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Bettinger D, Thimme R, Schultheiß M. [Liver cirrhosis as a multisystem disease]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2024; 149:690-695. [PMID: 38781992 DOI: 10.1055/a-2146-7514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the pathophysiological concept of decompensated liver cirrhosis has undergone significant changes. Until a few years ago, the focus of pathophysiological considerations was on the hyperdynamic circulation resulting from portal hypertension. In recent years, emerging data suggests that increased bacterial translocation leading to systemic inflammation plays an important role in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. This inflammation affects a variety of extrahepatic organs. Nowadays, liver cirrhosis is considered not only a condition confined to the liver but rather an inflammatory-triggered multisystem disease. The existing inflammation serves as the common pathophysiological explanation for the diverse impact of liver cirrhosis on several extrahepatic organs. It plays a significant role in the development of conditions such as hepatorenal syndrome, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, hepatopulmonary syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, and even in the emergence of cirrhosis-associated relative adrenal insufficiency. These new pathophysiological insights hold clinical significance as they influence the prophylaxis and treatment of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Bettinger
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II des Universitätsklinikums Freiburg im Breisgau, Freibrug
| | - Robert Thimme
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II des Universitätsklinikums Freiburg im Breisgau, Freibrug
| | - Michael Schultheiß
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II des Universitätsklinikums Freiburg im Breisgau, Freibrug
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2
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Liu H, Ryu D, Hwang S, Lee SS. Therapies for Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy: Current Perspectives and Future Possibilities. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5849. [PMID: 38892040 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is defined as cardiac dysfunction associated with cirrhosis in the absence of pre-existing heart disease. CCM manifests as the enlargement of cardiac chambers, attenuated systolic and diastolic contractile responses to stress stimuli, and repolarization changes. CCM significantly contributes to mortality and morbidity in patients who undergo liver transplantation and contributes to the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome/acute kidney injury. There is currently no specific treatment. The traditional management for non-cirrhotic cardiomyopathies, such as vasodilators or diuretics, is not applicable because an important feature of cirrhosis is decreased systemic vascular resistance; therefore, vasodilators further worsen the peripheral vasodilatation and hypotension. Long-term diuretic use may cause electrolyte imbalances and potentially renal injury. The heart of the cirrhotic patient is insensitive to cardiac glycosides. Therefore, these types of medications are not useful in patients with CCM. Exploring the therapeutic strategies of CCM is of the utmost importance. The present review summarizes the possible treatment of CCM. We detail the current status of non-selective beta-blockers (NSBBs) in the management of cirrhotic patients and discuss the controversies surrounding NSBBs in clinical practice. Other possible therapeutic agents include drugs with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic functions; such effects may have potential clinical application. These drugs currently are mainly based on animal studies and include statins, taurine, spermidine, galectin inhibitors, albumin, and direct antioxidants. We conclude with speculations on the future research directions in CCM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Daegon Ryu
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Yangsan Hospital, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Pusan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangyoun Hwang
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongnam Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Pusan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Koch DG, Rockey DC, Litwin SS, Tedford RJ. H2FPEF Scores Are Increased in Patients with NASH Cirrhosis and Are Associated with Post-liver Transplant Heart Failure. Dig Dis Sci 2024:10.1007/s10620-024-08438-1. [PMID: 38782854 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08438-1] [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: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with cirrhosis are at risk for cardiac complications such as heart failure, particularly heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) due to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD). The H2FPEF score is a predictive model used to identify patients with HFpEF. Our primary aim was to assess the H2FPEF score in patients with cirrhosis and determine its potential to identify patients at risk for heart failure after liver transplant. METHODS This was a cohort study of patients undergoing liver transplant for cirrhosis from January 2010 and October 2018 who had a pre-transplant transthoracic echocardiogram. RESULTS 166 cirrhosis subjects were included in the study. The majority were men (65%) and Caucasian (85%); NASH was the most common cause of cirrhosis (41%) followed by alcohol (34%). The median H2FPEF score was 2.0 (1.0-4.0). Patients with NASH cirrhosis had higher H2FPEF scores (3.22, 2.79-3.64) than those with alcohol induced cirrhosis (1.89, 1.5-2.29, p < 0.001) and other causes of cirrhosis (1.73, 1.28-2.18, p < 0.001). All subjects with a H2FPEF score > 6 had NASH cirrhosis. There was no association between the H2FPEF scores and measures of severity of liver disease (bilirubin, INR, or MELD score). Patients with heart failure after liver transplant had higher H2FPEF scores than those without heart failure (4.0, 3.1-4.9 vs. 2.3, 2.1-2.6, respectively; p = 0.015), but the score did not predict post-transplant mortality. CONCLUSION H2FPEF scores are higher in cirrhosis patients with NASH and appear to be associated with post-transplant heart failure, but not death.
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Affiliation(s)
- David G Koch
- MUSC Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA.
