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Zheng L, Tian S, Yang C, Li B, Jia G, Liu Y, Sun R, Wang X, Deng J, Zhang M, Cui L, Guo C, Zhou X, Leung PSC, Bowlus CL, Gershwin ME, Shang Y, Han Y. Hypercholesterolemia Is Associated With Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism and Poor Prognosis in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 22:1265-1274.e19. [PMID: 38354969 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.01.039] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Hypercholesterolemia is frequently diagnosed in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, its association with the prognosis and lipid metabolism is unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prognostic value of baseline total cholesterol (TC) levels in PBC and characterized the associated lipid metabolism. METHODS Five hundred and thirty-one patients with PBC without prior cirrhosis-related complications were randomly divided into the derivation and validation cohorts at a ratio of 7:3. Complete clinical data were obtained and analyzed. The endpoints were defined as liver-related death, liver transplantation, and cirrhosis-related complications. Lipidomics was performed in 89 patients and 28 healthy controls. RESULTS Baseline TC was independently associated with poor liver-related outcomes, and adjusted C-statistics were 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74-0.85) and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.78-0.91) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. The predictive ability of TC for disease outcomes was stable over time and comparable with the Globe score. The 200 mg/dL cut-off optimally divided patients into low- and high-TC groups. A combination of TC and Globe score provided a more accurate stratification of patients into risk subgroups. Lipidomics indicated an up-regulation of lipid families in high-TC patients. Pathway analysis of 66 up-regulated lipids revealed the dysregulation of glycerophospholipid and sphingolipid metabolism in high-TC patients, which were associated with poor liver-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that patients with PBC having baseline TC levels above 200 mg/dL have unique lipidome characteristics and are at a higher risk of poor liver-related outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linhua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chunmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ruiqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiufang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Juan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Lina Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Changcun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - Christopher L Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis, California.
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
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van Hooff MC, Werner E, van der Meer AJ. Treatment in primary biliary cholangitis: Beyond ursodeoxycholic acid. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 124:14-21. [PMID: 38307734 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.01.030] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare cholestatic immune-mediated liver disease. The clinical course varies from mild to severe, with a substantial group of patients developing cirrhosis within a decade. These patients are at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensation and liver failure. First line Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment improves the cholestatic surrogate markers, and was recently associated with a favorable survival free of liver transplantation, even in case of an incomplete biochemical response. However, despite adequate UDCA therapy, patients remain at risk of liver disease progression. Therefore, on-treatment multifactor-based risk stratification is necessary to identify patients in need of additional therapy. This requires a personalized approach; especially as recent studies suggest that complete biochemical normalization as most stringent response criterion might be preferred in selected patients to optimize their outcome. Today, stricter biochemical goals might actually be reachable with the addition of farnesoid X receptor or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, or, in highly-selected cases, use of corticosteroids. Randomized controlled trials showed improvements in the key biochemical surrogate markers with the addition of these drugs, which have also been associated with improved clinical outcome. Considering this evolving PBC landscape, with more versatile treatment options and treatment goals, this review recapitulates the recent insight in UDCA therapy, the selection of patients with a residual risk of liver disease progression and the results of the currently available second line treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C van Hooff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, NA building, Floor 6, Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands
| | - E Werner
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, NA building, Floor 6, Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands
| | - A J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Doctor Molewaterplein 40, NA building, Floor 6, Rotterdam 3015 GD, the Netherlands.
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Gómez E, Montero JL, Molina E, García-Buey L, Casado M, Fuentes J, Simón MA, Díaz-González A, Jorquera F, Morillas RM, Presa J, Berenguer M, Conde MI, Olveira A, Macedo G, Garrido I, Hernández-Guerra M, Olivas I, Rodríguez-Tajes S, Londoño M, Sousa JM, Ampuero J, Romero-González E, González-Padilla S, Escudero-García D, Carvalho A, Santos A, Gutiérrez ML, Pérez-Fernández E, Aburruza L, Uriz J, Gomes D, Santos L, Martínez-González J, Albillos A, Fernández-Rodríguez CM. Longitudinal outcomes of obeticholic acid therapy in ursodiol-nonresponsive primary biliary cholangitis: Stratifying the impact of add-on fibrates in real-world practice. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1604-1615. [PMID: 38690746 DOI: 10.1111/apt.18004] [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: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suboptimal response to ursodeoxycholic acid occurs in 40% of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients, affecting survival. Achieving a deep response (normalisation of alkaline phosphatase [ALP] and bilirubin ≤0.6 upper limit of normal) improves survival. Yet, the long-term effectiveness of second-line treatments remains uncertain. AIMS To evaluate the long-term effectiveness of obeticholic acid (OCA) ± fibrates. Focusing on biochemical response (ALP ≤1.67 times the upper limit of normal, with a decrease of at least 15% from baseline and normal bilirubin levels), normalisation of ALP, deep response and biochemical remission (deep response plus aminotransferase normalisation). METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, observational, multicentre study involving ursodeoxyccholic acid non-responsive PBC patients (Paris-II criteria) from Spain and Portugal who received OCA ± fibrates. RESULTS Of 255 patients, median follow-up was 35.1 months (IQR: 20.2-53). The biochemical response in the whole cohort was 47.2%, 61.4% and 68.6% at 12, 24 and 36 months. GLOBE-PBC and 5-year UK-PBC scores improved (p < 0.001). Triple therapy (ursodeoxycholic acid plus OCA plus fibrates) had significantly higher response rates than dual therapy (p = 0.001), including ALP normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, triple therapy remained independently associated with biochemical response (p = 0.024), alkaline phosphatase normalisation, deep response and biochemical remission (p < 0.001). Adverse effects occurred in 41.2% of cases, leading to 18.8% discontinuing OCA. Out of 55 patients with cirrhosis, 12 developed decompensation. All with baseline portal hypertension. CONCLUSION Triple therapy was superior in achieving therapeutic goals in UDCA-nonresponsive PBC. Decompensation was linked to pre-existing portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Gómez
- Hospital Universitario 12 De Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - J L Montero
- Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Córdoba, Spain
| | - E Molina
- Complexo Hospitalario Universitario De Santiago, Coruña, Spain
| | - L García-Buey
- Hospital Universitario De La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - M Casado
- Hospital Universitario de Torrecárdenas, Almería, Spain
| | - J Fuentes
- Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M A Simón
- Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
- University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - A Díaz-González
- Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, Santander, Spain
| | - F Jorquera
- Complejo Hospitalario de Leon, Leon, Spain
| | | | - J Presa
- Centro Hospitalar Tras-os-Montes a Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal
| | - M Berenguer
- Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - M I Conde
- Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Olveira
- Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Macedo
- Serviço de Gastrenterologia Do Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal
| | - I Garrido
- Serviço de Gastrenterologia Do Centro Hospitalar Universitário São João (CHUSJ), Porto, Portugal
| | | | - I Olivas
- Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - J M Sousa
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain
| | - J Ampuero
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio, Sevilla, Spain
- Instituto De Biomedicina De Sevilla (IBIS), Sevilla, Spain
| | - E Romero-González
- Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sh González-Padilla
- Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - D Escudero-García
- Hospital Clinico Universitario de Valencia, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - A Carvalho
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário De Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - A Santos
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário De Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M L Gutiérrez
- Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon, Alcorcon Madrid, Spain
- University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - E Pérez-Fernández
- Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon, Alcorcon Madrid, Spain
- University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
| | - L Aburruza
- Hospital Universitario de Donostia, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - J Uriz
- Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - D Gomes
- Departamento de Gastrenterología, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - L Santos
- Departamento de Gastrenterología, Centro Hospitalar Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - A Albillos
- Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, Spain
- Ramón y Cajal Institute of Health Research, Madrid, Spain
- University of Alcalá de Henares, Alcalá de Henares, Spain
| | - C M Fernández-Rodríguez
- Hospital Universitario Fundacion Alcorcon, Alcorcon Madrid, Spain
- University Rey Juan Carlos, Madrid, Spain
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Hayashi M, Abe K, Sugaya T, Takahata Y, Fujita M, Takahashi A, Ohira H. A low baseline serum myostatin concentration is associated with poor clinical outcome in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024. [PMID: 38816894 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16639] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease that can progress to biliary cirrhosis and liver-related death. The associations between baseline myostatin levels and clinical outcomes in PBC patients are unknown. We aimed to clarify the influence of myostatin levels on the clinical outcomes of PBC patients. METHODS A total of 119 PBC patients were analyzed in this study. Myostatin levels were measured in stored sera before ursodeoxycholic acid treatment, and their associations with the clinical features and prognosis of PBC patients were analyzed. We analyzed the correlation between serum myostatin and chemokines/cytokines. RESULTS Serum myostatin was significantly lower in PBC patients (2343 pg/mL) than in healthy controls (4059 pg/mL, P < 0.001). The prevalence of patients with low myostatin levels increased according to the severity of histological fibrosis. The serum myostatin concentration was negatively correlated with the IL-6 and leucine-rich α2 glycoprotein levels, but the chemokine concentration was not correlated with the myostatin concentration. Low myostatin in PBC patients was associated with shorter survival without liver-related complications (hazard ratio [HR], 3.598; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-10.1; P = 0.015) and shorter transplant-free survival (HR, 3.129; 95% CI, 1.02-9.56; P = 0.045) independent of pretreatment GLOBE score. Patients with both high pretreatment GLOBE scores and low myostatin levels had poor prognoses (log-rank test: P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS A low serum myostatin concentration at diagnosis was associated with poor clinical outcomes. Assessment of circulating myostatin levels may improve the prediction of outcomes in patients with PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manabu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Tatsuro Sugaya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yosuke Takahata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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5
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Montano-Loza AJ, Lytvyak E, Hirschfield G, Hansen BE, Ebadi M, Berney T, Toso C, Magini G, Villamil A, Nevens F, Van den Ende N, Pares A, Ruiz P, Terrabuio D, Trivedi PJ, Abbas N, Donato MF, Yu L, Landis C, Dumortier J, Dyson JK, van der Meer AJ, de Veer R, Pedersen M, Mayo M, Manns MP, Taubert R, Theresa K, Belli LS, Mazzarelli C, Stirnimann G, Floreani A, Cazzagon N, Russo FP, Burra P, Zigmound U, Houri I, Carbone M, Mulinacci G, Fagiuoli S, Pratt DS, Bonder A, Schiano TD, Haydel B, Lohse A, Schramm C, Rüther D, Casu S, Verhelst X, Beretta-Piccoli BT, Robles M, Mason AL, Corpechot C. Prognostic Scores for Ursodeoxycholic Acid-Treated Patients Predict Graft Loss and Mortality in Recurrent Primary Biliary Cholangitis after Liver Transplantation. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00345-3. [PMID: 38821360 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.05.010] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Recurrent primary biliary cholangitis (rPBC) develops in approximately 30% of patients and negatively impacts graft and overall patient survival after liver transplantation (LT). There is a lack of data regarding the response rate to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in rPBC. We evaluated a large, international, multi-center cohort to assess the performance of scores for PBC to predict the risk of graft and overall survival after LT in patients with rPBC. METHODS A total of 332 patients with rPBC after LT were evaluated from 28 centres across Europe, North and South America. The median age at the time of rPBC was 58.0 years [IQR 53.2 - 62.6], and 298 patients (90%) were females. The biochemical response was measured with serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin, and Paris-2, GLOBE and UK-PBC scores at 1 year after UDCA initiation. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 8.7 years [IQR 4.3 - 12.9] after rPBC diagnosis, 52 patients (16%) had graft loss and 103 (31%) died. After 1 year of UDCA initiation the histological stage at rPBC (HR, 3.97, 95%CI 1.36-11.55, P=0.01), use of prednisone (HR 3.18, 95%CI 1.04-9.73, P=0.04), ALP xULN (HR 1.59, 95%CI 1.26-2.01, P<0.001), Paris-2 criteria (HR 4.14, 95%CI 1.57-10.92, P=0.004), GLOBE score (HR 2.82, 95%CI 1.71-4.66, P<0.001), and the UK-PBC score (HR 1.06, 95%CI 1.03-1.09, P<0.001) were associated with graft survival in the multivariate analysis. Similar results were found in the overall survival analysis. CONCLUSION Patients with rPBC and disease activity as indicated by standard PBC risk scores have impaired outcomes, supporting efforts to treat recurrent disease in similar ways to pre-transplant PBC. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS One in three people who have liver transplantation for primary biliary cholangitis develop recurrent disease in their new liver. Patients with recurrent primary biliary cholangitis and incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid according to conventional prognostic scores have worse clinical outcomes, with higher risk of graft loss and mortality in similar ways to the disease before liver transplantation. Our results emphasized supporting efforts to treat recurrent disease in similar ways to pre-transplant primary biliary cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Bettina E Hansen
- Dept of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands and IHPME, University of Toronto & Toronto Center for Liver Disease, UHN, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Maryam Ebadi
- University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | | | | | - Alejandra Villamil
- Unidad de Autoinmunidad Hepática, Sección de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Division Liver and Biliopancreatic Disorders, Leuven, Belgium.
