The prevalence and clinical characteristics of glucose metabolism disorders in patients with liver cirrhosis. A prospective study

Intermittently Scanned Continuous Glucose Monitoring Performance in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis

AIM

To evaluate the use of intermittently scanned continuous glucose monitoring (isCGM) in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC).

METHODS

Observational study including 30 outpatients with LC (Child-Pugh B/C): 10 without diabetes (DM) (G1), 10 with newly diagnosed DM by oral glucose tolerance test (G2), and 10 with a previous DM diagnosis (G3). isCGM (FreeStyle Libre Pro) was used for 56 days (four sensors/patient). Blood tests were performed at baseline and after 28 and 56 days.

RESULTS

No differences were found in the baseline characteristics, except for higher age in G3. There were significant differences between G1, G2 and G3 in glucose management indicator (GMI) (5.28 ± 0.17, 6.03 ± 0.59, 6.86 ± 1.08%, P < .001), HbA1c (4.82 ± 0.39, 5.34 ± 1.26, 6.97 ± 1.47%, P < .001), average glucose (82.79 ± 7.06, 113.39 ± 24.32, 149.14 ± 45.31mg/dL, P < .001), time in range (TIR) (70.89 ± 9.76, 80.2 ± 13.55, 57.96 ± 17.96%, P = .006), and glucose variability (26.1 ± 5.0, 28.21 ± 5.39, 35.31 ± 6.85%, P = .004). There was discordance between GMI and HbA1c when all groups were considered together, with a mean difference of 0.35% (95% SD 0.17, 0.63). In G1, the mean difference was 0.46% (95% SD 0.19, 0.73) and in G2 0.69% (95% SD 0.45, 1.33). GMI and HbA1c were concordant in G3, with a mean difference of -0.10 % (95% SD [-0.59, 0.38]).

CONCLUSION

Disagreements were found between the GMI and HbA1c levels in patients with LC. isCGM was able to detect abnormalities in glycemic control that would not be detected by monitoring with HbA1c, suggesting that isCGM can be useful in assessing glycemic control in patients with LC.

Keeping an eye on the nutrition: The importance of nutrition management on cardiometabolic risk factors in cirrhotic patients

Chronic liver diseases, especially cirrhosis, are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Besides predisposing to chronic liver disease per se, diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia worsen the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis induced by other causes. There is no standard of care in the management of these factors in patients with cirrhosis. Also, in particular, it is not known whether nutritional interventions in the modification of cardiometabolic factors can improve the course of cirrhosis or not. This narrative review aimed to investigate the clinical significance of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia and appropriate nutritional interventions in cirrhotic patients. A comprehensive literature search of the published data was performed in regard to the association of cirrhosis with cardiometabolic factors and the management of cirrhosis and its complications. There is limited evidence on the association of cirrhosis with cardiometabolic risk factors. Cirrhotic cardiometabolic abnormalities are associated with an increased risk of complications, such that the coexistence of diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia increases the risk of clinical decompensation in cirrhosis. Dietary management of cirrhotic patients with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or dyslipidemia does not seem to be considerably different from non-cirrhotic patients.

Effects of Liver Fibrosis on Islet Function in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B Complicated with Impaired Fasting Glucose

Background

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and cirrhosis often have impaired fasting glucose (IFG). This study sought to investigate the impact of liver fibrosis on islet function in individuals diagnosed with CHB and IFG.

Material and Methods

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) were selected for this study. They were divided into low-risk (L-R), intermediate-risk (M-R), and high-risk (H-R) liver fibrosis groups based on the FIB-4 score. The study compared islet function among different risk groups of liver fibrosis and analyze the correlation between liver fibrosis and islet function. Additionally, the patients were divided into a diabetes mellitus (DM) group and a non-DM (NDM) group based on the development of DM. The cumulative risk of progression to DM in patients with L-R, M-R, and H-R liver fibrosis was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios (HRs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for DM development through Cox regression analysis.

Results

In this study of 228 individuals, higher FIB-4 scores were observed in the DM group compared to the NDM group. Patients with H-R liver fibrosis displayed lower islet function and had a significantly higher risk of developing DM. The FIB-4 score and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) were identified as independent risk factors for DM progression in CHB patients with IFG.

Conclusion

Among patients with CHB and IFG, the severity of liver fibrosis is associated with islet function, and the FIB-4 score is a significant risk factor for DM development.

Advanced glycation end-products as mediators of the aberrant crosslinking of extracellular matrix in scarred liver tissue

The extracellular matrix of cirrhotic liver tissue is highly crosslinked. Here we show that advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) mediate crosslinking in liver extracellular matrix and that high levels of crosslinking are a hallmark of cirrhosis. We used liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry to quantify the degree of crosslinking of the matrix of decellularized cirrhotic liver samples from patients and from two mouse models of liver fibrosis and show that the structure, biomechanics and degree of AGE-mediated crosslinking of the matrices can be recapitulated in collagen matrix crosslinked by AGEs in vitro. Analyses via cryo-electron microscopy and optical tweezers revealed that crosslinked collagen fibrils form thick bundles with reduced stress relaxation rates; moreover, they resist remodelling by macrophages, leading to reductions in their levels of adhesion-associated proteins, altering HDAC3 expression and the organization of their cytoskeleton, and promoting a type II immune response of macrophages. We also show that rosmarinic acid inhibited AGE-mediated crosslinking and alleviated the progression of fibrosis in mice. Our findings support the development of therapeutics targeting crosslinked extracellular matrix in scarred liver tissue.

Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A State-of-the-Art Review

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the latest term for steatotic liver disease associated with metabolic syndrome. MASLD is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. It is important that all stakeholders be involved in tackling the public health threat of obesity and obesity-related diseases, including MASLD. A simple and clear assessment and referral pathway using non-invasive tests is essential to ensure that patients with severe MASLD are identified and referred to specialist care, while patients with less severe disease remain in primary care, where they are best managed. While lifestyle intervention is the cornerstone of the management of patients with MASLD, cardiovascular disease risk must be properly assessed and managed because cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality. No pharmacological agent has been approved for the treatment of MASLD, but novel anti-hyperglycemic drugs appear to have benefit. Medications used for the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic conditions may need to be adjusted as liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, especially decompensated cirrhosis. Based on non-invasive tests, the concepts of compensated advanced chronic liver disease and clinically significant portal hypertension provide a practical approach to stratifying patients according to the risk of liver-related complications and can help manage such patients. Finally, prevention and management of sarcopenia should be considered in the management of patients with MASLD.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Liver Disease: Across the Gut-Liver Axis from Fibrosis to Cancer

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a widespread disease worldwide, and is one of the cornerstones of metabolic syndrome. The existence of a strong relationship between diabetes and the progression of liver fibrosis has been demonstrated by several studies, using invasive and noninvasive techniques. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) show faster progression of fibrosis than patients without diabetes. Many confounding factors make it difficult to determine the exact mechanisms involved. What we know so far is that both liver fibrosis and T2DM are expressions of metabolic dysfunction, and we recognize similar risk factors. Interestingly, both are promoted by metabolic endotoxemia, a low-grade inflammatory condition caused by increased endotoxin levels and linked to intestinal dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability. There is broad evidence on the role of the gut microbiota in the progression of liver disease, through both metabolic and inflammatory mechanisms. Therefore, dysbiosis that is associated with diabetes can act as a modifier of the natural evolution of NAFLD. In addition to diet, hypoglycemic drugs play an important role in this scenario, and their benefit is also the result of effects exerted in the gut. Here, we provide an overview of the mechanisms that explain why diabetic patients show a more rapid progression of liver disease up to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing especially on those involving the gut-liver axis.

[Malnutrition management of hospitalized patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia and liver cirrhosis]

Introduction

Liver cirrhosis is a progressive and chronic disease of the liver, of diverse etiology, which is frequently associated with glucose intolerance and in some cases concurs with type 2 diabetes (DM2). DM2 is associated with adverse outcomes in patients with cirrhosis, including a higher rate of hospitalizations, a higher prevalence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and an increased risk of mortality. Malnutrition is another frequent complication of cirrhosis, the prevalence of which increases with the degree of liver dysfunction, worsening the prognosis. This article describes the results of the expert consensus and the responses of the panelists on the nutritional management in routine clinical practice of patients with diabetes/hyperglycemia hospitalized (non-critically ill) with liver cirrhosis.

Clinical implications of diabetes in chronic liver disease: Diagnosis, outcomes and management, current and future perspectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common in liver cirrhosis (LC). The pathophysiological association is bidirectional. DM is a risk factor of LC and LC is a diabetogenic condition. In the recent years, research on different aspects of the association DM and LC has been intensified. Nevertheless, it has been insufficient and still exist many gaps. The aims of this review are: (1) To discuss the latest understandings of the association of DM and LC in order to identify the strategies of early diagnosis; (2) To evaluate the impact of DM on outcomes of LC patients; and (3) To select the most adequate management benefiting the two conditions. Literature searches were conducted using PubMed, Ovid and Scopus engines for DM and LC, diagnosis, outcomes and management. The authors also provided insight from their own published experience. Based on the published studies, two types of DM associated with LC have emerged: Type 2 DM (T2DM) and hepatogenous diabetes (HD). High-quality evidences have determined that T2DM or HD significantly increase complications and death pre and post-liver transplantation. HD has been poorly studied and has not been recognized as a complication of LC. The management of DM in LC patients continues to be difficult and should be based on drug pharmacokinetics and the degree of liver failure. In conclusion, the clinical impact of DM in outcomes of LC patients has been the most studied item recently. Nevertheless many gaps still exist particularly in the management. These most important gaps were highlighted in order to propose future lines for research.

Hepatogenous Diabetes - A Report from Central India

Background/Objectives

Cirrhosis of liver is associated with loss of liver function, portal hypertension, and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction leading to hepatogenous diabetes (HD). Often HD is an underestimated and understudied problem, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, where the prevalence of both Chronic liver disease (CLD) and diabetes is high. Hence this study was planned to highlight the prevalence of HD and its association with the severity of cirrhosis.

Methods

A total of 121 cirrhotic patients without a history of diabetes were included in this prospective cross-sectional study. Seventy five g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was done in all patients. Fasting serum insulin levels were done to calculate insulin resistance (IR) using homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was done to detect varices. Patients were divided into HD group and non-HD group for comparison of results.

Results

HD was seen in 52 (42.98%) patients; among them, 63.4% did not show evidence of HD by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) was seen in 58 (47.93%) patients. Compared with the non-HD group, the HD group had significantly higher model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (P = 0.038), HOMA-IR (P < 0.001), incidence of large varices (P < 0.001) and variceal bleeding (P < 0.001). A statistically significant association was noted between HD and Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Patients with cirrhosis had a high prevalence of IGT, IR, and HD. The presence of HD is well associated with the severity of cirrhosis in the form of higher MELD score (>15), CTP score (>10), higher bilirubin levels, large varices, bleeding varices, and HCC. FPG levels and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) cannot be relied upon, and OGTT aids in the unmasking of HD in these patients.

