1
|
Dong Z, Wang Y, Jin W. Liver cirrhosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e721. [PMID: 39290252 PMCID: PMC11406049 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is the end-stage of chronic liver disease, characterized by inflammation, necrosis, advanced fibrosis, and regenerative nodule formation. Long-term inflammation can cause continuous damage to liver tissues and hepatocytes, along with increased vascular tone and portal hypertension. Among them, fibrosis is the necessary stage and essential feature of liver cirrhosis, and effective antifibrosis strategies are commonly considered the key to treating liver cirrhosis. Although different therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing or preventing fibrosis have been developed, the effects have not be more satisfactory. In this review, we discussed abnormal changes in the liver microenvironment that contribute to the progression of liver cirrhosis and highlighted the importance of recent therapeutic strategies, including lifestyle improvement, small molecular agents, traditional Chinese medicine, stem cells, extracellular vesicles, and gut remediation, that regulate liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. Meanwhile, therapeutic strategies for nanoparticles are discussed, as are their possible underlying broad application and prospects for ameliorating liver cirrhosis. Finally, we also reviewed the major challenges and opportunities of nanomedicine‒biological environment interactions. We hope this review will provide insights into the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of liver cirrhosis, thus facilitating new methods, drug discovery, and better treatment of liver cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihe Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou People's Republic of China
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center The First Hospital of Lanzhou University Lanzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Yeying Wang
- The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou People's Republic of China
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center The First Hospital of Lanzhou University Lanzhou People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Jin
- The First School of Clinical Medicine Lanzhou University Lanzhou People's Republic of China
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center The First Hospital of Lanzhou University Lanzhou People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yuan C, Li W, Liu J, Li J. Frailty and transplant-free survival of patients with liver cirrhosis: A meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302836. [PMID: 38722913 PMCID: PMC11081249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frailty is a common condition among patients with liver cirrhosis. Nonetheless, its role in predicting liver transplant-free survival (TFS) remains unclear. AIM This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to elucidate the relationship between frailty and TFS in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS Cohort studies addressing the objective of this meta-analysis were extracted from PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Between-study heterogeneity was assessed with the Cochrane Q test, and the I^2 statistic was estimated. Random-effect models, considering potential heterogeneity, were employed to combine the results. RESULTS The meta-analysis encompassed 17 cohort studies involving 6273 patients with cirrhosis, of whom 1983 (31.6%) were classified as frail at baseline. The follow-up periods in the included studies ranged from 3 to 29 months, with an average duration of 11.5 months. The analysis revealed that frailty was significantly associated with a poor TFS (risk ratio [RR]: 2.07, 95% confidence interval: 1.72 to 2.50, p<0.001; I2 = 51%). Sensitivity analyses that sequentially omitted one dataset consistently supported these findings (RR: 1.95 to 2.17, p<0.05 in all cases). Subgroup analyses based on variables such as study design, mean age of patients, baseline Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, tool used for frailty evaluation, follow-up duration, and study quality score also yielded congruent results. CONCLUSIONS The evidence suggests that frailty may be an independent risk factor for poor TFS in patients with liver cirrhosis, thus emphasizing the importance of early identification and management of frailty in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhui Yuan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changsha Fourth Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Weihua Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changsha Fourth Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jie Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changsha Fourth Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jianguo Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changsha Fourth Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hanai T, Nishimura K, Unome S, Miwa T, Nakahata Y, Imai K, Suetsugu A, Takai K, Shimizu M. A survey questionnaire evaluating physical activity patterns and determinants in patients with chronic liver disease. J Gastroenterol 2024; 59:45-55. [PMID: 37843553 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-02047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical activity can reduce the risk of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), whereas physical inactivity adversely affects clinical outcomes. Since data on physical activity in CLD are scarce, we conducted a questionnaire survey to assess the physical activity patterns and determinants in patients with CLD. METHODS We surveyed 437 patients from outpatient clinics at Gifu University Hospital about their physical activity patterns and determinants in 2022 using a validated questionnaire. The primary objective was to examine the proportion of patients who exercised and the clinical characteristics of patients who achieved high levels of physical activity. The secondary objectives were to explore the types, motivations, barriers, and preferences for physical activity. RESULTS Among the 397 eligible patients (median age 68 years; 51% men; and median Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score 6), 55.4% reported performing physical activity less than once a week. Physical activity frequency was not associated with sex, body mass index, comorbidities, or hepatic reserve. Among the respondents, 60.4% expressed concern regarding physical strength, and 80.6% expressed concern regarding physical inactivity. The main barriers to physical activity were work, household chores, and health problems. However, many respondents expressed their willingness to increase their physical activity frequency with some promotional policies. Walking was the most common physical activity practiced in the past year and the activity most respondents wanted to try in the future. CONCLUSIONS Patients with CLD are insufficiently active and need physical activity interventions, especially regarding walking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Hanai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan.
