International Journal of Hepatology最新文献

{"title":"LOX-1 and Its Splicing Variant LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 Differently Influence Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Progression and Aggressiveness.","authors":"Martina Puzzuoli, Maria Giovanna Scioli, Chiara Greggi, Silvia Anzillotti, Beatrice Belmonte, Sonia Terriaca, Amedeo Ferlosio, Sabina Pucci, Augusto Orlandi","doi":"10.1155/ijh/5704085","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/ijh/5704085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause among cancer-related deaths. HCC progression is linked to alteration of lipid metabolism. Lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), a receptor for oxidized low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs), and its splicing isoform LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 have been recently identified and linked to tumor aggressiveness, but their role in HCC carcinogenesis is largely unexplored. The present study is aimed at investigating and comparing the role of LOX-1 and its splicing variant LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 in HCC progression and chemoresistance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We performed in vivo evaluation of LOX-1 expression on HCC tissue samples by immunohistochemistry and in vitro transfection studies on HCC cell line HepG2 to verify the involvement of LOX-1 and its variant LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 expression in cell proliferation and chemoresistance.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Total LOX-1 expression correlated with higher tumor grade in HCC tissue samples. LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 transfection significantly increased proliferation, enhanced doxorubicin resistance, upregulated p21^Cip1/Waf1, p27^Kip1, and Cyclin D1, and downregulated p53 expression. LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 also increased acetyl-histone H4 expression, suggesting DNA acetylation-driven transcription. Both LOX-1 and LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 transfections were associated with increased p62 and vimentin expression, alongside decreased LC3B-II levels, with LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 exhibiting a more marked modulation of LC3B.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 isoform appears to exert a more pronounced influence than full-length LOX-1 on HCC progression-related features in vitro. LOX-1<i>Δ</i>4 appears to impact nonviral HCC progression more than LOX-1 in vitro. These preliminary findings suggest this axis as a potential future therapeutic target, though in vivo validation remains essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"5704085"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-10-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13653080/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149169834","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immediate Extubation Following Living Donor Liver Transplantation: Feasibility, Safety, and Impact on Early Outcomes.","authors":"Muhammad Nauman-Ul-Haq, Muhammad Zakariya Amjad, Saad Ahmed Naveed, Haseeb Haider Zia, Nusrat Yar Khan, Maliha Aziz, Abid Ilyas, Ayesha Junaid, Nasir Ayub Khan, Abu Bakar Hafeez Bhatti","doi":"10.1155/ijh/3504959","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/3504959","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early extubation is a key component of enhanced recovery pathways but remains underutilized in living donor liver transplantation. This single-center retrospective cohort study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and clinical outcomes of immediate operating room extubation using standardized intraoperative physiological criteria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 158 consecutive adult LDLT recipients meeting standardized intraoperative extubation criteria were included and categorized into immediate (OR) and delayed (ICU) extubation groups. Primary outcomes were reintubation rate and ICU and hospital length of stay, whereas secondary outcome was 1-year overall survival stratified by MELD score.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 158 patients, 47 (29.7%) underwent immediate extubation, with reintubation in one case (2.1%). Immediate extubation was associated with a shorter median ICU stay (4 [IQR 4-5] vs. 5 [IQR 4-5] days, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and a nonsignificant reduction in hospital stay (11 [IQR 10-13] vs. 12 [IQR 11-14] days, <i>p</i> = 0.084). One-year OS was higher in the immediate group (95% vs. 80%, <i>p</i> = 0.013), with improved survival in MELD 21-30 patients (100% vs. 70%, <i>p</i> = 0.047).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Immediate extubation after LDLT appears feasible and safe in carefully selected patients. The observed shorter ICU stay and favorable survival among patients with moderate MELD scores require validation in appropriately matched comparative cohorts.