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Gantzel RH, Bagge CN, Villadsen GE, Rex KF, Grønbæk H, Pedersen ML. The prevalence and disease course of autoimmune liver diseases in Greenland. Int J Circumpolar Health 2024; 83:2327693. [PMID: 38465864 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2024.2327693] [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: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases are rare serious diseases causing chronic inflammation and fibrosis in the liver parenchyma and bile ducts. Yet, the prevalence and burden of autoimmune liver diseases are largely unexplored in Arctic native populations. We investigated the prevalence and management of autoimmune liver diseases in Greenland using nationwide cross-sectional register data and subsequent medical chart reviews validating diagnoses and extracting liver histology examinations and medical treatments. The overall prevalence of autoimmune liver diseases in Greenland was 24.6 per 100,000 (95% CI: 14.7-41.3). This was based on 7 patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (12.3 per 100,000), 3 patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) (5.3 per 100,000), 4 patients with AIH/PBC overlap disease (7.0 per 100,000), and no patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. All diagnoses were confirmed by liver histology examinations. Medical treatments adhered to internal recommendations and induced complete remission in most patients with AIH, and complete or partial remission in 1 patient with PBC and 3 patients with AIH/PBC overlap disease. One patient had established cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis, while 2 patients progressed to cirrhosis. In conclusion, the prevalence of autoimmune liver diseases was lower in Greenland than in Scandinavia and among Alaska Inuit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasmus Hvidbjerg Gantzel
- Steno Diabetes Center Greenland, Queen Ingrid's Hospital, Nuuk, Greenland
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Medicine, Regional Hospital Gødstrup, Herning, Denmark
| | - Carina Nørskov Bagge
- Steno Diabetes Center Greenland, Queen Ingrid's Hospital, Nuuk, Greenland
- Gastrounit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Gerda Elisabeth Villadsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Michael Lynge Pedersen
- Steno Diabetes Center Greenland, Queen Ingrid's Hospital, Nuuk, Greenland
- Greenland Center for Health Research, Institute of Health and Nature, University of Greenland, Nuuk, Greenland
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Carbone M, Gerussi A, Cardinale V, Cazzagon N, Cossiga V, Lleo A, Marrone G, Marzioni M, Moschetta A, Muratori L, Rigamonti C, Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Fraquelli M, Calvaruso V. Position paper of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver (AISF): Management and treatment of primary biliary cholangitis. Dig Liver Dis 2024:S1590-8658(24)00739-4. [PMID: 38902184 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
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Mínguez A, Conde I, Montón C, Gonzalez L, Pascual S, Antón MD, Palau A, Forés A, Gisbert C, Ojeda A, Girona E, Di Maira T, Berenguer M. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: Gender Effects in Valencia's Low-Prevalence Region. Dig Dis Sci 2024; 69:1863-1871. [PMID: 38517562 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-024-08368-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Recent studies point out to epidemiological changes in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Our aims were to determine in PSC patients followed in several centers in a Mediterranean geographic area: (i) changes in baseline features and (ii) effect of gender on clinical course. METHODS Retrospective multicenter study of PSC patients treated in 8 hospitals in a Mediterranean area between 2000 and 2021. Charts were reviewed compiling demographic, clinical, radiological, and histological variables. RESULTS Cohort of 112 PSC patients included, 42% women, 70% diagnosed after 2010. Women were increasingly diagnosed in recent cohorts. The median time from diagnosis to the combined endpoint liver transplantation (Lt) and/or death was 6.9 years. Asthenia at diagnosis (p = 0.009) was associated with lower transplant-free survival, while diagnosis before 2005 was associated with greater LT-free survival (p < 0.001). By Cox regression, LT-free survival was not influenced by age, sex, or cirrhosis at the time of diagnosis. Women were found to have less jaundice at diagnosis (2 vs 14%; p = 0.013), higher prevalence of ANA antibodies (43.9 vs 15.7%; p = 0.003), and lower GGT levels at diagnosis (GGT 123 vs 209U/L; p = 0.014) than men. CONCLUSION In an area traditionally considered to have low prevalence, the prevalence of affected women surpasses expectations based on existing literature. There appear to be gender-related variations in the presentation of the condition, highlighting the need for confirmation through larger-scale studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Mínguez
- Universitary and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, 46007, Valencia, CP, Spain.
| | - Isabel Conde
- Universitary and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, 46007, Valencia, CP, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, IIS La Fe & CIBER-EHD, Universitary and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Montón
- Digestive Disease Department, Clinic University Hospital, INCLIVA Health Research Institute, 46410, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lara Gonzalez
- General University Hospital of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sonia Pascual
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit/HGU Dr. Balmis, Alicante, Spain
| | | | - Antonio Palau
- General University Hospital of Castellón, Castellon de La Plana, Spain
| | - Ana Forés
- General University Hospital of Castellón, Castellon de La Plana, Spain
| | - Concha Gisbert
- Digestive Medicine Hospital Arnau de Vilanova, Valencia, Spain
| | - Asunción Ojeda
- Digestive Medicine, General University Hospital of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Eva Girona
- Digestive Medicine, General University Hospital of Elche, Alicante, Spain
| | - Tommaso Di Maira
- Universitary and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, 46007, Valencia, CP, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, IIS La Fe & CIBER-EHD, Universitary and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Universitary and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, 46007, Valencia, CP, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, IIS La Fe & CIBER-EHD, Universitary and Politecnic Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicina, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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Bager P, Bossen L, Gantzel R, Grønbæk H. High-dose oral thiamine versus placebo for chronic fatigue in patients with primary biliary cholangitis: A crossover randomized clinical trial. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0301354. [PMID: 38551983 PMCID: PMC10980237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0301354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Fatigue has high negative impact on many patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and treatment options are limited. Recently we showed favorable effects of four weeks of high-dose thiamine treatment on fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. We aimed to investigate the effect and safety of high-dose (600-1800 mg daily) oral thiamine treatment on chronic fatigue in patients with PBC. METHODS Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled crossover trial including patients with severe PBC-related fatigue. Participants were allocated 1:1 to either group 1) 4 weeks of high-dose thiamine, 4 weeks of washout, and 4 weeks of placebo; or group 2) 4 weeks of placebo, washout, and high-dose thiamine, respectively. Fatigue severity was quantified using the fatigue subscale of the PBC-40 questionnaire. The primary outcome was a fatigue reduction of ≥ 5 points after 4 weeks of high-dose thiamine treatment. RESULTS We enrolled 36 patients; 34 completed the study. The overall mean reduction in fatigue was 5.0 points (95% CI: 2.5 to 7.5; p < 0.001) for the combined group 1 and group 2. Crossover analysis showed a mean increase in fatigue of 0.3 points (95% CI: -4.2 to 3.8) after high-dose thiamine treatment compared to a 1.4 points (95% CI: 6.2 to -3.4) mean reduction after placebo (p = 0.55). Only mild and transient adverse events were recorded. CONCLUSION Four weeks of high-dose oral thiamine treatment in patients with PBC was well tolerated and safe. However, high-dose thiamine was not superior to placebo in reducing PBC-related fatigue. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04893993) and EudraCT (2020-004935-26).
