Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. AJR Am J Roentgenol. 2008;190:993-1002. [PMID: 18356447 DOI: 10.2214/ajr.07.2052]

New insight of obesity-associated NAFLD: Dysregulated "crosstalk" between multi-organ and the liver?

Obesity plays a crucial role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the underlying mechanism for the pathogenesis of obesity-associated NAFLD remains largely obscure. Although the "multiple hit" theory provides a more accurate explanation of NAFLD pathogenesis, it still cannot fully explain precisely how obesity causes NAFLD. The liver is the key integrator of the body's energy needs, receiving input from multiple metabolically active organs. Thus, recent studies have advocated the "multiple crosstalk" hypothesis, highlighting that obesity-related hepatic steatosis may be the result of dysregulated "crosstalk" among multiple extra-hepatic organs and the liver in obesity. A wide variety of circulating endocrine hormones work together to orchestrate this "crosstalk". Of note, with deepening understanding of the endocrine system, the perception of hormones has gradually risen from the narrow sense (i.e. traditional hormones) to the broad sense of hormones as organokines and exosomes. In this review, we focus on the perspective of organic endocrine hormones (organokines) and molecular endocrine hormones (exosomes), summarizing systematically how the two types of new hormones mediate the dialogue between extra-hepatic organs and liver in the pathogenesis of obesity-related NAFLD.

Iodine Images in Dual-energy CT: Detection of Hepatic Steatosis by Quantitative Iodine Concentration Values

Hepatic steatosis is a common condition and an early manifestation of a systemic metabolic syndrome. As of today, there is no broadly accepted method for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in contrast-enhanced CT images. This retrospective study evaluates the potential of quantitative iodine values in portal venous phase iodine images in dual-energy CT (DECT) by measuring iodine concentrations in regions of interest (ROI) and analyzing the absolute iodine concentration of the liver parenchyma as well as three different blood-normalized iodine concentrations in a study cohort of 251 patients. An independent two sample t-test (p < 0.05) was used to compare the iodine concentrations of healthy and fatty liver. Diagnostic performance was assessed by ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis. The results showed significant differences between the average iodine concentration of healthy and fatty liver parenchyma for the absolute and for the blood-normalized iodine concentrations. The study concludes that the iodine uptake of the liver parenchyma is impaired by hepatic steatosis, and that the measurement of iodine concentration can provide a suitable method for the detection of hepatic steatosis in quantitative iodine images. Suitable thresholds of quantitative iodine concentration values for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis are provided.

Estimating Global Prevalence of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Overweight or Obese Adults

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new terminology updated from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this study, we aim to estimate the global prevalence of MAFLD specifically in overweight and obese adults from the general population by performing a systematic review and meta-analysis through mining the existing epidemiological data on fatty liver disease.

METHODS

We searched Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane and google scholar database from inception to November, 2020. DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model with Logit transformation was performed for data analysis. Sensitivity analysis and meta-regression were used to explore predictors of MAFLD prevalence in pooled statistics with high heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We identified 116 relevant studies comprised of 2,667,052 participants in general population with an estimated global MAFLD prevalence as 50.7% (95% CI 46.9-54.4) among overweight/obese adults regardless of diagnostic techniques. Ultrasound was the most commonly used diagnostic technique generating prevalence rate of 51.3% (95% CI, 49.1-53.4). Male (59.0%; 95% CI, 52.0-65.6) had a significantly higher MAFLD prevalence than female (47.5%; 95% CI, 40.7-54.5). Interestingly, MAFLD prevalence rates are comparable based on classical NAFLD and non-NAFLD studies in general population. The pooled estimate prevalence of comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome was 19.7% (95% CI, 12.8-29.0) and 57.5% (95% CI, 49.9-64.8), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

MAFLD has an astonishingly high prevalence rate in overweight and obese adults. This calls for attention and dedicated action from primary care physicians, specialists, health policy makers and the general public alike.

Role of Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the Monitoring of Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Comparison with Ultrasonography, Lipid Profile, and Body Mass Index

AIM

The aim of this study was to study the role of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in monitoring hepatic fat content in cases of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

41 adults (mean age: 39 years, 22 males; 19 females) with NAFLD were included after obtaining approval from the institutional ethics committee. The baseline clinical (weight, body mass index [BMI]) and biochemical parameters, fatty liver grade on ultrasonography (USG), and hepatic fat signal fraction (FSF) using dual-echo chemical shift imaging and proton density fat fraction on magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS-PDFF) were assessed, before and after intervention (dietary and lifestyle changes and oral vitamin E for six months). They were categorized into Group A (good compliance to intervention) and Group B (poor compliance), and the clinical and imaging parameters were compared between them.

RESULTS

After intervention, Group A (n = 30) showed significant reduction in BMI (28.35 ± 3.25 to 27.14 ± 3.24 kg/m²; P < 0.001), hepatic FSF (19.30 ± 9.09% to 11.18 ± 7.61%; P < 0.05), and MRS-PDFF (18.79 ± 8.53% to 10.64 ± 6.66%). In Group B (n = 11), there was significant increase in BMI (28.85 ± 2.41 to 29.31 ± 2.57 kg/m²; P < 0.001), hepatic FSF (18.96 ± 9.79% to 21.48 ± 11.80%; P < 0.05), and reduction in high-density lipoproteins (P < 0.05). Although there was good correlation between USG and MRS in quantifying liver fat (r = 0.84-0.87; P < 0.001), USG was unable to detect <5.3% change in hepatic fat. There was poor correlation between lipid profile and MRS-PDFF. Change in body weight significantly correlated with change in hepatic fat content (r = 0.76; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

MRI is useful in accurately quantifying and in monitoring hepatic fat content and is better than clinical and biochemical parameters and USG.

