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Guo Z, Yao Z, Huang B, Wu D, Li Y, Chen X, Lu Y, Wang L, Lv W. MAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma: Exploring the potent combination of immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 140:112821. [PMID: 39088919 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity globally, and with the prevalence of metabolic-related diseases, the incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) related hepatocellular carcinoma (MAFLD-HCC) continues to rise with the limited efficacy of conventional treatments, which has created a major challenge for HCC surveillance. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and molecularly targeted drugs offer new hope for advanced MAFLD-HCC, but the evidence for the use of both types of therapy in this type of tumour is still insufficient. Theoretically, the combination of immunotherapy, which awakens the body's anti-tumour immunity, and targeted therapies, which directly block key molecular events driving malignant progression in HCC, is expected to produce synergistic effects. In this review, we will discuss the progress of immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy in MAFLD-HCC and look forward to the opportunities and challenges of the combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Guo
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Ziang Yao
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Peking University People 's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - Bohao Huang
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100105, China
| | - Dongjie Wu
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Yanbo Li
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China
| | - Xiaohan Chen
- Department of Hematology, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Yanping Lu
- Department of Hepatology, Shenzhen Bao'an Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen 518100, China.
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
| | - Wenliang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100053, China.
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Afonso MB, David JC, Alves MI, Santos AA, Campino G, Ratziu V, Gautheron J, Rodrigues CMP. Intricate interplay between cell metabolism and necroptosis regulation in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A narrative review. Metabolism 2024; 158:155975. [PMID: 39004396 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2024.155975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), encompasses a progressive spectrum of liver conditions, ranging from steatosis to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, characterised by hepatocellular death and inflammation, potentially progressing to cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. In both experimental and human MASLD, necroptosis-a regulated immunogenic necrotic cell death pathway-is triggered, yet its exact role in disease pathogenesis remains unclear. Noteworthy, necroptosis-related signalling pathways are emerging as key players in metabolic reprogramming, including lipid and mitochondrial metabolism. Additionally, metabolic dysregulation is a well-established contributor to MASLD development and progression. This review explores the intricate interplay between cell metabolism and necroptosis regulation and its impact on MASLD pathogenesis. Understanding these cellular events may offer new insights into the complexity of MASLD pathophysiology, potentially uncovering therapeutic opportunities and unforeseen metabolic consequences of targeting necroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Bento Afonso
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jan Caira David
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana Isabel Alves
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - André Anastácio Santos
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campino
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Hepatology, Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers (CRC), Paris, France; Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France
| | - Jérémie Gautheron
- Institute of Cardiometabolism and Nutrition (ICAN), Paris, France; Sorbonne Université, Inserm, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine (CRSA), Paris, France
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3
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Banerjee A, Farci P. Fibrosis and Hepatocarcinogenesis: Role of Gene-Environment Interactions in Liver Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8641. [PMID: 39201329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is a complex organ that performs vital functions in the body. Despite its extraordinary regenerative capacity compared to other organs, exposure to chemical, infectious, metabolic and immunologic insults and toxins renders the liver vulnerable to inflammation, degeneration and fibrosis. Abnormal wound healing response mediated by aberrant signaling pathways causes chronic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis. Fibrosis plays a key role in liver carcinogenesis. Once thought to be irreversible, recent clinical studies show that hepatic fibrosis can be reversed, even in the advanced stage. Experimental evidence shows that removal of the insult or injury can inactivate HSCs and reduce the inflammatory response, eventually leading to activation of fibrolysis and degradation of ECM. Thus, it is critical to understand the role of gene-environment interactions in the context of liver fibrosis progression and regression in order to identify specific therapeutic targets for optimized treatment to induce fibrosis regression, prevent HCC development and, ultimately, improve the clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Banerjee
- Department of Transfusion Transmitted Diseases, ICMR-National Institute of Immunohaematology, Mumbai 400012, Maharashtra, India
| | - Patrizia Farci
- Hepatic Pathogenesis Section, Laboratory of Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Abdelnabi MN, Hassan GS, Shoukry NH. Role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in modulating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1437046. [PMID: 39156888 PMCID: PMC11327067 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1437046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) comprises a spectrum of liver diseases that span simple steatosis, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and fibrosis and may progress to cirrhosis and cancer. The pathogenesis of MASLD is multifactorial and is driven by environmental, genetic, metabolic and immune factors. This review will focus on the role of the type 3 cytokines IL-17 and IL-22 in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. IL-17 and IL-22 are produced by similar adaptive and innate immune cells such as Th17 and innate lymphoid cells, respectively. IL-17-related signaling is upregulated during MASLD resulting in increased chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines in the liver microenvironment, enhanced recruitment of myeloid cells and T cells leading to exacerbation of inflammation and liver disease progression. IL-17 may also act directly by activating hepatic stellate cells resulting in increased fibrosis. In contrast, IL-22 is a pleiotropic cytokine with a dominantly protective signature in MASLD and is currently being tested as a therapeutic strategy. IL-22 also exhibits beneficial metabolic effects and abrogates MASH-related inflammation and fibrosis development via inducing the production of anti-oxidants and anti-apoptotic factors. A sex-dependent effect has been attributed to both cytokines, most importantly to IL-22 in MASLD or related conditions. Altogether, IL-17 and IL-22 are key effectors in MASLD pathogenesis and progression. We will review the role of these two cytokines and cells that produce them in the development of MASLD, their interaction with host factors driving MASLD including sexual dimorphism, and their potential therapeutic benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed N. Abdelnabi
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de microbiologie, infectiologie et immunologie, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ghada S. Hassan
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine, Faculté de médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
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Argenziano ME, Kim MN, Montori M, Di Bucchianico A, Balducci D, Ahn SH, Svegliati Baroni G. Epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical aspects of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in MAFLD patients. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10692-4. [PMID: 39012579 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10692-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is undergoing a transformative shift, with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) emerging as a dominant etiology. Diagnostic criteria for MAFLD involve hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysregulation. Globally, MAFLD prevalence stands at 38.77%, significantly linked to the escalating rates of obesity. Epidemiological data indicate a dynamic shift in the major etiologies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), transitioning from viral to metabolic liver diseases. Besides the degree of liver fibrosis, several modifiable lifestyle risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and HBV, HCV infection contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC. Moreover gut microbiota and genetic variants may contribute to HCC development.The pathophysiological link between MAFLD and HCC involves metabolic dysregulation, impairing glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. Silent presentation poses challenges in early MAFLD-HCC diagnosis. Imaging, biopsy, and AI-assisted techniques aid diagnosis, while HCC surveillance in non-cirrhotic MAFLD patients remains debated.ITA.LI.CA. group proposes a survival-based algorithm for treatment based on Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) algorithm. Liver resection, transplantation, ablation, and locoregional therapies are applied based on the disease stage. Systemic treatments is promising, with initial immunotherapy results indicating a less favorable response in MAFLD-related HCC.Adopting lifestyle interventions and chemopreventive measures with medications, including aspirin, metformin, and statins, constitute promising approaches for the primary prevention of HCC.Prognosis is influenced by multiple factors, with MAFLD-HCC associated with prolonged survival. Emerging diagnostic biomarkers and epigenomic markers, show promising results for early HCC detection in the MAFLD population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eva Argenziano
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126,, Ancona, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mi Na Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Michele Montori
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126,, Ancona, Italy
| | - Alessandro Di Bucchianico
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126,, Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniele Balducci
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, 60126,, Ancona, Italy
| | - Sang Hoon Ahn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50 Yonsei-Ro, Seodaemun-Gu, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Gianluca Svegliati Baroni
- Liver Disease and Transplant Unit, Obesity Center, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Delle Marche, Polytechnic University of Marche, Ancona, Italy
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Karin M, Kim JY. MASH as an emerging cause of hepatocellular carcinoma: current knowledge and future perspectives. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38874196 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the deadliest and fastest-growing cancers. Among HCC etiologies, metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has served as a major HCC driver due to its great potential for increasing cirrhosis. The obesogenic environment fosters a positive energy balance and results in a continuous rise of obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, it is difficult to understand how metabolic complications lead to the poor prognosis of liver diseases and which molecular mechanisms are underpinning MAFLD-driven HCC development. Thus, suitable preclinical models that recapitulate human etiologies are essentially required. Numerous preclinical models have been created but not many mimicked anthropometric measures and the course of disease progression shown in the patients. Here we review the literature on adipose tissues, liver-related HCC etiologies and recently discovered genetic mutation signatures found in MAFLD-driven HCC patients. We also critically review current rodent models suggested for MAFLD-driven HCC study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Karin
- Laboratory of Gene Regulation and Signal Transduction, Departments of Pharmacology and Pathology, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Ju Youn Kim
- Department of Molecular and Life Science, Hanyang University ERICA, Ansan, Korea
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Satthawiwat N, Jinato T, Sutheeworapong S, Tanpowpong N, Chuaypen N, Tangkijvanich P. Distinct Gut Microbial Signature and Host Genetic Variants in Association with Liver Fibrosis Severity in Patients with MASLD. Nutrients 2024; 16:1800. [PMID: 38931155 PMCID: PMC11206871 DOI: 10.3390/nu16121800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Gut microbiota might affect the severity and progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We aimed to characterize gut dysbiosis and clinical parameters regarding fibrosis stages assessed by magnetic resonance elastography. This study included 156 patients with MASLD, stratified into no/mild fibrosis (F0-F1) and moderate/severe fibrosis (F2-F4). Fecal specimens were sequenced targeting the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene and analyzed using bioinformatics. The genotyping of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 was assessed by allelic discrimination assays. Our data showed that gut microbial profiles between groups significantly differed in beta-diversity but not in alpha-diversity indices. Enriched Fusobacterium and Escherichia_Shigella, and depleted Lachnospira were found in the F2-F4 group versus the F0-F1 group. Compared to F0-F1, the F2-F4 group had elevated plasma surrogate markers of gut epithelial permeability and bacterial translocation. The bacterial genera, PNPLA3 polymorphisms, old age, and diabetes were independently associated with advanced fibrosis in multivariable analyses. Using the Random Forest classifier, the gut microbial signature of three genera could differentiate the groups with high diagnostic accuracy (AUC of 0.93). These results indicated that the imbalance of enriched pathogenic genera and decreased beneficial bacteria, in association with several clinical and genetic factors, were potential contributors to the pathogenesis and progression of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nantawat Satthawiwat
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
- Doctor of Philosophy Program in Medical Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Thananya Jinato
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Sawannee Sutheeworapong
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics Research Unit, Pilot Plant Development and Training Institute, King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi, Bangkok 10150, Thailand;
| | - Natthaporn Tanpowpong
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand;
| | - Natthaya Chuaypen
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
| | - Pisit Tangkijvanich
- Center of Excellence in Hepatitis and Liver Cancer, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand; (N.S.); (T.J.); (N.C.)