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Affiliation(s)
- Palle Bager
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Lars Bossen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Gantzel
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Chang ML, Cheng JS, Le PH, Chen WT, Ku HP, Chien RN. Evolutionary relationship between antimitochondrial antibody positivity and primary biliary cholangitis in Taiwan: a 16-year hospital cohort study. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2024; 17:17562848241241227. [PMID: 38560427 PMCID: PMC10981211 DOI: 10.1177/17562848241241227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background How antimitochondrial antibody (AMA)-positive patients evolve to have primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in viral hepatitis-endemic areas is unknown. Objectives We aimed to investigate this evolution in Taiwan. Design/methods A 16-year medical center-based cohort study of 2,095,628 subjects was conducted in Taiwan, an Asian country endemic to viral hepatitis. AMA-positive subjects were those with positive AMA with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) ⩽1.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN), and PBC was defined as positive AMA with ALP >1.5 × ULN. Results AMA-positive subjects had a lower average age- and sex-adjusted prevalence than PBC patients (4.68/105 versus 11.61/105, p = 0.0002), but their incidence was comparable (0.99/105 versus 1.12/105, p = 0.36). The former group had a borderline significantly lower mean age (56.59 years versus 58.10 years, p = 0.06) and a lower female-to-male ratio (2.85:1 versus 5.44:1, p < 0.0001). Both AMA-positive subjects (prevalence change: 20.0%, p < 0.01; incidence change: -9.2%, p < 0.01) and PBC patients (prevalence change: 14.6%, p < 0.01; incidence change: -4.7%, p < 0.01) prevalence rate increased but the incidence rate decreased. Among the 423 AMA-positive subjects, 77 (18.2%) developed PBC, for a mean duration of 1.757 years. Compared with AMA-positive subjects, PBC patients had similar concurrent chronic hepatitis B (CHB) rates (2.7% versus 4.3%, p = 0.197) but lower chronic hepatitis C (CHC) rates (3.69% versus 15.60%, p < 0.01). Conclusion PBC was more prevalent than AMA-positive subjects, and PBC patients had a higher female-to-male ratio than AMA-positive subjects, of whom 18.2% developed PBC (mean lag: 1.757 years). Upward trends in prevalence rates and downward trends in incidence rates were noted for both AMA-positive subjects and PBC. CHB was rare, CHC was more prevalent among PBC patients than the general population, and CHC was less prevalent among PBC than among AMA-positive subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ling Chang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fu Hsing Street, Kuei Shan, Taoyuan 333423, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Jur-Shan Cheng
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Puo-Hsien Le
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Chen
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ping Ku
- Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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Floreani A, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Current Perspectives on the Molecular and Clinical Relationships between Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2194. [PMID: 38396870 PMCID: PMC10888596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042194] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease characterised by the immune-mediated destruction of small and medium intrahepatic bile ducts, with variable outcomes and progression. This review summarises the state of the art regarding the risk of neoplastic progression in PBC patients, with a particular focus on the molecular alterations present in PBC and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most frequent liver cancer in these patients. Major risk factors are male gender, viral infections, e.g., HBV and HCV, non-response to UDCA, and high alcohol intake, as well as some metabolic-associated factors. Overall, HCC development is significantly more frequent in patients with advanced histological stages, being related to liver cirrhosis. It seems to be of fundamental importance to unravel eventual dysfunctional molecular pathways in PBC patients that may be used as biomarkers for HCC development. In the near future, this will possibly take advantage of artificial intelligence-designed algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- University of Padova, 35122 Padova, Italy;
- Scientific Consultant IRCCS Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
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Faisal MS, Gonzalez HC, Gordon SC. Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Presentation. Clin Liver Dis 2024; 28:63-77. [PMID: 37945163 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.06.005] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Using ursodeoxycholic acid as a standard treatment and for its ability to test for antimitochondrial antibody to accelerate diagnosis, survival of primary biliary cholangitis patients has approached that of the general population, leading to a change in nomenclature from primary biliary cirrhosis to primary biliary cholangitis to more accurately describe the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Salman Faisal
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Humberto C Gonzalez
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 East Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Stuart C Gordon
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Henry Ford Health, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Wayne State University School of Medicine, 540 East Canfield Street, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Cho JM, Koh JH, Kim SG, Lee S, Kim Y, Cho S, Kim K, Kim YC, Han SS, Lee H, Lee JP, Joo KW, Lim CS, Kim YS, Kim DK, Park S. Primary sclerosing cholangitis causally affects kidney function decline: A Mendelian randomization study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:185-192. [PMID: 37726875 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16355] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM The causal linkage between primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and kidney function is unexplored despite their potential for long-term detrimental effects on kidney function. METHODS Two-sample summary-level Mendelian randomization (MR) study was conducted to identify the association between PSC and kidney function. The genetic variants were extracted from the PSC-specific multi-trait analyzed genome-wide association study (GWAS) of European ancestry. Summary-level data for kidney function traits, including estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), annual eGFR decline, and chronic kidney disease (CKD), were obtained from the CKDGen consortium. Multiplicative random-effects inverse-variance weighted (MR-IVW), and a series of pleiotropy-robust analyses were performed to investigate the causal effects and ascertain their robustness. RESULTS Significant causal associations between genetically predicted PSC and kidney function traits were identified. Genetically predicted PSC was associated with decreased log-transformed eGFR (MR-IVW; beta = -0.41%; standard error [SE] = 0.02%; P < 0.001), increased rate of annual eGFR decline (MR-IVW; beta = 2.43%; SE = 0.18%; P < 0.001), and higher risk of CKD (MR-IVW; odds ratio = 1.07; 95% confidence interval = 1.06-1.08; P < 0.001). The main findings were supported by pleiotropy-robust analysis, including MR-Egger with bootstrapped error and weighted median. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that genetically predicted PSC is causally associated with kidney function impairment. Further studies are warranted to identify the underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Min Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Hun Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seong Geun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Soojin Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Uijeongbu Eulji University Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yaerim Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Semin Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Gwangmyeong Hospital, Gwangmyeong, South Korea
| | - Kwangsoo Kim
- Transdisciplinary Department of Medicine and Advanced Technology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yong Chul Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung Seok Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hajeong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jung Pyo Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwon Wook Joo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chun Soo Lim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yon Su Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dong Ki Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- Kidney Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sehoon Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
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Rigamonti C, Cittone MG, Manfredi GF, De Benedittis C, Paggi N, Baorda F, Di Benedetto D, Minisini R, Pirisi M. Spleen stiffness measurement predicts decompensation and rules out high-risk oesophageal varices in primary biliary cholangitis. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:100952. [PMID: 38192539 PMCID: PMC10772386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) may lead to portal hypertension (PH). Spleen stiffness measurement (SSM) by vibration-controlled transient elastography accurately predicts PH. We aimed to assess SSM role in stratifying the risk of liver decompensation in PBC. Methods In this monocentric, prospective, cross-sectional study, we included 114 patients with PBC who underwent liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and SSM. In total, 78 and 33 patients underwent two and three sequential vibration-controlled transient elastography examinations, respectively (longitudinal study). Screening for high-risk oesophageal varices by oesophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed according to guidelines and proposed to all patients with SSM >40 kPa. Results Among the 114 patients, 20 (17%) had LSM ≥10 kPa, whereas 17 (15%) had SSM >40 kPa. None of the patients with SSM ≤40 kPa had high-risk oesophageal varices, compared with three of 14 patients with SSM >40 kPa (21%; three refused endoscopy); any-size oesophageal varices were found in nine of 14 patients (64%). During a median follow-up of 15 months (IQR 10-31 months), five (4%) patients developed liver decompensation. The probability of liver decompensation was significantly higher among patients with both LSM ≥10 kPa and SSM >40 kPa: 41% at 24 months vs. 0% in other patient groups (i.e. LSM <10 kPa and SSM ≤40 kPa, or LSM ≥10 kPa and SSM ≤40 kPa, or LSM <10 kPa and SSM >40 kPa) (p <0.0001). Among the 78 patients undergoing longitudinal evaluation, four of nine patients (44%) with SSM increase during follow-up experienced liver decompensation, whereas none of those with stable LSM and SSM had liver decompensation. Conclusions Both LSM and SSM predict liver decompensation in patients with PBC. SSM ≤40 kPa rules out high-risk oesophageal varices and might be used in combination with LSM to improve the prediction of PH-related complications. Impact and implications Spleen stiffness measurement by vibration-controlled transient elastography accurately predicts portal hypertension in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. The present study is the first to demonstrate that in primary biliary cholangitis the combination of liver stiffness and spleen stiffness measurement can significantly improve risk stratification by predicting liver decompensation. Moreover, when spleen stiffness is combined with liver stiffness measurement and platelet count, it aids in identifying individuals with a low probability of having high-risk oesophageal varices, thereby allowing the avoidance of unnecessary endoscopy examinations. Further validation of our results in larger cohorts of patients with primary biliary cholangitis is needed to implement spleen stiffness measurement in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Micol Giulia Cittone
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Carla De Benedittis
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Noemi Paggi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Francesca Baorda
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Davide Di Benedetto
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Rosalba Minisini
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
| | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Novara, Italy
- Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara, Italy
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10
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Tanaka A. New Therapies on the Horizon for Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Drugs 2024; 84:1-15. [PMID: 38082142 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01979-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatic failure if left untreated. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) was introduced as a first-line drug for PBC around 1990; it remarkably improved patient outcomes, leading to the nomenclature change of PBC in 2015, from primary biliary "cirrhosis" to primary biliary "cholangitis." Nevertheless, 20-30% of patients exhibit an incomplete response to UDCA, resulting in significantly worse outcomes compared to those with a complete response. Therefore, improving the long-term outcomes of patients with an incomplete response to UDCA has been recognized as an unmet need. In addition, patients with PBC often suffer from a variety of debilitating symptoms, such as pruritus, fatigue and sicca syndrome, which significantly impair their health-related quality of life. Thus, appropriate management of these symptoms is currently regarded as another unmet need for PBC treatment. In this review, several compounds and drugs under clinical trials that can potentially solve these unmet needs are comprehensively discussed, and future directions of treatment policy of PBC are proposed for significantly improving long-term outcome as well as health-related quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Teikyo University School of Medicine, 2-11-1, Kaga, Itabashi-ku, Tokyo, 173-8605, Japan.
