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Simbrunner B, Hartl L, Jachs M, Bauer DJ, Scheiner B, Hofer BS, Stättermayer AF, Marculescu R, Trauner M, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T. Dysregulated biomarkers of innate and adaptive immunity predict infections and disease progression in cirrhosis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100712. [PMID: 37035457 PMCID: PMC10074195 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID) affects both innate and adaptive immunity. This study investigated the complement system, immunoglobulins, and acute-phase proteins and their prognostic relevance in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). Methods Patients with ACLD (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥6 mmHg) but without acute decompensation/infections were characterised by HVPG and by clinical EASL stages: compensated (cACLD; S0-2) vs. decompensated ACLD (dACLD) with previous variceal bleeding (S3), non-bleeding decompensation (S4), or further decompensation (S5). Complement factors (C3c, C4, CH50), immunoglobulins (IgA, IgM, IgG, IgG1-4), acute-phase proteins and systemic inflammation biomarkers (white blood cells, C-reactive protein, IL-6, procalcitonin) were measured. Results A total of 245 patients (median model for end-stage liver disease score: 11 [9-15], median HVPG: 17 [12-21] mmHg) were included with 150 (61%) presenting dACLD. Complement levels and activity significantly decreased in dACLD substages S4 and S5 (p <0.001). Total IgA/IgM/IgG and IgG1-4 subtype levels increased in patients with dACLD (all p <0.05). Complement and immunoglobulin levels correlated negatively and positively, respectively, with systemic inflammation (all p <0.05). High IgG-1 (adjusted hazard ratio per 100 mg/dl: 1.12, 1.04-1.19, p = 0.002) and IL-6 (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.03, 1.00-1.05, p = 0.023) levels predicted the development of infections during follow-up. High IgA (stratified by median; log-rank p <0.001), high IgG1 (log-rank p = 0.043) and low C3c (log-rank p = 0.003) indicated a higher risk of first/further decompensation or liver-related death (composite endpoint). Next to HVPG and IL-6, low C3c (adjusted hazard ratio per mg/dl: 0.99, 0.97-0.99, p = 0.040) remained independently associated with the composite endpoint on multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusions Complement levels and immunoglobulins may serve as surrogates of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction and associate with cirrhosis severity and systemic inflammation. Low complement C3c predicted decompensation and liver-related death, whereas high IgG-1 indicated an increased risk for infections. Impact and Implications Patients with cirrhosis are at increased risk for infections, which worsen their prognosis. We found a significant dysregulation of several essential components of the immune system that was linked to disease severity and indicated a risk for infections and other complications. Simple blood tests identify patients at particularly high risk, who may be candidates for preventive measures. Clinical Trials Registration This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03267615).
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David J.M. Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Friedrich Stättermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Corresponding author. Address: Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. Tel.: +43-1-40400-47440; Fax: +43-1-40400-47350
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Shan J, Megarbane A, Chouchane A, Karthik D, Temanni R, Romero AR, Hua H, Pan C, Chen X, Subramanian M, Saad C, Mbarek H, Mehawej C, Chouery E, Abuaqel SW, Dömling A, Remadi S, Yaghi C, Li P, Chouchane L. Genetic predisposition to porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder: A functional genomic-based, multigenerational family study. Hepatology 2023; 77:501-511. [PMID: 35989577 PMCID: PMC9869943 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD) is a group of liver vascular diseases featuring lesions encompassing the portal venules and sinusoids unaccompanied by cirrhosis, irrespective of the presence/absence of portal hypertension. It can occur secondary to coagulation disorders or insult by toxic agents. However, the cause of PSVD remains unknown in most cases. Hereditary cases of PSVD are exceptionally rare, but they are of particular interest and may unveil genetic alterations and molecular mechanisms associated with the disease. APPROACH AND RESULTS We performed genome sequencing of four patients and two healthy individuals of a large multigenerational Lebanese family with PSVD and identified a heterozygous deleterious variant (c.547C>T, p.R183W) of FCH and double SH3 domains 1 ( FCHSD1 ), an uncharacterized gene, in patients. This variant segregated with the disease, and its pattern of inheritance was suggestive of autosomal dominant with variable expressivity. RNA structural modelling of human FCHSD1 suggests that the C-to-T substitution at position 547, corresponding to FCHSD1R183W , may increase both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein stability and its interaction with MTOR-associated protein, LST8 homolog, a key protein of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR pathway). These predictions were substantiated by biochemical analyses, which showed that FCHSD1R183W induced high FCHSD1 mRNA stability, overexpression of FCHSD1 protein, and an increase in mTORC1 activation. This human FCHSD1 variant was introduced into mice through CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Nine out of the 15 mice carrying the human FCHSD1R183W variant mimicked the phenotype of human PSVD, including splenomegaly and enlarged portal vein. CONCLUSIONS Aberrant FCHSD1 structure and function leads to mTOR pathway overactivation and may cause PSVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxuan Shan
- Genetic Intelligence Laboratory , Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar , Qatar Foundation , Doha , Qatar.,Department of Genetic Medicine , Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , New York , USA
