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Wu SH, Chu CJ, Su CW, Lin CC, Lee SD, Wang YJ, Lee FY, Huang YH, Hou MC. Daclatasvir plus sofosbuvir, with or without ribavirin, is highly effective for all kinds of genotype-2 chronic hepatitis-C infection in Taiwan. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:693-698. [PMID: 31356562 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on the previously published results, 12 weeks of sofosbuvir (SOF) 400 mg/day plus ribavirin (RBV), the current direct antiviral agent regimen reimbursed by Bureau-of National-Health-Insurance (BNHI) of Taiwan for genotype-2 chronic hepatitis C (CHC), is suboptimal in efficacy, especially for difficult-to-treat subpopulations such as liver cirrhosis, previous interferon (IFN) treatment failure, and high viral-load. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of SOF plus daclatasvir (DCV) for Taiwanese genotype-2 CHC patients. METHODS Between March 2017 and December 2018, a total of 50 consecutive genotype-2 CHC patients who completed 12 weeks combination of SOF (400 mg/day) plus DCV (60 mg/day) with or without RBV by investigators were enrolled for analyses. When RBV was added, weight-based (800-1200 mg/day) approach was applied. Sustained virological response (SVR12) was defined by undetectable HCV RNA (<15 IU/mL) at the end and 12 weeks after completion of therapy. RESULTS The mean age was 62.0 ± 11.4 years, 16 (32.0%) of them were males and 20 (40.0%) of them failed to previous IFN. Severity of liver diseases was as follows: ≤F2 fibrosis: 24.0%; F3 fibrosis: 40.0%, Child-Pugh A cirrhosis: 30.0%; and Child-Pugh B-C cirrhosis: 6.0%. The mean baseline HCV RNA level was 6.19 ± 0.91 log10 IU/mL and 30 (60.0%) had baseline HCV RNA ≥ 2 million IU/mL. The rates of undetectable HCV RNA (<15 IU/mL) at weeks 2, 4, and end-of-treatment were 40%, 94%, and 100%, respectively. Majority (66.7%) of patients with detectable HCV RNA at week 2 belonged to low-level viremia (<50 IU/mL). Subjective adverse events (AEs) and laboratory abnormalities were more common for patients combining RBV. Grades of AEs were generally mild and all patients finished therapy without interruption. After post-treatment follow-up, all 50 patients (100%) achieved SVR12. CONCLUSION Our real-world cohort of Taiwan showed that a 12-week SOF/DCV-based treatment was well-tolerated and highly effective for genotype-2 CHC patients with or without liver cirrhosis.
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Chang T, Ho HL, Hsu SJ, Chang CC, Tsai MH, Huo TI, Huang HC, Lee FY, Hou MC, Lee SD. Glucobrassicin Metabolites Ameliorate the Development of Portal Hypertension and Cirrhosis in Bile Duct-Ligated Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174161. [PMID: 31454890 PMCID: PMC6747388 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients suffering from liver cirrhosis are often complicated with the formation of portosystemic collateral vessels, which is associated with the progression of a splanchnic hyperdynamic circulatory state. Alleviating pathological angiogenesis has thus been proposed to be a feasible treatment strategy. Indole-3-carbinol (C9H9NO, I3C) and 3,3'-diindolymethane (DIM), formed by the breakdown of glucosinolate glucobrassicin, are prevalent in cruciferous vegetables and have anti-angiogenesis properties. We aimed to evaluate their influences on portal hypertension, the severity of mesenteric angiogenesis, and portosystemic collaterals in cirrhosis. Sprague-Dawley rats with common bile duct ligation (CBDL)-induced liver cirrhosis or sham operation (surgical control) were randomly allocated to receive I3C (20 mg/kg/3 day), DIM (5 mg/kg/day) or vehicle for 28 days. The systemic and portal hemodynamics, severity of portosystemic shunting, mesenteric angiogenesis, and mesenteric proangiogenic factors protein expressions were evaluated. Compared to vehicle, both DIM and I3C significantly reduced portal pressure, ameliorated liver fibrosis, and down-regulated mesenteric protein expressions of vascular endothelial growth factor and phosphorylated Akt. DIM significantly down-regulated pErk, and I3C down-regulated NFκB, pIκBα protein expressions, and reduced portosystemic shunting degree. The cruciferous vegetable byproducts I3C and DIM not only exerted a portal hypotensive effect but also ameliorated abnormal angiogenesis and portosystemic collaterals in cirrhotic rats.
