Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101745
Min Hu, Yaxuan Niu, Jinlin Wang, Xiao Chen, Gang Li
Introduction and Objectives
Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly lethal carcinoma. Exosomes derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serve key roles in the crosstalk between CAFs and cancer cells. Exploring the roles of CAF-derived exosomes and the mechanisms contribute to a better understanding of the development of cholangiocarcinoma.
Materials and Methods
Carcinoma and para-carcinoma tissues were collected from patients. Exosomes were isolated from CAFs and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and western blot. Cholangiocarcinoma cells were cocultured with CAF-derived exosomes, and its proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated with CCK-8, EdU incorporation and transwell assays, respectively. The interaction between a long non-coding RNA linc00152 and an RNA-binding protein hnRNPA2B1 was determined with RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down. The ubiquitination of hnRNPA2B1 was examined with western blot.
Results
Linc00152 was highly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma tissues and cells, and its increased expression was associated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. Linc00152 was highly enriched in CAFs and CAF-derived exosomes. CAF-derived exosomes promoted cholangiocarcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by delivering linc00152. Further analysis showed that hnRNPA2B1 recruited linc00152 and enhanced its loading into exosomes. The interaction between hnRNPA2B1 and linc00152 was identified, and linc00152 repressed the proteasome-dependent degradation of hnRNPA2B1 in cholangiocarcinoma cells. The oncogenic activities of linc00152 in cholangiocarcinoma cells were dependent on hnRNPA2B1 upregulation.
Conclusions
CAF-derived exosomes harboring linc00152 enhance malignancy in cholangiocarcinoma, identifying a novel role of exosomal linc00152 for intensifying the crosstalk between CAFs and cholangiocarcinoma cells.
{"title":"Exosomal linc00152 intensifies the crosstalk between cholangiocarcinoma cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts","authors":"Min Hu, Yaxuan Niu, Jinlin Wang, Xiao Chen, Gang Li","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101745","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101745","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3><div>Cholangiocarcinoma is a highly lethal carcinoma. Exosomes derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) serve key roles in the crosstalk between CAFs and cancer cells. Exploring the roles of CAF-derived exosomes and the mechanisms contribute to a better understanding of the development of cholangiocarcinoma.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Carcinoma and para-carcinoma tissues were collected from patients. Exosomes were isolated from CAFs and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and western blot. Cholangiocarcinoma cells were cocultured with CAF-derived exosomes, and its proliferation, migration and invasion were evaluated with CCK-8, EdU incorporation and transwell assays, respectively. The interaction between a long non-coding RNA linc00152 and an RNA-binding protein hnRNPA2B1 was determined with RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down. The ubiquitination of hnRNPA2B1 was examined with western blot.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Linc00152 was highly expressed in cholangiocarcinoma tissues and cells, and its increased expression was associated with advanced tumor stage and poor prognosis. Linc00152 was highly enriched in CAFs and CAF-derived exosomes. CAF-derived exosomes promoted cholangiocarcinoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by delivering linc00152. Further analysis showed that hnRNPA2B1 recruited linc00152 and enhanced its loading into exosomes. The interaction between hnRNPA2B1 and linc00152 was identified, and linc00152 repressed the proteasome-dependent degradation of hnRNPA2B1 in cholangiocarcinoma cells. The oncogenic activities of linc00152 in cholangiocarcinoma cells were dependent on hnRNPA2B1 upregulation.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>CAF-derived exosomes harboring linc00152 enhance malignancy in cholangiocarcinoma, identifying a novel role of exosomal linc00152 for intensifying the crosstalk between CAFs and cholangiocarcinoma cells.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101745"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142765618","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101755
Fernando Crivelenti Vilar , Eduardo Donadi , Benedito Antônio Lopes da Fonseca , Janaina Cristiana de Oliveira Crispim Freitas , Ana Letícia Gomide Zanin Borducchi , Rodrigo de Carvalho Santana
Introduction and Objectives
Hepatitis C-induced liver disease represents a significant threat to the survival of people living with HIV. HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals have a more rapid progression to cirrhosis and its complications than HCV monoinfected patients. Although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, HLA-G, a non-classical class I HLA molecule, has a well-recognized property to down-regulate the immune response against viruses and may favor the progression of chronic hepatitis C.