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3504959"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13620826/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149082139","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Five-Time Chair Stand Test Identifies Patients With Liver Cirrhosis at High Mortality Risk Overlooked by Conventional Sarcopenia Criteria.","authors":"Masafumi Haraguchi, Satoshi Miuma, Yasuhiko Nakao, Kosuke Takahashi, Masanori Fukushima, Ryu Sasaki, Hisamitsu Miyaaki","doi":"10.1155/ijh/2748243","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/2748243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sarcopenia is a major complication of liver cirrhosis (LC), but current Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) criteria are based on muscle mass and strength and do not incorporate physical performance. We investigated whether the five-time chair stand test (5T-CST) identifies high-risk patients not detected by conventional sarcopenia assessment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We retrospectively analyzed 241 patients with LC who underwent the 5T-CST. Low physical performance was defined as a 5T-CST time ≥ 12 s. Patients were classified according to their handgrip strength and physical performance, with focus on those with normal handgrip strength.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Longer 5T-CST duration was associated with lower handgrip strength and sarcopenia, but not low skeletal muscle mass index. Among 151 patients with normal handgrip strength and survival data, 27 (17.9%) had low physical performance. This subgroup had preserved muscle mass but more ascites and hepatic reserve impairment and lower survival (mortality, 29.6% vs. 12.1%; log-rank <i>p</i> = 0.007). In a principal analysis restricted to this subgroup, adjusted for mALBI grade and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), low physical performance independently predicted mortality (hazard ratio, 4.70; 95% CI, 1.94-11.37; <i>p</i> < 0.001). In the overall cohort (<i>n</i> = 237), it remained predictive after adjustment for age, sex, mALBI grade, HCC, and sarcopenia (hazard ratio, 2.74; 95% CI, 1.45-5.16; <i>p</i> = 0.002).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Among patients with LC and normal handgrip strength, the 5T-CST identified a subgroup at a high risk of mortality. Adding this simple test to sarcopenia assessment may help identify patients otherwise missed by handgrip strength alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2748243"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13547947/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148907561","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Pre-Emptive TIPS for Acute Variceal Bleeding: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Wan Muhammad Izhar Bin Wan Ismail, Susmitha Chalamalasetti, Faraz Iqbal, Karan Garg, Aashni Purohit, Hariniska Jayaraman Kannan, Kalyanramnaidu Botsa, Basel Al Khatib, Yaseen Sulaiman, Amar Abdalrazak, Muhammad Safiullah, Asma'a Munasar Ali Alsubari, Adnan Bhat, Muhammad Abu Zar, Prasun K Jalal","doi":"10.1155/ijh/3244544","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/3244544","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is evolving evidence regarding whether pre-emptive transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (p-TIPS) improves outcomes in patients with acute variceal bleeding. This meta-analysis is aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of p-TIPS compared with standard care in reducing mortality and rebleeding in high-risk patients with cirrhosis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We systematically searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing p-TIPS placed within 72 h of admission with standard care. All statistical analyses were performed using RevMan Version 5.4.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Six RCTs (<i>n</i> = 424 participants) met inclusion criteria. p-TIPS significantly reduced all-cause mortality (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.39-0.76; ARR 14.9%; NNT ≈ 7) and rebleeding (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.16-0.55; ARR 28.4%; NNT ≈ 4) compared with standard care, with consistent effects across variceal subtypes and degrees of hepatic decompensation. p-TIPS also significantly reduced new or worsening ascites (RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.35-0.74), hepatorenal syndrome (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.15-0.92), liver-related mortality (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34-0.94), and serious adverse events (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.59-0.88), without increasing hepatic encephalopathy (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.72-1.43).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>p-TIPS significantly reduced mortality and rebleeding risk in high-risk patients with acute variceal bleeding, without increasing encephalopathy risk. These findings support its broader integration into clinical practice guidelines. Further large-scale RCTs with extended follow-up are warranted to define optimal patient selection, particularly in gastric variceal subgroups. PROSPERO: CRD420261329675.