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Eaton JE, Venkatesh SK. Editorial: Are changes in quantitative biliary metrics the first sign of progression in primary sclerosing cholangitis? Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:1630-1631. [PMID: 38643506 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Trivedi et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17944
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Eaton
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
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Li M, Pai RA, Gomel R, Vyas M, Callif SC, Hatchett J, Bowlus CL, Lai JC. Patient-focused drug development in primary sclerosing cholangitis: Insights on patient priorities and involvement in clinical trials. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0433. [PMID: 38727680 PMCID: PMC11093571 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the new AASLD Practice Guidance, all patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) should be considered for participation in clinical trials. However, PSC's rarity has posed challenges to characterizing patient interest in trial participation and identifying predictors of patient willingness to participate in drug trials. METHODS PSC Partners Seeking a Cure developed the "Our Voices" survey to inform the development of the Externally-Led Patient-Focused Drug Development Forum, an FDA initiative to capture patient experiences and perspectives on drug development. RESULTS Of 797 survey respondents from over 30 countries, 536 (67%) identified slowing disease progression as the most important outcome. Eighty-nine percent identified their hepatologist/gastroenterologist as someone they would approach for advice about trials. Although 61% reported being willing to participate in drug trials, only 26% had ever been asked to participate. Notable barriers to trial involvement included unknown long-term risks (71%), long travel times to the study center (32%), and a liver biopsy requirement (27%). On multivariable logistic regression, pruritus (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.09-2.40, p = 0.017) was positively associated with willingness to participate in disease-modifying therapy trials, while jaundice (OR 0.34, 95% CI: 0.19-0.61, p < 0.001) and inflammatory bowel disease (OR 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42-0.98, p = 0.038) were negatively associated. Pruritus (OR 2.25, 95% CI: 1.50-3.39, p < 0.001) was also independently associated with willingness to participate in symptom treatment trials. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with PSC report interest in participating in clinical trials, but few have been asked to participate. Referral of patients with PSC by their hepatologist/gastroenterologist to clinical trials and patient education on trial participation are vital to closing the gap between trial interest and participation. Pruritus may serve as a key indicator of patient interest in trial participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ruth-Anne Pai
- PSC Partners Seeking a Cure, Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA
| | - Rachel Gomel
- PSC Partners Seeking a Cure, Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA
| | - Mary Vyas
- PSC Partners Seeking a Cure Canada, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Joanne Hatchett
- PSC Partners Seeking a Cure, Greenwood Village, Colorado, USA
| | - Christopher L. Bowlus
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis Health, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Tenca A, Kolho KL, Consonni D, Jokelainen K, Färkkilä M. Dominant stricture in paediatric-onset primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with impaired prognosis in a long-term follow-up. United European Gastroenterol J 2024. [PMID: 38733616 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The impact of dominant stricture (DS) on the outcomes of paediatric-onset primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is unknown. This study was aimed at investigating the impact of DS on the clinical course and prognosis of patients with paediatric-onset PSC. METHODS Patients with paediatric-onset PSC diagnosed between January 1993 and May 2017 were identified from hospital records or our PSC registry. Data including clinical, laboratory, cholangiography, and cytology at diagnosis and during follow-up (until July 2023) were reviewed. We graphed the Kaplan-Meier failure function and fitted crude and multivariable Cox model to calculate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for selected variables. In these analyses, DS was treated as a time-varying variable. RESULTS We identified 68 patients (42 males) with paediatric-onset PSC (median age at diagnosis 15 years). The median follow-up was 13 years and the median age at the last follow-up was 27 years. In total, 35 (51%) had concomitant autoimmune hepatitis. DS was diagnosed in 33 patients (48%): in eight at the time of PSC diagnosis (12%) and in 25 (37%) by the end of follow-up. In patients with DS, two developed cirrhosis, seven were transplanted and one patient was operated for a biliary mass with low-grade dysplasia. In patients without a DS, two developed cirrhosis, and four were transplanted; one female was excluded from survival analysis because she already had cirrhosis at the time of PSC diagnosis. Cirrhosis or biliary dysplasia or needing liver transplantation for these indications were more frequent after the development of DS (10/33, adjusted HR 4.26, 95%CI: 1.26-14.4). No cholangiocarcinomas or deaths occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS DS was present at diagnosis or developed during follow-up in about half of the patients with paediatric-onset PSC and was associated with impaired outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Tenca
- Abdominal Center, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kaija-Leena Kolho
- Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Helsinki University and Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Dario Consonni
- Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Kalle Jokelainen
- Abdominal Center, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital HUS, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Abdominal Center, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital HUS, Helsinki, Finland
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Dold L, Kalthoff S, Frank L, Zhou T, Esser P, Lutz P, Strassburg CP, Spengler U, Langhans B. STAT activation in regulatory CD4 + T cells of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1248. [PMID: 38607233 PMCID: PMC11010953 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1248] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regulatory CD4+ T cells (Tregs) are pivotal for inhibition of autoimmunity. Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an autoimmune cholestatic liver disease of unknown etiology where contribution of Tregs is still unclear. Activation of the JAK-STAT pathway critically modifies functions of Tregs. In PSC, we studied activation of STAT proteins and Treg functions in response to cytokines. METHODS In 51 patients with PSC, 10 disease controls (chronic replicative hepatitis C), and 36 healthy controls we analyzed frequencies of Foxp3+CD25+CD127lowCD4+ Tregs, their expression of ectonucleotidase CD39, and cytokine-induced phosphorylation of STAT1, 3, 5, and 6 using phospho-flow cytometry. In parallel, we measured cytokines IFN-gamma, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-2, and IL-4 in serum via bead-based immunoassays. RESULTS In patients with PSC, ex vivo frequencies of peripheral Tregs and their expression of CD39 were significantly reduced (p < .05 each). Furthermore, serum levels of IFN-gamma, IL-6, IL-2, and IL-4 were markedly higher in PSC (p < .05 each). Unlike activation of STAT1, STAT5, and STAT6, IL-6 induced increased phosphorylation of STAT3 in Tregs of PSC-patients (p = .0434). Finally, STAT3 activation in Tregs correlated with leukocyte counts. CONCLUSIONS In PSC, we observed enhanced STAT3 responsiveness of CD4+ Tregs together with reduced CD39 expression probably reflecting inflammatory activity of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Dold
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Cologne-Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sandra Kalthoff
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Leonie Frank
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Taotao Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Pia Esser
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Philipp Lutz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Spengler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Bettina Langhans
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Cologne-Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Cornillet M, Villard C, Rorsman F, Molinaro A, Nilsson E, Kechagias S, von Seth E, Bergquist A. The Swedish initiative for the st udy of Primary sclerosing cholangitis (SUPRIM). EClinicalMedicine 2024; 70:102526. [PMID: 38500838 PMCID: PMC10945116 DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Despite more than 50 years of research and parallel improvements in hepatology and oncology, there is still today neither a treatment to prevent disease progression in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), nor reliable early diagnostic tools for the associated hepatobiliary cancers. Importantly, the limited understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms in PSC and its natural history not only affects the identification of new drug targets but implies a lack of surrogate markers that hampers the design of clinical trials and the evaluation of drug efficacy. The lack of easy access to large representative well-characterised prospective resources is an important contributing factor to the current situation. Methods We here present the SUPRIM cohort, a national multicentre prospective longitudinal study of unselected PSC patients capturing the representative diversity of PSC phenotypes. We describe the 10-year effort of inclusion and follow-up, an intermediate analysis report including original results, and the associated research resource. All included patients gave written informed consent (recruitment: November 2011-April 2016). Findings Out of 512 included patients, 452 patients completed the five-year follow-up without endpoint outcomes. Liver transplantation was performed in 54 patients (10%) and hepatobiliary malignancy was diagnosed in 15 patients (3%). We draw a comprehensive landscape of the multidimensional clinical and biological heterogeneity of PSC illustrating the diversity of PSC phenotypes. Performances of available predictive scores are compared and perspectives on the continuation of the SUPRIM cohort are provided. Interpretation We envision the SUPRIM cohort as an open-access collaborative resource to accelerate the generation of new knowledge and independent validations of promising ones with the aim to uncover reliable diagnostics, prognostic tools, surrogate markers, and new treatment targets by 2040. Funding This work was supported by the Swedish Cancer Society, Stockholm County Council, and the Cancer Research Funds of Radiumhemmet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Cornillet
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christina Villard
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Rorsman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Akademiska University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Antonio Molinaro
- Department of Hepatology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Emma Nilsson
- Gastroenterology Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Stergios Kechagias
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Erik von Seth
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Upper Abdominal Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annika Bergquist
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Upper Abdominal Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Cazzagon N, Sarcognato S, Catanzaro E, Bonaiuto E, Peviani M, Pezzato F, Motta R. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Diagnostic Criteria. Tomography 2024; 10:47-65. [PMID: 38250951 PMCID: PMC10820917 DOI: 10.3390/tomography10010005] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of intra- and/or extrahepatic bile ducts leading to the formation of multifocal strictures alternated to bile duct dilatations. The diagnosis of the most common subtype of the disease, the large duct PSC, is based on the presence of elevation of cholestatic indices, the association of typical cholangiographic findings assessed by magnetic resonance cholangiography and the exclusion of causes of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver biopsy is not routinely applied for the diagnosis of large duct PSC but is mandatory in the case of suspicion of small duct PSC or overlap with autoimmune hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Samantha Sarcognato
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, 31100 Treviso, Italy
| | - Elisa Catanzaro
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Bonaiuto
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
| | - Matteo Peviani
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesco Pezzato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy (F.P.)