Chinese tree shrews as a primate experimental animal eligible for the study of alcoholic liver disease: characterization and confirmation by MRI

There has been a lack of suitable fatty liver models and characterization techniques for histopathological evaluation of alcoholic fatty liver (AFL). This work aimed to exploit an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique for characterizing an alcohol-induced fatty liver model established in tree shrews (Tupaia belangeri chinese). The animals were treated with 15% alcohol for two weeks instead of drinking water to induce AFL. Blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alcohol, and liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations were determined, and the histopathology of the liver was checked by hematoxylin & eosin (HE) and Oil red O staining on day 0 and on the 4th, 7th and 14th days after alcohol feeding. MRI was used to trace the histopathological changes in the liver of tree shrews in real time. Compared with the control group, the levels of ALT, AST, and MDA significantly increased in the alcohol-induced group and were positively correlated with the induction time. HE and Oil red O staining revealed that a moderate fatty lesion occurred in the liver on the 4th day and that a serious AFL was successfully induced on the 14th day. MRI further confirmed the formation of AFL. MRI, as noninvasive examination technique, provides an alternative tool for accurate characterization of AFL in live subjects. It is comparable to HE or Oil red O staining for histopathological examination, but is more suitable by virtue of its high flexibility and compliance. The AFL model of tree shrews combined with MRI characterization can work as a platform for studying fatty liver diseases and medications for their treatment.

A Structured Literature Review of the Epidemiology and Disease Burden of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

INTRODUCTION

Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic, progressive disease characterized by fatty liver and liver cell injury, advancing to fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Diagnosis involves liver biopsy; however, as a result of its high cost and invasiveness, NASH remains underdiagnosed, and accurate burden of disease (BoD) data are lacking. Our aim was to understand the epidemiological and BoD landscape in NASH and identify knowledge gaps.

METHODS

The Ovid search engine was used to conduct a structured review, following quality systematic principles. It included publications that reported on epidemiology, quality of life (QoL) and BoD outcomes in NASH adults. Searches were limited to English language studies published between January 2007 and September 2017. Additional grey literature searches were conducted. A total of 53 references were selected; 38 were peer-reviewed and 15 were grey literature sources.

RESULTS

NASH is estimated to affect 3-5% of the global population, most suffering from several comorbidities. Advancing fibrosis drives clinical outcomes, with approximately 20% of patients developing cirrhosis and/or HCC, the latter being a leading cause of death in NASH. A recent model predicted the 15-year survival of advanced fibrosis patients at F3 and F4 as 51.0% and 28.4%, respectively. The limited data consistently show that NASH patients experience significantly poorer QoL and higher costs compared to non-NASH patients.

CONCLUSION

This first broad-ranging examination of NASH literature revealed a paucity of evidence, with poor-quality, small studies found. The overwhelming impact of NASH and its patient and healthcare burden is evident. Further evidence is needed to improve our understanding of NASH, especially as fibrosis stages advance.

FUNDING

Gilead Science Inc.

Inflammation and Metabolic Complications in HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aim to provide an in-depth review of recent literature highlighting the role of inflammation involving the adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscles, and gastrointestinal tract in the development of metabolic complications among persons living with HIV (PLWH).

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies in PLWH have demonstrated a significant association between circulating inflammatory markers and development of insulin resistance and metabolic complications. In adipose tissue, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression inhibits adipocyte insulin signaling, which alters lipid and glucose homeostasis. Increased lipolysis and lipogenesis elevate levels of circulating free fatty acids and promote ectopic fat deposition in liver and skeletal muscles. This leads to lipotoxicity characterized by a pro-inflammatory response with worsening insulin resistance. Finally, HIV is associated with gastrointestinal tract inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome resulting in reduced diversity, which is an additional risk factor for diabetes. Metabolic complications in PLWH are in part due to chronic, multisite tissue inflammation resulting in dysregulation of glucose and lipid trafficking, utilization, and storage.

Effects of vitamin D supplementation on liver fibrogenic factors in non-alcoholic fatty liver patients with steatohepatitis: study protocol for a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that vitamin D and its receptors involve in suppressing fibrogenic signaling in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the effect of vitamin D supplementation on fibrogenic factors has not been investigated in NAFLD individuals with steatohepatitis. This study was designed to examine the effects on vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of vitamin D receptor (VDR), fibrogenic factors, and fibrogenic microRNAs (MiR) in NAFLD patients.

METHODS

Forty-six NAFLD patients will be recruited in this study. After block matching for sex and BMI, they will be randomly assigned to receive 4000 IU/day vitamin D or placebo for 12 weeks. Weight, height, and waist circumference will be measured. Determination of serum fibrogenic MiRs, laminin, collagen type IV, hyaluronic acid, vitamin D, VDR, calcium, blood glucose, serum insulin, lipid profile, liver markers (ALT, AST, total, direct, and indirect bilirubin) will be done at study baseline and at the end of the trial. Insulin resistance and insulin sensitivity will be determined using the HOMA-IR and QUICKI equation.

DISCUSSION

This is the first randomized controlled trial that will determine the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum levels of VDR, fibrogenic factors, and fibrogenic MiRs in NAFLD patients. The results of this trial will provide clinical evidence on the effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in controlling liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT201405251485N13 . Registered on 14 March 2017.

Prevalence and associations of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in Sri Lankan patients with type 2 diabetes: A single center study

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes for chronic liver disease in Asians. It occurs more commonly in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, data on prevalence and associations of NAFLD among Sri Lankans with diabetes are lacking. The main aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with NAFLD in a cohort of diabetic patients.

METHODS

Total of 233 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, followed up at a diabetes center in Southern Sri Lanka, were recruited by convenience sampling method. Each of them underwent a detailed medical history, physical examination, laboratory investigations and abdominal ultrasonography(USS). The diagnosis of NAFLD was made according to the established criteria using USS.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of NAFLD based on USS was 62.6% with no significant gender difference. Compared to USS, elevation in AST and ALT levels, based on NHANES III criteria, occurred only in 42% (98/234). The patients with NAFLD (56.7 ± 8.9) were significantly younger and had higher BMI and waist circumference, and raised AST and ALT than those without NAFLD. Binary logistic regression showed that the use of pioglitazone, higher BMI, and waist circumference were independently and significantly associated with NAFLD.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is common in Sri Lankan patients with T2DM and central and global obesity are significant associations. Use of pioglitazone seemed to be protective against the development of NAFLD. These findings underscore the need for weight management as a preventive measure of NAFLD in T2DM patients.

