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Yodoshi T, Orkin S, Arce-Clachar AC, Bramlage K, Xanthakos SA, Valentino PL, Mouzaki M. Alternative Etiologies of Liver Disease in Children With Suspected NAFLD. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-009829. [PMID: 33785637 PMCID: PMC8015155 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-009829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the prevalence of alternative causes of liver disease in a cohort of youth with overweight and obesity undergoing evaluation for suspected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS Multicenter, retrospective cohort study of patients aged ≤18 years with overweight and obesity and evidence of elevated serum aminotransferases and/or hepatic steatosis on imaging, referred for suspected NAFLD to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (2009-2017) or Yale New Haven Children's Hospital (2012-2017). Testing was performed to exclude the following: autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), Wilson disease, viral hepatitis (B and C), thyroid dysfunction, celiac disease, α-1 antitrypsin deficiency, and hemochromatosis. RESULTS A total of 900 children with overweight and obesity (63% boys, 26% Hispanic ethnicity) were referred, with a median age of 13 years (range: 2-18). Most had severe obesity (n = 666; 76%) with a median BMI z score of 2.45 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.2-2.7). Median alanine aminotransferase level at presentation was 64 U/L (IQR: 42-95). A clinically indicated liver biopsy was performed in 358 children (40%) at a median of 6 months (IQR: 1-14) post initial visit; of those, 46% had confirmed nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Positive autoantibodies were observed in 13% of the cohort, but none met criteria for AIH. Only 19 (2%) were found to have other causes of liver disease, with no cases of viral hepatitis or Wilson disease detected. CONCLUSIONS In a large, multicenter cohort, the vast majority of children with overweight and obesity with presumed or confirmed NAFLD tested negative for other causes of liver disease. In contrast to a previous pediatric report, no patient was diagnosed with AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshifumi Yodoshi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sarah Orkin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Ana Catalina Arce-Clachar
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio;,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and
| | - Kristin Bramlage
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Stavra A. Xanthakos
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio;,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and
| | - Pamela L. Valentino
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Marialena Mouzaki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio; .,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio; and
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Polychronopoulou E, Lygoura V, Gatselis NK, Dalekos GN. Increased cholestatic enzymes in two patients with long-term history of ulcerative colitis: consider primary biliary cholangitis not always primary sclerosing cholangitis. BMJ Case Rep 2017; 2017:bcr-2017-220824. [PMID: 28951510 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2017-220824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Several hepatobiliary disorders have been reported in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) being the most specific. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis, rarely occurs in UC. We present two PBC cases of 67 and 71 years who suffered from long-standing UC. Both patients were asymptomatic but they had increased cholestatic enzymes and high titres of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA)-the laboratory hallmark of PBC. After careful exclusion of other causes of cholestasis by MRI/magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), virological and microbiological investigations, a diagnosis of PBC associated with UC was established. The patients started ursodeoxycholic acid (13 mg/kg/day) with complete response. During follow-up, both patients remained asymptomatic with normal blood biochemistry. Although PSC is the most common hepatobiliary manifestation among patients with UC, physicians must keep also PBC in mind in those with unexplained cholestasis and repeatedly normal MRCP. In these cases, a reliable AMA testing can help for an accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erietta Polychronopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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3
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Gatselis NK, Vakrakou AG, Zachou K, Androutsakos T, Azariadis K, Hatzis G, Manoussakis MN, Dalekos GN. Decreased serum DNase1-activity in patients with autoimmune liver diseases. Autoimmunity 2017; 50:125-132. [DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2017.1279610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece,
| | - Aigli G. Vakrakou
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece, and
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece,
| | - Theodoros Androutsakos
