Real-world data reveal a diagnostic gap in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver disease worldwide. It affects an estimated 20% of the general population, based on cohort studies of varying size and heterogeneous selection. However, the prevalence and incidence of recorded NAFLD diagnoses in unselected real-world health-care records is unknown. We harmonised health records from four major European territories and assessed age- and sex-specific point prevalence and incidence of NAFLD over the past decade.

METHODS

Data were extracted from The Health Improvement Network (UK), Health Search Database (Italy), Information System for Research in Primary Care (Spain) and Integrated Primary Care Information (Netherlands). Each database uses a different coding system. Prevalence and incidence estimates were pooled across databases by random-effects meta-analysis after a log-transformation.

RESULTS

Data were available for 17,669,973 adults, of which 176,114 had a recorded diagnosis of NAFLD. Pooled prevalence trebled from 0.60% in 2007 (95% confidence interval: 0.41-0.79) to 1.85% (0.91-2.79) in 2014. Incidence doubled from 1.32 (0.83-1.82) to 2.35 (1.29-3.40) per 1000 person-years. The FIB-4 non-invasive estimate of liver fibrosis could be calculated in 40.6% of patients, of whom 29.6-35.7% had indeterminate or high-risk scores.

CONCLUSIONS

In the largest primary-care record study of its kind to date, rates of recorded NAFLD are much lower than expected suggesting under-diagnosis and under-recording. Despite this, we have identified rising incidence and prevalence of the diagnosis. Improved recognition of NAFLD may identify people who will benefit from risk factor modification or emerging therapies to prevent progression to cardiometabolic and hepatic complications.

Liver Transplantation (LT) for Cryptogenic Cirrhosis (CC) and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) Cirrhosis: Data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (SRTR): 1994 to 2016

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related cirrhosis and cryptogenic cirrhosis (CC) have become leading indications for liver transplantation (LT) in the US. Our aim was to compare the trends, clinical presentation, and outcomes for transplant candidates with NASH and CC.The Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (1994-2016) was used to select adult LT candidates and recipients with primary diagnoses of NASH and CC without hepatocellular carcinoma.Two lakh twenty-three thousand three hundred ninety-one LT candidates were listed between 1994 and 2016. Of these, 16,214 (7.3%) were listed for CC and 11,598 (5.2%) for NASH. Before 2004, NASH was seldom coded for an indication for LT, but became more common after 2009. Averaged across the study period, CC candidates compared with NASH candidates were younger and had fewer conditions of metabolic syndrome (MS). CC patients were more likely to have MS components in comparison to candidates with other chronic liver diseases (CLDs) (all P < .0001). For most of the study period, patients with CC or NASH were similarly more likely to be taken off the list due to deterioration or death, with to patients with other CLDs. Post-LT data were available for 14,052 transplant recipients with NASH or CC. With the exception of post-transplant diabetes, the outcomes of patients transplanted for CC and NASH were similar to those of other CLD patients.Number of LT due to CC and NASH cirrhosis is increasing. In the past decade, there is a shift from LT listing diagnosis from CC to NASH potentially related to increased awareness about NASH in transplant centers in the US.

Diagnostic Potential of Systemic Eosinophil-Associated Cytokines and Growth Factors in IBD

Despite the acknowledged contribution of eosinophils to the disease pathogenesis, available data on cytokines closely related to the peripheral eosinophils in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are scattered. We assessed the concentrations of eosinophil-associated cytokines and growth factors in the group of 277 individuals (101 patients with Crohn's disease (CD), 77 with ulcerative colitis (UC), 16 with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and 83 healthy controls) and referred to IBD activity and the levels of hsCRP. As compared to IBS patients or healthy controls, patients with CD had significantly higher levels of IL5, IL8, IL12(p70), GM-CSF, and TNFα and patients with UC, the levels of eotaxin, IL4, IL5, IL8, IL12(p70), IL13, GM-CSF, and TNFα were also higher. As compared to CD patients, patients with UC had significantly higher levels of eotaxin, IL4, IL5, IL8, and IL1. In turn, the concentrations of hsCRP were significantly higher in CD than UC. Except for IL13, all cytokines and hsCRP positively correlated with CDAI. In UC, a positive correlation with MDAI was observed for hsCRP, GM-CSF, IL12(p70), and IFNγ and a negative one for IL8. The concentrations of hsCRP, GM-CSF, IFNγ, IL12(p70), and RANTES were higher in UC patients with active than inactive disease whereas those of IL8 and TNFα were significantly lower. Eotaxin, determined individually or in a panel with IFNγ and hsCRP, showed fair accuracy in differentiating CD from UC. If confirmed on a larger representation of IBS patients, IL8 might support differential diagnosis of organic and functional conditions of the bowel. GM-CSF, in turn, demonstrated to be an excellent indicator of bowel inflammation and may be taken into consideration as a noninvasive marker of mucosal healing. In summary, eosinophil-associated cytokines are elevated in IBD, more pronouncedly in UC, and may support the differential diagnosis of IBD and aid in monitoring of mucosal healing.

NAFLD and cardiovascular disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an important cause of chronic hepatic disease and liver transplant in Western societies. The increasing prevalence is related to dietary changes and sedentarism and follows the increasing frequency of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Growing evidence of association of NAFLD with cardiovascular diseases (CVD), independent of cardiovascular risk factors, has prompted the clarification of whether the liver is mainly a key-effector or a target-organ of the metabolic disarrangements in the metabolic syndrome. The therapeutic strategies able to alter liver disease progression and, through this, reduce the cardiovascular risk have also been tested in the last 2 decades.

This review focus on the possible interactions between hepatic disease, metabolic syndrome, and CVD, and on their implications for clinical practice.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Cirrhosis: A Review of Its Epidemiology, Risk Factors, Clinical Presentation, Diagnosis, Management, and Prognosis

Cirrhosis is the common end stage of a number of chronic liver conditions and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. With the growing epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide and will become one of the leading causes of cirrhosis. Increased awareness and understanding of NAFLD cirrhosis are essential. To date, there has been no published systematic review on NAFLD cirrhosis. Thus, this article reviews recent studies on the epidemiology, risk factors, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, and prognosis of NAFLD cirrhosis.

Progress in research of venous thromboembolism in hospitalized patients with digestive system diseases

Hospitalized patients with digestive system diseases are at high risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) due to a variety of factors such as advanced age, prolonged bed rest, medication and so on. VTE can affect the quality of life of patients, the number of days of hospitalization, and the cost of treatment and even threaten their life. This article gives a brief overview of the pathogenesis, risk factors, assessment tools, and preventive methods for VTE to promote better prevention of this disease.