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Siyal M, Abbas Z, Qadeer MA, Saeed A, Ali U, Khatoon A. Misoprostol for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: a randomised control trial. BMJ Open Gastroenterol 2024; 11:e001342. [PMID: 38844374 PMCID: PMC11167449 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgast-2023-001342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The management of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an unmet clinical need. Misoprostol, a structural analogue of naturally occurring prostaglandin E1, has been reported to decrease proinflammatory cytokine production and may have a potential role in treating NASH. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of misoprostol in treating patients with NASH. METHODS In this phase 2, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial, patients with NASH were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive 200 µg of misoprostol or placebo thrice daily for 2 months. The primary endpoint was an improvement in liver function tests (LFTs), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and endotoxin levels. The secondary endpoint was improvement in insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, hepatic fibrosis and hepatic steatosis. RESULTS A total of 50 patients underwent randomisation, of whom 44 (88%) were males. The age range was 25-64 years (mean±SE of mean (SEM) 38.1±1.4). 19 (38%) patients had concomitant type 2 diabetes mellitus. 32 (64%) patients were either overweight or obese. At the end of 2 months' treatment, a reduction in total leucocyte count (TLC) (p=0.005), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p<0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (p=0.002) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) (p=0.003) was observed in the misoprostol group, whereas placebo ensued a decline in ALT (p<0.001), AST (p=0.018), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) (p=0.003), CAP (p=0.010) and triglycerides (p=0.048). There was no diminution in insulin resistance, hepatic fibrosis (elastography) and dyslipidaemia in both groups. However, misoprostol resulted in a significant reduction in CAP as compared with the placebo group (p=0.039). Moreover, in the misoprostol group, pretreatment and post-treatment IL-6 and endotoxin levels remained stable, while in the placebo group, an increase in the IL-6 levels was noted (p=0.049). Six (12%) patients had at least one adverse event in the misoprostol group, as did five (10%) in the placebo group. The most common adverse event in the misoprostol group was diarrhoea. No life-threatening events or treatment-related deaths occurred in each group. CONCLUSION Improvement in the biochemical profile was seen in both misoprostol and placebo groups without any statistically significant difference. However, there was more improvement in steatosis, as depicted by CAP, in the misoprostol group and worsening of IL-6 levels in the placebo group. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05804305.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehreen Siyal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Ali Qadeer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Alina Saeed
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Usman Ali
- Department of Laboratory, Dr Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ambrina Khatoon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Dr Ziauddin Hospital, Clifton Campus, Karachi, Pakistan
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Urias E, Tedesco NR, Burkholder DA, Moran IJ, Miller MJ, Jasty VSJ, Patil S, Zoellner S, Wijarnpreecha K, Chen VL. PNPLA3 risk allele is associated with risk of hepatocellular carcinoma but not decompensation in compensated cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0441. [PMID: 38780253 PMCID: PMC11124711 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The PNPLA3-rs738409-G, TM6SF2-rs58542926-T, and HSD17B13-rs6834314-A polymorphisms have been associated with cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and HCC. However, whether they remain associated with HCC and decompensation in people who already have cirrhosis remains unclear, which limits the clinical utility of genetics in risk stratification as HCC is uncommon in the absence of cirrhosis. We aimed to characterize the effects of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 genotype on hepatic decompensation, HCC, and liver-related mortality or liver transplant in patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. METHODS We conducted a single-center retrospective study of patients in the Michigan Genomics Initiative who underwent genotyping. The primary predictors were PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 genotypes. Primary outcomes were either hepatic decompensation, HCC, or liver-related mortality/transplant. We conducted competing risk Fine-Gray analyses on our cohort. RESULTS We identified 732 patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. During follow-up, 50% of patients developed decompensation, 13% developed HCC, 24% underwent liver transplant, and 27% died. PNPLA3-rs738409-G genotype was associated with risk of incident HCC: adjusted subhazard hazard ratio 2.42 (1.40-4.17), p=0.0015 for PNPLA3-rs738409-GG vs. PNPLA3-rs738409-CC genotype. The 5-year cumulative incidence of HCC was higher in PNPLA3-rs738409-GG carriers than PNPLA3-rs738409-CC/-CG carriers: 15.6% (9.0%-24.0%) vs. 7.4% (5.2%-10.0%), p<0.001. PNPLA3 genotype was not associated with decompensation or the combined outcome of liver-related mortality or liver transplant. TM6SF2 and HSD17B13 genotypes were not associated with decompensation or HCC. CONCLUSIONS The PNPLA3-rs738409-G allele is associated with an increased risk of HCC among patients with baseline compensated cirrhosis. People with cirrhosis and PNPLA3-rs738409-GG genotype may warrant more intensive HCC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Urias
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Nicholas R. Tedesco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel A. Burkholder
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Isabel J. Moran
- Michigan State University College of Medicine, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Matthew J. Miller
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Venkata Sai J. Jasty
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Snehal Patil
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sebastian Zoellner
- Department of Biostatistics and Center for Statistical Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Karn Wijarnpreecha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine—Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Vincent L. Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Tulone A, Pennisi G, Ciccioli C, Infantino G, La Mantia C, Cannella R, Mercurio F, Petta S. Are we ready for genetic testing in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease? United European Gastroenterol J 2024; 12:638-648. [PMID: 38659291 PMCID: PMC11176907 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), with its steadily increasing prevalence, represents now a major problem in public health. A proper referral could benefit from tools allowing more precise risk stratification. To this end, in recent decades, several genetic variants that may help predict and refine the risk of development and progression of MASLD have been investigated. In this review, we aim to discuss the role genetics in MASLD plays in everyday clinical practice. We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed for relevant publications. Available evidence highlights the emergence of genetic-based noninvasive algorithms for diagnosing fatty liver, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, fibrosis progression and occurrence of liver-related outcomes including hepatocellular carcinoma. Nevertheless, their accuracy is not optimal and application in everyday clinical practice remains challenging. Furthermore, susceptible genetic markers have recently become subjects of great scientific interest as therapeutic targets in precision medicine. In conclusion, decisional algorithms based on genetic testing in MASLD to facilitate the clinician decisions on management and treatment are under growing investigation and could benefit from artificial intelligence methodology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adele Tulone
- Sezione di GastroenterologiaPROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Grazia Pennisi
- Sezione di GastroenterologiaPROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Carlo Ciccioli
- Sezione di GastroenterologiaPROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | | | - Claudia La Mantia
- Sezione di GastroenterologiaPROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | - Roberto Cannella
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina, Neuroscienze e Diagnostica Avanzata (BIND)University of PalermoPalermoItaly
| | | | - Salvatore Petta
- Sezione di GastroenterologiaPROMISEUniversity of PalermoPalermoItaly
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Stine JG, Medic N, Pettersson B, Venerus M, Blau JE. The health care experience of adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and influence of PNPLA3: A qualitative study. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0451. [PMID: 38780312 PMCID: PMC11124700 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is a progressive form of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, for which there is limited information about patient experience, including the patient journey. METHODS In this study, we conducted interviews with patients with MASH to qualitatively evaluate the patient journey and help elucidate the experiences of this patient population. We also investigated if the patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) I148M variant (non-Hispanic) or being of Hispanic ethnicity may influence patient experiences because these 2 subgroups develop advanced liver disease more frequently than other patient groups. RESULTS One-to-one interviews were conducted with 28 adults (with PNPLA3 I148M genetic variant, n = 10; Hispanic, n = 8) living in the United States who had been diagnosed with MASH with liver fibrosis. Patients were asked open-ended questions about their experiences before, at, and after their diagnosis. The data collected found that patients experienced a long process of misdiagnoses before their diagnosis of MASH, a lack of clear information provided by clinicians, and limited accessibility to support groups. Hispanic patients reported "impact on family/friends" (75%) and "fear of disease progression" (75%) more frequently than the other patient cohorts interviewed. This is the first report of "fear of progression" in patients with MASH. No patients who were White and had the PNPLA3 I148M variant reported nausea/vomiting, in contrast to other patient cohorts. CONCLUSIONS This qualitative study identified key aspects of the patient journey that are important for clinical providers and medical teams to recognize. We also propose a new algorithm that could be developed to help screen relatives of patients who are found to carry the PNPLA3 I148M variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G. Stine
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Pennsylvania State University Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Fatty Liver Program, Pennsylvania State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Liver Center, The Pennsylvania State University Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
- Cancer Institute, The Pennsylvania State University-Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Nenad Medic
- Patient Centered Science, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Billie Pettersson
- Patient Centered Science, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals Medical, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Jenny E. Blau
- Research and Early Development, Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolism (CVRM), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
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12
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Xia M, Varmazyad M, Palacin IP, Gavlock DC, Debiasio R, LaRocca G, Reese C, Florentino R, Faccioli LAP, Brown JA, Vernetti LA, Schurdak ME, Stern AM, Gough A, Behari J, Soto-Gutierrez A, Taylor DL, Miedel M. Comparison of Wild-Type and High-risk PNPLA3 variants in a Human Biomimetic Liver Microphysiology System for Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease Precision Therapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.22.590608. [PMID: 38712213 PMCID: PMC11071381 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.22.590608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a worldwide health epidemic with a global occurrence of approximately 30%. The pathogenesis of MASLD is a complex, multisystem disorder driven by multiple factors including genetics, lifestyle, and the environment. Patient heterogeneity presents challenges for developing MASLD therapeutics, creation of patient cohorts for clinical trials and optimization of therapeutic strategies for specific patient cohorts. Implementing pre-clinical experimental models for drug development creates a significant challenge as simple in vitro systems and animal models do not fully recapitulate critical steps in the pathogenesis and the complexity of MASLD progression. To address this, we implemented a precision medicine strategy that couples the use of our liver acinus microphysiology system (LAMPS) constructed with patient-derived primary cells. We investigated the MASLD-associated genetic variant PNPLA3 rs738409 (I148M variant) in primary hepatocytes, as it is associated with MASLD progression. We constructed LAMPS with genotyped wild type and variant PNPLA3 hepatocytes together with key non-parenchymal cells and quantified the reproducibility of the model. We altered media components to mimic blood chemistries, including insulin, glucose, free fatty acids, and immune activating molecules to reflect normal fasting (NF), early metabolic syndrome (EMS) and late metabolic syndrome (LMS) conditions. Finally, we investigated the response to treatment with resmetirom, an approved drug for metabolic syndrome-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the progressive form of MASLD. This study using primary cells serves as a benchmark for studies using patient biomimetic twins constructed with patient iPSC-derived liver cells using a panel of reproducible metrics. We observed increased steatosis, immune activation, stellate cell activation and secretion of pro-fibrotic markers in the PNPLA3 GG variant compared to wild type CC LAMPS, consistent with the clinical characterization of this variant. We also observed greater resmetirom efficacy in PNPLA3 wild type CC LAMPS compared to the GG variant in multiple MASLD metrics including steatosis, stellate cell activation and the secretion of pro-fibrotic markers. In conclusion, our study demonstrates the capability of the LAMPS platform for the development of MASLD precision therapeutics, enrichment of patient cohorts for clinical trials, and optimization of therapeutic strategies for patient subgroups with different clinical traits and disease stages.
