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Papadimitriou K, Mousiolis AC, Mintziori G, Tarenidou C, Polyzos SA, Goulis DG. Hypogonadism and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Endocrine 2024; 86:28-47. [PMID: 38771482 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-024-03878-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), recently proposed to be renamed to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), is a major global public health concern, affecting approximately 25-30% of the adult population and possibly leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver transplantation. The liver is involved in the actions of sex steroids via their hepatic metabolism and production of the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Liver disease, including NAFLD, is associated with reproductive dysfunction in men and women, and the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with hypogonadism is considerable. A wide spectrum of possible pathophysiological mechanisms linking NAFLD and male/female hypogonadism has been investigated. As therapies targeting NAFLD may impact hypogonadism in men and women, and vice versa, treatments of the latter may affect NAFLD, and an insight into their pathophysiological pathways is imperative. This paper aims to elucidate the complex association between NAFLD and hypogonadism in men and women and discuss the therapeutic options and their impact on both conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasiani Papadimitriou
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Athanasios C Mousiolis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Gesthimani Mintziori
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Gonzalez-Gil AM, Barnouin Y, Celli A, Viola V, Villarreal MD, Nava MLD, Sciuk A, Qualls C, Armamento-Villareal R, Villareal DT. Metabolic effects of testosterone added to intensive lifestyle intervention in older men with obesity and hypogonadism. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024:dgae249. [PMID: 38606934 PMCID: PMC11470114 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgae249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whether testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) conveys additional cardiometabolic benefit to an intensive lifestyle therapy (LT) in older men with obesity and hypogonadism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE To determine whether TRT augments the effect of LT on metabolic outcomes in older men with obesity and hypogonadism. DESIGN Secondary analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. SETTING Veterans Affairs Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS 83 older (age ≥ 65 years) men with obesity (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) and persistently low AM testosterone (< 10.4 nmol/L) associated with frailty. INTERVENTIONS LT (weight management and exercise training) plus either testosterone (LT+TRT) or placebo (LT+Pbo) for six months. OUTCOME MEASURES Primary outcome was change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Secondary outcomes included changes in other glucometabolic and lipid profile components, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, adipokines; subcutaneous, visceral, intramuscular, and hepatic fat; blood pressure, and metabolic syndrome score. RESULTS HbA1c decreased similarly in LT+TRT and LT+Pbo groups (-0.5% vs. -0.6%, respectively; p= 0.35). While TRT showed no synergistic effect with LT on ameliorating secondary outcomes, it eliminated the augmentative effect of LT on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (5.4 ± 1.0 mg/dL in LT+Pbo group vs. 0.2 ± 1.1 mg/dL in LT+TRT group, p= 0.01) and adiponectin levels (-408 ± 489 ng/mL in TRT+LT group vs 1832 ± 468 ng/mL in LT+Pbo group, p= 0.02). CONCLUSION In older men with obesity and hypogonadism, adding TRT for six months to LT does not result in further improved cardiometabolic profiles, and could potentially blunt some of the metabolic benefits induced by LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian M. Gonzalez-Gil
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yoann Barnouin
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alessandra Celli
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Viola Viola
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Marcos D. Villarreal
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Maria Liza Duremdes Nava
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Adam Sciuk
- Section of Radiology, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
| | - Clifford Qualls
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Reina Armamento-Villareal
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dennis T. Villareal
- Center for Translational Research on Inflammatory Diseases, Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston TX, USA
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Baylor College of Medicine. Houston, TX, USA
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Henin G, Loumaye A, Leclercq IA, Lanthier N. Myosteatosis: Diagnosis, pathophysiology and consequences in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100963. [PMID: 38322420 PMCID: PMC10844870 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is associated with an increased risk of multisystemic complications, including muscle changes such as sarcopenia and myosteatosis that can reciprocally affect liver function. We conducted a systematic review to highlight innovative assessment tools, pathophysiological mechanisms and metabolic consequences related to myosteatosis in MASLD, based on original articles screened from PUBMED, EMBASE and COCHRANE databases. Forty-six original manuscripts (14 pre-clinical and 32 clinical studies) were included. Microscopy (8/14) and tissue lipid extraction (8/14) are the two main assessment techniques used to measure muscle lipid content in pre-clinical studies. In clinical studies, imaging is the most used assessment tool and included CT (14/32), MRI (12/32) and ultrasound (4/32). Assessed muscles varied across studies but mainly included paravertebral (4/14 in pre-clinical; 13/32 