| | | | | | - Pablo Ruiz
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.
| | | | | | - Nadir Abbas
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Maria Francesca Donato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Fondazione IRCCS Maggiore Hospital Policlinico Milan, Italy.
| | - Lei Yu
- University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
| | | | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Hospices civils de Lyon, Edouard Herriot Hospital Hepatogastroenterology Unit, and University of Lyon, Lyon, France.
| | | | | | | | - Mark Pedersen
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
| | - Marlyn Mayo
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
| | | | - Richard Taubert
- Dept. Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Kirchner Theresa
- Dept. Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation UNIT, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo & Department of Medicine, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
| | | | - Alan Bonder
- Liver Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | | | | | - Ansgar Lohse
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Christoph Schramm
- Martin Zeitz Center for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.
| | - Darius Rüther
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Christophe Corpechot
- Reference centre for inflammatory biliary diseases and auto-immune hepatitis, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France.
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6
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Tababi R, Mrabet S, Akkari I, Harbi R, Jazia EB. Prognostic scores in primary biliary cholangitis. Future Sci OA 2024; 10:FSO975. [PMID: 38817394 PMCID: PMC11137771 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2023-0203] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Evaluating prognostic scores' utility in predicting ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) biochemical response (BR) and long-term liver-related complications in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients. Patients & methods: This retrospective single-center study included 50 predominantly female PBC patients (median age: 56) on UDCA treatment. BR was defined by Paris II criteria. Liver-related complications during a median 76-month follow-up were assessed. APRI, ALBI, Mayo, GLOBE and UK-PBC scores were calculated. Results: 64% achieved BR, while 40% experienced liver-related complications. All scores showed good BR prediction (concordance statistics: 0.76-0.94) and excellent negative predictive values for 5-year liver complications (concordance statistics: 0.73-0.89). Conclusion: Implementing these scores in clinical practice is encouraged due to their effectiveness in predicting BR- and liver-related events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramzi Tababi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
| | - Soumaya Mrabet
- Department of Gastroenterology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
| | - Imen Akkari
- Department of Gastroenterology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
| | - Raida Harbi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
| | - Elhem Ben Jazia
- Department of Gastroenterology, Farhat Hached University Hospital, Sousse, 4000, Tunisia
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Akepati PR, Gochanour EM. Investigational farnesoid X receptor agonists for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2024:1-12. [PMID: 38676426 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2024.2348743] [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: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Up to 40% of Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients have a suboptimal response to Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). Close to half of such patients show a remarkable improvement when additionally treated with Obeticholic acid (OCA) but have a dose-dependent increase of pruritus. This relative success of OCA, a first-in-class Farnesoid receptor (FXR) agonist, has positioned FXR as an attractive target for drug development. Novel candidates have since emerged, providing hope for this subgroup of patients who lack effective and safe treatments. AREAS COVERED We discussed the role of bile acids in PBC pathogenesis and how the FXR agonists provide therapeutic value by affecting bile acid synthesis and transport. Novel FXR agonists undergoing pre-clinical and clinical trials for PBC were enlisted via literature search by including the terms 'FXR agonists,' 'FXR PBC,' 'PBC clinical trials' on PubMed, MEDLINE via Ovid, and Clinicaltrials.gov. EXPERT OPINION Novel FXR agonists currently under investigation for PBC improve the disease surrogate markers in early trials. However, as with OCA, pruritus remains a concern with the newer drugs despite targeted chemical modifications to increase FXR specificity. Directing future resources toward studying the molecular mechanisms behind pruritus may lead to better drug design and efficacious yet safer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prithvi Reddy Akepati
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Eric M Gochanour
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
- The Gastroenterology Center, Valley View Hospital, Glenwood Springs, CO, USA
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8
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Lange CM, Weismüller TJ, Strassburg CP. [Liver transplantation in viral and autoimmune liver diseases]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 65:357-364. [PMID: 38446182 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-024-01675-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite substantial progress in the management of viral and autoimmune liver diseases, these entities remain relevant indications for liver transplantation. AIMS To provide an overview of the current knowledge regarding the management of viral and autoimmune liver diseases before and after liver transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Selective literature search, including current guidelines and abstracts of key scientific meetings. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Viral and autoimmune liver disease can be effectively treated in most cases, which has resulted in an overall decline in liver transplantations for this indication group. However, hepatitis D infection and primary sclerosing cholangitis remain difficult-to-treat liver diseases in some patients and may progress to end-stage liver disease despite best possible management. Viral or autoimmune hepatitis can lead to fulminant liver failure requiring emergency liver transplantation. In patients who are transplanted due to viral or autoimmune liver disease, specific measures to prevent recurrence of these diseases after transplantation are mandatory. In view of effective treatment modalities for chronic hepatitis B and C, even liver grafts from donors infected with these viruses can be considered for liver transplantation under certain circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian M Lange
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin II, LMU Klinikum der Universität München, Marchioninistr. 15, 81337, München, Deutschland.
| | - Tobias J Weismüller
- Klinik für Innere Medizin - Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Vivantes Humboldt-Klinikum, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Christian P Strassburg
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, Gebäude 26, 53127, Bonn, Deutschland.
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9
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Hofer BS, Burghart L, Halilbasic E, Simbrunner B, Petrenko O, Mandorfer M, Stättermayer AF, Trauner M, Reiberger T. Evaluation of potential hepatic recompensation criteria in patients with PBC and decompensated cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:962-972. [PMID: 38409879 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17908] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aetiological therapy improves liver function and may enable hepatic recompensation in decompensated cirrhosis. AIMS We explored the potential for recompensation in patients with decompensated primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) - considering a biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) according to Paris-II criteria as a surrogate for successful aetiological treatment. METHODS Patients with PBC were retrospectively included at the time of first decompensation. Recompensation was defined as (i) resolution of ascites and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) despite discontinuation of diuretic/HE therapy, (ii) absence of variceal bleeding and (iii) sustained liver function improvement. RESULTS In total, 42 patients with PBC with decompensated cirrhosis (age: 63.5 [IQR: 51.9-69.2] years; 88.1% female; MELD-Na: 13.5 [IQR: 11.0-15.0]) were included and followed for 41.9 (IQR: 11.0-70.9) months after decompensation. Seven patients (16.7%) achieved recompensation. Lower MELD-Na (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR]: 0.90; p = 0.047), bilirubin (SHR per mg/dL: 0.44; p = 0.005) and alkaline phosphatase (SHR per 10 U/L: 0.67; p = 0.001) at decompensation, as well as variceal bleeding as decompensating event (SHR: 4.37; p = 0.069), were linked to a higher probability of recompensation. Overall, 33 patients were treated with UDCA for ≥1 year and 12 (36%) achieved Paris-II response criteria. Recompensation occurred in 5/12 (41.7%) and in 2/21 (9.5%) patients with vs. without UDCA response at 1 year, respectively. Recompensation was linked to a numerically improved transplant-free survival (HR: 0.46; p = 0.335). Nonetheless, 4/7 recompensated patients presented with liver-related complications after developing hepatic malignancy and/or portal vein thrombosis and 2 eventually died. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PBC and decompensated cirrhosis may achieve hepatic recompensation under UDCA therapy. However, since liver-related complications still occur after recompensation, patients should remain under close follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Silvester Hofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lukas Burghart
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
- Klinik Ottakring, Wiener Gesundheitsverbund, Vienna, Austria
| | - Emina Halilbasic
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oleksandr Petrenko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Albert Friedrich Stättermayer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Lab, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Rare Liver Diseases (RALID) Center of the ERN RARE-LIVER at the Vienna General Hospital, Vienna, Austria
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10
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Barten TRM, Atsma F, van der Meer AJ, Gansevoort R, Nevens F, Drenth JPH, Gevers TJG. Higher need for polycystic liver disease therapy in female patients: Sex-specific association between liver volume and need for therapy. Hepatology 2024; 79:551-559. [PMID: 37725713 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000602] [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: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Prognostic tools or biomarkers are urgently needed in polycystic liver disease (PLD) to monitor disease progression and evaluate treatment outcomes. Total liver volume (TLV) is currently used to assess cross-sectional disease severity, and female patients typically have larger livers than males. Therefore, this study explores the sex-specific association between TLV and volume-reducing therapy (VRT). APPROACH AND RESULTS In this prospective cohort study, we included patients with PLD from European treatment centers. We explored sex-specific differences in the association between baseline TLV and initiation of volume-reducing therapy and determined the cumulative incidence rates of volume-reducing therapy in our cohort.We included 358 patients, of whom 157 (43.9%) received treatment. Treated patients had a higher baseline TLV (median TLV 2.16 vs. 4.34 liter, p < 0.001), were more frequently female (69.7% vs. 89.8%, p < 0.001), and had a higher risk of liver events (HR 4.381, p < 0.001). The cumulative volume-reducing therapy rate at 1 year of follow-up was 21.0% for females compared to 9.1% for males. Baseline TLV was associated with volume-reducing therapy, and there was an interaction with sex (HR females 1.202, p < 0.001; HR males 1.790, p < 0.001; at 1.5 l). CONCLUSION Baseline TLV is strongly associated with volume-reducing therapy initiation at follow-up in patients with PLD, with sex-specific differences in this association. Disease staging systems should use TLV to predict the need for future volume-reducing therapy in PLD separately for males and females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thijs R M Barten
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Femke Atsma
- Scientific Institute for Quality of Healthcare, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Gansevoort
- Department of Nephrology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University Hospital Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Frederik Nevens
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Nutrim School for Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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11
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Yang J, Jiang S, Fan Q, Wen D, Liu Y, Wang K, Yang H, Guo C, Zhou X, Guo G, Shang Y, Han Y. Prevalence and effect on prognosis of sarcopenia in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1346165. [PMID: 38487027 PMCID: PMC10937409 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1346165] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sarcopenia adversely affects the treatment outcomes in Cirrhosis and NAFLD. However, such research is limited in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients. This study was performed to examine the prevalence of sarcopenia and its impact on PBC patients' prognoses. Methods This study enrolled confirmed PBC patients who had an abdominal CT scan. Sarcopenia was determined by the L3-skeletal muscle index with a Chinese population-based cut-off value. Laboratory test values and liver stiffness measurements values were obtained from the electronic medical records. Results In total, 174 PBC patients with a median age of 54 (IQR, 48, 62) years old, were enrolled. 45 (25.9%) patients among them were diagnosed with sarcopenia. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression results illustrated that male gender (OR = 9.152, 95%CI = 3.131-26.751, p < 0.001) and LSM ≥ 12.8 kPa (OR = 4.539, 95%CI = 1.651, 12.478, p = 0.003) were the independent risk factors of sarcopenia in PBC patients. In the prognosis analysis, sarcopenia was determined as a risk factor for indicating adverse events in PBC patients (HR = 4.058, 95%CI = 1.955-8.424, p < 0.001) by Cox proportional hazards regression. Conclusion The current findings illustrate that comprehensive evaluation and management of sarcopenia may contribute to the improvement of treatment outcomes and life quality of PBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Yang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Shuangshuang Jiang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qingling Fan
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Didi Wen
- Department of Radiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kemei Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Changcun Guo
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Guanya Guo
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yulong Shang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
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12
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Hirschfield GM, Bowlus CL, Mayo MJ, Kremer AE, Vierling JM, Kowdley KV, Levy C, Villamil A, Ladrón de Guevara Cetina AL, Janczewska E, Zigmond E, Jeong SH, Yilmaz Y, Kallis Y, Corpechot C, Buggisch P, Invernizzi P, Londoño Hurtado MC, Bergheanu S, Yang K, Choi YJ, Crittenden DB, McWherter CA. A Phase 3 Trial of Seladelpar in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. N Engl J Med 2024; 390:783-794. [PMID: 38381664 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2312100] [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] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Effective treatments for patients with primary biliary cholangitis are limited. Seladelpar, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta agonist, has potential benefits. METHODS In this phase 3, 12-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, we randomly assigned (in a 2:1 ratio) patients who had had an inadequate response to or who had a history of unacceptable side effects with ursodeoxycholic acid to receive oral seladelpar at a dose of 10 mg daily or placebo. The primary end point was a biochemical response, which was defined as an alkaline phosphatase level less than 1.67 times the upper limit of the normal range, with a decrease of 15% or more from baseline, and a normal total bilirubin level at month 12. Key secondary end points were normalization of the alkaline phosphatase level at month 12 and a change in the score on the pruritus numerical rating scale (range, 0 [no itch] to 10 [worst itch imaginable]) from baseline to month 6 among patients with a baseline score of at least 4 (indicating moderate-to-severe pruritus). RESULTS Of the 193 patients who underwent randomization and treatment, 93.8% received ursodeoxycholic acid as standard-of-care background therapy. A greater percentage of the patients in the seladelpar group than in the placebo group had a biochemical response (61.7% vs. 20.0%; difference, 41.7 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27.7 to 53.4, P<0.001). Normalization of the alkaline phosphatase level also occurred in a greater percentage of patients who received seladelpar than of those who received placebo (25.0% vs. 0%; difference, 25.0 percentage points; 95% CI, 18.3 to 33.2, P<0.001). Seladelpar resulted in a greater reduction in the score on the pruritus numerical rating scale than placebo (least-squares mean change from baseline, -3.2 vs. -1.7; least-squares mean difference, -1.5; 95% CI, -2.5 to -0.5, P = 0.005). Adverse events were reported in 86.7% of the patients in the seladelpar group and in 84.6% in the placebo group, and serious adverse events in 7.0% and 6.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In this trial involving patients with primary biliary cholangitis, the percentage of patients who had a biochemical response and alkaline phosphatase normalization was significantly greater with seladelpar than with placebo. Seladelpar also significantly reduced pruritus among patients who had moderate-to-severe pruritus at baseline. The incidence and severity of adverse events were similar in the two groups. (Funded by CymaBay Therapeutics; RESPONSE ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04620733; EudraCT number, 2020-004348-27.).
