1
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Marrache MK, Bou Daher H, Rockey DC. The relationship between portal hypertension and portal hypertensive gastropathy. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:340-344. [PMID: 34904513 PMCID: PMC9717700 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.2012591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) most commonly occurs in the setting of increased portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis. Here, we aimed to understand the correlation between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and the presence and severity of PHG in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS We examined patients with cirrhosis who underwent HVPG measurement at the Medical University of South Carolina between 2014 and 2020. Extensive demographic, clinical, laboratory, procedural (including precise grading of PHG severity using standard definitions), and outcome data were abstracted at the time of HVPG measurement. RESULTS Three hundred and ten patients with HVPG measurements and cirrhosis were identified. Seventy-three patients having endoscopy within 6 months of HVPG measurement were included (mean age 54 ± 11, 44% female). The most common causes of cirrhosis were alcohol (41%) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (32%). The average HVPG was 15 mmHg (±6) and 62 patients had clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) (HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg). Of the 73 patients with HVPG measured, 45 (62%) had PHG, including 40 (89%) of whom had CSPH. Out of the 45 patients with PHG, 41 and four had mild or severe PHG, respectively. MELD scores were similar in patients with and without PHG [15 ± 9 (SD) and 17 ± 9, respectively; p = .37]. HVPG was higher in patients with PHG (17 ± 7 mmHg) than those without PHG (13 ± 4 mmHg) (p = .01) but did not differ between mild and severe PHG. CONCLUSION A weak correlation exists between HVPG level and the presence of PHG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Kareem Marrache
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Halim Bou Daher
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Digestive Disease Research Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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2
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González DV, López KPP, Nungaray SAV, Madrigal LGM. Tratamiento de ascitis refractaria: estrategias actuales y nuevo panorama de los beta bloqueadores no selectivos. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2022; 45:715-723. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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3
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Møller S, Kimer N, Barløse M, Bendtsen F. Pathophysiological-based treatments of complications of cirrhosis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:383-394. [PMID: 32233873 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2020.1744709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and changes in hepatic and splanchnic function leading to the development of haemodynamic changes and portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis are essential since it guides the search for targets to ameliorate liver-related abnormalities. Recent research has focused on the gut-liver axis, changes in intestinal permeability, translocation of bacterial products, and inflammation as important drivers of haemodynamic alterations and thereby targets for treatment. Additionally, treatment strategies should focus on microbiotic modulation, antiangiogenics, anti-inflammatory strategies, and modulation of bile acid metabolism. This paper aims to review contemporary pathophysiological-based treatment principles of the major complications of cirrhosis and portal hypertension and future targets for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Møller
- Department Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Bridge Translational Excellence Programme, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mads Barløse
- Department Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Hvidovre Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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4
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Abstract
Complications of portal hypertension include portal hypertensive gastropathy and colopathy. These disorders may cause chronic or acute gastrointestinal bleeding. The diagnosis is made endoscopically; therefore, there is great variability in their assessment. Portal hypertensive gastropathy can range from a mosaic-like pattern resembling snakeskin mucosa to frankly bleeding petechial lesions. Portal hypertensive colopathy has been less well-described and is variably characterized (erythema, vascular lesions, petechiae). Treatment is challenging and results are inconsistent. Currently, available evidence does not support the use of beta-blockers for primary prevention. Further investigation of the pathogenesis, natural history, and treatment of these disorders is needed.
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5
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Majeed MB, Agrawal R, Attar BM, Abu Omar Y, Gandhi SR. Safety and Efficacy of Infliximab in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2019; 11:e5082. [PMID: 31516791 PMCID: PMC6721913 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.5082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet the treatment options available are very limited. Past studies have evaluated the efficacy of infliximab in such patients; however, they were limited by sample size. Our aim was to perform a systematic review of these studies to assess the role of infliximab in patients with SAH. We conducted a literature search using electronic database engines including Ovid, PubMed, Scopus, MEDLINE and Cochrane Library from inception to October 2018 to identify published articles addressing outcomes in patients treated for alcoholic hepatitis with infliximab. The primary outcome reviewed was one-month mortality. Secondary outcomes included rate and type of infection; cause of mortality; levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin and tumor necrosis factor-α; and Maddrey discriminant function. Five studies including two randomized controlled trials and three case series were included in our analysis with a total sample size of 70 patients. One-month mortality ranged from 10% to 17% in patients who received a single dose of infliximab with or without prednisone compared to 38% in patients who received three doses of infliximab in combination with prednisone. A single dose of infliximab was associated with an infection rate of 10% to 26% in contrast to an 89% rate with three doses of infliximab. Infliximab, when used in a single dose, could potentially be an alternative agent for the management of SAH in a large group of patients who have contraindications such as gastrointestinal bleeding, uncontrolled diabetes or an active hepatitis infection. It might also have a role in the prevention of hepatorenal syndrome. There is a need for larger trials to evaluate the role of infliximab in a cohort of patients who are not candidates for prednisolone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad B Majeed
- Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | - Rohit Agrawal
- Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | - Bashar M Attar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | - Yazan Abu Omar
- Internal Medicine, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
| | - Seema R Gandhi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, USA
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6
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Shenoda B, Boselli J. Vascular syndromes in liver cirrhosis. Clin J Gastroenterol 2019; 12:387-397. [PMID: 30980261 DOI: 10.1007/s12328-019-00956-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is associated with multiple vascular syndromes affecting almost all body systems. Many of these syndromes are directly related to impaired liver function and sometimes reversible after liver transplantation while others arise secondary to portal hypertension and ascites. Altered expression of angiogenic and vasoactive compounds (most importantly nitric oxide), endothelial dysfunction, dysregulated neurohormonal control, and systemic inflammatory state play differential roles in mediating homeostatic instability and abnormal vasogenic response. Important vascular features encountered in liver disease include portal hypertension, splanchnic overflow, abnormal angiogenesis and shunts, portopulmonary syndrome, hepatopulmonary syndrome, and systemic hyperdynamic circulation. Redistribution of effective circulatory volume deviating from vital organs and pooling in splanchnic circulation is also encountered in liver patients which may lead to devastating outcomes as hepatorenal syndrome. Etiologically, vascular syndromes are not isolated phenomena and vascular dysfunction in one system may lead to the development of another in a different system. This review focuses on understanding the pathophysiological factors underlying vascular syndromes related to chronic liver disease and the potential links among them. Many of these syndromes are associated with high mortality, thus it is crucial to look for early biomarkers for these syndromes and develop novel preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Botros Shenoda
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA
| | - Joseph Boselli
- Department of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, USA. .,Drexel Internal Medicine, 205 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, 19107, USA.
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7
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Lopetuso LR, Mocci G, Marzo M, D'Aversa F, Rapaccini GL, Guidi L, Armuzzi A, Gasbarrini A, Papa A. Harmful Effects and Potential Benefits of Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-α on the Liver. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E2199. [PMID: 30060508 PMCID: PMC6121684 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α agents represent an effective treatment for chronic inflammatory diseases. However, some concerns about their potentially undesirable effects on liver function have been reported. On the other hand, evidence of their therapeutic effects on certain liver diseases is accumulating. Many data showed the safety of anti-TNF-α in patients with chronic hepatitis B and C and in liver transplanted patients even if a strict follow-up and prophylaxis are recommended in well-defined subgroups. On the other side, anti-TNF-α-induced liver injury is not a rare event. However, it is often reversible after anti-TNF-α withdrawal. Anti-TNF-α agents have been tested in advanced stages of severe alcoholic hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Limited data on the efficacy of anti-TNF-α in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis are also available. In this review, we explored the hepatic safety concerns in patients receiving anti-TNF-α agents with and without pre-existent hepatic diseases. In addition, the available evidence on their potential benefits in the treatment of specific hepatic diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris Riccardo Lopetuso
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Giammarco Mocci
- Gastroenterology Unit, Brotzu Hospital, 09121 Cagliari, Italy.
| | - Manuela Marzo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Francesca D'Aversa
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Gian Lodovico Rapaccini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Luisa Guidi
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Armuzzi
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
| | - Alfredo Papa
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS-Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy.
