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Invernizzi P, Carbone M, Jones D, Levy C, Little N, Wiesel P, Nevens F. Setanaxib, a first-in-class selective NADPH oxidase 1/4 inhibitor for primary biliary cholangitis: A randomized, placebo-controlled, phase 2 trial. Liver Int 2023. [PMID: 37183520 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare liver disease with significant unmet need for second-line/add-on treatments. Setanaxib, a NOX1/4 inhibitor, has shown anti-fibrotic effects in in vitro and animal studies. This phase 2, randomized, multicentre study investigated the efficacy and safety of setanaxib in patients with PBC. METHODS Patients with ≥6 months of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment were randomized 1:1:1 to oral setanaxib 400 mg once daily (OD), twice daily (BID), or placebo, in addition to UDCA for 24 weeks. Other inclusion criteria included alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ≥1.5 × ULN and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) ≥1.5 × ULN. The primary endpoint was percentage change from baseline in GGT at Week 24; secondary endpoints included change from baseline in ALP, liver stiffness (LS; via transient elastography), fatigue at Week 24, and safety outcomes. p values compare setanaxib 400 mg BID and placebo groups. RESULTS Of patients randomized (setanaxib 400 mg OD and BID: 38, and 36; placebo: 37), 104/111 completed Week 24. Mean (standard deviation [SD]) change in GGT to Week 24 was -4.9% (59.6%) for setanaxib 400 mg OD, -19.0% (28.9%) for setanaxib 400 mg BID, and -8.4% (21.5%) for placebo; p = .31. Patients treated with setanaxib 400 mg OD and BID showed decreased serum ALP levels from baseline to Week 24 (p = .002: setanaxib BID versus placebo). Patients treated with setanaxib 400 mg OD and BID showed mean (SD) percentage increases in LS to Week 24 of 3.3% (35.0%) and 7.9% (43.7%), versus 10.1% (33.1%) for placebo (p = .65). Changes in mean (SD) PBC-40 fatigue domain scores to Week 24 were +0.3% (24.9%) for setanaxib 400 mg OD, -9.9% (19.8%) for setanaxib 400 mg BID and +2.4% (23.1%) for placebo, p = .027. Two patients (one placebo, one setanaxib 400 mg BID) experienced serious treatment-emergent adverse events, deemed unrelated to study drug. CONCLUSIONS The primary endpoint was not met. However, the secondary endpoints provide preliminary evidence for potential anti-cholestatic and anti-fibrotic effects in PBC, supporting the further evaluation of setanaxib in a future phase 2b/3 trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Centre for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), IRCCS Fondazione San Gerardo dei Tintori, Monza, Italy
| | - David Jones
- Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Schiff Center for Liver Diseases, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Colapietro F, Gershwin ME, Lleo A. PPAR agonists for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis: Old and new tales. J Transl Autoimmun 2023; 6:100188. [PMID: 36684809 PMCID: PMC9850184 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease involving the small intrahepatic bile ducts; when untreated or undertreated, it may evolve to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA) is the standard of care treatment, Obeticholic Acid (OCA) has been approved as second-line therapy for those non responder or intolerant to UDCA. However, due to moderate rate of UDCA-non responders and to warnings recently issued against OCA use in patients with cirrhosis, further therapies are needed.Areas covered. Deep investigations into the pathogenesis of PBC is leading to proposal of new therapeutic agents, among which peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) ligands seem to be highly promising given the preliminary, positive results in Phase 2 and 3 trials. Bezafibrate, the most evaluated, is currently used in clinical practice in combination with UDCA in referral centers. We herein describe completed and ongoing trials involving PPAR agonists use in PBC, analyzing pits and falls. Expert opinion Testing new therapeutic opportunities in PBC is challenging due to its low prevalence and slow progression. However, new drugs including PPAR agonists, are currently under investigation and should be considered for at-risk PBC patients.
