1
|
Pathogenesis and Treatment of Pruritus Associated with Chronic Kidney Disease and Cholestasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021559. [PMID: 36675074 PMCID: PMC9864517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Itching is an unpleasant sensation that provokes the desire to scratch. In general, itching is caused by dermatologic diseases, but it can also be caused by systemic diseases. Since itching hampers patients' quality of life, it is important to understand the appropriate treatment and pathophysiology of pruritus caused by systemic diseases to improve the quality of life. Mechanisms are being studied through animal or human studies, and various treatments are being tested through clinical trials. We report current trends of two major systemic diseases: chronic kidney disease and cholestatic liver disease. This review summarizes the causes and pathophysiology of systemic diseases with pruritus and appropriate treatments. This article will contribute to patients' quality of life. Further research will help understand the mechanisms and develop new strategies in the future.
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang C, Shi Y, Wang X, Ma H, Liu Q, Gao Y, Niu J. Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors Regulate Hepatic Immunity and Assist in the Treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:940688. [PMID: 35880178 PMCID: PMC9307989 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.940688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrates, which are agonists of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, have received increasing attention in the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. Reduced alkaline phosphatase levels and improved clinical outcomes were observed in patients with primary biliary cholangitis with an inadequate response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) monotherapy4 when treated with bezafibrate or fenofibrate combined with UDCA. In contrast to obeticholic acid, which exacerbates pruritus in patients, fibrates have been shown to relieve pruritus. Clinical trial outcomes show potential for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis by targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. It is currently agreed that primary biliary cholangitis is an autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor is a nuclear receptor that regulates the functions of multiple immune cells, thus playing an important role in regulating innate and adaptive immunity. Therefore, this review focuses on the immune disorder of primary biliary cholangitis and summarizes the regulation of hepatic immunity when peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are targeted for treating primary biliary cholangitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chang Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Center of Infectious Disease and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaomei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Center of Infectious Disease and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Heming Ma
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Center of Infectious Disease and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Quan Liu
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yanhang Gao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Center of Infectious Disease and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhang Gao, ; Junqi Niu,
| | - Junqi Niu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Center of Infectious Disease and Pathogen Biology, Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Transplantation of the Ministry of Education, State Key Laboratory of Zoonotic Disease, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yanhang Gao, ; Junqi Niu,
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Park JW, Kim JH, Kim SE, Jung JH, Jang MK, Park SH, Lee MS, Kim HS, Suk KT, Kim DJ. Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Current Knowledge of Pathogenesis and Therapeutics. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10061288. [PMID: 35740310 PMCID: PMC9220082 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10061288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiopathies encompass various biliary diseases affecting the biliary epithelium, resulting in cholestasis, inflammation, fibrosis, and ultimately liver cirrhosis. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the most important progressive cholangiopathies in adults. Much research has broadened the scope of disease biology to genetic risk, epigenetic changes, dysregulated mucosal immunity, altered biliary epithelial cell function, and dysbiosis, all of which interact and arise in the context of ill-defined environmental triggers. An in-depth understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these cholestatic diseases will help clinicians better prevent and treat diseases. In this review, we focus on the main underlying mechanisms of disease initiation and progression, and novel targeted therapeutics beyond currently approved treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Jang Han Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Myoung-Kuk Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Sang-Hoon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
| | - Myung-Seok Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
| | - Hyoung-Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Suk
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon-si 24252, Korea; (J.-W.P.); (J.-H.K.); (S.-E.K.); (J.H.J.); (M.-K.J.); (S.-H.P.); (M.-S.L.); (H.-S.K.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 200-010, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-240-5646
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dervout C, Boulais N, Barnetche T, Nousbaum JB, Brenaut E, Misery L. Efficacy of Treatments for Cholestatic Pruritus: A Systemic Review and Meta-analysis. Acta Derm Venereol 2022; 102:adv00653. [PMID: 35088869 PMCID: PMC9609979 DOI: 10.2340/actadv.v102.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic itch is a disabling symptom that may be secondary to liver or biliary diseases. Management of cholestatic pruritus is complex. A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy of treatments for cholestatic pruritus were performed. PubMed and Cochrane Library were searched using the algorithm “(hepatitis OR cholestatic OR liver) AND (pruritus OR itch) AND (management OR treatment OR treatments)” for 1975–2019. Of the 2,264 articles identified, 93 were included in a systematic review and 15 in a meta-analysis (studies evaluating pruritus with a visual analogue scale). Some treatments act by reducing levels of pruritogens in the enterohepatic cycle, others modify the metabolism or secretion of these pruritogens, or act on pruritus pathways. A further possible treatment is albumin dialysis. However, due to many heterogeneities in the reviewed studies it is difficult to identify and recommend an optimum treatment. Only 15 studies were included in the meta-analysis, due to the small number of randomized studies using a visual analogue scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Emilie Brenaut
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, FR-29609 Brest, France.
