Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis D with Bulevirtide-A Fight against Two Foes-An Update

HDV infection frequently causes progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In summer 2020, the first potentially effective drug Bulevirtide (BLV) has been approved for the treatment of HDV by the EMA. BLV is a synthetic N-acylated pre-S1 lipopeptide that blocks the binding of HBsAg-enveloped particles to the sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), which is the cell entry receptor for both HBV and HDV. In this review, we discuss the available data from the ongoing clinical trials and from "real world series". Clinical trials and real-world experiences demonstrated that BLV 2 mg administered for 24 or 48 weeks as monotherapy or combined with pegIFNα reduces HDV viremia and normalizes ALT levels in a large proportion of patients. The combination of BLV and pegIFNα shows a synergistic on-treatment effect compared with either one of the monotherapies.

Angiopoietin 2 levels decrease after HCV-cure and reflect the evolution of portal hypertension

BACKGROUND

Portal hypertension (PH) does not resolve in a considerable proportion of patients who achieved HCV-cure.

AIMS

To investigate (i)whether HCV-cure impacts cytokines that orchestrate angiogenesis (i.e.,Ang1/Ang2/VEGF) and fibrogenesis (i.e.,PDGF/TGF-β) and (ii)whether their changes reflect PH-evolution and its complications.

METHODS

We measured plasma levels of cytokines and von Willebrand factor (VWF) and assessed hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) before/after HCV-cure in 66 patients with pre-treatment PH and 23 patients without advanced disease, who served as controls.

RESULTS

Following HCV-cure, we observed a decrease in Ang2/TGF-β, but no changes in the other cytokines. The differences in circulating cytokine profiles in PH patients persisted after removing the primary etiological factor. Patients with pre-treatment HVPG≥10 mmHg with HVPG-reduction≥10% had a more pronounced relative decrease in Ang2. Finally, post-treatment Ang2 predicted FU-HVPG≥16 mmHg/decompensation with AUROC-values of 0.804/0.835.

CONCLUSIONS

HCV-cure decreases circulating Ang2 - a mediator/indicator of dysangiogenesis/endothelial dysfunction, as well as TGF-β - a profibrogenic cytokine. The dynamics of Ang2 mirrored those of PH, rendering FU-Ang2 a non-invasive test for pronounced PH at FU that also predicts hepatic decompensation. The pathophysiological significance of the persistently altered cytokine levels for mechanisms that hinder the PH-regression warrants further study.

Response-guided long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis D patients with bulevirtide-results of a "real world" study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Bulevirtide (BLV) blocks the uptake of the hepatitis D virus (HDV) into hepatocytes via the sodium/bile acid cotransporter NTCP. BLV was conditionally approved by the EMA but real-life data on BLV efficacy are limited.

METHODS

Patients were treated with BLV monotherapy. Patients who did not achieve further decreases in HDV-RNA after 24 weeks were offered PEG-IFN as an add-on therapy in a response-guided manner.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients (m: 10, f: 13; mean age: 47.9 years, cirrhosis: 16; median ALT: 71 IU/ml; median HDV-RNA: 2.1 × 10⁵ copies/ml) started BLV monotherapy (2 mg/day: 22; 10 mg/day: 1). Twenty-two completed ≥24 weeks of treatment (24-137 weeks): Ten (45%) were classified as BLV responders at week 24. BLV was stopped in two patients with >6 months HDV-RNA undetectability, but both became HDV-RNA positive again. One patient was transplanted at week 25. One patient terminated treatment because of side effects at week 60. Ten patients are still on BLV monotherapy. Adding PEG-IFN in eight patients induced an HDV-RNA decrease in all (1.29 ± 0.19 [SD] log within 12 weeks). HDV-RNA decreased by >2log or became undetectable in 45%(10/22), 55%(11/20), 65% (13/20) and 69% (9/13); and ALT levels normalised in 64% (14/22), 85% (17/20), 90% (18/20) and in 92% (12/13) patients at weeks 24, 36, 48 and 60, respectively. Portal pressure decreased in 40% (2/5) of patients undergoing repeated measurement under BLV therapy.