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Liang M, Ye S, Jing R, Zhu B, Yuan W, Chu X, Li Y, Zhang W. Estrogen receptor alpha-mediated mitochondrial damage in intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells leading to the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:2803-2818. [PMID: 37740728 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of estrogen and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) on the pathogenesis of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in human intrahepatic bile duct epithelial cells (HiBECs). The researchers measured serum levels of ERα, oxidative stress indicators, and cytokines in PBC patients and healthy controls. They examined the expression of ERα, pyruvate dehydrogenase complex E2-component (PDC-E2), and apoptosis-related proteins in the small bile ducts. In vitro experiments with HiBECs showed that estrogen had a dual effect on cell viability, increasing it at low concentrations but reducing it at higher concentrations. ERα activation led to mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, and upregulation of ERα and PDC-E2 expression. These findings suggest that the high expression of ERα in the bile ducts contributes to mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in PBC. The study highlights ERα as a potential target for understanding and treating estrogen-mediated PBC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengting Liang
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Siwen Ye
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rubin Jing
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bukun Zhu
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Yuan
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Chu
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Li
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Infection, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Liang EY, Liu M, Ke PF, Han G, Zhang C, Deng L, Wang YX, Huang H, Huang WJ, Liu RP, Li GH, Wan ZM, He YT, He M, Huang XZ. A population-based characterization study of
anti-mitochondrial M2 antibodies and its consistency with anti-mitochondrial antibodies. Lab Med 2023; 54:618-625. [PMID: 37040652 DOI: 10.1093/labmed/lmad018] [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] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aims to estimate the prevalence of anti-mitochondrial antibody subtype M2 (AMA-M2) and assess its consistency with AMA in a general population. METHODS A total of 8954 volunteers were included to screen AMA-M2 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Sera with AMA-M2 >50 RU/mL were further tested for AMA using an indirect immunofluorescence assay. RESULTS The population frequency of AMA-M2 positivity was 9.67%, of which 48.04% were males and 51.96% were females. The AMA-M2 positivity in males had a peak and valley value of 7.81% and 16.88% in those aged 40 to 49 and ≥70 years, respectively, whereas it showed a balanced age distribution in females. Transferrin and immunoglobulin M were the risk factors for AMA-M2 positivity and exercise was the only protective factor. Of 155 cases with AMA-M2 >50 RU/mL, 25 cases were AMA-positive, with a female-to-male ratio of 5.25:1. Only 2 people, with very high AMA-M2 of 760 and >800 RU/mL, met the diagnostic criteria of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), making the prevalence of PBC 223.36 per million in southern China. CONCLUSION We found that AMA-M2 has a low coincidence rate with AMA in the general population. A new decision-making point for AMA-M2 is needed to improve consistency with AMA and diagnostic accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Yu Liang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei-Feng Ke
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang Han
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Deng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun-Xiu Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wu-Jiao Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui-Ping Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guo-Hua Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ze-Min Wan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Ting He
- Intellectual Property Management and Transfer Center, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Min He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Refractory Chronic Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian-Zhang Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Refractory Chronic Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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13
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Villani R, Serviddio G, Avolio C, Cassano T, D'Amico E. Autoimmune liver disease and multiple sclerosis: state of the art and future perspectives. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:3321-3338. [PMID: 37421590 PMCID: PMC10618321 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01128-8] [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: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Clinical observations suggest that the prevalence of autoimmune diseases is changing over time. Both autoimmune liver diseases and multiple sclerosis have shown a significant increase in the last decades. Although the coexistence of autoimmune diseases within individuals and families is a common phenomenon, the extent to which liver disease and multiple sclerosis co-occur is not clear. Case reports and few studies have reported the possible coexistence of multiple sclerosis with thyroid diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It is unknown whether there is a definite association between multiple sclerosis and autoimmune liver diseases. We reviewed the literature to summarize the available studies on the association between different autoimmune liver diseases (autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis) and treated or untreated multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Villani
- Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Carlo Avolio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Tommaso Cassano
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Emanuele D'Amico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Multiple Sclerosis Center, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
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14
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Watt M, Hyde A, Johnson E, Wright GM, Vander Well S, Sadasivan C, Lee-Baggley D, Spence JC, Mason A, Ko HH, Tam E, Tandon P. An online mind-body program improves mental health and quality of life in primary biliary cholangitis: A randomized controlled trial. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0316. [PMID: 38346279 PMCID: PMC10629740 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS People with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) experience high rates of mental distress and fatigue despite standard of care therapy. We aimed to assess the impact of an online mind-body intervention on these symptoms. METHODS This 12-week RCT used sequential mixed-methods evaluation. Alongside standard of care, participants with primary biliary cholangitis were randomized to receive weekly countdown emails, or the intervention consisting of (i) a weekly 20-30 minute-mind-body follow-along video, (ii) weekly 5-10-minute psychology-based "managing chronic disease skills videos," and (iii) 10-minute telephone check-ins. The primary outcome was a change in the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Secondary outcomes evaluated changes in fatigue, perceived stress, resilience, and health-related quality of life. ANCOVA determined between-group differences. RESULTS Of the 87 randomized patients (control group: n = 44, intervention group: n = 43), the between-group HADS total score improved by 20.0% (95% CI 4.7, 35.2, p = 0.011). Significant improvements were seen in depression (25.8%), perceived stress (15.2%), and 2 primary biliary cholangitis-40 domains [emotional symptoms (16.3%) and social symptoms (11.8%)] with a mean satisfaction of 82/100. This corresponded with end-of-study qualitative findings. Although no improvements were observed in fatigue in the main analysis, a significant benefit was observed in the subgroup of intervention participants (20/36;56%) who completed the mind-body video routine at least 3 times per week. CONCLUSION This intervention improved measures of mental wellness and quality of life with high satisfaction and reasonable adherence. Future studies could explore strategies to optimize adherence and target fatigue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makayla Watt
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ashley Hyde
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Emily Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Chikku Sadasivan
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dayna Lee-Baggley
- Dayna Lee-Baggley, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - John C. Spence
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Mason
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Hin Hin Ko
- Pacific Gastroenterology Associates, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Edward Tam
- Pacific Gastroenterology Associates, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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15
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Jin Y, Wang M, Liu Y, Xu A. Antimitochondrial antibody associated with liver cirrhosis in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35617. [PMID: 37861502 PMCID: PMC10589553 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035617] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) serves as a serological marker for diagnosing primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). However, the association between AMA and prognosis for PBC patients remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AMA and cirrhosis in PBC patients. This retrospective study enrolled 225 PBC patients, including 127 with liver cirrhosis and 98 without cirrhosis. AMA was tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) with rat kidney as the substrate. AMA-M2 and M2-3E were detected by line immunoassay (LIA). The overall positivity rate for AMA detection in PBC patients was 80.9%. The positivity rates of IIF-AMA, AMA-M2, and M2-3E were significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis than in those without cirrhosis (73.2% vs. 52.0%, 74.0% vs. 51.0%, and 80.3% vs. 60.2%, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression, IIF-AMA (OR: 3.05, 95% CI: 1.59-5.87), AMA-M2 (OR: 3.11, 95% CI: 1.61-6.01), and M2-3E (OR: 3.29, 95% CI: 1.63-6.66) remained significantly associated with an increased incidence of liver cirrhosis. Moreover, in multinomial logistic regression, IIF-AMA (compensated cirrhosis, OR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.49-8.44; decompensated cirrhosis, OR: 2.86, 95% CI: 1.32-6.18), AMA-M2 (compensated cirrhosis, OR: 4.74, 95% CI: 1.94-11.58; decompensated cirrhosis, OR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.19-5.33), and M2-3E (compensated cirrhosis, OR: 4.92, 95% CI: 1.74-13.96; decompensated cirrhosis, OR: 2.91, 95% CI: 1.28-6.64) were all found to be associated with different stages of liver cirrhosis. AMA was found to be associated with the occurrence of liver cirrhosis in PBC patients. Additionally, AMA was also related to different stages of liver cirrhosis, including compensated and decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Miaochan Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Aifang Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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16
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Medina-Morales E, Ismail M, Barba Bernal R, Abboud Y, Sierra L, Marenco-Flores A, Goyes D, Saberi B, Patwardhan V, Bonder A. Two Decades of Liver Transplants for Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Comparative Study of Living Donors vs. Deceased Donor Liver Transplantations. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6536. [PMID: 37892674 PMCID: PMC10607081 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12206536] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) prompts liver transplantation (LT) due to cholestasis, cirrhosis, and liver failure. Despite lower MELD scores, recent studies highlight higher PBC waitlist mortality, intensifying the need for alternative transplantation strategies. Living donor liver transplant (LDLT) has emerged as a solution to the organ shortage. This study compares LDLT and deceased donor liver transplant (DDLT) outcomes in PBC patients via retrospective analysis of the UNOS database (2002-2021). Patient survival, graft failure, and predictors were evaluated through Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional analyses. Among 3482 DDLTs and 468 LDLTs, LDLT showed superior patient survival (92.3%, 89.1%, 87.6%, 85.0%, 77.2% vs. 91.5%, 88.3%, 86.3%, 82.2%, 71.0%; respectively; p = 0.02) with no significant graft survival difference at 1-, 2-, 3-, 5-, and 10-years post-LT (91.0%, 88.0%, 85.7%, 83.0%, 75.4% vs. 90.5%, 87.4%, 85.3%, 81.3%, 70.0%; respectively; p = 0.06). Compared to DCD, LDLT showed superior patient and graft survival (p < 0.05). Younger male PBC recipients with a high BMI, diabetes, and dialysis history were associated with mortality and graft failure (p < 0.05). Our study showed that LDLT had superior patient survival to DDLT. Predictors of poor post-LT outcomes require further validation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esli Medina-Morales
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (E.M.-M.); (M.I.); (Y.A.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (R.B.B.); (L.S.); (A.M.-F.); (B.S.)
| | - Mohamed Ismail
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (E.M.-M.); (M.I.); (Y.A.)
| | - Romelia Barba Bernal
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (R.B.B.); (L.S.); (A.M.-F.); (B.S.)
- Department of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
| | - Yazan Abboud
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; (E.M.-M.); (M.I.); (Y.A.)
| | - Leandro Sierra
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (R.B.B.); (L.S.); (A.M.-F.); (B.S.)
| | - Ana Marenco-Flores
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (R.B.B.); (L.S.); (A.M.-F.); (B.S.)
| | - Daniela Goyes
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Behnam Saberi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (R.B.B.); (L.S.); (A.M.-F.); (B.S.)
| | - Vilas Patwardhan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (R.B.B.); (L.S.); (A.M.-F.); (B.S.)
| | - Alan Bonder
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA; (R.B.B.); (L.S.); (A.M.-F.); (B.S.)