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
You H, Ma X, Efe C, Wang G, Jeong SH, Abe K, Duan W, Chen S, Kong Y, Zhang D, Wei L, Wang FS, Lin HC, Yang JM, Tanwandee T, Gani RA, Payawal DA, Sharma BC, Hou J, Yokosuka O, Dokmeci AK, Crawford D, Kao JH, Piratvisuth T, Suh DJ, Lesmana LA, Sollano J, Lau G, Sarin SK, Omata M, Tanaka A, Jia J. APASL clinical practice guidance: the diagnosis and management of patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:1-23. [PMID: 35119627 PMCID: PMC8843914 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10276-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, Mainland, China
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gazi Yaşargil Education and Research Hospital, Diyarbakir, Turkey
| | - Guiqiang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Center for Liver Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Weijia Duan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Sha Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- Experimental and Translational Research Center, Beijing Clinical Research Institute, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Center, Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Treatment and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospial, Beijing, Mainland, China
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jin Mo Yang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Tawesak Tanwandee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rino A Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Diana A Payawal
- Department of Medicine, Fatima University Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Barjesh C Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Jinlin Hou
- Department of Infectious Disease and Hepatology Unit, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Mainland, China
| | - Osamu Yokosuka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - A Kadir Dokmeci
- Department of Medicine, Ankara University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Darrell Crawford
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Jia-Horng Kao
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Teerha Piratvisuth
- NKC Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hatyai, Thailand
| | - Dong Jin Suh
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | | | - Jose Sollano
- Department of Medicine, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
| | - George Lau
- Humanity and Health Clinical Trial Center, Humanity and Health Medical Group, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shiv K Sarin
- Department of Hepatology, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi, India
| | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Central Hospital, Yamanashi, Japan. .,University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, 95 Yong-an Road, Beijing, Mainland, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yu H, Liu C, Wang J, Han J, Zhang F, Zhou X, Wen Y, Shen T. miRNA and miRNA target genes in intervention effect of Zhuyu pill on cholestatic rat model. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 283:114709. [PMID: 34626777 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Zhuyu pill (ZYP), an effective prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, is composed of Coptis chinensis Franch. and Tetradium ruticarpum (A. Jussieu) T. G. Hartley and has shown potential anticholestatic effects. However, its mechanism of action in treating cholestasis remains unclear. Since post-transcriptional control of mRNA by micro-RNAs (miRNAs) represents an important mechanism of gene regulation, it is promising to explore this in relation to ZYP and cholestasis. AIM OF THE STUDY To confirm the anticholestatic effect of ZYP and to explore its potential biological mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, a cholestasis rat model was induced by α-naphthyl-isothiocyanate (ANIT, 50 mg/kg) and treated with ZYP (low dose: 0.6 g/kg, high dose: 1.2 g/kg). Serum biochemistry indices and liver histopathology were used to evaluate the model and efficacy, and miRNA sequencing was used to measure differences in miRNA expression in the liver between the control, model, low-dose ZYP, and high-dose ZYP groups. To verify the accuracy of sequencing results and explore the potential anti-cholestasis mechanism of ZYP, RT-PCR was used to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and their target genes. RESULTS Both high- and low-dose ZYP exhibited significant anticholestatic effects, with the high-dose showing better effects than low-dose ZYP. Additionally, four differentially expressed miRNAs, rno-miR-147, rno-miR-20b-5p, rno-miR-29b-3p, and rno-miR-3586-3p, were found to be upregulated in cholestasis and downregulated after ZYP intervention. Eight target genes of the above miRNAs, including ABCG8, CLOCK, PLEC, SLC4A2, NEB, ADAMTS12, TTN and FAM174B were inhibited in cholestatic rats, exhibiting up-regulated expression tendencies after ZYP intervention, and the expression tendencies were significant negatively correlated with serum biochemical indices. CONCLUSIONS ZYP can significantly reduce liver biochemical indices and improve liver tissue damage in cholestasis rats through the regulation of miRNA expression in the liver, producing a positive regulatory effect on bile excretion-related genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianfei Wang
- Department of Nephrology, South of Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Han