- Gastroenterology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaella Motta
- Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences and Public Health—DCTV, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy;
- Radiology Unit, Azienda Ospedale—Università Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Shah A, Jones MP, Callaghan G, Fairlie T, Ma X, Culver EL, Stuart K, De Cruz P, O’Beirne J, Tabibian JH, Dignass A, Canbay A, Gores GJ, Holtmann GJ. Efficacy and safety of biologics in primary sclerosing cholangitis with inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0347. [PMID: 38206197 PMCID: PMC10786591 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000347] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated, chronic cholestatic liver disease. Currently, liver transplantation is the only established life-saving treatment. Several studies have evaluated the effect of different biologic therapies on PSC with inconclusive findings. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the effects of biologics in PSC and associated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). METHODS MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase were searched up to July 31, 2023, for studies reporting the effects of biologics in patients with PSC-IBD. Effects of biologic therapy on alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, ulcerative colitis response score, and adverse events were calculated and expressed as standardized difference of means (SMD), proportions, and 95% CI using a random-effects model. RESULTS Six studies, including 411 PSC-IBD patients who received biologics, were included. Biologic treatment was associated with no change in alkaline phosphatase (SMD: 0.1, 95% CI: -0.07 -0.17, p=0.43), but a small and statistically significant increase in total bilirubin (SMD: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.05-0.35, p<0.01). 31.2% (95% CI: 23.8-39.7) of patients with IBD achieved endoscopic response, and there was a significant improvement in ulcerative colitis response score (SMD: -0.6,95% CI: -0.88 to 0.36, p<0.01). Furthermore, 17.6% (95% CI: 13.0-23.5) of patients experienced adverse events severe enough to discontinue therapy, and 29.9% (95% CI: 25.2-34.8) had a loss of response to biologics. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of patients with PSC-IBD with biologics (vedolizumab, infliximab, and adalimumab) was not associated with improvement of biochemical markers of cholestasis. Biologics are effective in treating the colitis associated with PSC. Vedolizumab was associated with worsening liver enzymes in contrast to other biologics, a finding that warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayesha Shah
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
- AGIRA (Australian Gastrointestinal Research Alliance) and the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health
| | - Michael P. Jones
- AGIRA (Australian Gastrointestinal Research Alliance) and the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gavin Callaghan
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
| | - Thomas Fairlie
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
- AGIRA (Australian Gastrointestinal Research Alliance) and the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health
| | - Xiaomin Ma
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
| | - Emma L. Culver
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine Stuart
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
| | - Peter De Cruz
- Department of Gastroenterology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James O’Beirne
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
- Sunshine Coast University Hospital, Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
| | - James H. Tabibian
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Axel Dignass
- Department of Medicine I, Agaplesion Markus Hospital, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ali Canbay
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital of the Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany
| | - Gregory J. Gores
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Gerald J. Holtmann
- The University of Queensland, Faculty of Medicine, Australia
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Translational Research Institute, Queensland, Australia
- AGIRA (Australian Gastrointestinal Research Alliance) and the NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Digestive Health
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D'Amato D, Carbone M. Prognostic models and autoimmune liver diseases. Best Pract Res Clin Gastroenterol 2023; 67:101878. [PMID: 38103932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpg.2023.101878] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are complex diseases with unknown causes and immune-mediated pathophysiology. In primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) disease modifying drugs are available which improve patient quality and quantity of life. In primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) no medical therapy is available and the only accepted treatment is liver transplantation (LT). PBC, PSC and AIH possess features that describe the archetype of patients within each disorder. On the other hand, the classical disorders are not homogeneous, and patients within each diagnosis may present with a range of clinical, biochemical, serological, and histological findings. Singularly, they are considered rare diseases, but together, they account for approximately 20% of LTs in Europe and USA. Management of these patients is complex, as AILDs are relatively uncommon in clinical practice with challenges in developing expertise, disease presentation can be sneaky, clinical phenotypes and disease course are heterogeneous. Prognostic models are key tools for clinicians to assess patients' risk and to provide personalized care to patients. Aim of this review is to discuss challenges of the management of AILDs and how the available prognostic models can help. We will discuss the prognostic models developed in AILDs, with a special focus on the prognostic models that can support the clinical management of patients with AILDs: in PBC models based on ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) response and markers of liver fibrosis; in PSC several markers including biochemistry, disease stage and radiological semiquantitative markers; and finally in AIH, markers of disease stage and disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daphne D'Amato
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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Schregel I, Ramos GP, Ioannou S, Culver E, Färkkilä M, Schramm C. Evaluation of Tofacitinib in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis and Associated Colitis: A Multicenter, Retrospective Study. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:3448-3450.e3. [PMID: 36731589 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Schregel
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Guilherme P Ramos
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Emma Culver
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital and Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Christoph Schramm
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Martin Zeitz Center for Rare Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Hamburg Center for Translational Immunology (HCTI), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network for Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER).
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Roccarina D, Saffioti F, Rosselli M, Marshall A, Pinzani M, Thorburn D. Utility of ElastPQ point-shear wave elastography in the work-up of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100873. [PMID: 37771366 PMCID: PMC10522908 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) have been shown to be useful tools for assessing the risk of fibrosis and portal hypertension, respectively. However, data on the accuracy of LSM and SSM measured by point-shear wave elastography (pSWE) in patients affected by primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are still lacking. Thus, we aimed to prospectively assess their performance in a cohort of patients with PSC. Methods We determined the correlation between LSM assessed by a pSWE technique (ElastPQ) and by FibroScan-transient elastography (F-TE). Furthermore, we used receiver-operating characteristic curves and area under the curves (AUROC) to evaluate the performance of LSM by ElastPQ for the staging of fibrosis, using F-TE as a reference standard, and the performance of LSM and SSM by ElastPQ in predicting the presence of oesophageal varices (OVs). Results One hundred and fifty-two patients with PSC (93 males [61.2%], mean age 46 ± 16 years) were prospectively recruited. ElastPQ and F-TE LSMs were available for all patients, while ElastPQ SSM was available in 109 (72%) patients of whom 35 underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy within 1 year of the ultrasound assessment. ElastPQ LSM showed an excellent correlation with F-TE (p <0.001, Spearman's 0.93; Lin's 0.86) and a good diagnostic accuracy for fibrosis staging along all stages of liver fibrosis (AUROCs 0.96, 0.97, 0.97 and 0.99 for fibrosis stages F≥1, F≥2, F≥3 and F=4, respectively), using F-TE as a surrogate of histological fibrosis. ElastPQ SSM showed a good diagnostic performance in predicting the presence of OVs at endoscopy. Conclusions LSM and SSM by ElastPQ can be used as accurate tools for liver fibrosis risk assessment and fibrosis staging, as well as for predicting the presence of OVs in the work-up of patients with PSC. Impact and implications Liver and spleen stiffness measurement (LSM and SSM, respectively) by ElastPQ point-shear wave elastography in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis represent reliable and reproducible tools for non-invasively staging the severity of liver disease and stratifying patients according to their risk of developing liver-related outcomes. In particular, LSM shows good accuracy for staging liver fibrosis and therefore detecting those patients at high risk of having compensated advanced chronic liver disease who require close monitoring. SSM seems to be promising to detect the risk of portal hypertension and therefore of oesophageal varices, enabling the triaging of patients who really need to undergo a screening endoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Roccarina
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
| | - Francesca Saffioti
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
| | - Matteo Rosselli
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
| | - Aileen Marshall
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Hospital and UCL, London, UK
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Tan N, Lubel J, Kemp W, Roberts S, Majeed A. Current Therapeutics in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2023; 11:1267-1281. [PMID: 37577219 PMCID: PMC10412694 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00068s] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an orphan, cholestatic liver disease that is characterized by inflammatory biliary strictures with variable progression to end-stage liver disease. Its pathophysiology is poorly understood. Chronic biliary inflammation is likely driven by immune dysregulation, gut dysbiosis, and environmental exposures resulting in gut-liver crosstalk and bile acid metabolism disturbances. There is no proven medical therapy that alters disease progression in PSC, with the commonly prescribed ursodeoxycholic acid being shown to improve liver biochemistry at low-moderate doses (15-23 mg/kg/day) but not alter transplant-free survival or liver-related outcomes. Liver transplantation is the only option for patients who develop end-stage liver disease or refractory complications of PSC. Immunosuppressive and antifibrotic agents have not proven to be effective, but there is promise for manipulation of the gut microbiome with fecal microbiota transplantation and antibiotics. Bile acid manipulation via alternate synthetic bile acids such as norursodeoxycholic acid, or interaction at a transcriptional level via nuclear receptor agonists and fibrates have shown potential in phase II trials in PSC with several leading to larger phase III trials. In view of the enhanced malignancy risk, statins, and aspirin show potential for reducing the risk of colorectal cancer and cholangiocarcinoma in PSC patients. For patients who develop clinically relevant strictures with cholestatic symptoms and worsening liver function, balloon dilatation is safer compared with biliary stent insertion with equivalent clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natassia Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Alfred Health; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - John Lubel
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Alfred Health; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - William Kemp
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Alfred Health; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart Roberts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Alfred Health; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ammar Majeed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Alfred Health; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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12
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Russo MW. Noninvasive prognostic models, imaging, and elastography to predict clinical events in primary sclerosing cholangitis: A review. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1013-1020. [PMID: 37900215 PMCID: PMC10600698 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i9.1013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Surrogate endpoints are needed to estimate clinical outcomes in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Serum alkaline phosphatase was among the first markers studied, but there is substantial variability in alkaline phosphatase levels during the natural history of PSC without intervention. The Mayo risk score incorporates noninvasive variables and has served as a surrogate endpoint for survival for more than two decades. Newer models have better test performance than the Mayo risk score, including the primary sclerosing risk estimate tool (PREsTo) model and UK-PSC score that estimate hepatic decompensation and transplant free survival, respectively. The c-statistics for transplant-free survival for the Mayo risk model and the long-term UK-PSC model are 0.68 and 0.85, respectively. The c-statistics for hepatic decompensation for the Mayo risk model and PREsTo model are 0.85 and 0.90, respectively. The Amsterdam-Oxford model included patients with large duct and small duct PSC and patients with PSC-autoimmune hepatitis overlap and had a c-statistic of 0.68 for transplant-free survival. Other noninvasive tests that warrant further validation include magnetic resonance imaging, elastography and the enhanced liver fibrosis score. Prognostic models, noninvasive tests or a combination of these surrogate endpoints may not only serve to be useful in clinical trials of investigational agents, but also serve to inform our patients about their prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Russo
- Division of Hepatology, Atrium Health Wake Forest, Charlotte, NC 28204, United States.
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13
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Wentworth BJ, Khot R, Caldwell SH. The Many Faces of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Controversy Abounds. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:3514-3526. [PMID: 37358638 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-08003-2] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is notoriously challenging to manage given its heterogeneity with regard to diagnosis, management, and progression. The lack of disease-modifying therapy and variable rate of onset of cirrhosis, portal hypertension-related decompensating events, jaundice, pruritus, biliary complications, and need for liver transplantation is deeply unsettling to clinicians and patients alike. Recent updated practice guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and the European Association for the Study of the Liver endeavored to highlight some of these challenges. However, these references only briefly address clinical dilemmas that providers face on a daily basis. This review aims to further discuss these controversial topics, including providing insight into the utility of ursodeoxycolic acid, the significance of alkaline phosphatase normalization, when to consider PSC variants and mimickers, and the implications of continuous hepatobiliary malignancy screening. In particular, there has been a growing body of literature raising concern about repeat exposure to gadolinium-containing contrast. Patients with PSC are potentially at risk for large lifetime exposure to gadolinium related to frequent magnetic resonance imaging scans and whether this carries any negative long-term adverse effects remains unknown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Wentworth
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA.