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Chang TE, Huang YS, Su WJ, Perng CL, Huang YH, Hou MC. The role of regular liver function monitoring in antituberculosis drug-induced liver injury. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:535-540. [PMID: 31274784 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antituberculosis (TB) drug-induced liver injury (ATLI) is a common adverse effect of anti-TB drugs. Whether regular monitoring of liver function can ameliorate ATLI has been widely debated. The current study aimed to investigate the liver test monitoring status of patients receiving anti-TB treatment in Taiwan, as well as the impact of scheduled liver function monitoring on the risk of ATLI. METHODS Patients who received anti-TB treatment at our hospital between 2009 and 2017 were enrolled for retrospective analysis. RESULTS A total of 1062 patients were included, and of them 469 (44.2%) received regular liver function monitoring (good monitoring group). ATLI was recognized in 100 (9.4%) patients. The good monitoring group detected more ATLI cases early compared with the poor monitoring group (14.7% vs 5.2%, and 21.4 vs 61.6 days, p < 0.01), with a lower peak serum alanine aminotransferase (276.1 vs 507.1 IU/L, p = 0.05). CONCLUSION In the current study, less than half of all patients who received anti-TB drugs had their liver function monitored regularly. Scheduled monitoring of liver function could facilitate the early identification of more ATLI cases, thus leading to less liver injury. The implementation of periodic liver function monitoring tests in patients receiving anti-TB treatment should be re-emphasized and encouraged.
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Wu SH, Chu CJ, Huang YH, Hou MC. Successful treatment with sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin in acute hepatitis C-infected patient with hepatic decompensation. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:595-598. [PMID: 31274790 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection has evolved rapidly in recent years due to the invention of interferon-free direct antiviral agents (DAAs). However, evidence and recommendations for acute hepatitis C (AHC) virus infection by DAAs are still limited, especially for those whose disease presents with hepatic decompensation. Here, we report a case with genotype 1b AHC virus infection, complicated by hepatic decompensation and the patient received sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus low dose ribavirin for 12 weeks. Serum hepatitis C virus RNA significantly declines after therapy and became undetectable at week 8 and it remained undetectable at 12 weeks after finishing therapy; sustained virological response was impressed. Our findings support that combination of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir plus ribavirin can be used for genotype 1b, AHC virus infection patients with overt hepatic decompensation.
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Lin XH, Jiang JK, Luo JC, Lin CC, Ting PH, Yang UC, Lan YT, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee FY. The long term microbiota and metabolic status in patients with colorectal cancer after curative colon surgery. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218436. [PMID: 31199857 PMCID: PMC6570030 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether there are subsequent changes of metabolic profiles and microbiota status after partial colectomy remains unknown. We evaluated and compared long-term effects of microbiota status and metabolic profiles in early colorectal cancer (CRC) patients after curative colectomy to the controls. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed metabolic syndrome occurrence in 165 patients after curative partial colectomy with right hemicolectomy (RH) or low anterior resection (LAR) and 333 age-sex matched controls. Fecal samples from some of those with RH, LAR, and controls were analyzed by next-generation sequencing method. The occurrences of metabolic syndrome were significantly higher in patients after RH, but not LAR, when compared with the controls over the long term (> 5 years) follow-up (P = 0.020). Compared with control group, RH group showed lower bacterial diversity (P = 0.007), whereas LAR group showed significantly higher bacterial diversity at the genera level (P = 0.016). Compared with the control group, the principal component analysis revealed significant differences in bacterial genera abundance after RH and LAR (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio was significantly lower in the RH group than the control group (22.0% versus 49.4%, P < 0.05). In conclusion, early CRC patients after RH but not LAR were associated with a higher occurrence of metabolic syndrome than the controls during long-term follow-up. In parallel with metabolic change, patients with RH showed dysbiosis with a tendency to decreased richness and a significant decrease in the diversity of gut microbiota.
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Nevens F, Bittencourt PL, Coenraad MJ, Ding H, Hou MC, Laterre PF, Mendizabal M, Ortiz-Olvera NX, Vorobioff JD, Zhang W, Angeli P. Recommendations on the Diagnosis and Initial Management of Acute Variceal Bleeding and Hepatorenal Syndrome in Patients with Cirrhosis. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:1419-1431. [PMID: 30684079 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5448-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cirrhosis is a serious and life-threatening condition which imposes a significant socioeconomic burden on affected individuals and healthcare systems. Cirrhosis can result in portal hypertension, which may lead to major complications, including acute variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome. Without prompt treatment, these complications may be life-threatening. Over the past 2 decades, new treatment modalities and treatment strategies have been introduced, which have improved patients' prognosis, but the initial management of these severe complications continues to present a challenge. The present recommendations aim to increase clinicians' knowledge on the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, and to provide evidence-based management strategies to potentially, further improve patient outcomes. Special attention was given to the role of terlipressin. A comprehensive non-systematic literature search was undertaken to evaluate the evidence for the diagnosis and initial management of acute variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis. Recommendations on the diagnosis and initial management of acute variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis have been developed based on the best available evidence and the expert opinion of the consensus panel following a comprehensive review of the available clinical data. Prompt identification and timely treatment of acute variceal bleeding and hepatorenal syndrome are essential to reduce the burden.
