1
|
Abdelhameed F, Kite C, Lagojda L, Dallaway A, Chatha KK, Chaggar SS, Dalamaga M, Kassi E, Kyrou I, Randeva HS. Non-invasive Scores and Serum Biomarkers for Fatty Liver in the Era of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD): A Comprehensive Review From NAFLD to MAFLD and MASLD. Curr Obes Rep 2024; 13:510-531. [PMID: 38809396 PMCID: PMC11306269 DOI: 10.1007/s13679-024-00574-z] [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] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly increasing worldwide, making it the leading cause of liver related morbidity and mortality. Currently, liver biopsy is the gold standard for assessing individuals with steatohepatitis and fibrosis. However, its invasiveness, sampling variability, and impracticality for large-scale screening has driven the search for non-invasive methods for early diagnosis and staging. In this review, we comprehensively summarise the evidence on the diagnostic performance and limitations of existing non-invasive serum biomarkers and scores in the diagnosis and evaluation of steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. RECENT FINDINGS Several non-invasive serum biomarkers and scores have been developed over the last decade, although none has successfully been able to replace liver biopsy. The introduction of new NAFLD terminology, namely metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and more recently metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), has initiated a debate on the interchangeability of these terminologies. Indeed, there is a need for more research on the variability of the performance of non-invasive serum biomarkers and scores across the diagnostic entities of NAFLD, MAFLD and MASLD. There remains a significant need for finding valid and reliable non-invasive methods for early diagnosis and assessment of steatohepatitis and fibrosis to facilitate prompt risk stratification and management to prevent disease progression and complications. Further exploration of the landscape of MASLD under the newly defined disease subtypes is warranted, with the need for more robust evidence to support the use of commonly used serum scores against the new MASLD criteria and validation of previously developed scores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Farah Abdelhameed
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Chris Kite
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK
- Chester Medical School, University of Chester, Shrewsbury, SY3 8HQ, UK
| | - Lukasz Lagojda
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Clinical Evidence-Based Information Service (CEBIS), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | - Alexander Dallaway
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, Wolverhampton, WV1 1LY, UK
| | - Kamaljit Kaur Chatha
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK
| | | | - Maria Dalamaga
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eva Kassi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- First Department of Propaupedic and Internal Medicine, Endocrine Unit, Laiko Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, UK.
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby, DE22 1GB, UK.
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855, Athens, Greece.
| | - Harpal S Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK.
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry, CV1 5FB, UK.
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry, CV2 2DX, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hegmar H, Wiggers T, Nasr P, Vessby J, Kechagias S, Nyhlin N, Marschall HU, Borssén ÅD, Strandberg R, Karsdal M, Leeming DJ, Ekstedt M, Hagström H. Performance of novel collagen turnover biomarkers to detect increased liver stiffness in MASLD. J Intern Med 2024; 296:177-186. [PMID: 38959258 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13813] [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] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cleavage products from collagen formation and degradation hold potential as first-line biomarkers for the risk of advanced fibrosis in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). Here, we evaluated the performance of PRO-C3, PRO-C6, C4M, PRO-C18L, and the clinical score ADAPT (age, diabetes, PRO-C3, and platelet count) to detect patients with an LSM >8 kPa or >12 kPa in comparison to the Fibrosis-4 Index (FIB-4). METHODS Serum from patients with MASLD (n = 269) from six Swedish University Hospitals was analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based methods. Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography was performed. The area under the curve (AUC), calibration curves, and net benefit analysis were used. RESULTS An LSM >8 kPa was found in 108 (40.1%) patients. PRO-C3, PRO-C6, C4M, and PRO-C18L had AUCs ranging from 0.48 to 0.62. ADAPT had the highest AUC (0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.67-0.79) to detect patients >8 kPa, compared to FIB-4 (0.71, (95%CI = 0.64-0.77, p = 0.35), and had a higher net benefit compared to FIB-4 from a probability threshold of 15%. FIB-4 and ADAPT performed equally well to detect patients with an LSM >12 kPa, AUC 0.76 versus 0.76, p = 0.93. CONCLUSIONS ADAPT seems to be marginally better than FIB-4 in identifying patients with an LSM >8 kPa. However, the clinical utility of ADAPT as a first line test is uncertain, especially in low-risk populations. The overall performance of FIB-4 was similar to that of ADAPT in detecting patients with an LSM of >12 kPa. Altogether, the results suggest that ADAPT might be useful to detect earlier stages of fibrosis in MASLD, but that FIB-4 remains a first-line test for advanced fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Hegmar
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Upper GI, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Patrik Nasr
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Johan Vessby
- Department of Medical Sciences, Gastroenterology Research Group, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Stergios Kechagias
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Nils Nyhlin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | | | | | - Rickard Strandberg
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Mattias Ekstedt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Hannes Hagström
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Upper GI, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Loomba R, Hartman ML, Lawitz EJ, Vuppalanchi R, Boursier J, Bugianesi E, Yoneda M, Behling C, Cummings OW, Tang Y, Brouwers B, Robins DA, Nikooie A, Bunck MC, Haupt A, Sanyal AJ. Tirzepatide for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis with Liver Fibrosis. N Engl J Med 2024; 391:299-310. [PMID: 38856224 DOI: 10.1056/nejmoa2401943] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive liver disease associated with liver-related complications and death. The efficacy and safety of tirzepatide, an agonist of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors, in patients with MASH and moderate or severe fibrosis is unclear. METHODS We conducted a phase 2, dose-finding, multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving participants with biopsy-confirmed MASH and stage F2 or F3 (moderate or severe) fibrosis. Participants were randomly assigned to receive once-weekly subcutaneous tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg) or placebo for 52 weeks. The primary end point was resolution of MASH without worsening of fibrosis at 52 weeks. A key secondary end point was an improvement (decrease) of at least one fibrosis stage without worsening of MASH. RESULTS Among 190 participants who had undergone randomization, 157 had liver-biopsy results at week 52 that could be evaluated, with missing values imputed under the assumption that they would follow the pattern of results in the placebo group. The percentage of participants who met the criteria for resolution of MASH without worsening of fibrosis was 10% in the placebo group, 44% in the 5-mg tirzepatide group (difference vs. placebo, 34 percentage points; 95% confidence interval [CI], 17 to 50), 56% in the 10-mg tirzepatide group (difference, 46 percentage points; 95% CI, 29 to 62), and 62% in the 15-mg tirzepatide group (difference, 53 percentage points; 95% CI, 37 to 69) (P<0.001 for all three comparisons). The percentage of participants who had an improvement of at least one fibrosis stage without worsening of MASH was 30% in the placebo group, 55% in the 5-mg tirzepatide group (difference vs. placebo, 25 percentage points; 95% CI, 5 to 46), 51% in the 10-mg tirzepatide group (difference, 22 percentage points; 95% CI, 1 to 42), and 51% in the 15-mg tirzepatide group (difference, 21 percentage points; 95% CI, 1 to 42). The most common adverse events in the tirzepatide groups were gastrointestinal events, and most were mild or moderate in severity. CONCLUSIONS In this phase 2 trial involving participants with MASH and moderate or severe fibrosis, treatment with tirzepatide for 52 weeks was more effective than placebo with respect to resolution of MASH without worsening of fibrosis. Larger and longer trials are needed to further assess the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide for the treatment of MASH. (Funded by Eli Lilly; SYNERGY-NASH ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT04166773.).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohit Loomba
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Mark L Hartman
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Eric J Lawitz
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Raj Vuppalanchi
