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Quan H, Yu H, Liu XL, Xiong FX, Hou YX, Wang XB, Yang ZY, Jiang YY. Development and validation of a prognostic model for 90-day survival in patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis and acute decompensation. Hepatol Res 2024; 54:588-599. [PMID: 38241146 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis and acute decompensation are considered critically ill and have a higher risk of short-term mortality. This study aimed to establish a nomogram to evaluate their 90-day survival and identify factors that affect disease progression. METHODS We included patients from September 2008 to December 2016 (n = 387 in the derivation group) and from January 2017 to August 2020 (n = 157 in the validation group). LASSO regression and Cox multivariate risk regression were used to analyze the influencing factors of the 90-day mortality risk, and a nomogram was constructed. The performance of a model was analyzed based on the C-index, area under the receiver operating curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis. RESULTS Total bilirubin >10 upper limit of normal, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, lymphocyte and monocyte ratios ≤2.33, white blood cells, and hemoglobin were identified as independent risk factors affecting the 90-day mortality risk of patients and the nomogram was developed. A nomogram demonstrated excellent model predictive accuracy in both the derivation and validation cohorts (C-index: 0.976 and 0.945), which was better than other commonly used liver scoring models (p < 0.05). The nomogram also performed good calibration ability and more clinical net benefit. According to the nomogram score, patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. Mortality was significantly higher in the high-risk group than in the low-risk group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The nomogram could accurately predict the 90-day mortality risk in patients with alcohol-associated cirrhosis and acute decompensation, helping to identify high-risk patients and personalize treatment at their first admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Quan
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Li Liu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fei-Xiang Xiong
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xin Hou
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Bo Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Yun Yang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Yong Jiang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Pastrovic F, Novak R, Grgurevic I, Hrkac S, Salai G, Zarak M, Grgurevic L. Serum proteomic profiling of patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease with and without clinically significant portal hypertension. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301416. [PMID: 38603681 PMCID: PMC11008873 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Portal hypertension (PH) drives the progression of liver cirrhosis to decompensation and death. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement is the standard of PH quantification, and HVPG≥10 mmHg defines clinically significant PH (CSPH). We performed proteomics-based serum profiling to search for a proteomic signature of CSPH in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed cACLD and results of HVPG measurements were prospectively included. Serum samples were pooled according to the presence/absence of CSPH and analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed, followed by comprehensive literature review for proteins identified with the most striking difference between the groups. RESULTS We included 48 patients (30 with, and 18 without CSPH). Protein CD44, involved in the inflammatory response, vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1), both involved in lymphangiogenesis were found solely in the CSPH group. Although identified in both groups, proteins involved in neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation, as well as tenascin C, autotaxin and nephronectin which mediate vascular contractility and lymphangiogenesis were more abundant in CSPH. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We propose that altered inflammatory response, including NET formation, vascular contractility and formation of new lymph vessels are key steps in PH development. Proteins such as CD44, VEGF-C, LYVE-1, tenascin C, Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, Nephronectin, Bactericidal permeability-increasing protein, Autotaxin, Myeloperoxidase and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs-like protein 4 might be considered for further validation as potential therapeutic targets and candidate biomarkers of CSPH in cACLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frane Pastrovic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, Laboratory for Liver Diseases and Portal Hypertension, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Rudjer Novak
- Department of Proteomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Biomedical Research Center Salata, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivica Grgurevic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, Laboratory for Liver Diseases and Portal Hypertension, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Stela Hrkac
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Allergology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Grgur Salai
- Department of Pulmonology, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Zarak
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Clinical Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lovorka Grgurevic
- Department of Proteomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Biomedical Research Center Salata, University of Zagreb, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Anatomy, ˝Drago Perovic˝, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Lombardi M, Troisi J, Motta BM, Torre P, Masarone M, Persico M. Gut-Liver Axis Dysregulation in Portal Hypertension: Emerging Frontiers. Nutrients 2024; 16:1025. [PMID: 38613058 PMCID: PMC11013091 DOI: 10.3390/nu16071025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PH) is a complex clinical challenge with severe complications, including variceal bleeding, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome. The gut microbiota (GM) and its interconnectedness with human health have emerged as a captivating field of research. This review explores the intricate connections between the gut and the liver, aiming to elucidate how alterations in GM, intestinal barrier function, and gut-derived molecules impact the development and progression of PH. A systematic literature search, following PRISMA guidelines, identified 12 original articles that suggest a relationship between GM, the gut-liver axis, and PH. Mechanisms such as dysbiosis, bacterial translocation, altered microbial structure, and inflammation appear to orchestrate this relationship. One notable study highlights the pivotal role of the farnesoid X receptor axis in regulating the interplay between the gut and liver and proposes it as a promising therapeutic target. Fecal transplantation experiments further emphasize the pathogenic significance of the GM in modulating liver maladies, including PH. Recent advancements in metagenomics and metabolomics have expanded our understanding of the GM's role in human ailments. The review suggests that addressing the unmet need of identifying gut-liver axis-related metabolic and molecular pathways holds potential for elucidating pathogenesis and directing novel therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Lombardi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy;
- European Institute of Metabolomics (EIM) Foundation, Via G. Puccini, 3, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
| | - Jacopo Troisi
- Department of Chemistry and Biology “A. Zambelli”, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, 84084 Fisciano, SA, Italy;
- European Institute of Metabolomics (EIM) Foundation, Via G. Puccini, 3, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy; (B.M.M.); (P.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Benedetta Maria Motta
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy; (B.M.M.); (P.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Pietro Torre
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy; (B.M.M.); (P.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Mario Masarone
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy; (B.M.M.); (P.T.); (M.M.)
| | - Marcello Persico
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, “Scuola Medica Salernitana”, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, SA, Italy; (B.M.M.); (P.T.); (M.M.)
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Giedraitiene A, Tatarunas V, Kaminskaite K, Meskauskaite U, Boieva S, Ajima Y, Ciapiene I, Veikutiene A, Zvikas V, Kupstyte-Kristapone N, Jakstas V, Luksiene D, Tamosiunas A, Lesauskaite V. Enterobacterales Biofilm-Specific Genes and Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Biomarkers in the Blood of Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:546. [PMID: 38473018 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14050546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ischemic heart disease (IHD) is the most prevalent type of cardiovascular disease. The main cause of IHD is atherosclerosis, which is a multifactorial inflammatory disease of blood vessels. Studies show that bacteria might have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. This study aimed to evaluate the complexity of interactions between bacteria and the human body concerning metabolites and bacterial genes in patients with ischemic heart disease. METHODS Bacterial 16S rDNA and wcaF, papC, and sdhC genes were detected in whole blood using a real-time PCR methodology. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to measure the concentration of the LL-37 protein. An analysis of ARA in blood plasma was performed. RESULTS Bacterial 16S rDNA was detected in 31% of the study patients, and the genes wcaF and sdhC in 20%. Enterobacterales genes were detected more frequently in patients younger than 65 years than in patients aged 65 years and older (p = 0.018) and in patients with type 2 diabetes (p = 0.048). Concentrations of the human antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and 12S-HETE concentrations were determined to be higher if patients had 16S rDNA and biofilm-specific genes. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study enhance the understanding that Enterobacterales bacteria may participate in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and IHD. Bacterial DNA and host metabolites in higher concentrations appear to be detected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agne Giedraitiene
- Institute of Microbiology and Virology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 4, LT 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vacis Tatarunas
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Kornelija Kaminskaite
- Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickeviciaus 9, LT 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Ugne Meskauskaite
- Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickeviciaus 9, LT 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Svitlana Boieva
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Yu Ajima
- Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickeviciaus 9, LT 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
- School of Medicine, Hiroshima University, 1-2-3 Kasumi, Minami-ku, Hiroshima 734-8553, Japan
| | - Ieva Ciapiene
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Audrone Veikutiene
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vaidotas Zvikas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 13, LT 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Nora Kupstyte-Kristapone
- Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, A. Mickeviciaus 9, LT 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Valdas Jakstas
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Technologies, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 13, LT 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Dalia Luksiene
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Abdonas Tamosiunas
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vaiva Lesauskaite
- Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu 15, LT 50103 Kaunas, Lithuania
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Rodrigues SG, van der Merwe S, Krag A, Wiest R. Gut-liver axis: Pathophysiological concepts and medical perspective in chronic liver diseases. Semin Immunol 2024; 71:101859. [PMID: 38219459 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Schalk van der Merwe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University hospital Gasthuisberg, University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Centre for Liver Research, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.