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13
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Pham N, Benhammou JN. Statins in Chronic Liver Disease: Review of the Literature and Future Role. Semin Liver Dis 2024; 44:191-208. [PMID: 38701856 DOI: 10.1055/a-2319-0694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major contributor to global mortality, morbidity, and healthcare burden. Progress in pharmacotherapeutic for CLD management is lagging given its impact on the global population. While statins are indicated for the management of dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease, their role in CLD prevention and treatment is emerging. Beyond their lipid-lowering effects, their liver-related mechanisms of action are multifactorial and include anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and immune-protective effects. In this review, we highlight what is known about the clinical benefits of statins in viral and nonviral etiologies of CLD and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and explore key mechanisms and pathways targeted by statins. While their benefits may span the spectrum of CLD and potentially HCC treatment, their role in CLD chemoprevention is likely to have the largest impact. As emerging data suggest that genetic variants may impact their benefits, the role of statins in precision hepatology will need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyen Pham
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jihane N Benhammou
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Liver Research Center at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
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14
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Fares S, Wehrle CJ, Hong H, Sun K, Jiao C, Zhang M, Gross A, Allkushi E, Uysal M, Kamath S, Ma WW, Modaresi Esfeh J, Linganna MW, Khalil M, Pita A, Kim J, Walsh RM, Miller C, Hashimoto K, Schlegel A, Kwon DCH, Aucejo F. Emerging and Clinically Accepted Biomarkers for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1453. [PMID: 38672535 PMCID: PMC11047909 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16081453] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related death and the sixth most diagnosed malignancy worldwide. Serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is the traditional, ubiquitous biomarker for HCC. However, there has been an increasing call for the use of multiple biomarkers to optimize care for these patients. AFP, AFP-L3, and prothrombin induced by vitamin K absence II (DCP) have described clinical utility for HCC, but unfortunately, they also have well established and significant limitations. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), genomic glycosylation, and even totally non-invasive salivary metabolomics and/or micro-RNAS demonstrate great promise for early detection and long-term surveillance, but still require large-scale prospective validation to definitively validate their clinical validity. This review aims to provide an update on clinically available and emerging biomarkers for HCC, focusing on their respective clinical strengths and weaknesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sami Fares
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Chase J. Wehrle
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Hanna Hong
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Keyue Sun
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Chunbao Jiao
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Mingyi Zhang
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Abby Gross
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Erlind Allkushi
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Melis Uysal
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Suneel Kamath
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.K.); (W.W.M.)
| | - Wen Wee Ma
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.K.); (W.W.M.)
| | - Jamak Modaresi Esfeh
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (J.M.E.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Maureen Whitsett Linganna
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (J.M.E.); (M.W.L.)
| | - Mazhar Khalil
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Alejandro Pita
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Jaekeun Kim
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - R. Matthew Walsh
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Charles Miller
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Koji Hashimoto
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - David Choon Hyuck Kwon
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
| | - Federico Aucejo
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary & Liver Transplant Surgery, Digestive Diseases and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (S.F.); (H.H.); (K.S.); (C.J.); (M.Z.); (A.G.); (E.A.); (M.U.); (M.K.); (A.P.); (J.K.); (R.M.W.); (K.H.); (A.S.); (D.C.H.K.)
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15
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Lekakis V, Papatheodoridis GV. Natural history of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Eur J Intern Med 2024; 122:3-10. [PMID: 37940495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), which has been the term for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) since June 2023, represents the most common liver disease worldwide and is a leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. A thorough knowledge of the disease's natural history is required to promptly stratify patients' risks, since MASLD is a multifaceted disorder with a broad range of clinical phenotypes. The histological disease spectrum ranges from isolated hepatic steatosis, currently named as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL), to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and eventually may accumulate hepatic fibrosis and develop cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several risk factors for fibrosis progression have been identified, while the disease's progression displays notable dynamism and bidirectionality. When compared to the general population, all MASLD histological stages are substantially related with greater overall mortality, and this association exhibits a disease severity-dependent pattern. Interestingly, the fibrosis stage is the most accurate predictor of mortality among MASLD patients. The mortality attributed to MASLD predominantly stems from issues linked with the liver and cardiovascular system, as well as HCC and extrahepatic cancers. In light of the disease natural course, it is crucial to prioritize the identification of at-risk patients for disease progression in order to effectively address and change modifiable risk factors, hence mitigating disease complications. Further investigation is required to define the phenotype of rapid progressors more precisely as well as to improve risk stratification for HCC in non-cirrhotic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasileios Lekakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens 11527, Greece
| | - George V Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", 17 Agiou Thoma Street, Athens 11527, Greece.
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16
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Rong S, Xia M, Vale G, Wang S, Kim CW, Li S, McDonald JG, Radhakrishnan A, Horton JD. DGAT2 inhibition blocks SREBP-1 cleavage and improves hepatic steatosis by increasing phosphatidylethanolamine in the ER. Cell Metab 2024; 36:617-629.e7. [PMID: 38340721 PMCID: PMC10939742 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
Diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT2) catalyzes the final step of triglyceride (TG) synthesis. DGAT2 deletion in mice lowers liver TGs, and DGAT2 inhibitors are under investigation for the treatment of fatty liver disease. Here, we show that DGAT2 inhibition also suppressed SREBP-1 cleavage, reduced fatty acid synthesis, and lowered TG accumulation and secretion from liver. DGAT2 inhibition increased phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) levels in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and inhibited SREBP-1 cleavage, while DGAT2 overexpression lowered ER PE concentrations and increased SREBP-1 cleavage in vivo. ER enrichment with PE blocked SREBP-1 cleavage independent of Insigs, which are ER proteins that normally retain SREBPs in the ER. Thus, inhibition of DGAT2 shunted diacylglycerol into phospholipid synthesis, increasing the PE content of the ER, resulting in reduced SREBP-1 cleavage and less hepatic steatosis. This study reveals a new mechanism that regulates SREBP-1 activation and lipogenesis that is independent of sterols and SREBP-2 in liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunxing Rong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA; Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA
| | - Mingfeng Xia
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Goncalo Vale
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA; Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA
| | - Simeng Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA
| | - Chai-Wan Kim
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA; Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA
| | - Shili Li
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA
| | - Jeffrey G McDonald
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA; Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA
| | - Arun Radhakrishnan
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA
| | - Jay D Horton
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA; Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9046, USA.
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17
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Wattacheril J, Kleinstein SE, Shea PR, Wilson LA, Subramanian GM, Myers RP, Lefkowitch J, Behling C, Xanthakos SA, Goldstein DB. Investigating the Relationship Between Rare Genetic Variants and Fibrosis in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.02.24303632. [PMID: 38496563 PMCID: PMC10942529 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.02.24303632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aims Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a complex human disease. Common genetic variation in the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) genes have been associated with an increased risk of developing NAFLD, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and fibrosis in adults. The role of rare genetic variants in the development and progression of NAFLD in children is not well known. We aimed to explore the role of rare genetic variants in pediatric patients with advanced fibrosis. Methods Whole exome sequencing data was generated for 229 pediatric patients diagnosed with NAFLD recruited from the NASH Clinical Research Network (NASH CRN). Case-control single variant and gene-based collapsing analyses were used to test for rare variants that were enriched or depleted within the pediatric NAFLD cohort specifically for advanced fibrosis (cases) versus those without fibrosis (controls) or six other histologic characteristics. Exome data from non-NAFLD population controls were also used for additional analyses. All results were adjusted for multiple testing using a Bonferroni correction. Results No genome-wide significant associations were found between rare variation and presence of advanced fibrosis or NASH, nor the severity of steatosis, inflammation, or hepatocellular ballooning. Significantly, no enrichment of rare variants in PNPLA3 or TM6SF2 was observed across phenotypes. Conclusion In a cohort of children with histologically proven NAFLD, no genome-wide significant associations were found between rare genetic variation and advanced fibrosis or six other histologic features. Of particular interest was the lack of association with genes of interest in adults: PNPLA3 and TM6SF2, though limitations in sample size may reduce the ability to detect associations, particularly with rare variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Wattacheril
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Medicine, Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, New York Presbyterian Hospital
| | - Sarah E. Kleinstein
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Institute for Genomic Medicine
| | - Patrick R. Shea
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Institute for Genomic Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Jay Lefkowitch
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Department of Pathology
| | | | - Stavra A. Xanthakos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
| | - David B. Goldstein
- Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Institute for Genomic Medicine
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Luo J, Lu Z, Zhong Z, Pi M, Xiong Y, Li L, Chen T, Chen Y, Wang CY, Liu Z, Ye Q. ALDH2 deficiency exacerbates MCD-diet induced MASLD by modulating bile acid metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med 2024; 212:34-48. [PMID: 38104741 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in mitochondria, is primarily responsible for metabolizing alcohol-derived acetaldehyde and other endogenous aldehydes. Inactivating ALDH2 rs671 polymorphism is found in up to 8 % of the global population and 40 % of the East Asian population. Recent studies have shown that rs671 SNP mutation in the human ALDH2 gene is associated with an increased risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver diseases (MASLD), but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we identify the role of ALDH2 in MASLD. Firstly, ALDH2 activity was lower in MASLD patients and the methionine-choline deficiency (MCD) diet induced MASLD model. Secondly, activation of ALDH2 activity with Alda-1 (ALDH2 agonist) attenuated MCD-diet induced hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation and steatosis, whereas the opposite result was observed with cyanamide (CYA, ALDH2 inhibitor). Furthermore, ALDH2 deficiency exacerbated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in the MCD-diet induced mice. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that oxysterol 7-α hydroxylase (Cyp7b1) and the related metabolic pathway significantly changed in the MCD-diet challenged ALDH2-/- mice. In ALDH2-/- mice, the expression of Cyp7b1 was downregulated and FXR/SHP signaling was inhibited, reducing the alternative bile acid (BA) synthetic pathway. In our in vitro experiments, knockdown of ALDH2 exacerbated TG accumulation in hepatocytes, whereas the opposite result was observed with overexpression of ALDH2. Moreover, chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) rescued ALDH2 downregulation induced TG accumulation in hepatocytes. Our study reveals that ALDH2 attenuates hepatocyte steatosis by regulating the alternative BA synthesis pathway, and ALDH2 may serve as a potential target for the treatment of MASLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Luo
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhongshan Lu
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zibiao Zhong
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Meichen Pi
- Shenzhen Qianhai Taikang Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan Xiong
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Li
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Wuhan Third Hospital and Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yiwen Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Cong-Yi Wang
- The Center for Biomedical Research, NHC Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhongzhong Liu
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Qifa Ye
- National Quality Control Center for Donated Organ Procurement, Hubei Key Laboratory of Medical Technology on Transplantation, Hubei Clinical Research Center for Natural Polymer Biological Liver, Hubei Engineering Center of Natural Polymer-Based Medical Materials, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Institute of Hepatobiliary Diseases of Wuhan University, Transplant Center of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Research Center of National Health Ministry on Transplantation Medicine Engineering and Technology, The 3rd Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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19
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Cernea S. NAFLD Fibrosis Progression and Type 2 Diabetes: The Hepatic-Metabolic Interplay. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:272. [PMID: 38398781 PMCID: PMC10890557 DOI: 10.3390/life14020272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The bidirectional relationship between type 2 diabetes and (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease) NAFLD is indicated by the higher prevalence and worse disease course of one condition in the presence of the other, but also by apparent beneficial effects observed in one, when the other is improved. This is partly explained by their belonging to a multisystemic disease that includes components of the metabolic syndrome and shared pathogenetic mechanisms. Throughout the progression of NAFLD to more advanced stages, complex systemic and local metabolic derangements are involved. During fibrogenesis, a significant metabolic reprogramming occurs in the hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immune cells, engaging carbohydrate and lipid pathways to support the high-energy-requiring processes. The natural history of NAFLD evolves in a variable and dynamic manner, probably due to the interaction of a variable number of modifiable (diet, physical exercise, microbiota composition, etc.) and non-modifiable (genetics, age, ethnicity, etc.) risk factors that may intervene concomitantly, or subsequently/intermittently in time. This may influence the risk (and rate) of fibrosis progression/regression. The recognition and control of the factors that determine a rapid progression of fibrosis (or its regression) are critical, as the fibrosis stages are associated with the risk of liver-related and all-cause mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Cernea
