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Titar RR, Ramanathan M. Variational autoencoders for generative modeling of drug dosing determinants in renal, hepatic, metabolic, and cardiac disease states. Clin Transl Sci 2024; 17:e13872. [PMID: 38949489 PMCID: PMC11215840 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Physiological determinants of drug dosing (PDODD) are a promising approach for precision dosing. This study investigates the alterations of PDODD in diseases and evaluates a variational autoencoder (VAE) artificial intelligence model for PDODD. The PDODD panel contained 20 biomarkers, and 13 renal, hepatic, diabetes, and cardiac disease status variables. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric measurements (body weight, body surface area, waist circumference), blood (plasma volume, albumin), renal (creatinine, glomerular filtration rate, urine flow, and urine albumin to creatinine ratio), and hepatic (R-value, hepatic steatosis index, drug-induced liver injury index), blood cell (systemic inflammation index, red cell, lymphocyte, neutrophils, and platelet counts) biomarkers, and medical questionnaire responses from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were included. The tabular VAE (TVAE) generative model was implemented with the Synthetic Data Vault Python library. The joint distributions of the generated data vs. test data were compared using graphical univariate, bivariate, and multidimensional projection methods and distribution proximity measures. The PDODD biomarkers related to disease progression were altered as expected in renal, hepatic, diabetes, and cardiac diseases. The continuous PDODD panel variables generated by the TVAE satisfactorily approximated the distribution in the test data. The TVAE-generated distributions of some discrete variables deviated from the test data distribution. The age distribution of TVAE-generated continuous variables was similar to the test data. The TVAE algorithm demonstrated potential as an AI model for continuous PDODD and could be useful for generating virtual populations for clinical trial simulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raginee R. Titar
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkBuffaloNew YorkUSA
| | - Murali Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity at Buffalo, The State University of New YorkBuffaloNew YorkUSA
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Choi J, Jo C, Kim S, Ryu M, Choi WM, Lee D, Shim JH, Kim KM, Lim YS, Lee HC. Updated Reference Intervals for Alanine Aminotransferase in a Metabolically and Histologically Normal Population. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024:S1542-3565(24)00439-7. [PMID: 38750867 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2024.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS This study aims to reevaluate upper reference limit (URL) for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by considering the changing epidemiology of major liver diseases. We employed histological and metabolic parameters in Asian living liver donors. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of 5455 potential living liver donors from 2005 to 2019. Participants were screened for hepatitis B, C, HIV, and alcohol use. Histologically and metabolically healthy participants were assessed using the Prati criteria (body mass index <23 kg/m2, triglyceride ≤200 mg/dL, fasting glucose ≤105 mg/dL, total cholesterol ≤220 mg/dL). The updated ALT-URL was determined as the 95th percentile among participants without hepatic steatosis and who met the Prati criteria. RESULTS The median age was 30 years, with a male predominance (66.2%). Among 5455 participants, 3162 (58.0%) showed no hepatic steatosis, with 1553 (49.1%) meeting both the criteria for no steatosis and the Prati criteria for metabolic health. The updated URL for ALT in these participants was 34 U/L for males and 22 U/L for females, which was significantly lower than conventionally accepted values. Using this revised ALT-URL, 72.8% of males with ALT levels ≥34 U/L and 55.0% of females with ALT levels ≥22 U/L showed signs of steatosis, whereas 32.7% of males and 22.2% of females met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Our study provided the newly established reference intervals for ALT levels in a metabolically and histologically verified Asian population. The proposed URL for ALT are 34 U/L and 22 U/L for males and females, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonggi Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chanyoung Jo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sollip Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Ryu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Mook Choi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Danbi Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju Hyun Shim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kang Mo Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Lim
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Chu Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology, Liver Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Condon S, Hu H, Kong M, Cave MC, McClain CJ. ALT poorly predicts Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis as determined by vibration-controlled transient elastography in adult National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018. Am J Med Sci 2024; 367:310-322. [PMID: 38307172 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2024.01.022] [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: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a growing problem in the United States, contributing to a range of liver disease as well as cardiovascular disease. ALT is the most widely used liver chemistry for NAFLD evaluation. We hypothesized that the normal range many laboratories use was too high, missing many patients with clinically important steatosis and/or fibrosis. METHODS This study utilized 2017-2018 NHANES data including 9254 participants. We compared four different upper limits of normal for ALT with specific measurements of steatosis and liver stiffness as determined by liver elastography with FibroScan®. Liver stiffness was further characterized as showing any fibrosis or advanced fibrosis. After exclusions, our final pool was 4184 for liver stiffness measurement and 4183 for steatosis grade as measured by Controlled Attenuation Parameter (CAP). Using these variables, we performed logistic regression between ALT and CAP, and ALT and fibrosis/advanced fibrosis, and did a Receiver Operating Characteristic curve. RESULTS Based on three of the most widely used cut off values for ALT, we found that ALT does not reliably rule out NAFLD in over 50% of cases. It also missed 45.9-64.2% of patients with liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS Our study revealed that ALT is an inaccurate marker for NAFLD as measured by FibroScan® with CAP greater than or equal to 300 dB/m. Accuracy improved specific risk factors were considered. These data also showed that ALT was a poor marker for liver fibrosis. We conclude that there is no single ALT level that accurately predicts hepatic steatosis or fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Condon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; The Liver Transplant Program at UofL Health - Jewish Hospital Trager Transplant Center, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Huirong Hu
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Maiying Kong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Matthew C Cave
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; The Liver Transplant Program at UofL Health - Jewish Hospital Trager Transplant Center, Louisville, KY, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY, USA; Hepatobiology & Toxicology Center, Louisville, KY, USA; Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Craig J McClain
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA; The Liver Transplant Program at UofL Health - Jewish Hospital Trager Transplant Center, Louisville, KY, USA; University of Louisville Alcohol Research Center, Louisville, KY, USA; Hepatobiology & Toxicology Center, Louisville, KY, USA; Robley Rex VA Medical Center, Louisville, KY, USA.
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Thakur S, Kumar V, Das R, Sharma V, Mehta DK. Biomarkers of Hepatic Toxicity: An Overview. CURRENT THERAPEUTIC RESEARCH 2024; 100:100737. [PMID: 38860148 PMCID: PMC11163176 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2024.100737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Background Hepatotoxicity is the foremost issue for clinicians and the primary reason for pharmaceutical product recalls. A biomarker is a measurable and quantifiable attribute used to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment or to diagnose a disease. There are various biomarkers which are used for the detection of liver disease and the intent of liver damage. Objective This review aims to investigate the current state of hepatotoxicity biomarkers and their utility in clinical settings. Using hepatic biomarkers, the presence of liver injury, its severity, prognosis, causative agent, and type of hepatotoxicity can all be determined. Methods Relevant published articles up to 2022 were systematically retrieved from MEDLINE/PubMed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and WOS databases using keywords such as drug toxicity, hepatotoxicity biomarkers, biochemical parameters, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Results In clinical trials and everyday practice, biomarkers of drug-induced liver injury are essential for spotting the most severe cases of hepatotoxicity. Hence, developing novel biomarker approaches to enhance hepatotoxicity diagnosis will increase specificity and/or identify the person at risk. Importantly, early clinical studies on patients with liver illness have proved that some biomarkers such as aminotransferase, bilirubin, albumin, and bile acids are even therapeutically beneficial. Conclusions By assessing the unique signs of liver injury, health care professionals can rapidly and accurately detect liver damage and evaluate its severity. These measures contribute to ensuring prompt and effective medical intervention, hence reducing the risk of long-term liver damage and other major health concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Thakur
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Vishal Kumar
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Rina Das
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Vishal Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Mehta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India
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Coté GA, Elmunzer BJ, Nitchie H, Kwon RS, Willingham FF, Wani S, Kushnir V, Chak A, Singh V, Papachristou G, Slivka A, Freeman M, Gaddam S, Jamidar P, Tarnasky P, Varadarajulu S, Foster LD, Cotton PB. Sphincterotomy for Biliary Sphincter of Oddi Disorder and idiopathic Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis: THE RESPOND LONGITUDINAL COHORT. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.04.18.24305985. [PMID: 38699351 PMCID: PMC11065013 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.18.24305985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Objective Sphincter of Oddi Disorders (SOD) are contentious conditions in patients whose abdominal pain, idiopathic acute pancreatitis (iAP) might arise from pressurization at the sphincter of Oddi. The present study aimed to measure the benefit of sphincterotomy for suspected SOD. Design Prospective cohort conducted at 14 U.S. centers with 12 months follow-up. Patients undergoing first-time ERCP with sphincterotomy for suspected SOD were eligible: pancreatobiliary-type pain with or without iAP. The primary outcome was defined as the composite of improvement by Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), no new or increased opioids, and no repeat intervention. Missing data were addressed by hierarchal, multiple imputation scheme. Results Of 316 screened, 213 were enrolled with 190 (89.2%) of these having a dilated bile duct, abnormal labs, iAP, or some combination. By imputation, an average of 122/213 (57.4% [95%CI 50.4-64.4]) improved; response rate was similar for those with complete follow-up (99/161, 61.5%, [54.0-69.0]); of these, 118 (73.3%) improved by PGIC alone. Duct size, elevated labs, and patient characteristics were not associated with response. AP occurred in 37/213 (17.4%) at a median of 6 months post-ERCP and was more likely in those with a history of AP (30.9 vs. 2.9%, p<0.0001). Conclusion Nearly 60% of patients undergoing ERCP for suspected SOD improve, although the contribution of a placebo response is unknown. Contrary to prevailing belief, duct size and labs are poor response predictors. AP recurrence was common and like observations from prior non-intervention cohorts, suggesting no benefit of sphincterotomy in mitigating future AP episodes.Key Messages: WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC: It is not clear if the sphincter of Oddi can cause abdominal pain (Functional Biliary Sphincter of Oddi Disorder) and idiopathic acute pancreatitis (Functional Pancreatic Sphincter of Oddi Disorder), and whether ERCP with sphincterotomy can ameliorate abdominal pain or pancreatitis.WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS: Using multiple patient-reported outcome measures, most patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi disorder improve after ERCP with sphincterotomy.Duct size, elevated pancreatobiliary labs, and baseline patient characteristics are not independently associated with response.There is a high rate of recurrent acute pancreatitis within 12 months of sphincterotomy in those with a history of idiopathic acute pancreatitis.HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH, PRACTICE, OR POLICY: Since a discrete population with a high (> 80-90%) response rate to sphincterotomy for suspected pancreatobiliary pain could not be identified, there is a need for additional observational and interventional studies that include phenotyping of patients using novel imaging or biochemical biomarkers.There remains a pressing need for quantitative nociceptive biomarkers to distinguish pancreatobiliary pain from other causes of abdominal pain or central sensitization.Discovery of blood-, bile-, or imaging-based biomarkers for occult microlithiasis and pancreatitis may be helpful in predicting who is likely to benefit from sphincterotomy.
