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Konkwo C, Chowdhury S, Vilarinho S. Genetics of liver disease in adults. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0408. [PMID: 38551385 PMCID: PMC10984672 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease stands as a significant global health problem with an estimated 2 million annual deaths across the globe. Combining the use of next-generation sequencing technologies with evolving knowledge in the interpretation of genetic variation across the human genome is propelling our understanding, diagnosis, and management of both rare and common liver diseases. Here, we review the contribution of risk and protective alleles to common forms of liver disease, the rising number of monogenic diseases affecting the liver, and the role of somatic genetic variants in the onset and progression of oncological and non-oncological liver diseases. The incorporation of genomic information in the diagnosis and management of patients with liver disease is driving the beginning of a new era of genomics-informed clinical hepatology practice, facilitating personalized medicine, and improving patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigoziri Konkwo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shanin Chowdhury
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Silvia Vilarinho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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2
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Yadav V, Irfan R, Safdar S, Sunkara V, Ekhator C, Pendyala PR, Devi M, Shahzed SMI, Das A, Affaf M, Bellegarde SB, Shrestha R, Naseem MA, Al Khalifa A. Advances in Understanding and Managing Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Narrative Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e43973. [PMID: 37622052 PMCID: PMC10446851 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.43973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of hepatocytes, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. In recent years, significant advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis, epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of AIH. This comprehensive narrative review aims to provide an up-to-date overview of these advances. The review begins by outlining the historical background of AIH, dating back to its initial recognition in the 1940s, and highlights the evolution of diagnostic criteria and classification based on autoantibody profiles. The epidemiology of AIH is explored, discussing its varying prevalence across different regions and the role of genetic predisposition, viral infections, and drug exposure as risk factors. Furthermore, the review delves into the pathogenesis of AIH, focusing on the dysregulated immune response, involvement of T cells, and potential contribution of the gut microbiome. Clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, and liver biopsy as crucial tools for diagnosis are also discussed. Regarding management, the review provides an in-depth analysis of the standard first-line treatments involving glucocorticoids and azathioprine, as well as alternative therapies for non-responsive cases. Additionally, emerging second and third-line treatment options are examined. In conclusion, this narrative review highlights the complexity of AIH and underscores the importance of early diagnosis and individualized treatment approaches to improve patient outcomes. Further research and clinical trials are needed to optimize AIH management and ensure a better long-term prognosis for affected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Internal Medicine, Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, IND
| | | | | | | | - Chukwuyem Ekhator
- Neuro-Oncology, New York Institute of Technology, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, USA
| | - Praful R Pendyala
- Neurology, Chalmeda Anand Rao Institute of Medical Sciences, Karimnagar, IND
| | | | | | - Archana Das
- Internal Medicine, North East Medical College and Hospital, Sylhet, BGD
| | - Maryam Affaf
- Medicine, Khyber Medical University, Peshawar, PAK
| | - Sophia B Bellegarde
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, American University of Antigua, St. John's, ATG
| | - Riya Shrestha
- Medicine, Nepal Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Kathmandu, NPL
| | | | - Ahmed Al Khalifa
- Medical School, College of Medicine, Sulaiman Alrajhi University, Al Bukayriyah, SAU
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3
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Engel B, Jaeckel E, Taubert R. No association of serum ferritin levels with advanced liver fibrosis in untreated German patients with autoimmune hepatitis. BMC Gastroenterol 2022; 22:528. [PMID: 36536273 PMCID: PMC9764512 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02588-0] [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] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the January 2022 issue of BMC Gastroenterology, Chen et al. report an association between serum ferritin levels and the presence of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with treatment-naïve autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The odds ratio for ferritin in this study was marginally above 1.0. We analyzed our own published data from a German cohort for an association between ferritin levels and the presence of advanced fibrosis in treatment-naïve AIH and were not able to validate the findings of Cheng et al.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Engel
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Street 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,Member of the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hannover, Germany
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Street 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,Member of the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hannover, Germany ,grid.17063.330000 0001 2157 2938Present Address: Ajmera Transplant Center, Toronto General Hospital, United Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Richard Taubert
- grid.10423.340000 0000 9529 9877Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Street 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany ,Member of the European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hannover, Germany
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Gerussi A, Scaravaglio M, Cristoferi L, Verda D, Milani C, De Bernardi E, Ippolito D, Asselta R, Invernizzi P, Kather JN, Carbone M. Artificial intelligence for precision medicine in autoimmune liver disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:966329. [PMID: 36439097 PMCID: PMC9691668 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.966329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AiLDs) are rare autoimmune conditions of the liver and the biliary tree with unknown etiology and limited treatment options. AiLDs are inherently characterized by a high degree of complexity, which poses great challenges in understanding their etiopathogenesis, developing novel biomarkers and risk-stratification tools, and, eventually, generating new drugs. Artificial intelligence (AI) is considered one of the best candidates to support researchers and clinicians in making sense of biological complexity. In this review, we offer a primer on AI and machine learning for clinicians, and discuss recent available literature on its applications in medicine and more specifically how it can help to tackle major unmet needs in AiLDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Miki Scaravaglio
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Laura Cristoferi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
- Bicocca Bioinformatics Biostatistics and Bioimaging Centre - B4, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Milani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Elisabetta De Bernardi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery and Tecnomed Foundation, University of Milano - Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | | | - Rosanna Asselta
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Jakob Nikolas Kather
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Else Kroener Fresenius Center for Digital Health, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
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Mack CL. HLA Associations in pediatric autoimmune liver diseases: Current state and future research initiatives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1019339. [DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1019339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The strongest genetic association with autoimmunity is within chromosome 6p21, where the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex resides. This review will focus on the HLA associations within pediatric autoimmune hepatitis, autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. In general, there is considerable overlap in HLA genotypes conferring susceptibility to pediatric autoimmune liver diseases, however unique HLA associations and protective HLA genotypes exist. There are numerous areas for future research initiatives in pediatric autoimmune liver diseases and HLA associations with clinical outcomes, autoantigen discovery and novel therapeutics targeting the HLA- autoantigen- T cell pathway will be highlighted.