Management of diabetes mellitus in patients with cirrhosis: An overview and joint statement

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a frequent comorbidity in patients with cirrhosis that is projected to rise in prevalence due to the worldwide burden of obesity, insulin-resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The management of T2DM in patients with cirrhosis is complex given the requirement for accurate adaptation according to the level of liver function impairment, with lack of summary of the little evidence available in the literature. Here, we summarise the data available with respect to the epidemiology and the impact of T2DM in patients with cirrhosis, as well as those on the management of T2DM in these patients. We provide guidance for the diagnosis of T2DM and the monitoring of glycaemic control in patients with cirrhosis, and for the management of nutrition and pharmacological treatments in relation to the level of liver dysfunction.

Insulin Resistance across the Spectrum of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Insulin resistance (IR) is defined as a lower-than-expected response to insulin action from target tissues, leading to the development of type 2 diabetes through the impairment of both glucose and lipid metabolism. IR is a common condition in subjects with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is considered one of the main factors involved in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and in the progression of liver disease. The liver, the adipose tissue and the skeletal muscle are major contributors for the development and worsening of IR. In this review, we discuss the sites and mechanisms of insulin action and the IR-related impairment along the spectrum of NAFLD, from simple steatosis to progressive NASH and cirrhosis.

Association between Liver Cirrhosis and Diabetes Mellitus: A Review on Hepatic Outcomes

BACKGROUND

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is largely associated with diabetes mellitus (DM). More than 80% of patients with LC manifest glucose intolerance and about 30% have type 2 DM. A particular and yet unrecognized entity is hepatogenous diabetes (HD), defined as impaired glucose regulation caused by altered liver function following LC. Numerous studies have shown that DM could negatively influence liver-related outcomes.

AIM

We aimed to investigate whether patients with LC and DM are at higher risk for hepatic encephalopathy (HE), variceal hemorrhage (VH), infections and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The impact of DM on liver transplant (LT) outcomes was also addressed.

METHODS

Literature search was performed in PubMed, Ovid, and Elsevier databases. Population-based observational studies reporting liver outcomes in patients with LC were included.

RESULTS

Diabetics are at higher risk for HE, including post-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt HE. DM also increases the risk of VH and contributes to elevated portal pressure and variceal re-bleeding, while uncontrolled DM is associated with increased risk of bacterial infections. DM also increases the risk of HCC and contributes to adverse LT outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with DM and LC may benefit from close follow-up in order to reduce readmissions and mortality. Due to the heterogeneity of available research, prospective multicenter clinical trials are needed to further validate these findings.

Hepatogenous Diabetes: A Primer

As liver is one of the primary organs involved in glucose homeostasis, it is not surprising that patients with liver dysfunction in chronic liver disease usually develop impaired glucose tolerance and subsequently overt diabetes later in their natural course. Diabetes that develops after the onset of cirrhosis of liver is usually referred to as hepatogenous diabetes (HD). It is an underrecognized and a hallmark endocrinological event in chronic liver disease. HD is associated with a higher risk of developing hepatic decompensations, such as ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, renal dysfunction, refractory ascites, and hepatocellular carcinoma along with reduced survival rates than normoglycemic patients with cirrhosis of liver. It is quite different from type 2 diabetes mellitus with the absence of classical risk factors, dissimilar laboratory profiles, and decreased incidence of microvascular complications. Furthermore, the management of patients with HD is challenging because of altered pharmacokinetics of most antidiabetic drugs and increased risk of hypoglycemia and other adverse effects. Hence, a clear understanding of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical implications, laboratory diagnosis, and management of HD is essential for both hepatologists as well as endocrinologists, which is narrated briefly in this review.

Effects of Child-Pugh B Cirrhosis on Pharmacokinetics of Tofogliflozin, a New Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter (SGLT2) Inhibitor

BACKGROUND

Tofogliflozin is a highly selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. A mass balance study with combinations of microdoses revealed that tofogliflozin has high oral bioavailability (97.5%) and that tofogliflozin in circulation is eliminated primarily by metabolic pathways, with the liver playing a prominent role in elimination.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of moderate hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of tofogliflozin and on the pharmacodynamics (urinary glucose excretion [UGE]).

METHODS

In an open-label, parallel-group study, 17 subjects (9 with moderate hepatic impairment [Child-Pugh Class B, score 7-9] and 8 healthy) received a single oral dose of 40 mg tofogliflozin. Plasma and urine concentrations of tofogliflozin were determined. Accumulated UGE, adverse events, and physiological and laboratory test data were monitored.

RESULTS

Geometric mean ratio (GMR; geometric mean value for subjects with moderate hepatic impairment / geometric mean value for healthy subjects) of C_max was 1.47 and GMR of AUC_inf was 1.70. Moderate hepatic impairment had only a little effect on t_max and CL_R but it prolonged MRT. The levels of cumulative UGE were similar between the 2 groups. No clinically significant adverse events, laboratory test values, or physiological test values were observed in any subject.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate hepatic impairment increased C_max and AUC_inf of tofogliflozin by 47% and 70%, respectively. This increase in tofogliflozin exposure did not increase UGE in hepatically impaired subjects. A single oral dose of 40 mg tofogliflozin was well tolerated, supporting dose adjustment is unnecessary even in moderately hepatically impaired subjects.

Bayesian network modelling study to identify factors influencing the risk of cardiovascular disease in Canadian adults with hepatitis C virus infection

OBJECTIVES

The present study evaluates the extent of association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and identifies factors mediating this relationship using Bayesian network (BN) analysis.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A population-based cross-sectional survey in Canada.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (n=10 115) aged 30 to 74 years.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The 10-year risk of CVD was determined using the Framingham Risk Score in HCV-positive and HCV-negative subjects. Using BN analysis, variables were modelled to calculate the probability of CVD risk in HCV infection.