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Lee WP, Lan KL, Liao SX, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lan KH. Antiviral effect of saikosaponin B2 in combination with daclatasvir on NS5A resistance-associated substitutions of hepatitis C virus. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:368-374. [PMID: 30920421 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major causative agent of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The rapid progress in the development of direct-acting antivirals has greatly elevated the cure rate to ≥95% in recent years. However, the high cost of treatment is not affordable to patients in some countries, necessitating the development of less expensive treatment. METHODS We adopted a cell culture-derived HCV system to screen a library of the pure compounds extracted from herbs deposited in the chemical bank of the National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Taiwan. RESULTS We found that saikosaponin B2 inhibited viral entry, replication, and translation. Saikosaponin B2 is a plant glycoside and a component of xiao-chai-hu-tang, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine extracted from the roots of Bupleurum falcatum. It also inhibited daclatasvir-resistant mutant strains of HCV, especially in combination with daclatasvir. CONCLUSION Our results may aid the development of a new combination therapy useful for patients with HCV who are intolerant or refractory to the currently available medications, including pegylated interferon and direct-acting antiviral agents.
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Chen PC, Kao WY, Cheng YL, Wang YJ, Hou MC, Wu JC, Su CW. The correlation between fatty liver disease and chronic kidney disease. J Formos Med Assoc 2019; 119:42-50. [PMID: 30876789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on the prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is not fully elucidated. We aimed to assess the correlation between NAFLD and CKD in a large population study. METHODS We included consecutive subjects who had received health check-up service at Taipei Veterans General Hospital from 2002 to 2009. NAFLD was diagnosed with abdominal ultrasound, and advanced liver fibrosis was determined with NAFLD fibrosis score (NAFLD-FS). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS Among the 29,797 subjects enrolled in this study, NAFLD and CKD were diagnosed in 44.5% and 20.2% of the population, respectively. Subjects with NAFLD had a higher proportion of CKD compared to those without NAFLD (24.1% vs. 17.1%, p < 0.001). However, NAFLD was not related to CKD with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.015 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.954-1.081, p = 0.630) after multivariate analyses. Nevertheless, further analyses revealed that among patients with NAFLD, those with advanced fibrosis were more likely to have CKD after adjusting for confounding factors (OR 2.284, 95% CI 1.513-3.448, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION NAFLD per se was not a risk factor for CKD, but NAFLD patients with advanced fibrosis faced a higher possibility of CKD. Hence, patients with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis should be screened for CKD and prompted to receive treatment if the diagnosis was made.
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Kao WY, Su CW, Chia-Hui Tan E, Lee PC, Chen PH, Tang JH, Huang YH, Huo TI, Chang CC, Hou MC, Lin HC, Wu JC. Proton Pump Inhibitors and Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B or C. Hepatology 2019; 69:1151-1164. [PMID: 30175498 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Researchers have hypothesized that the long-term use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) can increase the risk of developing cancer. However, the association between PPI use and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk is unclear. Using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database for the period between 2003 and 2013, we identified 35,356 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. One-to-one propensity score matching by gender, age, cohort entry year, comorbidity, and medication resulted in the inclusion of 7,492 pairs of patients (PPI users and non-PPI users) for analyses. We performed multivariate and stratified analysis using the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models in order to estimate the association between PPI use and the risk of developing HCC. In the HBV cohort, 237 patients developed HCC during a median follow-up of 53 months. However, PPI use was not associated with an increased risk of developing HCC (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90-1.73; P = 0.18). In the HCV cohort, 211 patients developed HCC; but again, PPI use was not associated with an increase in the risk of developing HCC (aHR, 1.19; 95% CI, 0.88-1.61; P = 0.25). We observed no relationship between a dose-dependent effect of PPI use and HCC risk. Subgroup analysis also confirmed that PPI use was not correlated to an increased HCC risk. Conclusion: Based on a retrospective population-based cohort study throughout Taiwan, where the prescription of PPI is tightly regulated, PPI use is not associated with the risk of developing HCC among patients with chronic HBV or HCV infections.