- Department of Reader Service and Culture Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fenghua Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueqiang Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Tao Shen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Clinical Management of Primary Biliary Cholangitis-Strategies and Evolving Trends. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2021; 59:175-194. [PMID: 31713023 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-019-08772-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
PBC is a chronic progressive autoimmune disorder involving the destruction of intrahepatic small bile ducts, cholestasis, fibrosis, and ultimately cirrhosis if left untreated. It is largely driven by the autoimmune response, but bile acids and the intestinal microbiota are implicated in disease progression as well. The only drugs licensed for PBC are UDCA and OCA. UDCA as a first-line and OCA as a second-line therapy are safe and effective, but the lack of response in a significant portion of patients and inadequate control of symptoms such as fatigue and pruritus remain as concerns. Liver transplantation is an end-stage therapy for many patients refractory to UDCA, which gives excellent survival rates but also moderate to high recurrence rates. The limited options for FDA-approved PBC therapies necessitate the development of alternative approaches. Currently, a wide variety of experimental drugs exist targeting immunological and physiological aspects of PBC to suppress inflammation. Immunological therapies include drugs targeting immune molecules in the B cell and T cell response, and specific cytokines and chemokines implicated in inflammation. Drugs targeting bile acids are also noteworthy as bile acids can perpetuate hepatic inflammation and lead to fibrosis over time. These include FXR agonists, ASBT inhibitors, and PPAR agonists such as bezafibrate and fenofibrate. Nonetheless, many of these drugs can only delay disease progression and fail to enhance patients' quality of life. Nanomedicine shows great potential for treatment of autoimmune diseases, as it provides a new approach that focuses on tolerance induction rather than immunosuppression. Tolerogenic nanoparticles carrying immune-modifying agents can be engineered to safely and effectively target the antigen-specific immune response in autoimmune diseases. These may work well with PBC especially, given the anatomical features and immunological specificity of the disease. Nanobiological therapy is thus an area of highly promising research for future treatment of PBC.
Collapse
|
8
|
de Vries E, Bolier R, Goet J, Parés A, Verbeek J, de Vree M, Drenth J, van Erpecum K, van Nieuwkerk K, van der Heide F, Mostafavi N, Helder J, Ponsioen C, Oude Elferink R, van Buuren H, Beuers U. Fibrates for Itch (FITCH) in Fibrosing Cholangiopathies: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Gastroenterology 2021; 160:734-743.e6. [PMID: 33031833 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Pruritus may seriously impair quality of life in patients with cholestatic diseases such as primary or secondary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC, SSC) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Pharmacologic strategies show limited efficacy and can provoke serious side effects. We hypothesized that bezafibrate, a broad peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) agonist, relieves cholestasis-associated itch by alleviating hepatobiliary injury. The aim of this investigator-initiated FITCH trial (Fibrates for cholestatic ITCH) was to assess effects of bezafibrate on pruritus in patients with PSC, PBC, and SSC. METHODS Patients with moderate to severe pruritus (≥5 of 10 on visual analog scale [VAS]) due to PSC, PBC, or SSC were recruited for this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial between 2016 and 2019. Patients received once-daily bezafibrate (400 mg) or placebo for 21 days. The primary end point was ≥50% reduction of pruritus (VAS; intention-to-treat). RESULTS Of 74 randomized patients, 70 completed the trial (95%; 44 PSC, 24 PBC, 2 SSC). For the primary end point, bezafibrate led in 45% (41% PSC, 55% PBC) and placebo in 11% to ≥50% reduction of severe or moderate pruritus (P = .003). For secondary end points, bezafibrate reduced morning (P = .01 vs placebo) and evening (P = .007) intensity of pruritus (VAS) and improved the validated 5D-Itch questionnaire (P = .002 vs placebo). Bezafibrate also reduced serum alkaline phosphatase (-35%, P = .03 vs placebo) correlating with improved pruritus (VAS, P = .01) suggesting reduced biliary damage. Serum bile acids and autotaxin activity remained unchanged. Serum creatinine levels tended to mildly increase (3% bezafibrate, 5% placebo, P = .14). CONCLUSIONS Bezafibrate is superior to placebo in improving moderate to severe pruritus in patients with PSC and PBC. TRIAL REGISTRATION Netherlands Trial Register, ID: NTR5436 (August 3, 2015), ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT02701166 (March 2, 2016).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elsemieke de Vries
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ruth Bolier
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jorn Goet
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Albert Parés
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Institut d'Investigacion Biomediques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jef Verbeek