New onset non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after resection of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors

Background and Objectives

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non‐alcoholic steatohepatis (NASH) may occur after pancreatic resection due to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Patients with long‐term survival, such as after pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor (pNET) resection, are at risk of NAFLD/NASH. We aimed to determine the incidence and risk factors for new onset NAFLD/NASH and EPI after pNET resection.

Methods

Retrospective monocenter cohort study. Patients who underwent pNET resection (1992‐2016) were assessed for new onset NAFLD/NASH and EPI. Postoperative NAFLD/NASH was determined by a blinded abdominal radiologist, who compared pre‐ and postoperative imaging.

Results

Out of 235 patients with pNET, a total of 112 patients underwent resection and were included with a median follow‐up of 54 months. New onset NAFLD/NASH occurred in 20% and EPI in 49% of patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the only risk factor for new onset NAFLD/NASH was recurrent disease (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.1‐16.8, P = 0.031), but not EPI (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.3‐2.8, P = 0.911). The only risk factor for EPI was pancreatoduodenectomy (OR 4.3, 95% CI 1.4‐13.7, P = 0.012).

Conclusions

New onset NAFLD/NASH is occasionally found after pNET resection, especially in patients with recurrent disease, but is not related to EPI.

Imaging of hepatic toxicity of systemic therapy in a tertiary cancer centre: chemotherapy, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, molecular targeted therapies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors

The purpose of this review is to familiarise radiologists with the spectrum of hepatic toxicity seen in the oncology setting, in view of the different systemic therapies used in cancer patients. Drug-induced liver injury can manifest in various forms, and anti-neoplastic agents are associated with different types of hepatotoxicity. Although chemotherapy-induced liver injury can present as hepatitis, steatosis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, and chronic parenchymal damages, molecular targeted therapy-associated liver toxicity ranges from mild liver function test elevation to fulminant life-threatening acute liver failure. The recent arrival of immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncology has introduced a new range of immune-related adverse events, with differing mechanisms of liver toxicity and varied imaging presentation of liver injury. High-dose chemotherapy regimens for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation are associated with sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Management of hepatic toxicity depends on the clinical scenario, the drug in use, and the severity of the findings. In this article, we will (1) present the most common types of oncological drugs associated with hepatic toxicity and associated liver injuries; (2) illustrate imaging findings of hepatic toxicities and the possible differential diagnosis; and (3) provide a guide for management of these conditions.

Computed Tomography Measurement of Hepatic Steatosis: Prevalence of Hepatic Steatosis in a Canadian Population

Background/Aims. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This retrospective chart review investigated the incidence of hepatic steatosis in London, Ontario, Canada. Methods. A retrospective chart review was performed on emergency room (ER) patients undergoing nonscheduled computed tomography (CT) imaging over a six-month period in London, Ontario. CT images and reports were examined to determine presence of steatosis. Analyses of the electronic chart for a period of six months following the CT and communication with the patients' family doctors were used to determine if there was follow-up. Waist circumference, subcutaneous fat depth, and abdominal fat volumes were calculated. Results. 48/450 patients meeting inclusion criteria were identified by radiology as having steatosis, with 34/40 (85%) family physicians unaware of the finding. 24.7% (100/405) of patients met standard CT criteria for steatosis, 40 of which were reported by the radiologist. Waist circumference, subcutaneous adipose tissue depth, subcutaneous adipose tissue volume, and visceral adipose tissue volume were significantly associated with steatosis. Conclusions. The hepatic steatosis prevalence we report is the first reported in a Canadian population. Early identification of steatosis will become more important as new pharmacologic therapies arise.

Genetic analysis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease within a Caribbean-Hispanic population

We explored potential genetic risk factors implicated in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) within a Caribbean–Hispanic population in New York City. A total of 316 individuals including 40 subjects with biopsy‐proven NAFLD, 24 ethnically matched non‐NAFLD controls, and a 252 ethnically mixed random sampling of Bronx County, New York were analyzed. Genotype analysis was performed to determine allelic frequencies of 74 known single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with NAFLD risk based on previous genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and candidate gene studies. Additionally, the entire coding region of PNPLA3, a gene showing the strongest association to NAFLD was subjected to Sanger sequencing. Results suggest that both rare and common DNA variations in PNPLA3 and SAMM50 may be correlated with NAFLD in this small population study, while common DNA variations in CHUK and ERLIN1, may have a protective interaction. Common SNPs in ENPP1 and ABCC2 have suggestive association with fatty liver, but with less compelling significance. In conclusion, Hispanic patients of Caribbean ancestry may have different interactions with NAFLD genetic modifiers; therefore, further investigation with a larger sample size, into this Caribbean–Hispanic population is warranted.