- Department M3, Internal Medicine I, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, 540142 Târgu Mureş, Romania; or
- Diabetes, Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Outpatient Unit, Emergency County Clinical Hospital, 540136 Târgu Mureş, Romania
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20
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Wang X, Zhang L, Dong B. Molecular mechanisms in MASLD/MASH-related HCC. Hepatology 2024:01515467-990000000-00739. [PMID: 38349726 PMCID: PMC11323288 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths and ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer type globally. NAFLD or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and its more severe manifestation, NASH or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), pose a significant global health concern, affecting approximately 20%-25% of the population. The increased prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and MASH is parallel to the increasing rates of obesity-associated metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and fatty liver diseases. MASH can progress to MASH-related HCC (MASH-HCC) in about 2% of cases each year, influenced by various factors such as genetic mutations, carcinogen exposure, immune microenvironment, and microbiome. MASH-HCC exhibits distinct molecular and immune characteristics compared to other causes of HCC and affects both men and women equally. The management of early to intermediate-stage MASH-HCC typically involves surgery and locoregional therapies, while advanced HCC is treated with systemic therapies, including anti-angiogenic therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this comprehensive review, we consolidate previous research findings while also providing the most current insights into the intricate molecular processes underlying MASH-HCC development. We delve into MASH-HCC-associated genetic variations and somatic mutations, disease progression and research models, multiomics analysis, immunological and microenvironmental impacts, and discuss targeted/combined therapies to overcome immune evasion and the biomarkers to recognize treatment responders. By furthering our comprehension of the molecular mechanisms underlying MASH-HCC, our goal is to catalyze the advancement of more potent treatment strategies, ultimately leading to enhanced patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bingning Dong
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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21
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Lin X, Zhang J, Chu Y, Nie Q, Zhang J. Berberine prevents NAFLD and HCC by modulating metabolic disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 254:108593. [PMID: 38301771 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global metabolic disease with high prevalence in both adults and children. Importantly, NAFLD is becoming the main cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Berberine (BBR), a naturally occurring plant component, has been demonstrated to have advantageous effects on a number of metabolic pathways as well as the ability to kill liver tumor cells by causing cell death and other routes. This permits us to speculate and make assumptions about the value of BBR in the prevention and defense against NAFLD and HCC by a global modulation of metabolic disorders. Herein, we briefly describe the etiology of NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC, with a particular emphasis on analyzing the potential mechanisms of BBR in the treatment of NAFLD from aspects including increasing insulin sensitivity, controlling the intestinal milieu, and controlling lipid metabolism. We also elucidate the mechanism of BBR in the treatment of HCC. More significantly, we provided a list of clinical studies for BBR in NAFLD. Taking into account our conclusions and perspectives, we can make further progress in the treatment of BBR in NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Lin
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Juanhong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China; College of Life Science, Northwest Normal University, Lanzhou 730070, China
| | - Yajun Chu
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Qiuying Nie
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
| | - Junmin Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, State Key Laboratory of Applied Organic Chemistry, and College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China.
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22
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Phoolchund AGS, Khakoo SI. MASLD and the Development of HCC: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Challenges. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:259. [PMID: 38254750 PMCID: PMC10814413 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD, previously known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)) represents a rapidly increasing cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), mirroring increasing rates of obesity and metabolic syndrome in the Western world. MASLD-HCC can develop at an earlier stage of fibrosis compared to other causes of chronic liver disease, presenting challenges in how to risk-stratify patients to set up effective screening programmes. Therapeutic decision making for MASLD-HCC is also complicated by medical comorbidities and disease presentation at a later stage. The response to treatment, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, may vary by the aetiology of the disease, and, in the future, patient stratification will be key to optimizing the therapeutic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anju G. S. Phoolchund
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Salim I. Khakoo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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23
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Koh JH, Wang M, Suzuki H, Muthiah M, Ng CH, Huang DQ. NAFLD and NAFLD-related HCC in Asia: Burden and Surveillance. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101213. [PMID: 38076360 PMCID: PMC10701133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rapidly emerging as a leading etiology of chronic liver disease (CLD) in Asia. The increasing incidence of NAFLD is projected to drive a surge in NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A notable characteristic of NAFLD-HCC is its capacity for development in individuals without cirrhosis in more than a third of patients. Most practice guidelines recommend biannual ultrasound screening for patients with cirrhosis. In cases of severe limitations to ultrasound visualisation, cross-sectional abdominal imaging may be warranted. Improved strategies for HCC risk stratification are required for people with NAFLD but without cirrhosis. In this Review, we discuss the evolving trends of NAFLD and HCC in Asia, and implications for surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia H. Koh
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hiroyuki Suzuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
| | - Mark Muthiah
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Cheng H. Ng
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Daniel Q. Huang
- NAFLD Research Center, University of California at San Diego, USA
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24
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Lai M, Qin YL, Jin QY, Chen WJ, Hu J. Association of MBOAT7 rs641738 polymorphism with hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:2225-2236. [PMID: 38173430 PMCID: PMC10758655 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MBOAT7 rs641738 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) has been proven to influence various liver diseases, but its association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) susceptibility has been debated. To address this discrepancy, we conducted the current systematic review and meta-analysis. AIM To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on association of MBOAT7 SNP and HCC susceptibility. METHODS We performed a systematic review in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE; applied specific inclusion and exclusion criteria; and extracted the data. Meta-analysis was conducted with the meta package in R. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were also performed. This meta-analysis was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023458046). RESULTS Eight studies were included in the systematic review, and 12 cohorts from 6 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis revealed an association between the MBOAT7 SNP and HCC susceptibility in both the dominant [odds ratio (OR): 1.14, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): 1.02-1.26, P = 0.020] and recessive (OR: 1.21, 95%CI: 1.05-1.39, P = 0.008) models. Subgroup analysis revealed that stratification of the included patients by geographical origin showed a significant association in Asia (OR: 1.20, 95%CI: 1.03-1.39). CONCLUSION This meta-analysis underscores the contribution of the MBOAT7 rs641738 SNP to hepatocarcinogenesis, especially in Asian populations, which warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Lai
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College/Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu 611730, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ya-Lu Qin
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Third Hospital of Chengdu Traditional Chinese Medicine University/Chengdu Pidu District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611730, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiong-Yu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College/Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu 611730, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Wen-Jing Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College/Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu 611730, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College/Chengdu Pidu District People's Hospital, Chengdu 611730, Sichuan Province, China
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25
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Singal AG, Kanwal F, Llovet JM. Global trends in hepatocellular carcinoma epidemiology: implications for screening, prevention and therapy. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023; 20:864-884. [PMID: 37884736 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00825-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality rates are increasing globally, and particularly in the Western world. Cirrhosis remains the predominant risk factor for HCC. However, epidemiological shifts in the incidence of HCC from patients with virus-related liver disease to those with non-viral aetiologies, including alcohol-associated and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, have important implications for prevention, surveillance and treatment. Hepatitis B vaccination and antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C are effective for primary prevention of virus-related HCCs, but chemoprevention strategies for non-viral liver disease remain an unmet need. Emerging data suggest associations between aspirin, statins, metformin and coffee and reduced HCC incidence, although none has been proved to be causally related. Secondary prevention of HCC via semi-annual surveillance is associated with improvements in early detection and thus reduced mortality; however, current tools, including abdominal ultrasonography, have suboptimal sensitivity for the detection of early stage HCC, particularly in patients with obesity and/or non-viral liver disease. Promising blood-based or imaging-based surveillance strategies are emerging, although these approaches require further validation before adoption in clinical practice. In the interim, efforts should be focused on maximizing use of the existing surveillance tools given their prevalent underuse globally. Remarkable advances have been made in the treatment of HCC, including expanded eligibility for surgical therapies, improved patient selection for locoregional treatments and increased systemic treatment options, including immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we discuss trends in the epidemiology of HCC and their implications for screening, prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit G Singal
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Section of Health Services Research, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- VA Health Services Research & Development Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt), Houston, TX, USA
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Josep M Llovet
- Mount Sinai Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Translational Research in Hepatic Oncology, Liver Unit, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Epidemiological trends indicate recent and predicted increases in the burden of disease. Disease progression is driven by continued alcohol exposure on a background of genetic predisposition together with environmental cofactors. Most individuals present with advanced disease despite a long history of excessive alcohol consumption and multiple missed opportunities to intervene. Increasing evidence supports the use of non-invasive tests to screen for and identify disease at earlier stages. There is a definite role for public health measures to reduce the overall burden of disease. At an individual level, however, the ability to influence subsequent disease course by modifying alcohol consumption or the underlying pathogenic mechanisms remains limited due to a comparative lack of effective, disease-modifying medical interventions. Abstinence from alcohol is the key determinant of outcome in established ALD and the cornerstone of clinical management. In those with decompensated ALD, liver transplant has a clear role. There is consensus that abstinence from alcohol for an arbitrary period should not be the sole determinant in a decision to transplant. An increasing understanding of the mechanisms by which alcohol causes liver disease in susceptible individuals offers the prospect of new therapeutic targets for disease-modifying drugs. Successful translation will require significant public and private investment in a disease area which has traditionally been underfunded when compared to its overall prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Thursz
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London, UK
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27
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Arvanitakis K, Papadakos SP, Lekakis V, Koufakis T, Lempesis IG, Papantoniou E, Kalopitas G, Georgakopoulou VE, Stergiou IE, Theocharis S, Germanidis G. Meeting at the Crossroad between Obesity and Hepatic Carcinogenesis: Unique Pathophysiological Pathways Raise Expectations for Innovative Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14704. [PMID: 37834153 PMCID: PMC10572430 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The escalating global prevalence of obesity and its intricate association with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pose a substantial challenge to public health. Obesity, acknowledged as a pervasive epidemic, is linked to an array of chronic diseases, including HCC, catalyzing the need for a comprehensive understanding of its molecular underpinnings. Notably, HCC has emerged as a leading malignancy with rising incidence and mortality. The transition from viral etiologies to the prominence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)-related HCC underscores the urgent need to explore the intricate molecular pathways linking obesity and hepatic carcinogenesis. This review delves into the interwoven landscape of molecular carcinogenesis in the context of obesity-driven HCC while also navigating using the current therapeutic strategies and future prospects for combating obesity-related HCC. We underscore the pivotal role of obesity as a risk factor and propose an integrated approach encompassing lifestyle interventions, pharmacotherapy, and the exploration of emerging targeted therapies. As the obesity-HCC nexus continues to challenge healthcare systems globally, a comprehensive understanding of the intricate molecular mechanisms and innovative therapeutic strategies is imperative to alleviate the rising burden of this dual menace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Arvanitakis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Stavros P. Papadakos
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Vasileios Lekakis
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Laiko General Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Theocharis Koufakis
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism and Diabetes Centre, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
| | - Eleni Papantoniou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
| | - Georgios Kalopitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Ioanna E. Stergiou
- Pathophysiology Department, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Stamatios Theocharis
- First Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (S.P.P.); (S.T.)
