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Moris W, Verbeek J, Bakers FC, Rombout-Sestrienkova E, Innocenti F, Masclee AAM, Koek GH, van Deursen CTBM. Hyperferritinemia and liver iron content determined with MRI: Reintroduction of the liver iron index. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2023; 47:102224. [PMID: 37813276 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102224] [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: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperferritinemia is found in around 12 % of the general population. Analyzing the cause can be difficult. In case of doubt about the presence of major iron overload most guidelines advice to perform a MRI as a reliable non-invasive marker to measure liver iron concentration (LIC). In general, a LIC of ≥ 36 µmol/g dw is considered the be elevated however in hyperferritinemia associated with, for example, obesity or alcohol (over)consumption the LIC can be ≥ 36 µmol/g dw in abscence of major iron overload. So, unfortunately a clear cut-off value to differentiate iron overload from normal iron content is lacking. Previously the liver iron index (LII) (LIC measured in liver biopsy (LIC-b)/age (years)), was introduced to differentiate between patients with major (LII ≥ 2) and minor or no iron overload (LII < 2). Based on the good correlation between the LIC-b and LIC determined with MRI (LIC-MRI), our goal was to investigate whether a LII_MRI ≥ 2 is a good indicator of major iron overload, reflected by a significantly higher amount of iron needed to be mobilized to reach iron depletion. METHODS We compared the amount of mobilized iron to reach depletion and inflammation-related characteristics in two groups: LII-MRI ≥ 2 versus LII-MRI <2 in 92 hyperferritinemia patients who underwent HFE genotyping and MRI-LIC determination. RESULTS Significantly more iron needed to be mobilized to reach iron depletion in the LII ≥ 2 group (mean 4741, SD ± 4135 mg) versus the LII-MRI <2 group (mean 1340, SD ± 533 mg), P < 0.001. Furthermore, hyperferritinemia in LII-MRI < 2 patients was more often related to components of the metabolic syndrome while hyperferritinemia in LII-MRI ≥ 2 patients was more often related to HFE mutations. ROC curve analysis showed good performance of LII =2 as cut-off value. However the calculations showed that the optimal cut-off for the LII = 3.4. CONCLUSION The LII-MRI with a cut-off value of 2 is an effective method to differentiate major from minor iron overload in patients with hyperferritinemia. But the LII-MRI = 3.4 seems a more promising diagnostic test for major iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenke Moris
- Department of Internal Medicine Gastroenterology and Clinical Geriatrics, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) University Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jef Verbeek
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, University Hospitals KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frans C Bakers
- Department of radiology and nuclear medicine, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Eva Rombout-Sestrienkova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Transfusion Medicine, Sanquin Blood Supply, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Francesco Innocenti
- Department of Methodology & Statistics, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), University Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ad A M Masclee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) University Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ger H Koek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM) University Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Cees Th B M van Deursen
- Department of Internal Medicine Gastroenterology and Clinical Geriatrics, Zuyderland Medical Center, Sittard-Geleen, the Netherlands; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Abstract
Haemochromatosis is one of the most common genetic diseases affecting patients of northern European ancestry. It is overdiagnosed in patients without iron overload and is underdiagnosed in many patients. Early diagnosis by genetic testing and therapy by periodic phlebotomy can prevent the most serious complications, which include liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death. This Seminar includes an update on the origins of haemochromatosis; and an overview pathophysiology, genetics, natural history, signs and symptoms, differential diagnoses, treatment with phlebotomy, outcomes, and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Adams
- Department of Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Gary Jeffrey
- Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - John Ryan
- Royal College of Surgeons of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Girelli D, Busti F, Brissot P, Cabantchik I, Muckenthaler MU, Porto G. Hemochromatosis classification: update and recommendations by the BIOIRON Society. Blood 2022; 139:3018-3029. [PMID: 34601591 PMCID: PMC11022970 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021011338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemochromatosis (HC) is a genetically heterogeneous disorder in which uncontrolled intestinal iron absorption may lead to progressive iron overload (IO) responsible for disabling and life-threatening complications such as arthritis, diabetes, heart failure, hepatic cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The recent advances in the knowledge of pathophysiology and molecular basis of iron metabolism have highlighted that HC is caused by mutations in at least 5 genes, resulting in insufficient hepcidin production or, rarely, resistance to hepcidin action. This has led to an HC classification based on different molecular subtypes, mainly reflecting successive gene discovery. This scheme was difficult to adopt in clinical practice and therefore needs revision. Here we present recommendations for unambiguous HC classification developed by a working group of the International Society for the Study of Iron in Biology and Medicine (BIOIRON Society), including both clinicians and basic scientists during a meeting in Heidelberg, Germany. We propose to deemphasize the use of the molecular subtype criteria in favor of a classification addressing both clinical issues and molecular complexity. Ferroportin disease (former type 4a) has been excluded because of its distinct phenotype. The novel classification aims to be of practical help whenever a detailed molecular characterization of HC is not readily available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Girelli
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, EuroBloodNet Center, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Fabiana Busti
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, EuroBloodNet Center, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Pierre Brissot
- INSERM, Univ-Rennes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1241, Institut NuMeCan, Rennes, France
| | - Ioav Cabantchik
- Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Martina U. Muckenthaler
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Graça Porto
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Hematology, Santo António Hospital, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
| | - on behalf of the Nomenclature Committee of the International Society for the Study of Iron in Biology and Medicine (BIOIRON Society)