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Key Words
- AEs, adverse events
- AIH, Autoimmune Hepatitis
- ALP, Alkaline Phosphatase
- AMA, Antimitochondrial antibodies
- BZF, Bezafibrate
- CKD, chronic kidney disease
- Elafibranor
- FDA, Food and Drug
- FF, Fenofibrate
- FXR, Farnesoid X Receptor
- Fibrates
- GGT, γ-glutamil transferase
- HCC, Hepatocellular Carcinoma
- HDL, high-density lipoprotein
- HR, Hazard Ratio
- HSC, Hepatic Stellate Cells
- IL-1β, Interleukin-1
- IgM, Immunoglobulin M
- LDL, low-density- lipoprotein
- LT, Liver Transplant
- MDR3, multidrug resistance protein 3
- NASH, Non Alcoholic Steato-Hepatits
- NRS, Numerical Raing Scale
- OCA, Obeticholic Acid
- OR, Odds Ratio
- PAR, protease-activated receptors
- PBC, Primary Biliary Cholangitis
- PC, phosphatidylcholine
- PH, Portal Hypertension
- PPAR agonists
- PPAR, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- QoL, Quality of Life
- RCT, randomized controlled trial
- SAE, Severe Adverse Event
- Saroglitazar
- Seladelpar
- TGR, transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor
- TLR, Toll Like Receptor
- TNF-α, Tumor Necrosis Factor- α
- UDCA
- UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid
- UK, United Kingdom
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- VAS, Visual Analogue Scale
- VRS, Verbal Rating Scale
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Colapietro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy,Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - M. Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy,Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, Humanitas Research Hospital IRCCS, Rozzano, Milan, Italy,Corresponding author.Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University; Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via A. Manzoni 56, Rozzano, 20089, Italy.
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Kimura M, Ogawa E, Harada K, Imamura J, Saio M, Ikura Y, Yatsuhashi H, Murata K, Miura K, Ieiri I, Tanaka A, Kimura K. Feasibility, safety and tolerability of the CREB-binding protein/β-catenin inhibitor OP-724 in patients with advanced primary biliary cholangitis: an investigator-initiated, open-label, non-randomised, two-centre, phase 1 study. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2022; 9:bmjgast-2022-001001. [DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2022-001001] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the safety and tolerability of OP-724, a CREB-binding protein/β-catenin inhibitor, in patients with advanced primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).DesignAn open-label, non-randomised, phase 1 trial was conducted at two hospitals in Japan. Patients with advanced PBC classified as stage III or higher according to the Scheuer classification by liver biopsy between 4 September 2019 and 21 September 2021 were enrolled. Seven patients received intravenous OP-724 infusions at escalating dosages of 280 and 380 mg/m2/4 hours two times weekly for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the incidence of serious adverse events (SAEs). The secondary endpoints were the incidence of AEs and the improvement in the modified Histological Activity Index (mHAI) score.ResultsSeven patients (median age, 68 years) were enrolled. Of these seven patients, five completed twelve cycles of treatment, one discontinued prematurely for personal reasons in the 280 mg/m2/4 hours cohort, and one in the 380 mg/m2/4 hours cohort was withdrawn from the study due to drug-induced liver injury (grade 2). Consequently, the recommended dosage was determined to be 280 mg/m2/4 hours. SAEs did not occur. The most common AEs were abdominal discomfort (29%) and abnormal hepatic function (43%). OP-724 treatment was associated with histological improvements in the fibrosis stage (2/5 (40%)) and mHAI score (3/5 (60%)) on histological analysis.ConclusionAdministration of intravenous OP-724 infusion at a dosage of 280 mg/m2/4 hours two times weekly for 12 weeks was well tolerated by patients with advanced PBC. However, further evaluation of antifibrotic effects in patients with PBC is warranted.Trial registration numberNCT04047160.