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Jérôme Boursier
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Masato Yoneda
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Cynthia Behling
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Oscar W Cummings
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Yuanyuan Tang
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Bram Brouwers
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Deborah A Robins
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Amir Nikooie
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Mathijs C Bunck
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Axel Haupt
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- From the Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla (R.L.), and Pacific Rim Pathology, San Diego (C.B.) - both in California; Eli Lilly (M.L.H., Y.T., B.B., D.A.R., A.N., M.C.B., A.H.), the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine (R.V.), and the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University (O.W.C.) - all in Indianapolis; the Texas Liver Institute, University of Texas Health, San Antonio (E.J.L.); the Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, Angers University Hospital, and Hemodynamics, Interaction of Fibrosis and Hepatic Tumor Invasiveness Laboratory, Structure Fédérative de Recherche Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, Angers University - both in Angers, France (J.B.); the Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy (E.B.); the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan (M.Y.); and the Stravitz-Sanyal Institute for Liver Disease and Metabolic Health and Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond (A.J.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Luo R, Chen M, Hao S, Hun M, Luo S, Huang F, Lei Z, Zhao M. Associations of exposure to bisphenol-A or parabens with markers of liver injury/function among US adults in NHANES 2011-2016. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2024:10.1038/s41370-024-00704-8. [PMID: 39020160 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-024-00704-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bisphenol-A (BPA) and parabens are common endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) that are used extensively in consumer products worldwide and are widely found in the environment. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to comprehensively explore the correlations between urinary BPA/parabens levels and liver injury/function markers. METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we used National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2016. The exposure variables were urinary BPA and four urinary parabens [methylparaben (MPB), ethylparaben (EPB), propylparaben (PPB), and butylparaben (BPB)], while the outcome variables were indicators of liver function/injury [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ ALT, albumin (ALB), total protein (TP), total bilirubin (TBIL), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4)]. Multiple linear regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression analyses were applied to explore the relationships between the individual/combined exposure variables and the liver injury/function indicators, respectively. Furthermore, stratified analysis was employed to detect the associations influenced by age and sex. RESULTS A total of 2,179 adults were eligible for the present analysis. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed positive associations of EPB with AST, ALT, TP, and FIB-4 scores and negative associations of BPA with TP and ALB. The effects of urinary parabens on adverse outcomes in the liver (AST and ALT) were significant in the female and middle-aged subgroups. In addition, the WQS analysis revealed that the mixture of four compounds was negatively associated with ALB. BPA had the greatest effect on the serum ALB concentration (weight = 0.688). IMPACT Our present study provided novel evidence of significant associations between BPA or certain parabens and numerous markers of liver injury/function indicators. We found that higher urinary BPA concentrations were associated with worse liver function. Exposure to high EPB/PPB ratios was significantly associated with biomarkers of liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rongkun Luo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Mingcong Chen
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuai Hao
- Department of Oncology, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Marady Hun
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shaobin Luo
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Feizhou Huang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhao Lei
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Mingyi Zhao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Pediatrics, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ratziu V, Yilmaz Y, Lazas D, Friedman SL, Lackner C, Behling C, Cummings OW, Chen L, Petitjean M, Gilgun-Sherki Y, Gorfine T, Kadosh S, Eyal E, Sanyal AJ. Aramchol improves hepatic fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis: Results of multimodality assessment using both conventional and digital pathology. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00930. [PMID: 38916482 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/26/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Antifibrotic trials rely on conventional pathology despite recognized limitations. We compared single-fiber digital image analysis with conventional pathology to quantify the antifibrotic effect of Aramchol, a stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 inhibitor in development for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. APPROACH AND RESULTS Fifty-one patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis enrolled in the open-label part of the ARMOR trial received Aramchol 300 mg BID and had paired pre-post treatment liver biopsies scored by consensus among 3 hepatopathologists, and separately assessed by a digital image analysis platform (PharmaNest) that generates a continuous phenotypic Fibrosis Composite Severity (Ph-FCS) score. Fibrosis improvement was defined as: ≥1 NASH Clinical Research Network (NASH-CRN) stage reduction; "improved" by ranked pair assessment; reduction in Ph-FCS ("any" for ≥0.3 absolute reduction and "substantial" for ≥25% relative reduction). Fibrosis improved in 31% of patients (NASH-CRN), 51% (ranked pair assessment), 74.5% (any Ph-FCS reduction), and 41% (substantial Ph-FCS reduction). Most patients with stable fibrosis by NASH-CRN or ranked pair assessment had a Ph-FCS reduction (a third with substantial reduction). Fibrosis improvement increased with treatment duration: 25% for <48 weeks versus 39% for ≥48 weeks by NASH-CRN; 43% versus 61% by ranked pair assessment, mean Ph-FCS reduction -0.54 (SD: 1.22) versus -1.72 (SD: 1.02); Ph-FCS reduction (any in 54% vs. 100%, substantial in 21% vs. 65%). The antifibrotic effect of Aramchol was corroborated by reductions in liver stiffness, Pro-C3, and enhanced liver fibrosis. Changes in Ph-FCS were positively correlated with changes in liver stiffness. CONCLUSIONS Continuous fibrosis scores generated in antifibrotic trials by digital image analysis quantify antifibrotic effects with greater sensitivity and a larger dynamic range than conventional pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN) and Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC, Paris, France
| | - Yusuf Yilmaz
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University, Rize, Turkey
| | - Don Lazas
- ObjectiveHealth/Digestive Health Research, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Caroline Lackner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cynthia Behling
- Department of Pathology, Sharp Health System, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Oscar W Cummings
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Li Chen
- PharmaNest Inc., Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | | - Tali Gorfine
- Galmed Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Tel Aviv, Kiryat Motzkin, Israel
| | | | - Eli Eyal
- Eyal Statistical Consulting, Petach Tikva, Israel
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Department of Gastroenterology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zoncapè M, Liguori A, Tsochatzis EA. Non-invasive testing and risk-stratification in patients with MASLD. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 122:11-19. [PMID: 38246813 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
The development and validation of non-invasive fibrosis tests (NITs) has changed clinical practice in Hepatology over the last 15 years. Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most prevalent liver disease in western countries, with up to a third of the unselected adult population affected. In this article, we review the use of NITs in the diagnosis and staging of MASLD. We discuss their use in the diagnosis of steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis and critically evaluate recently published data. These NITs include a variety of approaches, such as serum markers like FIB-4, pro-C3 and ELF, imaging techniques like Fibroscan® and MRE, and combined scores like Agile 3+ and Agile 4, offering a range of options for healthcare providers. Furthermore, these non-invasive tests also serve as valuable prognostic tools, allowing for better risk assessment and improved patient management, particularly in predicting liver-related events and overall mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Zoncapè
