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Chen X, Shi K, Zhang Y, Song Y, Wang X, Tian X. Causal association of polyunsaturated fatty acids with biliary tract diseases: A Mendelian randomization study. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2024; 61:37-45. [PMID: 38777457 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The evidence connecting polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to biliary problems is still highly contested and speculative despite the fact that biliary diseases are common and PUFAs have long been studied for their potential health benefits. This work used Mendelian randomization (MR) techniques in conjunction with genome-wide association study (GWAS) data to clarify the causal relationships between PUFAs and biliary tract diseases. METHODS We compiled data on PUFAs, including Omega-3 fatty acids, Omega-6 fatty acids, and the ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids (Omega-6:Omega-3), using GWAS. MR was used to examine biliary tract problems (cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, gallbladder cancer, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas). Single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with PUFAs were selected as instrumental variables to estimate causal effects on biliary tract diseases. The final results were analyzed using five MR analysis techniques. Inverse variance weighting (IVW) was used as the primary outcome. And IVW was utilized in conjunction with the other MR analysis techniques (MR-Egger, weighted median, simple mode, and weighted mode). Additionally, we evaluated heterogeneity and horizontal multiplicity using the MR-Egger intercept test and Cochrane's Q test, respectively. Finally, to increase the accuracy and precision of the study outcomes, we carried out a number of sensitivity analyses. RESULTS We found that Omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of cholecystitis (OR: 0.851, P = 0.009), cholelithiasis (OR: 0.787, P = 8.76e-5), and disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (OR: 0.842, P = 1.828e-4) but increased the primary biliary cholangitis (OR: 2.220, P = 0.004). There was no significant association between Omega-3 fatty acids and risk of gallbladder cancer (OR: 3.127, P = 0.530) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR: 0.919, P = 0.294). Omega-6 fatty acids were associated with a reduced risk of cholecystitis (OR: 0.845, P = 0.040). However, they were not linked to an increased or decreased risk of cholelithiasis (OR: 0.878, P = 0.14), gallbladder cancer (OR: 4.670, P = 0.515), primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR: 0.993, P = 0.962), primary cholestatic biliary cholangitis (OR: 1.404, P = 0.509), or disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas. Omega-6:Omega-3 fatty acids were linked to a greater risk of cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas (OR:1.168, P = 0.009, OR:1.191, P = 1.60e-6, and OR:1.160, P = 4.11e-6, respectively). But (OR: 0.315, P = 0.010) was linked to a decreased risk of primary biliary cholangitis. Not linked to risk of primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR: 1.079, P = 0.078) or gallbladder cancer (OR: 0.046, P = 0.402). According to the MR-Egger intercept, our MR examination did not appear to be impacted by any pleiotropy (all P > 0.05). Additionally, sensitivity studies validated the accuracy of the calculated causation. CONCLUSION Inconsistent causative relationships between PUFAs and biliary tract diseases were revealed in our investigation. However, Omega-3 fatty acids were found to causally lower the risk of cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas. Omega-3 fatty acids increased the risk of primary biliary cholangitis in a causative way. Omega-3 fatty acids with the risk of gallbladder cancer and primary sclerosing cholangitis did not have any statistically significant relationships. Omega-6 fatty acids were not significantly causally connected with the risk of cholelithiasis, gallbladder cancer, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas. However, they did play a causative role in lowering the risk of cholecystitis. Omega-6:Omega-3 fatty acids decreased the risk of primary biliary cholangitis but increased the risk of cholecystitis, gallstone disease, and disorders of gallbladder, biliary tract and pancreas. They had no effect on the risk of gallbladder cancer or primary sclerosing cholangitis. Therefore, additional research should be done to examine the probable processes mediating the link between polyunsaturated fatty acids and the risk of biliary tract diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, PR China
| | - Kaijia Shi
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Disease Research, the First Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, PR China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, PR China
| | - Yuqi Song
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, PR China; Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261000, PR China
| | - Xueyuan Wang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, PR China.
| | - Xinghan Tian
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong 264000, PR China.
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Andrews TS, Nakib D, Perciani CT, Ma XZ, Liu L, Winter E, Camat D, Chung SW, Lumanto P, Manuel J, Mangroo S, Hansen B, Arpinder B, Thoeni C, Sayed B, Feld J, Gehring A, Gulamhusein A, Hirschfield GM, Ricciuto A, Bader GD, McGilvray ID, MacParland S. Single-cell, single-nucleus, and spatial transcriptomics characterization of the immunological landscape in the healthy and PSC human liver. J Hepatol 2024; 80:730-743. [PMID: 38199298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated cholestatic liver disease for which there is an unmet need to understand the cellular composition of the affected liver and how it underlies disease pathogenesis. We aimed to generate a comprehensive atlas of the PSC liver using multi-omic modalities and protein-based functional validation. METHODS We employed single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (47,156 cells and 23,000 nuclei) and spatial transcriptomics (one sample by 10x Visium and five samples with Nanostring GeoMx DSP) to profile the cellular ecosystem in 10 PSC livers. Transcriptomic profiles were compared to 24 neurologically deceased donor livers (107,542 cells) and spatial transcriptomics controls, as well as 18,240 cells and 20,202 nuclei from three PBC livers. Flow cytometry was performed to validate PSC-specific differences in immune cell phenotype and function. RESULTS PSC explants with parenchymal cirrhosis and prominent periductal fibrosis contained a population of cholangiocyte-like hepatocytes that were surrounded by diverse immune cell populations. PSC-associated biliary, mesenchymal, and endothelial populations expressed chemokine and cytokine transcripts involved in immune cell recruitment. Additionally, expanded CD4+ T cells and recruited myeloid populations in the PSC liver expressed the corresponding receptors to these chemokines and cytokines, suggesting potential recruitment. Tissue-resident macrophages, by contrast, were reduced in number and exhibited a dysfunctional and downregulated inflammatory response to lipopolysaccharide and interferon-γ stimulation. CONCLUSIONS We present a comprehensive atlas of the PSC liver and demonstrate an exhaustion-like phenotype of myeloid cells and markers of chronic cytokine expression in late-stage PSC lesions. This atlas expands our understanding of the cellular complexity of PSC and has potential to guide the development of novel treatments. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare liver disease characterized by chronic inflammation and irreparable damage to the bile ducts, which eventually results in liver failure. Due to a limited understanding of the underlying pathogenesis of disease, treatment options are limited. To address this, we sequenced healthy and diseased livers to compare the activity, interactions, and localization of immune and non-immune cells. This revealed that hepatocytes lining PSC scar regions co-express cholangiocyte markers, whereas immune cells infiltrate the scar lesions. Of these cells, macrophages, which typically contribute to tissue repair, were enriched in immunoregulatory genes and demonstrated a lack of responsiveness to stimulation. These cells may be involved in maintaining hepatic inflammation and could be a target for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tallulah S Andrews
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 5C1, Canada; Department of Computer Science, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, N6A 3K7, Canada.