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8
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Beneficial Effects of the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α/γ Agonist Aleglitazar on Progressive Hepatic and Splanchnic Abnormalities in Cirrhotic Rats with Portal Hypertension. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2018; 188:1608-1624. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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9
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Ponziani FR, Zocco MA, Cerrito L, Gasbarrini A, Pompili M. Bacterial translocation in patients with liver cirrhosis: physiology, clinical consequences, and practical implications. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 12:641-656. [PMID: 29806487 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2018.1481747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gut liver axis is an operative unit that works to protect the human body against potentially harmful substances and microorganisms, maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system. Liver cirrhosis profoundly alters this complex system. The intestine becomes more permeable allowing the translocation of bacteria, bacterial products and fragments into the portal circulation, triggering an abnormal local and systemic inflammatory response and a condition of perpetual immunologic alarm. This immune-inflammatory disorder related to dysbiosis is involved in the development of liver damage and liver cirrhosis complications and increases intestinal permeability in a vicious circle. Areas covered: The most relevant studies on bacterial translocation, the mechanism of intestinal barrier dysfunction and its consequences in patients with liver cirrhosis have been revised through a PubMed search. Data have been discussed with particular regard to their significance in clinical practice. Expert commentary: The assessment of bacterial translocation and intestinal permeability is not currently used in clinical practice but may be useful to stratify patients' prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Romana Ponziani
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Fondazione Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Maria Assunta Zocco
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Fondazione Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Fondazione Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Fondazione Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- a Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology , Fondazione Agostino Gemelli Hospital , Rome , Italy
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10
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Improved hemodynamic and liver function in portal hypertensive cirrhotic rats after administration of B. pseudocatenulatum CECT 7765. Eur J Nutr 2018; 58:1647-1658. [DOI: 10.1007/s00394-018-1709-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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11
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Møller S, Bendtsen F. The pathophysiology of arterial vasodilatation and hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis. Liver Int 2018; 38:570-580. [PMID: 28921803 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension often develop complications from a variety of organ systems leading to a multiple organ failure. The combination of liver failure and portal hypertension results in a hyperdynamic circulatory state partly owing to simultaneous splanchnic and peripheral arterial vasodilatation. Increases in circulatory vasodilators are believed to be due to portosystemic shunting and bacterial translocation leading to redistribution of the blood volume with central hypovolemia. Portal hypertension per se and increased splanchnic blood flow are mainly responsible for the development and perpetuation of the hyperdynamic circulation and the associated changes in cardiovascular function with development of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, autonomic dysfunction and renal dysfunction as part of a cardiorenal syndrome. Several of the cardiovascular changes are reversible after liver transplantation and point to the pathophysiological significance of portal hypertension. In this paper, we aimed to review current knowledge on the pathophysiology of arterial vasodilatation and the hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Faculty of Health Sciences, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Davies T, Wythe S, O'Beirne J, Martin D, Gilbert-Kawai E. Review article: the role of the microcirculation in liver cirrhosis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2017; 46:825-835. [PMID: 29023881 DOI: 10.1111/apt.14279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrahepatic microvascular derangements and microcirculatory dysfunction are key in the development of liver cirrhosis and its associated complications. While much has been documented relating to cirrhosis and the dysfunction of the microcirculation in the liver parenchyma, far less is known about the state of the extrahepatic microcirculation and the role this may have in the pathogenesis of multiple organ failure in end stage liver cirrhosis. AIM To provide an update on the role of the microcirculation in the pathophysiology of cirrhosis and its associated complications and briefly discuss some of the imaging techniques which may be used to directly investigate the microcirculation. METHODS A Medline literature search was conducted using the following search terms: 'cirrhosis', 'microcirculation', 'circulation', 'systemic', 'inflammation', 'peripheral', 'hepatorenal' and 'hepatopulmonary'. RESULTS Significant heterogeneous microvascular alterations exist in patients with cirrhosis. Data suggest that the systemic inflammation, associated with advanced cirrhosis, induces microcirculatory dysregulation and contributes to haemodynamic derangement. The resultant vasoconstriction and hypoperfusion in the systemic extrahepatic microvasculature, is likely to be instrumental in the pathophysiology of organ failure in decompensated cirrhosis, however the mechanistic action of vasoactive agents used to correct the circulatory disturbance of advanced cirrhosis is poorly understood. CONCLUSIONS Further research into the role of the microcirculation in patients with liver cirrhosis, will improve physicians understanding of the pathophysiology of cirrhosis, and may provide a platform for real time evaluation of an individual's microcirculatory response to vasoactive mediators, thus guiding their therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Davies
- Intensive Care Department, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, London, UK
| | - S Wythe
- Intensive Care Department, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, London, UK
| | - J O'Beirne
- Department of Hepatology, Nambour General Hospital, Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service, Nambour, Qld, Australia
| | - D Martin
- Intensive Care Department, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, London, UK
| | - E Gilbert-Kawai
- Intensive Care Department, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,UCLH NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Sport and Exercise Health, University College London Centre for Altitude Space and Extreme Environment Medicine, London, UK
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13
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Caro E, Francés R, Zapater P, Pascual S, Bellot P, Such J. Grade of soluble inflammatory response is mainly affected by circulating bacterial DNA concentrations in cirrhosis. Liver Int 2016; 36:1473-80. [PMID: 26991936 DOI: 10.1111/liv.13118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with decompensated cirrhosis show a marked innate immune response that shows a wide variability. The reasons for this fact have not been previously evaluated. This investigation was undertaken to study factors influencing the immune response intensity in both serum and ascitic fluid in patients with cirrhosis and ascites with presence of bactDNA. METHODS 77 patients with cirrhosis and presence of bactDNA fragments in blood and ascitic fluid were included. Identification of bactDNA was evaluated by 16SrRNA gene PCR followed by nucleotide sequencing and by species-specific PCR. Concentration of amplified bacterial-DNA, bacteria identification, LPS, TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma, Interleukin 12 and nitric oxide in serum and ascitic fluid were evaluated as factors related to intensity of the immune response. RESULTS Serum and AF levels of bactDNA, TNF-α, IFN-γ and nitric oxide concentration were higher in patients with presence of bactDNA from gram negative bacteria. Serum TNF-α levels showed a significant correlation with concentrations of bactDNA (r = 0.88; P = 0.001) and LPS (r = 0.28; P = 0.016). Serum nitric oxide levels were also significantly correlated with concentrations of bactDNA (r = 0.761; P = 0.001) but not with LPS levels. Levels of INF-γ and IL-12 were not significantly correlated with either bactDNA nor LPS levels. Plasmatic concentration of bactDNA was the most accurately correlated factor with the inflammatory response (ancova model included only levels of bactDNA (r(2) = 0.87, P = 0.047 for TNF-α; r(2) = 0.45, P = 0.03 for NOx). CONCLUSIONS Bacterial-DNA concentration is the most influencing variable associated with serum TNF-α and nitric oxide response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Caro
- Unidad Hepática, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain
| | - Rubén Francés
- Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pedro Zapater
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Unidad de Farmacología Clínica, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante y Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Sonia Pascual
- Unidad Hepática, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Bellot
- Unidad Hepática, Hospital General Universitario de Alicante, Alicante, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Such
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE, Lerner School of medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, US.
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14
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Thursz M, Morgan TR. Treatment of Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis. Gastroenterology 2016; 150:1823-34. [PMID: 26948886 PMCID: PMC5828019 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2016.02.074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2015] [Revised: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a syndrome of jaundice and liver failure that occurs in a minority of heavy consumers of alcohol. The diagnosis usually is based on a history of heavy alcohol use, findings from blood tests, and exclusion of other liver diseases by blood and imaging analyses. Liver biopsy specimens, usually collected via the transjugular route, should be analyzed to confirm a diagnosis of AH in patients with an atypical history or presentation. The optimal treatment for patients with severe AH is prednisolone, possibly in combination with N-acetyl cysteine. At present, only short-term increases in survival can be expected-no treatment has been found to increase patient survival beyond 3 months. Abstinence is essential for long-term survival. New treatment options, including liver transplantation, are being tested in trials and results eagerly are awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Thursz
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Imperial College, St Mary's Hospital Campus, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Timothy R Morgan
- Gastroenterology Services, VA Long Beach Healthcare, VA Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, California.
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15
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Granger DN, Holm L, Kvietys P. The Gastrointestinal Circulation: Physiology and Pathophysiology. Compr Physiol 2016; 5:1541-83. [PMID: 26140727 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c150007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) circulation receives a large fraction of cardiac output and this increases following ingestion of a meal. While blood flow regulation is not the intense phenomenon noted in other vascular beds, the combined responses of blood flow, and capillary oxygen exchange help ensure a level of tissue oxygenation that is commensurate with organ metabolism and function. This is evidenced in the vascular responses of the stomach to increased acid production and in intestine during periods of enhanced nutrient absorption. Complimenting the metabolic vasoregulation is a strong myogenic response that contributes to basal vascular tone and to the responses elicited by changes in intravascular pressure. The GI circulation also contributes to a mucosal defense mechanism that protects against excessive damage to the epithelial lining following ingestion of toxins and/or noxious agents. Profound reductions in GI blood flow are evidenced in certain physiological (strenuous exercise) and pathological (hemorrhage) conditions, while some disease states (e.g., chronic portal hypertension) are associated with a hyperdynamic circulation. The sacrificial nature of GI blood flow is essential for ensuring adequate perfusion of vital organs during periods of whole body stress. The restoration of blood flow (reperfusion) to GI organs following ischemia elicits an exaggerated tissue injury response that reflects the potential of this organ system to generate reactive oxygen species and to mount an inflammatory response. Human and animal studies of inflammatory bowel disease have also revealed a contribution of the vasculature to the initiation and perpetuation of the tissue inflammation and associated injury response.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Neil Granger
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSU Health Science Center-Shreveport, Shreveport, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lena Holm
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Kvietys
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Li TH, Huang CC, Yang YY, Lee KC, Hsieh SL, Hsieh YC, Alan L, Lin HC, Lee SD, Tsai CY. Thalidomide Improves the Intestinal Mucosal Injury and Suppresses Mesenteric Angiogenesis and Vasodilatation by Down-Regulating Inflammasomes-Related Cascades in Cirrhotic Rats. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147212. [PMID: 26820153 PMCID: PMC4731147 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims By blocking TNFα-related effects, thalidomide not only inhibits hepatic fibrogenesis but improves peripheral vasodilatation and portal hypertension in cirrhotic rats. Nonetheless, the investigation of thalidomide's effects on splanchnic and collateral microcirculation has been limited. Our study explored the roles of intestinal and mesenteric TNFα along with inflammasome-related pathway in relation to cirrhosis and the splanchnic/collateral microcirculation. Methods Using in vivo and in vitro approaches, mechanisms of the effects of thalidomide on intestinal and mesenteric inflammatory, vasodilatory and angiogenic cascades-related abnormalities were explored in cirrhotic rats that had received 1-month thalidomide (C-T) treatment. Results In cirrhotic rats, high tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and nitric oxide (NO)x levels were associated with the NOD-like receptors protein 3 (NLRP3), IL-1β and caspase-1 inflammasome over-expression in splenorenal shunt and mesenteric tissues. The thalidomide-related inhibition of mesenteric and splenorenal shunt inflammasome expression was accompanied by a significantly decreased intestinal mucosal injury and inflammasome immunohistochemical staining expression. Suppression of various angiogenic cascades, namely VEGF-NOS-NO, was paralleled by a decrease in mesenteric angiogenesis as detected by CD31 immunofluorescence staining and by reduced portosystemic shunting (PSS) in C-T rats. The down-regulation of the mesenteric and collateral vasodilatory VEGF-NOS-NO cascades resulted in a correction of vasoconstrictive hypo-responsiveness and in an attenuation of vasodilatory hyper-responsiveness when analyzed by in situ perfusion of the superior mesenteric arterial (SMA) and portosystemic collaterals. There was also a decrease in SMA blood flow and an increase in SMA resistance in the C-T rats. Additionally, acute incubation with thalidomide abolished TNFα-augmented VEGF-mediated migration of and tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells, which was accompanied by corresponding changes in inflammatory and angiogenic substances release. Conclusions The suppression of inflammasome over-expression by chronic thalidomide treatment ameliorates inflammatory, angiogenic and vasodilatory cascades-related pathogenic changes in the splanchnic and collateral microcirculation of cirrhotic rats. Thalidomide seems to be a promising agent that might bring about beneficial changes to the disarrangements of peripheral, hepatic, splanchnic and collateral systems in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hao Li
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Chang Huang
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Ying Yang
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (YYY); (HCL)
| | - Kuei-Chuan Lee
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shie-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Cheng Hsieh
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Lin Alan
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chieh Lin
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- * E-mail: (YYY); (HCL)
| | | | - Chang-Youh Tsai
- Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Gómez-Hurtado I, Such J, Francés R. Microbiome and bacterial translocation in cirrhosis. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2016; 39:687-696. [PMID: 26775042 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2015.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Revised: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Qualitative and quantitative changes in gut microbiota play a very important role in cirrhosis. Humans harbour around 100 quintillion gut bacteria, thus representing around 10 times more microbial cells than eukaryotic ones. The gastrointestinal tract is the largest surface area in the body and it is subject to constant exposure to these living microorganisms. The existing symbiosis, proven by the lack of proinflammatory response against commensal bacteria, implies the presence of clearly defined communication lines that contribute to the maintenance of homeostasis of the host. Therefore, alterations of gut flora seem to play a role in the pathogenesis and progress of multiple liver and gastrointestinal diseases. This has made its selective modification into an area of high therapeutic interest. Bacterial translocation is defined as the migration of bacteria or bacterial products from the intestines to the mesenteric lymph nodes. It follows that alteration in gut microbiota have shown importance, at least to some extent, in the pathogenesis of several complications arising from terminal liver disease, such as hepatic encephalopathy, portal hypertension and spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. This review sums up, firstly, how liver disease can alter the common composition of gut microbiota, and secondly, how this alteration contributes to the development of complications in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Gómez-Hurtado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España
| | - José Such
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España; Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dabi, Emiratos Árabes Unidos
| | - Rubén Francés
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, España; Departamento de Medicina Clínica, Universidad Miguel Hernández, San Juan de Alicante, Alicante, España.