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Abstract
Chronic pruritus is a classic symptom in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. It affects up to two-thirds of patients in the course of the disease. Efficient therapy consists of topical treatment combined with systemic options such as anion exchangers, rifampicin, bezafibrate, μ-opioid receptor antagonists, selective-serotonin receptor uptake inhibitors, and gabapentinoids. Future therapeutic approaches may contain the selective blockade of the enterohepatic cycle by inhibiting the ileal bile acid transporter, the agonism at κ-opioid receptors, and antagonism of the mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X4. As nondrug treatment, ultraviolet B therapy, albumin dialysis, and biliary drainage are available at specialized centers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam M Düll
- Department of Medicine 1, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pneumology, Endocrinology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Andreas E Kremer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Universitäts Spital Zürich, Rämistrasse 100, 8091 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Bowlus CL, Galambos MR, Aspinall RJ, Hirschfield GM, Jones DEJ, Dörffel Y, Gordon SC, Harrison SA, Kremer AE, Mayo MJ, Thuluvath PJ, Levy C, Swain MG, Neff GW, Sheridan DA, Stanca CM, Berg CP, Goel A, Shiffman ML, Vierling JM, Boudes P, Steinberg A, Choi YJ, McWherter CA. A phase II, randomized, open-label, 52-week study of seladelpar in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Hepatol 2022; 77:353-364. [PMID: 35367282 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.02.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We examined the efficacy and safety of seladelpar, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-delta agonist, in adults with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) at risk of disease progression (alkaline phosphatase [ALP] ≥1.67xupper limit of normal [ULN]) who were receiving or intolerant to ursodeoxycholic acid. METHODS In this 52-week, phase II, dose-ranging, open-label study, patients were randomized (1:1) to seladelpar 5 mg/day (n = 53) or 10 mg/day (n = 55) or assigned to 2 mg/day (n = 11; United Kingdom sites after interim analysis) for 12 weeks. Doses could then be uptitrated to 10 mg/day. The primary efficacy endpoint was ALP change from baseline to Week 8. RESULTS Mean baseline ALP was 300, 345, and 295 U/L in the 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg cohorts, respectively. Twenty-one percent of patients had cirrhosis, 71% had pruritus. At Week 8, mean ± standard error ALP reductions from baseline were 26 ± 2.8%, 33 ± 2.6%, and 41 ± 1.8% in the 2 mg (n = 11), 5 mg (n = 49), and 10 mg (n = 52) cohorts (all p ≤0.005), respectively. Responses were maintained or improved at Week 52, after dose escalation in 91% and 80% of the 2 mg and 5 mg cohorts, respectively. At Week 52, composite response (ALP <1.67xULN, ≥15% ALP decrease, and normal total bilirubin) rates were 64%, 53%, and 67%, and ALP normalization rates were 9%, 13%, and 33% in the 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg cohorts, respectively. Pruritus visual analog scale score was decreased in the 5 mg and 10 mg cohorts. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events, and 4 patients discontinued due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Seladelpar demonstrated robust, dose-dependent, clinically significant, and durable improvements in biochemical markers of cholestasis and inflammation in patients with PBC at risk of disease progression. Seladelpar appeared safe and well tolerated and was not associated with any increase in pruritus. CLINICALTRIALS GOV NUMBER NCT02955602 CLINICALTRIALSREGISTER. EU NUMBER 2016-002996-91 LAY SUMMARY: Current treatment options for patients living with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are not optimal due to inadequate effectiveness or undesirable side effects. Patients with PBC who took seladelpar, a new treatment being developed for PBC, at increasing doses (2, 5, or 10 mg/day) for 1 year had clinically significant, dose-dependent improvements in key liver tests. Treatment appeared safe and was not associated with any worsening in patient self-reported itch scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher L Bowlus
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, United States.