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marleen de Vree
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Joost Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Karel van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Karin van Nieuwkerk
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location Vrije Universiteit Medisch Centrum (VUmc), Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Frans van der Heide
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Nahid Mostafavi
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jeltje Helder
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cyriel Ponsioen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ronald Oude Elferink
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Henk van Buuren
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology and Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) causes chronic and persistent cholestasis in the liver, eventually resulting in cirrhosis and hepatic failure without appropriate treatment. PBC mainly develops in middle-aged women, but it is also common in young women and men. PBC is considered a model of autoimmune disease because of the presence of disease-specific autoantibodies, that is, antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs), intense infiltration of mononuclear cells into the bile ducts, and a high prevalence of autoimmune diseases such as comorbidities. Histologically, PBC is characterized by degeneration and necrosis of intrahepatic biliary epithelial cells surrounded by a dense infiltration of mononuclear cells, coined as chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis, which leads to destructive changes and the disappearance of small- or medium-sized bile ducts. Since 1990, early diagnosis with the detection of AMAs and introduction of ursodeoxycholic acid as first-line treatment has greatly altered the clinical course of PBC, and liver transplantation-free survival of patients with PBC is now comparable to that of the general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
van Munster KN, Dijkgraaf MGW, van Gennep S, Beuers U, Ponsioen CY. The Simple Cholestatic Complaints Score is a valid and quick patient-reported outcome measure in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver Int 2020; 40:2758-2766. [PMID: 32841496 PMCID: PMC7702029 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measuring symptoms and disease burden in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is increasingly important for daily practice and clinical trials. The Simple Cholestatic Complaints Score (SCCS) is a four-item questionnaire, that measures cholestatic symptoms (pruritus, fatigue, RUQ abdominal pain and fever) in PSC patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate reliability and validity of SCCS in a Dutch population. METHODS The study population consisted of 212 patients from the Dutch prospective PSC registry. Data were collected via digital surveys. Reliability was evaluated by internal consistency and reproducibility. Construct-, criterion- and discriminant validity were determined. The ability to detect clinical change with SCCS was evaluated in patients who underwent endoscopic intervention. Simple Cholestatic Complaints Score collected by email and by a mobile application were compared. RESULTS A total of 153 patients completed the questionnaire. Internal consistency was moderate and increased to 0.71 after removal of the fever item. Test-re-test reproducibility was high (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.96). Criterion validity was good (all > 0.82). Construct validity was in line with a priori hypothesized correlations in 80%. SCCS was able to differentiate between clinically different groups. There was no difference between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-IBD patients. Simple Cholestatic Complaints Score was responsive to change after endoscopic intervention in successfully treated patients. Simple Cholestatic Complaints Score measurement by digital questionnaire and a mobile application was comparable. CONCLUSION The SCCS is a valid instrument to measure cholestatic symptoms in PSC patients. Because of its quick and easy to use properties it is suitable for frequent monitoring of symptoms in clinical trials and daily practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim N. van Munster
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyAmsterdam University Medical Centerslocation AMCAmsterdam Gastroenterology & MetabolismAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel G. W. Dijkgraaf
- Department of Epidemiology and Data ScienceAmsterdam University Medical CentersUniversity of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Sara van Gennep
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyAmsterdam University Medical Centerslocation AMCAmsterdam Gastroenterology & MetabolismAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyAmsterdam University Medical Centerslocation AMCAmsterdam Gastroenterology & MetabolismAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Cyriel Y. Ponsioen
