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Management of primary biliary cholangitis: results from a large real-life observational study in France and Belgium. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 33:e197-e205. [PMID: 33252413 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS To assess the characteristics, care, treatment response, and outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients recently followed-up by hepato-gastroenterologists in various French and Belgian healthcare settings. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included patients with PBC who recently visited 79 hepato-gastroenterologists in France and Belgium. Data were collected at the time of diagnosis and at last visit and were compared according to biochemical response (BR) to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (BR), using Paris I-II criteria, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS A total of 436 patients (mean age at diagnosis 57 years, 88% females, median follow-up 5.2 years) were included. Liver biopsy, transient elastography, or none of these two procedures were performed at baseline in 216 (50%), 194 (45%), and 107 (25%) patients, respectively. Late-stage disease (histological stage III or IV, or transient elastography ≥9.6 kPa, or bilirubin >17 µM and albumin <35 g/L, or platelets <150.000/µl, or unequivocal signs of portal hypertension or cirrhosis) was reported in 37% of patients. UDCA was taken by 95% of patients (27% had suboptimal dosage). Inadequate BR was observed in 37% of patients. Clinicians overestimated disease control. Liver-related complications occurred in 9% of patients. Bilirubin and albumin independently predicted inadequate BR; advanced disease stage and inadequate BR independently predicted complications. CONCLUSIONS Recently followed-up French and Belgian patients with PBC had homogeneous management. Late stage at diagnosis and inadequate BR were reported in around 40% of patients. Disease control was frequently overestimated by clinicians. Disease stage and BR were the main prognostic factors.
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Matsuoka-Uchiyama N, Tsuji K, Fukushima K, Kitamura S, Uchida HA, Sugiyama H, Takahashi N, Iwano M, Wada J. Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Cases With IgM-Positive Plasma Cells. Kidney Int Rep 2020; 5:1576-1580. [PMID: 32954083 PMCID: PMC7486177 DOI: 10.1016/j.ekir.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Natsumi Matsuoka-Uchiyama
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kenji Tsuji
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Fukushima
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinji Kitamura
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Haruhito A Uchida
- Department of Chronic Kidney Disease and Cardiovascular Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Sugiyama
- Department of Human Resource Development of Dialysis Therapy for Kidney Disease, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Naoki Takahashi
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medical Science, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Masayuki Iwano
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medical Science, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Jun Wada
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
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Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Rosina F, Pace-Palitti V, Sacco R, Pellicelli A, Chessa L, De Vincentis A, Barlattani M, Barlattani A, Feletti V, Mussetto A, Zolfino T, Russello M, Cozzolongo R, Garrucciu G, Niro G, Bacca D, Bertino G, Claar E, Ascione A, D'Adamo G, Adinolfi LE, Scifo G, Izzi A. Rate of non-response to ursodeoxycholic acid in a large real-world cohort of primary biliary cholangitis patients in Italy. Scand J Gastroenterol 2019; 54:1274-1282. [PMID: 31564176 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2019.1669702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Background and aim: Response to ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is crucial for the prediction of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) prognosis, and different response criteria were validated and proposed by reference centers for PBC. To date, rates of non-response to UDCA from real-world series are lacking.Methods: Hepatology/Gastroenterology centers belonging to 'Club Epatologi Ospedalieri' (CLEO) and 'Associazione Italiana Gastroenterologi Ospedalieri' (AIGO) were invited to participate in the study, and asked to extract all patients followed for PBC, without any selection or exclusion, and fill in the database provided.Results: Thirty-four centers were enrolled throughout Italy, for a total of 713 patients. None of these centers, except one, had a hepatology outpatient clinic devoted to the care of patients with autoimmune liver diseases. After excluding 79 cases of PBC/autoimmune hepatitis overlaps, 634 patients were analyzed: mean age, 64.4 ± 12.0 years; 91.2% females; F/M 10.3/1. For patients with at least 1 year of UDCA treatment (583), rates of non-response to UDCA were evaluated according to the Paris-I/-II, Toronto and GLOBE criteria, and compared with those in the original cohorts: 27% vs 39% in Paris-I cohort; 39.6% vs 52% in Paris-II; 20.1% vs 43.5% in Toronto; 15.7% vs 30% in GLOBE (age-specific cutoffs). Mean alkaline phosphatase levels on UDCA treatment, and the age-adjusted prevalence of F3/F4 fibrosis, appeared lower in this PBC population than in reference cohorts.Conclusions: A mean ∼15% better response to UDCA is observed in a real-world PBC population, probably due to migration of some of most severe/advanced cases to PBC referral centers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rodolfo Sacco
- Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Luchino Chessa
- Liver Unit, University Hospital of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio De Vincentis
- Internal Medicine and Hepatology, University Campus Bio-Medico of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Valentina Feletti
- Gastroenterology Unit, Santa Maria Delle Croci Hospital, Ravenna, Italy
| | | | - Teresa Zolfino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Brotzu Hospital, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Cozzolongo
- Gastroenterology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology "S de Bellis" Reseach Hospital, Castellana Grotte (Bari), Italy
| | - Giovanni Garrucciu
- General Medicine and Medical Pathology, Sassari University Hospital, Sassari, Italy
| | - Grazia Niro
- Department of Gastroenterology, Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza Institute, San Giovanni Rotondo (Foggia), Italy
| | - Donato Bacca
- Internal Medicine Unit, Casarano Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospital Policlinico Vittorio Emanuele, Catania, Italy
| | - Ernesto Claar
- Department of Hepatology, Betania Hospital, Napoli, Italy
| | - Antonio Ascione
- Department of Hepatology, Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giuseppe D'Adamo
- Department of General Medicine, Umberto I Hospital ASL Salerno, Nocera Inferiore, Italy
| | - Luigi Elio Adinolfi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Luigi Vanvitelli University of Campania, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gaetano Scifo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Umberto I Hospital, Siracusa, Italy
| | - Antonio Izzi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, D. Cotugno Hospital, Napoli, Italy
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Predictive scores in primary biliary cirrhosis: a retrospective single center analysis of 204 patients. J Clin Gastroenterol 2015; 49:438-47. [PMID: 25014239 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000000176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