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece,
| | - Gregorios Hatzis
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,
| | - Menelaos N. Manoussakis
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece,
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece, and
- Joint Academic Rheumatology Program, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece,
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Patients with Haemoglobinopathies and Chronic Hepatitis C: A Real Difficult to Treat Population in 2016? Mediterr J Hematol Infect Dis 2017; 9:e2017003. [PMID: 28101309 PMCID: PMC5224816 DOI: 10.4084/mjhid.2017.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & objectives In the past, patients with haemoglobinopathies were at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) due to multiple transfusions before HCV screening. In these patients, the coexistence of haemochromatosis and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) often leads to more severe liver disease. We assessed the HCV prevalence, clinical characteristics and outcome in this setting with particular attention to the response to treatment including therapies with the new direct acting antivirals (DAAs). Methods The medical records of 81 consecutive patients followed the last 15 years were reviewed retrospectively. Results 43/81 (53%) patients were anti-HCV positive including 31/43 (72.1%) with CHC (HCV-RNA positive; age 25±7 years; 45.2% with genotype 1b; 19.4% cirrhotics; baseline ferritin 887 ng/ml; range: 81–10.820). Thirty patients received IFN-based therapy with or without ribavirin with sustained virological response (SVR) in 14/30 (46.7%). Eleven patients (9 non-responders to IFN-based therapies, one in relapse and one naïve) received treatment with DAAs (SVR: 100%). 3/11 patients increased their transfusion needs while 1/11 reported mild arthralgias. No drug-drug interactions between DAAs and chelation agents were observed as attested by the stability of ferritin levels during treatment. Conclusions More than 1/3 of patients with haemoglobinopathies suffered from CHC. Response rates to IFN-based treatment seem to be similar to other patients with CHC, while most importantly, treatment with DAAs was excellent and safe even in difficult to treat patients (most null responders with severe fibrosis) suggesting that this group of HCV patients should no longer be regarded as a difficult to treat.
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Steinsbø Ø, Dørum S, Lundin KEA, Sollid LM. Serologic assay for diagnosis of celiac disease based on a patient-derived monoclonal antigliadin antibody. Gastroenterology 2015. [PMID: 26208894 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with celiac disease can be identified based on the detection of serum antibodies to deamidated gliadin peptides (DGPs). Recombinant human monoclonal antibodies (hmAb) against gliadin are produced by cloning antibody genes from single IgA-producing plasma cells isolated from lesions of patients with celiac disease. We developed an assay to identify patients with celiac disease based on the ability of antibodies from their serum to inhibit the binding of a gliadin-specific hmAb (1002-1E03) to a specific peptide antigen (inhibition assay). METHODS We selected 2 peptides (a 34-mer and a 26-mer) found in ω-gliadins and low-molecular-weight glutenins that had been identified as specific targets of the hmAb 1002-1E03 from a digest of gliadin treated by transglutaminase 2. These peptides contained repeat sequence motifs; their interaction with hmAb 1002-1E03 was assessed in an amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous inhibition assay. We also tested peptides we created that included 3 repeated sequence motifs. Serum samples from untreated patients diagnosed with celiac disease (n = 106) and 2 control groups (198 blood donors, 151 patients with Crohn's disease) were analyzed using the assay, as well as in conventional commercial assays that measure IgA against transglutaminase 2 (TG2) or IgG against DGP. RESULTS In our inhibition assays, the 34-mer peptide showed the best results, and identified patients with celiac disease with 86.8% sensitivity and 98.6% specificity. Its diagnostic accuracy was comparable with that of commercial anti-DGP IgG (sensitivity, 87.9%; specificity, 98.0) and anti-TG2 IgA (sensitivity, 81.1%; specificity, 98.9) assays, and it detected most of the patients with anti-TG2 IgA-negative celiac disease without a significant decrease in specificity. Combined use of the anti-ω34 and the anti-TG2 assays produced specificity and sensitivity values of 95.3% and 98.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS We developed an antigliadin inhibition assay that identifies patients with celiac disease with high levels of specificity and sensitivity. It may prove useful as an adjunct to the current assay for anti-TG2 IgA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Øyvind Steinsbø
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Siri Dørum
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Knut E A Lundin
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludvig M Sollid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.