| | - Michael R Galambos
- Digestive Healthcare of Georgia P.C., Piedmont Atlanta Hospital, Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Richard J Aspinall
- Department of Hepatology, Portsmouth Liver Centre, Portsmouth Hospitals National Health Service Trust, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, United Kingdom
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, University Health Network and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David E J Jones
- Institute of Cellular Medicine and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Yvonne Dörffel
- Outpatient Clinic, Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stuart C Gordon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Stephen A Harrison
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom; Pinnacle Clinical Research Center, San Antonio, Texas, United States
| | - Andreas E Kremer
- Department of Medicine 1, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Pneumology and Endocrinology, Friedrich-Alexander-University of Erlangen-Nürnberg and University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Marlyn J Mayo
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States
| | - Paul J Thuluvath
- Institute of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, Mercy Medical Center, Baltimore, Maryland, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, United States
| | - Cynthia Levy
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
| | - Mark G Swain
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Guy W Neff
- Covenant Research, LLC, Sarasota, Florida, United States
| | - David A Sheridan
- Institute of Translational & Stratified Medicine, University of Plymouth and University Hospitals Plymouth National Health Service Trust, Plymouth, United Kingdom
| | - Carmen M Stanca
- Transplant Hepatology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States
| | - Christoph P Berg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Aparna Goel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, United States
| | - Mitchell L Shiffman
- Liver Institute of Virginia, Bon Secours Mercy Health, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - John M Vierling
- Medicine and Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States
| | - Pol Boudes
- CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc, Newark, California, United States
| | | | - Yun-Jung Choi
- CymaBay Therapeutics, Inc, Newark, California, United States
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Abenavoli L, Procopio AC, Cinaglia P, Zanza C, Grazie CD, Longhitano Y, Libicherova P, Luzza F. Clinical Patterns of Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Comparison Between Two European Case Series. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2022; 17:136-142. [PMID: 35718979 DOI: 10.2174/1574887117666220617095856] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts, followed by fibrous substitution of the ducts and potential evolution in cirrhosis. The geographical disparity in the prevalence of PBC suggests a possible role of environmental factors in developing the disease. We analyzed two groups of patients with different geographical prevalence. METHODS This study concerned the analysis of 14 Caucasian patients in two groups: ten patients enrolled in the Digestive Diseases Unit, University of Catanzaro (Italy), and four patients enrolled in the Department of Hepatology, University Hospital Kràlovskè Vinohrady of Prague (Czech Republic). The statistical analysis was performed using the software IBM SPSS (v. 20, Windows). RESULTS The Italian group showed a statistically significant difference in the total bilirubin values at diagnosis and during the last control (0.74±0.267 vs. 0.56±0.246; p-value: 0.013). Moreover, the comparison between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference in the serum albumin values at the time of the last control (4.6±0.231 vs. 4.15±0.532; p-value: 0.048). CONCLUSION Our data indicate an effective difference in the onset and clinical presentation between our two groups. More epidemiologic, prospective, and multicenter research projects are warranted to advance PBC knowledge in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University, Magna Graecia, Catanzaro Italy
| | | | - Pietro Cinaglia
- Department of Health Sciences, University, Magna Graecia, Catanzaro Italy
| | - Christian Zanza
- Ospedale Alba-Bra Onlus, Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, Verduno (CN), Italy
| | | | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Ospedale Alba-Bra Onlus, Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, Verduno (CN), Italy
| | - Pavla Libicherova
- Department of Hepatology, Third Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, University, Magna Graecia, Catanzaro Italy
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Losurdo G, Gravina AG, Maroni L, Gabrieletto EM, Ianiro G, Ferrarese A. Future challenges in gastroenterology and hepatology, between innovations and unmet needs: A SIGE Young Editorial Board's perspective. Dig Liver Dis 2022; 54:583-597. [PMID: 34509394 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2021.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gastroenterology, Digestive Endoscopy and Hepatology have faced significant improvements in terms of diagnosis and therapy in the last decades. However, many fields still remain poorly explored, and many questions unanswered. Moreover, basic-science, as well as translational and clinical discoveries, together with technology advancement will determine further steps toward a better, refined care for many gastroenterological disorders in the future. Therefore, the Young Investigators of the Italian Society of Gastroenterology (SIGE) joined together, offering a perspective on major future innovations in some hot clinical topics in Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, and Hepatology, as well as the current pitfalls and the grey zones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Losurdo
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University 'Aldo Moro' of Bari; PhD Course in Organs and Tissues Transplantation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, University 'Aldo Moro' of Bari.