| | - Don C Rockey
- MUSC Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtenay Dr., Charleston, SC, 29425, USA
| | - Sheldon S Litwin
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
| | - Ryan J Tedford
- Division of Cardiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA
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Almeida F, Sousa A. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy: Pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Rev Port Cardiol 2024; 43:203-212. [PMID: 38142819 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2023.07.010] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac dysfunction among cirrhotic patients has long been recognized in the medical community. While it was originally believed to be a direct result of alcohol toxicity, in the last 30 years cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) has been described as a syndrome characterized by chronic cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients in the absence of known cardiac disease, regardless of the etiology of cirrhosis. CCM occurs in about 60% of patients with cirrhosis and plays a critical role in disease progression and treatment outcomes. Due to its predominantly asymptomatic course, diagnosing CCM is challenging and requires a high index of suspicion and a multiparametric approach. Patients with CCM usually present with the following triad: impaired myocardial contractile response to exercise, inadequate ventricular relaxation, and electrophysiological abnormalities (notably prolonged QT interval). In recent years, research in this area has grown expeditiously and a new set of diagnostic criteria has been developed by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium, to properly identify patients with CCM. Nevertheless, CCM is still largely unknown among clinicians, and a major part of its pathophysiology and treatment is yet to be understood. In the present work, we aim to compile and summarize the available data on the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of CCM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandra Sousa
- Cardiology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Entre o Douro e Vouga, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal; Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS - Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Porto, Portugal; RISE - Health Research Network, Porto, Portugal
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Liu H, Naser JA, Lin G, Lee SS. Cardiomyopathy in cirrhosis: From pathophysiology to clinical care. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100911. [PMID: 38089549 PMCID: PMC10711481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100911] [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: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is defined as systolic or diastolic dysfunction in the absence of prior heart disease or another identifiable cause in patients with cirrhosis, in whom it is an important determinant of outcome. Its underlying pathogenic/pathophysiological mechanisms are rooted in two distinct pathways: 1) factors associated with portal hypertension, hyperdynamic circulation, gut bacterial/endotoxin translocation and the resultant inflammatory phenotype; 2) hepatocellular insufficiency with altered synthesis or metabolism of substances such as proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, bile acids and hormones. Different criteria have been proposed to diagnose CCM; the first in 2005 by the World Congress of Gastroenterology, and more recently in 2019 by the Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy Consortium. These criteria mainly utilised echocardiographic evaluation, with the latter refining the evaluation of diastolic function and integrating global longitudinal strain into the evaluation of systolic function, an important addition since the haemodynamic changes that occur in advanced cirrhosis may lead to overestimation of systolic function by left ventricular ejection fraction. Advances in cardiac imaging, such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and the incorporation of an exercise challenge, may help further refine the diagnosis of CCM. Over recent years, CCM has been shown to contribute to increased mortality and morbidity after major interventions, such as liver transplantation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion, and to play a pathophysiologic role in the genesis of hepatorenal syndrome. In this review, we discuss the pathogenesis/pathophysiology of CCM, its clinical implications, and the role of cardiac imaging modalities including MRI. We also compare diagnostic criteria and review the potential diagnostic role of electrocardiographic QT prolongation. At present, no definitive medical therapy exists, but some promising potential treatment strategies for CCM are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jwan A. Naser
- Division of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Grace Lin
- Division of Cardiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Samuel S. Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Liu H, Nguyen HH, Hwang SY, Lee SS. Oxidative Mechanisms and Cardiovascular Abnormalities of Cirrhosis and Portal Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16805. [PMID: 38069125 PMCID: PMC10706054 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In patients with portal hypertension, there are many complications including cardiovascular abnormalities, hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, variceal bleeding, and hepatic encephalopathy. The underlying mechanisms are not yet completely clarified. It is well known that portal hypertension causes mesenteric congestion which produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS has been associated with intestinal mucosal injury, increased intestinal permeability, enhanced gut bacterial overgrowth, and translocation; all these changes result in increased endotoxin and inflammation. Portal hypertension also results in the development of collateral circulation and reduces liver mass resulting in an overall increase in endotoxin/bacteria bypassing detoxication and immune clearance in the liver. Endotoxemia can in turn aggravate oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a cycle of gut barrier dysfunction → endotoxemia → organ injury. The phenotype of cardiovascular abnormalities includes hyperdynamic circulation and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Oxidative stress is often accompanied by inflammation; thus, blocking oxidative stress can minimize the systemic inflammatory response and alleviate the severity of cardiovascular diseases. The present review aims to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in cirrhosis-associated cardiovascular abnormalities and discusses possible therapeutic effects of antioxidants on cardiovascular complications of cirrhosis including hyperdynamic circulation, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, and hepatorenal syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Samuel S. Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada (H.H.N.); (S.Y.H.)
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7
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Liu H, Hwang SY, Lee SS. Role of Galectin in Cardiovascular Conditions including Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:978. [PMID: 37513890 PMCID: PMC10386075 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070978] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal cardiac function in the setting of cirrhosis and in the absence of a primary cardiac disease is known as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The pathogenesis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is multifactorial but broadly is comprised of two pathways. The first is due to cirrhosis and synthetic liver failure with abnormal structure and function of many substances, including proteins, lipids, hormones, and carbohydrates such as lectins. The second is due to portal hypertension which invariably accompanies cirrhosis. Portal hypertension leads to a leaky, congested gut with resultant endotoxemia and systemic inflammation. This inflammatory phenotype comprises oxidative stress, cellular apoptosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Galectins exert all these pro-inflammatory mechanisms across many different tissues and organs, including the heart. Effective therapies for improving cardiac function in patients with cirrhosis are not available. Conventional strategies for other noncirrhotic heart diseases, including vasodilators, are not feasible because of the significant baseline vasodilation in cirrhotic patients. Therefore, exploring new treatment modalities for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is of great importance. Galectin-3 inhibitors such as modified citrus pectin, N-acetyllactosamine, TD139 and GB0139 exert anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects and thus have potential therapeutic interest. This review briefly summarizes the physiological and pathophysiological role of galectin and specifically examines its role in cardiac disease processes. We present a more detailed discussion of galectin in cardiovascular complications of cirrhosis, particularly cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Finally, therapeutic studies of galectin-3 inhibitors in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Sang-Youn Hwang
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Corsi M, Falconi E, Palazzo R, Bini V, Mascherini G, Mancini S, Maglione M, Stefani L. Flow Dynamic Pattern in Liver and Renal Transplantation under Exercise Prescription Program. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4521. [PMID: 37445556 PMCID: PMC10342990 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134521] [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: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases in the context of renal and liver transplants remain the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Physical exercise at a moderate intensity is allowed to contrast the risk profile. Echocardiographic evaluation is essential to stratifying potential cardiotoxicity by the standard and, more recently, the deformation and dynamic study of the intracardiac vortex. This study aims to investigate the vortex echo parameters of solid-organ-transplanted subjects who are physically active compared to a control group of healthy subjects. METHODS A group of 33 transplanted subjects (16 kidneys and 17 livers) was studied via a transthoracic echocardiography exam, comprehending the myocardial deformation parameters of global longitudinal strain (GLS), twisting of the left ventricle (LV) chamber, and HyperDoppler image acquisition. RESULTS The subjects enrolled in this study were 50 in total: there were 33 transplanted and 17 healthy subjects. The transplanted subjects presented higher values of interventricular septum in diastole (IVSd p = 0.001), posterior wall diastolic (PWd p = 0.05), and left ventricle mass index (LVMI p = 0.029); ejection fraction (EF) was found to be higher in athletes (p < 0.001). Transplanted subjects presented mild diastolic dysfunction, emerging only from septal E values (p = 0.001). The 4DStrain (p = 0.018) and GLS2c (p = 0.017) were significantly better in the athletes. All of the geometrical and energetical vortex data were in the normal range and no significant differences were found. An interesting positive correlation was evident for the diastolic parameter, particularly the E/A ratio (p = 0.023) and E' septal value (p = 0.049), along with the vorticity fluctuation. This behavior was present for all subjects, particularly those that were transplanted (p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS In the vortex investigation, especially in cases of normal EF, the positive correlation of some diastolic parameters with the flow dynamic patterns corroborates this hypothesis. The HyperDoppler analysis could be helpful to detecting potential damage earlier in the diastolic time before a systolic deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Corsi
- Sports Medicine Center, Clinical and Experimental Department, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (E.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Edoardo Falconi
- Sports Medicine Center, Clinical and Experimental Department, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (E.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Roberto Palazzo
- Sports Medicine Center, Clinical and Experimental Department, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (E.F.); (R.P.)