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Wu SH, Chu CJ, Lin CC, Su CW, Lee SD, Wang YJ, Lee FY, Huang YH, Hou MC. A 12-week rescue therapy by PrOD-based regimen for advanced fibrotic genotype-1 CHC patients who failed to pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:186-190. [PMID: 30908411 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) evolved rapidly due to the invention of interferon-free direct antiviral agents. Previous clinical trials showed combination therapy with paritaprevir/ritonavir, ombitasvir, and dasabuvir (PrOD) with or without ribavirin (RBV) can cure over 95% of genotype 1 CHC patients, regardless with cirrhosis or not. However, real-world data regarding the efficacy and safety of PrOD-based therapy in Asian HCV genotype 1 CHC patients are limited, especially for advanced-fibrotic patients who failed previous therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus RBV. METHODS Between January and October 2017, 60 advanced fibrotic (≥F3) genotype 1 CHC patients who failed previous therapy with PEG-IFN and received PrOD-based therapy for 12 weeks were retrospectively enrolled. Weight-based RBV 800 to 1200 mg/d was added for genotype 1b patients with cirrhosis and all genotype 1a patients. Sustained virological response (SVR) was defined by undetectable HCV RNA at the end and 12 weeks after the completion of therapy. RESULTS The mean age was 63.2 ± 9.3 years, 26 (43.3%) of them were males and 20 (33.3%) were diagnosed to have liver cirrhosis. The mean baseline HCV RNA level was 6.19 ± 0.88 log10 IU/mL and 86.7% (52/60) of patients were infected by HCV genotype 1b. After PrOD-based therapy, the rates undetectable HCV RNA (<15 IU/mL) at week 2, 4, and 12 were 61.7%, 90.0%, and 100%, respectively; 69.6% (16/23) of patients with detectable HCV RNA at week 2 were < 100 IU/mL. Pruritus, fatigue, headache, insomnia, and dizziness were the most common patient-reported adverse events. Grade 2 hyperbilirubinemia were found in 21.6% (13/60) of patients during study period and all belonged to unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. After posttherapy follow up, all 60 patients (100%) achieved SVR. CONCLUSION Our real-world data in Taiwan revealed that PrOD-based rescue therapy is well-tolerated and highly effective for genotype 1 CHC patients with advanced fibrosis failing previous therapy with PEG-IFN plus RBV.
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Chen PC, Chiu NC, Su CW, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lin HC, Wu JC. Albumin-bilirubin grade may determine the outcomes of patients with very early stage hepatocellular carcinoma after radiofrequency ablation therapy. J Chin Med Assoc 2019; 82:2-10. [PMID: 30839396 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To assess long-term prognoses of patients with solitary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) < 2 cm (the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer, BCLC stage 0) after radiofrequency ablation (RFA). METHODS We retrospectively enrolled 271 patients with BCLC stage 0 HCC who had undergone RFA at Taipei Veterans General Hospital from 2002 to 2016. Factors determining poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence after RFA were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS After a median follow-up duration of 43.4 months, 76 patients had died. The cumulative 5- and 10-year OS rates were 67.1% and 56.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis disclosed age > 65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.608, 95% confidence interval, [CI] 1.015-2.545; p = 0.043), platelet count < 100,000/mm (HR 1.704, 95% CI 1.027-2.828; p = 0.039), and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 2 or 3 (HR 2.191, 95% CI 1.261-3.805; p = 0.005) were the independent risk factors predicting worse OS. One-hundred twelve patients had tumor recurrence after undergoing RFA. Multivariate analysis showed that ALBI grade 2 or 3 (HR 1.825, 95% CI 1.288-2.585; p = 0.001) was the only one independent risk factor associated with poor recurrence-free survival (RFS) after RFA. Most of the subgroup analyses also demonstrated that patients with ALBI grade 2 or 3 had poorer OS and RFS than those with ALBI grade 1. CONCLUSION For patients with BCLC stage 0 HCC, RFA could provide a long-term outcome with a 10-year overall survival rate of 56.4%. Moreover, the ALBI grade can discriminate prognosis in such patients.
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Lee KC, Hsu WF, Hsieh YC, Chan CC, Yang YY, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lin HC. Dabigatran Reduces Liver Fibrosis in Thioacetamide-Injured Rats. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:102-112. [PMID: 30288660 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5311-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver failure. Unfortunately, the antifibrotic agents are limited. Thrombin activates hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Therefore, we investigated the effects of a direct thrombin inhibitor, dabigatran, on liver fibrosis. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intraperitoneally with thioacetamide (TAA, 200 mg/kg twice per week) for 8 or 12 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. The injured rats were assigned an oral gavage of dabigatran etexilate (30 mg/kg/day) or vehicle in the last 4 weeks of TAA administration. Rats receiving an injection of normal saline and subsequent oral gavage of dabigatran etexilate or vehicle served as controls. RESULTS In the 8-week TAA-injured rats, dabigatran ameliorated fibrosis, fibrin deposition, and phosphorylated ERK1/2 in liver, without altering the transcript expression of thrombin receptor protease-activated receptor-1. In vitro, dabigatran inhibited thrombin-induced HSC activation. Furthermore, dabigatran reduced intrahepatic angiogenesis and portal hypertension in TAA-injured rats. Similarly, in the 12-week TAA-injured rats, a 4-week treatment with dabigatran reduced liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. CONCLUSIONS By inhibiting thrombin action, dabigatran reduced liver fibrosis and intrahepatic angiogenesis. Dabigatran may be a promising therapeutic agent for treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Hsieh YC, Lee KC, Wang YW, Yang YY, Hou MC, Huo TI, Lin HC. Correlation and prognostic accuracy between noninvasive liver fibrosismarkers and portal pressure in cirrhosis: Role of ALBI score. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208903. [PMID: 30540824 PMCID: PMC6291250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of noninvasive liver fibrosis markers which were developed to evaluate the severity of chronic liver disease remains unclear in cirrhosis. AIMS To evaluate the correlation between noninvasive markers and hemodynamic parameters and their prognostic performance in cirrhotic patients. METHODS A total of 242 cirrhotic patients undergoing hemodynamic study were analyzed. The correlations between noninvasive models, including FIB-4, aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, cirrhosis discriminant score, Lok index, Goteborg University Cirrhosis Index, and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score and hemodynamic parameters were investigated, along with their predictive accuracy for short- and long-term survival. RESULTS There was a significant correlation between all noninvasive markers and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), and ALBI score had the best correlation (r = 0.307, p<0.001). For the prediction of 3-month and 6-month mortality, serum sodium (sNa) levels had the highest area under curve (AUC; 0.799 and 0.818, respectively) among all parameters, and ALBI score showed the best performance (AUC = 0.691 and 0.740, respectively) compared with other 5 noninvasive models. Of 159 patients with low MELD scores (<14), high ALBI score (>-1.4) and low sNa (<135 mmol/L) predicted early mortality. In the Cox multivariate model, ALBI, MELD, HVPG and sNa were independent predictors of long-term survival. CONCLUSIONS Among noninvasive markers, ALBI score is best correlated with HVPG and associated with short-term outcome in cirrhotic patients. A high ALBI score and low sNa identify high-risk patients with low MELD scores. High MELD, HVPG, ALBI and low sNa levels are independent predictors of survival. Independent studies are required to confirm our findings.