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6
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Verbunt J, Jocken J, Blaak E, Savelkoul P, Stassen F. Gut-bacteria derived membrane vesicles and host metabolic health: a narrative review. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2359515. [PMID: 38808455 PMCID: PMC11141482 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2359515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota, consisting of an estimated 10^10-10^11 organisms, regulate physiological processes involved in digestion, metabolism, and immunity. Surprisingly, these intestinal microorganisms have been found to influence tissues that are not directly in contact with the gut, such as adipose tissue, the liver, skeletal muscle, and the brain. This interaction takes place even when intestinal barrier function is uncompromised. An increasing body of evidence suggests that bacterial membrane vesicles (bMVs), in addition to bacterial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids, are able to mediate effects of the microbiota on these host tissues. The ability of bMVs to dissipate from the intestinal lumen into systemic circulation hereby facilitates the transport and presentation of bacterial components and metabolites to host organs. Importantly, there are indications that the interaction between bMVs and tissues or immune cells may play a role in the etiology of (chronic metabolic) disease. For example, the gut-derived bMV-mediated induction of insulin resistance in skeletal muscle cells and pro-inflammatory signaling by adipocytes possibly underlies diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. Here, we review the current knowledge on bMVs in the microbiota's effects on host energy/substrate metabolism with a focus on etiological roles in the onset and progression of metabolic disease. We furthermore illustrate that vesicle production by bacterial microbiota could potentially be modulated through lifestyle intervention to improve host metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jari Verbunt
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Human Biology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Jocken
- Department of Human Biology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Blaak
- Department of Human Biology, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul Savelkoul
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Control, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Stassen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Infectious Diseases & Infection Prevention, School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Møller S, Wiese S, Barløse M, Hove JD. How non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis affect the heart. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:1333-1349. [PMID: 37770804 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10590-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Liver diseases affect the heart and the vascular system. Cardiovascular complications appear to be a leading cause of death in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis. The predominant histological changes in the liver range from steatosis to fibrosis to cirrhosis, which can each affect the cardiovascular system differently. Patients with cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) and NAFLD are at increased risk of impaired systolic and diastolic dysfunction and for suffering major cardiovascular events. However, the pathophysiological mechanisms behind these risks differ depending on the nature of the liver disease. Accurate assessment of symptoms by contemporary diagnostic modalities is essential for identifying patients at risk, for evaluating candidates for treatment, and prior to any invasive procedures. This review explores current perspectives within this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Møller
- Department Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine 260, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Signe Wiese
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mads Barløse
- Department Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine 260, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Kettegaards alle 30, 2650, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jens D Hove
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Cardiology, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
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Goel A, Hegarty R, Dixit S, Tucker B, Douiri A, Kyrana E, Jain V, Dhawan A, Grammatikopoulos T. Transient elastography and von Willebrand factor as predictors of portal hypertension and decompensation in children. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100935. [PMID: 38046943 PMCID: PMC10692718 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Von Willebrand factor antigen (vWFAg), a protein measured to test the level of vWF released from the vascular endothelium has gained much attention as a marker for portal hypertension (PHT) severity. The objectives of this study were to investigate the use of vWFAg as a biomarker along with liver and spleen stiffness measurements by transient elastography as potential predictors of clinically significant varices (CSV), variceal bleeding (VB) and decompensation in children with PHT. Methods This observational prospective cohort study included 117 children (median age 10 [IQR 6-14] years) who underwent oesophagogastroduodenoscopy between January'2012 to November'2021 and a validation group of 33 children who underwent the same procedure between December'2021 to March'2023. Measurements of vWFAg and glycoprotein Ib binding activity of VWF (GPIbR) were available in 97 patients in the study group and in all patients in the validation group.Results: vWFAg and GPIbR were significantly higher in children with CSV (223 IU/dl and 166 IU/dl; p = 0.015 and p = 0.04, respectively) and VB (218 IU/dl and 174 IU/dl; p = 0.077 and p = 0.03, respectively) than in those without CSV or VB, respectively. Ninety-six patients had liver and spleen stiffness measurements. Spleen stiffness was significantly higher in patients with CSV compared to those without CSV (p = 0.003). In a chronic liver disease subgroup, a predictive scoring tool based on vWFAg, GPIbR, platelet count, and spleen/liver stiffness measurements could predict CSV with an AUROC of 0.76 (p = 0.04). Conclusions This study suggests the predictive value of vWF for CSV and VB increases when combined with spleen stiffness, with AUROCs of 0.88 and 0.82, respectively. Hence, a combination of biomarkers could assist clinicians in diagnosing CSV, preventing unnecessary invasive procedures. Impacts and implications Surveillance endoscopies in children with portal hypertension (PHT) have their own risks and non-invasive markers, such as von Willebrand factor antigen, glycoprotein Ib binding activity of VWF (GPIbR), and transient elastography could be used to predict clinically significant varices, variceal bleeding and disease compensation in children with PHT. Such non-invasive markers for PHT and varices are lacking in the paediatric population. The results show that von Willebrand factor and GPIbR along with transient elastography can be used to formulate a scoring system which can be used as a clinical tool by paediatric hepatologists to monitor the progression of PHT and risk of bleeding, and hence to stratify the performance of invasive endoscopic procedures under general anaesthesia. However, there is a need to validate the scoring system in children with portal vein thrombosis and for hepatic decompensation in a multi-centre registry in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat Goel
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Robert Hegarty
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Shweta Dixit
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Bethany Tucker
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Abdel Douiri
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College, London, UK
| | - Eirini Kyrana
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Vandana Jain
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Anil Dhawan
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Tassos Grammatikopoulos
- Paediatric Liver, GI & Nutrition Centre and MowatLabs, King’s College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, King’s College London, London, UK
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College, London, UK
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Vasudevan D, Ramakrishnan A, Velmurugan G. Exploring the diversity of blood microbiome during liver diseases: Unveiling Novel diagnostic and therapeutic Avenues. Heliyon 2023; 9:e21662. [PMID: 37954280 PMCID: PMC10638009 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are a group of major metabolic and immune or inflammation related diseases caused due to various reasons including infection, abnormalities in immune system, genetic defects, and lifestyle habits. However, the cause-effect relationship is not completely understood in liver disease. The role of microbiome, particularly, the role of gut and oral microbiome in liver diseases has been extensively studied in recent years. More interestingly, the presence of blood microbiome and tissue microbiome has been identified in many liver diseases. The translocation of microbes from the gut into the portal circulation has been attributed to be the major reason for the presence of blood microbial components and its clinical implications in liver disorders. Besides microbial translocation, Pathogen associated Molecular Patterns (PAMPs) derived from gut microbiota might also translocate. The presence of blood microbiome in liver disease has been reviewed earlier. However, the role of blood microbiome as a biomarker and therapeutic target in liver diseases has not been analysed earlier. In this review, we confabulate the origin and physiology of blood microbiome and blood microbial components in relation to the progression and pathogenesis of liver disease. In conclusion, we discuss the translational perspectives targeting the blood microbial components in the diagnosis and therapy of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinakaran Vasudevan
- Chemomicrobiomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, KMCH Research Foundation, Coimbatore, 641014, Tamil Nadu, India
- Gut Microbiome Division, SKAN Research Trust, Bengaluru, 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Arulraj Ramakrishnan
- Chemomicrobiomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, KMCH Research Foundation, Coimbatore, 641014, Tamil Nadu, India
- Liver Unit, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital, Coimbatore, 641014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Ganesan Velmurugan
- Chemomicrobiomics Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, KMCH Research Foundation, Coimbatore, 641014, Tamil Nadu, India
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10
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Sturm L, Hirose M, Stolz L, Schultheiss M, Zoldan K, Reincke M, Huber JP, Kaeser R, Boettler T, Thimme R, Albert E, Busch H, Künstner A, Bettinger D. Proton pump inhibitor treatment aggravates bacterial translocation in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension. mBio 2023; 14:e0049223. [PMID: 37623323 PMCID: PMC10653923 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00492-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Long-term prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with cirrhosis is common practice. However, in recent years, several observational studies have reported increased complications and negative prognostic effects of PPI treatment in these patients. Judging the significance of these associations is complicated by the fact that a plausible underlying pathomechanism has not been identified so far. In the present study, we address this important issue by investigating the impact of PPI treatment on subclinical bacterial translocation from the gut into the blood stream in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Indeed, we report significantly aggravated bacterial translocation in cirrhosis patients receiving PPI treatment. This finding is highly relevant, as bacterial translocation is known to promote the development of complications and impair prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. Hence, the present study could establish a plausible link between PPI treatment and adverse effects in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Sturm
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Misa Hirose
- Luebeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Laura Stolz
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michael Schultheiss
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Berta-Ottenstein-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Zoldan
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marlene Reincke
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jan Patrick Huber
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rafael Kaeser
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- IMM-PACT-Programme, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Boettler
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Thimme
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Albert
- Luebeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Luebeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Axel Künstner
- Luebeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Dominik Bettinger
- Department of Medicine II, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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11
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Kumar R, Kumar S, Prakash SS. Compensated liver cirrhosis: Natural course and disease-modifying strategies. World J Methodol 2023; 13:179-193. [PMID: 37771878 PMCID: PMC10523240 DOI: 10.5662/wjm.v13.i4.179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Compensated liver cirrhosis (CLC) is defined as cirrhosis with one or more decompensating events, such as ascites, variceal haemorrhage, or hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with CLC are largely asymptomatic with preserved hepatic function. The transition from CLC to decompensated cirrhosis occurs as a result of a complex interaction between multiple predisposing and precipitating factors. The first decompensation event in CLC patients is considered a significant turning point in the progression of cirrhosis, as it signals a drastic decline in median survival rates from 10-12 years to only 1-2 years. Furthermore, early cirrhosis has the potential to regress as liver fibrosis is a dynamic condition. With the advent of effective non-invasive tools for detecting hepatic fibrosis, more and more patients with CLC are currently being recognised. This offers clinicians a unique opportunity to properly manage such patients in order to achieve cirrhosis regression or, at the very least, prevent its progression. There are numerous emerging approaches for preventing or delaying decompensation in CLC patients. A growing body of evidence indicates that treating the underlying cause can lead to cirrhosis regression, and the use of non-selective beta-blockers can prevent decompensation by lowering portal hypertension. Additionally, addressing various cofactors (such as obesity, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and alcoholism) and precipitating factors (such as infection, viral hepatitis, and hepatotoxic drugs) that have a detrimental impact on the natural course of cirrhosis may benefit patients with CLC. However, high-quality data must be generated through well-designed and adequately powered randomised clinical trials to validate these disease-modifying techniques for CLC patients. This article discussed the natural history of CLC, risk factors for its progression, and therapeutic approaches that could alter the trajectory of CLC evolution and improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 801507, India
| | - Sudhir Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 801507, India
| | - Sabbu Surya Prakash
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 801507, India
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12
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Stojic J, Kukla M, Grgurevic I. The Intestinal Microbiota in the Development of Chronic Liver Disease: Current Status. Diagnostics (Basel) 2023; 13:2960. [PMID: 37761327 PMCID: PMC10528663 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics13182960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant global health burden, leading to millions of deaths annually. The gut-liver axis plays a pivotal role in this context, allowing the transport of gut-derived products directly to the liver, as well as biological compounds from the liver to the intestine. The gut microbiota plays a significant role in maintaining the health of the digestive system. A change in gut microbiome composition as seen in dysbiosis is associated with immune dysregulation, altered energy and gut hormone regulation, and increased intestinal permeability, contributing to inflammatory mechanisms and damage to the liver, irrespective of the underlying etiology of CLD. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge about the composition of the intestinal microbiome in healthy individuals and those with CLD, including the factors that affect this composition, the impact of the altered microbiome on the liver, and the mechanisms by which it occurs. Furthermore, this review analyzes the effects of gut microbiome modulation on the course of CLD, by using pharmacotherapy, nutrition, fecal microbiota transplantation, supplements, and probiotics. This review opens avenues for the translation of knowledge about gut-liver interplay into clinical practice as an additional tool to fight CLD and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josip Stojic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Michał Kukla
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagellonian University Medical College, 31-688 Kraków, Poland;
- Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ivica Grgurevic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Dubrava, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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13