| | - Rachita Khot
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Stephen H Caldwell
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, PO Box 800708, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
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14
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Huang G, Li W, Zhong Y, Liao W, Zhang Z. Mendelian randomization to evaluate the causal relationship between liver enzymes and the risk of six specific bone and joint-related diseases. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1195553. [PMID: 37662902 PMCID: PMC10469508 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1195553] [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: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies of liver dysfunction in relation to bone and joint-related diseases are scarce, and its causality remains unclear. Our objective was to investigate whether serum liver enzymes are causally associated with bone and joint-related diseases using Mendelian randomization (MR) designs. Methods Genetic data on serum liver enzymes (alkaline phosphatase (ALP); alanine transaminase (ALT); gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)) and six common bone and joint-related diseases (rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (OA), ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and gout) were derived from independent genome-wide association studies of European ancestry. The inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method was applied for the main causal estimate. Complementary sensitivity analyses and reverse causal analyses were utilized to confirm the robustness of the results. Results Using the IVW method, the positive causality between ALP and the risk of osteoporosis diagnosed by bone mineral density (BMD) at different sites was indicated (femoral neck, lumbar spine, and total body BMD, odds ratio (OR) [95% CI], 0.40 [0.23-0.69], 0.35 [0.19-0.67], and 0.33 [0.22-0.51], respectively). ALP was also linked to a higher risk of RA (OR [95% CI], 6.26 [1.69-23.51]). Evidence of potential harmful effects of higher levels of ALT on the risk of hip and knee OA was acquired (OR [95% CI], 2.48 [1.39-4.41] and 3.07 [1.49-6.30], respectively). No causal relationship was observed between GGT and these bone and joint-related diseases. The study also found that BMD were all negatively linked to ALP levels (OR [95% CI] for TBMD, FN-BMD, and LS-BMD: 0.993 [0.991-0.995], 0.993 [0.988-0.998], and 0.993 [0.989, 0.998], respectively) in the reverse causal analysis. The results were replicated via sensitivity analysis in the validation process. Conclusions Our study revealed a significant association between liver function and bone and joint-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiwu Huang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenchang Li
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonglie Zhong
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiming Liao
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiqi Zhang
- Department of Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopedics and Traumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Dold L, Frank L, Lutz P, Kaczmarek DJ, Krämer B, Nattermann J, Weismüller TJ, Branchi V, Toma M, Gonzalez-Carmona M, Strassburg CP, Spengler U, Langhans B. IL-6-Dependent STAT3 Activation and Induction of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2023; 14:e00603. [PMID: 37256725 PMCID: PMC10461951 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000603] [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: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholestatic liver disease with periductal inflammation and fibrosis. Genetic studies suggest inflammatory cytokines and IL-6-dependent activation of transcription factor STAT3 as pivotal steps in PSC pathogenesis. However, details of inflammatory regulation remain unclear. METHODS We recruited 50 patients with PSC (36 with inflammatory bowel disease, 14 without inflammatory bowel disease), 12 patients with autoimmune hepatitis, and 36 healthy controls to measure cytokines in the serum, bile, and immune cell supernatant using bead-based immunoassays and flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry to analyze phosphorylation of STATs in immune cells. Finally, we analyzed cytokines and STAT3 phosphorylation of T cells in the presence of JAK1/2 inhibitors. RESULTS In PSC, IL-6 specifically triggered phosphorylation of STAT3 in CD4 + T cells and lead to enhanced production of interferon (IFN) gamma and interleukin (IL)-17A. Phospho-STAT3-positive CD4 + T cells correlated with systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein serum levels). Combination of immunohistology and flow cytometry indicated that phospho-STAT3-positive cells were enriched in the peribiliary liver stroma and represented CD4 + T cells with prominent production of IFN gamma and IL-17A. JAK1/2 inhibitors blocked STAT3 phosphorylation and production of IFN gamma and IL-6, whereas IL-17A was apparently resistant to this inhibition. DISCUSSION Our results demonstrate systemic and local activation of the IL-6/STAT3 pathway in PSC. Resistance of IL-17A to STAT3-targeted inhibition points to a more complex immune dysregulation beyond STAT3 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leona Dold
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Cologne-Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
| | - Leonie Frank
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
| | - Philipp Lutz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
| | | | - Benjamin Krämer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
| | - Jacob Nattermann
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Cologne-Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
| | - Tobias J. Weismüller
- Department of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology and Oncology, Vivantes Humboldt Hospital, Berlin, Germany;
| | - Vittorio Branchi
- Department of General, Abdominal, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
| | - Marieta Toma
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | | | | | - Ulrich Spengler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
| | - Bettina Langhans
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
- German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Cologne-Bonn, Bonn, Germany;
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16
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Assis DN, Bowlus CL. Recent Advances in the Management of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2065-2075. [PMID: 37084929 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by fibroinflammatory damage to the biliary tree, typically in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease, with an increased risk of liver failure and cholangiocarcinoma. A complex pathophysiology, heterogeneity in clinical features, and the rare nature of the disease have contributed to the lack of effective therapy to date. However, recent innovations in the characterization and prognostication of patients with PSC, in addition to new tools for medical management and emerging pharmacologic agents, give rise to the potential for meaningful progress in the next several years. This review summarizes current concepts in PSC and highlights particular areas in need of further study.
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17
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Schattenberg JM, Chalasani N, Alkhouri N. Artificial Intelligence Applications in Hepatology. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2015-2025. [PMID: 37088460 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, the field of hepatology has witnessed major developments in diagnostic tools, prognostic models, and treatment options making it one of the most complex medical subspecialties. Through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, computers are now able to learn from complex and diverse clinical datasets to solve real-world medical problems with performance that surpasses that of physicians in certain areas. AI algorithms are currently being implemented in liver imaging, interpretation of liver histopathology, noninvasive tests, prediction models, and more. In this review, we provide a summary of the state of AI in hepatology and discuss current challenges for large-scale implementation including some ethical aspects. We emphasize to the readers that most AI-based algorithms that are discussed in this review are still considered in early development and their utility and impact on patient outcomes still need to be assessed in future large-scale and inclusive studies. Our vision is that the use of AI in hepatology will enhance physician performance, decrease the burden and time spent on documentation, and reestablish the personalized patient-physician relationship that is of utmost importance for obtaining good outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörn M Schattenberg
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Indiana University School of Medicine and Indiana University Health, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Naim Alkhouri
- Arizona Liver Health and University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.
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18
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Trauner M, Chung C, Sterling K, Liu X, Lu X, Xu J, Tempany-Afdhal C, Goodman ZD, Färkkilä M, Tanaka A, Trivedi P, Kowdley KV, Bowlus CL, Levy C, Myers RP. PRIMIS: design of a pivotal, randomized, phase 3 study evaluating the safety and efficacy of the nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor agonist cilofexor in noncirrhotic patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:75. [PMID: 36922785 PMCID: PMC10015541 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic progressive liver disease leading to biliary fibrosis and cirrhosis. Cilofexor is a nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor agonist that demonstrated significant improvements in liver biochemistry and markers of cholestasis in patients with PSC in a phase 2 study. We describe here the rationale, design, and implementation of the phase 3 PRIMIS trial, the largest placebo-controlled trial in PSC. METHODS Adults with large-duct PSC without cirrhosis are randomized 2:1 to receive oral cilofexor 100 mg once daily or placebo for up to 96 weeks during the blinded phase. Patients completing the blinded phase are eligible to receive open-label cilofexor 100 mg daily for up to 96 weeks. The primary objective is to evaluate whether cilofexor reduces the risk of fibrosis progression compared with placebo. Liver biopsy is performed at screening and Week 96 of the blinded phase for histologic assessment of fibrosis. The primary endpoint-chosen in conjunction with guidance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration-is the proportion of patients with ≥ 1-stage increase in fibrosis according to Ludwig histologic classification at week 96. Secondary objectives include evaluation of changes in liver biochemistry, serum bile acids, liver fibrosis assessed by noninvasive methods, health-related quality of life, and safety of cilofexor. CONCLUSION The phase 3 PRIMIS study is the largest randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in PSC to date and will allow for robust evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cilofexor in noncirrhotic patients with large-duct PSC. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03890120; registered 26/03/2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | - Kate Sterling
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Xiaomin Lu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA.
| | - Jun Xu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc., 333 Lakeside Dr, Foster City, CA, 94404, USA
| | - Clare Tempany-Afdhal
- Department of Radiology, Ferenc Jolesz National Center for Image Guided Therapy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 75 Francis St, L1 Rm 050, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zachary D Goodman
- Hepatic Pathology Consultation and Research, Inova Fairfax Hospital, 8110 Gatehouse Rd, Falls Church, VA, 22042, USA
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan
| | - Palak Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, ITM Building, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Liver Institute Northwest, 3216 NE 45 Pl #212, Seattle, WA, 98105, USA
| | - Christopher L Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UC Davis School of Medicine, 4150 V Street, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Jackson Medical Towers, 1500 NW 12 Ave, Suite 1101 ET, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
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19
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Janik MK, Wunsch E, Milkiewicz P. Health-related quality of life and symptoms in autoimmune liver diseases. Minerva Gastroenterol (Torino) 2023; 69:50-60. [PMID: 36856273 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-5895.20.02792-0] [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: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Assessment of Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) has emerged as an important tool in the evaluation of both the well-being of patients and the results of their clinical management. Over the years, a large number of questionnaires focusing on various aspects of quality of life have been developed. They are frequently divided into generic questionnaires, which can be used under various conditions, disease-specific and symptom-specific questionnaires. Autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, or primary biliary cirrhosis, comprise a group of rare liver conditions (i.e. affecting fewer than 5 in 10,000 people in the general population). Unfortunately, HRQoL has not been well-studied in this group of patients. In this review, we comprehensively summarize the data available in the literature on HRQoL in these conditions, emphasizing the important role that quality of life plays in the successful management of such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej K Janik
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ewa Wunsch
- Translational Medicine Group, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Piotr Milkiewicz
- Liver and Internal Medicine Unit, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland - .,European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Warsaw, Poland.,Translational Medicine Group, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
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20
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Prognostic modeling in biliary diseases. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:89-94. [PMID: 36821456 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000911] [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: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss the prognostic models for the cholestatic diseases focusing on primary sclerosing cholangitis and primary biliary cholangitis. RECENT FINDINGS Noninvasive prognostic models that outperform alkaline phosphatase and Mayo Risk Score have been developed to predict clinically significant events, such as transplant free survival or hepatic decompensation. Models for primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) include UK-PSC, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Risk Estimate Tool, and Amsterdam Oxford models. Models for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) include UK-PBC, Global primary biliary cholangitis group score (GLOBE) and Paris II scores. Other models have incorporated elastography with or without findings on magnetic resonance imaging. SUMMARY Noninvasive prognostic models can inform patients about their risk for clinical outcomes and serve as surrogate intermediate outcomes to determine efficacy of novel agents in clinical trials.
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21
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Hov JR, Karlsen TH. The microbiota and the gut-liver axis in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:135-154. [PMID: 36352157 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00690-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) offers unique opportunities to explore the gut-liver axis owing to the close association between liver disease and colonic inflammation. It is well established that the gut microbiota in people with PSC differs from that of healthy individuals, but details of the microbial factors that demarcate PSC from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) without PSC are poorly understood. In this Review, we aim to provide an overview of the latest literature on the gut microbiome in PSC and PSC with IBD, critically examining hypotheses on how microorganisms could contribute to the pathogenesis of PSC. A particular emphasis will be put on pathogenic features of the gut microbiota that might explain the occurrence of bile duct inflammation and liver disease in the context of IBD, and we postulate the potential existence of a specific yet unknown factor related to the gut-liver axis as causative in PSC. Available data are scrutinized in the perspective of therapeutic approaches related to the gut-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes R Hov
- Norwegian PSC Research Center and Section of gastroenterology and Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom H Karlsen
- Norwegian PSC Research Center and Section of gastroenterology and Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway. .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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22
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Nevens F, Trauner M, Manns MP. Primary biliary cholangitis as a roadmap for the development of novel treatments for cholestatic liver diseases †. J Hepatol 2023; 78:430-441. [PMID: 36272496 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of nuclear receptors and transporters has contributed to the development of new drugs for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. Particular progress has been made in the development of second-line therapies for PBC. These new drugs can be separated into compounds primarily targeting cholestasis, molecules targeting fibrogenesis and molecules with immune-mediated action. Finally, drugs aimed at symptom relief (pruritus and fatigue) are also under investigation. Obeticholic acid is currently the only approved second-line therapy for PBC. Drugs in the late phase of clinical development include peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor agonists, norursodeoxycholic acid and NADPH oxidase 1/4 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Belgium; Centre of ERN RARE-LIVER.