| | - Diana Nakib
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.
| | - Catia T Perciani
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Xue Zhong Ma
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Lewis Liu
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Erin Winter
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Damra Camat
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sai W Chung
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Patricia Lumanto
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Justin Manuel
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Shantel Mangroo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Bettina Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5T 3M6, Canada
| | - Bal Arpinder
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Cornelia Thoeni
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Blayne Sayed
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Jordan Feld
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Adam Gehring
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada; Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Aliya Gulamhusein
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Amanda Ricciuto
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X8, Canada
| | - Gary D Bader
- The Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
| | - Ian D McGilvray
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.
| | - Sonya MacParland
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada; Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5G 1L7, Canada.
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Koop PH, Schwenzer C, Clusmann J, Vell MS, Jaeger J, Gui W, Trautwein C, Koch A, Bruns T, Schneider CV, Schneider KM. Comorbidities, mortality and metabolic profile in individuals with primary biliary cholangitis-A Phenome-Wide-Association-Study. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 38661318 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, immune-mediated liver disease that can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis. In this cohort study, we aimed to investigate morbidity and mortality in conjunction with metabolomic changes of PBC in a UK population-based cohort. METHODS 454 participants with PBC and 908 propensity score (age, sex, BMI, ethnicity) matched controls without liver disease were included in the study. A subset of participants with PBC and controls were analysed for their metabolomic profile. Further, PBC-associated comorbidities were investigated by PheWAS analysis. Lastly, we assessed causes of death in individuals with PBC using a Fine and Grey competing-risks regression model. RESULTS Compared to the control group, various pathways associated with the metabolism of amino acids, lipids, and liver biochemistry were significantly enriched in individuals with PBC. We found reduced levels of S-HDL-cholesterol and Glycoprotein Acetyls in individuals with PBC as well as an association with diseases of the circulatory system. Notably, PBC individuals had a higher prevalence of digestive diseases, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases, anaemias, mental disorders, and urinary tract infections compared to the control group. Strikingly, the overall mortality was almost three times higher in the PBC group compared to the control group, with diseases of the digestive system accounting for a significant elevation of the death rate. A subsequent analysis, enhanced by propensity score matching that included the APRI score, demonstrated that the observed morbidity could not be exclusively attributed to advanced hepatic disease. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides a detailed perspective on the morbidity of individuals with PBC. The exploration of potential effects of disease state on morbidity suggest that early detection and early treatment of PBC could enhance patient prognosis and prevent the onset of comorbid diseases. Finally, the metabolomic alterations could represent a link between the pathophysiological processes underlying PBC development, progression, and associated morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul-Henry Koop
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Constanze Schwenzer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Jan Clusmann
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mara S Vell
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Julius Jaeger
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Wenfang Gui
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Alexander Koch
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tony Bruns
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Carolin V Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- The Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kai Markus Schneider
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Gastroenterology, Metabolic Diseases and Intensive Care, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
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Maki K, Katsumi T, Hanatani T, Uchiyama F, Suzuki F, Hoshikawa K, Haga H, Saito T, Ueno Y. Elucidation of pericholangitis and periductal fibrosis in cholestatic liver diseases via extracellular vesicles released by polarized biliary epithelial cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1094-C1105. [PMID: 38344767 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00655.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Cholestatic liver diseases causes inflammation and fibrosis around bile ducts. However, the pathological mechanism has not been elucidated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released from both the basolateral and apical sides of polarized biliary epithelial cells. We aimed to investigate the possibility that EVs released from the basolateral sides of biliary epithelial cells by bile acid stimulation induce inflammatory cells and fibrosis around bile ducts, and they may be involved in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease. Human biliary epithelial cells (H69) were grown on cell culture inserts and stimulated with chenodeoxycholic acid + IFN-γ. Human THP-1-derived M1-macrophages, LX-2 cells, and KMST-6 cells were treated with the extracted basolateral EVs, and inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis markers were detected by RT-PCR. Highly expressed proteins from stimulated EVs were identified, and M1-macrophages, LX-2, KMST-6 were treated with these recombinant proteins. Stimulated EVs increased the expression of TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 in M1-macrophages, TGF-β in LX-2 and KMST-6 compared with the corresponding expression levels in unstimulated EVs. Nucleophosmin, nucleolin, and midkine levels were increased in EVs from stimulated cells compared with protein expression in EVs from unstimulated cells. Leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2 (LECT2) is highly expressed only in EVs from stimulated cells. Stimulation of M1-macrophages with recombinant nucleophosmin, nucleolin, and midkine significantly increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines. Stimulation of LX-2 and KMST-6 with recombinant LECT2 significantly increased the expression of fibrotic markers. These results suggest that basolateral EVs are related to the development of pericholangitis and periductal fibrosis in cholestatic liver diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Our research elucidated that the composition of basolateral EVs from the biliary epithelial cells changed under bile acid exposure and the basolateral EVs contained the novel inflammation-inducing proteins NPM, NCL, and MK and the fibrosis-inducing protein LECT2. We report that these new results are possible to lead to the potential therapeutic target of cholestatic liver diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keita Maki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Katsumi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Takumi Hanatani
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fumi Uchiyama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Fumiya Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Kyoko Hoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Haga
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Takafumi Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Ueno
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata, Japan
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Lee DU, Harmacinski A, Kolachana S, Bahadur A, Lee K, Lee KJ, Pu A, Chou H, Fan GH, Malik R. The role of donor sex on the post-liver transplant outcomes in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 36:452-468. [PMID: 38407887 PMCID: PMC10922567 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) can result in hepatic decompensation and require liver transplantation (LT). This study investigates the effect of the sex of the donor and recipient as a prognostic risk factor for adverse outcomes after LT in patients with PSC. METHODS UNOS registry was used to select LT patients with PSC from 1987 to 2019. The study cohort was stratified based on the sex of the recipient and further subdivided based on the sex of the donor. The primary endpoints of this study were all-cause mortality and graft failure, which were evaluated using a sequential Cox regression analysis. RESULTS This study included 2829 patients; 906 female recipients were transplanted from 441 male donors and 465 female donors. 1923 male recipients were transplanted from 1194 male donors and 729 female donors. Within the mismatch analyses, the male-to-male recipients also had a significantly reduced hazard ratio of graft failure compared to female-to-male transplants [aHR 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.33-0.79, P = 0.003]. No difference in graft failure was observed in the mismatched female recipient subgroup. The mismatched male recipient group also showed a decreased hazard ratio of mortality from graft rejection and respiratory causes. No differences in specific mortality causes were identified in the mismatched female recipient group. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated an increase in the risk of graft failure and mortality secondary to graft failure in male recipients of female donor livers. No differences in mortality or graft failure were identified in female recipients of male livers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Uihwan Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland, 620 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Ashton Harmacinski