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK; UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, UK; Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Liguori
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK; UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, UK; Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome 00168, Italy
| | - Emmanuel A Tsochatzis
- Sheila Sherlock Liver Unit, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK; UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Tan PK, Ostertag T, Rosenthal SB, Chilin-Fuentes D, Aidnik H, Linker S, Murphy K, Miner JN, Brenner DA. Role of Hepatic Stellate and Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells in a Human Primary Cell Three-Dimensional Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 194:353-368. [PMID: 38158078 PMCID: PMC10913759 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an inflammatory and fibrotic liver disease that has reached epidemic proportions and has no approved pharmacologic therapies. Research and drug development efforts are hampered by inadequate preclinical models. This research describes a three-dimensional bioprinted liver tissue model of NASH built using primary human hepatocytes and nonparenchymal liver cells (hepatic stellate cells, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, and Kupffer cells) from either healthy or NASH donors. Three-dimensional tissues bioprinted with cells sourced from diseased patients showed a NASH phenotype, including fibrosis. More importantly, this NASH phenotype occurred without the addition of disease-inducing agents. Bioprinted tissues composed entirely of healthy cells exhibited significantly less evidence of disease. The role of individual cell types in driving the NASH phenotype was examined by producing chimeric bioprinted tissues composed of healthy cells together with the addition of one or more diseased nonparenchymal cell types. These experiments reveal a role for both hepatic stellate and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in the disease process. This model represents a fully human system with potential to detect clinically active targets and eventually therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - David A Brenner
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California; Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Castagneto-Gissey L, Bornstein SR, Mingrone G. Can liquid biopsies for MASH help increase the penetration of metabolic surgery? A narrative review. Metabolism 2024; 151:155721. [PMID: 37923007 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2023.155721] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
This narrative review highlights current evidence on non-invasive tests to predict the presence or absence as well as the severity of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and liver fibrosis. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a common condition characterized by fat accumulation in the liver that affects 32 % of the world population. The most severe form of MASLD is MASH in which hepatocyte ballooning and inflammation are present together with steatosis; MASH is often associated with liver fibrosis. MASH diagnosis is determined by invasive liver biopsy. Hence, there is a critical need for non-invasive MASH tests. Plasma biomarkers for MASH diagnosis generally have low sensitivity (62-66 %), and specificity (78-82 %). Monocyte levels of Perilipin2 (PLIN2) predict MASH with an accuracy of 92-93 %, and sensitivity and specificity of 90-95 % and 88-100 %, respectively. This liquid biopsy test can facilitate the study of MASH prevalence in general populations and also monitor the effects of lifestyle, surgical, and pharmacological interventions. Without any FDA-approved MASH therapeutic, and with metabolic surgery markedly surpassing the efficacy of lifestyle modification, an accurate and reliable liquid biopsy could help more people choose surgery as a treatment for MASH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Medicine III, Universitätsklinikum Carl Gustav Carus an der Technischen Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Division of Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Geltrude Mingrone
- Division of Diabetes & Nutritional Sciences, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ratziu V, Harrison SA, Hajji Y, Magnanensi J, Petit S, Majd Z, Delecroix E, Rosenquist C, Hum D, Staels B, Anstee QM, Sanyal AJ. NIS2+ TM as a screening tool to optimize patient selection in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis clinical trials. J Hepatol 2024; 80:209-219. [PMID: 38061448 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.10.038] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Strategies to reduce liver biopsy (LB) screen failures through better patient selection are needed for clinical trials. Standard fibrosis biomarkers were not derived to detect "at-risk" metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH; MASH with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease score ≥4 and fibrosis stage ≥2). We compared the performance of screening pathways that incorporate NIS2+™, an optimized version of the blood-based NIS4® technology designed to identify at-risk MASH, with those incorporating fibrosis (FIB)-4 within the RESOLVE-IT clinical trial (NCT02704403), aiming for optimized selection of patients for LB. METHODS A retrospective simulation analysis was conducted in the RESOLVE-IT screening pathway (RSP) cohort. LB failure rate (LBFR), number of patients needed to screen, and overall cost estimations of different pathways were calculated for a range of NIS2+™ and FIB-4 cut-offs and compared with those of the RSP, which relied on investigators' local practices. An analysis of potential recruitment bias based on histology, sex, age, or comorbidities was performed. RESULTS The analysis cohort included 1,929 patients, 765 (40%) with at-risk MASH. The NIS2+™ pathway resulted in a significantly lower LBFR (39%) compared with the FIB-4 pathway (58%) or the RSP (60%) when using cost-optimized cut-offs (NIS2+™, 0.53; FIB-4, 0.58). For every 1,000 inclusions, NIS2+™ significantly reduced unnecessary LBs (632 vs. 1,522; -58%) and screening costs (US$12.7 million vs. US$15.0 million) vs. the RSP, while the number of patients needed to screen increased moderately (3,220 to 4,033). NIS2+™ alone is better than FIB-4 alone or combined with FIB-4. CONCLUSIONS This analysis demonstrated that patient selection for LB using NIS2+™ significantly reduced unnecessary biopsies and screening costs, which could greatly improve the feasibility of MASH clinical trials. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS Simple and accurate non-invasive strategies to optimize the selection of patients who should be referred for liver biopsy for inclusion in MASH clinical trials is critical to reduce the high liver biopsy failure rates. While the use of the Fibrosis-4 index alone did not lead to a significant improvement of the screening process, selecting patients using NIS2+™, a recently developed optimization of the NIS4® technology for the detection of at-risk MASH, showed improved performance by simultaneously reducing liver biopsy failure rates and the overall cost of the trial, while maintaining the number of patients needed to screen at a manageable level and not generating any bias in included patients' characteristics. This makes NIS2+™ an accurate and reliable screening tool that could improve the recruitment of patients in future MASH clinical trials, and would lead to increased patient comfort and security, ensuring timely and cost-efficient trial completion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, INSERM UMRS 1138 CRC, Paris, France
| | - Stephen A Harrison
- Summit Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bart Staels
- Université de Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, U1011-EGID, Lille, France
| | - Quentin M Anstee
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kadi D, Loomba R, Bashir MR. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis: Current State and Future Directions. Radiology 2024; 310:e222695. [PMID: 38226882 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.222695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common liver disease, with a worldwide prevalence of 25%. NAFLD is a spectrum that includes nonalcoholic fatty liver defined histologically by isolated hepatocytes steatosis without inflammation and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the inflammatory subtype of NAFLD and is associated with disease progression, development of cirrhosis, and increased rates of liver-specific and overall mortality. The differentiation between NAFLD and NASH as well as staging NASH are important yet challenging clinical problems. Liver biopsy is currently the standard for disease diagnosis and fibrosis staging. However, this procedure is invasive, costly, and cannot be used for longitudinal monitoring. Therefore, several noninvasive quantitative imaging biomarkers have been proposed that can estimate the severity of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Despite this, noninvasive diagnosis of NASH and accurate risk stratification remain unmet needs. In this work, the most relevant available imaging biomarkers are reviewed and their application in patients with NAFLD are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diana Kadi
- From the Department of Radiology (D.K., M.R.B.), Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development (M.R.B.), Department of Pathology (M.R.B.), and Division of Hepatology (M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705; and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, Calif (R.L.)