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Adebayo D, Wong F. Pathophysiology of Hepatorenal Syndrome - Acute Kidney Injury. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:S1-S10. [PMID: 37625861 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Hepatorenal syndrome is a complication of liver cirrhosis with ascites that results from the complex interplay of many pathogenetic mechanisms. Advanced cirrhosis is characterized by the development of hemodynamic changes of splanchnic and systemic arterial vasodilatation, with paradoxical renal vasoconstriction and renal hypoperfusion. Cirrhosis is also an inflammatory state. The inflammatory cascade is initiated by a portal hypertension-induced increased translocation of bacteria, bacterial products, and endotoxins from the gut to the splanchnic and then to the systemic circulation. The inflammation, whether sterile or related to infection, is responsible for renal microcirculatory dysfunction, microthrombi formation, renal tubular oxidative stress, and tubular damage. Of course, many of the bacterial products also have vasodilatory properties, potentially exaggerating the state of vasodilatation and worsening the hemodynamic instability in these patients. The presence of cardiac dysfunction, related to cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, with its associated systolic incompetence, can aggravate the mismatch between the circulatory capacitance and the circulation volume, worsening the extent of the effective arterial underfilling, with lower renal perfusion pressure, contributing to renal hypoperfusion and increasing the risk for development of acute kidney injury. The presence of tense ascites can exert an intra-abdominal compartmental syndrome effect on the renal circulation, causing renal congestion and hampering glomerular filtration. Other contributing factors to renal dysfunction include the tubular damaging effects of cholestasis and adrenal dysfunction. Future developments include the use of metabolomics to identify metabolic pathways that can lead to the development of renal dysfunction, with the potential of identifying biomarkers for early diagnosis of renal dysfunction and the development of treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Adebayo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Royal Berkshire National Health Service Foundation Trust, Reading, United Kingdom
| | - Florence Wong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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14
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Simbrunner B, Caparrós E, Neuwirth T, Schwabl P, Königshofer P, Bauer D, Marculescu R, Trauner M, Scheiner B, Stary G, Mandorfer M, Reiberger T, Francés R. Bacterial translocation occurs early in cirrhosis and triggers a selective inflammatory response. Hepatol Int 2023; 17:1045-1056. [PMID: 36881247 PMCID: PMC10386924 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-023-10496-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Experimental data suggest that bacterial translocation (BT) promotes systemic inflammation, portal hypertension, and circulatory dysfunction in advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). METHODS Patients with ACLD undergoing hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement and absence of acute decompensation or infections were included (n = 249). Serum biomarkers of BT (lipopolysaccharide [LPS], lipoteichoic acid [LTA], bacterial DNA [bactDNA]), systemic inflammation and markers of circulatory dysfunction were assessed. T-cell subsets in intestinal biopsies (n = 7 ACLD, n = 4 controls) were analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS Patients had a median HVPG of 18 (12-21) mmHg and 56% had decompensated ACLD. LPS (0.04 [0.02-0.06] vs. 0.64 [0.30-1.06] EU/mL), LTA (4.53 [3.58-5.97] vs. 43.2 [23.2-109] pg/mL), and detection of bactDNA (≥ 5 pg/mL; 5% vs. 41%) were markedly higher in patients with ACLD than healthy controls (n = 40; p < 0.001) but were similar between different clinical stages of compensated and decompensated ACLD and displayed no meaningful correlation with HVPG and systemic hemodynamics. TNF-α and IL-10 correlated with LPS (Spearman's rs = 0.523, p < 0.001/rs = 0.143, p = 0.024) but not with LTA. Presence of bactDNA was associated with higher LPS (0.54 [0.28-0.95] vs. 0.88 [0.32-1.31] EU/mL, p = 0.001) and TNF-α (15.3 [6.31-28.1] vs. 20.9 [13.8-32.9] pg/mL). Patients with ACLD exhibited a decreased CD4:CD8-ratio and increased TH1-cells in the intestinal mucosa as compared to controls. During a median FU of 14.7 (8.20-26.5) months, bacterial antigens did not predict decompensation or liver-related death (in contrast to HVPG, IL-6, and MAP) as well as infections at 24 months. CONCLUSION BT occurs already in early ACLD stages and triggers a systemic inflammatory response via TNF-α and IL-10. Interestingly, BT markers showed no clear correlation with portal hypertension and circulatory dysfunction in patients with stable ACLD. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER NCT03267615.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Simbrunner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Esther Caparrós
- CIBEREHD, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan de Alicante, Elche, Spain
- Instituto IDIBE, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Teresa Neuwirth
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Philipp Königshofer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Bauer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rodrig Marculescu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Scheiner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Georg Stary
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mattias Mandorfer
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Reiberger
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Vienna Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Portal Hypertension and Liver Fibrosis, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases (LBI-RUD), Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Rubén Francés
- CIBEREHD, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatic and Intestinal Immunobiology Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, Miguel Hernández University, San Juan de Alicante, Elche, Spain
- Instituto IDIBE, Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
- Instituto ISABIAL, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
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15
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Giuli L, Maestri M, Santopaolo F, Pompili M, Ponziani FR. Gut Microbiota and Neuroinflammation in Acute Liver Failure and Chronic Liver Disease. Metabolites 2023; 13:772. [PMID: 37367929 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13060772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure and chronic liver disease are associated with a wide spectrum of neurological changes, of which the best known is hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Historically, hyperammonemia, causing astrocyte swelling and cerebral oedema, was considered the main etiological factor in the pathogenesis of cerebral dysfunction in patients with acute and/or chronic liver disease. However, recent studies demonstrated a key role of neuroinflammation in the development of neurological complications in this setting. Neuroinflammation is characterized by activation of microglial cells and brain secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6, which alter neurotransmission, leading to cognitive and motor dysfunction. Changes in the gut microbiota resulting from liver disease play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammation. Dysbiosis and altered intestinal permeability, resulting in bacterial translocation and endotoxemia, are responsible for systemic inflammation, which can spread to brain tissue and trigger neuroinflammation. In addition, metabolites derived from the gut microbiota can act on the central nervous system and facilitate the development of neurological complications, exacerbating clinical manifestations. Thus, strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota may be effective therapeutic weapons. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role of the gut-liver-brain axis in the pathogenesis of neurological dysfunction associated with liver disease, with a particular focus on neuroinflammation. In addition, we highlight emerging therapeutic approaches targeting the gut microbiota and inflammation in this clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Giuli
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Maestri
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology-Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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16
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Berezin AA, Obradovic Z, Berezina TA, Boxhammer E, Lichtenauer M, Berezin AE. Cardiac Hepatopathy: New Perspectives on Old Problems through a Prism of Endogenous Metabolic Regulations by Hepatokines. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12020516. [PMID: 36830074 PMCID: PMC9951884 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12020516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hepatopathy refers to acute or chronic liver damage caused by cardiac dysfunction in the absence of any other possible causative reasons of liver injury. There is a large number of evidence of the fact that cardiac hepatopathy is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients with acute or actually decompensated heart failure (HF). However, the currently dominated pathophysiological background does not explain a role of metabolic regulative proteins secreted by hepatocytes in progression of HF, including adverse cardiac remodeling, kidney injury, skeletal muscle dysfunction, osteopenia, sarcopenia and cardiac cachexia. The aim of this narrative review was to accumulate knowledge of hepatokines (adropin; fetuin-A, selenoprotein P, fibroblast growth factor-21, and alpha-1-microglobulin) as adaptive regulators of metabolic homeostasis in patients with HF. It is suggested that hepatokines play a crucial, causative role in inter-organ interactions and mediate tissue protective effects counteracting oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis and necrosis. The discriminative potencies of hepatokines for HF and damage of target organs in patients with known HF is under on-going scientific discussion and requires more investigations in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A. Berezin
- Internal Medicine Department, Zaporozhye Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, 69000 Zaporozhye, Ukraine
- Klinik Barmelweid, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, 5017 Barmelweid, Switzerland
| | - Zeljko Obradovic
- Klinik Barmelweid, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, 5017 Barmelweid, Switzerland
| | - Tetiana A. Berezina
- Department of Internal Medicine & Nephrology, VitaCenter, 69000 Zaporozhye, Ukraine
| | - Elke Boxhammer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Michael Lichtenauer
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexander E. Berezin
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Cardiology, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
- Internal Medicine Department, Zaporozhye State Medical University, 69035 Zaporozhye, Ukraine
- Correspondence:
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17
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Bitto N, Ghigliazza G, Lavorato S, Caputo C, La Mura V. Improving Management of Portal Hypertension: The Potential Benefit of Non-Etiological Therapies in Cirrhosis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12030934. [PMID: 36769582 PMCID: PMC9917703 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12030934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is the consequence of cirrhosis and results from increased sinusoidal vascular resistance and hepatic blood inflow. Etiological therapies represent the first intervention to prevent a significant increase in portal pressure due to chronic liver damage. However, other superimposed pathophysiological drivers may worsen liver disease, including inflammation, bacterial translocation, endothelial dysfunction, and hyperactivation of hemostasis. These mechanisms can be targeted by a specific class of drugs already used in clinical practice. Albumin, rifaximin, statins, aspirin, and anticoagulants have been tested in cirrhosis and were a topic of discussion in the last Baveno consensus as non-etiological therapies. Based on the pathogenesis of portal hypertension in cirrhosis, our review summarizes the main mechanisms targeted by these drugs as well as the clinical evidence that considers them a valid complementary option to manage patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niccolò Bitto
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriele Ghigliazza
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Division of Sub-Intensive Care Medicine, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Stanislao Lavorato
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Camilla Caputo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Vincenzo La Mura
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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18
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Influence of Gut–Liver Axis on Portal Hypertension in Advanced Chronic Liver Disease: The Gut Microbiome as a New Protagonist in Therapeutic Management. MICROBIOLOGY RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/microbiolres13030038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinically significant portal hypertension is associated with most complications of advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD), including variceal bleeding, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome, and hepatic encephalopathy. Gut dysbiosis is a hallmark of ACLD with portal hypertension and consists of the overgrowth of potentially pathogenic bacteria and a decrease in autochthonous bacteria; additionally, congestion makes the intestinal barrier more permeable to bacteria and their products, which contributes to the development of complications through inflammatory mechanisms. This review summarizes current knowledge on the role of the gut–liver axis in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension, with a focus on therapies targeting portal hypertension and the gut microbiota. The modulation of the gut microbiota on several levels represents a major challenge in the upcoming years; in-depth characterization of the molecular and microbiological mechanisms linking the gut–liver axis to portal hypertension in a bidirectional relationship could pave the way to the identification of new therapeutic targets for innovative therapies in the management of ACLD.
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Rodrigues SG, Mendoza YP, Bosch J. Investigational drugs in early clinical development for portal hypertension. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:825-842. [PMID: 35758843 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2095259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Advanced chronic liver disease is considered a reversible condition after removal of the primary aetiological factor. This has led to a paradigm shift in which portal hypertension (PH) is a reversible complication of cirrhosis. The pharmacologic management of PH is centered on finding targets to modify the natural history of cirrhosis and PH. AREAS COVERED This paper offers an overview of the use of pharmacological strategies in early clinical development that modify PH. Papers included were selected from searching clinical trials sites and PubMed from the last 10 years. EXPERT OPINION A paradigm shift has generated a new concept of PH in cirrhosis as a reversible complication of a potentially curable disease. Decreasing portal pressure to prevent decompensation and further complications of cirrhosis that may lead liver transplantation or death is a goal. Therapeutic strategies also aspire achieve total or partial regression of fibrosis thus eliminating the need for treatment or screening of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana G Rodrigues
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Yuly P Mendoza
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Graduate School for Health Sciences (GHS), University of Bern
| | - Jaime Bosch
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland.,Department for BioMedical Research, Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University of Bern, Switzerland
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20
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[Current pathophysiological concepts of acute decompensation in patients with liver cirrhosis and prognostic scores in different stages of disease]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2022; 147:662-669. [PMID: 35636416 DOI: 10.1055/a-1671-9114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute decompensation and acute-on chronic liver failure (ACLF) are associated with a significant reduced prognosis. Previously, the pathophysiological concept of acute decompensation was mainly based on the peripheral vasodilatation hypothesis. However, during the last years, systemic inflammation was recognized as a major driver for decompensation of liver cirrhosis and ACLF. Further, it has been shown that systemic inflammation is associated with the clinical course and the prognosis of the patients. Inflammation also affects the function of extrahepatic organs and therefore leads to the development of an inflammatory cirrhotic multi-organ syndrome. The importance of systemic inflammation in the context of decompensated liver cirrhosis is also transferred to new clinical scores such as the CLIF-C AD and CLIF-C ACLF score. In this article, we provide an overview of the new systemic inflammation hypothesis of decompensated cirrhosis and also discuss current clinical scores for prognostication in different stages of liver cirrhosis.
