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Tsai SY, O'Leary JG. Let's Pump You Up! Hepatology 2024; 80:508-510. [PMID: 38836631 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Y Tsai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver and Digestive Disease, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Jacqueline G O'Leary
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Liver and Digestive Disease, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, North Texas Veteran Affairs Hospital, Dallas, Texas, USA
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2
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Rose S, Singh S, Premkumar M. Bone mineral density, sarcopenia and long-term survival in patients with cirrhosis. Indian J Gastroenterol 2024:10.1007/s12664-024-01676-1. [PMID: 39153122 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-024-01676-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Sweta Rose
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India
| | - Surender Singh
- Department of Hepatology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, 226 014, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, 160 012, India.
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3
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Grossmann M, Wittert GA. Testosterone in prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes in men: Focus on recent randomized controlled trials. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2024; 1538:45-55. [PMID: 39039746 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
In epidemiological studies, lowered serum testosterone concentrations are common in men with obesity, prediabetes, and established type 2 diabetes (T2D). In men with prediabetes, lowered serum testosterone also predicts a future risk of T2D in men. Administration of testosterone consistently reduces fat mass and increases skeletal muscle mass-body compositional changes expected to be metabolically favorable. In men with established T2D, the effects of testosterone treatment on glycemic measures are inconsistent. Irrespective of baseline serum testosterone concentration in men with prediabetes or newly diagnosed early-onset T2D, testosterone treatment prescribed in conjunction with a lifestyle program has been reported to reduce the risk of T2D by 40% after 2 years, suggesting that either a lifestyle program is required to facilitate the glycemic benefit of testosterone treatment and/or that testosterone treatment has more favorable effects on glycemia in men early in the evolution or onset of the disease. The durability of the benefit and longer-term safety of testosterone treatment have not been established. Therefore, more studies are required before testosterone treatment can be recommended for the prevention and/or treatment of men with or at elevated risk of T2D who do not have hypogonadism due to an established disease of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gary A Wittert
- Freemasons Centre for Male Health and Well-being, South Australia Health and Medical Research Centre, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Endocrine Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Zeng F, Jiang W, Chang X, Yang F, Luo X, Liu R, Lei Y, Li J, Pan C, Huang X, Sun H, Lan Y. Sarcopenia is associated with short- and long-term mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2024; 15:1473-1482. [PMID: 38965993 PMCID: PMC11294047 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13501] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While sarcopenia is recognized as a predictor of mortality in cirrhosis, its influence on acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) remains uncertain. Despite multiple studies examining the impact of sarcopenia on short-term mortality in patients with ACLF, the sample size of these studies was limited, and their outcomes were inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of sarcopenia on both short- and long-term mortality in patients with ACLF. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 414 patients with ACLF that were treated between January 2016 and September 2022. Sarcopenia was diagnosed based on the measurement of the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra (L3-SMI). Subsequently, the patients were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups. We analysed the basic clinical data of the two groups. Multivariate Cox proportional analysis was used to analyse short-term (28 days) and long-term (1 year and overall) mortality rates. RESULTS A total of 414 patients were included, with a mean age of 52.88 ± 13.41 years. Among them, 318 (76.8%) were male, and 239 (57.7%) had sarcopenia. A total of 280 (67.6%) patients died during the study period. Among them, 153 patients died within 28 days (37%) and 209 patients died within 1 year (50.5%). We found that the 28-day, 1-year and overall mortality rates in the sarcopenia group were significantly higher than those in the non-sarcopenia group (37% vs. 22.3%, P < 0.01; 50.5% vs. 34.9%, P < 0.01; and 67.6% vs. 53.1%, P < 0.01, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that sarcopenia was significantly associated with increased mortality. The hazard ratios for sarcopenia were 2.05 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41-3.00, P < 0.01) for 28-day mortality, 1.81 (95% CI 1.29-2.54, P < 0.01) for 1-year mortality and 1.82 (95% CI 1.30-2.55, P < 0.01) for overall mortality. In addition, muscle density and international normalized ratio were associated with short- and long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS Sarcopenia is associated with both short- and long-term mortality in patients with ACLF. Therefore, regular monitoring for sarcopenia is important for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zeng
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
- Clinical Medicine School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Xiujun Chang
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
- Clinical Medicine School of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Fuxun Yang
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Xiaoxiu Luo
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Rongan Liu
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Yu Lei
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Jiajia Li
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Chun Pan
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Xiaobo Huang
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
| | - Huaiqiang Sun
- Huaxi MR Research Center (HMRRC), Department of RadiologyWest China Hospital of Sichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Yunping Lan
- Department of Intensive Care UnitSichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's HospitalChengduChina
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5
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Grossmann M, Anawalt BD, Yeap BB. Testosterone therapy in older men: clinical implications of recent landmark trials. Eur J Endocrinol 2024; 191:R22-R31. [PMID: 38917356 DOI: 10.1093/ejendo/lvae071] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
Testosterone therapy for men with hypogonadism due to identifiable hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular (HPT) pathology is uncontroversial. However, the risks and benefits of testosterone for men with clinical features of hypogonadism in the absence of identifiable HPT axis pathology have been uncertain. Recent landmark placebo-controlled trials assessed the benefits and risks of testosterone therapy (≤3 years) for middle-aged and older men with symptoms and possible signs of hypogonadism or end-organ androgen deficiency, low or low-normal serum testosterone concentrations, but no HPT pathology: Testosterone therapy (1) had modest-but clinically significant-benefits on average self-reported energy and mood, sexual function, and satisfaction; (2) in conjunction with a lifestyle programme, reversed or reduced incident type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) in men at high risk of or newly diagnosed with T2D; (3) modestly improved objectively assessed muscle strength and timed walking distance; (4) increased bone density and strength, but did not reduce falls or typical osteoporotic fractures and surprisingly increased the risk of fractures typically attributable to trauma; and (5) did not significantly increase the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, or prostate cancer. These landmark trials help to inform clinical decision-making about testosterone therapy for men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
| | - Bu B Yeap
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia 6009, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Murdoch, Western Australia 6150, Australia
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6
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Reichelt S, Merle U, Klauss M, Kahlert C, Lurje G, Mehrabi A, Czigany Z. Shining a spotlight on sarcopenia and myosteatosis in liver disease and liver transplantation: Potentially modifiable risk factors with major clinical impact. Liver Int 2024; 44:1483-1512. [PMID: 38554051 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15917] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Muscle-wasting and disease-related malnutrition are highly prevalent in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) as well as in liver transplant (LT) candidates. Alterations of body composition (BC) such as sarcopenia, myosteatosis and sarcopenic obesity and associated clinical frailty were tied to inferior clinical outcomes including hospital admissions, length of stay, complications, mortality and healthcare costs in various patient cohorts and clinical scenarios. In contrast to other inherent detrimental individual characteristics often observed in these complex patients, such as comorbidities or genetic risk, alterations of the skeletal muscle and malnutrition are considered as potentially modifiable risk factors with a major clinical impact. Even so, there is only limited high-level evidence to show how these pathologies should be addressed in the clinical setting. This review discusses the current state-of-the-art on the role of BC assessment in clinical outcomes in the setting of CLD and LT focusing mainly on sarcopenia and myosteatosis. We focus on the disease-related pathophysiology of BC alterations. Based on these, we address potential therapeutic interventions including nutritional regimens, physical activity, hormone and targeted therapies. In addition to summarizing existing knowledge, this review highlights novel trends, and future perspectives and identifies persisting challenges in addressing BC pathologies in a holistic way, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life of patients with CLD awaiting or undergoing LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Reichelt
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Uta Merle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Klauss
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Kahlert
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg Lurje
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zoltan Czigany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Jaiswal V, Sawhney A, Nebuwa C, Borra V, Deb N, Halder A, Rajak K, Jha M, Wajid Z, Thachil R, Bandyopadhyay D, Mattumpuram J, Lavie CJ. Association between testosterone replacement therapy and cardiovascular outcomes: A meta-analysis of 30 randomized controlled trials. Prog Cardiovasc Dis 2024; 85:45-53. [PMID: 38589271 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcad.2024.04.001] [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: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Cardiovascular safety of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) among men with hypogonadism is not well established to date. Hence, we sought to evaluate the cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes among patients receiving testosterone therapy by using all recently published randomized controlled trials. METHODS We performed a systematic literature search on PubMed, EMBASE, and Clinicaltrial.gov for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from inception until September 30th, 2023. RESULTS A total of 30 randomized trials with 11,502 patients were included in the final analysis. The mean age was ranging from 61.61 to 61.82 years. Pooled analysis of primary and secondary outcomes showed that the incidence of any CVD events (OR, 1.12 (95%CI: 0.77-1.62), P = 0.55), stroke (OR, 1.01 (95%CI: 0.68-1.51), P = 0.94), myocardial infarction (OR, 1.05 (95%CI: 0.76-1.45), P = 0.77), all-cause mortality (OR, 0.94 (95%CI: 0.76-1.17), P = 0.57), and CVD mortality (OR, 0.87 (95%CI: 0.65-1.15), P = 0.31) was comparable between TRT and placebo groups. CONCLUSION Our analysis indicates that for patients with hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy does not increase the CVD risk and all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikash Jaiswal
- Department of Cardiovascular Research, Larkin Community Hospital, South Miami, FL, USA.
