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Chen Y, Liu J, Wang J, Wu W, Wang H, Liu Y, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Pan Y, Li Y, Ding W, Zhu L, Zhu C, Li J, Qiu Y, Huang R, Wu C. Liver inflammation activity in patients with autoimmune hepatitis with normal alanine aminotransferase and immunoglobulin G levels. J Transl Autoimmun 2024; 8:100220. [PMID: 38188039 PMCID: PMC10770593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100220] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Normal serum transaminases and immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels are surrogate markers for hepatic histologic disease activity in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). This study aimed to evaluate liver inflammation in patients with AIH with normal serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and IgG levels. Methods Two hundred and five AIH patients who underwent liver biopsy in four medical centers were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with advanced inflammation. Results One hundred and thirty-one (63.9 %) AIH patients had advanced liver inflammation, and 108 (52.7 %) patients had advanced liver fibrosis. 60.0 % of patients with normal ALT and 51.7 % of patients with normal ALT and IgG had advanced inflammation. However, 76.7 % and 35.0 % of patients with or without advanced fibrosis with normal ALT had advanced inflammation, while the corresponding proportions of advanced inflammation were 78.6 % and 26.7 % in patients with normal ALT and IgG, respectively. Moreover, 81.0 % and 44.8 % of patients with and without cirrhosis with normal ALT had advanced inflammation, while the corresponding proportions were 83.3 % and 29.4 % in patients with normal ALT and IgG, respectively. Red cell distribution width (OR = 1.325, 95%CI 1.045-1.681, P = 0.020) and PT (OR = 1.514, 95%CI 1.138-2.014, P = 0.004) were independent factors associated with advanced inflammation. Conclusions High proportion of advanced inflammation was found in AIH patients with normal ALT and IgG levels despite without advanced fibrosis. Although using non-invasive methods may contribute to rule out liver fibrosis in AIH patients with normal ALT and IgG levels, liver biopsy is encouraged to assess liver inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiacheng Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weihua Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huali Wang
- Department of General Practice, Nanjing Second Hospital, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yilin Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiyi Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shaoqiu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifan Pan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yiguang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weimao Ding
- Department of Hepatology, Huai'an No. 4 People's Hospital, Huai'an, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chuanwu Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuanwang Qiu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Viruses and Infectious Diseases, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Chang Z, Peng CH, Chen KJ, Xu GK. Enhancing liver fibrosis diagnosis and treatment assessment: a novel biomechanical markers-based machine learning approach. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:115046. [PMID: 38749471 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad4c4e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Accurate diagnosis and treatment assessment of liver fibrosis face significant challenges, including inherent limitations in current techniques like sampling errors and inter-observer variability. Addressing this, our study introduces a novel machine learning (ML) framework, which integrates light gradient boosting machine and multivariate imputation by chained equations to enhance liver status assessment using biomechanical markers. Building upon our previously established multiscale mechanical characteristics in fibrotic and treated livers, this framework employs Gaussian Bayesian optimization for post-imputation, significantly improving classification performance. Our findings indicate a marked increase in the precision of liver fibrosis diagnosis and provide a novel, quantitative approach for assessing fibrosis treatment. This innovative combination of multiscale biomechanical markers with advanced ML algorithms represents a transformative step in liver disease diagnostics and treatment evaluation, with potential implications for other areas in medical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Chang
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Hao Peng
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Science, China Medical University, Taichung 41170, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kai-Jung Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung 41170, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Guang-Kui Xu
- Laboratory for Multiscale Mechanics and Medical Science, Department of Engineering Mechanics, SVL, School of Aerospace Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, People's Republic of China
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Wegrzyniak O, Lechi F, Mitran B, Cheung P, Bitzios A, Persson J, Löfblom J, Nordström H, Eriksson J, Frejd FY, Korsgren O, Zhang B, Eriksson O. Non-invasive PET imaging of liver fibrogenesis using a RESCA-conjugated Affibody molecule. iScience 2024; 27:109688. [PMID: 38660405 PMCID: PMC11039342 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109688] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive assessment of fibrogenic activity, rather than fibrotic scars, could significantly improve the management of fibrotic diseases and the development of anti-fibrotic drugs. This study explores the potential of an Affibody molecule (Z09591) labeled with the Al(18)F-restrained complexing agent (RESCA) method as a tracer for the non-invasive detection of fibrogenic cells. Z09591 was functionalized with the RESCA chelator for direct labeling with [18F]AlF. In vivo positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging scans on U-87 tumor-bearing mice exhibited high selectivity of the resulting radiotracer, [18F]AlF-RESCA-Z09591, for platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ), with minimal non-specific background uptake. Evaluation in a mouse model with carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrotic liver followed by a disease regression phase, revealed the radiotracer's high affinity and specificity for fibrogenic cells in fibrotic livers (standardized uptake value [SUV] 0.43 ± 0.05), with uptake decreasing during recovery (SUV 0.29 ± 0.03) (p < 0.0001). [18F]AlF-RESCA-Z09591 accurately detects PDGFRβ, offering non-invasive assessment of fibrogenic cells and promising applications in precise liver fibrogenesis diagnosis, potentially contributing significantly to anti-fibrotic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Wegrzyniak
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Francesco Lechi
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Mitran
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Antaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Pierre Cheung
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Athanasios Bitzios
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Persson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Protein Science, Division of Protein Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Department of Protein Science, Division of Protein Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Nordström
- Science for Life Laboratory, Drug Discovery & Development Platform, Department of Chemistry-BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Eriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- PET Center, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Y. Frejd
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Affibody AB, Solna, Sweden
| | - Olle Korsgren
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Zhang
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Olof Eriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Antaros Medical AB, Mölndal, Sweden
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Huang Z, Lam SK, Cheng LK, Lin Y, Zheng Y. Determining the ideal measurement site and respiratory condition for liver transient elastography: toward clinical practice standardization. Insights Imaging 2024; 15:114. [PMID: 38734997 PMCID: PMC11089024 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-024-01692-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Liver transient elastography (TE) has been endorsed by the WHO as the first-line diagnostic tool for liver diseases. Although unreliable and invalid results caused by intercostal space (ICS)-associated factors (including excessive subcutaneous fat and a narrow ICS relative to the transducer size) and operator inexperience are not uncommon, no standard guidelines for ideal probe placement are currently available. Herein, we conducted a prospective observational study to identify an ideal measurement site and respiratory condition for TE by characterizing anatomical and biomechanical properties of the ICSs using ultrasound B-mode and elasticity imaging. METHODS Intercostal ultrasound was performed pointwise at four specific sites in 59 patients to simultaneously measure the width, stiffness, and skin‒liver capsule distance (SCD) of the ICSs over the liver, under end-inspiratory and end-expiratory conditions. Intersections between the 8th ICS and anterior axillary line, the 7th ICS and anterior axillary line, the 8th ICS and mid-axillary line, and the 7th ICS and mid-axillary line were defined as Sites 1 to 4, respectively. RESULTS Results indicated that Sites 2 and 3 presented greater intercostal width; Sites 3 and 4 displayed lower intercostal stiffness; Sites 2 and 3 exhibited a shorter SCD. The ICSs were significantly wider and stiffer at end-inspiration. Additionally, the liver was more easily visualized at Sites 1 and 3. CONCLUSION We recommend Site 3 for TE probe placement owing to its greater width, lower stiffness, and smaller abdominal wall thickness. Performing TE at end-inspiration is preferred to minimize transducer-rib interferences. This study paves the way toward a standardized TE examination procedure. CRITICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT A standardized measurement protocol for WHO-recommended liver TE was first established to improve the success and efficiency of the examination procedure. KEY POINTS WHO-recommended TE is unreliable or fails due to intercostal space-related factors. The 8th intercostal space on the mid-axillary line and end-inspiration are recommended. This standardized protocol aids in handling challenging cases and simplifies operational procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Sai Kit Lam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lok Kan Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yangmin Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yongping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
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Nobes J, Leith D, Handjiev S, Dillon JF, Dow E. Intelligent Liver Function Testing (iLFT): An Intelligent Laboratory Approach to Identifying Chronic Liver Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:960. [PMID: 38732374 PMCID: PMC11083526 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14090960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The intelligent Liver Function Testing (iLFT) pathway is a novel, algorithm-based system which provides automated laboratory investigations and clinical feedback on abnormal liver function test (LFT) results from primary care. iLFT was introduced to NHS Tayside, Scotland, in August 2018 in response to vast numbers of abnormal LFTs, many of which were not appropriately investigated, coupled with rising mortality from chronic liver disease. Here, we outline the development and implementation of the iLFT pathway, considering the implications for the diagnostic laboratories, primary care services and specialist hepatology clinics. Additionally, we describe the utility, outcomes and evolution of iLFT, which was used over 11,000 times in its first three years alone. Finally, we will consider the future of iLFT and propose areas where similar 'intelligent' approaches could be used to add value to laboratory investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Nobes
- Department of Blood Sciences, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Population Health & Genomics, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Damien Leith
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Gut Group, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Sava Handjiev
- Department of Blood Sciences, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Gut Group, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - John F. Dillon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
- Gut Group, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
| | - Ellie Dow
- Department of Blood Sciences, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK
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Alswat K, Soliman R, Mikhail NNH, Örmeci N, Dalekos GN, Derbala MFM, Al-Busafi SA, Hamoudi W, Shiha G. Validation of FIB-6 score in assessment of liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:138-144. [PMID: 38482630 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_27_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We recently developed a simple novel index called fibrosis 6 (FIB-6) using machine learning data analysis. We aimed to evaluate its performance in the diagnosis of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB). METHODS A retrospective observational analysis of data was obtained from seven countries (Egypt, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Turkey, Greece, Oman, Qatar, and Jordan) of CHB patients. The inclusion criteria were receiving an adequate liver biopsy and a complete biochemical and hematological data. The diagnostic performance analysis of the FIB-6 index was conducted and compared with other non-invasive scores. RESULTS A total of 603 patients were included for the analysis; the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of FIB-6 for the discrimination of patients with cirrhosis (F4), compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) (F3 and F4), and significant fibrosis (F2-F4) was 0.854, 0.812, and 0.745, respectively. The analysis using the optimal cut-offs of FIB-6 showed a sensitivity of 70.9%, specificity of 84.1%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 40.3%, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 95.0% for the diagnosis of cirrhosis. For the diagnosis of cACLD, the results were 71.5%, 69.3%, 40.8%, and 89.2%, respectively, while for the diagnosis of significant fibrosis, the results were 68.3%, 67.5%, 59.9%, and 75.0%, respectively. When compared to those of fibrosis 4 (FIB-4) index, aspartate aminotransferase (AST)-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and AST-to-alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), the AUROC for the performance of FIB-6 was higher than that of FIB-4, APRI, and AAR in all fibrosis stages. FIB-6 gave the highest sensitivity and NPV (89.1% and 92.4%) in ruling out cACLD and cirrhosis, as compared to FIB-4 (63.8% and 83.0%), APRI (53.9% and 86.6%), and AAR (47.5% and 82.3%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The FIB-6 index could be used in ruling out cACLD, fibrosis, and cirrhosis with good reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalid Alswat