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Said I, Ahad H, Said A. Gut microbiome in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated hepatocellular carcinoma: Current knowledge and potential for therapeutics. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2022; 14:947-958. [PMID: 35646285 PMCID: PMC9124992 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v14.i5.947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic diseases such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are rising in incidence and are an increasingly common cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The gut microbiome is closely connected to the liver via the portal vein, and has recently been identified as a predictor of liver disease state. Studies in NAFLD, cirrhosis and HCC have identified certain microbial signatures associated with these diseases, with the disease-associated microbiome changes collectively referred to as dysbiosis. The pathophysiologic underpinnings of these observations are an area of ongoing investigation, with current evidence demonstrating that the gut microbiome can influence liver disease and carcinogenesis via effects on intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and activation of the innate immune system. In the innate immune system, pathogen recognition receptors (Toll like receptors) on resident liver cells and macrophages cause liver inflammation, fibrosis, hepatocyte proliferation and reduced antitumor immunity, leading to chronic liver disease and carcinogenesis. Dysbiosis-associated changes include increase in secondary bile acids and reduced expression of FXR (nuclear receptor), which have also been associated with deleterious effects on lipid and carbohydrate metabolism associated with progressive liver disease. Longitudinal experimental and clinical studies are needed in different populations to examine these questions further. The role of therapeutics that modulate the microbiome is an emerging field with experimental studies showing the potential of diet, probiotics, fecal microbiota transplantation and prebiotics in improving liver disease in experimental models. Clinical studies are ongoing with preliminary evidence showing improvement in liver enzymes and steatosis. The microbial profile is different in responders to cancer immunotherapy including liver cancer, but whether or not manipulation of the microbiome can be utilized to affect response is being investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imaad Said
- Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States
| | - Hassan Ahad
- Kansas University, Lawrence, KS 66045, United States
| | - Adnan Said
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, William S. Middleton VAMC, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53705, United States
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22
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Deng H, Muthupalani S, Erdman S, Liu H, Niu Z, Wang TC, Fox JG. Translocation of Helicobacter hepaticus synergizes with myeloid-derived suppressor cells and contributes to breast carcinogenesis. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2057399. [PMID: 35371619 PMCID: PMC8966989 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2057399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microbial dysbiosis plays an important role in the development of intestinal diseases. Recent studies suggest a link between intestinal bacteria and mammary cancer. Here, we report that female ApcMin/+ mice infected with Helicobacter hepaticus exhibited an increased mammary and small/large intestine tumor burden compared with uninfected littermates. H. hepaticus DNA was detected in small/large intestine, mammary tumors, and adjacent lymph nodes, suggesting a migration pathway. CD11b+Gr1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) infiltrated and expressed high levels of Wnts, likely enhancing tumorigenesis through activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Our previous studies indicated that histidine decarboxylase (Hdc) marks a population of myeloid-biased hematopoietic stem cells and granulocytic MDSCs. Cytokines/chemokines secreted by IL-17-expressing mast cells and tumor tissues promoted Hdc+ MDSCs expansion and trafficking toward mammary tumors. Adoptive transfer of MDSCs isolated from H. hepaticus-infected mice increased MDSCs frequencies in peripheral blood, mesenteric lymph nodes, mammary gland, and lymph nodes in recipient ApcMin/+ mice. The adoptive transfer of H. hepaticus primed MDSCs also increased the size and number of mammary tumors. Our results demonstrate that H. hepaticus can translocate from the intestine to mammary tissues to promote mammary tumorigenesis with MDSCs. Targeting bacteria and MDSCs may be useful for the prevention and therapy of extraintestinal cancers. Abbreviations: Helicobacter hepaticus, Hh; myeloid-derived suppressor cell, MDSC; histidine decarboxylase, Hdc; Breast cancer, BC; T regulatory, TR; inflammatory bowel disease, IBD; fluorescence in situ hybridization, FISH; myeloid-biased hematopoietic stem cells, MB-HSCs; granulocytic MDSCs, PMN-MDSCs; Lipopolysaccharide, LPS; Toll-like receptors, TLRs; Mast cells, MCs; Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, GM-CSF; epithelial–mesenchymal transition, EMT; Intestinal epithelial cells, IECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Deng
- Department of Pathology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Susan Erdman
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Haibo Liu
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhengchuan Niu
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of General Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Timothy C. Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases and Herbert Irving Cancer Research Center, Vagelos College of Physicians & Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - James G. Fox
- Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
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23
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Patel VC, Lee S, McPhail MJW, Da Silva K, Guilly S, Zamalloa A, Witherden E, Støy S, Manakkat Vijay GK, Pons N, Galleron N, Huang X, Gencer S, Coen M, Tranah TH, Wendon JA, Bruce KD, Le Chatelier E, Ehrlich SD, Edwards LA, Shoaie S, Shawcross DL. Rifaximin-α reduces gut-derived inflammation and mucin degradation in cirrhosis and encephalopathy: RIFSYS randomised controlled trial. J Hepatol 2022; 76:332-342. [PMID: 34571050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Rifaximin-α is efficacious for the prevention of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy (HE), but its mechanism of action remains unclear. We postulated that rifaximin-α reduces gut microbiota-derived endotoxemia and systemic inflammation, a known driver of HE. METHODS In a placebo-controlled, double-blind, mechanistic study, 38 patients with cirrhosis and HE were randomised 1:1 to receive either rifaximin-α (550 mg BID) or placebo for 90 days. PRIMARY OUTCOME 50% reduction in neutrophil oxidative burst (OB) at 30 days. SECONDARY OUTCOMES changes in psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES) and neurocognitive functioning, shotgun metagenomic sequencing of saliva and faeces, plasma and faecal metabolic profiling, whole blood bacterial DNA quantification, neutrophil toll-like receptor (TLR)-2/4/9 expression and plasma/faecal cytokine analysis. RESULTS Patients were well-matched: median MELD (11 rifaximin-α vs. 10 placebo). Rifaximin-α did not lead to a 50% reduction in spontaneous neutrophil OB at 30 days compared to baseline (p = 0.48). However, HE grade normalised (p = 0.014) and PHES improved (p = 0.009) after 30 days on rifaximin-α. Rifaximin-α reduced circulating neutrophil TLR-4 expression on day 30 (p = 0.021) and plasma tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p <0.001). Rifaximin-α suppressed oralisation of the gut, reducing levels of mucin-degrading sialidase-rich species, Streptococcus spp, Veillonella atypica and parvula, Akkermansia and Hungatella. Rifaximin-α promoted a TNF-α- and interleukin-17E-enriched intestinal microenvironment, augmenting antibacterial responses to invading pathobionts and promoting gut barrier repair. Those on rifaximin-α were less likely to develop infection (odds ratio 0.21; 95% CI 0.05-0.96). CONCLUSION Rifaximin-α led to resolution of overt and covert HE, reduced the likelihood of infection, reduced oralisation of the gut and attenuated systemic inflammation. Rifaximin-α plays a role in gut barrier repair, which could be the mechanism by which it ameliorates bacterial translocation and systemic endotoxemia in cirrhosis. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02019784. LAY SUMMARY In this clinical trial, we examined the underlying mechanism of action of an antibiotic called rifaximin-α which has been shown to be an effective treatment for a complication of chronic liver disease which effects the brain (termed encephalopathy). We show that rifaximin-α suppresses gut bacteria that translocate from the mouth to the intestine and cause the intestinal wall to become leaky by breaking down the protective mucus barrier. This suppression resolves encephalopathy and reduces inflammation in the blood, preventing the development of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vishal C Patel
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK; The Roger Williams Institute of Hepatology (Foundation for Liver Research), 111 Coldharbour Lane, London, SE5 9NT, UK
| | - Sunjae Lee
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Dental Institute, King's College London, UK; Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Stockholm, Sweden; School of Life Sciences, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Mark J W McPhail
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK; Imperial College London, Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, London, UK
| | - Kevin Da Silva
- University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MetaGenoPolis, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Susie Guilly
- University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MetaGenoPolis, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Ane Zamalloa
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Elizabeth Witherden
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Dental Institute, King's College London, UK
| | - Sidsel Støy
- Aarhus University Hospital, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Godhev Kumar Manakkat Vijay
- Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Nicolas Pons
- University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MetaGenoPolis, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Nathalie Galleron
- University Paris-Saclay, INRAE, MetaGenoPolis, Jouy-en-Josas, 78350, France
| | - Xaiohong Huang
- Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Selin Gencer
- Imperial College London, Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, London, UK
| | - Muireann Coen
- Imperial College London, Biomolecular Medicine, Division of Computational and Systems Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, London, UK
| | - Thomas Henry Tranah
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Julia Alexis Wendon
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Kenneth D Bruce
- King's College London, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, 5th Floor Franklin-Wilkins Building, London, UK
| | | | | | - Lindsey Ann Edwards
- Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK
| | - Saeed Shoaie
- Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, Dental Institute, King's College London, UK; Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Debbie Lindsay Shawcross
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK; Institute of Liver Studies, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, 125 Coldharbour Lane, London SE5 9NU, UK.
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24
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Albillos A, Martin-Mateos R, Van der Merwe S, Wiest R, Jalan R, Álvarez-Mon M. Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:112-134. [PMID: 34703031 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00520-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The term cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID) comprises the distinctive spectrum of immune alterations associated with the course of end-stage liver disease. Systemic inflammation and immune deficiency are the key components of CAID. Their severity is highly dynamic and progressive, paralleling cirrhosis stage. CAID involves two different immune phenotypes: the low-grade systemic inflammatory phenotype and the high-grade systemic inflammatory phenotype. The low-grade systemic inflammatory phenotype can be found in patients with compensated disease or clinical decompensation with no organ failure. In this phenotype, there is an exaggerated immune activation but the effector response is not markedly compromised. The high-grade systemic inflammatory phenotype is present in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure, a clinical situation characterized by decompensation, organ failure and high short-term mortality. Along with high-grade inflammation, this CAID phenotype includes intense immune paralysis that critically increases the risk of infections and worsens prognosis. The intensity of CAID has important consequences on cirrhosis progression and correlates with the severity of liver insufficiency, bacterial translocation and organ failure. Therapies targeting the modulation of the dysfunctional immune response are currently being evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustín Albillos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain. .,Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rosa Martin-Mateos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.,Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Schalk Van der Merwe
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases, Metabolism and Aging (CHROMETA), University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Inselspital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Rajiv Jalan
- Liver Failure Group, UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Melchor Álvarez-Mon
- Departamento de Medicina y Especialidades Médicas, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital Universitario Príncipe de Asturias, Alcalá de Henares, Madrid, Spain
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25
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Portincasa P, Bonfrate L, Khalil M, Angelis MD, Calabrese FM, D’Amato M, Wang DQH, Di Ciaula A. Intestinal Barrier and Permeability in Health, Obesity and NAFLD. Biomedicines 2021; 10:83. [PMID: 35052763 PMCID: PMC8773010 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The largest surface of the human body exposed to the external environment is the gut. At this level, the intestinal barrier includes luminal microbes, the mucin layer, gastrointestinal motility and secretion, enterocytes, immune cells, gut vascular barrier, and liver barrier. A healthy intestinal barrier is characterized by the selective permeability of nutrients, metabolites, water, and bacterial products, and processes are governed by cellular, neural, immune, and hormonal factors. Disrupted gut permeability (leaky gut syndrome) can represent a predisposing or aggravating condition in obesity and the metabolically associated liver steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, NAFLD). In what follows, we describe the morphological-functional features of the intestinal barrier, the role of major modifiers of the intestinal barrier, and discuss the recent evidence pointing to the key role of intestinal permeability in obesity/NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.K.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.K.); (A.D.C.)
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.K.); (A.D.C.)
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.D.A.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Maria De Angelis
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.D.A.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Francesco Maria Calabrese
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy; (M.D.A.); (F.M.C.)
| | - Mauro D’Amato
- Gastrointestinal Genetics Lab, CIC bioGUNE-BRTA, 48160 Derio, Spain;
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009 Bilbao, Spain
| | - David Q.-H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (L.B.); (M.K.); (A.D.C.)