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Tan EX, Huang DQ, Yee NTS, Wan ZH, Nerurkar SN, Kai JCY, Goh KS, Ng CH, Muthiah M, Zhou Y, Woodward A, Le MH, Yeo YH, Barnett S, Cheung R, Nguyen MH. Upper limit of normal ALT levels in health and metabolic diseases: Pooled analysis of 423,355 individuals with bootstrap modelling. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:984-992. [PMID: 38372477 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Given the global rise in obesity-related metabolic diseases, the upper limit of normal (ULN) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in individuals with and without metabolic diseases may have changed. We performed a meta-analysis combined with bootstrap modelling to estimate the ALT ULN levels for individuals with and without metabolic diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS Two separate searches of the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases were performed, one to identify healthy individuals which yielded 12 articles (349,367 individuals); another to include those with potential metabolic diseases but without known liver disease which yielded 35 articles (232,388 individuals). We estimated the mean ALT using a random-effects mixed model and the ULN level (95th-percentile value) via a bootstrap model with 10,000 resamples. In individuals without metabolic diseases and known liver disease, the ALT ULN levels were 32 U/L overall; 36 U/L in males and 28 U/L in females. In analyses that included individuals with metabolic diseases, the ALT ULN levels were 40 U/L among the overweight/obese (29 U/L if normal weight) and 36 U/L among those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (33 U/L if no T2DM). On meta-regression of study-level factors, body mass index (coefficient 1.49, 95% CI 0.11-2.86, p = 0.03), high-density lipoprotein (coefficient -0.47, 95% CI -0.85-(-0.08), p = 0.02) and triglycerides (coefficient 0.19, 95% CI 0.12-0.25, p < 0.0001) correlated with ALT. CONCLUSION We provide expected ranges of ALT ULN levels for individuals without known liver disease without metabolic diseases and those with or without T2DM and/or are normal weight or overweight/obese. These data may have implications for clinical care and screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice X Tan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Q Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Natasha Tang Sook Yee
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zi Hui Wan
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sanjna N Nerurkar
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Justin Chua Ying Kai
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kang Shiong Goh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng Han Ng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mark Muthiah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Zhou
- Adelaide Medical School, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Amanda Woodward
- Lane Medical Library, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Michael H Le
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont, USA
| | - Yee Hui Yeo
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Scott Barnett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
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Cai C, Shang WX, Lin EH, Jiang YC, Chen H, Xu K, Chen L, Chen RC, Cai YJ, Lin J, Cai TC, Lin XL, Zhang L, Yang NB, Zhang HF, Lu MQ. High normal alanine aminotransferase is an indicator for better response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis B. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1367265. [PMID: 38550589 PMCID: PMC10973120 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1367265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence shows people living with CHB even with a normal ALT (40U/L as threshold) suffer histological disease and there is still little research to evaluate the potential benefit of antiviral benefits in them. Methods We retrospectively examined 1352 patients who underwent liver biopsy from 2017 to 2021 and then obtained their 1-year follow-up data to analyze. Results ALT levels were categorized into high and low, with thresholds set at >29 for males and >15 for females through Youden's Index. The high normal ALT group showed significant histological disease at baseline (56.43% vs 43.82%, p< 0.001), and better HBV DNA clearance from treatment using PSM (p=0.005). Similar results were obtained using 2016 AASLD high normals (male >30, female >19). Further multivariate logistic analysis showed that high normal ALT (both criterias) was an independent predictor of treatment (OR 1.993, 95% CI 1.115-3.560, p=0.020; OR 2.000, 95% CI 1.055-3.793, p=0.034) Both of the models had higher AUC compared with current scoring system, and there was no obvious difference between the two models (AUC:0.8840 vs 0.8835). Conclusion Male >30 or female >19 and Male >29 or female>15 are suggested to be better thresholds for normal ALT. Having a high normal ALT in CHB provides a potential benefit in antiviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Xuan Shang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - En-Hua Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu-Chun Jiang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Information Technology (IT), The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lu Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui-Cong Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi-Jing Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ji Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, National Key Clinical Specialty (General Surgery), The First Affiliated Hospital Of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ting-Chen Cai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiu-Li Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Nai-Bin Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Ningbo First Hospital, Ningbo Hospital of Zhejiang University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui-Fang Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ming-Qin Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Lee J, Byrne CJ, Brennan PN, MacPherson I, Dow E, Dillon JF. Optimal ALT threshold for the automated diagnosis of MASLD: A population-based study using iLFT. Ann Hepatol 2024; 29:101280. [PMID: 38219950 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2023.101280] [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: 10/04/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Early diagnosis of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), especially with advanced fibrosis, is crucial due to the increased risk of complications and mortality. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is commonly used; however, many patients have normal ranges (<55 U/L) who may remain undetected. We investigated the clinical implications of a lower ALT cut-off (>30 U/L) using intelligent liver function testing (iLFT) to identify MASLD patients with and without advanced fibrosis in primary care. MATERIALS AND METHODS All patients entering the iLFT diagnostic pathway had liver aetiological screening investigations if ALT >30 U/L. In those with MASLD the proportions with and without advanced fibrosis at different ALT thresholds: 31-41 U/L, 42-54 U/L and ≥55 U/L were compared. RESULTS 16,373 patients underwent iLFT between March 2016 to April 2022. 762 (5 %) patients had MASLD with abnormal fibrosis scores, while 908 (6 %) had MASLD with normal fibrosis scores. 428 (56 %) patients were assessed in liver clinics, where 169 (39 %) had evidence of fibrosis. Of these, 22 (13 %) had ALT 31-41 U/L, 31 (18 %) had ALT 42-54 U/L and 116 (69 %) had ALT ≥55 U/L. 145 (86 %) patients had advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis, where 20 (14 %) had ALT 31-41 U/L, 28 (19 %) had ALT 42-54 U/L and 97 (67 %) had ALT ≥55 U/L. CONCLUSIONS 33 % of MASLD patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis had ALT 31-54 U/L, who would have been missed using the conventional ALT range. This suggests that lowering the ALT cut-off improves diagnosis of MASLD with advanced fibrosis in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Lee
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK.
| | - Christopher J Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK; Directorate of Public Health, Kings Cross Hospital, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - Paul N Brennan
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Iain MacPherson
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Eleanor Dow
- Department of Blood Sciences, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK; Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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Mandato C, Vajro P. Serum alanine aminotransferase: Are we still far from a one-size-fits-all pediatric reference cutoff strategy? J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:453-456. [PMID: 38504398 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12037] [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: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Mandato
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatrics Section, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
| | - Pietro Vajro
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Pediatrics Section, University of Salerno, Baronissi, Salerno, Italy
- European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food Induced Diseases, Naples, Italy
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Gellert-Kristensen H, Tybjaerg-Hansen A, Nordestgaard BG, Ghouse J, Fuchs A, Kühl JT, Sigvardsen PE, Kofoed KF, Stender S. Genetic risk of fatty liver disease and mortality in the general population: A Mendelian randomization study. Liver Int 2023; 43:1955-1965. [PMID: 37269170 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15629] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fatty liver disease has been associated with higher all-cause as well as liver-related, ischemic heart disease (IHD)-related and extrahepatic cancer-related mortality in observational epidemiological studies. We tested the hypothesis that fatty liver disease is a causal risk factor for higher mortality. METHODS We genotyped seven genetic variants known to be associated with fatty liver disease (in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, HSD17B13, MTARC1, MBOAT7, GCKR, and GPAM) in 110 913 individuals from the Danish general population. Hepatic steatosis was measured by hepatic computed tomography in n = 6965. Using a Mendelian randomization framework, we tested whether genetically proxied hepatic steatosis and/or elevated plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) was associated with liver-related mortality. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 9.5 years, 16 119 individuals died. In observational analyses, baseline elevated plasma ALT was associated with higher all-cause (1.26-fold), liver-related (9-fold), and extrahepatic cancer-related (1.25-fold) mortality. In genetic analyses, the risk alleles in PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 were individually associated with higher liver-related mortality. The largest effects were seen for the PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 risk alleles, for which homozygous carriers had 3-fold and 6-fold, respectively, higher liver-related mortality than non-carriers. None of the risk alleles, individually or combined into risk scores, were robustly associated with all-cause, IHD-related, or extrahepatic cancer-related mortality. In instrumental variable analyses, genetically proxied hepatic steatosis and higher plasma ALT were associated with liver-related mortality. CONCLUSIONS Human genetic data support that fatty liver disease is a causal driver of liver-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helene Gellert-Kristensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Tybjaerg-Hansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- The Copenhagen General Population Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Børge G Nordestgaard
- The Copenhagen General Population Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
- The Copenhagen City Heart Study, Copenhagen University Hospital - Bispebjerg Frederiksberg, Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Herlev Gentofte, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Jonas Ghouse
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Andreas Fuchs
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jørgen T Kühl
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Per E Sigvardsen
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus F Kofoed
- Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stefan Stender
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital - Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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Sripongpun P, Udompap P, Mannalithara A, Downing NL, Vidovszky AA, Kwong AJ, Goel A, Kwo PY, Kim WR. Hepatitis C Screening in Post-Baby Boomer Generation Americans: One Size Does Not Fit All. Mayo Clin Proc 2023; 98:1335-1344. [PMID: 37661141 DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze the impact of access to routine health care, as estimated by health insurance coverage, on hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection prevalence in US adults born after 1965 (post-baby boomer birth cohort [post-BBBC]) and to use the data to formulate strategies to optimize population screening for HCV. PATIENTS AND METHODS Adult examinees in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey with available anti-HCV data were divided into era 1 (1999-2008) and era 2 (2009-2016). The prevalence of HCV infection, as defined by detectable serum HCV RNA, was determined in post-BBBC adults. In low prevalence groups, prescreening modalities were considered to increase the pretest probability. RESULTS Of 16,966 eligible post-BBBC examinees, 0.5% had HCV infection. In both eras, more than 50% had no insurance. In era 2, HCV prevalence was 0.26% and 0.83% in those with and without insurance, respectively (P<.01). As a prescreening test, low alanine aminotransferase level (<23 U/L in women and 32 U/L in men) would identify 54% of post-BBBC adults with an extremely low (0.02%) HCV prevalence. Based on these data, a tiered approach that tests all uninsured directly for HCV and prescreens the insured with alanine aminotransferase would reduce the number to test by 56.5 million while missing less than 1% infections. CONCLUSION For HCV elimination, passive "universal" screening in routine health care settings is insufficient, although the efficiency of screening may be improved with alanine aminotransferase prescreening. Importantly, for individuals with limited access to health care, proactive outreach programs for HCV screening are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pimsiri Sripongpun
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Division of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Songkhla, Thailand; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Prowpanga Udompap
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - Ajitha Mannalithara
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - N Lance Downing
- Division of Biomedical Informatics Research, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Anna A Vidovszky
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Allison J Kwong
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Aparna Goel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Paul Y Kwo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - W Ray Kim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA.
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12
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Qiu J, Kuang M, Yang R, Yu C, He S, Sheng G, Zou Y. The newly proposed alanine aminotransferase to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio has shown effectiveness in identifying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1239398. [PMID: 37727457 PMCID: PMC10505795 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1239398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) are important predictive factors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the ALT/HDL-C ratio and NAFLD. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of data from 14,251 individuals participating in the NAGALA project's health screening program. The presence of NAFLD was diagnosed based on the participants' alcohol consumption status and liver ultrasonography images. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between the ALT/HDL-C ratio and NAFLD. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was performed to determine and compare the effectiveness of ALT, HDL-C, the aspartate aminotransferase to HDL-C (AST/HDL-C) ratio, the gamma-glutamyl transferase to HDL-C (GGT/HDL-C) ratio and the ALT/HDL-C ratio in identifying NAFLD. Results We observed a significant positive association between the ALT/HDL-C ratio and the prevalence of NAFLD. For each standard deviation (SD) increase in the ALT/HDL-C ratio, the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for NAFLD among the participants was 3.05 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.63, 3.53], with the highest quartile of ALT/HDL-C ratio having a 9.96-fold increased risk compared to the lowest quartile. In further subgroup analyses stratified by gender, age, and waist circumference (WC), we observed a significantly higher risk of NAFLD associated with the ALT/HDL-C ratio among individuals aged ≥45 years, males, and those who were abdominal obesity. Furthermore, based on the results of ROC analysis, we found that the ALT/HDL-C ratio [area under the curves (AUC): 0.8553] was significantly superior to ALT, HDL-C, AST/HDL-C ratio and GGT/HDL-C ratio in identifying NAFLD (All Delong P<0.05); the threshold of suggested ALT/HDL-C ratio for identifying NAFLD was 15.97. Conclusion This population-based study demonstrates a positive association between the ALT/HDL-C ratio and NAFLD. The ALT/HDL-C ratio can effectively identify individuals with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Qiu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Cardiovascular Research Institute, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Maobin Kuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Cardiovascular Research Institute, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ruijuan Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Changhui Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Cardiovascular Research Institute, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Shiming He
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Nanchang University, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Cardiovascular Research Institute, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guotai Sheng
- Jiangxi Provincial Geriatric Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
- Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yang Zou
- Jiangxi Cardiovascular Research Institute, Jiangxi Provincial People’s Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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13
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Hunt CM, Lee TH, Morgan TR, Campbell S. One ALT Is Not Like the Other. Gastroenterology 2023; 165:320-323. [PMID: 37094663 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Christine M Hunt
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, Department of Medicine, VA Cooperative Studies Program Epidemiology Center-Durham, Durham VA Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tae Hoon Lee
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York; Gastroenterology Section, Medical Subspecialties, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York
| | - Timothy R Morgan
- Medical Service, Gastroenterology Section, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California; Department of Medicine, Gastroenterology Section, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Sheldon Campbell
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, VA CT Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut
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14
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Abstract
The medical disorders of alcoholism rank among the leading public health problems worldwide and the need for predictive and prognostic risk markers for assessing alcohol use disorders (AUD) has been widely acknowledged. Early-phase detection of problem drinking and associated tissue toxicity are important prerequisites for timely initiations of appropriate treatments and improving patient's committing to the objective of reducing drinking. Recent advances in clinical chemistry have provided novel approaches for a specific detection of heavy drinking through assays of unique ethanol metabolites, phosphatidylethanol (PEth) or ethyl glucuronide (EtG). Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) measurements can be used to indicate severe alcohol problems. Hazardous drinking frequently manifests as heavy episodic drinking or in combinations with other unfavorable lifestyle factors, such as smoking, physical inactivity, poor diet or adiposity, which aggravate the metabolic consequences of alcohol intake in a supra-additive manner. Such interactions are also reflected in multiple disease outcomes and distinct abnormalities in biomarkers of liver function, inflammation and oxidative stress. Use of predictive biomarkers either alone or as part of specifically designed biological algorithms helps to predict both hepatic and extrahepatic morbidity in individuals with such risk factors. Novel approaches for assessing progression of fibrosis, a major determinant of prognosis in AUD, have also been made available. Predictive algorithms based on the combined use of biomarkers and clinical observations may prove to have a major impact on clinical decisions to detect AUD in early pre-symptomatic stages, stratify patients according to their substantially different disease risks and predict individual responses to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onni Niemelä
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Medical Research Unit, Seinäjoki Central Hospital and Tampere University, Seinäjoki, Finland.