in clinical studies) and lower limb muscles (10/14 in preclinical; 13/32 in clinical studies). Myosteatosis is already highly prevalent in non-cirrhotic stages of MASLD and correlates with disease activity when using muscle density assessed by CT. Numerous pathophysiological mechanisms were found and included: high-fat and high-fructose diet, dysregulation in fatty acid transport and ketogenesis, endocrine disorders and impaired microRNA122 pathway signalling. In this review we also uncover several potential consequences of myosteatosis in MASLD, such as insulin resistance, MASLD progression from steatosis to metabolic steatohepatitis and loss of muscle strength. In conclusion, data on myosteatosis in MASLD are already available. Screening for myosteatosis could be highly relevant in the context of MASLD, considering its correlation with MASLD activity as well as its related consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Henin
- Service d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatogastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Audrey Loumaye
- Service d’Endocrinologie, Diabétologie et Nutrition, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Isabelle A. Leclercq
- Laboratory of Hepatogastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Service d’Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatogastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
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Caretta N, Scafa R, Graziani A, Crepaldi MC, Vedovato M, Avogaro A, Ferlin A. Noninvasive Indices of MASLD Are Associated With Hypogonadism in Male Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e522-e530. [PMID: 37795977 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disease, affecting one-fourth of the adult population worldwide. Recent data found an association between MASLD and hypogonadism, but this relation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is still unclear. OBJECTIVE To evaluate in men with T2DM the association between total testosterone (TT) and noninvasive indices of hepatic steatosis (Fatty Liver Index [FLI], Hepatic Steatosis Index [HSI], Dallas Steatosis Index [DSI]) and fibrosis (AST to Platelet Ratio Index [APRI], Fibrosis-4 Index [FIB-4]), and their predictive cutoff values in identifying hypogonadism. METHODS Cross-sectional study on 189 men with T2DM, without history of liver diseases and alcoholism, recruited on an outpatient basis. Interventions were andrological evaluation, metabolic parameters, TT, and liver indices. The main outcome measures were comparison of steatosis and fibrosis indices with testosterone levels and presence of hypogonadism. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to identify cutoff values of liver indices in predicting low testosterone (<12 nmol/L). RESULTS FLI, HSI, and DSI were negatively related with TT and were higher in the low-testosterone group than in the normal-testosterone group (FLI: 74.1 [61.4-93.5] vs 56.5 [32.1-78.2], P < .001; HSI: 41.5 [39.2-45.9] vs 40.1 [36.6-43.2], P = .005; DSI: 0.45 [-0.08-+1.04] vs -0.07 [-1.02-+0.58], P < .001). FLI and DSI also correlated with clinical symptoms of hypogonadism. No differences between groups were observed for APRI and FIB-4. FLI ≥63 was the best parameter as predictive index of low TT (sensitivity 73%, specificity 64%). CONCLUSION We found an association between noninvasive indices of steatosis and hypogonadism in patients with T2DM. These indices could be used to direct the patients to andrological evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Caretta
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Raffaele Scafa
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Graziani
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Crepaldi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Monica Vedovato
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Angelo Avogaro
- Department of Medicine, Division of Metabolic Diseases, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferlin
- Unit of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University Hospital of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Lee HS, Han SH, Swerdloff R, Pak Y, Budoff M, Wang C. The Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Older Hypogonadal Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:e757-e764. [PMID: 37656011 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Male hypogonadism is associated with visceral obesity and the metabolic syndrome: factors important for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The Testosterone Trials (The T Trials) showed testosterone (T) treatment compared with placebo in older hypogonadal men was associated with decreases in cholesterol and insulin levels suggesting that T treatment may improve NAFLD. OBJECTIVE Compare effects of T vs placebo treatment on NAFLD scores and liver scans in elderly hypogonadal men. METHODS Secondary data analyses from 479 older hypogonadal men with total T < 275 ng/dL from The T Trials were performed. Three clinical liver fat scores-lipid accumulation product index, hepatic steatosis index, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-metabolic syndrome score-and liver computed tomography (CT) Hounsfield units and liver to spleen ratio were evaluated at baseline and 12 months after treatment. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences of change in lipid accumulation product index (P = .98), hepatic steatosis index (P = .67), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-metabolic syndrome (P = .52) in 246 men treated with T compared with 233 treated with placebo for 12 months. Liver CT showed no statistically significant difference of change in Hounsfield units (P = .24; n = 71 for T, n = 69 for placebo) and liver to spleen ratio (P = .74; n = 55 for T, n = 62 for placebo) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS Our study did not show improvement of NAFLD in older hypogonadal men after 12 months of T vs placebo treatment, as assessed by 3 clinical scores and liver CT for hepatic steatosis. Future studies with longer treatment duration and additional NAFLD diagnostic modalities as primary outcome are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hae Seung Lee