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18
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Bernardi M, Moreau R, Angeli P, Schnabl B, Arroyo V. Mechanisms of decompensation and organ failure in cirrhosis: From peripheral arterial vasodilation to systemic inflammation hypothesis. J Hepatol 2015; 63:1272-84. [PMID: 26192220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 380] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The peripheral arterial vasodilation hypothesis has been most influential in the field of cirrhosis and its complications. It has given rise to hundreds of pathophysiological studies in experimental and human cirrhosis and is the theoretical basis of life-saving treatments. It is undisputed that splanchnic arterial vasodilation contributes to portal hypertension and is the basis for manifestations such as ascites and hepatorenal syndrome, but the body of research generated by the hypothesis has revealed gaps in the original pathophysiological interpretation of these complications. The expansion of our knowledge on the mechanisms regulating vascular tone, inflammation and the host-microbiota interaction require a broader approach to advanced cirrhosis encompassing the whole spectrum of its manifestations. Indeed, multiorgan dysfunction and failure likely result from a complex interplay where the systemic spread of bacterial products represents the primary event. The consequent activation of the host innate immune response triggers endothelial molecular mechanisms responsible for arterial vasodilation, and also jeopardizes organ integrity with a storm of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Thus, the picture of advanced cirrhosis could be seen as the result of an inflammatory syndrome in contradiction with a simple hemodynamic disturbance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Bernardi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences - Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy; Semeiotica Medica, Policlinico S. Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Richard Moreau
- Inserm, U(1149), Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation (CRI), Paris, France; UMR_S(1149), Université Paris Diderot, Faculté de Médecine, Paris, France; Département Hospitalo-Universitaire (DHU) UNITY, Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Beaujon, AP-HP, Clichy, France
| | - Paolo Angeli
- Unit of Hepatic Emergencies and Liver Transplantation, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Bernd Schnabl
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States; Department of Medicine, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Vicente Arroyo
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomediques Agust Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Asrani SK, Simonetto DA, Kamath PS. Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2015; 13:2128-39. [PMID: 26188138 PMCID: PMC4625547 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2015.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 2 decades, the concept of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has been proposed as an alternate path in the natural history of decompensated cirrhosis. ACLF thus is characterized by the presence of a precipitating event (identified or unidentified) in subjects with underlying chronic liver disease leading to rapid progression of liver injury and ending in multi-organ dysfunction characterized by high short-term mortality. Multiple organ failure and an increased risk for mortality are key to the diagnosis of ACLF. The prevalence of ACLF ranges from 24% to 40% in hospitalized patients. The pathophysiological basis of ACLF can be explained using the following 4-part model: predisposing event, injury caused by a precipitating event, response to injury, and organ failure. Although several mathematic scores have been proposed for identifying outcomes with ACLF, it is as yet unclear whether these organ failure scores are truly prognostic or only reflective of the dying process. Treatment paradigms continue to evolve but consist of early recognition, supportive intensive care, and consideration of liver transplantation before onset of irreversible multiple organ failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumeet K Asrani
- Division of Hepatology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Douglas A Simonetto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Patrick S Kamath
- Division of Hepatology, Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas; Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota.
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Kao JT, Yu CJ, Feng CL, Tsai SM, Chen YL, Wu YY. IL-6 significantly correlates with p-STAT3 expression and presents high variceal bleeding with mortality in cirrhotic patients: A cross-sectional study. JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY, IMMUNOLOGY, AND INFECTION = WEI MIAN YU GAN RAN ZA ZHI 2015; 50:286-296. [PMID: 25899133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Effective mediators activate downstream transducers regulating inflammation and angiogenesis. Correlation among mediators IL-6, IL-27, TNF-α, and VEGF with STAT proteins at diverse clinical-pathologic stages of cirrhotic patients remains limited. METHODS Plasma mediators were assayed from 158 naïve liver cirrhosis (LC-total group) and 144 non-LC individuals. The LC-total group included 69 hepatitis B virus-infected (LC-HBV) patients, 40 hepatitis C virus-infected (LC-HCV) patients, and 49 patients without HBV-/HCV- infection (LC-NBNC). Another 144 non-LC individuals comprised 54 healthy persons (HG) and 90 chronic hepatitis patients (CH-total) as the control group. To correlate with plasma mediators, 52 paired liver tissues (CH: 41 and LC: 11 cases) served for p-STAT1 and p-STAT3 immunostaining. RESULTS Although IL-6, IL-27, TNF-α, and VEGF were expressed significantly in CH-total versus HG (p = 0.011, p < 0.001, p = 0.007, p = 0.004, respectively) and overall viral hepatitis patients versus HG (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), only IL-6 presented the strongest correlation in cirrhotic patients than noncirrhotic patients (LC-HBV vs. HG, p < 0.001, vs. CH-HBV, p = 0.001; LC-HCV vs. HG, p = 0.001, vs. CH-HCV, p = 0.031; LC-NBNC vs. HG, p < 0.001). Over-expressed IL-6 linked with poorer liver function (albumin: r = -0.346, p < 0.001; bilirubin: r = 0.271, p = 0.001; INR: r = 0.308, p < 0.001; Child-Turcotte-Pugh Classification C vs. A or B, p = 0.001, p = 0.007, respectively), variceal severity (p = 0.045), and bleeding (p = 0.047), as well as patients' mortality (p = 0.005). Furthermore, plasma IL-6 significantly correlated with tissues p-STAT3 expression (r = 0.737, p = 0.010) (IL-27: r = 0.078, p = 0.820; TNF-α: r = -0.145, p = 0.670; VEGF: r = 0.142, p = 0.678) in cirrhotic patients than noncirrhotic patients. CONCLUSION Over-expression of IL-6 reflects hepatic dysfunction and varices bleeding with mortality, as well as correlates p-STAT3 expression in cirrhotic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Ta Kao
- School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ju Yu
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Lung Feng
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Mei Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Li Chen
- School of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of General Surgery, Changhua Christian Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ying Wu
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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21
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Sánchez E, Nieto JC, Boullosa A, Vidal S, Sancho FJ, Rossi G, Sancho-Bru P, Oms R, Mirelis B, Juárez C, Guarner C, Soriano G. VSL#3 probiotic treatment decreases bacterial translocation in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis. Liver Int 2015; 35:735-45. [PMID: 24750552 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Probiotics can prevent pathological bacterial translocation in cirrhosis by modulating intestinal microbiota and improving gut barrier and immune disturbances. To evaluate the effect of probiotic VSL#3 on bacterial translocation, intestinal microbiota, gut barrier and inflammatory response in rats with experimental cirrhosis. METHODS Forty-six Sprague-Dawley rats with CCl4 -induced cirrhosis were randomized into two groups: VSL#3 group (n = 22) that received VSL#3 in drinking water, and water group (n = 24) that received water only. Treatment began at week 6 of cirrhosis induction and continued until laparotomy, performed 1 week after development of ascites or at week 20. A control group included 11 healthy rats. At this study end, we evaluated bacterial translocation, intestinal flora, intestinal barrier (ileal claudin-2 and 4, β-defensin-1, occludin and malondialdehyde as index of oxidative damage) and serum cytokines. RESULTS Mortality during this study was similar in the VSL#3 group (10/22, 45%) and the water group (10/24, 42%) (P = 1). The incidence of bacterial translocation was 1/12 (8%) in the VSL#3 group, 7/14 (50%) in the water group (P = 0.03 vs. VSL#3 group) and 0/11 in the control group (P = 0.008 vs. water group). The concentration of ileal and caecal enterobacteria and enterococci was similar in the two groups of cirrhotic rats. The ileal occludin concentration was higher and ileal malondialdehyde and serum levels of TNF-α were lower in the VSL#3 group than in the water group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS VSL#3 decreases bacterial translocation, the pro-inflammatory state and ileal oxidative damage and increases ileal occludin expression in rats with experimental cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Sánchez
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques (IIB) Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
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Abstract
Portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) and colopathy (PHC) are considered complications of portal hypertension. Both entities are clinically relevant because they may cause insidious blood loss or even acute massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage. Endoscopic evaluation is necessary for the diagnosis of PHG and PHC. The existence of different endoscopic criteria for PHG and PHC makes consensus difficult and results in a broad range of reported prevalence. Therapy targeted at reduction of portal pressure and mucosal blood flow has been used to treat acute bleeding; nonselective β-blockers are the most frequently used agents. Further studies are needed to clarify the natural history, pathogenesis, and treatment of PHG and PHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie H. Urrunaga
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, N3W156, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Don C. Rockey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Suite 803, Charleston, SC 29425, USA,Corresponding author.