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17
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Ismail A, Kennedy L, Francis H. Sex-Dependent Differences in Cholestasis: Why Estrogen Signaling May Be a Key Pathophysiological Driver. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 193:1355-1362. [PMID: 37422150 PMCID: PMC10548272 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2023.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are cholestatic liver diseases that have significant clinical impact with debilitating symptoms and mortality. While PBC is predominantly seen in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women, men who are diagnosed with PBC have worse clinical outcomes and all-cause mortality. In contrast, 60% to 70% of patients with PSC are men; the data indicate that female sex may be an independent factor against PSC-related complications. These findings suggest a sex-dependent biological basis for these differences. Estrogen has been implicated in the pathogenesis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy and may induce cholestasis through a variety of interactions. However, it is unclear why some sexual dimorphic features may provide a protective effect despite known estrogen models that induce cholestasis. This article provides a brief introductory background and discusses the sexual dimorphism in clinical presentation in PSC and PBC. It also explores the role of estrogen signaling in pathogenesis and how it relates to intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Studies have already targeted certain molecules involved in estrogen signaling, and this review discusses these studies that identify estrogen-related receptor, estrogen receptor-α, estrogen receptor-β, farnesoid X receptor, and mast cells as possible targets, in addition to long noncoding RNA H19-induced cholestasis and sexual dimorphism. It also explores these interactions and their role in the pathogenesis of PBC and PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdiGhani Ismail
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Lindsey Kennedy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
| | - Heather Francis
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana; Department of Research, Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana.
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Watt M, Hyde A, Spence JC, Wright GM, Vander Well S, Johnson E, Mason A, McLeod M, Tandon P. The feasibility and acceptability of an online mind-body wellness program for patients with primary biliary cholangitis. CANADIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023; 6:314-331. [PMID: 38020194 PMCID: PMC10652984 DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2022-0045] [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: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Background Persons with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) experience significantly higher rates of mental distress and impaired health related quality of life (HrQoL) than the general population. Given limited evidence, but a high need, our primary aim was to assess feasibility and acceptability of a 12-week, online, mind-body wellness program in people with PBC. Methods This was a single-group, sequential mixed-methods, pre-post feasibility, and acceptability study. Core program components included follow-along movement, meditation and breathwork videos, and cognitive behavioural therapy informed activities. This was supplemented by weekly phone check-ins. Feasibility was assessed by recruitment, adherence, and retention. The pre-post exploratory efficacy assessment included surveys for fatigue, perceived stress, anxiety, depression, HrQoL, and resilience. A qualitative descriptive approach with semi-structured interviews evaluated study experiences. Results Thirty-two participants were recruited within 30 days and 29 (91%) were retained to end-of-study. Of these, 25 (86%) adhered to carrying out the mind-body practice at least 2-3 days per week. Feedback supported acceptability (satisfaction score 90%). Significant improvements were observed in fatigue (13%, p = 0.004), anxiety (30%, p = 0.005), depression (28%, p = 0.004), and five PBC-40 domains (itch, fatigue, cognitive, emotional, general symptoms). Qualitative interviews revealed improved stress management, better coping, and a more positive mindset. Fatigue and self-sabotaging thoughts were cited as barriers to participation. Conclusions These findings suggest that a 12-week online mind-body intervention is feasible and acceptable in patients with PBC. After iterative refinement, a randomized controlled trial will be designed using this feedback.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makayla Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ashley Hyde
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John C Spence
- Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | | | | | - Emily Johnson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Andrew Mason
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Magnus McLeod
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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19
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Cheng JS, Chen WT, Ku HP, Chien RN, Chang ML. Characteristic geoepidemiology of primary biliary cholangitis in Taiwan: A nationwide population-based study. Hepatol Res 2023; 53:866-877. [PMID: 37060573 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13910] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
AIM Data on the geoepidemiology and outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in Asia are limited; thus, we aimed to collect and assess this information for Taiwan. METHODS A nationwide population-based cohort study was undertaken using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Primary biliary cholangitis was defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 571.6 based on alkaline phosphatase and antimitochondrial antibody measurements and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment. RESULTS During 2002-2015, 2737 patients (2137 female patients; mean age, 57.78 years) had PBC. The average annual age- and sex-adjusted prevalence and incidence rates of PBC were 8.092/105 and 1.148/105 , respectively. Prevalent cases peaked in patients aged 50-59 years; the female-to-male ratio was 4.21. Annual prevalence rates increased with time (average percentage change, 12.03%; p < 0.0001). The annual incidence rates decreased with time (-7.39%; p = 0.000011) in female patients (-8.94%; p = 0.000003) but remained steady in male patients. Female-to-male and northern-to-southern relative risks of PBC incidence rates ranged from 2.2675 to 4.3318 and from 1.5707 to 3.1725, respectively. The 14-year hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cumulative incidence was 9.11%, and the mortality rate was 32.44%; the cumulative incidences of dyslipidemia, thyroid disease, and extrahepatic cancers were 65.13%, 24.40%, and 12.79%, respectively. Higher cumulative incidences of HCC (p = 0.0064) and mortality (p < 0.0001) were noted in male than female PBC patients; southern Taiwan PBC patients had higher cumulative incidences of mortality (p < 0.0001) than their northern counterparts. CONCLUSION In Taiwan, decreasing trends in incidence rates and the female-to-male ratio of PBC patients and specific sex and geographic impacts on the incidence rates and outcomes of PBC demand further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jur-Shan Cheng
- Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Keelung, Taiwan
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ting Chen
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Ping Ku
- Clinical Informatics and Medical Statistics Research Center, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Keelung, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Nan Chien
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Ling Chang
- Division of Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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20
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Martini F, Balducci D, Mancinelli M, Buzzanca V, Fracchia E, Tarantino G, Benedetti A, Marzioni M, Maroni L. Risk Stratification in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. J Clin Med 2023; 12:5713. [PMID: 37685780 PMCID: PMC10488776 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12175713] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease with a heterogeneous presentation, symptomatology, disease progression, and response to therapy. The current risk stratification assessment, aimed at identifying patients with a higher risk of disease progression, encompasses an in-depth analysis of demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, antibody profiles, and the evaluation of liver fibrosis using both invasive and noninvasive techniques. Treatment response scores after one year of therapy remain to date a major factor influencing the prognosis of PBC patients. While the initial therapeutic approach with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is universally applied, new second-line treatment options have recently emerged, with many others under investigation. Consequently, the prevailing one-size-fits-all approach is poised to be supplanted by tailored strategies, ensuring high-risk patients receive the most appropriate treatment regimen from diagnosis. This will require the development of a risk prediction model to assess, at the time of diagnosis, the course, outcome, and response to first and additional treatments of PBC patients. This manuscript provides a comprehensive overview of the current and emerging tools used for risk stratification in PBC and speculates on how these developments might shape the disease landscape in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Martini
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Emergency Digestive Endoscopy, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy; (D.B.); (M.M.); (V.B.); (E.F.); (G.T.); (A.B.); (M.M.); (L.M.)
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Rigamonti C, De Benedittis C, Labanca S, Vanni E, Morgando A, Manfredi GF, Azzolina D, Cittone MG, Giannini EG, Saracco GM, Pirisi M. Excellent outcome in patients with primary biliary cholangitis in Northwest Italy followed up for up to 30 years. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:899-906. [PMID: 37395243 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare chronic autoimmune cholangiopathy, characterized by a variable course and response to treatment. We aimed to describe long-term outcomes of PBC patients referred to three academic centres in Northwest Italy. METHODS This is an ambispective cohort study of PBC patients (retrospective component: diagnosis before 1 January 2019; prospective component: thereafter), including 302 patients: 101 (33%) followed up in Novara, 86 (28%) in Turin, 115 (38%) in Genoa. Clinical features at diagnosis, biochemical response to therapy and survival were analyzed. RESULTS Among the 302 patients (88% women, median age 55 years, median follow-up 75 months), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels significantly decreased during treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA, P < 0.0001) and obeticholic acid (P < 0.0001). At multivariate analysis, ALP at diagnosis was predictive of 1-year biochemical response to UDCA [odds ratio 3.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.4-9, P < 0.001]. Estimated median survival free of liver transplantation and hepatic complications was 30 years (95% CI 19-41). Bilirubin level at diagnosis was the only independent risk factor for the combined outcome of death, transplantation or hepatic decompensation (hazard ratio, 1.65, 95% CI 1.66-2.56, P = 0.02). Patients presenting with total bilirubin at diagnosis ≥0.6 times the upper normal limit (ULN) had a significantly lower 10-year survival compared to those with bilirubin <0.6 times ULN (63% vs. 97%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In PBC, both short-term response to UDCA and long-term survival can be predicted by simple conventional biomarkers of disease severity, obtained at diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Rigamonti
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Carla De Benedittis
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Sara Labanca
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa
| | - Ester Vanni
- SC Gastroenterology, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin
| | - Anna Morgando
- SC Gastroenterology, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin
| | - Giulia Francesca Manfredi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Danila Azzolina
- Department of Environment and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Micol Giulia Cittone
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
| | - Edoardo Giovanni Giannini
- Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa
| | | | - Mario Pirisi
- Department of Translational Medicine, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Division of Internal Medicine, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Novara
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Wu J, Fan X, Song Y. The causal effect of bioavailable testosterone on primary biliary cholangitis in female patients: A Bidirectional Mendelian randomization analysis. Dig Liver Dis 2023; 55:1091-1097. [PMID: 36922303 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2023.02.020] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) primarily affects female in their 4th to 6th decade of life at which stage female's sex hormones change dramatically. Sex hormones have a wide range of effects on the liver and immune system. However, it remains unclear whether sex hormonal changes mediate the onset of PBC. AIMS This study investigated the causal effect between total testosterone (TT), bioavailable testosterone (BAT), sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in female and PBC using public GWAS summary data. METHODS Data on TT, BAT, SHBG in female were obtained from a previous study based on the UK Biobank. PBC GWAS summary data was obtained from a genome-wide meta-analysis. We used several methods to make the conclusion robust. Various sensitivity analyses had been conducted to assess the consistency of our findings. RESULTS Our Mendelian randomization analysis revealed that the genetically predicted BAT in female was positively associated with PBC and SHBG in female was negatively associated with PBC. The results obtained from different methods are similar, which proves the reliability of the results. CONCLUSIONS Our study supported a causal relationship of BAT and SHBG in female on PBC. To confirm the association between testosterone and PBC, more research should be conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Xiude Fan
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China.