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland, 620 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Sindhura Kolachana
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland, 620 W Lexington St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Aneesh Bahadur
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - KeeSeok Lee
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ki Jung Lee
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Alex Pu
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Harrison Chou
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Gregory Hongyuan Fan
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Raza Malik
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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Mihai IR, Rezus C, Burlui MA, Cardoneanu A, Macovei LA, Richter P, Bratoiu I, Rezus E. Autoimmune Liver Diseases and Rheumatoid Arthritis-Is There an Etiopathogenic Link? Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3848. [PMID: 38612658 PMCID: PMC11011907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic immune-mediated disease that, in addition to the articular involvement, can have extra-articular manifestations. Even though liver damage in RA is not very common, associated autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) may occur. The most common AILD associated with RA is primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), followed by autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). There are common underlying mechanisms that play a role in the emergence of autoimmunity and inflammation in both rheumatic and autoimmune liver diseases. Genetic studies have revealed the existence of several common disease-associated genes shared between RA and AILDs, and infectious triggers, particularly those associated with recurrent or complicated urinary tract infections, are also speculated to be potential triggers for these conditions. Moreover, these diseases share common serologic patterns characterized by the presence of specific autoantibodies and hyper-gammaglobulinemia. In this study, we focus on reviewing the association between RA and AILDs regarding the prevalence and possible etiopathogenic link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Ruxandra Mihai
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ciprian Rezus
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
- “Sfantul Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, 700111 Iasi, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Burlui
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Anca Cardoneanu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Luana Andreea Macovei
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Patricia Richter
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Ioana Bratoiu
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
| | - Elena Rezus
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania (L.A.M.); (E.R.)
- Clinical Rehabilitation Hospital, 700661 Iasi, Romania
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R R, Sangameshwar A, Tan YY, Teh Kim Jun K, Tham TY, Cheah Chang Chuen M. Approach to Abnormal Liver Biochemistries in the Primary Care Setting. Cureus 2024; 16:e56541. [PMID: 38646392 PMCID: PMC11026984 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver biochemistries are commonly ordered in the primary care setting, and they may return abnormal even in an asymptomatic patient. Primary care physicians need to have a systematic way of interpreting any derangement in these tests so that further investigations, referrals, and management can be arranged appropriately. This review dwells into patterns of liver biochemistry derangement, common aetiologies to consider, history and examinations that are required, initial investigations to order, and when to refer urgently to the emergency department.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajesh R
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, SGP
| | | | - Yi Yuan Tan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, SGP
| | - Kevin Teh Kim Jun
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, SGP
| | - Tat Yean Tham
- Family Medicine, Frontier Healthcare, Singapore, SGP
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Liu J, Shen T, Li L, Li X, Zhao F, Liu X, Zhang S, Wu P, Li N, Zeng J. A systemic lupus erythematosus patient with persistent elevated conjugated bilirubin as the initial symptom: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e36999. [PMID: 38335395 PMCID: PMC10861003 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE While some systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients may experience varying degrees of liver function abnormalities, only a small portion of these cases have clinical significance, and the majority of patients typically exhibit low levels of serum bilirubin. However, in this article, we present a case of a middle-aged female patient with SLE who exhibited persistent skin jaundice as her initial symptom, offering a fresh perspective on diagnosing and treating patients who exhibit unexplained liver dysfunction and SLE combined with liver injury. PATIENT CONCERNS A 45-year-old woman was initially admitted to the hospital due to yellowing of the skin and sclera, and her symptoms did not improve significantly during treatment. The results were abnormal after relevant immunological tests. DIAGNOSES Persistent non-conjugated bilirubin elevation due to lupus hepatitis. INTERVENTIONS The use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (40 mg/Qd) and mycophenolate mofetil (0.75 g/d) suppressed immunity, polyolefin choline (20 mL/d) and glutathione (0.6 g/Qd) improved liver function, and nutritional support therapy. OUTCOMES After 2 weeks of treatment, a significant decrease in the yellow skin and sclera of the patient was observed. LESSONS Most clinicians overlook that liver function abnormalities are the main manifestation of SLE, resulting in many patients not receiving timely treatment. This study highlights the importance that SLE is also a cause of abnormal liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Tingting Shen
- Guizhou Provincial People’s Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xingyi Li
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Fang Zhao
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xiaoxia Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shan Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Pengjia Wu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jiashun Zeng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
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Zhang Y, Fan X, Song B, Liu Y, Chen Y, Zheng T, Guo Y, Duan T, Huang Z, Yang L. Noninvasive prediction of insufficient biochemical response after ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in patients with primary biliary cholangitis based on pretreatment nonenhanced MRI. Eur Radiol 2024; 34:1268-1279. [PMID: 37581659 PMCID: PMC10853298 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-023-10080-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore the feasibility of pretreatment nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting insufficient biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). METHODS From January 2009 to April 2022, consecutive PBC patients who were treated with UDCA and underwent nonenhanced MRI within 30 days before treatment were retrospectively enrolled. All MR images were independently evaluated by two blinded radiologists. Uni- and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to develop a predictive model for 12-month insufficient biochemical response. Model performances were evaluated by computing the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), sensitivity, and specificity. RESULTS A total of 74 patients (50.6 ± 11.9 years; 62 females) were included. Three pretreatment MRI features, including hepatomegaly (odds ratio [OR]: 4.580; p = 0.011), periportal hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) (OR: 4.795, p = 0.008), and narrowing of the bile ducts (OR: 3.491; p = 0.027) were associated with 12-month insufficient biochemical response in the multivariable analysis. A predictive model based on the above indicators had an AUC of 0.781, sensitivity of 85.4%, and specificity of 61.5% for predicting insufficient biochemical response. CONCLUSIONS A noninvasive model based on three pretreatment MRI features could accurately predict 12-month insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in patients with PBC. Early identification of PBC patients at increased risk for insufficient response can facilitate the timely initiation of additional treatment. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT A noninvasive predictive model constructed by incorporating three pretreatment MRI features may help identify patients with primary biliary cholangitis at high risk of insufficient biochemical response to ursodeoxycholic acid and facilitate the timely initiation of additional treatment. KEY POINTS • Noninvasive imaging features based on nonenhanced pretreatment MRI may predict an insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in PBC patients. • A combined model based on three MRI features (hepatomegaly, periportal hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging, and narrowing of the bile ducts) further improved the predictive efficacy for an insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in PBC patients, with high sensitivity and specificity. • The nomogram of the combined model showed good calibration and predictive efficacy for an insufficient biochemical response to UDCA in PBC patients. In particular, the calibration curve visualised the clinical applicability of the prediction model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoli Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Radiology, Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Yifeng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yidi Chen