| | - André Megarbane
- Department of Human Genetics , Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine , Lebanese American University , Beirut , Lebanon.,Institut Jérôme Lejeune , CRB BioJeL , Paris , France
| | - Aziz Chouchane
- Faculta di Medicina e Chirurgia , Universita Cattolica del Sacro Cuero , Rome , Italy.,Institute of Pathology , University of Bern , Bern , Switzerland
| | - Deepak Karthik
- Genetic Intelligence Laboratory , Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar , Qatar Foundation , Doha , Qatar
| | | | - Atilio Reyes Romero
- Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , Groningen , Netherlands
| | - Huiying Hua
- Department of Pediatrics , Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Chun Pan
- Department of Pediatrics , Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Xixi Chen
- Department of Pediatrics , Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Murugan Subramanian
- Genetic Intelligence Laboratory , Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar , Qatar Foundation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Chadi Saad
- Genome Programme , Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation , Qatar Foundation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Hamdi Mbarek
- Genome Programme , Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation , Qatar Foundation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Cybel Mehawej
- Department of Human Genetics , Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine , Lebanese American University , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Eliane Chouery
- Department of Human Genetics , Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine , Lebanese American University , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Sirin W Abuaqel
- Genetic Intelligence Laboratory , Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar , Qatar Foundation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Drug Design Group, Department of Pharmacy , University of Groningen , Groningen , Netherlands
| | | | - Cesar Yaghi
- Department of Gastroenterology , Hotel-Dieu de France Hospital , Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Pu Li
- Department of Pediatrics , Ruijin Hospital , Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine , Shanghai , P.R. China
| | - Lotfi Chouchane
- Genetic Intelligence Laboratory , Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar , Qatar Foundation , Doha , Qatar.,Department of Genetic Medicine , Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , New York , USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology , Weill Cornell Medicine , New York , New York , USA
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Lampichler K, Semmler G, Wöran K, Simbrunner B, Jachs M, Hartl L, Bauer DJM, Balcar L, Burghart L, Trauner M, Tamandl D, Ba-Ssalamah A, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T, Scheiner B, Scharitzer M. Imaging features facilitate diagnosis of porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder. Eur Radiol 2023; 33:1422-1432. [PMID: 36166087 PMCID: PMC9889423 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-022-09132-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD) is a recently defined vascular liver disease. Since diagnosis remains challenging, we aimed to evaluate radiological features that are distinct between PSVD and cirrhosis. METHODS Clinical, laboratory, and radiological parameters (CT/MRI) of patients with histologically-confirmed PSVD vs. cirrhosis vs. non-cirrhotic parenchymal liver disease were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS Sixty-three PSVD, 155 cirrhosis, and 41 non-cirrhotic patients were included. As compared to cirrhosis, PSVD patients were younger and had lower HVPG, liver stiffness, and MELD. Routine clinical and imaging findings indicative of portal hypertension were similarly common. Intrahepatic portal tract abnormalities (49% vs. 15%; p < 0.001), FNH-like lesions (30% vs. 1%; p < 0.001), and abnormal liver morphology defined as peripheral parenchymal atrophy and compensatory hypertrophy of central segments (32% vs. 7%; p < 0.001) were significantly more common in PSVD patients. Hypertrophy of segment I (70% vs. 84%; p = 0.019), atrophy of segment IV (24% vs. 47%; p = 0.001), and nodular liver surface (22% vs. 89%; p < 0.001) were more common in patients with cirrhosis. In patients with gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI, we identified the distinct imaging feature of "periportal hyperintensity" in the hepatobiliary phase (HBP) in 42% of patients with PSVD (14/33) vs. 1% in cirrhosis (1/95) vs. 0% in non-cirrhotic controls (0/41); p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Diagnosis of PSVD must be considered in younger patients presenting with clinical features of portal hypertension, portal tract abnormalities, and FNH-like lesions on CT/MRI. 'Periportal hyperintensity' in the HBP of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI was identified as a specific radiological feature of PSVD. KEY POINTS • Cross-sectional imaging can provide essential information to identify patients with porto-sinusoidal vascular disorder (PSVD). • Intrahepatic portal tract abnormalities, FNH-like lesions, and abnormal liver morphology are common in PSVD patients. • Periportal hyperintensity on the hepatobiliary phase of gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI seems to be specific for patients with PSVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Lampichler
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Semmler
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Wöran
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Jachs
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Hartl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Josef Maria Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lorenz Balcar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Burghart
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dietmar Tamandl
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ahmed Ba-Ssalamah
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria.