Total saponins from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit attenuates hepatic steatosis induced by high-fat diet in rats

The protective effects of total saponins from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit (RLTS) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced rats were investigated. The results showed that oral administration of RLTS attenuated hepatic steatosis, significantly reduced the levels of body weight, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol, total triglyceride, free fatty acids, low density lipoprotein, blood glucose, insulin and malondialdehyde, and increased high density lipoprotein and glutathione levels compared with the model group. Further investigations showed that RLTS affected fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, fatty acid ω-oxidation, total cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism and synthesis. Moreover, the extract obviously suppressed HFD-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. These results suggest that RLTS should be developed to be one functional food or health product against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the future.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: The diagnosis and management

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most frequent chronic liver disease that occurs across all age groups and is recognized to occur in 14%-30% of the general population, representing a serious and growing clinical problem due to the growing prevalence of obesity and overweight. Histologically, it resembles alcoholic liver injury but occurs in patients who deny significant alcohol consumption. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of conditions, ranging from benign hepatocellular steatosis to inflammatory nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis. The majority of hepatocellular lipids are stored as triglycerides, but other lipid metabolites, such as free fatty acids, cholesterol, and phospholipids, may also be present and play a role in disease progression. NAFLD is associated with obesity and insulin resistance and is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, a combination of medical conditions including type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and visceral adiposity. Confirmation of the diagnosis of NAFLD can usually be achieved by imaging studies; however, staging the disease requires a liver biopsy. Current treatment relies on weight loss and exercise, although various insulin-sensitizing agents, antioxidants and medications appear promising. The aim of this review is to highlight the current information regarding epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of NAFLD as well as new information about pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of this disease.

MDCT classification of steatotic liver: a multicentric analysis

PURPOSE

Fatty liver disease is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the western world. The aim of this study was to analyze steatotic liver characteristics using multidetector row computed tomography (CT) to identify reliable criteria to identify the steatosis and quantify its severity.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Multiphasic CT scans of 51 consecutive adults (36 men, mean age 57.1±9.9 years), who underwent ultrasound-guided liver biopsy, were analyzed. In all patients, the Hounsfield units (HU) value was determined for each hepatic segment and for each contrast phase. Also, the splenic attenuation was quantified and the differences in the liver-spleen (DLS). Steatosis was graded according its severity into four grades. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was carried out to calculate the sensitivity and specificity for the specific HU threshold. Pearson's ρ correlation was also calculated. A P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We found that 14 individuals (10 men, mean age 56±9.8 years) did not have hepatic steatosis. Only the nonenhanced CT scans showed a statistically significant association with liver steatosis (with the only exception of region-of-interest selected in the Couinaud segment VII, where a P value of 0.0513 was obtained). For grades 1, 2, 3, and 4, we identified 50, 45, 35, and 20 HU as thresholds. A statistically significant association was found between steatosis and DLS in the nonenhanced and the arterial phase (P=0.0192 and 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSION

The result of our study indicates that the nonenhanced value of the liver can be used to identify steatosis of the liver and to grade its severity. Moreover, the DLS in the arterial phase represents another reliable parameter.

Does diagnosing fatty liver and chronic kidney disease do more good than harm?

In a linked Perspective, Druin Burch examines the usefulness of screening for risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary

Clinical features and possible etiology of cryptogenic cirrhosis in Xinjiang

AIM: To analyze the clinical features of cryptogenic cirrhosis in Xinjiang and to explore the possible etiology of cryptogenic cirrhosis in the high HBV prevalence area.

METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 241 patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from January 2001 to January 2009, including 222 patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis and 19 patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Related information such as gender, age, ethnicity, hypertension, diabetes and other conditions associated with metabolic syndrome was analyzed.

RESULTS: Of 4023 cases of liver cirrhosis, 241 (5.99%) were cryptogenic cirrhosis. Of the 241 cases, 98 (40.66%) had diabetes mellitus, 55 (22.82%) had hypertension, 222 had pure cryptogenic cirrhosis (median age, 54.86 years ± 16.09 years; male, 44%), and 19 (7.88%) had cryptogenic cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma (median age, 67.42 years ± 7.03 years; male, 47%). The incidence of diabetes in the pure cryptogenic cirrhosis group and cryptogenic cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma group was 40% and 57%, respectively; the incidence of hypertension in the two groups was 20% and 58%. Univariate analysis showed that age (t = -6.47, P < 0.001), hypertension (t = 13.8, P < 0.001) and systolic (t = -3.63, P < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (t = 13.8, P < 0.001) differed significantly between the cryptogenic cirrhosis group and cryptogenic cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma group. Multivariate Logistic analysis showed that age and hypertension were independent risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma from cryptogenic cirrhosis (OR = 1.086, 95% CI: 1.03-1.14, P < 0.001; OR = 5.4, 95%CI: 2.05-14.23, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION: Our study shows that cryptogenic cirrhosis is associated with higher incidence of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure metabolic syndrome, suggesting that cryptogenic cirrhosis is in line with the clinical features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease may play an important role in the development of cryptogenic cirrhosis in high HBV prevalence areas like Xinjiang.

Noninvasive differentiation of simple steatosis and steatohepatitis by using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MR imaging in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a proof-of-concept study

PURPOSE

To determine whether gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging can be used to distinguish between simple steatosis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), defined according to the steatosis activity and fibrosis (SAF) scoring system, which is based on the semiquantitative scoring of steatosis activity and liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The local institutional review committee approved this study and waived written informed consent. This was a retrospective study of gadoxetic acid-enhanced 3-T MR imaging performed in 81 patients with NAFLD (45 men [56%]; mean age, 56 years; range, 25-78 years). The MR images were analyzed by using the relative enhancement (the ratio of signal intensities of the liver parenchyma before and 20 minutes after intravenous administration of gadoxetic acid). Univariate and multiple regression analyses were applied to identify variables associated with relative enhancement measurements. The ability of relative enhancement to allow differentiation between simple steatosis and NASH was assessed by using area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

RESULTS

Relative enhancement negatively correlated with the degree of lobular inflammation (r = -0.59, P < .0001), ballooning (r = -0.44, P < .0001), and fibrosis (r = -0.59, P ≤ .0001), but not with steatosis (r = -0.16, P = .15). Patients with NASH had a significantly lower relative liver enhancement (0.82 ± 0.22) than those with simple steatosis (1.39 ± 0.52) (P < .001). Relative enhancement measurements performed well in the differentiation between simple steatosis and NASH, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.85 (95% confidence interval: 0.75, 0.91) (cutoff = 1.24, sensitivity = 97%, specificity = 63%).