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Austria; Centre of ERN RARE-LIVER
| | - Michael P Manns
- Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Centre of ERN RARE-LIVER
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23
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Bogatic D, Bryant RV, Lynch KD, Costello SP. Systematic review: microbial manipulation as therapy for primary sclerosing cholangitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 57:23-36. [PMID: 36324251 PMCID: PMC10092549 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17251] [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: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease with poor prognosis and no effective therapies to prevent progression. An aetiopathological link between PSC and gastrointestinal microbial dysbiosis has been suggested. AIM To evaluate all potential medical therapies which may exert their effect in PSC by modulation of the gut-liver axis. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive scoping review of PubMed and Cochrane Library, including all articles evaluating an intervention aimed at manipulating the gastrointestinal microbiome in PSC. RESULTS A wide range of therapies proposed altering the gastrointestinal microbiome for the treatment of PSC. In particular, these considered antibiotics including vancomycin, metronidazole, rifaximin, minocycline and azithromycin. However, few therapies have been investigated in randomised, placebo-controlled trials. Vancomycin has been the most widely studied antibiotic, with improvement in alkaline phosphatase reported in two randomised controlled trials, but with no data on disease progression. Unlike antibiotics, strategies such as faecal microbiota transplantation and dietary therapy can improve microbial diversity. However, since these have only been tested in small numbers of patients, robust efficacy data are currently lacking. CONCLUSIONS The gut-liver axis is increasingly considered a potential target for the treatment of PSC. However, no therapies have been demonstrated to improve transplant-free survival. Innovative and well-designed clinical trials of microbiome-targeted therapies with long-term follow-up are required for this orphan disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damjana Bogatic
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Queen Elizabeth HospitalWoodvilleSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Faculty of Health SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Robert V. Bryant
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Queen Elizabeth HospitalWoodvilleSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Faculty of Health SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Kate D. Lynch
- Faculty of Health SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
- IBD ServiceDepartment of Gastroenterology and HepatologyRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
| | - Samuel P. Costello
- Department of GastroenterologyThe Queen Elizabeth HospitalWoodvilleSouth AustraliaAustralia
- Faculty of Health SciencesSchool of MedicineUniversity of AdelaideAdelaideSouth AustraliaAustralia
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Singh Y, Jons WA, Eaton JE, Vesterhus M, Karlsen T, Bjoerk I, Abildgaard A, Jorgensen KK, Folseraas T, Little D, Gulamhusein AF, Petrovic K, Negard A, Conte GM, Sobek JD, Jagtap J, Venkatesh SK, Gores GJ, LaRusso NF, Lazaridis KN, Erickson BJ. Algebraic topology-based machine learning using MRI predicts outcomes in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Eur Radiol Exp 2022; 6:58. [PMCID: PMC9672219 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-022-00312-x] [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: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that can lead to cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation. However, predicting future outcomes in patients with PSC is challenging. Our aim was to extract magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features that predict the development of hepatic decompensation by applying algebraic topology-based machine learning (ML). Methods We conducted a retrospective multicenter study among adults with large duct PSC who underwent MRI. A topological data analysis-inspired nonlinear framework was used to predict the risk of hepatic decompensation, which was motivated by algebraic topology theory-based ML. The topological representations (persistence images) were employed as input for classification to predict who developed early hepatic decompensation within one year after their baseline MRI. Results We reviewed 590 patients; 298 were excluded due to poor image quality or inadequate liver coverage, leaving 292 potentially eligible subjects, of which 169 subjects were included in the study. We trained our model using contrast-enhanced delayed phase T1-weighted images on a single center derivation cohort consisting of 54 patients (hepatic decompensation, n = 21; no hepatic decompensation, n = 33) and a multicenter independent validation cohort of 115 individuals (hepatic decompensation, n = 31; no hepatic decompensation, n = 84). When our model was applied in the independent validation cohort, it remained predictive of early hepatic decompensation (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.84). Conclusions Algebraic topology-based ML is a methodological approach that can predict outcomes in patients with PSC and has the potential for application in other chronic liver diseases. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41747-022-00312-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashbir Singh
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XRadiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - William A. Jons
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XRadiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA ,grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XBiomedical Engineering and Physiology Graduate Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, USA
| | - John E. Eaton
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Mette Vesterhus
- grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, and Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ,grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom Karlsen
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida Bjoerk
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Department of Radiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Andreas Abildgaard
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Department of Radiology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kristin Kaasen Jorgensen
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway ,grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XDepartment of Gastroenterology, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Trine Folseraas
- grid.55325.340000 0004 0389 8485Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Derek Little
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Aliya F. Gulamhusein
- grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada
| | - Kosta Petrovic
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Radiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Negard
- grid.5510.10000 0004 1936 8921Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway ,grid.411279.80000 0000 9637 455XDepartment of Diagnostic Imaging, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | - Gian Marco Conte
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XRadiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Joseph D. Sobek
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XRadiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Jaidip Jagtap
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XRadiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | | | - Gregory J. Gores
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Nicholas F. LaRusso
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
| | - Konstantinos N. Lazaridis
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN USA
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A Randomized, Dose-Finding, Proof-of-Concept Study of Berberine Ursodeoxycholate in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Am J Gastroenterol 2022; 117:1805-1815. [PMID: 36327436 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000001956] [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] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a fibroinflammatory disease of the bile ducts leading to cirrhosis and hepatic decompensation. There are no approved pharmaceutical therapies for PSC. Berberine ursodeoxycholate (HTD1801) is an ionic salt of berberine and ursodeoxycholic acid with pleiotropic mechanisms of action. METHODS An 18-week proof-of-concept study was conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of HTD1801 in PSC. This study had three 6-week periods: (i) a placebo-controlled period, (ii) a treatment extension period, and (iii) a randomized treatment withdrawal period. The primary end point was change from baseline in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at week 6. RESULTS Fifty-five patients were randomized and treated; 35 (64%) had inflammatory bowel disease and 22 (40%) had previously received ursodeoxycholic acid. Patients were initially randomized to placebo (n = 16), HTD1801 500 mg BID (n = 15), or HTD1801 1000 mg BID (n = 24). At baseline, mean (range) ALP values were 414 U/L (138-1,048), 397 U/L (237-773), and 335 U/L (122-882) for the placebo, HTD1801 500 mg BID, and HTD1801 1,000 mg BID groups, respectively. At week 6, a significant decrease in ALP was observed with HTD1801 (least square mean; HTD1801 500 mg BID = -53 U/L, P = 0.016; HTD1801 1000 mg BID = -37 U/L, P = 0.019) compared with placebo (98 U/L). ALP reductions were sustained through week 18 in those who remained on therapy, whereas ALP increased in those who crossed over to placebo during period 3. HTD1801 was generally well tolerated; 4 patients experienced serious adverse events, none attributed to HTD1801. DISCUSSION HTD1801 is associated with significant improvement in ALP and warrants further study as a treatment for PSC.
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Chazouilleres O, Beuers U, Bergquist A, Karlsen TH, Levy C, Samyn M, Schramm C, Trauner M. EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on sclerosing cholangitis. J Hepatol 2022; 77:761-806. [PMID: 35738507 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Management of primary or secondary sclerosing cholangitis is challenging. These Clinical Practice Guidelines have been developed to provide practical guidance on debated topics including diagnostic methods, prognostic assessment, early detection of complications, optimal care pathways and therapeutic (pharmacological, endoscopic or surgical) options both in adults and children.
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27
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Trauner M, Bowlus CL, Gulamhusein A, Hameed B, Caldwell SH, Shiffman ML, Landis C, Muir AJ, Billin A, Xu J, Liu X, Lu X, Chung C, Myers RP, Kowdley KV. Safety and sustained efficacy of the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist cilofexor over a 96-week open-label extension in patients with PSC. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 21:1552-1560.e2. [PMID: 35934287 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.07.024] [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: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a major unmet medical need in clinical hepatology. Cilofexor is a nonsteroidal farnesoid X receptor agonist being evaluated for the treatment of PSC. Here, we describe the safety and preliminary efficacy of cilofexor in a 96-week, open-label extension (OLE) of a phase II trial. METHODS Noncirrhotic subjects with large-duct PSC who completed the 12-week, blinded phase of a phase II study (NCT02943460) were eligible, after a 4-week washout period, for a 96-week OLE with cilofexor 100 mg daily. Safety, liver biochemistry, and serum markers of fibrosis, cellular injury, and pharmacodynamic effects of cilofexor (fibroblast growth factor 19, C4, and bile acids [BAs]) were evaluated. RESULTS Among 52 subjects enrolled in the phase II study, 47 (90%) continued in the OLE phase (median age, 44 years; 60% male patients, 60% with inflammatory bowel disease, and 45% on ursodeoxycholic acid [UDCA]). At OLE baseline (BL), the median serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) were 368 U/L (interquartile range [IQR], 277-468 U/L) and 417 U/L (IQR, 196-801 U/L), respectively. Of the 47 subjects enrolled, 15 (32%) discontinued treatment prematurely (pruritus [n = 5], other adverse events [n = 5], subject decision/investigator discretion [n = 5]). At week 96, reductions in liver biochemistry parameters occurred, including serum ALP (median, -8.3% [IQR, -25.9% to 11.0%]; P = .066), GGT (-29.8% [IQR, -42.3% to -13.9%]; P < .001), alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) (-29.8% [IQR, -43.7% to -6.6%]; P = .002), and aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) (-16.7% [IQR, -35.3% to 1.0%]; P = .010), and rebounded after 4 weeks of untreated follow-up. ALP response (≥20% reduction from BL to week 96) was similar in the presence or absence of UDCA therapy (29% vs 39%; P = .71). At week 96, cilofexor treatment was associated with a significant reduction in serum 7α-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (C4) (-29.8% [IQR, -64.3% to -8.5%]; P = .001). In subjects with detectable serum BAs at BL (n = 40), BAs decreased -23.9% (IQR, -44.4% to -0.6%; P = .006) at week 48 (n = 28) and -25.7% (IQR, -35.9% to 53.7%; P = .91) at week 96 (n = 26). Serum cytokeratin 18 (CK18) M30 and M65 were reduced throughout the OLE; significant reductions were observed at week 72 (CK18 M30, -17.3% [IQR, -39.3% to 8.8%]; P = .018; CK18 M65, -43.5% [IQR, -54.9% to 15.3%]; P = .096). At week 96, a small, but statistically significant absolute increase of 0.15 units in Enhanced Liver Fibrosis score was observed compared with BL (median, 9.34 vs 9.53; P = .028). CONCLUSIONS In this 96-week OLE of a phase II study of PSC, cilofexor was safe and improved liver biochemistry and biomarkers of cholestasis and cellular injury. CLINICALTRIALS gov identifier: NCT02943460.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Christopher L Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | | | - Bilal Hameed
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, California
| | - Stephen H Caldwell
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | | | - Charles Landis
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
| | - Andrew J Muir
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Jun Xu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | - Xiaomin Lu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