| | - Vittorio Bini
- Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Gabriele Mascherini
- Clinical and Experimental Department, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Sabrina Mancini
- Clinical and Experimental Department, School of Human Health Science, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Marco Maglione
- CV Ultrasound Division, ESAOTE Spa, 50127 Florence, Italy;
| | - Laura Stefani
- Sports Medicine Center, Clinical and Experimental Department, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy; (M.C.); (E.F.); (R.P.)
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9
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Hwang SY, Liu H, Lee SS. Dysregulated Calcium Handling in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1895. [PMID: 37509534 PMCID: PMC10377313 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071895] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is a syndrome of blunted cardiac systolic and diastolic function in patients with cirrhosis. However, the mechanisms remain incompletely known. Since contractility and relaxation depend on cardiomyocyte calcium transients, any factors that impact cardiac contractile and relaxation functions act eventually through calcium transients. In addition, calcium transients play an important role in cardiac arrhythmias. The present review summarizes the calcium handling system and its role in cardiac function in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy and its mechanisms. The calcium handling system includes calcium channels on the sarcolemmal plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes, the intracellular calcium-regulatory apparatus, and pertinent proteins in the cytosol. L-type calcium channels, the main calcium channel in the plasma membrane of cardiomyocytes, are decreased in the cirrhotic heart, and the calcium current is decreased during the action potential both at baseline and under stimulation of beta-adrenergic receptors, which reduces the signal to calcium-induced calcium release. The study of sarcomere length fluctuations and calcium transients demonstrated that calcium leakage exists in cirrhotic cardiomyocytes, which decreases the amount of calcium storage in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The decreased storage of calcium in the SR underlies the reduced calcium released from the SR, which results in decreased cardiac contractility. Based on studies of heart failure with non-cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, it is believed that the calcium leakage is due to the destabilization of interdomain interactions (dispersion) of ryanodine receptors (RyRs). A similar dispersion of RyRs may also play an important role in reduced contractility. Multiple defects in calcium handling thus contribute to the pathogenesis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Youn Hwang
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Lyu X. Diagnosing HFpEF and Predicting ESLD Liver Transplant Outcome Using HFA-PEFF Score. JACC. ASIA 2023; 3:518-520. [PMID: 37396415 PMCID: PMC10308092 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacasi.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiuhong Lyu
- Address for correspondence: Dr Xiuhong Lyu, Department of Adult Medicine, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, 63 Main Street, Brockton, Massachusetts 02301, USA.
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11
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Tsochatzis EA, Watt KD, VanWagner LB, Verna EC, Berzigotti A. Evaluation of recipients with significant comorbidity - Patients with cardiovascular disease. J Hepatol 2023; 78:1089-1104. [PMID: 37208096 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.03.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplant(ation) (LT) is the most effective treatment for patients with decompensated liver disease. The increasing prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes and the growing number of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease being evaluated for LT, have resulted in a greater proportion of LT candidates presenting with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. As cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after LT, a thorough cardiovascular evaluation pre-LT is crucial. In this review, we discuss the latest evidence on the cardiovascular evaluation of LT candidates and we focus on the most prevalent conditions, namely ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias, valvular heart disease, and cardiomyopathies. LT candidates undergo an electrocardiogram, a resting transthoracic echocardiography and an assessment of their cardiopulmonary functional ability as part of their standardised pre-LT work-up. Further diagnostic work-up is undertaken based on the results of the baseline evaluation and may include a coronary computed tomography angiography in patients with cardiovascular risk factors. The evaluation of potential LT candidates for cardiovascular disease requires a multidisciplinary approach, with input from anaesthetists, cardiologists, hepatologists and transplant surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Campus, London, UK; Sheila Sherlock Liver Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Kymberly D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lisa B VanWagner
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Annalisa Berzigotti
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Virk MK, Mian MUM, Bashir DA, Wilkes JK, Schlingman T, Flores S, Kennedy C, Lam F, Arikan AA, Nguyen T, Mysore K, Galvan NTN, Coss-Bu J, Karpen SJ, Harpavat S, Desai MS. Elevated bile acids are associated with left ventricular structural changes in biliary atresia. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0109. [PMID: 37058680 PMCID: PMC10109457 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In children with biliary atresia (BA), pathologic structural changes within the heart, which define cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, are associated with adverse perioperative outcomes. Despite their clinical relevance, little is known about the pathogenesis and triggers of pathologic remodeling. Bile acid excess causes cardiomyopathy in experimental cirrhosis, but its role in BA is poorly understood. METHODS Echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular (LV) geometry [LV mass (LVM), LVM indexed to height, left atrial volume indexed to BSA (LAVI), and LV internal diameter (LVID)] were correlated with circulating serum bile acid concentrations in 40 children (52% female) with BA listed for transplantation. A receiver-operating characteristic curve was generated to determine optimal threshold values of bile acids to detect pathologic changes in LV geometry using Youden index. Paraffin-embedded human heart tissue was separately analyzed by immunohistochemistry for the presence of bile acid-sensing Takeda G-protein-coupled membrane receptor type 5. RESULTS In the cohort, 52% (21/40) of children had abnormal LV geometry; the optimal bile acid concentration to detect this abnormality with 70% sensitivity and 64% specificity was 152 µmol/L (C-statistics=0.68). Children with bile acid concentrations >152 µmol/L had ∼8-fold increased odds of detecting abnormalities in LVM, LVM index, left atrial volume index, and LV internal diameter. Serum bile acids positively correlated with LVM, LVM index, and LV internal diameter. Separately, Takeda G-protein-coupled membrane receptor type 5 protein was detected in myocardial vasculature and cardiomyocytes on immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION This association highlights the unique role of bile acids as one of the targetable potential triggers for myocardial structural changes in BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet K. Virk
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Dalia A. Bashir
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John K. Wilkes
- Pediatric Cardiology, Cook Children’s Medical Centre, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Tobias Schlingman
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Cardiology, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Saul Flores
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Curtis Kennedy
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fong Lam
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ayse A. Arikan
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Nephrology, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Trung Nguyen
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Krupa Mysore
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Nhu Thao Nguyen Galvan