| | - Georgios Germanidis
- First Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (K.A.); (E.P.); (G.K.)
- Basic and Translational Research Unit (BTRU), Special Unit for Biomedical Research and Education (BRESU), Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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28
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Akambase JA, Prieto JE, Mattos AZ, Mattos AA, Carrera E, Díaz-Ferrer J, Gallardo P, Curia A, Ballerga EG, Tovo CV, Balderramo D, Debes JD. Epidemiology and risk factors for histopathologic characteristics of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in South America. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:526-536. [PMID: 37349900 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in South America is among the highest in the world. However, the epidemiology and risk factors for NAFLD are insufficiently described in the region. AIM To explore the associations between clinical characteristics and histopathological features of NAFLD METHODS: This was a descriptive study of 2722 patients with NAFLD from 8 medical centres across 5 South American countries. We collected clinical, biochemical and histopathological data using a templated chart. Fibrosis was assessed by elastography or fibrosis scores and confirmed with biopsy when available. We examined associations between histopathological features and clinical characteristics with logistic regression models. Models were adjusted for country, age and sex. RESULTS The median age was 53 years (IQR: 41-62), and 63% were women. Subjects from Brazil had the highest body mass index at 42 kg/m2 . Sixty-seven percent had dyslipidemia, 46% had obesity, 30% had hypertension, 17% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and 34% had metabolic syndrome. Biopsy reports were available for 948 (35%), of which 58% showed fibrosis, 91% steatosis and 65% inflammation; 25% showed significant fibrosis and 27% severe steatosis. Metabolic syndrome, T2DM and hypertension were significantly associated with significant fibrosis (OR = 1.94, p < 0.001; OR = 2.93, p < 0.001 and OR = 1.60, p = 0.003, respectively), severe steatosis (OR = 2.05, p < 0.001; OR = 1.91, p = 0.001 and OR = 2.17, p < 0.001, respectively) and liver inflammation (OR = 1.66, p = 0.007; OR = 2.00, p = 0.002; OR = 1.62, p = 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS In the largest NAFLD cohort study to date from South America, metabolic syndrome, hypertension and T2DM were independently associated with significant fibrosis, severe steatosis, and inflammation. The prevalence of T2DM was lower than the reported global prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Akambase
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jhon E Prieto
- Centro de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Angelo Z Mattos
- Graduate Program in Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Angelo A Mattos
- Graduate Program in Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Enrique Carrera
- Departamento de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Hospital Eugenio Espejo, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Javier Díaz-Ferrer
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins, HNERM, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Andrea Curia
- División Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín - UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban G Ballerga
- División Gastroenterology, Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín - UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristiane V Tovo
- Graduate Program in Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Domingo Balderramo
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital Privado Universitario de Córdoba, Instituto Universitario de Ciencias Biomédicas de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jose D Debes
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Medicine, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin County Medical Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of MInnesota, Minneapolis, United States
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Harrison SA, Ratziu V, Magnanensi J, Hajji Y, Deledicque S, Majd Z, Rosenquist C, Hum DW, Staels B, Anstee QM, Sanyal AJ. NIS2+™, an optimisation of the blood-based biomarker NIS4® technology for the detection of at-risk NASH: A prospective derivation and validation study. J Hepatol 2023; 79:758-767. [PMID: 37224923 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2023.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS NIS4® is a blood-based non-invasive test designed to effectively rule in/rule out at-risk non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), defined as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score ≥4 and significant fibrosis (stage ≥2), among patients with metabolic risk factors. Robustness of non-invasive test scores across characteristics of interest including age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and sex, and optimised analytical aspects are critical for large-scale implementation in clinical practice. We developed and validated NIS2+™, an optimisation of NIS4®, specifically designed to improve score robustness. METHODS A well-balanced training cohort (n = 198) included patients from the GOLDEN-505 trial. The validation (n = 684) and test (n = 2,035) cohorts included patients from the RESOLVE-IT trial. Well-matched subgroups were created to avoid potential confounding effects during modelling and analysis of score robustness. Models were trained using logistic regressions for at-risk NASH detection and compared using Bayesian information criteria. Performance of NIS2+™ was compared with that of NIS4®, Fibrosis-4, and alanine aminotransferase using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, and robustness was analysed through score distribution. RESULTS Using the training cohort to compare all combinations of NIS4® biomarkers, NIS2 (miR-34a-5p, YKL-40) was identified as the best combination of parameters. To correct for the sex effect on miR-34a-5p (validation cohort), sex and sex ∗ miR-34a-5p parameters were added, creating NIS2+™. In the test cohort, NIS2+™ exhibited a statistically higher area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.813) vs. NIS4® (0.792; p = 0.0002), Fibrosis-4 (0.653; p <0.0001), and alanine aminotransferase (0.699; p <0.0001). NIS2+™ scores were not affected by age, sex, BMI, or type 2 diabetes mellitus status, providing robust clinical performances irrespective of patient characteristics. CONCLUSION NIS2+™ constitutes a robust optimisation of NIS4® technology for the detection of at-risk NASH. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS The development of non-invasive tests for accurate, large-scale detection of patients with at-risk non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH; defined as NASH with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score ≥4 and fibrosis stage ≥2) - who are at higher risk for disease progression and for developing liver-related life-threatening outcomes - is critical for identifying this patient population in the clinical setting and improving the screening process of NASH clinical trials. We report the development and validation of NIS2+™, a diagnostic test designed as an optimisation of NIS4® technology, a blood-based panel currently used to detect at-risk NASH in patients with metabolic risk factors. NIS2+™ showed improved performance for the detection of at-risk NASH compared with NIS4® and other non-invasive liver tests that was not impacted by patients' characteristics of interest, such as age, sex, type 2 diabetes mellitus, BMI, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension. This makes NIS2+™ a robust and reliable tool for the diagnosis of at-risk NASH among patients with metabolic risk factors, and an effective candidate for large-scale implementation in clinical practice and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen A Harrison
- Summit Clinical Research, San Antonio, TX, USA; Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Vlad Ratziu
- Sorbonne Université, Institute for Cardiometabolism and Nutrition, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Bart Staels
- Université de Lille, INSERM, CHU Lille, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Quentin M Anstee
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK; Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK
| | - Arun J Sanyal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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Taru MG, Lupsor-Platon M. Exploring Opportunities to Enhance the Screening and Surveillance of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) through Risk Stratification Algorithms Incorporating Ultrasound Elastography. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4097. [PMID: 37627125 PMCID: PMC10452922 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15164097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with its progressive form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has emerged as a significant public health concern, affecting over 30% of the global population. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a complication associated with both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic NAFLD, has shown a significant increase in incidence. A substantial proportion of NAFLD-related HCC occurs in non-cirrhotic livers, highlighting the need for improved risk stratification and surveillance strategies. This comprehensive review explores the potential role of liver ultrasound elastography as a risk assessment tool for HCC development in NAFLD and highlights the importance of effective screening tools for early, cost-effective detection and improved management of NAFLD-related HCC. The integration of non-invasive tools and algorithms into risk stratification strategies could have the capacity to enhance NAFLD-related HCC screening and surveillance effectiveness. Alongside exploring the potential advancement of non-invasive tools and algorithms for effectively stratifying HCC risk in NAFLD, we offer essential perspectives that could enable readers to improve the personalized assessment of NAFLD-related HCC risk through a more methodical screening approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madalina-Gabriela Taru
- Hepatology Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Lupsor-Platon
- “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Medical Imaging Department, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology “Octavian Fodor”, 400162 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Choudhuri G, Shah S, Kulkarni A, Jagtap N, Gaonkar P, Desai A, Adhav C. Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Asians: Current Perspectives and Future Directions. Cureus 2023; 15:e42852. [PMID: 37664266 PMCID: PMC10473263 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.42852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a subset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which, apart from excess fat in the liver, may be characterised by some level of inflammatory infiltration and fibrogenesis, occasionally progressing to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The objective of the current review is to elucidate the rising prevalence, the role of microbiome and genetics in pathogenesis, diagnostic challenges, and novel treatment alternatives for NASH. Newer diagnostic techniques are being developed since using liver biopsy in a larger population is not a reasonable option and is primarily restricted to clinical research, at least in developing countries. Besides these technical challenges, another important factor leading to deviation from guideline practice is the lack of health insurance coverage in countries like India. It leads to reluctance on the part of physicians and patients to delay required tests to curb out-of-pocket expenditure. There is no cure for NASH, with liver transplantation remaining the last option for those who progress to end-stage liver disease (ESLD) or are detected with early-stage HCC. Thus, lifestyle modification remains the only viable option for many, but compliance and long-term adherence remain major challenges. In obese individuals, bariatric surgery and weight reduction have shown favourable results. In patients with less severe obesity, endoscopic bariatric metabolic therapies (EBMT) are rapidly emerging as less invasive therapies. However, access and acceptability remain poor for these weight reduction methods. Therefore, intense research is being conducted for potential newer drug classes with several agents currently in phase II or III of clinical development. Some of these have demonstrated promising results, such as a reduction in hepatic fat content, and attenuation of fibrosis with an acceptable tolerability profile in phase II studies. The developments in the management of NASH have been fairly encouraging. Further well-designed long-term prospective studies should be undertaken to generate evidence with definitive results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saumin Shah
- Gastroenterology, Gujarat Gastro and Vascular Hospital, Surat, IND
| | - Anand Kulkarni
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, IND
| | - Nitin Jagtap
- Gastroenterology, Asian Institute of Gastroenterology, Hyderabad, IND
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Gallo P, Silletta M, Prinzi FL, Farolfi T, Coppola A. Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Modern Context for an Ancient Disease. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4605. [PMID: 37510720 PMCID: PMC10380839 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12144605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Gallo
- Operative Research Unit of Clinical Medicine and Hepatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200-00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Silletta
- Operative Research Unit of Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200-00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Lo Prinzi
