Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-08-11DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10714-1
Atsushi Tanaka, Kenichi Harada
{"title":"Acute presentation of autoimmune hepatitis -from acute hepatitis to ALF and ACLF.","authors":"Atsushi Tanaka, Kenichi Harada","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10714-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10714-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Acute presentation of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) occurs in 22-43% of all AIH cases, and is not a rare condition. Rather than constituting a single disease entity, it represents a clinical spectrum characterized by considerable variability in severity and the presence of preexisting chronic AIH. This spectrum ranges from acute AIH and acute severe AIH to AIH presenting as acute liver failure (ALF) or as acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), contingent upon factors such as coagulopathy, hepatic encephalopathy, and underlying liver disease. Diagnosing acute presentation of AIH can be particularly challenging due to the frequent absence of classical serologic signatures such as autoantibodies and elevated IgG levels. Histopathological examination remains essential for diagnosis, typically necessitating percutaneous or transjugular liver biopsy. Corticosteroids (CS) are recommended for the management of acute AIH and acute severe AIH with coagulopathy. However, the therapeutic response to CS should be meticulously monitored. If a poor response is anticipated, liver transplantation (LT) should be promptly considered. For AIH presenting as ALF with encephalopathy or ACLF with advanced underlying liver disease, LT is generally advised. Nonetheless, there is potential for a trial of CS therapy in cases of ALF with low MELD scores or ACLF without encephalopathy. This review provides an overview of the latest findings concerning the definition, diagnosis, and management of acute presentation of AIH.</p>","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"1385-1395"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141912438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The relationship between CXCR6+CD8+T cells and clinicopathological parameters in patients with primary biliary cholangitis.","authors":"Huilian Shi, Xiangtao Xu, Shuangshuang Wang, Qinlei Chen, Fan Zhang, Haiyan Guo, Weiting Lu, Fei Qiao","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10715-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10715-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>CXCR6+CD8+T cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of various liver and autoimmune diseases. However, their involvement in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has not been elucidated.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We used immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry to quantify CXCR6+CD8+T cells in hepatic tissue and peripheral blood samples obtained from CXCR6+CD8+T cells obtained from PBC patients. Then, we performed comprehensive statistical analyses to access the correlation between the abundance of these cells and clinical as well as pathological data across different stages of PBC.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our research revealed that CXCR6+ cell frequencies in CD3+CD8+T cells from PBC patients significantly exceeded that of healthy controls (HCs) (2.24 vs. 0.61%, p < 0.01). A similar pattern emerged for hepatic CXCR6+CD8+T cell counts, which were notably higher in the PBC cohort compared to HCs. Our cohort consisted of 118 PBC patients, categorized into 62 early-stage (E-PBC) and 56 late-stage (L-PBC) cases. Notably, significant disparities existed between these groups in terms of liver enzyme and lipid profile levels (p < 0.05), with no notable differences observed in gender, age, blood counts, cholesterol levels, or autoantibodies (p > 0.05). Intriguingly, the quantity of hepatic CXCR6+CD8+T cells per high power field (HPF) was significantly elevated in both E-PBC and L-PBC patients as opposed to normal liver samples, indicating a substantial increase in these cells across all stages of PBC (p = 0.000). Spearman's rank correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between CXCR6+CD8+T cell counts and serum levels of Alkaline Phosphatase (AKP) and Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT), ANA, IgG and IgM, while revealing a negligible correlation with Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST). Subsequent findings indicated significant variances in CXCR6+ cell numbers not only among different PBC stages but also across various degrees of inflammation and fibrosis (p ≤ 0.007). In a follow-up study post-Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) treatment, stark differences were identified in biochemical and immunohistochemical profiles between responder (31 patients) and non-responder (33 patients) groups (p < 0.05). A Wilcoxon rank-sum test further demonstrated a significant difference in the level of hepatic CXCR6+CD8+T cells between these two response groups (p = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CXCR6+CD8+T cells play a vital role in the pathogenesis of PBC, exhibiting correlations with the extent of inflammation, staging of liver fibrosis, and response to pharmacological interventions in PBC patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"1555-1565"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141970996","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-07-08DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10682-6
Zhen-Xin Zeng, Jia-Yi Wu, Shao-Wu Zhuang, Mao-Lin Yan
{"title":"Reply to: \"Is the TAE score a promising prognostic predictor for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma treated with TACE plus lenvatinib with PD‑1 inhibitors? Further validation should be performed\".","authors":"Zhen-Xin Zeng, Jia-Yi Wu, Shao-Wu Zhuang, Mao-Lin Yan","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10682-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10682-6","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"1589-1590"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141554711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-06-16DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10691-5
Sunitha Vimalesvaran, Pietro Vajro, Anil Dhawan