CONCLUSION

Long-term BLV monotherapy is safe and effectively decreases HDV-RNA and ALT-even in patients with cirrhosis. The optimal duration of BLV treatment alone or in combination with PEG-IFN remains to be established. An algorithm for a response-guided BLV treatment approach is proposed.

Sex Disparities in Outcome of Patients with Alcohol-Related Liver Cirrhosis within the Eurotransplant Network—A Competing Risk Analysis

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is one of the most important risk factors for the development of alcohol-related liver cirrhosis (ALC). Importantly, psychiatrists are an integral part of the interdisciplinary care for patients with AUD and ALC. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether sex influences the outcome within this group of patients. For this purpose, data of all registrations for liver transplantations due to ALC within the Eurotransplant region from 2010 to 2019 were analyzed for sex disparities using competing risk models and in-between group comparisons. Relevant sex differences in registration numbers (24.8% female) and investigated outcomes were revealed. Risk ratios for a positive outcome, i.e., transplantation (0.74), and those of adverse outcomes, i.e., removal from waiting list (1.44) and death on waiting list (1.10), indicated a relative disadvantage for female patients with ALC. Further, women listed for liver transplantations were significantly younger than their male counterparts. Notably, sex disparities found in registration and outcome parameters were independent of differences found in the prevalence of AUD and liver transplantations. Further research is necessary to identify the underlying mechanisms and establish strategies to ensure equity and utility in liver transplantations due to ALC.

Acute liver failure with hemolytic anemia in children with Wilson’s disease: Genotype-phenotype correlations?

BACKGROUND

Wilson’s disease (WD) is a rare autosomal recessive inherited disorder of copper metabolism. Acute liver failure (ALF) and hemolytic anemia represent the most severe presentation of WD in children. No clear genotype-phenotype correlations exist in WD. Protein-truncating nonsense, frame-shift, or splice-site variants may be associated with more severe disease. In contrast, missense variants may be associated with late-onset, less severe disease, and more neurological manifestations. Recently, a gene variant (HSD17B13:TA, rs72613567) with a possible hepatic protective role against toxins was associated with a less severe hepatic phenotype in WD.

AIM

To analyze the possible genotype-phenotype correlations in children with WD presented with ALF and non-immune hemolytic anemia.

METHODS

The medical records of children with WD diagnosed and treated in our hospital from January 2006 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The clinical manifestations (ALF with non-immune hemolytic anemia or other less severe forms), laboratory parameters, copper metabolism, ATP7B variants, and the HSD17B13:TA (rs72613567) variant were reviewed to analyze the possible genotype-phenotype correlations.

RESULTS

We analyzed the data of 51 patients with WD, 26 females (50.98%), with the mean age at the diagnosis of 12.36 ± 3.74 years. ALF and Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia was present in 8 children (15.67%), all adolescent girls. The Kayser-Fleisher ring was present in 9 children (17.65%). The most frequent variants of the ATP7B gene were p.His1069Gln (c.3207A>G) in 38.24% of all alleles, p.Gly1341Asp (c.4021G>A) in 26.47%, p.Trp939Cys (c.2817G>T) in 9.80%, and p.Lys844Ter (c.2530A>T) in 4.90%. In ALF with hemolytic anemia, p.Trp939Cys (c.2817G>T) and p.Lys844Ter (c.2530A>T) variants were more frequent than in other less severe forms, in which p.His1069Gln (c.3207A>G) was more frequent. p.Gly1341Asp (c.4021G>A) has a similar frequency in all hepatic forms. For 33 of the patients, the HSD17B13 genotype was evaluated. The overall HSD17B13:TA allele frequency was 24.24%. Its frequency was higher in patients with less severe liver disease (26.92%) than those with ALF and hemolytic anemia (14.28%).

CONCLUSION

It remains challenging to prove a genotype-phenotype correlation in WD patients. In children with ALF and hemolytic anemia, the missense variants other than p.His1069Gln (c.3207A>G) and frame-shift variants were the most frequently present in homozygous status or compound heterozygous status with site splice variants. As genetic analysis is usually time-consuming and the results are late, the importance at the onset of the ALF is questionable. If variants proved to be associated with severe forms are found in the pre-symptomatic phase of the disease, this could be essential to predict a possible severe evolution.