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyAmsterdam University Medical Centerslocation AMCAmsterdam Gastroenterology & MetabolismAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hilscher MB, Kamath PS, Eaton JE. Cholestatic Liver Diseases: A Primer for Generalists and Subspecialists. Mayo Clin Proc 2020; 95:2263-2279. [PMID: 33012354 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2020.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cholestasis describes impairment in bile formation or flow which can manifest clinically with fatigue, pruritus, and jaundice. The differential diagnosis of cholestatic liver diseases is broad, and the etiologies of cholestasis vary in the anatomical location of the defect and acuity of presentation. Cholestasis may occur in a variety of clinical scenarios. Therefore, it is important for a diverse audience with varied clinical practices to have a basic understanding of manifestations of cholestatic liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Moira B Hilscher
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - John E Eaton
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Emerging therapies in primary sclerosing cholangitis: pathophysiological basis and clinical opportunities. J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:588-614. [PMID: 32222826 PMCID: PMC7242240 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-020-01681-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease, histologically characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts, and clinically leading to multi-focal biliary strictures and with time cirrhosis and liver failure. Patients bear a significant risk of cholangiocarcinoma and colorectal cancer, and frequently have concomitant inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune disease manifestations. To date, no medical therapy has proven significant impact on clinical outcomes and most patients ultimately need liver transplantation. Several treatment strategies have failed in the past and whilst prescription of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) prevails, controversy regarding benefits remains. Lack of statistical power, slow and variable disease progression, lack of surrogate biomarkers for disease severity and other challenges in trial design serve as critical obstacles in the development of effective therapy. Advances in our understanding of PSC pathogenesis and biliary physiology over recent years has however led to a surge of clinical trials targeting various mechanistic compartments and currently raising hopes for imminent changes in patient management. Here, in light of pathophysiology, we outline and critically evaluate emerging treatment strategies in PSC, as tested in recent or ongoing phase II and III trials, stratified per a triad of targets of nuclear and membrane receptors regulating bile acid metabolism, immune modulators, and effects on the gut microbiome. Furthermore, we revisit the UDCA trials of the past and critically discuss relevant aspects of clinical trial design, including how the choice of endpoints, alkaline phosphatase in particular, may affect the future path to novel, effective PSC therapeutics.
Collapse
|
13
|
Cheng HS, Tan WR, Low ZS, Marvalim C, Lee JYH, Tan NS. Exploration and Development of PPAR Modulators in Health and Disease: An Update of Clinical Evidence. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E5055. [PMID: 31614690 PMCID: PMC6834327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that govern the expression of genes responsible for energy metabolism, cellular development, and differentiation. Their crucial biological roles dictate the significance of PPAR-targeting synthetic ligands in medical research and drug discovery. Clinical implications of PPAR agonists span across a wide range of health conditions, including metabolic diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, infections, autoimmune diseases, neurological and psychiatric disorders, and malignancies. In this review we aim to consolidate existing clinical evidence of PPAR modulators, highlighting their clinical prospects and challenges. Findings from clinical trials revealed that different agonists of the same PPAR subtype could present different safety profiles and clinical outcomes in a disease-dependent manner. Pemafibrate, due to its high selectivity, is likely to replace other PPARα agonists for dyslipidemia and cardiovascular diseases. PPARγ agonist pioglitazone showed tremendous promises in many non-metabolic disorders like chronic kidney disease, depression, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. The clinical niche of PPARβ/δ agonists is less well-explored. Interestingly, dual- or pan-PPAR agonists, namely chiglitazar, saroglitazar, elafibranor, and lanifibranor, are gaining momentum with their optimistic outcomes in many diseases including type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and primary biliary cholangitis. Notably, the preclinical and clinical development for PPAR antagonists remains unacceptably deficient. We anticipate the future design of better PPAR modulators with minimal off-target effects, high selectivity, superior bioavailability, and pharmacokinetics. This will open new possibilities for PPAR ligands in medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Sheng Cheng
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
| | - Wei Ren Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
| | - Zun Siong Low
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
| | - Charlie Marvalim
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
| | - Justin Yin Hao Lee
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
| | - Nguan Soon Tan
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 60 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637551, Singapore.