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Hatami B, Mosala M, Hassani AH, Ardakani MJE, Gholami S, Zali MR. Fenofibrate in primary sclerosing cholangitis; a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2022; 10:e00984. [PMID: 35822553 PMCID: PMC9277608 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease with no medical treatment proven to improve survival and postpone liver transplantation. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of fibrates in primary biliary cholangitis. The current study prospectively evaluated the effect of fenofibrate on PSC patients. We administered 200 mg of fenofibrate to PSC patients in the intervention arm and a placebo in the control arm once per day for 6 months and evaluated liver biochemistries (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, and albumin) and the Mayo Risk Score at the start and end of the study. The primary endpoint was defined as a reduction greater than 50% or normalization of ALP levels. Secondary endpoints were an improvement in the Mayo Risk Score and serum bilirubin levels. Thirty patients were included (19 female, 11 male, 40.2 ± 9.2 years old), all under treatment with Ursodeoxycholic acid prior to this study. ALP and ALT levels significantly decreased in the fenofibrate group, by 64.7% (mean difference = 557, p = 0.004, 95% CI = 208.72, 905.27) and 52.78%, (p = 0.006), respectively. The primary endpoint was achieved in 66.7% of patients (10 in 15) in the fenofibrate group versus 20% of patients (3 in 15) in the placebo group (p = 0.009). Other endpoints were not met. As studies have demonstrated lower levels of ALP may improve outcomes for PSC, our study resulted in significantly lower levels of ALP in the fenofibrate group, which could translate into better disease prognosis in PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mozhde Mosala
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Hossein Hassani
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Javad Ehsani Ardakani
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Gholami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Carey EJ, Eaton J, Clayton M, Gossard A, Iqbal S, Ullah H, Zhang N, Butterfield R, Lindor KD. A pilot study of vidofludimus calcium for treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1589-1597. [PMID: 35238498 PMCID: PMC9234677 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this pilot study was to explore the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vidofludimus calcium (VC) in the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). This was a single-arm open-label pilot study with a cohort of 18 patients with PSC. Study patients received VC for a period of 6 months. The study was undertaken at two sites, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, and Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ. The primary endpoint of the study was improvement of serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) at the end of the study. Secondary endpoints included assessment of other liver biomarkers (bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase). Of 18 patients enrolled, 11 completed the 6 months of study treatment. Patients who completed treatment versus those who did not were similar other than a significantly higher direct bilirubin at baseline in the group that completed treatment (mean ± SD, 0.4 ± 0.3 versus 0.1 ± 0.1, p = 0.04). By intent to treat analysis, the primary outcome was met in 16.7% (3/18) of patients. By per-protocol analysis, including only patients who completed treatment, normalization of ALP occurred in 27.7% (3/11) at week 24 (95% confidence interval, 6.0% to 61.0%). VC was well tolerated with no drug-related serious adverse events. Conclusion: This proof of concept study provides support for further exploration of VC in patients with PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Carey
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | - John Eaton
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Mitchell Clayton
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Andrea Gossard
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Sara Iqbal
- GastroenterologyWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWest VirginiaUSA
| | - Hamid Ullah
- GastroenterologyWest Virginia UniversityMorgantownWest VirginiaUSA
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Quantitative Health ResearchMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
| | | | - Keith D Lindor
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicPhoenixArizonaUSA
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Bajaj JS, Ng SC, Schnabl B. Promises of microbiome-based therapies. J Hepatol 2022; 76:1379-1391. [PMID: 35589257 PMCID: PMC9588437 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Humans harbour large quantities of microbes, including bacteria, fungi, viruses and archaea, in the gut. Patients with liver disease exhibit changes in the intestinal microbiota and gut barrier dysfunction. Preclinical models demonstrate the importance of the gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. In this review, we discuss how manipulation of the gut microbiota can be used as a novel treatment approach for liver disease. We summarise current data on untargeted approaches, including probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation, and precision microbiome-centered therapies, including engineered bacteria, postbiotics and phages, for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University and Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
| | - Siew C Ng
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Science, Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Microbiota I-Center (MagIC), The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China.
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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31
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Sjöblom N, Boyd S, Kautiainen H, Arola J, Färkkilä M. Novel histological scoring for predicting disease outcome in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Histopathology 2022; 81:192-204. [PMID: 35510514 PMCID: PMC9544993 DOI: 10.1111/his.14677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Background Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease that may lead to liver cirrhosis or cholangiocarcinoma. Liver histology and fibrosis stage are predictive markers of disease progression, and histological cirrhosis is defined as a significant endpoint. PSC‐specific histological scoring methods are lacking at present. We aimed to develop a tailored classification system for PSC, the PSC histoscore, based on histological features associated with disease progression. Methods In total, 300 PSC patients diagnosed between 1988 and 2018 were enrolled; their data were collected from the PSC registry (Helsinki University Hospital), and liver specimens were obtained from the Biobank of Helsinki. Five histological features included in the adapted Nakanuma scoring system and three additional parameters typical for PSC histology were evaluated and compared with the clinical and laboratory data. A compound endpoint consisting of liver transplantation, development of cholangiocarcinoma, or death was used as outcome measurement. Results Stage (fibrosis, bile duct loss, ductular reaction, and chronic cholestasis) and grade (portal inflammation, portal edema, hepatitis activity, and cholangitis activity) parameters were found to be independent predictive risk factors for the compound endpoint (P < 0.001). High disease grade (2–6) and stage (2–4) better correlated with clinical endpoints when evaluated with the PSC histoscore system compared to the adapted Nakanuma classification. The risk for disease progression in sequential endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) examinations was increased with elevated total PSC histoscores. Conclusion The PSC histoscore is a novel histological classification system for PSC. Our findings support the applicability of liver histology as a marker for disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Sjöblom
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sonja Boyd
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Kautiainen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Arola
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
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Pape S, Snijders RJALM, Gevers TJG, Chazouilleres O, Dalekos GN, Hirschfield GM, Lenzi M, Trauner M, Manns MP, Vierling JM, Montano-Loza AJ, Lohse AW, Schramm C, Drenth JPH, Heneghan MA, Alvarez F, Andrade R, Arikan C, Assis D, Bardou-Jacquet E, Biewenga M, Cancado E, Cazzagon N, Chazouillères O, Colloredo G, Cuarterolo M, Dalekos G, Debray D, Robles-Díaz M, Drenth J, Dyson J, Efe C, Engel B, Ferri S, Fontana R, Gatselis N, Gerussi A, Halilbasic E, Halliday N, Heneghan M, Hirschfield G, van Hoek B, Hørby Jørgensen M, Indolfini G, Iorio R, Jeong S, Jones D, Kelly D, Kerkar N, Lacaille F, Lammert C, Leggett B, Lenzi M, Levy C, Liberal R, Lleo A, Lohse A, Ines Lopez S, de Martin E, McLin V, Mieli-Vergani G, Milkiewicz P, Mohan N, Muratori L, Nebbia G, van Nieuwkerk C, Oo Y, Ortega A, Páres A, Pop T, Pratt D, Purnak T, Ranucci G, Rushbrook S, Schramm C, Stättermayer A, Swain M, Tanaka A, Taubert R, Terrabuio D, Terziroli B, Trauner M, Valentino P, van den Brand F, Villamil A, Wahlin S, Ytting H, Zachou K, Zeniya M. Systematic review of response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group. J Hepatol 2022; 76:841-849. [PMID: 35066089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.12.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been well characterised and codified through the development of diagnostic criteria. These criteria have been adapted and simplified and are widely used in clinical practice. However, there is a need to update and precisely define the criteria for both treatment response and treatment. METHODS A systematic review was performed and a modified Delphi consensus process was used to identify and redefine the response criteria in autoimmune hepatitis. RESULTS The consensus process initiated by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group proposes that the term 'complete biochemical response' defined as 'normalization of serum transaminases and IgG below the upper limit of normal' be adopted to include a time point at 6 months after initiation of treatment. An insufficient response by 6 months was a failure to meet the above definition. Non-response was defined as '<50% decrease of serum transaminases within 4 weeks after initiation of treatment'. Remission is defined as liver histology with a Hepatitis Activity Index <4/18. Intolerance to treatment was agreed to stand for 'any adverse event possibly related to treatment leading to potential drug discontinuation'. CONCLUSIONS These definitions provide a simple and reproducible framework to define treatment response and non-response, irrespective of the therapeutic intervention. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable inter-study comparisons. Future prospective database studies are needed to validate these endpoints. LAY SUMMARY Consensus among international experts on response criteria and endpoints in autoimmune hepatitis is lacking. A consensus on endpoints is urgently required to set a global standard for the reporting of study results and to enable the comparison of results between clinical trials. Therefore, the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) herein presents a statement on 5 agreed response criteria and endpoints: complete biochemical response, insufficient response, non-response, remission, and intolerance to treatment, which can be used to guide future reporting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Pape
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Romée J A L M Snijders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Tom J G Gevers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht 6229HX, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Oliver Chazouilleres
- Hepatology Department, Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis, Saint-Antoine Hospital Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University of Thessaly Medical School, Larissa, Greece
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Marco Lenzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michael Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - John M Vierling
- Departments of Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- 1(st) Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Christoph Schramm
- 1(st) Department of Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Joost P H Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER)
| | - Michael A Heneghan
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER).
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Advances in genetic, epigenetic and environmental aspects of rare liver diseases. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 65:104411. [PMID: 34942406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Abbas N, Quraishi MN, Trivedi P. Emerging drugs for the treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2021; 62:23-35. [PMID: 34894541 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare immune-mediated cholestatic disease for which no medical therapy has been shown to slow disease progression. Consequently, liver transplantation is the only lifesaving intervention for patients, and despite being a rare disease, PSC is the lead indication for transplantation across several European countries. The vast majority of patients (>70%) also develop inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) at some point in their lifetime, which imparts added lifetime risks of hepatobiliary malignancy and colorectal cancer. The rare disease nature, variable and often slow rates of disease progression (years rather than months), and lack of robust surrogate biomarkers for early stage yet high risk disease, represent critical challenges in trial design that have long precluded the development of effective medical treatment. However, the horizon for new treatments is encouraging, given innovative clinical trial programmes led by industry, alongside several investigator-initiated studies. Herein, we outline the current platform of interventional trials in PSC, before discussing emerging areas of therapeutic interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadir Abbas
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham Queen Elizabeth, Birmingham, UK; NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, University of Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Mohammad Nabil Quraishi
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital Birmingham NHS Trust, UK; University of Birmingham Microbiome Treatment Centre, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Palak Trivedi
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham Queen Elizabeth, Birmingham, UK; NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research, University of Birmingham, UK; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, UK.