GOALS The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients and to test the clinical value of various outcome models, such as the Mayo Risk Score (MRS), in a large single-center cohort in Germany. BACKGROUND PBC is a chronic autoimmune liver disease with a female gender predominance and a peak incidence in the fifth decade of life. PBC is characterized by portal inflammation and immune-mediated destruction of intrahepatic bile ducts in liver histology and the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies in the serum of nearly 95% of patients. In 5% to 20% of patients an overlap syndrome with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is diagnosed. Ursodeoxycholic acid is widely accepted as the standard medical treatment. STUDY A total of 204 patients with PBC or PBC/AIH were retrospectively analyzed with regard to their clinical, biochemical, serological, and histologic features. PBC was diagnosed on the basis of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases criteria. Specific PBC scores, such as the MRS, the European and the Yale model, as well as nonspecific scores such as the Child-Pugh, the Model for End-stage Liver Disease, and Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index score were analyzed for their utility to predict the clinical outcome of patients. RESULTS One hundred eighty-four patients with PBC alone and 20 with primary biliary cirrhosis/autoimmune hepatitis overlap were followed up for an average of 7.0 (range, 0.5 to 33.2) years. Importantly, baseline values of serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG, as well as antimitochondrial antibodies titers did not allow in properly predicting patient's outcome. The MRS proved clinical applicability. Patients with an R-value <6 did not develop liver-related complications. The Aspartate Aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio Index score had a significant correlation with the histologic degree of liver fibrosis, with limited value of scores between 1.0 and 1.5. Patients with a Model for End-stage Liver Disease score ≥8 (n=17) had a significantly higher risk to undergo liver transplantation or liver-related death. Outcome was less favorable than predicted by the European model. All scores showed low positive predictive values, limiting their applicability in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS Herein, we demonstrate that clinical risk scores in PBC should be interpreted with care. The MRS proved to be helpful to predict a favorable outcome. Novel approaches to predict outcome are needed to identify patients who may benefit from alternative, intensified treatment regimens.
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Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease characterised by intrahepatic bile-duct destruction, cholestasis, and, in some cases, cirrhosis. Evidence supporting the autoimmune nature of this disorder includes the appearance of highly specific antimitochondrial antibodies (AMAs) and autoreactive T cells. Concordance rates in monozygotic twins, familial prevalence, and genetic associations underscore the importance of genetic factors, whereas findings of epidemiological studies and murine models suggest a possible role for exogenous chemicals and infectious agents through molecular mimicry. The incidence of primary biliary cirrhosis has increased over recent decades, possibly attributable to augmented testing of liver biochemistry rather than a rise in disease incidence. AMAs remain the hallmark of diagnosis in most cases and allow detection of asymptomatic patients. Symptomatic individuals usually present with either pruritus or fatigue and, more rarely, with either jaundice or complications of cirrhosis. The prognosis of primary biliary cirrhosis has improved because of early diagnosis and use of ursodeoxycholic acid, the only established medical treatment for this disorder. Although not a cure, treatment can slow disease progression and delay the need for liver transplantation. However, some patients do not respond adequately to ursodeoxycholic acid and might need alternative therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Selmi
- Department of Translational Medicine, IRCCS-Istituto Clinico Humanitas, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Kuiper EMM, Hansen BE, Lesterhuis W, Robijn RJ, Thijs JC, Engels LGJB, Koek GH, Aparicio MN, Kerbert-Dreteler MJ, van Buuren HR. The long-term effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on laboratory liver parameters in biochemically non-advanced primary biliary cirrhosis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2011; 35:29-33. [PMID: 20810227 DOI: 10.1016/j.gcb.2010.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2010] [Revised: 07/08/2010] [Accepted: 07/13/2010] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has an established effect on liver bio-chemistries in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Few studies have evaluated long-term laboratory treatment effects and data beyond 6 years are not available. The aim of this study was to assess the long-term evolution of liver bio-chemistries during prolonged treatment with UDCA in biochemically non-advanced PBC. PATIENTS AND METHODS Prospective multicenter cohort study of patients with PBC with pretreatment normal bilirubin and albumin, treated with UDCA 13-15 mg/kg/day. At yearly intervals, follow-up data including serum bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), transaminases, albumin and IgM were collected. Data were analyzed with a repeated measurement model. RESULTS Two hundred and twenty-five patients were included and followed during a median period of 10.3 years. Following 1-year treatment with UDCA 36-100% of the total biochemical improvement was achieved, the maximum response was observed after 3 years. After initial improvements, bilirubin and AST levels increased and albumin levels significantly decreased after 6-10 years. However, these changes were of limited magnitude. The beneficial effects on ALT and ALP were maintained while IgM continued to decrease. CONCLUSION In non-advanced PBC the biochemical response to UDCA is maintained up to 15 years. The long-term evolution of bilirubin, albumin and ALT differs from that of ALP and AST. The mean IgM level normalised and levels continued to decrease during the period of follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M M Kuiper
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Silveira MG, Lindor KD. Treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis: therapy with choleretic and immunosuppressive agents. Clin Liver Dis 2008; 12:425-43; x-xi. [PMID: 18456189 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2008.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease of presumed autoimmune etiology affecting predominantly middle-aged women; it is a slowly progressive disease causing loss of intrahepatic bile ducts, resulting in advanced fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Many drugs have been studied for treatment, including agents with choleretic and immunosuppressive properties. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been evaluated most widely. After liver failure, the only effective treatment is liver transplantation. Effective therapy reduces the need for transplantation and improves life expectancy. For advanced liver disease or incomplete response to UDCA, new therapies to cure or retard the progression of disease in PBC are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina G Silveira
- Miles and Shirley Fiterman Center for Digestive Diseases, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Abstract
AIM: To investigate the ability of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to scavenge superoxide anion (O2-).