- Operative Research Unit of Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200-00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Farolfi
- General Surgery Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo, 200-00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Coppola
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Lee YT, Fujiwara N, Yang JD, Hoshida Y. Risk stratification and early detection biomarkers for precision HCC screening. Hepatology 2023; 78:319-362. [PMID: 36082510 PMCID: PMC9995677 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mortality remains high primarily due to late diagnosis as a consequence of failed early detection. Professional societies recommend semi-annual HCC screening in at-risk patients with chronic liver disease to increase the likelihood of curative treatment receipt and improve survival. However, recent dynamic shift of HCC etiologies from viral to metabolic liver diseases has significantly increased the potential target population for the screening, whereas annual incidence rate has become substantially lower. Thus, with the contemporary HCC etiologies, the traditional screening approach might not be practical and cost-effective. HCC screening consists of (i) definition of rational at-risk population, and subsequent (ii) repeated application of early detection tests to the population at regular intervals. The suboptimal performance of the currently available HCC screening tests highlights an urgent need for new modalities and strategies to improve early HCC detection. In this review, we overview recent developments of clinical, molecular, and imaging-based tools to address the current challenge, and discuss conceptual framework and approaches of their clinical translation and implementation. These encouraging progresses are expected to transform the current "one-size-fits-all" HCC screening into individualized precision approaches to early HCC detection and ultimately improve the poor HCC prognosis in the foreseeable future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Te Lee
- California NanoSystems Institute, Crump Institute for Molecular Imaging, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Naoto Fujiwara
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Ju Dong Yang
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California; Comprehensive Transplant Center, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yujin Hoshida
- Liver Tumor Translational Research Program, Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
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Johira Y, Nakahara T, Kinami T, Yamasaki S, Kosaka M, Shirane Y, Miura R, Murakami S, Yano S, Amioka K, Naruto K, Ando Y, Kosaka Y, Kodama K, Uchikawa S, Fujino H, Ono A, Murakami E, Okamoto W, Yamauchi M, Kawaoka T, Hayes CN, Tsuge M, Imamura M, Aikata H, Oka S. Impact and usefulness of the transition to the new MAFLD classification for non-B, non-C HCC: a retrospective cohort study. BMC Gastroenterol 2023; 23:222. [PMID: 37380950 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-023-02851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) represents a new classification system for fatty liver disease. In this study, we investigated the clinical characteristics of patients with MAFLD-hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in comparison with those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and considered the validity and challenges of the new criteria. METHODS This study included 237 untreated non-B, non-C HCC patients with hepatic steatosis. We examined the profile and laboratory findings of patients with MAFLD-HCC and NAFLD-HCC. We also classified MAFLD-HCC patients according to the factors on which the diagnosis was based and compared their clinical characteristics. RESULTS A total of 222 (94%) and 101 (43%) patients were diagnosed with MAFLD and NAFLD, respectively. MAFLD-HCC patients were more likely to be male than NAFLD-HCC, but there were no significant differences in metabolic indices, noninvasive liver fibrosis score or HCC status. In a study of MAFLD-HCC patients by diagnostic factor, those with overweight only were younger and had advanced liver fibrosis histologically, and when limited to patients younger than 70 years, the majority were overweight. Redefinition of overweight as BMI ≥ 25 reduced the number of MAFLD-HCC patients by only 5, from 222 to 217. CONCLUSIONS MAFLD accounted for the majority of non-B, non-C HCC cases with hepatic steatosis. Examination of additional cases and revision of the detailed criteria is needed so that it can be used to efficiently select patients with fatty liver who are at high risk of developing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Johira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
| | - Takahiro Kinami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shintaro Yamasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masanari Kosaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuki Shirane
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ryoichi Miura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Serami Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shigeki Yano
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kei Amioka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kensuke Naruto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuwa Ando
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yumi Kosaka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Kodama
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Uchikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hatsue Fujino
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Eisuke Murakami
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Wataru Okamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masami Yamauchi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tomokazu Kawaoka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - C Nelson Hayes
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Masataka Tsuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Shiro Oka
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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Aziz M, Hemeda SA, Albadrani GM, Fadl SE, Elgendey F. Ameliorating effect of probiotic on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lipolytic gene expression in rabbits. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6312. [PMID: 37072469 PMCID: PMC10113232 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-32584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition that affects about 24% of people worldwide. Increased liver fat, inflammation, and, in the most severe cases, cell death are all characteristics of NAFLD. However, NAFLD pathogenesis and therapy are still not clear enough. Thus, this study aimed to determine the effect of a high-cholesterol diet (HCD) inducing NAFLD on lipolytic gene expression, liver function, lipid profile, and antioxidant enzymes in rabbits and the modulatory effects of probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus) on it. A total of 45 male New Zealand white rabbits, eight weeks old, were randomly divided into three groups of three replicates (5 rabbits/replicate). Rabbits in group I were given a basal diet; rabbits in group II were given a high-cholesterol diet that caused NAFLD; and rabbits in group III were given a high-cholesterol diet as well as probiotics in water for 8 weeks. The results showed that a high-cholesterol diet caused hepatic vacuolation and upregulated the genes for lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase (HL), and cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP). Downregulated low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr) gene, increased liver enzymes [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)], cholesterol, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), glucose, and total bilirubin. On the other hand, it decreased high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total protein, albumin, and liver antioxidants [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)]. Supplementing with probiotics helped to return all parameters to normal levels. In conclusion, probiotic supplementation, especially L. acidophilus, protected against NAFLD, and restored lipolytic gene expression, liver functions, and antioxidants to normal levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Aziz
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Banha, Egypt
| | - Shabaan A Hemeda
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Ghadeer M Albadrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabreen E Fadl
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Matrouh University, Matrouh, Egypt.
| | - Fatma Elgendey
- Genetics and Genetic Engineering, Department of Animal Wealth Development, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Banha, Egypt
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Kouroumalis E, Tsomidis I, Voumvouraki A. Pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: The Interplay of Apoptosis and Autophagy. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041166. [PMID: 37189787 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a multifactorial process that has not yet been fully investigated. Autophagy and apoptosis are two important cellular pathways that are critical for cell survival or death. The balance between apoptosis and autophagy regulates liver cell turnover and maintains intracellular homeostasis. However, the balance is often dysregulated in many cancers, including HCC. Autophagy and apoptosis pathways may be either independent or parallel or one may influence the other. Autophagy may either inhibit or promote apoptosis, thus regulating the fate of the liver cancer cells. In this review, a concise overview of the pathogenesis of HCC is presented, with emphasis on new developments, including the role of endoplasmic reticulum stress, the implication of microRNAs and the role of gut microbiota. The characteristics of HCC associated with a specific liver disease are also described and a brief description of autophagy and apoptosis is provided. The role of autophagy and apoptosis in the initiation, progress and metastatic potential is reviewed and the experimental evidence indicating an interplay between the two is extensively analyzed. The role of ferroptosis, a recently described specific pathway of regulated cell death, is presented. Finally, the potential therapeutic implications of autophagy and apoptosis in drug resistance are examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kouroumalis
- Department of Gastroenterology, PAGNI University Hospital, University of Crete School of Medicine, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Tsomidis
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Crete Medical School, 71500 Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
| | - Argyro Voumvouraki
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, AHEPA University Hospital, 54621 Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece
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Mohamed Fteah A, Abdel Rahim A, Ahmed AbdelHady A, Shawky H, A Elrefaiy M, Mamdouh Aly D. Association of PNPLA3 (rs738409) & TM6SF2 (rs58542926) and ATG16L1 (rs2241880) genetic variants with susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma in a group of Egyptian patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis. Tumour Virus Res 2023; 15:200256. [PMID: 36804832 PMCID: PMC9975679 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2023.200256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Abdel Rahim
- Hepato-gastroentrology Department - Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
| | | | - Hanan Shawky
- Clinical Chemistry Department - Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Elrefaiy
- Hepato-gastroentrology Department - Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
| | - Doaa Mamdouh Aly
- Clinical Chemistry Department - Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Egypt
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38
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Toh MR, Wong EYT, Wong SH, Ng AWT, Loo LH, Chow PKH, Ngeow JYY. Global Epidemiology and Genetics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Gastroenterology 2023; 164:766-782. [PMID: 36738977 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2023.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 97.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading cancers worldwide. Classically, HCC develops in genetically susceptible individuals who are exposed to risk factors, especially in the presence of liver cirrhosis. Significant temporal and geographic variations exist for HCC and its etiologies. Over time, the burden of HCC has shifted from the low-moderate to the high sociodemographic index regions, reflecting the transition from viral to nonviral causes. Geographically, the hepatitis viruses predominate as the causes of HCC in Asia and Africa. Although there are genetic conditions that confer increased risk for HCC, these diagnoses are rarely recognized outside North America and Europe. In this review, we will evaluate the epidemiologic trends and risk factors of HCC, and discuss the genetics of HCC, including monogenic diseases, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, gut microbiome, and somatic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ren Toh
- Cancer Genetics Service, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Alvin Wei Tian Ng
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Lit-Hsin Loo
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore; Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Pierce Kah-Hoe Chow
- Department of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Transplant Surgery, National Cancer Center Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore
| | - Joanne Yuen Yie Ngeow
- Cancer Genetics Service, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore; Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Duke-NUS Medical School Singapore, Singapore.
