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Carbone M, Gerussi A, Cardinale V, Cazzagon N, Cossiga V, Lleo A, Marrone G, Marzioni M, Moschetta A, Muratori L, Rigamonti C, Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Fraquelli M, Calvaruso V. Position paper of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF): Management and treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. Dig Liver Dis 2024:S1590-8658(24)00739-4. [PMID: 38902184 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
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Younossi ZM, Kremer AE, Swain MG, Jones D, Bowlus C, Trauner M, Henry L, Gerber L. Assessment of fatigue and its impact in chronic liver disease. J Hepatol 2024:S0168-8278(24)00276-9. [PMID: 38670320 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2024.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs), such as health-related quality of life (HRQL), are important outcome measures for patients with chronic liver diseases (CLDs). Presence of cirrhosis and advanced liver disease have been associated with worsened HRQL and fatigue. On the other hand, some patients with earlier stages of CLD also experience fatigue, causing PRO impairment. Treatment for some CLDs may improve HRQL and, sometimes, levels of fatigue. We aimed to provide an in-depth expert review of concepts related to fatigue and HRQL in patients with primary biliary cholangitis, hepatitis C virus and MASLD (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease). A panel of experts in fatigue and CLD reviewed and discussed the literature and collaborated to provide this expert review of fatigue in CLD. Herein, we review and report on the complexity of fatigue, highlighting that it is comprised of peripheral (neuromuscular failure, often in conjunction with submaximal cardiorespiratory function) and central (central nervous system dysfunction) causes. Fatigue and HRQL are measured using validated self-report instruments. Additionally, fatigue can be measured through objective tests (e.g. grip strength). Fatigue has deleterious effects on HRQL and one's ability to be physically active and socially engaged but does not always correlate with CLD severity. Treatments for hepatitis C virus and MASLD can improve levels of fatigue and HRQL, but current treatments for primary biliary cholangitis do not seem to affect levels of fatigue. We conclude that obtaining PRO data, including on HRQL and fatigue, is essential for determining the comprehensive burden of CLD and its potential treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zobair M Younossi
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA; The Global Liver Council, Washington DC, USA.
| | - Andreas E Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Mark G Swain
- Professor of Medicine, Cal Wenzel Family Foundation Chair in Hepatology, University of Calgary Liver Unit, Calgary, Canada
| | - David Jones
- Professor of Liver Immunology, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Christopher Bowlus
- Lena Valente Professor and Chief, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis, United States
| | - Michael Trauner
- Div. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Dept. of Internal Medicine III, MedUni Wien, Medical University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Linda Henry
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA; The Global Liver Council, Washington DC, USA; Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases, Washington DC, USA
| | - Lynn Gerber
- Beatty Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA; The Global Liver Council, Washington DC, USA
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Bager P, Bossen L, Gantzel R, Grønbæk H. High-dose oral thiamine versus placebo for chronic fatigue in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: A crossover randomized clinical trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301354. [PMID: 38551983 PMCID: PMC10980237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fatigue has high negative impact on many patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and treatment options are limited. Recently we showed favorable effects of four weeks of high-dose thiamine treatment on fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to investigate the effect and safety of high-dose (600-1800 mg daily) oral thiamine treatment on chronic fatigue in patients with PBC. METHODS Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial including patients with severe PBC-related fatigue. Participants were allocated 1:1 to either group 1) 4 weeks of high-dose thiamine, 4 weeks of washout, and 4 weeks of placebo; or group 2) 4 weeks of placebo, washout, and high-dose thiamine, respectively. Fatigue severity was quantified using the fatigue subscale of the PBC-40 questionnaire. The primary outcome was a fatigue reduction of ≥ 5 points after 4 weeks of high-dose thiamine treatment. RESULTS We enrolled 36 patients; 34 completed the study. The overall mean reduction in fatigue was 5.0 points (95% CI: 2.5 to 7.5; p < 0.001) for the combined group 1 and group 2. Crossover analysis showed a mean increase in fatigue of 0.3 points (95% CI: -4.2 to 3.8) after high-dose thiamine treatment compared to a 1.4 points (95% CI: 6.2 to -3.4) mean reduction after placebo (p = 0.55). Only mild and transient adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION Four weeks of high-dose oral thiamine treatment in patients with PBC was well tolerated and safe. However, high-dose thiamine was not superior to placebo in reducing PBC-related fatigue. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04893993) and EudraCT (2020-004935-26).