METHODS: We assessed the ability of UDCA to scavenge (O2-) generated by xanthine-xanthine oxidase (X-XO) in a cell-free system and its effect on the rate of O2--induced ascorbic acid (AA) oxidation in hepatic post-mitochondrial supernatants.
RESULTS: UDCA at a concentration as high as 1 mmol/L did not impair the ability of the X-XO system to generate O2-, but could scavenge O2- at concentrations of 0.5 and 1 mmol/L, and decrease the rate of AA oxidation at a concentration of 100 µmol/L.
CONCLUSION: UDCA can scavenge O2-, an action that may be beneficial to patients with primary biliary cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Ljubuncic
- Department of Pharmacology, Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Efron Street, PO Box 9649, Haifa 31096, Israel
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Jorgensen R, Angulo P, Dickson ER, Lindor KD. Results of long-term ursodiol treatment for patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Am J Gastroenterol 2002; 97:2647-50. [PMID: 12385454 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2002.06043.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE When ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used for the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, it has been associated with biochemical improvement, histological stability, reduced risk of esophageal varices, and increased survival free of transplantation. There is limited information available about the long-term outcome of these patients with primary biliary cirrhosis on UDCA treatment. To address this, we reviewed the long-term results from patients enrolled in our original randomized study with up to 12 yr of follow-up. METHODS From April 1988 to March 1992, a total of 180 patients were enrolled into a randomized, controlled trial evaluating UDCA (n = 89) versus placebo (n = 91). When the randomized portion of the study concluded in May 1992, patients were switched to active medication and followed for up to an additional 8 yr. RESULTS Twenty-eight patients originally assigned to UDCA and 42 patients originally assigned to placebo have died or undergone transplantation. The patients who died or were transplanted were more histologically advanced at entry (p < 0.001). Seventy-six of the remaining 110 patients return for regular follow-up; mailed questionnaires were returned by an additional 25 patients, and nine patients have been lost to follow-up. Twenty-two of the 76 patients we follow have normal liver tests (ALP, bilirubin, and AST). Patients with normal liver tests had significantly lower levels of ALP and AST at baseline (p < 0.05), but did not differ in histological stage or total bilirubin from those with persistently abnormal tests. CONCLUSIONS UDCA appears to be of most benefit when instituted in early stage disease. Although a substantial percentage of patients will achieve biochemical normalization on UDCA alone, there is a continued need for therapeutic options for others who have less complete biochemical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Jorgensen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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Corpechot C, Carrat F, Poupon R, Poupon RE. Primary biliary cirrhosis: incidence and predictive factors of cirrhosis development in ursodiol-treated patients. Gastroenterology 2002; 122:652-8. [PMID: 11874998 DOI: 10.1053/gast.2002.31880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) slows the progression of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, some UDCA-treated patients escape and progress toward cirrhosis and end-stage disease. This study aimed to assess the incidence of cirrhosis in UDCA-treated patients with PBC and to determine the predictive factors of cirrhosis development under this treatment. METHODS A Markov model was used to describe the progression toward cirrhosis in 183 UDCA-treated patients with PBC. A total of 254 pairs of liver biopsy specimens collected during 655 patient-years were studied. RESULTS The incidence of cirrhosis after 5 years of UDCA treatment was 4%, 12%, and 59% among patients followed-up from stages I, II, and III, respectively. At 10 years, the incidence was 17%, 27%, and 76%, respectively. The median time for developing cirrhosis from stages I, II, and III was 25 years, 20 years, and 4 years, respectively. The independent predictive factors of cirrhosis development were serum bilirubin greater than 17 mumol/L, serum albumin less than 38 g/L, and moderate to severe lymphocytic piecemeal necrosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides new data about the time course of PBC under UDCA and constitutes a rationale for the design and evaluation of clinical trials aimed to assess the efficacy of drugs associated with UDCA.