| | - Kayoko Nishimura
- Center for Nutrition Support and Infection Control, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shinji Unome
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Takao Miwa
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Yuki Nakahata
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suetsugu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Koji Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1 Yanagido, Gifu, 501-1194, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Duarte-Rojo A, Bux R, Sliwa J. Untangling frailty, sarcopenia, and physical fitness in cirrhosis. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0213. [PMID: 38841195 PMCID: PMC11152786 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine; Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rehaan Bux
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James Sliwa
- Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Thuluvath AJ, Verna EC. Deciphering an expanding array of clinical and research frailty measures. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2024; 23:e0180. [PMID: 38872786 PMCID: PMC11168841 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Avesh J. Thuluvath
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Surgery, Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Elizabeth C. Verna
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Surgery, Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Duarte-Rojo A, Bloomer PM, Grubbs RK, Stine JG, Ladner D, Hughes CB, Dunn MA, Jakicic JM. Use of a Mobile-Assisted Telehealth Regimen to Increase Exercise in Transplant Candidates: A Home-Based Prehabilitation Pilot and Feasibility Trial. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2023; 14:e00601. [PMID: 37477616 PMCID: PMC10684184 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Physical fitness assessed by the Liver Frailty Index (LFI) and 6-minute walk test (6MWT) informs the prognosis of liver transplant candidates, although there are limited data on its reversibility after prehabilitation. On a home-based exercise trial, we aimed to improve LFI and 6MWT and to investigate trial feasibility and intervention adherence. METHODS Liver transplant candidates with cirrhosis wore a personal activity tracker and used Exercise and Liver FITness app for 14 weeks, including a 2-week technology acclimation run-in. The 12-week intervention consisted of Exercise and Liver FITness app plus personal activity tracker and 15-/30-minute weekly calls with a physical activity coach aiming to complete ≥2 video-training sessions/week, or ≥500 step/d baseline increase for ≥8 weeks. We defined feasibility as ≥66% of subjects engaging in the intervention phase and adherence as ≥50% subjects meeting training end point. RESULTS Thirty-one patients (61 ± 7 years, 71% female, model for end-stage liver disease 17 ± 5, ∼33% frail) consented and 21 (68%) started the intervention. In the 15 subjects who completed the study, LFI improved from 3.84 ± 0.71 to 3.47 ± 0.90 ( P = 0.03) and 6MWT from 318 ± 73 to 358 ± 64 m ( P = 0.005). Attrition reasons included death (n = 4) and surgery (n = 2). There was 57% adherence, better for videos than for walking, although daily steps significantly increased (3,508 vs baseline: 1,260) during best performance week. One adverse event was attributed to the intervention. DISCUSSION Our clinical trial meaningfully improved LFI by 0.4 and 6MWT by 41 m and met feasibility/adherence goals. In-training daily step increase supported physical self-efficacy and intervention uptake, but maintenance remained a challenge despite counseling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Pamela M. Bloomer
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rachel K. Grubbs
- Division Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jonathan G. Stine
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, The Pennsylvania State University- Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniela Ladner
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher B. Hughes
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Michael A. Dunn
- Division Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - John M. Jakicic
- Division of Physical Activity and Weight Management, University of Kansas, Kansas, KA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Loschi TM, Baccan MDTA, Della Guardia B, Martins PN, Boteon APCS, Boteon YL. Exercise training as an intervention for frailty in cirrhotic patients on the liver transplant waiting list: A systematic review. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1153-1163. [PMID: 37970618 PMCID: PMC10642435 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i10.1153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existing literature suggests that exercise for cirrhotic patients is safe and favours significant improvement to their physical capacity. However, exercise training for this population and how to deliver activities, especially in severe stages of the disease and while waiting for a liver transplant (LT), remain undefined. AIM To review the existing exercise prescriptions for cirrhotic patients on the waiting list for LT, their results for frailty evolution and their effect on clinical outcomes. METHODS A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Review and Meta-Analysis guidelines and searching the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases. The keyword "liver transplant" was used in combination with the free terms "frailty" and "exercise" for the literature review. Clinical studies that evaluated the effect of a regular training program, independent of supervision or the duration or intensity of physical exercise, in cirrhotic patients on the waiting list for LT were reviewed. The data on safe physical activity prescriptions following Frequency, Intensity, Time, and Type recommendations were extracted and summarised. RESULTS Nine articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. Various instruments for frailty assessment were used, frequently in combination. Five studies prescribed physical activity for patients, one in-person and four to be performed remotely and unsupervised. The remaining four studies only used a self-report instrument to assess the level of physical activity. None reported adverse events related to exercise training. The exercise frequency mainly varied from daily to a minimum of twice per week. The intensity depended on frailty and included increasing levels of activity. The type of exercise was predominantly a combination of aerobic and resistance training. The duration of exercise varied from 4 to 12 wk. Three articles evaluated the effect of the exercise program on clinical outcomes, reporting a reduction in 90-d readmission rates post-transplant and improved frailty scores, as well as improved survival of cirrhotic patients waiting for LT. CONCLUSION Routine frailty assessment is essential for this population. Although more robust evidence is required, the prescription of exercise is safe and can improve patients' functional capacity, improving pre- and post-LT outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Mellato Loschi
- Transplant Centre, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
- Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein, Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Melline D T A Baccan
- Transplant Centre, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Bianca Della Guardia
- Transplant Centre, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Paulo N Martins
- Department of Surgery, Transplant Division, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, United States
| | - Amanda P C S Boteon
- Transplant Centre, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
| | - Yuri L Boteon
- Transplant Centre, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil
- Instituto Israelita de Ensino e Pesquisa Albert Einstein, Faculdade Israelita de Ciências da Saúde Albert Einstein, São Paulo 05652-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Louissaint J, Wilder JM, Tapper EB, Rodriguez JA, Rosenblatt R, Verna EC. Confronting Disparities in Telehepatology Research. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:1385-1389. [PMID: 36563767 PMCID: PMC11390103 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.11.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Louissaint
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Julius M Wilder
- Division of Gastroenterology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Jorge A Rodriguez
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Russell Rosenblatt
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Columbia University, New York, New York
| |
Collapse
|