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Sang Hun Han
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Ronald Swerdloff
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Youngju Pak
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- The Clinical and Translational Research Center, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Matthew Budoff
- Division of Cardiology, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
| | - Christina Wang
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
- The Clinical and Translational Research Center, The Lundquist Institute and Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA 90502, USA
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Hutchison AL, Tavaglione F, Romeo S, Charlton M. Endocrine aspects of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD): Beyond insulin resistance. J Hepatol 2023; 79:1524-1541. [PMID: 37730124 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
While the association of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) with obesity and insulin resistance is widely appreciated, there are a host of complex interactions between the liver and other endocrine axes. While it can be difficult to definitively distinguish direct causal relationships and those attributable to increased adipocyte mass, there is substantial evidence of the direct and indirect effects of endocrine dysregulation on the severity of MASLD, with strong evidence that low levels of growth hormone, sex hormones, and thyroid hormone promote the development and progression of disease. The impact of steroid hormones, e.g. cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone, and adipokines is much more divergent. Thoughtful assessment, based on individual risk factors and findings, and management of non-insulin endocrine axes is essential in the evaluation and management of MASLD. Multiple therapeutic options have emerged that leverage various endocrine axes to reduce the fibroinflammatory cascade in MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Tavaglione
- Clinical Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy; Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Rome, Italy; Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stefano Romeo
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Cardiology Department, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden; Clinical Nutrition Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michael Charlton
- Center for Liver Diseases, University of Chicago, United States.
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Bołdys A, Bułdak Ł, Maligłówka M, Surma S, Okopień B. Potential Therapeutic Strategies in the Treatment of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1789. [PMID: 37893507 PMCID: PMC10608225 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59101789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease is one of the outstanding challenges in gastroenterology. The increasing incidence of the disease is undoubtedly connected with the ongoing obesity pandemic. The lack of specific symptoms in the early phases and the grave complications of the disease require an active approach to prompt diagnosis and treatment. Therapeutic lifestyle changes should be introduced in a great majority of patients; but, in many cases, the adherence is not satisfactory. There is a great need for an effective pharmacological therapy for Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease, especially before the onset of steatohepatitis. Currently, there are no specific recommendations on the selection of drugs to treat liver steatosis and prevent patients from progression toward more advanced stages (steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and cancer). Therefore, in this Review, we provide data on the clinical efficacy of therapeutic interventions that might improve the course of Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. These include the drugs used in the treatment of obesity and hyperlipidemias, as well as affecting the gut microbiota and endocrine system, and other experimental approaches, including functional foods. Finally, we provide advice on the selection of drugs for patients with concomitant Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Łukasz Bułdak
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Silesia, Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice, Poland
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Polyzos SA, Vachliotis ID, Mantzoros CS. Sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Metabolism 2023; 147:155676. [PMID: 37544590 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity (SO) are highly prevalent conditions that may coexist, especially in the aging population, without any approved pharmacologic treatment for all of them. There are multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms suggested to explain an association between NAFLD and sarcopenia or SO, including alterations in the adipokines, cytokines, hepatokines and myokines, which may interplay with other factors, such as aging, diet and physical inactivity. In clinical terms, most observational studies support an association between NAFLD and sarcopenia or SO; importantly, there are few cohort studies indicating higher mortality in patients with NAFLD and sarcopenia. Their association also bears some treatment considerations: for example, pioglitazone or vitamin E, suggested as off label treatment for selected patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, may be recommended in the coexistence of sarcopenia or SO, since limited evidence did not show adverse effects of them on sarcopenia and abdominal obesity. In this review, evidence linking sarcopenia and SO with NAFLD is summarized, with a special focus on clinical data. A synopsis of the major pathophysiological links between NAFLD and sarcopenia/SO is initially presented, followed by selected clinical studies and, finally, treatment considerations in patients with NAFLD and sarcopenia or SO are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stergios A Polyzos