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Ponsioen CY, Assis DN, Boberg KM, Bowlus CL, Deneau M, Thorburn D, Aabakken L, Färkkilä M, Petersen B, Rupp C, Hübscher SG. Defining Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Results From an International Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Study Group Consensus Process. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:1764-1775.e5. [PMID: 34384749 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.07.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cyriel Y Ponsioen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David N Assis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Kirsten M Boberg
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section for Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine, and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; ERN RARE Liver, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher L Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California
| | - Mark Deneau
- University of Utah and Intermountain Primary Children's Hospital, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free Hospital and Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom; ERN RARE Liver, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Lars Aabakken
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section for Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine, and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway; ERN RARE Liver, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland; ERN RARE Liver, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Bret Petersen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Christian Rupp
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Gastroenterology, and Hepatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan G Hübscher
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham and, Department of Cellular Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Floreani A, De Martin S. Treatment of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1531-1538. [PMID: 34011480 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.04.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive fibro-stenotic strictures and destruction of the biliary tree. Currently, there is no effective treatment which can delay its progression or ameliorate the transplant-free survival. Moreover, a major chontroversy in PSC is whether to use UDCA. More recently, novel pharmacological agents emerged aiming at: i) modulation of bile composition; ii) immunomodulation; iii) targeting the gut microbiome; iv) targeting fibrosis. Successful PSC therapy, however, will be most likely a personalized combination of different drugs plus endoscopic treatment. This review aims at offering an overview on the experimental pharmacological strategies currently exploited for PSC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- Scientific Consultant, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Negrar, Verona, Italy; Senior Scholar, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Italy
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Saffioti F, Hall A, de Krijger M, Verheij J, Hübscher SG, Maurice J, Luong TV, Pinzani M, Ponsioen CY, Thorburn D. Collagen proportionate area correlates with histological stage and predicts clinical events in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Liver Int 2021; 41:2681-2692. [PMID: 34051052 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14979] [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: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease in need of accurate biomarkers for stratification and as surrogates for clinical endpoints in trials. Quantitative liver fibrosis assessment by collagen proportionate area (CPA) measurement has been demonstrated to correlate with clinical outcomes in chronic hepatitis C, alcohol-related and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We aimed to investigate the ability of CPA to quantify liver fibrosis and predict clinical events in PSC. METHODS Biopsies from 101 PSC patients from two European centres were retrospectively assessed by two expert pathologists in tandem, using grading (Ishak and Nakanuma) and staging (Ishak, Nakanuma, Ludwig) systems recently validated to predict clinical events in PSC. CPA was determined by image analysis of picro-Sirius red-stained sections following a standard protocol. We assessed the correlations between CPA, staging and grading and their associations with three outcomes: (1) time to PSC-related death, liver transplant or primary liver cancer; (2) liver transplant-free survival; (3) occurrence of cirrhosis-related clinical manifestations. RESULTS CPA correlated strongly with histological stage determined by each scoring system (P < .001) and was significantly associated with the three endpoints. Median time to endpoint-1, endpoint-2 and endpoint-3 was shorter in patients with higher CPA, on Kaplan-Meier analyses (P = .011, P = .034 and P = .001, respectively). CONCLUSION Quantitative fibrosis assessment by CPA has utility in PSC. It correlates with established histological staging systems and predicts clinical events. CPA may be a useful tool for staging fibrosis and for risk stratification in PSC and should be evaluated further within prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Saffioti
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London, UK.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Andrew Hall
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London, UK.,Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Manon de Krijger
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan G Hübscher
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.,Department of Cellular Pathology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - James Maurice
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Tu Vinh Luong
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London, UK
| | - Cyriel Y Ponsioen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Centre, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College of London, London, UK
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Schmeltzer PA, Russo MW. Systematic Review of Prognostic Models Compared to the Mayo Risk Score for Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194476. [PMID: 34640494 PMCID: PMC8509587 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a cholestatic liver disease with a variable clinical course that can ultimately lead to end-stage liver disease, cholangiocarcinoma, and the need for liver transplantation. Several prognostic models have been developed to predict clinical outcomes and have been compared to the revised Mayo Risk Score (rMRS). Aim: To conduct a systematic review comparing the rMRS to other non-invasive prognostic tests for PSC. Methods: A systematic review of studies from 2000 to 2020 was performed that compared non-invasive biochemical prognostic models to the rMRS in predicting outcomes in patients with PSC. Results: Thirty-seven studies were identified, of which five studies that collectively included 3230 patients were reviewed. Outcomes included transplant-free survival or composite clinical outcomes. The rMRS was better than the Amsterdam–Oxford model for predicting 1-year transplant-free survival, c-statistics 0.75 and 0.70, respectively. The UK-PSC score outperformed the rMRS for 10-year transplant-free survival, c-statistics 0.85 and 0.69, respectively. An enhanced liver fibrosis score was independently associated with transplant-free survival after adjusting for rMRS. PREsTo predicts 5-year hepatic decompensation with a c-statistic modestly higher than rMRS; 0.90 and 0.85, respectively. Conclusion: Newer prognostic models, including the UK-PSC score and PREsTo, are more accurate at predicting clinical endpoints in PSC compared to the rMRS. Time frames and clinical endpoints are not standard among studies.
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Fossdal G, Mjelle AB, Wiencke K, Bjørk I, Gilja OH, Folseraas T, Karlsen TH, Rosenberg W, Giil LM, Vesterhus M. Fluctuating biomarkers in primary sclerosing cholangitis: A longitudinal comparison of alkaline phosphatase, liver stiffness, and ELF. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100328. [PMID: 34485881 PMCID: PMC8403583 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease characterised by fluctuating liver biochemistries and highly variable disease progression. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF®) test and liver stiffness measurements (LSMs) reflect fibrosis and predict clinical outcomes in PSC; however, longitudinal assessments are missing. We aimed to characterise the systematic change in ELF and LSM over time in a prospective cohort of patients with PSC, along with their longitudinal relationship to alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin. Methods We included 113 non-transplant PSC patients (86 males [76.1%]; mean age 43.3 ± 15.7 years) with annual study visits between 2013 and 2019 at 2 Norwegian centres. ELF test, LSM, clinical data, liver biochemistries, and revised Mayo risk score were measured. We used linear mixed-effects models to estimate change over time, intraclass correlations (ICCs), and their relationship with ALP and bilirubin. Results At baseline, the median (range) ELF test was 9.3 (7.5–12.9) and median LSM 1.26 m/s (0.66–3.04 m/s). ELF and LSM increased over time (0.09 point/year, 95% CI [0.03, 0.15], p = 0.005, vs. 0.12 point/year, 95% CI [0.03, 0.21], p = 0.009). Between-patient effects explained 78% of ELF variation (ICC 0.78) and 56% of LSM variation (ICC 0.56). ALP also increased and showed the highest ICC (0.86). Conclusions ELF and LSM increased over a 5-year period. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated differences regarding within- and between-patient effects, suggesting that the ELF test may have superior reliability for risk stratification compared with LSM in PSC. Lay summary Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is characterised by substantial disease variability between patients and fluctuating liver biochemistries. Hence, new biomarkers are needed to identify individuals with an increased risk of developing end-stage liver disease. We explore the change over time of 2 putative prognostic biomarkers in PSC, the serum Enhanced Liver Fibrosis (ELF®) test and LSMs by ultrasound, demonstrating differences that may reflect differing abilities to discriminate risk. ELF and LSM increased in patients with PSC, but only in patients with ALP >1.5× ULN. ELF may be more reliable for PSC risk stratification (low within-patient variation). A subgroup showed concomitant spontaneous reduction in ALP, ELF, and LSM.
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Key Words
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- Alkaline phosphatase
- Biomarker
- CRP, C-reactive protein
- ELF, enhanced liver fibrosis
- Elastography
- Enhanced liver fibrosis test
- FIB-4, Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis
- GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase
- HA, hyaluronic acid
- ICC, intraclass correlation
- INR, international normalised ratio
- IgG4, immunoglobulin G4
- LSM, liver stiffness measurement
- Liver stiffness
- PIIINP, propeptide of type III procollagen
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- ROI, region of interest
- Risk stratification
- TE, transient elastography
- TIMP-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1
- UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- pSWE, point shear wave elastography
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Affiliation(s)
- Guri Fossdal
- Norwegian PSC Research Centre, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anders B Mjelle
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristine Wiencke
- Norwegian PSC Research Centre, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ida Bjørk
- Department of Radiology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Odd Helge Gilja
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,National Centre for Ultrasound in Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Trine Folseraas
- Norwegian PSC Research Centre, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tom Hemming Karlsen
- Norwegian PSC Research Centre, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - William Rosenberg
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London & Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Lasse M Giil
- Department of Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mette Vesterhus
- Norwegian PSC Research Centre, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on non-invasive tests for evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis - 2021 update. J Hepatol 2021; 75:659-689. [PMID: 34166721 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 662] [Impact Index Per Article: 220.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-invasive tests are increasingly being used to improve the diagnosis and prognostication of chronic liver diseases across aetiologies. Herein, we provide the latest update to the EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on the use of non-invasive tests for the evaluation of liver disease severity and prognosis, focusing on the topics for which relevant evidence has been published in the last 5 years.
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Trivedi PJ, Muir AJ, Levy C, Bowlus CL, Manns MP, Lu X, Crans G, Chung C, Subramanian GM, Myers RP, Goodman Z, Chalasani N, Vierling JM, Guha IN, Hirschfield GM. Inter- and Intra-individual Variation, and Limited Prognostic Utility, of Serum Alkaline Phosphatase in a Trial of Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 19:1248-1257. [PMID: 32707342 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2020.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and the enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) score are used as endpoints in trials of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). We aimed to quantify inter- and intra-individual variation in levels of ALP and the ELF score over time, and evaluated their association with fibrosis progression. METHODS We analyzed data from 234 patients with large-duct PSC enrolled in a 2-year, phase 2b placebo-controlled trial of simtuzumab. Participants were assessed by laboratory tests every 4 weeks, and liver biopsies collected at time of screening, week 48, and week 96. RESULTS Serum levels of ALP and ELF scores did not differ significantly between simtuzumab and placebo groups, so the data were pooled. Median per-patient variations in ALP between clinic visits were approximately 12% over 12 weeks, 20% over 48 weeks, and 20% over 96 weeks. Reductions, unrelated to study intervention, of more than 40% in ALP were observed in 10.9% of patients with baseline activity greater than 2-fold the upper limit of normal (ULN) and 12.5% of patients with more than 3-fold the ULN at 1 year. At 2 years, reductions of more than 40% in ALP were observed in 15.8% of patients with baseline activity greater than 2-fold the ULN and 17.9% of patients with more than 3-fold the ULN. Among the 209 patients with Ishak fibrosis stage 0-4 at baseline, serum ALP activity did not associate with development of cirrhosis or with a 2-point increase in fibrosis stage at 2 years. In contrast, the median per-patient variation in ELF scores between clinic visits was approximately 3% over 12 weeks, 4% over 48 weeks, and 4% over 96 weeks. Elevated ELF scores at baseline and at weeks 12, 24 and 48, each associated with development of cirrhosis at 2 years (odds ratio >2.75; P < .01 for all timepoints). ELF scores at baseline and weeks 12, 24 and 48, also associated with a 2-point increase in fibrosis stage at 2 years (odds ratios all greater than 2; P < .01 for all timepoints). CONCLUSIONS In an analysis of data from patients with large-duct PSC enrolled in a prospective trial, we found large interindividual and intraindividual variations in serum ALP activity. Serum ALP activity did not associate with disease progression over a 2-year period. Variations in ELF score were smaller, and scores determined at multiple timepoints associated with fibrosis progression and development of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak J Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom; University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom; Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Andrew J Muir
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | | | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Xiaomin Lu
- Gilead Sciences, Inc, Foster City, California
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Naga Chalasani
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | | | - Indra Neil Guha
- NIHR Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Sjöblom N, Boyd S, Manninen A, Knuuttila A, Blom S, Färkkilä M, Arola J. Chronic cholestasis detection by a novel tool: automated analysis of cytokeratin 7-stained liver specimens. Diagn Pathol 2021; 16:41. [PMID: 33957930 PMCID: PMC8101247 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-021-01102-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective was to build a novel method for automated image analysis to locate and quantify the number of cytokeratin 7 (K7)-positive hepatocytes reflecting cholestasis by applying deep learning neural networks (AI model) in a cohort of 210 liver specimens. We aimed to study the correlation between the AI model’s results and disease progression. The cohort of liver biopsies which served as a model of chronic cholestatic liver disease comprised of patients diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Methods In a cohort of patients with PSC identified from the PSC registry of the University Hospital of Helsinki, their K7-stained liver biopsy specimens were scored by a pathologist (human K7 score) and then digitally analyzed for K7-positive hepatocytes (K7%area). The digital analysis was by a K7-AI model created in an Aiforia Technologies cloud platform. For validation, values were human K7 score, stage of disease (Metavir and Nakunuma fibrosis score), and plasma liver enzymes indicating clinical cholestasis, all subjected to correlation analysis. Results The K7-AI model results (K7%area) correlated with the human K7 score (0.896; p < 2.2e− 16). In addition, K7%area correlated with stage of PSC (Metavir 0.446; p < 1.849e− 10 and Nakanuma 0.424; p < 4.23e− 10) and with plasma alkaline phosphatase (P-ALP) levels (0.369, p < 5.749e− 5). Conclusions The accuracy of the AI-based analysis was comparable to that of the human K7 score. Automated quantitative image analysis correlated with stage of PSC and with P-ALP. Based on the results of the K7-AI model, we recommend K7 staining in the assessment of cholestasis by means of automated methods that provide fast (9.75 s/specimen) quantitative analysis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13000-021-01102-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelli Sjöblom
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Sonja Boyd
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Manninen
- Aiforia Technologies Oy, Tukholmankatu 8, 000290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Knuuttila
- Aiforia Technologies Oy, Tukholmankatu 8, 000290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sami Blom
- Aiforia Technologies Oy, Tukholmankatu 8, 000290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Arola
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 3, 00290, Helsinki, Finland
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43
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The Management of Cholestatic Liver Diseases: Current Therapies and Emerging New Possibilities. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10081763. [PMID: 33919600 PMCID: PMC8073106 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are two chronic cholestatic liver diseases affecting bile ducts that may progress to biliary cirrhosis. In the past few years, the increasing knowledge in the pathogenesis of both diseases led to a growing number of clinical trials and possible new targets for therapy. In this review, we provide an update on the treatments in clinical use and summarize the new drugs in trials for PBC and PSC patients. Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR) agonists and Pan-Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) agonists are the most promising agents and have shown promising results in both PBC and PSC. Fibroblast Growth Factor 19 (FGF19) analogues also showed good results, especially in PBC, while, although PBC and PSC are autoimmune diseases, immunosuppressive drugs had disappointing effects. Since the gut microbiome could have a potential role in the pathogenesis of PSC, recent research focused on molecules that could change the microbiome, with good results. The near future of the medical management of these diseases may include new treatments or a combination of multiple drugs targeting different signaling pathways at different stages of the diseases.