| | - Aanchal Sawhney
- Department of Internal Medicine, Crozer Chester Medical Center, Upland, PA, USA
| | - Chikodili Nebuwa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Nuvance Health, Poughkeepsie, NY, USA
| | - Vamsikalyan Borra
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Weslaco, TX, USA
| | - Novonil Deb
- North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, India
| | - Anupam Halder
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Kripa Rajak
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Mayank Jha
- Department of Medicine, Government Medical College, Surat, India
| | - Zarghoona Wajid
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, USA
| | - Rosy Thachil
- Division of Cardiology, Elmhurst Hospital Center, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | | | - Jishanth Mattumpuram
- Division of Cardiology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, KY 40202, United States
| | - Carl J Lavie
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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Tabei SS, Kataria R, Hou S, Singh A, Al Hameedi H, Hasan D, Hsieh M, Raheem OA. Testosterone replacement therapy in patients with cachexia: a contemporary review of the literature. Sex Med Rev 2024; 12:469-476. [PMID: 38757386 DOI: 10.1093/sxmrev/qeae031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Patients with long-term chronic illnesses frequently present with hypogonadism, which is primarily managed through exogenous testosterone. These same patients also experience a high degree of cachexia, a loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. OBJECTIVE To perform a contemporary review of the literature to assess the effectiveness of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) for managing chronic disease-associated cachexia. METHODS We performed a PubMed literature search using MeSH terms to identify studies from 2000 to 2022 on TRT and the following cachexia-related chronic medical diseases: cancer, COPD, HIV/AIDS, and liver cirrhosis. RESULTS From the literature, 11 primary studies and 1 meta-analysis were selected. Among these studies, 3 evaluated TRT on cancer-associated cachexia, 3 on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 4 on HIV and AIDS, and 2 on liver cirrhosis. TRT showed mixed results favoring clinical improvement on each disease. CONCLUSIONS Cachexia is commonly observed in chronic disease states. Its occurrence with hypogonadism, alongside the shared symptoms of these 2 conditions, points toward the management of cachexia through the administration of exogenous testosterone. Robust data in the literature support the use of testosterone in increasing lean body mass, improving energy levels, and enhancing the quality of life for patients with chronic disease. However, the data are variable, and further studies are warranted on the long-term efficacy of TRT in patients with cachexia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Sajjad Tabei
- Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Rhea Kataria
- Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Sean Hou
- Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Armaan Singh
- Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Hasan Al Hameedi
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Doaa Hasan
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Mike Hsieh
- Department of Urology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 921212, United States
| | - Omer A Raheem
- Section of Urology, Department of Surgery, Pritzker School of Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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Di Cola S, Khan S, Lapenna L, Merli M. Emerging drugs for the treatment of sarcopenia in cirrhosis of the liver. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:81-91. [PMID: 38549232 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2332428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common and impact the prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. The etiology is multifactorial and includes periods of reduced caloric intake, increased catabolism and direct molecular mechanisms that inhibit muscle synthesis. Although these conditions are widely acknowledged, and there is a growing interest in their diagnosis, robust evidence regarding the treatment and reversibility of these conditions is still lacking. AREAS COVERED We have explored the current evidence on the pharmacological treatment of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Additionally, we have searched for drugs already in use and ongoing trials for other chronic diseases. EXPERT OPINION The current guidelines recommend the use of a protein-adequate diet and moderate physical activity for treating sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Currently, robust evidence is derived only from the supplementation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids, capable of increasing muscle mass and function. There are many drugs targeting various pathways that contribute to sarcopenia. However, evidence is sporadic and insufficient to suggest their use in clinical practice.Novel drugs specifically designed to enhance muscle mass and function should be developed. Finally, gender significantly influences the type of muscle alteration and therapeutic mechanisms; therefore, future studies should be designed taking gender differences into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Cola
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Saniya Khan
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Lapenna
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Liu D, Wang S, Liu S, Wang Q, Che X, Wu G. Frontiers in sarcopenia: Advancements in diagnostics, molecular mechanisms, and therapeutic strategies. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 97:101270. [PMID: 38583268 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The onset of sarcopenia is intimately linked with aging, posing significant implications not only for individual patient quality of life but also for the broader societal healthcare framework. Early and accurate identification of sarcopenia and a comprehensive understanding of its mechanistic underpinnings and therapeutic targets paramount to addressing this condition effectively. This review endeavors to present a cohesive overview of recent advancements in sarcopenia research and diagnosis. We initially delve into the contemporary diagnostic criteria, specifically referencing the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) 2 and Asian Working Group on Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 benchmarks. Additionally, we elucidate comprehensive assessment techniques for muscle strength, quantity, and physical performance, highlighting tools such as grip strength, chair stand test, dual-energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA), bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), gait speed, and short physical performance battery (SPPB), while also discussing their inherent advantages and limitations. Such diagnostic advancements pave the way for early identification and unequivocal diagnosis of sarcopenia. Proceeding further, we provide a deep-dive into sarcopenia's pathogenesis, offering a thorough examination of associated signaling pathways like the Myostatin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), insulin/IGF-1 Signaling (IIS), and the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathways. Each pathway's role in sarcopenia mediation is detailed, underscoring potential therapeutic target avenues. From a mechanistic perspective, the review also underscores the pivotal role of mitochondrial dysfunction in sarcopenia, emphasizing elements such as mitochondrial oxidative overload, mitochondrial biogenesis, and mitophagy, and highlighting their therapeutic significance. At last, we capture recent strides made in sarcopenia treatment, ranging from nutritional and exercise interventions to potential pharmacological and supplementation strategies. In sum, this review meticulously synthesizes the latest scientific developments in sarcopenia, aiming to enhance diagnostic precision in clinical practice and provide comprehensive insights into refined mechanistic targets and innovative therapeutic interventions, ultimately contributing to optimized patient care and advancements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dequan Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Shijin Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning, China
| | - Qifei Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning, China.
| | - Xiangyu Che
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning, China.
| | - Guangzhen Wu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, Liaoning, China.
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11
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Trebicka J, Hernaez R, Shawcross DL, Gerbes AL. Recent advances in the prevention and treatment of decompensated cirrhosis and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and the role of biomarkers. Gut 2024; 73:1015-1024. [PMID: 38527788 PMCID: PMC11103292 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-330584] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
The progression of cirrhosis with clinically significant portal hypertension towards decompensated cirrhosis remains clinically challenging and the evolution towards acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), with one or more extrahepatic organ failures, is associated with very high mortality. In the last decade, significant progress has been made in the understanding of the mechanisms leading to decompensation and ACLF. As portal hypertension advances, bacterial translocation across an impaired gut barrier culminates in endotoxaemia, systemic inflammation and cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction (CAID). Gut-derived systemic inflammation and CAID have become the logical targets for innovative therapies that prevent hepatic decompensation episodes and the progression to ACLF.Furthermore, classification of disease and biomarker discovery to personalise care have advanced in the field. This review discusses progress in biomarker discovery and personalisation of treatment in decompensated cirrhosis and ACLF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine B, University of Münster, Munster, Germany
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ruben Hernaez
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- VA HSR&D Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Gastroenterology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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12
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Campani F, Li Cavoli TV, Arena U, Marra F, Lynch EN, Campani C. Quick and easy assessment of sarcopenia in cirrhosis: Can ultrasound be the solution? World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2287-2293. [PMID: 38813055 PMCID: PMC11130576 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i17.2287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is frequently associated with sarcopenia, with reported rates of over 80% in patients with decompensated alcohol-related liver disease. Sarcopenia negatively impacts the prognosis of cirrhotic patients and affects the response to treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For these reasons, identifying an easy-to-perform method to assess sarcopenia in is a key element in the optimization of care in this patient population. Assessment of muscle mass by computed tomography is considered the standard of care for the diagnosis of sarcopenia, but exposure to radiation and high costs limit its application in this setting, especially for repeated assessments. We believe that ultrasound, a cheap and harmless technique also used for HCC screening in cirrhotic patients, could have an expanding role in the diagnosis and follow-up of sarcopenia in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Campani
- Department of Health Science, University Hospital Careggi, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Tancredi Vincenzo Li Cavoli
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, University Hospital Careggi, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Umberto Arena
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, University Hospital Careggi, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Fabio Marra
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, University Hospital Careggi, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Erica Nicola Lynch
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Internal Medicine and Liver Unit, University Hospital Careggi, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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Okubo T, Atsukawa M, Tsubota A, Ono H, Kawano T, Yoshida Y, Arai T, Hayama K, Itokawa N, Kondo C, Iwakiri K. Low vitamin D levels accelerates muscle mass loss in patients with chronic liver disease. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0299313. [PMID: 38530830 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0299313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia frequently and progressively occurs in patients with chronic liver disease. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between vitamin D levels and muscle mass loss. A total of 166 patients with chronic liver disease were enrolled in this study. Skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) was measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis at baseline and after 1 year. The rate of change in SMI from baseline after 1 year was calculated: ΔSMI (%) = [(1-year SMI - baseline SMI) / baseline SMI] × 100. Muscle mass loss was defined as ΔSMI ≤ -2%. The median 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 15.2 (11.2-19.3) ng/mL. The median SMI were 6.8 (5.9-7.8) kg/m2 at baseline and 6.7 (5.9-7.6) kg/m2 after 1 year. The median ΔSMI was -1.23% (-2.21% to 1.61%). Multivariate analysis identified low 25-hydroxyvitamin D as an independent factor associated with muscle mass loss. The optimal cut-off value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D to predict muscle mass loss was 12.7 ng/mL. Muscle mass loss was found in 56.4% v.s. 18.0% of patients with 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 12.7 vs. ≥ 12.7 ng/mL, respectively (p = 9.01 × 10-7); with the highest incidence in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Specifically, patients with NAFLD and 25-hydroxyvitamin D < 12.7 ng/mL had a significantly higher incidence of muscle mass loss than those with ≥ 12.7 ng/mL (p = 1.23 × 10-3). Low vitamin D levels are associated with muscle mass loss after 1 year in patients with chronic liver disease, especially NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Okubo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai, Japan
| | - Masanori Atsukawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai, Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihito Tsubota
- Project Research Units, Research Center for Medical Science, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ono
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadamichi Kawano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Yoshida
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai, Japan
| | - Taeang Arai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Korenobou Hayama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Nippon Medical School Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Inzai, Japan
| | - Norio Itokawa
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chisa Kondo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Iwakiri
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan
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14