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15
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Asgari S, Molavizadeh D, Tohidi M, Momenan AA, Azizi F, Hadaegh F. Prevalence and metabolic determinants of abnormal alanine aminotransferase: A cross-sectional study of Iranian adults, 2018-2022. J Clin Lab Anal 2023; 37:e24937. [PMID: 37403787 PMCID: PMC10431421 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24937] [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: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an enzyme whose activity became the principal biomarker for liver disease. In the current study, we aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal ALT, as a surrogate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its associated determinants using different criteria among Tehranian subjects between 2018 and 2022. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study on 5676 Tehranian individuals aged 20-70 years. The weighted prevalence of abnormal ALT was calculated using both the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in the United States (US-NHANCE; ALT ≥30 U/L for females and ≥40 U/L for males) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) guideline (ALT >25 U/L for females, and >33 U/L for males) thresholds. Moreover, uni/multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to find the determinants of abnormal ALT. RESULTS The weighted prevalence of abnormal ALT was 12.8% (7.6% females and 18% males) and 22.5% (17.7% females and 27.3% males) based on US-NHANCE and ACG criteria, respectively. Our results showed every decade increase in age decreased the risk of abnormal ALT by 32%. We also found that generally male gender, being overweight/obese, central adiposity, TG ≥6.9 mmol/L, non-HDL-C ≥3.37 mmol/L, lipid-lowering medications, pre-diabetes/T2DM were associated with abnormal ALT using different cutoff points. Moreover, among men resting tachycardia (≥90 beats per min), hypertension, and females past-smoker were also found as other determinants of abnormal ALT. CONCLUSION High prevalence of abnormal ALT among non-elderly Iranian adults, especially among men, necessitates immediate multifaceted strategies by policymakers to prevent potential complications caused by NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Asgari
- Prevention of Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | | | - Maryam Tohidi
- Prevention of Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Amir Abbas Momenan
- Prevention of Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Fereidoun Azizi
- Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Farzad Hadaegh
- Prevention of Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine SciencesShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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16
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Ndrepepa G, Cassese S, Scalamogna M, Lahu S, Aytekin A, Xhepa E, Schunkert H, Kastrati A. Association of De Ritis Ratio with Prognosis in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease and Aminotransferase Activity within and outside the Healthy Values of Reference Range. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12093174. [PMID: 37176615 PMCID: PMC10178981 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12093174] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio (De Ritis ratio), obtained from AST and ALT activities in the healthy range, has not been studied in association with mortality. METHODS This study included 3392 patients with stable coronary heart disease and aminotransferase activity in the reference range. Patients are categorized into two groups: a group with AST and ALT activity in the healthy range (n = 1697), and a group with AST and/or ALT activity outside the healthy range but in the reference range (n = 1695). The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at three years. RESULTS The De Ritis ratio (median 5th-95th percentile] was 0.94 [0.61-1.41] in patients with AST and ALT in the healthy range and 0.93 [0.45-1.96] in patients with AST and/or ALT outside the healthy range (p = 0.700). At three years, there were 86 deaths in patients with AST and ALT in the healthy range: 27 deaths (3.9%) in patients with a De Ritis ratio ≤median, and 59 deaths (8.2%) in patients with the De Ritis ratio >median (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.94 to 1.42; p = 0.159); in patients with AST and/or ALT outside the healthy range, there were 148 deaths: 49 deaths (6.6%) in patients with a De Ritis ratio ≤median, and 99 deaths (14.1%) in patients with De Ritis ratio >median (adjusted HR = 1.27 [1.09-1.48], p = 0.002), with both HRs calculated per unit higher values of the De Ritis ratio. CONCLUSIONS The De Ritis ratio obtained from AST and ALT activity in the healthy range was not independently associated with higher risk of mortality. The De Ritis ratio obtained from aminotransferase activity outside the healthy range (but still in the reference range) was independently associated with the risk of mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gjin Ndrepepa
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Salvatore Cassese
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Scalamogna
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Shqipdona Lahu
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Alp Aytekin
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Erion Xhepa
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
| | - Heribert Schunkert
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Adnan Kastrati
- Deutsches Herzzentrum München, Technische Universität München, Lazarettstrasse 36, 80636 Munich, Germany
- German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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17
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Reutemann B, Gordon FD. Evaluation of the Patient with Markedly Abnormal Liver Enzymes. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:1-16. [PMID: 36400459 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.08.007] [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: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver enzyme tests are very commonly ordered by physicians, and when they return as abnormal, they can pose a clinical challenge to the provider. Markedly abnormal liver enzymes indicate severe hepatic injury and require immediate evaluation. There are various causes for abnormal liver tests, including infectious, autoimmune, genetic, metabolic, drug, and vascular causes. An understanding of the patterns of aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase elevations is useful in narrowing the differential diagnosis. A thorough history and physical examination, appropriate blood testing, and imaging are typically key to evaluating the patient with abnormal liver enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethany Reutemann
- Dartmouth Hitchock Medical Center, 100 Hitchcock Way, Manchester, NH 03104, USA.
| | - Fredric D Gordon
- Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington St. #40, South Building, 4th floor, Boston, MA 02111, USA
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18
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Kaufmann R, Aqua K, Lombardo J, Lee M. Observed Impact of Long-Term Consumption of Oral Cannabidiol on Liver Function in Healthy Adults. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2023; 8:148-154. [PMID: 34918948 PMCID: PMC9940803 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Previous studies have suggested that prescribed cannabidiol (CBD) products may cause elevations in liver tests (LT). This study compared the prevalence of elevated LT in an adult population self-administering CBD with the normal and general adult population prevalences. Materials and Methods: Adults 18-75 years of age across the United States taking CBD orally for a minimum of 30 days were recruited from 12 individual CBD product companies in this decentralized, observational study and sent their standard CBD regimen from the company of their choice. An app-based, 21CFR Part 11 decentralized clinical study platform (ValidCare Study) was used to securely automate consent inclusion/exclusion criteria and collect all the data for this study, including: demographic information, medical history, reasons for taking, dosage, current medications dosage, adverse effects, and efficacy. At the end of 30 days, LTs were obtained. Follow-up LTs were offered to all individuals with elevated alanine transaminase (ALT) values. Results: A total of 28,121 individuals were invited to participate in this study, 1475 enrolled, and 839 (female: 65.3%, male: 34.7%) completed the study. Full-spectrum hemp oil was used by 55.7%, CBD-isolate by 40.5%, and broad spectrum by 3.8%. The mean±SD daily dose of CBD was 50.3+40.7 mg. The prevalence of elevated ALT was 9.1%, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 4.0%, alkaline phosphatase 1.9%, total bilirubin 1.7%, with 85.5% of the ALT elevations <2×the upper limit of normal (ULN) with only 0.3% having ALT levels >3× ULN. The prevalence of ALT and AST elevations (9.1% and 4.0%) were not significantly different from known adult general population prevalences (8.9% and 4.9%). There was no significant association between CBD dosage and LT values. Thirty-three individuals with elevated ALT levels had follow-up LT performed with 21 having normal LT, 8 having the same severity of ALT elevation, and 4 having an increase in severity, 1 of which ultimately became normal. Conclusions: Self-medication of CBD does not appear to be associated with an increased prevalence of LT elevation and most of the LT elevations are likely due to the conditions/medications for which the individuals are taking CBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kaufmann
- Midwest Allergy Sinus Asthma PC, Springfield, Illinois, USA
- Valid Care LLC, Denver, Colorado, USA
- Address correspondence to: Robert Kaufmann, MD, Midwest Allergy Sinus Asthma PC, 8220 Farmington Cemetery Road, Pleasant Plains, IL 62677, USA.
| | - Keith Aqua
- Syzygy Research Solutions, LLC, Wellington, Florida, USA
| | | | - Martin Lee
- UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, California, USA
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19
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Draijer L, Voorhoeve M, Troelstra M, Holleboom A, Beuers U, Kusters M, Nederveen A, Benninga M, Koot B. A natural history study of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease over 10 years. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100685. [PMID: 37077274 PMCID: PMC10106916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims The long-term outcome of paediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has not been well established. Between 2008 and 2012, an unselected cohort of 133 children with severe obesity was screened for NAFLD. The aim of this study was to determine the 10-year natural history of NAFLD in this cohort. Methods All 133 participants of the original study were approached. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) and the Enhanced Liver Fibrosis® (ELF) test were used to assess longitudinal changes in steatosis and fibrosis, respectively. Risk factors for disease progression were explored. Results Fifty-one of the 133 participants (38%) from the original cohort were included. The mean follow-up time was 10.3 years (range 7-13 years), 65% were female and 92% had persistent obesity. The proportion of participants with steatosis remained unchanged (47%). Nine individuals developed steatosis and in nine individuals steatosis resolved. Predefined relevant individual changes in 1H-MRS were seen in 38% of the participants. The mean ELF test did not change significantly (8.70 ± 0.58 vs. 8.51 ± 0.71, p = 0.22). However, 16% had a relevant increase in ELF test and 6% of those with NAFLD developed advanced fibrosis at follow-up. Changes in steatosis correlated with changes in established metabolic risk factors, alanine aminotransferase, and bariatric surgery. A change in the ELF test was associated with a change in triglycerides. Conclusions This 10-year follow-up study shows that one-third of the young adults who had childhood obesity develop steatosis and in one-third steatosis resolves. Six percent of those with NAFLD had developed advanced fibrosis at follow-up. These data underscore the importance of screening for NAFLD and monitoring for progression to advanced NAFLD in young people with obesity. Impact and implications Childhood obesity accompanied by fat accumulation in the liver persists into young adulthood in the vast majority, and 6% develop serious liver injury. Worsening of metabolic disturbances increases the risk of liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Draijer
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children’s Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction & Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Corresponding author. Address: Meibergdreef 9, 1100 DD Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Tel.: +31-205662906
| | - Maaike Voorhoeve
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children’s Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marian Troelstra
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adriaan Holleboom
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich Beuers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Meeike Kusters
- Department of Pediatrics, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Aart Nederveen
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marc Benninga
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children’s Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bart Koot
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center/Emma Children’s Hospital, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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20
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Generative models for age, race/ethnicity, and disease state dependence of physiological determinants of drug dosing. J Pharmacokinet Pharmacodyn 2022; 50:111-122. [PMID: 36565395 DOI: 10.1007/s10928-022-09838-4] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Dosing requires consideration of diverse patient-specific factors affecting drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. The available pharmacometric methods have limited capacity for modeling the inter-relationships and patterns of variability among physiological determinants of drug dosing (PDODD). To investigate whether generative adversarial networks (GANs) can learn a generative model from real-world data that recapitulates PDODD distributions. A GAN architecture was developed for modeling a PDODD panel comprised of: age, sex, race/ethnicity, body weight, body surface area, total body fat, lean body weight, albumin concentration, glomerular filtration rate (EGFR), urine flow rate, urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio, alanine aminotransferase to alkaline phosphatase R-value, total bilirubin, active hepatitis B infection status, active hepatitis C infection status, red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts. The panel variables were derived from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data sets. The dependence of GAN-generated PDODD on age, race, and active hepatitis infections was assessed. The continuous PDODD biomarkers had diverse non-normal univariate distributions and bivariate trend patterns. The univariate distributions of PDODD biomarkers from GAN simulations satisfactorily approximated those in test data. The joint distribution of the continuous variables was visualized using three 2-dimensional projection methods; for all three methods, the points from the GAN simulation random variate vectors were well dispersed amongst the test data. The age dependence trend patterns in GAN data were similar to those in test data. The histograms for R-values and EGFR from GAN simulations overlapped extensively with test data histograms for the Hispanic, White, African American, and Other race/ethnicity groups. The GAN-simulated data also mirrored the R-values and EGFR changes in active hepatitis C and hepatitis B infection. GANs are a promising approach for simulating the age, race/ethnicity and disease state dependencies of PDODD.
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21
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Wickremsinhe E, Fantana A, Berthier E, Quist BA, Lopez de Castilla D, Fix C, Chan K, Shi J, Walker MG, Kherani JF, Knoderer H, Regev A, Harding JJ. Standard Venipuncture vs a Capillary Blood Collection Device for the Prospective Determination of Abnormal Liver Chemistry. J Appl Lab Med 2022; 8:535-550. [PMID: 36533519 DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfac127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Abnormal liver function is a common manifestation of human disease and may also occur in approved and investigational medications as drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Capillary blood collection devices may allow for more frequent and convenient measurement outside of the clinic. Validation of such approaches is lacking.