| | - Yongfeng Song
- Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Clinical Research Center of Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; Department of Endocrinology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, China; Shandong Engineering Laboratory of Prevention and Control for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; Shandong Institute of Endocrine & Metabolic Diseases, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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Surdea-Blaga T, Cărăguț RL, Caraiani C, Spârchez Z, Al Hajjar N, Dumitrașcu DL. Overlap syndrome of autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis complicated with atypical hepatocellular carcinoma: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2023; 17:328. [PMID: 37488645 PMCID: PMC10367410 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03932-y] [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: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a primary tumor of the liver. The majority of HCCs are associated most frequently with chronic B or C viral hepatitis, alcohol intake or aflatoxin exposure. Cirrhosis is a strong risk factor associated with HCC. The causes of liver cirrhosis are chronic viral hepatitis, alcohol intake, metabolic diseases (NAFLD), hemocromathosis, alfa 1 antitrypsisn deficiency. All aetiologic forms of cirrhosis are at risk to be complicated by HCC development, but the risk is higher for patients diagnosed with chronic viral hepatitis. Comparing to the above-mentioned causes, PBC and AIH are less associated with the risk of HCC development. A 71-year old Caucasian female previously diagnosed with overlap syndrome (AIH type 1 and PBC-ANA, SMA and AMA antibodies positive), liver cirrhosis, a nodule in the VI/VIIth hepatic segment, systemic sclerosis sine scleroderma, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, antiphospholipid syndrome, gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE) (with 2 previous sessions of argon plasma coagulation), cholecystectomy, arterial hypertension and nephro-angiosclerosis presented to the 2nd Department of Internal Medicine in Cluj-Napoca for a follow-up. The patient was following treatment with UDCA (Ursodeoxycholic acid), azathioprine, Plaquenil, calcium channel blockers, angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, calcium and vitamin D supplementation. The abdominal ultrasound showed a subcapsular hypoechoic nodule with a diameter of 29 mm (at the moment of the diagnosis the diameter was 9/10 mm) in the VI/VIIth hepatic segment. The contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) characterised the nodule as specific for hepatocellular carcinoma (LI-RADS 5). On MRI with gadoxetate disodium the nodule was hypovascular, non-specific, being classified as LI-RADS 3. An atypical resection of the VIIth hepatic segment was performed and the histohistological examination and imunohistochemistry (Hep Par-a positive, Glypican3 positive, CD34 positive) revealed a moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (G2), pT2 N0 M0 L0 V1 R0. CONCLUSION Autoimmune hepatitis, PBC and the overlap syndrome are less associated with the development of liver cirrhosis and HCC than other chronic liver diseases, especially if other risk factors are not associated. This case highlights the importance of a proper surveillance of cirrhotic patients every 6 months including abdominal ultrasound and AFP levels is crucial for an early diagnosis of a HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodora Surdea-Blaga
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, County Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Roxana L Cărăguț
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, No. 19-21 Croitorilor Street, 400162, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania.
| | - Cosmin Caraiani
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Zeno Spârchez
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, No. 19-21 Croitorilor Street, 400162, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Nadim Al Hajjar
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, No. 19-21 Croitorilor Street, 400162, Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, Romania
| | - Dan L Dumitrașcu
- "Iuliu Hațieganu" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, County Emergency Hospital, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Floreani A, Gabbia D, De Martin S. Primary biliary cholangitis: primary autoimmune disease or primary secretory defect. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 17:863-870. [PMID: 37515436 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2023.2242771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic liver disease characterized by the immune-mediated destruction of small and medium intrahepatic bile ducts, involving predominantly females. PBC has long been described as an autoimmune liver disease, also because it is very often associated with many autoimmune conditions. More recently, another pathogenic mechanism exploring the damage of cholangiocytes has been hypothesized, i.e. a defect in the biliary umbrella which is physiologically responsible for the exchange of the ions Cl- and HCO3- and maintains the integrity of glycocalyx. To provide a state-of-the-art analysis of this topic, a systematic review of literature in PubMed, Scopus, and Science Direct was conducted (inclusive dates: 1986-2023). AREA COVERED Although the etiology remains unknown, pathogenesis consists of a complex immune-mediated process resulting from a genetic susceptibility. PBC can be triggered by an immune-mediated response to an autoantigen, which leads to a progressive destruction of bile ducts and eventually to a progressive fibrosis with cirrhosis. The defect in the 'bicarbonate umbrella' acts as a protection against the toxic hydrophobic bile acids, leading to a toxic composition of bile. EXPERT OPINION This review offers a summary of the current knowledge about the pathogenesis of PBC, indicating that this is probably based on the mutual relationship between the immune insult and the unbalanced secretory mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarosa Floreani
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare, Negrar, Verona, Italy
- University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Daniela Gabbia
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sara De Martin
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Kim KA, Choi HY, Ki M, Jang ES, Jeong SH. Epidemiological trends and outcomes of primary biliary cholangitis in South Korea between 2009 and 2019. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:682-692. [PMID: 37195516 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01999-4] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are no longitudinal studies on the epidemiology of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in Korea. This study aimed to elucidate the temporal trends in the epidemiology and outcomes of PBC in South Korea between 2009 and 2019. METHODS The epidemiology and outcomes of PBC were estimated using data from the Korean National Health Service database. Temporal trends in the PBC incidence and prevalence were analyzed using join-point regression. Transplant-free survival was analyzed according to age, sex, and ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) treatment using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses. RESULTS The age and sex-standardized incidence between 2010 and 2019 (total patients, 4230) was 1.03 per 100,000 per year on average and increased from 0.71 to 1.14 per 100,000 with an annual percent change (APC) of 5.5. The age and sex-standardized prevalence between 2009 and 2019 was 8.21 per 100,000 on average and increased from 4.30 to 12.32 per 100,000 with an APC of 10.9. The increasing trend in prevalence was prominent in males and elderly individuals. Among patients with PBC, 98.2% received UDCA with 77.3% adherence. The 5-year transplant-free overall survival rate was 87.8%. Male sex and low adherence to UDCA were associated with all-cause death or transplantation (hazard ratios of 1.59 and 1.89, respectively), and liver-related death or transplantation (hazard ratios of 1.43 and 1.87, respectively). CONCLUSIONS The incidence and prevalence of PBC in Korea increased significantly between 2009 and 2019. Male sex and low adherence to UDCA were poor prognostic factors for PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyung-Ah Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan Paik Hospital, 170 Juhwa-ro, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10380, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hwa Young Choi
- Department of Cancer Control and Policy, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Moran Ki
- Department of Cancer Control and Policy, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, 323 Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, 10408, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sun Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Sook-Hyang Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 82 Gumi-ro, 173 Beon-gil, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, 13620, Republic of Korea
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Trivella J, John BV, Levy C. Primary biliary cholangitis: Epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:02009842-202306010-00027. [PMID: 37267215 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by a destructive, small duct, and lymphocytic cholangitis, and marked by the presence of antimitochondrial antibodies. The incidence and prevalence of PBC vary widely in different regions and time periods, and although disproportionally more common among White non-Hispanic females, contemporary data show a higher prevalence in males and racial minorities than previously described. Outcomes largely depend on early recognition of the disease and prompt institution of treatment, which, in turn, are directly influenced by provider bias and socioeconomic factors. Ursodeoxycholic acid remains the initial treatment of choice for PBC, with obeticholic acid and fibrates (off-label therapy) reserved as add-on therapy for the management of inadequate responders or those with ursodeoxycholic acid intolerance. Novel and repurposed drugs are currently at different stages of clinical development not only for the treatment of PBC but also for its symptomatic management. Here, we summarize the most up-to-date data regarding the epidemiology, prognosis, and treatment of PBC, providing clinically useful information for its holistic management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Trivella
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Binu V John
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Miami VA Medical System, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Zhang W, Mackay CR, Gershwin ME. Immunomodulatory Effects of Microbiota-Derived Short-Chain Fatty Acids in Autoimmune Liver Diseases. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 210:1629-1639. [PMID: 37186939 PMCID: PMC10188201 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Nonpathogenic commensal microbiota and their metabolites and components are essential to maintain a tolerogenic environment and promote beneficial health effects. The metabolic environment critically impacts the outcome of immune responses and likely impacts autoimmune and allergic responses. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are the main metabolites produced by microbial fermentation in the gut. Given the high concentration of SCFAs in the gut and portal vein and their broad immune regulatory functions, SCFAs significantly influence immune tolerance and gut-liver immunity. Alterations of SCFA-producing bacteria and SCFAs have been identified in a multitude of inflammatory diseases. These data have particular significance in primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and autoimmune hepatitis because of the close proximity of the liver to the gut. In this focused review, we provide an update on the immunologic consequences of SCFA-producing microbiota and in particular on three dominant SCFAs in autoimmune liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
| | - Charles R. Mackay
- Department of Microbiology, Infection and Immunity Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, Australia
| | - M. Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, CA, USA