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Perdiguero GG, Spina JC, Martínez J, Savluk L, Saidman J, Bonifacio M, Bakken S, Padilla M, Gallego-Clemente E, Moreno-González V, De Santibañes M, Marciano S, De Santibañes E, Gadano A, Pekolj J, Abraldes JG, Mauro E. Enhancing ACLF prediction by integrating sarcopenia assessment and frailty in liver transplant candidates on the waiting list. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100985. [PMID: 38384670 PMCID: PMC10879792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100985] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty are prevalent in cirrhosis. We aimed to assess the correlation between assessment tools for malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty in patients on the liver transplant (LT) waiting list (WL), and to identify a predictive model for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) development. Methods This prospective single-center study enrolled consecutive patients with cirrhosis on the WL for LT (May 2019-November 2021). Assessments included subjective global assessment, CT body composition, skeletal muscle index (SMI), ultrasound thigh muscle thickness, sarcopenia HIBA score, liver frailty index (LFI), hand grip strength, and 6-minute walk test at enrollment. Correlations were analyzed using Pearson's correlation. Competing risk regression analysis was used to assess the predictive ability of the liver- and functional physiological reserve-related variables for ACLF. Results A total of 132 patients, predominantly with decompensated cirrhosis (87%), were included. Our study revealed a high prevalence of malnutrition (61%), sarcopenia (61%), visceral obesity (20%), sarcopenic visceral obesity (17%), and frailty (10%) among participants. Correlations between the assessment tools for sarcopenia and frailty were poor. Sarcopenia by SMI remained prevalent when frailty assessments were not usable. After a median follow-up of 10 months, 39% of the patients developed ACLF on WL, while 28% experienced dropouts without ACLF. Multivariate analysis identified MELD-Na, SMI, and LFI as independent predictors of ACLF on the WL. The predictive model MELD-Na-sarcopenia-LFI had a C-statistic of 0.85. Conclusions The poor correlation between sarcopenia assessment tools and frailty underscores the importance of a comprehensive evaluation. The SMI, LFI, and MELD-Na independently predicted ACLF development in WL. These findings enhance our understanding of the relationship between sarcopenia, frailty, and ACLF in patients awaiting LT, emphasizing the need for early detection and intervention to improve WL outcomes. Impact and implications The relationship between sarcopenia and frailty assessment tools, as well as their ability to predict acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in patients on the liver transplant (LT) waiting list (WL), remains poorly understood. Existing objective frailty screening tests have limitations when applied to critically ill patients. The correlation between sarcopenia and frailty assessment tools was weak, suggesting that they may capture different phenotypes. Sarcopenia assessed by skeletal muscle index, frailty evaluated using the liver frailty index, and the model for end-stage liver disease-Na score independently predicted the development of ACLF in patients on the WL. Our findings support the integration of liver frailty index and skeletal muscle index assessments at the time of inclusion on the WL for LT. This combined approach allows for the identification of a specific patient subgroup with an increased susceptibility to ACLF, underscoring the importance of early implementation of targeted treatment strategies to improve outcomes for patients awaiting LT.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan Carlos Spina
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Radiology Department, Hospital Italiano de Bs As, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Martínez
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorena Savluk
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Radiology Department, Hospital Italiano de Bs As, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julia Saidman
- Radiology Department, Hospital Italiano de Bs As, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Sofia Bakken
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Radiology Department, Hospital Italiano de Bs As, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marlene Padilla
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | | | | | - Sebastián Marciano
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Adrían Gadano
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Pekolj
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan G. Abraldes
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Alberta, CEGIIR, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ezequiel Mauro
- Liver Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Italiano de Bs. As., Buenos Aires, Argentina
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15
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Sonderup MW, Kamath PS, Awuku YA, Desalegn H, Gogela N, Katsidzira L, Tzeuton C, Bobat B, Kassianides C, Spearman CW. Managing cirrhosis with limited resources: perspectives from sub-Saharan Africa. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 9:170-184. [PMID: 38215781 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00279-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
Cirrhosis represents the end stage of chronic liver disease. Sub-Saharan Africa, a resource-constrained region, has a high burden of chronic liver disease, with causes including chronic viral hepatitis, excessive alcohol use, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the risk of which is burgeoning. The development of liver cirrhosis predicts for morbidity and mortality, driven by both liver dysfunction and the consequences of portal hypertension. Compensated cirrhosis portends a better prognosis than decompensated cirrhosis, highlighting the need for the early diagnosis of cirrhosis and its causes. With resource challenges, the diagnosis and management of cirrhosis is demanding, but less costly and less invasive interventions with substantial benefits, ranging from simple blood tests to transient elastography, are feasible in such settings. Simple interventions are also available to manage the complex manifestations of decompensation, such as β blockers in variceal bleeding prophylaxis, salt restriction and appropriate diuretic use in ascites, and lactulose and generic rifaximin in hepatic encephalopathy. Ultimately, managing the underlying causative factors of liver disease is key in improving prognosis. Management demands expanded policy interventions to increase screening and treatment for hepatitis B and C and reduce alcohol use and the metabolic factors driving MASLD. Furthermore, the skills needed for more specialised interventions, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedures and even liver transplantation, warrant planning, increased capacity, and support for regional centres of excellence. Such centres are already being developed in sub-Saharan Africa, demonstrating what can be achieved with dedicated initiatives and individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Sonderup
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | - Yaw A Awuku
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Hailemichael Desalegn
- Department of Internal Medicine, St Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Neliswa Gogela
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Leolin Katsidzira
- Internal Medicine Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Christian Tzeuton
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of Douala, University of Douala, Douala, Cameroon
| | - Bilal Bobat
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, University of the Witwatersrand and Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Chris Kassianides
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - C Wendy Spearman
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
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Chrysavgis L, Adamantou M, Angelousi A, Cholongitas E. The association of testosterone with sarcopenia and frailty in chronic liver disease. Eur J Clin Invest 2024; 54:e14108. [PMID: 37837304 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14108] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testosterone is an important anabolic hormone responsible for maintaining body composition and muscle mass and circulates mostly albumin-bound, or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)-bound or free in the plasma. Of these fractions, the latter is bioactive and exerts the androgenic effects on male population. Liver cirrhosis, the advanced stage of any chronic liver disease characterized by permanent distortions to the hepatic architecture, disrupts the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, leading to diminished levels of free testosterone and hypogonadism. METHODS We retrieved the PubMed database to provide a synopsis of testosterone's physiology and action and summarize the effect of sarcopenia in pre-cirrhotic and cirrhotic patients. Moreover, we scoped to provide insight into the relationship of testosterone levels with sarcopenia, frailty and survival in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic population as well as to discuss the efficacy of exogenous testosterone supplementation on the anthropometric parameters and survival of those patients. RESULTS Low testosterone levels have been associated with sarcopenia, reduced body lean mass, decreased bone mineral density and frailty, thus leading to increased morbidity and mortality especially among cirrhotic patients. Furthermore, exogenous testosterone administration significantly ameliorated body composition on patients with chronic hepatic disease, without significant adverse effects. However, the current literature does not suggest any significant effect on survival of those patients. Moreover, the long-term safety of testosterone use remains an open question. CONCLUSION Low serum testosterone is strongly correlated with sarcopenia, frailty, higher rate of hepatic decompensation and mortality. Nonetheless, exogenous supplementation of testosterone did not ameliorate the liver-related outcomes and complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lampros Chrysavgis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Magdalini Adamantou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Anna Angelousi
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
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17
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Bajaj JS, Fagan A, Gavis EA, Mousel T, Gallagher ML, Puri P, Fuchs M, Davis BC, Hylemon PB, Zhou H, Ahluwalia V, Cadrain R, Sikaroodi M, Gillevet PM. The RIVET RCT: Rifamycin SV MMX improves muscle mass, physical function, and ammonia in cirrhosis and minimal encephalopathy. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0384. [PMID: 38315140 PMCID: PMC10843468 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000384] [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: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) negatively affects the prognosis of cirrhosis, but treatment is not standard. Rifamycin SV MMX (RiVM) is a nonabsorbable rifampin derivative with colonic action. METHODS In a phase 2 placebo-controlled, double-blind randomized clinical trial patients with MHE were randomized to RiVM or placebo for 30 days with a 7-day follow-up. The primary endpoint was a change in stool cirrhosis dysbiosis ratio. Gut-brain (cognition, stool/salivary microbiome, ammonia, brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy), inflammation (stool calprotectin/serum cytokines), patient-reported outcomes (sickness impact profile: total/physical/psychosocial, high = worse), and sarcopenia (handgrip, bioelectric impedance) were secondary. Between/within groups and delta (post-pre) comparisons were performed. RESULTS Thirty patients (15/group) were randomized and completed the study without safety concerns. While cirrhosis dysbiosis ratio was statistically similar on repeated measures ANOVA (95% CI: -0.70 to 3.5), ammonia significantly reduced (95% CI: 4.4-29.6) in RiVM with changes in stool microbial α/β-diversity. MHE status was unchanged but only serial dotting (which tests motor strength) improved in RiVM-assigned patients. Delta physical sickness impact profile (95% CI: 0.33 = 8.5), lean mass (95% CI: -3.3 to -0.9), and handgrip strength (95% CI: -8.1 to -1.0) improved in RiVM versus placebo. Stool short-chain fatty acids (propionate, acetate, and butyrate) increased post-RiVM. Serum, urine, and stool bile acid profile changed to nontoxic bile acids (higher hyocholate/ursodeoxycholate and lower deoxycholate/lithocholate) post-RiVM. Serum IL-1β and stool calprotectin decreased while brain magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed higher glutathione concentrations in RiVM. CONCLUSIONS RiVM is well tolerated in patients with MHE with changes in stool microbial composition and function, ammonia, inflammation, brain oxidative stress, and sarcopenia-related parameters without improvement in cognition. RiVM modulates the gut-brain axis and gut-muscle axis in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmohan S. Bajaj
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Andrew Fagan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Edith A. Gavis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Travis Mousel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Mary L. Gallagher
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Puneet Puri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael Fuchs
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Brian C. Davis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Phillip B. Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Vishwadeep Ahluwalia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and Richmond VA Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA
- Center for Advanced Brain Imaging, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Robert Cadrain
- Collaborative Advanced Research Imaging Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Masoumeh Sikaroodi
- Microbiome Analysis Center, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
| | - Patrick M. Gillevet
- Microbiome Analysis Center, George Mason University, Manassas, Virginia, USA
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18
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Wang J, Bai J, Wang H, Xu G, Yao R, Li J, Zhang W, Wang H, Yao J, Ren X. Relationship between skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra with infection risk and long-term prognosis in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. Front Nutr 2024; 10:1327832. [PMID: 38268672 PMCID: PMC10806060 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1327832] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Infection is a major cause of increased mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). This study aims to examine the potential correlation of the skeletal muscle index at the third lumbar vertebra (L3-SMI) with infections among ACLF patients and to evaluate its impact on the long-term survival. Methods This retrospective study included 126 patients who underwent abdominal computed tomography (CT) and were diagnosed with ACLF at our center between December 2017 and December 2021. L3-SMI was calculated using CT, and the clinical and biochemical data as well as MELD scores were also collected, so as to analyze the relationship between L3-SMI and infections in ACLF patients and the impact on long-term prognosis. Results Of the 126 ACLF patients enrolled, 50 had infections. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, both L3-SMI [odds ratio (OR) = 0.89, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.81 - 0.97, P = 0.011] and hepatic encephalopathy (OR = 8.20, 95% CI = 1.70 - 39.59, P = 0.009) were independently associated with the risk of infection development. The overall survival (OS) estimates were obtained using Kaplan-Meier curves, and it was found that patients in the lowest tertile of L3-SMI had significantly lower 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year survival rates than those in the highest tertile (P = 0.014; log-rank test). Conclusion Low L3-SMI is an independent risk factor for the development of infections and significantly influences the long-term survival in ACLF patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jinjia Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Huimin Wang
- Endoscopy Center, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Guofen Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jincheng General Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ruoyu Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Wenrui Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jia Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaojing Ren
- Department of Gastroenterology, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University (Shanxi Bethune Hospital), Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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Sood A, Hosseinpour A, Sood A, Avula S, Durrani J, Bhatia V, Gupta R. Cardiovascular Outcomes of Hypogonadal Men Receiving Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Endocr Pract 2024; 30:2-10. [PMID: 37797887 DOI: 10.1016/j.eprac.2023.09.012] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on cardiovascular outcomes in hypogonadal men. METHODS A meta-analysis of 26 randomized controlled trials involving 10 941 participants was conducted. Various clinical outcomes, including all-cause mortality, cardiovascular-related mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, pulmonary embolism, and venous thrombosis, were assessed. RESULTS No statistically significant differences were observed between the TRT group and the control group in terms of these clinical outcomes. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias assessment supported the robustness of the findings. Meta-regression analysis found no significant associations between clinical outcomes and potential covariates, including age, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and smoking. DISCUSSION Previous research on TRT and cardiovascular events, with comparisons to studies like the Testosterone Trials and the studies conducted by Vigen et al, Finkle et al, Layton et al, and Wallis et al, is provided. The significance of the systematic review and meta-analysis approach is emphasized, particularly its exclusive focus on hypogonadal patients. CONCLUSION This study offers reassurance that TRT does not increase mortality risk or worsen cardiovascular outcomes in hypogonadal men. However, further research, especially long-term studies involving diverse populations, is essential to strengthen the evidence base and broaden the applicability of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aayushi Sood
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, Pennsylvania.