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon M Hirschfield
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Christopher L Bowlus
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Marlyn J Mayo
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Andreas E Kremer
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - John M Vierling
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Cynthia Levy
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Alejandra Villamil
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Alma L Ladrón de Guevara Cetina
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Ewa Janczewska
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Ehud Zigmond
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Yusuf Yilmaz
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Yiannis Kallis
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Peter Buggisch
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Maria Carlota Londoño Hurtado
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Sandrin Bergheanu
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Ke Yang
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Daria B Crittenden
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
| | - Charles A McWherter
- From the Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto (G.M.H.); the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento (C.L.B.), and CymaBay Therapeutics, Newark (K.Y., Y.-J.C., D.B.C., C.A.M.) - both in California; the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas (M.J.M.), and the Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston (J.M.V.) - both in Texas; the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland (A.E.K.); Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle (K.V.K.); the Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami (C.L.); the Liver Autoimmunity Unit, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires (A.V.); Centro de Investigación y Gastroenterología, Mexico City (A.L.L.G.C.); the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Public Health in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Bytom, Poland (E.J.); the Gastroenterology Institute, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel (E.Z.); the Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seongnam, South Korea (S.-H.J.); the Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey (Y.Y.); Barts Liver Centre, Blizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London (Y.K.); the Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, French Network for Rare Liver Disease in Children and Adults FILFOIE, European Reference Network RARE-LIVER, Saint-Antoine Hospital and Research Center, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Sorbonne University, Paris (C.C.); Liver Centre Hamburg at Ifi-Institute, Hamburg, Germany (P.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, and the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori - both in Monza, Italy (P.I.); the Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, CIBEREHD, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN-LIVER), University of Barcelona, Barcelona (M.C.L.H.); and Saberg Clinical Research, the Hague, the Netherlands (S.B.). Dr. Hirschfield is the Lily and Terry Horner Chair in Autoimmune Liver Disease Research at Toronto General Hospital
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Wang R, Lin Q, Lu Z, Wen H, Hu F, You J, He Y, Fang Y, Bian Z, Hou Q, Ju Z, Wang Y, Lian M, Xiao X, Sheng L, Guo C, Hua J, Tang R, You Z, Chen X, Gershwin ME, Huang Z, Wang Q, Miao Q, Ma X. Immunosuppression induces regression of fibrosis in primary biliary cholangitis with moderate-to-severe interface hepatitis. J Autoimmun 2024; 143:103163. [PMID: 38301505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2023.103163] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), the presence of moderate-to-severe interface hepatitis is associated with a higher risk of liver transplantation and death. This highlights the need for novel treatment approaches. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether combination therapy of UDCA and immunosuppressant (IS) was more effective than UDCA monotherapy. METHODS We conducted a multicenter study involving PBC patients with moderate-to-severe interface hepatitis who underwent paired liver biopsies. Firstly, we compared the efficacy of the combination therapy with UDCA monotherapy on improving biochemistry, histology, survival rates, and prognosis. Subsequently we investigated the predictors of a beneficial response. RESULTS This retrospective cohort study with prospectively collected data was conducted in China from January 2009 to April 2023. Of the 198 enrolled patients, 32 underwent UDCA monotherapy, while 166 received combination therapy, consisting of UDCA combined with prednisolone, prednisolone plus mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), or prednisolone plus azathioprine (AZA). The monotherapy group was treated for a median duration of 37.6 months (IQR 27.5-58.1), and the combination therapy group had a median treatment duration of 39.3 months (IQR 34.5-48.8). The combination therapy showed a significantly greater efficacy in reducing fibrosis compared to UDCA monotherapy, with an 8.3-fold increase in the regression rate (from 6.3% to 52.4%, P < 0.001). Other parameters, including biochemistry, survival rates, and prognosis, supported its effectiveness. Baseline IgG >1.3 × ULN and ALP <2.4 × ULN were identified as predictors of regression following the combination therapy. A predictive score named FRS, combining these variables, accurately identified individuals achieving fibrosis regression with a cut-off point of ≥ -0.163. The predictive value was validated internally and externally. CONCLUSION Combination therapy with IS improves outcomes in PBC patients with moderate-to-severe interface hepatitis compared to UDCA monotherapy. Baseline IgG and ALP are the most significant predictors of fibrosis regression. The new predictive score, FRS, incorporating baseline IgG and ALP, can effectively identify individuals who would benefit from the combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuxiang Lin
- Department of Hepatology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Department of Liver Disease, Affiliated Wuxi Fifth Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Haoyu Wen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangqin Hu
- Division of Hepatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jia You
- Department of Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yonghong He
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital of Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuan Fang
- Department of Hepatopathy, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhaolian Bian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People's Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiuchen Hou
- Department of Liver Disease, Affiliated Wuxi Fifth Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhaoxia Ju
- Department of Liver Disease, Affiliated Wuxi Fifth Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People's Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Min Lian
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Xiao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Canjie Guo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Hua
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengrui You
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Zuxiong Huang
- Department of Hepatology, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Qixia Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China; Division of Infectious Diseases, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qi Miao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai, China; Institute of Aging & Tissue Regeneration, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Ding D, Guo G, Cui L, Jia G, Wang X, Zhang M, Tian S, Zheng L, Liu Y, Hu Y, Xuan G, Yang J, Yang C, Sun R, Deng J, Guo C, Chen Y, Shang Y, Han Y. Prognostic significance of liver stiffness in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: validation of Baveno VII criteria. Hepatol Int 2024; 18:206-215. [PMID: 37725332 PMCID: PMC10857967 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10587-w] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of liver stiffness measurements (LSM) in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) remains to be further elucidated. AIMS To clarify the prognostic role of LSM and to validate the "novel concepts" proposed by the Baveno VII Working Group. METHODS An analysis of the prognostic significance of LSM was performed involving 672 patients. RESULTS LSM and ΔLSM/ΔT were independent risk factors for liver decompensation, liver transplantation, or liver-related death (primary outcomes, p < 0.001, both). A rule of 5 kPa for LSM (10-15-20 kPa) could be used to denote progressively higher relative risks of primary outcomes. Patients with LSM < 10 kPa have a negligible 3-year risk of primary outcomes (< 1%). Cut-off values of 10 and 15 kPa can be used to classify PBC patients into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. A clinically significant decrease in LSM, evaluated at 6, 12, or 24 months elastography tests, was associated with a substantially reduced risk of primary outcomes (p < 0.05, all), which can be defined as a decrease in LSM of > - 20% associated with LSM < 20 kPa or any decrease to LSM < 10 kPa. A clinically significant increase in LSM, evaluated at 6, 12, or 24 months elastography tests, was associated with a substantially raised risk of primary outcomes (p < 0.05, all), which can be defined as an increase in LSM of ≥ + 20% or any increase to LSM ≥ 15 kPa. CONCLUSIONS LSM can be used to monitor disease progression and predict long-term prognosis in patients with PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guanya Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lina Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiufang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Linhua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guoyun Xuan
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiaqi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruiqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Changcun Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Fourth Department of Liver Disease (Difficult & Complicated Liver Diseases and Artificial Liver Center), Beijing You'an Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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15
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Lee J, Park JS. The gut microbiome predicts response to UDCA/CDCA treatment in gallstone patients: comparison of responders and non-responders. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2534. [PMID: 38291113 PMCID: PMC10828362 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53173-2] [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: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The treatment of gallbladder (GB) stones depends on condition severity. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) are commonly used to treat GB stones, but the factors affecting response rates have not been fully identified. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between response to UDCA/CDCA treatment and changes in the gut microbiomes of patients with GB stones with the intention of identifying gut microbiomes that predict susceptibility to UDCA/CDCA treatment and treatment response. In this preliminary, prospective study, 13 patients with GB stones were treated with UDCA/CDCA for 6 months. Patients were classified into responder and non-responder groups based on treatment outcomes. Gut microbiomes were analyzed by 16S rDNA sequencing. Taxonomic compositions and abundances of bacterial communities were analyzed before and after UDCA/CDCA treatment. Alpha and beta diversities were used to assess similarities between organismal compositions. In addition, PICRUSt2 analysis was conducted to identify gut microbial functional pathways. Thirteen patients completed the treatment; 8 (62%) were assigned to the responder group and the remainder to the non-responder group. Low abundances of the Erysipelotrichi lineage were significantly associated with favorable response to UDCA/CDCA treatment, whereas high abundances of Firmicutes phylum indicated no or poor response. Our results suggest that a low abundance of the Erysipelotrichi lineage is significantly associated with a favorable response to UDCA/CDCA and that a high abundance of Firmicutes phylum is indicative of no or poor response. These findings suggest that some gut microbiomes are susceptible to UDCA/CDCA treatment and could be used to predict treatment response in patients with GB stones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungnam Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University Hospital, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Jin-Seok Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Digestive Disease Center, Shihwa Medical Center, 381, Gunjacheon-ro, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
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16
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Mayo MJ, Vierling JM, Bowlus CL, Levy C, Hirschfield GM, Neff GW, Galambos MR, Gordon SC, Borg BB, Harrison SA, Thuluvath PJ, Goel A, Shiffman ML, Swain MG, Jones DEJ, Trivedi P, Kremer AE, Aspinall RJ, Sheridan DA, Dörffel Y, Yang K, Choi YJ, McWherter CA. Open-label, clinical trial extension: Two-year safety and efficacy results of seladelpar in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:186-200. [PMID: 37904314 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Seladelpar is a potent and selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ agonist that targets multiple cell types involved in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), leading to anti-cholestatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-pruritic effects. AIMS To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of seladelpar in patients with PBC. METHODS In an open-label, international, long-term extension study, patients with PBC completing seladelpar lead-in studies continued treatment. Seladelpar was taken orally once daily at doses of 5 or 10 mg with dose adjustment permitted for safety or tolerability. The primary analysis was for safety and the secondary efficacy analysis examined biochemical markers of cholestasis and liver injury. The study was terminated early due to the unexpected histological findings in a concurrent study for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which were subsequently found to predate treatment. Safety and efficacy data were analysed through 2 years. RESULTS There were no serious treatment-related adverse events observed among 106 patients treated with seladelpar for up to 2 years. There were four discontinuations for safety, one possibly related to seladelpar. Among 53 patients who completed 2 years of seladelpar, response rates increased from years 1 to 2 for the composite endpoint (alkaline phosphatase [ALP] <1.67 × ULN, ≥15% decrease in ALP, and total bilirubin ≤ULN) and ALP normalisation from 66% to 79% and from 26% to 42%, respectively. In those with elevated bilirubin at baseline, 43% achieved normalisation at year 2. CONCLUSIONS Seladelpar was safe, and markedly improved biochemical markers of cholestasis and liver injury in patients with PBC. These effects were maintained or improved throughout the second year. CLINICALTRIALS gov: NCT03301506; Clinicaltrialsregister.eu: 2017-003910-16.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlyn J Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - John M Vierling
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Surgery, Division of Abdominal Transplantation, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher L Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | - Guy W Neff
- Covenant Metabolic Specialists LLC, Sarasota and Fort Myers, Florida, USA
| | | | - Stuart C Gordon
- Division of Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian B Borg
- Southern Therapy and Advanced Research LLC, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | | | - Paul J Thuluvath