- Liver Disease Research Center, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Riham Soliman
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, ElMansoura, Egypt
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Port Said University, Egypt
| | - Nabiel N H Mikhail
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, ElMansoura, Egypt
- Biostatistics and Cancer Epidemiology Department, South Egypt Cancer Institute, Assiut University, Egypt
| | - Necati Örmeci
- Istanbul Health and Technology University, Department of Gastroenterohepatology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Greece
| | | | - Said Ahmed Al-Busafi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Waseem Hamoudi
- Internal Medicine Department, Al-Bashir Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Gamal Shiha
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Egyptian Liver Research Institute and Hospital (ELRIAH), Sherbin, ElMansoura, Egypt
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Unit, Internal Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Egypt
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Duarte-Rojo A, Patel K, Rockey DC. Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2024; 40:148-155. [PMID: 38547334 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000001019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The result of ongoing liver injury - and disease, regardless of cause - is fibrosis, and fibrosis appears to be a critically important result of ongoing injury. Further, in a number of different liver diseases, the presence of fibrosis has prognostic value. Therefore, the assessment of fibrosis is of critical clinical importance. Given the importance of fibrosis, there has been a rapid evolution in the use of noninvasive liver tests. This review highlights a number of the core principles surrounding. RECENT FINDINGS The use of noninvasive test has progressed rapidly over the last decade and data are rapidly accumulating. New terminology has been adapted by the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) for noninvasive assessment of liver disease and termed 'NILDA' (Non-Invasive Liver Disease Assessment). Blood based such as APRI and or FIB-4 and imaging tests such as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) have moderate to high degrees of accuracy for detection of advanced liver fibrosis (≥ F2) and even higher accuracy for detection of severe fibrosis (F4 or cirrhosis). NILDA are particularly effective at the ends of the liver disease spectrum. For example, a very low LSM (less than 7 kPa) essentially excludes significant fibrosis or portal hypertension, and a very high LSM (> 25 kPa) makes significant fibrosis with portal hypertension (cirrhosis) highly likely. SUMMARY NILDA are currently front and center in terms of assessment of the severity of liver disease. In all patients with known or suspected liver disease, noninvasive blood tests, including APRI and or FIB-4, should be the initial choice to assess the severity of liver fibrosis and/or portal hypertension. In most patients, these tests should be followed with imaging evaluation. The most commonly available imaging is LSM, which appears to be more accurate in predicting fibrosis severity, and is superior to blood tests in the assessment of portal hypertension. In situations in which there is diagnostic uncertainly, liver biopsy with or without HVPG remains an important consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Don C Rockey
- Medical University of South Carolina Digestive Disease Research Center and the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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van Schelt AS, Wassenaar NPM, Runge JH, Nelissen JL, van Laarhoven HWM, Stoker J, Nederveen AJ, Schrauben EM. Free-breathing motion corrected magnetic resonance elastography of the abdomen. Quant Imaging Med Surg 2024; 14:3447-3460. [PMID: 38720850 PMCID: PMC11074737 DOI: 10.21037/qims-23-1727] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a non-invasive method to measure the viscoelastic properties of tissue and has been applied in multiple abdominal organs. However, abdominal MRE suffers from detrimental breathing motion causing misalignment of structures between repeated acquisitions for different MRE dimensions (e.g., motion encoding directions and wave phase offsets). This study investigated motion correction strategies to resolve all breathing motion on sagittal free-breathing MRE acquisitions in a phantom, in healthy volunteers and showed feasibility in patients. Methods First, in silico experiments were performed on a static phantom dataset with simulated motion. Second, eight healthy volunteers underwent two sagittal MRE acquisitions in the pancreas and right kidney. The multi-frequency free-breathing spin-echo echo-planar-imaging (SE-EPI) MRE consisted of four frequencies (30, 40, 50, 60 Hz), eight wave-phase offsets, with 3 mm3 isotropic voxel size. Following data re-sorting in different number of motion states (4 till 12) based on respiratory waveform signal, three intensity-based registration methods (monomodal, multimodal, and phase correlation) and non-rigid local registration were compared. A ranking method was used to determine the best registration method, based on seven signal-to-noise and image quality measures. Repeatability was assessed for no motion correction (Original) and the best performing method (Best) using Bland-Altman analysis. Lastly, the best motion correction method was compared to no motion correction on patient MRE data [pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC, n=5) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) (n=1)]. Results In silico experiments showed a deviation of shear wave speed (SWS) with simulated motion to the ground truth, which was (partially) resolved using motion correction. In healthy volunteers ranking resulted in the best motion correction method of monomodal registration using nine motion states, while no motion correction was ranked last. Limits of agreement were (-0.18, 0.14), and (-0.25, 0.18) m/s for Best and Original, respectively. Using motion correction in patients resulted in a significant increase in SWS in the pancreas (Original: 1.39±0.10 and Best: 1.50±0.17 m/s). After motion correction PDAC had a mean SWS of 1.56±0.27 m/s (Original: 1.42±0.25 m/s). The fibrotic liver mean SWS was 2.07±0.20 m/s (Original: 2.12±0.18 m/s). Conclusions Motion correction in sagittal free-breathing abdominal MRE results in improved data quality, inversion precision, repeatability, and is feasible in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie van Schelt
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Imaging and Biomarkers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Petronella Maria Wassenaar
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Imaging and Biomarkers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen Henk Runge
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jules Laurent Nelissen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hanneke Wilma Marlies van Laarhoven
- Imaging and Biomarkers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap Stoker
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Imaging and Biomarkers, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Metabolism, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aart Johannes Nederveen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Mathew Schrauben
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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De Broucker C, Asselah T. Fibrosis evaluation in chronic hepatitis B: FIB-6 score. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:123-125. [PMID: 38738542 DOI: 10.4103/sjg.sjg_145_24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Chloe De Broucker
- Department of Hepatology, Université de Paris-Cité CRI, INSERM UMR 1149, AP-HP Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, France
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Israelsen M, Rungratanawanich W, Thiele M, Liangpunsakul S. Non-invasive tests for alcohol-associated liver disease. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00841. [PMID: 38607723 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol consumption is a global phenomenon and a major contributor to alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). Detecting individuals at risk of ALD has been challenging, with only a small fraction of patients being identified at early stages compared to other chronic liver diseases. In response to this challenge, non-invasive tests (NITs) have become essential tools for the detection of ALD, offering opportunities for early identification and intervention to mitigate the disease burden. Noninvasive alcohol consumption biomarkers are crucial in estimating individuals' recent alcohol intake, providing valuable insights into their drinking patterns. Various NITs have been investigated for the initial screening of asymptomatic individuals at risk of ALD, as well as for identifying specific stages of the disease. These NITs are applied in 2 main clinical scenarios: population-based stratification for identifying and predicting liver-related symptoms and diagnosing and prognosticating compensated cirrhosis or advanced chronic liver disease in secondary or tertiary care settings. Moreover, NITs play a significant role in the prognostic assessment of patients with various manifestations of ALD, including alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH), decompensated cirrhosis, and metabolic-associated and ALD. These tests guide appropriate treatment decisions and predict outcomes. In this review, various NITs for the early detection and monitoring of alcohol consumption were discussed. Additionally, the evaluation of NITs for screening and predicting ALD and liver complications was addressed comprehensively. Future perspectives of NITs for ALD were explored, alongside a thorough discussion of the opportunities and challenges associated with NITs for ALD screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Israelsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fibrosis Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Wiramon Rungratanawanich
- Section of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Maja Thiele
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fibrosis Fatty Liver and Steatohepatitis Research Centre, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Suthat Liangpunsakul
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
- Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Kikuchi M, Koizumi A, Namisaki T, Asada S, Oyama M, Tomooka F, Fujimoto Y, Kitagawa K, Kawaratani H, Yoshiji H. Improvement of liver histology in hepatic sarcoidosis due to treatment with corticosteroids and ursodeoxycholic acid: a case report. Clin J Gastroenterol 2024; 17:327-333. [PMID: 38300407 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-023-01918-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
We report the case of a 48-year-old male with a history of pulmonary and ocular sarcoidosis. Non-caseating granulomas, identified histologically, are the most characteristic manifestation of sarcoidosis. Hepatic sarcoidosis is difficult to diagnose using radiological imaging. In the patient reported in this study, ultrasound and contrast-enhanced computed tomography scans identified multiple intra-abdominal lymphadenopathies, with evidence of liver and splenic infiltrations. The first liver biopsy revealed non-caseating granulomatous hepatitis consistent with hepatic sarcoidosis. The patient was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), but his laboratory parameters did not improve. Prednisone was initiated at a dose of 30 mg daily and slowly tapered. At a dose of 12.5 mg daily, marked improvements in the fibrotic and sarcoid-like lesions were noted at the second biopsy. A third biopsy was performed, with the patient on a prednisone taper of 5 mg/day showed mild fibrous expansion in the portal tracts and mild parenchymal necro-inflammatory lesions. However, overall, fibrosis marker levels remained stable over the course of treatment. A fourth biopsy was performed after a 5-year course of 5 mg/day prednisone. This revealed minimal lobular inflammation without fibrosis. Thus, treatment of this patient with corticosteroids and UDCA resulted in marked improvements in his biochemical and histological parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayuko Kikuchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Aritoshi Koizumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Tadashi Namisaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan.
| | - Shouhei Asada
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Masafumi Oyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Fumimasa Tomooka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Yuki Fujimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Koh Kitagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Hideto Kawaratani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, 840 Shijo-cho, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
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12
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McRae MP, Kittelson J, Helmke SM, Everson GT. Within-individual reproducibility of a dual sample oral cholate challenge test (DuO) and simplified versions of the HepQuant SHUNT test. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13786. [PMID: 38558534 PMCID: PMC10982894 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Current noninvasive liver tests measure fibrosis, inflammation, or steatosis and do not measure function. The HepQuant platform of noninvasive tests uniquely assesses both liver function and physiology through the hepatic uptake of stable isotopes of cholate. However, the prototypical HepQuant SHUNT test (SHUNT V1.0) is cumbersome to administer, requiring intravenous and oral administration of cholate and six peripheral venous blood samples over 90 min. To alleviate the burden of test administration, we explored whether an oral only (DuO) version, and other simplified versions, of the test could provide reproducible measurements of liver function. DuO requires only oral dosing and two blood samples over 60 min. The simplified SHUNT test versions were SHUNT V1.1 (oral and IV dosing but four blood samples) and SHUNT V2.0 (oral and IV dosing but only two blood samples over 60 min). In this paper, we describe the reproducibility of DuO and the simplified SHUNT tests relative to that of SHUNT V1.0; equivalency is described in a separate paper. Data from two studies comprising 236 SHUNT tests in 94 subjects were analyzed retrospectively by each method. All simplified methods were highly reproducible across test parameters with intraclass correlation coefficients >0.93 for test parameters Disease Severity Index (DSI) and Hepatic Reserve. DuO and SHUNT V2.0 improved reproducibility in measuring portal-systemic shunting (SHUNT%). These simplified tests, particularly DuO and SHUNT V2.0, are easier to administer and less invasive, thus, having the potential to be more widely accepted by care providers administering the test and by patients receiving the test.