- First Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
| | - Ilias D Vachliotis
- First Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Christos S Mantzoros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Boston VA Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Kosmalski M, Frankowski R, Ziółkowska S, Różycka-Kosmalska M, Pietras T. What's New in the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12051852. [PMID: 36902639 PMCID: PMC10003344 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12051852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a serious health problem due to its high incidence and consequences. In view of the existing controversies, new therapeutic options for NAFLD are still being sought. Therefore, the aim of our review was to evaluate the recently published studies on the treatment of NAFLD patients. We searched for articles in the PubMed database using appropriate terms, including "non-alcoholic fatty liver disease", "nonalcoholic fatty liver disease", "NAFLD", "diet", "treatment", "physical activity", "supplementation", "surgery", "overture" and "guidelines". One hundred forty-eight randomized clinical trials published from January 2020 to November 2022 were used for the final analysis. The results show significant benefits of NAFLD therapy associated with the use of not only the Mediterranean but also other types of diet (including low-calorie ketogenic, high-protein, anti-inflammatory and whole-grain diets), as well as enrichment with selected food products or supplements. Significant benefits in this group of patients are also associated with moderate aerobic physical training. The available therapeutic options indicate, above all, the usefulness of drugs related to weight reduction, as well as the reduction in insulin resistance or lipids level and drugs with anti-inflammatory or antioxidant properties. The usefulness of therapy with dulaglutide and the combination of tofogliflozin with pioglitazone should be emphasized. Based on the results of the latest research, the authors of this article suggest a revision of the therapeutic recommendations for NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcin Kosmalski
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-728-358-504
| | - Rafał Frankowski
- Students’ Research Club, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
| | - Sylwia Ziółkowska
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | | | - Tadeusz Pietras
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lodz, 90-153 Lodz, Poland
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La Vignera S, Condorelli RA, Calogero AE, Cannarella R, Aversa A. Sexual and Reproductive Outcomes in Obese Fertile Men with Functional Hypogonadism after Treatment with Liraglutide: Preliminary Results. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020672. [PMID: 36675601 PMCID: PMC9860933 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To prospectively investigate the effects of treatment with liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP1) analog, on reproductive and sexual function in men with metabolic hypogonadism who are of childbearing age. Materials and Methods: To accomplish this purpose, 110 men of childbearing age (18-35 years) with metabolic hypogonadism were enrolled and divided into three groups, according to their desire to have children. Group A was made up of men actively seeking fatherhood, Group B, of men who did not seek fatherhood, and Group C, of men who had already fathered a child. Group A patients were treated with gonadotropins (urofollitropin at 150 IU, three times a week, and human chorionic gonadotropin at 2000 IU, twice a week), Group B patients with liraglutide (3 mg daily), and Group C patients with transdermal testosterone (60 mg per day). All patients were treated for 4 months. Results: Patients treated with liraglutide (Group B) showed significant improvement in conventional sperm parameters, compared to baseline and Group A patients, and in the quality of erectile function compared to baseline and patients of Groups A and C. In addition, they had significantly higher levels of total testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin serum levels after 4 months of treatment with liraglutide than those achieved by patients in the other two groups at the end of the respective treatments. Finally, Group B patients also showed significantly higher serum gonadotropin levels than the other groups. Conclusions: The results of this study showed, for the first time, the efficacy of liraglutide, a GLP1 analog, for the pharmacological treatment of male patients with metabolic hypogonadism. Liraglutide has also shown advantages over traditional treatments on both reproductive and sexual function and appears to offer greater benefits in terms of metabolic protection. These findings suggest that liraglutide is a useful drug for the treatment of obese males with metabolic hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandro La Vignera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rosita A. Condorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Aldo E. Calogero
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Rossella Cannarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Aversa