Diagnostic Markers for Nonspecific Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

The nonspecific inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent a heterogeneous group of chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, and Leśniowski-Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are among the two major clinical forms. Despite the great progress in understanding the pathogenesis of these diseases, their etiology remains unclear. Genetic, immune, and environmental factors are thought to play a key role. The correct diagnosis of nonspecific inflammatory bowel diseases as well as the determination of disease activity, risk stratification, and prediction of response to therapy still relies on a multidisciplinary approach based on clinical, laboratory, endoscopic, and histologic examination. However, considerable effort has been devoted to the development of an accurate panel of noninvasive biomarkers that have increased diagnostic sensitivity and specificity. Laboratory biomarkers useful in differentiating IBD with functional disorders and in evaluating disease activity, prognosis, and treatment selection for IBD are presented in this study.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Prevalence and Risk Factors

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is common in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). Herein, NAFLD prevalence and risk factors in a large IBD cohort were evaluated and compared to that of a non-IBD sample.

METHODS

Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis outpatients referred to IBD service of our Gastroenterology Unit were enrolled. Subjects affected by functional and motor gastrointestinal disorders, in whom IBD was ruled out, referred to general outpatient service in the same area, were considered as nonIBD group. Exclusion criteria were based on previous diagnosis of nonNAFLD chronic liver diseases and secondary causes of fat liver overload. Characteristics of IBD and liver status were collected. Risk factors for metabolic syndrome were analyzed. Ultrasonographic presence and degree of steatosis were assessed. Data were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses.

RESULTS

For this study 465 IBD and 189 non-IBD subjects were consecutively enrolled. NAFLD was found in 28.0% and 20.1% in IBD and non-IBD subjects, respectively (P = 0.04). IBD patients with NAFLD were younger than non-IBD ones. There was no significant difference in steatosis grade and association between NAFLD and IBD behavior, extension, activity, and drugs. In the IBD group, multivariate analysis demonstrated that NAFLD was independently associated to metabolic syndrome (OR=2.24, 95%CI 1.77-28.81), diabetes (OR=1.71, 95%CI 1.43-12.25), fasting blood glucose (OR=1.36, 95%CI 1.13-1.68), and abdominal circumference (OR=1.68, 95%CI 1.15-14.52).

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is more common and occurs at a younger age in IBD than in nonIBD subjects. However, further investigation is required to ascertain possible NAFLD pathogenic IBD-related factors other than conventional/metabolic ones. 10.1093/ibd/izy051_video1izy051.video15774874877001.

New insights into the pathogenesis and treatment of non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma: a balancing act between immunosuppression and immunosurveillance

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. HCC initiates as a consequence of chronic liver damage and inflammation caused by hepatitis B and C virus infections, excessive alcohol consumption, or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Until recently, no effective treatments for advanced HCC were available and the 5-year survival rate had remained below 8% for many years. New insights into the mechanisms that drive the development of NAFLD-related HCC indicate that loss of T-cell-mediated immunosurveillance plays a cardinal role in tumor growth and malignant progression, in addition to previously identified inflammation-driven compensatory proliferation. Recently completed groundbreaking clinical studies have shown that treatments that restore antitumor immunity represent a highly effective therapeutic option for approximately 20% of advanced HCC patients. Understanding the causes of inflammation-driven immunosuppression and immune system dysfunction in the 80% of patients who fail to reignite antitumor immunity despite treatment with checkpoint inhibitors should lead to further and even more dramatic improvements in HCC immunotherapy.

Traffic-related air pollution associations with cytokeratin-18, a marker of hepatocellular apoptosis, in an overweight and obese paediatric population

INTRODUCTION

Traffic-related air pollution causes fatty liver, inflammation and fibrosis in animal models, but there have been few studies in humans.

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that traffic-related air pollution causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increased markers for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); and that NAFLD increases liver susceptibility to increased NASH risk.

METHODS

Data collected prospectively from 74 overweight or obese children were obtained from the Yale Pediatric Obesity Clinic. Traffic-related air pollution was characterized as vehicle traffic volume on major roads within a 1 km residential buffer, and as residential nitrogen dioxide (NO₂ ) exposure. Outcomes were hepatic fat fraction (HFF) measured by magnetic resonance imaging, liver enzymes using standard assays and plasma cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) by immunosorbent assays.

RESULTS

Significant non-linear relationships with air pollution and CK-18 were found. Plasma CK-18 at follow-up increased from approximately 150 U/L to almost 200 U/L as residential traffic volume increased from 220 000 vehicle-km to 330 000 vehicle-km, after adjustment for baseline CK-18, age and gender. Among patients with NAFLD at baseline, CK-18 increased from 140 U/L to 200 U/L (a 1.5 standard deviation increase in CK-18) as NO₂ increased from 8 to 10 ppb.

CONCLUSIONS

Traffic-related air pollution was associated with CK-18. Effects were larger in children with pre-existing NAFLD at study entry.

Neoterminal Ileal Polyposis and Ulceration after Restorative Proctocolectomy with a Current Review of the Literature

After ileal pouch anal anastomosis, one of the frequently encountered complications is polyposis of the pouch. We describe a case of proximal neoterminal ileal polyposis associated with deep ulceration suggestive of Crohn's disease and review the available literature. A 36-year-old male presented with resistant pouchitis 11 years after surgery for ulcerative colitis. With all-negative initial workup, pouchoscopy showed multiple deep ulcers in the proximal ileum with some polyps. Biopsy of polyps showed inflammatory polyps with negative immunohistological staining for IgG pouchitis. With no treatable etiology for pouchitis and the presence of inflammatory polyps, there are no guidelines for surveillance of this condition. Definitive diagnosis is challenging and there is no consensus or recommended guidelines on the management.

Current Evidence for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Using Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been investigated as a potential treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This review examines current evidence around the efficacy and safety of FMT for patients with IBD.