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Schlichting J, Leuschner U. Drug therapy of primary biliary diseases: classical and modern strategies. J Cell Mol Med 2001; 5:98-115. [PMID: 12067457 PMCID: PMC6737770 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2001.tb00144.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J Schlichting
- Medizinische Klinik II, Johann-Wolfgang Goethe Universität, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
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Trauner M, Boyer JL. Cholestatic syndromes. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2000; 16:239-50. [PMID: 17023881 DOI: 10.1097/00001574-200005000-00006] [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] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
Continued advances in the field of liver cell biology and molecular biology have provided further insights into the normal physiology of bile secretion and the pathogenesis and therapy for cholestatic syndromes. Important new data have also been published about pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, drug-induced cholestasis, and cholestatic syndromes caused by viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Trauner
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Karl Franzens University School of Medicine, Graz, Austria
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Parés A, Caballería L, Rodés J, Bruguera M, Rodrigo L, García-Plaza A, Berenguer J, Rodríguez-Martínez D, Mercader J, Velicia R. Long-term effects of ursodeoxycholic acid in primary biliary cirrhosis: results of a double-blind controlled multicentric trial. UDCA-Cooperative Group from the Spanish Association for the Study of the Liver. J Hepatol 2000; 32:561-6. [PMID: 10782903 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(00)80216-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for primary biliary cirrhosis in a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. METHODS Consecutive patients (n=192) were randomized to receive 14-16 mg UDCA/kg/day or placebo. Patients underwent a complete history, physical examination, liver chemistries, immunological determinations and liver biopsy at entry and at the end of the trial, which lasted for at least 2 years. Patients were seen every 3 months and the median follow-up was 3.4 years (range 0.3 to 6.1 years). RESULTS Patients receiving UDCA (99) or placebo (93) were comparable with regard to age, sex, biochemical parameters and liver histology. UDCA treatment was associated with decreases in alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutamyl transferase, alanine aminotransferase, and cholesterol levels, effects which were conspicuous after 3 months of treatment and remained similar during the follow-up. During the study 31 patients (10 receiving UDCA and 21 placebo) discontinued the trial because of noncompliance (n=11), voluntary withdrawal (n=19) or adverse effects (n=1). Treatment failure (death or liver transplantation) was observed in 17 patients receiving UDCA and in 11 patients receiving placebo. Times to death or liver transplantation and to clinical complications were not significantly different in patients receiving UDCA or placebo. Histological analysis indicates that UDCA improved portal inflammation and prevented histological stage progression. By contrast, histological stage as well as ductular proliferation and ductopenia progressed in patients receiving placebo. CONCLUSIONS Although UDCA treatment did not significantly affect time to death or liver transplantation and to clinical complications, the effects on both cholestasis and liver histology suggest that UDCA is safe and may be useful for preventing the progression of primary biliary cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Parés
- Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Spain.
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Kurihara T, Furukawa M, Tsuchiya M, Akimoto M, Ishiguro H, Hashimoto H, Niimi A, Maeda A, Shigemoto M, Yamasha K. Effect of bezafibrate in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2000. [DOI: 10.1016/s0011-393x(00)88530-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
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Leuschner M, Maier KP, Schlichting J, Strahl S, Herrmann G, Dahm HH, Ackermann H, Happ J, Leuschner U. Oral budesonide and ursodeoxycholic acid for treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis: results of a prospective double-blind trial. Gastroenterology 1999; 117:918-25. [PMID: 10500075 DOI: 10.1016/s0016-5085(99)70351-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is used for treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis. Previous studies showed that, compared with UDCA monotherapy, bile salts plus prednisolone had no further effect on laboratory data but improved liver histology. Thirty percent of these patients had prednisolone-related side effects. Budesonide is a glucocorticoid with a high receptor affinity and a high first-pass metabolism. In this study we investigated whether budesonide and UDCA are superior to UDCA monotherapy. METHODS A 2-year prospective, controlled double-blind trial was performed. Twenty patients (mainly with early-stage disease) were treated with UDCA at a dose of 10-15 mg/kg daily in addition to 3 mg budesonide 3 times daily (group A), and 19 patients (1 dropped out for personal reasons) were treated with UDCA plus placebo (group B). Liver biopsy specimens were taken before, after 12 months, and at the end of study. Glucose tolerance tests, serum cortisol levels, and adrenocorticotropin-stimulated cortisol secretion were assessed at regular intervals. Bone mass density was measured by dual-energy photon absorptiometry. RESULTS Compared with pretreatment values, liver enzyme and immunoglobulin M and G levels decreased significantly in both groups. Improvement in group A was significantly more pronounced (P < 0.05) than in group B. Titers of antimitochondrial antibodies did not change. In group A, the point score of liver histology improved by 30.3%; in group B, it deteriorated by 3.5% (P < 0.001). Changes in bone mineral density after 2 years were -1.747% in group A and -0.983% in group B (P = 0.43). Budesonide had little influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. One patient in group A had budesonide-related side effects; in 3 patients in group B, complications of liver disease developed. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy with UDCA and budesonide is superior to UDCA and placebo.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leuschner