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Disease (RALID) Center of the European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Martina Scharitzer
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Simbrunner B, Villesen IF, Königshofer P, Scheiner B, Bauer D, Paternostro R, Schwabl P, Timelthaler G, Ramazanova D, Wöran K, Stift J, Eigenbauer E, Stättermayer AF, Marculescu R, Pinter M, Møller S, Trauner M, Karsdal M, Leeming DJ, Reiberger T, Mandorfer M. Systemic inflammation is linked to liver fibrogenesis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. Liver Int 2022; 42:2501-2512. [PMID: 35822301 PMCID: PMC9804351 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Experimental evidence indicates that systemic inflammation (SI) promotes liver fibrogenesis. This study investigated the potential link between SI and fibrogenesis in patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). METHODS Serum biomarkers of SI (CRP, IL-6, procalcitonin [PCT]) and extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover (i.e., fibrogenesis/fibrolysis) were analysed in 215 prospectively recruited patients with ACLD (hepatic venous pressure gradient [HVPG] ≥6 mm Hg) undergoing hepatic vein catheterization. Patients with non-elective hospitalization or bacterial infection were excluded. Histological alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) area was quantified on full biopsy scans by automated morphometric quantification in a subset of 34 patients who underwent concomitant transjugular liver biopsy. RESULTS Histological α-SMA proportionate area correlated with enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score (Spearman's ρ = 0.660, p < .001), markers of collagen formation (PRO-C3, ρ = 0.717, p < .001; PRO-C6, ρ = 0.526, p = .002) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP1; ρ = 0.547, p < .001), indicating that these blood biomarkers are capable of reflecting the dynamic process of ECM turnover. CRP, IL-6 and PCT levels correlated with ELF, biomarkers of collagen synthesis/degradation and TIMP1, both in compensated and decompensated patients. Multivariate linear regression models (adjusted for HVPG) confirmed that CRP, IL-6 and PCT were independently linked to markers of liver fibrogenesis and ECM turnover. CONCLUSION Systemic inflammation is linked to both liver fibrogenesis and ECM turnover in ACLD and this association is not confounded by the severity of liver disease, as evaluated by HVPG. Our study confirms experimental data on the detrimental impact of SI on ECM deposition and fibrosis progression in a thoroughly characterized cohort of patients with ACLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ida Falk Villesen
- Nordic Bioscience, Herlev, Denmark.,University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rafael Paternostro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerald Timelthaler
- Institute of Cancer Research, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dariga Ramazanova
- Section for Medical Statistics, CeMSIIS, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katharina Wöran
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Stift
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ernst Eigenbauer
- IT Systems and Communications, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Friedrich Stättermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Matthias Pinter
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria.,CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Suppressed serological vitamin A in patients with liver cirrhosis is associated with impaired liver function and clinical detoriation. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 34:1053-1059. [PMID: 35895982 PMCID: PMC9439687 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The liver is of critical importance for the homeostasis of metabolic and immunomodulatory properties as well as the storage of vitamins, especially vitamin A. In this prospective analysis, the incidence of serological vitamin A deficiency and the association with disease severity as well as clinical complications in patients with liver cirrhosis were investigated. METHOD From May 2017 to May 2018, 159 patients with primarily alcohol-associated and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-associated preexisting liver cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled and vitamin A status was collected. Clinical complications and infections were followed and recorded over a period of 1-year follow-up. Selected findings were validated in an independent cohort of 44 patients. RESULTS At study inclusion, 77% of patients showed decreased serological vitamin A. Suppressed vitamin A was more common in alcoholic (52 vs. 8%) and NASH-associated liver cirrhosis (16 vs. 9%) than in viral-associated liver cirrhosis. MELD score as well as Child-Pugh score were significantly associated with suppressed vitamin A ( P < 0.001). The association between the degree of vitamin A suppression and liver function was confirmed in univariate and multivariate regression analysis. After 1 year of follow-up, 57 patients died and 21 patients received a liver transplant. In addition, low vitamin A levels were more commonly observed in patients with severe ascites ( P = 0.001), hepatic encephalopathy ( P = 0.002) and hepatorenal syndromes ( P = 0.008). In addition, patients with reduced vitamin A showed an increased incidence of infections ( P = 0.02), especially respiratory infections ( P = 0.04). CONCLUSION Suppressed serological Vitamin A is common in patients with liver cirrhosis and is associated with liver function. Clinical complications and infections are more frequent in patients with liver cirrhosis and vitamin A suppression.