RESULTS

When the BN is compiled, and no variable has been instantiated, 73%, 17% and 11% of the subjects had low, moderate and high 10-year CVD risk, respectively. The conditional probability of high CVD risk increased to 13.9%±1.6% (p<2.2×10^-16) when the HCV variable is instantiated to 'Present' state and decreased to 8.6%±0.2% when HCV was instantiated to 'Absent' (p<2.2×10^-16). HCV cases had 1.6-fold higher prevalence of high-CVD risk compared with non-infected individuals (p=0.038). Analysis of the effect modification of the HCV-CVD relationship (using median Kullback-Leibler divergence; D_KL ) showed diabetes as a major effect modifier on the joint probability distribution of HCV infection and CVD risk (D_KL =0.27, IQR: 0.26 to 0.27), followed by hypertension (0.24, IQR: 0.23 to 0.25), age (0.21, IQR: 0.10 to 0.38) and injection drug use (0.19, IQR: 0.06 to 0.59).

CONCLUSIONS

Exploring the relationship between HCV infection and CVD risk using BN modelling analysis revealed that the infection is associated with elevated CVD risk. A number of risk modifiers were identified to play a role in this relationship. Targeting these factors during the course of infection to reduce CVD risk should be studied further.

Switching from branched-chain amino acid granules to branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrient improves the branched-chain amino acid-to-tyrosine ratio in patients with cirrhosis with hypoalbuminemia: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to elucidate the effect of switching from branched-chain amino acid granules to branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrient in patients with cirrhosis with hypoalbuminemia.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients with cirrhosis with hypoalbuminemia despite treatment with branched-chain amino acid granules containing 12 g of branched-chain amino acid were enrolled in the prospective study. The branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrient and control groups were composed of 16 and 10 patients, respectively. The patients in branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrient group switched to branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrient mixture containing 12.2 g of branched-chain amino acid and 410 kcal with a half of it consumed as a late evening snack, and the patients in the control group continued branched-chain amino acid granules. Laboratory data related to nutrition parameter were assessed at baseline, 3 months after baseline, and at 6 months after baseline.

RESULTS

Two patients were withdrawn; hence, nine and 15 patients in the branched-chain amino acid granules and branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrient groups, respectively, were subjected to full analysis. Serum albumin levels and total lymphocyte counts in both groups did not change in the study period. The branched-chain amino acid-to-tyrosine ratio in the branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrient group significantly increased from baseline to 6 months after baseline (P = 0.030), whereas that in the control group did not increase.

CONCLUSION

Switching from branched-chain amino acid granules to branched-chain amino acid-enriched nutrients improves branched-chain amino acid-to-tyrosine ratio in patients with cirrhosis with hypoalbuminemia.

[Diabetes mellitus and chronic liver diseases. Part 1: general mechanisms of etiology and pathogenesis]

In recent years there has been an active discussion about the relationship between diabetes mellitus (DM) and chronic liver diseases (CLD). On the one hand, patients with diabetes have an increased risk of developing CLD. On the other hand, patients with CLD very often identify abnormal glucose metabolism which ultimately leads to impaired glucose tolerance and the development of diabetes. This review outlines potential causal relationships between some CLD and DM. Common mechanisms that provoke metabolic and autoimmune disorders in the development of various nosologies of the CKD group, leading to steatosis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and the development of diabetes are described. Certain features of the assessment of carbohydrate metabolism compensation in patients with hepatic dysfunction, anemia and protein metabolism disorders are described.

Prevalence of diabetes in liver cirrhosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

An association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and liver cirrhosis is well-known, but estimates of the prevalence of DM in patients with liver cirrhosis vary widely. A systematic review was undertaken to determine the prevalence of DM in adult patients with liver cirrhosis. The Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies published in English (1979-2017) that investigated the prevalence of diabetes in adult patients with cirrhosis. Pooled estimates of prevalence of DM were determined for all eligible patients and according to aetiology and severity of liver disease. Fifty-eight studies satisfied criteria for inclusion, with 9705 patients included in the pooled prevalence analysis. The overall prevalence of DM was 31%. The prevalence of DM was highest in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (56%), cryptogenic (51%), hepatitis C (32%), or alcoholic (27%) cirrhosis. For assessing prevalence of DM as a function of severity of liver disease, evaluable data were available only for hepatitis C and hepatitis B cirrhosis. DM may be more prevalent in cirrhosis than previously thought. This has implications for prognosis and treatment in these patients.

Diabetes Association with Liver Diseases: An Overview for Clinicians

BACKGROUND

There is a strong association between liver diseases and diabetes (DM) which is higher than expected by a correlation between two very common diseases. Liver diseases may occur as a result of diabetes, and the reverse is true as well.

AIM

To review the etiology of this association between liver diseases and diabetes and how to diagnose it.

METHODS

Studies that identified this association between liver diseases and diabetes and how to diagnose it was reviewed.

RESULTS

This association can be divided into the following categories: liver disease related to diabetes (Diabetic hepatopathy), hepatogenous diabetes (HD), and liver diseases that occur in conjunction with Diabetes mellitus. Two hours after glucose loading is the best screening test for HD. HbA1c may neither be suitable for diagnosis nor monitoring of diabetes that links liver disease.

CONCLUSION

NAFLD, hepatogenous diabetes, glycogenic hepatopathy and diabetic hepatosclerosis are the most important association between liver diseases and diabetes. The criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes associating liver disease are the same for primary diabetes. Two hours post glucose load is the best screening test for HD due to the fact that fasting glucose can be normal early in the disease. The tool used for diabetes monitoring depends on stage and severity of liver condition.

Insulin resistance and plasma glucose tolerance abnormalities in Nigerians with chronic liver disease

AIMS

Glucose tolerance abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Insulin resistance (IR) has been suggested to be a major factor responsible for these abnormalities in CLD. However studies relating IR with severity of CLD are scarce in Nigeria. This study assessed insulin resistance and glucose tolerance abnormalities in CLD and their relationship with the severity of CLD in a tertiary hospital in South-West, Nigeria.