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Sánchez E, Francés R, Soriano G, Mirelis B, Sancho FJ, González-Navajas JM, Muñoz C, Song XY, Pérez-Mateo M, Such J, Guarner C. Modulation of inflammatory response in a cirrhotic rat model with induced bacterial peritonitis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59692. [PMID: 23527251 PMCID: PMC3603865 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2012] [Accepted: 02/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacterial peritonitis is a severe complication in patients with cirrhosis and ascites and despite antibiotic treatment, the inflammatory response to infection may induce renal dysfunction leading to death. This investigation evaluated the effect of TNF-α blockade on the inflammatory response and mortality in cirrhotic rats with induced bacterial peritonitis treated or not with antibiotics. Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon-tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis were treated with an intraperitoneal injection of 109 CFU of Escherichia coli diluted in 20 mL of sterile water to induce bacterial peritonitis and randomized to receive subcutaneously-administered placebo, ceftriaxone, anti-TNF-α mAb and ceftriaxone, or anti-TNF-α mAb alone. No differences were observed between groups at baseline in respect to renal function, liver hepatic tests, serum levels of nitrite/nitrate and TNF-α. Treatment with ceftriaxone reduced mortality (73.3%) but differences did not reach statistical significance as compared to placebo. Mortality in rats treated with ceftriaxone and anti-TNF-α mAb was significantly lower than in animals receiving placebo (53% vs. 100%, p<0.01). Serum TNF-α decreased significantly in surviving rats treated with ceftriaxone plus anti-TNF-α mAb but not in treated with antibiotics alone. Additional studies including more animals are required to assess if the association of antibiotic therapy and TNF-α blockade might be a possible approach to reduce mortality in cirrhotic patients with bacterial peritonitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Sánchez
- Liver Section, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut dInvestigacions Biomédiques de Sant Pau (IIB), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Rubén Francés
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Hepática, Hospital General Universitario, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Germán Soriano
- Liver Section, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut dInvestigacions Biomédiques de Sant Pau (IIB), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
| | - Beatriz Mirelis
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc J. Sancho
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Manuel González-Navajas
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Hepática, Hospital General Universitario, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Carlos Muñoz
- Department of Microbiology, Hospital General Universitario, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Xiao-yu Song
- Research and Development Centocor, Malvern, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Miguel Pérez-Mateo
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Such
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Unidad Hepática, Hospital General Universitario, Universidad Miguel Hernández, Alicante, Spain
| | - Carlos Guarner
- Liver Section, Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Institut dInvestigacions Biomédiques de Sant Pau (IIB), Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), Spain
- * E-mail:
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Lin D, Wu X, Ji X, Zhang Q, Lin Y, Chen W, Jin W, Deng L, Chen Y, Chen B, Li J. A novel canine model of portal vein stenosis plus thioacetamide administration-induced cirrhotic portal hypertension with hypersplenism. Cell Biochem Biophys 2012; 62:245-55. [PMID: 21904911 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-011-9272-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Current large animal models that could closely resemble the typical features of cirrhotic portal hypertension in human have not been well established. Thus, we aimed to develop and describe a reliable and reproducible canine cirrhosis model of portal hypertension. A total of 30 mongrel dogs were randomly divided into four groups: 1 (control; n = 5), 2 (portal vein stenosis [PVS]; n = 5], 3 (thioacetamide [TAA]; n = 5), and 4 (PVS plus TAA; n = 15). After 4-months modeling period, liver and spleen CT perfusion, abdominal CT scans, portal hemodynamics, gastroscopy, hepatic function, blood routine, the bone marrow, liver, and spleen histology were studied. The animals in group 2 (PVS) developed extrahepatic portosystemic collateral circulation, particularly esophageal varices, without hepatic cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Animals from group 3 (TAA) presented mild cirrhosis and portal hypertension without significant symptoms of esophageal varices and hypersplenism. In contrast, animals from group 4 (PVS + TAA) showed well-developed micronodular and macronodular cirrhosis, associated with significant portal hypertension and hypersplenism. The combination of PVS and TAA represents a novel, reliable, and reproducible canine cirrhosis model of portal hypertension, which is associated with the typical characteristics of portal hypertension, including hypersplenism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dexin Lin
- Departments of General Surgery, Ningde Municipal Hospital, Ningde City, Fujian, China
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Ahmed AF, El-Maraghy NN, Ghaney RHA, Elshazly SM. Therapeutic effect of captopril, pentoxifylline, and cordyceps sinensis in pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats. Saudi J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:182-7. [PMID: 22626797 PMCID: PMC3371420 DOI: 10.4103/1319-3767.96451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Portal hypertension is an important and potentially fatal complication of liver disease whereby cellular and fibrotic alterations manifest to increase portal venous pressure. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of captopril, pentoxifylline (PTX), and cordyceps sinensis in pre-hepatic portal hypertensive rats. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Wistar male rats were divided at random into 3 main groups: the first group: control rats. The second group: sham-operated rats and the third group: prehepatic portal hypertensive rats (PHPHT) induced by regulated pre-hepatic portal vein ligation. After 14 days, Group 3 was subdivided into 5 subgroups. Subgroup (1): portal vein-ligated (PVL) was killed at once; Subgroup (2): received distilled water for 30 days (untreated PVL group); subgroups 3-5 were treated with captopril (60 mg/kg, orally); PTX (100 mg/kg, orally); and C. sinensis (200 mg/kg, orally), respectively, as a single daily dose for 30 days. PATIENTS AND METHODS Portal pressure, nitric oxide (NO), antioxidant enzymes, Liver enzymes, and creatinine levels were measured to evaluate the status of the liver state. RESULTS Portal vein ligation produced significant increments in liver enzymes, NO, creatinine and portal pressure concomitant with significant decrements in glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity. Treatment with captopril, PTX, and C. sinensis resulted in a significant reduction in liver enzymes, NO, creatinine and portal pressure and observable increase in antioxidant enzymes. CONCLUSIONS captopril, PTX, and C. sinensis have promising effect in controlling PHPHT and reducing hyperdynamic circulatory state through reduction of portal pressure and NO level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed F. Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nabila N. El-Maraghy
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | | | - Shimaa M. Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt,Address for correspondence: Dr. Shimaa Mustafa Elshazly, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagizag University, Zagizag, Egypt. E-mail:
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26
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Circulatory abnormalities in cirrhosis include hyperdynamic circulation and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The extent of circulatory abnormalities is further exaggerated in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The mechanism remains unclear and management also needs to be evaluated. RECENT FINDINGS The predominant mechanism of ACLF is thought to be a systemic inflammatory reaction. Cardiovascular-active factors such as tumor necrosis factor and nitric oxide are increased and cortisol is decreased; the former further dilates the vasculature and the latter decreases the sensitivity to vasoconstrictors. The exaggerated vasodilatation further decreases the cardiac afterload. However, no study has yet demonstrated the benefit of vasodilators/vasoconstrictors in the management of ACLF. Standard medical treatment in this setting is associated with high mortality. Patients treated with molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) had improved serum levels of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6, but this was not associated with improved survival. Liver transplantation eventually reverses the cardiovascular abnormalities. SUMMARY Circulatory abnormalities are exaggerated in ACLF. The predominant mechanism is a systemic inflammatory reaction. Modalities such as MARS improve serum markers of inflammation, but not survival. Liver transplantation is the definitive treatment of the cardiovascular abnormalities of ACLF.