- Institute of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Aparna Goel
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mitchell L Shiffman
- Liver Institute of Virginia, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Richmond and Newport News, Virginia, USA
| | - Mark G Swain
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - David E J Jones
- Institute of Cellular Medicine and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Palak Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre (BRC), Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Andreas E Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Richard J Aspinall
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
| | - David A Sheridan
- Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth and South West Liver Unit, University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, Plymouth, UK
| | - Yvonne Dörffel
- Medical Outpatient Department, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ke Yang
- Biometrics, CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc, Newark, California, USA
| | - Yun-Jung Choi
- Research and Development, CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc, Newark, California, USA
| | - Charles A McWherter
- Research and Development, CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc, Newark, California, USA
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17
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Kimura N, Takahashi K, Setsu T, Horibata Y, Kaneko Y, Miyazaki H, Ogawa K, Kawata Y, Sakai N, Watanabe Y, Abe H, Kamimura H, Sakamaki A, Yokoo T, Kamimura K, Tsuchiya A, Terai S. Development and validation of machine learning model for predicting treatment responders in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:67-77. [PMID: 37691006 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13966] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Ursodeoxycholic acid is the first-line treatment for primary biliary cholangitis, and treatment response is one of the factors predicting the outcome. To prescribe alternative therapies, clinicians might need additional information before deciphering the treatment response to ursodeoxycholic acid, contributing to a better patient prognosis. In this study, we developed and validated machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict treatment responses using pretreatment data. METHODS This multicenter cohort study included collecting datasets from two data samples. Data 1 included 245 patients from 18 hospitals for ML development, and was divided into (i) training and (ii) development sets. Data 2 (iii: test set) included 51 patients from our hospital for validation. An extreme gradient boosted tree predicted the treatment response in the ML model. The area under the curve was used to evaluate the efficacy of the algorithm. RESULTS Data 1 showed that patients complying with the Paris II treatment response had significantly lower serum alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels than those who did not respond. Three factors, total bilirubin, total protein, and alanine aminotransferase levels were selected as essential variables for prediction. Data 2 showed that patients complying with the Paris II criteria had significantly high prothrombin time and low total bilirubin levels. The area under the curve of extreme gradient boosted tree was good for (ii) (0.811) and (iii) (0.856). CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated the efficacy of ML in predicting the treatment response for patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Early identification of cases requiring additional treatment with our novel ML model may improve prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruhiro Kimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kazuya Takahashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yusuke Horibata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kaneko
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Haruka Miyazaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kohei Ogawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yuzo Kawata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Norihiro Sakai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Atsunori Tsuchiya
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Niigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata, Japan
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18
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Wang H, Li Y, Pu X, Liang X, Tang R, Ma X. MGAT5/TMEM163 variant is associated with prognosis in ursodeoxycholic acid-treated patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:66-74. [PMID: 37845416 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02045-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic immune-mediated liver disease. Previous genome-wide meta-analysis has identified the association between variants in TMEM163 with PBC. Here we aimed to evaluate the association between variants near the reported risk loci of TMEM163 at 2q21.3 and prognosis of PBC patients. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 347 PBC patients treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for at least 1 year. We collected clinical data at diagnosis and 1 year after UDCA treatment. SNPs within 200 kb upstream and downstream of the lead variant were genotyped and screened. RESULTS We identified that rs661899 near MGAT5 and TMEM163 showed the strongest association with prognosis in PBC patients. Patients carrying the rs661899 T allele tended to respond incompletely to UDCA treatment and had worse performances in laboratory values including aspartate aminotransferase (53.5 vs 32 vs 28.5 U/L, p = 0.001), alkaline phosphate (157.25 vs 125 vs 113 U/L, p = 0.001), albumin (41.5 vs 42.3 vs 43.7 g/L, p = 0.008) and bilirubin (19.2 vs 14.9 vs 12.85 μmol/L, p = 0.001). GLOBE scores (p = 4.8 × 10-5) and UK-PBC risk scores (p = 4.6 × 10-4) were strongly correlated with rs661899 genotype. Patients with TT genotype had a higher risk for adverse events compared with CC genotype (p = 0.039) during the 1-year follow-up. Results were also verified in an independent cohort. CONCLUSIONS PBC patients carrying the rs661899 T allele are associated with poor prognosis and adverse outcomes after 1-year UDCA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxiao Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - You Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Xiting Pu
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Xueying Liang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China.
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, Shanghai, 200001, China.
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19
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Tanaka A. New Therapies on the Horizon for Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Drugs 2024; 84:1-15. [PMID: 38082142 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01979-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatic failure if left untreated. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was introduced as a first-line drug for PBC around 1990; it remarkably improved patient outcomes, leading to the nomenclature change of PBC in 2015, from primary biliary "cirrhosis" to primary biliary "cholangitis." Nevertheless, 20-30% of patients exhibit an incomplete response to UDCA, resulting in significantly worse outcomes compared to those with a complete response. Therefore, improving the long-term outcomes of patients with an incomplete response to UDCA has been recognized as an unmet need. In addition, patients with PBC often suffer from a variety of debilitating symptoms, such as pruritus, fatigue and sicca syndrome, which significantly impair their health-related quality of life. Thus, appropriate management of these symptoms is currently regarded as another unmet need for PBC treatment. In this review, several compounds and drugs under clinical trials that can potentially solve these unmet needs are comprehensively discussed, and future directions of treatment policy of PBC are proposed for significantly improving long-term outcome as well as health-related quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.
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20
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Wiedermann CJ. Controversies Surrounding Albumin Use in Sepsis: Lessons from Cirrhosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17606. [PMID: 38139434 PMCID: PMC10743695 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417606] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
This narrative review critically examines the role of albumin in sepsis management and compares it to its well-established application in liver cirrhosis. Albumin, a key plasma protein, is effective in the management of fluid imbalance, circulatory dysfunction, and inflammation-related complications. However, its role in sepsis is more intricate and characterized by ongoing debate and varied results from clinical studies. In sepsis, the potential benefits of albumin include maintaining vascular integrity and modulating inflammation, yet its consistent clinical efficacy is not as definitive as that in cirrhosis. This review evaluated various clinical trials and evidence, highlighting their limitations and providing practical insights for clinicians. It emphasizes identifying sepsis patient subgroups that are most likely to benefit from albumin therapy, particularly exploring the correction of hypoalbuminemia. This condition, which is significantly corrected in patients with cirrhosis, may have similar therapeutic advantages in sepsis. The potential effectiveness of albumin in the low-volume resuscitation and deresuscitation phases of sepsis management was noted. Given the safety concerns observed in cirrhosis, such as pulmonary edema and hypervolemia associated with albumin therapy, cautious integration of albumin into sepsis treatment is mandatory. Personalized albumin therapy is advocated for tailoring strategies to the specific needs of each patient, based on their clinical presentation and underlying conditions. The need for further research to delineate the role of albumin in sepsis pathophysiology is underscored. The review emphasizes the importance of conducting trials to assess the effectiveness of albumin in correcting hypoalbuminemia in sepsis, its impact on patient outcomes, and the establishment of appropriate dosing and administration methods. This approach to albumin use in sepsis management is posited as a way to potentially improve patient outcomes in this complex clinical scenario while being mindful of the lessons learned from its use in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian J. Wiedermann
- Institute of General Practice and Public Health, Claudiana—College of Health Professions, 39100 Bolzano, Italy;
- Department of Public Health, Medical Decision Making and HTA, University of Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology-Tyrol, 6060 Hall, Austria
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21
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D'Amato D, Carbone M. Prognostic models and autoimmune liver diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 67:101878. [PMID: 38103932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2023.101878] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are complex diseases with unknown causes and immune-mediated pathophysiology. In primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) disease modifying drugs are available which improve patient quality and quantity of life. In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) no medical therapy is available and the only accepted treatment is liver transplantation (LT). PBC, PSC and AIH possess features that describe the archetype of patients within each disorder. On the other hand, the classical disorders are not homogeneous, and patients within each diagnosis may present with a range of clinical, biochemical, serological, and histological findings. Singularly, they are considered rare diseases, but together, they account for approximately 20% of LTs in Europe and USA. Management of these patients is complex, as AILDs are relatively uncommon in clinical practice with challenges in developing expertise, disease presentation can be sneaky, clinical phenotypes and disease course are heterogeneous. Prognostic models are key tools for clinicians to assess patients' risk and to provide personalized care to patients. Aim of this review is to discuss challenges of the management of AILDs and how the available prognostic models can help. We will discuss the prognostic models developed in AILDs, with a special focus on the prognostic models that can support the clinical management of patients with AILDs: in PBC models based on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) response and markers of liver fibrosis; in PSC several markers including biochemistry, disease stage and radiological semiquantitative markers; and finally in AIH, markers of disease stage and disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne D'Amato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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Graf M, Lange CM, Langer MM, Schattenberg JM, Seessle J, Dietz J, Vermehren A, Michael FA, Mondorf A, Zeuzem S, Pathil A, Graf C. Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC)-Autoimmune Hepatitis (AIH) Variant Syndrome: Clinical Features, Response to Therapy and Long-Term Outcome. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7047. [PMID: 38002661 PMCID: PMC10672247 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227047] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Standardization of diagnostic criteria of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) variant syndrome (AIH-PBC VS) has not been achieved so far and evidence-based recommendations for monitoring and treatment of the disease are still lacking. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence, biochemical, and serological features, as well as the clinical course, of VS. METHODS We performed a retrospective study including all patients with VS between 1999 and 2020 in four German centers. Data on demographic parameters, biochemical and serological tests, treatment, and outcome were collected. RESULTS Of 90 patients (3.1%) meeting Paris criteria for VS diagnosis, 65.6% showed AIH and PBC histological features, while biochemical Paris criteria were observed comparatively rarely. Further antibodies, which were not part of the diagnostic criteria of VS, were found in a subgroup of patients with available data (ACA: 30.0%; anti-CENP-A: 25.0%; anti-CENP-B: 33.3%; anti-SP100: 21.4%). Biochemical response was more frequently observed in patients treated with a combined therapy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and immunosuppression (IS). Liver cirrhosis was detected in 31 patients (34.4%) and 25 patients (27.8%) developed clinical manifestations of portal hypertension. CONCLUSIONS Biochemical Paris criteria of VS were rarely detected, thus implying that these cut-off values should be redefined. Regarding pharmacological treatment, combined therapy of UDCA and IS appeared to be more effective than monotherapy with UDCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Graf
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Christian M. Lange
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.M.L.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Mona M. Langer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (C.M.L.); (M.M.L.)
| | - Jörn M. Schattenberg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Jessica Seessle
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University of Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
| | - Julia Dietz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Annika Vermehren
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Florian A. Michael
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonia Mondorf
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Stefan Zeuzem
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Anita Pathil
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
| | - Christiana Graf
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (M.G.); (J.D.); (A.V.); (F.A.M.); (A.M.); (S.Z.); (A.P.)