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Lin XH, Lin CC, Wang YJ, Luo JC, Young SH, Chen PH, Hou MC, Lee FY. Risk factors of the peptic ulcer bleeding in aging uremia patients under regular hemodialysis. J Chin Med Assoc 2018; 81:1027-1032. [PMID: 29778548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcma.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Revised: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that uremia patients under hemodialysis (HD) have a significantly higher occurrence of peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB) than healthy controls and that elderly patients remain at high risk of peptic ulcer disease (PUD) and PUB. Here we aimed to identify the risk factors for PUB in aging (≥65-years-old) uremic patients under regular HD. METHODS Using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan, we compared 18,252 aging regular HD patients and 17,883 age-, gender-, and medication-matched patients without kidney disease (control group). The log-rank test was performed to analyze the differences in accumulated hazard of PUB between the two groups. Cox proportional hazard regressions were performed to evaluate independent risk factors for PUB between the two groups and identify risk factors of PUB in aging HD patients. RESULTS In a 7-year follow-up, aging HD patients had significantly higher incidences of PUB than the matched controls (p < 0.001 by the log-rank test). By Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, HD (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.61; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 4.03-5.27) was independently associated with increased risk of PUB. Age, diabetes mellitus (DM), history of uncomplicated PUD, cirrhosis, and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids were risk factors for PUB in aging HD patients. CONCLUSION Aging HD patients are associated with higher risk of PUB. The use of NSAIDs and corticosteroids and co-morbidities including DM, history of uncomplicated PUD, and cirrhosis were identified as risk factors for PUB in these patients.
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Lee IC, Chao Y, Li CP, Su CW, Lan KH, Lin HC, Hou MC, Huang YH. Risk of renal events during tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and entecavir antiviral prophylaxis in HBsAg-positive cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. J Viral Hepat 2018; 25:1599-1607. [PMID: 30125436 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The risk of renal events in HBsAg-positive cancer patients receiving tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or entecavir (ETV) antiviral prophylaxis during chemotherapy has not been evaluated. This study aimed to evaluate the renal safety of TDF and ETV during chemotherapy. Consecutive, 219 HBsAg-positive cancer patients treated with TDF (n = 106) or ETV (n = 113) for antiviral prophylaxis during chemotherapy with baseline serum creatinine (SCr) <1.2 mg/dL were retrospectively enrolled. Serial SCr levels and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were monitored. The incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) during antiviral prophylaxis was 33% and 38.9% in TDF and ETV groups, respectively (P = 0.441), while the incidence of sustained kidney injury was 11.3% and 11.5%, respectively (P = 1.000). By multivariate analysis, diuretics use (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.011, P = 0.042) and serum albumin levels (HR = 0.441, P = 0.001) were independent predictors of AKI; serum albumin levels (HR = 0.252, P = 0.002) was the only factor associated with sustained kidney injury; age (HR = 2.752, P < 0.001), baseline SCr levels (HR = 3.386, P < 0.001), and serum albumin levels (HR = 0.437, P = 0.001) were factors associated with a new eGFR <60 mL/min. 34.9% of patients in TDF group and 35.4% in ETV group had deteriorated chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage at the end of follow-up, respectively. There were no significant differences in the risk of renal events or CKD stage migration between TDF and ETV groups. Renal events may develop in about one-third of HBsAg-positive cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The risk of renal function impairment was comparable between patients treated with TDF and ETV antiviral prophylaxis.