Direct Measurement of ATP7B Peptides Is Highly Effective in the Diagnosis of Wilson Disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Both existing clinical criteria and genetic testing have significant limitations for the diagnosis of Wilson disease (WD), often creating ambiguities in patient identification and leading to delayed diagnosis and ineffective management. ATP7B protein concentration, indicated by direct measurement of surrogate peptides from patient dried blood spot samples, could provide primary evidence of WD. ATP7B concentrations were measured in patient samples from diverse backgrounds, diagnostic potential is determined, and results are compared with biochemical and genetic results from individual patients.

METHODS

Two hundred and sixty-four samples from biorepositories at 3 international and 2 domestic academic centers and 150 normal controls were obtained after Institutional Review Board approval. Genetically or clinically confirmed WD patients with a Leipzig score >3 and obligate heterozygote (carriers) from affected family members were included. ATP7B peptide measurements were made by immunoaffinity enrichment mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

Two ATP7B peptides were used to measure ATP7B protein concentration. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis generates an area under the curve of 0.98. ATP7B peptide analysis of the sequence ATP7B 887 was found to have a sensitivity of 91.2%, specificity of 98.1%, positive predictive value of 98.0%, and a negative predictive value of 91.5%. In patients with normal ceruloplasmin concentrations (>20 mg/dL), 14 of 16 (87.5%) were ATP7B-deficient. In patients without clear genetic results, 94% were ATP7B-deficient.

CONCLUSIONS

Quantification of ATP7B peptide effectively identified WD patients in 92.1% of presented cases and reduced ambiguities resulting from ceruloplasmin and genetic analysis. Clarity is brought to patients with ambiguous genetic results, significantly aiding in noninvasive diagnosis. A proposed diagnostic score and algorithm incorporating ATP7B peptide concentrations can be rapidly diagnostic and supplemental to current Leipzig scoring systems.

Are the new genetic tools for diagnosis of Wilson disease helpful in clinical practice?

The diagnosis of Wilson disease is not always easy. For many patients, a combination of tests reflecting disturbed copper metabolism may be needed. Testing for ATP7B variants has become part of the routine diagnostic approach. The methods of genetic testing include analysis of the 21 coding exons and intronic flanking sequences, in which exons with recurrent variants would be prioritised depending on the mutation frequency in the local population. If sequencing the entire ATP7B gene cannot identify 2 variants and the suspicion for Wilson disease is high, after reviewing the clinical data, WES (whole-exome sequencing) or WGS (whole-genome sequencing) could be applied. A workflow based on the type and number of ATP7B variants responsible for Wilson disease is proposed. Genetic testing is indicated for confirmation of diagnosis, family screening, and screening of newborns and infants and in unclear cases suspected of suffering from Wilson disease. However, genetic testing is not a routine screening test for Wilson disease. If no additional variants can be identified, it can be assumed that other hereditary disorders may mimic Wilson disease (congenital disorders of glycosylation, MEDNIK syndrome, idiopathic or primary copper toxicoses).

Non-invasive diagnosis of cirrhosis and long-term disease monitoring by transient elastography in patients with Wilson disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The value of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography (TE) for non-invasive fibrosis staging and disease monitoring has not been established in patients with Wilson disease (WD).

METHODS

Liver stiffness measurement by TE and non-invasive fibrosis scores (APRI, FIB-4) were analysed from 188 WD patients with liver biopsy (LBX). Longitudinal LSM was performed in 128 (68.1%) patients.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-eight patients (mean age: 35 ± 14 years, 54.8% women; 27.1% with histological cirrhosis) were studied. Forty-four[23.4%] patients were recently diagnosed with WD, while 144[76.6%] were previously diagnosed (>1 year between LBX and LSM). Overall, LSM (11.3 vs 6.1 kPa, P < .001), APRI (0.72 vs 0.38, P < .001) and FIB-4 (1.54 vs 0.89, P < .001) were higher in cirrhotic than in non-cirrhotic patients. This was even more pronounced in recently diagnosed patients (35.2 kPa vs 6.4 kPa, P < .001). Accuracy for diagnosing cirrhosis at an LSM cut-off ≥9.9 kPa was better in recently diagnosed (PPV: 74%, NPV: 100%) vs previously diagnosed (PPV: 53%, NPV: 82%) patients. Recently diagnosed patients had higher Area Under the Curve (AUC) for APRI (0.79 vs 0.61) and FIB-4 (0.84 vs 0.65) than previously diagnosed patients. At APRI <1.5 and FIB-4 <3.25 cirrhosis was ruled out with a specificity of 93% and 95% respectively. During a median follow-up of 46 (24-66) months, only 5.9% (5/85) of non-cirrhotic WD patients showed progression to cirrhotic LSM values, while 30.8% (4/13) of cirrhotic WD patients showed LSM suggestive of cirrhosis regression.