{"title":"Pediatric metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease: current insights and future perspectives.","authors":"Sunitha Vimalesvaran, Pietro Vajro, Anil Dhawan","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10691-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10691-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The historical use of the term non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in obese/overweight children has been controversial as to the appropriateness of this terminology in children, and lately, in adults too. Newer game-changer terminology, metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), for this condition signifies a positive step forward that addresses the limitations of the previous definition for both adults and children. The prevalence of MAFLD has surged in tandem with the global rise in obesity rates, establishing itself as a predominant cause of chronic liver disease in both adult and pediatric populations. The adoption of the recently proposed nomenclature reflects a more encompassing comprehension of the disease and its etiology compared to its predecessor, NAFLD. Notably, the revised terminology facilitates the recognition of MAFLD as an autonomous condition while acknowledging the potential coexistence of other systemic fatty liver disorders. Particularly in children, this includes various paediatric-onset genetic and inherited metabolic disorders, necessitating thorough exclusion, especially in cases where weight loss interventions yield no improvement or in the absence of obesity. MAFLD presents as a multifaceted disorder; evidence suggests its origins lie in a complex interplay of nutritional, genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Despite advancements, current non-invasive diagnostic biomarkers exhibit limitations in accuracy, often necessitating imaging and histological evaluations for definitive diagnosis. While dietary and lifestyle modifications stand as cornerstone measures for MAFLD prevention and management, ongoing evaluation of therapeutic agents continues. This article provides an overview of the latest developments and emerging therapies in the realm of paediatric MAFLD.</p>","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"873-883"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11450008/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141327438","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-07-08DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10693-3
Hiroshi Imamura, Katsuhiro Sano, Akio Saiura
{"title":"Reconsiderations for the liver donation from a living donor: addressing hepatic steatosis with weight loss preconditioning.","authors":"Hiroshi Imamura, Katsuhiro Sano, Akio Saiura","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10693-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10693-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"1382-1384"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141558667","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-07-12DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10674-6
Anna Alisi, Geoffrey McCaughan, Henning Grønbæk
{"title":"Role of gut microbiota and immune cells in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease: clinical impact.","authors":"Anna Alisi, Geoffrey McCaughan, Henning Grønbæk","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10674-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10674-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In 2020, a revised definition of fatty liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction (MAFLD) was proposed to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD). Liver steatosis and at least one of the three metabolic risk factors, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, or signs of metabolic dysregulation, are used to diagnose MAFLD. MAFLD, similarly to NAFLD, is characterized by a spectrum of disease ranging from simple steatosis to advanced metabolic steatohepatitis with or without fibrosis, and may progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer, including increased risk of other critical extrahepatic diseases. Even though the pathophysiology of MAFLD and potential therapeutic targets have been explored in great detail, there is yet no Food and Drug Administration approved treatment. Recently, gut microbiome-derived products (e.g., endotoxins and metabolites) involved in intestinal barrier disruption, systemic inflammation, and modification of intrahepatic immunity have been associated with MAFLD development and progression. Therefore, different strategies could be adopted to modify the gut microbiome to improve outcomes in early and progressive MAFLD. Here, we provide an overview of mechanisms that may link the gut microbiome and immune response during the onset of liver steatosis and progression to steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with MAFLD. Finally, gut microbiota-based approaches are discussed as potential personalized treatments against MAFLD.</p>","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"861-872"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141590175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-07-15DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10703-4
Tommaso Maria Manzia, Barbara Antonelli, Amedeo Carraro, Grazia Conte, Nicola Guglielmo, Andrea Lauterio, Laura Mameli, Umberto Cillo, Luciano De Carlis, Massimo Del Gaudio, Paolo De Simone, Stefano Fagiuoli, Francesco Lupo, Giuseppe Tisone, Riccardo Volpes
{"title":"Immunosuppression in adult liver transplant recipients: a 2024 update from the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group.","authors":"Tommaso Maria Manzia, Barbara Antonelli, Amedeo Carraro, Grazia Conte, Nicola Guglielmo, Andrea Lauterio, Laura Mameli, Umberto Cillo, Luciano De Carlis, Massimo Del Gaudio, Paolo De Simone, Stefano Fagiuoli, Francesco Lupo, Giuseppe Tisone, Riccardo Volpes","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10703-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10703-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Advances in surgical procedures and immunosuppressive therapies have considerably improved the outcomes of patients who have undergone liver transplantation in the past few decades. In 2020, the Italian Liver Transplant Working Group published practice-oriented algorithms for immunosuppressive therapy (IT) in adult liver transplant (LT) recipients. Due to the rapidly evolving LT field, regular updates to the recommendations are required. This review presents a consensus- and evidence-based update of the 2020 recommendations.