Materials and Methods
We analyzed HLA-G expression in 59 liver specimens of patients harboring chronic HCV and HIV coinfection and stratified the findings according to clinical and histopathological features.
Results
Genotype 1 was the most prevalent (88%); the HLA-G expression was observed in 38 (64%) liver specimens, and it was more frequent in more severe stages than in milder stages of chronic hepatitis (94,1% x 55%; p<0.01). HLA-G expression in the liver was not correlated to antiviral response to hepatitis C therapy with pegylated-IFN-α plus ribavirin.
Conclusions
HLA-G expression in the context of HCV/HIV coinfection is a complex process modulated by many factors. HLA-G expression may play a role in the mechanisms that facilitate disease progression and may contribute to the deterioration of the immune response against HCV in individuals living with HIV.
前言和目标:丙型肝炎引起的肝病对艾滋病毒感染者的生存构成重大威胁。HIV/HCV合并感染的个体比HCV单一感染的患者更迅速地发展为肝硬化及其并发症。尽管潜在的机制尚不清楚,但HLA- g作为一种非经典I类HLA分子,具有众所周知的下调对病毒的免疫反应的特性,并可能有利于慢性丙型肝炎的进展。材料和方法:我们分析了59例慢性HCV和HIV合并感染患者肝脏标本中HLA- g的表达,并根据临床和组织病理学特征对结果进行了分层。结果:基因1型最常见(88%);38例(64%)肝脏标本中检测到HLA-G表达,重度慢性肝炎患者比轻度慢性肝炎患者更常见(94.1% x 55%;结论:HCV/HIV合并感染时HLA-G的表达是一个受多种因素调节的复杂过程。HLA-G表达可能在促进疾病进展的机制中发挥作用,并可能导致艾滋病毒感染者对HCV的免疫反应恶化。
{"title":"HLA-G liver expression in chronically HIV/hepatitis C-coinfected individuals.","authors":"Fernando Crivelenti Vilar , Eduardo Donadi , Benedito Antônio Lopes da Fonseca , Janaina Cristiana de Oliveira Crispim Freitas , Ana Letícia Gomide Zanin Borducchi , Rodrigo de Carvalho Santana","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101755","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101755","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3><div>Hepatitis C-induced liver disease represents a significant threat to the survival of people living with HIV. HIV/HCV-coinfected individuals have a more rapid progression to cirrhosis and its complications than HCV monoinfected patients. Although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear, HLA-G, a non-classical class I HLA molecule, has a well-recognized property to down-regulate the immune response against viruses and may favor the progression of chronic hepatitis C.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>We analyzed HLA-G expression in 59 liver specimens of patients harboring chronic HCV and HIV coinfection and stratified the findings according to clinical and histopathological features.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Genotype 1 was the most prevalent (88%); the HLA-G expression was observed in 38 (64%) liver specimens, and it was more frequent in more severe stages than in milder stages of chronic hepatitis (94,1% x 55%; p<0.01). HLA-G expression in the liver was not correlated to antiviral response to hepatitis C therapy with pegylated-IFN-α plus ribavirin.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>HLA-G expression in the context of HCV/HIV coinfection is a complex process modulated by many factors. HLA-G expression may play a role in the mechanisms that facilitate disease progression and may contribute to the deterioration of the immune response against HCV in individuals living with HIV.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101755"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142778894","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101741
Jeffrey V. Lazarus , William Alazawi , Ron Basuroy , Laurent Castera , Dmitry Estulin , Yiannoula Koulla , Preethy Prasad , Manuel Romero-Gomez , Hirokazu Takahashi , Vincent Wai-Sun Wong , Jörn M. Schattenberg
Introduction and Objectives
Patients increasingly use social media to share and access health-related information and experiences. This study employed social media listening to gain patient-centric insights into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Materials and Method
Publicly available social media data was collected between November 4th, 2020, and November 4th, 2022, about MASLD from eight countries: Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The analysis involved capturing patient conversations on their journey stages (causes-risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment), unmet needs, and impact on patient's quality of life (QoL) from various social media platforms to gain insights associated with MASLD.