| | - Rohit Loomba
- From the Department of Radiology (D.K., M.R.B.), Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development (M.R.B.), Department of Pathology (M.R.B.), and Division of Hepatology (M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705; and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, Calif (R.L.)
| | - Mustafa R Bashir
- From the Department of Radiology (D.K., M.R.B.), Center for Advanced Magnetic Resonance Development (M.R.B.), Department of Pathology (M.R.B.), and Division of Hepatology (M.R.B.), Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27705; and Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, Calif (R.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nishio T, Taura K, Koyama Y, Ishii T, Hatano E. Current status of preoperative risk assessment for posthepatectomy liver failure in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2023; 7:871-886. [PMID: 37927928 PMCID: PMC10623981 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver resection is an effective therapeutic option for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains a major cause of hepatectomy-related mortality, and the accurate prediction of PHLF based on preoperative assessment of liver functional reserve is a critical issue. The definition of PHLF proposed by the International Study Group for Liver Surgery has gained acceptance as a standard grading criterion. Liver function can be estimated using a variety of parameters, including routine blood biochemical examinations, clinical scoring systems, dynamic liver function tests, liver stiffness and fibrosis markers, and imaging studies. The Child-Pugh score and model for end-stage liver disease scores are conventionally used for estimating liver decompensation, although the alternatively developed albumin-bilirubin score shows superior performance for predicting hepatic dysfunction. Indocyanine green clearance, a dynamic liver function test mostly used in Japan and other Asian countries, serves as a quantitative estimation of liver function reserve and helps determine indications for surgical procedures according to the estimated risk of PHLF. In an attempt to improve predictive accuracy, specific evaluation of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension has gained popularity, including liver stiffness measurements using ultrasonography or magnetic resonance elastography, as well as noninvasive fibrosis markers. Imaging modalities, including Tc-99m-labeled galactosyl serum albumin scintigraphy and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging, are used for preoperative evaluation in combination with liver volume. This review aims to provide an overview of the usefulness of current options for the preoperative assessment of liver function in predicting PHLF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery and OncologyKitano HospitalOsakaJapan
| | - Yukinori Koyama
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Takamichi Ishii
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Vali Y, Lee J, Boursier J, Petta S, Wonders K, Tiniakos D, Bedossa P, Geier A, Francque S, Allison M, Papatheodoridis G, Cortez-Pinto H, Pais R, Dufour JF, Leeming DJ, Harrison SA, Chen Y, Cobbold JF, Pavlides M, Holleboom AG, Yki-Jarvinen H, Crespo J, Karsdal M, Ostroff R, Zafarmand MH, Torstenson R, Duffin K, Yunis C, Brass C, Ekstedt M, Aithal GP, Schattenberg JM, Bugianesi E, Romero-Gomez M, Ratziu V, Anstee QM, Bossuyt PM. Biomarkers for staging fibrosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (the LITMUS project): a comparative diagnostic accuracy study. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:714-725. [PMID: 36958367 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00017-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The reference standard for detecting non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and staging fibrosis-liver biopsy-is invasive and resource intensive. Non-invasive biomarkers are urgently needed, but few studies have compared these biomarkers in a single cohort. As part of the Liver Investigation: Testing Marker Utility in Steatohepatitis (LITMUS) project, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 17 biomarkers and multimarker scores in detecting NASH and clinically significant fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identify their optimal cutoffs as screening tests in clinical trial recruitment. METHODS This was a comparative diagnostic accuracy study in people with biopsy-confirmed NAFLD from 13 countries across Europe, recruited between Jan 6, 2010, and Dec 29, 2017, from the LITMUS metacohort of the prospective European NAFLD Registry. Adults (aged ≥18 years) with paired liver biopsy and serum samples were eligible; those with excessive alcohol consumption or evidence of other chronic liver diseases were excluded. The diagnostic accuracy of the biomarkers was expressed as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) with liver histology as the reference standard and compared with the Fibrosis-4 index for liver fibrosis (FIB-4) in the same subgroup. Target conditions were the presence of NASH with clinically significant fibrosis (ie, at-risk NASH; NAFLD Activity Score ≥4 and F≥2) or the presence of advanced fibrosis (F≥3), analysed in all participants with complete data. We identified thres holds for each biomarker for reducing the number of biopsy-based screen failures when recruiting people with both NASH and clinically significant fibrosis for future trials. FINDINGS Of 1430 participants with NAFLD in the LITMUS metacohort with serum samples, 966 (403 women and 563 men) were included after all exclusion criteria had been applied. 335 (35%) of 966 participants had biopsy-confirmed NASH and clinically significant fibrosis and 271 (28%) had advanced fibrosis. For people with NASH and clinically significant fibrosis, no single biomarker or multimarker score significantly reached the predefined AUC 0·80 acceptability threshold (AUCs ranging from 0·61 [95% CI 0·54-0·67] for FibroScan controlled attenuation parameter to 0·81 [0·75-0·86] for SomaSignal), with accuracy mostly similar to FIB-4. Regarding detection of advanced fibrosis, SomaSignal (AUC 0·90 [95% CI 0·86-0·94]), ADAPT (0·85 [0·81-0·89]), and FibroScan liver stiffness measurement (0·83 [0·80-0·86]) reached acceptable accuracy. With 11 of 17 markers, histological screen failure rates could be reduced to 33% in trials if only people who were marker positive had a biopsy for evaluating eligibility. The best screening performance for NASH and clinically significant fibrosis was observed for SomaSignal (number needed to test [NNT] to find one true positive was four [95% CI 4-5]), then ADAPT (six [5-7]), MACK-3 (seven [6-8]), and PRO-C3 (nine [7-11]). INTERPRETATION None of the single markers or multimarker scores achieved the predefined acceptable AUC for replacing biopsy in detecting people with both NASH and clinically significant fibrosis. However, several biomarkers could be applied in a prescreening strategy in clinical trial recruitment. The performance of promising markers will be further evaluated in the ongoing prospective LITMUS study cohort. FUNDING The Innovative Medicines Initiative 2 Joint Undertaking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasaman Vali
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jenny Lee
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jerome Boursier
- Laboratoire Hémodynamique, Interaction Fibrose et Invasivité Tumorales Hépatiques, University Paris Research, Structure Fédérative de Recherche, Interactions Cellulaires et Applications Thérapeutiques 4208, University of Angers, Angers, France; Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology, University Hospital of Angers, Angers, France
| | - Salvatore Petta
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza, Department, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Kristy Wonders
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dina Tiniakos
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Department of Pathology, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Pierre Bedossa
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andreas Geier
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Medicine II, Wurzburg University Hospital, Wurzburg, Germany
| | - Sven Francque
- Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Mike Allison
- Liver Unit, Department of Medicine, Cambridge National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, Cambridge University National Health Service Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Helena Cortez-Pinto
- University Clinic of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Raluca Pais
- Public Assistance Hospital of Paris, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Francois Dufour
- Hepatology, Department of Biomedical Research, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Yu Chen
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Jeremy F Cobbold
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Oxford National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, UK
| | - Michael Pavlides
- Department of Medicine, Oxford National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford, UK
| | - Adriaan G Holleboom
- Department of Internal and Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Hannele Yki-Jarvinen
- Department of Medicine, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland; Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Javier Crespo
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Valdecilla Health Research Institute, Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital, Santander, Spain
| | | | | | - Mohammad Hadi Zafarmand
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Richard Torstenson
