Non-HFE iron overload as a surrogate marker of disease severity in patients of liver cirrhosis

Hemochromatosis in India: First Report of Whole Exome Sequencing With Review of the Literature

BACKGROUND

Primary hemochromatosis is unusual in India. The homeostatic iron regulator (HFE) gene C282Y mutation, a common cause for hemochromatosis in Europe, is considered almost nonexistent in India. We are reporting a case of hemochromatosis with the HFE gene C282Y mutation and two other adult cases with a novel hemojuvelin (HJV) mutation from Kerala.

METHODS

Of 434 cases with chronic liver disease, 3 cases were identified with the serum ferritin level of more than 1000 ng/mL and primary hemochromatosis after excluding secondary causes. Whole exome sequencing, including genes HFE, HJV, SLC40A1, TFR2, FTH1, HAMP, SKIV2L, TTC37, and BMP2, was performed for blood samples in all 3 cases.

RESULTS

One patient with hemochromatosis had a homozygous HFE gene C282Y mutation, and two other adult cases had a novel homozygous HJV D355Y mutation. This is the first report of hemochromatosis associated with the HFE C282Y mutation from Kerala and the second report in India. This is the second report of hemochromatosis associated with an HJV mutation from India.

CONCLUSION

HJV mutations may explain some of the adult onset primary hemochromatosis in India.

Immune Dysfunction in Cirrhosis

Cirrhosis due to any etiology disrupts the homeostatic role of liver in the body. Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction leads to alterations in both innate and acquired immunity, due to defects in the local immunity of liver as well as in systemic immunity. Cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction is a dynamic phenomenon, comprised of both increased systemic inflammation and immunodeficiency, and is responsible for 30% mortality. It also plays an important role in acute as well as chronic decompensation. Immune paralysis can accompany it, which is characterized by increase in anti-inflammatory cytokines and suppression of proinflammatory cytokines. There is also presence of increased gut permeability, reduced gut motility and altered gut flora, all of which leads to increased bacterial translocation. This increased bacterial translocation and consequent endotoxemia leads to increased blood stream bacterial infections that cause systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis, multiorgan failure and death. The gut microbiota of cirrhotic patients has more pathogenic microbes than that of non-cirrhotic individuals, and this disturbs the homeostasis and favors gut translocation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of such infections are necessary for better survival. We have reviewed the various mechanisms of immune dysfunction and its consequences in cirrhosis. Recognizing the exact pathophysiology of immune dysfunction will help treating clinicians in avoiding its complications in their patients and can lead to newer therapeutic interventions and reducing the morbidity and mortality rates.