Results
A total of 1600 patient-centric posts were analyzed. The patient journey was the most prevalent topic (92 %) mentioned, followed by comorbidities (38 %) and interactions with HCPs (26 %, health care professionals). Key causes discussed included unhealthy diet (39 %) and overweight/obese (32 %), while the most mentioned symptoms were fatigue (20 %) and pain or abdominal discomfort (20 %). Ultrasound (n=170/553, 31 %) was the most used diagnosis, followed by blood tests (n=130/553, 24 %) and liver function tests (n=91/553, 16 %). Lifestyle management techniques were mainly the standard of care, followed by treatment (n=270/1061, 25 %) and follow-ups with HCPs (n=133/1061, 13 %). Over half (54 %) of the QoL discussion (n=104/192) focused on patients’ comorbidities, and 27 % on disease severity, indicating that having MASLD in moderate to severe form with comorbidities significantly affects patients’ quality of life. An emotional analysis revealed that patients were worried and frustrated about their condition but were also hopeful and determined to improve their health. Nearly 38 % of the posts mentioned that patients were emotionally affected by negative feelings, especially those with multiple comorbidities. Lack of access to knowledgeable HCPs and treatment options were the most frequently discussed unmet needs.
Conclusions
This analysis of NAFLD patient experiences introduces a unique approach for deriving insights into patients' experiences and their impact on QoL. These insights have the potential to complement conventional methods and foster patient-centric research.
{"title":"A social media listening study of patients’ experiences relating to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: The LISTEN-MASLD study","authors":"Jeffrey V. Lazarus , William Alazawi , Ron Basuroy , Laurent Castera , Dmitry Estulin , Yiannoula Koulla , Preethy Prasad , Manuel Romero-Gomez , Hirokazu Takahashi , Vincent Wai-Sun Wong , Jörn M. Schattenberg","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101741","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101741","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3><div>Patients increasingly use social media to share and access health-related information and experiences. This study employed social media listening to gain patient-centric insights into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Method</h3><div>Publicly available social media data was collected between November 4th, 2020, and November 4th, 2022, about MASLD from eight countries: Brazil, China, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Spain, and the United Kingdom. The analysis involved capturing patient conversations on their journey stages (causes-risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment), unmet needs, and impact on patient's quality of life (QoL) from various social media platforms to gain insights associated with MASLD.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 1600 patient-centric posts were analyzed. The patient journey was the most prevalent topic (92 %) mentioned, followed by comorbidities (38 %) and interactions with HCPs (26 %, health care professionals). Key causes discussed included unhealthy diet (39 %) and overweight/obese (32 %), while the most mentioned symptoms were fatigue (20 %) and pain or abdominal discomfort (20 %). Ultrasound (n=170/553, 31 %) was the most used diagnosis, followed by blood tests (n=130/553, 24 %) and liver function tests (n=91/553, 16 %). Lifestyle management techniques were mainly the standard of care, followed by treatment (n=270/1061, 25 %) and follow-ups with HCPs (n=133/1061, 13 %). Over half (54 %) of the QoL discussion (n=104/192) focused on patients’ comorbidities, and 27 % on disease severity, indicating that having MASLD in moderate to severe form with comorbidities significantly affects patients’ quality of life. An emotional analysis revealed that patients were worried and frustrated about their condition but were also hopeful and determined to improve their health. Nearly 38 % of the posts mentioned that patients were emotionally affected by negative feelings, especially those with multiple comorbidities. Lack of access to knowledgeable HCPs and treatment options were the most frequently discussed unmet needs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>This analysis of NAFLD patient experiences introduces a unique approach for deriving insights into patients' experiences and their impact on QoL. These insights have the potential to complement conventional methods and foster patient-centric research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101741"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142778866","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101749
Do Seon Song , Jin Mo Yang , Young Kul Jung , Hyung Joon Yim , Hee Yeon Kim , Chang Wook Kim , Soon Sun Kim , Jae Youn Cheong , Hae Lim Lee , Sung Won Lee , Jeong-Ju Yoo , Sang Gyune Kim , Young Seok Kim
Introduction and Objectives
The short-term mortality of severe alcoholic-associated hepatitis (SAH) is high, but there are no effective treatments to improve short-term mortality other than corticosteroids. This study investigated the effects of adding rifaximin to standard treatment in patients with SAH.