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Niriella MA, Kanagarajah D, De Silva Hewavisenthi J, de Silva HJ. Mistakes in utilising histopathology for the management of liver disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 18:147-153. [PMID: 38743469 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2024.2355168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Liver biopsy has become selective due to its invasiveness, potential adverse effects, patient acceptance and cost. Furthermore, the emergence of noninvasive tests (NITs) has challenged the necessity of liver biopsies in specific clinical situations. However, liver biopsy continues to play a crucial role in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and evaluating treatment compliance and response in selected patients. AREAS COVERED In this narrative review, we discuss the errors and the shortcomings that can occur at various stages, from the initial patient selection for a liver biopsy to the final reporting phase, and strategies to address them. Clinicians and pathologists must take all necessary precautions to mitigate potential shortcomings that could compromise the value of liver biopsies. EXPERT OPINION The increasing sophistication of NITs offers a safer, more convenient, and potentially more cost-effective approach to diagnosing chronic liver disease, especially for assessing the degree of liver fibrosis. As NITs continue to evolve, liver biopsy will likely transition to a more targeted role, ensuring optimal patient care in the ever-changing field of hepatology. However, liver biopsy will continue to have a pivotal role in assessing acute liver disease where the diagnostic yield of the liver biopsy still outweighs that of NITs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madunil Anuk Niriella
- Department of Medicine, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | - Dharani Kanagarajah
- Department of Medicine, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Sri Lanka
| | | | - H Janka de Silva
- Department of Medicine, University of Kelaniya Faculty of Medicine, Ragama, Sri Lanka
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Fishman J, O’Connell T, Parrinello CM, Woolley JJ, Bercaw E, Charlton MR. Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis and Associated Fibrosis Stages Among US Adults Using Imaging-Based vs Biomarker-Based Noninvasive Tests. JOURNAL OF HEALTH ECONOMICS AND OUTCOMES RESEARCH 2024; 11:32-43. [PMID: 38370007 PMCID: PMC10871169 DOI: 10.36469/001c.92223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is believed to be the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. Therapies are under development for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of NAFLD, such that the prevalence of NASH with liver fibrosis, which is likely to require treatment, may be of interest to healthcare decision makers. Noninvasive tests are used in initial screening for NASH, as well as in observational studies of NASH prevalence. However, existing evidence does not address how estimated prevalence varies with different noninvasive tests. This analysis estimated the prevalence of NASH among US adults and assessed variation with different noninvasive tests. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the 2017-March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycle. Participants with presumed NAFLD (steatosis and without alternative causes of liver disease) were identified, among whom NASH was predicted based on FAST score, Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and AST-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) cutoffs across 11 scenarios. Among NASH participants, fibrosis stages were explored based on distribution across the spectrum of liver-stiffness measurements. Results: Among participants with complete data for the analysis (N=6969), prevalence of presumed NAFLD was 25.6%. Within presumed NAFLD, prediction of NASH using imaging-based NIT cutoffs yielded estimated prevalence of 1.3%-4.8% (3.3 million-12.2 million) based on FAST score cutoffs from 0.35-0.67. Using biomarker-based NIT cutoffs yielded estimated prevalence of 0.4%-12.3% (1.0 million-14.5 million) based on FIB-4 cutoffs from 0.90-2.67, and 0.1%-1.9% (0.2-5.0 million) based on APRI cutoffs from 0.50-1.50. Conclusion: Prevalence of NASH among US adults was estimated to range from 1.3% to 4.8% when predicted using imaging-based noninvasive test values for participants with presumed NAFLD, generally aligning with estimates in the literature of prevalence of biopsy-confirmed NASH. Use of biomarker-based noninvasive test values for prediction of NASH yielded a wider range of estimates with FIB-4, and a considerably lower range of estimates with APRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Fishman
- Madrigal Pharmaceuticals, West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | | | | | - Eric Bercaw
- Medicus Economics, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael R. Charlton
- Center for Liver Diseases, The University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Bera C, Hamdan-Perez N, Patel K. Non-Invasive Assessment of Liver Fibrosis in Hepatitis B Patients. J Clin Med 2024; 13:1046. [PMID: 38398358 PMCID: PMC10889471 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13041046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The aim of this review is to provide updated information on the clinical use of non-invasive serum and imaging-based tests for fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) virus infection. In recent years, non-invasive tests (NIT) have been increasingly used to determine eligibility for treatment. Liver biopsy is still considered the gold standard for assessing inflammatory activity and fibrosis staging, but it is an invasive procedure with inherent limitations. Simple serum markers such as APRI and FIB-4 are limited by indeterminate results but remain useful initial tests for fibrosis severity if imaging elastography is not available. Point-of-care US-based elastography techniques, such as vibration-controlled transient elastography or 2D shear wave elastography, are increasingly available and have better accuracy than simple serum tests for advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, although stiffness cut-offs are variable based on E-antigen status and inflammatory activity. Current NITs have poor diagnostic performance for following changes in fibrosis with antiviral therapy. However, NITs may have greater clinical utility for determining prognosis in patients with CHB that have advanced disease, especially for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and/or liver decompensation. Algorithms combining serum and imaging NITs appear promising for advanced fibrosis and prognostic risk stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmay Bera
- Division of Gastroenterology, University Health Network Toronto, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; (N.H.-P.)
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Hazzan R, Abu Ahmad N, Habib AS, Saleh I, Ziv N. Suboptimal reliability of FIB-4 and NAFLD-fibrosis scores for staging of liver fibrosis in general population. JGH Open 2024; 8:e13034. [PMID: 38380260 PMCID: PMC10877654 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aim The burden and incidence of liver cirrhosis are increasing worldwide. Early detection of liver fibrosis would help in early interventions and preventing the progression of fibrosis and cirrhosis. The accepted noninvasive markers for liver fibrosis staging, namely fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), have shown inconsistent performance for detecting the fibrosis stage. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of FIB-4 score and NFS for the detection of liver fibrosis in the general population. Methods From a general population referred from a single, community-based family-physician clinic, we included study participants between the ages of 45 and 65 years, with no knowledge of liver disease and no record of alcohol consumption. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by the FIB-4 score and NFS using shear wave elastography (SWE) or transient elastography (TE) measurements as a reference. Results A total of 76 participants (aged 61.5 ± 0.37 years, 33% females) were included in the study cohort. We observed a nonsignificant correlation between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and FIB-4 and NFS (r = 0.1, P = 0.37; r = 0.16, P = 0.15, respectively). Our results showed that only 5.2% with FIB-4 >3.25 and 9.7% with NFS >0.675 had LSM >12 kPa. The compatibility of fibrosis staging was 55% between FIB-4 score and LSM and only 18% between NFS and LSM. Conclusion We found that FIB-4 and NFS are unreliable tools for liver fibrosis estimation in the general population. There is a need for more reliable noninvasive methods for the early detection of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Neeman Ziv
- Diagnostic Imaging InstituteEmek Medical CenterAfulaIsrael
- The Faculty of MedicineTechnion Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
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17
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Hildenbrand FF, Illi B, von Felten S, Bachofner J, Gawinecka J, von Eckardstein A, Müllhaupt B, Mertens JC, Blümel S. Evaluation of soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) as serum marker for liver fibrosis. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:54. [PMID: 38291388 PMCID: PMC10825988 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-03116-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS With the increase in patients at risk of advanced liver disease due to the obesity epidemic, there will be a need for simple screening tools for advanced liver fibrosis. Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) is a serum biomarker for fibrotic processes. The aim of this study was to evaluate sST2 as marker for liver fibrosis in patients successfully treated for chronic hepatitis C. METHODS 424 patients from the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study were screened for inclusion in this post-hoc cohort study. Inclusion criteria were sustained virological response (SVR), available elastography (VCTE) and serum samples for biomarker analysis before and after treatment. For the validation of sST2, values were compared to VCTE, FIB-4 and APRI using Spearman's correlation and AUROC analyses. RESULTS Data of 164 subjects were finally analyzed. Median sST2 values slightly increased with VCTE-derived fibrosis stages and remained stable after reaching SVR within the respective fibrosis stage, suggesting that sST2 is not influenced by liver inflammation. However, correlation of sST2 pre- and post-treatment with VCTE was fair (Spearman's rho = 0.39 and rho = 0.36). The area under the curve (AUROC) for sST2 in detecting VCTE-defined F4 fibrosis (vs. F0-F3) before therapy was 0.74 (95%CI 0.65-0.83), and 0.67(95%CI 0.56-0.78) for the discrimination of F3/F4 fibrosis vs. F0-F2. Adding sST2 to either APRI or FIB-4, respectively, increased diagnostic performance of both tests. CONCLUSIONS sST2 can potentially identify patients with advanced fibrosis as a single serum marker and in combination with APRI and FIB-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian F Hildenbrand
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stadtspital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Barbara Illi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie von Felten
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jacqueline Bachofner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Gawinecka
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Arnold von Eckardstein
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Sena Blümel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Nawalerspanya S, Tantipisit J, Assawasuwannakit S, Kaewdech A, Chamroonkul N, Sripongpun P. Non-Invasive Serum Biomarkers for the Diagnosis of Cirrhosis in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) and AIH-Primary Biliary Cholangitis Overlap Syndrome (AIH-PBC): Red Cell Distribution Width to Platelet Ratio (RPR) Yielded the Most Promising Result. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:265. [PMID: 38337781 PMCID: PMC10855432 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14030265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Several serum biomarkers for fibrosis assessment have been proposed in various liver diseases, but in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) or overlap with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC; AIH-PBC) patients, the data are scarce. This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted to validate six non-invasive biomarkers in the diagnosis of cirrhosis (F4 fibrosis) in such patients. We included adult patients diagnosed with AIH or AIH-PBC overlap syndrome who underwent a liver biopsy between 2011 and 2021. Laboratory data were collected to calculate the following scores: red cell distribution width to platelet ratio (RPR), aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI), Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (AAR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and lymphocyte-to-platelet ratio (LPR). A total of 139 patients were eligible (111 AIH and 28 AIH-PBC). The prevalence of cirrhosis was 35.3% (36% in AIH and 32.1% in AIH-PBC). The AUROCs of the RPR, FIB-4, APRI, AAR, LPR, and NLR in all patients were 0.742, 0.724, 0.650, 0.640, 0.609, and 0.585, respectively. RPR was significantly superior to APRI, NLR, and LPR. Moreover, RPR showed the highest AUROC (0.915) in the overlap AIH-PBC subgroup. In conclusion, RPR yielded the highest diagnostic accuracy to predict cirrhosis in AIH and AIH-PBC overlap syndrome patients, while FIB-4 was considerably optimal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siwanon Nawalerspanya
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (N.C.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Phaholponpayuhasena Hospital, Kanchanaburi 71000, Thailand
| | - Jarukit Tantipisit
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand;
| | - Suraphon Assawasuwannakit
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (N.C.)
- Department of Medicine, Panyananthaphikkhu Chonprathan Medical Center, Srinakharinwirot University, Nonthaburi 11120, Thailand
| | - Apichat Kaewdech
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (N.C.)
| | - Naichaya Chamroonkul
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (N.C.)
| | - Pimsiri Sripongpun
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90110, Thailand; (S.N.); (S.A.); (A.K.); (N.C.)