- Medical Clinic II, University Hospital Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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van Hoogstraten HJ, Hansen BE, van Buuren HR, ten Kate FJ, van Berge-Henegouwen GP, Schalm SW. Prognostic factors and long-term effects of ursodeoxycholic acid on liver biochemical parameters in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Dutch Multi-Centre PBC Study Group. J Hepatol 1999; 31:256-62. [PMID: 10453938 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(99)80222-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Serum bilirubin is a prognostic factor in untreated primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but this has been less extensively documented for patients treated with UDCA. The aims of this study were to define the effects of UDCA on serum liver tests and to assess prognostic factors in patients on prolonged UDCA treatment. METHODS Analysis of laboratory parameters obtained before and during treatment with UDCA of 203 PBC patients who were followed for a mean of 48 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the prognostic value of pre-entry and follow-up variables with respect to treatment failure and survival. RESULTS Actuarial 5-year incidences of treatment failure and transplantion-free survival were 27 and 79%, respectively. According to the univariate analysis the following variables were significantly associated with prognosis: pre-entry presence of cirrhosis and pre-treatment levels of serum bilirubin and albumin, bilirubin levels during follow-up, the occurrence of biochemical remission and normalisation of serum bilirubin. Multivariate analysis revealed that bilirubin during follow-up was the best predictor. Alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and IgM decreased significantly during the first 6 months of treatment and subsequently remained at this lower level. Serum bilirubin showed the same initial pattern, but a significant increase was observed after 4 years of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Serum bilirubin in both UDCA-treated and untreated patients is the most powerful predictor of prognosis for PBC. The partial therapeutic efficacy of UDCA is illustrated by the finding that serum bilirubin, in contrast to alkaline phosphatase and the transaminases, appears to increase after 4 years of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- H J van Hoogstraten
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Erasmus University Hospital Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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17
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Poupon RE, Bonnand AM, Chrétien Y, Poupon R. Ten-year survival in ursodeoxycholic acid-treated patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. The UDCA-PBC Study Group. Hepatology 1999; 29:1668-71. [PMID: 10347106 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510290603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment has been shown to increase survival without orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) at 4 years. Whether this beneficial effect was maintained over the long term remained to be established. In a large cohort of UDCA-treated patients with PBC, we aimed to determine the 10-year outcome of these patients using two endpoints: (1) survival without OLT, and (2) survival. The cohort was comprised of 225 patients with PBC treated with UDCA (13-15 mg/kg/d) monitored from the beginning of treatment until time of last follow-up, OLT, or death. Because of the absence of a control group, survival without OLT was compared with survival predicted by the Mayo model (first 7 years), and observed 10-year survival with an estimation of survival of a standardized control cohort of the French population. Observed survival without OLT of UDCA-treated patients was significantly higher (P <.04) than survival predicted by the Mayo model. Observed survival was significantly lower (P <. 01) than survival predicted from the French population. Observed survival of noncirrhotic patients was not different (P >.9) from that of the French control population but survival of cirrhotic patients was significantly lower (P <.0001). Twenty-two patients died; 13 patients died of hepatic causes and 4 patients died after OLT. In conclusion, survival without OLT among patients treated with UDCA for PBC is higher than that of untreated patients, as predicted by the Mayo model. Ten-year survival among UDCA-treated patients is slightly lower than that of an age- and sex-matched general population, the difference mainly being explained by mortality among cirrhotic patients.
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18
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Güldütuna S, Zimmer G, Leuschner M, Bhatti S, Elze A, Deisinger B, Hofmann M, Leuschner U. The effect of bile salts and calcium on isolated rat liver mitochondria. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 1999; 1453:396-406. [PMID: 10101258 DOI: 10.1016/s0925-4439(99)00006-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Intact mitochondria were incubated with and without calcium in solutions of chenodeoxycholate, ursodeoxycholate, or their conjugates. Glutamate dehydrogenase, protein and phospholipid release were measured. Alterations in membrane and organelle structure were investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. Chenodeoxycholate enhanced enzyme liberation, solubilized protein and phospholipid, and increased protein spin label mobility and the polarity of the hydrophobic membrane interior, whereas ursodeoxycholate and its conjugates did not damage mitochondria. Preincubation with ursodeoxycholate or its conjugate tauroursodeoxycholate for 20 min partially prevented damage by chenodeoxycholate. Extended preincubation even with 1 mM ursodeoxycholate could no longer prevent structural damage. Calcium (from 0.01 mM upward) augmented the damaging effect of chenodeoxycholate (0.15-0.5 mM). The combined action of 0.01 mM calcium and 0.15 mM chenodeoxycholate was reversed by ursodeoxycholate only, not by its conjugates tauroursodeoxycholate and glycoursodeoxycholate. In conclusion, ursodeoxycholate partially prevents chenodeoxycholate-induced glutamate dehydrogenase release from liver cell mitochondria by membrane stabilization. This holds for shorter times and at concentrations below 0.5 mM only, indicating that the different constitution of protein-rich mitochondrial membranes does not allow optimal stabilization such as has been seen in phospholipid- and cholesterol-rich hepatocyte cell membranes, investigated previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Güldütuna
- Medical Clinic II, Department of Gastroenterology, Center of Internal Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