Methods
This prospective, biospecimens collection study evaluated the Tasso+ in patients with abnormal liver tests (NCT05259618). The primary objective was to define the concordance of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) obtained via Tasso+ compared to standard venipuncture. Secondary objectives included measurement of 14 other analytes and patient surveys. At the time of venipuncture, 2 Tasso+ samples were collected: one was centrifuged and shipped, and the other was refrigerated and shipped as whole blood.
Results
Thirty-six patients with elevated ALT values were enrolled. In total, 100 venipuncture, 50 Tasso+ centrifuged, and 48 Tasso+ whole blood samples were obtained. Tasso+ centrifuged samples demonstrated concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) of >0.99 for ALT, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and total bilirubin and CCC >0.95 for albumin, chloride, enzymatic creatinine, serum glucose, magnesium, and phosphorus. Tasso+ whole blood showed CCC of >0.99 for AST, bilirubin total, and enzymatic creatinine and CCC >0.95 for ALT, ALP, albumin, magnesium, and phosphorus. Hemolysis was comparable across the 3 sample types, but its impact was reflected in the Tasso+ potassium data. Patient feedback indicated a very favorable patient experience.
Conclusions
The capillary blood collection device, Tasso+, showed substantial to almost perfect concordance to standard venipuncture for measurement of abnormal liver function. Studies are ongoing to validate longitudinal sampling outside of the clinic.
Clinicaltrials.gov Registration Number: NCT05259618
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antoniu Fantana
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company , Indianapolis, IN , USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jing Shi
- Walker Bioscience , Carlsbad, CA , USA
| | | | | | - Holly Knoderer
- Lilly Oncology, Eli Lilly and Company , Indianapolis, IN , USA
| | - Arie Regev
- Global Patient Safety, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly and Company , Indianapolis, IN , USA
| | - James J Harding
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center , New York, NY , USA
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22
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Bollerup S, Engsig F, Hallager S, Mocroft A, Roege BT, Christensen PB, Laursen AL, Krarup H, Clausen MR, Thielsen P, Madsen LG, Noerregaard L, Barfod TS, Balslev U, Tarp B, Hansen JB, Mygind LH, Gerstoft J, Weis N. Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Decompensated Liver Cirrhosis and Prognostic Accuracy of the PAGE-B HCC Risk Score in a Low Endemic Hepatitis B Virus Infected Population. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1093-1104. [PMID: 36281336 PMCID: PMC9587738 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s372571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed to determine incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and decompensated liver cirrhosis in persons with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Denmark stratified by disease phase, liver cirrhosis, and treatment status at baseline. Additionally, we aimed to assess the prognostic value of the PAGE-B HCC risk score in a mainly non-cirrhotic population. Patients and Methods In this register-based cohort study, we included all individuals over the age of 18, with chronic HBV infection first registered between 2002 and 2016 in at least one of three nationwide registers. The study population was followed until HCC, decompensated liver cirrhosis, death, emigration, or December 31, 2017, which ever came first. Results Among 6016 individuals included in the study, 10 individuals with and 23 without baseline liver cirrhosis developed HCC during a median follow up of 7.3 years (range 0.0-15.5). This corresponded to five-year cumulative incidences of 7.1% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.0-12.3) and 0.2% (95% CI 0.1-0.4) in persons with and without baseline liver cirrhosis. The five-year cumulative incidence of decompensated liver cirrhosis was 0.7% (95% CI 0.5-1.0). Among 2038 evaluated for liver events stratified by disease phase, incidence of HCC was low in all who were non-cirrhotic and untreated for HBV at baseline. PAGE-B score was evaluated in 1529 persons. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was 0, 0.8 (95% CI 0.5-1.8), and 8.7 (95% CI 1.0-16.4) in persons scoring <10, 10-17 and >17, respectively (c-statistic 0.91 (95% CI 0.84-0.98)). Conclusion We found low incidence of HCC and decompensated liver cirrhosis in persons with chronic HBV infection in Denmark. Moreover, the PAGE-B score showed good accuracy for five-year risk of developing HCC in the population with chronic HBV infection in Denmark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Bollerup
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Frederik Engsig
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Sofie Hallager
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Amanda Mocroft
- Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), Institute for Global Health, UCL, London, England,Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections (CHIP) and PERSIMUNE, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Birgit T Roege
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kolding Hospital, Kolding, Denmark
| | - Peer B Christensen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark,Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Alex L Laursen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Krarup
- Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark,Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Mette R Clausen
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Thielsen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lone G Madsen
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Zealand University Hospital, Koege, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Noerregaard
- Department of Lung- and Infectious Diseases, North Zealand Hospital, Hilleroed, Denmark
| | - Toke S Barfod
- Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ulla Balslev
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Herlev Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Britta Tarp
- Diagnostic Centre, University Research Clinic for Innovative Patient Pathways, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | - Jesper B Hansen
- Department of Medical Gastroenterology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Lone H Mygind
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Jan Gerstoft
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Weis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark,Correspondence: Nina Weis, Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark, Tel: +45 38623514, Email
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23
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Leroy V, Chevaliez S, Decraecker M, Roulot D, Nana J, Asselah T, Causse X, Durantel D, Thibaut V, Ganne-Carrié N, Bureau C, de Lédinghen V, Bourlière M. Non-invasive diagnosis and follow-up of chronic infection with hepatitis B virus. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101773. [PMID: 34332134 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, initial staging of infection and monitoring of treated and untreated patients are mainly based on clinical, biological and imaging criteria allowing a complete non-invasive management for the majority of patients. Along to the conventional virological tools, rapid diagnostic tests and blotting paper tests for HBV DNA are validated alternatives. After diagnosis, the initial work-up should include HIV, HCV and HDV serologies, HBeAg status, and HBsAg and HBV DNA quantification. Assessment of severity (inflammation and fibrosis) is based on ALT serum levels and non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis by elastography or blood tests, which must be interpreted cautiously using specific cut-offs and taking into account ALT levels. Taken together, these parameters allow disease classification and treatment decision. Decision of hepatocellular carcinoma screening by ultra-sound every six months may be difficult in non-cirrhotic patients and the use of risk-scores such as PAGE-B is encouraged. Chronic HBV infection often has a dynamic and often unpredictable profile and regular monitoring is mandatory. In untreated patients, regular (3-12 months) follow-up should include ALT and HBV DNA serum levels. Periodical HBsAg quantification and non-invasive evaluation of liver fibrosis may refine disease outcome and prognosis. In treated patients, checking efficacy is mainly based on HBV DNA negativity. In patients with advanced fibrosis, evolution of liver stiffness can be useful for portal hypertension evaluation, but its improvement should not be considered to stop hepatocellular carcinoma screening. Finally, new parameters (HBV RNA, HBcrAg) are promising but their use is still restricted for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Leroy
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, APHP, & INSERM U955, UPEC, Créteil, France.
| | - Stéphane Chevaliez
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, APHP, & INSERM U955, UPEC, Créteil, France
| | - Marie Decraecker
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac & INSERM U1053, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dominique Roulot
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, APHP; université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Jean Nana
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Centre Hospitalier de Voiron, CHU Grenoble-Alpes, Voiron, France
| | - Tarik Asselah
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, Clichy, France
| | - Xavier Causse
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie et oncologie digestive, CHR Orléans, Orléans, France
| | | | | | - Nathalie Ganne-Carrié
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Avicenne, APHP; université Sorbonne Paris Nord, Bobigny, France
| | - Christophe Bureau
- Service d'hépatologie, Hôpital Rangueil, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Victor de Lédinghen
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Haut-Lévêque, CHU Bordeaux, Pessac & INSERM U1053, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marc Bourlière
- Service d'hépato-gastroentérologie, Hôpital Saint Joseph & INSERM UMR 1252 IRD SESSTIM Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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24
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Zhu M, Wang H, Lou T, Xiong P, Zhang J, Li L, Sun Y, Wu Y. Current treatment of chronic hepatitis B: Clinical aspects and future directions. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:975584. [PMID: 36160238 PMCID: PMC9493448 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.975584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a public health threat worldwide, and there is no direct treatment yet available. In the event of infection, patients may present liver cirrhosis and cancer, which threaten the patients’ health globally, especially in the Asia-Pacific region and China. In 2019, Chinese hepatopathologists updated the 2015 Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B as the clinical reference. The other versions formulated by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (2018 AASLD guidelines) (AASLD, 2018), European Association for the Study of the Liver (2017 EASL guidelines) (EASL, 2017), and Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (2015 APASL guidelines) (APASL, 2015) also provide clinical guidance. However, there are still some issues that need to be addressed. In the present study, the following aspects will be introduced successively: (1) Who should be treated in the general population according to the guidelines; (2) Treatment of specific populations infected with HBV; (3) Controversial issues in clinical practice; (4) Perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minmin Zhu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Hui Wang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Tao Lou
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Pian Xiong
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Jiebing Zhang
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Lele Li
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Yuchao Sun
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
- International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua, China
| | - Yingping Wu
- The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
- International Institutes of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Jinhua, China
- *Correspondence: Yingping Wu,
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25
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Garcia-Saenz-de-Sicilia M, Al-Obaid L, Hughes DL, Duarte-Rojo A. Mastering Core Recommendations during HEPAtology ROUNDS in Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease. Semin Liver Dis 2022; 42:341-361. [PMID: 35764316 DOI: 10.1055/a-1886-5909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Efficient and thorough care of hospitalized patients with advanced chronic liver disease is of utter importance to improve outcomes and optimize quality of life. This requires understanding current evidence and best practices. To facilitate focus on up-to-date knowledge and a practical approach, we have created the HEPA-ROUNDS mnemonic while outlining a practical review of the literature with critical appraisal for the busy clinician. The HEPA-ROUNDS mnemonic provides a structured approach that incorporates critical concepts in terms of prevention, management, and prognostication of the most common complications frequently encountered in patients with advanced chronic liver disease. In addition, implementing the HEPA-ROUNDS mnemonic can facilitate education for trainees and staff caring for patients with advanced chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lolwa Al-Obaid
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Dempsey L Hughes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrés Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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26
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Abeysekera KWM, Macpherson I, Glyn-Owen K, McPherson S, Parker R, Harris R, Yeoman A, Rowe IA, Dillon JF. Community pathways for the early detection and risk stratification of chronic liver disease: a narrative systematic review. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 7:770-780. [PMID: 35525248 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(22)00020-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Patients with chronic liver disease are often diagnosed during an index presentation to hospital with decompensated cirrhosis or liver-related events, and these presentations are associated with high mortality. However, there is often a long asymptomatic phase, in which there is an opportunity for earlier diagnosis and interventions to prevent progression to advanced disease. Therefore, strategies for early diagnosis and interventions (including behavioural changes and pharmacological treatments) that prevent patients progressing to cirrhosis and its associated complications probably have substantial benefits for patients and health-care services. Many community pathways have been generated. Some pathways focus on abnormal liver function tests as a starting point to diagnose liver disease. Other pathways target groups at greater risk of chronic liver disease-particularly people with harmful alcohol consumption, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. This systematic review summarises the existing strategies available for the early detection or risk stratification of liver disease, focusing primarily on alcohol-related liver disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Conducting randomised clinical trials that compare different strategies will be essential to elucidate which pathways are acceptable to patients, feasible, provide high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of liver disease, improve liver-related outcomes, and are most cost-effective at the population level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Iain Macpherson
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Kate Glyn-Owen
- School of Primary Care, Population Science and Medical Education (PPM), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, University Hospital Southampton, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Liver Unit, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Richard Parker
- Leeds Liver Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Rebecca Harris
- National Institute for Health Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew Yeoman
- Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, Hepatology, Newport, UK
| | - Ian A Rowe
- Leeds Liver Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK; Leeds Institute for Medical Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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27