- Division of Abdominal Transplantation and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Jorge Coss-Bu
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Saul J. Karpen
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Sanjiv Harpavat
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Moreshwar S. Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Critical Care Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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13
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Liu B, Li Q, Ding H, Wang S, Pang L, Li L. Myocardial injury is a risk factor for 6-week mortality in liver cirrhosis associated esophagogastric variceal bleeding. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6237. [PMID: 37069298 PMCID: PMC10107553 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
This study sought to investigate risk factors for 6-week mortality of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis associated esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) and clinical characteristics of myocardial injury in cirrhotic patients with EGVB. This retrospective cohort study included 249 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis associated EGVB in the Department of Emergency. Patients were divided into two groups including liver cirrhosis associated EGVB without myocardial injury and liver cirrhosis associated EGVB with myocardial injury. Myocardial injury, recurrent bleeding, total bilirubin (TBIL) level and dyslipidemia are independent risk factors for 6-week mortality in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB. Among all patients with liver cirrhosis associated EGVB, 90 (36.2%) had myocardial injury and 159 individuals (63.8%) not. The 6-week mortality in the group with myocardial injury was 21%, which was significantly higher than that of 7% in the group without myocardial injury. More patients in the myocardial injury group smoked, had moderate to severe esophageal varices, liver failure, and Child-Pugh C liver function compared to the non-myocardial injury group. Myocardial injury, recurrent bleeding, TBIL level and dyslipidemia are independent risk factors for death within 6 weeks in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB. The 6-week mortality is considerably higher in patients with myocardial injury in liver cirrhosis associated EGVB than those without myocardial injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bihan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Huiguo Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Beijing Institute of Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lifang Pang
- Department of Electrocardiography, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing You'an Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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14
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Allegretti AS, Subramanian RM, Francoz C, Olson JC, Cárdenas A. Respiratory events with terlipressin and albumin in hepatorenal syndrome: A review and clinical guidance. Liver Int 2022; 42:2124-2130. [PMID: 35838488 PMCID: PMC9762017 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) is a serious complication of severe liver disease with a clinically poor prognosis. Supportive care using vasoconstrictors and intravenous albumin are the current mainstays of therapy. Terlipressin is an efficacious vasoconstrictor that has been used for 2 decades as the first-line treatment for HRS-AKI in Europe and has demonstrated greater efficacy in improving renal function compared to placebo and other vasoconstrictors. One of the challenges associated with terlipressin use is monitoring and mitigating serious adverse events, specifically adverse respiratory events, which were noted in a subset of patients in the recently published CONFIRM trial, the largest randomized trial examining terlipressin use for HRS-AKI. In this article, we review terlipressin's pharmacology, hypothesize how its mechanism contributes to the risk of respiratory compromise and propose strategies that will decrease the frequency of these events by rationally selecting patients at lower risk for these events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew S. Allegretti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Ram M. Subramanian
- Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Claire Francoz
- Hepatology and Liver intensive Care Unit, Hospital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Jody C. Olson
- Divisions of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - Andrés Cárdenas
- GI and Liver Unit, Institut de Malalties Digestives, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain. Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi-Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona and Ciber de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Nagraj S, Peppas S, Rubianes Guerrero MG, Kokkinidis DG, Contreras-Yametti FI, Murthy S, Jorde UP. Cardiac risk stratification of the liver transplant candidate: A comprehensive review. World J Transplant 2022; 12:142-156. [PMID: 36051452 PMCID: PMC9331410 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i7.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) form a principal consideration in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD) undergoing evaluation for liver transplant (LT) with prognostic implications in the peri- and post-transplant periods. As the predominant etiology of ESLD continues to evolve, addressing CVD in these patients has become increasingly relevant. Likewise, as the number of LTs increase by the year, the proportion of older adults on the waiting list with competing comorbidities increase, and the demographics of LT candidates evolve with parallel increases in their CVD risk profiles. The primary goal of cardiac risk assessment is to preemptively reduce the risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality that may arise from hemodynamic stress in the peri- and post-transplant periods. The complex hemodynamics shared by ESLD patients in the pre-transplant period with adverse cardiovascular events occurring in only some of these recipients continue to challenge currently available guidelines and their uniform applicability. This review focusses on cardiac assessment of LT candidates in a stepwise manner with special emphasis on preoperative patient optimization. We hope that this will reinforce the importance of cardiovascular optimization prior to LT, prevent futile LT in those with advanced CVD beyond the stage of optimization, and thereby use the finite resources prudently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjana Nagraj
- Department of Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10461, United States
| | - Spyros Peppas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Athens Naval Hospital, Athens 115 21, Greece
| | | | - Damianos G Kokkinidis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | | | - Sandhya Murthy
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10467, United States
| | - Ulrich P Jorde
- Division of Cardiology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York City, NY 10467, United States
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16
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[Current pathophysiological concepts of acute decompensation in patients with liver cirrhosis and prognostic scores in different stages of disease]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2022; 147:662-669. [PMID: 35636416 DOI: 10.1055/a-1671-9114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute decompensation and acute-on chronic liver failure (ACLF) are associated with a significant reduced prognosis. Previously, the pathophysiological concept of acute decompensation was mainly based on the peripheral vasodilatation hypothesis. However, during the last years, systemic inflammation was recognized as a major driver for decompensation of liver cirrhosis and ACLF. Further, it has been shown that systemic inflammation is associated with the clinical course and the prognosis of the patients. Inflammation also affects the function of extrahepatic organs and therefore leads to the development of an inflammatory cirrhotic multi-organ syndrome. The importance of systemic inflammation in the context of decompensated liver cirrhosis is also transferred to new clinical scores such as the CLIF-C AD and CLIF-C ACLF score. In this article, we provide an overview of the new systemic inflammation hypothesis of decompensated cirrhosis and also discuss current clinical scores for prognostication in different stages of liver cirrhosis.