Material and Methods
In this randomized controlled open-label trial, patients with SAH (Maddrey's discriminant function≥32) were randomized to the rifaximin or control group. Patients were simultaneously treated with corticosteroid or pentoxifylline as standard treatment for 4 weeks. Randomization was stratified by SAH treatment.
Results
A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study (29 in the control group and 21 in the rifaximin group). The mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were 24.4 and 27.5 in the control and rifaximin groups, respectively (P = 0.106). There were no significant differences in 6-month Liver Transplantation (LT)-free survival rate between the two groups (P = 0.502). When stratified by SAH treatment, there was no significant difference in 6-month LT-free survival rate between the control and rifaximin treatment groups (P = 0.186 in the corticosteroid group and P = 0.548 in the pentoxifylline group). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of liver-related complications between the two groups (all Ps>0.05). The MELD score was the only independent factor for 6-month LT-free survival (hazard ratio 1.188, 95 % confidence interval 1.094-1.289, P<0.001), and rifaximin was not.
Conclusions
In patients with SAH, adding rifaximin to corticosteroid or pentoxifylline had no survival benefit and no preventive effect on the development of liver-related complications. The MELD score was the only significant factor for short-term mortality.
Clinical trial registration
The study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (number: NCT02485106).
{"title":"Rifaximin treatment in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis: A multicenter, randomized controlled, open-label, pilot trial","authors":"Do Seon Song , Jin Mo Yang , Young Kul Jung , Hyung Joon Yim , Hee Yeon Kim , Chang Wook Kim , Soon Sun Kim , Jae Youn Cheong , Hae Lim Lee , Sung Won Lee , Jeong-Ju Yoo , Sang Gyune Kim , Young Seok Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101749","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101749","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3><div>The short-term mortality of severe alcoholic-associated hepatitis (SAH) is high, but there are no effective treatments to improve short-term mortality other than corticosteroids. This study investigated the effects of adding rifaximin to standard treatment in patients with SAH.</div></div><div><h3>Material and Methods</h3><div>In this randomized controlled open-label trial, patients with SAH (Maddrey's discriminant function≥32) were randomized to the rifaximin or control group. Patients were simultaneously treated with corticosteroid or pentoxifylline as standard treatment for 4 weeks. Randomization was stratified by SAH treatment.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 50 patients were enrolled in this study (29 in the control group and 21 in the rifaximin group). The mean Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were 24.4 and 27.5 in the control and rifaximin groups, respectively (<em>P</em> = 0.106). There were no significant differences in 6-month Liver Transplantation (LT)-free survival rate between the two groups (<em>P</em> = 0.502). When stratified by SAH treatment, there was no significant difference in 6-month LT-free survival rate between the control and rifaximin treatment groups (<em>P</em> = 0.186 in the corticosteroid group and <em>P</em> = 0.548 in the pentoxifylline group). There were no significant differences in the occurrence of liver-related complications between the two groups (all <em>P</em>s>0.05). The MELD score was the only independent factor for 6-month LT-free survival (hazard ratio 1.188, 95 % confidence interval 1.094-1.289, <em>P</em><0.001), and rifaximin was not.