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Bi C, Xiao G, Liu C, Yan J, Chen J, Si W, Zhang J, Liu Z. Molecular Immune Mechanism of Intestinal Microbiota and Their Metabolites in the Occurrence and Development of Liver Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:702414. [PMID: 34957088 PMCID: PMC8693382 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.702414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal microorganisms are closely associated with immunity, metabolism, and inflammation, and play an important role in health and diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, Parkinson’s disease, and cancer. Liver cancer is one of the most fatal cancers in humans. Most of liver cancers are slowly transformed from viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the relationship between intestinal microbiota and their metabolites, including short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, indoles, and ethanol, and liver cancer remains unclear. Here, we summarize the molecular immune mechanism of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in the occurrence and development of liver cancer and reveal the important role of the microbiota-gut-liver axis in liver cancer. In addition, we describe how the intestinal flora can be balanced by antibiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, and fecal bacteria transplantation to improve the treatment of liver cancer. This review describes the immunomolecular mechanism of intestinal microbiota and their metabolites in the occurrence and development of hepatic cancer and provides theoretical evidence support for future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Bi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Geqiong Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Chunyan Liu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Shaoxing People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Junwei Yan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jiaqi Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Wenzhang Si
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical College of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
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27
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Méndez-Guerrero O, Calle-Rodas DA, Cervantes-Alvarez E, Alatorre-Arenas E, Pérez-Escobar J, Navarro-Alvarez N, Torre A. Renal and brain failure predict mortality of patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure admitted to the intensive care unit. Ann Hepatol 2021; 22:100270. [PMID: 33091594 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2020.09.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Acute on Chronic Liver Failure (ACLF) is characterized by organ failure and high 28-day mortality. Identifying clinical predictors associated with early mortality could have implications for the treatment of patients with ACLF. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients diagnosed with chronic liver failure that developed ACLF based on the EASL-CLIF Consortium definition admitted to the Intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital between 2012-2018 were included. Bivariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with mortality. RESULTS 148 patients (55% female) were diagnosed with ACLF of which 55% (n = 82) had ACLF grade 3, 28% (n = 41) grade 2 and 17% (n = 25) grade 1. The median age was 54 years (41-63). Hepatitis C virus (HCV) was the most frequent etiology in 29.8% (n = 44) of the patients with bacterial infection being the most predominant precipitant factor in 58.1% (n = 86). Ninety-day global cumulative survival was only 18%. When divided by grade, mortality reached to 10% in ACLF 3. Moreover, in the multivariate Cox regression analysis, renal failure (HR 3.26, 95% CI (2.13-4.99), brain failure (HR 1.37, 95% CI 1.09-2.04) and male sex (HR 1.62, 95% CI 1.10-2.40) were independent predictors of 28- and 90-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS ACLF is a frequent syndrome among chronic liver disease patients. Brain and renal failure are significantly associated with higher mortality and are independent predictors of 28 and 90-day mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvely Méndez-Guerrero
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Department of Gastroenterology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Daniel A Calle-Rodas
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Department of Gastroenterology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Cervantes-Alvarez
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Department of Gastroenterology, Mexico City, Mexico; PECEM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elisa Alatorre-Arenas
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Department of Gastroenterology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juanita Pérez-Escobar
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Department of Gastroenterology, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Nalu Navarro-Alvarez
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Department of Gastroenterology, Mexico City, Mexico; Universidad Panamericana School of Medicine, Campus México, Mexico City, Mexico; Department of Surgery, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Denver, CO, United States.
| | - Aldo Torre
- Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Department of Gastroenterology, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Abstract
The microbiome modulates key processes in metabolism, inflammation, and immunity and plays pivotal roles in many gastrointestinal and liver diseases. Recent experimental studies have demonstrated a key role of the microbiome in hepatocarcinogenesis. Dysfunctions of the gut bacterial flora have a significant effect on liver disease. Dysbiosis is found to be associated with chronic liver diseases. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality. The majority of HCC develops in patients with chronic liver disease, caused by chronic viral hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and alcohol-related fatty liver disease. This review discusses molecular mechanisms of gut microbiome-related hepatocarcinogenesis and the impact of dysbiosis on chronic liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hikmet Akkız
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The University of Çukurova, Adana, Turkey.
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What's New in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy?-Review Article. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121285. [PMID: 34945757 PMCID: PMC8705028 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a relatively new medical term. The constant development of novel diagnostic and clinical tools continuously delivers new data and findings about this broad disorder. The purpose of this review is to summarize current facts about CCM, identify gaps of knowledge, and indicate the direction in which to prepare an updated definition of CCM. We performed a review of the literature using scientific data sources with an emphasis on the latest findings. CCM is a clinical manifestation of disorders in the circulatory system in the course of portal hypertension. It is characterized by impaired left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and electrophysiological abnormalities, especially QT interval prolongation. However, signs and symptoms reported by patients are non-specific and include reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, peripheral oedema, and ascites. The disease usually remains asymptomatic with almost normal heart function, unless patients are exposed to stress or exertion. Unfortunately, due to the subclinical course, CCM is rarely recognized. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) seems to improve circulatory function although there is no consensus about its positive effect, with reported cases of heart failure onset after transplantation. Researchers indicate a careful pre-, peri-, and post-transplant cardiac assessment as a crucial point in detecting CCM and improving patients’ prognosis. There is also an urgent need to update the CCM definition and establish a diagnostic algorithm for early diagnosis of CCM as well as a specific treatment of this condition.
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Mani I, Vrioni G, Hadziyannis E, Alexopoulos T, Vasilieva L, Tsiriga A, Tsiamis C, Tsakris A, Dourakis SP, Alexopoulou A. Bacterial DNA is a prognostic factor for mortality in patients who recover from spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Ann Gastroenterol 2021; 34:852-861. [PMID: 34815652 PMCID: PMC8596224 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2021.0665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is associated with a high mortality. The aim was to investigate whether bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid (bactDNA) could offer an accurate identification of pathogens and to explore its prognostic role during and early after an SBP episode. Methods Consecutive patients with SBP (SBP-group) and patients with decompensated cirrhosis without SBP/bacterascites (control-group) were enrolled. Standard culture methodology was used to isolate and identify pathogens from blood and ascitic fluid (AF). The SeptiFast test was used to identify bactDNA directly from AF. Results Fifty-five patients, median age 60 (interquartile range [IQR] 53-74), model-for-end-stage liver disease (MELD) score 18 (IQR 13-29), with SBP were prospectively included. AF cultures were positive in 52.7% (17.2% drug-resistant bacteria) and bactDNA in 29.1% (58.2% combined sensitivity). BactDNA results were 84.6% concordant with AF cultures. Three patients had positive bactDNA in the culture-negative SBP-group. BactDNA was negative in all 36 of the control group (100% specificity). In multivariate analysis for 7-day survival, factors adversely affecting outcome were MELD (P=0.049) and C-reactive protein (P=0.012). After patients who died during the first week post-admission were excluded, patients with positive bactDNA had a poor prognosis compared to those with a negative test (log-rank P=0.005). Variables independently associated with 30-day mortality were neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (P=0.011) and positive bactDNA (P=0.020). Conclusions No evidence was found for the usefulness of bactDNA to improve bacterial identification during an SBP episode. However, bactDNA was a predictor of 30-day mortality in the subset of patients who recovered from the infection episode.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iliana Mani
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine and Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece (Iliana Mani, Emilia Hadziyannis, Theodoros Alexopoulos, Larisa Vasilieva, Athanasia Tsiriga, Spyros P. Dourakis, Alexandra Alexopoulou)
| | - Georgia Vrioni
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece (Georgia Vrioni, Constantinos Tsiamis, Athanasios Tsakris)
| | - Emilia Hadziyannis
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine and Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece (Iliana Mani, Emilia Hadziyannis, Theodoros Alexopoulos, Larisa Vasilieva, Athanasia Tsiriga, Spyros P. Dourakis, Alexandra Alexopoulou)
| | - Theodoros Alexopoulos
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine and Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece (Iliana Mani, Emilia Hadziyannis, Theodoros Alexopoulos, Larisa Vasilieva, Athanasia Tsiriga, Spyros P. Dourakis, Alexandra Alexopoulou)
| | - Larisa Vasilieva
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine and Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece (Iliana Mani, Emilia Hadziyannis, Theodoros Alexopoulos, Larisa Vasilieva, Athanasia Tsiriga, Spyros P. Dourakis, Alexandra Alexopoulou)
| | - Athanasia Tsiriga
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine and Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece (Iliana Mani, Emilia Hadziyannis, Theodoros Alexopoulos, Larisa Vasilieva, Athanasia Tsiriga, Spyros P. Dourakis, Alexandra Alexopoulou)
| | - Constantinos Tsiamis
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece (Georgia Vrioni, Constantinos Tsiamis, Athanasios Tsakris)
| | - Athanasios Tsakris
- Department of Microbiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece (Georgia Vrioni, Constantinos Tsiamis, Athanasios Tsakris)
| | - Spyros P Dourakis
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine and Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece (Iliana Mani, Emilia Hadziyannis, Theodoros Alexopoulos, Larisa Vasilieva, Athanasia Tsiriga, Spyros P. Dourakis, Alexandra Alexopoulou)
| | - Alexandra Alexopoulou
- 2 Department of Internal Medicine and Research Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Hippokration Hospital, Athens, Greece (Iliana Mani, Emilia Hadziyannis, Theodoros Alexopoulos, Larisa Vasilieva, Athanasia Tsiriga, Spyros P. Dourakis, Alexandra Alexopoulou)
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Bartolini I, Risaliti M, Tucci R, Muiesan P, Ringressi MN, Taddei A, Amedei A. Gut microbiota and immune system in liver cancer: Promising therapeutic implication from development to treatment. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1616-1631. [PMID: 34853639 PMCID: PMC8603449 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent primary liver tumour, followed by cholangiocarcinoma. Notably, secondary tumours represent up to 90% of liver tumours. Chronic liver disease is a recognised risk factor for liver cancer development. Up to 90% of the patients with HCC and about 20% of those with cholangiocarcinoma have an underlying liver alteration. The gut microbiota-liver axis represents the bidirectional relationship between gut microbiota, its metabolites and the liver through the portal flow. The interplay between the immune system and gut microbiota is also well-known. Although primarily resulting from experiments in animal models and on HCC, growing evidence suggests a causal role for the gut microbiota in the development and progression of chronic liver pathologies and liver tumours. Despite the curative intent of "traditional" treatments, tumour recurrence remains high. Therefore, microbiota modulation is an appealing therapeutic target for liver cancer prevention and treatment. Furthermore, microbiota could represent a non-invasive biomarker for early liver cancer diagnosis. This review summarises the potential role of the microbiota and immune system in primary and secondary liver cancer development, focusing on the potential therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Bartolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Matteo Risaliti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Rosaria Tucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Paolo Muiesan
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Ringressi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Antonio Taddei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, SOD of Interdisciplinary Internal Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi (AOUC), Florence 50134, Italy
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Maslennikov R, Ivashkin V, Efremova I, Poluektova E, Shirokova E. Gut-liver axis in cirrhosis: Are hemodynamic changes a missing link? World J Clin Cases 2021; 9:9320-9332. [PMID: 34877269 PMCID: PMC8610853 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i31.9320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests that the condition of the gut and its microbiota greatly influence the course of liver disease, especially cirrhosis. This introduces the concept of the gut–liver axis, which can be imagined as a chain connected by several links. Gut dysbiosis, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and intestinal barrier alteration lead to bacterial translocation, resulting in systemic inflammation. Systemic inflammation further causes vasodilation, arterial hypotension, and hyperdynamic circulation, leading to the aggravation of portal hypertension, which contributes to the development of complications of cirrhosis, resulting in a poorer prognosis. The majority of the data underlying this model were obtained initially from animal experiments, and most of these correlations were further reproduced in studies including patients with cirrhosis. However, despite the published data on the relationship of the disorders of the gut microbiota with the complications of cirrhosis and the proposed pathogenetic role of hemodynamic disorders in their development, the direct relations between gut dysbiosis and hemodynamic changes in this disease are poorly studied. They remain a missing link in the gut–liver axis and a challenge for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Maslennikov
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov University, Moscow 119435, Russia
- The Interregional Public Organization "Scientific Community for the Promotion of the Clinical Study of the Human Microbiome", Moscow 119435, Russia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Consultative and Diagnostic Center of the Moscow City Health Department, Moscow 107564, Russia
| | - Vladimir Ivashkin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov University, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Irina Efremova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov University, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Elena Poluektova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov University, Moscow 119435, Russia
- The Interregional Public Organization "Scientific Community for the Promotion of the Clinical Study of the Human Microbiome", Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Elena Shirokova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Sechenov University, Moscow 119435, Russia
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Wang RR, Gu HQ, Wei YY, Yang JX, Hou YX, Liu HM, Yang ZY, Wang XB, Jiang YY. Development and Validation of a Prognostic Model for One-year Survival of Cirrhosis Patients with First-ever Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:647-654. [PMID: 34722179 PMCID: PMC8516845 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is one of the leading causes of death in patients with liver cirrhosis. We aimed to establish a prognostic model to evaluate the 1-year survival of cirrhosis patients after the first episode of SBP. METHODS A prognostic model was developed based on a retrospective derivation cohort of 309 cirrhosis patients with first-ever SBP and was validated in a separate validation cohort of 141 patients. We used Uno's concordance, calibration curve, and decision curve (DCA) analysis to evaluate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical net benefit of the model. RESULTS A total of 59 (19.1%) patients in the derivation cohort and 42 (29.8%) patients in the validation cohort died over the course of 1 year. A prognostic model in nomogram form was developed with predictors including age [hazard ratio (HR): 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.92-1.71], total serum bilirubin (HR: 1.66; 95% CI: 1.28-2.14), serum sodium (HR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.90-0.98), history of hypertension (HR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.44-4.41) and hepatic encephalopathy (HR: 2.06; 95% CI: 1.13-3.73). The nomogram had a higher concordance (0.79) compared with the model end-stage liver disease (0.67) or Child-Turcotte-Pugh (0.71) score. The nomogram also showed acceptable calibration (calibration slope, 1.12; Bier score, 0.15±0.21) and optimal clinical net benefit in the validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS This prediction model developed based on characteristics of first-ever SBP patients may benefit the prediction of patients' 1-year survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Rui Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Graduate School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Qiu Gu
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- National Center for Healthcare Quality Management in Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Ying Wei
- The first Clinical School, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Xiang Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xin Hou
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui-Min Liu
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Yun Yang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xian-Bo Wang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Yong Jiang
- Center of Integrative Medicine, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Correspondence to: Yu-Yong Jiang, Beijing Diantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6082-1180. Tel: +86-13552175162, E-mail:
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Kim SE, Park JW, Kim HS, Jang MK, Suk KT, Kim DJ. The Role of Gut Dysbiosis in Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111680. [PMID: 34769109 PMCID: PMC8584227 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is an important syndrome of liver failure that has a high risk of short-term mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. The development of ACLF is associated with proinflammatory precipitating events, such as infection, alcoholic hepatitis, and intense systemic inflammation. Recently, the role of the gut microbiome has increasingly emerged in human health and disease. Additionally, the gut microbiome might have a major role in the development of liver disease. In this review, we examine evidence to support the role of gut dysbiosis in cirrhosis and ACLF. Additionally, we explore the mechanism by which the gut microbiome contributes to the development of ACLF, with a focus on alcohol-induced liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Eun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (S.-E.K.); (J.W.P.); (H.S.K.); (M.-K.J.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Ji Won Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (S.-E.K.); (J.W.P.); (H.S.K.); (M.-K.J.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Hyung Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (S.-E.K.); (J.W.P.); (H.S.K.); (M.-K.J.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Myoung-Kuk Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (S.-E.K.); (J.W.P.); (H.S.K.); (M.-K.J.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Ki Tae Suk
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (S.-E.K.); (J.W.P.); (H.S.K.); (M.-K.J.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Dong Joon Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea; (S.-E.K.); (J.W.P.); (H.S.K.); (M.-K.J.); (K.T.S.)