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Zhang Z, Chen C, Wang Y, Wang N, Chen Y, Lu Y, Xia F. The associations of total testosterone with probable nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrotic progression in men with type 2 diabetes: a cross-sectional study. Eur J Med Res 2022; 27:307. [PMID: 36572925 PMCID: PMC9793685 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-022-00958-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone has an impact on metabolic disorders and men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are predisposed to hypogonadism; meanwhile, patients with T2DM have higher risk of NAFLD. Therefore, we speculate that testosterone may affect the progression of NAFLD in T2DM patients and we aim to investigate whether total testosterone is associated with NAFLD progression in men with T2DM. METHODS A cross-sectional study. A total of 1782 male participants with T2DM were enrolled from seven communities in Shanghai. Probable nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) was defined by the concurrence of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome (MetS). NAFLD fibrosis score was used to identify patients with probable advanced fibrosis. Multinomial logistic regression and ordinal logistic regression was used to measure the association of total testosterone (independent variable) and the progression category of NAFLD (dependent variable). RESULTS In male, TT quartiles were negatively associated with probable NASH (Q1 vs. Q4 OR 2.07 95% CI 1.31-3.28, P for trend = 0.001) and inflammatory progression of NAFLD with OR of 1 SD increment of ln (TT) 0.81 (95% CI 0.72-0.92, P for trend < 0.001), but positively with fibrotic progression (Q1 vs. Q4 OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.72, P for trend = 0.001) with OR of 1 SD increment of ln (TT) 1.24 (95% CI 1.07-1.45). According to stratified analyses, for inflammatory progression, the interactions of age strata, duration of diabetes strata, and dyslipidemia status with 1 SD increment of ln (TT) were significant (P for interaction 0.007, 0.003, and 0.012, respectively); as for fibrotic progression, we found no interactions (all P for interaction ≥ 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Different associations between TT and inflammatory and fibrotic progression of NAFLD in male were observed, suggesting different roles of TT in inflammatory and fibrotic stages of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziteng Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Chi Chen
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Yuying Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Ningjian Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Yi Chen
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Yingli Lu
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011 China
| | - Fangzhen Xia
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Institute and Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, Zhizaoju Road No. 639, Shanghai, 200011 China
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12
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Arefhosseini S, Ebrahimi-Mameghani M, Najafipour F, Tutunchi H. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease across endocrinopathies: Interaction with sex hormones. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1032361. [PMID: 36419770 PMCID: PMC9676462 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1032361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most frequent chronic liver disease globally. NAFLD is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome and it has been recently suggested that to rename NAFLD as metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). NAFLD has been studied in different endocrine axes and accumulating body of clinical and experimental studies have suggested that NAFLD is associated with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypopituitarism, growth hormone deficiency (GHD), hypogonadism and other endocrine disorders. In fact, endocrine dysfunction may be considered as the major contributor for the development, progression, and severity of NAFLD. In the present comprehensive review, we discussed the epidemiological and clinical evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of NAFLD in endocrine disorders, with an emphasis on the effects of sex-specific hormones/conditions as well as molecular basis of NAFLD development in these endocrine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Arefhosseini
- Student Research Committee, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehrangiz Ebrahimi-Mameghani
- Nutrition Research Center, Department of Biochemistry and Diet Therapy, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farzad Najafipour
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Helda Tutunchi
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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13
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Vachliotis ID, Anastasilakis AD, Goulas A, Goulis DG, Polyzos SA. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and osteoporosis: A potential association with therapeutic implications. Diabetes Obes Metab 2022; 24:1702-1720. [PMID: 35589613 DOI: 10.1111/dom.14774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and osteoporosis are two highly prevalent metabolic diseases. Increasing experimental evidence supports a pathophysiological link between NAFLD and osteoporosis. A key feature could be chronic, low-grade inflammation, which characterizes NAFLD and possibly affects bone metabolism. In this context, several factors, including but not limited to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand, osteoprotegerin, osteopontin and osteocalcin, may serve as mediators. In the clinical setting, most but not all epidemiological evidence indicates that NAFLD is associated with lower bone mineral density or osteoporosis in adults. Although an association between NAFLD and osteoporosis has not yet been established, and thus remains speculative, pharmacological considerations already exist. Some of the current and emerging pharmacological options for NAFLD have shown possible anti-osteoporotic properties (eg, vitamin E, obeticholic acid, semaglutide), while others (eg, pioglitazone, canagliflozin) have been associated with increased risk of fractures and may be avoided in patients with NAFLD and concomitant osteoporosis, especially those at high fracture risk. Conversely, some anti-osteoporotic medications (denosumab) might benefit NAFLD, while others (raloxifene) might adversely affect it and, consequently, may be avoided in patients with osteoporosis and NAFLD. If an association between NAFLD and osteoporosis is established, a medication that could target both diseases would be a great advancement. This review summarizes the main experimental and clinical evidence on the potential association between NAFLD and osteoporosis and focuses on treatment considerations derived from this potential association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias D Vachliotis