| | - Alireza Hosseinpour
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Akshit Sood
- Department of Medicine, Navjivan General and Maternity Hospital, Jalandhar, Punjab, India
| | - Sreekant Avula
- Department of Diabetes, Endocrinology & Metabolism, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jawahar Durrani
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Wright Center for Graduate Medical Education, Scranton, Pennsylvania
| | - Vishal Bhatia
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, St Vincent Medical Group, Evansville, Indiana
| | - Rahul Gupta
- Department of Cardiology, Lehigh Valley Heart Institute, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Allentown, Pennsylvania
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20
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Terbah R, Testro A, Gow P, Majumdar A, Sinclair M. Portal Hypertension in Malnutrition and Sarcopenia in Decompensated Cirrhosis-Pathogenesis, Implications and Therapeutic Opportunities. Nutrients 2023; 16:35. [PMID: 38201864 PMCID: PMC10780673 DOI: 10.3390/nu16010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Malnutrition and sarcopenia are highly prevalent in patients with decompensated cirrhosis and are associated with poorer clinical outcomes. Their pathophysiology is complex and multifactorial, with protein-calorie malnutrition, systemic inflammation, reduced glycogen stores and hormonal imbalances all well reported. The direct contribution of portal hypertension to these driving factors is however not widely documented in the literature. This review details the specific mechanisms by which portal hypertension directly contributes to the development of malnutrition and sarcopenia in cirrhosis. We summarise the existing literature describing treatment strategies that specifically aim to reduce portal pressures and their impact on nutritional and muscle outcomes, which is particularly relevant to those with end-stage disease awaiting liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryma Terbah
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (R.T.); (A.T.); (P.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Adam Testro
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (R.T.); (A.T.); (P.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Paul Gow
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (R.T.); (A.T.); (P.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Avik Majumdar
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (R.T.); (A.T.); (P.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Marie Sinclair
- Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, 145 Studley Road, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia; (R.T.); (A.T.); (P.G.); (A.M.)
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
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21
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Elsheikh M, El Sabagh A, Mohamed IB, Bhongade M, Hassan MM, Jalal PK. Frailty in end-stage liver disease: Understanding pathophysiology, tools for assessment, and strategies for management. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:6028-6048. [PMID: 38130738 PMCID: PMC10731159 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i46.6028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Frailty and sarcopenia are frequently observed in patients with end-stage liver disease. Frailty is a complex condition that arises from deteriorations across various physiological systems, including the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and immune systems, resulting in a reduced ability of the body to withstand stressors. This condition is associated with declined resilience and increased vulnerability to negative outcomes, including disability, hospitalization, and mortality. In cirrhotic patients, frailty is influenced by multiple factors, such as hyperammonemia, hormonal imbalance, malnutrition, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and alcohol intake. Assessing frailty is crucial in predicting morbidity and mortality in cirrhotic patients. It can aid in making critical decisions regarding patients' eligibility for critical care and transplantation. This, in turn, can guide the development of an individualized treatment plan for each patient with cirrhosis, with a focus on prioritizing exercise, proper nutrition, and appropriate treatment of hepatic complications as the primary lines of treatment. In this review, we aim to explore the topic of frailty in liver diseases, with a particular emphasis on pathophysiology, clinical assessment, and discuss strategies for preventing frailty through effective treatment of hepatic complications. Furthermore, we explore novel assessment and management strategies that have emerged in recent years, including the use of wearable technology and telemedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mazen Elsheikh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Ahmed El Sabagh
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Islam B Mohamed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Megha Bhongade
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Manal M Hassan
- Department of Epidemiology, Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Sciences, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Prasun Kumar Jalal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
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22
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Knoedler S, Schliermann R, Knoedler L, Wu M, Hansen FJ, Matar DY, Obed D, Vervoort D, Haug V, Hundeshagen G, Paik A, Kauke-Navarro M, Kneser U, Pomahac B, Orgill DP, Panayi AC. Impact of sarcopenia on outcomes in surgical patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int J Surg 2023; 109:4238-4262. [PMID: 37696253 PMCID: PMC10720826 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Surgeons have historically used age as a preoperative predictor of postoperative outcomes. Sarcopenia, the loss of skeletal muscle mass due to disease or biological age, has been proposed as a more accurate risk predictor. The prognostic value of sarcopenia assessment in surgical patients remains poorly understood. Therefore, the authors aimed to synthesize the available literature and investigate the impact of sarcopenia on perioperative and postoperative outcomes across all surgical specialties. METHODS The authors systematically assessed the prognostic value of sarcopenia on postoperative outcomes by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searching the PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE databases from inception to 1st October 2022. Their primary outcomes were complication occurrence, mortality, length of operation and hospital stay, discharge to home, and postdischarge survival rate at 1, 3, and 5 years. Subgroup analysis was performed by stratifying complications according to the Clavien-Dindo classification system. Sensitivity analysis was performed by focusing on studies with an oncological, cardiovascular, emergency, or transplant surgery population and on those of higher quality or prospective study design. RESULTS A total of 294 studies comprising 97 643 patients, of which 33 070 had sarcopenia, were included in our analysis. Sarcopenia was associated with significantly poorer postoperative outcomes, including greater mortality, complication occurrence, length of hospital stay, and lower rates of discharge to home (all P <0.00001). A significantly lower survival rate in patients with sarcopenia was noted at 1, 3, and 5 years (all P <0.00001) after surgery. Subgroup analysis confirmed higher rates of complications and mortality in oncological (both P <0.00001), cardiovascular (both P <0.00001), and emergency ( P =0.03 and P =0.04, respectively) patients with sarcopenia. In the transplant surgery cohort, mortality was significantly higher in patients with sarcopenia ( P <0.00001). Among all patients undergoing surgery for inflammatory bowel disease, the frequency of complications was significantly increased among sarcopenic patients ( P =0.007). Sensitivity analysis based on higher quality studies and prospective studies showed that sarcopenia remained a significant predictor of mortality and complication occurrence (all P <0.00001). CONCLUSION Sarcopenia is a significant predictor of poorer outcomes in surgical patients. Preoperative assessment of sarcopenia can help surgeons identify patients at risk, critically balance eligibility, and refine perioperative management. Large-scale studies are required to further validate the importance of sarcopenia as a prognostic indicator of perioperative risk, especially in surgical subspecialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Knoedler
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Hand Surgery, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Rainer Schliermann
- Faculty of Social and Health Care Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Regensburg, Regensburg
| | - Leonard Knoedler
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Mengfan Wu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People’s Republic of China
| | - Frederik J. Hansen
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen
| | - Dany Y. Matar
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Doha Obed
- Department of Plastic, Aesthetic, Hand and Reconstructive Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Dominique Vervoort
- Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Valentin Haug
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Gabriel Hundeshagen
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Angie Paik
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Martin Kauke-Navarro
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
| | - Bohdan Pomahac
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Dennis P. Orgill
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
| | - Adriana C. Panayi
- Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Microsurgery, Burn Center, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, University of Heidelberg, Ludwigshafen, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Division of Plastic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston
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23
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DiLeo DA, Gidener T, Aytaman A. Chronic Liver Disease in the Older Patient-Evaluation and Management. Curr Gastroenterol Rep 2023; 25:390-400. [PMID: 37991713 DOI: 10.1007/s11894-023-00908-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW As our population ages, the number of elderly patients with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD) will increase. In this review we explore risk factors for liver injury, noninvasive assessment of liver disease, complications of cirrhosis, and management of frailty and sarcopenia in the older patient with ACLD. RECENT FINDINGS Multiple guidelines regarding ACLD have been updated over the past few years. New cutoffs for FIB-4 and NAFLD (MASLD - Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease) fibrosis scores for elderly patients are being validated. Older patients with MASLD benefit from caloric restriction, exercise programs, and GLP-1 agonists. Patients with ACLD need to be screened for alcohol use disorder with modified scoring systems, and if positive, benefit from referral to chemical dependency programs. Carvedilol and diuretics may safely be used in the elderly for portal hypertension and ascites, respectively, with careful monitoring. Malnutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, and bone mineral disease are common in older patients with ACLD, and early intervention may improve outcomes. Early identification of ACLD in elderly patients allows us to manage risk factors for liver injury, screen for complications, and implement lifestyle and pharmacological therapy to reduce decompensation and death. Future studies may clarify the role of noninvasive imaging in assessing liver fibrosis in the elderly and optimal interventions for nutrition, frailty, sarcopenia, bone health in addition to reevaluation of antibiotic prophylaxis for liver conditions with rising antibiotic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Anthony DiLeo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Brooklyn Campus of the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, 800 Poly Pl, Brooklyn, NY, 11209, USA.