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>In patients with SAH, adding rifaximin to corticosteroid or pentoxifylline had no survival benefit and no preventive effect on the development of liver-related complications. The MELD score was the only significant factor for short-term mortality.</div></div><div><h3>Clinical trial registration</h3><div>The study was registered on <span><span>ClinicalTrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> (number: <span><span>NCT02485106</span><svg><path></path></svg></span>).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101749"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142811704","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101746
Tania G. Heredia-Torres, Veronica Alvarado-Martínez, Ana R. Rincón-Sánchez, Sonia A. Lozano-Sepúlveda, Kame A. Galán-Huerta, Daniel Arellanos-Soto, Ana M. Rivas-Estilla
{"title":"Differentially expressed genes in Huh7 cells during co-culture with LX2 cells demonstrating dynamics of intercellular communication","authors":"Tania G. Heredia-Torres, Veronica Alvarado-Martínez, Ana R. Rincón-Sánchez, Sonia A. Lozano-Sepúlveda, Kame A. Galán-Huerta, Daniel Arellanos-Soto, Ana M. Rivas-Estilla","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101746","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101746","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101746"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142765615","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101760
Liang Zhao, Husaiyin Erhati, Sailai Yalikun
{"title":"Comment on “Development of machine learning-based personalized predictive models for risk evaluation of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis patients with low levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein”","authors":"Liang Zhao, Husaiyin Erhati, Sailai Yalikun","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101760","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101760","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101760"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142783880","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
FibroTouch® has shown efficacy in staging hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, but its performance in assessing liver steatosis and fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patients remains understudied. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FibroTouch® in assessing steatosis and fibrosis in the MASLD population.
Materials and Methods
Liver stiffness measurements and steatosis were assessed using FibroTouch® and FibroScan®, with FibroScan® as the reference standard. Pearson's correlation test evaluated correlations, and kappa statistics determined agreement between the two methods. Optimal cut-off values of FibroTouch® for predicting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis stages were determined through ROC curve analysis with the Youden index method.
Results
Strong correlations were observed between FibroTouch® UAP and FibroScan® CAP (rho=0.74) and LSM values (rho=0.87) (p < 0.001 for both) in a total of 380 patients. The mean CAP value for the entire cohort was 285 ± 51 dB/m, and the median LSM for the cohort was 5 .3kPa. The optimal FibroTouch® UAP cutoffs were 229 dB/m for S0 vs. S1, 267 dB/m for S1 vs. S2, and 294 dB/m for S2 vs. S3. For FibroTouch® LSM, the optimal cutoffs were 6.0 kPa for F0-F1 vs. F2, 7.9 kPa for F2 vs. F3, and 10.6 kPa for F3 vs. F4. Moreover, FibroTouch® effectively assessed hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with different BMIs.
Conclusions
FibroTouch® proved valuable in assessing hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis staging in MASLD patients, enhancing its applicability in various clinical settings as a suitable and convenient option for MASLD patients.