- Cardiovascular, Renal or Metabolism Regulatory Affairs, AstraZeneca, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Kevin Duffin
- Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Carla Yunis
- Clinical Development and Operations, Pfizer, Lake Mary, FL, USA
| | | | - Mattias Ekstedt
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Guruprasad P Aithal
- Nottingham Digestive Diseases Centre, School of Medicine, National Institute for Health and Care Research Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, The University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jörn M Schattenberg
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Division of Gastro-Hepatology, City of Health and Science of Turin, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- Digestive Diseases, Virgen of Rocio University Hospital, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Department of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Public Assistance Hospital of Paris, Pitié Salpêtrière Hospital, Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Quentin M Anstee
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle National Institute for Health and Care Research Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
| | - Patrick M Bossuyt
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam Public Health, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Armandi A, Michel M, Gjini K, Emrich T, Bugianesi E, Schattenberg JM. Emerging concepts in the detection of liver fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2023; 23:771-782. [PMID: 37505901 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2023.2242779] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The non-invasive identification of liver fibrosis related to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease is crucial for risk-stratification of patients. Currently, the reference standard to stage hepatic fibrosis relies on liver biopsy, but multiple approaches are developed to allow for non-invasive diagnosis and risk stratification. Non-invasive tests, including blood-based scores and vibration-controlled transient elastography, have been widely validated and represent a good surrogate for risk stratification according to recent European and American guidelines. AREAS COVERED Novel approaches are based on 'liquid' biomarkers of liver fibrogenesis, including collagen-derived markers (PRO-C3 or PRO-C6), or 'multi-omics' technologies (e.g. proteomic-based molecules or miRNA testing), bearing the advantage of tailoring the intrahepatic disease activity. Alternative approaches are based on 'dry' biomarkers, including magnetic resonance-based tools (including proton density fat fraction, magnetic resonance elastography, or corrected T1), which reach similar accuracy of liver histology and will potentially help identify the best candidates for pharmacological treatment of fibrosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. EXPERT OPINION In the near future, the sequential use of non-invasive tests, as well as the complimentary use of liquid and dry biomarkers according to the clinical need (diagnosis, risk stratification, and prognosis, or treatment response) will guide and improve the management of this liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Armandi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Maurice Michel
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kamela Gjini
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Tilman Emrich
- Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Elisabetta Bugianesi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Corso Dogliotti 14, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Jorn M Schattenberg
- Metabolic Liver Research Program, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Mainz, Langenbeckstrasse 1, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Li L, Song Y, Shi Y, Sun L. Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β Agonists in NAFLD Therapy: Possibilities and Challenges. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:1602-1613. [PMID: 36746649 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive metabolic liver disease with an unknown pathogenesis and no FDA-approved drug treatment to date. Hypothyroidism has been identified as a risk factor for NAFLD as thyroxine is required for regulating metabolism in adults. Thyroxine has been shown to reduce fat in the livers of murine models with experimentally induced NAFLD. The use of synthetic thyroxine has been shown to increase lipid metabolism leading to weight loss; however, thyroxine has also been shown to cause many side effects, especially in the heart. Overcoming these cardiac side effects involves designing agonists specific to one of the 2 gene subtypes for the thyroid hormone (TH) receptor (TR), TRβ. While the other TH receptor subtype, TRα, is mainly expressed in the heart and is responsible for thyroxine's cardiac function, TRβ is mainly expressed in the liver and is involved in liver function. Using TRβ-specific agonists to treat NAFLD can prevent cardiac and other adverse side effects. Several TRβ-specific agonists have shown positive therapeutic effects in NAFLD animal models and have entered clinical trials. We seek to provide a comprehensive updated reference of TRβ-specific agonists in this review and explore the future therapeutic potential of TRβ-specific activation in the treatment of NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Limei Li
- Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Yan Song
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Yongquan Shi
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| | - Liangliang Sun
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200003, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Henry L, Eberly KE, Shah D, Kumar A, Younossi ZM. Noninvasive Tests Used in Risk Stratification of Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:373-395. [PMID: 37024214 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
As the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes increases around the world, the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has grown proportionately. Although most patients with NAFLD do not experience progressive liver disease, about 15% to 20% of those with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis can and do progress. Because liver biopsy's role in NAFLD has become increasingly limited, efforts have been undertaken to develop non-invasive tests (NITs) to help identify patients at high risk of progression. The following article discusses the NITs that are available to determine the presence of NAFLD as well as high-risk NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Henry
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Center for Outcomes Research in Liver Diseases, 2411 I Street, Northwest Washington, DC 20037, USA
| | - Katherine Elizabeth Eberly
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA
| | - Dipam Shah
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA
| | - Ameeta Kumar
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA
| | - Zobair M Younossi
- Inova Medicine, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Liver and Obesity Research Program, Inova Health System, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA; Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Diseases, Inova Fairfax Medical Campus, 3300 Gallows Road, Falls Church, VA 22042, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lønsmann I, Steen Pedersen J, Krag A, Hansen T, Karsdal M, Julie Leeming D, Juul Nielsen M, Bendtsen F. Biomarkers reflecting pericellular fibrosis improve together with liver histology after bariatric surgery in early non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Clin Biochem 2023; 113:29-35. [PMID: 36574896 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2022.12.012] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
AIM Non-invasive tests for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are needed for assessing disease stage, prognosis and treatment efficacy. Extracellular matrix biomarkers, such as PRO-C3, are useful as biomarkers of advanced liver fibrosis. However, non-invasive biomarkers of early-stage NAFLD, characterized by pericellular fibrosis, are lacking. Here, we measured serological biomarkers of type IV and VIII collagens reflecting the remodeling of the pericellular basement membrane to explore the effect of bariatric surgery on pericellular fibrosis in patients with early NAFLD. METHODS Seventy patients with severe obesity underwent bariatric surgery. The cohort consisted of 61 % females who had a mean age of 44. Patients had a median NAFLD activity score of 3 and mild-to-moderate fibrosis F0 (3 %), F1 (86 %), and F2 (11 %). Blood samples were taken at baseline, three, six and 12 months after surgery. At 12 months, 40 patients had a follow-up liver biopsy. The biomarkers PRO-C3, PRO-C4, C4M, and PRO-C8 were measured using indirect competitive ELISAs. RESULTS Twelve months after surgery patients had significantly lower levels of ALT, GGT, HbA1c, fasting glucose, and CRP. The pericellular fibrosis biomarkers, C4M, PRO-C4, and PRO-C8 decreased by 24 %, 18 % and 44 %, respectively (p < 0.0001), while the interstitial matrix fibrosis marker PRO-C3 remained unchanged. Furthermore, baseline C4M was associated with histologically assessed hepatocyte ballooning and lobular inflammation in patients with (p = 0.032) and without (p = 0.032) steatosis, respectively. CONCLUSION Biomarkers of pericellular fibrosis decrease in early-stage NAFLD after patients undergo bariatric surgery and potentially reflect an improvement in liver histology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ida Lønsmann
- Nordic Bioscience A/S, Herlev, Denmark; University of Southern Denmark, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research, Odense, Denmark.