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17
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Mohammadi F, Ramachandran J, Woodman R, Muller K, John L, Chen J, Wigg A. Impact of cardiac dysfunction on morbidity and mortality in liver transplant candidates. Clin Transplant 2022; 36:e14682. [PMID: 35441375 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The prognostic role of cardiac dysfunction in cirrhotic patients is increasingly recognised. We studied its impact on morbidity and mortality before and after liver transplantation (LT) including development of post-transplant cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this retrospective study, cirrhotic patients who underwent LT assessment from January 2010 to December 2020 were reviewed. Demographics, cardiac investigations and clinical course were analysed to identify prevalence of cardiac dysfunction and its role in LT outcomes. Survival analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression modelling, with LT as a time-varying covariate and as an interaction variable with cardiac dysfunction. 308 patients (70% male) were studied. The median (interquartile range) age at LT assessment was 56 (12) years. Cardiac dysfunction was found in 178 (58%) patients (diastolic, 169; systolic, 26; both, 17) and was significantly associated with hepatorenal syndrome/acute kidney injury and peri- and post-transplant morbidity (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.94, 95%CI 1.06-3.52, p < 0.001; aOR 2.01, 95%CI 1.06-3.82, p = 0.033; aOR 1.9, 95%CI 1.01-3.65, p = 0.023, respectively). Cardiac dysfunction was not associated with mortality before (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.01, 95% CI 0.99-1.01) or after LT (aHR 0.74, 95% CI 0.4-1.05. Post-transplant CVD (61% cardiac failure) occurred in 36 patients and there was no significant association with cardiac dysfunction (p = 0.11). Cardiac dysfunction was common in LT candidates and was significantly associated with morbidity before and after LT. Studies on the role of advanced echocardiographic parameters to improve diagnosis of cardiac dysfunction and optimise LT outcomes are needed. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadak Mohammadi
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Jeyamani Ramachandran
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Richard Woodman
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kate Muller
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Libby John
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - John Chen
- South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
| | - Alan Wigg
- Hepatology Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, South Australia, Australia.,South Australian Liver Transplant Unit, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia
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18
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Abid N, Mani AR. The mechanistic and prognostic implications of heart rate variability analysis in patients with cirrhosis. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15261. [PMID: 35439350 PMCID: PMC9017982 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver damage leads to scarring of the liver tissue and ultimately a systemic illness known as cirrhosis. Patients with cirrhosis exhibit multi-organ dysfunction and high mortality. Reduced heart rate variability (HRV) is a hallmark of cirrhosis, reflecting a state of defective cardiovascular control and physiological network disruption. Several lines of evidence have revealed that decreased HRV holds prognostic information and can predict survival of patients independent of the severity of liver disease. Thus, the aim of this review is to shed light on the mechanistic and prognostic implications of HRV analysis in patients with cirrhosis. Notably, several studies have extensively highlighted the critical role systemic inflammation elicits in conferring the reduction in patients' HRV. It appears that IL-6 is likely to play a central mechanistic role, whereby its levels also correlate with manifestations, such as autonomic neuropathy and hence the partial uncoupling of the cardiac pacemaker from autonomic control. Reduced HRV has also been reported to be highly correlated with the severity of hepatic encephalopathy, potentially through systemic inflammation affecting specific brain regions, involved in both cognitive function and autonomic regulation. In general, the prognostic ability of HRV analysis holds immense potential in improving survival rates for patients with cirrhosis, as it may indeed be added to current prognostic indicators, to ultimately increase the accuracy of selecting the recipient most in need of liver transplantation. However, a network physiology approach in the future is critical to delineate the exact mechanistic basis by which decreased HRV confers poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor‐Ul‐Hoda Abid
- Network Physiology LabDivision of MedicineUCLLondonUK
- Lancaster Medical SchoolLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Ali R. Mani
- Network Physiology LabDivision of MedicineUCLLondonUK
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19
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Yoon KT, Liu H, Zhang J, Han S, Lee SS. Galectin-3 inhibits cardiac contractility via a TNFα-dependent mechanism in cirrhotic rats. Clin Mol Hepatol 2022; 28:232-241. [PMID: 34986297 PMCID: PMC9013610 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2021.0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Galectin-3 plays a key pathogenic role in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of galectin-3 on cardiomyopathy – related factors and cardiac contractility in a rat model of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Methods Rats were divided into two sets, one for a functional study, the other for cardiac contractile-related protein evaluation. There were four groups in each set: sham operated and sham plus N-acetyllactosamine (N-Lac, a galectin-3 inhibitor; 5 mg/kg); bile duct ligated (BDL) and BDL plus N-Lac. Four weeks after surgery, ventricular level of galectin-3, collagen I and III ratio, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) were measured either by Western blots or immunohistochemistry or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Blood pressure was measured by polygraph recorder. Cardiomyocyte contractility was measured by inverted microscopy. Results Galectin-3 and collagen I/III ratio were significantly increased in cirrhotic hearts. TNFα and BNP were significantly increased in BDL serum and heart compared with sham controls. Galectin-3 inhibitor significantly decreased galectin-3, TNFα, and BNP in cirrhotic hearts but not in sham controls. N-Lac also significantly improved the blood pressure, and systolic and diastolic cardiomyocyte contractility in cirrhotic rats but had no effect on sham controls. Conclusion Increased galectin-3 in the cirrhotic heart significantly inhibited contractility via TNFα. Inhibition of galectin-3 decreased the cardiac content of TNFα and BNP and reversed the decreased blood pressure and depressed contractility in the cirrhotic heart. Galectin-3 appears to play a pathogenic role in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Tae Yoon
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada.,During these studies, Dr. Yoon was the recipient of a sabbatical leave from Pusan National University Faculty of Medicine, Yangsan Hospital. His current address is: Division of Gastroenterology, Pusan National University, Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Jing Zhang
- Dept of Hepatology and Infectious Disease, Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Sojung Han
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada.,Current address: Division of Gastroenterology, Dept of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Uijeongbu-si, South Korea
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
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20