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Lin XH, Huang KH, Chuang WH, Luo JC, Lin CC, Ting PH, Young SH, Fang WL, Hou MC, Lee FY. The long term effect of metabolic profile and microbiota status in early gastric cancer patients after subtotal gastrectomy. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0206930. [PMID: 30395589 PMCID: PMC6218198 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0206930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Long term effects of subtotal gastrectomy on gut microbiota modifications with subsequent metabolic profiles are limited. We aimed to investigate and compare long-term effects of metabolic profiles and microbiota status in early gastric cancer patients post curative subtotal gastrectomy to the controls. In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed type II diabetes mellitus and metabolic syndrome occurrence in two groups: 111 patients after curative subtotal gastrectomy with Billroth II (BII) anastomosis and Roux-en-Y gastrojejuno (RYGJ) anastomosis and 344 age-sex matched controls. Fecal samples from those with BII, RYGJ, and controls were analyzed by next-generation sequencing method. Metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes mellitus occurrences were significantly lower in patients after subtotal gastrectomy with RYGJ than in controls over the long term (> 8 years) follow-up (P < 0.05). The richness and diversity of gut microbiota significantly increased after subtotal gastrectomy with RYGJ (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the principal component analysis revealed significant differences in bacterial genera abundance after subtotal gastrectomy with BII and RYGJ (P < 0.001). Genera of Oscillospira, Prevotella, Coprococcus, Veillonella, Clostridium, Desulfovibrio, Anaerosinus, Slackia, Oxalobacter, Victivallis, Butyrivibrio, Sporobacter, and Campylobacter shared more abundant roles both in the RYGJ group and BII groups. Early gastric cancer patients after subtotal gastrectomy with RYGJ had a lower occurrence of metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes mellitus than the controls during long term follow-up. In parallel with the metabolic improvements, gut microbial richness and diversity also significantly increased after subtotal gastrectomy with RYGJ.
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Hsieh YC, Lee MH, Lee KC, Yang YY, Hou MC, Lin HC. Use of prokinetic agents or antibiotics is associated with the occurrence of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients. J Chin Med Assoc 2018; 81:935-941. [PMID: 30017810 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcma.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prokinetics have been shown to improve intestinal bacterial overgrowth and dysmotility in cirrhotic patients. Antibiotics are suggested for high risk patients for prophylaxis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). However, limited studies have investigated the association of SBP and these medications. We examined the association of prokinetics or antibiotics use and the first episode of SBP development in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS We conducted a case-crossover study using the Taiwanese National Health Insurance Research Database from 2001 to 2010. A total of 129 cirrhotic patients with SBP were identified (defined as International Classification of Disease-Ninth Revision-CM codes: 571.xx for cirrhosis; 567.2, 567.8, and 567.9 for ascites; 789.5 for SBP). We investigated the short term (defined as 14-day period) effect of prokinetic agents or antibiotics use on SBP development using conditional logistic regressions with the adjustment of potential confounders. RESULTS The results suggested that prokinetic agents or antibiotics use during the 14 days before SBP were associated with an increased risk of SBP [adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02-10.04 for prokinetic agents; and adjusted OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.05-5.23 for antibiotics]. In dose analysis, the use of prokinetic agents more than 0.5 defined daily dose was more commonly found in the case period without a statistical difference (adjusted OR = 3.637; 95% CI: 0.69-19.13). CONCLUSION The results demonstrated an increased risk of primary SBP development among cirrhotic patients with prokinetic agents or antibiotics use. It is important to closely monitor those patients for the occurrence of SBP.
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Fang KC, Kao WY, Su CW, Chen PC, Lee PC, Huang YH, Huo TI, Chang CC, Hou MC, Lin HC, Wu JC. The Prognosis of Single Large Hepatocellular Carcinoma Was Distinct from Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer Stage A or B: The Role of Albumin-Bilirubin Grade. Liver Cancer 2018; 7:335-358. [PMID: 30488023 PMCID: PMC6249598 DOI: 10.1159/000487407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Whether single large hepatocellular carcinoma (SLHCC) is classified as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage A or B is still controversial. We aimed to compare the clinical manifestations, treatment modalities, and prognoses among patients with SLHCC and those in BCLC stage A and B. METHODS We enrolled 2,285 treatment-naive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with BCLC stage A or B from October 2007 to December 2015. Factors in terms of prognoses were analyzed by multivariate analysis. RESULTS We enrolled 1,210, 466, and 609 patients in a BCLC-A, SLHCC, and BCLC-B group, respectively. After a median follow-up duration of 21.2 months, 898 patients had died. The cumulative 5-year survival rates were 57.0, 42.6, and 27.3% for patients in the BCLC-A, SLHCC, and BCLC-B groups, respectively, which were significantly different (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that the following independent risk factors were associated with poor prognosis: age > 65 years, alkaline phosphatase > 100 U/L, creatinine > 1.0 mg/dL, alpha-fetoprotein > 20 mg/mL, noncurative treatment, albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade, and HCC staging. Subgroup analysis also confirmed that patients in the SLHCC group had a survival rate intermediate to those in the BCLC-A and BCLC-B groups. However, for patients in the SLHCC group and with ALBI grade 1, outcomes were close to those in the BCLC-A group, especially in the setting of curative treatment. For those with ALBI grades 2 or 3, the prognoses were similar to those of the SLHCC and BCLC-B groups. CONCLUSION Patients in the SLHCC group had an overall survival rate intermediate to those of the BCLC-A and BCLC-B groups. It is suggested that the SLHCC group could be classified as occupying a different stage from the BCLC stages A and B. The ALBI grade could help to stratify SLHCC into a different prognostic group. However, the results need to be validated externally in other regions of the world.