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianying Zheng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxin Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Duan
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zixing Huang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Radiology, West China Tianfu Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
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Gao Q, Li G, Zu Y, Xu Y, Wang C, Xiang D, He W, Shang T, Cheng X, Liu D, Zhang C. Ginsenoside Rg1 alleviates ANIT-induced cholestatic liver injury by inhibiting hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress via SIRT1 activation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117089. [PMID: 37634749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Ginseng (Panax ginseng C. A. Mey) is a common traditional Chinese medicine used for anti-inflammation, treating colitis, type 2 diabetes, diarrhea, and recovering hepatobiliary function. Ginsenosides, the main active components isolated from ginseng, possess liver and gallbladder diseases therapeutic potential. AIMS OF THE STUDY Cholestatic liver injury (CLI) is a liver disease induced by intrahepatic accumulation of toxic bile acids and currently lacks clinically effective drugs. Our previous study found that ginsenosides alleviated CLI by activating sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), but the effective ingredients and the underlying mechanism have not been clarified. This study aimed to identify an effective ingredient with the most significant activation effect on SIRT1 from the five major monomer saponins of ginsenosides: Rb1, Rd, Rg1, 20s-Rg3, and Rc further explore its protective effects on CLI, and elaborate its underlying mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Discovery Studio 3.0 was used to conduct molecular docking between monomer saponins and SIRT1, and further detect the influence of monomer saponins on SIRT1 activity in vitro. Finally, it was determined that Rg1 had the most significant stimulative effect on SIRT1, and the hepatoprotective activity of Rg1 in CLI was explored in vivo. Wild-type mice were intragastrically α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) to establish an experimental model of intrahepatic cholestasis and Rg1 intervention, and then liver injury and cholestasis related indexes were detected. In addition, Liver-specific SIRT1 gene knockout (SIRT1-/-) mice were administered with ANIT and/or Rg1 to further investigate the mechanism of action of Rg1. RESULTS The results of molecular docking and in vitro experiments showed that all the five ginsenoside monomers could bind to the active site of SIRT1 and promote SIRT1 activity in HepG2 cells. Among them, Rg1 exhibited the most significant stimulation of SIRT1 activity in cholestasis. Besides, it could ameliorate ANIT-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Therefore, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of Rg1 on CLI. Results showed that Rg1 reversed the ANIT-induced increase in biochemical parameters, improved liver pathological injury, and decreased liver lipid accumulation, reactive oxygen species and pro-inflammatory factor levels. Mechanistically, Rg1 induced SIRT1 expression, followed by promoted the activity of Nrf2 and suppressed the activation of NF-κB. Interestingly, the hepatoprotective effect of Rg1 was blocked in SIRT1-/- mice. CONCLUSION Rg1 mitigated ANIT-induced CLI via upregulating SIRT1 expression, and our results suggested that Rg1 is a candidate compound for treating CLI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianyan Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Guodong Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yue Zu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yanjiao Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Congyi Wang
- The Center for Biomedical Research, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong Xiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wenxi He
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Tianze Shang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xinwei Cheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Chengliang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Tongji Hospital Affiliated Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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11
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Su X, Jin W, Liu L, Zhu Z, Li C. Regulation of CD47 expression on CD14 + monocytes by interferon-α in PBC patients. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256995. [PMID: 38111586 PMCID: PMC10725903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic intrahepatic cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by inflammatory injury of small and medium-sized bile ducts in the liver. The pathogenesis of PBC has yet to be entirely understood. CD47/signal-regulatory protein alpha (SIRPα) is closely related to developing autoimmune diseases by promoting inflammatory response. However, the effect of CD47/SIRPα on inflammatory response in PBC patients is still unclear. Objective We investigated the expression of CD47/SIRPα and the effect of inflammatory cytokines on the CD47 expression, analyzed potential autoantibodies against CD47 and the effect of anti-CD47 antibody on the inflammatory response in PBC, provided laboratory basis for the study of the pathogenesis and targets for non-invasive diagnosis and treatment on PBC. Methods The expression levels of CD47 and SIRPα on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were measured in 14 patients with PBC (the PBC group) and 13 healthy subjects (the Control group) by flow cytometry (FCM). The PBMC derived from healthy subjects were stimulated with healthy subjects' serum, PBC patients' serum, IFN-α or TNF-α, and the CD47 expression level on CD14+ monocytes was detected by FCM. The level of serum anti-CD47 antibody or IFN-α in PBC patients and healthy subjects was analyzed by ELISA. FCM was used to examine the TNF-α expression level in CD14+ monocytes of healthy subjects stimulated with isotype control antibody, anti-CD47 antibody, LPS or LPS combined with CD47 antibody. Results The CD47 expression level on the CD14+ monocytes in PBC patients was statistically higher than that in the Control group (P<0.01). Compared with the Control group (PBMC+healthy serum), the CD47 expression on CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the PBC patients' serum (PBMC+PBC patients' serum) was increased (P<0.001); the CD47 expression on CD14+ monocyte stimulated with IFN-α (PBMC + IFN-α) increased gradually with the increased concentration of IFN-α (P<0.05). However, there was no similar trend on CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the TNF-α (PBMC+TNF-α) (P>0.05). The levels of serum anti-CD47 antibody and IFN-α in the PBC patients were higher than those in healthy subjects (P<0.05). The TNF-α expression level in CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the LPS (PBMC+LPS) or anti-CD47 antibody+LPS group (PBMC+LPS+anti-CD47 antibody) was significantly increased than that in the Control group (PBMC+isotype control antibody) (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). The TNF-α expression level in CD14+ monocyte stimulated with the anti-CD47 antibody + LPS was higher than that with the LPS (P< 0.05). Conclusion The CD47 may be related to the pathogenesis of PBC by inflammatory response. The CD47/SIRPα signal were imbalanced in PBC patients. The presence of serum anti-CD47 antibodies in PBC patients provides a laboratory basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Su
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Wenwen Jin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Lizhi Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Zifei Zhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Research Office of Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Translational Medicine Research Institute of Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First-affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
| | - Cunyan Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First- Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
- Research Office of Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Translational Medicine Research Institute of Hunan Provincial People’s Hospital (the First-affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, China
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Zhou T, Ismail A, Francis H. Bile Acids in Autoimmune Liver Disease: Unveiling the Nexus of Inflammation, Inflammatory Cells, and Treatment Strategies. Cells 2023; 12:2725. [PMID: 38067153 PMCID: PMC10705880 DOI: 10.3390/cells12232725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