CONCLUSION

Gadoxetic acid relative enhancement was significantly lower in patients with NASH than in patients with simple steatosis, but further prospective studies are warranted.

Experimental Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Induced by Neonatal Streptozotocin Injection and a High-Fat Diet in Rats

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a major concern in clinical hepatology. To elucidate the disease mechanisms and to develop a treatment, the advent of an appropriate experimental model is crucial. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet from gestational day 16. Two days after birth, the neonates were injected subcutaneously with streptozotocin (STZ) (180, 200, or 256 mg/kg). The mothers were fed a high-fat diet during the nursing period. After being weaned (4 weeks of age), the juvenile rats were fed the same high-fat diet. The survival rates at the time of weaning were 25.6% (180 mg/kg STZ), 22.8% (200 mg/kg STZ), and 19.4% (256 mg/kg STZ). The mean body weight of NASH rats was approximately 20% less than that of normal rats. Serum levels of glucose, alanine aminotransferase, and hyaluronic acid increased in NASH rats. Histologically, typical features of steatohepatitis such as ballooning, inflammatory cell infiltration, and perivenular and pericellular fibrosis were observed. In an indocyanine green loading test, the blood half-life was significantly longer in NASH rats (5.04 ± 2.14 vs. 2.72 ± 0.72 min; p < 0.05), which was suggestive of an impaired hepatobiliary transportation function. Concomitantly, biliary ICG concentrations in NASH rats stabilized in a delayed fashion compared with normal rats. In addition, the amount of bile excreted in NASH rats was significantly lower than that in normal rats (4.32 ± 0.83 vs. 7.66 ± 1.05 mg/min; p < 0.01). The rat NASH model presented here mimics the clinical features of the disease and will be a helpful tool for medical and bioscience research.

Max-IDEAL: a max-flow based approach for IDEAL water/fat separation

PURPOSE

To propose a novel approach to water/fat separation using a unique smoothness constraint.

THEORY AND METHODS

Chemical-shift based water/fat separation is an established noninvasive imaging tool for the visualization of body fat in various anatomies. Nevertheless, B0 magnetic field inhomogeneities can hamper the water/fat separation process. In this work, B0 variations are mapped using a convex-relaxed labeling model which produces a coarse estimate of the field map, while considering T2* decay during the labeling process. Fat and water components are subsequently resolved using T2*-IDEAL. An adaptive spatial filtering (ASF) was introduced to improve the robustness of the estimate. The method was tested on cardiac and abdominal datasets from healthy volunteers and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients.

RESULTS

Out of 168 cardiac and abdominal images, only 1 case has shown water/fat swaps that can hinder the clinical interpretation of the underlying anatomy.

CONCLUSION

This work demonstrates a new water/fat separation approach that prevents the occurrence of water/fat swaps, by means of a unique smoothness constraint. Incorporating T2* effect in the labeling procedure and including the ASF processing enhance the robustness of the proposed approach and permit the procedure to handle abrupt B0 variations within the field of view.

Value of the ultrasound attenuation index for noninvasive quantitative estimation of hepatic steatosis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the value of the ultrasound (US) attenuation index for noninvasive estimation of hepatic steatosis and determine its optimal cutoff value for severe steatosis in potential living liver donors.

METHODS

Two hundred forty potential donors underwent US-guided biopsy. The target site was scanned at 4 and 8 MHz. On the sonogram, the observer drew 3 × 3-mm square regions of interest in superficial (3-cm) and deep (5-cm) areas. The attenuation index was defined as the difference between superficial and deep echogenicity/superficial echogenicity × 100. On biopsy specimens, replacement of hepatic parenchyma was evaluated on a percentage scale. Severe steatosis was defined as macrovesicular fatty change of 30% or greater. Spearman rank correlation (ρ) was used to determine correlation coefficients between the attenuation index and steatosis degree; receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to determine the optimal attenuation index cutoff value for severe steatosis.

RESULTS

The median steatosis degree was 3% (interquartile range [IQR], 0%-10%). Severe steatosis was found in 10 donors. The attenuation index ranged from -27.4 to 36.6 (median, 4.0; IQR, -1.6-10.4) at 4 MHz and -18.0 to 78.1 (median, 14.5; IQR, 7.2-21.9) at 8 MHz. There was a minimal positive correlation between steatosis and the attenuation index at 4 MHz (total steatosis: ρ = 0.339; P < .001; macrovesicular steatosis: ρ = 0.360; P < .001). However, there was a significant moderate correlation between steatosis and the attenuation index at 8 MHz (total steatosis: ρ = 0.669; P < .001; macrovesicular steatosis: ρ = 0.645; P < .001). The optimal attenuation index cutoff value for severe steatosis at 8 MHz was 31.0.

CONCLUSIONS

The US attenuation index at 8 MHz is a useful indicator for noninvasive quantitative estimation of hepatic steatosis and diagnosis of severe steatosis in potential living liver donors.

The prevalence of metabolic risk factors among outpatients with diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Lithuania

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease; there is growing evidence that it is a hepatic manifestation of a metabolic syndrome. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of metabolic risk factors among patients with NAFLD.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Outpatients with NAFLD were recruited into the study. Family physicians recorded patients' demographic and anthropometric data, leisure-time physical activity, concomitant diseases, and pharmacological treatment for NAFLD into standardized Case Report Forms.

RESULTS

In total, data on 798 patients were analyzed. Most patients were women and they were older than the men (mean age, 60.2 ± 9.6 vs. 54.5 ± 11.4 years; p<0.05). Metabolic risk factors (obesity, arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia) were highly prevalent in the study patients, and these factors were more prevalent among women. There were no differences in the mean Body Mass Index (BMI), in the proportion of men or women with BMI >30 kg/m2 or central obesity in the 2 age groups (≤ 60 years and >60 years). Hypertension and diabetes were more prevalent among older men and women. Dyslipidemia was more common among older women. The level of leisure-time physical activity was lower in women and in older patients. The most frequently prescribed pharmacological agents were cytoprotective agents, lipid-lowering drugs, and antioxidants.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic risk factors were highly prevalent among patients with NAFLD. Obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia were more prevalent among women. The differences in the prevalence of hypertension seemed to be influenced by older age of women.