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Lee HS, Han SH, Swerdloff R, Pak Y, Budoff M, Wang C. The Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Older Hypogonadal Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e757-e764. [PMID: 37656011 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Male hypogonadism is associated with visceral obesity and the metabolic syndrome: factors important for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The Testosterone Trials (The T Trials) showed testosterone (T) treatment compared with placebo in older hypogonadal men was associated with decreases in cholesterol and insulin levels suggesting that T treatment may improve NAFLD. OBJECTIVE Compare effects of T vs placebo treatment on NAFLD scores and liver scans in elderly hypogonadal men. METHODS Secondary data analyses from 479 older hypogonadal men with total T < 275 ng/dL from The T Trials were performed. Three clinical liver fat scores-lipid accumulation product index, hepatic steatosis index, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-metabolic syndrome score-and liver computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield units and liver to spleen ratio were evaluated at baseline and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences of change in lipid accumulation product index (P = .98), hepatic steatosis index (P = .67), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-metabolic syndrome (P = .52) in 246 men treated with T compared with 233 treated with placebo for 12 months. Liver CT showed no statistically significant difference of change in Hounsfield units (P = .24; n = 71 for T, n = 69 for placebo) and liver to spleen ratio (P = .74; n = 55 for T, n = 62 for placebo) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Our study did not show improvement of NAFLD in older hypogonadal men after 12 months of T vs placebo treatment, as assessed by 3 clinical scores and liver CT for hepatic steatosis. Future studies with longer treatment duration and additional NAFLD diagnostic modalities as primary outcome are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Seung Lee
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Sang Hun Han
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Ronald Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Youngju Pak
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- The Clinical and Translational Research Center, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Matthew Budoff
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- The Clinical and Translational Research Center, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
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Huang ZH, Wang LK, Cai SY, Chen HX, Zhou Y, Cheng LK, Lin YW, Zheng MH, Zheng YP. Palm-Sized Wireless Transient Elastography System with Real-Time B-Mode Ultrasound Imaging Guidance: Toward Point-of-Care Liver Fibrosis Assessment. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:189. [PMID: 38248066 PMCID: PMC11154523 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14020189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Transient elastography (TE), recommended by the WHO, is an established method for characterizing liver fibrosis via liver stiffness measurement (LSM). However, technical barriers remain towards point-of-care application, as conventional TE requires wired connections, possesses a bulky size, and lacks adequate imaging guidance for precise liver localization. In this work, we report the design, phantom validation, and clinical evaluation of a palm-sized TE system that enables simultaneous B-mode imaging and LSM. The performance of this system was validated experimentally using tissue-equivalent reference phantoms (1.45-75 kPa). Comparative studies against other liver elastography techniques, including conventional TE and two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE), were performed to evaluate its reliability and validity in adults with various chronic liver diseases. Intra- and inter-operator reliability of LSM were established by an elastography expert and a novice. A good agreement was observed between the Young's modulus reported by the phantom manufacturer and this system (bias: 1.1-8.6%). Among 121 patients, liver stiffness measured by this system and conventional TE were highly correlated (r = 0.975) and strongly agreed with each other (mean difference: -0.77 kPa). Inter-correlation of this system with conventional TE and 2D-SWE was observed. Excellent-to-good operator reliability was demonstrated in 60 patients (ICCs: 0.824-0.913). We demonstrated the feasibility of employing a fully integrated phased array probe for reliable and valid LSM, guided by real-time B-mode imaging of liver anatomy. This system represents the first technical advancement toward point-of-care liver fibrosis assessment. Its small footprint, along with B-mode guidance capability, improves examination efficiency and scales up screening for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Hao Huang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
| | - Li-Ke Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
| | - Shang-Yu Cai
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (S.-Y.C.); (H.-X.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Hao-Xin Chen
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (S.-Y.C.); (H.-X.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Yongjin Zhou
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518000, China; (S.-Y.C.); (H.-X.C.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Lok-Kan Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
| | - Yi-Wei Lin
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; (Y.-W.L.); (M.-H.Z.)
| | - Ming-Hua Zheng
- MAFLD Research Center, Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China; (Y.-W.L.); (M.-H.Z.)
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment for the Development of Chronic Liver Disease in Zhejiang Province, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yong-Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Z.-H.H.); (L.-K.W.); (L.-K.C.)
- Research Institute for Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
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Stefanska A, Bergmann K, Suwała S, Mankowska-Cyl A, Kozinski M, Junik R, Krintus M, Panteghini M. Performance Evaluation of a Novel Non-Invasive Test for the Detection of Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. Metabolites 2024; 14:52. [PMID: 38248855 PMCID: PMC10819013 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) may progress to advanced liver fibrosis (ALF). We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a novel Liver Fibrosis Risk Index (LFRI) in MAFLD subjects using transient elastography (TE) as the reference method for liver fibrosis measurement and then the diagnostic performance of a new two-step non-invasive algorithm for the detection of ALF risk in MAFLD, using Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) followed by LFRI and comparing it to the reference algorithm based on FIB-4 and TE. We conducted a prospective study on 104 MAFLD European adult subjects. All consenting subjects underwent TE and measurements of FIB-4 and LFRI. For FIB-4 and TE, validated cut-offs were used. An ROC analysis showed that LFRI diagnosed severe fibrosis with moderate accuracy in MAFLD subjects with a negative predictive value above 90%. Using the new algorithm with LFRI thresholds recommended by the manufacturer, the number of subjects classified into ALF risk groups (low, intermediate, or high) differed significantly when compared with the reference algorithm (p = 0.001), with moderate agreement between them (weighted kappa (95% CI) = 0.59 (0.41-0.77)). To improve the performance of the LFRI-based algorithm, we modified cut-off points based on ROC curves obtained by dividing the study population according to the reference algorithm and observed no difference between algorithms (p = 0.054) in categorizing ALF risk, with a slight increase in the total agreement (weighted kappa (95% CI) = 0.63 (0.44-0.82)). Our findings suggest that using the novel LFRI as a second-line test may represent a potential alternative for liver fibrosis risk stratification in MAFLD patients; however, modified cut-offs are needed to optimize its performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Stefanska
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (K.B.); (A.M.-C.); (M.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Katarzyna Bergmann
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (K.B.); (A.M.-C.); (M.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Szymon Suwała
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (S.S.); (R.J.)
| | - Aneta Mankowska-Cyl
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (K.B.); (A.M.-C.); (M.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Marek Kozinski
- Department of Cardiology and Internal Diseases, Institute of Maritime and Tropical Medicine, Medical University in Gdansk, 81-519 Gdynia, Poland;
| | - Roman Junik
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (S.S.); (R.J.)
| | - Magdalena Krintus
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (K.B.); (A.M.-C.); (M.K.); (M.P.)
| | - Mauro Panteghini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, 87-100 Torun, Poland; (K.B.); (A.M.-C.); (M.K.); (M.P.)
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22
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Jung CY, Jung HY, Kim HW, Ryu GW, Lee JI, Ahn SH, Kim SU, Kim BS. Fibrotic Burden in Patients With Hepatitis B Virus-Related Cirrhosis Is Independently Associated With Poorer Kidney Outcomes. J Infect Dis 2024; 229:108-116. [PMID: 37470458 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated whether higher fibrotic burden was independently associated with poorer kidney outcomes in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related cirrhosis. METHODS A total of 1691 patients with radiologically diagnosed HBV-related cirrhosis but without baseline chronic kidney disease (CKD) who underwent transient elastography (TE) between March 2012 and August 2018 were selected. The study outcome was the composite of development of incident CKD, defined as the occurrence of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/minute/1.73 m2 or proteinuria (≥1+ on dipstick test) on 2 consecutive measurements during follow-up, 50% decline in eGFR or onset of end-stage kidney disease (initiation of chronic dialysis), or all-cause mortality. RESULTS The mean age was 53.4 years and 1030 (60.9%) patients were male. During 8379 person-years of follow-up (median 5.2 years), 60 (3.5%) patients experienced study outcomes. When stratified according to TE-defined fibrotic burden, multivariable Cox models revealed that risk of poorer kidney outcomes was 2.77-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.16-6.63; P < .001) higher in patients with liver stiffness range indicating cirrhosis (≥11.7 kPa), compared to those without significant liver fibrosis (<7.9 kPa). These associations remained significant even after adjusting for vigorous confounders. CONCLUSIONS Higher fibrotic burden assessed using TE was independently associated with poorer kidney outcomes in patients with HBV-related cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chan-Young Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine
| | - Hui-Yun Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Hyung Woo Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Geun Woo Ryu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine
| | - Jung Il Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Gangnam Severance Hospital
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine
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23
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Yoo HW, Park JW, Jung MJ, Yoo JJ, Kim SG, Kim YS. The prediction of liver decompensation using hepatic collagen deposition assessed by computer-assisted image analysis with Masson's trichrome stain. Scand J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:85-91. [PMID: 37724372 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2257823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM The current pathologic system classifies structural deformation caused by hepatic fibrosis semi-quantitatively, which may lead to a disagreement among pathologists. We measured hepatic fibrosis quantitatively using collagen proportionate area (CPA) in compensated cirrhotic patients and assessed its impact on predicting the development of liver decompensation. METHOD From January 2010 to June 2018, we assessed 101 patients who went through liver biopsy and received diagnosis as compensated cirrhosis with digital image analysis of CPA. Clinical and laboratory data were collected at the baseline and at the time of the last follow-up or progression to liver decompensation (LD). RESULT The mean age was 50.8 ± 10.5 years, and the most common etiology of liver disease was chronic hepatitis B (48.5%), followed by alcoholic hepatitis (18.8%). The mean CPA was 16.91 ± 9.60%. The mean CPA values were different in patients with and without LD development (21.8 ± 11.1 vs. 15.2 ± 8.5). During the median follow-up of 60.0 months, 26 out of 101 patients experienced LD. Older age (hazard ratio [HR],1.069; p = 0.015), prolonged international normalized ratio (HR, 6.449; p = 0.019) and higher CPA (HR, 1.049; p = 0.040) were independent predictors of liver decompensation on multivariate cox-regression analysis. When patients were divided according to the optimal CPA threshold (26.8%), higher CPA predicted LD better than lower CPA. (Log-rank test: p < 0.001). CONCLUSION CPA could be a useful quantitative prognostic value for patients with compensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Won Yoo
- Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, SoonChunHyang University School of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Jae Woo Park
- Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, SoonChunHyang University School of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Min Jung Jung
- Department of Pathology, SoonChunHyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ju Yoo
- Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, SoonChunHyang University School of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Sang Gyune Kim
- Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, SoonChunHyang University School of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Young Seok Kim
- Digestive Disease Center and Research Institute, Department of Internal Medicine, SoonChunHyang University School of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea
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24
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Kadi D, Loomba R, Bashir MR. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Current State and Future Directions. Radiology 2024; 310:e222695. [PMID: 38226882 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.222695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease, with a worldwide prevalence of 25%. NAFLD is a spectrum that includes nonalcoholic fatty liver defined histologically by isolated hepatocytes steatosis without inflammation and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the inflammatory subtype of NAFLD and is associated with disease progression, development of cirrhosis, and increased rates of liver-specific and overall mortality. The differentiation between NAFLD and NASH as well as staging NASH are important yet challenging clinical problems. Liver biopsy is currently the standard for disease diagnosis and fibrosis staging. However, this procedure is invasive, costly, and cannot be used for longitudinal monitoring. Therefore, several noninvasive quantitative imaging biomarkers have been proposed that can estimate the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Despite this, noninvasive diagnosis of NASH and accurate risk stratification remain unmet needs. In this work, the most relevant available imaging biomarkers are reviewed and their application in patients with NAFLD are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Kadi
- From the Department of Radiology (D.K., M.R.B.), Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development (M.R.B.), Department of Pathology (M.R.B.), and Division of Hepatology (M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705; and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, Calif (R.L.)
| | - Rohit Loomba
- From the Department of Radiology (D.K., M.R.B.), Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development (M.R.B.), Department of Pathology (M.R.B.), and Division of Hepatology (M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705; and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, Calif (R.L.)
| | - Mustafa R Bashir
- From the Department of Radiology (D.K., M.R.B.), Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development (M.R.B.), Department of Pathology (M.R.B.), and Division of Hepatology (M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705; and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, Calif (R.L.)