| | | | - Aleksander Krag
- University of Southern Denmark, Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Clinical Research, Odense, Denmark; Odense University Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Torben Hansen
- University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | - Flemming Bendtsen
- Hvidovre Hospital, Gastrounit, Hvidovre, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Shi YW, Fan JG. Surveillance of the progression and assessment of treatment endpoints for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:S228-S243. [PMID: 36521452 PMCID: PMC10029951 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0401] [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: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an aggressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) characterized by steatosis-associated inflammation and liver injury. Without effective treatment or management, NASH can have life-threatening outcomes. Evaluation and identification of NASH patients at risk for adverse outcomes are therefore important. Key issues in screening NASH patients are the assessment of advanced fibrosis, differentiation of NASH from simple steatosis, and monitoring of dynamic changes during follow-up and treatment. Currently, NASH staging and evaluation of the effectiveness for drugs still rely on pathological diagnosis, despite sample error issues and the subjectivity associated with liver biopsy. Optimizing the pathological assessment of liver biopsy samples and developing noninvasive surrogate methods for accessible, accurate, and safe evaluation are therefore critical. Although noninvasive methods including elastography, serum soluble biomarkers, and combined models have been implemented in the last decade, noninvasive diagnostic measurements are not widely applied in clinical practice. More work remains to be done in establishing cost-effective strategies both for screening for at-risk NASH patients and identifying changes in disease severity. In this review, we summarize the current state of noninvasive methods for detecting steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis in patients with NASH, and discuss noninvasive assessments for screening at-risk patients with a focus on the characteristics that should be monitored at follow-up.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Shi
- Center for Fatty Liver, Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Lab of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Gao Fan
- Center for Fatty Liver, Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Key Lab of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Performance of Non-Invasive Tests of Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12020650. [PMID: 36675579 PMCID: PMC9862059 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12020650] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Non-invasive tests (NITs) are needed in clinical practice to replace histology for the identification of liver fibrosis and prognostication in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Novel collagen-derived fibrogenesis markers including N-terminal type III collagen pro-peptide (PRO-C3) are among the most promising tools in this field. The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of PRO-C3, the derivative ADAPT score, and other NITs for the identification of advanced fibrosis (stages 3-4) and changes over 12 months of follow-up. Methods: In this longitudinal study, 96 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD were evaluated at baseline, of which 50 underwent a follow-up visit after 12 months. Clinical-biochemical parameters, liver stiffness (LS) by transient elastography, PRO-C3, and other NITs (ADAPT, FIB-4, NFS, APRI) were collected at baseline and follow-up. Results: LS showed the best accuracy for the identification of advanced fibrosis, with Area under the Receiving Operator Curve (AUROC) 0.82 (0.73-0.89) for a cut-off value of 9.4 kPa. Among the other NITs, the ADAPT score showed the best accuracy, with AUROC 0.80 (0.71-0.88) for a cut-off of 5.02 (Se 62%, Sp 89%, PPV 74%, NPV 83%). The comparison between the AUROC of LS with that of ADAPT was not statistically different (DeLong test p value 0.348). At follow-up, LS was slightly reduced, whilst PRO-C3 displayed a significant increase from baseline median 11.2 ng/mL to 13.9 ng/mL at follow-up (p = 0.017). Accordingly, ADAPT score increased from median 5.3 to 6.1 (p = 0.019). The other NITs did not significantly change over 12 months. Conclusions: The ADAPT score shows the best performance among non-invasive scores for the identification of advanced fibrosis, not different from LS. Collagen-derived biomarker PRO-C3 and the derivative score ADAPT display significant changes over time, and may be useful tools for monitoring the progression of liver disease or assessing responses to treatments.
Collapse
|
19
|
Exosomal microRNAs and Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113501. [PMID: 36362287 PMCID: PMC9654542 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is becoming a public health problem worldwide. Steatosis as the simple form and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) as its progression form are commonly seen in liver biopsy specimens from patients with obesity, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and the use of certain drugs. Patients with NASH and advanced fibrosis were associated with increased risks of liver-related complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms regarding the progression from simple steatosis to NASH fibrosis remain incompletely understood. Because NASH-caused liver injury is a complex process and multiple cell types are involved, intercellular communication is likely mediated by extracellular vesicles. Exosomes are a type of small extracellular vesicles and contain various cellular molecules, including proteins, messenger RNAs (mRNAs), and microRNAs (miRNAs). MiRNAs are short, non-coding RNA species that are important post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of NALFD/NASH. In this article, we review the articles about NASH and exosomal miRNAs published in the most recent English literature through PubMed search and discuss the most recent criteria for histological diagnosis, pathogenesis from steatosis to NASH, roles of exosomal miRNAs in NASH pathogenesis and progression, as well as their potential in future clinical diagnosis and treatment for patients with NASH.
