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Baffy G, Bosch J. Overlooked subclinical portal hypertension in non-cirrhotic NAFLD: Is it real and how to measure it? J Hepatol 2022; 76:458-463. [PMID: 34606912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental advances related to the detection, magnitude and pathobiology of subclinical portal hypertension in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), primarily observed in the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), prompt us to revisit current disease paradigms. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) has been reported to underestimate portal pressure in NASH-related cirrhosis, while inaccuracy is more likely in non-cirrhotic livers, indicating a potential need for new and preferably non-invasive methods of measurement. Although clinically significant portal hypertension (HVPG ≥10 mmHg) retains its prognostic significance in NASH, subclinical portal hypertension (HVPG 6.0-9.5 mmHg) has been repeatedly detected in patients with NAFLD in the absence of cirrhosis or even significant fibrosis whereas the impact of these findings on disease outcomes remains unclear. Mechanocrine signalling pathways in various types of liver cell reveal a molecular basis for the adverse effects of subclinical portal hypertension and suggest a bidirectional relationship between portal pressure and fibrosis. These findings may guide efforts to improve risk assessment and identify novel therapeutic targets in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyorgy Baffy
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland; Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques August Pi i Sunyer and CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Handayani DS, Ulfa M, Wikanendra GB, Arozal W. Effect of mangiferin on mRNA expression of transforming growth factor beta in rats with liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1073/3/032076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Ratziu V. A critical review of endpoints for non-cirrhotic NASH therapeutic trials. J Hepatol 2018; 68:353-361. [PMID: 29223369 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is a disease without a single, specific, diagnostic marker, hence multiple indicators are required to measure therapeutic efficacy. Moreover, drug candidates for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis target many distinct mechanisms that are believed to promote hepatic injury. Therefore, a wide range of endpoints must be reached, sequentially, as required by the drug development process. Some of these endpoints validate the mechanism of action, others are used to anticipate histological efficacy. Histological endpoints are still considered the best predictors of clinical outcome, but they can only be reliably tested in larger, late phase trials. Herein, we will review the rationale and clinical data supporting the use of specific endpoints at different stages of therapeutic trials. We will also discuss the validity and limitations of current phase IIb histological endpoints, particularly a one stage reduction in fibrosis, for their ability to predict progression to cirrhosis, which is the ultimate outcome measure in therapeutic trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Ratziu
- Hospital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Insitute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition and Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France.
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A Guide to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Childhood and Adolescence. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17060947. [PMID: 27314342 PMCID: PMC4926480 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17060947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Revised: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is now the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease, affecting 10%–20% of the general paediatric population. Within the next 10 years it is expected to become the leading cause of liver pathology, liver failure and indication for liver transplantation in childhood and adolescence in the Western world. While our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this disease remains limited, it is thought to be the hepatic manifestation of more widespread metabolic dysfunction and is strongly associated with a number of metabolic risk factors, including insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, cardiovascular disease and, most significantly, obesity. Despite this, ”paediatric” NAFLD remains under-studied, under-recognised and, potentially, undermanaged. This article will explore and evaluate our current understanding of NAFLD in childhood and adolescence and how it differs from adult NAFLD, in terms of its epidemiology, pathophysiology, natural history, diagnosis and clinical management. Given the current absence of definitive radiological and histopathological diagnostic tests, maintenance of a high clinical suspicion by all members of the multidisciplinary team in primary and specialist care settings remains the most potent of diagnostic tools, enabling early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic intervention.