- Department of Medicine, Section of Internal Medicine, EuroBloodNet Center, University of Verona and Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata Verona, Verona, Italy
- INSERM, Univ-Rennes, Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1241, Institut NuMeCan, Rennes, France
- Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology and Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
- Translational Lung Research Center, German Center for Lung Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Hematology, Santo António Hospital, Porto University, Porto, Portugal
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4
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Adams PC. Hemochromatosis: Ancient to the Future. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2020; 16:83-90. [PMID: 33042529 PMCID: PMC7539181 DOI: 10.1002/cld.940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Watch an interview with the author.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. Adams
- Department of MedicineUniversity HospitalLondonOntarioCanada
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5
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Oh CK, Moon Y. Dietary and Sentinel Factors Leading to Hemochromatosis. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11051047. [PMID: 31083351 PMCID: PMC6566178 DOI: 10.3390/nu11051047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although hereditary hemochromatosis is associated with the mutation of genes involved in iron transport and metabolism, secondary hemochromatosis is due to external factors, such as intended or unintended iron overload, hemolysis-linked iron exposure or other stress-impaired iron metabolism. The present review addresses diet-linked etiologies of hemochromatosis and their pathogenesis in the network of genes and nutrients. Although the mechanistic association to diet-linked etiologies can be complicated, the stress sentinels are pivotally involved in the pathological processes of secondary hemochromatosis in response to iron excess and other external stresses. Moreover, the mutations in these sentineling pathway-linked genes increase susceptibility to secondary hemochromatosis. Thus, the crosstalk between nutrients and genes would verify the complex procedures in the clinical outcomes of secondary hemochromatosis and chronic complications, such as malignancy. All of this evidence provides crucial insights into comprehensive clinical or nutritional interventions for hemochromatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Kyu Oh
- Laboratory of Mucosal Exposome and Biomodulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.
| | - Yuseok Moon
- Laboratory of Mucosal Exposome and Biomodulation, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.
- BioMedical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Yangsan 50612, Korea.
- Program of Food Health Sciences, Busan 46241, Korea.
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Porto G, Brissot P, Swinkels DW, Zoller H, Kamarainen O, Patton S, Alonso I, Morris M, Keeney S. EMQN best practice guidelines for the molecular genetic diagnosis of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH). Eur J Hum Genet 2016; 24:479-95. [PMID: 26153218 PMCID: PMC4929861 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2015.128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Molecular genetic testing for hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) is recognized as a reference test to confirm the diagnosis of suspected HH or to predict its risk. The vast majority (typically >90%) of patients with clinically characterized HH are homozygous for the p.C282Y variant in the HFE gene, referred to as HFE-related HH. Since 1996, HFE genotyping was implemented in diagnostic algorithms for suspected HH, allowing its early diagnosis and prevention. However, the penetrance of disease in p.C282Y homozygotes is incomplete. Hence, homozygosity for p.C282Y is not sufficient to diagnose HH. Neither is p.C282Y homozygosity required for diagnosis as other rare forms of HH exist, generally referred to as non-HFE-related HH. These pose significant challenges when defining criteria for referral, testing protocols, interpretation of test results and reporting practices. We present best practice guidelines for the molecular genetic diagnosis of HH where recommendations are classified, as far as possible, according to the level and strength of evidence. For clarification, the guidelines' recommendations are preceded by a detailed description of the methodology and results obtained with a series of actions taken in order to achieve a wide expert consensus, namely: (i) a survey on the current practices followed by laboratories offering molecular diagnosis of HH; (ii) a systematic literature search focused on some identified controversial topics; (iii) an expert Best Practice Workshop convened to achieve consensus on the practical recommendations included in the guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graça Porto
- Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics (CGPP), Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC), Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Haematology, Hospital Santo António (CHP-HAS) and Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Abel Salazar Institute for Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pierre Brissot
- Liver Disease Unit, Pontchaillou University Hospital, University of Rennes, and National Reference Centre for Rare Iron Overload Diseases of Genetic Origin, Rennes, France
| | - Dorine W Swinkels
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Heinz Zoller
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Simon Patton
- European Molecular Quality Network (EMQN), Manchester, UK
| | - Isabel Alonso
- Center for Predictive and Preventive Genetics (CGPP), Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IBMC), Porto, Portugal
| | - Michael Morris
- European Molecular Quality Network (EMQN), Manchester, UK
- Synlab, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Steve Keeney
- European Molecular Quality Network (EMQN), Manchester, UK
- Molecular Diagnostics Centre (Haematology), Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, UK
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7
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Adams PC. Epidemiology and diagnostic testing for hemochromatosis and iron overload. Int J Lab Hematol 2015; 37 Suppl 1:25-30. [DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.12347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Adams PC. Evaluation of cirrhosis with an elevated ferritin. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2012; 10:368-70. [PMID: 22037432 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2011.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2011] [Revised: 10/17/2011] [Accepted: 10/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Paul C Adams
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Western Ontario, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Bacon BR, Adams PC, Kowdley KV, Powell LW, Tavill AS. Diagnosis and management of hemochromatosis: 2011 practice guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2011; 54:328-43. [PMID: 21452290 PMCID: PMC3149125 DOI: 10.1002/hep.24330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R Bacon
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63110-0250, USA.