| | - Antonietta Gerarda Gravina
- Hepatogastroenterology Division, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Luca Maroni
- Department of Gastroenterology, Marche Polytechnic University, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Gianluca Ianiro
- Digestive Disease Center, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Roma, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferrarese
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Ospedale Borgo Trento, Verona, Italy
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Vande Berg P, Borbath I, Baldin P, Vande Berg D, Hainaut P, Lanthier N. Granuloma formation within perihepatic lymphadenopathy. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2021; 45:101504. [PMID: 32888874 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Perrine Vande Berg
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ivan Borbath
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pamela Baldin
- Service d'Anatomie Pathologique, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Damienne Vande Berg
- Service de Radiologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Hainaut
- Service de Médecine Interne, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université catholique de Louvain, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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Tanaka A, Hirohara J, Nakano T, Matsumoto K, Chazouillères O, Takikawa H, Hansen BE, Carrat F, Corpechot C. Association of bezafibrate with transplant-free survival in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. J Hepatol 2021; 75:565-571. [PMID: 33882268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS A beneficial effect of bezafibrate (BZF) on symptoms and biochemical features of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has been reported in patients with an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), but long-term effects on survival remain unknown. In Japan, BZF has been used as a de facto second-line therapy for PBC since 2000. Herein, we compared the survival rates between patients treated with and those without BZF in a large nationwide Japanese PBC cohort. METHODS All consecutively registered patients of this cohort who started UDCA therapy from 2000 onwards and had a follow-up ≥1 year were included. Association between BZF exposure and mortality or need for liver transplantation (LT) was assessed using time-dependent, multivariable-and propensity score-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. Clinical benefit was quantified using the number needed to treat (NNT). RESULTS Of 3,908 eligible patients, 3,162 (81%) received UDCA only and 746 (19%) UDCA and BZF over 17,360 and 3,932 patient-years, respectively. During follow-up, 183 deaths (89 liver-related) and 21 LT were registered. Exposure to combination therapy was associated with a significant decrease in all-cause and liver-related mortality or need for LT (adjusted hazard ratios: 0.3253, 95% CI 0.1936-0.5466 and 0.2748, 95% CI 0.1336-0.5655, respectively; p <0.001 for both). This association was consistent across various risk groups at baseline. The NNTs with combination therapy to prevent 1 additional death or LT over 5, 10, and 15 years were 29 (95% CI 22-46), 14 (10-22), and 8 (6-15), respectively. CONCLUSIONS In a large retrospective cohort study of treatment effects in patients with PBC, the addition of BZF to UDCA was associated with improved prognosis. LAY SUMMARY The long-term efficacy of bezafibrate (BZF) on liver transplantation (LT) - free survival in patients with PBC and an incomplete response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) remains to be determined. In this Japanese nationwide retrospective cohort study, the use of UDCA-BZF combination therapy, compared to UDCA alone, was associated with a lower risk of all-cause and liver-related mortality or need for LT. These results indicate that BZF is so far the only drug in PBC to have demonstrated efficacy in improving symptoms, biochemical markers, and long-term outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Junko Hirohara
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Nakano
- The Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kosuke Matsumoto
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Olivier Chazouillères
- Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis (MIVB-H), Saint-Antoine Hospital, European Reference (ERN) Network Rare-Liver, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Hajime Takikawa
- Faculty of Medical Technology, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Bettina E Hansen
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network & IHPME, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Fabrice Carrat