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de Chaisemartin L, Meatchi T, Malamut G, Fernani-Oukil F, Hosking F, Rault D, Bellery F, Cellier C, Dragon-Durey MA. Application of Deamidated Gliadin Antibodies in the Follow-Up of Treated Celiac Disease. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0136745. [PMID: 26322980 PMCID: PMC4554732 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0136745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The role of serological tests such as IgA anti-transglutaminase autoantibodies has become increasingly important in celiac disease (CD) diagnosis. However, the efficiency of these tests for patient follow-up is controversial. We investigated the correlation of 12 different serological tests, including recent deamidated gliadin and actin IgA tests, with villous atrophy (VA) in a retrospective cohort of treated celiac patients. Materials and Methods Serum samples were collected from 100 treated CD patients who had intestinal biopsy in the course of their follow-up. Antibodies against transglutaminase, deamidated gliadin peptides, and native gliadin were measured, along with IgA anti-actin. The biopsy slides were all blind-reviewed and scored according to Marsh classification. Results For all deamidated gliadin and transglutaminase tests, we found that a positive result was significantly associated with persistence of intestinal VA, with a diagnostic efficacy up to 80%. Furthermore, antibodies titers directly correlated with the degree of VA, indicating a strong link between disease activity and presence of antibodies in the serum. Interestingly, the tests with the highest association with persistent VA were those for deamidated gliadin IgG. Using a test positivity pattern analysis, we were also able to identify several groups of patients with distinct antibody profiles that showed significant differences in intestinal damage and diet compliance. Conclusions Altogether, these results show that deamidated gliadin antibodies are strongly correlated with VA and should be considered valuable tools in CD follow-up and that multiplex serologic analysis for treated CD represents a promising tool for personalized patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc de Chaisemartin
- Immunology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- INSERM UMR 996, Paris Sud University, Châtenay-Malabry, France
| | - Tchao Meatchi
- Pathology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Georgia Malamut
- Gastroenterology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Fahima Fernani-Oukil
- Immunology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Frédérique Hosking
- Immunology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Dorothée Rault
- Gastroenterology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Fabienne Bellery
- Immunology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Cellier
- Gastroenterology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Agnès Dragon-Durey
- Immunology Department, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
- Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- * E-mail:
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Lyberopoulou A, Chachami G, Gatselis NK, Kyratzopoulou E, Saitis A, Gabeta S, Eliades P, Paraskeva E, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Mamalaki A, Dalekos GN, Simos G. Low Serum Hepcidin in Patients with Autoimmune Liver Diseases. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0135486. [PMID: 26270641 PMCID: PMC4535884 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0135486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepcidin, a liver hormone, is important for both innate immunity and iron metabolism regulation. As dysfunction of the hepcidin pathway may contribute to liver pathology, we analysed liver hepcidin mRNA and serum hepcidin in patients with chronic liver diseases. Hepcidin mRNA levels were determined in liver biopsies obtained from 126 patients with HCV (n = 21), HBV (n = 23), autoimmune cholestatic disease (primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis; PBC/PSC; n = 34), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH; n = 16) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; n = 32). Sera sampled on the biopsy day from the same patients were investigated for serum hepcidin levels. Hepatic hepcidin mRNA levels correlated positively with ferritin and negatively with serum γ-GT levels. However, no correlation was found between serum hepcidin and either ferritin or liver hepcidin mRNA. Both serum hepcidin and the serum hepcidin/ferritin ratio were significantly lower in AIH and PBC/PSC patients’ sera compared to HBV, HCV or NAFLD (P<0.001 for each comparison) and correlated negatively with serum ALP levels. PBC/PSC and AIH patients maintained low serum hepcidin during the course of their two-year long treatment. In summary, parallel determination of liver hepcidin mRNA and serum hepcidin in patients with chronic liver diseases shows that circulating hepcidin and its respective ratio to ferritin are significantly diminished in patients with autoimmune liver diseases. These novel findings, once confirmed by follow-up studies involving bigger size and better-matched disease subgroups, should be taken into consideration during diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune liver diseases.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/blood
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/genetics
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/pathology
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Down-Regulation
- Female
- Ferritins/blood
- Hepatitis B/blood
- Hepatitis B/genetics
- Hepatitis B/pathology
- Hepatitis C/blood
- Hepatitis C/genetics
- Hepatitis C/pathology
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/blood
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/genetics
- Hepatitis, Autoimmune/pathology