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23
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Pompili E, Zaccherini G, Baldassarre M, Iannone G, Caraceni P. Albumin administration in internal medicine: A journey between effectiveness and futility. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 117:28-37. [PMID: 37423819 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Albumin is the most abundant circulating protein and provides about 70% of the plasma oncotic power. The molecule also carries many other biological functions (binding, transport and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous compounds, antioxidation, and modulation of inflammatory and immune responses). Hypoalbuminemia is a frequent finding in many diseases, representing usually only a biomarker of poor prognosis rather than a primary pathophysiological event. Despite that, albumin is prescribed in many conditions based on the assumption that correction of hypoalbuminemia would lead to clinical benefits for the patients. Unfortunately, many of these indications are not supported by scientific evidence (or have been even disproved), so that a large part of albumin use is nowadays still inappropriate. Decompensated cirrhosis is the clinical area where albumin administration has been extensively studied and solid recommendations can be made. Besides prevention and treatment of acute complications, long-term albumin administration in patients with ascites has emerged in the last decade has a potential new disease-modifying treatment. In non-hepatological settings, albumin is widely used for fluid resuscitation in sepsis and critical illnesses, with no clear superiority over crystalloids. In many other conditions, scientific evidence supporting albumin prescription is weak or even absent. Thus, given its high cost and limited availability, action is needed to avoid the use of albumin for inappropriate and futile indications to ensure its availability in those conditions for which albumin has been demonstrated to have a real effectiveness and an advantage for the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Pompili
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Unit of Semeiotics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Giacomo Zaccherini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Unit of Semeiotics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Baldassarre
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Centre for Applied Biomedical Research (CRBA), Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Iannone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Unit of Semeiotics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Caraceni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, Italy; Unit of Semeiotics, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Italy.
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24
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Ding D, Ren P, Guo G, Liu Y, Yang C, Zheng L, Jia G, Deng J, Sun R, Wang X, Zhou X, Shang Y, Han Y. Fenofibrate normalizes alkaline phosphatase and improves long-term outcomes in patients with advanced primary biliary cholangitis refractory to ursodeoxycholic acid. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2023; 46:692-701. [PMID: 36632973 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although patients with advanced liver disease have been included in studies evaluating fibrates for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), the frequency of biochemical responses and adverse effects for this group of patients was not reported separately and comprehensively. AIMS to evaluate the efficacy and safety of additional fenofibrate therapy in patients with advanced and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA)-refractory PBC. METHODS Patients were analyzed retrospectively to determine the clinical therapeutic effects of UDCA with additional fenofibrate therapy versus continued UDCA monotherapy. The liver transplantation (LT)-free survival and the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) normalization rates were estimated using Cox regression analyses and Kaplan-Meier plots with inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). RESULTS A total of 118 patients were included: 54 received UDCA alone and 64 received UDCA in combination with fenofibrate therapy. In the fenofibrate and UDCA groups, 37% and 11% of patients with advanced and UDCA-refractory PBC, respectively, achieved ALP normalization (P=0.001). Additional fenofibrate therapy improved both LT-free survival and ALP normalization rate after IPTW (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.23, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.07-0.75, P=0.015; and HR: 11.66, 95% CI: 5.02-27.06, P=0.001, respectively). These effects were supported by parallel changes in the rates of liver decompensation and histologic progression, and the United Kingdom (UK)-PBC and Globe risk scores. During the follow-up period, serum levels of ALP and aminotransferase decreased significantly, while total bilirubin, albumin, platelet, serum creatinine, and estimated glomerular filtration rate remained stable in fenofibrate-treated participants. No fenofibrate-related significant adverse events were observed in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS Additional fenofibrate therapy significantly improved LT-free survival and ALP normalization in patients with advanced and UDCA-refractory PBC. Furthermore, adding-on fenofibrate therapy appeared to be safe and well tolerated in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawei Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengwei Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guanya Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yansheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunmei Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Linhua Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Gui Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juan Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ruiqing Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiufang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xinmin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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25
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Liu Y, Guo G, Zheng L, Sun R, Wang X, Deng J, Jia G, Yang C, Cui L, Guo C, Shang Y, Han Y. Effectiveness of Fenofibrate in Treatment-Naive Patients With Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:1973-1979. [PMID: 36892506 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002238] [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: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a progressive autoimmune liver disease, and patients with inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment show reduced long-term survival. Recent studies have shown that fenofibrate is an effective off-label therapy for PBC. However, prospective studies on biochemical response including the timing of fenofibrate administration are lacking. This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of fenofibrate in UDCA treatment-naive patients with PBC. METHODS A total of 117 treatment-naive patients with PBC were recruited from the Xijing Hospital for a 12-month randomized, parallel, and open-label clinical trial. Study participants were assigned to receive either UDCA standard dose (UDCA-only group) or fenofibrate at a daily dose of 200 mg in addition to UDCA (UDCA-Fenofibrate group). RESULTS The primary outcome was biochemical response percentage in patients according to the Barcelona criterion at 12 months. In the UDCA-Fenofibrate group, 81.4% (69.9%-92.9%) of patients achieved the primary outcome and 64.3% (51.9%-76.8%) in the UDCA-only group achieved the primary outcome ( P = 0.048). There was no difference between the 2 groups in noninvasive measures of liver fibrosis and biochemical markers other than alkaline phosphatase at 12 months. Creatinine and transaminases levels in the UDCA-Fenofibrate group increased within the first month, then returned to normal, and remained stable thereafter until the end of the study, even in patients with cirrhosis. DISCUSSION In this randomized clinical trial in treatment-naive patients with PBC, the combination of fenofibrate and UDCA resulted in a significantly higher biochemical response rate. Fenofibrate seemed to be well-tolerated in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansheng Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases and Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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26
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Jin Y, Wang M, Liu Y, Xu A. Antimitochondrial antibody associated with liver cirrhosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35617. [PMID: 37861502 PMCID: PMC10589553 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035617] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) serves as a serological marker for diagnosing primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, the association between AMA and prognosis for PBC patients remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AMA and cirrhosis in PBC patients. This retrospective study enrolled 225 PBC patients, including 127 with liver cirrhosis and 98 without cirrhosis. AMA was tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with rat kidney as the substrate. AMA-M2 and M2-3E were detected by line immunoassay (LIA). The overall positivity rate for AMA detection in PBC patients was 80.9%. The positivity rates of IIF-AMA, AMA-M2, and M2-3E were significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis (73.2% vs. 52.0%, 74.0% vs. 51.0%, and 80.3% vs. 60.2%, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression, IIF-AMA (OR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.59-5.87), AMA-M2 (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.61-6.01), and M2-3E (OR: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.63-6.66) remained significantly associated with an increased incidence of liver cirrhosis. Moreover, in multinomial logistic regression, IIF-AMA (compensated cirrhosis, OR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.49-8.44; decompensated cirrhosis, OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.32-6.18), AMA-M2 (compensated cirrhosis, OR: 4.74, 95% CI: 1.94-11.58; decompensated cirrhosis, OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.19-5.33), and M2-3E (compensated cirrhosis, OR: 4.92, 95% CI: 1.74-13.96; decompensated cirrhosis, OR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.28-6.64) were all found to be associated with different stages of liver cirrhosis. AMA was found to be associated with the occurrence of liver cirrhosis in PBC patients. Additionally, AMA was also related to different stages of liver cirrhosis, including compensated and decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miaochan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aifang Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Tian S, Hu Y, Zhang M, Wang K, Guo G, Li B, Shang Y, Han Y. Integrative bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation of key biomarkers for risk stratification in primary biliary cholangitis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:186. [PMID: 37784152 PMCID: PMC10544390 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03163-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease, whose etiology is yet to be fully elucidated. Currently, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the only first-line drug. However, 40% of PBC patients respond poorly to it and carry a potential risk of disease progression. So, in this study, we aimed to explore new biomarkers for risk stratification in PBC patients to enhance treatment. METHODS We first downloaded the clinical characteristics and microarray datasets of PBC patients from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and subjected to enrichment analysis. Hub genes were further validated in multiple public datasets and PBC mouse model. Furthermore, we also verified the expression of the hub genes and developed a predictive model in our clinical specimens. RESULTS A total of 166 DEGs were identified in the GSE79850 dataset, including 95 upregulated and 71 downregulated genes. Enrichment analysis indicated that DEGs were significantly enriched in inflammatory or immune-related process. Among these DEGs, 15 risk-related genes were recognized and further validated in the GSE119600 cohort. Then, TXNIP, CD44, ENTPD1, and PDGFRB were identified as candidate hub genes. Finally, we proceeded to the next screening with these four genes in our serum samples and developed a three-gene panel. The gene panel could effectively identify those patients at risk of disease progression, yielding an AUC of 0.777 (95% CI, 0.657-0.870). CONCLUSIONS In summary, combining bioinformatics analysis and experiment validation, we identified TXNIP, CD44, and ENTPD1 as promising biomarkers for risk stratification in PBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yinan Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kemei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guanya Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yulong Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Ying Han
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Xijing Hospital of Digestive Diseases, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, Shaanxi, China.
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Gazda J, Drazilova S, Gazda M, Janicko M, Koky T, Macej M, Carbone M, Jarcuska P. Treatment response to ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cholangitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:1318-1327. [PMID: 36593158 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2022.12.010] [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: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment response definitions have been introduced in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, the lack of a gold standard results in heterogeneity in second-line treatment research and clinical practice. AIMS This study aimed to explore which UDCA treatment response endpoint serves as the most accurate predictive model of long-term outcome. METHODS A systematic review and meta-analysis of UDCA treatment response endpoints (and corresponding validations) were performed. RESULTS Sixteen individual UDCA treatment response endpoints and 96 external validations were found. Barcelona, Paris-1, Paris-2, Rotterdam, Toronto and GLOBE and UK-PBC Risk Scores are currently most robustly validated in external populations. The results show that the continuous models (GLOBE and UK-PBC Risk Scores) serve as the most accurate predictive models. Besides standard UDCA treatment response endpoints, the alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin normalization has been suggested as a new therapeutic target. CONCLUSIONS The GLOBE and UK-PBC Risk Scores are the most suitable for the real-world allocation of second-line therapies (obeticholic acid and fibrates). However, in the wake of the recent findings, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin normalization should be the primary outcome in trial research in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Gazda
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, Trieda SNP 1, 040 12, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Sylvia Drazilova
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, Trieda SNP 1, 040 12, Kosice, Slovakia.