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Rabiee A, Silveira MG. Primary sclerosing cholangitis. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 6:29. [PMID: 33824933 DOI: 10.21037/tgh-20-266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by inflammatory destruction of the intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile ducts, leading to bile stasis, fibrosis, and ultimately to cirrhosis, and often requires liver transplantation (LT). PSC occurs more commonly in men, and is typically diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 40. Most cases occur in association with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which often precedes the development of PSC. PSC is usually diagnosed after detection of cholestasis during health evaluation or screening of patients with IBD. When symptomatic, the most common presenting symptoms are abdominal pain, pruritus, jaundice or fatigue. The etiology of PSC is poorly understood, but an increasing body of evidence supports the concept of cholangiocyte injury as a result of environmental exposure and an abnormal immune response in genetically susceptible individuals. PSC is a progressive disease, yet no effective medical therapy for halting disease progression has been identified. Management of PSC is mainly focused on treatment of symptoms and addressing complications. PSC can be complicated by bacterial cholangitis, dominant strictures (DSs), gallbladder polyps and adenocarcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and, in patients with IBD, colorectal malignancy. CCA is the most common malignancy in PSC with a cumulative lifetime risk of 10-20%, and accounts for a large proportion of mortality in PSC. LT is currently the only life-extending therapeutic approach for eligible patients with end-stage PSC, ultimately required in approximately 40% of patients. LT secondary to PSC has an excellent outcome compared to other LT indications, although the disease can recur and result in morbidity post-transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Rabiee
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Marina G Silveira
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Punia S, Juran BD, Ali AH, Schlicht EM, Moore RM, Sun Z, Lazaridis KN. Evaluation of circulating cell-free DNA in cholestatic liver disease using liver-specific methylation markers. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:149. [PMID: 33794792 PMCID: PMC8017778 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01741-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Quantification of circulating organ-specific cell-free DNA (cfDNA) provides a sensitive measure of ongoing cell death that could benefit evaluation of the cholestatic liver diseases primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), which lack reliable non-invasive biomarkers. Our goal in this pilot study was to determine whether liver-specific cfDNA levels are increased in PBC and PSC patients relative to controls and in advanced versus early disease, to evaluate their potential as novel disease biomarkers. Methods Peripheral blood derived bisulfite-treated DNA was PCR amplified from patients with PBC (n = 48), PSC (n = 48) and controls (n = 96) to evaluate methylation status at 16 CpG sites reported to be specifically unmethylated in liver tissue near the genes IGF2R, ITIH4 and VTN. Amplicons were used to prepare paired end libraries which were sequenced on a MiSeq sequencer. Trimmed reads were aligned and used to determine unmethylation ratios and to calculate concentration of liver-specific cfDNA. Comparisons between groups were performed using the two-tailed Mann–Whitney Test and relationships between variables were evaluated using Pearson’s Correlation. Results Levels of liver-specific cfDNA, as measured at the 3 genetic loci, were increased in PBC and PSC patients relative to controls and in late-stage relative to early-stage patients. As well, cfDNA levels were correlated with levels of alkaline phosphatase, a commonly used biochemical test to evaluate disease severity in liver disease, in patients, but not in controls. Conclusions cfDNA offers promise as a non-invasive liquid-biopsy to evaluate liver-specific cell-death in patients with cholestatic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohan Punia
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Brian D Juran
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Ahmad H Ali
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Erik M Schlicht
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Raymond M Moore
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Zhifu Sun
- Division of Biomedical Statistics and Informatics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Konstantinos N Lazaridis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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Cazzagon N, Sarcognato S, Floreani A, Corrà G, De Martin S, Guzzardo V, Russo FP, Guido M. Cholangiocyte senescence in primary sclerosing cholangitis is associated with disease severity and prognosis. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100286. [PMID: 34041468 PMCID: PMC8141934 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a rare cholangiopathy of unknown aetiopathogenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate cellular senescence (CS) marker expression in cholangiocytes of patients with PSC and their correlation with clinical–pathological features and prognosis. Methods Thirty-five patients with PSC with at least 1 available liver sampling were included. Clinical laboratory data at the time of liver sampling were collected. The endpoints were survival without liver transplantation (LT), time to LT, and survival without LT or cirrhosis decompensation. Histological grading and staging were assessed according to Nakanuma. Immunohistochemical stains for CS markers, p16INK4A (p16) and p21WAF1/Cip1 (p21), were performed and scored by a 3-tier scale based on positivity extent in native bile duct (NBD) and ductular reaction (DR). Results: p16 expression in NBD and DR was directly correlated with fibrosis (p ≤0.001 for both) and stage (p = 0.006 and p <0.001, respectively). Moreover, p16 in NBD was positively correlated with hepatitis activity (HA) (p = 0.026), whereas p16 in DR was directly correlated with bile duct loss (BDL) (p = 0.005) and metaplastic hepatocytes (MH) (p <0.01). p21 expression in NBD and DR was directly correlated with HA (p = 0.004 and p = 0.043, respectively), fibrosis (p = 0.006 and p <0.001, respectively), stage (p = 0.006 and p = 0.001, respectively), BDL (p = 0.002 and p = 0.03, respectively), and DR and MH (p ≤0.004 for all). By multivariate analysis, p16 expression in DR was independently associated with stage (p = 0.001), fibrosis (p = 0.001), and BDL (p = 0.011). p21 expression in NBD was independently associated with HA (p = 0.012), BDL (p = 0.04), and DR (p = 0.014). Finally, p21 expression in DR was independently associated with LT-free survival, time to LT, and adverse outcome-free survival (p = 0.001, p = 0.017, and p = 0.001, respectively). Conclusions Cholangiocyte senescence is detectable in all stages of PSC and is associated with histological and clinical disease severity, potentially representing a new prognostic and therapeutic target. Lay summary In this study, we showed that cholangiocyte senescence (CS), previously demonstrated in liver of patients with end-stage primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), is an early event and is detectable in all disease stages. Moreover, we observed that CS is associated with histological and clinical disease severity and patients’ outcome. Thus, we suggest that CS may represent a new prognostic tool and a potential therapeutic target in PSC. Clinical trial number Protocol number 0034435, 08/06/2020. Cholangiocyte senescence was previously described in end-stage PSC. Cholangiocyte senescence is present in all stages of PSC and may represent an early pathogenic event. Cholangiocyte senescence is associated with histological and clinical severity in patients with PSC. Cholangiocyte senescence is independently associated with patients’ outcome in PSC.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine transaminase
- BDL, bile duct loss
- CA, cholangitis activity
- CCA, cholangiocarcinoma
- CK7, cytokeratin 7
- CS, cellular senescence
- DR, ductular reaction
- Fibrosing cholangiopathy
- GBCA, gallbladder carcinoma
- HA, hepatitis activity
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HR, hazard ratio
- IBD, inflammatory bowel disease
- IHC, immunohistochemical
- INR, international normalized ratio
- LT, liver transplantation
- MH, metaplastic hepatocytes
- NBD, native bile duct
- OR, odds ratio
- PBC, primary biliary cholangitis
- PSC
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- PT, portal tract
- Prognosis
- SASP, senescence-associated secretory phenotype
- SMA, smooth muscle actin
- Senescent cholangiocytes
- TGFβ, transforming growth factor beta
- UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid
- p16
- p16, p16INK4A
- p21
- p21, p21WAF1/Cip1
- γGT, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Corresponding authors. Address: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy. Tel.: +39-049-8212894.
| | - Samantha Sarcognato
- Department of Medicine – DIMED, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | | | - Giorgia Corrà
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Corresponding authors. Address: Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Via N. Giustiniani 2, 35128 Padua, Italy. Tel.: +39-049-8212894.
