.439, respectively). Patients with the risk allele (G-allele) showed more positive correlation between ΔHbA1c and changes in transaminase. Furthermore, improvements in the levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and hyaluronic acid were significantly greater in G-allele patients in the weight loss group.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of NAFLD with type 2 DM with alogliptin contributed to the amelioration of NAFLD. Our results suggested that differences in the PNPLA3 risk allele affected the therapeutic effects of this treatment.

Prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and its metabolic risk factors in women of different ages and body mass index

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), to determine the metabolic risk factors of this disease, and to predict nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with liver fibrosis in women of different ages and body mass index (BMI).

METHODS

In 2010-2011, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among 9,360 women at the health checkup center of Zhongnan Hospital (Wuhan, China). The probability of NASH with liver fibrosis was predicted using BAAT (BMI, age, alanine aminotransferase, and triglycerides) score.

RESULTS

The prevalence of NAFLD increased from 5.3% to 18.8% in women younger than 45 years versus women aged 45 to 55 years and rose to 27.8% in women older than 55 years. In obese women, the prevalence of NAFLD was 48.4%. Women older than 45 years and obese women with NAFLD had more unfavorable metabolic risk factors. Multiple regression analyses showed that increased BMI and low aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio were closely related to NAFLD in women of different ages, whereas increasing BMI, BAAT score, age, high triglycerides, alanine aminotransferase, and low aspartate aminotransferase-to-alanine aminotransferase ratio were all closely related to NAFLD in obese women. The prevalence of NASH with a BAAT index of 3 or higher was 13.2% and 14.9% in women older than 55 years and obese women with NAFLD, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese and postmenopausal women have a high prevalence of NAFLD and severe metabolic disorders. The prevalence of NASH seems to be considerably higher in obese and postmenopausal women with NAFLD.

Clinical Characteristics of Patients with Cryptogenic Hepatocellular Carcinoma in a Hepatitis B Virus-Endemic Area

OBJECTIVES

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the most common cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in South Korea, but a high prevalence of metabolic diseases may result in increases in the incidence of cryptogenic HCC (cHCC). We studied characteristics of the cHCC in a single-center cohort.

METHODS

A cohort of 1,784 HCC patients newly diagnosed and treated at the National Cancer Center, Korea, between 2004 and 2009 was reviewed and analyzed.

RESULTS

The cause of HCC was categorized as cHCC, HBV, hepatitis C virus (HCV), or alcohol. Overall, 162 (9.1%) patients of the HCC cohort had cHCC, and their mean age was 61.9 years. The median survival of cHCC patients was 24.7 months, which was the second shortest among the four groups after HBV HCC. cHCC patients had the largest tumor size (mean 7.4 cm) and the second highest proportion of poor prognostic factors such as the proportion of poorly defined tumors and extrahepatic spread in imaging studies. cHCC patients had better survival than HBV HCC patients according to multivariate analysis. Among cHCC patients, 137 (84.6%) had anti-HBc IgG antibodies, but this sub-group had different clinical features to those of HBV HCC patients. The body mass index (BMI) and hyperglycemia and hypercholesterolemia levels in cHCC patients were similar to those in HCV and alcoholic HCC patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Anti-HBc IgG antibodies were present in most cHCC patients, but cHCC patients had better survival than HBV HCC patients on multivariate analysis. However, cHCC patients had a larger mean tumor size and more aggressive tumor characteristics than HCV HCC or alcoholic HCC patients did. It is hoped that this study will contribute to a better understanding of cHCC in HBV-endemic areas.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disorder characterized by excess accumulation of fat in hepatocytes (nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL)); in up to 40% of individuals, there are additional findings of portal and lobular inflammation and hepatocyte injury (which characterize nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)). A subset of patients will develop progressive fibrosis, which can progress to cirrhosis. Hepatocellular carcinoma and cardiovascular complications are life-threatening co-morbidities of both NAFL and NASH. NAFLD is closely associated with insulin resistance; obesity and metabolic syndrome are common underlying factors. As a consequence, the prevalence of NAFLD is estimated to be 10-40% in adults worldwide, and it is the most common liver disease in children and adolescents in developed countries. Mechanistic insights into fat accumulation, subsequent hepatocyte injury, the role of the immune system and fibrosis as well as the role of the gut microbiota are unfolding. Furthermore, genetic and epigenetic factors might explain the considerable interindividual variation in disease phenotype, severity and progression. To date, no effective medical interventions exist that completely reverse the disease other than lifestyle changes, dietary alterations and, possibly, bariatric surgery. However, several strategies that target pathophysiological processes such as an oversupply of fatty acids to the liver, cell injury and inflammation are currently under investigation. Diagnosis of NAFLD can be established by imaging, but detection of the lesions of NASH still depend on the gold-standard but invasive liver biopsy. Several non-invasive strategies are being evaluated to replace or complement biopsies, especially for follow-up monitoring.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cytochrome P450 inducers alleviate fatty liver in male rats fed an orotic acid-supplemented diet

The effects of the peroxisome proliferator, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), and the typical cytochrome P450 (CYP) inducers phenobarbital (PB) and 3-methylcholanthrene (3-MC) on fatty liver were examined in rats. Treating rats with orotic acid caused marked accumulation of lipid droplets in the liver. This effect of orotic acid was almost eradicated by co-treatment with DHEAS and PB. While DHEAS or PB alone also alleviated fatty liver, treatment with 3-MC caused little effect on a reduction in lipid droplets. Histopathological examinations revealed numerous peroxisomes in the liver of rats treated with DHEAS. In addition, a significant increase in the expression on hepatic CYPs was observed in rats the fatty liver of which was attenuated. Regarding other enzymes associated with hepatic fatty acid oxidation, the expression levels of sirtuin 1, sirtuin 6, and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 were also upregulated most markedly by treatment with DHEAS alone. Thus, the attenuation in fatty liver observed in the present study is likely due to peroxisome proliferation and the induction of fatty acid-metabolizing enzymes by DHEAS and typical CYP inducers.