Collapse
|
20
|
Gosalia D, Ratziu V, Stanicic F, Vukicevic D, Zah V, Gunn N, Halegoua-DeMarzio D, Tran T. Accuracy of Noninvasive Diagnostic Tests for the Detection of Significant and Advanced Fibrosis Stages in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Literature Review of the US Studies. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2608. [PMID: 36359453 PMCID: PMC9689671 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this systematic literature review (SLR) was to evaluate the accuracy of noninvasive diagnostic tools in detecting significant or advanced (F2/F3) fibrosis among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) in the US healthcare context. METHODS The SLR was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science, with an additional hand search of public domains and citations, in line with the PRISMA statement. The study included US-based original research on diagnostic test sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. RESULTS Twenty studies were included in qualitative evidence synthesis. Imaging techniques with the highest diagnostic accuracy in F2/F3 detection and differentiation were magnetic resonance elastography and vibration-controlled transient elastography. The most promising standard blood biomarkers were NAFLD fibrosis score and FIB-4. The novel diagnostic tools showed good overall accuracy, particularly a score composed of body mass index, GGT, 25-OH-vitamin D, and platelet count. The novel approaches in liver fibrosis detection successfully combine imaging techniques and blood biomarkers. CONCLUSIONS While noninvasive techniques could overcome some limitations of liver biopsy, a tool that would provide a sufficiently sensitive and reliable estimate of changes in fibrosis development and regression is still missing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dhaval Gosalia
- Department of Commercial Strategy and Operations, Glympse Bio, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Department of Medicine, Medicine Sorbonne University, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Filip Stanicic
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research Department, ZRx Outcomes Research Inc., Mississauga, ON L5A 2X7, Canada
| | - Djurdja Vukicevic
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research Department, ZRx Outcomes Research Inc., Mississauga, ON L5A 2X7, Canada
| | - Vladimir Zah
- Health Economics and Outcomes Research Department, ZRx Outcomes Research Inc., Mississauga, ON L5A 2X7, Canada
| | - Nadege Gunn
- Department of Hepatology, Impact Research Institute, Waco, TX 76710, USA
| | - Dina Halegoua-DeMarzio
- Department of Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
| | - Tram Tran
- Department of Medicine, UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
- Department of Medicine, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Harrison SA, Mayo PR, Hobbs TM, Canizares C, Foster EP, Zhao C, Ure DR, Trepanier DJ, Greytok JA, Foster RT. Rencofilstat, a cyclophilin inhibitor: A phase 2a, multicenter, single-blind, placebo-controlled study in F2/F3 NASH. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3379-3392. [PMID: 36271849 PMCID: PMC9701462 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Rencofilstat (RCF) demonstrated antifibrotic effects in preclinical models and was safe and well tolerated in Phase 1 studies. The aim of this Phase 2a study was safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and exploration of efficacy biomarkers in subjects with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This Phase 2a, multicenter, single-blind, placebo-controlled study randomized 49 presumed F2/F3 subjects to RCF 75 mg once daily (QD), RCF 225 mg QD, or placebo for 28 days. Primary safety and tolerability endpoints were explored using descriptive statistics with post hoc analyses comparing active to placebo groups. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated using population pharmacokinetics methods. Efficacy was explored using biomarkers, transcriptomics, and lipidomics. RCF was safe and well tolerated, with no safety signals identified. The most frequently reported treatment-emergent adverse events were constipation, diarrhea, back pain, dizziness, and headache. No clinically significant changes in laboratory parameters were observed, and RCF pharmacokinetics were unchanged in subjects with NASH. Alanine transaminase (ALT) reduction was greater in active subjects than in placebo groups. Nonparametric analysis suggested that ALT reductions were statistically different in the 225-mg cohort compared with matching placebo: -16.3 ± 25.5% versus -0.7 ± 13.4%, respectively. ProC3 and C6M reduction was statistically significant in groups having baseline ProC3 > 15.0 ng/ml. RCF was safe and well tolerated after 28 days in subjects with presumed F2/F3 NASH. Presence of NASH did not alter its pharmacokinetics. Reductions in ALT, ProC3, and C6M suggest direct antifibrotic effects with longer treatment duration. Reductions in key collagen genes support a mechanism of action via suppression and/or regression of collagen deposition. Conclusion: These results support advancement of rencofilstat into a larger and longer Phase 2b study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A. Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of MedicineUniversity of Oxford, Pinnacle Clinical ResearchLive OakTexasUSA
| | - Patrick R. Mayo
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Todd M. Hobbs
- Clinical, Medical and RegulatoryHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdisonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Carlos Canizares
- Clinical, Medical and RegulatoryHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdisonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Erin P. Foster
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Caroline Zhao
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | - Daren R. Ure
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| | | | - Jill A. Greytok
- Clinical, Medical and RegulatoryHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdisonNew JerseyUSA
| | - Robert T. Foster
- Research and DevelopmentHepion Pharmaceuticals, Inc.EdmontonAlbertaCanada
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Tamaki N, Kurosaki M, Huang DQ, Loomba R. Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis and its clinical significance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Hepatol Res 2022; 52:497-507. [PMID: 35352460 PMCID: PMC9718363 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the most important prognostic factor in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several noninvasive markers for fibrosis, including blood-based markers and imaging based-markers have been developed. Indirect fibrosis markers (e.g., fibrosis-4 index and NAFLD fibrosis score) consist of standard laboratory data and clinical parameters. Given its availability and high negative predictive value for advanced fibrosis, these markers are suitable for screening at primary care. Blood-based fibrogenesis markers (enhanced liver fibrosis and N-terminal propeptide of type 3 collagen), ultrasound-based modalities (vibration-controlled transient elastography, point shear wave elastography [SWE], and two-dimensional SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography have high diagnostic accuracy for liver fibrosis and are suitable for diagnosing liver fibrosis at secondary care centers. Sequential use of these markers can increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce health care costs. Furthermore, combining noninvasive makers may assist in identifying candidates for pharmacological trials and reducing screening failure. Emerging data suggest that these noninvasive markers are associated with liver-related events (hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensation) and mortality. Furthermore, delta change in noninvasive markers over time is also associated with time-course change in fibrosis, liver-related event risk, and mortality risk. However, the association between liver fibrosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is still controversial. CVD risk may decrease in patients with decompensated liver disease and noninvasive markers may be useful for assessing CVD risk in these patients. Therefore, noninvasive markers may be utilized as measures of fibrosis as well as real-time prognostic tools, in place of liver biopsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nobuharu Tamaki
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Kurosaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daniel Q. Huang
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rohit Loomba
- NAFLD Research Center, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Liu Y, Tan Y, Huang J, Wu C, Fan X, Stalin A, Lu S, Wang H, Zhang J, Zhang F, Wu Z, Li B, Huang Z, Chen M, Cheng G, Mou Y, Wu J. Revealing the Mechanism of Huazhi Rougan Granule in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Through Intestinal Flora Based on 16S rRNA, Metagenomic Sequencing and Network Pharmacology. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:875700. [PMID: 35559233 PMCID: PMC9086680 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.875700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The incidence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver (NAFL) is increasing year by year, growing evidence suggests that the intestinal flora plays a causative role in NAFL. Huazhi Rougan Granule (HRG) is commonly used in the clinical treatment of NAFL. It is reported that it can reduce lipids and protect the liver, but no research has confirmed whether the drug's effect is related to the intestinal flora. Therefore, we investigated whether the effect of HRG is related to the regulation of intestinal flora to further explore the mechanism of HRG in the treatment of NAFL through intestinal flora. Methods: In this study, C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks, and the high-fat diet plus HRG or polyene phosphatidylcholine capsules were each administered by gavage for 4 weeks. High-throughput sequencing, network pharmacology, and molecular docking were used to explore the mechanism of HRG in the treatment of NAFL through intestinal flora. Results: HRG treatment can reduce body weight gain, lipid accumulation in liver and lipogenesis and reduce serum biochemical indexes in high-fat-fed mice. Analysis of intestinal flora showed that HRG changed the composition of intestinal flora, which was characterized by a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. Moreover, the species distribution was significantly correlated with AKP, HDL-C, and TG. Metagenetic analysis showed that HRG altered the functional composition and functional diversity of microorganisms, which was mainly characterized by an increase in the abundance of metabolic pathways. The network pharmacology results show that the mechanism of HRG in the treatment of NAFL through intestinal flora is mainly reflected in the biological process of gene function and related to infectious diseases, immune systems, and signal transduction pathways, such as cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Chagas disease, IL-17 signaling pathway and other signaling pathways. Conclusion: These results strongly suggest that HRG may alleviate NAFL by preventing IFD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotian Fan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haojia Wang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Fanqin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Li