| | - Tolga Gidener
- Department of Medicine, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, 11203, USA
| | - Ayse Aytaman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Brooklyn Campus of the Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System, 800 Poly Pl, Brooklyn, NY, 11209, USA
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24
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Seo KI. [Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = TAEHAN SOHWAGI HAKHOE CHI 2023; 82:233-238. [PMID: 37997219 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2023.127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a crucial factor in assessing the nutritional status of chronic liver disease patients and predicting their prognosis and survival. The serum ammonia level is closely associated with sarcopenia regarding ammonia, a key regulator in the liver-muscle axis. In addition, various changes in energy metabolism and hormones are also involved in sarcopenia. The psoas muscle area can represent the overall skeletal muscle mass in liver disease patients. Therefore, measuring the psoas muscle area with computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging is considered an objective and reliable method for assessing muscle mass. Providing sufficient calorie and protein intake is crucial for preventing and treating sarcopenia. In addition, engaging in appropriate exercise and addressing concurrent hormonal and metabolic changes can be helpful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Il Seo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Chang Kee-Ryo Memorial Liver Institute, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Nutritional Support Team, Kosin University Gospel Hospital, Busan, Korea
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25
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Huang YC, Chen SL, Dong Y, Shi Y. Association between elevated serum uric acid levels and high estimated glomerular filtration rate with reduced risk of low muscle strength in older people: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:652. [PMID: 37821826 PMCID: PMC10568872 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04374-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to investigate the interaction between serum uric acid (SUA) levels with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to low muscle strength (LMS) among older people in China. METHODS Cohort data were obtained from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) in 2011 and 2015. A total of 2,822 community-dwelling adults aged 60 and above were enrolled for the follow-up. Serum uric acid was collected after 8 h of fasting, and handgrip strength was measured with a dynamometer. eGFR was calculated with an equation based on the Chinese population. A generalized additive model was employed for interaction analysis and progressively adjusted confounders. RESULTS During the follow-up, a total of 659 individuals were excluded due to the lack of grip strength data, leaving 2,163 participants for analysis. Despite the protective effect of high uric acid against low muscle strength, especially in older females, it is not statistically significant (OR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.45-1.04, P = 0.075). Following the progressive adjustment of covariates, the association between higher eGFR and elevated SUA levels remained statistically significant in females, showing a reduced odds ratio with low muscle strength (OR = 0.82, 95%CI = 0.70-0.97, P = 0.021). However, this trend was not observed in male participants. CONCLUSIONS This Chinese population-based cohort study suggests that among older females, a higher serum uric acid level combined with a higher estimated glomerular filtration rate is linked to a reduced risk of low muscle strength. This implies that the relationship between high serum uric acid levels and the risk of low grip strength might differ by gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Cheng Huang
- Shi's Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201220, China
| | - Si Liang Chen
- Shi's Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201220, China
| | - Ying Dong
- School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Shi's Center of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Institute of Traumatology & Orthopedics, Shanghai Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201220, China.
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26
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Ha NB, Seetharaman S, Kent DS, Yao F, Shui AM, Huang CY, Walston J, Lai JC. Serum and plasma protein biomarkers associated with frailty in patients with cirrhosis. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:1089-1099. [PMID: 36932707 PMCID: PMC10509322 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000128] [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: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Frailty, a clinical phenotype of decreased physiological reserve, is a strong determinant of adverse health outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. The only cirrhosis-specific frailty metric is the Liver Frailty Index (LFI), which must be administered in person and may not be feasible for every clinical scenario. We sought to discover candidate serum/plasma protein biomarkers that could differentiate frail from robust patients with cirrhosis. A total of 140 adults with cirrhosis awaiting liver transplantation in the ambulatory setting with LFI assessments and available serum/plasma samples were included. We selected 70 pairs of patients on opposite ends of the frailty spectrum (LFI>4.4 for frail and LFI<3.2 for robust) who were matched by age, sex, etiology, HCC, and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium. Twenty-five biomarkers with biologically plausible associations with frailty were analyzed using ELISA by a single laboratory. Conditional logistic regression was used to examine their association with frailty. Of the 25 biomarkers analyzed, we identified 7 proteins that were differentially expressed between frail and robust patients. We observed differences in 6 of the 7 proteins in the expected direction: (a) higher median values in frail versus robust with growth differentiation factor-15 (3682 vs. 2249 pg/mL), IL-6 (17.4 vs. 6.4 pg/mL), TNF-alpha receptor 1 (2062 vs. 1627 pg/mL), leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (44.0 vs. 38.6 μg/mL), and myostatin (4066 vs. 6006 ng/mL) and (b) lower median values in frail versus robust with alpha-2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein (0.11 vs. 0.13 mg/mL) and free total testosterone (1.2 vs. 2.4 ng/mL). These biomarkers represent inflammatory, musculoskeletal, and endocrine/metabolic systems, reflecting the multiple physiological derangements observed in frailty. These data lay the foundation for confirmatory work and development of a laboratory frailty index for patients with cirrhosis to improve diagnosis and prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nghiem B. Ha
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Srilakshmi Seetharaman
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Dorothea S. Kent
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Frederick Yao
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Amy M. Shui
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Chiung-Yu Huang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jeremy Walston
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, John Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
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27
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Mishra S, Premkumar M. Nutritional Management of a Liver Transplant Candidate. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:878-894. [PMID: 37693267 PMCID: PMC10483011 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Nearly two-thirds of patients with cirrhosis suffer from malnutrition resulting from multiple contributory factors such as poor intake, accelerated starvation, catabolic milieu, and anabolic resistance. Nutritional assessment and optimization are integral to adequate management of a liver transplant (LT) candidate. A detailed nutritional assessment should be done at baseline in all potential transplant candidates with periodic reassessments. Sarcopenia is defined as a reduction in muscle mass, function, and/or performance. Skeletal muscle index at 3rd lumbar vertebra determined by computed tomography is the most objective tool to assess muscle mass. Hand-grip strength and gait speed are simple tools to gauge muscle strength and performance, respectively. Sarcopenia, sarcopenic obesity, and myosteatosis portend poor outcomes. Sarcopenia contributes greatly to frailty, which is a syndrome of reduced physiological reserve and impaired response to stressors. Dietary interventions must ensure adequate calorie (35-40 kcal/kg/day) and protein (1.2-1.5 gm/kg/day) intake via multiple frequent meals and late-evening calorie-dense snack. Micronutrient supplementation is essential, keeping in mind the etiology of cirrhosis. Individualized, gradually up-titrated exercise prescription consisting of both aerobic and resistance training of 150 min/week is advisable after appropriate risk assessment. Early initiation of enteral nutrition within 12-24 h of LT is recommended. Data with respect to immune-nutrition, monomeric formulas, and hormone replacement remain conflicting at present. A multidisciplinary team comprising of hepatologists, transplant surgeons, intensivists, dieticians, and physiotherapists is vital to improve overall nutrition and outcomes in this vulnerable group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saurabh Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Paras Health, Sector-22, Panchkula, Haryana, 134109, India
| | - Madhumita Premkumar
- Departments of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Sector-12, Chandigarh, 160012, India
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28
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Grossmann M, Jayasena CN, Anawalt BD. Approach to the Patient: The Evaluation and Management of Men ≥50 Years With Low Serum Testosterone Concentration. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:e871-e884. [PMID: 36995891 PMCID: PMC10438885 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Although testosterone replacement in men with classic hypogonadism due to an identified pathology of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis is uncontroversial, the role of testosterone treatment for men with age-related declines in circulating testosterone is unclear. This is due to the lack of large, long-term testosterone therapy trials assessing definitive clinical endpoints. However, men ≥50 years of age, particularly those who have a body mass index >25 kg/m2 and multiple comorbidities, commonly present with clinical features of androgen deficiency and low serum testosterone concentrations. Clinicians are faced with the question whether to initiate testosterone therapy, a difficult dilemma that entails a benefit-risk analysis with limited evidence from clinical trials. Using a case scenario, we present a practical approach to the clinical assessment and management of such men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria 3084, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Channa N Jayasena
- Section of Investigative Medicine, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Bradley D Anawalt
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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29
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Espina S, Casas-Deza D, Bernal-Monterde V, Domper-Arnal MJ, García-Mateo S, Lué A. Evaluation and Management of Nutritional Consequences of Chronic Liver Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:3487. [PMID: 37571424 PMCID: PMC10421025 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are the major predisposing conditions for the development of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty. Recently, the mechanism of the onset of these complications has been better established. Regardless of the etiology of the underlying liver disease, the clinical manifestations are common. The main consequences are impaired dietary intake, altered macro- and micronutrient metabolism, energy metabolism disturbances, an increase in energy expenditure, nutrient malabsorption, sarcopenia, frailty, and osteopathy. These complications have direct effects on clinical outcomes, survival, and quality of life. The nutritional status should be assessed systematically and periodically during follow-up in these patients. Maintaining and preserving an adequate nutritional status is crucial and should be a mainstay of treatment. Although general nutritional interventions have been established, special considerations are needed in specific settings such as decompensated cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver disease, and metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. In this review, we summarize the physiopathology and factors that impact the nutritional status of liver disease. We review how to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia and how to prevent and manage these complications in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Espina
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.E.); (D.C.-D.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
| | - Diego Casas-Deza
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.E.); (D.C.-D.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
| | - Vanesa Bernal-Monterde
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.E.); (D.C.-D.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
| | - María José Domper-Arnal
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sandra García-Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alberto Lué
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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30
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Iepsen UW, Rinnov AR, Munch GW, Rugbjerg M, Winding KM, Lauridsen C, Berg RMG, Pedersen BK, Gluud LL, van Hall G. Skeletal muscle protein turnover responses to parenteral nutrition in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and sarcopenia. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G174-G183. [PMID: 37339940 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00242.2022] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
Alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC) is accompanied by sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of balanced parenteral nutrition (PN) on skeletal muscle protein turnover in ALC. Eight male patients with ALC and seven age- and sex-matched healthy controls were studied for 3 h of fasting followed by 3 h of intravenous PN (SmofKabiven 1,206 mL: amino acid = 38 g, carbohydrates = 85 g, and fat = 34 g) 4 mL/kg/h. We measured leg blood flow and sampled paired femoral arteriovenous concentrations and quadriceps muscle biopsies while providing a primed continuous infusion of [ring-2d5]-phenylalanine to quantify muscle protein synthesis and breakdown. Patients with ALC exhibited shorter 6-min walking distance (ALC: 487 ± 38 vs. controls: 722 ± 14 m, P < 0.05), lower hand-grip strength (ALC: 34 ± 2 vs. controls: 52 ± 2 kg, P < 0.05), and computed tomography (CT)-verified leg muscle loss (ALC: 5,922 ± 246 vs. controls: 8,110 ± 345 mm2, P < 0.05). Net leg muscle phenylalanine uptake changed from negative (muscle loss) during fasting to positive (muscle gain) in response to PN (ALC: -0.18 ± +0.01 vs. 0.24 ± 0.03 µmol/kg muscle·min-1; P < 0.001 and controls: -0.15 ± 0.01 vs. 0.09 ± 0.01 µmol/kg muscle·min-1; P < 0.001) but with higher net muscle phenylalanine uptake in ALC than controls (P < 0.001). Insulin concentrations were substantially higher in patients with ALC during PN. Our results suggest a higher net muscle phenylalanine uptake during a single infusion of PN in stable patients with ALC with sarcopenia compared with healthy controls.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Muscle protein turnover responses to parenteral nutritional (PN) supplementation have not previously been studied in stable alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC). We applied stable isotope tracers of amino acids to directly quantify net muscle protein turnover responses to PN in sarcopenic males with ALC and healthy controls. We found a higher net muscle protein gain in ALC during PN, thereby providing the physiological rationale for future clinical trials of PN as a potential countermeasure to sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik Winning Iepsen