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Pellicelli AM, Barbaro G, Puoti C, Guarascio P, Lusi EA, Bellis L, D'Ambrosio C, Villani R, Vennarecci G, Liotta G, Ettore G, Andreoli A. Plasma Cytokines and Portopulmonary Hypertension in Patients With Cirrhosis Waiting for Orthotopic Liver Transplantation. Angiology 2010; 61:802-806. [DOI: 10.1177/0003319710369101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
Portopulmonary hypertension (PPHTN) is a rare complication in patients with portal hypertension. A role of endothelin 1 (ET-1) and other cytokines was demonstrated in primary pulmonary hypertension but not in PPHTN. We evaluated the possible role of ET-1, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of PPHTN. Plasmatic concentrations of ET-1, IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were measured in patients with pulmonary systolic arterial pressure (PAPs) >30 mm Hg and in patients with cirrhosis. In all, Six out of 11 patients with PAPs >30 mm Hg had PPHTN on right heart catheterization. The remaining 10 patients had an hyperdynamic circulation (HC). In PPHTN patients, ET-1 and IL-6 were significantly higher compared with HC and patients with cirrhosis. Endothelin 1 and IL-6 could be implicated in the pathogenesis of PPHTN. On the basis of these results, ET-1 receptor antagonists or anti-IL-6 could have a rationale in the treatment of PPHTN.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Giuseppe Barbaro
- Cardiology Unit, Department of Medical Pathophysiology, University La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Guarascio
- Liver Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo, Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Lia Bellis
- Liver Unit, Marino General Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Villani
- Liver Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo, Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Vennarecci
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Azienda San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Liotta
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Azienda San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ettore
- Department of General Surgery and Transplantation, Azienda San Camillo Forlanini, Rome, Italy
| | - Arnaldo Andreoli
- Liver Unit, Azienda Ospedaliera San Camillo, Forlanini, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is associated with a wide range of cardiovascular abnormalities including hyperdynamic circulation, cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary vascular abnormalities. The pathogenic mechanisms of these cardiovascular changes are multifactorial and include neurohumoral and vascular dysregulations. Accumulating evidence suggests that cirrhosis-related cardiovascular abnormalities play a major role in the pathogenesis of multiple life-threatening complications including hepatorenal syndrome, ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, gastroesophageal varices, and hepatopulmonary syndrome. Treatment targeting the circulatory dysfunction in these patients may improve the short-term prognosis while awaiting liver transplantation. Careful fluid management in the immediate post-transplant period is extremely important to avoid cardiac-related complications. Liver transplantation results in correction of portal hypertension and reversal of all the pathophysiological mechanisms that lead to the cardiovascular abnormalities, resulting in restoration of a normal circulation. The following is a review of the pathogenesis and clinical implications of the cardiovascular changes in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed K. Al-Hamoudi
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia,Address for correspondence: Dr. Waleed Al-Hamoudi, Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit (59), Department of Medicine, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2925, Riyadh 11461, Saudi Arabia. E-mail:
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Lee JW. Renal dysfunction in patients with chronic liver disease. Electrolyte Blood Press 2009; 7:42-50. [PMID: 21468185 PMCID: PMC3041485 DOI: 10.5049/ebp.2009.7.2.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Accepted: 11/23/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal dysfunction in patients with chronic liver disease encompasses a clinical spectrum of hyponatremia, ascites, and hepatorenal syndrome. Clinical observation has suggested that patients with cirrhosis have hyperdynamic circulation, and recent studies strongly suggest that peripheral arterial vasodilatation and subsequent development of hyperdynamic circulation are responsible for disturbances in renal function. Arterial vasodilatation predominantly occurs in the splanchnic vascular bed, and seems to precede an increase in blood flow in the splanchnic circulation. Nitric oxide plays a central role in progressive vasodilatation, as evidenced by in vivo and in vitro studies. Renal dysfunction negatively affects the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis, as hyponatremia, ascites, and azotemia are associated with increased rate of complications and mortality. Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiology of renal dysfunction have enabled clinicians to develop new diagnostic criteria and therapeutic recommendations. Hepatorenal syndrome is regarded as a potentially reversible disorder, as systemic vasoconstrictors with concomitant albumin administration are emerging as a promising management option, especially in terms of providing bridging therapy for patients awaiting liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Wook Lee
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Sun X, Cárdenas A, Wu Y, Enjyoji K, Robson SC. Vascular stasis, intestinal hemorrhage, and heightened vascular permeability complicate acute portal hypertension in cd39-null mice. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2009; 297:G306-11. [PMID: 19520738 PMCID: PMC2724088 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.90703.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Vasoactive factors that regulate splanchnic hemodynamics include nitric oxide, catecholamines, and possibly extracellular nucleosides/nucleotides (adenosine, ATP). CD39/ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase-1 (NTPDase1) is the major vascular ectonucleotidase that hydrolyzes extracellular nucleotides. CD39 activity may be modulated by vascular injury, inflammation, and altered oxygen tension. Altered Cd39 expression by the murine hepatosplanchnic vasculature may impact hemodynamics and portal hypertension (PHT) in vivo. We noted that basal portal pressures (PPs) were comparable in wild-type and Cd39-null mice (n = 9). ATP infusions resulted in increments in PP in wild-type mice, but, in contrast, this significantly decreased in Cd39-null mice (n = 9) post-ATP in a nitric oxide-dependent manner. We then studied Cd39/NTPDase1 deletion in the regulation of portal hemodynamics, vascular integrity, and intestinal permeability in a murine model of PHT. Partial portal vein ligation (PPVL) was performed in Cd39-null (n = 44) and wild-type (n = 23) mice. Sequential measurements obtained after PPVL were indicative of comparable levels of PHT (ranges 14-29 mmHg) in both groups. There was one death in the wild-type group and eight in the Cd39-null group from intestinal bleeding (P = 0.024). Circulatory stasis in the absence of overt portal vein thrombosis, portal congestion, intestinal hemorrhage, and increased permeability were evident in all surviving Cd39-null mice. Deletion of Cd39 results in deleterious outcomes post-PPVL that are associated with significant microcirculatory derangements and major intestinal congestion with hemorrhage mimicking acute mesenteric occlusion. Absent Cd39/NTPDase1 and decreased generation of adenosine in the splanchnic circulation cause heightened vascular permeability and gastrointestinal hemorrhage in PPVL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofeng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Gastroenterology Unit, Institut Clinic de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrés Cárdenas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Gastroenterology Unit, Institut Clinic de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Yan Wu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Gastroenterology Unit, Institut Clinic de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Keichi Enjyoji
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Gastroenterology Unit, Institut Clinic de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Simon C. Robson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Gastroenterology Unit, Institut Clinic de Malalties Digestives i Metaboliques, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Lemmers A, Gustot T, Durnez A, Evrard S, Moreno C, Quertinmont E, Vercruysse V, Demetter P, Franchimont D, Le Moine O, Geerts A, Devière J. An inhibitor of interleukin-6 trans-signalling, sgp130, contributes to impaired acute phase response in human chronic liver disease. Clin Exp Immunol 2009; 156:518-27. [PMID: 19438606 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2009.03916.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic liver disease, high circulating interleukin (IL)-6 contrasts with a poor acute phase response. We evaluated the impact of liver and circulating IL-6-receptor (IL-6R) forms on IL-6 bioactivity in chronic liver disease. IL-6, soluble IL-6-receptor and sgp130 levels were assayed in plasma from 45 patients with alcoholic liver disease, 84 with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection undergoing transjugular liver biopsies and 15 healthy subjects. IL-6R mRNA was quantified on liver extracts from 54 patients with alcoholic liver disease with or without cirrhosis and 18 HCV-infected patients. The effect of gp130-Fc on fibrinogen secretion induced by IL-6 trans-signalling was evaluated on hepatocyte cultures. Levels of plasma IL-6 and sgp130, but not soluble IL-6R, increased with the stage of chronic liver disease, and correlated significantly with disease severity. Alcoholic liver disease patients had higher plasma IL-6 levels than hepatitis C, but lower liver IL-6R expression. In alcoholic and HCV-related liver diseases, liver IL-6R expression decreased with advanced fibrosis stage. In vitro, on hepatocytes, gp130-Fc blunted the acute phase response while soluble IL-6R enhanced IL-6 stimulation. In advanced chronic liver disease, high plasma IL-6 is associated with low liver IL-6R expression. This situation enables high plasma sgp130 to act as a major negative regulator of liver IL-6 trans-signalling, as demonstrated functionally here on hepatocytes. This might explain the poor acute phase response induced by IL-6 in chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lemmers
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepato-Pancreatology and Digestive Oncology, Erasme Hospital, Universite Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Bruxelles, Belgium.
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Chang CC, Wang SS, Huang HC, Lee FY, Lin HC, Lee JY, Chen YC, Lee SD. Chronic thalidomide administration enhances vascular responsiveness to vasopressin in portal-systemic collaterals of bile duct-ligated rats. J Chin Med Assoc 2009; 72:234-42. [PMID: 19467946 DOI: 10.1016/s1726-4901(09)70063-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Arginine vasopressin (AVP) controls gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, partly due to its vasoconstrictive effect on portal-systemic collaterals. It has been shown that chronic thalidomide treatment decreases portal pressure, attenuates hyperdynamic circulation and inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha in partially portal vein-ligated rats. This study investigated the effects of chronic thalidomide treatment on portal-systemic collateral vascular responsiveness to AVP in common bile duct-ligated (CBDL) cirrhotic rats. METHODS In the first series, CBDL-induced cirrhotic rats received thalidomide (50 mg/kg/day orally) or distilled water (control) from the 35th to 42nd day after ligation. On the 43rd day after ligation, the body weight, mean arterial pressure, portal pressure, and heart rate were measured. An in situ collateral vascular perfusion model was used to obtain the cumulative concentration-response curves of collateral vessels to AVP (10(-10) to 3 x 10(-7) M). Plasma levels of VEGF and TNF-alpha were measured, and expressions of VEGF and TNF-alpha mRNA in the left adrenal veins were also determined. In the second series, the cumulative concentration-response curves of collateral vessels to AVP in CBDL rats with or without thalidomide (10(-5) M) preincubation in the perfusate were obtained. RESULTS The thalidomide and control groups were not significantly different in terms of heart rate, mean arterial pressure and portal pressure (p > 0.05). The collateral vascular perfusion pressure change to AVP was significantly enhanced at 10(-8) M after thalidomide treatment (p = 0.041). Compared with the control group, thalidomide-treated rats had significantly lower plasma VEGF levels (p < 0.001), accompanied by an insignificant reduction in plasma TNF-alpha levels (p > 0.05). The expressions of VEGF and TNF-alpha mRNA in the left adrenal veins of thalidomide-treated CBDL rats were not significantly changed compared with those of the control group. In addition, thalidomide did not significantly elicit changes in vascular responsiveness to AVP in collateral vessels of CBDL rats when it was added into the perfusate. CONCLUSION In cirrhotic rats, chronic thalidomide treatment improves the portal-systemic collateral vascular responsiveness to AVP, which was partly related to VEGF inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chih Chang