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Sharpton S, Shan K, Bettencourt R, Lee M, McCormick JB, Fisher-Hoch SP, Loomba R. Prevalence and factors associated with liver fibrosis among first-degree relatives of Mexican Americans with hepatocellular carcinoma. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 57:378-386. [PMID: 36628455 PMCID: PMC10792515 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Whether hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) increases the familial risk for hepatic fibrosis has not been thoroughly explored, particularly in Mexican Americans who are disproportionately affected by obesity and metabolic syndrome. We evaluated the risk of significant hepatic fibrosis in first-degree relatives of Mexican American adults with HCC. METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a prospective cohort of Mexican American probands with HCC and first-degree relatives enrolled in the Hispanic Liver Cancer Cohort study. We evaluated the prevalence of hepatic fibrosis in first-degree relatives, defined by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) >= 7.0 kPa with transient elastography (TE). Secondary outcomes included the prevalence of definite hepatic steatosis, defined by controlled attenuation parameter >=288 dB/m. RESULTS We identified 70 probands diagnosed with HCC; 47% were female and the mean age was 62 years (±13 years). Among 112 first-degree relatives with a mean age of 43 years (±14 years), 19 (17%) had significant fibrosis and 47 (42%) had definite hepatic steatosis, respectively. The prevalence of significant fibrosis was 20% in first-degree relatives 40 years of age or older. Regression analysis revealed that diabetes (OR 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1-9.2, p = 0.03) and aspartate aminotransferase >=30 units/L (OR 4.0, 95% CI: 1.4-11.7, p = 0.01) were predictors of significant fibrosis in first-degree relatives. CONCLUSIONS Using a well-phenotyped familial cohort, we found that the prevalence of significant fibrosis and definite hepatic steatosis are high in first-degree relatives of Mexican Americans with HCC, particularly those with diabetes, suggesting that this population may benefit from screening for liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Sharpton
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Kuangda Shan
- Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Ricki Bettencourt
- Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
| | - Miryoung Lee
- Department of Epidemiology, Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Joseph B. McCormick
- Department of Epidemiology, Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Susan P. Fisher-Hoch
- Department of Epidemiology, Genetics and Environmental Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, Brownsville, Texas, USA
| | - Rohit Loomba
- Department of Medicine, NAFLD Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Division of Epidemiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, USA
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40
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Tovo CV, de Mattos AZ, Coral GP, Sartori GDP, Nogueira LV, Both GT, Villela-Nogueira CA, de Mattos AA. Hepatocellular carcinoma in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis without cirrhosis. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:343-356. [PMID: 36687125 PMCID: PMC9846942 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i2.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is an emerging major cause of the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), up to 50% of patients with HCC had no clinical or histological evidence of cirrhosis. It is currently challenging to propose general recommendations for screening patients with NAFLD without cirrhosis, and each patient should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis based on the profile of specific risk factors identified. For HCC screening in NAFLD, a valid precision-based screening is needed. Currently, when evaluating this population of patients, the use of non-invasive methods can guide the selection of those who should undergo a screening and surveillance program. Hence, the objective of the present study is to review the epidemiology, the pathophysiology, the histopathological aspects, the current recommendations, and novel perspectives in the surveillance of non-cirrhotic NAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiane Valle Tovo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050170, RS, Brazil
| | - Angelo Zambam de Mattos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050170, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Perdomo Coral
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050170, RS, Brazil
| | - Giovana D P Sartori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050170, RS, Brazil
| | - Livia Villela Nogueira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fundação Técnico Educacional Souza Marques, RJ 21491-630, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Tovo Both
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Luterana do Brasil, Canoas 92425-350, RS, Brazil
| | | | - Angelo A de Mattos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050170, RS, Brazil
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Akl MG, Widenmaier SB. Immunometabolic factors contributing to obesity-linked hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1089124. [PMID: 36712976 PMCID: PMC9877434 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1089124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major public health concern that is promoted by obesity and associated liver complications. Onset and progression of HCC in obesity is a multifactorial process involving complex interactions between the metabolic and immune system, in which chronic liver damage resulting from metabolic and inflammatory insults trigger carcinogenesis-promoting gene mutations and tumor metabolism. Moreover, cell growth and proliferation of the cancerous cell, after initiation, requires interactions between various immunological and metabolic pathways that provide stress defense of the cancer cell as well as strategic cell death escape mechanisms. The heterogenic nature of HCC in addition to the various metabolic risk factors underlying HCC development have led researchers to focus on examining metabolic pathways that may contribute to HCC development. In obesity-linked HCC, oncogene-induced modifications and metabolic pathways have been identified to support anabolic demands of the growing HCC cells and combat the concomitant cell stress, coinciding with altered utilization of signaling pathways and metabolic fuels involved in glucose metabolism, macromolecule synthesis, stress defense, and redox homeostasis. In this review, we discuss metabolic insults that can underlie the transition from steatosis to steatohepatitis and from steatohepatitis to HCC as well as aberrantly regulated immunometabolic pathways that enable cancer cells to survive and proliferate in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss therapeutic modalities targeted at HCC prevention and regression. A full understanding of HCC-associated immunometabolic changes in obesity may contribute to clinical treatments that effectively target cancer metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- May G. Akl
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Scott B. Widenmaier
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada,*Correspondence: Scott B. Widenmaier,
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Ito T, Nguyen MH. Perspectives on the Underlying Etiology of HCC and Its Effects on Treatment Outcomes. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:413-428. [PMID: 36926055 PMCID: PMC10013586 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s347959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) continues to be a serious medical problem with poor prognosis worldwide. The distribution of the major etiologies of HCC is changing due to the progress of anti-viral treatments, including hepatitis B virus (HBV) suppression by nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) and increased sustained virologic response (SVR) rates by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) for hepatitis C virus (HCV), as well as the rising trend of nonviral liver disease. Although viral hepatitis remains the most common cause of HCC, non-alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) with metabolic syndrome and alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) are increasing. Effective and well-tolerated NAs treatment can slow the disease progression of chronic HBV infection to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and reduce HCC risk. Treatment with NAs is also associated with significant improvement in the long-term survival of patients with HBV infection who already have HCC. DAAs have achieved viral elimination in almost all patients with HCV without significant adverse events, even in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and HCC. Similarly, DAA therapy can reduce disease progression, liver and non-liver complications, and improve the long-term survival of patients with chronic HCV infection with or without HCC. Meanwhile, NAFLD is a rapidly increasing cause of HCC along with the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes globally. NAFLD-related HCC can occur in patients without cirrhosis and is known to have a lower survival rate than viral hepatitis-related HCC. Since there is currently no specific pharmacotherapy effective for NAFLD, lifestyle modification and prevention of complications are important to improve prognosis. Additionally, ALD is the second fastest-growing cause of HCC-related deaths, especially with an accelerated trend since the COVID-19 pandemic. This review provides an overview of the epidemiologic trends in the etiologies of HCC, and the progress of treatments for each etiology and the impact on outcome in the patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Ito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA.,Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, USA
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Pugliese N, Alfarone L, Arcari I, Giugliano S, Parigi TL, Rescigno M, Lleo A, Aghemo A. Clinical features and management issues of NAFLD-related HCC: what we know so far. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:31-43. [PMID: 36576057 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2162503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is replacing viral hepatitis as the leading cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in many Western countries. NAFLD-associated HCC usually affects older patients with multiple comorbidities, frequently develops in the absence of cirrhosis, and is often diagnosed later with worse chance of survival. The worse prognosis is also due to limited surveillance strategies and a lower efficacy of standard treatments. AREAS COVERED We evaluate the available literature to understand the current surveillance strategies and treatment limitations in the workup of NAFLD-associated HCC, focusing on the differences with HCC associated with other liver diseases. EXPERT OPINION In this review we discuss epidemiology and risk factors for HCC in NAFLD patients and address key HCC surveillance and management issues. Although most data are still preliminary, the detection of non-cirrhotic NAFLD patients at increased risk for HCC and the potential adoption of novel screening tools could lead to accurate and suitable HCC surveillance and management strategies for NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Pugliese
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovico Alfarone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Arcari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Giugliano
- Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | | | - Maria Rescigno
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy.,Laboratory of Mucosal Immunology and Microbiota, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital - IRCCS, via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessio Aghemo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
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44
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Shah PA, Patil R, Harrison SA. NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma: The growing challenge. Hepatology 2023; 77:323-338. [PMID: 35478412 PMCID: PMC9970023 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity worldwide. With the obesity pandemic, NAFLD-related HCC is contributing to the burden of disease exponentially. Genetic predisposition and clinical risk factors for NAFLD-related HCC have been identified. Cirrhosis is a well-known and major risk factor for NAFLD-related HCC. However, the occurrence of NAFLD-related HCC in patients without cirrhosis is increasingly recognized and poses a significant challenge regarding cancer surveillance. It is of paramount importance to develop optimal risk stratification scores and models to identify subsets of the population at high risk so they can be enrolled in surveillance programs. In this review, we will discuss the risks and prediction models for NAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pir Ahmad Shah
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Rashmee Patil
- South Texas Research Institute, Edinburg, Texas, USA
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Horackova K, Frankova S, Zemankova P, Nehasil P, Cerna M, Neroldova M, Otahalova B, Kral J, Hovhannisyan M, Stranecky V, Zima T, Safarikova M, Kalousova M, Consortium CZECANCA, Novotny J, Sperl J, Borecka M, Jelinkova S, Vocka M, Janatova M, Kleiblova P, Kleibl Z, Jirsa M, Soukupova J. Low Frequency of Cancer-Predisposition Gene Mutations in Liver Transplant Candidates with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010201. [PMID: 36612198 PMCID: PMC9818325 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mainly stems from liver cirrhosis and its genetic predisposition is believed to be rare. However, two recent studies describe pathogenic/likely pathogenic germline variants (PV) in cancer-predisposition genes (CPG). As the risk of de novo tumors might be increased in PV carriers, especially in immunosuppressed patients after a liver transplantation, we analyzed the prevalence of germline CPG variants in HCC patients considered for liver transplantation. Using the panel NGS targeting 226 CPGs, we analyzed germline DNA from 334 Czech HCC patients and 1662 population-matched controls. We identified 48 PVs in 35 genes in 47/334 patients (14.1%). However, only 7/334 (2.1%) patients carried a PV in an established CPG (PMS2, 4×NBN, FH or RET). Only the PV carriers in two MRN complex genes (NBN and RAD50) were significantly more frequent among patients over controls. We found no differences in clinicopathological characteristics between carriers and non-carriers. Our study indicated that the genetic component of HCC is rare. The HCC diagnosis itself does not meet criteria for routine germline CPG genetic testing. However, a low proportion of PV carriers may benefit from a tailored follow-up or targeted therapy and germline testing could be considered in liver transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klara Horackova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sona Frankova
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Zemankova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12853 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Nehasil
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12853 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Cerna
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Neroldova
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Otahalova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Science, Charles University, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Kral
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Hovhannisyan
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Viktor Stranecky
- Department of Paediatrics and Inherited Metabolic Disorders, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Zima
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Safarikova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Kalousova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - CZECANCA Consortium
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Novotny
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Sperl
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and Military University Hospital, 16902 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marianna Borecka
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sandra Jelinkova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Vocka
- Department of Oncology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marketa Janatova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Kleiblova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12800 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Kleibl
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12853 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirsa
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, 14021 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Soukupova
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, 12808 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +420-22496-4501
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Epidemiologic, Genetic, Pathogenic, Metabolic, Epigenetic Aspects Involved in NASH-HCC: Current Therapeutic Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010023. [PMID: PMID: 36612019 PMCID: PMC9818030 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer and is the sixth most frequent cancer in the world, being the third cause of cancer-related deaths. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by fatty infiltration, oxidative stress and necroinflammation of the liver, with or without fibrosis, which can progress to advanced liver fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes exacerbates the course of NASH, which elevate the risk of HCC. The growing prevalence of obesity are related with increasing incidence of NASH, which may play a growing role in HCC epidemiology worldwide. In addition, HCC initiation and progression is driven by reprogramming of metabolism, which indicates growing appreciation of metabolism in the pathogenesis of this disease. Although no specific preventive pharmacological treatments have recommended for NASH, dietary restriction and exercise are recommended. This review focuses on the molecular connections between HCC and NASH, including genetic and risk factors, highlighting the metabolic reprogramming and aberrant epigenetic alterations in the development of HCC in NASH. Current therapeutic aspects of NASH/HCC are also reviewed.