- The Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Copenhagen University Hospital-Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Rasmussen Rinnov
- The Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gregers Winding Munch
- The Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Rugbjerg
- The Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamilla Munch Winding
- The Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carsten Lauridsen
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Technology, Copenhagen University College, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ronan M G Berg
- The Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Neurovascular Research Laboratory, Faculty of Life Sciences and Education, University of South Wales, Pontypridd, United Kingdom
| | - Bente Klarlund Pedersen
- The Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Gastro Unit, Hvidovre Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Gerrit van Hall
- Clinical Metabolomics Core Facility, Clinical Biochemistry, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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31
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Lee TW, Kao PY, Chen YC, Wang ST. Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Muscle Strength in Older Men with Low to Low-Normal Testosterone Levels: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Gerontology 2023; 69:1157-1166. [PMID: 37494893 DOI: 10.1159/000532062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies and meta-analyses have explored the relationship among testosterone, muscle strength, and physical function, to the best of our knowledge, no meta-analysis has investigated the effects of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) on subgroup of relatively hypogonadal older men. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of TRT in older men with low testosterone levels. METHODS PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were systematically searched for articles published between January 1990 and April 2020. We included randomized controlled studies that investigated the effect of TRT and included older men (age >60 years) with relatively low testosterone levels. Studies were extracted following the PRISMA flowchart, and the included randomized controlled trials were evaluated using RoB 2.0. Our main outcome was muscle strength changes after TRT evaluated using a metaregression of confounding factors. Secondary outcomes included changes in physical performance and the risk ratio of adverse events. Random-effects meta-analyses of TRT on muscle strength and physical function were performed. RESULTS Thirteen studies with 2,043 patients were included. The mean age of subjects in various studies ranged from 65.9 years to 76 years. Transdermal testosterone dosages ranged from 5 to 10 g/day, while intramuscular options were 125 mg/week or 200 mg every 2 weeks. Oral testosterone supplementation was given at 160 mg/day in one study. Pooled meta-analyses revealed greater muscle strength improvement after TRT compared with placebo (Hedges' g = 0.21; 95% CI: = 0.15-0.28). Intramuscular administration of TRT had greater efficacy (Hedges' g = 0.74; 95% CI: = 0.34-1.14) than transdermal and oral TRT (p < 0.001). A metaregression revealed that baseline serum total testosterone was associated with muscle strength improvement (β = -0.004, p = 0.002). The risk ratios of adverse events, including elevated prostate-specific antigen, acute coronary syndrome, and prostate cancer, were not significantly different. CONCLUSION TRT improved muscle strength in older, relatively hypogonadal men. The effect was more pronounced in populations with lower baseline testosterone levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Wei Lee
- Department of Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan,
| | - Pei-Yu Kao
- Department of Education, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Ching Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sen-Te Wang
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Health Management Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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Apostolov R, Wong D, Low E, Vaz K, Spurio J, Worland T, Liu D, Chan RK, Gow P, Grossmann M, Sinclair M. Testosterone is lower in men with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcohol-related cirrhosis and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:1328-1334. [PMID: 37282344 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2023.2220857] [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: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Low serum testosterone is common in cirrhotic men, but the impact of disease aetiology remains uncertain. This study compares serum total testosterone (TT) levels by disease aetiology and assesses its prognostic value. METHODS Single-centre retrospective study of cirrhotic men who had TT levels measured between 2002 and 2020. A cut-off of 12 nmol/L was used to define low TT and 230 pmol/L for calculated free testosterone (cFT). Linear and logistic regression used to adjust for variables known to affect testosterone levels and assess for an association between levels and outcomes. RESULTS Of 766 cirrhotic men, 33.3% had alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) and 11.9% had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The median age was 56 years (interquartile range (IQR) 50-61), and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score 14 (IQR 9-20). TT levels were low in 53.3% of patients, (median 11.0 nmol/L; IQR 3.7-19.8) and cFT low in 79.6% (median 122 pmol/L; IQR 48.6-212). Median TT was lower in men with ALD (7.6 nmol/L; IQR 2.1-16.2) and NAFLD (9.8 nmol/L; IQR 2.75-15.6) compared to other aetiologies (11.0 nmol/L; IQR 3.73-19.8) (p < 0.001 for all), which remained true after adjustment for age and MELD score. TT was inversely associated with 12-month mortality or transplant (381 events, p = 0.02) and liver decompensation (345 events, p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS Low serum testosterone is common in cirrhotic men and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. TT levels are significantly lower in ALD and NAFLD compared to other disease aetiologies. Further large-scale studies are required to assess the potential benefits of testosterone therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross Apostolov
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Darren Wong
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Low
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karl Vaz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jessica Spurio
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Thomas Worland
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dorothy Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Paul Gow
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marie Sinclair
- Department of Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Unit, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Gortan Cappellari G, Guillet C, Poggiogalle E, Ballesteros Pomar MD, Batsis JA, Boirie Y, Breton I, Frara S, Genton L, Gepner Y, Gonzalez MC, Heymsfield SB, Kiesswetter E, Laviano A, Prado CM, Santini F, Serlie MJ, Siervo M, Villareal DT, Volkert D, Voortman T, Weijs PJ, Zamboni M, Bischoff SC, Busetto L, Cederholm T, Barazzoni R, Donini LM. Sarcopenic obesity research perspectives outlined by the sarcopenic obesity global leadership initiative (SOGLI) - Proceedings from the SOGLI consortium meeting in rome November 2022. Clin Nutr 2023; 42:687-699. [PMID: 36947988 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2023.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
The European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism (ESPEN) and the European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO) launched the Sarcopenic Obesity Global Leadership Initiative (SOGLI) to reach expert consensus on a definition and diagnostic criteria for Sarcopenic Obesity (SO). The present paper describes the proceeding of the Sarcopenic Obesity Global Leadership Initiative (SOGLI) meeting that was held on November 25th and 26th, 2022 in Rome, Italy. This consortium involved the participation of 50 researchers from different geographic regions and countries. The document outlines an agenda advocated by the SOGLI expert panel regarding the pathophysiology, screening, diagnosis, staging and treatment of SO that needs to be prioritized for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christelle Guillet
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRA, CRNH, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | | | | | - John A Batsis
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Yves Boirie
- University of Clermont Auvergne, INRA, CRNH, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Irene Breton
- Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Stefano Frara
- Università Vita-Salute, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Eva Kiesswetter
- Institute for Evidence in Medicine, Medical Center & Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Dorothee Volkert
- Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Trudy Voortman
- Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Jm Weijs
- Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Tommy Cederholm
- Uppsala University and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rocco Barazzoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Liu Y, Ji F, Nguyen MH. Sarcopenia in cirrhosis: epidemiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:131-139. [PMID: 37144530 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With the development of many international guidelines, research on sarcopenia has increased rapidly, showing that sarcopenia is predictive of adverse outcomes, including increased mortality and impaired mobility, in patients with cirrhosis. The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence concerning the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and predictive value of sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. RECENT FINDINGS Sarcopenia is a frequent and lethal complication of cirrhosis. Currently, abdominal computed tomography imaging is the most commonly used method to diagnose sarcopenia. In clinical practice, assessing muscle strength and physical performance, such as by measuring handgrip strength and gait speed, is of increasing interest. In addition to the necessary pharmacological therapy, adequate intake of protein, energy and micronutrients, as well as regular moderate-intensity exercise, can help to minimize sarcopenia. Sarcopenia has been shown to be a strong predictor of prognosis in patients with severe liver disease. SUMMARY A global consensus is needed on the definition and operational parameters for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Further research should focus on developing standardized screening, management and treatment protocols for sarcopenia. Adding sarcopenia to existing models may better exploit the effect of sarcopenia on prognosis in patients with cirrhosis, which should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Fanpu Ji
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, PRC
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Musio A, Perazza F, Leoni L, Stefanini B, Dajti E, Menozzi R, Petroni ML, Colecchia A, Ravaioli F. Osteosarcopenia in NAFLD/MAFLD: An Underappreciated Clinical Problem in Chronic Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24087517. [PMID: 37108675 PMCID: PMC10139188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD), including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), affects a significant portion of the population worldwide. NAFLD is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver, while NASH is associated with inflammation and liver damage. Osteosarcopenia, which combines muscle and bone mass loss, is an emerging clinical problem in chronic liver disease that is often underappreciated. The reductions in muscle and bone mass share several common pathophysiological pathways; insulin resistance and chronic systemic inflammation are the most crucial predisposing factors and are related to the presence and gravity of NAFLD and to the worsening of the outcome of liver disease. This article explores the relationship between osteosarcopenia and NAFLD/MAFLD, focusing on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of this condition in patients with CLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Musio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Perazza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Laura Leoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Specialistic Medicines, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Bernardo Stefanini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Elton Dajti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Renata Menozzi
- Division of Metabolic Diseases and Clinical Nutrition, Department of Specialistic Medicines, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Largo del Pozzo 71, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Petroni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS-Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Medical Specialties, University Hospital of Modena, University of Modena & Reggio Emilia, 41121 Modena, Italy
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36
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Muscle Mass Effect: The Importance of Diagnosing and Treating Sarcopenia in Patients with Advanced Chronic Liver Disease. Dig Dis Sci 2023; 68:1089-1090. [PMID: 36881198 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-023-07864-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
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Philips CA, Kedarisetty CK. Palliative Care for Patients with End-Stage Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:319-328. [PMID: 36950499 PMCID: PMC10025682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
End-stage liver disease (ESLD) is the culmination of progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis, decompensation, and chronic liver failure, featuring portal hypertension or hepatocellular failure-related complications. Liver transplantation offers improved long-term survival for these patients but is negatively influenced by donor availability, financial constraints in developing countries, active substance abuse, progression of disease or malignancy on wait-list, sepsis and extrahepatic organ involvement. In this context, palliative care (PC), an interdisciplinary medical practice that aim to prevent and relieve suffering, offers best possible quality of life and is not limited to end-of-life care. It also encompasses achievable goals such as symptom control and aggressive disease-modifying treatments or interventions that beneficially alter the natural course of the disease to offer curative intend. In this narrative review, we discuss the prognostic factors that define disease course in ESLD, various indications and challenges in PC for advanced cirrhosis and management options for major symptom burden in patients with ESLD based on evidence-based best practice.