As bile acids not solely play an essential role in nutrition absorption, but also in regulating metabolic functions as well as immune response, bile acids and their signaling pathways are increasingly acknowledged as potential therapeutic targets in the context of chronic liver diseases. Bile acid receptors such as G protein bile acid-activated receptor 1 and farnesoid X receptor are expressed in different immune cells engaged in innate immunity. Recently, a series of studies have revealed distinct functions of bile acids and bile acid receptors within the adaptive immune system. In addition, a variety of molecules targeting bile acid receptors and transporters are currently in advanced stages of clinical development. Autoimmune liver diseases including conditions like primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis can lead to chronic inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis and liver failure. In this review, we focus on the role of bile acids in the inflammatory aspects of autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhao Zhou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - AbdiGhani Ismail
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Zhang Y, Zheng T, Huang Z, Song B. CT and MR imaging of primary biliary cholangitis: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:180. [PMID: 37880457 PMCID: PMC10600092 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease involving medium and small bile ducts that can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. To date, the pathogenesis of PBC remains elusive, and there is currently no curative medical treatment. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, as common technical tools that allow non-invasive monitoring of liver tissue in vivo, play crucial roles in the diagnosis, staging, and prognosis prediction in PBC by enabling assessment of abnormalities in liver morphology and parenchyma, irregular configuration of bile ducts, lymphadenopathy, portal hypertension, and complications of cirrhosis. Moreover, CT and MRI can be used to monitor the disease progression after treatment of PBC (e.g. the onset of cirrhotic decompensation or HCC) to guide the clinical decisions for liver transplantation. With the optimization of imaging technology, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) offers additional information on liver stiffness, allows for the identification of early cirrhosis in PBC and provides a basis for predicting prognosis. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI enables the assessment of liver function in patients with PBC. The purpose of this review is to detail and illustrate the definition, pathological basis, and clinical importance of CT and MRI features of PBC to help radiologists and clinicians enhance their understanding of PBC.Critical Relevance StatementCharacteristic CT and MR imaging manifestations of primary biliary cholangitis may reflect the course of the disease and provide information associated with histological grading and altered cellular function.Key points• Imaging has become highly useful for differentiating PBC from other diseases.• Key pathological alterations of PBC can be captured by CT and MRI.• Characteristic manifestations provide information associated with histological grade and cellular function.• Despite this, the CT or MRI features of PBC are not specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianying Zheng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zixing Huang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Tianfu hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Radiology, Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China.
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Pham HN, Pham L, Sato K. Bioinformatic analysis identified novel candidate genes with the potentials for diagnostic blood testing of primary biliary cholangitis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292998. [PMID: 37844121 PMCID: PMC10578581 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by intrahepatic bile duct destruction and cholestatic liver injury. Diagnosis of PBC is generally based on the existence of anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) in blood samples; however, some PBC patients are negative for serum AMA tests, and invasive liver histological testing is required in rare PBC cases. The current study seeks novel candidate genes that are associated with PBC status and have potentials for blood diagnostic testing. Human transcriptomic profiling data of liver and blood samples were obtained from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Three GEO data series (GSE79850, GSE159676, and GSE119600) were downloaded, and bioinformatic analyses were performed. Various differentially expressed genes were identified in three data series by comparing PBC patients and control individuals. Twelve candidate genes were identified, which were upregulated in both liver tissues and blood samples of PBC patients in all three data series. The enrichment analysis demonstrated that 8 out of 12 candidate genes were associated with biological functions, which were closely related to autoimmune diseases including PBC. Candidate genes, especially ITGAL showed good potentials to distinguish PBC with other diseases. These candidate genes could be useful for diagnostic blood testing of PBC, although further clinical studies are required to evaluate their potentials as diagnostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoang Nam Pham
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of Hanoi, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Linh Pham
- Department of Science and Mathematics, Texas A&M University–Central Texas, Killeen, Texas, United States of America
| | - Keisaku Sato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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Ismail A, Kennedy L, Francis H. Sex-Dependent Differences in Cholestasis: Why Estrogen Signaling May Be a Key Pathophysiological Driver. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1355-1362. [PMID: 37422150 PMCID: PMC10548272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are cholestatic liver diseases that have significant clinical impact with debilitating symptoms and mortality. While PBC is predominantly seen in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, men who are diagnosed with PBC have worse clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality. In contrast, 60% to 70% of patients with PSC are men; the data indicate that female sex may be an independent factor against PSC-related complications. These findings suggest a sex-dependent biological basis for these differences. Estrogen has been implicated in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and may induce cholestasis through a variety of interactions. However, it is unclear why some sexual dimorphic features may provide a protective effect despite known estrogen models that induce cholestasis. This article provides a brief introductory background and discusses the sexual dimorphism in clinical presentation in PSC and PBC. It also explores the role of estrogen signaling in pathogenesis and how it relates to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Studies have already targeted certain molecules involved in estrogen signaling, and this review discusses these studies that identify estrogen-related receptor, estrogen receptor-α, estrogen receptor-β, farnesoid X receptor, and mast cells as possible targets, in addition to long noncoding RNA H19-induced cholestasis and sexual dimorphism. It also explores these interactions and their role in the pathogenesis of PBC and PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdiGhani Ismail
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Piccino M, Hoxhaj I, Grossi U, Romano M, Brizzolari M, Scopelliti M, Finotti M, Zanus G. Bile Duct Lithiasis Mimicking a Perihilar Cholangiocarcinoma-An Endless Dilemma: A Case Report. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5104. [PMID: 37568507 PMCID: PMC10420143 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12155104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hilar bile duct strictures are mostly caused by malignant lesions. The morphological appearance of perihilar cholangiocarcinomas in various imaging modalities have other malignant and even benign mimics, which pose challenges to an accurate diagnosis and treatment and drive to futile surgery. Herein, we present the case of a 50-year-old woman admitted with jaundice and abdominal pain, elevated bilirubin level, liver function tests and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level. Magnetic resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MR-CP) and the computed tomography with contrast enhancement revealed a suspected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma of the common bile duct. Further spontaneous resolution of the scenario, confirmed by diagnostic assessment, changed the clinical hypothesis in favor of a non-oncological disease. Indeed, the multidisciplinary evaluation supported a diagnosis of transient cholangitis secondary to non-evident intrahepatic lithiasis rather than cholangiocarcinoma. After a 26-month follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with normal tumor markers and laboratory data. Consecutive MR-CPs showed no suspicion of malignancy. This case report underlines the need for an accurate preoperative assessment in patients with suspected cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Piccino
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
| | - Ilda Hoxhaj
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
| | - Ugo Grossi
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
- Surgical-Oncological-Gastroenterological Science Department (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Romano
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
| | - Marco Brizzolari
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
| | - Michele Scopelliti
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
| | - Michele Finotti
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
- Simmons Transplant Institute, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75246, USA
| | - Giacomo Zanus
- 2nd Surgery Unit, “Ca’ Foncello” Regional Hospital, 31100 Treviso, Italy; (I.H.); (U.G.); (M.R.); (M.B.); (M.S.); (M.F.); (G.Z.)