- Hepcidins/blood
- Hepcidins/genetics
- Humans
- Liver/metabolism
- Liver/pathology
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/blood
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/genetics
- Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/pathology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/blood
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/genetics
- Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- Institute for Research & Technology—Thessaly (IRETETH), Larissa, Greece
| | - Georgia Chachami
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- Institute for Research & Technology—Thessaly (IRETETH), Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Kyratzopoulou
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunobiotechnology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Asterios Saitis
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Petros Eliades
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunobiotechnology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Efrosini Paraskeva
- Laboratory of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - George K. Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Avgi Mamalaki
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunobiotechnology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine & Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- * E-mail: (GS); (GND)
| | - George Simos
- Laboratory of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
- Institute for Research & Technology—Thessaly (IRETETH), Larissa, Greece
- * E-mail: (GS); (GND)
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8
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Norman GL, Gatselis NK, Shums Z, Liaskos C, Bogdanos DP, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein: A novel non-invasive marker for assessing cirrhosis and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:1875-83. [PMID: 26207169 PMCID: PMC4506945 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i14.1875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) as a marker of cirrhosis and risk of progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS A COMP enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to test 187 patients with chronic liver diseases at the time point of first evaluation. The selected patients included 72 with chronic hepatitis B infection, 75 with chronic hepatitis C infection, 22 with primary biliary cirrhosis, 7 with autoimmune hepatitis type 1, and 11 with alcoholic liver disease. Demographic, biochemical, histological and clinical characteristics of the patients were recorded at the first evaluation. One hundred and forty-seven patients were followed for a median [interquartile range (IQR)] duration of 96.5 (102) mo. The clinical, biochemical and histological data, as well as the development of cirrhosis, HCC according to internationally accepted criteria and in case of death, a liver-related cause during the follow-up period, were recorded at the electronic database of our clinic. COMP determination was also performed in 43 healthy individuals who served as the control study group. RESULTS COMP positivity (> 15 U/L) was detected in 22%-36% among chronic liver disease groups. Strikingly, almost 83% of COMP-positive patients were cirrhotic at baseline, independently of cause of liver disease. Among the patients who developed HCC during follow-up, 73.7% (14/19) were COMP positive at baseline. COMP positivity was significantly associated with older age (P < 0.001), advanced fibrosis (P = 0.001) and necroinflammatory activity (P = 0.001), higher aspartate aminotransferase (P < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.02), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (P = 0.003), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.001), bilirubin (P < 0.05), international normalized ratio (P = 0.002) and alpha-fetoprotein levels (P < 0.02), and lower albumin (P < 0.001), and platelet count (P = 0.008). COMP levels [median (IQR)] were significantly higher in cirrhotics compared to non-cirrhotics [13.8 (7.9) U/L vs 9.8 (4.6) U/L, respectively; P < 0.001]. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, COMP-positivity was independently associated only with cirrhosis (OR = 4.40, 95%CI: 1.33-14.69, P = 0.015). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that COMP positivity was significantly associated with HCC development (P = 0.007) and higher incidence of liver-related death (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Elevated COMP levels are strongly associated with cirrhosis and HCC progression. Serum COMP is a new promising non-invasive biomarker for HCC risk assessment in surveillance programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary L Norman
- Gary L Norman, Zakera Shums, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Gary L Norman, Zakera Shums, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - Zakera Shums
- Gary L Norman, Zakera Shums, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - Christos Liaskos
- Gary L Norman, Zakera Shums, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - Dimitrios P Bogdanos
- Gary L Norman, Zakera Shums, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Gary L Norman, Zakera Shums, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
| | - George N Dalekos
- Gary L Norman, Zakera Shums, Inova Diagnostics, Inc., San Diego, CA 92131, United States
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9