{"title":"Diagnostic performance of FibroTouch® in assessing hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: An Asian experience","authors":"Thanikan Sukaram , Soe Thiha Maung , Yuda Chongpison , Tassanan Jaihan , Chonlada Phathong , Roongruedee Chaiteerakij","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101753","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101753","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3><div>FibroTouch® has shown efficacy in staging hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, but its performance in assessing liver steatosis and fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patients remains understudied. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of FibroTouch® in assessing steatosis and fibrosis in the MASLD population.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>Liver stiffness measurements and steatosis were assessed using FibroTouch® and FibroScan®, with FibroScan® as the reference standard. Pearson's correlation test evaluated correlations, and kappa statistics determined agreement between the two methods. Optimal cut-off values of FibroTouch® for predicting hepatic steatosis and fibrosis stages were determined through ROC curve analysis with the Youden index method.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Strong correlations were observed between FibroTouch® UAP and FibroScan® CAP (rho=0.74) and LSM values (rho=0.87) (<em>p</em> < 0.001 for both) in a total of 380 patients. The mean CAP value for the entire cohort was 285 ± 51 dB/m, and the median LSM for the cohort was 5 .3kPa. The optimal FibroTouch® UAP cutoffs were 229 dB/m for S0 vs. S1, 267 dB/m for S1 vs. S2, and 294 dB/m for S2 vs. S3. For FibroTouch® LSM, the optimal cutoffs were 6.0 kPa for F0-F1 vs. F2, 7.9 kPa for F2 vs. F3, and 10.6 kPa for F3 vs. F4. Moreover, FibroTouch® effectively assessed hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in patients with different BMIs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>FibroTouch® proved valuable in assessing hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis staging in MASLD patients, enhancing its applicability in various clinical settings as a suitable and convenient option for MASLD patients.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101753"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142798665","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101743
Li Yang , Guofeng Zhou , Liheng Liu , Shengxiang Rao , Wentao Wang , Kaipu Jin , Caixia Fu , Mengsu Zeng , Ying Ding
Introduction and Objectives
Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D SWE) is a well-established method for assessing hepatic fibrosis. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be converted into virtual shear modulus (µDiff) to estimate liver elasticity. The purpose of this study was to correlate and compare the diagnostic performance of DWI-based virtual elastography and 2D SWE for staging hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease, using histopathologic assessment as the reference standard.
Patients and Methods
This retrospective study included 111 patients who underwent preoperative multiple b-value DWI and 2D SWE. The µDiff was calculated using DWI acquisition with b-values of 200 and 1,500 /mm2, and LSM was obtained by 2D SWE. Correlation between µDiff and LSM was assessed, as well as the correlation between these noninvasive methods and histologic fibrosis stages. The diagnostic efficacy of µDiff and LSM for staging liver fibrosis was compared with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.
Results
There was a significant positive correlation between µDiff and LSM (rho= 0.48, P < 0.001). µDiff (rho= 0.54, P < 0.001) and LSM (rho= 0.76, P < 0.001) were positively correlated with liver fibrosis stages. Areas under the curves (AUCs) of µDiff and LSM, respectively, were 0.81 and 0.90 for significant fibrosis, 0.89 and 0.98 for advanced fibrosis, and 0.77 and 0.91 for cirrhosis. The AUCs of 2D SWE for diagnosing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were significantly higher than those of µDiff (P < 0.05 for both).
Conclusions
LSM by 2D SWE yields larger AUCs compared to µDiff obtained from DWI-based virtual elastography for various stages of liver fibrosis. LSM is superior to µDiff in predicting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.
{"title":"Assessing liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease: Comparison of diffusion-weighted MR elastography and two-dimensional shear-wave elastography using histopathologic assessment as the reference standard","authors":"Li Yang , Guofeng Zhou , Liheng Liu , Shengxiang Rao , Wentao Wang , Kaipu Jin , Caixia Fu , Mengsu Zeng , Ying Ding","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101743","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101743","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3><div>Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by two-dimensional shear-wave elastography (2D SWE) is a well-established method for assessing hepatic fibrosis. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be converted into virtual shear modulus (µ<sub>Diff</sub>) to estimate liver elasticity. The purpose of this study was to correlate and compare the diagnostic performance of DWI-based virtual elastography and 2D SWE for staging hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease, using histopathologic assessment as the reference standard.</div></div><div><h3>Patients and Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study included 111 patients who underwent preoperative multiple b-value DWI and 2D SWE. The µ<sub>Diff</sub> was calculated using DWI acquisition with b-values of 200 and 1,500 /mm<sup>2</sup>, and LSM was obtained by 2D SWE. Correlation between µ<sub>Diff</sub> and LSM was assessed, as well as the correlation between these noninvasive methods and histologic fibrosis stages. The diagnostic efficacy of µ<sub>Diff</sub> and LSM for staging liver fibrosis was compared with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There was a significant positive correlation between µ<sub>Diff</sub> and LSM (rho= 0.48, <em>P</em> < 0.001). µ<sub>Diff</sub> (rho= 0.54, <em>P</em> < 0.001) and LSM (rho= 0.76, <em>P</em> < 0.001) were positively correlated with liver fibrosis stages. Areas under the curves (AUCs) of µ<sub>Diff</sub> and LSM, respectively, were 0.81 and 0.90 for significant fibrosis, 0.89 and 0.98 for advanced fibrosis, and 0.77 and 0.91 for cirrhosis. The AUCs of 2D SWE for diagnosing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis were significantly higher than those of µ<sub>Diff</sub> (<em>P</em> < 0.05 for both).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>LSM by 2D SWE yields larger AUCs compared to µ<sub>Diff</sub> obtained from DWI-based virtual elastography for various stages of liver fibrosis. LSM is superior to µ<sub>Diff</sub> in predicting advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101743"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142811793","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101765
Adam Vašura , Evžen Machytka , Ondřej Urban , Jitka Macháčková , Lubomír Pavliska , Zdeněk Berka , Zdeněk Švagera , Marek Bužga
Introduction and Objectives
With increases in obesity and metabolic syndrome because of lifestyle-related factors, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also is increasing worldwide. In a subset of patients with NAFLD, an inflammatory process arises in the steatotic liver, known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, that leads to liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. In selected patients with obesity, bariatric surgery, and bariatric endoscopy are important therapeutic options.
Materials and Methods
This prospective interventional pilot study was conducted to investigate two types of intragastric balloons (IGB). The IGBs were the Orbera and the Spatz3. Liver fibrosis changes were monitored non-invasively using point and 2D shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) and transient elastography that allowed for quantification of liver steatosis using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Patients were followed for 12 months.
Results
Of 34 patients implanted with an IGB, 30 completed follow-up at month 12; results for one patient were excluded because of initiation of obesity pharmacotherapy. Fifteen patients received the Orbera IGB, and nineteen patients received the Spatz3 type. In month 12, total and excess weight loss was 7.88 % and 30.13 %. Elastography values decreased from baseline (3.88 kPa) to 3.61 kPa at month 12 (p 0.024). 2D SWE values decreased from baseline (5.42 kPa) to a value of 4.91 kPa at month twelve (p 0.135). Transient elastography values decreased from baseline (5.62 kPa) to a value of 4.17 kPa at month twelve (p 0.009).
Conclusions
Bariatric endoscopy in the form of IGB implantation leads to weight reduction and improvement of liver fibrosis and steatosis.
{"title":"Effect of bariatric endoscopy on liver fibrosis and steatosis and the course of NAFLD – a prospective interventional study","authors":"Adam Vašura , Evžen Machytka , Ondřej Urban , Jitka Macháčková , Lubomír Pavliska , Zdeněk Berka , Zdeněk Švagera , Marek Bužga","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101765","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2024.101765","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction and Objectives</h3><div>With increases in obesity and metabolic syndrome because of lifestyle-related factors, the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also is increasing worldwide. In a subset of patients with NAFLD, an inflammatory process arises in the steatotic liver, known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, that leads to liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. In selected patients with obesity, bariatric surgery, and bariatric endoscopy are important therapeutic options.</div></div><div><h3>Materials and Methods</h3><div>This prospective interventional pilot study was conducted to investigate two types of intragastric balloons (IGB). The IGBs were the Orbera and the Spatz3. Liver fibrosis changes were monitored non-invasively using point and 2D shear wave ultrasound elastography (SWE) and transient elastography that allowed for quantification of liver steatosis using the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP). Patients were followed for 12 months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Of 34 patients implanted with an IGB, 30 completed follow-up at month 12; results for one patient were excluded because of initiation of obesity pharmacotherapy. Fifteen patients received the Orbera IGB, and nineteen patients received the Spatz3 type. In month 12, total and excess weight loss was 7.88 % and 30.13 %. Elastography values decreased from baseline (3.88 kPa) to 3.61 kPa at month 12 (p 0.024). 