- Surgical-Oncological-Gastroenterological Science Department (DISCOG), University of Padua, 35122 Padova, Italy
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17
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Roth L, Michl P, Rosendahl J. [Sex-specific differences in gastroenterological diseases]. INNERE MEDIZIN (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 64:736-743. [PMID: 36884055 DOI: 10.1007/s00108-023-01491-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract present with substantial sex differences that have a potential impact on patient outcome. This fact is not sufficiently addressed either in basic research or in clinical studies. For example, most animal studies utilize male animals. Despite differences in incidence, sex may affect complication rates, prognosis, or therapeutic response. The incidence of gastrointestinal cancers is frequently higher in males, but this observation cannot solely rely on a distinct risk behaviour. Here, differences in immune response and p53 signalling may be factors responsible for this finding. Nevertheless, taking sex differences into account and improving our understanding of relevant mechanisms is crucial and will most likely have a substantial impact on disease outcome. This overview aims to highlight sex differences in the context of various gastroenterological diseases, primarily to enhance awareness. Attention to sex-specific differences is essential to improve individualized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Roth
- Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Patrick Michl
- Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland
- Klinik für Innere Medizin IV, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - Jonas Rosendahl
- Universitätsklinik und Poliklinik für Innere Medizin I, Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg, Ernst-Grube-Str. 40, 06120, Halle (Saale), Deutschland.
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18
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Floreani A, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Primary biliary cholangitis: primary autoimmune disease or primary secretory defect. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:863-870. [PMID: 37515436 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2242771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by the immune-mediated destruction of small and medium intrahepatic bile ducts, involving predominantly females. PBC has long been described as an autoimmune liver disease, also because it is very often associated with many autoimmune conditions. More recently, another pathogenic mechanism exploring the damage of cholangiocytes has been hypothesized, i.e. a defect in the biliary umbrella which is physiologically responsible for the exchange of the ions Cl- and HCO3- and maintains the integrity of glycocalyx. To provide a state-of-the-art analysis of this topic, a systematic review of literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct was conducted (inclusive dates: 1986-2023). AREA COVERED Although the etiology remains unknown, pathogenesis consists of a complex immune-mediated process resulting from a genetic susceptibility. PBC can be triggered by an immune-mediated response to an autoantigen, which leads to a progressive destruction of bile ducts and eventually to a progressive fibrosis with cirrhosis. The defect in the 'bicarbonate umbrella' acts as a protection against the toxic hydrophobic bile acids, leading to a toxic composition of bile. EXPERT OPINION This review offers a summary of the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of PBC, indicating that this is probably based on the mutual relationship between the immune insult and the unbalanced secretory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Negrar, Verona, Italy
- University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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19
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Zhang X, Lin X, Li X, Guan L, Li Y, Wang N. Ulcerative colitis complicated by primary sclerosing cholangitis and autoimmune hepatitis overlap syndrome: a case report and literature review. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1132072. [PMID: 37228618 PMCID: PMC10203514 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1132072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and ulcerative colitis (UC) are immune diseases of the digestive system. Some patients develop overlap syndrome, the presentation of two or more of the clinical, biochemical, immunological, and histological features of these conditions simultaneously or sequentially. The incidence of UC in PSC-AIH overlap syndrome is as high as 50%. In contrast, PSC-AIH overlap syndrome is rare in UC patients. However, because it has a low prevalence and has been studied in less detail, PSC is often misdiagnosed as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in its early stage. Herein, we reported a case of a 38-year-old male patient who presented to a clinician in 2014 with irregular bowel habits. A colonoscopy suggested UC. In 2016, the patient was found to have abnormal liver function and was diagnosed with PBC by pathology. He was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) but this had no effect on his liver function. Additional liver biopsies in 2018 indicated PBC-AIH overlap syndrome. The patient refused hormone therapy for personal reasons. Following UDCA monotherapy, his liver function remained abnormal. The patient was reexamined after repeated abnormal liver function tests and bowel symptoms. Systematic laboratory testing, imaging diagnosis, colonoscopy, liver biopsy, and various pathological examinations conducted in 2021 were used to diagnose the patient with PSC-AIH-UC overlap syndrome. He was treated with various drugs, including UDCA, methylprednisolone, mycophenolate mofetil, and mesalazine. His liver function improved significantly after treatment and follow-up is ongoing. Our case report highlights the need to raise awareness about rare and difficult-to-diagnose clinical disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhe Zhang
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuyong Lin
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xuedan Li
- Radiology Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin Guan
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yiling Li
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Ningning Wang
- Gastroenterology Department, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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20
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Yacoub H, Ben Azouz S, Hassine H, Debbabi H, Cherif D, Ghayeb F, Boukriba S, Kchir H, Maamouri N. Overlap syndrome of primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis: two case reports. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:169. [PMID: 37106413 PMCID: PMC10142480 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03908-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overlap syndrome between primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis is an extremely rare condition that has been reported in only few published cases so far in the literature. We highlight here the rarity of this condition and indicate the importance of its recognition. CASE PRESENTATION We report two cases showing the manifestations of both primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis in two Tunisian female patients aged 74 and 42 years, respectively. The first case is a woman who was initially diagnosed with decompensated cirrhosis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed multiple strictures of the common bile duct, and histological findings led to the diagnosis of primary biliary cholangitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis. She was successfully treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. The second case is a middle-aged woman, suffering from primary biliary cholangitis and who was treated with ursodeoxycholic acid. At her 12 month follow-up appointment, she presented with a partial clinical and biochemical response. Tests showed normal thyroid function, liver autoimmune tests for autoimmune hepatitis were negative, and celiac disease markers were also negative. The diagnosis of overlap syndrome of primary biliary cholangitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis was finally made on the results of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography that showed multiple strictures of the common as well as intrahepatic bile ducts. The patient was put on ursodeoxycholic acid at a higher dose. CONCLUSIONS Our cases raise awareness for this rare condition and indicate the importance of recognizing a possible overlap syndrome, especially in patients with primary biliary cholangitis, to optimize treatment. We suggest considering the overlap syndrome of primary biliary cholangitis/primary sclerosing cholangitis when a patient presents with the diagnostic criteria of both diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haythem Yacoub
- Gastroenterology B Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia.