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Liu H, Nguyen HH, Yoon KT, Lee SS. Pathogenic Mechanisms Underlying Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 2:849253. [PMID: 36926084 PMCID: PMC10013066 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2022.849253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac dysfunction associated with cirrhosis in the absence of preexisting heart disease is a condition known as cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM). Cardiac abnormalities consist of enlargement of cardiac chambers, attenuated systolic and diastolic contractile responses to stress stimuli, and repolarization changes. CCM may contribute to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality after liver transplantation and other major surgeries, and also to the pathogenesis of hepatorenal syndrome. The underlying mechanisms of CCM are poorly understood and as such medical therapy is an area of unmet medical need. The present review focuses on the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for development of CCM. The two major concurrent mechanistic pathways are the inflammatory phenotype due to portal hypertension, and protein/lipid synthetic/metabolic defects due to cirrhosis and liver insufficiency. The inflammatory phenotype arises from intestinal congestion due to portal hypertension, resulting in bacteria/endotoxin translocation into the systemic circulation. The cytokine storm associated with inflammation, particularly TNFα acting via NFκB depresses cardiac function. They also stimulate two evanescent gases, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide which produce cardiodepression by cGMP. Inflammation also stimulates the endocannabinoid CB-1 pathway. These systems inhibit the stimulatory beta-adrenergic contractile pathway. The liver insufficiency of cirrhosis is associated with defective synthesis or metabolism of several substances including proteins and lipids/lipoproteins. The protein defects including titin and collagen contribute to diastolic dysfunction. Other protein abnormalities such as a switch of myosin heavy chain isoforms result in systolic dysfunction. Lipid biochemical changes at the cardiac sarcolemmal plasma membrane result in increased cholesterol:phospholipid ratio and decreased membrane fluidity. Final common pathway changes involve abnormal cardiomyocyte intracellular ion kinetics, particularly calcium. In conclusion, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is caused by two pathways of cellular and molecular dysfunction/damage due to hepatic insufficiency and portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Henry H Nguyen
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Ki Tae Yoon
- Liver Center, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, AB, Canada
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21
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Kaur H, Premkumar M. Diagnosis and Management of Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:186-199. [PMID: 35068798 PMCID: PMC8766707 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy refers to the structural and functional changes in the heart leading to either impaired systolic, diastolic, electrocardiographic, and neurohormonal changes associated with cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is present in 50% of patients with cirrhosis and is clinically seen as impaired contractility, diastolic dysfunction, hyperdynamic circulation, and electromechanical desynchrony such as QT prolongation. In this review, we will discuss the cardiac physiology principles underlying cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, imaging techniques such as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and scintigraphy, cardiac biomarkers, and newer echocardiographic techniques such as tissue Doppler imaging and speckle tracking, and emerging treatments to improve outcomes. METHODS We reviewed available literature from MEDLINE for randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, and real-world outcomes using the search terms "cirrhotic cardiomyopathy," "left ventricular diastolic dysfunction," "heart failure in cirrhosis," "liver transplantation," and "coronary artery disease". RESULTS Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is associated with increased risk of complications such as hepatorenal syndrome, refractory ascites, impaired response to stressors including sepsis, bleeding or transplantation, poor health-related quality of life and increased morbidity and mortality. The evaluation of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy should also guide the feasibility of procedures such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, dose titration protocol of betablockers, and liver transplantation. The use of targeted heart rate reduction is of interest to improve cardiac filling and improve the cardiac output using repurposed heart failure drugs such as ivabradine. Liver transplantation may also reverse the cirrhotic cardiomyopathy; however, careful cardiac evaluation is necessary to rule out coronary artery disease and improve cardiac outcomes in the perioperative period. CONCLUSION More data are needed on the new diagnostic criteria, molecular and biochemical changes, and repurposed drugs in cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The use of advanced imaging techniques should be incorporated in clinical practice.
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Key Words
- 2-AG, 2-arachidonylglycerol
- 2D, two-dimensional
- AEA, Anandamide
- ANP, Atrial Natriuretic Peptide
- ASE, the American Society of Echocardiography
- AUC, area under the curve
- BA, bile acid
- BNP, Brain natriuretic peptide
- CAD, coronary artery disease
- CB-1, cannabinoid −1
- CCM, Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy
- CMR, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
- CO, cardiac output
- CT, computed tomography
- CTP, Child–Turcotte–Pugh
- CVP, central venous pressure
- DT, deceleration Time
- ECG, electrocardiogram
- ECV, extracellular volume
- EF, Ejection fraction
- EMD, electromechanical desynchrony
- ESLD, end-stage liver disease
- FXR, Farnesoid X receptor
- GI, gastrointestinal
- GLS, Global Longitudinal strain
- HCN, Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide–gated
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HF, heart failure
- HO, Heme oxygenase
- HPS, hepatopulmonary syndrome
- HR, heart rate
- HRS, hepatorenal syndrome
- HVPG, hepatic venous pressure gradient
- HfmrEF, heart failure with mid-range ejection fraction
- HfrEF, heart failure with reduced ejection fraction
- IVC, Inferior Vena Cava
- IVCD, IVC Diameter
- IVS, intravascular volume status
- L-NAME, NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester
- LA, left atrium
- LAVI, LA volume index
- LGE, late gadolinium enhancement
- LT, liver transplant
- LV, left ventricle
- LVDD, left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
- LVEDP, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure
- LVEDV, LV end diastolic volume
- LVEF, left ventricular ejection fraction
- LVESV, LV end systolic volume
- LVOT, left ventricular outflow tract
- MAP, mean arterial pressure
- MELD, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease
- MR, mitral regurgitation
- MRI, Magnetic resonance imaging
- MV, mitral valve
- NAFLD, Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
- NO, nitric oxide
- NOS, Nitric oxide synthases
- NTProBNP, N-terminal proBNP
- PAP, pulmonary artery pressure
- PCWP, pulmonary capillary wedged pressure
- PHT, portal hypertension
- PWD, Pulsed-wave Doppler
- RV, right ventricle
- RVOT, right ventricular outflow tract
- SA, sinoatrial
- SD, standard deviation
- SV, stroke volume
- SVR, Systemic vascular resistance
- TDI, tissue Doppler imaging
- TIPS, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
- TR, Tricuspid valve
- TRPV1, transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1
- TTE, transthoracic echocardiography
- USG, ultrasonography
- VTI, velocity time integral
- beta blocker
- cirrhotic cardiomyopathy
- hemodynamics in cirrhosis
- left ventricular diastolic dysfunction
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Address for correspondence: Dr. Madhumita Premkumar, M.D., D.M., Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, 60012, Chandigarh, India. Tel.: ++91-9540951061 (mobile)
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22
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis is the outcome of chronic liver disease of any etiology due to progressive liver injury and fibrosis. Consequently, cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension and liver dysfunction, progressing to complications like ascites, variceal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, sarcopenia, hepatocellular carcinoma, and coagulation disorders. End-stage liver disease leads to an impaired quality of life, loss of social and economic productivity, and reduced survival. METHODS This narrative review explains the pathophysiology of complications of cirrhosis, the diagnostic approach and innovative management, with focus on data from India. A comprehensive literature search of the published data was performed in regard with the spectrum, diagnosis, and management of cirrhosis and its complications. RESULTS There is a change in the epidemiology of metabolic syndrome, lifestyle diseases, alcohol consumption and the spectrum of etiological diagnosis in patients with cirrhosis. With the advent of universal vaccination and efficacious long-term viral suppression agents for chronic hepatitis B, availability of direct-acting antiviral agents for chronic hepatitis C, and a booming liver transplantation programme across the country, the management of complications is essential. There are several updates in the standard of care in the management of complications of cirrhosis, such as hepatorenal syndrome, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic encephalopathy, and new therapies that address supportive and palliative care in advanced cirrhosis. CONCLUSION Prevention, early diagnosis, appropriate management of complications, timely transplantation are cornerstones in the management protocol of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. India needs improved access to care, outreach of public health programmes for viral hepatitis care, health infrastructure, and disease registries for improved healthcare outcomes. Low-cost initiatives like immunization, alcohol cessation, awareness about liver diseases, viral hepatitis elimination, and patient focused decision-making algorithms are essential to manage liver disease in India.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- AVB, acute variceal bleeding