The Impact of PNPLA3 rs738409 Genetic Polymorphism and Weight Gain ≥10 kg after Age 20 on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Non-Obese Japanese Individuals

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-obese individuals is inadequately elucidated. We aim to investigate the impact of known genetic polymorphisms on NAFLD and the interaction between genetic risks and weight gain on NAFLD in obese and non-obese Japanese individuals. A total of 1164 participants who received health checkups were included. Participants with excessive alcohol consumption, with viral hepatitis or other inappropriate cases were excluded. Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasonography. Participants with a body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 kg/m2, 18.5-22.9 kg/m2, 23.0-24.9 kg/m2 and ≥25 kg/m2 were classified underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese, respectively. Self-administered questionnaire for lifestyle was assessed and a total of 8 previously reported genetic polymorphisms were chosen and examined. In all, 824 subjects were enrolled. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 33.0%: 0% in underweight, 15.3% in normal weight, 41.1% in overweight and 71.7% in obese individuals. The prevalence of NAFLD is more affected by the G allele of patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) rs738409 in normal weight (odds ratio (OR) 3.52; 95%-CI: 1.42-8.71; P = 0.0063) and in overweight individuals (OR 2.60; 95%-CI: 1.14-5.91; P = 0.0225) than in obese individuals (not significant). Moreover, the G allele of PNPLA3 rs738409 and weight gain ≥10 kg after age 20 had a joint effect on the risk of NAFLD in the normal weight (OR 12.00; 95% CI: 3.71-38.79; P = 3.3×10-5) and the overweight individuals (OR 13.40; 95% CI: 2.92-61.36; P = 0.0008). The G allele of PNPLA3 rs738409 is a prominent risk factor for NAFLD and the interaction between the PNPLA3 rs738409 and weight gain ≥10 kg after age 20 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, especially in non-obese Japanese individuals.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - current status and future directions

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most common chronic liver disease worldwide with a reported prevalence ranging 6-33%, depending on the studied populations. It encompasses a spectrum of liver manifestations ranging from simple steatosis (also known as nonalcoholic fatty liver, NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis and cirrhosis, which may ultimately progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is strongly associated with the components of metabolic syndrome, mainly obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. NAFLD patients are at increased risk of liver-related as well as cardiovascular mortality. Current paradigm suggests a benign course for NAFL whereas NASH is considered to be the progressive phenotype. Although previously under-recognized accumulating evidence suggests that NAFL may also progress, suggesting a higher number of patients at risk than previously appreciated. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis, but the majority of patients can be diagnosed accurately by noninvasive methods. Approved therapies for NAFLD are still lacking and lifestyle modifications aiming at weight loss remain the mainstay of NAFLD treatment. Intensive research could identify insulin resistance, lipotoxicity and dysbiosis of the gut microbiota as major pathophysiological mechanisms, leading to the development of promising targeted therapies which are currently investigated in clinical trials. In this review we summarized the current knowledge of NAFLD epidemiology, natural history, diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment and considered future directions.

Hepatic fibrosis assessed using transient elastography independently associated with coronary artery calcification

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a close relationship with coronary atherosclerosis. We investigated the association between coronary atherosclerosis and liver fibrosis, represented as coronary artery calcification (CAC) score, and live stiffness (LS) value assessed using transient elastography (TE), respectively, in patients with NAFLD.

METHODS

Between January 2013 and March 2014, a total of 285 asymptomatic subjects without chronic liver and ischemic heart diseases who underwent comprehensive medical health check-up were recruited. NAFLD was defined as controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ≥ 250 dB/m on TE.

RESULTS

The median age of the study population (men 161 and women 124) was 56 (interquartile [IQR], 50-63) years. Of these, 142 (49.8%) subjects had NAFLD. Among subjects with NAFLD, CAC score was independently correlated with the male gender (β = 0.230; P = 0.010), elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (β = 0.220; P = 0.019), reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (β=-0.220; P = 0.004), increased left ventricular mass index (β = 0.226; P = 0.027), and higher LS values (β = 0.274; P < 0.001). In addition, alanine aminotransferase level (β = 0.214, P = 0.012) and CAC score (β = 0.311; P = 0.001) are the only independent factors associated with LS values in subjects with NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

Higher CAC score was independently correlated with LS values in subjects with NAFLD. However, it should be further investigated whether TE can be incorporated into a screening tool to identify the high-risk population for coronary artery disease.

Serum vitamin D levels are inversely related with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease independent of visceral obesity in Chinese postmenopausal women

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between serum vitamin D levels and both visceral adipose and with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Chinese postmenopausal women. Four hundred and fifty-one postmenopausal women between 45 and 74 years of age (mean (± SD) age 57.3 ± 4.6 years) were enrolled in the study. All subjects participated in the Shanghai Obesity Study between June and August 2011 and underwent abdominal magnetic resonance imaging and an abdominal ultrasonography. Patients with a visceral fat area (VFA) ≥ 80 cm(2) were classified as abdominally obese. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3 ) levels were measured with an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. The prevalence of NAFLD in the study population was 34.8% (n = 157). Women with abdominal obesity had significantly lower serum 25(OH)D3 levels than those without abdominal obesity (median (interquartile range) 11.23 (8.64-14.12) vs 12.56 (9.41-15.98) ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.01). Regardless of abdominal obesity status, serum 25(OH)D3 levels in patients with NAFLD were lower than those without non-NAFLD (11.14 (8.63-13.81) vs 12.92 (9.48-16.37) ng/mL (P < 0.05) for those without abdominal obesity; 10.86 (8.61-13.56) vs 11.55 (8.82-16.38) ng/mL (P < 0.05) for those with abdominal obesity). Partial correlation analyses demonstrated a negative correlation between serum 25(OH)D3 levels and VFA (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that high serum 25(OH)D3 levels were a protective factor against NAFLD after adjusting for risk factors such as VFA. In conclusion, independent of visceral obesity, vitamin D is inversely correlated with NAFLD in Chinese postmenopausal women.

Association of serum total bilirubin with renal outcome in Japanese patients with stages 3-5 chronic kidney disease

OBJECTIVE

Serum bilirubin has been reported to be associated with the progression of kidney disease in patients with diabetic nephropathy. Less is known, however, about the relationship between bilirubin and chronic kidney disease (CKD) of other etiologies. This study was designed to clarify whether serum total bilirubin concentration is associated with kidney disease progression in patients with CKD independent of etiology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective observational study enrolled 279 consecutive patients with stages 3-5 CKD. The renal endpoint was the composite of the doubling of serum creatinine or end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis. Patients were divided into three groups by their serum total bilirubin concentrations: ≤0.3 (lowest), 0.4-0.5 (middle), and ≥0.6 (highest) mg/dL. A Cox proportional hazards model was applied to determine the risk factors for poor renal outcome.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 21months. One-hundred and three patients reached renal end points. After multivariable adjustment, a 0.1mg/dL increase in serum bilirubin was associated negatively with poor renal outcome (hazard ratio [HR], 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.60-0.87). In addition, after adjustment for confounding factors, including traditional and nontraditional cardiovascular risk factors, the middle (HR 3.14, 95% CI 1.36-8.57) and lowest (HR 4.22, 95% CI 1.81-11.59) bilirubin groups had significantly higher HRs for renal outcome than the highest bilirubin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower serum bilirubin concentration was independently associated with adverse renal outcomes, suggesting that the measurement of serum bilirubin is useful for predicting kidney disease progression in patients with moderate to severe CKD.