| | - Sarra Ben Azouz
- Gastroenterology B Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hajer Hassine
- Gastroenterology B Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Habiba Debbabi
- Gastroenterology B Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Dhouha Cherif
- Gastroenterology B Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Feriel Ghayeb
- Radiology Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Seif Boukriba
- Radiology Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Héla Kchir
- Gastroenterology B Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Nadia Maamouri
- Gastroenterology B Department, La Rabta Hospital, Tunis, Tunisia
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21
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Sticova E, Fabian O. Morphological aspects of small-duct cholangiopathies: A minireview. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:538-553. [PMID: 37206655 PMCID: PMC10190694 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i4.538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The biliary system consists of intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile ducts lined by biliary epithelial cells (cholangiocytes). Bile ducts and cholangiocytes are affected by a variety of disorders called cholangiopathies, which differ in aetiology, pathogenesis, and morphology. Classification of cholangiopathies is complex and reflects pathogenic mechanisms (immune-mediated, genetic, drug- and toxin-induced, ischaemic, infectious, neoplastic), predominant morphological patterns of biliary injury (suppurative and non-suppurative cholangitis, cholangiopathy), and specific segments of the biliary tree affected by the disease process. While the involvement of large extrahepatic and intrahepatic bile ducts is typically visualised using radiology imaging, histopathological examination of liver tissue obtained by percutaneous liver biopsy still plays an important role in the diagnosis of cholangiopathies affecting the small intrahepatic bile ducts. To increase the diagnostic yield of a liver biopsy and determine the optimal therapeutic approach, the referring clinician is tasked with interpreting the results of histopathological examination. This requires knowledge and understanding of basic morphological patterns of hepatobiliary injury and an ability to correlate microscopic findings with results obtained by imaging and laboratory methods. This minireview describes the morphological aspects of small-duct cholangiopathies pertaining to the diagnostic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Sticova
- Clinical and Transplant Pathology Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 14021, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology, The Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and University Hospital Kralovske Vinohrady, Prague 10000, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Fabian
- Clinical and Transplant Pathology Centre, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Prague 14021, Czech Republic
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, The Third faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Thomayer University Hospital, Prague 14059, Czech Republic
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22
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Liu D, Li G, Liu D, Shi W, Wang H, Zhang Q, Shen M, Huang X, Lin H. Quantitative Detection of 15 Serum Bile Acid Metabolic Products by LC/MS/MS in the Diagnosis of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202200720. [PMID: 36802162 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
To determine 15 bile acid metabolic products in human serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and value their diagnostic outcome in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). Serum from 20 healthy controls and 26 patients with PBC were collected and went LC/MS/MS analysis of 15 bile acid metabolic products. The test results were analyzed by bile acid metabolomics, and the potential biomarkers were screened and their diagnostic performance was judged by statistical methods such as principal component and partial least squares discriminant analysis and area under curve (AUC). 8 differential metabolites can be screened out: Deoxycholic acid (DCA), Glycine deoxycholic acid (GDCA), Lithocholic acid (LCA), Glycine ursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), Taurolithocholic acid (TLCA), Tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), Taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA), Glycine chenodeoxycholic acid (GCDCA). The performance of the biomarkers was evaluated by the AUC, specificity and sensitivity. In conclusion, DCA, GDCA, LCA, GUDCA, TLCA, TUDCA, TDCA and GCDCA were identified as eight potential biomarkers to distinguish between healthy people and PBC patients by multivariate statistical analysis, which provided reliable experimental basis for clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongdong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiaoxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min Shen
- MedicalSystem Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Reference Laboratory, 315100, Ningbo, China
| | - Xianzhang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haibiao Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 510000, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine), 510000, Guangzhou, China
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23
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Yerra VG, Drosatos K. Specificity Proteins (SP) and Krüppel-like Factors (KLF) in Liver Physiology and Pathology. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:4682. [PMID: 36902112 PMCID: PMC10003758 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver acts as a central hub that controls several essential physiological processes ranging from metabolism to detoxification of xenobiotics. At the cellular level, these pleiotropic functions are facilitated through transcriptional regulation in hepatocytes. Defects in hepatocyte function and its transcriptional regulatory mechanisms have a detrimental influence on liver function leading to the development of hepatic diseases. In recent years, increased intake of alcohol and western diet also resulted in a significantly increasing number of people predisposed to the incidence of hepatic diseases. Liver diseases constitute one of the serious contributors to global deaths, constituting the cause of approximately two million deaths worldwide. Understanding hepatocyte transcriptional mechanisms and gene regulation is essential to delineate pathophysiology during disease progression. The current review summarizes the contribution of a family of zinc finger family transcription factors, named specificity protein (SP) and Krüppel-like factors (KLF), in physiological hepatocyte functions, as well as how they are involved in the onset and development of hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Drosatos
- Metabolic Biology Laboratory, Cardiovascular Center, Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
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24
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Yu L, Liu Y, Wang S, Zhang Q, Zhao J, Zhang H, Narbad A, Tian F, Zhai Q, Chen W. Cholestasis: exploring the triangular relationship of gut microbiota-bile acid-cholestasis and the potential probiotic strategies. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2181930. [PMID: 36864554 PMCID: PMC9988349 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2181930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholestasis is a condition characterized by the abnormal production or excretion of bile, and it can be induced by a variety of causes, the factors of which are extremely complex. Although great progress has been made in understanding cholestasis pathogenesis, the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Therefore, it is important to understand and distinguish cholestasis from different etiologies, which will also provide indispensable theoretical support for the development of corresponding therapeutic drugs. At present, the treatment of cholestasis mainly involves several bile acids (BAs) and their derivatives, most of which are in the clinical stage of development. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that ecological disorders of the gut microbiota are strongly related to the occurrence of cholestasis, in which BAs also play a pivotal role. Recent studies indicate that probiotics seem to have certain effects on cholestasis, but further confirmation from clinical trials is required. This paper reviews the etiology of and therapeutic strategies for cholestasis; summarizes the similarities and differences in inducement, symptoms, and mechanisms of related diseases; and provides information about the latest pharmacological therapies currently available and those under research for cholestasis. We also reviewed the highly intertwined relationship between gut microbiota-BA-cholestasis, revealing the potential role and possible mechanism of probiotics in the treatment of cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leilei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yaru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Shunhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Qingsong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Jianxin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Arjan Narbad