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Zachou K, Gampeta S, Gatselis NK, Oikonomou K, Goulis J, Manoussakis MN, Renaudineau Y, Bogdanos DP, Dalekos GN. Anti-SLA/LP alone or in combination with anti-Ro52 and fine specificity of anti-Ro52 antibodies in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Liver Int 2015; 35:660-72. [PMID: 25113420 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Antibodies (Abs) to soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas (anti-SLA/LP) are considered markers of worse prognosis and outcome in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) although this assumption has recently been attributed to their frequent co-expression with Abs against Ro52 (anti-Ro52). To assess the clinical significance of anti-SLA/LP Abs alone or in combination with anti-Ro52 in AIH patients and determine the immunodominant Ro52 epitopes according to the anti-SLA/LP status. METHODS Twenty-three anti-SLA/LP-positive and 106 anti-SLA/LP-negative AIH patients were included. Anti-SLA/LP were determined by ELISA using recombinant antigen, and confirmed by immunoblot using cytosolic rat liver fraction or HuH-7 extract. Anti-Ro52 Abs were determined by ELISA using recombinant antigen. Epitope mapping was assessed by ELISA using overlapping peptides covering the whole Ro52 protein in 26 AIH patients and 12 patients with Sjögren's syndrome. RESULTS Anti-SLA/LP positivity was not associated with the clinical, laboratory or histological characteristics of AIH patients. Treatment response, corticosteroid withdrawal, relapse after stopping treatment and outcome, were not associated with the presence of anti-SLA/LP, anti-Ro52 or double reactivity. Moreover, Ro52 epitope mapping revealed new epitopes unique for AIH and independent from anti-SLA/LP positivity. CONCLUSIONS Neither anti-SLA/LP nor anti-Ro52 Abs or their combination could specify a distinct group of AIH patients in terms of clinical characteristics, treatment response and outcome. Further studies are needed to clarify whether the newly discovered immunodominant epitopes of Ro52 antigen which were associated specifically with AIH have any clinical or pathogenetic significance in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
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10
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Gatselis NK, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Autoimmune hepatitis, one disease with many faces: Etiopathogenetic, clinico-laboratory and histological characteristics. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:60-83. [PMID: 25574080 PMCID: PMC4284362 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an unresolving progressive liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies detection and interface hepatitis. Due to the absence of specific diagnostic markers and the large heterogeneity of its clinical, laboratory and histological features, AIH diagnosis may be potentially difficult. Therefore, in this in-depth review we summarize the substantial progress on etiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological phenotypes of AIH. AIH has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic to severe or rarely fulminant hepatitis. Hypergammaglobulinemia with selective elevation of IgG is found in most cases. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry, and favored by the impaired control of T-regulatory cells. Histology (interface hepatitis, emperipolesis and hepatic rosette formation) and autoantibodies detection although not pathognomonic, are still the hallmark for a timely diagnosis. AIH remains a major diagnostic challenge. AIH should be considered in every case in the absence of viral, metabolic, genetic and toxic etiology of chronic or acute hepatitis. Laboratory personnel, hepato-pathologists and clinicians need to become more familiar with disease expressions and the interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology to derive maximum benefit for the patient.
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Zachou K, Muratori P, Koukoulis GK, Granito A, Gatselis N, Fabbri A, Dalekos GN, Muratori L. Review article: autoimmune hepatitis -- current management and challenges. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 38:887-913. [PMID: 24010812 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease of unknown aetiology characterised by interface hepatitis, hypergammaglobulinaemia, circulating autoantibodies and a favourable response to immunosuppression. AIM To review recent advancements in understanding aetiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological features, diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies of AIH. METHODS Published studies on AIH extracted mainly from PubMed during the last 15 years. RESULTS Autoimmune hepatitis has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations are variable ranging from no symptoms to severe acute hepatitis and only seldom to fulminant hepatic failure. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry mechanisms, and favoured by the impaired control of regulatory T-cells. A typical laboratory finding is hypergammaglobulinaemia with selective elevation of IgG, although in 15-25% of patients - particularly children, elderly and acute cases - IgG levels are normal. Liver histology and autoantibodies, although not pathognomonic, still remain the hallmark for diagnosis. Immunosuppressive treatment is mandatory and life-saving; however, to meet strict response criteria, the conventional therapy with prednisolone with or without azathioprine is far from ideal. CONCLUSIONS Autoimmune hepatitis remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The clinician, the hepato-pathologist and the laboratory personnel need to become more familiar with different expressions of the disease, interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology. According to the strict definition of treatment response issued by the 2010 AASLD guidelines, many patients are nonresponders to conventional treatment. Newer immunosuppressive agents targeting pathogenetic mechanisms can improve patient management, which needs to be tailored on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Thessaly University, Larissa, Greece
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