| | - Matej Gazda
- Intelligent Information Systems Laboratory, Technical University of Kosice, Bozeny Nemcovej 32, 04201 Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Martin Janicko
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, Trieda SNP 1, 040 12, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Koky
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, Trieda SNP 1, 040 12, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Marian Macej
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, Trieda SNP 1, 040 12, Kosice, Slovakia
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Centre for Autoimmune Liver Disease, University of Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell'Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Peter Jarcuska
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, Pavol Jozef Safarik University and Louis Pasteur University Hospital, Trieda SNP 1, 040 12, Kosice, Slovakia
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Matsumoto K, Hirohara J, Takeuchi A, Miura R, Asaoka Y, Nakano T, Tanaka A. Determinants of the effectiveness of bezafibrate combined with ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Hepatol Res 2023; 53:989-997. [PMID: 37291072 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS For patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) exhibiting suboptimal responses to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), obeticholic acid (OCA), and bezafibrate (BZF) are currently used and shown to improve long-term outcomes. Nevertheless, we encounter patients who die or undergo liver transplantation (LT) even with combination treatment. In this study, we explored prognostic indicators in patients receiving combination treatment of UDCA and BZF. METHODS We took advantage of the Japanese PBC registry and enrolled patients who received both UDCA and BZF therapy in 2000 or later. The covariates investigated included baseline covariates as well as treatment covariates. Two main outcomes (all-cause death or LT and liver-related death or LT) were assessed using multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS In total, 772 patients were included. The median follow-up was 7.1 years. Using the Cox regression model, bilirubin (hazard ratio [HR] 6.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.73-27.1, p = 0.006), alkaline phosphatase (HR 5.46, 95% CI 1.32-22.6, p = 0.019), and histological stage (HR 4.87, 95% CI 1.16-20.5, p = 0.031) were found associated with LT-free survival. For survival free from liver disease-related death or LT, albumin (HR 7.72, 95% CI 1.48-40.4, p = 0.016) and bilirubin (HR 14.5, 95% CI 2.37-88.5, p = 0.004) were found significantly associated. CONCLUSION In patients with PBC receiving combination therapy, prognostic variables were similar to those in patients receiving UDCA monotherapy. These results indicate the importance of diagnosing patients with PBC at an earlier stage because of the reduced effectiveness of BZF at advanced stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Hirohara
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihito Takeuchi
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Miura
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshinari Asaoka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Nakano
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Martini F, Balducci D, Mancinelli M, Buzzanca V, Fracchia E, Tarantino G, Benedetti A, Marzioni M, Maroni L. Risk Stratification in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5713. [PMID: 37685780 PMCID: PMC10488776 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175713] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease with a heterogeneous presentation, symptomatology, disease progression, and response to therapy. The current risk stratification assessment, aimed at identifying patients with a higher risk of disease progression, encompasses an in-depth analysis of demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, antibody profiles, and the evaluation of liver fibrosis using both invasive and noninvasive techniques. Treatment response scores after one year of therapy remain to date a major factor influencing the prognosis of PBC patients. While the initial therapeutic approach with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is universally applied, new second-line treatment options have recently emerged, with many others under investigation. Consequently, the prevailing one-size-fits-all approach is poised to be supplanted by tailored strategies, ensuring high-risk patients receive the most appropriate treatment regimen from diagnosis. This will require the development of a risk prediction model to assess, at the time of diagnosis, the course, outcome, and response to first and additional treatments of PBC patients. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging tools used for risk stratification in PBC and speculates on how these developments might shape the disease landscape in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Martini
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (E.F.); (G.T.); (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.M.)
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Feng J, Xu JM, Fu HY, Xie N, Bao WM, Tang YM. Prognostic scores in primary biliary cholangitis patients with advanced disease. World J Gastrointest Surg 2023; 15:1774-1783. [PMID: 37701680 PMCID: PMC10494590 DOI: 10.4240/wjgs.v15.i8.1774] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the chronic progressive disease characteristics of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), patients with advanced PBC should not be ignored. Most prognostic score studies have focused on early stage PBC. AIM To compare the prognostic value of various risk scores in advanced PBC to help PBC patients obtain more monitoring and assessment. METHODS This study considered patients diagnosed with PBC during hospitalization between 2015 and 2021. The clinical stage was primarily middle and late, and patients usually took ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) after diagnosis. The discriminatory performance of the scores was assessed with concordance statistics at baseline and after 1 year of UDCA treatment. Telephone follow-up was conducted to analyze the course and disease-associated outcomes. The follow-up deadline was December 31, 2021. We compared the risk score indexes between those patients who reached a composite end point of death or liver transplantation (LT) and those who remained alive at the deadline. The combined performance of prognostic scores in estimating the risk of death or LT after 1 year of UDCA treatment was assessed using Cox regression analyses. Predictive accuracy was evaluated by comparing predicted and actual survival through Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS We included 397 patients who were first diagnosed with PBC during hospitalization and received UDCA treatment; most disease stages were advanced. After an average of 6.4 ± 1.4 years of follow-up, 82 patients had died, and 4 patients had undergone LT. After receiving UDCA treatment for 1 year, the score with the best discrimination performance was the Mayo, with a concordance statistic of 0.740 (95% confidence interval: 0.690-0.791). The albumin-bilirubin, GLOBE, and Mayo scores tended to overestimate transplant-free survival. Comparing 7 years of calibration results showed that the Mayo score was the best model. CONCLUSION The Mayo, GLOBE, UK-PBC, and ALBI scores demonstrated comparable discriminating performance for advanced stage PBC. The Mayo score showed optimal discriminatory performance and excellent predictive accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Jia-Min Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Hai-Yan Fu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Nan Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Wei-Min Bao
- Department of General Surgery, Yunnan Provincial First People’s Hospital, Kunming 650032, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Ying-Mei Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650101, Yunnan Province, China
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Rigamonti C, De Benedittis C, Labanca S, Vanni E, Morgando A, Manfredi GF, Azzolina D, Cittone MG, Giannini EG, Saracco GM, Pirisi M. Excellent outcome in patients with primary biliary cholangitis in Northwest Italy followed up for up to 30 years. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:899-906. [PMID: 37395243 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002582] [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] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare chronic autoimmune cholangiopathy, characterized by a variable course and response to treatment. We aimed to describe long-term outcomes of PBC patients referred to three academic centres in Northwest Italy. METHODS This is an ambispective cohort study of PBC patients (retrospective component: diagnosis before 1 January 2019; prospective component: thereafter), including 302 patients: 101 (33%) followed up in Novara, 86 (28%) in Turin, 115 (38%) in Genoa. Clinical features at diagnosis, biochemical response to therapy and survival were analyzed. RESULTS Among the 302 patients (88% women, median age 55 years, median follow-up 75 months), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels significantly decreased during treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, P < 0.0001) and obeticholic acid (P < 0.0001). At multivariate analysis, ALP at diagnosis was predictive of 1-year biochemical response to UDCA [odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-9, P < 0.001]. Estimated median survival free of liver transplantation and hepatic complications was 30 years (95% CI 19-41). Bilirubin level at diagnosis was the only independent risk factor for the combined outcome of death, transplantation or hepatic decompensation (hazard ratio, 1.65, 95% CI 1.66-2.56, P = 0.02). Patients presenting with total bilirubin at diagnosis ≥0.6 times the upper normal limit (ULN) had a significantly lower 10-year survival compared to those with bilirubin <0.6 times ULN (63% vs. 97%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In PBC, both short-term response to UDCA and long-term survival can be predicted by simple conventional biomarkers of disease severity, obtained at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Carla De Benedittis
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Sara Labanca
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa
| | - Ester Vanni
- SC Gastroenterology, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin
| | - Anna Morgando
- SC Gastroenterology, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin
| | - Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Danila Azzolina
- Department of Environment and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micol Giulia Cittone
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Edoardo Giovanni Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa
| | | | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
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Hirschfield GM, Shiffman ML, Gulamhusein A, Kowdley KV, Vierling JM, Levy C, Kremer AE, Zigmond E, Andreone P, Gordon SC, Bowlus CL, Lawitz EJ, Aspinall RJ, Pratt DS, Raikhelson K, Gonzalez-Huezo MS, Heneghan MA, Jeong SH, Ladrón de Guevara AL, Mayo MJ, Dalekos GN, Drenth JP, Janczewska E, Leggett BA, Nevens F, Vargas V, Zuckerman E, Corpechot C, Fassio E, Hinrichsen H, Invernizzi P, Trivedi PJ, Forman L, Jones DE, Ryder SD, Swain MG, Steinberg A, Boudes PF, Choi YJ, McWherter CA. Seladelpar efficacy and safety at 3 months in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: ENHANCE, a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Hepatology 2023; 78:397-415. [PMID: 37386786 PMCID: PMC10344437 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS ENHANCE was a phase 3 study that evaluated efficacy and safety of seladelpar, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPAR) agonist, versus placebo in patients with primary biliary cholangitis with inadequate response or intolerance to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA). APPROACH AND RESULTS Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to oral seladelpar 5 mg (n=89), 10 mg (n=89), placebo (n=87) daily (with UDCA, as appropriate). Primary end point was a composite biochemical response [alkaline phosphatase (ALP) < 1.67×upper limit of normal (ULN), ≥15% ALP decrease from baseline, and total bilirubin ≤ ULN] at month 12. Key secondary end points were ALP normalization at month 12 and change in pruritus numerical rating scale (NRS) at month 6 in patients with baseline score ≥4. Aminotransferases were assessed. ENHANCE was terminated early following an erroneous safety signal in a concurrent, NASH trial. While blinded, primary and secondary efficacy end points were amended to month 3. Significantly more patients receiving seladelpar met the primary end point (seladelpar 5 mg: 57.1%, 10 mg: 78.2%) versus placebo (12.5%) ( p < 0.0001). ALP normalization occurred in 5.4% ( p =0.08) and 27.3% ( p < 0.0001) of patients receiving 5 and 10 mg seladelpar, respectively, versus 0% receiving placebo. Seladelpar 10 mg significantly reduced mean pruritus NRS versus placebo [10 mg: -3.14 ( p =0.02); placebo: -1.55]. Alanine aminotransferase decreased significantly with seladelpar versus placebo [5 mg: 23.4% ( p =0.0008); 10 mg: 16.7% ( p =0.03); placebo: 4%]. There were no serious treatment-related adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) with inadequate response or intolerance to UDCA who were treated with seladelpar 10 mg had significant improvements in liver biochemistry and pruritus. Seladelpar appeared safe and well tolerated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon M. Hirschfield
- University Health Network and Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mitchell L. Shiffman
- Liver Institute of Virginia, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Bon Secours Liver Institute of Richmond, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Bon Secours Liver Institute of Hampton Roads, Newport News, Virginia, USA
| | - Aliya Gulamhusein
- University Health Network and Department of Medicine, Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John M. Vierling
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andreas E. Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ehud Zigmond
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Pietro Andreone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Division of Internal Medicine, Maternal-Infantile and Adult, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Postgraduate School of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Stuart C. Gordon
- Division of Hepatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Christopher L. Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Eric J. Lawitz
- Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Richard J. Aspinall
- Department of Hepatology, Portsmouth Liver Centre, Portsmouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Daniel S. Pratt
- Autoimmune and Cholestatic Liver Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Karina Raikhelson
- Saint Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
- City Hospital 31, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | | | - Michael A. Heneghan
- King’s College Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | | | - Marlyn J. Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Joost P.H. Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ewa Janczewska
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences in Bytom, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
- ID Clinic, Myslowice, Poland
| | - Barbara A. Leggett
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Frederik Nevens
- University Hospitals KU Leuven, Belgium
- Center of European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Victor Vargas
- Liver Unit, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eli Zuckerman
- Liver Unit, Carmel Medical Center, Technion, Faculty of Medicine, Israeli Association for the Study of the Liver, Haifa, Israel
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, Hepatology and Gastroenterology Department (MIVB-H), Filière Maladies Rares: Maladies Rares du Foie de l’Adulte et de l’Enfant (FILFOIE), European Reference Network (ERN) RARE-LIVER, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Assistance Publique-Hopitaux of Paris (AP-HP), Saint-Antoine Hospital, Sorbonne Universités, Paris, France
| | - Eduardo Fassio
- DIM Clínica Privada, Ramos Mejía, Buenos Aires province, Argentina
| | | | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Fondazione IRCCS San Gerardo dei Tintori & European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Monza, Italy
| | - Palak J. Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, University of Birmingham, UK
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham Queen Elizabeth, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Lisa Forman
- University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - David E.J. Jones
- Institute of Cellular Medicine and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stephen D. Ryder
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre at Nottingham University Hospitals National Health Service (NHS) Trust and the University of Nottingham, Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK
| | - Mark G. Swain
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Cho EJ. Predicting Risk in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Gut Liver 2023; 17:491-492. [PMID: 37449431 DOI: 10.5009/gnl230239] [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: 07/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ju Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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35
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Levy C, Manns M, Hirschfield G. New Treatment Paradigms in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2076-2087. [PMID: 36809835 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.02.005] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an archetypal autoimmune disease. Chronic lymphocytic cholangitis is associated with interface hepatitis, ductopenia, cholestasis, and progressive biliary fibrosis. People living with PBC are frequently symptomatic, experiencing a quality-of-life burden dominated by fatigue, itch, abdominal pain, and sicca complex. Although the female predominance, specific serum autoantibodies, immune-mediated cellular injury, as well as genetic (HLA and non-HLA) risk factors, identify PBC as autoimmune, to date treatment has focused on cholestatic consequences. Biliary epithelial homeostasis is abnormal and contributes to disease. The impact of cholangiocyte senescence, apoptosis, and impaired bicarbonate secretion enhances chronic inflammation and bile acid retention. First-line therapy is a non-specific anti-cholestatic agent, ursodeoxycholic acid. For those with residual cholestasis biochemically, obeticholic acid is introduced, and this semisynthetic farnesoid X receptor agonist adds choleretic, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Future PBC licensed therapy will likely include peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) pathway agonists, including specific PPAR-delta agonism (seladelpar), as well as elafibrinor and saroglitazar (both with broader PPAR agonism). These agents dovetail the clinical and trial experience for off-label bezafibrate and fenofibrate use. Symptom management is essential, and encouragingly, PPAR agonists reduce itch; IBAT inhibition (eg, linerixibat) also appears promising for pruritus. For those where liver fibrosis is the target, NOX inhibition is being evaluated. Earlier stage therapies in development include therapy to impact immunoregulation in patients, as well other approaches to treating pruritus (eg, antagonists of MrgprX4). Collectively the PBC therapeutic landscape is exciting. Therapy goals are increasingly proactive and individualized and aspire to rapidly achieve normal serum tests and quality of life with prevention of end-stage liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Levy
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida.