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3244544"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-09-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13539072/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148889105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Incident Cognitive Impairment in Nonobese Versus Obese Adults Aged 50 Years or Older With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease: A Propensity Score-Matched Cohort Study.","authors":"Akram Alnounou, Mohammad Alabbas, Riddhi Machchhar, EzzEIDien A Ibrahim, Mohammad Alali, Ahmad Alhusen, Syed-Mohammed Jafri, Basile Njei","doi":"10.1155/ijh/7550224","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/7550224","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>Nonobese metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) may carry disproportionate neurodegenerative risk, but whether body habitus modifies cognitive risk within MASLD remains unresolved. We compared cognitive impairment between nonobese and obese adults aged 50 years or older with MASLD.</p><p><strong>Methods and results: </strong>Retrospective cohort study with 1:1 propensity score matching in the TriNetX Research Network, a federated electronic health record network. Adults with a first MASLD diagnosis (2016-2022) meeting a metabolic-risk criterion were classified by index body mass index as nonobese (18.50-29.99 kg/m²) or obese (≥ 30.00 kg/m²); underweight patients were excluded. The primary outcome was a composite of incident cognitive impairment (mild cognitive impairment [MCI] through dementia) over Days 366-1825. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated with Kaplan-Meier and log-rank methods; a negative control (acute appendicitis) and an <i>E</i>-value assessed bias. Matching yielded 36,021 patients per group (mean age 64.3 years; 57% women; all standardized mean differences < 0.10). Nonobese MASLD was associated with a higher risk of the composite cognitive outcome (2.9% vs 2.6%; HR 1.126, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.031-1.230; <i>p</i> = 0.008; <i>E</i>-value 1.50), driven by MCI (HR 1.221, 95% CI 1.078-1.384; <i>p</i> = 0.002). Estimates were null for incident Alzheimer disease, all-cause dementia, vascular dementia, all-cause mortality, and the negative control.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Among adults aged 50 years or older with MASLD, nonobese status was associated with a modestly higher risk of incident cognitive impairment. Prospective validation in imaging- or biomarker-confirmed MASLD cohorts is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"7550224"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13509417/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148833329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Liquid Biopsy-Based Profiling of <i>TP53</i> Gene Hotspot Mutations in HBV-Induced Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Study From Bangladesh.","authors":"Sabinur Akter, Sharmin Sultana, Md Zulqarnine Ibne Noman, Farzana Laila, Afzalun Nessa","doi":"10.1155/ijh/6175143","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/6175143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The tumor protein (<i>TP53</i>) gene is a common driver gene for somatic mutations in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC), and detection may provide insight into evaluating disease progression. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from liquid biopsy has emerged as a promising noninvasive biopsy material for identifying potential genetic alterations. This study explored the mutational signature of the <i>TP53</i> gene in Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected chronic liver disease (CLD) and HCC patients from cfDNA.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A total of 80 participants: 30 HCC, 30 CLD, and 20 healthy controls were included in this cross-sectional study. cfDNA was extracted from aseptically collected peripheral venous blood. <i>TP53</i> (R249S) gene was amplified using selected primers via conventional PCR and visualized on a 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Amplified products underwent Sanger sequencing; mutational analysis was done using MEGA11 software compared with the reference sequence.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong><i>TP53</i> hotspot mutations were found in 23.3% (7/30) of HCC patients. Mutational frequencies were detected: 13.3% (4/30) at position 746G > A (R249S), 6.7% (2/30) at 747G > A (R249S), and 3.3% (1/30) at 735C > T (G245S). Among CLD patients, a single hotspot mutation (3.3%) was detected at position 744G > A/T(R248Q/W). However, no hotspot mutation was detected in healthy controls. All HCC patients with mutations (7/7, 100%) had elevated ALT, AST, serum bilirubin, and AFP levels, and in the unmutated (wild) group, these were 69.6%, 47.8%, 30.4%, and 60.9%, respectively. The mean AST and AFP levels were significantly higher in mutated patients compared with the wild group.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Detection of <i>TP53</i> gene mutations along with biochemical markers in the management of HCC is evident, and it may play an important role in targeted therapy and personalized treatment plans.