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Sharma P, Kumar A, Sharma BC, Sarin SK. Infliximab monotherapy for severe alcoholic hepatitis and predictors of survival: an open label trial. J Hepatol 2009; 50:584-91. [PMID: 19155081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2008.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Revised: 10/14/2008] [Accepted: 10/23/2008] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Severe alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is associated with very high mortality. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) contributes to the progression of AH and TNF-alpha antagonists like infliximab may help in ameliorating the severity and complications of AH. There is a scarcity of data regarding the safety and efficacy of infliximab monotherapy in the treatment of AH. We evaluated infliximab monotherapy in patients with severe AH. METHODS Patients with severe AH (Maddrey's score>32) received a single dose of infliximab 5 mg/kg IV. The primary endpoint was survival assessed at one and two months. The secondary endpoints were reduction of the Maddrey's DF and development of any bacterial infections. Predictors of survival were assessed at admission and at day 7. RESULTS Nineteen patients were enrolled in the study and received infliximab. By the end of one month two patients died resulting in 1-month survival of 17/19 (89%). By the end of two months four additional patients died resulting in 2-month survival of 68%. At the end of one and two months, compared to baseline, there was significant improvement in median values of Maddrey's DF (p<0.05). Median serum TNF-alpha levels decreased from 45 (range 11-19,880) at baseline to 20 (range 4-8600) pg/mL at 4 weeks (p=0.001). CRP levels, MELD score, and absolute neutrophil count decreased significantly. Five patients (26%) developed infection: three of them had pneumonia, while two developed a flare of pulmonary tuberculosis. Three patients recovered with treatment but two patients (10%) died (one with pneumonia leading to sepsis and the other of disseminated tuberculosis). Absence of hepatic encephalopathy at admission significantly predicted survival. Among patients who survived only 1/13 (8%) had hepatic encephalopathy at admission while among patients who died 4/6 (67%) had hepatic encephalopathy (p=0.017). Lille score and delta bilirubin at day 7 (DBD7) (defined as [baseline serum bilirubin minus serum bilirubin at day 7] x 100/baseline serum bilirubin), also predicted 2-month mortality. The area under ROC curve of DBD7 values for predicting survival was 0.77 (95% CI 0.55-0.99). DBD7 of >7.5% best predicted survival in the patients (sensitivity 85%, specificity 67%, PPV 85%, NPV 67%, and overall accuracy 79%). CONCLUSIONS In severe AH, single dose infliximab is associated with improvement in parameters of severity and survival. However, infection remains a concern. Hepatic encephalopathy at admission, Lille score and DBD7 predicted 2-month mortality. Large randomized controlled trials are needed before infliximab can be recommended for AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, G B Pant Hospital, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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Skorjanec S, Dolovski Z, Kocman I, Brcic L, Blagaic Boban A, Batelja L, Coric M, Sever M, Klicek R, Berkopic L, Radic B, Drmic D, Kolenc D, Ilic S, Cesarec V, Tonkic A, Zoricic I, Mise S, Staresinic M, Ivica M, Lovric Bencic M, Anic T, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. Therapy for unhealed gastrocutaneous fistulas in rats as a model for analogous healing of persistent skin wounds and persistent gastric ulcers: stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157, atropine, ranitidine, and omeprazole. Dig Dis Sci 2009; 54:46-56. [PMID: 18649140 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-008-0332-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2008] [Accepted: 05/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study focused on unhealed gastrocutaneous fistulas to resolve whether standard drugs that promote healing of gastric ulcers may simultaneously have the same effect on cutaneous wounds, and corticosteroid aggravation, and to demonstrate why peptides such as BPC 157 exhibit a greater healing effect. Therefore, with the fistulas therapy, we challenge the wound/growth factors theory of the analogous nonhealing of wounds and persistent gastric ulcers. METHODS The healing rate of gastrocutaneous fistula in rat (2-mm-diameter stomach defect, 3-mm-diameter skin defect) validates macro/microscopically and biomechanically a direct skin wound/stomach ulcer relation, and identifies a potential therapy consisting of: (i) stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 [in drinking water (10 microg/kg) (12 ml/rat/day) or intraperitoneally (10 microg/kg, 10 ng/kg, 10 pg/kg)], (ii) atropine (10 mg/kg), ranitidine (50 mg/kg), and omeprazole (50 mg/kg), (iii) 6-alpha-methylprednisolone (1 mg/kg) [intraperitoneally, once daily, first application at 30 min following surgery; last 24 h before sacrifice (at postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 21)]. RESULTS Greater anti-ulcer potential and efficiency in wound healing compared with standard agents favor BPC 157, efficient in inflammatory bowel disease (PL-14736, Pliva), given in drinking water or intraperitoneally. Even after 6-alpha-methylprednisolone aggravation, BPC 157 promptly improves both skin and stomach mucosa healing, and closure of fistulas, with no leakage after up to 20 ml water intragastrically. Standard anti-ulcer agents, after a delay, improve firstly skin healing and then stomach mucosal healing, but not fistula leaking and bursting strength (except for atropine). CONCLUSION We conclude that BPC 157 may resolve analogous nonhealing of wounds and persistent gastric ulcers better than standard agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Skorjanec
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Zagreb, Salata 11, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Novinscak T, Brcic L, Staresinic M, Jukic I, Radic B, Pevec D, Mise S, Tomasovic S, Brcic I, Banic T, Jakir A, Buljat G, Anic T, Zoricic I, Romic Z, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 as an effective therapy for muscle crush injury in the rat. Surg Today 2008; 38:716-25. [PMID: 18668315 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-007-3706-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2007] [Accepted: 11/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 accelerates the healing of a transected Achilles tendon and a transected quadriceps muscle. It may also be of clinical relevance as a systemic and local peptide treatment for crush injury of a major muscle, such as gastrocnemius muscle complex. BPC 157 is effective without a carrier, and it is presently undergoing trials for inflammatory bowel disease, and no toxicity has so far been reported. METHODS In crushed rats (force delivered 0.727 Ns/cm2), BPC 157 was applied either intraperitoneally or locally, as a thin cream layer, immediately after injury (sacrifice at 2 h), and once a day for 14 days. RESULTS BPC 157 improved muscle healing, macroscopically (less hematoma and edema, no post-injury leg contracture), microscopically, functionally, and also based on enzyme activity (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase). CONCLUSION BPC 157, at all investigated intervals, given locally or intraperitoneally, accelerated post-injury muscle healing and also helped to restore the full function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Novinscak
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pathology, University of Zagreb Medical School, Salata 11, 10 000, Zagreb, Croatia
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Sánchez-Patán F, Anchuelo R, Aller MA, Vara E, García C, Nava MP, Arias J. Chronic prehepatic portal hypertension in the rat: is it a type of metabolic inflammatory syndrome? Lipids Health Dis 2008; 7:4. [PMID: 18271959 PMCID: PMC2262079 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-7-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2007] [Accepted: 02/13/2008] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A progressive development of hepatic steatosis with an increase in the lipid hepatocyte content and the formation of megamitochondria have been demonstrated in rats with prehepatic portal hypertension. The aim of this study is to verify the existence of liver and serum lipid metabolism impairments in rats with long-term (2 years) portal hypertension. METHODS Male Wistar rats: Control (n = 10) and with prehepatic portal hypertension by triple partial portal vein ligation (n = 9) were used. Liver content of Triglycerides (TG), phospholipids (PL) and cholesterol and serum cholesterol, lipoproteins (HDL and LDL), TG, glucose and Lipid Binding Protein (LBP) were assayed with specific colorimetric commercial kits. Serum levels of insulin and somatostatin were assayed by RIA. RESULTS The liver content of TG (6.30 +/- 1.95 vs. 4.17 +/- 0.59 microg/ml; p < 0.01) and cholesterol (1.48 +/- 0.15 vs. 1.10 +/- 0.13 microg/ml; p < 0.001) increased in rats with portal hypertension. The serum levels of cholesterol (97.00+26.02 vs. 114.78 +/- 37.72 mg/dl), TG (153.41 +/- 80.39 vs. 324.39 +/- 134.9 mg/dl; p < 0.01), HDL (20.45 +/- 5.14 vs. 55.15 +/- 17.47 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and somatostatin (1.32 +/- 0.31 vs. 1.59 +0.37 mg/dl) decreased, whereas LDL (37.83 +/- 15.39 vs. 16.77 +/- 6.81 mg/dl; p < 0.001) and LBP (308.47 +/- 194.53 vs. 60.27 +/- 42.96 ng/ml; p < 0.001) increased. CONCLUSION Portal hypertension in the rat presents changes in the lipid and carbohydrate metabolisms similar to those produced in chronic inflammatory conditions and sepsis in humans. These underlying alterations could be involved in the development of hepatic steatosis and, therefore, in those described in the metabolic syndrome in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raquel Anchuelo
- Surgery I Department, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Angeles Aller
- Surgery I Department, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Vara
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III Department, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Cruz García
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III Department, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Paz Nava
- Department of Physiology (Animal Physiology II), School of Biology, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Arias
- Surgery I Department, School of Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
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The molecules: mechanisms of arterial vasodilatation observed in the splanchnic and systemic circulation in portal hypertension. J Clin Gastroenterol 2007; 41 Suppl 3:S288-94. [PMID: 17975478 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0b013e3181468b4c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A hyperdynamic splanchnic and systemic circulation is typical of cirrhotic patients and has been observed in all experimental forms of portal hypertension. The hyperdynamic circulation is most likely initiated by arterial vasodilatation, leading to central hypovolemia, sodium retention, and an increased intravascular volume. Arterial vasodilatation is regulated by a complex interplay of various vasodilator molecules and factors that influence the production of those vasodilator molecules. Nitric oxide (NO) has been recognized as the most important vasodilator molecule that mediates the excessive arterial vasodilatation observed in portal hypertension. The aims of this review are (1) to categorize NO synthase isoforms involved in NO overproduction; (2) to explain the mechanisms of endothelial NO synthase up-regulation; and (3) to summarize other molecules involved in the arterial vasodilatation.
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Abstract
Experimental models are a sine qua non condition for unraveling the specific components and mechanisms contributing to vascular dysfunction and arterial vasodilation in portal hypertension. Moreover, a careful selection of the type of animal model, vascular bed, and methodology is crucial for any investigation of this issue. In this review, some critical aspects related to experimental models in portal hypertension and the techniques applied are highlighted. In addition, a detailed summary of the mechanisms of arterial vasodilation in portal hypertension is presented. First, humoral and endothelial vasodilators, predominantly nitric oxide but also carbon monoxide and endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor, and others are discussed. Second, time course and potential stimuli triggering and/or perpetuating splanchnic vasodilation are delineated. Finally, a brief general overview of vascular smooth muscle signaling sets the stage for a discussion on cotransmission, receptor desensitization, and the observed impairment in vasoconstrictor-induced smooth muscle contraction in the splanchnic and systemic circulation during portal hypertension.