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Affiliation(s)
- Palle Bager
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Bossen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Gantzel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Watt M, Hyde A, Spence JC, Wright GM, Vander Well S, Johnson E, Mason A, McLeod M, Tandon P. The feasibility and acceptability of an online mind-body wellness program for patients with primary biliary cholangitis. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 6:314-331. [PMID: 38020194 PMCID: PMC10652984 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Persons with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) experience significantly higher rates of mental distress and impaired health related quality of life (HrQoL) than the general population. Given limited evidence, but a high need, our primary aim was to assess feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week, online, mind-body wellness program in people with PBC. Methods This was a single-group, sequential mixed-methods, pre-post feasibility, and acceptability study. Core program components included follow-along movement, meditation and breathwork videos, and cognitive behavioural therapy informed activities. This was supplemented by weekly phone check-ins. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment, adherence, and retention. The pre-post exploratory efficacy assessment included surveys for fatigue, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, HrQoL, and resilience. A qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews evaluated study experiences. Results Thirty-two participants were recruited within 30 days and 29 (91%) were retained to end-of-study. Of these, 25 (86%) adhered to carrying out the mind-body practice at least 2-3 days per week. Feedback supported acceptability (satisfaction score 90%). Significant improvements were observed in fatigue (13%, p = 0.004), anxiety (30%, p = 0.005), depression (28%, p = 0.004), and five PBC-40 domains (itch, fatigue, cognitive, emotional, general symptoms). Qualitative interviews revealed improved stress management, better coping, and a more positive mindset. Fatigue and self-sabotaging thoughts were cited as barriers to participation. Conclusions These findings suggest that a 12-week online mind-body intervention is feasible and acceptable in patients with PBC. After iterative refinement, a randomized controlled trial will be designed using this feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makayla Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ashley Hyde
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John C Spence
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Emily Johnson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Magnus McLeod
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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I. Rigopoulou E, Bakarozi M, Dimas I, Galanis K, Lygoura V, K. Gatselis N, Koulentaki M, N. Dalekos G. Total and individual PBC-40 scores are reliable for the assessment of health-related quality of life in Greek patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Transl Int Med 2023; 11:246-254. [PMID: 37818155 PMCID: PMC10561069 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been long associated with impairment of various aspects of health-related quality of life (HRQoL) with substantial differences among populations. This study evaluated for the first-time the HRQoL in Greek PBC patients in conjunction with clinical and laboratory parameters of patients. Methods We analyzed prospectively collected data regarding the HRQoL by using the PBC-40 and SF-36 questionnaires in 374 Greek PBC patients and 131 age- and sex-matched non-PBC controls. Results The PBC-40 questionnaire is a reliable tool for HRQoL assessment in Greek PBC patients (Cronbach's α > 0.7 for all domains). Implementation of PBC-40 and SF-36 demonstrated significant impairment of HRQoL in Greek PBC patients compared to controls (P < 0.001 for all comparisons). Emotional dysfunction, social impairment, and fatigue (100%, 80.5% and 78%, respectively) were amongst those with the highest, while cognitive dysfunction (32%) with the least impact on quality of life. Fatigue was associated with female sex (P = 0.02), longer disease duration (P = 0.01), presence of cirrhosis (P = 0.02) and positivity for PBC-specific ANA (P < 0.05), while social dysfunction with increased age (P < 0.001), longer disease duration (P < 0.001) and presence of cirrhosis (P = 0.004). Living in urban areas was linked to impaired social function (P = 0.04), cognition (P = 0.02), fatigue (P = 0.04) and increased total PBC-40 score (P = 0.01). Conclusions Implementation of PBC-40 and SF-36 revealed impaired HRQoL in Greek PBC patients with fatigue, social and emotional dysfunction exerting the highest impact. However, total, and individual PBC-40 scores were lower than that reported in studies from Northern/Central Europe and Canada. Deranged HRQoL was associated with severity of liver disease and presence of PBC-specific ANA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini I. Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
| | - Marianna Bakarozi
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
| | - Ioannis Dimas
- Hepatology Outpatient Clinic, Gastroenterology Department, University Hospital Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete 70013, Greece
| | - Konstantinos Galanis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Lygoura
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
| | - Mairi Koulentaki
- Hepatology Outpatient Clinic, Gastroenterology Department, University Hospital Heraklion, Heraklion, Crete 70013, Greece
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa41110, Greece
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Jones D, Carbone M, Invernizzi P, Little N, Nevens F, Swain MG, Wiesel P, Levy C. Impact of setanaxib on quality of life outcomes in primary biliary cholangitis in a phase 2 randomized controlled trial. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0057. [PMID: 36809195 PMCID: PMC9949832 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000057] [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: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is a real unmet need for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) treatments that can improve quality of life impacting symptoms. In this post hoc analysis, we evaluated potential effects of the NADP oxidase 1/4 inhibitor, setanaxib, on patient-reported quality of life from a phase 2 trial in PBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS The underpinning double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial (NCT03226067) recruited 111 patients with PBC and inadequate response/intolerance to ursodeoxycholic acid. Patients self-administered oral placebo (n=37), setanaxib 400 mg once daily (OD; n=38), or setanaxib 400 mg twice daily (BID; n=36), in addition to ursodeoxycholic acid for 24 weeks. Quality of life outcomes were assessed using the validated PBC-40 questionnaire. Patients were stratified post hoc by baseline fatigue severity. RESULTS At week 24, patients treated with setanaxib 400 mg BID reported greater mean (SE) absolute reductions from baseline in PBC-40 fatigue domain score [-3.6 (1.3)] versus those receiving setanaxib 400 mg OD [-0.8 (1.0)]) or placebo [0.6 (0.9)]. Similar observations were made across all PBC-40 domains except itch. In the setanaxib 400 mg BID arm, patients with moderate-to-severe fatigue at baseline had a greater reduction in mean fatigue score at week 24 [-5.8 (2.1)] versus those with mild fatigue [-0.6 (0.9)]; results were similar across all domains. Reduced fatigue was correlated with emotional, social, symptom, and cognitive improvements. CONCLUSIONS These results support further investigation of setanaxib as a treatment for patients with PBC, particularly for those with clinically significant fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Jones
- Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine and Surgery, Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Health Care Provider of the ERN RARE-LIVER, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mark G. Swain
- University of Calgary Liver Unit, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Cynthia Levy
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Florida, USA
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Gee LMV, Barron-Millar B, Leslie J, Richardson C, Zaki MYW, Luli S, Burgoyne RA, Cameron RIT, Smith GR, Brain JG, Innes B, Jopson L, Dyson JK, McKay KRC, Pechlivanis A, Holmes E, Berlinguer-Palmini R, Victorelli S, Mells GF, Sandford RN, Palmer J, Kirby JA, Kiourtis C, Mokochinski J, Hall Z, Bird TG, Borthwick LA, Morris CM, Hanson PS, Jurk D, Stoll EA, LeBeau FEN, Jones DEJ, Oakley F. Anti-Cholestatic Therapy with Obeticholic Acid Improves Short-Term Memory in Bile Duct-Ligated Mice. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:11-26. [PMID: 36243043 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Patients with cholestatic liver disease, including those with primary biliary cholangitis, can experience symptoms of impaired cognition or brain fog. This phenomenon remains unexplained and is currently untreatable. Bile duct ligation (BDL) is an established rodent model of cholestasis. In addition to liver changes, BDL animals develop cognitive symptoms early in the disease process (before development of cirrhosis and/or liver failure). The cellular mechanisms underpinning these cognitive symptoms are poorly understood. Herein, the study explored the neurocognitive symptom manifestations, and tested potential therapies, in BDL mice, and used human neuronal cell cultures to explore translatability to humans. BDL animals exhibited short-term memory loss and showed reduced astrocyte coverage of the blood-brain barrier, destabilized hippocampal network activity, and neuronal senescence. Ursodeoxycholic acid (first-line therapy for most human cholestatic diseases) did not reverse symptomatic or mechanistic aspects. In contrast, obeticholic acid (OCA), a farnesoid X receptor agonist and second-line anti-cholestatic agent, normalized memory function, suppressed blood-brain barrier changes, prevented hippocampal network deficits, and reversed neuronal senescence. Co-culture of human neuronal cells with either BDL or human cholestatic patient serum induced cellular senescence and increased mitochondrial respiration, changes that were limited again by OCA. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of cognitive symptoms in BDL animals, suggesting that OCA therapy or farnesoid X receptor agonism could be used to limit cholestasis-induced neuronal senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy M V Gee
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Barron-Millar
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jack Leslie
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Claire Richardson
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Marco Y W Zaki
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Minia University, Minia, Egypt
| | - Saimir Luli
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel A Burgoyne
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rainie I T Cameron
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Graham R Smith
- Bioinformatics Support Unit, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - John G Brain
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Barbara Innes
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Jopson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica K Dyson
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Katherine R C McKay
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandros Pechlivanis
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elaine Holmes
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Stella Victorelli
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - George F Mells
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Richard N Sandford
- Academic Department of Medical Genetics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Palmer
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - John A Kirby
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Joao Mokochinski
- MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Hall
- Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas G Bird
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom; MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lee A Borthwick
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M Morris
- Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Peter S Hanson
- Medical Toxicology Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Jurk
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Kogod Center on Aging, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | | | - Fiona E N LeBeau
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - David E J Jones
- Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom; Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Oakley
- Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group, Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
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Liu CH, Bowlus CL. Treatment of Primary Biliary Cholangitis: First-Line and Second-Line Therapies. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:705-726. [PMID: 36270725 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease of the interlobular bile ducts leading to secondary damage of hepatocytes and may progress to cirrhosis and liver failure. The first-line treatment is ursodeoxycholic acid; up to 40% of patients do not have an adequate response and remain at risk of disease progression. Obeticholic acid has been conditionally approved for the treatment of PBC as add-on therapy and bezafibrate has shown similar efficacy in this group of patients. Several new therapies are in development and may further add to the treatment options available to patients with PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung-Heng Liu
- Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 W Queen Ln, Philadelphia, PA 19129 USA
| | - Christopher L Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, 4150 V Street, PSSB 3500, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
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Neurosteroid Activation of GABA-A Receptors: A Potential Treatment Target for Symptoms in Primary Biliary Cholangitis? Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:3618090. [PMID: 36523650 PMCID: PMC9747297 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3618090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims A third of patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) experience poorly understood cognitive symptoms, with a significant impact on quality of life (QOL), and no effective medical treatment. Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid, is a positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyricacid-A (GABA-A) receptors, associated with disordered mood, cognition, and memory. This study explored associations between allopregnanolone and a disease-specific QOL scoring system (PBC-40) in PBC patients. Method Serum allopregnanolone levels were measured in 120 phenotyped PBC patients and 40 age and gender-matched healthy controls. PBC subjects completed the PBC-40 at recruitment. Serum allopregnanolone levels were compared across PBC-40 domains for those with none/mild symptoms versus severe symptoms. Results There were no overall differences in allopregnanolone levels between healthy controls (median = 0.03 ng/ml (IQR = 0.025)) and PBC patients (0.031 (0.42), p = 0.42). Within the PBC cohort, higher allopregnanolone levels were observed in younger patients (r (120) = -0.53, p < 0.001) but not healthy controls (r (39) = -0.21, p = 0.21). Allopregnanolone levels were elevated in the PBC-40 domains, cognition (u = 1034, p = 0.02), emotional (u = 1374, p = 0.004), and itch (u = 795, p = 0.03). Severe cognitive symptoms associated with a younger age: severe (50 (12)) vs. none (60 (13); u = 423 p = 0.001). Conclusion Elevated serum allopregnanolone is associated with severe cognitive, emotional, and itch symptoms in PBC, in keeping with its known action on GABA-A receptors. Existing novel compounds targeting allopregnanolone could offer new therapies in severely symptomatic PBC, satisfying a significant unmet need.
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Sivakumar T, Kowdley KV. Anxiety and Depression in Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Current Insights and Impact on Quality of Life. Hepat Med 2021; 13:83-92. [PMID: 34483690 PMCID: PMC8409764 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s256692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), formerly known as primary biliary cirrhosis, is a chronic cholestatic immune-mediated liver disease characterized by injury to intrahepatic bile ducts that may ultimately progress to cirrhosis and liver failure and result in the need for liver transplant or death without treatment. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA) are approved therapies for PBC and are associated with a reduced risk of progression of disease, although patients may continue to experience significant symptoms of pruritus and fatigue independent of liver disease. The two most commonly reported symptoms among patients with PBC are fatigue and pruritus which may be debilitating, and negatively impact physical, mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Intense symptom burden has been associated with depressive symptoms, cognitive defects, poor sleep schedules, and social isolation. This literature review explores the presence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in chronic liver disease, the impact of symptom burden on patients' wellbeing, and available pharmaceutical and natural therapies.
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Wetten A, Jones DEJ, Dyson JK. Specific considerations for the management of primary biliary cholangitis: are the drug treatment options good enough? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1949-1953. [PMID: 34121570 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1940135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Wetten
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.,Liver unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - David Emrys Jeffreys Jones
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.,Liver unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Jessica Katharine Dyson
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK.,Liver unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
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12
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Phaw NA, Leighton J, Dyson JK, Jones DE. Managing cognitive symptoms and fatigue in cholestatic liver disease. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 15:235-241. [PMID: 33131347 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2021.1844565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Patients with cholestatic diseases may develop fatigue and cognitive symptoms. The impact of symptom burden may be significant in some patients. To date, there are no effective pharmacological therapies to improve cognitive symptoms or fatigue in cholestasis and we are wholly reliant on supportive approaches. Area covered: This review provides an overview of cognitive symptoms and fatigue in the cholestatic liver disease primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), including pathophysiology and our approach to the management of these symptoms. Expert opinion: The impact of fatigue and cognitive symptoms on the perceived quality of life can be profound for patients with PBC. The pathophysiology of these symptoms is complex and poorly understood, making the development of therapeutic trials of symptom-directed therapies challenging. The current recommended management for fatigue and cognitive symptoms is mainly supportive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naw April Phaw
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University , UK.,Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - Jessica Leighton
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University , UK
| | - Jessica Katharine Dyson
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University , UK.,Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne, England
| | - David Ej Jones
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Institute of Translational and Clinical Research, Newcastle University , UK.,Liver Unit, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Trust , Newcastle upon Tyne, England.,National Institute of Health Research Newcastle Biochemical Research Centre, Newcastle University School of Clinical Medical Sciences , Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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