RECENT FINDINGS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses have suggested that FMT may facilitate clinical and endoscopic remission in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC). Although the evidence for FMT in Crohn's disease (CD) is more limited, positive outcomes have been observed in small cohort studies. Most adverse events (AEs) were mild and included transient gastrointestinal symptoms. Serious adverse events (SAEs) did not differ significantly between the FMT and control groups, and a marginal increased rate of IBD flares following FMT was observed. Microbiota analysis following FMT showed increased intestinal bacterial diversity and a shift towards the donor microbial profile in recipients' stools. FMT for patients with IBD is promising as RCTs have shown the benefit of FMT for UC, although the efficacy of FMT for CD is less clear. Further large and well-designed trials are necessary to resolve critical issues such as the donor selection, the ideal route of administration, duration, frequency of FMT, and the long-term sustained efficacy and safety.

Microbiota modification by probiotic supplementation reduces colitis associated colon cancer in mice

AIM

To investigate the effect of probiotic supplementation during the development of an experimental model of colitis associated colon cancer (CAC).

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice received an intraperitoneal injection of azoxymethane (10 mg/kg), followed by three cycles of sodium dextran sulphate diluted in water (5% w/v). Probiotic group received daily a mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. Microbiota composition was assessed by 16S rRNA Illumina HiSeq sequencing. Colon samples were collected for histological analysis. Tumor cytokines was assessed by Real Time-PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction); and serum cytokines by Multiplex assay. All tests were two-sided. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Graphs were generated and statistical analysis performed using the software GraphPad Prism 5.0. The project was approved by the institutional review board committee.

RESULTS

At day 60 after azoxymethane injection, the mean number of tumours in the probiotic group was 40% lower than that in the control group, and the probiotic group exhibited tumours of smaller size (< 2 mm) (P < 0.05). There was no difference in richness and diversity between groups. However, there was a significant difference in beta diversity in the multidimensional scaling analysis. The abundance of the genera Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Allobaculum, Clostridium XI and Clostridium XVIII increased in the probiotic group (P < 0.05). The microbial change was accompanied by reduced colitis, demonstrated by a 46% reduction in the colon inflammatory index; reduced expression of the serum chemokines RANTES and Eotaxin; decreased p-IKK and TNF-α and increased IL-10 expression in the colon.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a potential chemopreventive effect of probiotic on CAC. Probiotic supplementation changes microbiota structure and regulates the inflammatory response, reducing colitis and preventing CAC.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver transplantation - Where do we stand?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) is a challenging and multisystem disease that has a high socioeconomic impact. NAFLD/NASH is a main cause of macrovesicular steatosis and has multiple impacts on liver transplantation (LT), on patients on the waiting list for transplant, on post-transplant setting as well as on organ donors. Current data indicate new trends in the area of chronic liver disease. Due to the increased incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components, NASH cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma caused by NASH will soon become a major indication for LT. Furthermore, due to an increasing incidence of MetS and, consequently, NAFLD, there will be more steatotic donor livers and less high quality organs available for LT, in addition to a lack of available liver allografts. Patients who have NASH and are candidates for LT have multiple comorbidities and are unique LT candidates. Finally, we discuss long-term grafts and patient survival after LT, the recurrence of NASH and NASH appearing de novo after transplantation. In addition, we suggest topics and areas that require more research for improving the health care of this increasing patient population.

A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 1 study of the safety, tolerability and pharmacodynamics of volixibat in overweight and obese but otherwise healthy adults: implications for treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Background

Accumulation of toxic free cholesterol in hepatocytes may cause hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Volixibat inhibits bile acid reuptake via the apical sodium bile acid transporter located on the luminal surface of the ileum. The resulting increase in bile acid synthesis from cholesterol could be beneficial in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. This adaptive dose-finding study investigated the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacokinetics of volixibat.

Methods

Overweight and obese adults were randomised 3:1 to double-blind volixibat or placebo, respectively, for 12 days. Volixibat was initiated at a once-daily dose of 20 mg, 40 mg or 80 mg. Based on the assessment of predefined safety events, volixibat dosing was either escalated or reduced. Other dose regimens (titrations and twice-daily dosing) were also evaluated. Assessments included safety, tolerability, stool hardness, faecal bile acid (FBA) excretion, and serum levels of 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) and lipids.

Results

All 84 randomised participants (volixibat, 63; placebo, 21) completed the study, with no serious adverse events at doses of up to 80 mg per day (maximum assessed dose). The median number of daily bowel evacuations increased from 1 (range 0–4) to 2 (0–8) during volixibat treatment, and stool was looser with volixibat than placebo. Volixibat was minimally absorbed; serum levels were rarely quantifiable at any dose or sampling time point, thereby precluding pharmacokinetic analyses. Mean daily FBA excretion was 930.61 μmol (standard deviation [SD] 468.965) with volixibat and 224.75 μmol (195.403) with placebo; effects were maximal at volixibat doses ≥20 mg/day. Mean serum C4 concentrations at day 12 were 98.767 ng/mL (standard deviation, 61.5841) with volixibat and 16.497 ng/mL (12.9150) with placebo. Total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels decreased in the volixibat group, with median changes of − 0.70 mmol/L (range − 2.8 to 0.4) and − 0.6990 mmol/L (− 3.341 to 0.570), respectively.

Conclusions

This study indicates that maximal inhibition of bile acid reabsorption, as assessed by FBA excretion, occurs at volixibat doses of ≥20 mg/day in obese and overweight adults, without appreciable change in gastrointestinal tolerability. These findings guided dose selection for an ongoing phase 2 study in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02287779 (registration first received 6 November 2014).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s40360-018-0200-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Correlation between Serum Ferritin Level and Histopathological Disease Severity in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease worldwide. Recently several parameters, such as serum ferritin, have emerged as possible predictors for the severity of NAFLD and insulin sensitivity. We aimed to investigate the value of serum ferritin level as a useful biomarker for the prediction of histopathological disease severity in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the necro-inflammatory form of NAFLD. METHODS This was a prospective cross sectional study in which demographic, clinical, histological, laboratory, and anthropometric data of 30 adult patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD/NASH were analyzed. RESULTS In our patients population with mean age of 37.9 years and mean BMI of 26.5, statistical analysis did not show a significant difference between the three grades of steatosis in the mean ferritin levels (p = 0.559). It was also observed that ferritin level did not have a significant correlation with the stage of fibrosis (p = 0.228). The mean transferrin saturation did not show significant difference in different stages and grades of NASH (p = 0.260 and 0.944, respectively), either. CONCLUSION Serum ferritin level may not be useful as a single marker for the prediction of histopathological severity of disease in young patients with NASH who are not morbidly obese.

Prolonged cenicriviroc therapy reduces hepatic fibrosis despite steatohepatitis in a diet-induced mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a progressive liver disease projected to become the leading cause of cirrhosis and liver transplantation in the next decade. Cenicriviroc (CVC), a dual chemokine receptor 2 and 5 antagonist, prevents macrophage trafficking and is under clinical investigation for the treatment of human NASH fibrosis. We assessed the efficacy and durability of short and prolonged CVC therapy in a diet‐induced mouse model of NASH, the choline deficient, L‐amino acid‐defined, high‐fat diet (CDAHFD) model. C57BL/6 mice received 4 or 14 weeks of standard chow or the CDAHFD. CVC (10 mg/kg/day and 30 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks and 20 mg/kg/day and 30 mg/kg/day for 14 weeks) was initiated simultaneously with the CDAHFD. At 4 and 14 weeks, livers were harvested for histology and flow cytometric analyses of intrahepatic immune cells. High‐dose CVC (30 mg/kg/day) therapy in CDAHFD mice for 4 or 14 weeks inhibited intrahepatic accumulation of Ly6C^high bone marrow‐derived macrophages. Prolonged CVC therapy (14 weeks) yielded no significant differences in the total intrahepatic macrophage populations among treatment groups but increased the frequency of intrahepatic anti‐inflammatory macrophages in the high‐dose CVC group. Despite ongoing steatohepatitis, there was significantly less fibrosis in CDAHFD mice receiving high‐dose CVC for 14 weeks based on histologic and molecular markers, mirroring observations in human NASH CVC trials. CVC also directly inhibited the profibrotic gene signature of transforming growth factor‐β‐stimulated primary mouse hepatic stellate cells in vitro. Conclusion: CVC is a novel therapeutic agent that is associated with reduced fibrosis despite ongoing steatohepatitis. Its ability to alter intrahepatic macrophage populations and inhibit profibrogenic genes in hepatic stellate cells in NASH livers may contribute to its observed antifibrotic effect. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:529‐545)

Systematic review with meta-analysis: de novo non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in liver-transplanted patients

BACKGROUND

De novo non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in liver-transplanted patients for cirrhosis not due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming a growing phenomenon.

AIMS

We performed a systematic review and evaluated the prevalence of this event and possible associated factors.

METHODS

A literature search in medical databases (PubMed, MEDLINE/OVIDSP, Science Direct and EMBASE) was performed in March 2017. Relevant publications were identified in most important databases. We estimated the pooled prevalence of NAFLD and NASH in patients with liver transplant. The data have been expressed as proportions/percentages, and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, using the inverse variance method. Odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were selected, enrolling 2166 subjects overall undergoing post-liver transplant biopsy. The pooled weighted prevalence of de novo NAFLD was 26% (95% CI 20%-31%). The pooled weighted prevalence of NASH was 2% (95% CI 0%-3%). The highest prevalences of de novo NAFLD were found for patients transplanted for alcoholic cirrhosis (37%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (35%) and for patients taking tacrolimus (26%). Tacrolimus showed a risk of NAFLD similar to ciclosporin (OR = 1.02, 95% CI 0.3-3.51).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing liver transplant are more prone to experience diabetes, hypertension or dyslipidaemia, and NAFLD may be an important element in this context. In this study, we show how the prevalence of NASH tends to remain significant and similar to the general population. Moreover, this study suggests a possible association with specific transplant indications. Further studies are required to confirm these findings.

Therapeutic modulation of the bile acid pool by Cyp8b1 knockdown protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice

Bile acids (BAs) are surfactant molecules that regulate the intestinal absorption of lipids. Thus, the modulation of BAs represents a potential therapy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by hepatic accumulation of fat and is a major cause of liver disease worldwide. Cyp8b1 is a critical modulator of the hydrophobicity index of the BA pool. As a therapeutic proof of concept, we aimed to determine the impact of Cyp8b1 inhibition in vivo on BA pool composition and as protection against NAFLD. Inhibition of Cyp8b1 expression in mice led to a remodeling of the BA pool, which altered its signaling properties and decreased intestinal fat absorption. In a model of cholesterol-induced NAFLD, Cyp8b1 knockdown significantly decreased steatosis and hepatic lipid content, which has been associated with an increase in fecal lipid and BA excretion. Moreover, inhibition of Cyp8b1 not only decreased hepatic lipid accumulation, but also resulted in the clearance of previously accumulated hepatic cholesterol, which led to a regression in hepatic steatosis. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Cyp8b1 inhibition is a viable therapeutic target of crucial interest for metabolic diseases, such as NAFLD.-Chevre, R., Trigueros-Motos, L., Castaño, D., Chua, T., Corlianò, M., Patankar, J. V., Sng, L., Sim, L., Juin, T. L., Carissimo, G., Ng, L. F. P., Yi, C. N. J., Eliathamby, C. C., Groen, A. K., Hayden, M. R., Singaraja, R. R. Therapeutic modulation of the bile acid pool by Cyp8b1 knockdown protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in mice.

Quantitative Assessment of Liver Steatosis and Affected Pathways with Molecular Imaging and Proteomic Profiling

Current assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with histology is time-consuming, insensitive to early-stage detection, qualitative, and lacks information on etiology. This study explored alternative methods for fast and quantitative assessment of NAFLD with hyperspectral stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy and nanofluidic proteomics. Hyperspectral SRS microscopy quantitatively measured liver composition of protein, DNA, and lipid without labeling and sensitively detected early-stage steatosis in a few minutes. On the other hand, nanofluidic proteomics quantitatively measured perturbations to the post-translational modification (PTM) profiles of selective liver proteins to identify affected cellular signaling and metabolic pathways in a few hours. Perturbations to the PTM profiles of Akt, 4EBP1, BID, HMGCS2, FABP1, and FABP5 indicated abnormalities in multiple cellular processes including cell cycle regulation, PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade, autophagy, ketogenesis, and fatty acid transport. The integrative deployment of hyperspectral SRS microscopy and nanofluidic proteomics provided fast, sensitive, and quantitative assessment of liver steatosis and affected pathways that overcame the limitations of histology.

Diagnosis and Evaluation of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis, Including Noninvasive Biomarkers and Transient Elastography

The incidence and prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are increasing and identification of people at risk of disease progression is extremely important. The current gold standard for diagnosing NAFLD/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is by liver biopsy, but it has several limitations. Noninvasive tests via biomarkers and transient elastography to assess NAFLD/NASH are being used in clinical practice. The most validated diagnostic panels include the NAFLD fibrosis score, FIB-4 (Fibrosis-4), and FibroMeter. Transient elastography is very useful in evaluating advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: Implications for liver transplantation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common cause of chronic liver disease (CLD), has a global prevalence of 25%. Its progressive form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a leading indication for liver transplantation (LT) in the United States. As a result, specialty societies, including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver, have developed guidance on the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of NAFLD and NASH. Therefore, the transplant team must be well versed in the state of current knowledge about NAFLD and transplant-specific issues for this increasingly important indication for LT. Liver Transplantation 24 166-170 2018 AASLD.

Prognostic value of histological activity in patients with ulcerative colitis in deep remission: A prospective multicenter study

Background

Histological remission has been proposed as a new treatment goal in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) although no universal definition for microscopic activity exists.

Aim

We evaluated the accuracy of histological activity to predict clinical relapse in UC patients with both clinical and endoscopic remission.

Methods

Asymptomatic UC patients in endoscopic remission (Mayo endoscopic sub-score 0 or 1) undergoing surveillance colonoscopy in two referral hospitals were prospectively recruited. All colonic biopsies were analyzed according to the Geboes' score (GS) and the presence of basal plasmacytosis (BP).

Results

Ninety-six patients were included (38% women, median (interquartile range) age 50.0 (39.0-58.5) years, median disease duration 12.0 (6.5-19.5) years). Histological activity defined as GS ≥ 2B.1, GS ≥ 3.1, or BP was present in, respectively, 26%, 23% and 12%. Within 12 months from index endoscopy, 23% of the patients presented with clinical relapse. In multivariate analysis, active histological disease was the only risk factor predicting clinical relapse (odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 4.29 (1.55-11.87); p = 0.005 for GS ≥ 2B.1 and 4.31 (1.52-12.21); p = 0.006 for GS ≥ 3.1).

Conclusions

In patients with UC in clinical and endoscopic remission, histological activity is an independent risk factor for clinical relapse. Further prospective studies need to clarify whether treatment optimization is justified in this context.

Nonbacterial Thrombotic Endocarditis Associated With Crohn Disease

This report describes an atypical case of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis in a mitral valve. The patient suffered repeated emboli after achieving remission of Crohn disease in the acute phase. Echocardiography revealed mitral valve leaflet and subvalvular thickening. This initially was considered indicative of infective endocarditis or a cardiac tumor; however, pathologic and laboratory examinations showed nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis without antiphospholipid syndrome or a malignant tumor. We report a rare case of nonbacterial thrombotic endocarditis complicated with Crohn disease.

Transporter-Mediated Alterations in Patients With NASH Increase Systemic and Hepatic Exposure to an OATP and MRP2 Substrate

The expression of hepatic transporters, including organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATPs) and multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs), is altered in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH); however, functional data in humans are lacking. In this study, 99m Tc-mebrofenin (MEB) was used to evaluate OATP1B1/1B3 and MRP2 function in NASH patients. Healthy subjects (n = 14) and NASH patients (n = 7) were administered MEB (∼2.5 mCi). A population pharmacokinetic model was developed to describe systemic and hepatic MEB disposition. Study subjects were genotyped for SLCO1B1 variants. NASH increased systemic and hepatic exposure (median ± 2 SE, healthy vs. NASH) to MEB (AUC0-300,blood : 1,780 ± 242 vs. 2,440 ± 775 μCi*min/L, P = 0.006; AUC0-180,liver : 277 ± 36.9 vs. 433 ± 40.3 kcounts*min/sec, P < 0.0001) due to decreased biliary clearance (0.035 ± 0.008 vs. 0.017 ± 0.002 L/min, P = 0.0005) and decreased Vcentral (11.1 ± 0.57 vs. 6.32 ± 1.02 L, P < 0.0001). MEB hepatic CLuptake was reduced in NASH and also in healthy subjects with SLCO1B1 *15/*15 and *1A/*15 genotypes. The pharmacokinetics of drugs that are OATP1B1/1B3 and MRP2 substrates may be substantially altered in NASH.

Acute histological inflammatory activity is associated with clinical relapse in patients with ulcerative colitis in clinical and endoscopic remission

BACKGROUND

It has been suggested that acute histological activity has a prognostic value in the outcome of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in clinical and endoscopic remission. Our aim was to assess the role of histology as a risk factor for clinical relapse (CR) in patients in both clinical and endoscopic remission.

METHODS

Patients with left-sided or extensive UC in clinical and endoscopic remission (Mayo endoscopic subscore ≤1) undergoing colonoscopy for dysplasia surveillance with random colonic biopsies between 2005-2015 were included. Basal plasmacytosis, acute (AHA), and the chronic (CHA) histological inflammatory activity of all biopsy sets were evaluated.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirteen patients were included. Median time in clinical remission at inclusion was 27 months (IQR 15-56). Eight percent of patients relapsed within the first year and 33% during the whole follow-up period. In the univariate analysis, the presence of AHA, alone (P=0.048) or together with a past flare within the previous 12 months (P=0.01), was associated with CR within the first year of follow-up. In the multivariate analysis, AHA, together with a flare within the previous 12 months, remained the only risk factor for relapse (RR=7.5; IC95%; 1.8-29.9; P=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

In UC patients in clinical and endoscopic remission, the presence of AHA is a risk factor for clinical relapse.

A Randomized Trial of Silymarin for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Silymarin is a complex mixture of 6 major flavonolignans and other minor polyphenolic compounds derived from the milk thistle plant Silybum marianum; it has shown antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects, and may be useful in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to study the efficacy of silymarin in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-the more severe form of NAFLD.

METHODS

We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of consecutive adults with biopsy-proven NASH and a NAFLD activity score (NAS) of 4 or more at a tertiary care hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from November 2012 through August 2014. Patients were randomly assigned to groups given silymarin (700 mg; n = 49 patients) or placebo (n = 50 patients) 3 times daily for 48 weeks. After this 48-week period, liver biopsies were repeated. The primary efficacy outcome was a decrease of 30% or more in NAS; findings from 48-week liver biopsies were compared with those from the baseline biopsy. Secondary outcomes included changes in steatosis, lobular inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, NAS and fibrosis score, and anthropometric measurements, as well as glycemic, lipid, and liver profiles and liver stiffness measurements.

RESULTS

The percentage of patients achieving the primary efficacy outcome did not differ significantly between the groups (32.7% in the silymarin group vs 26.0% in the placebo group; P = .467). A significantly higher proportion of patients in the silymarin group had reductions in fibrosis based on histology (reductions of 1 point or more; 22.4%) than did the placebo group (6.0%; P = .023), and based on liver stiffness measurements (decrease of 30% or more; 24.2%) than did the placebo group (2.3%; P = .002). The silymarin group also had significant reductions in mean aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (reduction of 0.14, P = .011 compared with baseline), fibrosis-4 score (reduction of 0.20, P = .041 compared with baseline), and NAFLD fibrosis score (reduction of 0.30, P < .001 compared with baseline); these changes were not observed in the placebo group (reduction of 0.07, P = .154; increase of 0.18, P = .389; and reduction of 0.05, P = .845, respectively). There was no significant difference between groups in number of adverse events; adverse events that occurred were not attributed to silymarin.

CONCLUSIONS

In a randomized trial of 99 patients, we found that silymarin (700 mg, given 3 times daily for 48 weeks) did not reduce NAS scores by 30% or more in a significantly larger proportion of patients with NASH than placebo. Silymarin may reduce liver fibrosis but this remains to be confirmed in a larger trial. It appears to be safe and well tolerated. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02006498.

PKCδ silencing alleviates saturated fatty acid induced ER stress by enhancing SERCA activity

Protein kinase C δ (PKCδ) plays an important role in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however, the mechanism remains unknown. The present study explored the role of PKCδ in NAFLD development and investigated the relationships between PKCδ, calcium homeostasis, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS). Hepatic steatosis cell model was induced by palmitic acid (PA) in L02 cells. Lipid accretion was evaluated using Oil Red O staining and a triglyceride (TG) detection kit. PKCδ was down-regulated by siRNA. RT-PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of ERS markers. The fluorescence of Ca²⁺ influx was recorded using confocal microscopy. Sarco-ER Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA) activity was measured by ultramicro-ATP enzyme test kit. PA treatment induced lipid accretion in L02 cells, destroyed the ER structure, and increased PKCδ activation in a time-dependent manner. Further, PA treatment significantly increased the expression of ERS markers, Ig heavy chain binding protein (Bip), and homologous proteins of CCAAT-enhancer binding proteins (CHOP). PKCδ silencing down-regulated Bip and CHOP expression, indicating a successful alleviation of ERS. The increased calcium storage induced by PA stimulation was significantly decreased in L02 cells treated with PKCδ siRNA compared with the negative control. Moreover, diminished SERCA activity caused by PA was recovered in PKCδ siRNA transfected cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating that the inhibition of PKCδ alleviates ERS by enhancing SERCA activity and stabilizing calcium homeostasis.

Factors predicting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Introduction To determine the factors predicting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and advanced fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methodology All patients aged >18 years and having a fatty liver on abdominal ultrasound (US), presenting from January 2011 to January 2017, were included. A liver biopsy was performed on all the patients. Results Of 96 patients undergoing liver biopsy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), 76 (79.2%) were men. On liver US, diffuse fatty liver (DFL) was noted in 68 (70.8%) patients. Liver biopsy showed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in 78 (81.3%) patients. Factors associated with NASH were male gender, body mass index (BMI) > 27 kg/m², DFL and raised alanine aminotransferase (ALT). A GULAB score (based on gender, US liver findings, lipid (fasting) levels, ALT level and BMI) of ≥5 predicted NASH with 82.05% sensitivity. Factors associated with advanced fibrosis in NAFLD were age >40 years, diabetes mellitus, AST/ALT ratio > 1 and raised GGT. Conclusion NASH is common in patients with male gender, high BMI, DFL on liver US, raised ALT and GULAB score ≥5.

Feasibility of modified Dixon MRI techniques for hepatic fat quantification in hepatic disorders: validation with MRS and histology

OBJECTIVE

To assess the feasibility of proton density fat fraction (PDFF) MRI for estimating hepatic fat fraction with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and histology as references and to investigate intrahepatic fat distribution and variability.

METHODS

Between November 2014 and September 2015, 85 adults (48 males, 47 females) who underwent MRI-PDFF (n = 139), MRS-PDFF (n = 49) and liver biopsy (n = 29) were enrolled in this study. Data were compared using linear regression. MRI-PDFF and standard deviations (variability) and differences between maximum and minimum PDFF (PDFF range) for whole liver, the lobes, and segment levels were calculated for each subject.

RESULTS

Whole-liver MRI-PDFF showed good correlation with MRS-PDFF (r = 0.961) and histologic degree of hepatic steatosis (σ = 0.809). Hepatic fat fraction is different between lobes and segments. Mean PDFF and mean PDFF range of the right lobe were higher than for the left lobe, whereas variability in the right lobe was lower than in the left lobe.

CONCLUSION

MRI-PDFF is an accurate non-invasive method for quantifying hepatic fat for various hepatic disorders, and may be preferable for measuring fat fraction in the right liver for more precise values in longitudinal monitoring, while avoiding FF measurement in the left liver. Advances in knowledge: MRI-PDFF provides a non-invasive and accurate quantification of hepatic steatosis in various hepatic disorders. It would be preferable to measure FF in the right liver than in the left liver.

Fructose Consumption, Lipogenesis, and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Increased fructose consumption has been suggested to contribute to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, but a causal role of fructose in these metabolic diseases remains debated. Mechanistically, hepatic fructose metabolism yields precursors that can be used for gluconeogenesis and de novo lipogenesis (DNL). Fructose-derived precursors also act as nutritional regulators of the transcription factors, including ChREBP and SREBP1c, that regulate the expression of hepatic gluconeogenesis and DNL genes. In support of these mechanisms, fructose intake increases hepatic gluconeogenesis and DNL and raises plasma glucose and triglyceride levels in humans. However, epidemiological and fructose-intervention studies have had inconclusive results with respect to liver fat, and there is currently no good human evidence that fructose, when consumed in isocaloric amounts, causes more liver fat accumulation than other energy-dense nutrients. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the seemingly contradicting literature on fructose and NAFLD. We outline fructose physiology, the mechanisms that link fructose to NAFLD, and the available evidence from human studies. From this framework, we conclude that the cellular mechanisms underlying hepatic fructose metabolism will likely reveal novel targets for the treatment of NAFLD, dyslipidemia, and hepatic insulin resistance. Finally, fructose-containing sugars are a major source of excess calories, suggesting that a reduction of their intake has potential for the prevention of NAFLD and other obesity-related diseases.

Predictors of pouchitis after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis in pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis

OBJECTIVES

Few studies have reported on the incidence and risk factors for pouchitis following colectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) in patients with pediatric-onset ulcerative colitis (UC). We aimed to determine clinical predictors for the development of pouchitis following IPAA in this population.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of all pediatric UC cases that were diagnosed at the Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel between 1981 and 2013 and who underwent colectomy during disease course. Potential predictors for pouchitis and chronic pouchitis including various demographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histological variables at diagnosis and at the time of surgery were assessed.

RESULTS

Of 188 patients with pediatric-onset UC, 33 (18%) underwent colectomy and IPAA surgery. During a median postsurgical follow-up of 7.6 (range: 1-21.5) years following IPAA, 20/33 (60%) patients developed pouchitis including 11/33 (33%) patients who developed chronic pouchitis. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates of the cumulative probability for pouchitis were 9% at 1 year and 36 and 55% at 5 and 10 years, respectively. Multivariate Cox models showed that older age at colectomy (hazard ratio: 0.86, P=0.024) was a protective factor, whereas preoperative vitamin-D deficiency (≤20 ng/ml) (hazard ratio: 4.4, P=0.021) increased the risk for pouchitis. Age at diagnosis, sex, disease extent, and preoperative therapeutic regimens did not affect the risk of pouchitis.

CONCLUSION

Long-term risk for pouchitis is significantly high in pediatric-onset UC after IPAA. Vitamin-D deficiency and younger age at colectomy may increase the risk for pouchitis.

Central Retinal Vein Occlusion Associated with Ulcerative Colitis

PURPOSE

To report a case of central retinal vein occlusion without macular edema associated with ulcerative colitis and its novel treatment with intravitreal dexamethasone.

CASE REPORT

A 40-year-old man with ulcerative colitis presented with sudden visual disturbances. An initial fundus examination showed subtle yellow-to-white patches within the inner retina of the right eye superotemporal to the fovea. There were intraretinal hemorrhages and cotton-wool spots within the superior vascular arcade and nasal to the optic disc. Despite initiation of systemic corticosteroids, 2 weeks later there was an increase in retinal hemorrhages, formation of cotton wool spots, and development of optic disc swelling in the right eye. The patient was eventually diagnosed with nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion associated with ulcerative colitis. He received sustained-release intravitreal dexamethasone, which led to the resolution of retinal hemorrhage, optic disc swelling, and cotton-wool spots. Three months after the injection, retinal hemorrhages were not detectable. However, ocular coherence imaging showed marked thinning of the inner retina at the locations that were previously hyper-reflective.

CONCLUSIONS

Central retinal vein occlusion is an uncommon ophthalmologic manifestation associated with ulcerative colitis. Injection of intravitreal dexamethasone could be a viable treatment option in these patients even without the presence of macular edema.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease: An Updated Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies

Background

Several immune‐mediated diseases have been shown to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. However, studies evaluating the association between inflammatory bowel disease and risk of cardiovascular disease reported inconsistent results. We assessed the association between inflammatory bowel disease and risk of ischemic heart disease in a meta‐analysis of cohort studies.

Methods and Results

We conducted a literature search of PubMed and Embase up to October 2016 to identify relevant studies. The summary relative risks were calculated using the random‐effects models. To explore the source of heterogeneity, we performed subgroup and sensitivity analysis. We included 10 cohort studies that satisfied our inclusion criteria. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease were associated with an increased risk of ischemic heart disease (relative risk: 1.244; 95% CI, 1.142–1.355). Considerable heterogeneity was observed. Crohn's disease showed a significantly increased risk of ischemic heart disease (relative risk=1.243; 95% CI, 1.042–1.482) and a positive association was also observed in ulcerative colitis (relative risk=1.206; 95% CI, 1.170–1.242).

Conclusions

Based on meta‐analysis of cohort studies, we found an increased risk of ischemic heart disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Large long‐term prospective studies are warranted to confirm our results.

Primary non-function is frequently associated with fatty liver allografts and high mortality after re-transplantation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The shortage of liver donations demands the use of suboptimal grafts with steatosis being a frequent finding. Although ≤30% macrovesicular steatosis is considered to be safe the risk for primary non-function (PNF) and outcome after re-transplantation (re-OLT) is unknown.

METHODS

Among 1205 orthotopic liver transplantations performed at our institution the frequency, survival and reason of re-OLT were evaluated. PNF (group A) cases and those with initial transplant function but subsequent need for re-OLT (group B) were analysed. Histopathology and clinical judgement determined the cause of PNF and included an assessment of hepatic steatosis. Additionally, survival of fatty liver allografts (group C) not requiring re-OLT was considered in Kaplan-Meier and multivariate regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 77 high urgency re-OLTs were identified and included 39 PNF cases. Nearly 70% of PNF cases were due to primary fatty liver allografts. The 3-month in-hospital mortality for PNF cases after re-OLT was 46% and the mean survival after re-OLT was 0.5 years as compared to 5.2 and 5.1 years for group B, C, respectively, (P<.008). In multivariate Cox regression analysis only hepatic steatosis was associated with an inferior survival (HR 4.272, P=.002). The MELD score, donor BMI, age, cold ischaemic time, ICU stay, serum sodium and transaminases did not influence overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study highlights fatty liver allografts to be a major cause for PNF with excessive mortality after re-transplantation. The findings demand the development of new methods to predict risk for PNF of fatty liver allografts.

The hepatic circadian clock fine-tunes the lipogenic response to feeding through RORα/γ

In this study, Zhang et al. investigated the mechanisms by which liver lipid metabolism is controlled by the timing of both the circadian clock and feeding. Their results show that liver-specific depletion of nuclear receptors RORα and RORγ, key components of the molecular circadian clock, up-regulate expression of lipogenic genes only under fed conditions, but not under fasting conditions, and establish ROR/Insig2/SREBP as a molecular pathway by which circadian clock components anticipatorily regulate lipogenic responses to feeding.

Liver lipid metabolism is under intricate temporal control by both the circadian clock and feeding. The interplay between these two mechanisms is not clear. Here we show that liver-specific depletion of nuclear receptors RORα and RORγ, key components of the molecular circadian clock, up-regulate expression of lipogenic genes only under fed conditions at Zeitgeber time 22 (ZT22) but not under fasting conditions at ZT22 or ad libitum conditions at ZT10. RORα/γ controls circadian expression of Insig2, which keeps feeding-induced SREBP1c activation under check. Loss of RORα/γ causes overactivation of the SREBP-dependent lipogenic response to feeding, exacerbating diet-induced hepatic steatosis. These findings thus establish ROR/INSIG2/SREBP as a molecular pathway by which circadian clock components anticipatorily regulate lipogenic responses to feeding. This highlights the importance of time of day as a consideration in the treatment of liver metabolic disorders.

Resolution of donor non-alcoholic fatty liver disease following liver transplantation

INTRODUCTION

Transplant surgeons conventionally select against livers displaying high degrees (>30%) of macrosteatosis (MaS), out of concern for primary non-function or severe graft dysfunction. As such, there is relatively limited experience with such livers, and the natural history remains incompletely characterized. We present our experience of transplanted livers with high degrees of MaS and microsteatosis (MiS), with a focus on the histopathologic and clinical outcomes.

METHODS

Twenty-nine cases were identified with liver biopsies available from both the donor and the corresponding liver transplant recipient. Donor liver biopsies displayed either MaS or MiS ≥15%, while all recipients received postoperative liver biopsies for cause.

RESULTS

The mean donor MaS and MiS were 15.6% (range 0%-60%) and 41.3% (7.5%-97.5%), respectively. MaS decreased significantly from donor (M=15.6%) to recipient postoperative biopsies (M=0.86%), P<.001. Similarly, MiS decreased significantly from donor biopsies (M=41.3%) to recipient postoperative biopsies (M=1.8%), P<.001. At a median of 68 days postoperatively (range 4-384), full resolution of MaS and MiS was observed in 27 of 29 recipients.

CONCLUSIONS

High degrees of MaS and MiS in donor livers resolve in recipients following liver transplantation. Further insight into the mechanisms responsible for treating fatty liver diseases could translate into therapeutic targets.

Adverse effects of chronic exposure to nonylphenol on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in male rats

Endocrine-disrupting chemical (EDC) has been thought to play a role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the toxic effects of Nonylphenol (NP), an EDC, on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease have never been elaborated. This study aimed to investigate whether exposure to NP could induce NAFDL, a promoting effect of high-sucrose-high-fat diet (HSHFD) on the adverse effects caused by NP was evaluated. Fourth eight male rats were assigned to four groups and each group was treated with a specific testing sample: normal-diet (ND) control group (C-ND); normal diet plus NP (180mg/kg/day) group (NP-ND); high-sucrose-high-fat-diet control group (C-HSHFD); HSHFD plus NP (180mg/kg/day) group (NP-HSHFD). At the age of 80 day, sonogram presents diffusely increased hepatic echogenicity in the NP-HSHFD group. The oblique diameter of liver in the NP-HSHFD group was significantly bigger than that in both the C-ND and NP-ND groups. At the age of 90 day, exposure to NP-HSHFD and NP-ND caused a significant increase in NP concentration in liver as compared to the C-ND group. The rats in the groups treated with NP+ND, HSHFD and NP+HSHFD produced significant increases in the body weight, fat weight and FMI, respectively, when compared to the C-ND group. The liver weight and hepatosomatic indexes (HIS) of rats in the NP-HSHFD group are higher than those in the C-HSHFD group. Exposure to NP-HSHFD induced the increases in plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) as compared to the C-ND group. Morphological examination of liver tissue from rats exposed to NP+HSHFD shown steatosis with marked accumulation of lipid droplets, hepatocellular ballooning degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration. Chronic exposure to NP might induce NAFLD in male rats. The high-sucrose-high-fat diet accelerates and exacerbates the development of NAFLD caused by NP exposure.

Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Is Not Associated with Thyroid Hormone Levels and Hypothyroidism: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Whether hypothyroidism is related to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is unclear. Thyroid dysfunction is closely related with components of metabolic syndrome. Given the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, several studies have investigated the association between NAFLD and thyroid dysfunction and have demonstrated inconsistent results. Thus, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to better characterize the association between NAFLD and thyroid dysfunction.

METHODS

MEDLINE and Embase were searched through July 2016. The primary outcome was the association between NAFLD and subclinical, overt, and overall hypothyroidism. The secondary outcome was the difference in thyroid hormone levels (free triiodothyronine [FT₃], free thyroxine [FT₄], or thyroid-stimulating hormone [TSH]) between NAFLD patients and non-NAFLD controls. Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% CI were calculated using a random-effects model. All continuous data are summarized as the mean difference along with 95% CI.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 14 studies involving 7,191 NAFLD patients and 30,003 controls. NAFLD was not associated with subclinical, overt, or overall hypothyroidism compared with non-NAFLD controls. Patients who had NAFLD did not show a significant difference in FT₃, FT₄, or TSH compared with non-NAFLD controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Our meta-analysis demonstrates no significant association between NAFLD and subclinical, overt, or overall hypothyroidism, and we also found no significant difference in thyroid hormone levels between participants with and without NAFLD.

Thromboembolism in active ulcerative colitis

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has a range of both intestinal and extraintestinal manifestations. Thromboembolism involving the arterial and/or venous systems is rare. Early recognition and treatment of thrombosis in patients with IBD may prevent progression and minimise complications. However, clear guidelines on the duration of treatment and indications for primary prophylaxis need to be established. We report a case of a young patient with ulcerative colitis, who developed multiple site arterial and venous thrombosis, all occurring within short intervals of each other.

Altered expression of microRNAs in patients with pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Pouchitis is the most common long-term complication of restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch-anal anastomosis. We investigated alterations in the expression of microRNAs, noncoding RNAs that act as potent negative regulators of gene expression, in pouchitis.

METHODS

The subjects of this study were 16 patients with diagnosed pouchitis and 48 patients without pouchitis after restorative proctocolectomy, performed for ulcerative colitis. Total RNA was extracted from biopsies and microRNAs were quantified using a real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

The expression of microRNA 21 and 223 was higher, whereas that of microRNA 192 and 196a was lower, in the inflamed mucosa from the pouchitis patients than in the mucosa from the non-pouchitis patients. The levels of 14 microRNAs were significantly lower in the mucosa from the pouchitis patients, than in the non-inflamed proximal ileal mucosal samples. The expression of microRNA 192 was remarkably reduced in pouchitis. A significant negative correlation was found between microRNA 192 and interleukin 17 receptor A mRNA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant alteration in miRNA expression in line with inflammatory bowel disease was evident in the mucosa from the pouchitis patients. Interleukin 17 receptor A may be involved in the pathogenesis of pouchitis through the downregulation of microRNA 192.