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Sveinbjornsson G, Ulfarsson MO, Thorolfsdottir RB, Jonsson BA, Einarsson E, Gunnlaugsson G, Rognvaldsson S, Arnar DO, Baldvinsson M, Bjarnason RG, Eiriksdottir T, Erikstrup C, Ferkingstad E, Halldorsson GH, Helgason H, Helgadottir A, Hindhede L, Hjorleifsson G, Jones D, Knowlton KU, Lund SH, Melsted P, Norland K, Olafsson I, Olafsson S, Oskarsson GR, Ostrowski SR, Pedersen OB, Snaebjarnarson AS, Sigurdsson E, Steinthorsdottir V, Schwinn M, Thorgeirsson G, Thorleifsson G, Jonsdottir I, Bundgaard H, Nadauld L, Bjornsson ES, Rulifson IC, Rafnar T, Norddahl GL, Thorsteinsdottir U, Sulem P, Gudbjartsson DF, Holm H, Stefansson K. Multiomics study of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Nat Genet 2022; 54:1652-1663. [PMID: 36280732 PMCID: PMC9649432 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-022-01199-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and its sequelae are growing health problems. We performed a genome-wide association study of NAFL, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and integrated the findings with expression and proteomic data. For NAFL, we utilized 9,491 clinical cases and proton density fat fraction extracted from 36,116 liver magnetic resonance images. We identified 18 sequence variants associated with NAFL and 4 with cirrhosis, and found rare, protective, predicted loss-of-function variants in MTARC1 and GPAM, underscoring them as potential drug targets. We leveraged messenger RNA expression, splicing and predicted coding effects to identify 16 putative causal genes, of which many are implicated in lipid metabolism. We analyzed levels of 4,907 plasma proteins in 35,559 Icelanders and 1,459 proteins in 47,151 UK Biobank participants, identifying multiple proteins involved in disease pathogenesis. We show that proteomics can discriminate between NAFL and cirrhosis. The present study provides insights into the development of noninvasive evaluation of NAFL and new therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magnus O Ulfarsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | | | | | - David O Arnar
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Internal Medicine and Emergency Services, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Ragnar G Bjarnason
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Children's Medical Center, Landspítali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | | | | | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Lotte Hindhede
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - David Jones
- Intermountain Healthcare, St. George, UT, USA
| | | | | | - Pall Melsted
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering and Computer Science, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Isleifur Olafsson
- Clinical Laboratory Services, Diagnostics and Blood Bank, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sigurdur Olafsson
- Internal Medicine and Emergency Services, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Sisse Rye Ostrowski
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Cophenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ole Birger Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Zealand University Hospital, Køge, Denmark
| | | | - Emil Sigurdsson
- Development Centre for Primary Health Care in Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.,Department of Family Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Michael Schwinn
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Cophenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gudmundur Thorgeirsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Internal Medicine and Emergency Services, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Ingileif Jonsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Henning Bundgaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, The Heart Centre, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Einar S Bjornsson
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Internal Medicine and Emergency Services, Landspitali-The National University Hospital of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | | | | | - Unnur Thorsteinsdottir
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | | | - Daniel F Gudbjartsson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.,Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,School of Engineering and Natural Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Hilma Holm
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Kari Stefansson
- deCODE genetics/Amgen, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland. .,Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.
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Teng YX, Xie S, Guo PP, Deng ZJ, Zhang ZY, Gao W, Zhang WG, Zhong JH. Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Progresses and Challenges. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:955-964. [PMID: 36304509 PMCID: PMC9547250 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The rising global prevalence of metabolic diseases has increased the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), leading to an increase in cases of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). To provide an updated literature review detailing epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenic pathways, and treatment strategies linked to NAFLD-related HCC, we conducted a literature search on PubMed from its inception to December 31, 2021. About 25% of the global population suffers from NAFLD. The annual incidence of HCC among NAFLD patients is approximately 1.8 per 1,000 person-years. Older age, male sex, metabolic comorbidities, unhealthy lifestyle habits (such as smoking and alcohol consumption), physical inactivity, genetic susceptibility, liver fibrosis, and degree of cirrhosis in NAFLD patients are important risk factors for NAFLD-related HCC. Therefore, low-calorie diet, moderate-intensity exercise, treatment of metabolic comorbidities, and cessation of smoking and alcohol are the main measures to prevent NAFLD-related HCC. In addition, all patients with advanced NAFLD-related fibrosis or cirrhosis should be screened for HCC. Immune suppression disorders and changes in the liver microenvironment may be the main pathogenesis of NAFLD-related HCC. Hepatic resection, liver transplantation, ablation, transarterial chemoembolization, radiotherapy, targeted drugs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors are used to treat NAFLD-related HCC. Lenvatinib treatment may lead to better overall survival, while immune checkpoint inhibitors may lead to worse overall survival. Given the specific risk factors for NAFLD-related HCC, primary prevention is key. Moreover, the same treatment may differ substantially in efficacy against NAFLD-related HCC than against HCC of other etiologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xian Teng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Si Xie
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Ping-Ping Guo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhu-Jian Deng
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zi-Yi Zhang
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wan-Guang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Correspondence to: Jian-Hong Zhong, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd 71, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1494-6396. Tel: +86-15296561499, Fax: +86-771-5312000, E-mail: ; Wan-Guang Zhang, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3184-9907. Tel: +86-27-83665233, Fax: +86-27-83663400, E-mail:
| | - Jian-Hong Zhong
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Guangxi Liver Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Engineering and Technology Research Center, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor (Guangxi Medical University), Ministry of Education; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, Guangxi, China
- Correspondence to: Jian-Hong Zhong, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, He Di Rd 71, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1494-6396. Tel: +86-15296561499, Fax: +86-771-5312000, E-mail: ; Wan-Guang Zhang, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3184-9907. Tel: +86-27-83665233, Fax: +86-27-83663400, E-mail:
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49
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Hepatocyte phosphatase DUSP22 mitigates NASH-HCC progression by targeting FAK. Nat Commun 2022; 13:5945. [PMID: 36209205 PMCID: PMC9547917 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common clinical disease, is becoming a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Dual specificity phosphatase 22 (DUSP22, also known as JKAP or JSP-1) expressed in numerous tissues plays essential biological functions in immune responses and tumor growth. However, the effects of DUSP22 on NASH still remain unknown. Here, we find a significant decrease of DUSP22 expression in human and murine fatty liver, which is mediated by reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Hepatic-specific DUSP22 deletion particularly exacerbates lipid deposition, inflammatory response and fibrosis in liver, facilitating NASH and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated HCC progression. In contrast, transgenic over-expression, lentivirus or adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated DUSP22 gene therapy substantially inhibit NASH-related phenotypes and HCC development in mice. We provide mechanistic evidence that DUSP22 directly interacts with focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and restrains its phosphorylation at Tyr397 (Y397) and Y576 + Y577 residues, subsequently prohibiting downstream activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) cascades. The binding of DUSP22 to FAK and the dephosphorylation of FAK are indispensable for DUSP22-meliorated NASH progression. Collectively, our findings identify DUSP22 as a key suppressor of NASH-HCC, and underscore the DUSP22-FAK axis as a promising therapeutic target for treatment of the disease.
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50
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Youssef SS, Abbas EAER, Elfiky AM, Seif S, Nabeel MM, Shousha HI, Abdelaziz AO. The impact of polymorphism in PNPLA3 and TM6SF2 genes on the susceptibility and survival of hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-022-00212-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Genetic variants of Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3) and transmembrane 6 superfamily member 2 (TM6SF2) genes have been reported with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study aims to explore the role of The PNPLA3 rs738409 and TM6SF2 rs58542926 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the incidence and survival of HCV-induced HCC in Egyptians.
Methods and results
This case-control study included (120) HCC and (144) hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. Baseline clinical, laboratory, tumor characteristics data, HCC recurrence, and overall survival were collected. PNPLA3 rs738409 and TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism were detected by TaqMan allelic discrimination assay. We found that HCC patients were significantly older with male predominance. A significant difference between the TT genotypes of TM6SF2 frequency was observed in HCC compared with HCV patients. Moreover, the T allele of TM6SF2 distributions revealed a significant contribution to the different stages of HCC (p=0.03). Both PNPLA3 rs738409 and TM6SF2 rs58542926 variants showed a significant relation with treatment response according to the modified RECIST criteria. Age and diabetes mellitus were the independent factors associated with the development of HCC by multivariate regression analysis.
Conclusions
TM6SF2 rs58542926 polymorphism, not PNPLA3 rs738409, could be implicated in the development of HCV-induced HCC and its progression.
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