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82–33–240–5646
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Villanueva C, Albillos A, Genescà J, Garcia-Pagan JC, Brujats A, Calleja JL, Aracil C, Bañares R, Morillas RM, Poca M, Peñas B, Augustin S, Abraldes JG, Alvarado E, Torres F, Bosch J. Bacterial infections adversely influence the risk of decompensation and survival in compensated cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 75:589-599. [PMID: 33905794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The prognosis of compensated cirrhosis is good until decompensation. In decompensated cirrhosis, bacterial infections (BIs) are common and increase the risk of death. The incidence and prognostic implications of BIs in compensated cirrhosis are less-well characterized. This study aimed to assess whether BIs influence the risk of decompensation and survival in patients with compensated cirrhosis. METHODS This is a cohort study nested to the PREDESCI study, a double-blind, multicenter, randomized controlled trial designed to assess whether β-blockers could prevent decompensation of cirrhosis. Patients with compensated cirrhosis and hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥10 mmHg were included. Development of BIs during follow-up was prospectively registered. Using a competing-risk time-dependent regression analysis, we investigated whether BIs affect the risk of decompensation and survival. Decompensation was defined as development of ascites, bleeding or overt encephalopathy. RESULTS A total of 201 patients were randomized and followed for a median of 36 months (IQR 24-47 months); 34 patients (17%) developed BIs, which occurred before decompensation in 33 cases, and 29 (14%) developed ascites. Respiratory and urinary tract infections were the most frequent BIs. Decompensation occurred in 26% patients with BIs vs. 16% without BIs. Patients with BIs were at higher risk of decompensation (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR] 2.93; 95% CI 1.02-8.42; p = 0.047) and of developing ascites (SHR 3.55; 95% CI 1.21-10.47; p = 0.022) than those without BIs. Risk of death was also higher in patients with BIs (subdistribution HR 6.93; 95% CI 2.64-18.18; p <0.001), although decompensation occurred before death in 71% of such cases. CONCLUSIONS BIs have a marked impact on the natural history of compensated cirrhosis, significantly increasing the risk of decompensation, mainly that of ascites, and increasing the risk of death, which usually occurs after decompensation. Our results suggest that BIs may constitute a target to prevent decompensation. LAY SUMMARY It is widely known that bacterial infections are common and increase the mortality risk in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. However, the relevance of bacterial infections in compensated cirrhosis has not been well studied. This study shows that in patients with compensated cirrhosis and clinically significant portal hypertension, bacterial infections occur as frequently as the development of ascites, which is the most frequent decompensating event. Bacterial infections increase the risk of progression to decompensation, mainly by increasing the risk of ascites, and also increase the risk of death, which usually occurs after decompensation. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV IDENTIFIER NCT01059396.
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Affiliation(s)
- Càndid Villanueva
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08025, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain.
| | - Agustín Albillos
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Genescà
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan C Garcia-Pagan
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain(‡)
| | - Anna Brujats
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08025, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José L Calleja
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro, IDIPHIM, Universidad Autónoma de Madird, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carles Aracil
- Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova, Lleida, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica (IRBLleida), Spain
| | - Rafael Bañares
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, IISGM, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rosa M Morillas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Liver Section, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, IGTP, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - María Poca
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08025, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain
| | - Beatriz Peñas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), Universidad de Alcalá, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Augustin
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Liver Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain(‡); Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Edilmar Alvarado
- Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08025, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain
| | - Ferran Torres
- Medical Statistics Core Facility, IDIBAPS, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain; Biostatistics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Bosch
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Spain; Barcelona Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, Hospital Clínic, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain(‡); University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University, Switzerland
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The Gut Microbiota-Derived Immune Response in Chronic Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158309. [PMID: 34361075 PMCID: PMC8347749 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic liver disease, the causative factor is important; however, recently, the intestinal microbiome has been associated with the progression of chronic liver disease and the occurrence of side effects. The immune system is affected by the metabolites of the microbiome, and diet is the primary regulator of the microbiota composition and function in the gut–liver axis. These metabolites can be used as therapeutic material, and postbiotics, in the future, can increase or decrease human immunity by modulating inflammation and immune reactions. Therefore, the excessive intake of nutrients and the lack of nutrition have important effects on immunity and inflammation. Evidence has been published indicating that microbiome-induced chronic inflammation and the consequent immune dysregulation affect the development of chronic liver disease. In this research paper, we discuss the overall trend of microbiome-derived substances related to immunity and the future research directions.
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Transition to decompensation and acute-on-chronic liver failure: Role of predisposing factors and precipitating events. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S36-S48. [PMID: 34039491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The transition from compensated to decompensated cirrhosis results from a complex interplay of predisposing and precipitating factors and represents an inflection point in the probability of a patient surviving. With the progression of cirrhosis, patients accumulate multiple disorders (e.g. altered liver architecture, portal hypertension, local and systemic inflammation, bacterial translocation, gut dysbiosis, kidney vasoconstriction) that predispose them to decompensation. On the background of these factors, precipitating events (e.g. bacterial infection, alcoholic hepatitis, variceal haemorrhage, drug-induced liver injury, flare of liver disease) lead to acute decompensation (ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal bleeding, jaundice) and/or organ failures, which characterise acute-on-chronic liver failure. In this review paper, we will discuss the current hypotheses and latest evidences regarding predisposing and precipitating factors associated with the transition to decompensated liver disease.
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38
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Jalan R, D'Amico G, Trebicka J, Moreau R, Angeli P, Arroyo V. New clinical and pathophysiological perspectives defining the trajectory of cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S14-S26. [PMID: 34039485 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, the complications of cirrhosis, namely variceal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, were thought to result predominantly from circulatory dysfunction and altered organ perfusion arising as a result of portal hypertension. Over the past 20 years, large, international prospective studies have indicated the importance of systemic inflammation and organ immunopathology as additional determinants of organ dysfunction in cirrhosis, which not only manifests in the liver, brain, circulation and the kidneys, but also the immune system, gut, muscles, adrenal glands, reproductive organs, heart and lungs. This review provides an overview of the traditional and emerging concepts around the initiation and maintenance of organ dysfunction in cirrhosis and proposes a new paradigm based upon a better understanding of acute decompensation of cirrhosis. The interaction between the traditional concepts and the emerging perspectives remains a matter of great interest and the basis for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajiv Jalan
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Failure Group, Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, UCL Medical School, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Gennaro D'Amico
- Gastroenterology Unit, Ospedale Cervello and University of Palermo, Italy
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; JW Goethe University Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Richard Moreau
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; APHP, Hôpital Beaujon, Service d'Hépatologie, Clichy, France; Inserm, Université de Paris, Centre de Recherche sur L'Inflammation, Paris, France
| | - Paolo Angeli
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain; University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Vicente Arroyo
- European Foundation for Study of Chronic Liver Failure, EF-Clif, Barcelona, Spain
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Engelmann C, Clària J, Szabo G, Bosch J, Bernardi M. Pathophysiology of decompensated cirrhosis: Portal hypertension, circulatory dysfunction, inflammation, metabolism and mitochondrial dysfunction. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S49-S66. [PMID: 34039492 PMCID: PMC9272511 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis have a dismal prognosis and frequently progress to acute-on-chronic liver failure, which is characterised by hepatic and extrahepatic organ failure(s). The pathomechanisms involved in decompensation and disease progression are still not well understood, and as specific disease-modifying treatments do not exist, research to identify novel therapeutic targets is of the utmost importance. This review amalgamates the latest knowledge on disease mechanisms that lead to tissue injury and extrahepatic organ failure - such as systemic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and metabolic changes - and marries these with the classical paradigms of acute decompensation to form a single paradigm. With this detailed breakdown of pathomechanisms, we identify areas for future research. Novel disease-modifying strategies that break the vicious cycle are urgently required to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelius Engelmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Section Hepatology, Clinic for Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany.
| | - Joan Clària
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure (EF-Clif) and Grifols Chair, Barcelona, Spain,Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital ClínicIDIBAPS and CIBERehd, Spain,Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gyongyi Szabo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Jaume Bosch
- IDIBAPS and CIBERehd, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain,Department for Biomedical Research (DBMR), Bern University, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences; Alma Mater Studiorum – University of Bologna; Italy
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Nishimura N, Kaji K, Kitagawa K, Sawada Y, Furukawa M, Ozutsumi T, Fujinaga Y, Tsuji Y, Takaya H, Kawaratani H, Moriya K, Namisaki T, Akahane T, Fukui H, Yoshiji H. Intestinal Permeability Is a Mechanical Rheostat in the Pathogenesis of Liver Cirrhosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136921. [PMID: 34203178 PMCID: PMC8267717 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that an alteration in the gut microbiota and their products, particularly endotoxins derived from Gram-negative bacteria, may play a major role in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Gut dysbiosis caused by a high-fat diet and alcohol consumption induces increased intestinal permeability, which means higher translocation of bacteria and their products and components, including endotoxins, the so-called "leaky gut". Clinical studies have found that plasma endotoxin levels are elevated in patients with chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease and nonalcoholic liver disease. A decrease in commensal nonpathogenic bacteria including Ruminococaceae and Lactobacillus and an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria such as Bacteroidaceae and Enterobacteriaceae are observed in cirrhotic patients. The decreased diversity of the gut microbiota in cirrhotic patients before liver transplantation is also related to a higher incidence of post-transplant infections and cognitive impairment. The exposure to endotoxins activates macrophages via Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), leading to a greater production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8, which play key roles in the progression of liver diseases. TLR4 is a major receptor activated by the binding of endotoxins in macrophages, and its downstream signal induces proinflammatory cytokines. The expression of TLR4 is also observed in nonimmune cells in the liver, such as hepatic stellate cells, which play a crucial role in the progression of liver fibrosis that develops into hepatocarcinogenesis, suggesting the importance of the interaction between endotoxemia and TLR4 signaling as a target for preventing liver disease progression. In this review, we summarize the findings for the role of gut-derived endotoxemia underlying the progression of liver pathogenesis.