Detection of hepatic steatosis on contrast-enhanced CT images: diagnostic accuracy of identification of areas of presumed focal fatty sparing

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this article is to determine the diagnostic accuracy of identifying focal areas of increased density along the gallbladder fossa or in the periphery of segment IV for diagnosing hepatic steatosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five hundred consecutive three-phase CT examinations were retrospectively evaluated. Two reference standards for hepatic steatosis were determined using the unenhanced CT examination: a liver-spleen attenuation difference of greater than 10 HU and the absolute attenuation of the liver less than 40 HU. The portal venous phase was independently analyzed by two radiologists. Hepatic steatosis was diagnosed on the contrast-enhanced images if there was increased attenuation in the liver, either at the gallbladder fossa or in the posterior medial aspect of segment IV, when compared with background liver parenchyma.

RESULTS

The criterion of relative liver-spleen attenuation difference diagnosed 38 cases. The criterion of absolute liver attenuation less than 40 HU diagnosed 44 cases. Of these cases, hepatic steatosis was diagnosed on the portal venous phase in 23 cases (κ = 1.0), with no false-positive cases. The criterion of relative liver-spleen attenuation difference yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 60.5%, 100%, 100%, and 96.9%, respectively. The criterion of absolute liver attenuation less than 40 HU yielded sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 52.5%, 100%, 100%, and 95.7%, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Qualitative evaluation of the liver on a portal venous phase contrast-enhanced CT is highly specific for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis; the sensitivity of the method, however, is rather low.

Measuring altered disposition of xenobiotics in experimental models of liver disease

Understanding the metabolic pathway and excretion mechanisms governing the disposition of a compound is essential to the safe use of pharmaceutical agents. Because the liver is the primary organ responsible for the metabolism and elimination of xenobiotics, chronic liver disease can have a significant effect on the disposition of many xenobiotics due to changes in the expression or function of drug metabolizing enzymes and transporters. Liver disease can result in increased retention of a xenobiotic within the body, causing greater exposure of the individual to a potentially harmful compound, which may lead to toxicity. On the other hand, liver disease may also up-regulate the elimination processes of a xenobiotic, accelerating its removal from the body. With regard to a pharmaceutical agent, enhanced elimination may result in a decreased pharmacologic effect. Such alterations may necessitate dosage adjustments to achieve the desired therapeutic outcome.

[Lipodystrophy and echographic hepatic steatosis in HIV-positive patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in Yaounde (Cameroon)]

The association between sonographic liver steatosis and clinical lipodystrophy in AIDS patients treated by highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been studied. We conducted a cross-sectional study reviewing medical files of 117 AIDS patients followed up in Yaounde, Cameroon (6.3 F/1 M, mean age = 40 ± 9.4 years), and treated the patients with HAART protocol comprising stavudine or zidovudine for at least six months. All participants underwent abdominal ultrasonography and anthropometric assessment including body mass index (BMI). Data analysis included determining the association between sonographic liver steatosis, clinical lipodystrophy, and other clinical and biological data using the ¢(2) test, and the calculation of odd ratio. Fifty-one patients presented clinical lipodystrophy. The sonographic prevalence of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly was 70.1% and 25.6%, respectively. The overall prevalence of sonographic steatosis was 28.2%; specifically 37.3% among lipodystrophic patients and 21.1% among nonlipodystrophic patients (P = 0.03). According to the type of lipodystrophy, the prevalence was 40.6% among lipohypertrophic patients, 38.5% among lipodystrophic patients, and 16.7% among lipoatrophic patients. Clinical lipohypertrophy was statistically associated with a higher prevalence of sonographic steatosis (odd ratio = 2.5; 95% CI: [1.01-6.39], and P = 0.04). HAART protocol including stavudine was associated with lipodystrophy. The prevalence of sonographic liver steatosis is high among AIDS patients under HAART and is associated with lipohypertrophy.

Unenhanced fat fraction ratios obtained by MR and enhanced T2* values with liver-specific MR contrast agents for diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive MR imaging is expected to be used for accurate diagnosis and quantification of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), because NASH is a progressive fatty liver disease. New MR techniques, such as fat fraction ratio (FFR) and T2* value measurement, have attracted an increasing attention, because those techniques can measure quantitative parameters of fibrosis, fat and iron deposition in the liver.

PURPOSE

To investigate the potential of FFR and T2* value in NASH with pre-enhancement, gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) or super-paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)-enhanced MRI.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-eight rats were divided equally into four groups (one control group and three NASH groups). All rats underwent unenhanced, Gd-EOB-DTPA, and SPIO-enhanced MRI. The T2* value of the liver was measured for each image sequence, and then changes in T2* values before and after each injection were analyzed using Dunnett's test. The reduction rate of T2* value before and 13 min after injection of Gd-EOB-DTPA or SPIO was analyzed using Mann-Whitney's U test. Moreover, FFR of the liver was measured before enhancement, and the relationship between fat fraction and the calculated fat area percentage on a pathological specimen was examined using Spearman's correlation test.

RESULTS

On pre-enhancement, FFR and T2* value were 26.0% ± 12.0% and 21.5 ± 4.2 ms for all NASH groups, and 0.9% ± 0.5% and 30.8 ±-5.5 ms for control, respectively. Both FFR and T2* values were significantly different between the NASH and control groups. The reduction rate of T2* value was significantly lower in the NASH groups than in the control group on SPIO-enhanced MRI, though there was no significant difference on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI. FFR was correlated with the calculated fat area percentage for the pathological specimen.