Multicenter investigation of lifestyle-related diseases and visceral disorders in thalidomide embryopathy at around 50 years of age

Background

In utero exposure to thalidomide causes a wide range of birth defects, including phocomelia, hearing loss and visceral disorders, known as thalidomide embryopathy (TE). Fifty years after the first report of TE, we conducted the first cross‐sectional multicenter study to investigate the development of lifestyle‐related diseases and identify risk factors for visceral disorders in subjects with TE.

Methods

Seventy‐six cases with TE (31 men, 45 women) underwent medical examinations between 2011 and 2014 to determine the types of TE‐related anomalies (limbs, auditory organs, or visceral organs) and lifestyle‐related diseases present. Logistic multiple regression analyses, adjusted for gender and age, were conducted between TE and lifestyle‐related diseases and to evaluate association between block vertebra and gallbladder aplasia.

Results

Fatty liver (FL), nonalcoholic FL disease and dyslipidemia were detected in 52.6%, 35.0%, and 23.7% of subjects, respectively, with higher incidences among men. Dyslipidemia was detected in 40.0% of subjects with FL and was significantly associated with FL (odds ratio = 8.86; p = 0.008). Block vertebrae were detected in 44.4% of subjects with gallbladder aplasia, and this association was significant (odds ratio = 9.96; p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Subjects with TE have also a risk for lifestyle‐related disease as well as the general Japanese population. In addition, cervical spine radiography and magnetic resonance imaging are recommended to assess block vertebrae in subjects with TE with gallbladder aplasia who develop shoulder pain. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:787–793, 2015. © 2015 The Authors Birth Defects Research Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Menopausal stages and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in middle-aged women

OBJECTIVES

There is no established evidence regarding the influence of the menopausal transition period on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The goal of this study was to examine the association between menopausal stages and the prevalence of NAFLD in middle-aged Korean women.

METHODS

This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 1559 women aged 44-56 years, who underwent a comprehensive health screening examination in the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital Total Healthcare Centers during 2012 and 2013. Information regarding menopause status was collected using a standardized, self-administered questionnaire. The presence of fatty liver was determined using ultrasonography. Menopausal stages were defined according to the criteria of the Stages of Reproductive Aging Workshop (STRAW+10) as follows: early menopausal transition was defined as a persistent difference in consecutive menstrual cycle length of seven or more days; late menopausal transition was defined as having an interval of amenorrhea of 60 days or more; post-menopause was defined as the absence of menstrual periods for 12 or more months since the last period; pre-menopause was defined as having a regular menstrual cycle and not meeting the above criteria. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for NAFLD were estimated by menopausal stages.

RESULTS

Of the 1559 women, 334 had NAFLD. A higher prevalence of NAFLD was observed across menopausal stages (p for trend <0.05). After adjusting for age, center, BMI, smoking status, alcohol intake, physical activity, educational level, parity and age at menarche, the odds ratios (95% CIs) for NAFLD comparing early transition, late transition, and post-menopause to pre-menopause were 1.07 (0.68-1.67), 1.87 (1.23-2.85), and 1.67 (1.01-2.78), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This study performed in middle-aged Korean women suggests that there is an increased prevalence of NAFLD in the late menopausal transition as well as post-menopausal stages, independent of a variety of potential confounders. The findings of this study suggest that early intervention strategies implemented before women begin to experience the menopausal transition are needed to reduce the risk of NAFLD.

Association of weight gain since age 20 with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in normal weight individuals

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Interventions for lifestyle diseases including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have focused on overweight and obese populations. The impact of adult weight gain on NAFLD development among normal weight individuals remains unclear.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, we collected data from participants presenting to a health check-up program. Ultrasound-diagnosed NAFLD prevalence was examined over 1-kg increments of weight change since age 20. Relative risks were calculated in men and women stratified by current weight (normal, overweight, and obese). Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

Among 21 496 participants, 3498 cases of NAFLD (16.3%) were observed. Prevalence of NAFLD increased with weight gain since age 20; among the 10.1-11.0 kg weight gain group, 41.6% of men and 24.8% of women had NAFLD. Multivariate analysis by quartiles showed that weight change was significantly associated with NAFLD risk in men and women. Risk of NAFLD associated with weight change (10-kg increments) was significantly higher in normal weight individuals (men: OR 7.53, 95% CI: 4.99-11.36, women: OR 12.20, 95% CI: 7.45-19.98) than overweight (men: OR 1.61, 95% CI: 0.91-2.85, women: OR 2.90, 95% CI: 0.99-8.54) and obese (men: OR 4.0, 95% CI: 2.97-5.39, women: OR 2.68, 95% CI: 2.00-3.60).

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is robustly associated with weight change since age 20. This effect appears particularly strong in individuals at normal weight, suggesting an important role for early and longitudinal weight monitoring, even among healthy individuals at normal weight.

Short sleep duration reduces the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease onset in men: a community-based longitudinal cohort study

BACKGROUND

Epidemiologic studies show an association between short sleep duration and the presence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This study examined the association between short sleep duration and the onset of NAFLD.

METHODS

This community-based, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study included 6,370 Japanese subjects who had undergone annual health check-ups more than twice at a single center between April 2003 and March 2010. After excluding 3,941 subjects, the records of 2,429 Japanese subjects were reviewed.

RESULTS

Two groups comprised the study cohort: those with short (≤ 6 h) sleep durations (n = 1,543) and those with moderate (7-8 h) sleep durations (n = 886). During the observation period, 296 subjects developed NAFLD. Multivariate analysis identified an association between short sleep duration and the reduced onset of NAFLD in men (odds ratio: 0.551, 95% confidence interval 0.365-0.832, p = 0.005). There was no association between short sleep duration and NAFLD onset in women. The prevalence of NAFLD onset in men increased significantly as sleep duration increased, as follows: 12.5, 18.4, and 27.4% among subjects who had sleep durations of ≤ 4, 5-6, and 7-8 h, respectively (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates an association between sleep duration and NAFLD onset. Short sleep duration reduced the risk of NAFLD onset in men. Correct recognition is important to prevent disease progression and further complications.