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Francés R, González-Navajas JM, Zapater P, Muñoz C, Caño R, Pascual S, Santana F, Márquez D, Pérez-Mateo M, Such J. Translocation of bacterial DNA from Gram-positive microorganisms is associated with a species-specific inflammatory response in serum and ascitic fluid of patients with cirrhosis. Clin Exp Immunol 2007; 150:230-7. [PMID: 17822441 PMCID: PMC2219344 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2249.2007.03494.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocation of bacterial-DNA in patients with cirrhosis and ascites triggers an innate immune response. Identification of characteristics to which this response is sensitive is relevant from a clinical standpoint. The aim of this study has been to determine if the proinflammatory immune response established in vivo in cirrhotic patients with ascites as a consequence of bacterial-DNA translocation is related to the identified bacterial species and their frequency of cytosine-guanosine content in serum and ascitic fluid. Patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites were included in the study and distributed into groups I and II according to the absence or presence of bacterial-DNA translocation, respectively. Serum and ascitic fluid levels of proinflammatory cytokines after normalization of bacterial-DNA concentration and the activated form of nuclear factor-kappa B in ascitic fluid pellets were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Translocation of bacterial-DNA with higher cytosine-guanosine content induced the highest cytokine response, which was higher than that in patients without bacterial-DNA translocation. The activated form of nuclear factor-kappa B in ascitic fluid pellets of patients with bacterial-DNA translocation was greater in patients with higher bacterial-DNA cytosine-guanosine content, whereas the amount of total nuclear factor-kappa B remained unaltered. Bacterial-DNA translocation induces a marked immune reaction in vivo in patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites which is related, among other factors, to the bacterial-DNA cytosine-guanosine content. Therefore, the host's immune response to bacterial-DNA translocation constitutes a species-specific phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Francés
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain, and Liver Unit, Hospital General Universitario, Alicante, Spain
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41
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Vuksic T, Zoricic I, Brcic L, Sever M, Klicek R, Radic B, Cesarec V, Berkopic L, Keller N, Blagaic AB, Kokic N, Jelic I, Geber J, Anic T, Seiwerth S, Sikiric P. Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in trials for inflammatory bowel disease (PL-10, PLD-116, PL14736, Pliva, Croatia) heals ileoileal anastomosis in the rat. Surg Today 2007; 37:768-77. [PMID: 17713731 DOI: 10.1007/s00595-006-3498-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2006] [Accepted: 12/04/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 (BPC 157), which has been shown to be safe in clinical trials for inflammatory bowel disease (PL-10, PLD-116, PL14736, Pliva, Croatia), may be able to cure intestinal anastomosis dehiscence. This antiulcer peptide shows no toxicity, is limit test negative, and a lethal dose is not achieved. It is stable in human gastric juice. In comparison with other standard treatments it is more effective for ulcers and various wounds, and can be used without a carrier needed for other peptides, both locally and systemically (i.e., perorally, parenterally). We studied the effectiveness of BPC 157 for ileoileal anastomosis healing in rats. METHODS We assessed ileoileal anastomosis dehiscence macroscopically, histologically, and biomechanically (volume [ml] infused through a syringe-perfusion pump system (1 ml/10 s), and pressure [mmHg] to leak induction [catheter connected to a chamber and a monitor, at 10 cm proximal to anastomosis]), at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 14 days. BPC 157 (10 microg, 10 ng, 10 pg/kg i.p. (or saline [5 ml/kg]) was first administered after surgery, while it was last given 24 h before either assessment or sacrifice. RESULTS Throughout the experiment, both higher doses of BPC 157 were shown to improve all parameters of anastomotic wound healing. The formation of adhesions remained slight, the blood vessels were filled with blood, and a mild intestinal passage obstruction was only temporarily observed. Anastomosis without leakage induces markedly higher volume and pressure values, with a continuous increase toward healthy values. From day 1, edema was markedly attenuated and the number of granulocytes decreased, while from days 4 or 5 necrosis decreased and granulation tissue, reticulin, and collagen formation substantially increased, thus resulting in increased epithelization. CONCLUSION This study showed BPC 157 to have a beneficial effect on ileoileal anastomosis healing in the rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tihomir Vuksic
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Zagreb, Salata 11, POB 916, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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42
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Aller MA, Nava MP, Cuellar C, Chivato T, Arias JL, Sanchez-Patan F, de Vicente F, Alvarez E, Arias J. Evolutive phases of experimental prehepatic portal hypertension. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 22:1127-33. [PMID: 17608859 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2007.04876.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Partial portal vein ligation is the experimental model most frequently used to study prehepatic portal hypertension. Different systemic and splanchnic biochemical and histological alterations in short-term (28-45 days) and long-term (12-14 months) evolutive phases which has been described in this experimental model suggest the existence of different pathophysiological mechanisms involved in their production. The enteropathy produced could develop in three phases: an early or acute phase with vasomotor hemodynamic alterations (ischemia-reperfusion associated with intestinal hyperemia, edema and oxidative stress); an intermediate phase with immunological alterations (mesenteric lymphadenopathy, increased mucosal infiltration by mast cells and the hepato-intestinal release of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators); and a late or chronic phase with intestinal remodeling (vascular and epithelial). The alterations which are produced in these three evolutive phases make it possible to propose an inflammatory etiopathogeny for hypertensive portal enteropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Angeles Aller
- Surgery Department I, Medical School, Complutense University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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43
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Rizvi MR, Omanwar S, Fahim M, Sarin SK. Altered alpha adrenergic vasoresponsiveness in a non-cirrhotic portal hypertension model of E. coli injection. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2007; 22:870-6. [PMID: 17565643 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2006.04440.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Portal hypertension is associated with decreased vascular responsiveness to vasoconstrictors, which may contribute to the hyperdynamic circulation in cirrhosis. Animal models of cirrhosis and portal vein ligation have helped in our understanding of portal hypertension. The etiopathogenesis of non-cirrhotic portal fibrosis (NCPF), a common cause of portal hypertension, is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the pathophysiology of NCPF in a rabbit model. METHODS An indwelling cannula was inserted into the gastrosplenic vein of rabbits. Animals were randomly injected with saline (Group I, n = 13) or lipopolysaccharide (Group II, n = 13) from heat killed Escherichia coli at 0, 1, 2, 7, 14 and 28 days. Portal pressure was measured at 3 months and vasoresponsiveness studied in isolated aortic rings in intact and in endothelium-denuded tissues from both groups. RESULTS In all group II compared with group I animals, the splenic weight (0.89 +/- 0.16 vs 0.62 +/- 0.1 g, P < 0.05) and the portal pressure (14.99 +/- 0.56 vs 7.04 +/- 0.42 mmHg, P < 0.05) were higher at 3 months. The group II animals showed reduced responsiveness to phenylephrine showing maximal contraction of 1.25 +/- 0.08 at 10(-4) mol/L as compared to 2.85 +/- 0.33 g tension in Group I (P < 0.05). Endothelium denudation of aortic rings had no effect on reduced reactivity in Group II animals. Acetylcholine induced an increase in vasorelaxation at lower concentrations in preconstricted aortic rings in Group II compared to Group I animals, but this decreased in higher concentrations. Nifedipine produced comparable vasodilatation in preconstricted rings in both the groups of animals. CONCLUSIONS Repeated injection of lipopolysaccharide into the gastrosplenic vein leads to the development of portal hypertension. This non-cirrhotic model of portal hypertension is characterized by generalized arterial hyporeactivity to vasoconstrictors akin to other models of portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moattar Raza Rizvi
- Department of Gastroenterology, G. B. Pant Hospital, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
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44
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Mookerjee RP, Wiesenthal A, Icking A, Hodges SJ, Davies NA, Schilling K, Sen S, Williams R, Novelli M, Müller-Esterl W, Jalan R. Increased gene and protein expression of the novel eNOS regulatory protein NOSTRIN and a variant in alcoholic hepatitis. Gastroenterology 2007; 132:2533-41. [PMID: 17570224 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2006.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2006] [Accepted: 10/12/2006] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Increased intrahepatic resistance in cirrhosis is associated with reduced endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) activity and exacerbated by superimposed inflammation. NOSTRIN induces intracellular translocation of eNOS and reduces NO generation. Our aims were to quantify and compare hepatic expression of eNOS, NOSTRIN, NOSIP, and caveolin-1 in alcoholic cirrhosis with or without superimposed alcoholic hepatitis and in normal livers. METHODS Biopsy specimens from 20 decompensated alcoholic cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension (10 with alcoholic hepatitis) and 6 normal livers were analyzed: real-time polymerase chain reaction for quantification of messenger RNA; Western blotting; and enzyme assays of eNOS in normal and diseased liver were performed. Localization and interaction of eNOS and NOSTRIN in liver was assessed by immunohistochemistry and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS eNOS mRNA was significantly increased and eNOS activity decreased in alcoholic hepatitis patients, despite no differences in eNOS protein expression among the patients. Patients with alcoholic hepatitis had significantly higher hepatic levels of NOSTRIN and caveolin-1 mRNA compared with cirrhosis alone or normal biopsy specimens. A NOSTRIN splice variant, not present in normal tissue, was detected on mRNA and protein levels in all alcoholic patients. Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated association among NOSTRIN, eNOS, and caveolin-1. CONCLUSIONS An increase in mRNA and protein of NOSTRIN and its shortened variant in alcoholic hepatitis may partly account for the paradox of increased mRNA levels and normal protein expression but decreased enzymatic activity of eNOS in diseased liver. Such intracellular regulators of NO production may be important in the development of increased intrahepatic resistance in alcoholic hepatitis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwar P Mookerjee
- Liver Failure Group, Institute of Hepatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, England
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45