- Sorbonne Université, Institut National de la santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, APHP.Sorbonne Université, Département de santé Publique, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Reference Center for Inflammatory Biliary Diseases and Autoimmune Hepatitis (MIVB-H), Saint-Antoine Hospital, European Reference (ERN) Network Rare-Liver, Saint-Antoine Research Center (CRSA), Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Sorbonne University, Paris, France.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is characterized by autoimmune damage of intrahepatic bile ducts associated with a loss of tolerance to mitochondrial antigens. PBC etiopathogenesis is intriguing because of different perplexing features, namely: a) although mitochondria are present in all cell types and tissues, the damage is mainly restricted to biliary epithelial cells (BECs); b) despite being an autoimmune disorder, it does not respond to immunosuppressive drugs but rather to ursodeoxycholic acid, a bile salt that induces HCO3- rich choleresis; c) the overwhelming female preponderance of the disease remains unexplained. Here we present an etiopathogenic view of PBC which sheds light on these puzzling facts of the disease. RECENT FINDINGS PBC develops in patients with genetic predisposition to autoimmunity in whom epigenetic mechanisms silence the Cl-/HCO3- exchanger AE2 in both cholangiocytes and lymphoid cells. Defective AE2 function can produce BECs damage as a result of decreased biliary HCO3- secretion with disruption of the protective alkaline umbrella that normally prevents the penetration of toxic apolar bile salts into cholangiocytes. AE2 dysfunction also causes increased intracellular pH (pHi) in cholangiocytes, leading to the activation of soluble adenylyl cyclase, which sensitizes BECs to bile salt-induced apoptosis. Recently, mitophagy was found to be inhibited by cytosolic alkalization and stimulated by acidification. Accordingly, we propose that AE2 deficiency may disturb mitophagy in BECs, thus, promoting the accumulation of defective mitochondria, oxidative stress and presentation of mitochondrial antigens to the immune cells. As women possess a more acidic endolysosomal milieu than men, mitophagy might be more affected in women in an AE2-defective background. Apart from affecting BECs function, AE2 downregulation in lymphocytes may also contribute to alter immunoregulation facilitating autoreactive T-cell responses. SUMMARY PBC can be considered as a disorder of Cl-/HCO3- exchange in individuals with genetic predisposition to autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús Prieto
- Center for Applied Medical Research (Centro de Investigación Médica Aplicada, CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona
| | - Jesus M. Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Health Research Institute – Donostia University Hospital – University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), San Sebastian
- National Institute for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd, ‘Instituto de Salud Carlos III’)
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao
| | - Juan F. Medina
- Unit of Medical Training, School of Medicine, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
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Zhai X, Zhang Y, Xin S, Cao P, Lu J. Insights Into the Involvement of Circular RNAs in Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:622316. [PMID: 33717126 PMCID: PMC7947908 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.622316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are single-stranded, endogenous, non-coding RNA (ncRNA) molecules formed by the backsplicing of messenger RNA (mRNA) precursors and have covalently closed circular structures without 5′-end caps and 3′-end polyadenylation [poly(A)] tails. CircRNAs are characterized by abundant species, stable structures, conserved sequences, cell- or tissue-specific expression, and widespread and stable presence in many organisms. Therefore, circRNAs can be used as biomarkers for the prediction, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of diseases. Autoimmune diseases (AIDs) are caused by defects in immune tolerance or abnormal immune regulation, which leads to damage to host organs. Due to the complexity of the pathophysiological processes of AIDs, clinical therapeutics have been suboptimal. The emergence of circRNAs sheds new light on the treatment of AIDs. In particular, circRNAs mainly participate in the occurrence and development of AIDs by sponging targets. This review systematically explains the formation, function, mechanism, and characteristics of circRNAs in the context of AIDs. With a deeper understanding of the pathophysiological functions of circRNAs in the pathogenesis of AIDs, circRNAs may become reasonable, accurate, and effective biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of AIDs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Zhai
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Healthcare Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfei Zhang
- Center for Medical Experiments, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shuyu Xin
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Healthcare Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Pengfei Cao
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jianhong Lu
- Department of Hematology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Healthcare Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,China-Africa Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Central South University, Changsha, China
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12
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Hakim A, Patwardhan V, Bonder A. Thinking Outside of Urso. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2020; 16:38-42. [PMID: 32922747 PMCID: PMC7474138 DOI: 10.1002/cld.964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Hakim