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Carnevale R, Sciarretta S, Valenti V, di Nonno F, Calvieri C, Nocella C, Frati G, Forte M, d'Amati G, Pignataro MG, Severino A, Cangemi R, Arrivi A, Dominici M, Mangieri E, Gaudio C, Tanzilli G, Violi F. Low-grade endotoxaemia enhances artery thrombus growth via Toll-like receptor 4: implication for myocardial infarction. Eur Heart J 2021; 41:3156-3165. [PMID: 31898723 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehz893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Low-grade endotoxaemia is detectable in human circulation but its role in thrombosis is still unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS We measured serum lipopolysaccharide (LPS) concentration, soluble P-selectin (sP-selectin), a marker of platelet activation, and zonulin, a marker of gut permeability, in peripheral circulation, coronary thrombi, and intracoronary blood of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, n = 50) and stable angina (SA) (n = 50), respectively, and in controls (n = 50). Experimental study was carried out in mice to assess if Escherichia coli-LPS (E. coli-LPS) possess thrombotic property. Coronary thrombi from STEMI showed higher concentrations of LPS, sP-selectin vs. intracoronary blood of SA and peripheral blood of controls (P < 0.001). Zonulin was higher in STEMI compared to the other two groups [4.57 (3.34-5.22); 2.56 (0.41-4.36); 1.95 (1.22-2.65) ng/mL; P < 0.001] and correlated with LPS (Rs = 0.585; P < 0.001). Escherichia coli DNA was positive in 34% of STEMI vs. 12% of SA and 4% of controls (P < 0.001). In a subgroup of 12 STEMI, immunohistochemical analysis of coronary thrombi showed positivity for leucocyte Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), cathepsin G, and LPS from E. coli in 100%, 80%, and 25% of samples, respectively. E. coli-LPS injected in mice to reach LPS concentrations like those detected in coronary thrombi was associated with enhanced artery thrombosis and platelet activation, an effect blunted by TLR4 inhibitor co-administration. In vitro study demonstrated that LPS from E. coli enhanced platelet aggregation via TLR4-mediated leucocyte cathepsin G activation. CONCLUSION ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients disclose an enhanced gut permeability that results in LPS translocation in human circulation and eventually thrombus growth at site of artery lesion via leucocyte-platelet interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Carnevale
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina 04100, Italy.,Mediterranea Cardiocentro, via Orazio 2, Napoli 80122, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Sciarretta
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina 04100, Italy.,IRCCS NeuroMed, via Atinense 18, Pozzilli 86077, Italy
| | - Valentina Valenti
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina 04100, Italy
| | | | - Camilla Calvieri
- Department of Cardiovascular, Respiratory, Nephrology, Anesthesiology and Geriatric Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Cristina Nocella
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Giacomo Frati
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Corso della Repubblica 79, Latina 04100, Italy.,IRCCS NeuroMed, via Atinense 18, Pozzilli 86077, Italy
| | | | - Giulia d'Amati
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Maria G Pignataro
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Anna Severino
- Institute of Cardiology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Roberto Cangemi
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Alessio Arrivi
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Santa Maria Hospital, Viale Tristano di Joannuccio, Terni 05100, Italy
| | - Marcello Dominici
- Interventional Cardiology Unit, Santa Maria Hospital, Viale Tristano di Joannuccio, Terni 05100, Italy
| | - Enrico Mangieri
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Carlo Gaudio
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Gaetano Tanzilli
- Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Francesco Violi
- Mediterranea Cardiocentro, via Orazio 2, Napoli 80122, Italy.,Department of Clinical, Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, Rome 00161, Italy
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Suppli MP, Bagger JI, Lelouvier B, Broha A, Demant M, Kønig MJ, Strandberg C, Lund A, Vilsbøll T, Knop FK. Hepatic microbiome in healthy lean and obese humans. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100299. [PMID: 34169247 PMCID: PMC8207208 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in response to an energy-rich Western diet and the potential leak of bacteria and/or bacterial products from the intestine to the liver is perceived as a potential risk factor for the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We investigated the microbiome in liver biopsies from healthy lean and obese individuals and compared it with their blood microbiome. Methods We examined liver biopsies from 15 healthy lean and 14 obese individuals (BMI of 18.5-25 and 30-40 kg/m2, respectively). Bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) was analysed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and 16S metagenomic sequencing targeting the hypervariable V3-V4 region. Metagenomic analysis was performed using the linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) algorithm. Data are medians with IQRs in brackets. Results Histology revealed hepatic steatosis in 13 obese individuals and in 2 lean individuals. A robust signal from qPCR revealed significantly higher amounts of bacterial rDNA copies in liver samples from obese individuals compared with those from lean individuals (148 [118-167] vs. 77 [62-122] 16S copies/ng DNA, p <0.001). Liver biopsies from the obese group were characterised by lower alpha diversity at the phylum level (Shannon index 0.60 [0.55-0.76] vs. 0.73 [0.62-0.90], p = 0.025), and metagenomic profiling revealed a significantly higher proportion of Proteobacteria in this group (81.0% [73.0-82.4%] vs. 74.3% [68.4-78.4%], p = 0.014). Conclusions We provide evidence for the presence of bacterial rDNA in the healthy human liver. Based on differences in the hepatic microbiome between obese individuals and healthy lean individuals, we suggest that changes in the liver microbiome could constitute an additional risk factor for the development of NAFLD. Lay summary Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common liver disease globally, and new evidence suggests that obesity is associated with a disturbed gut bacterial composition, which may influence the development of NAFLD. We examined the composition of bacterial DNA in liver biopsies from healthy lean and obese individuals and found a different composition of bacterial DNA in liver biopsies from the obese group. We propose that the increased bacterial DNA load in the livers of obese individuals could constitute an early risk factor for the progression of NAFLD. Clinical trial number NCT02337660.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malte Palm Suppli
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Jonatan Ising Bagger
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | | | | | - Mia Demant
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Merete Juhl Kønig
- Department of Radiology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Strandberg
- Department of Radiology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Asger Lund
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark
| | - Tina Vilsbøll
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark
| | - Filip Krag Knop
- Center for Clinical Metabolic Research, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hellerup, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Steno Diabetes Center Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark.,Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Peña-Cearra A, Belanche A, Gonzalez-Lopez M, Lavín JL, Pascual-Itoiz MÁ, Jiménez E, Rodríguez H, Aransay AM, Anguita J, Yáñez-Ruiz DR, Abecia L. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) microbiome is not affected by colon microbiota in healthy goats. Anim Microbiome 2021; 3:28. [PMID: 33853683 PMCID: PMC8048065 DOI: 10.1186/s42523-021-00091-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The knowledge about blood circulating microbiome and its functional relevance in healthy individuals remains limited. An assessment of changes in the circulating microbiome was performed by sequencing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) bacterial DNA from goats supplemented or not in early life with rumen liquid transplantation. Results Most of the bacterial DNA associated to PBMC was identified predominantly as Proteobacteria (55%) followed by Firmicutes (24%), Bacteroidetes (11%) and Actinobacteria (8%). The predominant genera found in PBMC samples were Pseudomonas, Prevotella, Sphingomonas, Acinetobacter, Corynebacterium and Ruminococcus. Other genera such as Butyrivibrivio, Bifidobacterium, Dorea and Coprococcus were also present in lower proportions. Several species known as blood pathogens or others involved in gut homeostasis such as Faecalibacterium prausnitzii were also identified. However, the PBMC microbiome phylum composition differed from that in the colon of goats (P ≤ 0.001), where Firmicutes was the predominant phylum (83%). Although, rumen liquid administration in early-life altered bacterial community structure and increased Tlr5 expression (P = 0.020) in colon pointing to higher bacterial translocation, less than 8% of OTUs in colon were also observed in PBMCs. Conclusions Data suggest that in physiological conditions, PBMC microbiome differs from and is not affected by colon gut microbiota in small ruminants. Although, further studies with larger number of animals and covering other animal tissues are required, results point to a common circulating bacterial profile on mammals being phylum Proteobacteria, and genera Pseudomonas and Prevotella the most abundants. All suggest that PBMC microbiome in healthy ruminants could be implicated in homeostatic condition. This study expands our knowledge about PBMC microbiome contribution to health in farm animals. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42523-021-00091-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ainize Peña-Cearra
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 801 A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Apartado 699, 48080, Bilbao, Spain
| | | | - Monika Gonzalez-Lopez
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 801 A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - José Luis Lavín
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 801 A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,Present Address: NEIKER Instituto Vasco de Investigación y Desarrollo Agrario, Parque Tecnológico Bizkaia Ed. 812, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | | | | | - Héctor Rodríguez
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 801 A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Mª Aransay
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 801 A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,CIBERehd, ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan Anguita
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 801 A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Bizkaia, Spain
| | | | - Leticia Abecia
- CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 801 A, 48160, Derio, Bizkaia, Spain. .,Departamento de Inmunología, Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad del País Vasco/Euskal Herriko Unibertsitatea (UPV/EHU), Apartado 699, 48080, Bilbao, Spain.
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The systemic inflammation hypothesis: Towards a new paradigm of acute decompensation and multiorgan failure in cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 74:670-685. [PMID: 33301825 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute decompensation (AD) of cirrhosis is defined by the development of ascites, hepatic encephalopathy and/or variceal bleeding. Ascites is traditionally attributed to splanchnic arterial vasodilation and left ventricular dysfunction, hepatic encephalopathy to hyperammonaemia, and variceal haemorrhage to portal hypertension. Recent large-scale European observational studies have shown that systemic inflammation is a hallmark of AD. Here we present a working hypothesis, the systemic inflammation hypothesis, suggesting that systemic inflammation through an impairment of the functions of one or more of the major organ systems may be a common theme and act synergistically with the traditional mechanisms involved in the development of AD. Systemic inflammation may impair organ system function through mechanisms which are not mutually exclusive. The first mechanism is a nitric oxide-mediated accentuation of the preexisting splanchnic vasodilation, resulting in the overactivation of the endogenous vasoconstrictor systems which elicit intense vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion in certain vascular beds, in particular the renal circulation. Second, systemic inflammation may cause immune-mediated tissue damage, a process called immunopathology. Finally, systemic inflammation may induce important metabolic changes. Indeed, systemic inflammatory responses are energetically expensive processes, requiring reallocation of nutrients (glucose, amino acids and lipids) to fuel immune activation. Systemic inflammation also inhibits nutrient consumption in peripheral (non-immune) organs, an effect that may provide one mechanism of reallocation and prioritisation of metabolic fuels for inflammatory responses. However, the decrease in nutrient consumption in peripheral organs may result in decreased mitochondrial production of ATP (energy) and subsequently impaired organ function.