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Yang Y, He X, Rojas M, Leung PSC, Gao L. Mechanism-based target therapy in primary biliary cholangitis: opportunities before liver cirrhosis? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1184252. [PMID: 37325634 PMCID: PMC10266968 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1184252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an immune-mediated liver disease characterized by cholestasis, biliary injuries, liver fibrosis, and chronic non-suppurative cholangitis. The pathogenesis of PBC is multifactorial and involves immune dysregulation, abnormal bile metabolism, and progressive fibrosis, ultimately leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and obeticholic acid (OCA) are currently used as first- and second-line treatments, respectively. However, many patients do not respond adequately to UDCA, and the long-term effects of these drugs are limited. Recent research has advanced our understanding the mechanisms of pathogenesis in PBC and greatly facilitated development of novel drugs to target mechanistic checkpoints. Animal studies and clinical trials of pipeline drugs have yielded promising results in slowing disease progression. Targeting immune mediated pathogenesis and anti-inflammatory therapies are focused on the early stage, while anti-cholestatic and anti-fibrotic therapies are emphasized in the late stage of disease, which is characterized by fibrosis and cirrhosis development. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that currently, there exists a dearth of therapeutic options that can effectively impede the progression of the disease to its terminal stages. Hence, there is an urgent need for further research aimed at investigating the underlying pathophysiology mechanisms with potential therapeutic effects. This review highlights our current knowledge of the underlying immunological and cellular mechanisms of pathogenesis in PBC. Further, we also address current mechanism-based target therapies for PBC and potential therapeutic strategies to improve the efficacy of existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - XiaoSong He
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Manuel Rojas
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA), School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia
| | - Patrick S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Lixia Gao
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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Tu Z, Wang Y, Wang Y, Huang J, Han Y, Ji Q, Cao X, Wen X, Wang Y, Jin Q. TR score: A noninvasive model to predict histological stages in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1152294. [PMID: 37006277 PMCID: PMC10060872 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1152294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
IntroductionThe aim of this study was to develop a noninvasive prediction model for histological stages in PBC that is simple, easy to implement, and highly accurate.MethodsA total of 114 patients with PBC were included in this study. Demographic, laboratory data and histological assessments were collected. The independent predictors of histological stages were selected to establish a noninvasive serological model. The scores of 22 noninvasive models were calculated and compared with the established model.ResultsThis study included 99 females (86.8%) and 15 males (13.2%). The number of patients in Scheuer’s stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 was 33 (29.0%), 34 (29.8%), 16 (14.0%), and 31 (27.2%), respectively. TBA and RDW are independent predictors of PBC histological stages. The above indexes were used to establish a noninvasive model-TR score. When predicting early histological change (S1) or liver fibrosis and cirrhosis (S3-S4), the AUROC of TR score were 0.887 (95% CI, 0.809-0.965) and 0.893 (95% CI, 0.816-0.969), higher than all of the other 22 models included in this study. When predicting cirrhosis (S4), its AUROC is still as high as 0.921 (95% CI, 0.837-1.000).ConclusionTR score is an easy, cheap and stable noninvasive model, without complex calculation formulas and tools, and shows good accuracy in diagnosing the histological stages of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixin Tu
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jianjie Huang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yujin Han
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qijia Ji
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Cao
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Wen
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Qinglong Jin
- Department of Hepatology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglong Jin,
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Kelly C, Zen Y, Heneghan MA. Post-Transplant Immunosuppression in Autoimmune Liver Disease. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:350-359. [PMID: 36950491 PMCID: PMC10025678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.07.002] [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: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) are a group of conditions where immune-mediated liver damage can lead to the need for transplantation. Collectively, they account for almost a quarter of all liver transplants. Outcomes in terms of graft and patient survival for all liver transplants have improved markedly over decades with improvements in patient selection, surgical techniques and longer-term care and this is also seen in patients with AILDs. The current five- and ten-year survival rates post-transplant in autoimmune disease are excellent, at 88% and 78%, respectively. A key factor in maintaining good outcomes post liver transplant for these autoimmune conditions is the immunosuppression strategy. These patients have increased the rates of rejection, and autoimmune conditions can all recur in the graft ranging from 12 to 60% depending on the population studied. Immunosuppressive regimens are centred on calcineurin inhibitors, often combined with low dose corticosteroids, with or without the addition of antimetabolite therapy. There is no clear evidence-based immunosuppressive regimen for these conditions, and a tailored approach balancing the individuals' immunological profile against the risks of immunosuppression is often used. There are disease-specific considerations to optimised graft function including the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in both primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis and the role and timing of colectomy in primary sclerosing cholangitis in inflammatory bowel disease patients. However, unmet needs still exist in the management of AILDs post liver transplantation particularly in building the evidence base for optimal immunosuppression as well as mitigating the risk of recurrent disease.
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Key Words
- AIH, Autoimmune hepatitis
- AILD, Autoimmune liver disease
- CNI, Calcineurin inhibitors
- IBD, Inflammatory bowel disease
- LT, Liver transplantation
- PBC, Primary biliary cholangitis
- PSC, Primary sclerosing cholangitis
- autoimmune liver disease
- immunosuppression
- rAIH, Recurrent autoimmune hepatitis
- rPBC, Recurrent primary biliary cholangitis
- rPSC, Recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis
- transplantation
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Kelly
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Yoh Zen
- Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
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Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) are a group of immune-mediated liver inflammatory diseases with three major forms including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Interaction of both genetic and environmental factors leads to the breakdown of self-tolerance, hence resulting in hyper-responsive of autoantibodies and aggressive autoreactive immune cells. Genetic studies have identified dozens of risk loci associated with initiation and development of AILD. However, the role of exogenous factors remains unclear. Recently, both infectious and inflammatory diseases have been associated with microbiota, which colonizes multiple mucosal surfaces and participates in human physiological process and function in immune system, particularly influencing liver, and biliary system via gut-liver axis. Emerging evidence on the role of gut microbiota has expanded our knowledge of AILD in both pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets, along with putative diagnosis biomarkers. Herein we review the relationship between host and gut microbiota, discuss their potential roles in disease onset and progression, and summarize the compositional and functional alterations of the microbiota in AILD. We also highlighted the microbiota-based therapeutics such as antibiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Qian
- School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei He
- School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruqi Tang
- School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Key Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, State Key Laboratory for Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China -
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Kasztelan-Szczerbinska B, Rycyk-Bojarzynska A, Szczerbinska A, Cichoz-Lach H. Selected Aspects of the Intricate Background of Immune-Related Cholangiopathies-A Critical Overview. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15030760. [PMID: 36771465 PMCID: PMC9921714 DOI: 10.3390/nu15030760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are rare immune-related cholangiopathies with still poorly explained pathogenesis. Although triggers of chronic inflammation with subsequent fibrosis that affect cholangiocytes leading to obliteration of bile ducts and conversion to liver cirrhosis are unclear, both disorders are regarded to be multifactorial. Different factors can contribute to the development of hepatocellular injury in the course of progressive cholestasis, including (1) body accumulation of bile acids and their toxicity, (2) decreased food intake and nutrient absorption, (3) gut microbiota transformation, and (4) reorganized host metabolism. Growing evidence suggests that intestinal microbiome composition not only can be altered by liver dysfunction, but in turn, it actively impacts hepatic conditions. In this review, we highlight the role of key factors such as the gut-liver axis, intestinal barrier integrity, bile acid synthesis and circulation, and microbiome composition, which seem to be strongly related to PBC and PSC outcome. Emerging treatments and future therapeutic strategies are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beata Kasztelan-Szczerbinska
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 8 Jaczewski Street, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Anna Rycyk-Bojarzynska
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 8 Jaczewski Street, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Halina Cichoz-Lach
- Department of Gastroenterology with Endoscopy Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 8 Jaczewski Street, 20-954 Lublin, Poland
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Geographical region and clinical outcomes of patients with primary biliary cholangitis from Western Europe. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:112-119. [PMID: 36468575 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The are geographic variations in the incidence and prevalence of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). The aim was to explore whether clinical outcomes of patients within Western Europe differ according to geographical region. METHODS Ursodeoxycholic acid-treated patients from European centers from the Global PBC database diagnosed from 1990 onwards were included. Patients with a time lag > 1 year from diagnosis to start of follow-up were excluded. Differences in baseline characteristics were studied according to North/South and East/West, whereas outcomes (transplant-free survival and decompensation) were studied with center latitude and longitude. Cox regression analyses were adjusted for age, sex, diagnosis year, biochemical markers, and cirrhosis as a time-dependent covariate. RESULTS One thousand eight hundred seventy-eight patients were included, and there were no geographical differences in age or sex, with a mean age of 54 years and 89% female patients. Those in North Europe were more often of a moderately advanced/advanced Rotterdam biochemical stage (28.4%) compared with South Europe (20.6%). Additionally, they exhibited higher median alkaline phosphatase (2.0 ×ULN vs. 1.4 ×ULN) and transaminases. In multivariable analysis, there was a significant interaction between center latitude and longitude for decompensation (P < 0.001) and a trend for transplant-free survival, in which the Northwestern area demonstrated an increased risk for poor outcomes as compared to the reference (Paris). CONCLUSION We describe geographic variations in outcomes for patients across Europe from specialist centers in the Global PBC Study Group. Further study is important to explore the potential individual, environmental, and healthcare-related factors that may be contributors.