Management and diagnosis of fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a common cause of chronic liver disease and has been an increasingly studied topic of research as the obesity epidemic has been growing. There is a significant morbidity and mortality with uncontrolled steatohepatitis, which can progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The prevalence of this disease has been estimated to be roughly one-third of the western population, thought to be largely due to diet and sedentary lifestyle. Several treatments have been studied including vitamin E, insulin-sensitizing agents and ursodeoxycholic acid; however, the only treatment shown to improve the histologic changes of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is weight loss. Given the proven benefit of weight loss, there may be reason to screen at-risk populations; however, limited availability of other disease-modifying treatments may limit the cost-benefit ratios. A better understanding of the diagnosis and management of this condition is required to alter the course of this modifiable disease.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease in industrialized countries worldwide, and has become a serious public health issue not only in Western countries but also in many Asian countries including Japan. Within the wide spectrum of NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of disease, which often develops into liver cirrhosis and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. In turn, a large proportion of NAFLD/NASH is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome, suggesting that NAFLD/NASH plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic atherosclerotic diseases. Currently, a definite diagnosis of NASH requires liver biopsy, though various noninvasive measures are under development. The mainstays of prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH include dietary restriction and exercise; however, pharmacological approaches are often necessary. Currently, vitamin E and thiazolidinedione derivatives are the most evidence-based therapeutic options, although the clinical evidence for long-term efficacy and safety is limited. This practice guideline for NAFLD/NASH, established by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology in cooperation with The Japan Society of Hepatology, covers lines of clinical evidence reported internationally in the period starting from 1983 to January 2012, and each clinical question was evaluated using the GRADE system. Based on the primary release of the full version in Japanese, this English summary provides the core essentials of this clinical practice guideline comprising the definition, diagnosis, and current therapeutic recommendations for NAFLD/NASH in Japan.

Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease in industrialized countries worldwide, and has become a serious public health issue not only in Western countries but also in many Asian countries including Japan. Within the wide spectrum of NAFLD, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive form of disease, which often develops into liver cirrhosis and increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. In turn, a large proportion of NAFLD/NASH is the liver manifestation of metabolic syndrome, suggesting that NAFLD/NASH plays a key role in the pathogenesis of systemic atherosclerotic diseases. Currently, a definite diagnosis of NASH requires liver biopsy, though various non-invasive measures are under development. The mainstays of prevention and treatment of NAFLD/NASH include dietary restriction and exercise; however, pharmacological approaches are often necessary. Currently, vitamin E and thiazolidinedione derivatives are the most evidence-based therapeutic options, although the clinical evidence for long-term efficacy and safety is limited. This practice guideline for NAFLD/NASH, established by the Japanese Society of Gastroenterology in cooperation with The Japan Society of Hepatology, covers lines of clinical evidence reported internationally in the period starting from 1983 through January 2012, and each clinical question was evaluated using the GRADE system. Based on the primary release of the full version in Japanese, this English summary provides the core essentials of this clinical practice guideline comprising the definition, diagnosis, and current therapeutic recommendations for NAFLD/NASH in Japan.

Outcomes in liver transplantation: does sex matter?

A growing literature has highlighted important differences in transplant-related outcomes between men and women. In the United States there are fewer women than men on the liver transplant waitlist and women are two times less likely to receive a deceased or living-related liver transplant. Sex-based differences exist not only in waitlist but also in post-transplant outcomes, particularly in some specific liver diseases, such as hepatitis C. In the era of individualized medicine, recognition of these differences in the approach to pre and post-liver transplant care may impact short and long-term outcomes.

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis in the absence of autoimmune pancreatitis mimicking extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

AIMS

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis in extrahepatic bile ducts in the absence of autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is rare and is poorly studied. Herein, we present the clinicopathological features of four cases of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The clinicopathological features of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis were compared with those of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis with AIP (n = 7), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (n = 29), primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 40), and secondary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 12). Several histomorphologic features distinguish IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis, including a marked degree of bile duct injury, a higher percentage of lymphoid follicle formation, a higher percentage of perineuritis, and a more diffuse and dense lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate. All four cases of IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis occurred exclusively in males. Of these cases, none had IgG4 serology checked preoperatively, and all had a preoperative diagnosis of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Clinical follow-up was available in 2 patients with a mean time of 11 months. Follow-up confirmed the benign course of the disease as the patients showed no evidence of relapse. IgG4-related conditions, including sclerosing cholecystitis and retroperitoneal fibrosis, were noted in three patients.

CONCLUSIONS

IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis in the absence of AIP presents as a distinct and under-recognized disease that mimics extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma clinically. Awareness of this entity is essential to avoid erroneously diagnosing malignancy. The current threshold of 10 IgG4-positive plasma cells/high-power field (HPF) in the biopsy is not specific enough to exclude cholangiocarcinoma. Therefore, we suggest the diagnostic cut-off to be 50 IgG4-positive plasma cells/HPF in the biopsy.

Nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease and risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease: what is important for primary care physicians?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as the most common chronic liver condition in Western World and across the globe. NAFLD prevalence is estimated to be around one-third of the total population. There are no published data that project the future prevalence of NAFLD, but with an increase in epidemic of diabetes and obesity, it is possible to suggest an increase in a number of individuals with NAFLD. NAFLD is associated with insulin resistance and occurs with an increase in cluster of features of metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Therefore, it is important to exclude the possibility of diabetes in those individuals with evidence of fatty liver. The global diabetes epidemic continues to grow, and it is estimated that the number of people with diabetes will double by year 2030. NAFLD is also a risk factor for an increase in cardiovascular incidence independent of age, sex, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, smoking, and cluster of metabolic syndromes. It is expected that NAFLD will be an important challenge for health providers in the near future. Taking all these factors into consideration, we believe that increasing awareness of metabolic and cardiovascular impact of NAFLD among general practitioners and health authorities may decrease the serious consequences of late diagnosis of NAFLD. Importantly, the collaboration between medical specialties is vital in decreasing the impact of the epidemic of NAFLD. The focus of this review is in the role of primary care physician in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of NAFLD and patients education.

Helicobacter pylori infection is not associated with fatty liver disease including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a large-scale cross-sectional study in Japan

BACKGROUND

Fatty liver disease (FLD) including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a rapidly emerging and widely recognized liver disease today, is regarded as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Helicobacter pylori, one of the most common pathogens worldwide, has been reported to be associated with metabolic syndrome, but whether there is a direct association with FLD is as of yet unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association of FLD and NAFLD with causative background factors including Helicobacter pylori infection.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of Japanese adults who received medical checkups at a single medical center in 2010.Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis was performed to evaluate background factors for ultrasonography diagnosed FLD. Subjects free from alcohol influence were similarly analyzed for NAFLD.

RESULTS

Of a total of 13,737 subjects, FLD was detected in 1,456 of 6,318 females (23.0 %) and 3,498 of 7,419 males (47.1%). Multivariable analyses revealed that body mass index (standardized coefficients of females and males (β-F/M) =143.5/102.5), serum ALT (β-F/M = 25.8/75.7), age (β-F/M = 34.3/17.2), and platelet count (β-F/M = 17.8/15.2) were positively associated with FLD in both genders. Of the 5,289 subjects free from alcohol influence, NAFLD was detected in 881 of 3,473 females (25.4%) and 921 of 1,816 males (50.7%). Body mass index (β-F/M = 113.3/55.3), serum ALT (β-F/M = 21.6/53.8), and platelet count (β-F/M = 13.8/11.8) were positively associated with NAFLD in both genders. Metabolic syndrome was positively associated with FLD and NAFLD only in males. In contrast, Helicobacter pylori infection status was neither associated with FLD nor NAFLD regardless of gender.