2D SWE values decreased from baseline (5.42 kPa) to a value of 4.91 kPa at month twelve (p 0.135). Transient elastography values decreased from baseline (5.62 kPa) to a value of 4.17 kPa at month twelve (p 0.009).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Bariatric endoscopy in the form of IGB implantation leads to weight reduction and improvement of liver fibrosis and steatosis.</div></div><div><h3>ClinicalTrials.gov registration</h3><div>NCT04895943</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101765"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142823806","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2025.101777
Mi Zhou , Jianyu Lv , Xinli Chen , Yujie Shi , Guanqun Chao , Shuo Zhang
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now recognized as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), represents a significant and escalating global health challenge. Its prevalence is intricately linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and other components of the metabolic syndrome. As our comprehension of MASLD deepens, it has become evident that this condition extends beyond the liver, embodying a complex, multi-systemic disease with hepatic manifestations that mirror the broader metabolic landscape. This comprehensive review delves into the critical interplay between the gut-liver axis and oxidative stress, elucidating their pivotal roles in the etiology and progression of MASLD. Our analysis reveals several key findings: (1) Bile acid dysregulation can trigger oxidative stress through enhanced ROS production in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation; (2) Gut microbiota dysbiosis disrupts intestinal barrier function, allowing increased translocation of endotoxins like LPS, which activate inflammatory pathways through TLR4 signaling and promote oxidative stress via NADPH oxidase activation; (3) The redox-sensitive transcription factors NF-κB and Nrf2 serve as crucial mediators in the gut-liver axis, with NF-κB regulating inflammatory responses and Nrf2 orchestrating antioxidant defenses; (4) Oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal barrier function creates a destructive feedback loop, further exacerbating liver inflammation and disease progression. These findings highlight the complex interrelationship between gut-liver axis dysfunction and oxidative stress in MASLD pathogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for disease management.
{"title":"From gut to liver: Exploring the crosstalk between gut-liver axis and oxidative stress in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease","authors":"Mi Zhou , Jianyu Lv , Xinli Chen , Yujie Shi , Guanqun Chao , Shuo Zhang","doi":"10.1016/j.aohep.2025.101777","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.aohep.2025.101777","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now recognized as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), represents a significant and escalating global health challenge. Its prevalence is intricately linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and other components of the metabolic syndrome. As our comprehension of MASLD deepens, it has become evident that this condition extends beyond the liver, embodying a complex, multi-systemic disease with hepatic manifestations that mirror the broader metabolic landscape. This comprehensive review delves into the critical interplay between the gut-liver axis and oxidative stress, elucidating their pivotal roles in the etiology and progression of MASLD. Our analysis reveals several key findings: (1) Bile acid dysregulation can trigger oxidative stress through enhanced ROS production in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation; (2) Gut microbiota dysbiosis disrupts intestinal barrier function, allowing increased translocation of endotoxins like LPS, which activate inflammatory pathways through TLR4 signaling and promote oxidative stress via NADPH oxidase activation; (3) The redox-sensitive transcription factors NF-κB and Nrf2 serve as crucial mediators in the gut-liver axis, with NF-κB regulating inflammatory responses and Nrf2 orchestrating antioxidant defenses; (4) Oxidative stress-induced damage to intestinal barrier function creates a destructive feedback loop, further exacerbating liver inflammation and disease progression. These findings highlight the complex interrelationship between gut-liver axis dysfunction and oxidative stress in MASLD pathogenesis, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for disease management.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":7979,"journal":{"name":"Annals of hepatology","volume":"30 1","pages":"Article 101777"},"PeriodicalIF":3.7,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142998842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}