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Hsu CY, Liu PH, Ho SY, Huang YH, Lee YH, Lee RC, Nagaria TS, Hou MC, Huo TI. Metastasis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: Prevalence, determinants, prognostic impact and ability to improve the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system. Liver Int 2018; 38:1803-1811. [PMID: 29608816 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIM Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and metastasis are classified as advanced or terminal stage by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system. This study investigates the prevalence, determinants, and prognostic effect of metastasis and its ability to improve the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system. METHODS A total of 3414 patients were enrolled. The Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression methods were used to determine survival predictors. Akaike information criterion was used to compare the prognostic performance of staging systems. RESULTS There were 357 (10%) patients having extrahepatic metastasis at the time of diagnosis. Metastases were associated with old age, alcoholism, hepatitis B, poorer liver function, higher α-foetoprotein level and larger tumour burden (all P < .05). Vascular invasion was associated with metastasis regardless of total tumour volume, and higher α-foetoprotein level and multiple tumours were associated with metastasis in patients with smaller tumour volume (all P < .05). Patients with both vascular invasion and metastasis had significantly worse outcome compared to patients with either vascular invasion or metastasis (P < .05). In the Cox proportional model, the co-existence of vascular invasion and metastasis was an independent predictor of decreased survival (P < .05). Re-allocating 181 Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage C patients with both vascular invasion and metastasis into stage D was associated with lower Akaike information criterion, indicating enhanced prognostic power of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer. CONCLUSIONS Metastasis is not uncommon, and is strongly associated with tumoural factors and poor long-term survival in hepatocellular carcinoma. Modification of the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer system based on vascular invasion and metastasis may further improve its predictive accuracy in advanced stage patients.
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Hsieh YH, Huang HC, Chang CC, Chuang CL, Lee FY, Hsu SJ, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lee SD. Nucleos(t)ide Analogs Do Not Independently Influence Hepatic Fibrosis and Portal Hypertension beyond Viral Suppression in CBDL-Induced Cirrhotic Rat. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 367:260-266. [PMID: 30194095 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.250431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis is the major cause of liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Several factors affect portal pressure, including liver fibrosis, splanchnic vasodilatation, and pathologic angiogenesis. Nucleos(t)ide analogs (NUCs), the oral antiviral agents, effectively attenuate chronic hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension via viral suppression and alleviation of hepatitis. On the other hand, NUCs affect tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and nitric oxide, which participate in fibrogenesis, vasodilatation, and angiogenesis. However, whether NUCs independently influence liver fibrosis and portal hypertension beyond viral suppression is unknown. This study thus aimed to evaluate the influences of three frequently used NUCs in rats with nonviral cirrhosis. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received common bile duct ligation (CBDL) to induce cholestatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The rats were randomly allocated into four groups, treated by mouth with lamivudine (30 mg/kg per day), entecavir (0.09 mg/kg per day), tenofovir (50 mg/kg per day), or distilled water (vehicle control) from the 15th day after CBDL. On the 29th day, liver cirrhosis- and portal hypertension-related parameters were evaluated. The results showed that chronic NUCs treatment did not affect hemodynamic parameters, plasma TNF-α concentration, and hepatic fibrogenesis protein expressions in rats with nonviral cirrhosis. Though the mesenteric VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation was downregulated in NUCs-treated groups, the splanchnic angiogenesis was not influenced. In conclusion, lamivudine, entecavir, and tenofovir had no additional effects on liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension in rats with nonviral cirrhosis.
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Chang ES, Lin DSC, Hou MC, Chen CY. Incidental endoscopic findings of a rare gastric neuroendocrine carcinoma concurrent with an uncommon primary duodenal adenocarcinoma: A case report. ADVANCES IN DIGESTIVE MEDICINE 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/aid2.13088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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172
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Ting PH, Lin XH, Jiang JK, Luo JC, Chen PH, Wang YP, Hsin IF, Perng CL, Hou MC, Lee FY. The factors associated with negative colonoscopy in screening subjects with positive immunochemical stool occult blood test outcomes. J Chin Med Assoc 2018; 81:759-765. [PMID: 29778550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcma.2017.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The immunochemical fecal occult blood test (iFOBT) is an alternative method to colonoscopy that can be used for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. If the iFOBT result is positive, a colonoscopy is recommended. In this retrospective study, we identify factors associated with negative colonoscopy and positive iFOBT results obtained during CRC screening. METHODS We collected data for subjects who received a colonoscopy at Taipei Veterans General Hospital after receiving a positive iFOBT result during CRC screening from January 2015 to December 2015. Subjects' baseline data, medications, and co-morbidities as well as colonoscopy and histological findings were recorded. A negative colonoscopy result was defined as no detection of any colorectal neoplasia including non-advanced adenoma, advanced adenoma, and adenocarciona. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify the associated factors in screening subjects with positive iFOBT but negative colonoscopy results. RESULTS 559 (46.3%) out of 1207 eligible study subjects received a colonoscopy with a negative result. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of antiplatelets [odds ratio (OR) = 0.654; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.434-0.986], occurrence of hemorrhoid (OR = 0.595; 95% CI, 0.460-0.768), and the existence of colitis/ulcer (OR = 0.358; 95% CI, 0.162-0.789) were independent factors associated with negative colonoscopy but positive iFOBT results during CRC screening. The colon clean level, underlying diseases of gastrointestinal bleeding tendency (e.g., chronic kidney disease, cirrhosis), and the use of anticoagulant or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents were not associated with negative colonoscopy and positive iFOBT results. CONCLUSION The use of antiplatelet agents and the presence of hemorrhoids and colitis/ulcers were factors associated with negative colonoscopy and positive iFOBT results.
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Lee WP, Lan KL, Liao SX, Huang YH, Hou MC, Lan KH. Inhibitory Effects of Amentoflavone and Orobol on Daclatasvir-Induced Resistance-Associated Variants of Hepatitis C Virus. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2018; 46:835-852. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x18500441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is recognized as a major causative agent of chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite rapid progress in the development of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) against HCV infection in recent years, cost-effective antiviral drugs with more affordable prices still need to be developed. In this study, we screened a library of natural compounds to identify natural HCV inhibitors. The library of the pure compounds extracted from Chinese herbs deposited in the chemical bank of National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine (NRICM), Taiwan was screened in the cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) system. We identified the flavone or flavan-based compounds amentoflavone, 7,4[Formula: see text]-dihydroxyflavanone, and orobol with the inhibition of viral entry, replication, and translation of the HCV life cycle. Amentoflavone and orobol also showed inhibitory effects on resistant-associated variants to the NS5A inhibitor daclatasvir. The results of this study have the potential to benefit patients who are intolerant to the adverse effect of pegylated interferon or who harbor resistant strains refractory to treatment by current direct-acting antiviral agents.
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Lee IC, Yang SS, Lee CJ, Su CW, Wang YJ, Lan KH, Lin HC, Hou MC, Peng CY, Huang YH. Incidence and Predictors of HBsAg Loss After Peginterferon Therapy in HBeAg-Negative Chronic Hepatitis B: A Multicenter, Long-term Follow-up Study. J Infect Dis 2018; 218:1075-1084. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiy272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Liu CW, Tsai HC, Huang CC, Tsai CY, Su YB, Lin MW, Lee KC, Hsieh YC, Li TH, Huang SF, Yang YY, Hou MC, Lin HC, Lee FY, Lee SD. Effects and mechanisms of caffeine to improve immunological and metabolic abnormalities in diet-induced obese rats. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2018; 314:E433-E447. [PMID: 29118012 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00094.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In obesity, there are no effective therapies for parallel immune and metabolic abnormalities, including systemic/tissue insulin-resistance/inflammation, adiposity and hepatic steatosis. Caffeine has anti-inflammation, antihepatic steatosis, and anti-insulin resistance effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects and molecular mechanisms of 6 wk of caffeine treatment (HFD-caf) on immunological and metabolic abnormalities of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese rats. Compared with HFD vehicle (HFD-V) rats, in HFD-caf rats the suppressed circulating immune cell inflammatory [TNFα, MCP-1, IL-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and nitrite] profiles were accompanied by decreased liver, white adipose tissue (WAT), and muscle macrophages and their intracellular cytokine levels. Metabolically, the increase in metabolic rates reduced lipid accumulation in various tissues, resulting in reduced adiposity, lower fat mass, decreased body weight, amelioration of hepatic steatosis, and improved systemic/muscle insulin resistance. Further mechanistic approaches revealed an upregulation of tissue lipogenic [(SREBP1c, fatty acid synthase, acetyl-CoA carboxylase)/insulin-sensitizing (GLUT4 and p-IRS1)] markers in HFD-caf rats. Significantly, ex vivo experiments revealed that the cytokine release by the cocultured peripheral blood mononuclear cell (monocyte) and WAT (adipocyte), which are known to stimulate macrophage migration and hepatocyte lipogenesis, were lower in HFD-V groups than HFD-caf groups. Caffeine treatment simultaneously ameliorates immune and metabolic pathogenic signals present in tissue to normalize immunolgical and metabolic abnormalities found in HFD-induced obese rats.
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