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19
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Angulo P, Batts KP, Therneau TM, Jorgensen RA, Dickson ER, Lindor KD. Long-term ursodeoxycholic acid delays histological progression in primary biliary cirrhosis. Hepatology 1999; 29:644-7. [PMID: 10051462 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510290301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a progressive cholestatic liver disease frequently leading to development of cirrhosis and its complications. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a beneficial medical therapy for patients with PBC. Improvement in some histological features, but not in histological stage, has been reported after 2 years of UDCA therapy. Thus, longer follow-up may be necessary to determine whether UDCA has a favorable effect on histological stage of disease and progression to cirrhosis. Our aim was to determine the long-term effects of UDCA therapy on histological stage and progression to cirrhosis in patients with PBC. Sixteen unselected patients with noncirrhotic PBC who had been on long-term UDCA therapy (13-15 mg/kg/d) for 6.6 +/- 0.4 years (range, 5-9 years) were identified and their histological finding during treatment compared with that of 51 noncirrhotic patients with PBC who had received ineffective therapy (D-penicillamine [DPCA] or placebo) for 5.6 +/- 0.07 years (range, 5-8 years). Histological stage was determined using the Ludwig classification. The rate of progression to cirrhosis (stage 4) was significantly less in the UDCA group than in the control group (13% vs. 49%; P =.009). Although the overall rate of progression of histological stage was less in the UDCA group than in the control group (50% vs. 71%), this difference was not significant (P =.1). A marked improvement in liver biochemistries and Mayo risk score was noted in all patients during UDCA therapy; however, this improvement was not significantly different between patients who progressed and those who did not. In conclusion, long-term UDCA therapy appeared to delay the development of cirrhosis in PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Angulo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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20
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Zukowski TH, Jorgensen RA, Dickson ER, Lindor KD. Autoimmune conditions associated with primary biliary cirrhosis: response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. Am J Gastroenterol 1998; 93:958-61. [PMID: 9647028 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.1998.00287.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A variety of autoimmune conditions occur in association with primary biliary cirrhosis. Among these conditions are sicca syndrome, Raynaud's phenomenon, arthritis, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Information is sparse regarding the prevalence and natural history of these conditions when associated with primary biliary cirrhosis and their response to ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. We evaluated the prevalence, natural history, and response to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy of these conditions coassociated with primary biliary cirrhosis. METHODS One hundred-eighty patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, enrolled in a prospective randomized controlled trial of ursodeoxycholic acid (13-15 mg/ kg/day), were included. Patients were assessed at study entry and annually. RESULTS At entry, 77/180 patients (43%) had one of the four conditions, and 18/180 patients (10%) had two or more conditions. Sicca syndrome was the most common, occurring in 58/180 patients (32%). After 2 yr, there was no difference between the treatment groups with regard to resolution or spontaneous onset of these autoimmune features. Sicca syndrome was the most common spontaneously developing condition (9% per yr). Sicca syndrome was the most common associated autoimmune condition, present in one-third of our patients. The associated conditions tended to improve over time, with a low rate of spontaneously developing these conditions. Although ursodeoxycholic acid therapy leads to improvement in the underlying liver disease, it did not appear to influence either the development or resolution of these autoimmune features. CONCLUSIONS Although ursodeoxycholic acid is beneficial in the treatment of primary biliary cirrhosis, it had no measurable effect on the autoimmune conditions coassociated with the disease.
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21
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Bährle S, Szabó G, Dengler TJ, Zimmermann R, Hagl S, Kübler W. Immunosuppressive effects of ursodeoxycholic acid in heart-allografted rats. Transplant Proc 1998; 30:864-5. [PMID: 9595128 DOI: 10.1016/s0041-1345(98)00078-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S Bährle
- Department of Cardiology, University of Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Lindblad A, Glaumann H, Strandvik B. A two-year prospective study of the effect of ursodeoxycholic acid on urinary bile acid excretion and liver morphology in cystic fibrosis-associated liver disease. Hepatology 1998; 27:166-74. [PMID: 9425933 DOI: 10.1002/hep.510270126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of 2 years of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) in cystic fibrosis (CF)-associated liver disease was evaluated by liver biopsies and liver function tests in 10 patients aged 8 to 28 years. The metabolism of UDCA was investigated by analysis of urinary bile acids with fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FABMS) and gas-liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Eight patients responded with normalization of liver function tests (LFT) and all with decreased serum levels of immunoglobulin G (IgG). Blind evaluation of liver biopsies indicated improved liver morphology with less inflammation and/or bile duct proliferation than before treatment with UDCA in 7 patients. Only 1 patient had signs of progression of clinical liver disease. The proportion of UDCA and isoUDCA in urine varied, but increased during treatment from a mean (median) of approximately 4% (3%) to 40% (40%) of total bile acids. The increase was not related to LFT. The secondary bile acids, such as lithocholic acid (LCA) and deoxycholic acid (DCA), did not increase significantly. The excretion pattern of glycosidic conjugates of UDCA and its metabolites was similar to that found in healthy individuals, UDCA and isoUDCA being mainly excreted in conjugation with N-acetylglucosamine. This study shows that UDCA modulates inflammation in CF-associated liver disease and indicates improvement of liver morphology during 2 years of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Lindblad