CONCLUSIONS

Body mass index, serum ALT and platelet count were significantly associated with FLD and NAFLD, whereas infection of Helicobacter pylori was not.

Significance of exercise in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in men: a community-based large cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a risk factor for diabetes and cardiovascular disease that could progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. We aimed to assess the relationship between NAFLD and lifestyle habits.

METHODS

Using a community-based, cross-sectional design, the records of 11,094 Japanese subjects who had undergone at least 1 annual health checkup were reviewed.

RESULTS

Of the 6,370 subjects who qualified for enrolment, 1,346 met the diagnostic criteria for NAFLD. The prevalence rate (PR) of NAFLD increased significantly to 36.6, 41.5, and 41.1 % with no snacking, snacking less than once/day, and snacking ≥2 times/day, respectively, in men (P = 0.0495) and to 10.8, 11.7, and 15.3 %, respectively, in women (P = 0.002). In men, the NAFLD PR decreased significantly to 48.8, 36.9, and 29.9 % with no exercise, exercise consciousness, and periodical exercise, respectively (P < 0.001). In women, the NAFLD PR decreased significantly to 19.3, 13.5, 11, and 8 % with sleep durations of ≤4, 5-6, 7-8, and ≥9 h, respectively (P = 0.003). Periodical exercise was identified as an independent factor associated with NAFLD in men (odds ratio 0.707, 95 % confidence interval 0.546-0.914; P = 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Performing regular exercise was associated with a reduced risk for NAFLD in men. Men with a high risk for NAFLD can be identified using questionnaires on exercise in an outpatient setting. Disease progression and further complications may be prevented by educating high-risk NAFLD patients about the importance of exercise.

Characteristics of hepatic fatty acid compositions in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to insulin resistance and lipid metabolism. Recent studies have suggested that the quality of fat accumulated in the liver is associated with the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we investigated the fatty acid composition in liver tissue and its association with the pathology in NAFLD patients.

METHODS

One hundred and three patients diagnosed with NAFLD [simple steatosis (SS): 63, NASH: 40] were examined and their hepatic fatty acids were measured using gas chromatography. In addition, relationships between the composition and composition ratios of various fatty acids and patient backgrounds, laboratory test values, histology of the liver, and expression of fat metabolism-related enzymes were investigated.

RESULTS

The C16:1n7 content, the C16:1n7/C16:0 and C18:1n9/C18:0 ratios were increased and the C18:0/C16:0 ratio was decreased in the NASH group. The C18:0/C16:0 and C18:1n9/C18:0 ratios were associated with the steatosis score in liver tissue, and the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio was associated with the lobular inflammation score. The expressions levels of genes: SCD1, ELOVL6, SREBP1c, FAS and PPARγ were enhanced in the NASH group. In multivariate analysis, the C18:0/C16:0 ratio was the most important factor that was correlated with the steatosis score. In contrast, the C16:1n7/C16:0 ratio was correlated with lobular inflammation.

CONCLUSION

The fatty acid composition in liver tissue and expression of genes related to fatty acid metabolism were different between the SS and NASH groups, suggesting that the acceleration of fatty acid metabolism is deeply involved in pathogenesis of NASH.

Fatty liver indices in the multiethnic United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

BACKGROUND

Validated non-invasive measures of fatty liver are needed that can be applied across populations and over time. A fatty liver index (FLI) including body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides and gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity was developed in an Italian municipality, but has not been validated widely or examined in a multiethnic population.

AIMS

We evaluated this FLI in the multiethnic U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and also to explore whether an improved index for the U.S. population (US FLI) could be derived. The US FLI would then used to examine U.S. time trends in fatty liver prevalence.

METHODS

We studied 5869 fasted, viral hepatitis negative adult participants with abdominal ultrasound data on fatty liver in the 1988-1994 NHANES. Time trend analyses included 21 712 NHANES 1988-1994 and 1999-2012 participants.

RESULTS

The prevalence of fatty liver was 20%. For the FLI, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC; 95% confidence interval (CI)] was 0.78 (0.74-0.81). The US FLI included age, race-ethnicity, waist circumference, GGT activity, fasting insulin and fasting glucose and had an AUC (95% CI) of 0.80 (0.77-0.83). Defining fatty liver as a US FLI ≥ 30, the prevalence increased from 18% in 1988-1991 to 29% in 1999-2000 to 31% in 2011-2012.

CONCLUSIONS

For predicting fatty liver, the US FLI was a modest improvement over the FLI in the multiethnic U.S. population. Using this measure, the fatty liver prevalence in the U.S. population increased substantially over two decades.

Prevalence of and risk factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a non-obese Japanese population, 2011-2012

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in non-obese subjects is not rare in Japan, but it has not been clearly described. To clarify its prevalence and risk factors, we investigated the clinical characteristics of NAFLD in non-obese subjects in comparison with NAFLD in obese subjects in the Japanese general population.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed with 5433 subjects who received health checkups from 2011 to 2012. Subjects consuming more than 20 g of alcohol per day and those with autoimmune liver disease, viral hepatitis, uncontrolled biliary disease and insufficient data were excluded. Subjects with a body mass index (BMI) ≥25 kg/m(2) were considered obese, and subjects with a BMI <25 kg/m(2) were considered non-obese.

RESULTS

A total of 3271 subjects were enrolled. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 24.6%: 68.5% in obese subjects and 15.2% in non-obese subjects. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that ≥10 kg of weight gain since the age of 20 was significantly associated with NAFLD in non-obese subjects of both genders, and eating an evening meal within 2 h before going to bed 3 days or more per week and drinking <20 g of alcohol per day were negatively associated in non-obese females. Metabolic factors such as waist circumference and triglycerides were predictors of NAFLD in non-obese subjects, and body fat percentage was a predictor in non-obese males.

CONCLUSIONS

Lifestyle as well as metabolic factors may play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, even in the non-obese Japanese population.

Diagnosis and classification of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Current concepts and remaining challenges

The high prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has made the condition an important public health issue. Two clinical entities are manifestations of NAFLD, namely, non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The former tends to be benign and non-progressive while the latter can progress to cirrhosis, which in rare cases gives rise to hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis of NAFLD is based on: (i) a history of no or limited daily alcohol intake (<20 g for women and <30 g for men); (ii) presence of hepatic steatosis by imaging or by histology; and (iii) exclusion of other liver diseases. NAFL is defined histologically by the presence of bland, primarily macrovesicular, hepatocellular fatty change, while NASH features fatty change with inflammation and evidence of hepatocyte injury, such as ballooning degeneration. Presence of fibrosis is a sign of chronicity. Thus, the diagnosis of NAFL/NASH rests on clinicopathological criteria; it always requires both clinical and biopsy-based information. NAFLD could be both the result and the cause of metabolic syndrome, with a vicious cycle operating between these conditions. Remaining challenges are: (i) the lack of a clear threshold alcohol intake for defining "non-alcoholic"; (ii) a lacking consensus for the classification of fatty liver disease; and (iii) absence of a histological definition of NASH, which currently remains the gold standard for the diagnosis. Further challenges include the overlap of the criteria for NAFLD and alcoholic liver disease as many obese individuals also consume considerable volumes of alcohol.