METHODS

This cross sectional study involved 100 subjects with CLD. Ethical clearance was obtained and informed consent was granted by participants. Participants were interviewed using a structured proforma; physical examination and relevant investigations were performed. Insulin resistance was measured using the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 and p value of <0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

Mean age of the study participants was 51.9 ± 11.9 years, and mean duration of CLD was 15.9 ± 5.8 months. Glucose tolerance abnormalities were present in 66 subjects (66%) and increased from 16.1% in Child Pugh's class A to 90.0% in class C. HOMA-IR positively correlated with age, body mass index, serum blood glucose, duration and severity of CLD. Increasing age, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, Child Pugh's class B and class C were associated with glucose tolerance abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

Glucose tolerance abnormalities and insulin resistance were highly prevalent among chronic liver disease subjects studied and seemed to parallel the severity of CLD, determined by the Child Pugh's score.

Managing diabetes and liver disease association

There is strong association between liver diseases and diabetes (DM) which is higher than expected by a chance association of two very common disorders. It can be classified into three categories: Liver disease related to diabetes, hepatogenous diabetes (HD), and liver disease occurring coincidentally with DM. The criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes associating liver disease are the same for primary diabetes. Two hours post glucose load is a better screening test for HD. HbA1c may not be suitable for diagnosis or monitoring of diabetes associating advanced liver disease. Apart from the increased cardiovascular risk in patients with type 2 DM (T2 DM) and NAFLD, the cardiovascular and retinopathy risk is low in HD. Patients with metabolic derangement should be screened for NAFLD which in turn may predict T2 DM development. Similarly, patients with established T2 DM should also be screened for NAFLD which further contributes to diabetes worsening. Diabetes is a significant risk factor for progression of the chronic liver disease. It is associated with poor patient survival. Treatment of diabetes associating liver disease appears beneficial. Metformin, if tolerated and not contraindicated, is recommended as a first-line therapy for patients with diabetes and chronic liver disease (CLD). If the hepatic disease is severe, insulin secretagogues should be avoided because of the increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Pioglitazone may be useful in patients with fatty liver disease. DPP-4 inhibitors showed effectiveness and safety for the treatment of T2 DM in CLD patients up to those with child B stage. GLP-1 receptor agonists and SGLT-2 inhibitors exhibit positive effects on weight and are associated with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia. Insulin must be used with caution, as hypoglycaemia may be a problem. Insulin analogues are preferred in the context of hypoglycaemia Statins can be used to treat dyslipidaemia in NAFLD, also the use of angiotensin II receptor antagonist for hypertension is safe and beneficial Given the clear association between diabetes mellitus and hepatocellular carcinoma, the strict control of glycaemia with insulin sensitizers can be essential in its prevention. The addition of DM to the currently used scores (Child-Pugh and MELD scores) may enhance the sensitivity and the specificity for prediction of morbidity and mortality rates in cirrhotic patients. In the new era of directly acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV treatment, it is recommended to follow up lipid profile and blood sugar levels following SVR in order to adjust doses of medications used in diabetic (SVR is associated with reduction in insulin requirements) and dyslipidaemic patients (rebound increase in the lipid profile after clearing the virus may increase risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)). The issues of post liver transplant diabetes and relation between DM and chronic HBV are highlighted. This narrative review and Consensus-based practice guidance (under revision and criticism) are based on a formal review and analysis of the recently published world literature on the topic (Medline search up to September 2017); and the experience of the authors and independent reviewers.

Algorithm for Screening of Adrenal Function in Stable Patients with Cirrhosis

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Adrenal insufficiency (AI) is common in patients with cirrhosis. We aimed to assess the presence of AI in stable patients with cirrhosis using the gold-standard insulin tolerance test (ITT) and to propose an algorithm for screening AI in these patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We studied 40 stable patients with cirrhosis. We determined the basal total (BTC) and peak cortisol (PTC) levels. Using the ITT, we defined AI as a serum PTC < 18 μg/dL at 30 min after insulin-induced hypoglycemia. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of BTC in different stages of liver disease to discriminate between those with NAF and AI.

RESULTS

Of the 40 patients, 24 (60%) presented with AI. Child-Pugh and MELD scores differed between the NAF and AI groups (Child-Pugh: NAF 7.2 ± 1.7 vs. AI 8.8 ± 2.4, p = 0.024 and MELD: NAF 9.9 ± 2.5 vs. AI 14.9 ± 6.3, p = 0.001). The BTC level was lower in patients with AI than in those with NAF (7.2 ± 2.4 vs. 12.5 ± 5.2, p < 0.001). A BTC value ≤ 10.0 μg/dL had a 96% sensitivity (negative predictive value: 90%) for identifying AI. This cutoff value (BTC ≤ 10.0 μg/dL) provided 100% specificity (positive predictive value: 100%) in patients with advanced liver disease (Child-Pugh ≥ 9 or MELD ≥ 12).

CONCLUSION

An algorithm including the use of BTC and the severity of liver disease may be a useful and simple method for assessing adrenal function in stable patients with cirrhosis.

Pretransplant coronary artery disease is a predictor for myocardial infarction and cardiac death after liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease is a serious problem of liver transplant (LT) recipients because of increased cardiovascular risk due to immunosuppressive therapy, higher age, intraoperative risk and comorbidities (such as diabetes and nicotine abuse). Reported frequency of cardiovascular events after LT shows a high variability between different LT cohorts. Our aim was to analyze a cohort of LT recipients from a single center in Germany to evaluate frequency of the cardiovascular endpoints (CVE) myocardial infarction and/or cardiac death after LT and to investigate correlations of CVE post LT with pretransplant patient characteristics.