CONCLUSION

TE-based LSM ≥9.9 kPa accurately identifies cirrhosis in WD patients. Next to TE-LSM <9.9 kPa, APRI <1.5 and FIB-4 <3.25 values assist to non-invasively rule out cirrhosis. LSM remains stable in most non-cirrhotic patients on WD therapy, while one-third of cirrhotic patients present clinically relevant decreases in LSM.

Real-world safety and effectiveness of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin in hepatitis C virus genotype 1- and 4-infected patients with diverse comorbidities and comedications: A pooled analysis of post-marketing observational studies from 13 countries

Ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir ± dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV) regimens show high efficacy and good tolerability in clinical trials for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes (GT) 1 or 4. To evaluate whether these results translate to clinical practice, data were pooled from observational studies across 13 countries. Treatment-naïve or -experienced patients, with or without cirrhosis, received OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV according to approved local labels and clinical practice. Sustained virologic response at post-treatment Week 12 (SVR12), adverse events (AEs) and comedication management were assessed for patients initiating treatment before 1 June 2017. The safety population included 3850 patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug. The core population (N = 3808) further excluded patients with unknown GT or cirrhosis status, or who received off-label treatment. Patients had HCV GT1a (n = 732; 19%), GT1b (n = 2619; 69%) or GT4 (n = 457; 12%). In 3546 patients with sufficient follow-up data at post-treatment Week 12, the SVR12 rate was 96% (n/N = 3401/3546 [95% CI 95.2-96.5]). In patients with or without cirrhosis, SVR12 was comparable (96%). In patients with HCV GT1a, GT1b or GT4, SVR12 rates were 93%, 97% and 94%. In GT1b-infected patients with planned treatment for 8 weeks, SVR12 was 96%. In patients with ≥1 comorbidity (67%), SVR12 was 95%. 58% of patients received ≥1 comedication, and there was minimal impact on SVR12 rates using comedications for peptic ulcers and gastro-esophageal reflux disease, statins, antipsychotics or antiepileptics. Most comedications were maintained during treatment although 58% of patients changed their statin medication. AEs and serious AEs occurred in 26% and 3% of patients. Post-baseline Grade 3-4 laboratory abnormalities were rare (<3%), and discontinuation rates were low (<4%). Real-world evidence confirms the effectiveness of OBV/PTV/r ± DSV ± RBV in patients with HCV GT1 or GT4, regardless of common comorbidities or comedications, and is consistent with clinical trial results. Adverse safety outcomes may be limited by underreporting in the real-world setting.

HSD17B13 truncated variant is associated with a mild hepatic phenotype in Wilson's Disease

HSD17B13 encodes hydroxysteroid 17-β dehydrogenase 13, a novel liver lipid-droplet associated protein that is involved in the regulation of lipid biosynthetic processes. A protein-truncating HSD17B13 variant (rs72613567) was shown to protect individuals from alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease. Since steatosis is a common feature in Wilson's disease (WD), we aimed to assess whether the HSD17B13 variant modulates the phenotypic presentation and progression of WD.

METHODS

The HSD17B13:TA (rs72613567) variant was determined by allelic discrimination real-time PCR in 586 patients. The HSD17B13 genotype was correlated with the phenotypic presentation. The age of onset and the type of symptoms at presentation were used as markers of the WD phenotype.