Non-invasive assessment of liver steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

AIM

The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is based on the histological findings. Further, there may be interobserver differences. Liver to spleen (L/S) ratio on computed tomography (CT) is employed to detect or even quantify the fat content of the liver. The objective of this study was to accurately diagnose fatty liver by evaluating the relationship between L/S ratio and histological findings.

METHODS

Sixty-seven biopsy-proven NAFLD patients were enrolled. L/S ratio on CT was calculated. The area of steatosis in liver specimens was measured by BIOREVO BZ-9000 microscope, and the percentage of steatosis was calculated using Dynamic cell count BZ-H1C software.

RESULTS

Steatotic grade assessed by pathologist was significantly correlated with the percentage of steatosis and L/S ratio. Factors associated with steatosis were L/S ratio, aspartate aminotransferase and Homeostasis Model of Assessment - Insulin Resistance as determined by multivariate analysis. L/S ratios were: S0, 1.16 ± 0.20 (mean ± standard deviation); S1, 0.88 ± 0.28; S2, 0.76 ± 0.20; and S3, 0.40 ± 0.18, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of L/S ratio to exclude steatosis was 1.1, and the area under the receiver-operator curve for the diagnosis of steatosis was 0.886.

CONCLUSION

Our study suggests that while 0% of steatosis showed 1.296 L/S ratio, the cut-off value of L/S ratio would be 1.1 at least to exclude clinically important liver steatosis.

Upper limit of normal serum alanine aminotransferase levels in Japanese subjects

AIM

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is important for screening, diagnosis and management of chronic liver diseases. The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is considered a hepatic manifestation of lifestyle-related diseases, is increasing worldwide. However, the upper limit of the normal ALT level has not yet been established because of not excluding many lifestyle-related diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the upper limit of normal serum ALT levels in Japanese subjects.

METHODS

We analyzed the serum ALT levels of 11 404 Japanese subjects negative for hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibody, and who received health check-ups. Lifestyle factors related to ALT levels were determined by multivariate analysis. Subjects with all factors identified by multivariate analysis within the normal range were defined as "healthy" subjects. The 90th percentile of ALT levels in healthy subjects was defined as the upper limit of normal ALT.

RESULTS

Whereas alcohol intake was not a significant factor, the following were independently associated with ALT concentration by multivariate analysis: sex; age; body mass index; waist circumference; concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting blood glucose; and fatty liver on ultrasonography. Healthy subjects consisted of 1462 (21.2%) men and 2046 (45.4%) women, and the 90th percentiles of the ALT levels in the two groups were 29 and 23 IU/L, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The upper limits of normal ALT when considering lifestyle factors in Japanese subjects were 29 IU/L in men and 23 IU/L in women.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with the fibrosis severity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a large retrospective cohort of Japanese patients

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic syndrome have been increasing worldwide. The associations between metabolic factors and the histologic severity of NAFLD have not yet been clarified. Therefore, we studied the relationships between relevant metabolic factors and the histological severity of NAFLD.

METHODS

In a cross-sectional multicenter study conducted in Japan, we examined 1,365 biopsy-proven NAFLD patients. The frequencies of underlying lifestyle-related diseases and their relationships to the NAFLD histology were investigated.

RESULTS

The hepatic fibrosis stages (Stage 0/1/2/3/4) were 22.6/34.1/26.7/14.5/2.1 (%) in the male patients, and 16.2/31.7/23.9/21.6/6.6 (%) in the female patients. Dyslipidemia was present in 65.7% (hypertriglyceridemia, 45.3%; increased low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, 37.5%; decreased high density lipoprotein cholesterol, 19.5%) of patients. Hypertension was present in 30.2%, and diabetes mellitus (DM) in 47.3%. The fibrosis stage increased with age, especially in postmenopausal females. The body mass index was positively correlated with the fibrosis stage. Deterioration of glucose control was positively correlated with the fibrosis stage, this correlation being more prominent in females. Multivariate analysis identified age and DM as significant risk factors for advanced fibrosis. No significant correlation of the fibrosis stage was observed with hypertension. There was a negative correlation between the serum triglyceride levels and the fibrosis stage.

CONCLUSIONS

DM appeared to be a significant risk factor for advanced fibrosis in patients with NAFLD, and would therefore need to be properly managed to prevent the progression of NAFLD.

Increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus in association with fatty liver in a Japanese population

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) has been increasing. The present study was carried out to examine the relationship between this increase and fatty liver.

METHODS

Japanese participants who underwent regular health examinations in 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006, and 2011 were enrolled. Fatty liver was diagnosed using ultrasonography. DM was defined as requiring the use of medication for DM, having a fasting blood glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dl, or hemoglobin A1c level ≥ 6.5 %.

RESULTS

Logistic regression analysis on data from 11,235 participants (6,882 men and 4,271 women) in 2011 revealed that the association between fatty liver and DM was independent of age, body composition, and other confounders [odds ratio (OR) 1.97, 95 % confidence interval (95 % CI) 1.66-2.32 in men, and OR, 3.12; 95 % CI, 2.29-4.26 in women]. In 2006, 5,318 participants did not have DM and were able to be followed up in 2011. Fatty liver in 2006 was an independent predictor of DM in 2011 [OR 1.73 (95 % CI 1.20-2.50) in men, 4.13 (2.16-8.10) in women]. The prevalence of DM increased significantly during the 20-year period examined among both men (6.0, 8.9, 10.0, 10.8, 12.0 %, P < 0.001) and women (3.3, 4.5, 4.2, 4.1, 5.1 %, P = 0.004), accompanied with an increased prevalence of fatty liver among both men (10.8, 26.3, 33.8, 36.7, and 38.0 %, P < 0.001) and women (6.5, 16.7, 22.2, 21.3, and 20.8 %, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Fatty liver independently predicts both present and future DM. Fatty liver may play an important role in the recent increases in the prevalence of DM.

Living donor liver transplantation for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: A single center experience

AIM

The number of patients referred for liver transplantation (LT) with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) continues to increase, but information about living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for NASH is scarce. We conducted this study to document the details of LDLT for NASH in a Japanese LT center.

METHODS

Among all LDLT recipients in our institution from March 1996 to March 2013 (n = 425), we identified seven patients that underwent LDLT for NASH.