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Henriksson I, Udumyan R, Nilsson E, Önnerhag K, Rorsman F, Werner M, Marschall HU, Wahlin S, Nyhlin N. Clinical outcomes and sick leave in relation to UDCA treatment in Swedish patients with primary biliary cholangitis. Scand J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:70-75. [PMID: 35993428 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2022.2103729] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune liver disease that may progress into liver cirrhosis. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is known to prevent or delay the disease progression, but little is known about work incapacity in PBC patients. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes (transplantation-free survival; cirrhosis development) and sick leave in patients with PBC with and without UDCA therapy. METHODS The medical records of 526 patients with PBC diagnosed from 2004 to 2016 were reviewed retrospectively. Sick leave data retrieved from the Swedish Social Insurance Agency were analysed for a sub-cohort of patients and matched controls. Cox regression was used for analysis of clinical outcomes. Logistic and conditional logistic regressions were used for sick leave analysis. RESULTS A total of 10.6% of patients died and 3.4% received liver transplantation over a median follow-up time of 5.7 years. UDCA-untreated patients (HR 3.62 (95%CI 2.02-6.49)) and UDCA non-responders (HR 3.78 (95% CI 1.87-7.66)) had higher mortality or transplantation rates than UDCA responders. Patients with PBC had higher odds of sick leave (OR 2.50; 95% CI 1.69-3.70) than matched controls. Untreated patients were more likely to be on sick leave (OR 3.22; 95% CI 1.12-9.25) two years after diagnosis than UDCA responders. CONCLUSION Both untreated patients and UDCA non-responders had lower liver transplantation-free survival rates than UDCA responders. Patients with PBC were more likely to be on sick leave compared to matched controls from the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ida Henriksson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Ruzan Udumyan
- Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Emma Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Gastroenterology Division, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Önnerhag
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Fredrik Rorsman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Werner
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University Hospital, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Sahlgrenska Academy, Institute of Medicine, Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Staffan Wahlin
- Department of Upper GI Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Nyhlin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Örebro University Hospital, Örebro, Sweden
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35
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Shaker M, Mansour N, John BV. Primary Biliary Cholangitis in Males: Pathogenesis, Clinical Presentation, and Prognosis. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:643-655. [PMID: 36270721 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an immune-mediated chronic liver disease characterized by progressive cholestasis, bile duct destruction, biliary fibrosis, and cirrhosis. Patients who respond to ursodeoxycholic acid have an expected survival similar to the general population. Although PBC primarily affects females, the prevalence in males is higher than was previously believed, with contemporary studies suggesting a female-to-male ratio of 4-6:1. A diagnosis of PBC is often delayed among males because of the myth that PBC is rare in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Shaker
- Division of Hepatology, Miami VA Medical Center 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125 USA.
| | - Natalie Mansour
- Division of Hepatology, Miami VA Medical Center 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125 USA
| | - Binu V John
- Division of Hepatology, Miami VA Medical Center 1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125 USA; Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
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36
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Colapietro F, Bertazzoni A, Lleo A. Contemporary Epidemiology of Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Clin Liver Dis 2022; 26:555-570. [PMID: 36270716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2022.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic liver disease with potential evolution to liver cirrhosis when left untreated. Despite being rare, PBC has a substantial impact on the quality of life and survival of affected patients. Women are the most diagnosed worldwide; however, male subjects seem to have more aggressive disease and worse prognosis. Changing epidemiologic trends are emerging in PBC, with increasing global prevalence and slight smoothing of sex differences. In this review we present available data on incidence rates and prevalence of PBC worldwide, highlighting geographic differences and factors impacting clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Colapietro
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via A. Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Arianna Bertazzoni
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via A. Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Division of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Department of Gastroenterology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via A. Manzoni 56, Rozzano 20089, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
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37
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Yang Y, Zhao RC, Zhang F. Potential mesenchymal stem cell therapeutics for treating primary biliary cholangitis: advances, challenges, and perspectives. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:933565. [PMID: 35923849 PMCID: PMC9339990 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.933565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a cholestatic autoimmune liver disease characterized by the gradual destruction of small intrahepatic bile ducts that eventually leads to liver cirrhosis, failure, and even carcinoma. The treatment options for PBC are limited, and the main treatment choices are the US Food and Drug Administration–approved ursodeoxycholic acid and obeticholic acid. However, many patients fail to respond adequately to these drugs and the adverse effects frequently lead to low life quality. For patients with end-stage PBC, liver transplantation remains the only effective treatment. Given their low immunogenicity, prominent immunomodulation property, differentiation potential, and tissue maintenance capacity, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are emerging as new options for treating liver diseases, including PBC. Accumulating evidence from basic research to clinical studies supports the positive effects of MSC-based therapy for treating PBC. In this review, we characterized the underlying roles and mechanisms of MSCs for treating liver diseases and highlight recent basic and clinical advances in MSC-based therapy for treating PBC. Finally, the current challenges and perspectives for MSC-based therapy in clinical application are discussed, which could help accelerate the application of MSCs in clinical practice, especially for refractory diseases such as PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlei Yang
- Clinical Biobank, National Science and Technology Key Infrastructure on Translational Medicine in Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Medical Science Research Centre, Medical Science Research Centre, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Robert Chunhua Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Center of Excellence in Tissue Engineering, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Fengchun Zhang, ; Robert Chunhua Zhao,
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory, Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Clinical Immunology Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Fengchun Zhang, ; Robert Chunhua Zhao,
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Zhang Y, Jiao Z, Chen M, Shen B, Shuai Z. Roles of Non-Coding RNAs in Primary Biliary Cholangitis. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:915993. [PMID: 35874606 PMCID: PMC9305664 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.915993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is an autoimmune-mediated chronic cholestatic liver disease, fatigue, and skin itching are the most common clinical symptoms. Its main pathological feature is the progressive damage and destruction of bile duct epithelial cells. Non-coding RNA (NcRNA, mainly including microRNA, long non-coding RNA and circular RNA) plays a role in the pathological and biological processes of various diseases, especially autoimmune diseases. Many validated ncRNAs are expected to be biomarkers for the diagnosis or treatment of PBC. This review will elucidate the pathogenesis of PBC and help to identify potential ncRNA biomarkers for PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ziying Jiao
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Mingwei Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bing Shen
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zongwen Shuai
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Zongwen Shuai,
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Gender and Autoimmune Liver Diseases: Relevant Aspects in Clinical Practice. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060925. [PMID: 35743710 PMCID: PMC9225254 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs) include autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. The etiologies of AILD are not well understood but appear to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. AILDs commonly affect young individuals and are characterized by a highly variable clinical course. These diseases significantly influence quality of life and can progress toward liver decompensation or the onset of hepatocellular or cholangiocarcinoma; a significant number of patients eventually progress to end-stage liver disease, requiring liver transplantation. In this review, we focus on the sex characteristics and peculiarities of AILD patients and highlight the relevance of a sex-specific analysis in future studies. Understanding the sex differences underlying AILD immune dysregulation may be critical for developing more effective treatments.
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El Jamaly H, Eslick GD, Weltman M. Primary biliary cholangitis in pregnancy: A systematic review with meta-analysis. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2022; 21:218-225. [PMID: 35361530 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outcomes and disease associations in pregnant women with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have not been largely explored. This study aimed to determine the level of evidence associated with maternal and fetal outcomes and other disease associations in female patients with PBC. DATA SOURCES A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Maternal and fetal outcomes were obtained from patients with a previous, current or subsequent diagnosis of PBC. A random-effects model was employed, using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS Eleven studies, with 2179 female PBC patients were included. Pregnant women with PBC were significantly more likely to have a miscarriage (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.02-1.58; P = 0.03), and a history of abortion (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.09-2.07; P = 0.01), with absent heterogeneity (I2 = 0%). PBC pregnant women were significantly more likely to deliver via vaginal birth (OR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.33-2.14; P < 0.001) with low level heterogeneity (I2 < 0.001%). Patients had a statistically significant increased likelihood of lifetime smoking (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.17-3.23; P = 0.01). Egger's regression revealed no evidence of publication bias. CONCLUSIONS This meta-analysis provides pooled evidence that a PBC pregnancy is associated with fetal morbidity and maternal lifestyle associations that may influence pregnancy outcomes. More studies are needed to establish disease associations that may directly affect pregnancy outcomes. These data are essential for clinicians managing these patients before, during or after pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hydar El Jamaly
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia; Nepean Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Guy D Eslick
- NHMRC Centre for Research Excellence in Digestive Health, Hunter Medical Research Institute, The University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Martin Weltman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nepean Hospital, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia; Nepean Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Penrith, New South Wales, Australia
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41
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Santos GA, Brandão M, Farinha F. Prevalence of Primary Biliary Cholangitis in a Cohort of Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome Patients. Cureus 2022; 14:e24590. [PMID: 35664385 PMCID: PMC9148544 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.24590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To analyze the prevalence and clinical progression of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and possible associations between biochemical and immunological features and the development of PBC. Methods We retrospectively reviewed a cohort of 115 pSS patients followed up in an outpatient clinic from 1987 to 2020, without a history of liver disease, and looked for the presence of PBC through analysis of several biochemical, immunological, and histologic characteristics. Results Twenty patients (17.4%) had chronic cholestatic liver biochemistry. After exclusion of extrahepatic liver disease by abdominal ultrasound, 13 of them were tested for antimitochondrial autoantibodies (AMA) detected by indirect immunofluorescence (IF), of which five tested positive, fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for PBC. Three of the five PBC patients and three of the eight chronic cholestasis AMA-negative patients were further investigated with liver biopsy, which showed features of PBC in all three PBC patients and in one of the chronic cholestasis AMA-negative patients, allowing for the diagnosis of AMA-negative PBC in the latter. The remaining two AMA-negative patients had liver histology compatible with autoimmune hepatitis and unspecific findings, respectively. Overall, six (5.2%) patients with pSS had AMA-positive PBC (n=5) or AMA-negative PBC (n=1). Comparing immunological characteristics between PBC and non-PBC patients, we found that PBC patients had a higher mean maximum erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) during follow-up than patients without PBC. All PBC patients were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and after treatment with UDCA, only one patient showed biochemical and clinical progression of PBC, with increasing alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin levels, eventually progressing to cirrhosis. Conclusions Among patients with pSS, PBC had an overall prevalence of six of 115 (5.2%). Higher ESR was a feature associated with PBC patients. In our cohort, after initiation of UDCA treatment, PBC showed predominantly slow progress, with only one patient progressing to cirrhosis during follow-up.