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Sullivan MK, Daher HB, Rockey DC. Normal or near normal aminotransferase levels in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Am J Med Sci 2022; 363:484-489. [PMID: 34619146 PMCID: PMC10860165 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2021.09.012] [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: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcoholic liver disease is caused by excessive alcohol consumption that results in an inflammatory response and fibrosis. We have recognized that patients with alcoholic cirrhosis often have unremarkable liver enzyme values. METHODS In this retrospective cohort analysis, we identified consecutive patients with documented alcoholic cirrhosis at an academic medical center who were admitted between January 1 2016 and December 1 2018. We examined clinical outcomes of patients as a function of whether the aspartate transaminase (AST) or alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was normal or abnormal. Likelihood chi-square analyses were utilized for group comparisons and t-tests were used for numerical data. RESULTS In the cohort of 78 patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (age 55, 26-75; 58% male) 70 had a normal ALT and 12 had a normal AST. The average AST for all patients was 59 ± 34 U/L (ULN = 35 U/L), and the average ALT was 27 ± 13 U/L (ULN = 45 U/L). The average INR was 1.5 ± 0.5 and total bilirubin was 3.7 ± 4.9 mg/dL, and 20 patients had a normal bilirubin level, including only one with an abnormal ALT level. The average model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 19 ± 8 and 32% of patients died during the follow-up time period of 5 months. Decompensating events were identified in 78 (100%) patients. There was no correlation between complications or death and aminotransferase levels. CONCLUSIONS Aminotransferase levels are often unremarkable in patients with alcohol related cirrhosis and bear no relationship to clinical events or outcomes. Clinicians should be cautious when interpreting aminotransferases in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kate Sullivan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Halim Bou Daher
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Don C Rockey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA; Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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28
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Seidelin AS, Nordestgaard BG, Tybjærg-Hansen A, Yaghootkar H, Stender S. A rare genetic variant in the manganese transporter SLC30A10 and elevated liver enzymes in the general population. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:702-711. [PMID: 35397106 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10331-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A genetic variant in the manganese transporter SLC30A10 (rs188273166, p.Thr95Ile) was associated with increased plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) in a recent genome-wide association study in the UK Biobank (UKB). The aims of the present study were to test the association of rs188273166 with ALT in an independent cohort, and to begin to assess the clinical, hepatic, and biochemical phenotypes associated with the variant. METHODS We included n = 334,886 white participants from UKB, including 14,462 with hepatic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and n = 113,612 individuals from the Copenhagen City Heart Study and the Copenhagen General Population Study combined. RESULTS Genotyping SLC30A10 p.Thr95Ile identified 816 heterozygotes in the UKB and 111 heterozygotes in the Copenhagen cohort. Compared to noncarriers, heterozygotes had 4 and 5 U/L higher levels of ALT in the UKB and Copenhagen cohort, respectively, and 3 U/L higher plasma aspartate transaminase and gamma-glutamyl transferase in the UKB. Heterozygotes also had higher corrected T1 on liver MRI, a marker of hepatic inflammation (p = 4 × 10-7), but no change in MRI-quantified steatosis (p = 0.57). Plasma manganese was within the normal range in nine heterozygotes that provided new blood samples. SLC30A10 p.Thr95Ile heterozygotes had an eightfold increased risk of biliary tract cancer in UKB (p = 4 × 10-7), but this association was not replicated in the Copenhagen cohort. CONCLUSIONS SLC30A10 p.Thr95Ile was associated with elevated liver enzymes in two large general population cohorts, and with MRI-quantified hepatic inflammation. A rare genetic variant (p.Thr95Ile) in the manganese transporter SLC30A10 is associated with elevated plasma alanine transaminase (ALT) and higher corrected T1 on liver MRI, markers of liver inflammation. These data support that the variant may increase the risk of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sofie Seidelin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Børge Grønne Nordestgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Tybjærg-Hansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanieh Yaghootkar
- Department of Life Sciences, Centre for Inflammation Research and Translational Medicine (CIRTM), Brunel University London, Uxbridge, UK
- Research Centre for Optimal Health, School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Stefan Stender
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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29
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Lubel JS, Strasser SI, Thompson AJ, Cowie BC, MacLachlan J, Allard NL, Holmes J, Kemp WW, Majumdar A, Iser D, Howell J, Matthews GV. Australian consensus recommendations for the management of hepatitis B. Med J Aust 2022; 216:478-486. [PMID: 35249220 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Australia is nearly 1%. In certain well defined groups the prevalence is far greater, yet an estimated 27% of people living with HBV infection remain undiagnosed. Appropriate screening improves detection, increases opportunity for treatment, and ultimately reduces the significant morbidity and mortality associated with the development of liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS This statement highlights important aspects of HBV infection management in Australia. There have been recent changes in nomenclature and understanding of natural history, as well as a newly defined upper limit of normal for liver tests that determine phase classification and threshold for antiviral treatment. As the main burden of hepatitis B in Australia is within migrant and Indigenous communities, early identification and management of people living with hepatitis B is essential to prevent adverse outcomes including liver cancer and cirrhosis. CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT AS A RESULT OF THIS GUIDELINE These recommendations aim to raise awareness of the current management of hepatitis B in Australia. Critically, the timely identification of individuals living with hepatitis B, and where appropriate, commencement of antiviral therapy, can prevent the development of cirrhosis, HCC and mother-to-child transmission as well as hepatitis B reactivation in immunocompromised individuals. Recognising patient and viral factors that predispose to the development of cirrhosis and HCC will enable clinicians to risk-stratify and appropriately implement surveillance strategies to prevent these complications of hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- John S Lubel
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Simone I Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Alexander J Thompson
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Benjamin C Cowie
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC
- Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Jennifer MacLachlan
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Nicole L Allard
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Viral Hepatitis, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Jacinta Holmes
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | | | - Avik Majumdar
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW
| | - David Iser
- St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Jess Howell
- Monash University, Melbourne, VIC
- University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
- St Vincent's Hospital Sydney, Sydney, NSW
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Huong NTC, Karimzadeh S, Thanh NT, Thuan TM, Sabbah GM, Ismaeil K, An DNT, Huong LT, Huy NT, Thi Le Hoa P. Updated upper limit of normal for serum alanine aminotransferase value in Vietnamese population. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2022; 9:e000870. [PMID: 35613736 PMCID: PMC9134171 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2022-000870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is a marker of hepatic damage and its range can be affected by viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver diseases. We aimed to study the factors associated with higher ALT level and update the upper limit of normal (ULN) in the Vietnamese population. METHODS This cross-sectional study enrolled 8383 adults, aged 18 years and older who visited the Medical Center at Ho Chi Minh City for a health check-up. Following the exclusion criteria, 6677 subjects were included in the analysis. RESULTS Age ≤40 years, male gender, body mass index >23 kg/m2, diastolic blood pressure >85 mm Hg, cholesterol >5.2 mmol/L, triglyceride >1.7 mmol/L, positivity, anti-hepatitis C virus positivity and fatty liver (p<0.05) were associated with higher ALT level (>40 U/L). Without considering age and gender, healthy group is defined after exclusion of participants with one of the mentioned contributing factors. The median ALT level in the healthy group was 18 in men and 13 in women. The ULN at the 95th percentile of the healthy group was 40 U/L in men and 28 U/L in women. CONCLUSION The ULN for ALT in healthy women was lower than in healthy men. Updated ULN for ALT level can promote the identification of unhealthy subjects. More studies that involve ethnicity and lifestyle factors are needed to confirm the new ULN in the Vietnamese population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Thi Cam Huong
- Department of Infectious diseases, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Sedighe Karimzadeh
- School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Nguyen Thi Thanh
- University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Tieu Minh Thuan
- McMaster University Faculty of Health Sciences, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | | - Dang Nguyen Trung An
- Imaging Diagnostic Department, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Lai To Huong
- Health Screening Department, University Medical Center, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
| | - Nguyen Tien Huy
- School of Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Pham Thi Le Hoa
- Department of Infectious Disease, University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh city, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam
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Liu JJ, Cui XX, Tan YW, Dong PX, Ou YQ, Li QQ, Chu C, Wu LY, Liang LX, Qin SJ, Zeeshan M, Zhou Y, Hu LW, Liu RQ, Zeng XW, Dong GH, Zhao XM. Per- and perfluoroalkyl substances alternatives, mixtures and liver function in adults: A community-based population study in China. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2022; 163:107179. [PMID: 35325771 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2022.107179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Experimental evidence has shown that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) alternatives and mixtures may exert hepatotoxic effects in animals. However, epidemiological evidence is limited. This research aimed to explore associations of PFAS and the alternatives with liver function in a general adult population. The study participants consisted of 1,303 adults from a community-based cross-sectional investigation in Guangzhou, China, from November 2018 to August 2019. We selected 13 PFAS with detection rates > 85% in serum samples and focused on perfluorooctane-sulfonic acid (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and their alternatives [6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (6:2 Cl-PFESA), 8:2 Cl-PFESA, and perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA)] as predictors of outcome. Six liver function biomarkers (ALB, ALT, AST, GGT, ALP, and DBIL) were chosen as outcomes. We applied regression models with restricted cubic spline function to explore correlations between single PFAS and liver function and inspected the combined effect of PFAS mixtures on liver by applying Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). We discovered positive associations among PFAS and liver function biomarkers except for ALP. For example, compared with the 25th percentile of PFAS concentration, the level of ALT increased by 12.36% (95% CI: 7.91%, 16.98%) for ln-6:2 Cl-PFESA, 5.59% (95% CI: 2.35%, 8.92%) for ln-8:2 Cl-PFESA, 3.56% (95% CI: -0.39%, 7.68%) for ln-PFHxA, 13.91% (95% CI: 8.93%, 19.13%) for ln-PFOA, and 14.25% (95% CI: 9.91%, 18.77%) for ln-PFOS at their 75th percentile. In addition, higher exposed serum PFAS was found to be correlated with greater odds of abnormal liver function. Analysis from BKMR models also showed an adverse association between PFAS mixtures and liver function. The combined effect of the PFAS mixture appeared to be non-interactive, in which PFOS was the main contributor to the overall effect. Our findings provide evidence of associations between PFAS alternatives, PFAS mixtures, and liver function in the general adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao-Jiao Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xin-Xin Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ya-Wen Tan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Peng-Xin Dong
- Nursing College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yan-Qiu Ou
- Department of Epidemiology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, WHO Collaborating Center for Research and Training in Cardiovascular Diseases, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Qing-Qing Li
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Chu Chu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Lu-Yin Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Li-Xia Liang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shuang-Jian Qin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Mohammed Zeeshan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Xiao-Miao Zhao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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Petroff D, Bätz O, Jedrysiak K, Kramer J, Berg T, Wiegand J. Age Dependence of Liver Enzymes: An Analysis of Over 1,300,000 Consecutive Blood Samples. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:641-650. [PMID: 33524594 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Upper levels of normal for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) generally take sex into account, but not age. This simplification may lead to misclassification and burden the patient and health system unnecessarily. METHODS Consecutive blood samples were analyzed from a German laboratory. Subcohorts included samples from a prescribed routine check-up and a healthy cohort, defined as patients without increased GGT, triglyceride, cholesterol, glycated hemoglobin, or glucose levels, and without known hepatitis B. RESULTS A total of 1,369,180 blood samples were analyzed from 601,779 participants (50.8% female; mean age, 58.5 y; SD, 18.0 y). There is an extreme age dependence in ALT values for men: increased values were seen in 20.0% (95% CI, 19.5%-20.4%) of patients in the age group of 25 to 34 years, but only 6.7% (95% CI, 6.4%-7.0%) for the ages of 65 to 74 years. The 95th percentile reaches values greater than 80 U/L instead of 50 U/L at the age of 35, and decrease to less than 50 U/L by the age of 75. Similar qualitative results were found in the healthy and prescribed routine check-up subcohorts. The age dependence is much weaker for ALT in women. The proportion of women with an increased AST level increases from approximately 6% to 12% at approximately age 50. The 95th percentile for GGT increases up to the age of 60 in men, and throughout life in women. CONCLUSIONS Current guidelines and reference values for ALT imply that subsequent diagnostics are needed for a large proportion of young men. Our data strongly suggest that age adaptation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Petroff
- Clinical Trial Centre, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Olaf Bätz
- LADR Laboratory Group Dr. Kramer & Colleagues, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Katrin Jedrysiak
- LADR Laboratory Group Dr. Kramer & Colleagues, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Jan Kramer
- LADR Laboratory Group Dr. Kramer & Colleagues, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Thomas Berg
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Wiegand
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany.