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25
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Suwała S, Białczyk A, Koperska K, Rajewska A, Krintus M, Junik R. Prevalence and Crucial Parameters in Diabesity-Related Liver Fibrosis: A Preliminary Study. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7760. [PMID: 38137829 PMCID: PMC10744287 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12247760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetes and obesity have been recognized as confirmed risk factors for the occurrence of liver fibrosis. Despite the long-standing acknowledgment of "diabesity", the simultaneous existence of diabetes and obesity, scholarly literature has shown limited attention to this topic. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the prevalence of liver fibrosis among individuals with diabetes (specifically those who are obese) in order to identify the key factors associated with hepatofibrosis and determine the most important associations and differences between patients with and without liver fibrosis. The research included a total of 164 participants (48.17% had comorbid obesity). Liver elastography (Fibroscan) was performed on these individuals in addition to laboratory tests. Liver fibrosis was found in 34.76% of type 2 diabetes patients; male gender almost doubled the risk of hepatofibrosis (RR 1.81) and diabesity nearly tripled this risk (RR 2.81; however, in degree III of obesity, the risk was elevated to 3.65 times higher). Anisocytosis, thrombocytopenia, or elevated liver enzymes raised the incidence of liver fibrosis by 1.78 to 2.47 times. In these individuals, liver stiffness was negatively correlated with MCV, platelet count, and albumin concentration; GGTP activity and HbA1c percentage were positively correlated. The regression analysis results suggest that the concentration of albumin and the activity of GGTP are likely to have a substantial influence on the future management of liver fibrosis in patients with diabesity. The findings of this study can serve as the basis for subsequent investigations and actions focused on identifying potential therapeutic and diagnostic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Szymon Suwała
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Aleksandra Białczyk
- Evidence-Based Medicine Students Scientific Club of Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Kinga Koperska
- Evidence-Based Medicine Students Scientific Club of Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Alicja Rajewska
- Evidence-Based Medicine Students Scientific Club of Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (A.B.); (K.K.); (A.R.)
| | - Magdalena Krintus
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Roman Junik
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Collegium Medicum, 9 Sklodowskiej-Curie Street, 85-094 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
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Sanni O, N'Da DD, Terre'Blanche G. Insight into the mechanism and toxicology of nitrofurantoin: a metabolomics approach. Drug Chem Toxicol 2023:1-10. [PMID: 38008969 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2023.2285255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
Safety and effectiveness are the two ends of the balance in drug development that needs to be evaluated. The biotransformation of drugs within a living organism could potentiate biochemical insults in the tissue and compromise the safety of drugs. Nitrofurantoin (NFT) is a cheap clinical antibiotic with a wide array of activities against gram-positive and gram-negative organisms. The NFT scaffold has been utilized to develop other derivates or analogues in the quest to repurpose drugs against other infectious diseases. Several techniques were developed over the years to study the mechanism of NFT metabolism and toxicity, such as voltammetry, chromatographic analysis, protein precipitation, liquid-liquid extraction, etc. Due to limitations in these methods, the mechanism of NFT biotransformation in the cell is poorly understood. Metabolomics has been adopted in drug metabolism to understand the mechanism of drug toxicity and could provide a solution to overcome the limitations of current techniques to determine mechanisms of toxicity. Unfortunately, little or no information regarding the metabolomics approach in NFT metabolism and toxicity is available. Hence, this review highlights the metabolomic techniques that can be adopted in NFT metabolism and toxicological studies to encourage the research community to widely adopt and utilize metabolomics in understanding NFT's metabolism and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olakunle Sanni
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), School of Health Sciences. North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - David D N'Da
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), School of Health Sciences. North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Gisella Terre'Blanche
- Centre of Excellence for Pharmaceutical Sciences (Pharmacen), School of Health Sciences. North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom, South Africa
- Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom, South Africa
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27
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Fujii H, Suzuki Y, Sawada K, Tatsuta M, Maeshiro T, Tobita H, Tsutsumi T, Akahane T, Hasebe C, Kawanaka M, Kessoku T, Eguchi Y, Syokita H, Nakajima A, Kamada T, Yoshiji H, Kawaguchi T, Sakugawa H, Morishita A, Masaki T, Ohmura T, Watanabe T, Kawada N, Yoda Y, Enomoto N, Ono M, Fuyama K, Okada K, Nishimoto N, Ito YM, Kamada Y, Takahashi H, Sumida Y. Prevalence and associated metabolic factors of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the general population from 2014 to 2018 in Japan: A large-scale multicenter retrospective study. Hepatol Res 2023; 53:1059-1072. [PMID: 37537735 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide. The aim of this study was to determine the recent prevalence and clinical characteristics of NAFLD in Japan. METHODS This study initially included 410 061 retrospectively enrolled adults from the medical health checkup registry for metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, and fatty liver in Japan (MIRACLE-J; UMIN-CTR no. UMIN000049419), who were evaluated between 2014 and 2018 at 13 health centers in Japan. Individuals consuming >20 g of alcohol/day or with chronic liver disease were excluded. Fatty liver was diagnosed by ultrasonography. The probability of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis was estimated based on the fibrosis-4 index and NAFLD fibrosis score. RESULTS A total of 71 254 participants were included in the final analysis. The overall prevalence of NAFLD was 25.8%. There was a significant, twofold difference in NAFLD prevalence between men (37.4%) and women (18.1%). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence increased linearly with body mass index, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol regardless of threshold values, even in the absence of obesity. Among patients with NAFLD, 14% had diabetes mellitus, 31% had hypertension, and 48% had dyslipidemia. The estimated prevalence of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis was 1.7% and 1.0% according to the fibrosis-4 index and NAFLD fibrosis score, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of NAFLD was approximately one-quarter of the general population in Japan. There was a linear relationship between NAFLD prevalence and various metabolic parameters, even in nonobese participants. The prevalence of NAFLD with advanced fibrosis was estimated to be 1%-2%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideki Fujii
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Suzuki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Koji Sawada
- Division of Metabolism and Biosystemic Science, Gastroenterology, and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Miwa Tatsuta
- Department of Gastroenterology, KKR Takamatsu Hospital, Takamatsu, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tatsuji Maeshiro
- First Department of Internal Medicine, University of the Ryukyus Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Tobita
- Department of Hepatology, Shimane University Hospital, Izumo, Shimane, Japan
| | - Tsubasa Tsutsumi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Chitomi Hasebe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Japanese Red Cross Asahikawa Hospital, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Miwa Kawanaka
- Department of General Internal Medicine 2, Kawasaki Medical Center, Kawasaki Medical School, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takaomi Kessoku
- Kanagawa Dental University Yokohama Clinic, Yokohama, Japan
- Department of Palliative Medicine and Gastroenterology, International University Health and Welfare Narita Hospital, Chiba, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | | | - Hayashi Syokita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Northern OKINAWA Medical Center, Nago, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nakajima
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tomoari Kamada
- Department of Health Care Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Kita, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, Japan
| | - Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Sakugawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Heartlife Hospital, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takumi Ohmura
- Department of Health Care, Asahikawa-Kosei General Hospital, Asahikawa, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Toshio Watanabe
- Department of Premier Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Norifumi Kawada
- Department of Hepatology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshioki Yoda
- JA Yamanashi Koseiren Health Care Center, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Division of Innovative Medicine for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kanako Fuyama
- Data Science Center, Promotion Unit, Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Kazufumi Okada
- Data Science Center, Promotion Unit, Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishimoto
- Data Science Center, Promotion Unit, Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoichi M Ito
- Data Science Center, Promotion Unit, Institute of Health Science Innovation for Medical Care, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Kamada
- Department of Advanced Metabolic Hepatology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | | | - Yoshio Sumida
- Division of Hepatology and Pancreatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi, Japan
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Wu T, Hagiwara M, Gnass E, Barman H, Sasson D, Treem W, Ren K, Marins EG, Karki C, Malhi H. Liver disease progression in patients with alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency and protease inhibitor ZZ genotype with or without lung disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:1075-1085. [PMID: 37718576 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) is caused by mutations in SERPINA1, which encodes alpha-1 antitrypsin, a protease inhibitor (Pi). Individuals with AATD and the homozygous Pi*ZZ genotype have variable risk of progressive liver disease but the influence of comorbid lung disease is poorly understood. AIMS To characterise patients with AATD Pi*ZZ and liver disease (AATD-LD-Pi*ZZ) with or without lung disease and describe liver disease-related clinical events longitudinally. METHODS This was an observational cohort study of patients in the Mayo Clinic Healthcare System (January 2000-September 2021). Patients were identified using diagnosis codes and natural language processing. Fibrosis stage (F0-F4) was assessed using a hierarchical approach at baseline (90 days before or after the index date) and follow-up. Clinical events associated with liver disease progression were assessed. RESULTS AATD-LD-Pi*ZZ patients with lung disease had a longer median time from AATD diagnosis to liver disease diagnosis versus those without lung disease (2.2 vs. 0.2 years, respectively). Compared to those without lung disease, patients with lung disease had a longer time to liver disease-related clinical events (8.5 years and not reached, respectively). AATD-LD-Pi*ZZ patients without lung disease were more likely to undergo liver transplantation compared with those with lung disease. CONCLUSION In patients with AATD and lung disease, there is a delay in the diagnosis of comorbid liver disease. Our findings suggest that liver disease may progress more rapidly in patients without comorbid lung disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - May Hagiwara
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - William Treem
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Kaili Ren
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ed G Marins
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Chitra Karki
- Takeda Development Center Americas, Inc., Lexington, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Harmeet Malhi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Carrión JA, Graupera I, Vergara M, Morillas RM, Pericàs JM, Poca M, Amador A, Fernández R, Monllor T, Muñoz L, Bartres C, Genescà J, Ginés P, Forns X. Clinical practice guidelines of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology about hepatic elastography 2022. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2023; 46:732-746. [PMID: 36435378 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2022.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION After almost 20 years using transient elastography (TE) for the non-invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis, its use has been extended to population screening, evaluation of steatosis and complications of cirrhosis. For this reason, the «Catalan Society of Gastroenterology» commissioned a group of experts to update the first document carried out in 2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS The working group (8 doctors and 4 nurses) prepared a panel of questions based on the online survey «Hepatic Elastography in Catalonia 2022» following the PICO structure and the Delphi method. RESULTS The answers are presented with the level of evidence, the degree of recommendation and the final consensus after being evaluated by two external reviewers. CONCLUSION Transient elastography uses the simplest and most reliable elastographic method to quantify liver fibrosis, assess steatosis, and determine the risk of complications in patients with cirrhosis. The document has been endorsed by the "Catalan Society of Gastroenterology" and the "Col·legi Oficial d'Infermeres i Infermers de Barcelona".
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Affiliation(s)
- José Antonio Carrión
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, España; IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques), Barcelona, España; Departament de Medicina i Ciències de la Vida, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, España.