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Francés R, Chiva M, Sánchez E, González-Navajas JM, Llovet T, Zapater P, Soriano G, Muñoz C, Balanzó J, Pérez-Mateo M, Song XY, Guarner C, Such J. Bacterial translocation is downregulated by anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody administration in rats with cirrhosis and ascites. J Hepatol 2007; 46:797-803. [PMID: 17321632 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2006.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2006] [Revised: 11/08/2006] [Accepted: 11/09/2006] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS TNF-alpha is involved in the development of bacterial translocation in rats with cirrhosis. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of anti-TNF-alpha mAb treatment on the incidence of bacterial translocation and systemic infections in rats with cirrhosis and ascites. METHODS Thirty rats with cirrhosis and ascites were randomly assigned to receive two intraperitoneal doses of anti-TNF-alpha mAb, distilled water or immunoglobulin on days 0 and 4. On day 10, a laparotomy was performed. RESULTS One out of 11 animals receiving anti-TNF-alpha mAb treatment, 7 out of 10 of the placebo group (p<0.01), and 5 out of 9 of the IgG group developed bacterial translocation (p<0.05). A significantly reduced number of systemic infections were observed in animals receiving anti TNF-alpha mAb treatment vs animals receiving placebo (p<0.01). TNF-alpha in serum at laparotomy in animals receiving anti-TNF-alpha mAb was higher than that in the rest of groups and was also higher in the overall series of animals showing bacterial translocation. CONCLUSIONS In the experimental model of CCl(4)-induced rat with cirrhosis and ascitic fluid, anti-TNF-alpha mAb administration decreases the incidence of bacterial translocation, in a TNF-alpha/sTNF-alpha receptor-independent manner, without increasing the risk of systemic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rubén Francés
- CIBER HEPAD, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
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46
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Rincon D, Lo Iacono O, Ripoll C, Gomez-Camarero J, Salcedo M, Catalina MV, Hernando A, Clemente G, Matilla A, Nuñez O, Bañares R. Prognostic value of hepatic venous pressure gradient for in-hospital mortality of patients with severe acute alcoholic hepatitis. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2007; 25:841-8. [PMID: 17373923 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2036.2007.03258.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) has prognostic value in complications and survival of patients with liver cirrhosis. However, the relationship between HVPG and the outcome of acute alcoholic hepatitis (AAH), as well as the specific features of portal hypertension syndrome in this setting, have not been defined. AIMS To evaluate the prognostic value of HVPG and to analyse the degree of portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation in patients with severe AAH. METHODS Early measurements of HVPG were performed in 60 patients with severe AAH, and compared with the haemodynamic findings of 37 and 29 liver transplantation candidates with alcoholic or viral end-stage cirrhosis respectively. RESULTS Twenty-three patients (38%) died during hospitalization. Portal hypertension and hyperdynamic circulation were more severe in AAH patients. HVPG was greater in non-survivors [26.9 (7.4) vs. 19.4 (5.2) mmHg, P < 0.001]. Only 4/31 (13%) patients with HVPG <or= 22 mmHg died from the episode of AAH, vs. 19/29 (66%) patients with HVPG > 22 (P < 0.001). Encephalopathy (OR 9.4; CI 1.4-64.8), Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score > 25 (OR 7.4; CI 1.4-39.9) and HVPG > 22 mmHg (OR 6.7; CI 1.1-39.9) were independently associated to in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS Early measurement of HVPG provides important prognostic information on the short-term outcome of patients with severe AAH. In addition, MELD score also seems to be a strong prognostic factor in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Rincon
- Sección de Hepatología, Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Gregorio Marañon, Madrid, Spain
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47
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Yamaguchi S, Kawanaka H, Yoshida D, Maehara Y, Hashizume M. Splenic hemodynamics and decreased endothelial nitric oxide synthase in the spleen of rats with liver cirrhosis. Life Sci 2007; 80:2036-44. [PMID: 17481668 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2007.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2006] [Revised: 02/28/2007] [Accepted: 03/05/2007] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The enlarged spleen in liver cirrhosis is considered to play a role in the pathogenesis of portal hypertension, but the splenic hemodynamics and molecular mechanisms behind the phenomenon have not been elucidated. The present study aimed to examine the splenic hemodynamics associated with splenic microcirculation and congestion, and to determine the status of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) signaling pathway in the spleen of rats with liver cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis was induced by bile duct ligation. In rats with bile duct ligation (BDL rats) and control rats, splenic blood flow was measured using a laser Doppler flowmeter, and splenic blood volume was measured using a near-infrared spectrophotometer. The expressions of eNOS and its upstream effectors, Akt, TNF-alpha and VEGF, in the spleen were also determined. Specific splenic blood flow was significantly decreased in BDL rats compared with control rats. Specific splenic blood volume was also decreased in BDL rats, while their total splenic blood volume, especially the deoxygenated volume, was significantly increased. The expressions of phosphorylated and total eNOS, and the eNOS phosphorylation ratio, were all significantly decreased in the spleen of BDL rats. The Akt phosphorylation ratio and TNF-alpha concentration were also decreased in the spleen of BDL rats although the expression of VEGF was increased. These findings suggest that the eNOS signaling pathway is suppressed in the spleen of cirrhotic rats, and may contribute to the measured decreases in specific blood flow and volume in the spleen of liver cirrhosis. Determination of the factors influencing the suppression of eNOS in the spleen may shed light on how liver cirrhosis results in hypodynamic intrasplenic circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shohei Yamaguchi
- Department of Disaster and Emergency Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
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Méndez-López M, Méndez M, Sánchez-Patán F, Casado I, Aller MA, López L, Corcuera MT, Alonso MJ, Nava MP, Arias J, Arias JL. Partial portal vein ligation plus thioacetamide: a method to obtain a new model of cirrhosis and chronic portal hypertension in the rat. J Gastrointest Surg 2007; 11:187-94. [PMID: 17390171 DOI: 10.1007/s11605-006-0063-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
To obtain a new model of chronic portal hypertension in the rat, two classical methods to produce portal hypertension, partial portal vein ligation and the oral administration of thioacetamide (TAA), have been combined. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: 1 (control; n = 10), 2 [triple partial portal vein ligation (TPVL); n = 9], 3 (TAA; n = 11), and 4 (TPVL plus TAA; n = 9). After 3 months, portal pressure, types of portosystemic collateral circulation, laboratory hepatic function tests (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) and liver histology were studied. The animals belonging to group 2 (TPVL) developed extrahepatic portosystemic collateral circulation, associated with mesenteric venous vasculopathy without hepatic destructurization or portal hypertension. Animals from group 3 (TAA) developed cirrhosis and portal hypertension but not extrahepatic portosystemic collateral circulation, or mesenteric venous vasculopathy. Finally, the animals from group 4 (TPVL + TAA) developed cirrhosis, portal hypertension, portosystemic collateral circulation, and mesenteric venous vasculopathy. The association of TPVL and TAA can be used to obtain a model of chronic portal hypertension in the rat that includes all the alterations that patients with hepatic cirrhosis usually have. This could, therefore, prove to be a useful tool to study the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Méndez-López
- Psychobiology Department, Psychology School, University of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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Elsing C, Harenberg S, Stremmel W, Herrmann T. Serum levels of soluble Fas, nitric oxide and cytokines in acute decompensated cirrhotic patients. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:421-5. [PMID: 17230612 PMCID: PMC4065898 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i3.421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate plasma levels of nitrite/nitrate (NOx), soluble Fas (sFas) antigen, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in patients with compensated and acute decompensated cirrhosis and to evaluate mediators causing acute decompensation in liver cirrhosis.
METHODS: This prospective study was conducted in the medical intensive care unit of an academic tertiary center. Fifty-five patients with acute decompensation (gastrointestinal hemorrhage, encephalopathy, hydropic decompensation) and twenty-five patients with compensated liver cirrhosis were included. Blood samples were taken for analyses of sFas, Nox, IL-6, TNF-α. Liver enzymes and kidney functions were also tested.
RESULTS: In patients with acute decompensation, plasma sFas levels were higher than in non-decompensated patients (15 305 ± 4646 vs 12 458 ± 4322 pg/mL, P < 0.05). This was also true for the subgroup of patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis (P < 0.05). The other mediators were not different and none of the parameters predicted survival, except for ALT (alanine-aminotransferase). In patients with portal-hypertension-induced acute hemorrhage, NOx levels were significantly lower than in patients with other forms of decompensation (70.8 ± 48.3 vs 112.9 ± 74.9 pg/mL, P < 0.05). When NOx levels were normalized to creatinine levels, the difference disappeared. IL-6, TNF-α and sFas were not different between bleeders and non-bleeders. In decompensated patients sFas, IL-6 and NOx levels correlated positively with creatinine levels, while IL-6 levels were dependent on Child class.
CONCLUSION: In acute decompensated cirrhotic patients sFas is increased, suggesting a role of apoptosis in this process and patients with acute bleeding have lower NOx levels. However, in this acute complex clinical situation, kidney function seems to have a predominant influence on mediator levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Elsing
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, St. Elisabeth-Hospital, PO Box 580, Dorsten 46225, Germany.
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50
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Mookerjee RP, Malaki M, Davies NA, Hodges SJ, Dalton RN, Turner C, Sen S, Williams R, Leiper J, Vallance P, Jalan R. Increasing dimethylarginine levels are associated with adverse clinical outcome in severe alcoholic hepatitis. Hepatology 2007; 45:62-71. [PMID: 17187433 DOI: 10.1002/hep.21491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Previous studies suggest reduced hepatic endothelial nitric oxide synthase activity contributes to increased intrahepatic resistance. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, undergoes hepatic metabolism via dimethylarginine-dimethylamino-hydrolase, and is derived by the action of protein-arginine-methyltransferases. Our study assessed whether ADMA, and its stereo-isomer symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), are increased in alcoholic hepatitis patients, and determined any relationship with severity of portal hypertension (hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement) and outcome. Fifty-two patients with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis were studied, 27 with acute alcoholic hepatitis and cirrhosis, in whom hepatic venous pressure gradient was higher (P = 0.001) than cirrhosis alone, and correlated with ADMA measurement. Plasma ADMA and SDMA were significantly higher in alcoholic hepatitis patients and in nonsurvivors. Dimethylarginine-dimethylamino-hydrolase protein expression was reduced and protein-arginine-methyltransferase-1 increased in alcoholic hepatitis livers. ADMA, SDMA and their combined sum, which we termed a dimethylarginine score, were better predictors of outcome compared with Pugh score, MELD and Maddrey's discriminant-function. CONCLUSION Alcoholic hepatitis patients have higher portal pressures associated with increased ADMA, which may result from both decreased breakdown (decreased hepatic dimethylarginine-dimethylamino-hydrolase) and/or increased production. Elevated dimethylarginines may serve as important biological markers of deleterious outcome in alcoholic hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeshwar P Mookerjee
- Liver Failure Group, The UCL Institute of Hepatology, Division of Medicine, University College London, UK
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