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Melis M, Tang XH, Trasino SE, Gudas LJ. Retinoids in the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Liver Diseases. Nutrients 2022; 14:1456. [PMID: 35406069 PMCID: PMC9002467 DOI: 10.3390/nu14071456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin A (VA), all-trans-retinol (ROL), and its analogs are collectively called retinoids. Acting through the retinoic acid receptors RARα, RARβ, and RARγ, all-trans-retinoic acid, an active metabolite of VA, is a potent regulator of numerous biological pathways, including embryonic and somatic cellular differentiation, immune functions, and energy metabolism. The liver is the primary organ for retinoid storage and metabolism in humans. For reasons that remain incompletely understood, a body of evidence shows that reductions in liver retinoids, aberrant retinoid metabolism, and reductions in RAR signaling are implicated in numerous diseases of the liver, including hepatocellular carcinoma, non-alcohol-associated fatty liver diseases, and alcohol-associated liver diseases. Conversely, restoration of retinoid signaling, pharmacological treatments with natural and synthetic retinoids, and newer agonists for specific RARs show promising benefits for treatment of a number of these liver diseases. Here we provide a comprehensive review of the literature demonstrating a role for retinoids in limiting the pathogenesis of these diseases and in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Melis
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
| | - Xiao-Han Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
| | - Steven E. Trasino
- Nutrition Program, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA;
| | - Lorraine J. Gudas
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY 10021, USA; (M.M.); (X.-H.T.)
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Ai Y, Huang X, Chen W, Wu L, Jiang S, Chen Y, Chen S. UPLC-MS/MS-Based Serum Metabolomics Signature as Biomarkers of Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding in Patients With Cirrhosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:839781. [PMID: 35300427 PMCID: PMC8922031 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.839781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EVB) is a common and ominous complication of cirrhosis and represents the degree of portal hypertension progression and cirrhosis decompensation, desiderating the investigation into sensitive and specific markers for early detection and prediction. The purpose of this study is to characterize unique metabolites in serum of cirrhotic EVB patients and identify potential noninvasive biomarkers for detecting and assessing risk of variceal bleeding and cirrhosis progression through metabolomics-based approaches and explore possible pathophysiological mechanisms. Methods: We used ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) to profile serum metabolomes. In one discovery cohort (n = 26, 13 cases of EVB), univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were performed to demonstrate separation between the two groups and identify differentially expressed metabolites. Potential biomarkers were screened by Boruta and logistic regression analyses, further evaluated by receiver operating characteristic analysis, and tested in two validation cohorts (n = 34, 17 cases and n = 10, 5 cases). Results: Bioinformatics analyses demonstrated that EVB patients possessed distinct metabolic phenotypes compared with nEVB controls, characterized by seven elevated and six downregulated metabolites, indicating that EVB-related metabolic disturbance might be associated with vitamin metabolism and fatty acid metabolism. Eight potential biomarkers were selected among which citrulline and alpha-aminobutyric acid with moderate AUC values, tested in the validation cohorts, were identified as specific biomarkers of EVB. Conclusion: Our metabolomic study provides an overview of serum metabolic profiles in EVB patients, highlighting the potential utility of UPLC-MS/MS-based serum fingerprint as a feasible avenue for early detection of EVB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjie Ai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoquan Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siyu Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyao Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Minhang Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Licata A, Zerbo M, Como S, Cammilleri M, Soresi M, Montalto G, Giannitrapani L. The Role of Vitamin Deficiency in Liver Disease: To Supplement or Not Supplement? Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13114014. [PMID: 34836267 PMCID: PMC8620546 DOI: 10.3390/nu13114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past few years, growing interest has been shown for the impact of dietary requirements and nutritional factors on chronic diseases. As a result, nutritional programs have been reinforced by public health policies. The precise role of micronutrients in chronic liver disease is currently receiving particular attention since abnormalities in vitamin levels are often detected. At present, treatment programs are focused on correcting vitamin deficiencies, which are frequently correlated to higher rates of comorbidities with poor outcomes. The literature reviewed here indicates that liver diseases are often related to vitamin disorders, due to both liver impairment and abnormal intake. More specific knowledge about the role of vitamins in liver disease is currently emerging from various results and recent evidence. The most significant benefits in this area may be observed when improved vitamin intake is combined with a pharmacological treatment that may also affect the progression of the liver disease, especially in the case of liver tumors. However, further studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Licata
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-655-2280; Fax: +39-091-655-2156
| | - Maddalena Zerbo
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Silvia Como
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Marcella Cammilleri
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Maurizio Soresi
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
| | - Lydia Giannitrapani
- Internal Medicine & Hepatology Section, Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties—PROMISE, University of Palermo Medical School, 90127 Palermo, Italy; (M.Z.); (S.C.); (M.C.); (M.S.); (G.M.); (L.G.)
- Institute for Biochemical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90146 Palermo, Italy
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