RESULTS

Of all the seven recipients, most of the patients (86%) were obese. The median follow-up period post-LDLT was 5.3 years. All were alive at the last follow-up. Recurrent NASH was detected in one patient (14%), and no recurrent hepatic steatosis was detected among the remaining six recipients on prospectively performed ultrasonography. No significant comorbidities were observed following donor surgery among the respective living donors during the follow-up period. We also retrospectively reviewed 22 patients with NASH-related end-stage liver disease (ESLD) who were evaluated but rejected for LDLT during the same period. The reasons for rejection for LDLT were presumably associated with the nature of NAFLD/NASH in either potential recipients or donors.

CONCLUSION

The post-transplant outcome of LDLT for NASH-related ESLD in our institution was feasible, although the sample size was small. Further studies in a larger patient cohort are warranted to investigate the long-term outcome of LDLT for NASH, both for recipients and living donors.

Elevation of Serum Levels of Advanced Glycation End Products in Patients With Non-B or Non-C Hepatocellular Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of non-B or non-C hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC) has been increasing all over the world. Advanced glycation end products (AGE) play a role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver injury or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

METHODS

We examined here whether serum levels of AGE were elevated in NBNC-HCC patients compared with NASH subjects without HCC and investigated which anthropometric and clinical variables were independent determinants of AGE.

RESULTS

Ninety NBNC-HCC, 56 NASH, and 27 control subjects underwent a complete history and physical examination, determination of blood chemistries, including AGE levels. Serum levels of AGE were significantly higher in NBNC-HCC patients compared with NASH and control subjects [9.1 ± 2.7, 5.2 ± 1.7, 3.5 ± 1.2 (U/ml), respectively, P < 0.05]. Univariate analysis showed that AGE levels were associated with male (P < 0.05), age (P < 0.01), aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.05), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (P < 0.01), HDL-cholesterol (inversely, P < 0.01), fasting plasma glucose (P < 0.01), and HbA1c (P < 0.05). By the use of multiple stepwise regression analysis, age, GGT, and HDL-cholesterol (inversely) remained significant and were independently related to AGE levels (R(2) = 0.406).

CONCLUSION

The present results suggest that AGE might be involved in the pathogenesis of NBNC-HCC, thereby being a biomarker that could discriminate NBNC-HCC from NASH.

Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for the onset of impaired fasting glucose in men with a high plasma glucose level: a community-based study

Background

It is not clear whether elevated uric acid is a risk factor for the onset of impaired fasting glucose after stratifying by baseline fasting plasma glucose levels. We conducted a community-based retrospective longitudinal cohort study to clarify the relationship between uric acid levels and the onset of impaired fasting glucose, according to baseline fasting plasma glucose levels.

Methods

We enrolled 6,403 persons (3,194 men and 3,209 women), each of whom was 18–80 years old and had >2 annual check-ups during 2003–2010. After excluding persons who had fasting plasma glucose levels ≥6.11 mM and/or were currently taking anti-diabetic agents, the remaining 5,924 subjects were classified into quartiles according to baseline fasting plasma glucose levels. The onset of impaired fasting glucose was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥6.11 mM during the observation period.

Results

In the quartile groups, 0.9%, 2.1%, 3.4%, and 20.2% of the men developed impaired fasting glucose, respectively, and 0.1%, 0.3%, 0.5%, and 5.6% of the women developed impaired fasting glucose, respectively (P trend <0.001). After adjusting for age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, triacylglycerols, high density lipoprotein-cholesterol, creatinine, fatty liver, family history of diabetes, alcohol consumption, and current smoking, uric acid levels were positively associated with onset of impaired fasting glucose in men with highest-quartile fasting plasma glucose levels (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.003; 95% confidence interval, 1.0001–1.005, P = 0.041).

Conclusions

Among men with high fasting plasma glucose, hyperuricemia may be independently associated with an elevated risk of developing impaired fasting glucose.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: The liver disease of our age?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that might affect up to one-third of the adult population in industrialised countries. NAFLD incorporates histologically and clinically different non-alcoholic entities; fatty liver (NAFL, steatosis hepatis) and steatohepatitis (NASH-characterised by hepatocyte ballooning and lobular inflammation ± fibrosis) might progress to cirrhosis and rarely to hepatocellular cancer. NAFL increasingly affects children (paediatric prevalence is 4.2%-9.6%). Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin resistance (IR), obesity, metabolic syndrome and NAFLD are particularly closely related. Increased hepatic lipid storage is an early abnormality in insulin resistant women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus. The accumulation of triacylglycerols in hepatocytes is predominantly derived from the plasma nonesterified fatty acid pool supplied largely by the adipose tissue. A few NAFLD susceptibility gene variants are associated with progressive liver disease, IR, T2DM and a higher risk for hepatocellular carcinoma. Although not approved, pharmacological approaches might be considered in NASH patients.

Clinical differences between alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are serious health problems worldwide. These two diseases have similar pathological spectra, ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although most subjects with excessive alcohol or food intake experience simple hepatic steatosis, a small percentage of individuals will develop progressive liver disease. Notably, both ALD and NAFLD are frequently accompanied by extrahepatic complications, including cardiovascular disease and malignancy. The survival of patients with ALD and NAFLD depends on various disease-associated conditions. This review delineates the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with ALD and NAFLD by comparing their epidemiology, the factors associated with disease susceptibility and progression, and the predictors and characteristics of outcomes. A comprehensive understanding of the characteristics and outcomes of ALD and NAFLD is imperative in the management of these chronic liver diseases.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Updates in noninvasive diagnosis and correlation with cardiovascular disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) refers to the accumulation of fat (mainly triglycerides) within hepatocytes. Approximately 20%-30% of adults in the general population in developed countries have NAFLD; this trend is increasing because of the pandemicity of obesity and diabetes, and is becoming a serious public health burden. Twenty percent of individuals with NAFLD develop chronic hepatic inflammation [nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)], which can be associated with the development of cirrhosis, portal hypertension, and hepatocellular carcinoma in a minority of patients. And thus, the detection and diagnosis of NAFLD is important for general practitioners. Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing NAFLD and confirming the presence of NASH. However, the invasiveness of this procedure limits its application to screening the general population or patients with contraindications for liver biopsy. The development of noninvasive diagnostic methods for NAFLD is of paramount importance. This review focuses on the updates of noninvasive diagnosis of NAFLD. Besides, we review clinical evidence supporting a strong association between NAFLD and the risk of cardiovascular disease because of the cross link between these two disorders.