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Key Words
- ACLF
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- CPT, Child–Pugh–Turcotte
- ESLD, end-stage liver disease
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- INR, international normalized ratio
- LSM, liver stiffness measurement
- LT, liver transplantation
- MELD, model for end stage liver disease
- PC, palliative care
- TE, transient elastography
- TIPS, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt
- ascites
- cirrhosis
- end of life care
- hepatic encephalopathy
- hyponatremia
- portal hypertension
- sepsis
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyriac A. Philips
- Department of Clinical and Translational Hepatology and the Monarch Liver Laboratory, Rajagiri Hospital, Aluva, Kerala, India
| | - Chandan K. Kedarisetty
- Department of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Gleneagles Global Hospital, Hyderabad, India
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38
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Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Sarcopenia. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2023. [PMID: 37495340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
The current evidence indicates a strong association between sarcopenia, the loss of muscle mass and strength, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). The two entities share many common pathophysiologic mechanisms, and their coexistence may result in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Therefore, given their increasing incidence in the modern world, there is a need for a better understanding of the liver-muscle axis for early identification of sarcopenia in patients with MAFLD and vice versa. This review aims at presenting current data regarding the correlation between sarcopenia and MAFLD, the associated comorbidities, and the need for effective therapies.
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39
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Current treatment strategies and future possibilities for sarcopenia in cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2023; 78:889-892. [PMID: 36774981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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40
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Sarcopenia and Frailty in Cirrhosis. Med Clin North Am 2023; 107:589-604. [PMID: 37001955 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia and frailty are frequent in cirrhosis, and both contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. The complex pathogenesis of sarcopenia in cirrhosis is mainly determined by hyperammonemia and malnutrition. Sarcopenia/frailty screening and reevaluation should be undertaken in all cirrhotic patients. Frailty tests are useful in the ambulatory setting, whereas the computed tomography scan is the diagnostic gold standard for sarcopenia. To manage sarcopenia/frailty, a multidisciplinary team should develop a personalized comprehensive care plan that includes patient education, protein/calorie intake goals, late evening meals, exercise programs, and micronutrient replenishment. In selected patients, branched-chain amino acid and testosterone supplements may also be beneficial.
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Wang S, Limon-Miro AT, Cruz C, Tandon P. CAQ Corner: The practical assessment and management of sarcopenia, frailty, and malnutrition in patients with cirrhosis. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:103-113. [PMID: 35466507 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Ana Teresa Limon-Miro
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.,Department of Medicine , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Christofer Cruz
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada.,Department of Medicine , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit , University of Alberta , Edmonton , Alberta , Canada
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Kumar R, Prakash SS, Priyadarshi RN, Anand U. Sarcopenia in Chronic Liver Disease: A Metabolic Perspective. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:1213-1222. [PMID: 36381104 PMCID: PMC9634780 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2022.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia, a condition of low muscle mass, quality, and strength, is commonly found in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes including reduction in quality of life, increased mortality, and complications. A major contributor to sarcopenia in CLD is the imbalance in muscle protein turnover wherein changes in various metabolic factors such as hyperammonemia, amino acid deprivation, hormonal imbalance, gut dysbiosis, insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, etc. have important roles. In particular, hyperammonemia is a key mediator of the liver-gut axis and is known to contribute to sarcopenia by various mechanisms including increased expression of myostatin, increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2a, cataplerosis of α-ketoglutarate, mitochondrial dysfunction, increased reactive oxygen species that decrease protein synthesis and increased autophagy-mediated proteolysis. Skeletal muscle is a major organ of insulin-induced glucose metabolism, and sarcopenia is closely linked to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. Patients with liver cirrhosis are in a hypermetabolic state that is associated with catabolism and depletion of amino acids, particularly branched-chain amino acids. Sarcopenia can have significant implications for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, the most common form of CLD worldwide, because of the close link between metabolic syndrome and sarcopenia. This review discusses the potential metabolic derangement as a cause or effect of sarcopenia in CLD, as well as interorgan crosstalk, which that might help identifying a novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Kumar
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
- Correspondence to: Ramesh Kumar, Department of Gastroenterology, fourth floor, OPD Block, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna 801507, India. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5136-4865. Tel: +91-7765803112, Fax: +91-11-26588663, E-mail:
| | - Sabbu Surya Prakash
- Department of Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
| | | | - Utpal Anand
- Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India
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Jain A, Haussner D, Hranjec T, Butt F, Stine JG, Ankola A, Al Yousif H, Dicristina R, Krok KL, Arenas J. Review of Sarcopenia and Testosterone Deficiency With Chronic Liver Disease and Postoperative Liver Transplant Utility of Short-Term Testosterone Replacement Therapy. EXP CLIN TRANSPLANT 2022; 20:1000-1008. [PMID: 36524886 DOI: 10.6002/ect.2022.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chronic liver disease is often associated with testosterone deficiency. However, testosterone replacement does not improve hepatic function or survival with diseased liver. So far, to our knowledge, testosterone replacement therapy after successful livertransplantforfunctional sarcopenia has not been studied. We had 3 goals: (1) define postoperative functional sarcopenia afterlivertransplant with serum testosterone level; (2) examine the role of short-term testosterone replacement therapy with active in-bed exercise of upper and lower extremity joints; and (3) correlate functional sarcopenia with skeletal muscle index and skeletal muscle density in relation to ascites, pleural effusion subtracted body mass index. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated 16 liver transplant recipients who had been receiving posttransplanttestosterone replacementtherapy with functional sarcopenia. Preoperative and postoperative demographics and laboratory and radiological data were retrieved; body mass index, skeletal muscle index, and skeletal muscle density were calculated. For this retrospective study, institutional review board approval was obtained before the electronic database was reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS Mean testosterone level was 28.3 ng/dL (<5% of expected). Twelve patients received 1 dose, and the remaining 4 patients received >1 dose oftestosterone cypionate, 200 mg. Mean hospital stay was 26 days. Seven patients were discharged home, with the remaining patients to a rehabilitation facility or nursing home. One patient died from a cardiac event, and another patient died from recurrent metastatic malignancy. The 1-year and 5-year actuarial patient and graft survival rates were 93.8% and 87.5%, respectively. Overall, 5 patients were sarcopenic by skeletal muscle index, and 6 patients had poor muscle quality by skeletal muscle density. CONCLUSIONS Testosterone deficiency after liver transplant exists with functional sarcopenia. Two- thirds of such recipients have low skeletal muscle index and/or have low skeletal muscle density. Short- term testosterone replacement therapy with in-bed active exercise provides 5-year patient and graft survival of 87.5%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashokkumar Jain
- From the Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
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44
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Testosterone deficiency in male organ transplant recipients. Int J Impot Res 2022; 34:679-684. [PMID: 35013565 DOI: 10.1038/s41443-021-00513-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone deficiency is known to affect men with increasing incidence throughout their lifespan. The clinical manifestations of testosterone deficiency, in turn, negatively impact men's quality of life and perception of overall health. The interaction of chronic systemic disease and androgen deficiency represent an area for potential intervention. Here, we explore the topic of testosterone deficiency amongst men with end-stage organ failure requiring transplantation in order to elucidate the underlying pathophysiology of androgen deficiency of chronic disease and discuss whether intervention, including testosterone replacement and organ transplantation, improve patients' outcomes and quality of life.
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A nomogram as an indirect method to identify sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100723. [PMID: 35580823 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100723] [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: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Sarcopenia is one of the most common complications of cirrhosis, associated with an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. It is therefore necessary to perform a proper nutritional evaluation in these patients. Although CT scans are the gold standard for diagnosing sarcopenia, they are not widely used in clinical practice. There is thus a need to find indirect methods for identifying sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS This is a cross-sectional study consecutively including all cirrhotic outpatients who underwent CT scans. RESULTS A total of 174 patients met all the inclusion criteria and none of exclusion criteria. Fifty-five patients (31.6%) showed sarcopenia on CT scans. Multivariate analysis revealed that the factors that were independently associated with the presence of sarcopenia on CT scans were: male sex (OR 11.27, 95% CI 3.53-35.95; p<0.001), lower body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.11-1.34; p<0.001) and lower phase angle by bioelectrical impedance analysis (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.74-4.6; p<0.001). With the variables identified from the multivariate study we developed a nomogram that allows ruling out the presence of sarcopenia. Our model rules out sarcopenia with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve value of 0.8. The cutoff point of the probability to rule out sarcopenia was 0.6 (sensitivity 85%, specificity 73%, Youden index 0.58, PPV 82.5% and NPV 91.3%). CONCLUSION Since CT scans involve exposure to radiation and their availability is limited, we propose using this nomogram as an indirect method to rule out sarcopenia in cirrhotic patients.