| | | | - Gideon Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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Kim KA, Choi HY, Ki M, Jang ES, Jeong SH. Epidemiological trends and outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis in South Korea between 2009 and 2019. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:682-692. [PMID: 37195516 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01999-4] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no longitudinal studies on the epidemiology of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in Korea. This study aimed to elucidate the temporal trends in the epidemiology and outcomes of PBC in South Korea between 2009 and 2019. METHODS The epidemiology and outcomes of PBC were estimated using data from the Korean National Health Service database. Temporal trends in the PBC incidence and prevalence were analyzed using join-point regression. Transplant-free survival was analyzed according to age, sex, and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS The age and sex-standardized incidence between 2010 and 2019 (total patients, 4230) was 1.03 per 100,000 per year on average and increased from 0.71 to 1.14 per 100,000 with an annual percent change (APC) of 5.5. The age and sex-standardized prevalence between 2009 and 2019 was 8.21 per 100,000 on average and increased from 4.30 to 12.32 per 100,000 with an APC of 10.9. The increasing trend in prevalence was prominent in males and elderly individuals. Among patients with PBC, 98.2% received UDCA with 77.3% adherence. The 5-year transplant-free overall survival rate was 87.8%. Male sex and low adherence to UDCA were associated with all-cause death or transplantation (hazard ratios of 1.59 and 1.89, respectively), and liver-related death or transplantation (hazard ratios of 1.43 and 1.87, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The incidence and prevalence of PBC in Korea increased significantly between 2009 and 2019. Male sex and low adherence to UDCA were poor prognostic factors for PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ah Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, 170 Juhwa-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10380, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hwa Young Choi
- Department of Cancer Control and Policy, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Moran Ki
- Department of Cancer Control and Policy, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sun Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea
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You H, Duan W, Li S, Lv T, Chen S, Lu L, Ma X, Han Y, Nan Y, Xu X, Duan Z, Wei L, Jia J, Zhuang H. Guidelines on the Diagnosis and Management of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (2021). J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:736-746. [PMID: 36969891 PMCID: PMC10037524 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2015, the Chinese Society of Hepatology and the Chinese Society of Gastroenterology published a consensus on primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). In the past years, numerous clinical studies have been published in the field of PBC. To guide the clinical diagnosis and management of PBC patients, the Chinese Society of Hepatology invited a panel of experts to assess the new clinical evidence and formulate the current guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Weijia Duan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxiang Li
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Lv
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Sha Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lungen Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, First People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Gastroenterology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuemin Nan
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
- Correspondence to: Jidong Jia, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing 100050, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4673-8890. Tel: +86-10-63139816, Fax: +86-10-63139246, E-mail: ; Xiaoyuan Xu, Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1759-4330. Tel/Fax: +86-10-83575787, E-mail:
| | - Zhongping Duan
- Artificial Liver Center, Beijing You-An Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University & National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
- Correspondence to: Jidong Jia, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing 100050, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4673-8890. Tel: +86-10-63139816, Fax: +86-10-63139246, E-mail: ; Xiaoyuan Xu, Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1759-4330. Tel/Fax: +86-10-83575787, E-mail:
| | - Hui Zhuang
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Sohal A, Kowdley KV. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Promising Emerging Innovative Therapies and Their Impact on GLOBE Scores. Hepat Med 2023; 15:63-77. [PMID: 37312929 PMCID: PMC10259525 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s361077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously referred to as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune disorder leading to the destruction of intra-hepatic bile ducts. If untreated, progressive bile duct damage and cholestasis can lead to ductopenia and result in cirrhosis. Ursodiol, the first drug approved for PBC, has changed the natural history of this disease and improved patient outcomes. Subsequently, several new prediction models incorporating a response to ursodiol were developed. These include the GLOBE score, which was shown to predict long-term outcomes in patients with PBC. In 2016, obeticholic acid (OCA) became the second drug to be approved by the FDA, predominantly based on improvement in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. This trial has subsequently influenced the design of clinical trials. Several drugs are currently being evaluated as therapeutic options for PBC, with improvement in ALP being a main endpoint. In this review, we will discuss the impact of new therapies on GLOBE scores in patients with PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aalam Sohal
- Department of Hepatology, Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Department of Hepatology, Liver Institute Northwest, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elson Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane, WA, USA
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Dias B, Aguiar A, Morais CI, Nery FG. Correlation between individual autoantibodies and clinical features in primary biliary cholangitis: results of a retrospective longitudinal study. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:682-689. [PMID: 37116005 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002565] [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: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an immune-mediated liver disease. The immunological profile seems to relate to clinical prognosis. This study aims to determine the role of autoantibodies in the course of liver disease and in the response to ursodeoxycholic acid. METHODS Between January 2016 and December 2020, 143 patients with PBC who underwent immunological liver profile evaluation were enrolled. All data were extracted retrospectively from electronic clinical records. Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and Mann-Whitney test were used to evaluate the relationship between autoantibodies and biochemical parameters, clinical outcomes and therapeutic response scores. A significance level of 0.05 was used. RESULTS Antimitochondrial antibodies were present in 91.6%, antiglycoprotein-210 antibody (anti-gp210) in 18.2% and anti-Sp100 in 19.6% of patients. The incidence of liver-related death was higher in patients with autoimmune hepatitis variants. The occurrence of cirrhosis or portal hypertension was not linked to the presence of any of the autoantibodies tested. No relationship was found with the probability of dying or being transplanted. Patients with anti-Sp100 antibodies had higher baseline levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase and lower immunoglobulin M levels. Patients with anti-gp210 were more likely to have a lower median transplant-free survival rate and higher median risk of liver transplant or liver-related death using the GLOBE and UK-PBC scores. CONCLUSION Our findings confirm a strong association between anti-gp210 antibodies and a worse outcome. The association between anti-Sp100 and hepatic lesions requires further elucidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Dias
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar
| | - Ana Aguiar
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar
- EPIUnit - Instituto De Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR)
| | - Cátia Iracema Morais
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar
- Serviço de Imunologia, Departamento de Patologia, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Santo António
| | - Filipe Gaio Nery
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar
- EPIUnit - Instituto De Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR)
- Unidade de Cuidados Intermédios Médicos, Serviço de Cuidados Intensivos, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Santo António, Porto, Portugal
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Kimura N, Takahashi K, Setsu T, Goto S, Miida S, Takeda N, Kojima Y, Arao Y, Hayashi K, Sakai N, Watanabe Y, Abe H, Kamimura H, Sakamaki A, Yokoo T, Kamimura K, Tsuchiya A, Terai S. Machine learning prediction model for treatment responders in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. JGH Open 2023; 7:431-438. [PMID: 37359114 PMCID: PMC10290270 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12915] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background and Aim Treatment response to ursodeoxycholic acid may predict the prognosis of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Recent studies have suggested the benefits of using machine learning (ML) to forecast complex medical predictions. We aimed to predict treatment response in patients with PBC using ML and pretreatment data. Methods We conducted a single-center retrospective study and collected data from 194 patients with PBC who were followed up for at least 12 months after treatment initiation. Patient data were analyzed with five ML models, namely random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGB), decision tree, naïve Bayes, or logistic regression, to predict treatment response using the Paris II criteria. The established models were assessed using an out-of-sample validation. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the efficacy of each algorithm. Overall survival and liver-related deaths were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results Compared to logistic regression (AUC = 0.595, P = 0.0219, 0.031 models), ML analyses showed significantly high AUC in the random forest (AUC = 0.84) and XGB (AUC = 0.83) models; however, the AUC was not significantly high for decision tree (AUC = 0.633) or naïve Bayes (AUC = 0.584) models. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly improved prognoses in patients predicted to achieve the Paris II criteria by XGB (log-rank = 0.005 and 0.007). Conclusion ML algorithms could improve treatment response prediction using pretreatment data, which could lead to better prognoses. In addition, the ML model using XGB could predict the prognosis of patients before treatment initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruhiro Kimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Kazuya Takahashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Toru Setsu
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Shu Goto
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Suguru Miida
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Nobutaka Takeda
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Yuichi Kojima
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Yoshihisa Arao
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Kazunao Hayashi
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Norihiro Sakai
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Yusuke Watanabe
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Hiroteru Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Akira Sakamaki
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Takeshi Yokoo
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Kenya Kamimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Atsunori Tsuchiya
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
| | - Shuji Terai
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyNiigata University Graduate School of Medical and Dental SciencesNiigataJapan
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Trivella J, John BV, Levy C. Primary biliary cholangitis: Epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202306010-00027. [PMID: 37267215 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by a destructive, small duct, and lymphocytic cholangitis, and marked by the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies. The incidence and prevalence of PBC vary widely in different regions and time periods, and although disproportionally more common among White non-Hispanic females, contemporary data show a higher prevalence in males and racial minorities than previously described. Outcomes largely depend on early recognition of the disease and prompt institution of treatment, which, in turn, are directly influenced by provider bias and socioeconomic factors. Ursodeoxycholic acid remains the initial treatment of choice for PBC, with obeticholic acid and fibrates (off-label therapy) reserved as add-on therapy for the management of inadequate responders or those with ursodeoxycholic acid intolerance. Novel and repurposed drugs are currently at different stages of clinical development not only for the treatment of PBC but also for its symptomatic management. Here, we summarize the most up-to-date data regarding the epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment of PBC, providing clinically useful information for its holistic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Trivella
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Binu V John
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Miami VA Medical System, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Yamashita Y, Umemura T, Kimura T, Joshita S, Hirohara J, Nakano T, Komori A, Tanaka A. Prognostic utility of albumin-bilirubin grade in Japanese patients with primary biliary cholangitis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100662. [PMID: 36873419 PMCID: PMC9976453 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score is calculated using serum levels of total bilirubin and albumin as a simple method to assess liver function. This study investigated the ability of baseline ALBI score/grade measurements to assess histological stage and disease progression in individuals with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in a large Japanese nationwide cohort. Methods A total of 8,768 Japanese patients with PBC were enrolled between 1980 and 2016 from 469 institutions, among whom 83% received ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) only, 9% received UDCA and bezafibrate, and 8% were given neither drug. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were retrospectively retrieved and reviewed from a central database. Associations of ALBI score/grade with histological stage, mortality, and need for liver transplantation (LT) were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards models. Results During the median follow-up period of 5.3 years, 1,227 patients died (including 789 from liver-related causes) and 113 underwent LT. ALBI score and ALBI grade were significantly associated with Scheuer's classification (both p <0.0001). ALBI grade 2 or 3 had significant associations with all-cause mortality or need for LT as well as liver-related mortality or need for LT according to Cox proportional hazards regression analysis (hazard ratio 3.453, 95% CI 2.942-4.052 and hazard ratio 4.242, 95% CI 3.421-5.260, respectively; both p <0.0001). Cumulative LT-free survival rates at 5 years in the ALBI grade 1, 2, and 3 groups were 97.2%, 82.4%, and 38.8%, respectively, while respective non-liver-related survival rates were 98.1%, 86.0%, and 42.0% (both p <0.0001, log-rank test). Conclusions This large nationwide study of patients with PBC suggested that baseline measurements of ALBI grade were a simple non-invasive predictor of prognosis in PBC. Impact and implications Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts. This study examined the ability of albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score/grade to estimate histological findings and disease progression in PBC by means of a large-scale nationwide cohort in Japan. ALBI score/grade were significantly associated with Scheuer's classification stage. Baseline ALBI grade measurements may be a simple non-invasive predictor of prognosis in PBC.