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Zhang W, Meng Y, Jing J, Wu Y, Li S. Influence of periodontal treatment on blood microbiotas: a clinical trial. PeerJ 2021; 9:e10846. [PMID: 33628640 PMCID: PMC7894104 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.10846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effects of periodontal treatment on the abundance and diversity of blood microbiota. Methods and Materials Twenty-seven periodontitis patients were randomly allocated to a control group (A) and two test groups (B1 and B2). Group A patients received full-mouth scaling and root planing (SRP), group B1 patients received subgingival glycine air polishing (GAP) right after SRP, and group B2 patients received subgingival glycine air polishing right before SRP. Peripheral blood samples were obtained at the baseline, the day after periodontal treatment, and 6 weeks after treatment and evaluated using nested polymerase chain reaction and 16SrRNA Gene Sequencing (Miseq platform). Results All participants exhibited significant improvements in the clinical parameters evaluated at the 6-week follow-up visit compared to the values at the baseline, but no significant differences were observed between the three groups. The total bacterial count was lowest in group B2. The bacterial species diversity (α-diversity) in group B1 was significantly higher (Chao-1 index, P = 0.03) and Porphyromonas and Pantoea were the dominant genera (linear discriminant analysis (LDA > 2)) in this group the day after treatment compared to the baseline. No significant difference was detected in the relative abundance and α-diversity of blood microbiota between the baseline and 6 weeks after treatment. Conclusion Local periodontal treatment merely disrupts the stability of blood microbiota in the short term. Periodontitis treatment using full-mouth SRP followed by adjunctive GAP is a promising approach to reduce the introduction of bacteria into the bloodstream during the procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Zhang
- Department of Periodontology, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital Affliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yang Meng
- Department of Prosthodontics, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital Affliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Jin Jing
- Department of Periodontology, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital Affliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Yingtao Wu
- Department of Periodontology, Qingdao Stomatological Hospital Affliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Periodontology, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University & Shandong Key Laboratory of Oral Tissue Regeneration & Shandong Engineering Laboratory for Dental Materials and Oral Tissue Regeneration, Jinan, Shandong, China
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46
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Wang R, Tang R, Li B, Ma X, Schnabl B, Tilg H. Gut microbiome, liver immunology, and liver diseases. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:4-17. [PMID: 33318628 PMCID: PMC7852541 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00592-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota is a complex and plastic consortium of microorganisms that are intricately connected with human physiology. The liver is a central immunological organ that is particularly enriched in innate immune cells and constantly exposed to circulating nutrients and endotoxins derived from the gut microbiota. The delicate interaction between the gut and liver prevents accidental immune activation against otherwise harmless antigens. Work on the interplay between the gut microbiota and liver has assisted in understanding the pathophysiology of various liver diseases. Of immense importance is the step from high-throughput sequencing (correlation) to mechanistic studies (causality) and therapeutic intervention. Here, we review the gut microbiota, liver immunology, and the interaction between the gut and liver. In addition, the impairment in the gut-liver axis found in various liver diseases is reviewed here, with an emphasis on alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and autoimmune liver disease (AILD). On the basis of growing evidence from these preclinical studies, we propose that the gut-liver axis paves the way for targeted therapeutic modalities for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Li
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ministry of Health, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, 145 Middle Shandong Road, 200001, Shanghai, China.
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology & Metabolism, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Lee DU, Fan GH, Hastie DJ, Prakasam VN, Addonizio EA, Ahern RR, Seog KJ, Karagozian R. The Clinical Impact of Cirrhosis on the Hospital Outcomes of Patients Admitted With Influenza Infection: Propensity Score Matched Analysis of 2011-2017 US Hospital Data. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 11:531-543. [PMID: 34511813 PMCID: PMC8414330 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Patients with cirrhosis have liver-related immune dysfunction that potentially predisposes the patients to increased influenza infection risk. Our study evaluates this cross-sectional relationship using a national registry of hospital patients. METHODS This study included the 2011-2017 National Inpatient Sample database. From this, respiratory influenza cases were isolated and stratified using the presence of cirrhosis into a cirrhosis-present study cohort and cirrhosis-absent controls; propensity score matching method was used to match the controls to the study cohort (cirrhosis-present) using a 1:1 matching ratio. The endpoints included mortality, length of stay, hospitalization costs, and influenza-related complications. RESULTS Following the match, there were 2,040 with cirrhosis and matched 2,040 without cirrhosis admitted with respiratory influenza infection. Compared to the controls, cirrhosis patients had higher in-hospital mortality (7.79 vs 3.43% p < 0.001, OR 2.38 95% CI 1.78-3.17), longer length of stay (7.25 vs 6.52 d p < 0.001), higher hospitalization costs ($70,009 vs $65,035 p < 0.001), and were more likely be discharged to a skilled nursing facility and home healthcare (vs routine home discharges). In terms of influenza-related complications, the cirrhosis cohort had higher rates of sepsis (29.8 vs 22% p < 0.001, OR 1.51 95% CI 1.31-1.74). In the multivariate regression analysis, cirrhosis was associated with higher mortality (p < 0.001, aOR 2.31 95% CI 1.59-3.35) and length of stay (p = 0.018, aOR 1.03 95% CI 1.01-1.06). In subgroup analysis of patients with decompensated (n = 597) versus compensated cirrhosis (n = 1443), those with decompensated cirrhosis had higher rates of in-hospital mortality (12.7 vs 5.75% p < 0.001, OR 2.39 95% CI 1.72-3.32), length of stay (8.85 vs 6.59 d p < 0.001), and hospitalization costs ($92,858 vs $60,556 p < 0.001). In the multivariate analysis, decompensated cirrhosis was associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001, aOR 2.86 95% CI 1.90-4.32). CONCLUSION This study shows the presence of cirrhosis to result in higher hospital mortality and postinfluenza complications in patients with influenza infection.
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Key Words
- AHRQ, agency for healthcare research and quality
- DRG, diagnosis-related group
- HCUP, healthcare cost and utilization project
- ICD-10, international classification of diseases, tenth edition
- ICD-9, international classification of diseases, ninth edition
- NIS, nationwide inpatient sample
- SBP, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- SID, state inpatient database
- VIF, variation inflation factor
- ascites
- common cold
- flu
- influenza-related complications
- portal hypertension
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Affiliation(s)
- David U. Lee
- Address for correspondence: David Uihwan Lee MD, Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111, USA. T: 617-636-4168, F: 617-636-9292.
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48
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Yu Q, Wu L, Ji J, Feng J, Dai W, Li J, Wu J, Guo C. Gut Microbiota, Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2020; 7:271-288. [PMID: 33150145 PMCID: PMC7605923 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s277870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world. HCC incidence rate is sixth and mortality is fourth worldwide. However, HCC pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The incidence of HCC is associated with genetic, environmental, and metabolic factors. The role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of HCC has attracted researchers’ attention because of anatomical and functional interactions between liver and intestine. Studies have demonstrated the involvement of gut microbiota in the development of HCC and chronic liver diseases, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and liver cirrhosis. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a group of receptors with diverse biological functions. Natural and synthetic PPAR agonists show potential for treatment of NAFLD, liver fibrosis, and HCC. Recent studies have demonstrated that PPARs take part in gut microbiota inhabitation and adaptation. This manuscript reviews the role of gut microbiota in the development of HCC and precancerous diseases, the role of PPARs in modulation of gut microbiota and HCC, and potential of gut microbiota for HCC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Liwei Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiqi Dai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China.,Shanghai Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianye Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuanyong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Putuo People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200060, People's Republic of China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200072, People's Republic of China
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Gómez-Hurtado I, Gallego-Durán R, Zapater P, Ampuero J, Aller R, Crespo J, Arias-Loste M, García-Monzón C, Bellot P, González-Rodríguez Á, Juanola O, Romero-Gómez M, Francés R. Bacterial antigen translocation and age as BMI-independent contributing factors on systemic inflammation in NAFLD patients. Liver Int 2020; 40:2182-2193. [PMID: 32559006 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Low-grade systemic inflammation is a crucial landmark in NAFLD favouring disease progression and comorbidities. We evaluated the input of circulating bacterial antigens on systemic markers of inflammation in NAFLD patients. PATIENTS & METHODS Multicenter cross-sectional study including consecutive patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Demographic, metabolic and fibrosis-related variables were collected. Circulating bacterial antigens were quantified in blood. Toll-like receptor SNPs were genotyped. Serum cytokine levels were evaluated. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell response to bacterial antigens was evaluated in vitro. RESULTS Three hundred and fifteen patients from five Spanish hospitals were distributed by BMI. At least, one bacterial antigenic type was found in 66 patients with BMI < 30 (63.4%) and 163 patients with BMI > 30 (77.3%) (P = .014). HOMA-IR was significantly higher in the presence of circulating antigens among patients with BMI < 30. NASH and significant fibrosis in non-obese patients were more frequent in the presence of at least two circulating antigenic types. Allelic frequencies of TLR variants were similar to controls and did not affect clinical or laboratory parameters. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly increased in patients with bacterial antigens, regardless of BMI. TLR gene and protein expression levels were significantly increased in PBMCs from patients with bacterial antigens. Antigen concentrations independently influenced TNF-α and IL-6, in both BMI subgroups of patients. Age independently influenced TNF-α and IL-6 in non-obese patients, and TNF-α in obese patients. CONCLUSION Serum circulating bacterial antigens as well as age were BMI-independent factors related to increased systemic inflammation in NAFLD and provides insight on the multifaceted sources of inflammation in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rocío Gallego-Durán
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Pedro Zapater
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,IIS Isabial, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Javier Ampuero
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rocío Aller
- Hospital Universitario de Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | | | | | - Carmelo García-Monzón
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Hepática, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Bellot
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,IIS Isabial, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Águeda González-Rodríguez
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Unidad Hepática, Hospital Universitario Santa Cristina, Madrid, Spain
| | - Oriol Juanola
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
| | - Manuel Romero-Gómez
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Sevilla, Spain
| | - Rubén Francés
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,IIS Isabial, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.,Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Spain
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50
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Di Ciaula A, Baj J, Garruti G, Celano G, De Angelis M, Wang HH, Di Palo DM, Bonfrate L, Wang DQH, Portincasa P. Liver Steatosis, Gut-Liver Axis, Microbiome and Environmental Factors. A Never-Ending Bidirectional Cross-Talk. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2648. [PMID: 32823983 PMCID: PMC7465294 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing worldwide and parallels comorbidities such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Recent studies describe the presence of NAFLD in non-obese individuals, with mechanisms partially independent from excessive caloric intake. Increasing evidences, in particular, point towards a close interaction between dietary and environmental factors (including food contaminants), gut, blood flow, and liver metabolism, with pathways involving intestinal permeability, the composition of gut microbiota, bacterial products, immunity, local, and systemic inflammation. These factors play a critical role in the maintenance of intestinal, liver, and metabolic homeostasis. An anomalous or imbalanced gut microbial composition may favor an increased intestinal permeability, predisposing to portal translocation of microorganisms, microbial products, and cell wall components. These components form microbial-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) or pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), with potentials to interact in the intestine lamina propria enriched in immune cells, and in the liver at the level of the immune cells, i.e., Kupffer cells and stellate cells. The resulting inflammatory environment ultimately leads to liver fibrosis with potentials to progression towards necrotic and fibrotic changes, cirrhosis. and hepatocellular carcinoma. By contrast, measures able to modulate the composition of gut microbiota and to preserve gut vascular barrier might prevent or reverse NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (D.M.D.P.); (L.B.)
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantations, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” Medical School, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Giuseppe Celano
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e Degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (M.D.A.)
| | - Maria De Angelis
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e Degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (M.D.A.)
| | - Helen H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (H.H.W.); (D.Q.-H.W.)
| | - Domenica Maria Di Palo
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (D.M.D.P.); (L.B.)
- Dipartimento di Scienze del Suolo, della Pianta e Degli Alimenti, Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.C.); (M.D.A.)
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (D.M.D.P.); (L.B.)
| | - David Q-H Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; (H.H.W.); (D.Q.-H.W.)
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (D.M.D.P.); (L.B.)
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