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Ramírez-Vélez R, García-Hermoso A, Correa-Rodríguez M, Izquierdo M. Defining values for controlled attenuation parameter and liver stiffness in youth without liver disease. Pediatr Res 2022; 91:912-920. [PMID: 33846557 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01441-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine the reference values to define an age-specific normal range of controlled attenuation parameter (CAP, a measure of liver steatosis) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values assessed by ultrasound-based transient elastography in adolescents without underlying liver disease. METHODS A total of 462 participants were included in this cross-sectional study using data from NHANES 2017-2018. LSM and CAP were carried out using the FibroScan® M-probe. Anthropometric, metabolic and hematological parameters were measured. RESULTS The median CAP was 199.0 dB/m (150.0-245.0 dB/m, 10th to 90th percentiles) and the median LSM was 4.7 kPa (3.4-6.3 kPa, 10th to 90th percentiles) for ages 12-19.9 years. Regression analyses show that the CAP and LSM were not positively correlated with age (boys CAP R2 = 0.001, p = 0.576 and LSM R2 = 0.012, p = 0.096; girls CAP R2 = 0.011, p = 0.113 and LSM R2 = 0.006, p = 0.236). Finally, CAP was positively associated with LSM in girls (β = 0.189, p = 0.005) but not in boys (β = -0.083, p = 0.202). CONCLUSIONS The reference values indicated here for LSM and CAP will help in the screening of adolescents between ages 12 and 19.9 years and might serve as a useful method for identifying those youth at high risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. IMPACT The reference values indicated in this study for liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) will help in the screening of adolescents between ages 12 and 19.9 years in clinical practice. The cutoffs of LSM and CAP might serve as a useful method for identifying those youth at high risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robinson Ramírez-Vélez
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Navarrabiomed-IdiSNA, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio García-Hermoso
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Navarrabiomed-IdiSNA, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Pamplona, Spain.,Universidad de Santiago de Chile (USACH), Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Correa-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria Granada (IBIS Granada), Granada, Spain. .,Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada (UGR), Granada, Spain.
| | - Mikel Izquierdo
- Department of Health Sciences, Public University of Navarra, Navarrabiomed-IdiSNA, Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (CHN), Pamplona, Spain.,CIBER of Frailty and Healthy Aging (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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Wu H, Xia F, Zhang L, Fang C, Lee J, Gong L, Gao J, Ling D, Li F. A ROS-Sensitive Nanozyme-Augmented Photoacoustic Nanoprobe for Early Diagnosis and Therapy of Acute Liver Failure. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2022; 34:e2108348. [PMID: 34839560 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202108348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of acute liver failure (ALF) is critical for curable treatment of patients, because most existing ALF therapies have narrow therapeutic time windows after disease onset. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), which lead to the sequential occurrences of hepatocyte necrosis and the leakage of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), represent early biomarkers of ALF. Photoacoustic imaging is emerging as a powerful tool for in vivo imaging of ROS. However, high-performance imaging probes that can boost the photoacoustic signals of the short-lived ROS of ALF are yet to be developed, and there remains a great challenge for ROS-based imaging of ALF. Herein, a ROS-sensitive nanozyme-augmented photoacoustic nanoprobe for successful in vivo imaging of ALF is presented. The deep-penetrating photoacoustic signals of the nanoprobe can be activated by the overexpressed ROS in ALF due to the synergy between nanocatalytic bubbles generation and thermoelastic expansion. Impressively, the nanozyme-augmented ROS imaging enables earlier diagnosis of ALF than the clinical ALT method, and the ROS-activated catalytic activity of nanoprobe permits timely nanocatalytic therapy of ALF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Wu
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Fan Xia
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Lingxiao Zhang
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Chunyan Fang
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Jiyoung Lee
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Linji Gong
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
| | - Jianqing Gao
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Dr. Li Dak Sum & Yip Yio Chin Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
| | - Daishun Ling
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Frontiers Science Center for Transformative Molecules, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, P. R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, P. R. China
| | - Fangyuan Li
- Institute of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, P. R. China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310012, P. R. China
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Vera MA, Koch CD, Liapakis A, Lim JK, El-Khoury JM. The ALT upper reference interval debate: Blame it on the alcohol. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 526:62-65. [PMID: 34973184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.12.026] [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: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2017, the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG) and the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition published clinical guidelines recommending the use of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) upper reference limits (URL) of 33, 25, 26, and 22 U/l for men, women, boys, and girls, respectively. This was opposed by laboratory experts who advocated for the use of higher URL of 59, 41, 33, and 24 U/l instead. We suspected that the variable inclusion of individuals who consumed alcohol to be a major contributing source of URL variability and debate. METHODS Outpatient ALT data (n = 7379) were collected from unique individuals ≥13 y with BMIs of ≥19 and ≤25. A total of 222 (3%) were excluded due to suspected liver disease. Patients were split into a pediatric group (age 13-17 y), an alcohol-restricted adult group (age 18-20 y), and adults with access to alcohol by decade (i.e., age 21-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and ≥ 80 y). All ALT values were measured on Roche Cobas 8000 with pyridoxal phosphate and traceable to the IFCC-reference measurement procedure. RESULTS We derived URL similar to CALIPER for our pediatric population, but closer to ACG-proposed URL in our alcohol-restricted adult group. The URL increased significantly in men and women for all other age groups. CONCLUSIONS The discrepancy in ALT URL in clinical laboratories may be attributable in part due to the variable inclusion of individuals who recently consumed alcohol in local population derivation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Vera
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Christopher D Koch
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Joseph K Lim
- Yale Liver Center and Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joe M El-Khoury
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Kobayashi D, Yamamoto K, Kimura T, Shimbo T. Aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio and subsequent cancer development. Cancer Med 2021; 11:798-814. [PMID: 34850600 PMCID: PMC8817090 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to evaluate the association between the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio and subsequent development of any type of cancer in an apparently healthy population. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study at St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan between 2005 and 2018. All participants who visited for voluntary health checkups were included. We divided the participants into different quintiles based on the baseline AST/ALT ratios and examined the outcomes. Results A total of 85,658 participants were included. The mean age was 44.7 years (standard deviation 12.0) at baseline, and 42,913 (50.1%) of them were men. During a median follow‐up of 61.6 months, 4701 (5.5%) participants developed some type of cancer. Compared with the middle AST/ALT ratio group, no other groups had similar adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for the development of any type of cancer in both men and women. When stratified by alcohol consumption, very high (adjusted HR 1.36; 95% CI 1.13–1.63) and high (adjusted HR 1.26; 95% CI 1.05–1.50) AST/ALT ratio groups among men who were regular drinkers had increased adjusted HRs for any type of cancer development, but the very high AST/ALT ratio group among men who were abstainers (adjusted HR 0.64; 95% CI 0.42–0.97) and very low AST/ALT ratio group among men who were occasional drinkers (adjusted HR 0.69; 95% CI 0.48–0.98) had lower adjusted HRs compared with the middle AST/ALT ratio group. Among women, regardless of alcohol consumption, adjusted HR for any type of cancer development was similar across all AST/ALT ratio groups. Conclusion People with higher AST/ALT ratios tended to have a higher risk of developing any type of cancer among men who were regular drinkers, but this risk was lower among men who were abstainers. Among women, regardless of alcohol consumption, there was no association between the development of any type of cancer and AST/ALT ratio.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiki Kobayashi
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Epidemiology, St. Luke's International University Graduate School of Public Health, Tokyo, Japan.,Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan.,Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuki Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kimura
- The Center for Preventive Medicine, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Valenti L, Pelusi S, Bianco C, Ceriotti F, Berzuini A, Iogna Prat L, Trotti R, Malvestiti F, D'Ambrosio R, Lampertico P, Colli A, Colombo M, Tsochatzis EA, Fraquelli M, Prati D. Definition of Healthy Ranges for Alanine Aminotransferase Levels: A 2021 Update. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1824-1832. [PMID: 34520121 PMCID: PMC8557310 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The changing epidemiology of liver disease, and modifications in the recommended analytical methodology call for a re-evaluation of the upper reference limits (URLs) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Using the same approach consolidated 20 years ago to define the healthy population, we defined the URL for the newly recommended International Federation of Clinical Chemistry (IFCC) standardized test. In a cross-sectional study, we examined 21,296 apparently healthy blood donors (age 18-65 years) and calculated the sex-specific URL by the 95th percentile in individuals without risk factors for liver disease. These were tested for the ability to predict liver damage in a subset of 745 participants with dysmetabolism, in an independent cohort of 977 unselected donors, and in 899 patients with chronic liver disease. ALT levels were measured by the IFCC test. Male sex, body mass index, glucose, lipids, ferritin, hypertension, and younger age were independent ALT predictors (P < 0.001). Updated URLs were identified at 42/30 U/L in males/females, approximately 30% lower than those currently recommended by the IFCC. Due to improved sensitivity, they conferred the ability to detect steatosis and significant fibrosis in individuals with dysmetabolism (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, range 1.40-3.80, P = 0.001; and OR = 3.35, range 1.19-9.42, P = 0.021; respectively), although with a limited accuracy, and significant fibrosis in unselected donors (OR = 2.32, 1.02-5.31, P = 0.045). Updated URLs had a moderate to high accuracy to discriminate liver conditions (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.81, range 0.78-0.91). Conclusion: Updated URLs by the IFCC method were lower than those calculated in initial studies, but higher than those in use with the recommended old, nonstandardized method, and were able to better predict liver disease. The limited awareness that different techniques are still in use should be regarded as a possible source of medical errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Valenti
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly.,Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Serena Pelusi
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly.,Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Cristiana Bianco
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly.,Department of MedicineUdine HospitalUdineItaly
| | - Ferruccio Ceriotti
- Clinical LaboratoryFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico MilanMilanItaly
| | - Alessandra Berzuini
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Laura Iogna Prat
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive HealthRoyal Free Hospital and UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Roberta Trotti
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Francesco Malvestiti
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly.,Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Roberta D'Ambrosio
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico MilanMilanItaly
| | - Pietro Lampertico
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico MilanMilanItaly.,CRC "A. M. and A. Migliavacca" Center for Liver DiseaseDepartment of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Agostino Colli
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | | | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive HealthRoyal Free Hospital and UCLLondonUnited Kingdom
| | - Mirella Fraquelli
- Department of Gastroenterology and EndoscopyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico MilanMilanItaly
| | - Daniele Prati
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and HaematologyFondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
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Niezen S, Tapper EB, Trivedi H, Lai M, Curry MP, Mukamal KJ, Jiang ZG. Prevalence of High Liver Stiffness and a Screening Strategy Using the SODA-2B Score Among US Adults. Hepatol Commun 2021; 6:898-909. [PMID: 34697916 PMCID: PMC8948660 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis, a rising cause of death in the United States, has an extended preclinical phase characterized by progressive liver fibrosis. Despite the developments in noninvasive fibrosis measurement, there is no recommended screening, in part due to an incomplete understanding of the disease epidemiology on a national scale. Herein, we aim to define the prevalence of liver fibrosis and compare strategies to identify the at-risk population. We analyzed 4,510 US adults with complete liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE) in the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to estimate the disease burden of increased liver stiffness. An estimated 11.6 million (95% confidence interval [C.I.], 8.1-15.0 million) US adults had LSM ≥9.5 kPa, indicating advanced fibrosis and representing 1 in every 18 adults. Among them, 7.1 million (95% CI, 5.0-9.1 million) had LSM ≥12.5 kPa, which is concerning for cirrhosis. LSM ≥9.5 kPa is associated with male sex (S), history of other liver diseases (O), diabetes (D), advanced age (A), and an elevated BMI (B). A simple SODA-2B score had a sensitivity of 96.4% in identifying individuals at risk for advanced cirrhosis (LSM ≥9.5 kPa) and a negative predictive value of 99.3% in stratifying more than half of the adult population. When the liver function test (LFT) is available, the inclusion of abnormal LFT and elevated fibrosis-4 index can further increase screening efficiency. Conclusion: Elevated liver stiffness is prevalent among US adults. A SODA-2B score can risk stratify adults for VCTE-based fibrosis screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Niezen