| | - Maria Guido
- Department of Medicine – DIMED, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
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Eksteen B, Bowlus CL, Montano-Loza AJ, Lefebvre E, Fischer L, Vig P, Martins EB, Ahmad J, Yimam KK, Pockros PJ, Feld JJ, Minuk G, Levy C. Efficacy and Safety of Cenicriviroc in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: PERSEUS Study. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:478-490. [PMID: 33681680 PMCID: PMC7917279 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease with no approved treatments. C-C chemokine receptor types 2 and 5 (CCR2/CCR5) play an important role in inflammation and fibrosis and are potential therapeutic targets for PSC. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of cenicriviroc (CVC), a dual antagonist of CCR2 and CCR5, for the treatment of PSC. This was a single-arm, open-label, exploratory study of CVC in adults with a clinical diagnosis of PSC, serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ≥1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), with or without inflammatory bowel disease, across eight sites in the United States and Canada. The primary endpoint was percent change in ALP over 24 weeks; key secondary efficacy endpoints were proportion of participants who achieved ALP normalization and overall response (decrease to <1.5 times the ULN or 50% decrease). Of the 24 participants, 20 completed the study. The mean age was 43 years, 50% were female, and the mean body mass index was 25 kg/m2. From a median ALP baseline of 369 U/L (range: 173, 1,377 U/L), a median absolute reduction of 49.5 U/L (range: -460, 416 U/L) was achieved at week 24, corresponding to a median reduction of 18.0% (range: -46%, 89%). No participant achieved ALP normalization or a 50% decrease; 2 participants (10%) achieved a reduction in ALP to < 1.5 times the ULN, and 4 had ≥25% increase. Twenty participants (83.3%) reported at least one adverse event; most were mild to moderate in severity. The most frequent events were rash, fatigue, and dizziness. Conclusion: After 24 weeks of CVC treatment, adults with PSC achieved a modest reduction (median 18%) in the surrogate endpoint of ALP. CVC was well tolerated, and no new safety signals were observed. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02653625.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver UnitUniversity of AlbertaEdmontonABCanada
| | | | | | | | | | - Jawad Ahmad
- Division of Liver DiseasesIcahn School of Medicine at Mount SinaiNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Kidist K Yimam
- Department of Hepatology and Liver TransplantationCalifornia Pacific Medical CenterSan FranciscoCAUSA
| | - Paul J Pockros
- Scripps Clinic and Scripps Translational Science InstituteLa JollaCAUSA
| | - Jordan J Feld
- Toronto Center for Liver DiseaseToronto General HospitalUniversity of TorontoTorontoONCanada
| | - Gerald Minuk
- John Buhler Research CenterUniversity of ManitobaWinnipegMBCanada
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Schiff Center for Liver DiseasesUniversity of MiamiMiamiFLUSA
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Bossen L, Vesterhus M, Hov JR, Färkkilä M, Rosenberg WM, Møller HJ, Boberg KM, Karlsen TH, Grønbæk H. Circulating Macrophage Activation Markers Predict Transplant-Free Survival in Patients With Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00315. [PMID: 33646203 PMCID: PMC7925135 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a progressive liver disease characterized by bile duct inflammation and fibrosis. The role of macrophages in PSC development and progression is less studied. Macrophage activation markers soluble (s)CD163 and mannose receptor (sMR) are associated with disease severity and outcome in other liver diseases, but not previously investigated in PSC. We evaluated sCD163 and sMR regarding disease severity and prognosis in patients with PSC. METHODS We investigated 2 independent PSC cohorts from Oslo (n = 138) and Helsinki (n = 159) and analyzed blood sCD163 and sMR levels. The Mayo score, Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Test, and Amsterdam-Oxford model were assessed for comparison. RESULTS Median (interquartile range) sCD163 was 3.32 (2.27-5.60) and 1.96 (1.47-2.70) mg/L in the Oslo and Helsinki cohorts, respectively, reflecting differences in disease severity between cohorts. Median sMR was similar in both cohorts, 0.28 (0.22-0.44) and 0.28 mg/L (0.20-0.36), respectively. In both cohorts, sCD163 and sMR levels raised with increasing disease severity (liver enzymes, Mayo score, and enhanced liver fibrosis test). Patients with high baseline levels of sCD163 had shorter transplant-free survival than patients with low baseline levels. Furthermore, sCD163 was associated with transplant-free survival in univariate cox-regression analyses. Both sCD163 and sMR performed better in the Oslo cohort of more severely diseased patients than those in the Helsinki cohort of more mildly diseased patients. DISCUSSION Macrophage activation markers are elevated according to disease severity suggesting an important role of macrophages in PSC. Furthermore, sCD163 was identified as a prognostic marker and predictor of transplant-free survival in PSC (see Visual Abstract, Supplementary Digital Content 4, http://links.lww.com/CTG/A516).
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Antigens, CD/analysis
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/analysis
- Antigens, Differentiation, Myelomonocytic/metabolism
- Biomarkers/blood
- Biomarkers/metabolism
- Case-Control Studies
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/blood
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/immunology
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/mortality
- Cholangitis, Sclerosing/surgery
- Disease Progression
- End Stage Liver Disease/blood
- End Stage Liver Disease/epidemiology
- End Stage Liver Disease/immunology
- End Stage Liver Disease/surgery
- Female
- Finland/epidemiology
- Humans
- Liver Transplantation/statistics & numerical data
- Macrophage Activation
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Male
- Membrane Glycoproteins/analysis
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Middle Aged
- Norway/epidemiology
- Prognosis
- Receptors, Cell Surface/analysis
- Receptors, Cell Surface/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/analysis
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Registries/statistics & numerical data
- Retrospective Studies
- Risk Assessment/methods
- Severity of Illness Index
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Bossen
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, and European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Mette Vesterhus
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, and European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;
- Department of Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway;
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway;
| | - Johannes R. Hov
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, and European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway;
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Martti Färkkilä
- Helsinki University, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland;
| | - William M. Rosenberg
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London & Royal Free London, NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK;
| | - Holger J. Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Kirsten M. Boberg
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, and European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway;
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Tom H. Karlsen
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, and European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway;
- Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway;
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway;
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, and European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark;
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Hanzel J, Ma C, Casteele NV, Khanna R, Jairath V, Feagan BG. Vedolizumab and Extraintestinal Manifestations in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Drugs 2021; 81:333-347. [PMID: 33400241 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-020-01460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, inflammation is not limited to the digestive tract. Extraintestinal manifestations (EIMs), which affect up to 50% of patients, can substantially impair quality of life. EIMs may parallel luminal disease activity or have an independent course. They most commonly involve the musculoskeletal system (e.g., peripheral or axial arthritis) and skin (e.g., erythema nodosum and pyoderma gangrenosum). Less commonly, the hepatobiliary tract (e.g., primary sclerosing cholangitis [PSC]) and the eye (e.g., episcleritis, scleritis, and uveitis) are involved. Although the pathophysiology of EIMs is poorly understood, they are likely either manifestations of a primary systemic immune disease with variable expression amongst organs, or secondary phenomena to bowel inflammation. Additional pathophysiologic mechanisms may include aberrant lymphocyte homing mediated by ectopic expression of gut-specific chemokines and adhesion molecules, cross-reactivity between microbial and self-antigens, autoantibodies against epitopes shared by the intestine and extraintestinal tissues, elevated serum concentrations of cytokines, and alterations in innate immunity. Many EIMs independent of intestinal disease activity can be successfully treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. The efficacy of vedolizumab-a monoclonal antibody targeting the α4β7 integrin-for the treatment of EIMs is uncertain, but data are emerging from post hoc analyses of randomized controlled trials, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, and case series. Vedolizumab may be effective in treating EIMs related to luminal disease activity (e.g., type 1 peripheral arthritis and erythema nodosum) but has not shown biochemical improvement in PSC. Its postulated role in the development of de novo EIMs is heavily confounded by the high proportion of patients previously exposed to TNF antagonists; new EIMs could result from TNF antagonist treatment cessation rather than being caused by vedolizumab. A common limitation of clinical studies is the lack of multidisciplinary involvement in the diagnosis and monitoring of EIMs, which may lead to misdiagnosis and overreporting. Future studies should rigorously measure EIMs in parallel with objective measures of luminal disease activity to provide more robust data on the relative efficacy of new drugs, especially as increasing numbers of gut-selective compounds enter clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurij Hanzel
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Alimentiv, #200, 100 Dundas Street, London, N6A 5B6, ON, Canada.,, Hullenbergweg 278-308, 1101 BV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher Ma
- Alimentiv, #200, 100 Dundas Street, London, N6A 5B6, ON, Canada.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 6D61 Teaching Research Wellness Building, 3280 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada
| | - Niels Vande Casteele
- Alimentiv, #200, 100 Dundas Street, London, N6A 5B6, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive #0956, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Reena Khanna
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, N6A 2K7, ON, Canada
| | - Vipul Jairath
- Alimentiv, #200, 100 Dundas Street, London, N6A 5B6, ON, Canada.,Division of Gastroenterology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, N6A 2K7, ON, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian G Feagan
- Alimentiv, #200, 100 Dundas Street, London, N6A 5B6, ON, Canada. .,Division of Gastroenterology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street, London, N6A 2K7, ON, Canada. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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Lam S, Singh R, Dillman JR, Trout AT, Serai SD, Sharma D, Sheridan R, Su W, Fei L, Karns R, Haramija MM, Ridgway G, Goldfinger M, Squires JE, Denson LA, Hyams JS, Miethke AG. Serum Matrix Metalloproteinase 7 Is a Diagnostic Biomarker of Biliary Injury and Fibrosis in Pediatric Autoimmune Liver Disease. Hepatol Commun 2020; 4:1680-1693. [PMID: 33163837 PMCID: PMC7603534 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In autoimmune liver disease (AILD), including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and overlap syndrome of AIH and PSC (ASC), the presence of biliary injury portends a worse prognosis. We studied serum matrix metalloproteinase 7 (sMMP7) as a biomarker for pediatric sclerosing cholangitis (SC). We prospectively enrolled 54 children (median age, 16 years) with AILD (AIH, n = 26; ASC, n = 16; and PSC, n = 12) at our center. The sMMP7 concentrations were higher in patients with SC compared to those without cholangiopathy (P < 0.001). An sMMP7 concentration >23.7 ng/mL had a sensitivity and specificity of 79% and 96%, respectively, and outperformed alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in segregating patients with SC. Serum concentrations correlated with liver gene expression levels for MMP7 (r = 0.70; P < 0.001). Using immunofluorescence, MMP7 was localized primarily to the cholangiocytes of patients with SC. In 46 subjects with liver biopsy available for blinded review, elevation in sMMP7 concentrations segregated with the presence of lymphocytic and neutrophilic cholangitis and periductal fibrosis and correlated with Ishak, Ludwig, and Nakanuma scoring systems. Liver stiffness measured by magnetic resonance elastography also correlated with sMMP7 concentrations (r = 0.56; P < 0.01). Using magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography plus (MRCP+), sMMP7 in 34 patients correlated with the number of biliary dilatations (r = 0.54; P < 0.01) and strictures (r = 0.56; P < 0.01). MMP7 as a marker of biliary injury was validated in an independent cohort of children with ulcerative colitis. Higher sMMP7 concentrations also correlated with a history of SC-related complication. Conclusion: MMP7 is a promising biomarker for pediatric SC that diagnostically outperforms ALP and GGT. sMMP7 may directly reflect biliary injury and fibrosis, the main drivers of disease progression in SC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Lam
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
- Section of Pediatric GastroenterologyDepartment of PediatricsAlberta Children’s HospitalUniversity of CalgaryCalgaryCanada
| | - Ruchi Singh
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Jonathan R. Dillman
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
- Department of RadiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Andrew T. Trout
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
- Department of RadiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Suraj D. Serai
- Department of RadiologyChildren’s Hospital of PhiladelphiaPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Divya Sharma
- Division of PathologyUniversity of CincinnatiCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Rachel Sheridan
- Department of PathologyDayton Children’s HospitalDaytonOHUSA
| | - Weizhe Su
- Division of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Lin Fei
- Division of Biostatistics and EpidemiologyCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Rebekah Karns
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
| | | | - Ged Ridgway
- Perspectum Diagnostics Ltd.South San FranciscoCAUSA
| | | | | | - Lee A. Denson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
| | - Jeffery S. Hyams
- Division of Digestive DiseasesHepatology, and NutritionConnecticut Children’s Hospital Medical CenterHartfordCTUSA
| | - Alexander G. Miethke
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical CenterCincinnatiOHUSA
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Cincinnati College of MedicineCincinnatiOHUSA
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