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Key Words
- ALBI, albumin-bilirubin
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- AMA, anti-mitochondrial autoantibody
- AUC, area under the ROC curve
- BZF, bezafibrate
- HR, hazard ratio
- LSM, liver stiffness measurement
- LT, liver transplantation
- M2BPGi, Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer
- PBC, primary biliary cholangitis
- Prognosis
- ROC, receiver-operating characteristic
- Transplantation
- UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- Ursodeoxycholic acid
- pc, corrected p
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Consultation Center for Liver Diseases, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kimura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Junko Hirohara
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Nakano
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsumasa Komori
- Clinical Research Center, National Hospital Organization (NHO) Nagasaki Medical Center, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Prognostic modeling in biliary diseases. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:89-94. [PMID: 36821456 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000911] [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] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss the prognostic models for the cholestatic diseases focusing on primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis. RECENT FINDINGS Noninvasive prognostic models that outperform alkaline phosphatase and Mayo Risk Score have been developed to predict clinically significant events, such as transplant free survival or hepatic decompensation. Models for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) include UK-PSC, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Risk Estimate Tool, and Amsterdam Oxford models. Models for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) include UK-PBC, Global primary biliary cholangitis group score (GLOBE) and Paris II scores. Other models have incorporated elastography with or without findings on magnetic resonance imaging. SUMMARY Noninvasive prognostic models can inform patients about their risk for clinical outcomes and serve as surrogate intermediate outcomes to determine efficacy of novel agents in clinical trials.
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Kim KA. [Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = TAEHAN SOHWAGI HAKHOE CHI 2023; 81:86-90. [PMID: 36824036 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease prevalent in middle-aged women and characterized by chronic cholestasis. PBC is diagnosed when at least two of the following three criteria are met: elevated alkaline phosphatase, presence of PBC-specific autoantibodies such as the anti-mitochondrial antibody or PBC-specific anti-nuclear antibodies, and non-suppurative inflammation of the interlobular bile duct after excluding other causes including drugs and biliary obstruction. The first-line treatment for PBC is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, 13-15 mg/kg/day). The response to UDCA is predictive of long-term prognosis and should be evaluated 6-12 months after the UDCA treatment. The second-line treatments for PBC recommended due to an inadequate response to UDCA include obeticholic acid and fibrates. Symptoms and complications, including pruritus, sicca syndrome, and osteoporosis, should be evaluated and appropriately managed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ah Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, Goyang, Korea
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45
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Application of the Latest Advances in Evidence-Based Medicine in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2023; 118:232-242. [PMID: 36729104 PMCID: PMC9889200 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, cholestatic, autoimmune liver disease that can progress to end-stage liver disease and its complications. A previous expert review panel collaborated on a consensus document for gastroenterologists and other healthcare professionals regarding the care of patients with PBC. Subsequently, there have been several recent important developments in the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of patients with PBC. These include updates to prognostic models on risk stratification, new noninvasive tools for staging of disease, updates to the appropriate use of and long-term treatment results with obeticholic acid as a second-line treatment, the emerging therapeutic role of fibrates, and the advancement of investigational agents for managing PBC. In this updated expert consensus document, we provide updates on staging, the use of noninvasive prognostic tools, and a treatment algorithm to provide evidence-based and practical tools for clinicians who manage PBC, with the ultimate goal to improve the long-term outcomes for patients with this chronic liver disease.
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Nevens F, Trauner M, Manns MP. Primary biliary cholangitis as a roadmap for the development of novel treatments for cholestatic liver diseases †. J Hepatol 2023; 78:430-441. [PMID: 36272496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of nuclear receptors and transporters has contributed to the development of new drugs for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. Particular progress has been made in the development of second-line therapies for PBC. These new drugs can be separated into compounds primarily targeting cholestasis, molecules targeting fibrogenesis and molecules with immune-mediated action. Finally, drugs aimed at symptom relief (pruritus and fatigue) are also under investigation. Obeticholic acid is currently the only approved second-line therapy for PBC. Drugs in the late phase of clinical development include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, norursodeoxycholic acid and NADPH oxidase 1/4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Belgium; Centre of ERN RARE-LIVER.
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre of ERN RARE-LIVER
| | - Michael P Manns
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Centre of ERN RARE-LIVER
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de Veer RC, van Hooff MC, da Silva G, Harms MH, Metselaar HJ, Willemse J, Utomo E, van der Meer AJ. Quality of life in Dutch patients with primary biliary cholangitis: Discrepancies between patients' perspectives and objective disease parameters. Hepatol Res 2023; 53:401-408. [PMID: 36635224 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aims to assess the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a Dutch population of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in relation to the prognosis and need for second line-therapy, based on both objective disease parameters and patients' perspectives. METHODS In this cross-sectional multicenter study, HRQoL was assessed by using the Dutch PBC-40 according to objective clinical parameters and patients' perspectives on treatment and prognosis. RESULTS In total, 178/269 (66%) patients responded; mean age 61.2 (SD 9.9) years and 165 (92.7%) women. The PBC-40 domain scores did not differ according to the GLOBE score response (p > 0.05 for all) or according to the POISE criteria (p > 0.05), except for the domain itch (p = 0.031). Patients who considered their survival to be impaired scored higher on all domains as compared to those expecting a normal prognosis (p < 0.05). Similarly, PBC-40 domain scores were higher among patients who considered that they were in need of additional therapy compared to those who did not (p < 0.05 for all, except for domain itch [p = 0.056]). However, 45/62 (72.6%) patients with a self-expected impaired prognosis had a GLOBE score indicative of a normal prognosis. Twenty-five of the 40 (62.5%) patients who believed they needed additional therapy were below POISE criteria. CONCLUSION The HRQoL of patients with PBC was impaired in terms of nonfavorable disease status according to the expectations of patients, but not according to objective disease parameters. Substantial discrepancies between patients' perspectives and objective parameters were observed, which highlights the need for better patient guidance among patient with PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rozanne C de Veer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria C van Hooff
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geraldine da Silva
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maren H Harms
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Herold J Metselaar
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - José Willemse
- Dutch Liver Patients Association, Hoogland, The Netherlands
| | - Elaine Utomo
- Independent Researcher, Berkel en Rodenrijs, The Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Warnes TW, Roberts SA, Smith A, Cope VM, Vales P, McMahon R. Portal pressure is of significant prognostic value in primary biliary cholangitis. Liver Int 2023; 43:139-146. [PMID: 35622445 PMCID: PMC10084443 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In other forms of chronic liver disease, measurement of portal pressure is of prognostic value, but this has not yet been established in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The aim of the study is to determine the prognostic value of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in relation to liver-related survival outcomes, as well as to the development of hepatic decompensation, oesophageal varices and variceal bleeding. METHODS Baseline HVPG and liver biopsies were obtained in 86 patients followed for 10 years in a controlled trial of colchicine treatment, and subsequently in a long-term observational cohort study for a further 30 years. RESULTS There were 49 Hepatic deaths in addition to 10 Liver Transplants (Hepatic death/transplant; n = 59). Some of these were associated with a significant variceal bleed within 3 months of death or transplant (Portal hypertension-associated death or transplant; n = 19). There were 63 deaths from all causes. During follow-up, oesophageal varices developed in 26 patients, whilst 17 bled from varices and 32 developed hepatic decompensation over a median follow-up of 18.1 years (1.9-28.5). Baseline HVPG was highly predictive of all 6 clinical outcomes and contributed significant predictive information additional to that provided by Mayo score and Ludwig stage. CONCLUSION Measurement of baseline portal pressure is of significant prognostic value in primary biliary cholangitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Warnes
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Stephen A Roberts
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexander Smith
- Liver Unit, Department of Gastroenterology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Victor M Cope
- Department of Radiology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Patricia Vales
- Department of Medical Physics, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
| | - Raymond McMahon
- Department of Histopathology, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
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Henriksson I, Udumyan R, Nilsson E, Önnerhag K, Rorsman F, Werner M, Marschall HU, Wahlin S, Nyhlin N. Clinical outcomes and sick leave in relation to UDCA treatment in Swedish patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:70-75. [PMID: 35993428 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2103729] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease that may progress into liver cirrhosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is known to prevent or delay the disease progression, but little is known about work incapacity in PBC patients. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes (transplantation-free survival; cirrhosis development) and sick leave in patients with PBC with and without UDCA therapy. METHODS The medical records of 526 patients with PBC diagnosed from 2004 to 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Sick leave data retrieved from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency were analysed for a sub-cohort of patients and matched controls. Cox regression was used for analysis of clinical outcomes. Logistic and conditional logistic regressions were used for sick leave analysis. RESULTS A total of 10.6% of patients died and 3.4% received liver transplantation over a median follow-up time of 5.7 years. UDCA-untreated patients (HR 3.62 (95%CI 2.02-6.49)) and UDCA non-responders (HR 3.78 (95% CI 1.87-7.66)) had higher mortality or transplantation rates than UDCA responders. Patients with PBC had higher odds of sick leave (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.69-3.70) than matched controls. Untreated patients were more likely to be on sick leave (OR 3.22; 95% CI 1.12-9.25) two years after diagnosis than UDCA responders. CONCLUSION Both untreated patients and UDCA non-responders had lower liver transplantation-free survival rates than UDCA responders. Patients with PBC were more likely to be on sick leave compared to matched controls from the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Henriksson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ruzan Udumyan
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Emma Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Gastroenterology Division, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Önnerhag
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Rorsman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Werner
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Nyhlin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
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Bi Y, Shi K, Chen J, Wang X. Curative effect of anti-fibrosis Chinese patent medicines combined with ursodeoxycholic acid for primary biliary cholangitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1159222. [PMID: 37025490 PMCID: PMC10070848 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1159222] [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: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To delineate the curative effect and safety of anti-fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs) combined with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Methods: A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, VIP database, China Biology Medicine Database, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure from their inception until August 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of the treatment of PBC with anti-fibrotic CPMs were collected. The eligibility of the publications was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The evaluation indicators were the clinical efficacy rate, liver fibrosis, liver function, immune function, and symptom score. Meta-analysis and subgroup analysis were conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of anti-fibrosis CPMs. Risk ratio (RR) was used to assess dichotomous variables, and continuous variables with a 95% confidence interval were calculated using mean difference. Results: Twenty-two RCTs including 1,725 patients were selected. The findings demonstrated that anti-fibrotic CPMs combined with UDCA improved the efficacy rate, liver function, liver fibrosis, immunological indicators, and clinical symptoms compared with UDCA alone (all p < 0.05). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the combination of anti-fibrotic CPMs and UDCA can improve both clinical symptoms and outcomes. Nevertheless, more high-quality RCTs are needed to assess the effectiveness of anti-fibrosis CPMs for PBC.
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