- International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,Gut Health and Microbiome Institute Strategic Programme, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich, UK
| | - Fengwei Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qixiao Zhai
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,School of Food Science and Technology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China.,International Joint Research Laboratory for Probiotics, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China.,National Engineering Research Center for Functional Food, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
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25
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Reshetnyak VI, Maev IV. Features of Lipid Metabolism Disorders in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123046. [PMID: 36551803 PMCID: PMC9775928 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), previously known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is an autoimmune liver disease that mostly affects women. A progressive disorder in the processes of bile secretion and enterohepatic bile salts circulation in patients with PBC already in its early stages, leading to an insufficient release of bile acids into the bowel and their entry into the systemic circulation. Insufficient bile acids released into the duodenum contributes to the development of malabsorption, energy malnutrition, and slowly progressive weight loss. The pathophysiological mechanisms of weight loss and its slow progression are associated with the deterioration of the fat emulsification processes and with the reduced absorption of hydrolyzed products, such as fatty acids and monoglycerides, with steatorrhea in patients with PBC, as well as in those with gut dysbiosis. Just in the early stages of the disease, this results in accelerated fatty acid β-oxidation that is aimed at compensating for progressive energy malnutrition. The entry of bile acids into the systemic circulation in PBC is accompanied by dyslipidemia. The mechanism of hyperlipidemia in patients with PBC differs from that in other conditions because along with an increase in total cholesterol (TC), there are elevated high-density lipoprotein levels and the appearance of unusual lipoprotein X (Lp-X). The appearance of Lp-X is most likely to be the body's protective reaction to inactivate the detergent effect of bile acids on the membrane structures of blood corpuscles and vascular endothelial cells. It is bile acids, rather than TC levels, that correlate with the content of Lp-X and determine its formation. Concomitant hypercholesterolemia in patients with PBC is also aimed at neutralizing the detergent effect of bile acids that have entered the systemic circulation and is most likely a compensatory reaction of the body. "Anomalous" hypercholesterolemia in PBC can serve as a model system for the search and development of new methods for the treatment of dyslipidemia since it occurs without an increase in the incidence of cardiovascular events.
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26
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Gambella A, Mastracci L, Caporalini C, Francalanci P, Mescoli C, Ferro J, Alaggio R, Grillo F. Not only a small liver - The pathologist's perspective in the pediatric liver transplant setting. Pathologica 2022; 114:89-103. [PMID: 35212319 PMCID: PMC9040542 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric liver transplantation represents a safe and long-lasting treatment option for various disease types, requiring the pathologist’s input. Indeed, an accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial in reporting and grading native liver diseases, evaluating donor liver eligibility and identifying signs of organ injury in the post-transplant follow-up. However, as the procedure is more frequently and widely performed, deceptive and unexplored histopathologic features have emerged with relevant consequences on patient management, particularly when dealing with long-term treatment and weaning of immunosuppression. In this complex and challenging scenario, this review aims to depict the most relevant histopathologic conditions which could be encountered in pediatric liver transplantation. We will tackle the conditions representing the main indications for transplantation in childhood as well as the complications burdening the post-transplant phases, either immunologically (i.e., rejection) or non-immunologically mediated. Lastly, we hope to provide concise, yet significant, suggestions related to innovative pathology techniques in pediatric liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Caporalini
- Pathology Unit, Anna Meyer Children's University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Paola Francalanci
- Unit of Pathology, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mescoli
- Department of Pathology, Azienda Ospedale, Università Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jacopo Ferro
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Unit of Pathology, Children's Hospital Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Department of Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
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Gallo C, Howardson BO, Cristoferi L, Carbone M, Gershwin ME, Invernizzi P. An Update on Novel Pharmacological Agents for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:69-77. [PMID: 35040733 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2030707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION : Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare chronic cholestatic liver disease with heterogeneous phenotypes that may lead to liver transplantation and/or end-stage liver disease. Its multifactorial etiopathogenesis remains uncertain, but gut-liver axis and bile composition and excretion are widely demonstrated to influence the immune-mediated fibrogenic reactive cascade. AREAS COVERED : Different experimental therapeutic options are under investigation, mainly aiming at modulating bile acids excretion, limiting inflammatory-cascade reactions, and changing intestinal microbiota composition; none of them yet demonstrated to prolong transplant free survival. This review provides a comprehensive description of the experimental drugs recently tested and/or currently under investigation. A bibliographical search was performed in Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, OVID and clinicaltrial.gov until July 2021. EXPERT OPINION : The heterogeneity and poor prevalence of PSC, its uncertain pathophysiology, and the lack of surrogate endpoints are the major challenges in drug discovery. Strategies that synergistically target microbiota, bile acids, and liver fibrosis are needed. In parallel, we must enhance biomarker discovery to develop surrogate endpoints, as biochemical markers' fluctuations over the time hamper their effectiveness. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography tools that accurately measure bile duct changes represent a potential, novel marker for disease monitoring. A collaboration between academia, research consortia, patient's associations and industry is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Gallo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Bright Oworae Howardson
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Cristoferi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Davis California 95616 USA
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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