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Department of Endocrinology, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Antonis Goulas
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Dimitrios G Goulis
- Unit of Reproductive Endocrinology, First Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stergios A Polyzos
- First Laboratory of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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14
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Liu CC, Huang SP, Hsieh TJ, Lee CH, Cheng KH, Huang TY, Geng JH, Li CC, Wu WJ, Lee YC. Fatty liver index is associated with the risk of testosterone deficiency in aging men without metabolic syndrome. Andrology 2021; 9:863-872. [PMID: 33484089 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is suggested to be a precursor of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and could influence the risk of testosterone deficiency (TD). Fatty liver index (FLI) is a simple and useful screening tool for NAFLD. We determined the association between the risk of NAFLD assessed by FLI and TD in aging Taiwanese men, especially those without MetS. MATERIALS AND METHODS A free health screening program was conducted for men (age: >40 years) in a medical center in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. All participants underwent a physical examination; answered a questionnaire assessing demographics, medical history, and clinical symptoms of TD; and provided 20-mL whole blood samples for biochemical, adipocytokine, and hormonal evaluations. The risk of NAFLD was evaluated using FLI. The presence of NAFLD was ruled out if FLI value was <25 and ruled in if FLI value was ≥35. RESULTS A total of 552 men (mean age: 54.7 ± 7.7 years) were enrolled. The prevalence rates of TD and MetS were significantly higher among men with NAFLD than those without NAFLD (both p < 0.001). FLI was significantly correlated with total testosterone (TT) and adipocytokines associated with insulin resistance, such as adiponectin, leptin, and retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP-4) levels, respectively (all p < 0.001). Among men without MetS, those at risk of and with NAFLD had a 3.82 and 8.50 times higher risk of TD, respectively, than those without NAFLD after adjusting for potential covariates. CONCLUSION The FLI is associated with the risk of TD in aging Taiwanese men, especially in those without MetS. Our findings also suggest that insulin resistance may be an important link among the inter-relationships of NAFLD, MetS, and TD. Further population-based studies with larger sample sizes of different ethnicities are warranted to confirm these preliminary results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chu Liu
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Pingtung City, Taiwan.,Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Pin Huang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Tusty-Jiuan Hsieh
- Research Center for Environmental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Hsueh Lee
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hung Cheng
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Yi Huang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Jiun-Hung Geng
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chia Li
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jeng Wu
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Chin Lee
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.,Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
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15
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Singeap AM, Stanciu C, Huiban L, Muzica CM, Cuciureanu T, Girleanu I, Chiriac S, Zenovia S, Nastasa R, Sfarti C, Cojocariu C, Trifan A. Association between Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Endocrinopathies: Clinical Implications. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 2021:6678142. [PMID: 33505943 PMCID: PMC7814954 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6678142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a rising prevalence worldwide. Its potential for evolution towards liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as associations with extrahepatic manifestations, represents a double burden for patients and physicians alike. Recently, there has been increasing evidence of the association between NAFLD and a number of endocrinopathies, such as hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), hypopituitarism, growth hormone deficiency (GHD), hypogonadism, and hypercortisolism. Definite correlations are supported by clear evidence so far, but further studies are needed in order to completely clarify the pathogenic mechanisms and, especially, to identify therapeutic implications. In this review, we present the main relationships between NAFLD and endocrinopathies, emphasizing the reciprocal causality, evolutive interconnections, and current clinical scenarios of presentations of which the clinicians should be aware.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana-Maria Singeap
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Carol Stanciu
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Laura Huiban
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Cristina Maria Muzica
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Tudor Cuciureanu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Irina Girleanu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Stefan Chiriac
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Sebastian Zenovia
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Robert Nastasa
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Catalin Sfarti
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Camelia Cojocariu
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
| | - Anca Trifan
- 1Department of Gastroenterology, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iasi 700115, Romania
- 2Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, “St. Spiridon” Emergency Hospital, Iasi 700111, Romania
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