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Embade N, Mariño Z, Diercks T, Cano A, Lens S, Cabrera D, Navasa M, Falcón-Pérez JM, Caballería J, Castro A, Bosch J, Mato JM, Millet O. Metabolic Characterization of Advanced Liver Fibrosis in HCV Patients as Studied by Serum 1H-NMR Spectroscopy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155094. [PMID: 27158896 PMCID: PMC4861296 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several etiologies result in chronic liver diseases including chronic hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Despite its high incidence and the severe economic and medical consequences, liver disease is still commonly overlooked due to the lack of efficient non-invasive diagnostic methods. While several techniques have been tested for the detection of fibrosis, the available biomarkers still present severe limitations that preclude their use in clinical diagnostics. Liver diseases have also been the subject of metabolomic analysis. Here, we demonstrate the suitability of 1H NMR spectroscopy for characterizing the metabolism of liver fibrosis induced by HCV. Serum samples from HCV patients without fibrosis or with liver cirrhosis were analyzed by NMR spectroscopy and the results were submitted to multivariate and univariate statistical analysis. PLS-DA test was able to discriminate between advanced fibrotic and non-fibrotic patients and several metabolites were found to be up or downregulated in patients with cirrhosis. The suitability of the most significantly regulated metabolites was validated by ROC analysis. Our study reveals that choline, acetoacetate and low-density lipoproteins are the most informative biomarkers for predicting cirrhosis in HCV patients. Our results demonstrate that statistical analysis of 1H-NMR spectra is able to distinguish between fibrotic and non-fibrotic patients suffering from HCV, representing a novel diagnostic application for NMR spectroscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zoe Mariño
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Ainara Cano
- ONE WAY LIVER METABOLOMICS SL, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Sabela Lens
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Miquel Navasa
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan M. Falcón-Pérez
- CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Joan Caballería
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Jaume Bosch
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M. Mato
- CIC bioGUNE, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
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Sharma S, Khalili K, Nguyen GC. Non-invasive diagnosis of advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:16820-16830. [PMID: 25492996 PMCID: PMC4258552 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i45.16820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 08/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/15/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is a common and growing public health problem globally. The diagnosis of cirrhosis portends an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. Liver biopsy is considered the gold standard for diagnosis of cirrhosis and staging of fibrosis. However, despite its universal use, liver biopsy is an invasive and inaccurate gold standard with numerous drawbacks. In order to overcome the limitations of liver biopsy, a number of non-invasive techniques have been investigated for the assessment of cirrhosis. This review will focus on currently available non-invasive markers of cirrhosis. The evidence behind the use of these markers will be highlighted, along with an assessment of diagnostic accuracy and performance characteristics of each test. Non-invasive markers of cirrhosis can be radiologic or serum-based. Radiologic techniques based on ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and elastography have been used to assess liver fibrosis. Serum-based biomarkers of cirrhosis have also been developed. These are broadly classified into indirect and direct markers. Indirect biomarkers reflect liver function, which may decline with the onset of cirrhosis. Direct biomarkers, reflect extracellular matrix turnover, and include molecules involved in hepatic fibrogenesis. On the whole, radiologic and serum markers of fibrosis correlate well with biopsy scores, especially when excluding cirrhosis or excluding fibrosis. This feature is certainly clinically useful, and avoids liver biopsy in many cases.
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Abstract
NASH is a common liver disease that increases liver-related mortality and reduces survival. The need for optimal management of NASH is therefore a priority for today's practicing hepatologist. The rationale for specific pharmacological therapy for NASH is based on the potential for disease progression and the difficulties that many patients have successfully implementing, in the long term, diet and lifestyle changes. Even in those that succeed, limited evidence exists that severe liver injury in patients with NASH can be reversed by diet and lifestyle measures alone. This Review provides a personal and critical assessment of the histological efficacy and safety of agents tested in randomized trials in patients with NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Ratziu
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, 47-83 Boulevard de l'Hôpital, CdR Saint-Antoine, Paris 75651, France.
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Maurantonio M, Ballestri S, Odoardi MR, Lonardo A, Loria P. Treatment of atherogenic liver based on the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a novel approach to reduce cardiovascular risk? Arch Med Res 2011; 42:337-53. [PMID: 21843565 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2011.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 07/18/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which spans a spectrum of conditions ranging from simple steatosis to progressive nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is the most common chronic liver disease and a relevant public health issue. The prevalence of NAFLD depends on adiposity, age, gender and ethnicity. The natural history of liver disease in those with NAFLD critically depends on liver histological changes. However, cardiovascular mortality is increased in NAFLD, particularly in middle-aged adults. Against such a background, this review consists of three sections. First, data on NAFLD as a novel mechanism of increased cardiovascular risk via hyperinsulinism, pro-thrombotic potential, and subclinical inflammation are summarized. Next, the role of atherogenic liver in the development of manifestations of oxidative stress and atherosclerosis is emphasized. Finally, whether and how treating NAFLD will mechanistically result in reduced cardiovascular risk through ameliorated metabolic syndrome is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Maurantonio
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology, Metabolism and Geriatrics, Nuovo Ospedale Civile Sant'Agostino-Estense di Modena, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Ratziu V, Bellentani S, Cortez-Pinto H, Day C, Marchesini G. A position statement on NAFLD/NASH based on the EASL 2009 special conference. J Hepatol 2010; 53:372-84. [PMID: 20494470 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 744] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2010] [Accepted: 04/02/2010] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Ratziu
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie Paris VI, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, INSERM UMRS 893, France
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