| | - Isabel Graupera
- Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, España; Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Mercedes Vergara
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Unidad de Hepatología, Servicio de Digestivo, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitario, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Parc Taulí I3PT, Sabadell, España; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Rosa Maria Morillas
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Unidad de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, España; Instituto de Investigación en Ciéncias de la Salud Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, España
| | - Juan Manuel Pericàs
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, España; Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, España
| | - Maria Poca
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, España; Institut de Recerca Hospital de Sant Pau-IIB Sant Pau, Barcelona, España
| | - Alberto Amador
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Unidad de Hepatología, Hospital Universitario de Bellvitge, Barcelona, España; IDIBELL, Barcelona, España
| | - Rosa Fernández
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Digestivo, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, España; IMIM (Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques), Barcelona, España
| | - Teresa Monllor
- Unidad de Hepatología, Servicio de Digestivo, Parc Taulí Hospital Universitario, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Parc Taulí I3PT, Sabadell, España
| | - Laura Muñoz
- Unidad de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Germans Trias i Pujol, Badalona, España; Instituto de Investigación en Ciéncias de la Salud Germans Trias i Pujol (IGTP), Badalona, España
| | | | - Joan Genescà
- Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, España; Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Universitario Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, España; Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Barcelona, España
| | - Pere Ginés
- Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, España; Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
| | - Xavier Forns
- Servicio de Hepatología, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, España; Institut D'investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi I Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, España; Centros de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, España; Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina i Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, España
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30
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Nishio T, Taura K, Koyama Y, Ishii T, Hatano E. Current status of preoperative risk assessment for posthepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2023; 7:871-886. [PMID: 37927928 PMCID: PMC10623981 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver resection is an effective therapeutic option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a major cause of hepatectomy-related mortality, and the accurate prediction of PHLF based on preoperative assessment of liver functional reserve is a critical issue. The definition of PHLF proposed by the International Study Group for Liver Surgery has gained acceptance as a standard grading criterion. Liver function can be estimated using a variety of parameters, including routine blood biochemical examinations, clinical scoring systems, dynamic liver function tests, liver stiffness and fibrosis markers, and imaging studies. The Child-Pugh score and model for end-stage liver disease scores are conventionally used for estimating liver decompensation, although the alternatively developed albumin-bilirubin score shows superior performance for predicting hepatic dysfunction. Indocyanine green clearance, a dynamic liver function test mostly used in Japan and other Asian countries, serves as a quantitative estimation of liver function reserve and helps determine indications for surgical procedures according to the estimated risk of PHLF. In an attempt to improve predictive accuracy, specific evaluation of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension has gained popularity, including liver stiffness measurements using ultrasonography or magnetic resonance elastography, as well as noninvasive fibrosis markers. Imaging modalities, including Tc-99m-labeled galactosyl serum albumin scintigraphy and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, are used for preoperative evaluation in combination with liver volume. This review aims to provide an overview of the usefulness of current options for the preoperative assessment of liver function in predicting PHLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and OncologyKitano HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Takamichi Ishii
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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Bojanic K, Bogojevic MS, Vukadin S, Sikora R, Ivanac G, Lucic NR, Smolic M, Tabll AA, Wu GY, Smolic R. Noninvasive Fibrosis Assessment in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection: An Update. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1228-1238. [PMID: 37577224 PMCID: PMC10412701 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver biopsy is historically the gold standard for liver fibrosis assessment of chronic hepatitis C patients. However, with the introduction and validation of noninvasive tests (NITs) to evaluate advanced fibrosis, and the direct-acting antiviral agents for treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), the role of NITs have become even more complex. There is now need for longitudinal monitoring and elucidation of cutoff values for prediction of liver-related complication after sustained virological response. The aim of this report is to provide a critical overview of the various NITs available for the assessment of liver fibrosis in HCV patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Bojanic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Health Center Osijek-Baranja County, Osijek, Croatia
| | | | - Sonja Vukadin
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Renata Sikora
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Health Center Osijek-Baranja County, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Gordana Ivanac
- University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikola Raguz Lucic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Martina Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ashraf A. Tabll
- Microbial Biotechnology Department, Biotechnology Research Institute, National Research Center, Giza, Egypt
- Egypt Center for Research and Regenerative Medicine (ECRRM), Cairo, Egypt
| | - George Y. Wu
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Robert Smolic
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
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Crudele L, De Matteis C, Graziano G, Novielli F, Petruzzelli S, Piccinin E, Gadaleta RM, Cariello M, Moschetta A. AST/ALT-to-platelet ratio (AARPRI) predicts gynaecological cancers: a 8-years follow-up study in 653 women. Sci Rep 2023; 13:17793. [PMID: 37852989 PMCID: PMC10584967 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-44243-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), specifically liver steatosis and fibrosis with steatohepatitis (NASH), is often associated with visceral adiposopathy, whose pathogenetic features have been proposed as tumorigenic triggers. We performed a prospective analysis in 653 metabolic women to reveal any conditions that may predict and concur to cancer development during a 8-years period of follow-up. Among clinical and biochemical variables, only AST and non-invasive liver fibrosis scores (AARPRI, APRI, FIB-4, mFIB4) significantly distinguished cancer-developer women (n = 62, 9.5%) from those who did not develop cancer (p < 0.001). In ROC analysis, these scores also showed good sensitivity and specificity in differentiating women who developed cancer (all p < 0.001). We then calculated OR for these indexes finding that increased AARPRI was associated with the highest risk (OR = 6, p < 0.001) of gynaecological cancers development. We further validated these cut-off values in women who had developed other types of cancer, confirming that AARPRI is able to identify the risk for cancer development (OR = 5, p < 0.001). Our findings support the hypothesis that NAFLD, more than obesity per se, is directly associated with the clinical and pathogenic metabolic scenario of gynaecological cancers and encourage the use of liver fibrosis indexes to detect risk of cancer onset in women. Preventing adiposopathy and NAFLD through lifestyle and therapies may represent an instrumental strategy for cancer prevention and/or co-treatment in oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucilla Crudele
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo De Matteis
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Giusi Graziano
- Center for Outcomes Research and Clinical Epidemiology (CORESEARCH), 65124, Pescara, Italy
| | - Fabio Novielli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Petruzzelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Piccinin
- Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neuroscience (DiBraiN), University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Raffaella Maria Gadaleta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Marica Cariello
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
| | - Antonio Moschetta
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Piazza Giulio Cesare n. 11, 70124, Bari, Italy.
- INBB, National Institute for Biostructures and Biosystems, 00136, Rome, Italy.
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Wu C, Wang Q, Zhou CY, Sun HX, Lin YS, Jiao XF, Lu X, Xu JS, Shen ZK, Guo Y, Gao W. Association of AST/ALT (De Ritis) ratio with sarcopenia in a Chinese population of community-dwelling elderly. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20427. [PMID: 37822616 PMCID: PMC10562753 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) ratio, also known as De Ritis ratio, has been reportedly associated with malnutrition which plays a crucial role in sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between AST/ALT ratio and sarcopenia in the Chinese community-dwelling elderly. Methods A cross-sectional study with 2751 participants (1343 men and 1408 women) aged ≥60 years was performed. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI), grip strength, and gait speed were measured to diagnose sarcopenia according to the latest Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) consensus. The association of AST/ALT ratio with sarcopenia was examined using logistic regression analysis. Results The prevalence of sarcopenia in the present study was 4.4%. AST/ALT ratio was higher in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group (1.30 ± 0.33 vs. 1.16 ± 0.62, P = 0.010). AST/ALT ratio was negatively correlated with the components of sarcopenia, including ASMI, grip strength, and gait speed. Logistic regression analysis indicated that high AST/ALT ratio (>1.20) was associated with increased risk of sarcopenia even after adjustment for potential confounders (adjusted OR = 2.33, 95%CI = 1.48-3.68, P < 0.001). Stratification analyses indicated that the association of high AST/ALT ratio with high risk of sarcopenia was more significant in males and the elderly with ≥70 years. Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that high AST/ALT ratio is associated with increased risk of sarcopenia in a Chinese population of community-dwelling elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Wu
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chun-Ya Zhou
- Department of Rheumatology, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui-Xian Sun
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu-Shuang Lin
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin-Feng Jiao
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiang Lu
- Department of Geriatrics, Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin-Shui Xu
- Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng-Kai Shen
- Jiangsu Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Geriatrics, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Sharma N, Chakole S, Wandile B. Uncovering the Cardiovascular Threat: A Comprehensive Examination of Liver Fibrosis and Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Cureus 2023; 15:e46946. [PMID: 38021670 PMCID: PMC10640697 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.46946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as a global epidemic intricately linked to the rising tide of obesity and metabolic syndrome. This comprehensive review delves into the complex web of relationships between NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and subclinical atherosclerosis, shedding light on their interplay, shared risk factors, and clinical implications. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of liver conditions, from the benign non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to the more severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), characterized by inflammation and hepatocellular injury. Central to the discussion is the insidious development of liver fibrosis, the ominous harbinger of progressive liver damage, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The increasing prevalence of NAFLD, now affecting a quarter of the global population, poses a significant public health challenge. Its association with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome highlights the multifactorial nature of this disease. However, NAFLD's repercussions extend beyond the liver. This review unveils a potent connection between NAFLD and subclinical atherosclerosis, the early precursor to cardiovascular disease. Individuals with NAFLD face an elevated risk of atherosclerosis, even without traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The intricate link between these two conditions is illuminated through shared pathophysiological pathways, including systemic inflammation, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia. Understanding the interplay between liver fibrosis and subclinical atherosclerosis has profound clinical implications. Patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis are not only at risk of liver-related complications but also of cardiovascular events. This necessitates a holistic approach to patient care, with lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions simultaneously managing both conditions. Physicians must prioritize early detection and collaborate across disciplines to provide comprehensive care. Looking ahead, the future holds promising avenues of research. Emerging areas include genetics and precision medicine, microbiome research, and epigenetics, which may unveil new therapeutic targets. Innovations in diagnostics and therapeutics, such as non-invasive biomarkers and combination therapies, offer hope for more effective management. Long-term outcomes and survivorship research will provide insights into the lasting impact of interventions. In conclusion, this review underscores the imperative of addressing liver fibrosis and atherosclerosis in the context of NAFLD. It is a call to action for healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers to work collaboratively, promote early detection, and advance our understanding of these interconnected conditions. By doing so, we can enhance patient outcomes and chart a course toward a healthier future for those grappling with NAFLD and its intricate web of consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niketa Sharma
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Swarupa Chakole
- Community Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Bhushan Wandile
- Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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Chen W, Sun Y, Chen S, Ge X, Zhang W, Zhang N, Wu X, Song Z, Han H, Desert R, Yan X, Yang A, Das S, Athavale D, Nieto N, You H. Matrisome gene-based subclassification of patients with liver fibrosis identifies clinical and molecular heterogeneities. Hepatology 2023; 78:1118-1132. [PMID: 37098756 PMCID: PMC10524702 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Excessive deposition and crosslinking of extracellular matrix increases liver density and stiffness, promotes fibrogenesis, and increases resistance to fibrinolysis. An emerging therapeutic opportunity in liver fibrosis is to target the composition of the extracellular matrix or block pathogenic communication with surrounding cells. However, the type and extent of extracellular changes triggering liver fibrosis depend on the underlying etiology. Our aim was to unveil matrisome genes not dependent on etiology, which are clinically relevant to liver fibrosis. APPROACH RESULTS We used transcriptomic profiles from liver fibrosis cases of different etiologies to identify and validate liver fibrosis-specific matrisome genes (LFMGs) and their clinical and biological relevance. Dysregulation patterns and cellular landscapes of LFMGs were further explored in mouse models of liver fibrosis progression and regression by bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing. We identified 35 LFMGs, independent of etiology, representing an LFMG signature defining liver fibrosis. Expression of the LFMG signature depended on histological severity and was reduced in regressive livers. Patients with liver fibrosis, even with identical pathological scores, could be subclassified into LFMG Low and LFMG High , with distinguishable clinical, cellular, and molecular features. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that microfibrillar-associated protein 4 + activated HSC increased in LFMG High patients and were primarily responsible for the LFMG signature expression and dysregulation. CONCLUSIONS The microfibrillar-associated protein 4 + -activated HSC-derived LFMG signature classifies patients with liver fibrosis with distinct clinical and biological characteristics. Our findings unveil hidden information from liver biopsies undetectable using traditional histologic assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yameng Sun