PATIENTS

In total, data from 352 LT patients were analyzed. Patients were identified from an administrative transplant database, and all data were retrieved from patients' charts and reports.

RESULTS

During the median follow-up of 4.0 (0-13) years, 10 cases of CVE were documented (six myocardial infarctions and four coronary deaths). The frequency of CVE did not differ according to classic cardiovascular risk factors such as body mass index (p=0.071), total cholesterol (p=0.533), hypertension (p=0.747), smoking (p=1.000) and pretransplant diabetes mellitus (p=0.146). In patients with pretransplant coronary heart disease (n=24; 6.8%) CVE were found more frequently (p=0.024).

CONCLUSION

In summary, we found a rate of 2.8% CVE after LT in a German transplant cohort. Pretransplant CHD was the only risk factor for CVE, but showed no significant impact on overall survival.

Hepatogenous diabetes: Is it time to separate it from type 2 diabetes?

By definition, hepatogenous diabetes is directly caused by loss of liver function, implying that it develops after cirrhosis onset. Therefore, it should be distinguished from type 2 diabetes developing before cirrhosis onset, in which specific causes of liver disease play a major role, in addition to traditional risk factors. Currently, although hepatogenous diabetes shows distinct pathophysiological and clinical features, it is not considered as an autonomous entity. Recent evidence suggests that the failing liver exerts an independent "toxic" effect on pancreatic islets resulting in β-cell dysfunction. Moreover, patients with hepatogenous diabetes usually present with normal fasting glucose and haemoglobin A_1c levels and abnormal response to an oral glucose tolerance test, which is therefore required for diagnosis. This article discusses the need to separate hepatogenous diabetes from type 2 diabetes occurring in subjects with chronic liver disease and to identify individuals suffering from this condition for prognostic and therapeutic purposes.

Diagnosis and Clinical Implications of Diabetes in Liver Cirrhosis: A Focus on the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

The liver and skeletal muscles are responsible for maintaining glucose metabolism. As chronic liver disease progresses to cirrhosis, the loss of liver function is exacerbated and leads to the deterioration of skeletal muscle. Consequently, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance are often observed in patients with liver cirrhosis. Early stage cirrhosis with hepatogenous diabetes is characterized by marked postprandial hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia. Generally, it is possible to underestimate IGT when using either the conventional fasting plasma glucose (FPG) criterion or hemoglobin A_1c (HbA_1c) levels despite their status as the gold standard for diagnosing diabetes. The number of cirrhotic patients with diabetes tends to be underestimated because many of these patients show lower FPG levels or HbA_1c, which masks their IGT. In such cases, the oral glucose tolerance test is recommended to evaluate patients with suspected postprandial hyperglycemia who present with a normal FPG. Moreover, in addition to the Child-Pugh score, the early detection of diabetes may be a useful prognostic marker for patients with liver cirrhosis.

Camel milk and bee honey regulate profibrotic cytokine gene transcripts in liver cirrhosis induced by carbon tetrachloride

The lack of studies regarding the mechanism of the protective effects of camel milk and bee honey against hepatotoxic compounds led us to perform this study. Thirty-six male rats were divided into two main groups. The first group (n = 9) comprised control non-cirrhotic rats. The rats of the second group (n = 27) were administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) by intraperitoneal injection to induce liver cirrhosis. The cirrhotic rats were then divided into three equal subgroups, each comprising nine animals, as follows: (i) cirrhotic rats, (ii) cirrhotic rats treated with camel milk, and (iii) cirrhotic rats treated with camel milk and bee honey. The present findings revealed that CCl4 elevated the activities of liver enzymes, blood glucose levels, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) in the serum and glycogen content in the liver. On the other hand, CCl4 significantly decreased phosphorylase activity in the liver tissue and significantly increased carbohydrate intolerance and insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR). Moreover, CCl4 induced a significant increase in oxidative stress, along with increased expression of the profibrotic cytokine genes TNF-α and TGF-β. However, camel milk either alone or in combination with bee honey ameliorated these toxic actions. The antioxidant properties of these protective agents and their effects of downregulating certain procirrhotic cytokine gene transcripts underlie this protection.

Current Concepts in Diabetes Mellitus and Chronic Liver Disease: Clinical Outcomes, Hepatitis C Virus Association, and Therapy

Hereditary type 2 diabetes mellitus is a risk factor for chronic liver disease, and ~30 % of patients with liver cirrhosis develop diabetes. Diabetes mellitus has been associated with cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic hepatitis C virus liver infection, can aggravate the course the liver infection, and can induce a lower sustained response to antiviral treatment. Evidences that HCV may induce metabolic and autoimmune disturbances leading to hypobetalipoproteinemia, steatosis, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance, thyroid disease, and gonadal dysfunction have been found. Prospective studies have demonstrated that diabetes increases the risk of liver complications and death in patients with cirrhosis. However, treatment of diabetes in these patients is complex, as antidiabetic drugs can promote hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis. There have been few therapeutic studies evaluating antidiabetic treatments in patients with liver cirrhosis published to date; thus, the optimal treatment for diabetes and the impact of treatment on morbidity and mortality are not clearly known. As numbers of patients with chronic liver disease and diabetes mellitus are increasing, largely because of the global epidemics of obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, evaluation of treatment options is becoming more important. This review discusses new concepts on hepatogenous diabetes, the diabetes mellitus–hepatitis C virus association, and clinical implications of diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic liver disease. In addition, the effectiveness and safety of old and new antidiabetic drugs, including incretin-based therapies, will be described.