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6175143"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13479801/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148799285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early Radiological Intervention in Budd-Chiari Syndrome: Clinical Outcomes From a Single-Center Study.","authors":"Tai Ermongkonchai, Alysia Bastas, Katrina Tan, Adam Testro","doi":"10.1155/ijh/2141081","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/2141081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/aims: </strong>Budd-Chiari Syndrome (BCS) is a vascular disease of the liver characterized by venous outflow obstruction most often due to a myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN). Restoration of hepatic venous outflow and long-term anticoagulation remain the mainstay of treatment. We examined our experiences and treatment outcomes of BCS, including comprehensive testing for underlying MPN.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective study was conducted to assess overall and transplant-free survival in patients with primary BCS. All cases of primary BCS that presented to our institution over the past 3 decades were included. Details relating to their hematological work-up and radiological interventions were recorded, as well as their longer term outcomes, including the need for liver transplantation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forty-three primary BCS patients were identified over a 28-year period, with a median follow-up time of 134 months. MPN was detected in 25 (62.5%) of cases who had comprehensive testing. All patients received primary anticoagulation. Seventeen (39.5%) patients underwent primary transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Twenty (46.5%) received anticoagulation alone as primary therapy, of whom 14 (70%) failed therapy and ultimately needed a rescue TIPS. Four (9.3%) patients underwent liver transplantation. Overall survival was 100% and 92.9% at 1 and 5 years, respectively, with transplant-free survival of 97.7% and 88.1% at 1 and 5 years, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>MPN (particularly JAK2V617F-positive) is an important underlying cause of primary BCS. Anticoagulation alone without radiological intervention can lead to disease progression. In this single-center cohort, early TIPS for rapid hepatic decompression appeared safe and was associated with excellent long-term outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"2141081"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13464543/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148725704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Obeticholic Acid Therapy on Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Parameters in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).","authors":"Majid Almansouri, Hani Shalabi, Mohammed Karami, Omar Alharthy, Ali Kabli, Mohammad Khalil, Maan Alkhattabi, Dahlia Mirdad, Ahmed Alharthy, Ahmed Abduljabbar, Mohammed Wazzan, Hatim Alabsi, Siti S Maidin, Humaira Waseem, Amber Hassan","doi":"10.1155/ijh/3306359","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/3306359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common metabolic liver condition primarily managed through lifestyle modification. Obeticholic acid (OCA), a farnesoid X receptor agonist, has shown therapeutic benefits in steatohepatitis, yet its short-term metabolic effects remain unclear. This study compared OCA plus lifestyle modification versus lifestyle intervention alone in adults with MASLD.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This quasi-experimental study included 360 adults aged 18-60 years with ultrasound-diagnosed MASLD and insulin resistance (HOMA - IR > 2.0). Patients with diabetes mellitus, viral hepatitis, cirrhosis, advanced fibrosis, ischemic heart disease or LDL - C > 160 mg/dL were excluded. Participants received either OCA (10 mg/day) plus standardised lifestyle modification or lifestyle intervention alone for 3 months. Anthropometric, biochemical and hepatic parameters were evaluated at baseline and follow-up, with ANCOVA performed to adjust for baseline covariates.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Baseline demographic and metabolic characteristics were comparable between groups. After 3 months, the OCA plus lifestyle group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in ALT (36.65 ± 20.57 vs. 48.19 ± 21.35 U/L; <i>p</i> < 0.001), fatty liver index (55.99 ± 12.60 vs. 63.08 ± 11.89; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and HEPAMET score (0.33 ± 0.13 vs. 0.41 ± 0.13; <i>p</i> < 0.001), along with a greater reduction in body weight (77.28 ± 12.07 kg vs. 80.19 ± 12.37 kg; <i>p</i> = 0.024). Postintervention HOMA-IR was significantly lower with OCA plus lifestyle than lifestyle alone (2.46 ± 0.92 vs. 2.96 ± 1.06; mean difference 0.50; <i>p</i> < 0.001). LDL-C increased significantly in the OCA group (139.50 ± 15.74 mg/dL vs. 131.96 ± 16.36 mg/dL; <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Over 3 months, OCA combined with lifestyle modification improved liver enzymes, steatosis and fibrosis-related surrogate indices, and modestly reduced insulin resistance. Careful lipid monitoring is recommended, and longer term studies are required to clarify the overall metabolic and cardiovascular implications.