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaodong Ge
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Wen Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Xiaoning Wu
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhuolun Song
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Hui Han
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Romain Desert
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Xuzhen Yan
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Aiting Yang
- Beijing Clinical Research Institute, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Sukanta Das
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Dipti Athavale
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Natalia Nieto
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 130 CSN, MC 847, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood St., Suite 1020N, MC 787, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine in Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center of Digestive Diseases, No. 95 Yong’an Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China
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Mattos AAD, Mattos AZD, Sartori GDP, Both GT, Tovo CV. THE ROLE OF ELASTOGRAPHY IN CLINICALLY SIGNIFICANT PORTAL HYPERTENSION. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2023; 60:525-535. [PMID: 38018555 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.230402023-64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
• In compensated cirrhosis, using non-invasive methods would exempt the patient from the need of an endoscopy. • The Baveno VII presented the "rule of 5" for Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography; liver stiffness measurement ≤15 kPa and platelets >150.000/mm3 exclude clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH), while when ≥25 kPa is highly suggestive of CSPH. • Spleen stiffness measurement has been proposed as a more specific technique to predict the presence of CSPH. • Elastography has gained prestige in the non-invasive evaluation of patients with advanced chronic liver disease by allowing prophylactic measures to be taken when suggesting the presence of CSPH. This is a narrative review that aims to discuss the importance of elastographic methods in the evaluation of clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) in cirrhotic patients, where the authors propose an algorithm for evaluating these patients. In compensated advanced chronic liver disease, the goal is to prevent the development of CSPH and, in those already with CSPH, prevent the appearance of gastroesophageal varices (GEV) and other complications of portal hypertension. In compensated cirrhosis, the prevalence of GEV is 30-40%, of which 10-20% are at risk of bleeding. Therefore, using non-invasive methods would exempt the patient from the need of an endoscopy. Hepatic Elastography is a non-invasive, safe, reproducible method, available through many techniques: Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE), Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) and Magnetic Resonance Elastography (MRE). The Baveno VII presented the "rule of 5" for VCTE: liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≤15 kPa and platelets >150.000/mm3 exclude CSPH, while an LSM ≥25 kPa is highly suggestive of CSPH. Also, the "rule of 4" for SWE has been proposed: patients with ≥17 kPa could be considered as having CSPH. At last, spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) has been proposed as a more specific technique to predict the presence of CSPH. In conclusion, elastography has gained prestige in the non-invasive evaluation of patients with advanced chronic liver disease by allowing prophylactic measures to be taken when suggesting the presence of CSPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Alves de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Angelo Zambam de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Giovana Dal Pozzo Sartori
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Gustavo Tovo Both
- Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Canoas, RS, Brasil
| | - Cristiane Valle Tovo
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Departamento de Clínica Médica, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Curso de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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Dai YK, Fan HN, Huang K, Sun X, Zhao ZM, Liu CH. Baseline metabolites could predict responders with hepatitis B virus-related liver fibrosis for entecavir or combined with FuzhengHuayu tablet. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1043-1059. [PMID: 37900214 PMCID: PMC10600694 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i9.1043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND After receiving entecavir or combined with FuzhengHuayu tablet (FZHY) treatment, some sufferers with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver fibrosis could achieve a histological improvement while the others may fail to improve even worsen. Serum metabolomics at baseline in these patients who were effective in treatment remain unclear. AIM To explore baseline serum metabolites characteristics in responders. METHODS A total of 132 patients with HBV-related liver fibrosis and 18 volunteers as healthy controls were recruited. First, all subjects were divided into training set and validation set. Second, the included patients were subdivided into entecavir responders (E-R), entecavir no-responders (E-N), FZHY + entecavir responders (F-R), and FZHY + entecavir no-responders (F-N) following the pathological histological changes after 48 wk' treatments. Then, Serum samples of all subjects before treatment were tested by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS) high-performance LC-MS. Data processing was conducted using multivariate principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis. Diagnostic tests of selected differential metabolites were used for Boruta analyses and logistic regression. RESULTS As for the intersection about differential metabolic pathways between the groups E-R vs E-N and F-R vs F-N, results showed that 4 pathways including linoleic acid metabolism, aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis, cyanoamino acid metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism were screened out. As for the differential metabolites, these 7 intersected metabolites including hydroxypropionic acid, tyrosine, citric acid, taurochenodeoxycholic acid, benzoic acid, 2-Furoic acid, and propionic acid were selected. CONCLUSION Our findings showed that 4 metabolic pathways and 7 differential metabolites had potential usefulness in clinical prediction of the response of entecavir or combined with FZHY on HBV fibrotic liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Kai Dai
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hai-Na Fan
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin Sun
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhi-Min Zhao
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Cheng-Hai Liu
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Wegrzyniak O, Zhang B, Rokka J, Rosestedt M, Mitran B, Cheung P, Puuvuori E, Ingvast S, Persson J, Nordström H, Löfblom J, Pontén F, Frejd FY, Korsgren O, Eriksson J, Eriksson O. Imaging of fibrogenesis in the liver by [ 18F]TZ-Z09591, an Affibody molecule targeting platelet derived growth factor receptor β. EJNMMI Radiopharm Chem 2023; 8:23. [PMID: 37733133 PMCID: PMC10513984 DOI: 10.1186/s41181-023-00210-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ) is a receptor overexpressed on activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs). Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging of PDGFRβ could potentially allow the quantification of fibrogenesis in fibrotic livers. This study aims to evaluate a fluorine-18 radiolabeled Affibody molecule ([18F]TZ-Z09591) as a PET tracer for imaging liver fibrogenesis. RESULTS In vitro specificity studies demonstrated that the trans-Cyclooctenes (TCO) conjugated Z09591 Affibody molecule had a picomolar affinity for human PDGFRβ. Biodistribution performed on healthy rats showed rapid clearance of [18F]TZ-Z09591 through the kidneys and low liver background uptake. Autoradiography (ARG) studies on fibrotic livers from mice or humans correlated with histopathology results. Ex vivo biodistribution and ARG revealed that [18F]TZ-Z09591 binding in the liver was increased in fibrotic livers (p = 0.02) and corresponded to binding in fibrotic scars. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlights [18F]TZ-Z09591 as a specific tracer for fibrogenic cells in the fibrotic liver, thus offering the potential to assess fibrogenesis clearly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia Wegrzyniak
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bo Zhang
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Johanna Rokka
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Rosestedt
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bogdan Mitran
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
- Antaros Medical AB, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Pierre Cheung
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emmi Puuvuori
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sofie Ingvast
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Persson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Protein Science, Division of Protein Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helena Nordström
- Science for Life Laboratory, Drug Discovery and Development Platform, Department of Chemistry-BMC, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John Löfblom
- Department of Protein Science, Division of Protein Engineering, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Pontén
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Y Frejd
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Affibody AB, Solna, Sweden
| | - Olle Korsgren
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Eriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Uppsala University Hospital PET Center, Entrance 85, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 21, 752 37, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Olof Eriksson
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Uppsala University, Dag Hammarskjölds Väg 14C, 3tr, 751 83, Uppsala, Sweden.
- Antaros Medical AB, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Tun KM, Noureddin N, Noureddin M. Noninvasive tests in the evaluation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A review. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2023; 22:103-112. [PMID: 37799634 PMCID: PMC10550044 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyaw Min Tun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Nabil Noureddin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, California, USA
| | - Mazen Noureddin
- Houston Research Institute and Houston Liver Institute, Texas, USA
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Zhou Z, Chen C, Sun M, Xu X, Liu Y, Liu Q, Wang J, Yin Y, Sun B. A decision tree model to predict liver cirrhosis in hepatocellular carcinoma patients: a retrospective study. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15950. [PMID: 37641600 PMCID: PMC10460570 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The severity of liver cirrhosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients is essential for determining the scope of surgical resection. It also affects the long-term efficacy of systemic anti-tumor therapy and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE). Non-invasive tools, including aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), and γ-glutamyl transferase to platelet ratio (GPR), are less accurate in predicting cirrhosis in HCC patients. We aimed to build a novel decision tree model to improve diagnostic accuracy of liver cirrhosis. Patients and Methods The Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to identify independent cirrhosis predictors. A decision tree model was developed using machine learning algorithms in a training cohort of 141 HCC patients. Internal validation was conducted in 99 HCC patients. The diagnostic accuracy and calibration of the established model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves, respectively. Results Sex and platelet count were identified as independent cirrhosis predictors. A decision tree model integrating imaging-reported cirrhosis, APRI, FIB-4, and GPR was established. The novel model had an excellent diagnostic performance in the training and validation cohorts, with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.853 and 0.817, respectively. Calibration curves and the Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good calibration of the novel model. The decision curve analysis (DCA) indicated that the decision tree model could provide a larger net benefit to predict liver cirrhosis. Conclusion Our developed decision tree model could successfully predict liver cirrhosis in HCC patients, which may be helpful in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheyu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
| | - Chaobo Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Xishan People’s Hospital of Wuxi City, Wuxi, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiling Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoliang Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Transplantation Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiaoyu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jincheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yin Yin
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Nanjing, China
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Staufer K, Huber H, Zessner-Spitzenberg J, Stauber R, Finkenstedt A, Bantel H, Weiss TS, Huber M, Starlinger P, Gruenberger T, Reiberger T, Sebens S, McIntyre G, Tabibiazar R, Giaccia A, Zoller H, Trauner M, Mikulits W. Gas6 in chronic liver disease-a novel blood-based biomarker for liver fibrosis. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:282. [PMID: 37532736 PMCID: PMC10397215 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01551-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl and its cleavage product soluble Axl (sAxl) is increased in liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this multicenter study, we evaluated the diagnostic value of Gas6, the high-affinity ligand of Axl, in patients with chronic liver disease. Levels of sAxl and Gas6, and their albumin (alb) ratios were analyzed in serum samples of patients with biopsy-proven liver fibrosis, end-stage liver disease, HCC, and healthy controls, and were compared to Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF™) test, Child-Pugh score (CPS), model of end-stage liver disease (MELD) score, hepatic venous pressure gradient, and α-fetoprotein, respectively. A total of 1111 patients (median age 57.8 y, 67.3% male) was analyzed. Gas6/alb showed high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of significant (≥F2: AUC 0.805) to advanced fibrosis (≥F3: AUC 0.818), and was superior to Fib-4 for the detection of cirrhosis (F4: AUC 0.897 vs. 0.878). In addition, Gas6/alb was highly predictive of liver disease severity (Odds ratios for CPS B/C, MELD ≥ 15, and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) were 16.534, 10.258, and 12.115), and was associated with transplant-free survival (Hazard ratio 1.031). Although Gas6 and Gas6/alb showed high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of HCC in comparison to chronic liver disease patients without cirrhosis (AUC 0.852, 0.868), they failed to discriminate between HCC in cirrhosis versus cirrhosis only. In conclusion, Gas6/alb shows a high accuracy to detect significant to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis, and predicts severity of liver disease including CSPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Staufer
- Department of General Surgery, Division of Transplantation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Heidemarie Huber
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jasmin Zessner-Spitzenberg
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rudolf Stauber
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Armin Finkenstedt
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Heike Bantel
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas S Weiss
- Center for Liver Cell Research, Children's University Hospital (KUNO), University of Regensburg Hospital, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Huber
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Therapy, Inselspital, University Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Starlinger
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Gruenberger
- Clinicum Favoriten, HPB Center, Vienna Health Network and Sigmund Freud Private University, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian-Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Heinz Zoller
- Department of Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang Mikulits
- Center for Cancer Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Qi YM, Xiao EH. Advances in application of novel magnetic resonance imaging technologies in liver disease diagnosis. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4384-4396. [PMID: 37576700 PMCID: PMC10415971 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i28.4384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver disease is a major health concern globally, with high morbidity and mor-tality rates. Precise diagnosis and assessment are vital for guiding treatment approaches, predicting outcomes, and improving patient prognosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that has been widely used for detecting liver disease. Recent advancements in MRI technology, such as diffusion weighted imaging, intravoxel incoherent motion, magnetic resonance elastography, chemical exchange saturation transfer, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, hyperpolarized MR, contrast-enhanced MRI, and ra-diomics, have significantly improved the accuracy and effectiveness of liver disease diagnosis. This review aims to discuss the progress in new MRI technologies for liver diagnosis. By summarizing current research findings, we aim to provide a comprehensive reference for researchers and clinicians to optimize the use of MRI in liver disease diagnosis and improve patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ming Qi