The treatment of diabetes mellitus of patients with chronic liver disease

About 80% of patients with liver cirrhosis may have glucose metabolism disorders, 30% show overt diabetes mellitus (DM). Prospective studies have demonstrated that DM is associated with an increased risk of hepatic complications and death in patients with liver cirrhosis. DM might contribute to liver damage by promoting inflammation and fibrosis through an increase in mitochondrial oxidative stress mediated by adipokines. Based on the above mentioned the effective control of hyperglycemia may have a favorable impact on the evolution of these patients. However, only few therapeutic studies have evaluated the effectiveness and safety of antidiabetic drugs and the impact of the treatment of DM on morbidity and mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. In addition, oral hypoglycemic agents and insulin may produce hypoglycemia and lactic acidosis, as most of these agents are metabolized by the liver. This review discusses the clinical implications of DM in patients with chronic liver disease. In addition the effectiveness and safety of old, but particularly the new antidiabetic drugs will be described based on pharmacokinetic studies and chronic administration to patients. Recent reports regarding the use of the SGLT2 inhibitors as well as the new incretin-based therapies such as injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and oral inhibitors of dipeptidylpeptidase-4 (DPP-4) will be discussed. The establishment of clear guidelines for the management of diabetes in patients with CLD is strongly required.

Perioperative predictors for refractory hyperglycemia during the neohepatic phase of liver transplantation

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycemia in the neohepatic phase of liver transplantation (LT) tends to decrease toward completion of the surgical procedure. Refractory hyperglycemia in the neohepatic phase (RH) is influenced by multiple perioperative factors and may be connected to posttransplant outcomes. We attempted to demonstrate the relationship of RH to posttransplant outcomes and to establish a predictive model for RH in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

METHODS

Perioperative data of 211 patients who underwent LDLT from 2009 and 2012 were reviewed, including declines in the blood glucose levels during the neohepatic phase. Perioperative variables including the posttransplant model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score until day 30 were compared between patients with normal declines in blood glucose and patients with RH. Selected variables after intergroup comparisons were examined by means of multivariate logistic regression to establish a predictive model for RH occurrence.

RESULTS

The mean blood glucose decline was 22.3 ± 31.5 mg/dL during the neohepatic phase, and 84 of 203 patients (41.4%) had no decline in blood glucose. In intergroup comparisons, preoperative factors associated with RH included sex, Child-Pugh-Turcotte class, MELD score, emergency, liver enzymes, and graft-to-recipient weight ratio. During surgery, surgical time, serum lactate, and arterial pH were associated with RH. After surgery, the RH group showed slower recovery of the MELD score (15.2 versus 11.9 days) and higher MELD scores until day 10 (P < .05). After the multivariate analysis, recipient sex, emergency, surgical time (≤9 h), and the final intraoperative serum lactate level (≥5.0 mmol/L) were included in the predictive model for RH.

CONCLUSIONS

RH was associated with delayed functional recovery of the liver graft in LT. Recipient sex, emergency, surgical time, and the final intraoperative serum lactate level were identified as predictors of RH. Close monitoring of intraoperative blood glucose in LDLT may be an early prognostic indicator.

Clinical implication of changes in serum adiponectin in patients with hepatogenic diabetes

Adiponectin is a protein hormone that modulates glucose metabolism and fatty acid oxidation. We explored the clinical implication of serum adiponectin in hepatogenic diabetes. Serum adiponectin levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunochemistry assay in 78 individuals including 19 hepatogenic diabetes, 20 type 2 diabetes (T2D), 20 chronic liver disease and 19 healthy controls. Cases and controls were matched by gender and body mass index (BMI). There is no difference in serum adiponectin levels among hepatogenic diabetic, T2D and healthy control groups. The levels of adiponectin are highest in chronic liver disease and lowest in T2D. Insulin levels are highest in hepatic diabetics and lowest in T2D. Hepatic diabetics have the lowest insulin sensitivity index (ISI). Serum adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with triglycerides and total cholesterol in T2D. Serum adiponectin is significantly increased in chronic liver disease, but lacks association with hepatogenic diabetes.

Plasma cytokine levels imbalance in cirrhotic patients with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus. A prospective study

AIMS

To define if there is an imbalance in plasma levels of proinflammatory, fibrogenic and antifibrogenic cytokines in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or diabetes mellitus (DM).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We randomly selected 54 out of 100 patients with LC who had normal fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. Three groups were formed based on an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results: 18 patients were normal, 18 had IGT, and 18 had DM. Plasma levels of cytokines were measured: TNF- α, soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (sTNF-R1), leptin, TGF-β1, and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Also, fasting plasma insulin (FPI) levels were determined and HOMA2-IR was calculated. Results were compared with those of a control group of 18 patients without liver disease nor DM. Intergroup comparison was performed using non parametric tests.

RESULTS

Significantly higher sTNF-R1 and lower TGF-β1 were found in patients with IGT and DM compared to controls. Leptin, HGF, and TNF-α levels showed no significant differences. According to Child-Pugh classification all cytokines levels were impaired in groups B or C as compared to group A. Positive correlations between sTNF-R1 and HOMA2-IR and between leptin and HOMA2-IR were found.

CONCLUSIONS

IGT and DM were associated with abnormalities of sTNF-R1 and TGF-β1 compared to non cirrhotic controls. Among cirrhotic patients impairment of all cytokines were more marked in advanced liver disease. Finally, sTNF-R1 and leptin correlated with IR. These findings suggest that IGT and DM may be causally implicated with liver inflammation process.

A switch in the source of ATP production and a loss in capacity to perform glycolysis are hallmarks of hepatocyte failure in advance liver disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The cause of hepatic failure in the terminal stages of chronic injury is unknown. Cellular metabolic adaptations in response to the microenvironment have been implicated in cellular breakdown.