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Hirsh Trivedi
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michelle Lai
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Michael P Curry
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kenneth J Mukamal
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Z Gordon Jiang
- Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Lemmer P, Selbach N, Baars T, Porsch-Özcürümez M, Heider D, Canbay A, Sowa JP. Transaminase Concentrations Cannot Separate Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Morbidly Obese Patients Irrespective of Histological Algorithm. Dig Dis 2021; 40:644-653. [PMID: 34469884 DOI: 10.1159/000519317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In current general practice, elevated serum concentrations of liver enzymes are still regarded as an indicator of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this study, we analyzed if an adjustment of the upper limit of normal (ULN) for serum liver enzymes can improve their diagnostic accuracy. METHODS Data from 363 morbidly obese patients (42.5 ± 10.3 years old; mean BMI: 52 ± 8.5 kg/m2), who underwent bariatric surgery, was retrospectively analyzed. NAFL and NASH were defined histologically according to non-alcoholic fatty liver activity score (NAS) and according to steatosis activity fibrosis (SAF) score for 2 separate analyses, respectively. RESULTS In 121 women (45%) and 45 men (46%), elevated values for at least one serum parameter (ALT, AST, γGT) were present. The serum concentrations of ALT (p < 0.0001), AST (p < 0.0001) and γGT (p = 0.0023) differed significantly between NAFL and NASH, irrespective of the applied histological classification method. Concentrations of all 3 serum parameters correlated significantly positively with the NAS and the SAF score, with correlation coefficients between 0.33 (ALT/NAS) and 0.40 (γGT/SAF). The area under the curves to separate NAFL and NASH by liver enzymes achieved a maximum of 0.70 (ALT applied to NAS-based classification). For 95% specificity, the ULN for ALT would be 47.5 U/L; for 95% sensitivity, the ULN for ALT would be 17.5 U/L, resulting in 62% uncategorized patients. CONCLUSION ALT, AST, and γGT are unsuitable for non-invasive screening or diagnosis of NAFL or NASH. Utilizing liver enzymes as an indicator for NAFLD or NASH should generally be questioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lemmer
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nicole Selbach
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Theodor Baars
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Mustafa Porsch-Özcürümez
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dominik Heider
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ali Canbay
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Jan-Peter Sowa
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Evon DM, Lin HHS, Fontana RJ, Khalili M, Yim C, Wahed AS, Hoofnagle JH. Liver disease symptoms are associated with higher risk of adverse clinical outcomes: A longitudinal study of North American adults with chronic Hepatitis B. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 3:196-208. [PMID: 34421369 DOI: 10.1002/ygh2.458] [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: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background Symptoms of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are not well characterized. Aims To evaluate CHB symptoms and associations with disease activity and clinical outcomes. Methods Longitudinal data from 1,576 participants in the Hepatitis B Research Network Cohort Study who completed symptom assessments were analyzed. A composite symptom score was calculated using a Symptom Checklist (0=none to 40=extreme). Multivariable mixed models assessed variables associated with symptom change over time. Latent class symptom trajectories were evaluated. The cumulative probability of long-term clinical outcomes (new onset cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver transplantation, death) was examined by baseline symptom groups. Results Participants median age was 42 (range:18-80), 51% were male, 75% Asian, (68% of whom were born outside North America) with a median follow-up of 4.2 years. On average, symptoms did not significantly change over time. The multivariable model identified several variables associated with higher symptoms during follow-up: being female, non-Asian, born in the US/Canada, lower education, higher AST, lower platelets, and more comorbidities. Two patient subgroups were identified based on longitudinal symptom trajectories: a low symptom group (92%, n=1,451) with symptom scores averaging 2.4 over time and a moderate symptom group (8%, n=125) with symptom scores averaging 11.5. During follow-up, 7.3% in the moderate symptom group, but only 3.2% of the low symptom group, developed adverse outcomes (p=0.02). Conclusions In this large cohort of CHB patients, symptoms were generally mild and stable over time. However, in some patients with moderate symptoms at baseline, deleterious clinical outcomes were more frequent in follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M Evon
- Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Hsing-Hua S Lin
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh
| | | | - Mandana Khalili
- Department of Medicine, University of California at San Francisco
| | - Colina Yim
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University of Toronto
| | - Abdus S Wahed
- Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh
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41
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Rodart IF, Pares MM, Mendes A, Accardo CM, Martins JRM, Silva CB, Carvalho FO, Barreto JA, Reis MG, Tersariol ILS, Nader HB. Diagnostic Accuracy of Serum Hyaluronan for Detecting HCV Infection and Liver Fibrosis in Asymptomatic Blood Donors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26133892. [PMID: 34202190 PMCID: PMC8270308 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26133892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The disease caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV) is asymptomatic, silent, and progressive liver disease. In HCV-infected patients the increase in serum HA is associated with the development of hepatic fibrosis and disease progression. Methods: HCV-RNA detection was performed in all serological samples of blood donors that tested positive using HCV Ultra ELISA. Determination of hyaluronan (HA) was performed in positive HCV samples using ELISA-like fluorometric method. The HA content was compared to HCV viral load, genotype of the virus, liver fibrosis as well as ALT and GGT liver biomarkers. Results: Persistently normal ALT (<40 U/L) and GGT (<50 U/L) serum levels were detected in 75% and 69% of the HCV-Infected blood donors, respectively. Based on ROC analysis, the HA value < 34.2 ng/mL is an optimal cut-off point to exclude HCV viremia (specificity = 91%, NPV = 99%). Applying HA value ≥34.2 ng/mL significant liver fibrosis (≥F2) can be estimated in 46% of the HCV-infected blood donors. HA serum level (≥34.2 ng/mL) associated with a high ALT level (>40 U/mL) can correctly identify HCV infection and probable liver fibrosis (sensitivity = 96% and specificity = 90%) in asymptomatic blood donors. Conclusions: A high level of HA (≥34.2 ng/mL) in association with ALT (≥40 U/L) in serum can provide a good clinical opportunity to detect HCV-infected asymptomatic persons that potentially require a liver biopsy confirmation and antiviral treatment to prevent the development of advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itatiana F. Rodart
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - Madalena M. Pares
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Aline Mendes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - Camila M. Accardo
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - João R. M. Martins
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
| | - Cleidenice B. Silva
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Fabrício O. Carvalho
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - José A. Barreto
- Associação Beneficente de Coleta de Sangue (COLSAN), São Paulo 04038-000, Brazil; (M.M.P.); (C.B.S.); (F.O.C.); (J.A.B.)
| | - Mitermayer G. Reis
- Laboratório de Hepatites Virais, Centro de Pesquisas Gonçalo Muniz, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Salvador 40296-710, Brazil;
| | - Ivarne L. S. Tersariol
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.L.S.T.); (H.B.N.); Tel.: +55-11-5579-3175 (I.L.S.T.); +55-11-5549-4629 (H.B.N.)
| | - Helena B. Nader
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04021-001, Brazil; (I.F.R.); (A.M.); (C.M.A.); (J.R.M.M.)
- Correspondence: (I.L.S.T.); (H.B.N.); Tel.: +55-11-5579-3175 (I.L.S.T.); +55-11-5549-4629 (H.B.N.)
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Haufe S, Hupa-Breier KL, Bayerle P, Boeck HT, Rolff S, Sundermeier T, Kerling A, Eigendorf J, Kück M, Hanke AA, Ensslen R, Nachbar L, Lauenstein D, Böthig D, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Stiesch M, Terkamp C, Wedemeyer H, Haverich A, Tegtbur U. Telemonitoring-Supported Exercise Training in Employees With Metabolic Syndrome Improves Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00371. [PMID: 34140456 PMCID: PMC8216678 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a major health problem worldwide and the main risk factor for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). Established treatment options are lifestyle interventions facilitating dietary change and increased physical activity. Here, we tested the effect of a telemonitoring-supported intervention on liver parameter of inflammation and fibrosis in individuals with MetS. METHODS This was a prospective, randomized, parallel-group, and assessor-blind study performed in workers of the main Volkswagen factory (Wolfsburg, Germany). Volunteers with diagnosed MetS were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 6-month lifestyle intervention focusing on supervised, activity-tracker-guided exercise or to a waiting-list control group. This secondary analysis assessed the effect of the intervention on liver enzymes and MAFLD-related parameters. RESULTS We screened 543 individuals between October 10, 2017, and February 27, 2018, of whom 314 were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 160) or control group (n = 154). Liver transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase significantly decreased after 6 months in the intervention group compared with the CG. Furthermore, an aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index score as a marker for liver fibrosis significantly decreased in the intervention group. These improvements were associated with changes in obesity and exercise capacity. DISCUSSION A 6-month lifestyle intervention based on exercise training with individualized telemonitoring-based supervision led to improvements of liver inflammation and fibrosis in employees with MetS. Therefore, this intervention shows therapeutic potential for individuals at high risk of MAFLD (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03293264).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sven Haufe
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
- Institute of Sports Science, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Katharina L. Hupa-Breier
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Pauline Bayerle
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Hedwig T. Boeck
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Simone Rolff
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | | | - Arno Kerling
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Julian Eigendorf
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Momme Kück
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Alexander A. Hanke
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | | | | | | | - Dietmar Böthig
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplantation, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany;
| | | | - Meike Stiesch
- Department of Prosthetic Dentistry and Biomedical Materials Science, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Christoph Terkamp
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
| | - Axel Haverich
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplantation, and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Germany;
| | - Uwe Tegtbur
- Institute of Sports Medicine, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany;
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Kozakova M, Gastaldelli A, Morizzo C, Højlund K, Nilssson PM, Ferrannini E, Palombo C. Gamma-glutamyltransferase, arterial remodeling and prehypertension in a healthy population at low cardiometabolic risk. J Hum Hypertens 2021; 35:334-342. [PMID: 32350440 DOI: 10.1038/s41371-020-0337-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Plasma gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) was suggested to reflect the level of systemic oxidative stress. Oxidative stress induces changes in arterial structure and function and contributes to the development of hypertension. Therefore, GGT may be associated with arterial remodeling and blood pressure (BP) increment, even in absence of disease. To test this hypothesis, we evaluated, in 825 healthy subjects at low cardiometabolic risk, the associations of plasma GGT with carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT), luminal diameter and prehypertension; in 154 subjects was evaluated also the association with aortic stiffness (cfPWV). Associations were controlled for insulin sensitivity, C-reactive protein, and life-style habits. In the main population, BP was remeasured after 3 years. Carotid diameter and cfPWV, but not IMT, were directly and independently related to plasma GGT. Subjects with prehypertension (N = 330) had higher GGT as compared with subjects with normal BP (22 [14] vs 17 [11] IU/L; adjusted P = 0.001), and within prehypertensive subjects, those who developed hypertension during 3 years had higher GGT than those without incident hypertension (27 [16] vs 21 [14] IU/L; adjusted P < 0.05). Within subjects with arterial stiffness measurement, those with prehypertension (N = 79) had higher both GGT and arterial stiffness (25 [14] vs 16 [20] IU/L and 9.11 ± 1.24 vs 7.90 ± 0.94 m/s; adjusted P < 0.01 and <0.05). In the view of previous evidence linking plasma GGT concentration to the level of systemic oxidative stress, our findings suggest a role of oxidative stress in subclinical arterial damage and in prehypertension, even in healthy subjects free of cardiometabolic risk. Arterial organ damage may represent the link between GGT and hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Kozakova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Amalia Gastaldelli
- Cardiometabolic Risk Unit, Institute of Clinical Physiology, CNR, Via Giuseppe Moruzzi 1, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - Carmela Morizzo
- Department of Surgical, Medical Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | - Kurt Højlund
- Steno Diabetes Center Odense, Odense University Hospital and Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, J.B.Winslows Vej 4, 5000, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Peter M Nilssson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Ele Ferrannini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Palombo
- Department of Surgical, Medical Molecular Pathology and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi 10, 56126, Pisa, Italy.