Nutrition and exercise in the management of liver cirrhosis

Liver cirrhosis (LC) patients often have protein-energy malnutrition (PEM) and decreased physical activity. These conditions often lead to sarcopenia, which is the loss of skeletal muscle volume and increased muscle weakness. Recent studies have demonstrated that PEM and sarcopenia are predictors for poor survival in LC patients. Nutrition and exercise management can improve PEM and sarcopenia in those patients. Nutrition management includes sufficient dietary intake and improved nutrient metabolism. With the current high prevalence of obesity, the number of obese LC patients has increased, and restriction of excessive caloric intake without the exacerbation of impaired nutrient metabolism is required for such patients. Branched chain amino acids are good candidates for supplemental nutrients for both obese and non-obese LC patients. Exercise management can increase skeletal muscle volume and strength and improve insulin resistance; however, nutritional status and LC complications should be assessed before an exercise management regimen is implemented in LC patients. The establishment of optimal exercise regimens for LC patients is currently required. In this review, we describe nutritional status and its clinical impact on the outcomes of LC patients and discuss general nutrition and exercise management in LC patients.

Steatosis and steatohepatitis: complex disorders

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) which includes steatosis and steatohepatitis, in particular non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a rising health problem world-wide and should be separated from alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH). NAFLD is regarded as hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome (MetSy), being tightly linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Development of steatosis, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis often progresses towards hepatocellular carcinogenesis and frequently results in the indication for liver transplantation, underlining the clinical significance of this disease complex. Work on different murine models and several human patients studies led to the identification of different molecular key players as well as epigenetic factors like miRNAs and SNPs, which have a promoting or protecting function in AFLD/ASH or NAFLD/NASH. To which extent they might be translated into human biology and pathogenesis is still questionable and needs further investigation regarding diagnostic parameters, drug development and a better understanding of the genetic impact. In this review we give an overview about the currently available knowledge and recent findings regarding the development and progression of this disease.

Impact of glucose tolerance on the severity of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Aims/Introduction:  We investigated the relationship between non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and different stages of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) concentrations, and the association between factors related to glucose tolerance and severity of NASH.

Materials and Methods:  A total of 147 patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) who had undergone a liver biopsy were divided into three groups: a normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group, an impaired fasting glucose (IFG) group and a diabetes (DM) group. In addition, to investigate progression factors of NASH in the DM group, we divided the diabetic patients into two groups: a group with NASH (NASH group) and a group without NASH, the simple steatosis (SS) group. The relationship between the patients’ clinical parameters and the severity of NAFLD/NASH were analyzed.

Results:  In the patients with liver biopsies, the IFG group had the highest percentage of NASH. There was no correlation between FPG and either total NAFLD activity scores (NAS) or staging of NASH, but the fasting serum insulin was correlated significantly with both, even after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index. Among the diabetic patients, the fasting insulin values in the NASH group were significantly higher than in the SS group, but there were no differences in FPG or A1c values between the two groups. The fasting serum insulin correlated significantly with total NAS, but the FPG and A1c values did not.

Conclusions:  A high percentage of the IFG group developed NASH. Hyperinsulinemia, but not hyperglycemia, was associated with severity of NASH. (J Diabetes Invest, doi: 10.1111/j.2040‐1124.2011.00134.x, 2011)

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the Western countries. NAFLD includes a spectrum ranging from a simple steatosis to a nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which is defined by the presence of inflammatory infiltrate, cellular necrosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and fibrosis and cirrhosis that can eventually develop into hepatocellular carcinoma. Studies emphasize the role of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, adipokines in the development and progression of NAFLD. It seems to be independently associated with type II diabetes mellitus, increased triglycerides, decreased HDL-cholesterol, abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. These findings are in accordance with the criteria used in the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Here, we will discuss the current knowledge on the epidemiology, pathophysiology and diagnosis of NAFLD and the association of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women.

Comparative MRI analysis of morphologic patterns of bile duct disease in IgG4-related systemic disease versus primary sclerosing cholangitis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to perform a retrospective MRI-based comparative analysis of the morphologic patterns of bile duct disease in IgG4-related systemic disease (ISD, also called autoimmune pancreatitis) compared with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and the autoimmune liver diseases autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cirrhosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study included 162 consecutively registered patients (47 with ISD, 73 with PSC, and 42 with autoimmune liver diseases). Two abdominal radiologists retrospectively reviewed MR images in consensus. Imaging findings on the bile ducts, liver, pancreas, and other organs were analyzed to establish disease patterns.

RESULTS

ISD was associated with contiguous thickening of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts (p<0.001), pancreatic parenchymal abnormalities (p<0.001), renal abnormalities (p<0.001), and gallbladder wall thickening (p<0.03). The severity of common bile duct wall thickness was significantly different in ISD (p<0.001). The mean single wall thickness in the ISD group was 3.00 (SD, 1.47) mm, in the PSC group was 1.89 (SD, 0.73) mm, and in the autoimmune liver disease group was 1.80 (SD, 0.67) mm. PSC was associated with liver parenchymal abnormalities (p<0.001). We did not find statistical significance between the three groups in location (p=0.220) or length (p=0.703) of extrahepatic bile duct strictures, enhancement of bile duct stricture (p=0.033), upper abdominal lymphadenopathy, or retroperitoneal fibrosis. Although presence of intrahepatic bile duct stricture was statistically significant when all three groups were compared, it was not useful for differentiating ISD from PSC.

CONCLUSION

The presence of continuous as opposed to skip disease in the bile ducts, gallbladder involvement, and single-wall common bile duct thickness greater than 2.5 mm supports a diagnosis of ISD over PSC. ISD and PSC could not be differentiated on the basis of location and length of common bile duct stricture.

Clinical and metabolic factors associated with development and regression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in nonobese subjects

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The course of NAFLD (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease) and associated factors in nonobese subjects are not well established. We investigated contributing factors for the development and regression of NAFLD in nonobese Koreans, and whether they would differ from those of obese subjects.

METHODS

Two thousand three hundred and seven adults aged over 18 years participated in this longitudinal observational study. The mean duration of follow-up was 28.7 (±13.2) months. The participants were divided into two groups according to the baseline BMI (nonobese group: BMI <25 kg/m(2), obese group: BMI ≥25 kg/m(2)). The presence or absence of NAFLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Body weight change was independently associated with both the development and regression of NAFLD in nonobese subjects as well as obese subjects. Among the subjects who developed NAFLD, the amount of weight change was higher in nonobese subjects compared to obese subjects (1.6 ± 3.9% vs 0.6 ± 4.2%, P = 0.022); and among those who showed regression of NAFLD, the amount of weight change was lower in nonobese subjects (-1.9 ± 4.0% vs -5.0 ± 4.6%, P < 0.001). Among all the components of metabolic syndrome, only high triglyceride levels (>150 mg/dl) at the baseline were significantly associated with both the development and regression of NAFLD in nonobese subjects (ORs, 1.54 (1.10-2.14), and 0.60 (0.38-0.96) respectively).

CONCLUSION

Body weight change and baseline triglyceride levels were strong indicators for the development and regression of NAFLD in a nonobese population.