| | - Paul C Adams
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London Health Sciences CentreLondon, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kris V Kowdley
- Center for Liver Disease, Virginia Mason Medical CenterSeattle, WA
| | - Lawrie W Powell
- Royal Brisbane Hospital, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical ResearchBrisbane, Australia
| | - Anthony S Tavill
- Department of Gastroenterology, Case Western Reserve University, and Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The Cleveland ClinicCleveland, OH
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10
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Adams P, Barton JC, McLaren GD, Acton RT, Speechley M, McLaren CE, Reboussin DM, Leiendecker-Foster C, Harris EL, Snively BM, Vogt T, Sholinsky P, Thomson E, Dawkins FW, Gordeuk VR, Eckfeldt JH. Screening for iron overload: lessons from the hemochromatosis and iron overload screening (HEIRS) study. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2009; 23:769-72. [PMID: 19893773 PMCID: PMC2777090 DOI: 10.1155/2009/839308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/25/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The HEmochromatosis and IRon Overload Screening (HEIRS) Study provided data on a racially, ethnically and geographically diverse cohort of participants in North America screened from primary care populations. METHODS A total of 101,168 participants were screened by testing for HFE C282Y and H63D mutations, and measuring serum ferritin concentration and transferrin saturation. In the present review, lessons from the HEIRS Study are highlighted in the context of the principles of screening for a medical disease as previously outlined by the World Health Organization. RESULTS Genetic testing is well accepted, with minimal risk of discrimination. Transferrin saturation has high biological variability and relatively low sensitivity to detect HFE C282Y homozygotes, which limits its role as a screening test. Symptoms attributable to HFE C282Y homozygosity are no more common in individuals identified by population screening than in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS Generalized population screening in a primary care population as performed in the HEIRS Study is not recommended. There may be a role for focused screening in Caucasian men, with some debate regarding genotyping followed by phenotyping, or phenotyping followed by genotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Adams
- Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada.
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Machado MV, Ravasco P, Martins A, Almeida MR, Camilo ME, Cortez-Pinto H. Iron homeostasis and H63D mutations in alcoholics with and without liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:106-11. [PMID: 19115475 PMCID: PMC2653287 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To evaluate the prevalence of HFE gene mutation and indices of disturbed iron homeostasis in alcoholics with and without liver disease.
METHODS: One hundred and fifty-three heavy drinkers (defined as alcohol consumption > 80 g/d for at least 5 years) were included in the study. These comprised 78 patients with liver disease [liver disease alcoholics (LDA)] in whom the presence of liver disease was confirmed by liver biopsy or clinical evidence of hepatic decompensation, and 75 subjects with no evidence of liver disease, determined by normal liver tests on two occasions [non-liver disease alcoholics (NLDA)], were consecutively enrolled. Serum markers of iron status and HFE C282Y and H63D mutations were determined. HFE genotyping was compared with data obtained in healthy blood donors from the same geographical area.
RESULTS: Gender ratio was similar in both study groups. LDA patients were older than NLDA patients (52 ± 10 years vs 48 ± 11 years, P = 0.03). One third and one fifth of the study population had serum transferrin saturation (TS) greater than 45% and 60% respectively. Serum iron levels were similar in both groups. However, LDA patients had higher TS (51 ± 27 vs 36 ± 13, P < 0.001) and ferritin levels (559 ± 607 ng/mL vs 159 ± 122 ng/mL, P < 0.001), and lower total iron binding capacity (TIBC) (241 ± 88 &mgr;g/dL vs 279 ± 40 &mgr;g/dL, P = 0.001). The odds ratio for having liver disease with TS greater than 45% was 2.20 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.37-3.54). There was no difference in C282Y allelic frequency between the two groups. However, H63D was more frequent in LDA patients (0.25 vs 0.16, P = 0.03). LDA patients had a greater probability of carrying at least one HFE mutation than NLDA patients (49.5% vs 31.6%, P = 0.02). The odds ratio for LDA in patients with H63D mutation was 1.57 (95% CI: 1.02-2.40).
CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the presence of iron overload in alcoholics, which was more severe in the subset of subjects with liver disease, in parallel with an increased frequency of H63D HFE mutation.
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Abstract
Since the discovery of the haemochromatosis gene (HFE; chromosome 6p21.3) associated with haemochromatosis in 1996, many studies about diverse aspects of this common genetic disorder have been done. Some patients present with cirrhosis and show high mortality, whereas many asymptomatic homozygotes for the C282Y mutation in the haemochromatosis gene identified in population screening studies, who have been followed up for many years, do not develop iron overload. Studies described the usefulness of transferrin saturation and serum ferritin tests, and the acceptability of genetic testing for haemochromatosis. Phlebotomy therapy improves hepatic fibrosis. Here, we summarise some new findings in haemochromatosis, a disorder first described in 1865.
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Lehmann U, Wingen LU, Brakensiek K, Wedemeyer H, Becker T, Heim A, Metzig K, Hasemeier B, Kreipe H, Flemming P. Epigenetic defects of hepatocellular carcinoma are already found in non-neoplastic liver cells from patients with hereditary haemochromatosis. Hum Mol Genet 2007; 16:1335-42. [PMID: 17412760 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddm082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene silencing through aberrant CpG island methylation is a frequent epigenetic defect in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, nothing is known as yet whether aberrant hypermethylation occurs already in non-neoplastic liver cells from patients with hereditary haemochromatosis who have a clearly elevated risk for developing HCC. Therefore, quantitative real-time PCR-based methylation analysis of six genes frequently hypermethylated in HCC (RASSF1A, cyclinD2, p16(INK4a), GSTpi1, SOCS-1, APC) was performed for liver biopsies from patients with hereditary haemochromatosis. For genotyping of the HFE gene restriction enzyme analysis and Pyrosequencing were used. Transcriptional repression of hypermethylated genes was assessed using real-time RT-PCR. Eighty-four percent of all samples with severe hepatic iron overload and a mutated HFE gene (but without HCC) had at least one gene hypermethylated. All six genes tested were affected by aberrant hypermethylation, albeit to a different extent: RASSF1A 55%, cyclinD2 45%, p16(INK4a) 32%, GSTpi1 10%, SOCS-1 6%, APC 8%. Concomitant transcriptional down-regulation was shown for RASSF1A, cyclinD2, GSTpi1 and SOCS-1. Biopsies from haemochromatosis patients showed significantly more aberrant hypermethylation than normal liver tissue or benign liver tumours (P < 0.001) and also to a higher degree. This effect is independent of patient age, cirrhosis or hepatitis infection. This is the first report demonstrating that longstanding severe iron overload is frequently associated with epigenetic defects characteristic of HCC, which reflects the increased risk of these lesions to progress to HCC. Thus, changes in DNA methylation patterns are an early event preceding morphological alterations of malignant transformation and represent promising targets for early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Lehmann
- Institute of Pathology, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Germany.
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Beaton MD, Adams PC. The myths and realities of hemochromatosis. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2007; 21:101-4. [PMID: 17299614 PMCID: PMC2657669 DOI: 10.1155/2007/619401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hemochromatosis is a common genetic condition and yet there are still a number of misperceptions surrounding the diagnosis and management of this condition. Hemochromatosis affects both men and women. Typical patients do not have alcoholism or viral hepatitis, and often have normal liver enzymes. Clinical expression is highly variable. Genetic testing is widely available and particularly useful in family studies. Hemochromatosis can be readily diagnosed and treated. The purpose of the present review is to address the medical myths and misconceptions of hemochromatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Paul C Adams
- Correspondence: Dr Paul C Adams, Department of Medicine, London Health Sciences Centre, 339 Windermere Road, London, Ontario N6A 5A5. Telephone 519-685-8500 ext 35375, fax 519-663-3549, e-mail
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Abstract
Haemochromatosis is the most common genetic disease in populations of European ancestry. Despite estimates based on genetic testing in Caucasian populations of 1 in 227, many physicians consider haemochromatosis to be a rare disease. The diagnosis can be elusive because of the non-specific nature of the symptoms. Of all the symptoms, liver disease has the most consistent relationship to haemochromatosis and the prognosis of haemochromatosis is most closely linked to the degree of iron overload. With the discovery of the HFE gene in 1996, comes new insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and new diagnostic strategies. However, a growing number of new iron-related genes have been discovered and linked to other iron overload syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P C Adams
- Department of Medicine, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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