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44
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Kim WJ, Chung Y, Park J, Park JY, Han K, Park Y, Park IY, Ko HS. Influences of pregravid liver enzyme levels on the development of gestational diabetes mellitus. Liver Int 2021; 41:743-753. [PMID: 33314623 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Elevated liver enzymes are associated with later development of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The objective of this study was to assess the association between prepregnancy liver enzyme levels and subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus. METHODS Data from a total of 236,109 women who participated in the National Health Screening Examination between 2011 and 2015 was analysed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the risk of developing gestational diabetes mellitus in relation to pregravid liver enzyme levels. Subgroup analyses were performed according to pregravid obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS). RESULTS Approximately 5.7% and 1.1% of women developed gestational diabetes mellitus with and without insulin treatment requirement respectively. Pregravid gamma-glutamyl transferase and alanine aminotransferase levels with greater than or equal to the 4th quartile were associated with significantly increased risks of gestational diabetes mellitus requiring insulin treatment in women with obesity and with MetS, (odds ratios [ORs] with 6.228 and 9.505, respectively, P < .001 for both). In women without obesity and without MetS, the risks of gestational diabetes mellitus requiring insulin treatment were also significant (ORs with 2.837 and 3.029, respectively, P < .001 for both). The elevated pregravid liver enzymes were associated with gestational diabetes mellitus without insulin treatment requirement, but minimally. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION The elevated pregravid liver enzyme levels were significantly associated with the subsequent risk of gestational diabetes mellitus, especially gestational diabetes mellitus requiring insulin treatment, not only in women with obesity or MetS, but also in women without obesity or MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Jeng Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoohyun Chung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihyun Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Young Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungdo Han
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yonggyu Park
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In Yang Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Sun Ko
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Treem WR, Palmer M, Lonjon-Domanec I, Seekins D, Dimick-Santos L, Avigan MI, Marcinak JF, Dash A, Regev A, Maller E, Patwardhan M, Lewis JH, Rockey DC, Di Bisceglie AM, Freston JW, Andrade RJ, Chalasani N. Consensus Guidelines: Best Practices for Detection, Assessment and Management of Suspected Acute Drug-Induced Liver Injury During Clinical Trials in Adults with Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Adults with Cirrhosis Secondary to Hepatitis B, C and Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Drug Saf 2021; 44:133-165. [PMID: 33141341 PMCID: PMC7847464 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-020-01014-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
With the widespread development of new drugs to treat chronic liver diseases (CLDs), including viral hepatitis and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), more patients are entering trials with abnormal baseline liver tests and with advanced liver injury, including cirrhosis. The current regulatory guidelines addressing the monitoring, diagnosis, and management of suspected drug-induced liver injury (DILI) during clinical trials primarily address individuals entering with normal baseline liver tests. Using the same laboratory criteria cited as signals of potential DILI in studies involving patients with no underlying liver disease and normal baseline liver tests may result in premature and unnecessary cessation of a study drug in a clinical trial population whose abnormal and fluctuating liver tests are actually due to their underlying CLD. This position paper focuses on defining best practices for the detection, monitoring, diagnosis, and management of suspected acute DILI during clinical trials in patients with CLD, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV), both with and without cirrhosis and NASH with cirrhosis. This is one of several position papers developed by the IQ DILI Initiative, comprising members from 16 pharmaceutical companies in collaboration with DILI experts from academia and regulatory agencies. It is based on an extensive literature review and discussions between industry members and experts from outside industry to achieve consensus regarding the recommendations. Key conclusions and recommendations include (1) the importance of establishing laboratory criteria that signal potential DILI events and that fit the disease indication being studied in the clinical trial based on knowledge of the natural history of test fluctuations in that disease; (2) establishing a pretreatment value that is based on more than one screening determination, and revising that baseline during the trial if a new nadir is achieved during treatment; (3) basing rules for increased monitoring and for stopping drug for potential DILI on multiples of baseline liver test values and/or a threshold value rather than multiples of the upper limit of normal (ULN) for that test; (4) making use of more sensitive tests of liver function, including direct bilirubin (DB) or combined parameters such as aspartate transaminase:alanine transaminase (AST:ALT) ratio or model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) to signal potential DILI, especially in studies of patients with cirrhosis; and (5) being aware of potential confounders related to complications of the disease being studied that may masquerade as DILI events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa Palmer
- Takeda, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Liver Consulting LLC, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Mark I Avigan
- US Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | | | - Ajit Dash
- , Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Arie Regev
- Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Eric Maller
- Pfizer, Collegeville, PA, USA
- MEMS Biopharma Consulting, LLC, Wynnewood, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Don C Rockey
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | | | - James W Freston
- University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Raul J Andrade
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga-IBIMA, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas CIBERehd, Universidad de Málaga, Málaga, Spain
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Claus M, Antoni C, Hofmann B. Factors associated with elevated alanine aminotransferase in employees of a German chemical company: results of a large cross-sectional study. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:25. [PMID: 33422007 PMCID: PMC7797104 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01601-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to determine the prevalence of elevated alanine aminotransferase (eALT) in employees of a German chemical company, and analyze its association with sociodemographic, work- and lifestyle-related factors. METHODS The cross-sectional study is based on data surveyed from occupational health check-ups between 2013 and 2018 at the site clinic of a chemical company based in Ludwigshafen, Germany. We used logistic regression analyses to assess the association between sociodemographic, work- and lifestyle-related characteristics and eALT. Quantile regression technique was applied to investigate if associations vary across different quantiles of the ALT distribution. RESULTS Participants (n = 15,348) were predominantly male (78.3%) with a mean age of 42.2 years (SD 10.7). The prevalence of eALT was 18.5% (21.6% in men/7.2% in women) with a geometric mean of 28.9 U/L (32.8 U/L in men/18.5 U/L in women). In the multivariable logistic regression model, odds of eALT were significantly higher for males (OR 2.61; 95%-CI 2.24-3.05), manual workers (OR 1.23; 95%-CI 1.06-1.43), overweight (OR 2.66; 95%-CI 2.36-3.00) or obese respondents (e.g. OR 7.88; 95%-CI 5.75-10.80 for obesity class III), employees who consume any number of alcoholic drinks/week (e.g. OR 1.32; 95%-CI 1.16-1.49 for ≥ 3 drinks per week) and diabetics (OR 1.47; 95%-CI 1.22-1.78). Additionally, season of participation was significantly associated with eALT, with odds being higher for participation in spring, fall or winter, as compared to summer. A significant interaction between age and gender (pInteraction < 0.001) was found, showing approximately a u-shaped age/ALT relationship in women and an inversely u-shaped relationship in men. Quantile regression showed an increasing positive effect of male gender, overweight/obesity, and for diabetics on ALT level when moving from the lowest (q0.1) to the highest (q0.9) considered quantile. Additionally, from the lowest to the highest quantile an increasing negative effect on ALT for older age was observed. CONCLUSIONS Prevalence of eALT in our sample of employees can be considered as high, with almost one in five participants affected. Identification of risk groups allows the implementation of targeted preventive measures in order to avoid transition to severe morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Claus
- Corporate Health Management, ESG/CS - H308, BASF SE, 67056, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany.
| | - Christoph Antoni
- Department of Medicine II, University Medical Center Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Bernd Hofmann
- Corporate Health Management, ESG/CS - H308, BASF SE, 67056, Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany
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47
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INASL-ISN Joint Position Statements on Management of Patients with Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2021; 11:354-386. [PMID: 33994718 PMCID: PMC8103529 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2020.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal dysfunction is very common among patients with chronic liver disease, and concomitant liver disease can occur among patients with chronic kidney disease. The spectrum of clinical presentation and underlying etiology is wide when concomitant kidney and liver disease occur in the same patient. Management of these patients with dual onslaught is challenging and requires a team approach of hepatologists and nephrologists. No recent guidelines exist on algorithmic approach toward diagnosis and management of these challenging patients. The Indian National Association for Study of Liver (INASL) in association with Indian Society of Nephrology (ISN) endeavored to develop joint guidelines on diagnosis and management of patients who have simultaneous liver and kidney disease. For generating these guidelines, an INASL-ISN Taskforce was constituted, which had members from both the societies. The taskforce first identified contentious issues on various aspects of simultaneous liver and kidney diseases, which were allotted to individual members of the taskforce who reviewed them in detail. A round-table meeting of the Taskforce was held on 20-21 October 2018 at New Delhi to discuss, debate, and finalize the consensus statements. The evidence and recommendations in these guidelines have been graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system with minor modifications. The strength of recommendations (strong and weak) thus reflects the quality (grade) of underlying evidence (I, II, III). We present here the INASL-ISN Joint Position Statements on Management of Patients with Simultaneous Liver and Kidney Disease.
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48
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Varma A, Trudeau S, Zhou Y, Jafri SM, Krajenta R, Lamerato L, Brown K, Luzzi V, Lu M, Gordon SC. African Americans Demonstrate Significantly Lower Serum Alanine Aminotransferase Compared to Non-African Americans. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 8:1533-1538. [PMID: 33230736 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00916-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Normal ranges of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) may vary by race. However, results from research studies are contradictory, and many of these studies have included only small numbers of African Americans. We investigated ALT values in patients without evidence of liver disease to determine whether normal ranges differ across race groups. We also evaluated whether a race- and sex-dependent upper limit of normal (ULN) would improve the ability of ALT to predict liver disease compared to the sex-dependent ULN currently in use. METHODS We identified ICD9 codes for liver conditions and diabetes in medical records from a sample of 6719 patients. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess differences in ALT log-transformed distributions by race. Logistic regression was used to evaluate whether the addition of race to the current sex-dependent ULN improves the ability of ALT to predict liver disease (assessed by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC)). RESULTS Among 1200 patients with BMI 18.5 < 25 and no evidence of liver disease or type 2 diabetes in their medical record, African Americans demonstrated significantly lower ALT (23.47 IU/L; 95% CL 22.87-24.10) than a combined group of Asian American/White/Other patients (25.71 IU/L; 95% CL 24.69-26.77). This difference remained across BMI categories. The race- and sex-dependent model demonstrated significantly better predictive ability than the sex-dependent model (AUROC = 66.6% versus 59.6%, respectively; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS In a large, racially diverse sample, African Americans demonstrated significantly lower ALT compared to non-African Americans; this difference remained as BMI increased. The establishment of race-specific normal ranges for ALT could contribute to better screening and care for African American patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adarsh Varma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, 3E One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Sheri Trudeau
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Yueren Zhou
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Syed-Mohammed Jafri
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, 3E One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Richard Krajenta
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Lois Lamerato
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Kimberly Brown
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, 3E One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Veronica Luzzi
- Providence Health and Services Regional Laboratory, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Mei Lu
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Stuart C Gordon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health System, 3E One Ford Place, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
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49
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Macpherson I, Nobes JH, Dow E, Furrie E, Miller MH, Robinson EM, Dillon JF. Intelligent Liver Function Testing: Working Smarter to Improve Patient Outcomes in Liver Disease. J Appl Lab Med 2020; 5:1090-1100. [DOI: 10.1093/jalm/jfaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a significant health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. In Scotland, CLD is a major cause of premature mortality. Liver function tests (LFTs) are a panel of frequently requested blood tests which may indicate liver disease. However, LFTs commonly contain at least one abnormal result, and abnormalities are rarely investigated to the extent recommended by national guidelines. The intelligent Liver Function Testing (iLFT) pathway is a novel, automated system designed to improve early diagnosis of liver disease. Initial abnormal LFT results trigger a cascade of reflexive testing to help identify the cause of any liver dysfunction. Algorithms combine these results with demographic and clinical data (such as patient age, body mass index, and alcohol intake) and fibrosis estimates to produce an electronic diagnosis and management plan. The pilot trial demonstrated that iLFT increased diagnosis of liver disease whilst remaining cost-effective. As such, iLFT has been fully operational across our region (NHS Tayside, Scotland) since August 2018. In the first year, iLFT generated over 2000 diagnoses from 1824 patient samples with an abnormality in the initial LFTs. The majority of these patients could be safely managed in primary care. iLFT allows maximal value to be obtained from liver blood tests across biochemistry, virology, immunology, and hematology with only minor changes to working practices. ‘Intelligent’, algorithm-led testing pathways break down the barrier between clinical and laboratory medicine and offer solutions to many of the challenges experienced in modern healthcare systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain Macpherson
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Jennifer H Nobes
- Department of Blood Sciences, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Eleanor Dow
- Department of Blood Sciences, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Elizabeth Furrie
- Department of Blood Sciences, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Michael H Miller
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Emma M Robinson
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
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50
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Huang DQ, Yeo YH, Tan E, Takahashi H, Yasuda S, Saruwatari J, Tanaka K, Oniki K, Kam LY, Muthiah MD, Hyogo H, Ono M, Barnett SD, Li J, Zou B, Fung J, Lee TY, Wong VWS, Yuen MF, Dan YY, Lim SG, Cheung R, Toyoda H, Eguchi Y, Nguyen MH. ALT Levels for Asians With Metabolic Diseases: A Meta-analysis of 86 Studies With Individual Patient Data Validation. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1624-1636. [PMID: 33163833 PMCID: PMC7603525 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The current alanine aminotransferase (ALT) upper limit of normal was defined using selected healthy Caucasian blood donors. Given the global rise in obesity and different body habitus in Asians, we aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis combined with bootstrap modeling and individual patient data validation to estimate the ALT upper threshold for Asians, including the overweight and diabetics. We included studies from PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane database searches that identified individuals without known liver diseases (i.e., viral hepatitis, alcohol, and ultrasound-detected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease). The mean ALT (U/L) was estimated using a random-effects mixed model and upper threshold (95th-percentile value, U/L) via a bootstrap model with 10,000 resamples. We screened 4,995 studies and identified 86 studies that reported ALT values for 526,641 individuals without excessive alcohol intake or known liver diseases, yielding a mean ALT of 19 and ALT upper threshold of 32. The ALT upper threshold was 37 in males versus 31 in females, 39 in overweight versus 28 in normal-weight individuals, and 36 for diabetics versus 33 for nondiabetics. We validated our study level data with individual patient level data in 6,058 individuals from five study centers in Japan. Consistent with our study-level data, we found that the ALT upper threshold in our individual patient data analysis was indeed higher in overweight versus normal-weight individuals (39 vs. 32) and in diabetics versus nondiabetics (42 vs. 33). Conclusion: We provide validated reference ranges for ALT upper threshold derived from Asians without known liver disease, including individuals with ultrasound-detected nonalcoholic fatty liver disease who are normal weight, overweight, nondiabetic, and diabetic, to inform practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Q Huang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine National University Hospital Singapore Singapore.,Department of Medicine Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Yee Hui Yeo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto CA USA
| | - Eunice Tan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine National University Hospital Singapore Singapore
| | | | - Satoshi Yasuda
- Department of Gastroenterology Ogaki Municipal Hospital Ogaki Japan
| | - Junji Saruwatari
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
| | | | - Kentaro Oniki
- Division of Pharmacology and Therapeutics Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Kumamoto University Kumamoto Japan
| | - Leslie Y Kam
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto CA USA
| | - Mark D Muthiah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine National University Hospital Singapore Singapore.,Department of Medicine Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Hideyuki Hyogo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology JA Hiroshima General Hospital Hiroshima Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Department of Internal Medicine Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East Tokyo Japan
| | - Scott D Barnett
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto CA USA
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Infectious Disease Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University Shandong China
| | - Biyao Zou
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto CA USA
| | - James Fung
- Department of Medicine Queen Mary Hospital The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Teng-Yu Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology Department of Internal Medicine Taichung Veterans General Hospital Taichung Taiwan.,Department of Medicine Chung Shan Medical University Taichung Taiwan
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Institute of Digestive Disease Faculty of Medicine Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Man-Fung Yuen
- Department of Medicine Queen Mary Hospital The University of Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong
| | - Yock Young Dan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine National University Hospital Singapore Singapore.,Department of Medicine Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Seng Gee Lim
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department of Medicine National University Hospital Singapore Singapore.,Department of Medicine Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore Singapore Singapore
| | - Ramsey Cheung
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto CA USA
| | - Hidenori Toyoda
- Department of Gastroenterology Ogaki Municipal Hospital Ogaki Japan
| | | | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Stanford University Medical Center Palo Alto CA USA
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