- Department of Pediatrics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg University, Sweden
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23
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Klein R, Pointner H, Zilly W, Glässner-Bittner B, Breuer N, Garbe W, Fintelmann V, Kalk JF, Müting D, Fischer R, Tittor W, Pausch J, Maier KP, Berg PA. Antimitochondrial antibody profiles in primary biliary cirrhosis distinguish at early stages between a benign and a progressive course: a prospective study on 200 patients followed for 10 years. LIVER 1997; 17:119-28. [PMID: 9249725 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0676.1997.tb00793.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In recent retrospective studies, it was shown that subtypes of antimitochondrial antibodies (AMA) can help to discriminate between a benign [only anti-M9 and/or anti-M2 positive by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] and a rather progressive course (anti-M2, -M4 and/or -M8 positive). According to different constellations of these AMA subspecificities in ELISA and complement fixation test (CFT), four AMA profiles (A-D) were defined. In 1984 we started a prospective study based on 200 PBC patients with known AMA profiles in order to correlate the antibody pattern with the clinical outcome. Progression was defined primarily as the necessity of liver transplantation and death due to hepatic failure or variceal bleeding. At entry, 18 (9%) of the 200 patients had AMA profile A (only anti-M9), 57 (29%) profile B (only anti-M2 with or without anti-M9), 74 (37%) profile C (anti-M2 in association with anti-M4/-M8 by ELISA), and 51 (26%) profile D (anti-M2/-M4/-M8 by ELISA and CFT). At the beginning of the study, 177 patients had PBC stage I/II. During the observation period of ten years, ten patients died and in 18 orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) was performed; all these patients belonged to profile C/D. Furthermore, 44% of the patients with profile C and 31% of the patients with profile D progressed to late stages, as defined by histology and clinical manifestations such as portal hypertension and increase of bilirubin, while only one of the patients with profile B and none of the profile A-patients developed late stage PBC. A significant increase of bilirubin was observed only in C/D-patients. AMA profiles did not change during the follow-up. In conclusion, AMA profiles discriminate between a benign and a progressive course of PBC already at early stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Klein
- Medizinische Klinik, University of Tübingen, Germany
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24
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Eriksson LS, Olsson R, Glauman H, Prytz H, Befrits R, Rydén BO, Einarsson K, Lindgren S, Wallerstedt S, Wedén M. Ursodeoxycholic acid treatment in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. A Swedish multicentre, double-blind, randomized controlled study. Scand J Gastroenterol 1997; 32:179-86. [PMID: 9051880 DOI: 10.3109/00365529709000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) has been shown to improve serum levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin in primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, it is still uncertain whether UDCA treatment also improves symptoms, liver histology, and survival without liver transplantation. METHODS We randomized 116 patients with PBC to receive 0.5 g UDCA (n = 60) or placebo (n = 56) daily for 2 years. During the next 2 years, 80% of the UDCA-treated patients and 65% of the placebo-treated patients continued to take UDCA. RESULTS UDCA improved serum enzyme values but not survival, symptoms, serum bilirubin levels, or liver histology. There was no significant difference in response between initially symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. CONCLUSIONS UDCA in a dosage of 7.7 mg/kg body weight is of little benefit in PBC. This does not exclude the possibility that larger doses have beneficial effects.
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25
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Ljubuncic P, Fuhrman B, Oiknine J, Aviram M, Bomzon A. Effect of deoxycholic acid and ursodeoxycholic acid on lipid peroxidation in cultured macrophages. Gut 1996; 39:475-8. [PMID: 8949657 PMCID: PMC1383359 DOI: 10.1136/gut.39.3.475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kupffer cells are essential for normal hepatic homeostasis and when stimulated, they secrete reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, eicosanoids, and cytokines. Some of these products are cytotoxic and attack nucleic acids, thiol proteins, or membrane lipids causing lipid peroxidation. Hydrophobic bile acids, such as deoxycholic acid (DCA), can damage hepatocytes by solubilising membranes and impairing mitochondrial function, as well as increasing the generation of reactive oxygen species. OBJECTIVES The hypothesis that hydrophobic bile acids could stimulate Kupffer cells to increase their capacity to generate reactive oxygen species by measuring cellular lipid peroxidation was tested. Because the hydrophilic bile acid, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can block hydrophobic bile acid induced cellular phenomena, it was also hypothesised that UDCA could antagonise macrophage activation by hydrophobic bile acids to blunt their capacity to generate reactive oxygen species. METHODS J-774A.1 murine macrophages were incubated for 24 hours with either 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M (final concentration) DCA alone, or 10(-4) M UDCA alone, or a mixture of 10(-4) M 1:1 molar ratio of DCA and UDCA. At the end of the incubation period, the culture medium was collected for determination of cellular lipid peroxidation by measuring the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the medium with the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances assay. RESULTS 10(-5) M and 10(-4) M DCA increased MDA generation by cultured macrophages. 10(-4) M UDCA alone did not increase MDA generation but blocked the peroxidative actions of DCA. CONCLUSIONS Hydrophobic bile acids, after their hepatic retention, can oxidatively activate Kupffer cells to generate reactive oxygen species. Because UDCA can block this action, the beneficial effect of UDCA is, in part, related to its ability to act as an antioxidant.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Ljubuncic
- Department of Pharmacology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa
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26