- BMI, body mass index
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- CSPH, clinically significant portal hypertension
- CTP, Child Turcotte Pugh Score
- DAAs, direct-acting antiviral agents
- GGT, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HR, hazard ratio
- HRQoL, health-related quality of life
- HVPG, hepatic vein pressure gradient
- MELD, Model for End Stage Liver disease
- MetS, metabolic syndrome
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- NSBB, Non-selective beta blockers
- NVHCP, National Viral Hepatitis Control programme
- SAAG, Serum-ascites albumin gradient
- SBP, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
- WHO, World Health Organization
- cirrhosis, ascites
- hepatic encephalopathy
- hepatocellular carcinoma
- portal hypertension
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23
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What's New in Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy?-Review Article. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11121285. [PMID: 34945757 PMCID: PMC8705028 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11121285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a relatively new medical term. The constant development of novel diagnostic and clinical tools continuously delivers new data and findings about this broad disorder. The purpose of this review is to summarize current facts about CCM, identify gaps of knowledge, and indicate the direction in which to prepare an updated definition of CCM. We performed a review of the literature using scientific data sources with an emphasis on the latest findings. CCM is a clinical manifestation of disorders in the circulatory system in the course of portal hypertension. It is characterized by impaired left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction, and electrophysiological abnormalities, especially QT interval prolongation. However, signs and symptoms reported by patients are non-specific and include reduced exercise tolerance, fatigue, peripheral oedema, and ascites. The disease usually remains asymptomatic with almost normal heart function, unless patients are exposed to stress or exertion. Unfortunately, due to the subclinical course, CCM is rarely recognized. Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTx) seems to improve circulatory function although there is no consensus about its positive effect, with reported cases of heart failure onset after transplantation. Researchers indicate a careful pre-, peri-, and post-transplant cardiac assessment as a crucial point in detecting CCM and improving patients’ prognosis. There is also an urgent need to update the CCM definition and establish a diagnostic algorithm for early diagnosis of CCM as well as a specific treatment of this condition.
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Belcher JM, Parada XV, Simonetto DA, Juncos LA, Karakala N, Wadei HM, Sharma P, Regner KR, Nadim MK, Garcia-Tsao G, Velez JCQ, Parikh SM, Chung RT, Allegretti AS. Terlipressin and the Treatment of Hepatorenal Syndrome: How the CONFIRM Trial Moves the Story Forward. Am J Kidney Dis 2021; 79:737-745. [PMID: 34606933 DOI: 10.1053/j.ajkd.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is a form of acute kidney injury occurring in patients with advanced cirrhosis and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The pathophysiology underlying HRS begins with increasing portal pressures leading to the release of vasodilatory substances which result in pooling blood in the splanchnic system and a corresponding reduction in effective circulating volume. Compensatory activation of the sympathetic nervous system, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and release of arginine vasopressin serve to defend mean arterial pressure but at the cost of severe constriction of the renal vasculature, leading to a progressive, often fulminant form of AKI. While there are no approved treatments for HRS in the United States, multiple countries, including much of Europe, utilize terlipressin, a synthetic vasopressin analogue, as first-line therapy. The recently published CONFIRM trial, the third randomized trial based in North America evaluating terlipressin, met its primary endpoint, showing greater rates of HRS reversal in the terlipressin arm. However, due to concerns about apparent increased rates of respiratory adverse events and a lack of evidence for mortality benefit, terlipressin was not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In this Perspective, we explore the history of regulatory approval for terlipressin in the United States, examine the results from CONFIRM and the concerns they raised and consider the future role of terlipressin in this critical clinical area of continued unmet need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin M Belcher
- Department of Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA and Section of Nephrology, VA-Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Xavier Vela Parada
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Luis A Juncos
- Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Nithin Karakala
- Department of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Hani M Wadei
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Pratima Sharma
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, 1500 E. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Kevin R Regner
- Division of Nephrology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Mitra K Nadim
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao
- Section of Digestive Diseases, VA-Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Samir M Parikh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Division of Nephrology, UT Southwestern, Dallas, TX
| | - Raymond T Chung
- Liver Center and Gastrointestinal Division, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew S Allegretti
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Desai MS. Mechanistic insights into the pathophysiology of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Anal Biochem 2021; 636:114388. [PMID: 34587512 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2021.114388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial dysfunction in end stage cirrhotic liver disease, termed cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, is a long known, but little understood comorbidity seen in ∼50% of adults and children who present for liver transplantation. Structural, functional, hemodynamic and electrocardiographic aberrations that occur in the heart as a direct consequence of a damaged liver, is associated with multi-organ failure and increased mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing surgical procedures such as porto-systemic shunt placement and liver transplantation. Despite its clinical significance and rapid advances in science and pharmacotherapy, there is yet no specific treatment for this disease. This may be due to a lack of understanding of the pathogenesis and mechanisms behind how a cirrhotic liver causes cardiac pathology. This review will focus specifically on insights into the molecular mechanisms that drive this liver-heart interaction. Deeper understanding of the etio-pathogenesis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy will allow us to design and test treatments that can be targeted to prevent and/or reverse this co-morbid consequence of liver failure and improve health care delivery and outcomes in patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moreshwar S Desai
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine and Liver ICU. Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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26
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Kasper P, Steffen HM, Michels G. [Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy]. Dtsch Med Wochenschr 2021; 146:1070-1076. [PMID: 34416775 DOI: 10.1055/a-1321-9523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) can be observed in patients with end-stage liver disease and is characterized by a systolic and/or diastolic dysfunction in the absence of pre-existing heart diseases. While the cardiac dysfunction is often masked at rest, it typically manifests itself during cardiovascular challenges such as hypovolemia, physical stress, or sepsis. The diagnosis of CCM is challenging and predominantly based on echocardiographic measurements to identify subclinical cardiac dysfunction. Additional diagnostic criteria include electrophysiological abnormalities such as QT-interval prolongation, an abnormal chronotropic or inotropic response to stress, elevated cardiac biomarkers such as natriuretic peptides, and structural cardiac abnormalities like left atrium enlargement. There is no specific therapy for CCM. Supportive measures and regular cardiac evaluation of high-risk patients and transplant candidates are important to reduce the risks associated with invasive procedures and treatments.