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3306359"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-08-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13446147/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148686415","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of the STAT3 rs1053004 Polymorphism With Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Iraqi Patients With Hepatitis B.","authors":"Hawraa Ahmed Ali, Thuraya Aamer Habeeb, Zahraa F Shaker, Zahraa Q Jasim","doi":"10.1155/ijh/6122232","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/6122232","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>HCC is still one of the main causes of cancer-related fatalities despite years of intensive attempts to prevent it. One known risk factor is a persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Previous studies have indicated a contribution of the STAT3 signaling pathway to carcinogenesis through inflammation mechanisms. In this study, we tried to explore the correlation between STAT3 rs1053004 polymorphism and HCC occurrence in people with HBV infection in Iraq.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case-control approach was applied with the inclusion of 80 patients with HCC due to HBV infection, 80 patients with CHB, and 80 healthy controls. The study was based on genotyping of the STAT3 rs1053004 polymorphism by a TaqMan SNP genotyping assay. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the genetic association with disease risk, adjusting for potential confounding factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The three groups under study had significantly different genotype and allele distributions (<i>p</i> < 0.001). The HCC group had more T alleles than the other groups. Additionally, patients with the TT genotype had a greater risk of HCC (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 4.26; 95<i>%</i>confidence interval [CI] = 1.89-9.62; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and this impact was observed in patients with cirrhosis, high serum HBV DNA levels, and negative HBeAg status.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>STAT3 rs1053004 polymorphism plays a significant role in the development of HCC risk in people with HBV infection.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"6122232"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13416760/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sarcopenia as a Predictor of Mortality Among Cirrhotic Patients Awaiting Liver Transplantation.","authors":"Sorachat Niltwat, Pornpim Korpraphong, Khemajira Karaketklang, Phunchai Charatcharoenwitthaya","doi":"10.1155/ijh/3205201","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ijh/3205201","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aims: </strong>Sarcopenia is common among cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation, but its prognostic significance in the Asian population remains unclear. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the association between sarcopenia and mortality risk in Thai cirrhotic patients awaiting transplantation.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>We analyzed data from 162 cirrhotic patients (112 men; mean age 55.0 ± 8.2 years) listed for liver transplantation with available computed tomography for skeletal muscle index (SMI) measurement at the third lumbar vertebra. Sarcopenia was defined using sex-specific thresholds by the Japan Society of Hepatology. Waitlist mortality was analyzed using the Fine-Gray competing risk model, with liver transplantation treated as a competing event.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The mean SMI was 45.6 ± 9.1 cm²/m², with 27.8% of patients having sarcopenia. Cirrhosis etiology was not associated with sarcopenia. During a median waitlist time of 13.5 months, 87 patients (53.7%) died while waiting, and 45 (27.8%) were transplanted. Sarcopenic patients had a shorter median transplant-free survival (8.4 vs. 16.7 months, <i>p</i> = 0.029) and were more prone to bacterial infections (51.1% vs. 34.2%, <i>p</i> = 0.049) and sepsis-related death (33.3% vs. 17.9%, <i>p</i> = 0.036). Sarcopenia significantly increased the risk of death on the waiting list (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.72; 95% CI 1.12-2.66), particularly in patients with Child-Turcotte-Pugh class A/B cirrhosis (sHR 2.38; 95% CI 1.38-4.11). In multivariate analysis, sarcopenia remained an independent predictor of mortality (adjusted sHR 1.69; 95% CI 1.04-2.76) after adjusting for sex and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-sodium score.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Sarcopenia is a significant predictor of mortality in cirrhotic patients awaiting liver transplantation.</p>","PeriodicalId":46297,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Hepatology","volume":"2026 ","pages":"3205201"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2026-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13418200/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148621793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}