CONCLUSION

Pre-enhancement FFR, T2* value measurement and reduction rate of T2* value on SPIO-enhanced MRI may help estimate the progress of liver fat deposition and fibrosis in NASH.

Diffusion-weighted MRI of the transplanted liver

AIM

To assess the value of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating parenchymal disorders following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This institutional review board-approved, retrospective study measured the hepatic apparent diffusion coefficients (ADC) in patients following OLT. Those with vascular complications or within 3 months of OLT were excluded. A single-shot echoplanar sequence with b values of 50, 400 (or 500), and 800 s/mm(2) was performed. Liver biopsy specimens [performed with a median of 17 days after magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)] were recorded for the presence and severity of parenchymal disorders, such as acute cellular rejection, and recurrence of fibrosis in all patients, and the recurrence of viral hepatitis in patients with hepatitis C. ADC values were measured blinded to histology in 41 patients (33 males) who had 56 MRI scans.

RESULTS

There was a significant difference in ADC values associated with a histological abnormality seen on core biopsy [n=43, mean (SD) ADC of 0.91 (0.15)×10(-3) mm(2)/s] and those associated with no histological abnormality [n=13, mean (SD) ADC of 1.11 (0.17)×10(-3) mm(2)/s; (p=0.003)]. ADC values did not predict any of the individual parenchymal disorders on logistic regression analysis. When the ADC value was <0.99×10(-3) mm(2)/s, there was a sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 72%, respectively, in predicting a parenchymal disorder (area under ROC curve=0.84; 95% CI 0.72 to 0.92).

CONCLUSION

ADC measurements may help in deciding which patients require core liver biopsy after OLT. However, ADC values are not likely to be reliable in differentiating between the various parenchymal disorders.

The Possibility of differentiation between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fatty liver in rabbits on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced open-type MRI scans

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES

We used rabbits to investigate the possibility of differentiating between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver (FL) on scans acquired by open-type‒ and gadolinium-ethoxybenzyl-diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)‒enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We divided 15 adult rabbits into three equal groups; they received standard (control group), high-fat (FL) content (FL group), or choline-deficient chow (NASH group). With the animals under general anesthesia we acquired scans on an open 0.3-Tesla MRI system. Signal intensity (SI) was measured before and after contrast administration and defined as SI-pre and SI-post, respectively. Relative SI enhancement (Sr) was calculated using the equation: Sr = (average of three SI-post- minus average of three SI values in no-signal fields)/(average of three SI-pre- minus average of three SI values in no-signal fields) × 100. Maximum Sr (Srmax), the time (in seconds) required to reach Srmax (Tmax), and the difference between Srmax and Sr at 30 minutes (Sr(30m)R) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Srmax was significantly higher in the NASH rabbits than the other two groups (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

In rabbits, the Srmax value made it possible to differentiate NASH from normal and fatty liver.

Biopsy-proven nonsteatotic liver in adults: estimation of reference range for difference in attenuation between the liver and the spleen at nonenhanced CT

PURPOSE

To establish the reference range for hepatic attenuation minus splenic attenuation difference (CT(L-S)) values on nonenhanced computed tomographic (CT) images obtained in adults with a biopsy-proved nonsteatotic liver and determine the CT(L-S) criterion for diagnosing hepatic steatosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study was institutional review board approved, and all subjects had provided written informed consent. The CT(L-S) was measured in 315 liver donor candidates (207 men, 108 women; mean age, 31.5 years ± 10.1 [standard deviation]) who underwent nonenhanced CT of the liver and subsequent ultrasonographically guided liver biopsy on the same day. Nonenhanced liver CT was performed with a 16-section multidetector scanner in 154 individuals and with a 64-section multidetector scanner in 161 individuals. Biopsy specimens were analyzed for degree of hepatic steatosis and iron deposition. The CT(L-S) reference range was determined according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guideline C28-A3 in individuals with a histologically proved nonsteatotic liver. The sensitivity of nonenhanced CT for the diagnosis of 5% or greater and 30% or greater hepatic steatosis with use of the lower limit of the reference range as the diagnostic cutoff was determined. The effects of subject age and sex, CT scanner type, and hepatic iron on the CT(L-S) were evaluated by using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Ninety-six subjects (48 men, 48 women) were found to have a histologically proved nonsteatotic liver, with an estimated reference range for CT(L-S) values of 1-18 HU. With a CT(L-S) of less than 1 HU as the criterion for hepatic steatosis, the sensitivities of nonenhanced CT for 5% or greater and 30% or greater hepatic steatosis were 18.6% (29 of 156 subjects) and 67% (26 of 39 subjects), respectively. Subject age had a significant but negligible effect on CT(L-S) (0.076-HU increase per year of age, P = .009), subject sex and scanner type had no effects on CT(L-S), and hepatic iron deposition significantly increased the CT(L-S) (1.434-HU increase per increase in iron deposition grade, P = .011).

CONCLUSION

The histologically proved reference range of CT(L-S) values for nonsteatotic livers was 1-18 HU. A CT(L-S) of less than 1 HU could be used as a conservative criterion for diagnosing hepatic steatosis with nonenhanced CT more consistently.

MR imaging in liver cirrhosis: classical and new approaches

Objective

The typical histological features of chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis are variable degrees of hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation (activity or grade of disease), fibrosis (stage of disease), and associated fat and iron deposition. These features influence the liver’s appearance and must be assessed separately by imaging biomarkers in order to be clinically useful. Hepatic morphologic alterations and features of portal hypertension identify most cases of established cirrhosis. Nowadays, research is focused on developing ways to improve detection of early and intermediate stages of fibrosis as well as hepatocyte dysfunction. Even more, most imaging-related measurements are subject to complex interactions and are influenced by different pathologic processes, such as fatty infiltration, edema, necrosis and iron accumulation.

Methods and results

MR experience throughout the last 15 years at the Dr Peset University Hospital is reviewed.