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Ayares G, Idalsoaga F, Díaz LA, Arnold J, Arab JP. Current Medical Treatment for Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1333-1348. [PMID: 36157148 PMCID: PMC9499849 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol-associated liver disease is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease. It comprises a clinical-histologic spectrum of presentations, from steatosis, steatohepatitis, to different degrees of fibrosis, including cirrhosis and severe necroinflammatory disease, called alcohol-associated hepatitis. In this focused update, we aim to present specific therapeutic interventions and strategies for the management of alcohol-associated liver disease. Current evidence for management in all spectra of manifestations is derived from general chronic liver disease recommendations, but with a higher emphasis on abstinence and nutritional support. Abstinence should comprise the treatment of alcohol use disorder as well as withdrawal syndrome. Nutritional assessment should also consider the presence of sarcopenia and its clinical manifestation, frailty. The degree of compensation of the disease should be evaluated, and complications, actively sought. The most severe acute form of this disease is alcohol-associated hepatitis, which has high mortality and morbidity. Current treatment is based on corticosteroids that act by reducing immune activation and blocking cytotoxicity and inflammation pathways. Other aspects of treatment include preventing and treating hepatorenal syndrome as well as preventing infections although there is no clear evidence as to the benefit of probiotics and antibiotics in prophylaxis. Novel therapies for alcohol-associated hepatitis include metadoxine, interleukin-22 analogs, and interleukin-1-beta antagonists. Finally, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, microbiota transplantation, and gut-liver axis modulation have shown promising results. We also discuss palliative care in advanced alcohol-associated liver disease.
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Key Words
- AC, Amoxicillin/clavulanate
- ACLF, Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure
- ADLs, Activities of Daily Living
- AH, Alcohol-Associated Hepatitis
- AKI-HRS, Acute Kidney Injury - Hepatorenal Syndrome
- ALD
- ALD, Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
- ASH, Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
- AUD, Alcohol Use Disorder
- AWS, Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome
- BCAAs, Branched-Chain Amino Acids
- CDC, Center for Disease Control
- CI, Confidence Interval
- COVID-19, Coronavirus Disease 2019
- CT, Computerized Tomography
- GABA, gamma-aminobutyric acid agonist
- HBV, Hepatitis B Virus
- HCC, Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- HCV, Hepatitis C Virus
- HE, Hepatic Encephalopathy
- HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- HR, Hazard Ratio
- IBW, Ideal Body Weight
- ICA, International Club of Ascites
- IL-1β, Interleukin-1β
- IL-22, Interleukin-22
- KPS, Karnofsky Performance Status
- LB, Liver Biopsy
- LPS, Lipopolysaccharide
- LSM, Liver Stiffness Measurement
- LT, Liver Transplantation
- MDF, Maddrey’s Discriminant Function
- MELD, Model of End-Stage Liver Disease
- MRI, Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- MUST, Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool
- NIAAA, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
- NRS-2002, Nutritional Risk Screening-2002
- OR, Odds Ratio
- PAMPs, Pathogen-Activated Molecular Patterns
- PMI, Psoas Muscle Index
- PTX, Pentoxifylline
- RAI, Relative Adrenal Insufficiency
- RCT, Randomized Clinical Trials
- RFH-NPT, Royal Free Hospital-Nutritional Prioritizing Tool
- ROS, Reactive Oxygen Species
- RR, Relative Risk
- SIRS, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome
- TNF, Tumor Necrosis Factor
- WKS, Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
- alcohol
- alcohol use disorders
- alcohol-associated hepatitis
- cirrhosis
- fatty liver disease
- steatosis
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Ayares
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Idalsoaga
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis A. Díaz
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Jorge Arnold
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan P. Arab
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Jagdish RK. Sexual dysfunctions and their treatment in liver diseases. World J Hepatol 2022; 14:1530-1540. [PMID: 36157870 PMCID: PMC9453461 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v14.i8.1530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sexual dysfunction (SD) is a prevalent but very commonly ignored aspect in the treatment of liver diseases and cirrhosis. The etiology of SD is multifactorial and therefore treatment strategies are complex, especially in females. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors are useful and effective in erectile dysfunction in males but in females, no single drug is available for SD, therefore multimodal treatment is required depending upon the cause. The foremost and fundamental requirement in both genders is to be stress-free and have adequate control of liver diseases. Improved quality of life is helpful in improving SD and vice versa is also true. Therefore, patients suffering from liver diseases should come forward and ask for treatment for SD, and physicians should actively enquire about SD while history taking and evaluating these patients. SD results in deterioration of quality of life, and both are modifiable and treatable aspects of liver diseases, which are never addressed actively, due to social taboos and fears of SD treatment in the presence of liver diseases. The diagnosis of SD does not require costly investigations, as the diagnosis can be established based on validated questionnaires available for both genders, therefore detailed targeted history taking using questionnaires is essential. Data are emerging in this area but is still at an early stage. More studies should be dedicated to SD in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Kumar Jagdish
- Department of Hepatology, Gastroenterology and Liver Transplant Medicine, Fortis Hospital Noida, Noida 201301, UP, India
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Mauro E, Diaz JM, Garcia-Olveira L, Spina JC, Savluk L, Zalazar F, Saidman J, De Santibañes M, Pekolj J, De Santibañes E, Crespo G, Abraldes JG, Gadano A. Sarcopenia HIBA score predicts sarcopenia and mortality in patients on the liver transplant waiting list. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1699-1710. [PMID: 35238487 PMCID: PMC9234615 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcopenia is a prevalent condition that predicts prognosis in patients awaiting liver transplantation (LT). The gold standard for the diagnosis of sarcopenia is the assessment of the muscular area at L3 with computed tomography (CT) scan (skeletal muscle index [SMI]), but the routine use of CT scan is limited in clinical practice. Thus, we designed a single-center observational study aimed to evaluate the clinical factors associated with the presence of sarcopenia by SMI, and to build a score capable of predicting or excluding the presence of sarcopenia in patients on the LT waiting list (WL). Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to establish the factors independently associated with sarcopenia, and the Sarcopenia Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires (HIBA) score was built from the resulting model after internal validation analysis by bootstrapping and correction for optimism. The predictive capability of mortality on the WL was evaluated with competing risk regression analysis. A total of 215 patients with cirrhosis on the LT WL were included. The independent factors associated with the presence of sarcopenia were male sex (odds ratio [OR]: 6.09, p < 0.001), body mass index (OR: 0.74, p < 0.001), Child Pugh (OR: 1.44, p < 0.001), and the ratio creatinine/Cystatin C (OR: 0.03, p = 0.007). The Sarcopenia HIBA score constructed with these variables showed an area under the curve of 0.862. During follow-up, 77 (36%) patients underwent LT, 46 (21%) died, and 92 (43%) remained alive. After adjusting for Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium, Sarcopenia HIBA score was an independent predictor of WL mortality (subhazard ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.40; p = 0.042). Sarcopenia HIBA score is an easy-to-use, objective, and reliable diagnostic and predictive tool that can be useful to improve the prognostic evaluation and allow identifying a group of patients with a higher risk of death while awaiting LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Mauro
- Liver UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina.,HPB and Liver Transplant UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Juan Manuel Diaz
- Liver UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | | | - Juan Carlos Spina
- HPB and Liver Transplant UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina.,Radiology DepartmentHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Lorena Savluk
- HPB and Liver Transplant UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina.,Radiology DepartmentHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Fernanda Zalazar
- Liver UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Julia Saidman
- Radiology DepartmentHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Martin De Santibañes
- HPB and Liver Transplant UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Juan Pekolj
- HPB and Liver Transplant UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
| | | | - Gonzalo Crespo
- Liver Transplant UnitLiver UnitIDIBAPSCIBERehdHospital ClínicUniversity of BarcelonaBarcelonaSpain
| | - Juan G Abraldes
- Division of GastroenterologyUniversity of AlbertaCEGIIREdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Adrían Gadano
- Liver UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina.,HPB and Liver Transplant UnitHospital Italiano de Buenos AiresBuenos AiresArgentina
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Venkatesh VS, Grossmann M, Zajac JD, Davey RA. The role of the androgen receptor in the pathogenesis of obesity and its utility as a target for obesity treatments. Obes Rev 2022; 23:e13429. [PMID: 35083843 PMCID: PMC9286619 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is associated with hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis dysregulation in males. Here, we summarize recent evidence derived from clinical trials and studies in preclinical animal models regarding the role of androgen receptor (AR) signaling in the pathophysiology of males with obesity. We also discuss therapeutic strategies targeting the AR for the treatment of obesity and their limitations and provide insight into the future research necessary to advance this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun S Venkatesh
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria
| | - Mathis Grossmann
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria.,Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D Zajac
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria.,Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rachel A Davey
- Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria
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50
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Tapper EB, Ufere NN, Huang DQ, Loomba R. Review article: current and emerging therapies for the management of cirrhosis and its complications. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2022; 55:1099-1115. [PMID: 35235219 PMCID: PMC9314053 DOI: 10.1111/apt.16831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis is increasingly common and morbid. Optimal utilisation of therapeutic strategies to prevent and control the complications of cirrhosis are central to improving clinical and patient-reported outcomes. METHODS We conducted a narrative review of the literature focusing on the most recent advances. RESULTS We review the aetiology-focused therapies that can prevent cirrhosis and its complications. These include anti-viral therapies, psychopharmacological therapy for alcohol-use disorder, and the current landscape of clinical trials for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. We review the current standard of care and latest developments in the management of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), ascites and hepatorenal syndrome. We evaluate the promise and drawbacks of chemopreventative therapies that have been examined in trials and observational studies which may reduce the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and cirrhosis complications. Finally, we examine the therapies which address the non-pain symptoms of cirrhosis including pruritis, muscle cramps, sexual dysfunction and fatigue. CONCLUSION The improvement of clinical and patient-reported outcomes for patients with cirrhosis is possible by applying evidence-based pharmacotherapeutic approaches to the prevention and treatment of cirrhosis complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMichiganUSA
| | - Nneka N. Ufere
- Liver Center, Division of Gastroenterology, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Daniel Q. Huang
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingapore
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of MedicineNational University Health SystemSingapore
- NAFLD Research CenterDivision of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. University of California at San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research CenterDivision of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. University of California at San DiegoLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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