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMA
| | - Vilas Patwardhan
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMA
| | - Alan Bonder
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyBeth Israel Deaconess Medical CenterBostonMA
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13
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Vesterhus M, Nielsen MJ, Hov JR, Saffioti F, Manon-Jensen T, Leeming DJ, Moum B, Boberg KM, Pinzani M, Karlsen TH, Karsdal MA, Thorburn D. Comprehensive assessment of ECM turnover using serum biomarkers establishes PBC as a high-turnover autoimmune liver disease. JHEP Rep 2020; 3:100178. [PMID: 33225252 PMCID: PMC7666353 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are phenotypically distinct autoimmune liver diseases that progress to cirrhosis and liver failure; however, their histological fibrosis distribution differs. We investigated the extracellular matrix (ECM) profiles of patients with PSC, PBC, and AIH to establish whether the diseases display differential patterns of ECM turnover. Methods Serum samples were retrospectively collected from the UK (test cohort; PSC n = 78; PBC n = 74; AIH n = 58) and Norway (validation cohort; PSC n = 138; PBC n = 28; AIH n = 27). Patients with ulcerative colitis without liver disease (n = 194) served as controls. We assessed specific serological biomarkers of ECM turnover: type III and V collagen formation (PRO-C3, PRO-C5), degradation of type III and IV collagen (C3M, C4M), biglycan (BGM) and citrullinated vimentin (VICM). Results Most of the ECM markers showed elevated serum levels in PBC compared with PSC or AIH (p <0.01). PRO-C3 correlated well with liver stiffness and showed the most striking differences between advanced and non-advanced liver disease; several of the other ECM markers were also associated with stage. PRO-C3 and other ECM markers were inversely associated with ursodeoxycholic acid treatment response in PBC and remission in AIH. All ECM remodelling markers were significantly elevated (p <0.05) in patients with PSC, PBC, or AIH compared with ulcerative colitis. Conclusions In this first study comparing ECM turnover in autoimmune liver diseases, we found increased ECM turnover in PBC compared with either PSC or AIH. The study indicates that ECM remodelling is different in PSC, PBC, and AIH, suggesting differing opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Lay summary The level of scarring is linked to prognosis in autoimmune liver diseases such as primary sclerosing cholangitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis; hence, the scarring process is a possible target for novel therapy. Investigating the scarring process using highly specific technology, we show that the scarring process is different between the 3 autoimmune liver diseases, and this may have important implications for the development of medical treatment. Serological biomarkers specifically targeting extracellular matrix remodelling enable evaluation of the dynamics of fibrosis evolution. ECM turnover was increased in PBC compared with PSC and AIH. ECM markers, particularly PRO-C3, were associated with disease stage in the autoimmune liver diseases and with clinical outcome in PSC.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALP, alkaline phosphatase
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- APRI, AST to platelet ratio index
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- AUROC, area under the receiver operator characteristics curve
- BGM, marker of biglycan degradation
- Biomarker
- C3M, marker of type III collagen degradation
- C4M, marker of type IV collagen degradation
- CI, confidence interval
- ECM, extracellular matrix
- ELF, enhanced liver fibrosis
- Fibrosis
- GGT, gamma glutamyltransferase
- HYA, hyaluronic acid
- IBD, inflammatory bowel disease
- INR, international normalised ratio
- LSM, liver stiffness measurement
- PBC, primary biliary cholangitis
- PIIINP, N-terminal procollagen type III
- PRO-C3
- PRO-C3, marker of type III collagen formation
- PRO-C5, marker of type V collagen formation
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- TE, transient elastography
- TIMP-1, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase
- UC, ulcerative colitis
- VICM, marker of citrullinated vimentin degradation
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Affiliation(s)
- Mette Vesterhus
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Internal Medicine, Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Johannes Roksund Hov
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Francesca Saffioti
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London & Royal Free Hospital, London, UK.,Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Clinical and Molecular Hepatology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | | | | | - Bjørn Moum
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Division of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kirsten Muri Boberg
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London & Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - Tom Hemming Karlsen
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Douglas Thorburn
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London & Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
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