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Ellinghaus D. How genetic risk contributes to autoimmune liver disease. Semin Immunopathol 2022; 44:397-410. [PMID: 35650446 PMCID: PMC9256578 DOI: 10.1007/s00281-022-00950-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and GWAS/genome-wide meta-analyses (GWMA) for primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have been successful over the past decade, identifying about 100 susceptibility loci in the human genome, with strong associations with the HLA locus and many susceptibility variants outside the HLA locus with relatively low risk. However, identifying causative variants and genes and determining their effects on liver cells and their immunological microenvironment is far from trivial. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) based on current genome-wide data have limited potential to predict individual disease risk. Interestingly, results of mediated expression score regression analysis provide evidence that a substantial portion of gene expression at susceptibility loci is mediated by genetic risk variants, in contrast to many other complex diseases. Genome- and transcriptome-wide comparisons between AIH, PBC, and PSC could help to better delineate the shared inherited component of autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), and statistical fine-mapping, chromosome X-wide association testing, and genome-wide in silico drug screening approaches recently applied to GWMA data from PBC could potentially be successfully applied to AIH and PSC. Initial successes through single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments in PBC and PSC now raise high hopes for understanding the impact of genetic risk variants in the context of liver-resident immune cells and liver cell subpopulations, and for bridging the gap between genetics and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Ellinghaus
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology (IKMB), Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Rosalind-Franklin-Str. 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli B, Mieli-Vergani G, Vergani D. Autoimmmune hepatitis. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:158-176. [PMID: 34580437 PMCID: PMC8475398 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00768-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a T-cell mediated, inflammatory liver disease affecting all ages and characterized by female preponderance, elevated serum transaminase and immunoglobulin G levels, positive circulating autoantibodies, and presence of interface hepatitis at liver histology. AIH type 1, affecting both adults and children, is defined by positive anti-nuclear and/or anti-smooth muscle antibodies, while type 2 AIH, affecting mostly children, is defined by positive anti-liver-kidney microsomal type 1 and/or anti-liver cytosol type 1 antibody. While the autoantigens of type 2 AIH are well defined, being the cytochrome P4502D6 (CYP2D6) and the formiminotransferase cyclodeaminase (FTCD), in type 1 AIH they remain to be identified. AIH-1 predisposition is conferred by possession of the MHC class II HLA DRB1*03 at all ages, while DRB1*04 predisposes to late onset disease; AIH-2 is associated with possession of DRB1*07 and DRB1*03. The majority of patients responds well to standard immunosuppressive treatment, based on steroid and azathioprine; second- and third-line drugs should be considered in case of intolerance or insufficient response. This review offers a comprehensive overview of pathophysiological and clinical aspects of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Terziroli Beretta-Piccoli
- Epatocentro Ticino & Facoltà di Scienze Biomediche, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland.
- Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Bellinzona, Switzerland.
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Giorgina Mieli-Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Paediatric Liver, GI and Nutrition Centre, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Diego Vergani
- King's College London Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine at King's College Hospital, London, UK
- Institute of Liver Studies, MowatLabs, King's College Hospital, London, UK
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Fasano R, Malerba E, Prete M, Solimando AG, Buonavoglia A, Silvestris N, Leone P, Racanelli V. Impact of Antigen Presentation Mechanisms on Immune Response in Autoimmune Hepatitis. Front Immunol 2022; 12:814155. [PMID: 35116039 PMCID: PMC8804214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.814155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is a very tolerogenic organ. It is continually exposed to a multitude of antigens and is able to promote an effective immune response against pathogens and simultaneously immune tolerance against self-antigens. In spite of strong peripheral and central tolerogenic mechanisms, loss of tolerance can occur in autoimmune liver diseases, such as autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) through a combination of genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and an imbalance in immunological regulatory mechanisms. The liver hosts several types of conventional resident antigen presenting cells (APCs) such as dendritic cells, B cells and macrophages (Kupffer cells), and unconventional APCs including liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells and hepatocytes. By standard (direct presentation and cross-presentation) and alternative mechanisms (cross-dressing and MHC class II-dressing), liver APCs presents self-antigen to naive T cells in the presence of costimulation leading to an altered immune response that results in liver injury and inflammation. Additionally, the transport of antigens and antigen:MHC complexes by trogocytosis and extracellular vesicles between different cells in the liver contributes to enhance antigen presentation and amplify autoimmune response. Here, we focus on the impact of antigen presentation on the immune response in the liver and on the functional role of the immune cells in the induction of liver inflammation. A better understanding of these key pathogenic aspects could facilitate the establishment of novel therapeutic strategies in AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Fasano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Malerba
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessio Buonavoglia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Silvestris
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori Giovanni Paolo II, Bari, Italy
| | - Patrizia Leone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, “Aldo Moro” University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- *Correspondence: Vito Racanelli,
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Advances in genetic, epigenetic and environmental aspects of rare liver diseases. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 65:104411. [PMID: 34942406 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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