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, 11 Mandalay Road, Singapore 308232, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Tanaka A. Emerging novel treatments for autoimmune liver diseases. Hepatol Res 2019; 49:489-499. [PMID: 30969002 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), still remains largely unknown and no therapeutic agents that are able to "cure" these diseases have been developed. Although corticosteroids for AIH and ursodeoxycholic acid for PBC have been shown to significantly improve liver transplantation (LT)-free survival and are recommended as first-line drugs, treatment strategies for patients who show incomplete response to these drugs have not yet been fully established. No drug is significantly associated with long LT-free survival in PSC patients. Nevertheless, with progress in genetics, immunology, and cellular biology, several new compounds or antibodies are expected to have an effect on autoimmune liver diseases and several drugs are under consideration for clinical use. Although most clinical trials have been carried out in the USA or Europe, some are, or will be, undertaken in Japan in the future. In this review, the current standard-of-care of autoimmune liver diseases will be summarized, together with emerging novel treatments relevant to clinical practice in Japan.
Collapse
|
15
|
Patel SP, Vasavda C, Ho B, Meixiong J, Dong X, Kwatra SG. Cholestatic pruritus: Emerging mechanisms and therapeutics. J Am Acad Dermatol 2019; 81:1371-1378. [PMID: 31009666 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Patients suffering from cholestasis often report experiencing a debilitating, unrelenting itch. In contrast to conditions, such as urticaria, in which histamine primarily drives itch (pruritus), cholestatic pruritus is multifactorial and more difficult to treat. Existing therapies are not always effective and have undesirable adverse effect profiles. Here, we conducted a systematic literature review to evaluate conventional treatment strategy, current pathophysiologic understanding, and the role of new therapies in the context of cholestatic pruritus. We discuss novel findings implicating bile acids, lysophosphatidic acid, and bilirubin as potential important mediators of cholestatic itch. New therapies that aim to remove or modulate pruritogens have been supported in observational cohort studies and randomized controlled trials. Although these new therapies show promise, further research is needed to confirm the pathophysiology of cholestatic pruritus so that targeted therapy can be developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sagar P Patel
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chirag Vasavda
- The Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Byron Ho
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - James Meixiong
- The Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Xinzhong Dong
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; The Solomon H Snyder Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shawn G Kwatra
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Goldstein J, Levy C. Novel and emerging therapies for cholestatic liver diseases. Liver Int 2018; 38:1520-1535. [PMID: 29758112 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
While bile acids are important for both digestion and signalling, hydrophobic bile acids can be harmful, especially when in high concentrations. Mechanisms for the protection of cholangiocytes against bile acid cytotoxicity include negative feedback loops via farnesoid X nuclear receptor (FXR) activation, the bicarbonate umbrella, cholehepatic shunting and anti-inflammatory signalling, among others. By altering or overwhelming these defence mechanisms, cholestatic diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) can further progress to biliary cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease and death or liver transplantation. While PBC is currently treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA), many fail treatment, and we have yet to find an effective therapy for PSC. Novel therapies under evaluation target nuclear and surface receptors including FXR, transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) and pregnane X receptor (PXR). Modulation of these receptors leads to altered bile composition, decreased cytotoxicity, decreased inflammation and improved metabolism. This review summarizes our current understanding of the role of bile acids in the pathophysiology of cholestatic liver diseases, presents the rationale for already approved medical therapies and discusses novel pharmacologic therapies under investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Goldstein
- Division of Internal Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Division of Hepatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|