RESULTS

The overall HSD17B13:TA allele frequency in patients with WD was 23.3% (273/1,172), not significantly different from the reported minor allele frequency. There was a significantly lower HSD17B13:TA allele frequency in patients with fulminant WD compared to all other phenotypic WD groups (11.0% vs. 24.0%, p < 0.01). Among the patients with fulminant WD there was a trend for a gender effect; none of the male patients carried the HSD17B13:TA allele. HSD17B13:TA allele frequency was more common in patients with minimal or no fibrosis (49 [31.1%] had simple steatosis and 20 minimal changes at biopsy) than in patients with cirrhosis or advanced fibrosis (22.3%, p = 0.025).

CONCLUSIONS

The HSD17B13:TA allele modulates the phenotype and outcome of WD. This allele likely ameliorates hepatic fibrosis and reduces the transition from copper induced hemolysis to fulminant disease in patients with WD.

LAY SUMMARY

Wilson's disease is a hereditary disease caused by accumulation of copper in the liver and other tissues. It presents with a variety of clinical symptoms. In this study we explored the role of a recently described gene mutation (HSD17B13:TA) which apparently protects the liver against toxins like alcohol. The results indicate that this mutation plays a role in the evolution of liver disease. Patients with Wilson's disease who carry this mutation are more likely to have mild disease, while the absence of the mutation is associated with the most severe form - fulminant Wilson's disease.

Age and Sex but Not ATP7B Genotype Effectively Influence the Clinical Phenotype of Wilson Disease

Wilson disease (WD) is an inherited disorder of hepatic copper metabolism with considerable variation in clinical presentations, the most common ones being liver disease and neuropsychiatric disturbances. This study investigated the clinical presentation in relation to mutations in a large cohort of patients with WD. A total of 1,357 patients (702 children, 655 adults; 1,172 index patients, 185 siblings, all with a Leipzig score ≥4, male/female: 679/678) were studied. The age and the symptoms at presentation were used as key phenotypic markers. Index patients were clinically classified as having either hepatic (n = 711) or neurologic disease (n = 461). Seven hundred fifteen (52.7%) patients had a liver biopsy at diagnosis. DNA was sequenced by the Genetic Analyzers ABI Prism 310 (Perkin Elmer) or 3500 (Applied Biosystems). Three hundred ninety-four different mutation combinations were detected. The most frequent mutation was H1069Q (c.3207C>A; allele frequency: 46.9%), followed by P767P-fs (c.2304dupC; 2.85%), P1134P-fs (c.3402delC; 2.8%), and R969Q (c.2755C>T; 2.18%). There was no correlation between mutations and individual clinical manifestation. There was a gender effect in index patients: Hepatic presentation was more common in females (male/female: 328/383) and neurologic presentation in males (259/202; P < 0.001). At diagnosis, 39.5% of children/adolescents (≤18 years) and 58% of adults already had cirrhosis. The presence of cirrhosis did not correlate with the genotype. Conclusion: These findings refine and extend our understanding of the natural history and individual spectrum/manifestations of WD. Initially, there is asymptomatic hepatic involvement, which may progress and become symptomatic. Neurologic symptoms present many years later.

Follow-up of sustained virological responders with hepatitis C and advanced liver disease after interferon/ribavirin-free treatment

BACKGROUND

The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) has increased sustained virological response (SVR) rates in patients with advanced liver disease and chronic hepatitis C(CHC)infection. At present, data on clinical outcome and long-term durability of viral eradication after successful DAA therapy are scarce.

AIM

To evaluate the long-term success of viral eradication in patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis treated with DAAs.

METHODS

Five hundred and fifty-one patients with advanced fibrosis (n = 158) or cirrhosis (CPS-A:317,CPS-B/C:76) and SVR after interferon and ribavirin-free DAA therapy treated between October 2013 and April 2016 were studied with a median follow-up of 65.6 (13.0-155.3) weeks. Only patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at baseline and without liver transplantation were included.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (2.2%) died during follow-up: the mortality rate was 0.6% in F3, 2.2% in CPS-A and 5.3% in CPS-B/C patients (P = .08). During follow-up 36 patients with cirrhosis (9.1%) developed a liver related event, including 16 with de-novo HCC (4.1%). Seven patients were transplanted at a median of 9.7 (range 3.8-21.7) months after EOT. History of decompensation was significantly associated with liver related events during follow-up (HR 7.9; 95% CI 2.7-22.6; P < .001), and with mortality (HR 5.5; 95% CI 1.5-20.2, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Eradication of HCV by DAA therapy was durable irrespective of the DAA combination used. Most of the cured patients had an excellent long-term clinical prognosis. Nevertheless, the risk of new occurrence of HCC remains worrisome and thus regular surveillance is obligatory even after clinical stabilization and improvement of the patient.

Hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a reversible syndrome of impaired brain function occurring in patients with advanced liver diseases. The precise pathophysiology of HE is still under discussion; the leading hypothesis focus on the role of neurotoxins, impaired neurotransmission due to metabolic changes in liver failure, changes in brain energy metabolism, systemic inflammatory response and alterations of the blood brain barrier. HE produces a wide spectrum of nonspecific neurological and psychiatric manifestations. Minimal HE is diagnosed by abnormal psychometric tests. Clinically overt HE includes personality changes, alterations in consciousness progressive disorientation in time and space, somnolence, stupor and, finally, coma. Except for clinical studies, no specific tests are required for diagnosis. HE is classified according to the underlying disease, the severity of manifestations, its time course and the existence of precipitating factors. Treatment of overt HE includes supportive therapies, treatment of precipitating factors, lactulose and/or rifaximin. Routine treatment for minimal HE is only recommended for selected patients.

Faldaprevir, pegylated interferon, and ribavirin for treatment-naïve HCV genotype-1: pooled analysis of two phase 3 trials

INTRODUCTION & AIM

Faldaprevir is a potent once-daily (q.d.) hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitor. The STARTVerso1 and STARTVerso2 phase 3 studies evaluated faldaprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin (PegIFN/RBV) in treatment-naïve patients with chronic HCV genotype-1 infection.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients were randomized 1:2:2 to receive placebo, faldaprevir 120 mg q.d. (12 or 24 weeks) or faldaprevir 240 mg q.d. (12 weeks) all with PegIFN/RBV (24-48 weeks). Faldaprevir 120 mg for 12 weeks only (STARTVerso1 only) required early treatment success (ETS, HCV RNA < 25 IU/mL at week 4 and undetected at week 8). All faldaprevir-treated patients with ETS stopped PegIFN/RBV at week 24. Primary endpoint: sustained virologic response 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12).

RESULTS

SVR12 rates were significantly higher for patients treated with faldaprevir 120 or 240 mg (72% and 73%, respectively) compared with placebo (50%); estimated differences (adjusted for trial, race, and genotype-1 subtype) faldaprevir 120 mg 24% (95% CI: 17-31%, P < 0.0001), faldaprevir 240 mg 23% (95% CI: 16-30%, P < 0.0001). Subgroup analyses consistently showed higher SVR12 rates for patients receiving faldaprevir compared with placebo. The incidence of adverse events (AEs) was similar in faldaprevir 120-mg and placebo groups and slightly higher in the faldaprevir 240-mg group. Serious Aes were reported in 6%, 7%, and 8% of patients in placebo, faldaprevir 120-mg, and faldaprevir 240-mg groups, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Addition of faldaprevir to PegIFN/RBV increased SVR12 in patients with HCV genotype-1, and was well tolerated. Faldaprevir 120 mg is effective in the treatment of HCV genotype-1. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01343888 and NCT01297270.

Low hepatic copper content and PNPLA3 polymorphism in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients without metabolic syndrome

INTRODUCTION

The pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is multifactorial including metabolic, genetic (e.g. PNPLA3 [patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 gene]), viral factors and drugs. Besides, there is evidence for a role of copper deficiency. Aim of the study was to evaluate the role of hepatic copper content, PNPLA3 in NAFLD patients with and without metabolic syndrome (MetS).