METHODS

To address the role of energy metabolism in this process we studied mitochondrial number, respiration, and functional reserve, as well as cellular adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) production, glycolytic flux, and expression of glycolysis related genes in isolated hepatocytes from early and terminal stages of cirrhosis using a model that produces hepatic failure from irreversible cirrhosis in rats. To study the clinical relevance of energy metabolism in terminal stages of chronic liver failure, we analyzed glycolysis and energy metabolism related gene expression in liver tissue from patients at different stages of chronic liver failure according to Child-Pugh classification. Additionally, to determine whether the expression of these genes in early-stage cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Class A) is related to patient outcome, we performed network analysis of publicly available microarray data obtained from biopsies of 216 patients with hepatitis C-related Child-Pugh A cirrhosis who were prospectively followed up for a median of 10years.

RESULTS

In the early phase of cirrhosis, mitochondrial function and ATP generation are maintained by increasing energy production from glycolytic flux as production from oxidative phosphorylation falls. At the terminal stage of hepatic injury, mitochondria respiration and ATP production are significantly compromised, as the hepatocytes are unable to sustain the increased demand for high levels of ATP generation from glycolysis. This impairment corresponds to a decrease in glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit and phosphoglucomutase 1. Similar decreased gene expression was observed in liver tissue from patients at different stages of chronic liver injury. Further, unbiased network analysis of microarray data revealed that expression of these genes was down regulated in the group of patients with poor outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

An adaptive metabolic shift, from generating energy predominantly from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis, allows maintenance of energy homeostasis during early stages of liver injury, but leads to hepatocyte dysfunction during terminal stages of chronic liver disease because hepatocytes are unable to sustain high levels of energy production from glycolysis.

Liver abnormalities and endocrine diseases

The liver and its pleotropic functions play a fundamental role in regulating metabolism, and is also an inevitable target of multiple metabolic disorders. The numerous and constant relationships and feedback mechanisms between the liver and all endocrine organs is reflected by the fact that an alteration of one oftentimes results in the malfunction of the other. Hypo- and hyperthyroidism are frequently associated with hepatic alterations, and thyroid diseases must be excluded in transaminase elevation of unknown cause. Drugs such as propylthiouracil, used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism, may induce liver damage, and other drugs such as amiodarone, carbamazepine, and several chemotherapeutic agents can lead to both thyroid and liver abnormalities. Liver diseases such as hepatitis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and cirrhosis may cause altered levels of thyroid hormones, and alcoholic liver disease, both due to the noxious substance ethanol as well as to the hepatic damage it causes, may be responsible for altered thyroid function. Both excess and insufficiency of adrenal function may result in altered liver function, and adrenocortical dysfunction may be present in patients with cirrhosis, especially during episodes of decompensation. Again an important player which affects both the endocrine system and the liver, alcohol may be associated with pseudo-Cushing syndrome. Sex hormones, both intrinsic as well as extrinsically administered, have an important impact on liver function. While oestrogens are related to cholestatic liver damage, androgens are the culprit of adenomas and hepatocellular carcinoma, among others. Chronic liver disease, on the other hand, has profound repercussions on sex hormone metabolism, inducing feminization in men and infertility and amenorrhoea in women. Lastly, metabolic syndrome, the pandemia of the present and future centuries, links the spectrum of liver damage ranging from steatosis to cirrhosis, to the array of endocrine alterations that are features of the syndrome, including insulin resistance, central obesity, and hyperlipidaemia. Clinical practice must integrally evaluate the effects of the intricate and tight relationship between the liver and the endocrine system, in order to better address all manifestations, complications, and prevent deterioration of one or the other organ-system.

[Diabetes in liver cirrhosis]

The prevalence of overt diabetes mellitus (DM) in liver cirrhosis is about 30%. However, DM or impaired glucose tolerance can be observed in 90% after an oral glucose tolerance test in patients with normal fasting plasma glucose. Type 2 DM may produce cirrhosis, whereas DM may be a complication of cirrhosis. The latter is known as «hepatogenous diabetes». Overt and subclinical DM is associated with liver complications and death in cirrhotic patients. Treating diabetes is difficult in cirrhotic patients because of the metabolic impairments due to liver disease and because the most appropriate pharmacologic treatment has not been defined. It is also unknown if glycemic control with hypoglycemic agents has any impact on the course of the liver disease.

Diabetes diminishes the portal-systemic collateral vascular response to vasopressin via vasopressin receptor and Gα proteins regulations in cirrhotic rats

Liver cirrhosis may lead to portal-systemic collateral formation and bleeding. The hemostatic effect is influenced by the response of collateral vessels to vasoconstrictors. Diabetes and glucose also influence vasoresponsiveness, but their net effect on collaterals remains unexplored. This study investigated the impact of diabetes or glucose application on portal-systemic collateral vasoresponsiveness to arginine vasopressin (AVP) in cirrhosis. Spraque-Dawley rats with bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cirrhosis received vehicle (citrate buffer) or streptozotocin (diabetic, BDL/STZ). The in situ collateral perfusion was done after hemodynamic measurements: Both were perfused with Krebs solution, D-glucose, or D-glucose and NaF, with additional OPC-31260 for the BDL/STZ group. Splenorenal shunt vasopressin receptors and Gα proteins mRNA expressions were evaluated. The survival rate of cirrhotic rats was decreased by STZ injection. The collateral perfusion pressure changes to AVP were lower in STZ-injected groups, which were reversed by OPC-31260 (a V2R antagonist) and overcome by NaF (a G protein activator). The splenorenal shunt V2R mRNA expression was increased while Gα proteins mRNA expressions were decreased in BDL/STZ rats compared to BDL rats. The Gαq and Gα11 mRNA expressions also correlated with the maximal perfusion pressure changes to AVP. Diabetes diminished the portal-systemic collateral vascular response to AVP in rats with BDL-induced cirrhosis, probably via V2 receptor up-regulation and Gα proteins down-regulation.