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
| | - En-Hua Xiao
- Department of Radiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha 410000, Hunan Province, China
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Liu SH, Patel V, Loyst RA, Lung B, Cohen D, Kashanchi K, Komatsu DE, Wang ED. Preoperative Risk Stratification in Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index as an Estimate of Liver Dysfunction. Cureus 2023; 15:e41980. [PMID: 37593301 PMCID: PMC10427769 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aspartate Aminotransferase-to-Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) is a cost-effective and noninvasive measure of liver function, an alternative to the gold standard liver biopsy which is resource-intensive and invasive. This study investigates the association between various degrees of liver dysfunction based on APRI and 30-day postoperative complications following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (aRCR). METHODS The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was queried for all patients who underwent aRCR between 2015 and 2021. The study population was divided into four groups based on preoperative APRI: normal/reference (APRI ≤ 0.5), mild fibrosis (0.5 < APRI ≤ 0.7), significant fibrosis (0.7 < APRI ≤ 1), and cirrhosis (APRI > 1). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to investigate the connection between preoperative APRI and postoperative complications. RESULTS Compared to normal liver function, mild fibrosis was significantly associated with male gender, lower BMI, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification ≥ 3, and comorbid diabetes, hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and bleeding disorders. Significant fibrosis was significantly associated with male gender, greater BMI, ASA classification ≥ 3, and comorbid diabetes, hypertension, and bleeding disorders. Cirrhosis was significantly associated with younger age, ASA classification ≥ 3, smokers, and comorbid diabetes and bleeding disorders. Compared to normal liver function, fibrosis was not associated with complications, significant fibrosis was associated with myocardial infarction, and cirrhosis was associated with major complications, sepsis, non-home discharge, and mortality. However, mild fibrosis, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis were independently associated with any adverse 30-day postoperative complications following aRCR. CONCLUSION Among those with predicted liver damage based on preoperative APRI, 30-day postoperative complications following aRCR were not found to be independently associated with preoperative mild fibrosis, significant fibrosis, or cirrhosis. Our results suggest that APRI predictive of liver dysfunction may be a weaker deterrent to undergoing aRCR compared to other orthopedic surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven H Liu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Vaidehi Patel
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Rachel A Loyst
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Brandon Lung
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California, Irvine, Orange, USA
| | - Dorian Cohen
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Kevin Kashanchi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - David E Komatsu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
| | - Edward D Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, USA
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Orry S, Dalstrup Jakobsen D, Kristensen NM, Meldgaard Bruun J. Uric acid and sCD163 as biomarkers for metabolic dysfunction and MAFLD in children and adolescents with overweight and obesity. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2023; 0:jpem-2023-0228. [PMID: 37285233 DOI: 10.1515/jpem-2023-0228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prevalence of childhood obesity increases globally, and noninvasive methods are needed to identify metabolic dysfunction and obesity-related complications such as pediatric metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). We investigated whether uric acid (UA) and the macrophage marker soluble form of cysteine scavenger receptor CD163 (sCD163) can be used as biomarkers for deteriorated metabolism or pediatric MAFLD in children with overweight or obesity. METHODS Cross-sectional clinical and biochemical data from 94 children with overweight or obesity was included. Surrogate liver markers were calculated, and correlations were investigated using Pearson's or Spearman's correlation test. RESULTS UA and sCD163 correlated with BMI standard deviation score (r=0.23, p<0.05; r=0.33, p<0.01) and body fat (r=0.24, p<0.05; r=0.27, p=0.01). UA correlated with triglycerides (ρ=0.21, p<0.05), fat free mass (r=0.33, p<0.01), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (r=0.39, p<0.01). sCD163 correlated with the pediatric NAFLD fibrosis score (r=0.28, p<0.01) and alanine aminotransferase (r=0.28, p<0.01). No correlation was found between UA and pediatric MAFLD. CONCLUSIONS UA and sCD163 was identified as markers of a deranged metabolic profile, thus acting as easily accessible biomarkers for obesity and an obesity-related deranged metabolism. Furthermore, increasing levels of sCD163 could be a useful biomarker of pediatric MAFLD. Future prospective studies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Orry
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Dorthe Dalstrup Jakobsen
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish National Center for Obesity, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jens Meldgaard Bruun
- Steno Diabetes Center Aarhus, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
- Danish National Center for Obesity, Aarhus, Denmark
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Gallaher H, Mehkri S. Advanced Stage Hepatic Fibrosis With Normal Liver Chemistries: A Case Report. Cureus 2023; 15:e40732. [PMID: 37485218 PMCID: PMC10360978 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.40732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This is a case report on a patient with biopsy-proven stage 2 hepatic fibrosis who routinely has had normal liver chemistries. This is important because liver chemistry tests are the standard physicians use to assess general liver health. There is not an abundance of research on patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis who have normal liver chemistries, but the research that is available all agree that liver biopsy is the better way to get a clear picture of the disease state of the liver. Biopsies of the liver are not as easily accessible or as cost-effective as simple blood work though. Patients are also less likely to agree to undergo a procedure than to get blood drawn. These are all obstacles in regard to changing the standard in determining liver health from laboratory work to liver biopsies, in addition to liver chemistries. This case report aids in the research already available on how normal liver chemistries should not automatically rule out hepatic fibrosis. This patient proves that fibrosis can be happening, and the blood tests are not reflecting that change. Due to this, further research and investigation on liver fibrosis and normal liver chemistries should be done.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Gallaher
- Medicine, Saint James School of Medicine, The Quarter, AIA
| | - Sumyra Mehkri
- Family Medicine, ASAS Health Valley Regional Diagnostics, Edinburg, USA
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Zhang J, Ning Y, Zhu H, Rotile NJ, Wei H, Diyabalanage H, Hansen EC, Zhou IY, Barrett SC, Sojoodi M, Tanabe KK, Humblet V, Jasanoff A, Caravan P, Bawendi MG. Fast detection of liver fibrosis with collagen-binding single-nanometer iron oxide nanoparticles via T1-weighted MRI. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2220036120. [PMID: 37094132 PMCID: PMC10161015 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2220036120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
SNIO-CBP, a single-nanometer iron oxide (SNIO) nanoparticle functionalized with a type I collagen-binding peptide (CBP), was developed as a T1-weighted MRI contrast agent with only endogenous elements for fast and noninvasive detection of liver fibrosis. SNIO-CBP exhibits 6.7-fold higher relaxivity compared to a molecular gadolinium-based collagen-binding contrast agent CM-101 on a per CBP basis at 4.7 T. Unlike most iron oxide nanoparticles, SNIO-CBP exhibits fast elimination from the bloodstream with a 5.7 min half-life, high renal clearance, and low, transient liver enhancement in healthy mice. We show that a dose of SNIO-CBP that is 2.5-fold lower than that for CM-101 has comparable imaging efficacy in rapid (within 15 min following intravenous injection) detection of hepatotoxin-induced liver fibrosis using T1-weighted MRI in a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse liver injury model. We further demonstrate the applicability of SNIO-CBP in detecting liver fibrosis in choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined high-fat diet mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. These results provide a platform with potential for the development of high relaxivity, gadolinium-free molecular MRI probes for characterizing chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanye Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Yingying Ning
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Nicholas J. Rotile
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - He Wei
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | | | - Eric C. Hansen
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Iris Y. Zhou
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Stephen C. Barrett
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncological Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Mozhdeh Sojoodi
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncological Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | - Kenneth K. Tanabe
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Oncological Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02114
| | | | - Alan Jasanoff
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
| | - Peter Caravan
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Institute for Innovation in Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02129
| | - Moungi G. Bawendi
- Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA02139
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Urias E, Chen VL. Screening for At-Risk Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in the Primary Care Setting. Semin Liver Dis 2023; 43:133-141. [PMID: 37105224 PMCID: PMC10668862 DOI: 10.1055/a-2082-5203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
While nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a leading cause of end-stage liver disease, most patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease do not develop cirrhosis and its complications. Therefore, risk stratification using inexpensive, noninvasive screening modalities is critical to avoid overdiagnosis and overtreatment of a large proportion of the population. In this review, we discuss the data supporting screening and current professional society recommendations on this topic. Screening for at-risk nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is recommended in patients with risk factors including diabetes, the metabolic syndrome, hepatic steatosis, and elevated aminotransferases. Screening typically consists of noninvasive testing using serum biomarkers followed by elastography using specialized imaging modalities. This sequential screening approach accurately identifies both high- and low-risk patients and is cost-effective when applied to at-risk populations. In conclusion, screening for advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in the primary care setting is a crucial part of identifying high-risk patients who may benefit from aggressive intervention while avoiding overtreatment of patients at low risk of liver-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Urias
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Vincent L Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Ibrahim MN, Blázquez-García R, Lightstone A, Meng F, Bhat M, El Kaffas A, Ukwatta E. Automated fatty liver disease detection in point-of-care ultrasound B-mode images. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2023; 10:034505. [PMID: 37284231 PMCID: PMC10240349 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.10.3.034505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an increasing global health concern, with a prevalence of 25% worldwide. The rising incidence of NAFLD, an asymptomatic condition, reinforces the need for systematic screening strategies in primary care. We present the use of non-expert acquired point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) B-mode images for the development of an automated steatosis classification algorithm. Approach We obtained a Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act compliant dataset consisting of 478 patients [body mass index 23.60 ± 3.55 , age 40.97 ± 10.61 ], imaged with POCUS by non-expert health care personnel. A U-Net deep learning (DL) model was used for liver segmentation in the POCUS B-mode images, followed by 224 × 224 patch extraction of liver parenchyma. Several DL models including VGG-16, ResNet-50, Inception V3, and DenseNet-121 were trained for binary classification of steatosis. All layers of each tested model were unfrozen, and the final layer was replaced with a custom classifier. Majority voting was applied for patient-level results. Results On a hold-out test set of 81 patients, the final DenseNet-121 model yielded an area under the receiver operator characteristic curve of 90.1%, sensitivity of 95.0%, and specificity of 85.2% for the detection of liver steatosis. Average cross-validation performance in models using patches of liver parenchyma as input outperformed methods using complete B-mode frames. Conclusions Despite minimal POCUS acquisition training, and low-quality B-mode images, it is possible to detect steatosis using DL algorithms. Implementation of this algorithm in POCUS software may offer an accessible, low-cost steatosis screening technology, for use by non-expert health care personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Naim Ibrahim
- University of Guelph, Faculty of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Oncoustics, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Fankun Meng
- Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Ultrasound and Functional Diagnosis Center, Beijing, China
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Toronto General Hospital, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Eranga Ukwatta
- University of Guelph, Faculty of Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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49
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Yu JH, Lee HA, Kim SU. Noninvasive imaging biomarkers for liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: current and future. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:S136-S149. [PMID: 36503205 PMCID: PMC10029967 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasingly prevalent worldwide and becoming a major cause of liver disease-related morbidity and mortality. The presence of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD is closely related to prognosis, including the development of hepatocellular carcinoma and other complications of cirrhosis. Therefore, assessment of the presence of significant or advanced liver fibrosis is crucial. Although liver biopsy has been considered the "gold standard" method for evaluating the degree of liver fibrosis, it is not suitable for extensive use in all patients with NAFLD owing to its invasiveness and high cost. Therefore, noninvasive biochemical and imaging biomarkers have been developed to overcome the limitations of liver biopsy. Imaging biomarkers for the stratification of liver fibrosis have been evaluated in patients with NAFLD using different imaging techniques, such as transient elastography, shear wave elastography, and magnetic resonance elastography. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and deep learning methods are increasingly being applied to improve the diagnostic accuracy of imaging techniques and overcome the pitfalls of existing imaging biomarkers. In this review, we describe the usefulness and future prospects of noninvasive imaging biomarkers that have been studied and used to evaluate the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Hwan Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University Hospital and School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea
| | - Han Ah Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Up Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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50
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Buckholz AP, Brown RS. Noninvasive Fibrosis Testing in Chronic Liver Disease Including Caveats. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:117-131. [PMID: 36400461 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of liver fibrosis is important as the range of liver disease management has expanded, rendering biopsy both imperfect and impractical in many situations. Noninvasive tests of fibrosis leverage laboratory, imaging and elastography techniques to estimate disease extent, often with the goal of identifying advanced fibrosis. This review attempts to summarize their utility across a broad range of possible clinical scenarios while considering the central tenets of health care quality: access, quality, and cost. For each test, it also discusses the caveats whereby each test may have reduced effectiveness and how to consider each in a typical clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam P Buckholz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1305 York Avenue 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Robert S Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, 1305 York Avenue 4th Floor, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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