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Role of Anti-Beta-1-Adrenergic Receptor Antibodies in Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients with Cirrhotic Cardiomyopathy. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2021; 15:381-390. [PMID: 34417673 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-021-10161-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a recognized complication of cirrhosis and is associated with poor outcomes, especially under challenges such as surgery/liver transplantation. However, the mechanism is not clear, and the treatment is not specific. The present study aimed to evaluate the role of anti-β1-adrenergic receptor antibodies (anti-β1-AR) in CCM. We enrolled 3 groups: healthy controls, cirrhotic patients without CCM, and patients with CCM. We found that the anti-β1-AR levels in the CCM group were significantly higher than that in the non-CCM group; anti-β1-AR was positively correlated to NT-proBNP, negatively correlated to left ventricular ejection fraction, fractional shortening ((r = - 0.466, P < 0.05), and the ratio of peak early (E wave) and atrial (A wave) flow velocities (E/A (r = - 0.475, P < 0.05) in CCM patients. Anti-β1-AR is a useful predictive biomarker for the presence of CCM and eventually may also have therapeutic implications. Clinical Trials Registration: Chinese Clinical Trials No. ChiCTR 2,000,037,730.
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Yoon KT, Liu H, Lee SS. β-blockers in advanced cirrhosis: More friend than enemy. Clin Mol Hepatol 2021; 27:425-436. [PMID: 33317244 PMCID: PMC8273637 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2020.0234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Revised: 11/10/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonselective beta-adrenergic blocker (NSBB) therapy for the prevention of initial and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding in cirrhotic patients with gastroesophageal varices has been used for the past four decades. NSBB therapy is considered the cornerstone of treatment for varices, and has become the standard of care. However, a 2010 study from the group that pioneered β-blocker therapy suggested a detrimental effect of NSBBs in decompensated cirrhosis, especially in patients with refractory ascites. Since then, numerous additional studies have incompletely resolved whether NSBBs are deleterious, although more recent evidence weighs against a harmful effect. The possibility of a "therapeutic window" has also been raised. We aimed to review the literature to analyze the pros and cons of using NSBBs in patients with cirrhosis, not only with respect to bleeding or mortality but also to other potential benefits and risks. β-blockers are highly effective in preventing first bleeding and recurrent bleeding. Furthermore, NSBBs improve congestion/ischemia of the gut mucosa, decrease intestinal permeability, and therefore indirectly alleviate systemic inflammation. β-blockers shorten the electrocardiographic prolonged QTc interval and may also decrease the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, the possibility of deleterious effects in cirrhosis has not been completely eliminated. NSBBs may be associated with an increased risk of portal vein thrombosis, although this could be correlational artifact. Overall, we conclude that β-blockers in cirrhosis are much more of a friend than enemy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki Tae Yoon
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Hongqun Liu
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
| | - Samuel S. Lee
- Liver Unit, University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, Calgary, Canada
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Management of Cirrhotic Ascites under the Add-on Administration of Tolvaptan. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115582. [PMID: 34070416 PMCID: PMC8197450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tolvaptan is a recently available diuretic that blocks arginine vasopressin receptor 2 in the renal collecting duct. Its diuretic mechanism involves selective water reabsorption by affecting the water reabsorption receptor aquaporin 2. Given that liver cirrhosis patients exhibit hyponatremia due to their pseudo-aldosteronism and usage of natriuretic agents, a sodium maintaining agent, such as tolvaptan, is physiologically preferable. However, large scale studies indicating the patients for whom this would be effective and describing management under its use have been insufficient. The appropriate management of cirrhosis patients treated with tolvaptan should be investigated. In the present review, we collected articles investigating the effectiveness of tolvaptan and factors associated with survival and summarized their management reports. Earlier administration of tolvaptan before increasing the doses of natriuretic agents is recommended because this may preserve effective arterial blood volume.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM) is a well-recognized entity. When patients with CCM encounter challenges such as liver transplantation, overt cardiac dysfunction manifests, leading to morbidity and mortality. Although revised diagnostic criteria for CCM have recently been proposed, these still need to be validated. RECENT FINDINGS Previous reviews have summarized the mechanisms of CCM, such as abnormalities of the β-adrenergic pathway, cardiac plasma membrane biophysical and biochemical properties, and electrophysiological changes. Cardiomyocyte apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress also play important roles. The present review details further mechanisms of CCM, which include myosin heavy chain isoform shifts and abnormalities in cellular calcium transients. Additionally, we review recent studies on therapeutic strategies. Recent work underscores the importance of CCM in the natural history of the immediate and medium-term postoperative period after liver transplantation. Appropriate management strategies for CCM remain the area of greatest unmet need, requiring much further research. SUMMARY CCM is a clinically relevant syndrome affecting patients with cirrhosis, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. New diagnostic criteria have been recently proposed by an expert working group. The pathogenic mechanisms remain incompletely clarified and optimal management strategies need much further study.
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