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Leuschner M, Güldütuna S, You T, Hübner K, Bhatti S, Leuschner U. Ursodeoxycholic acid and prednisolone versus ursodeoxycholic acid and placebo in the treatment of early stages of primary biliary cirrhosis. J Hepatol 1996; 25:49-57. [PMID: 8836901 DOI: 10.1016/s0168-8278(96)80327-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ursodeoxycholic acid probably is not able to cure primary biliary cirrhosis. Therefore in this study ursodeoxycholic acid was administered together with prednisolone, since monotherapy with glucocorticoids has been shown to have some positive effects. METHODS Thirty patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (stages I-III) were entered into the study. Fifteen were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid 10 mg.kg-1.day-1 and placebo (group A), 15 with ursodeoxycholic acid and 10 mg prednisolone (group B) for 9 months. Apart from the usual laboratory examinations, liver biopsies were taken from 29 patients before and after therapy. RESULTS Liver enzymes decreased significantly compared to the initial values in both groups (p < 0.001), but in group B cholestasis-indicating enzymes and the immunoglobulins G and A improved more rapidly. Between both groups the differences for AP, GGT, IgG, IgA and gamma-globulins were significant (p < 0.05), but only for short terms. In group B, liver histology improved significantly (p < 0.003), which correlated with the decrease of IgG. Ursodeoxycholic acid became the predominant bile acid in the serum. Toxic bile acids did not increase. Bone densitometry revealed a slight deterioration of preexisting osteoporosis in one patient. CONCLUSIONS Although combination therapy with ursodeoxycholic acid and prednisolone was not superior to monotherapy with ursodeoxycholic acid with regard to liver function tests, it had a highly beneficial influence on liver histology. In our previous trials with monotherapy histology remained unchanged. An early decrease in IgG during combination therapy seems to be an indicator of an amelioration of liver histology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Leuschner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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27
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Nakamura K, Yoneda M, Kimura A, Tamori K, Yokohama S, Sato Y, Kato T, Hasegawa T, Saito H, Aoshima M, Fujita M, Makino I. Increase of sulfated ursodeoxycholic acid in the serum and urine of patients with chronic liver disease after ursodeoxycholic acid therapy. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 1996; 11:385-90. [PMID: 8713707 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1996.tb01388.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study was undertaken in order to investigate the influence of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on the composition of sulfate-conjugated bile acids in the serum and urine of patients with chronic active hepatitis and compensated liver cirrhosis. After a 12 week UDCA treatment (600 mg/day), total serum bile acid concentration increased two-fold in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis and increased slightly in patients with chronic active hepatitis. The percentage of sulfated bile acids significantly increased in patients with both compensated liver cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis. UDCA made up 63% of the total serum bile acids in compensated liver cirrhosis and 61% in chronic active hepatitis after UDCA treatment. Of the serum bile acids after UDCA treatment, 35.2 and 53.9% of UDCA was sulfate conjugated in compensated liver cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis, respectively. Urinary excretion of total bile acid and UDCA after UDCA treatment in compensated liver cirrhosis were higher than in chronic active hepatitis. UDCA made up 68% of the total urinary bile acids in compensated liver cirrhosis and 64% in chronic active hepatitis after UDCA treatment. Of the urinary bile acids after UDCA treatment, 51.8 and 54.8% of UDCA was sulfate conjugated in compensated liver cirrhosis and chronic active hepatitis, respectively. UDCA treatment for compensated liver cirrhosis was less effective than for chronic active hepatitis. We found that sulfate conjugation is one of the major metabolic pathways for UDCA after UDCA treatment in chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Nakamura
- Second Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical College, Japan
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Setchell KD, Rodrigues CM, Podda M, Crosignani A. Metabolism of orally administered tauroursodeoxycholic acid in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Gut 1996; 38:439-46. [PMID: 8675100 PMCID: PMC1383076 DOI: 10.1136/gut.38.3.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The metabolism of tauroursodeoxycholic acid orally administered and its effects on the bile acid pool of patients with asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic primary biliary cirrhosis is described. Patients were randomly assigned 500, 1000, or 1500 mg/day of tauroursodeoxycholate for six months. Biliary and serum bile acids were measured before and during treatment by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and by high performance liquid chromatography. During tauroursodeoxycholate administration, the proportion of total ursodeoxycholate in bile reached mean (SEM) 34.4 (4.5)%, 32.8 (2.8)%, and 41.6 (3.0)% with doses of 500, 1000, and 1500 mg/day, respectively. Significant decreases in the proportions of chenodeoxycholate and cholate resulted. The glycine/taurine ratio of the biliary bile acid pool decreased from 1.9 at baseline, to 1.1 with the highest dose. Ursodeoxycholate in bile was conjugated with glycine and taurine, indicating that tauroursodeoxycholate undergoes significant deconjugation and reconjugation during its enterohepatic recycling. The proportion of lithocholate in bile remained unchanged. Fasting serum conjugated ursodeoxycholate concentration positively correlated with the tauroursodeoxycholate dose, and the increased proportion of ursodeoxycholate was accompanied by substantial decreases in the endogenous bile acids. Compared with previously published data for ursodeoxycholic acid therapy, these findings indicate that the shift toward a more hydrophilic bile acid pool is greater and potentially more favourable with tauroursodeoxycholate, and this is because of the reduced intestinal biotransformation of tauroursodeoxycholate.
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Affiliation(s)
- K D Setchell
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
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