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Italian Liver Transplant Working Group set out to address new IT issues, which were discussed based on supporting literature and the specialists' personal experiences. The panel deliberated on and graded each statement before consensus was reached.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A series of consensus statements were formulated and finalized on: (i) oncologic indications for LT; (ii) management of chronic LT rejection; (iii) combined liver-kidney transplantation; (iv) immunosuppression for transplantation with an organ donated after circulatory death; (v) transplantation in the presence of frailty and sarcopenia; and (vi) ABO blood group incompatibility between donor and recipient. Algorithms were updated in the following LT groups: standard patients, critical patients, oncology patients, patients with specific etiology, and patients at high immunologic risk. A steroid-free approach was generally recommended, except for patients with autoimmune liver disease and those at high immunologic risk.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The updated consensus- and evidence-based 2024 recommendations for immunosuppression regimens in adult patients with ABO-compatible LT address a range of clinical variables that should be considered to optimize the choice of the immunosuppression treatment in clinical practice in Italy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"1416-1430"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11461624/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141619857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-06-20DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10701-6
Mohammad Alarabi, Ziyan Pan, Manuel Romero-Gómez, Jacob George, Mohammed Eslam
{"title":"Telomere length and mortality in lean MAFLD: the other face of metabolic adaptation.","authors":"Mohammad Alarabi, Ziyan Pan, Manuel Romero-Gómez, Jacob George, Mohammed Eslam","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10701-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10701-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Healthy weight (lean) patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) have a more favorable metabolic and histological profile in cross-sectional studies compared with their non-lean counterparts. Paradoxically, they also have higher overall mortality. The underpinning pathophysiology of this paradox is not understood. Telomere attrition is associated with increased mortality in various diseases.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We investigated the role of telomere length in the pathogenesis of lean MAFLD in cohorts with biopsy-proven MAFLD (n = 303). We measured serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and hepatic 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (4-HNE) expression (reactive oxygen species (ROS) markers), growth/differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) and tested the effect of H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> on telomere length and activity in hepatocyte cell lines. The association between leukocyte telomere length and mortality was examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Telomere length was significantly lower in patients with lean MAFLD (p < 0.001). They also demonstrated an increase in ROS levels and decreases in GDF-15. H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> induced telomere shortening and reducing telomere activity in hepatocyte cell lines. We subsequently confirmed that telomere length shortening at baseline is associated with increased hazards of all-cause mortality; the deleterious effect was more profound in lean people.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Differences in telomere length in part explain the increased mortality of lean compared to non-lean patients with MAFLD. The effect is in part mediated through ROS activation and provide opportunities for therapy.</p>","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"1448-1458"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141426662","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hepatology InternationalPub Date : 2024-10-01Epub Date: 2024-06-08DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10698-y
Robert Gish, Jian-Gao Fan, Zahra Dossaji, Jeanne Fichez, Tooba Laeeq, Magnus Chun, Jerome Boursier
{"title":"Review of current and new drugs for the treatment of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease.","authors":"Robert Gish, Jian-Gao Fan, Zahra Dossaji, Jeanne Fichez, Tooba Laeeq, Magnus Chun, Jerome Boursier","doi":"10.1007/s12072-024-10698-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s12072-024-10698-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In the past 3 decades, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has emerged as a widespread liver condition, with its global prevalence on the rise. It ranks as a leading contributor to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and necessitates liver transplantation. Under the multiple parallel hits model, the pathogenesis of MAFLD stems from various liver stressors, notably nutrient overload and sedentary lifestyles. While medical management for MAFLD is well-established, encompassing non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions, determining the most effective pharmaceutical therapy has remained elusive. This review discusses diabetic medications for MAFLD treatment, emphasizing recent studies and emerging drugs while reviewing other nondiabetic agents. Emerging evidence suggests that combination therapies hold promise for resolving MAFLD and metabolic steatohepatitis (MASH) while managing side effects. Ongoing trials play a pivotal role in elucidating the effects of mono, dual, and triple receptor agonists in individuals with MASH. With the rising burden of MAFLD/MASH and its severe consequences, the need for effective treatments is more pressing than ever. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current landscape of pharmaceutical interventions for MAFLD and MASH, shedding light on the potential of newer drugs especially diabetic medications and the importance of ongoing research in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":12901,"journal":{"name":"Hepatology International","volume":" ","pages":"977-989"},"PeriodicalIF":5.9,"publicationDate":"2024-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141293343","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}