Conclusion

Nowadays, several biomarkers have been developed to grade the liver status in cirrhosis. This review will focus on these topics.

Hepatotoxicity Associated with Metformin Therapy in Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Objective:

To report a case of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin in the treatment of type 2 diabetes with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Case Summary:

A 61-year-old obese man presented with jaundice, nausea, fatigue, and an unintentional weight loss 2 weeks following initiation of metformin. Laboratory findings revealed aminotransferase values 10–15 times the upper limit of normal. Potential causative agents, including metformin, simvastatin, and Niaspan (extended-release niacin), were discontinued. Two months later, the patient's signs and symptoms had resolved and aminotransferase values returned to normal. An objective causality assessment revealed that the adverse reaction was probably associated with metformin.

Discussion:

Since numerous medications and disease states can cause abnormalities in liver enzymes, it is important for providers to be able to distinguish the cause(s) and take appropriate actions. This can take a great deal of time and effort in patients with multiple medications and comorbidities. In this patient's case, viral hepatitis, worsening NAFLD, and the concomitant drugs were highly suspected. As hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors offer substantial cardiovascular benefits and as metformin is a first-line agent in helping to lower blood glucose concentrations and to normalize the metabolic profile in type 2 diabetes, reintroduction of metformin and simvastatin would likely be beneficial.

Conclusions:

This is a case report of metformin-induced hepatotoxicity. As the prevalence of type 2 diabetes and subsequent metabolic effects increases in the US, metformin use will likewise increase. As potential for increased idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity associated with metformin use is likely to occur, clinicians should be vigilant.

Breath-hold 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy for intrahepatic lipid quantification at 3 Tesla

OBJECTIVE

To compare breath-hold 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) with respiratory-gated 1H-MRS and computed tomography (CT) for quantification of hepatic lipid content.

METHODS

Twenty-three premenopausal women underwent breath-hold point-resolved single-voxel 1H-MRS of the liver followed by respiratory-gated 1H-MRS at 3 Tesla and CT slice through the liver. Interscan variability for 1H-MRS was assessed in 6 volunteers. Pearson correlation coefficients, Bland-Altman 95% limit of agreement, and concordance correlation coefficients were calculated.

RESULTS

There was a strong correlation between breath-hold and respiratory-gated 1H-MRS (r = 0.94, P < 0.0001; concordance correlation coefficient, 0.75). Using Bland-Altman analysis, all but 2 data points were within the limits of agreement. Both 1H-MRS techniques had low interscan variability. There was an inverse correlation of both 1H-MRS techniques with CT attenuation values of the liver.

CONCLUSIONS

Breath-hold 1H-MRS is a reliable method to measure hepatic lipid content at 3 Tesla. Breath-hold 1H-MRS of the liver provides data that closely correlates with that obtained from longer-duration respiratory-gated technique.

A maternal "junk food" diet in pregnancy and lactation promotes nonalcoholic Fatty liver disease in rat offspring

With rising obesity rates, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is predicted to become the main cause of chronic liver disease in the next decades. Rising obesity prevalence is attributed to changes in dietary habits with increased consumption of palatable junk foods, but maternal malnutrition also contributes to obesity in progeny. This study examines whether a maternal junk food diet predisposes offspring to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The 144 rat offspring were fed either a balanced chow diet alone or with palatable junk foods rich in energy, fat, sugar, and/or salt during gestation, lactation, and/or after weaning up to the end of adolescence. Offspring fed junk food throughout the study exhibited exacerbated hepatic steatosis, hepatocyte ballooning, and oxidative stress response compared with offspring given free access to junk food after weaning only. These offspring also displayed sex differences in their hepatic molecular metabolic adaptation to diet-induced obesity with increased expression of genes associated with insulin sensitivity, de novo lipogenesis, lipid oxidation, and antiinflammatory properties in males, whereas the gene expression profile in females was indicative of hepatic insulin resistance. Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were not detected indicating that offspring had not developed severe steatohepatitis by the end of adolescence. Hepatic steatosis and increased oxidative stress response also occurred in offspring born to junk food-fed mothers switched to a balanced chow diet from weaning, highlighting a degree of irreversibility. This study shows that a maternal junk food diet in pregnancy and lactation contributes to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in offspring.

Contrast-enhanced computed tomography for the diagnosis of fatty liver: prospective study with same-day biopsy used as the reference standard

PURPOSE

The study purpose was to prospectively determine the accuracy of contrast-enhanced CT in diagnosing fatty liver using same-day biopsy as the reference standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred seventy-nine potential living liver donors underwent unenhanced and portal-phase contrast-enhanced hepatic CT and subsequent liver biopsy on the same day. Attenuation difference between the liver and the spleen on unenhanced (( pre ) L-S) and contrast-enhanced (( post ) L-S) images and blood-subtracted hepatic attenuation on contrast-enhanced images (( post ) L-B), calculated by [L - 0.3 x (0.75 x P + 0.25 x A)]/0.7 where L, P and A represent the attenuation of the liver, main portal vein and abdominal aorta, respectively, were obtained. The accuracy of these indices in diagnosing fatty liver according to various threshold levels, 5%-30% histological steatosis in increments of 5%, was compared using ROC analysis.

RESULTS

The area under the ROC curve for ( pre ) L-S, ( post ) L-S and ( post ) L-B was 0.663-0.918, 0.712-0.847 and 0.821-0.923, respectively, depending on the threshold levels of hepatic steatosis. The accuracy of ( pre ) L-S and ( post ) L-S did not differ (P >or= 0.054), despite a trend towards a lower accuracy with ( post ) L-S. ( post ) L-B yielded higher accuracy than ( pre ) L-S at threshold levels of 5% and 10% (P <or= 0.002) and similar accuracy to ( pre ) L-S at the other threshold levels (P >or= 0.144).

CONCLUSION

Portal-phase contrast-enhanced CT has a similar, or even greater, accuracy than unenhanced CT in diagnosing fatty liver.