METHODS

One-hundred seventy-four NAFLD patients, who underwent liver biopsy for diagnostic work-up, were studied. Diagnosis of MetS was based on the WHO Clinical Criteria. Steatosis was semiquantified as percentage of fat containing hepatocytes and was graded according to Brunt. Histological features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) were assessed using the Bedossa classification. Hepatic copper content (in μg/g dry weight) was measured by flame atomic absorption spectroscopy. SNP rs738409 in PNPLA3 was investigated by RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Mean hepatic copper content was 22.3 (19.6-25.1) μg/g. The mean percentage of histologically lipid containing hepatocytes was 42.2% (38.3-46.0) and correlated inversely with hepatic copper content (ρ=-0.358, P<0.001). By subgroup analysis this inverse correlation remained significant only in patients without MetS (OR: 0.959 [CI95%: 0.926-0.944], P=0.020). Presence of minor allele (G) of PNPLA3 was also associated with moderate/severe steatosis (≥33%) both in patients with (OR: 2.405 [CI95%: 1.220-4.744], P=0.011) and without MetS (OR: 2.481 [CI95%: 1.172-5.250], P=0.018), but was only associated with NASH (OR: 2.002 [CI95%: 1.062-3.772], P=0.032) and liver fibrosis (OR: 2.646 [CI95%: 1.299-5.389], P=0.007) in patients without MetS.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic copper content and PNPLA3 mutations are associated with disease activity in NAFLD patients without MetS. Presence of MetS appears to mask the effects of hepatic copper and PNPLA3.

Diagnosis of Wilson disease

Clinical presentation of Wilson disease can vary widely; therefore diagnosis is not always straightforward. Wilson disease is not just a disease of children and young adults, but may present at any age. The key features of Wilson disease are liver disease and cirrhosis, neuropsychiatric disturbances, Kayser-Fleischer rings, and acute episodes of hemolysis, often in association with acute liver failure. Diagnosis is particularly difficult in children and in adults presenting with active liver disease. None of the available laboratory tests is perfect and may not be specific for Wilson disease. A detailed neurologic examination is required for all cases. Neuroimaging and electrophysiologic methods are helpful. To overcome the diagnostic challenge, several clinical signs (Kayser-Fleischer rings, neurologic symptoms) and laboratory features (copper in serum, urine, liver; serum ceruloplasmin; genetic testing) are scored 0 (absent) to 2 (present) and the Leipzig score is calculated. If the score is ≥4, the diagnosis of Wilson disease is very likely. For asymptomatic siblings of index patients, mutation analysis is the most reliable approach.

Boceprevir Plus Peginterferon Alfa-2a/Ribavirin in Treatment-Naïve Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 1 Patients: International Phase IIIb/IV TriCo Trial

INTRODUCTION

Boceprevir was not previously studied with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin in phase III trials in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis C patients. The international phase IIIb/IV TriCo study was, therefore, designed to evaluate boceprevir in combination with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin in treatment-naïve genotype 1 patients.

METHODS

A total of 165 treatment-naïve genotype 1 patients were assigned to boceprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin therapy according to the label. All patients received a 4-week lead-in with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin, after which boceprevir (2400 mg/day) was introduced. The total duration of treatment ranged from 28 to 48 weeks depending on the virological response at Weeks 4, 8, and 24, and on fibrosis status. The primary efficacy outcome was sustained virological response (SVR) [undetectable hepatitis C virus (HCV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) 12 weeks after actual end of treatment, SVR12].

RESULTS

The overall SVR12 rate was 81% (133/165, 95% confidence interval 74-86%). After 8 weeks of treatment, 61% of patients had undetectable HCV RNA, and 78 patients (47%) had an early response (undetectable HCV RNA at Weeks 8 and 24) and were eligible to stop all therapy at Week 28. Among early responders the SVR12 rate was 95% (74/78), and among patients with cirrhosis assigned to 48 weeks' treatment, the SVR12 rate was 67% (14/21). The overall relapse rate was 7% (10/143), and was 4% (3/77) among early responders. The most common adverse events were anemia (41%), neutropenia (32%), and dysgeusia (31%).

CONCLUSION

High SVR12 rates can be achieved with boceprevir plus peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin in treatment-naïve HCV genotype 1 patients, including patients with well-compensated cirrhosis. Treatment is well tolerated when label restrictions are taken into account.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01591460.

FUNDING

F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd.