Long term prognosis of fatty liver: risk of chronic liver disease and death

Can nonalcoholic steatohepatitis be diagnosed without liver biopsy?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease. The main cause of NAFLD is insulin resistance; therefore, it is necessary to assess liver injury in patients with overweight and insulin resistance-related complications. The two main forms of primary NAFLD, steatosis and steatohepatitis (NASH), most likely represent distinct conditions. At present, the diagnosis of NASH presents drawbacks, including the lack of consensus regarding diagnostic criteria, sampling variability, cost and the invasiveness of the procedure. Based on a critical assessment of the literature, this article aims to determine whether the diagnosis of NASH is clinically useful, and whether it is feasible with noninvasive strategies instead of liver biopsy. A noninvasive diagnosis of NASH would facilitate screening and monitoring of populations at risk, as well as the conduct of therapeutic trials.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease from pathogenesis to management: an update

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease in the Western world, is tightly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD entails an increased cardiometabolic and liver-related risk, the latter regarding almost exclusively non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), the progressive form of NAFLD. Pathogenetic models encompass altered hepatic lipid partitioning and adipokine action, increased oxidative stress, free fatty acid lipotoxicity. On this basis, lifestyle-, drug- or surgically induced weight loss, insulin sensitizers, antioxidants, lipid-lowering drugs have been evaluated in NAFLD/NASH. Most trials are small, of short duration, nonrandomized, without histological end points, thus limiting assessment of long-term safety and efficacy of proposed treatments. All NAFLD patients should be evaluated for their metabolic, cardiovascular and liver-related risk. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard for staging NAFLD, but non-invasive methods are under intense development. Weight loss through lifestyle intervention is the initial approach, because of established efficacy on NAFLD-associated cardiometabolic abnormalities, and to emerging benefits on necroinflammation and overall disease activity in NASH. Bariatric surgery warrants further evaluation before it can be routinely considered in morbidly obese NASH. Larger- and longer-duration randomized trials assessing safety and benefits of drugs on patient-oriented outcomes are needed before pharmacological treatment can be routinely recommended for NASH.

The formation of intracellular glyceraldehyde-derived advanced glycation end-products and cytotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a feature of metabolic syndrome. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) are formed by the Maillard reaction, which contributes to aging and to certain pathological complications of diabetes. A recent study has suggested that glyceraldehyde-derived AGEs (Glycer-AGEs) are elevated in the sera of patients with NASH. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry of Glycer-AGEs showed intense staining in the livers of patients with NASH. The present study aimed to examine the effect of intracellular Glycer-AGEs on hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep3B) cells.

METHODS

Cell viability was determined by the WST-1 assay. The slot blot and Western blot were used to detect intracellular Glycer-AGEs, and their localization was analyzed by confocal microscopy. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify the mRNA for the acute phase reactant C-reactive protein (CRP).

RESULTS

Glyceraldehyde (GA), which is the precursor of Glycer-AGEs, induced a concentration- and time-dependent increase in cell death, which was associated with an increase in intracellular Glycer-AGEs formation. Aminoguanidine (AG), which prevents AGEs formation, inhibited the formation of intracellular Glycer-AGEs and prevented cell death. Among the intracellular Glycer-AGEs that were formed, heat shock cognate 70 (Hsc70) was identified as a GA-modified protein, and its modification reduced the activity of Hsc70. Furthermore, intracellular Glycer-AGEs increased the CRP mRNA concentration.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that intracellular Glycer-AGEs play important roles in promoting inflammation and hepatocellular death.

Evaluation of the nonalcoholic fat liver disease fibrosis score for patients undergoing bariatric surgery

CONTEXT: Morbidly obese patients have an increased risk for nonalcoholic fat liver disease. Its severe form, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis may cause liver fibrosis. The diagnosis of advanced fibrosis has great value during the pre operative evaluation for bariatric surgery. Currently, liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosis of liver fibrosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the nonalcoholic fat liver disease fibrosis score in morbidly obese patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in our population. METHODS: One hundred fifty-eight morbidly obese patients that had undergone bariatric surgery were included. Age, body mass index, hyperglycemia, platelet count, albumin and AST/ALT ratio were applied to the score formula. Scores above 0.676 were indicative of advanced liver fibrosis and scores under -1,455 absence of advanced liver fibrosis. These scores were compared to liver biopsy findings. RESULTS: The presence of advanced fibrosis could be diagnosed with good accuracy, with a positive predictive value of 83.7%. The score had a higher accuracy to exclude advanced fibrosis with a negative predictive value of 97%. Twenty-five patients (16%) had scores between the cutoffs points and were identified as indeterminate. The score sensibility and specificity was 83% and 97% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The nonalcoholic fat liver disease fibrosis score has high accuracy to identify and exclude advanced liver fibrosis in morbidly obese patients subjected to bariatric surgery.

Non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease - two diseases of affluence associated with the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes: the FIN-D2D survey

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is known to be associated with the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and abnormal glucose tolerance. Whether alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) is associated with similar metabolic abnormalities has not been examined in a population-based study. We aimed at assessing the prevalences of NAFLD and AFLD, and to examine to what extent these conditions are associated with MetS and abnormal glucose tolerance.

Methods

The cohort included 2766 Finnish subjects (45-74 years) from the population-based FIN-D2D survey. Features of insulin resistance, components of the MetS, glucose tolerance status by oral glucose tolerance test, serum liver enzyme concentrations, and daily alcohol consumption were assessed.

Results

Subjects with NAFLD and AFLD were equally obese and had similar fasting and insulin concentrations. The prevalences of NAFLD and AFLD were 21% (95% CI: 19%-22%) and 7% (95% CI: 6%-8%). The MetS was slightly more prevalent in AFLD (73%) than in NAFLD (70%, p = 0.028), and type 2 diabetes was similarly prevalent in NAFLD and AFLD (24-25%). The MetS and type 2 diabetes were more prevalent in subjects with NAFLD or AFLD compared to subjects with normal LFTs (53% and 14%, p < 0.0001 for both).

Discussion and conclusion

In Finnish middle-aged population, the prevalence of NAFLD is 3-fold higher than that of AFLD. The prevalences of MetS and type 2 diabetes are, however, significantly increased in both NAFLD and AFLD compared to subjects with normal LFTs. Subjects with AFLD are thus similarly metabolically unhealthy as subjects with NAFLD.

A fresh look at NASH pathogenesis. Part 1: the metabolic movers

The strong relationship between over-nutrition, central obesity, insulin resistance/metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) suggest pathogenic interactions, but key questions remain. NAFLD starts with over-nutrition, imbalance between energy input and output for which the roles of genetic predisposition and environmental factors (diet, physical activity) are being redefined. Regulation of energy balance operates at both central nervous system and peripheral sites, including adipose and liver. For example, the endocannabinoid system could potentially be modulated to provide effective pharmacotherapy of NAFLD. The more profound the metabolic abnormalities complicating over-nutrition (glucose intolerance, hypoadiponectinemia, metabolic syndrome), the more likely is NAFLD to take on its progressive guise of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Interactions between steatosis and insulin resistance, visceral adipose expansion and subcutaneous adipose failure (with insulin resistance, inflammation and hypoadiponectinemia) trigger amplifying mechanisms for liver disease. Thus, transition from simple steatosis to NASH could be explained by unmitigated hepatic lipid partitioning with failure of local adaptive mechanisms leading to lipotoxicity. In part one of this review, we discuss newer concepts of appetite and metabolic regulation, bodily lipid distribution, hepatic lipid turnover, insulin resistance and adipose failure affecting adiponectin secretion. We review evidence that NASH only occurs when over-nutrition is complicated by insulin resistance and a highly disordered metabolic milieu, the same 'metabolic movers' that promote type 2 diabetes and atheromatous cardiovascular disease. The net effect is accumulation of lipid molecules in the liver. Which lipids and how they cause injury, inflammation and fibrosis will be discussed in part two.

Practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. A decalogue from the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF) Expert Committee

We report the evidence-based Italian Association for the Study of Liver guidelines for the appropriate diagnosis and management of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in clinical practice and its related research agenda. The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease varies according to age, gender and ethnicity. In the general population, the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is about 25% and the incidence is of two new cases/100 people/year. 2-3% of individuals in the general population will suffer from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Uncomplicated steatosis will usually follow a benign course. Individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, however, have a reduced life expectancy, mainly owing to vascular diseases and liver-related causes. Moreover, steatosis has deleterious effects on the natural history of HCV infection. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is usually diagnosed in asymptomatic patients prompted by the occasional discovery of increased liver enzymes and/or of ultrasonographic steatosis. Medical history, complete physical examination, etiologic screening of liver injury, liver biochemistry tests, serum lipids and insulin sensitivity tests should be performed in every patient. Occult alcohol abuse should be ruled out. Ultrasonography is the first-line imaging technique. Liver biopsy, the gold standard in diagnosis and prognosis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, is an invasive procedure and its results will not influence treatment in most cases but will provide prognostic information. Assessment of fibrosis by composite scores, specific laboratory parameters and transient elastography might reduce the number of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients requiring liver biopsy. Dieting and physical training reinforced by behavioural therapy are associated with improved nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Diabetes and the metabolic syndrome should be ruled out at timed intervals in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients should undergo periodic evaluation of cardiovascular risk and of advancement of their liver disease; those with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-cirrhosis should be evaluated for early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver disease) in asymptomatic adults identified by unenhanced low-dose CT

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hepatic steatosis in an asymptomatic U.S. adult population using attenuation values at unenhanced CT as the reference standard. We also assessed the utility of known clinical risk factors for diagnosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For 3,357 consecutive asymptomatic adults (1,865 women and 1,492 men; mean age, 57.0 years), hepatic and splenic CT attenuation values (Hounsfield units) were obtained by unenhanced CT using a low-dose colonography technique for colorectal cancer screening. Multiple attenuation criteria for steatosis were applied, including liver thresholds and comparison of liver and spleen attenuation. Relevant clinical risk factors were compared against a CT liver attenuation < or = 40 HU, which has been shown to exclude mild steatosis.

RESULTS

Mean liver attenuation was 58.8 +/- 10.8 (SD) HU. The prevalence of moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis (defined by liver attenuation < or = 40 HU) was 6.2% (208/3,357). For CT attenuation criteria that include milder degrees of steatosis, prevalence increased to as high as 45.9% (1,542/3,357) for a liver-to-spleen attenuation ratio of < or = 1.1. Overweight status (body mass index > 25) was a sensitive indicator for moderate-to-severe steatosis (92.8%) but was highly nonspecific (37.5%). Other clinical risk factors, such as diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, alcohol overuse, and hepatitis, were more specific (77.6-92.4%) but highly insensitive (1.9-37.5%). Combining clinical risk factors did not substantially increase the accuracy for screening.

CONCLUSION

Assessment of liver attenuation by use of unenhanced CT represents an objective and noninvasive means for detection of asymptomatic hepatic steatosis, whereas clinical risk factor assessment is unreliable. Further longitudinal investigation is needed to determine the most appropriate attenuation threshold and the risk for disease progression to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis.

Final results of a long-term, clinical follow-up in fatty liver patients

OBJECTIVE

There is increasing focus on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of the present study was to conduct a long-term clinical follow-up of patients with biopsy-confirmed fatty liver without inflammation or significant fibrosis (pure fatty liver), to analyse for potential risk factors at the time of index liver biopsy important for survival and the development of cirrhosis and to describe the causes of death.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients were linked through their personal identification number to the Danish National Registry of Patients and the Register of Causes of Death. All admissions, discharge diagnoses and causes of death during follow-up were collected. All surviving patients were invited to a clinical follow-up.

RESULTS

The follow-up period was 20.4 and 21.0 years, respectively, for the NAFLD and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD) groups. Two NAFLD patients (1.2%) developed cirrhosis during the follow-up period versus 54 (22%) AFLD patients. Sixty-four percent of 178 surviving patients out of an original cohort of 417 patients attended the clinical follow-up. In NAFLD patients, none of the risk factors studied was significant in relation to the risk of death. Patients with AFLD died primarily from cirrhosis and other alcohol-related disorders, whereas in patients with NAFLD the main causes of death were cardiovascular disease and cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients with pure non-alcoholic fatty liver, survival was good and independent of the histological, clinical and biochemical characteristics at the time of biopsy; the main causes of death were cardiovascular disease and cancer.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a review and update

The spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) ranges from asymptomatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Hepatic steatosis occurs when free fatty acids, released in the setting of insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome, are taken up by the liver. Additional biochemical insults, including oxidative stress, upregulation of inflammatory mediators, and dysregulated apoptosis, can result in inflammation (producing NASH) and fibrosis. Noninvasive methods (e.g., abdominal ultrasonography) are safe ways to support a diagnosis of hepatic steatosis, but advanced liver histopathologic findings including NASH and fibrosis cannot be identified without pursuing liver biopsy. Recent advances in serologic and imaging methods aim to determine severity of inflammation and fibrosis noninvasively. Currently, therapeutic options for NAFLD are limited to medications that reduce risk factors, but the future holds promise for therapies that might slow the progression of this increasingly prevalent disorder.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: the hepatic consequence of obesity and the metabolic syndrome

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is now the most common liver disease in both adults and children worldwide. As a disease spectrum, NAFLD may progress from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. An estimated 20–35% of the general population has steatosis, 10% of whom will develop the more progressive non-alcoholic steatohepatitis associated with markedly increased risk of cardiovascular- and liver-related mortality. Development of NAFLD is strongly linked to components of the metabolic syndrome including obesity, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia and type 2 diabetes. The recognition that NAFLD is an independent risk factor for CVD is a major public health concern. There is a great need for a sensitive non-invasive test for the early detection and assessment of the stage of NAFLD that could also be used to monitor response to treatment. The cellular and molecular aetiology of NAFLD is multi-factorial; genetic polymorphisms influencing NAFLD have been identified and nutrition is a modifiable environmental factor influencing NAFLD progression. Weight loss through diet and exercise is the primary recommendation in the clinical management of NAFLD. The application of systems biology to the identification of NAFLD biomarkers and factors involved in NAFLD progression is an area of promising research.

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the surgical patient

Contemporary life, with its sedentary lifestyles, fast foods, processed foodstuff, and desk-bound service employment, is beset by an epidemic of overweight and obese individuals. The World Health Organization reported that worldwide a billion adults are overweight and at least 30% of them are obese. Moreover, increasing numbers of children are obese. In the United States, 2 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of adults aged 20 to 74 years showed that the prevalence of obesity increased from 15% in the 1976 to 1980 survey to 34% in the 2003 to 2004 survey. Obesity and the metabolic syndrome are unfortunately becoming increasingly common perioperative issues. The ultimate aim of caring for such patients is to find ways to minimize the untoward effects of surgery in patients who are obese or have metabolic syndrome.

The natural history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children: a follow-up study for up to 20 years

OBJECTIVES

The long-term prognosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children remains uncertain. We aimed at determining the long-term outcomes and survival of children with NAFLD.

DESIGN

Retrospective longitudinal hospital-based cohort study.

PATIENTS

Sixty-six children with NAFLD (mean age 13.9 (SD 3.9) years) were followed up for up to 20 years with a total of 409.6 person-years of follow-up.

RESULTS

The metabolic syndrome was present in 19 (29%) children at the time of NAFLD diagnosis with 55 (83%) presenting with at least one feature of the metabolic syndrome including obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia and/or hyperglycaemia. Four children with baseline normal fasting glucose developed type 2 diabetes 4-11 years after NAFLD diagnosis. A total of 13 liver biopsies were obtained from five patients over a mean of 41.4 (SD 28.8) months showing progression of fibrosis stage in four children. During follow-up, two children died and two underwent liver transplantation for decompensated cirrhosis. The observed survival free of liver transplantation was significantly shorter in the NAFLD cohort as compared to the expected survival in the general United States population of the same age and sex (log-rank test, p<0.00001), with a standardised mortality ratio of 13.6 (95% confidence interval, 3.8 to 34.8). NAFLD recurred in the allograft in the two cases transplanted, with one patient progressing to cirrhosis and requiring re-transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with NAFLD may develop end-stage liver disease with the consequent need for liver transplantation. NAFLD in children seen in a tertiary care centre may be associated with a significantly shorter survival as compared to the general population.

NASH and HCC

Primary liver cancer is the fifth most common malignancy worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer mortality. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States encompassing a spectrum of entities marked by hepatic steatosis in the absence of significant alcohol consumption. Although simple steatosis follows a generally benign course, the more aggressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, can progress to cirrhosis and result in complications including hepatocellular carcinoma. A significant number of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma remain cryptogenic without known underlying chronic liver disease. It is increasingly recognized that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis likely accounts for a substantial portion of cryptogenic hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Pathology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis]

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), one of the NAFLDs (nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases), is regarded as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. NASH can progress to cirrhosis, and possibly to hepatic malignancy. Currently, liver biopsy is the only reliable method of assessing the presence or absence of NASH and the stage of fibrosis. The finding of steatosis with evidence of hepatocyte injury such as inflammation, ballooning, degeneration, and/or fibrosis, is generally essential for making a diagnosis of NASH. However, its diagnostic criteria have not yet been established. The pathologic findings of NASH and related diseases, and the grading system currently in use are reviewed herein.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in children: a multicenter clinicopathological study

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may have distinct histological features in children and adults, but to date limited data are available on the spectrum and significance of histological lesions in pediatric patients. We conducted a multicenter study of children with well-characterized, biopsy-proven NAFLD to (1) assess the presence and significance of a constellation of histological lesions and (2) identify clinical and laboratory predictors of disease severity. One hundred thirty children with NAFLD seen from 1995 to 2007 in five centers in the United States and Canada were studied. Clinical and laboratory data were collected. Slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin and trichrome were evaluated by two liver pathologists. The NAFLD activity score (NAS) and the pattern of liver injury (type 1 or adult versus type 2 or pediatric nonalcoholic steatohepatitis [NASH]) were recorded. Fibrosis was staged using a published 7-point scale. The median age was 12 years (range, 4-18 years); 63% were boys, and 52% were Caucasian. Fibrosis was present in 87% of patients; of these, stage 3 (bridging fibrosis) was present in 20%. No patient had cirrhosis. The median NAS was 4. Overlapping features of both type 1 (adult pattern) and type 2 (pediatric pattern) NASH were found in 82% of patients. Compared with patients with no or mild fibrosis, those with significant fibrosis were more likely to have higher lobular and portal inflammation scores (P < 0.01), perisinusoidal fibrosis (P < 0.001), and NAS > or =5 (P < 0.005). Serum aspartate aminotransferase levels were the only clinical or laboratory data that independently predicted severity of fibrosis (P = 0.003).

CONCLUSION

Our results highlight the limitations of published proposals to classify pediatric NAFLD, and identified histological lesions associated with progressive disease.

Does hepatocellular carcinoma in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis exist in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients?

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has been associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) often arising in histologically advanced disease when steatohepatitis is not active (cryptogenic cirrhosis). Our objective was to characterize patients with HCC and active, histologically defined steatohepatitis. Among 394 patients with HCC detected by ultrasound imaging over 8 years and staged by the Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) criteria, we identified 7 cases (1.7%) with HCC occurring in the setting of active biopsy-proven NASH. All were negative for other liver diseases such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B, autoimmune hepatitis, Wilson disease, and hemochromatosis. The patients (4 males and 3 females, age 63 +/- 13 years) were either overweight (4) or obese (3); 57% were diabetic and 28.5% had dyslipidemia. Cirrhosis was present in 6 of 7 patients, but 1 patient had well-differentiated HCC in the setting of NASH without cirrhosis (fibrosis stage 1) based on repeated liver biopsies, the absence of portal hypertension by clinical and radiographic evaluations and by direct surgical inspection. Among the cirrhotic patients, 71.4% were clinically staged as Child A and 14.2% as Child B. Tumor size ranged from 1.0 to 5.2 cm and 5 of 7 patients were classified as early stage; 46% of all nodules were hyper-echoic and 57% were <3 cm. HCC was well differentiated in 1/6 and moderately differentiated in 5/6. Alpha-fetoprotein was <100 ng/mL in all patients. HCC in patients with active steatohepatitis is often multifocal, may precede clinically advanced disease and occurs without diagnostic levels of alpha-fetoprotein. Importantly, HCC may occur in NASH in the absence of cirrhosis. More aggressive screening of NASH patients may be warranted.

Treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children: TONIC trial design

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children can lead to steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and end-stage liver disease. The cause of NAFLD is unknown, but it is commonly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and dyslipidemia.

OBJECTIVES

TONIC is conducted to test whether treatment with metformin, an insulin sensitizer, or vitamin E, a naturally available antioxidant, will lead to improvements in biochemical and histological features of nondiabetic children with biopsy-proven NAFLD.

DESIGN

TONIC is a randomized, multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial of 96 weeks of treatment with metformin or vitamin E. The primary outcome measure chosen for the trial is improvement in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels with treatment as compared to placebo. An improvement in ALT is defined as reduction in serum ALT levels to below 50% of the baseline values or into the normal range (40 U/L or less) during the last 48 weeks of treatment. Histological improvement is defined by changes in liver histology between a baseline and end-of-treatment liver biopsy in regards to (1) steatohepatitis, (2) NAFLD Activity Score, consisting of scores for steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocellular injury (ballooning), and (3) fibrosis score.

METHODS

Between September 2005 and September 2007, 173 children were enrolled into TONIC at 10 clinical centers in the United States. Participants were randomized to receive either metformin (500 mg b.i.d.), vitamin E (400 IU b.i.d.), or placebo for 96 weeks. This protocol was approved by all participating center Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB). (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00063635.).

[Alcohol and the liver]

The risk of developing alcohol-induced liver injury occurs above a risk threshold around 25-30g/day. A dose-dependent relationship between alcohol intake and the risk of developing alcohol-induced liver injury is observed in alcoholic subjects with a daily consumption above this threshold. Cirrhosis is the first cause of death related to alcohol. Cirrhosis occurs more frequently in heavy drinkers disclosing alcoholic hepatitis or steatosis. Excess weight is a risk factor for alcoholic liver disease. The role of alcohol in mouth, oropharynx and oesophageal cancers is clearly established. The evidence for the role of alcohol in breast cancer has become clear. Corticosteroids improved the short-term survival of patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis. The Lille model identifies patients who will not benefit from corticosteroids. The benefit of liver transplantation is restricted to alcoholic patients with severe cirrhosis. Only abstainers are considered as candidates for liver transplantation. The recent development of non invasive methods opens up new perspectives for the screening of cirrhosis in subjects with heavy drinking.

A complex role of activin A in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

OBJECTIVES

Recent studies suggest that activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF) superfamily, is involved in the pathogenesis of liver disorders. We sought to explore its possible role in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS

Serum levels of activin A and its natural inhibitor, follistatin, were measured in patients with NAFLD (n=70) and in control subjects (n=30). Gene expression was quantified in liver biopsies obtained from patients with NAFLD (n=13) and controls (n=6). Effects of activin A were examined in Huh7 (human hepatoma cell line) hepatocytes.

RESULTS

Patients with NAFLD had significantly elevated serum levels of activin A and follistatin compared with healthy controls. In patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH, n=38), there were particularly high levels of activin A that were significantly related to the degree of hepatic fibrosis. Liver biopsies from NAFLD patients showed a markedly increased activin A-follistatin mRNA ratio, indicating increased hepatic activin A activity. In hepatocytes, activin A enhanced the expression of collagen and TGF-beta(1), promoted matrix metalloproteinase activity, induced mitochondrial beta-oxidation, downregulated fatty acid (FA) synthase activity, promoted decreased weight percentage of saturated FAs, and altered the composition of polyunsaturated FAs.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the complex role of activin A in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, involving effects on fibrosis and lipid accumulation.

Obesity, metabolic syndrome, and the surgical patient

Contemporary life, with its sedentary lifestyles, fast foods, processed foodstuff, and desk-bound service employment, is beset by an epidemic of overweight and obese individuals. The World Health Organization reported that worldwide a billion adults are overweight and at least 30% of them are obese. Moreover, increasing numbers of children are obese. In the United States, 2 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys of adults aged 20 to 74 years showed that the prevalence of obesity increased from 15% in the 1976 to 1980 survey to 34% in the 2003 to 2004 survey. Obesity and the metabolic syndrome are unfortunately becoming increasingly common perioperative issues. The ultimate aim of caring for such patients is to find ways to minimize the untoward effects of surgery in patients who are obese or have metabolic syndrome.

[Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: 30 years research changed NASH]

Since the first description of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in 1980, much progress has been made towards its individualisation as a liver disease with potentially serious consequences. The identification of insulin resistance as a major determinant of steatogenesis and possibly of liver disease progression helped to identify a cause of this condition, which was amenable to therapeutic intervention and prompted screening for liver injury in patients with metabolic risk factors. The demonstration that steatohepatitis can coexist with other liver diseases with a detrimental effect on liver fibrosis helped this condition to be recognized as an independent hepatic disease no longer depending on exclusion of other chronic liver conditions. The robust increase in liver-related mortality, the fact that cirrhosis is a frequent and independent cause of death, as well as the significant decrease in overall mortality clearly showed the potential for severity of steatohepatitis. The data showing that steatohepatitis worsens insulin resistance and increases the risk for cardiovascular events and mortality forged the concept of extrahepatic complications of fat. Future research should focus on devising non-invasive strategies for screening of patients at risk, on understanding the natural history and risk factors of cirrhosis and hepatic carcinogenesis, and on optimizing therapeutic strategies integrating diet and lifestyle changes with targeted pharmacological agents.

Predictive factors for the development or regression of Fatty liver in Japanese adults

Fatty liver is commonly associated with alcohol or metabolic syndrome. We aimed to examine the longitudinal aspects of fatty liver, and clarify the independent predictors for the development or regression of fatty liver. In the present study, the clinical features of 1578 Japanese adults (1208 men and 370 women; 35 to 69 years of age) who visited our center both in 2000 and 2007–2008 were recorded and compared, including liver status diagnosed by ultrasonography. Of the 1578 participants, 217 (13.8%) showed fatty liver development, and 74 (4.7%) showed fatty liver regression. Logistic regression analysis revealed that body mass index and percentage body fat were strongly associated with the development or regression of fatty liver. Metabolic syndrome-related disorders such as serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, uric acid, and fasting blood glucose were also associated with clinical course to some degree. However, the history of alcohol intake, the presence of metabolic syndrome, blood pressure, and habitual physical exercise were not independent predictors for the development or regression of fatty liver. Our present data suggest that control of body weight in men and the percentage body fat in women are particularly important for the prevention or treatment of fatty liver.

Metabolic disturbances in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

NAFLD (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) refers to a wide spectrum of liver damage, ranging from simple steatosis to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis), advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. NAFLD is strongly associated with insulin resistance and is defined by accumulation of liver fat >5% per liver weight in the presence of <10 g of daily alcohol consumption. The exact prevalence of NAFLD is uncertain because of the absence of simple non-invasive diagnostic tests to facilitate an estimate of prevalence. In certain subgroups of patients, such as those with Type 2 diabetes, the prevalence of NAFLD, defined by ultrasound, may be as high as 70%. NASH is an important subgroup within the spectrum of NAFLD that progresses over time with worsening fibrosis and cirrhosis, and is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular disease. It is, therefore, important to understand the pathogenesis of NASH and, in particular, to develop strategies for interventions to treat this condition. Currently, the 'gold standard' for the diagnosis of NASH is liver biopsy, and the need to undertake a biopsy has impeded research in subjects in this field. Limited results suggest that the prevalence of NASH could be as high as 11% in the general population, suggesting there is a worsening future public health problem in this field of medicine. With a burgeoning epidemic of diabetes in an aging population, it is likely that the prevalence of NASH will continue to increase over time as both factors are important risk factors for liver fibrosis. The purpose of this review is to: (i) briefly discuss the epidemiology of NAFLD to describe the magnitude of the future potential public health problem; and (ii) to discuss extra- and intra-hepatic mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of NAFLD, a better understanding of which may help in the development of novel treatments for this condition.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a practical approach to evaluation and management

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most common forms of chronic liver disease in the Western world. The rise in NAFLD is thought to be associated with the prevalence of metabolic syndrome. NASH is a subtype of NAFLD that may progress to cirrhosis and end stage liver disease. Although there are no approved treatment regimens for NAFLD or NASH, a number of different interventions are being tested. Meanwhile, most experts advocate that components of metabolic syndrome should be effectively treated.

Effect of body weight and lifestyle changes on long-term course of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Koreans

BACKGROUND

Although the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been increasing, there have been few studies of long-term changes in NAFLD in large numbers of subjects. This study was performed to assess the long-term changes in severity of fatty liver and to analyze the association with changes in body weight and lifestyle factors.

METHODS

We analyzed lifestyle factors, biochemical data, and abdominal ultrasonography in subjects who underwent voluntary medical checkups at a 5-year interval. Fatty liver on ultrasonography was graded as normal, mild, moderate, or severe by the degree of echogenicity.

RESULTS

The analyzed population consisted of 2895 subjects of age 47+/-8.7 years (range, 20-79 years). Among the 1938 subjects who had normal livers at baseline, 374 subjects (19%) developed fatty liver 5 years later. Those who developed fatty liver showed more weight gain, increase of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma glutamyl transferase (gamma-GT), and glucose levels during the 5-year period. Among the 930 subjects who had fatty liver at baseline, 263 (28%) subjects showed a decrease in grade and 209 (22%) progressed to a higher grade of fatty liver after 5 years. The group with a lower grade lost -2.2+/-4.3 kg of body weight from baseline, and reduction in hepatic steatosis grade was associated with decreased serum AST, ALT, triglycerides, gamma-GT, and fasting glucose levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Even a small weight reduction was associated with improvements in NAFLD and related metabolic abnormalities such as dyslipidemia and hyperglycemia. Subjects with fatty liver should be advised to lose weight through lifestyle modifications.

Hepatic lipid partitioning and liver damage in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: role of stearoyl-CoA desaturase

Hepatic lipid overloading mainly in the form of triglycerides is considered a prerequisite for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, triglyceride accumulation in the liver in response to lipid overflow may represent a protective mechanism against lipotoxicity. Our aims were to assess the fundamental cellular mechanisms that link lipid compartmentation in hepatocytes to liver damage and disease progression in NAFLD by using both in vivo dietary models of NAFLD and in vitro cell models of lipid overloading. Exposure of murine or human hepatocytes to monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) resulted in lipid accumulation without changes in cell viability. In contrast, cell incubation with saturated fatty acids (SFAs) significantly decreased cell viability and increased caspase activation and apoptosis, with only minor lipid droplet accumulation. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1), the enzyme that converts SFA to MUFA, sensitized cells to SFA-induced apoptosis. Hepatic SCD1 expression increased in experimental steatosis resulting from high fat diet and decreased in a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) dietary model of steatohepatitis resulting in the latter situation in significantly increased hepatic SFA levels. SCD1(-/-) mice on the MCD diet had decreased steatosis and markedly increased hepatocellular apoptosis, liver injury, and fibrosis compared with the SCD1(+/+), whereas MUFA feeding prevents the MCD-induced injury. In conclusion, this study suggests hepatic SCD1 plays a key role in prevention of steatohepatitis by partitioning excess lipid into MUFA that can be safely stored. This concept has important implications for the development of novel treatment strategies for patients with this condition.

Long-term follow-up of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a wide spectrum of conditions ranging from simple hepatic steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) convincingly. NASH is the only subtype of NAFLD that has been shown to progress relatively, although these findings were reported from studies with short follow-up periods. We assessed the long-term outcomes of a NAFLD cohort.

METHODS

Patients with NAFLD established by biopsy were identified in databases and categorized as NASH or non-NASH. Mortality data and causes of death were obtained from National Death Index Plus. The nonparametric Kaplan-Meier method with log-rank test and multivariate analyses with a Cox proportional hazard model were used to compare different NAFLD subtypes and to identify independent predictors of overall and liver-related mortality.

RESULTS

Of 173 NAFLD patients (age at biopsy, 50.2 +/- 14.5 y; 39.9% male; 80.8% Caucasian; 28.9% with type II diabetes), 72 (41.6%) had NASH and 101 (58.4%) had non-NASH NAFLD. Over the follow-up period, the most common causes of death were coronary artery disease, malignancy, and liver-related death. Although overall mortality did not differ between the NAFLD subtypes, liver-related mortality was higher in patients with NASH (P < .05). Independent predictors of liver-related mortality included histologic NASH, type II diabetes, older age at biopsy, lower albumin levels, and increased levels of alkaline phosphatase (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

This long-term follow-up evaluation of NAFLD patients confirms that NASH patients have increased liver-related mortality compared with non-NASH patients. In addition, patients with NAFLD and type II diabetes are especially at risk for liver-related mortality.

Hypertension and hepatic steatosis

Hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) is increasingly recognized as a major component of the metabolic (insulin resistance) syndrome. It can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, leading to liver-related mortality. Increasing evidence shows a significant association between hepatic steatosis and hypertension; both are linked to the metabolic syndrome. This review discusses the evidence to support this association, and reviews the diagnosis and management of hepatic steatosis.

Epidemiology and natural history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

The authors summarize and update the most recent knowledge in the field of prevalence, natural history and incidence of Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Non Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). These novel diseases, firstly recognized at the beginning of the second millennium, arose suddenly to the attention of the clinicians, because they are the hepatic expression of the "so-called" metabolic syndrome. Due to the epidemic burden of obesity, diabetes, and metabolic diseases, NAFLD and NASH will become soon probably the most common hepatic disease worldwide, and they surely will keep busy our future young hepatologists.

The histologic spectrum of liver disease in African-American, non-Hispanic white, and Hispanic obesity surgery patients

OBJECTIVES

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prominent cause of chronic liver disease in African Americans, non-Hispanic whites, and Hispanics. The aim of this study was to evaluate ethnic differences in the prevalence of NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to compare the severity of histologic features of NASH in obesity surgery patients.

METHODS

Subjects consisted of 238 patients who had a routine liver biopsy at the time of obesity surgery. Demographic and clinical variables pertaining to the metabolic syndrome were collected retrospectively. Liver biopsies were evaluated according to the scoring system proposed by the Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Clinical Research Network and NASH was defined as a NASH activity score > or =5.

RESULTS

African Americans had lower rates of steatosis than non-Hispanic whites (P<0.001) and Hispanics (P=0.03). Among patients with steatosis, African Americans had lower rates of NASH than non-Hispanic whites (P=0.05) and Hispanics (P=0.02) and lower rates of fibrosis score > or =F2 than non-Hispanic whites (P=0.002) and Hispanics (P=0.04). Ethnic differences in rates of NAFLD, NASH, and fibrosis > or =F2 persisted when controlling for demographic variables and features of the metabolic syndrome in logistic regression analysis. There were no significant differences in steatosis, NASH, or fibrosis > or =F2 between non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics.

CONCLUSIONS

African-American obesity surgery patients have a lower rate of NAFLD, NASH, and less severe fibrosis than non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics.

Pioglitazone versus vitamin E versus placebo for the treatment of non-diabetic patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: PIVENS trial design

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common liver disease associated with obesity and diabetes. NASH is a progressive disorder that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Insulin resistance and oxidative stress are thought to play important roles in its pathogenesis. There is no definitive treatment for NASH.

OBJECTIVES

PIVENS is conducted to test the hypotheses that treatment with pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizer, or vitamin E, a naturally available antioxidant, will lead to improvement in hepatic histology in non-diabetic adults with biopsy proven NASH.

DESIGN

PIVENS is a randomized, multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate whether 96 weeks of treatment with pioglitazone or vitamin E improves hepatic histology in non-diabetic adults with NASH compared to treatment with placebo. Before and post-treatment liver biopsies are read centrally in a masked fashion for an assessment of steatohepatitis and a NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) consisting of steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning. The primary outcome measure is defined as either an improvement in NAS by 2 or more in at least two NAS features, or a post-treatment NAS of 3 or less, and improvement in hepatocyte ballooning by 1 or more, and no worsening of fibrosis.

METHODS

PIVENS enrollment started in January 2005 and ended in January 2007 with 247 patients randomized to receive either pioglitazone (30 mg q.d.), vitamin E (800 IU q.d.), or placebo for 96 weeks. Participants will be followed for an additional 24 weeks after stopping the treatment. The study protocol incorporates the use of several validated questionnaires and specimen banking. This protocol was approved by all participating center Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) which was established for monitoring the accumulated interim data as the trial progresses to ensure patient safety and to review efficacy as well as the quality of data collection and overall study management. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00063622).

Efficacy of atorvastatin for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis with dyslipidemia

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Currently, there is no established therapy for NASH. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of atorvastatin in the treatment of NASH associated with hyperlipidemia. This prospective study included 31 patients with biopsy-proven NASH with hyperlipidemia. Body mass index, serum lipids, liver function tests, fibrosis markers, and adipocytokines (adiponectin, leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha) were measured periodically during an open-label study of atorvastatin (10 mg daily) for 24 months. Standard weight-loss counseling was continued during the treatment period. Oral glucose tolerance test and liver density assessed by computerized tomography were performed before and after treatment. Follow-up liver biopsy was performed in 17 patients. All 31 patients had high cholesterol levels at baseline, and 20 also presented high triglyceride levels. The body mass index and serum glucose levels did not change during the treatment. After treatment, 23 patients (74.2%) presented normal transaminase levels. Adiponectin levels were significantly increased, and the levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha were significantly decreased. However, leptin levels were not changed significantly. The concentration of long-chain fatty acids was decreased; and significant decreases were observed in C18:2,n-6 (linoleic acid, -21%) and C20:4,n-6 (arachidonic acid, -22%). Liver steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score were significantly improved, whereas 4 patients had increased fibrosis stage. The NASH-related metabolic parameters improved with therapy, including fibrosis in some patients. However, 4 of 17 patients had progression of fibrosis over the 2-year period, with 3 of them progressing to stage 3. It is unclear whether this divergent response represents sampling error, heterogeneity in the population, or untreated postprandial hyperglyceridemia. Controlled trials are needed to further investigate and resolve this.

Insulin resistance, inflammation, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the major cause of abnormal liver function in the western world, is often associated with obesity and diabetes. In obese individuals, fat accumulation in the abdominal region affects both lipid and glucose metabolism, and a liver loaded with fat is insulin resistant. Insulin resistance (IR) is often associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, and numerous mediators released from immune cells and adipocytes contribute to development of IR. Recent results showing an important role for these mediators in NAFLD are providing us with a better understanding of this highly prevalent disease with implications for novel therapy development. This review highlights new aspects in development of liver steatosis and the relevance of various cytokines and adipocytokines in NAFLD.

Disease-specific mechanisms of fibrosis: hepatitis C virus and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Our mechanistic understanding of liver fibrosis has increased dramatically in recent years for all liver diseases and for hepatitis C and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in particular. Hepatitis C causes liver injury and fibrosis through direct cytopathic means, direct and indirect interactions with hepatic stellate cells, and activation of the immune system. Steatosis and insulin resistance, which are intrinsic deficits in NASH, are also of great importance in hepatitis C and may be induced by viral or host metabolic factors. For NASH, the key mediators of damage include oxidative stress, fat compartmentalization, visceral fat, apoptosis, and adipokine derangement. This article explores in depth the disease-specific mechanisms of fibrosis in hepatitis C and NASH, with a focus on recent developments.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: causal effect or epiphenomenon?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), comprising a spectrum of conditions ranging from pure steatosis to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, has reached epidemic proportions and represents the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the community. The prevalence of NAFLD has been estimated to be between 20% and 30% in the general population, but this value is much higher ( approximately 70-80%) in type 2 diabetic patients, who are also at higher risk of developing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. Increasing recognition of the importance of NAFLD and its strong relationship with the metabolic syndrome has stimulated an interest in the possible role of NAFLD in the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Several epidemiological studies indicate that NAFLD, especially in its more severe forms, is linked to an increased risk of CVD, independently of underlying cardiometabolic risk factors. This suggests that NAFLD is not merely a marker of CVD, but may also be actively involved in its pathogenesis. The possible molecular mediators linking NAFLD and CVD include the release of pro-atherogenic factors from the liver (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and other inflammatory cytokines) as well as the contribution of NAFLD per se to whole-body insulin resistance and atherogenic dyslipidemia, in turn favouring CVD progression. The clinical impact of NAFLD on CVD risk deserves particular attention in view of the implications for screening and surveillance strategies in the growing number of patients with NAFLD.

Body-mass index and progression of hepatitis B: a population-based cohort study in men

PURPOSE

To determine prospectively whether body-mass index (BMI) is associated with liver-related morbidity and mortality among male hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a prospective study of 2,903 male HBV surface antigen-positive government employees who were free of cancer at enrollment between 1989 and 1992. Main outcome measures included ultrasonography, biochemical tests, incident hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related death.

RESULTS

During mean follow-up of 14.7 years, 134 developed HCC and 92 died as a result of liver-related causes. In Cox proportional hazards models adjusting for age, number of visits, diabetes, and use of alcohol and tobacco, the hazard ratios for incident HCC were 1.48 (95% CI, 1.04 to 2.12) in overweight men (BMI between 25.0 and 29.9 kg/m(2)) and 1.96 (95% CI, 0.72 to 5.38) in obese men (BMI >or= 30.0 kg/m(2)), compared with normal-weight men (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m(2)). Liver-related mortality had adjusted hazard ratios of 1.74 (95% CI, 1.15 to 2.65) in overweight men and 1.50 (95% CI, 0.36 to 6.19) in obese men. Excess BMI was also associated with the occurrence of fatty liver and cirrhosis detected by ultrasonography, as well as elevated ALT and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity during follow-up. The association of BMI with GGT was stronger than with ALT, and elevated GGT activity and cirrhosis were the strongest predictors for incident HCC and liver-related death.

CONCLUSION

This longitudinal cohort study indicates that excess body weight is involved in the transition from healthy HBV carrier state to HCC and liver-related death among men.

Disease progression in a patient with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The prevalence and clinical significance of NAFLD/NASH have been increasingly recognized in Western countries but much less known in Asian countries, including Taiwan. Here, we report the case of a 43-year-old man who had abnormal liver tests for 18 years. Retrospective evaluation of his initial clinical, laboratory and histologic findings indicated that the hepatic disorder was compatible with the diagnosis of NASH. Although his liver biochemical tests improved after taking lipid-lowering agents, a liver biopsy 17 years later demonstrated histologic progression of intralobular necroinflammation and perivenular fibrosis. These facts suggest that NASH, albeit mild and slowly progressive, indeed exists in Taiwan. After the control of chronic hepatitis B and C and westernization of the lifestyle in Taiwan, an increasing burden of NAFLD/NASH is anticipated and active prophylactic measures should be implemented.

Increased overall mortality and liver-related mortality in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The natural history of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains to be defined. We conducted a study to determine the overall and liver-related mortality of NAFLD in the general US population.

METHODS

In this study, the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) and NHANES III-Linked Mortality File were used. Adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for overall and liver-related mortality were calculated for NAFLD using persons without liver disease as reference. Causes of death were determined.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 8.7 years, 80 persons with NAFLD and 1453 without liver disease died. Older age, male gender, non-Hispanic white race, lower educational level, lower income, higher BMI, presence of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or metabolic syndrome were significantly (p<0.05) associated with overall mortality. Persons with NAFLD had higher overall mortality [HR 1.038 (95% CI 1.036-1.041), P<0.0001] and liver-related mortality [HR 9.32 (95% CI 9.21-9.43), P<0.0001]. Liver disease was the third leading cause of death among persons with NAFLD after cardiovascular disease and malignancy.

CONCLUSIONS

NAFLD is associated with higher overall and liver-related mortality in the general US population. Liver disease is a significant cause of death among persons with NAFLD.

Transient elastography for measurement of liver stiffness measurement can detect early significant hepatic fibrosis in Japanese patients with viral and nonviral liver diseases

BACKGROUND

Many studies have reported the efficiency of transient elastography, a noninvasive, reproducible, and reliable method for predicting liver fibrosis, in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and B (CHB), but there are few reports about nonviral chronic liver disease (CLD) such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD), and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We therefore compared the efficiency of transient elastography between CHC and nonviral CLD.

METHODS

We assessed the accuracy of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) using Fibroscan, and compared these values with those of hyaluronic acid, type 4 collagen, platelet count, prothrombin index, and AST/platelet ratio index (APRI) as indices for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis in 114 patients with a variety of chronic liver diseases: CHC (n = 51), CHB (n = 11), NAFLD (n = 17), PBC (n = 20), and AIH (n = 15). The histology was assessed according to the METAVIR score by two pathologists.

RESULTS

The number of fibrosis stage (F0/1/2/3/4) with CHC was 9/15/12/6/10, and that with nonviral CLD was 10/21/11/4/6, respectively. The ability, assessed by area under receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, to predict liver fibrosis F >or= 2 for LSM, HA, type 4 collagen, platelet count, prothrombin index, and APRI, was 0.92, 0.81, 0.87, 0.85, 0.85, and 0.92 in CHC patients, respectively; and 0.88, 0.72, 0.81, 0.67, 0.81, and 0.77 in nonviral CLD patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with nonviral CLD, LSM was most helpful in predicting significant fibrosis (F >or= 2). Transient elastography is a reliable method for predicting significant liver fibrosis, not only in CHC patients but also in nonviral CLD patients.

Pioglitazone versus vitamin E versus placebo for the treatment of non-diabetic patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: PIVENS trial design

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common liver disease associated with obesity and diabetes. NASH is a progressive disorder that can lead to cirrhosis and liver failure. Insulin resistance and oxidative stress are thought to play important roles in its pathogenesis. There is no definitive treatment for NASH.

OBJECTIVES

PIVENS is conducted to test the hypotheses that treatment with pioglitazone, a thiazolidinedione insulin sensitizer, or vitamin E, a naturally available antioxidant, will lead to improvement in hepatic histology in non-diabetic adults with biopsy proven NASH.

DESIGN

PIVENS is a randomized, multicenter, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial to evaluate whether 96 weeks of treatment with pioglitazone or vitamin E improves hepatic histology in non-diabetic adults with NASH compared to treatment with placebo. Before and post-treatment liver biopsies are read centrally in a masked fashion for an assessment of steatohepatitis and a NAFLD Activity Score (NAS) consisting of steatosis, lobular inflammation, and hepatocyte ballooning. The primary outcome measure is defined as either an improvement in NAS by 2 or more in at least two NAS features, or a post-treatment NAS of 3 or less, and improvement in hepatocyte ballooning by 1 or more, and no worsening of fibrosis.

METHODS

PIVENS enrollment started in January 2005 and ended in January 2007 with 247 patients randomized to receive either pioglitazone (30 mg q.d.), vitamin E (800 IU q.d.), or placebo for 96 weeks. Participants will be followed for an additional 24 weeks after stopping the treatment. The study protocol incorporates the use of several validated questionnaires and specimen banking. This protocol was approved by all participating center Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and an independent Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) which was established for monitoring the accumulated interim data as the trial progresses to ensure patient safety and to review efficacy as well as the quality of data collection and overall study management. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00063622).