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Linyi, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Meilin Chen
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Guoliang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Linyi, China
| | - Yanfang Mou
- State Key Laboratory of Generic Manufacture Technology of Chinese Traditional Medicine, Linyi, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hong JG, Yan LJ, Li X, Yao SY, Su P, Li HC, Ding ZN, Wang DX, Dong ZR, Li T. Comments on validation of conventional non-invasive fibrosis scoring systems in patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:689-692. [PMID: 35317426 PMCID: PMC8900543 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i6.689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To evaluate and predict liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), several non-invasive scoring systems were built and widely used in the progress of diagnosis and treatment, which showed great diagnostic efficiency, such as aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index, fibrosis-4 index, body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase to alanine aminotransferase ratio, diabetes score and NAFLD fibrosis score. Since the new concept of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed, the clinical application value of the non-invasive scoring systems mentioned above has not been assessed in MAFLD. The evaluation of the diagnostic performance of these non-invasive scoring systems will provide references for clinicians in the diagnosis of MAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jian-Guo Hong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Lun-Jie Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xian Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Sheng-Yu Yao
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Peng Su
- Department of Pathology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Hai-Chao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zi-Niu Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Dong-Xu Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhao-Ru Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan 250012, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Rigamonti AE, Bondesan A, Rondinelli E, Cella SG, Sartorio A. The Role of Aspartate Transaminase to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI) for the Prediction of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) in Severely Obese Children and Adolescents. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12020155. [PMID: 35208229 PMCID: PMC8879448 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI) has been proposed as an easy-to-use biochemical marker in obese adults with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatotic hepatitis (NASH). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the clinical and predictive value of APRI in a paediatric obese population. Seven hundred fifty-seven obese children and adolescents (BMI standard deviation score, SDS: >2.0; age range: 10–18.5 years), not consuming alcohol and without hepatitis B or C, were recruited after having been screened for NAFLD by ultrasonography. A series of demographic, biochemical and clinical parameters was compared between the two subgroups (with or without NAFLD); the same parameters were correlated with APRI; and finally, univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictors of NAFLD. NAFLD was diagnosed in about 39% of the entire paediatric population, predominantly in males and in subjects suffering from metabolic syndrome. APRI was correlated with the waist circumference (WC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), uric acid, total bilirubin, C reactive protein (CRP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP). Furthermore, APRI was higher in males than females, but independent from steatosis severity and metabolic syndrome. With the univariable analysis, the BMI SDS, triglycerides (TG), insulin, homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), APRI, uric acid and metabolic syndrome were positive predictors of NAFLD, with female sex being negative predictor. At multivariable analysis; however, only BMI SDS, TG, HOMA-IR and APRI were positive predictors of NAFLD, with female sex being a negative predictor. The accuracy of APRI as a biochemical marker of NAFLD was about 60%.In conclusion, in a large (Italian) paediatric obese population, parameters, such as BMI SDS, TG, HOMA-IR and APRI, were positive predictors of NAFLD, with female sex being a negative predictor and most of the prediction explained by APRI. Nevertheless, APRI appears to be a simple biochemical marker of liver injury rather than of NAFLD/NASH and, moreover, is endowed with a limited accuracy for the prediction/diagnosis of NAFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonello E. Rigamonti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-02-503-17013; Fax: +39-02-503-17011
| | - Adele Bondesan
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (A.B.); (A.S.)
| | - Eugenia Rondinelli
- Research Laboratory Unit, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy;
| | - Silvano G. Cella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20129 Milan, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Sartorio
- Experimental Laboratory for Auxo-Endocrinological Research, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy; (A.B.); (A.S.)
- Division of Auxology and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, 28824 Verbania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Li G, Zhang X, Lin H, Liang LY, Wong GLH, Wong VWS. Non-invasive tests of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Chin Med J (Engl) 2022; 135:532-546. [PMID: 35089884 PMCID: PMC8920457 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT For the detection of steatosis, quantitative ultrasound imaging techniques have achieved great progress in past years. Magnetic resonance imaging proton density fat fraction is currently the most accurate test to detect hepatic steatosis. Some blood biomarkers correlate with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, but the accuracy is modest. Regarding liver fibrosis, liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography (TE) has high accuracy and is widely used across the world. Magnetic resonance elastography is marginally better than TE but is limited by its cost and availability. Several blood biomarkers of fibrosis have been used in clinical trials and hold promise for selecting patients for treatment and monitoring treatment response. This article reviews new developments in the non-invasive assessment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Accumulating evidence suggests that various non-invasive tests can be used to diagnose NAFLD, assess its severity, and predict the prognosis. Further studies are needed to determine the role of the tests as monitoring tools. We cannot overemphasize the importance of context in selecting appropriate tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanlin Li
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Huapeng Lin
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Lilian Yan Liang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Sun Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Medical Data Analytics Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Chandra Kumar CV, Skantha R, Chan WK. Non-invasive assessment of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Ther Adv Endocrinol Metab 2022; 13:20420188221139614. [PMID: 36533184 PMCID: PMC9747884 DOI: 10.1177/20420188221139614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects an estimated one-quarter of the global adult population and has become one of the leading causes of end-stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma with increased liver-related and overall morbidity and mortality. The new term, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), has a set of positive diagnostic criteria and has been shown to have better clinical utility, but it has yet to be universally adopted. This review addresses the non-invasive tests for MAFLD and is based mostly on studies on NAFLD patients, as the MAFLD term is relatively new and there are limited studies on non-invasive tests based on this new term, while a large body of research work on non-invasive tests has accumulated in the literature for NAFLD. This review focuses on blood-based biomarkers and scores for the assessment of hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis, and two of the most widely studied imaging biomarkers, namely vibration-controlled transient elastography and magnetic resonance imaging. Fibrotic NASH has become a diagnostic target of interest and novel serum biomarkers and scores incorporating imaging biomarker for diagnosis of fibrotic NASH are emerging. Nonetheless, the degree of liver fibrosis remains the key predictor of liver-related morbidity and mortality in patients with MAFLD. A multitude of non-invasive biomarkers and scores have been studied for the detection of liver fibrosis, including use of sequential non-invasive tests for risk stratification of advanced liver fibrosis. In addition, this review will explore the utility of the non-invasive tests for prognostication and for monitoring of treatment response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Vikneshwaran Chandra Kumar
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ruben Skantha
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis: Diagnostic Accuracy of Pro-C3 for Hepatic Fibrosis in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121920. [PMID: 34944736 PMCID: PMC8698886 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing, yet adequately validated tests for care paths are limited and non-invasive markers of disease progression are urgently needed. The aim of this work was to summarize the performance of Pro-C3, a biomarker of active fibrogenesis, in detecting significant fibrosis (F ≥ 2), advanced fibrosis (F ≥ 3), cirrhosis (F4) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with NAFLD. A sensitive search of five databases was performed in July 2021. Studies reporting Pro-C3 measurements and liver histology in adults with NAFLD without co-existing liver diseases were eligible. Meta-analysis was conducted by applying a bivariate random effects model to produce summary estimates of Pro-C3 accuracy. From 35 evaluated reports, eight studies met our inclusion criteria; 1568 patients were included in our meta-analysis of significant fibrosis and 2058 in that of advanced fibrosis. The area under the summary curve was 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.84) in detecting significant fibrosis and 0.79 (95% CI 0.73–0.82) for advanced fibrosis. Our results support Pro-C3 as an important candidate biomarker for non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in NAFLD. Further direct comparisons with currently recommended non-invasive tests will demonstrate whether Pro-C3 panels can outperform these tests, and improve care paths for patients with NAFLD.
Collapse
|