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Yang Y, Choi J, Chen Y, Invernizzi P, Yang G, Zhang W, Shao TH, Jordan F, Nemeria NS, Coppel RL, Ridgway WM, Kurth M, Ansari AA, Leung PSC, Gershwin ME. E. coli and the etiology of human PBC: Antimitochondrial antibodies and spreading determinants. Hepatology 2022; 75:266-279. [PMID: 34608663 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The increased frequency of urinary tract infections in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and the cross-reactivity between the lipoyl domains (LD) of human pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (hPDC-E2) and Escherichia coli PDC-E2 (ePDC-E2) have long suggested a role of E. coli in causality of PBC. This issue, however, has remained speculative. We hypothesized that by generating specific constructs of human and E. coli PDC-E2, we would be able to assess the specificity of autoantibody responses and define whether exposure to E. coli in susceptible hosts is the basis for the antimitochondrial antibody (AMA) response. APPROACH AND RESULTS Importantly, the reactivity of hPDC-E2 LD (hPDC-E2LD) affinity-purified antibodies against hPDC-E2LD could only be removed by prior absorption with hPDC-E2LD and not ePDC-E2, suggesting the presence of unique human PDC-E2 epitopes distinct from E. coli PDC-E2. To identify the autoepitope(s) present in hPDC-E2LD, a more detailed study using a variety of PDC-E2 constructs was tested, including the effect of lipoic acid (LA) on ePDC-E2 conformation and AMA recognition. Individual recombinant ePDCE2 LD domains LD1, LD2 and LD3 did not react with either AMA or antibodies to LA (anti-LA), but in contrast, anti-LA was readily reactive against purified recombinant LD1, LD2, and LD3 expressed in tandem (LP); such reactivity increased when LP was precultured with LA. Moreover, when the three LD (LD1, LD2, LD3) domains were expressed in tandem in pET28a or when LD1 was expressed in another plasmid pGEX, they were lipoylated and reactive to PBC sera. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our data are consistent with an exposure to E. coli that elicits specific antibody to ePDC-E2 resulting in determinant spreading and the classic autoantibody to hPDC-E2LD. We argue this is the first step to development of human PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA.,School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical EngineeringNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jinjung Choi
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA.,Division of RheumatologyCHA University Medical CenterBundangKorea
| | - Ying Chen
- School of Food Science and Pharmaceutical EngineeringNanjing Normal UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- International Center for Digestive HealthDepartment of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milan-BicoccaMilanItaly
| | - Guoxiang Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ti-Hong Shao
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Frank Jordan
- Department of ChemistryRutgers UniversityNewarkNew JerseyUSA
| | | | - Ross L Coppel
- Department of Microbiology, Nursing and Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - William M Ridgway
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Mark Kurth
- Department of ChemisrtyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - Aftab A Ansari
- Department of PathologyEmory University School of MedicineAtlantaGeorgiaUSA
| | - Patrick S C Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
| | - M Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical ImmunologyUniversity of California DavisDavisCaliforniaUSA
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John BV, Dahman B, Deng Y, Khakoo NS, Taddei TH, Kaplan DE, Levy C. Rates of decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality in AMA-negative primary biliary cholangitis cirrhosis. Liver Int 2022; 42:384-393. [PMID: 34614294 PMCID: PMC8810619 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The natural history of patients with anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA)-negative Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) cirrhosis has not been well defined, with prior studies showing discordant results. Furthermore, most studies of AMA-negative PBC have limited numbers of patients with cirrhosis and liver-related outcomes. METHODS We investigated the association of AMA-negative PBC and the development of death, liver-related death, decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), in a large cohort of predominantly male patients with PBC cirrhosis assembled from the Veterans Health Administration. RESULTS In a cohort of 521 patients with PBC cirrhosis (65 AMA-negative) with a total follow-up of 2504.3 person-years (PY) from cirrhosis diagnosis, patients with AMA-negative PBC were younger and more likely to be black but had similar rates of UDCA response. AMA-negative PBC cirrhosis was associated with similar unadjusted rates of liver-related death (4.6 vs 5.9 per 100 PY, P = .44), overall death (7.7 vs 9.6 per 100 PY, P = .31), decompensation (7.3 vs 5.1 per 100 PY, P = .12) and HCC (0.6 vs 1.0 per 100 PY, P = .63) to AMA-positive PBC. After adjusting for confounders, AMA-negative PBC cirrhosis was associated with similar rates of liver-related death (sub-Hazard Ratio [sHR] 1.27, 95% CI 0.71-2.28, P = .42, death [sHR] 1.24, 95% CI 0.81-1.90, P = .32), decompensation (sHR 1.05, 95% CI 0.56-1.98, P = .87) and HCC (sHR 0.48, 95% CI 0.11-2.10, P = .33) to AMA-positive patients. CONCLUSION In a cohort of predominantly male patients, AMA-negative PBC cirrhosis was associated with similar rates of overall or liver-related death, HCC or decompensation compared with AMA-positive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binu V John
- Division of Hepatology, Bruce W Carter VA Medical Center, Miami, Florida, USA
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Nidah S Khakoo
- Department of Medicine, Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David E Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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44
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Lleo A, Hirschfield GM. Letter to the Editor: Are We Confident That Primary Biliary Cholangitis Liver-Related Mortality Is Higher in Males? Hepatology 2021; 74:2307. [PMID: 33942335 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Lleo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.,IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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45
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Trivedi PJ, Hirschfield GM. Recent advances in clinical practice: epidemiology of autoimmune liver diseases. Gut 2021; 70:1989-2003. [PMID: 34266966 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-322362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune liver diseases are chronic inflammatory hepatobiliary disorders that when classically defined encompass three distinctive clinical presentations; primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Meaningful changes in disease epidemiology are reported, with increasing incidence and prevalence of AIH and PSC in Europe, and rising prevalence of PBC across Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region. However, there appears to be very significant global variation with contemporary incidence rates of disease per 100 000 ranging from 0.84 to 2.75 for PBC, 0.1 to 4.39 for PSC and 0.4 to 2.39 for AIH. Prevalence corresponds, and per 100 000 estimates for PBC range from 1.91 to 40.2, for PSC between 0.78 and 31.7 and for AIH from 4.8 to 42.9. Population-based studies and multicentre observational cohort series provide improved understanding of the clinical course that patients experience, highlighting variations in presenting phenotypes geographically and temporally. Collectively, while autoimmune liver diseases are rare, the clinical burden is disproportionately high relative to population incidence and prevalence. Age, sex and race also impact clinical outcomes, and patient morbidity and mortality are reflected by high need for gastroenterology, hepatology and organ transplant services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Palak J Trivedi
- National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Liver Biomedical Research Centre, University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Institute of Applied Health Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Liver Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham National Health Service Foundation Trust Queen Elizabeth, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gideon M Hirschfield
- Toronto Centre for Liver Disease, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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46
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John BV, Dahman B, Taddei TH, Levy C, Kaplan DE. REPLY. Hepatology 2021; 74:2308. [PMID: 33942361 PMCID: PMC8463416 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Binu V. John
- Division of Hepatology, Bruce W Carter VA Medical Center,
Miami, FL,Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and Policy, Virginia
Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | - Tamar H. Taddei
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale School of Medicine,
New Haven, CT,VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver Diseases,
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - David E. Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Corporal
Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
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Yehezkel E, Israel I, Houri I, Leshno M, Shibolet O, Zigmond E. Real-World Management of Patients with Primary Biliary Cholangitis-A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Medical Center in Israel. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10194551. [PMID: 34640567 PMCID: PMC8509713 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10194551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare autoimmune liver disease with variation in prevalence, phenotype and prognosis across different geographical regions. Little is known about PBC in Israel. Our aim was to characterize the demography, clinical presentation, treatment patterns and prognosis in a cohort of PBC patients followed in a referral center in central Israel. Methods: Clinical, demographic and laboratory data were collected from the medical records of PBC patients followed at Tel Aviv Medical Center in the years 2003–2020. Results: We have identified 189 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of PBC; 92.6% were female and the mean age at diagnosis was 54.7 years. Thirty-nine percent were diagnosed with another autoimmune disease and 5.9% were diagnosed with a PBC-AIH (autoimmune hepatitis) variant syndrome. Ninety-six percent were treated with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) at a mean dose of 13.3 mg/kg. A total of 28.1% were found with inadequate response to UDCA according to the Toronto criteria, and 53% of the UDCA non-responders were treated with bezafibrate. Younger age at diagnosis, higher baseline levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), AIH-PBC variant and positive anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) were associated with an inadequate UDCA response. In a multivariable analysis, higher ALP at diagnosis (OR = 1.92 CI 1.11–3.20 per 50-unit change, p = 0.018) and ASMA (OR = 27.6 CI 2.58–295, p = 0.006) independently predicted inadequate UDCA response. Higher alanine transaminase (ALT), ALP and GGT, lower albumin, younger age at diagnosis and pruritus conferred an increased risk for disease progression. Conclusions: Disease characteristics, treatment patterns, response to therapy and prognosis of a PBC patient cohort in a tertiary center in central Israel were revealed. The results highlight the importance of risk stratification in PBC, specifically in younger patients, those presenting with a high level of liver enzymes and in ASMA-positive patients with an assumed diagnosis of the AIH-PBC variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyal Yehezkel
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (E.Y.); (I.H.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
| | - Inbal Israel
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Inbal Houri
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (E.Y.); (I.H.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Moshe Leshno
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (E.Y.); (I.H.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Oren Shibolet
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (E.Y.); (I.H.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Ehud Zigmond
- Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv 6423906, Israel; (E.Y.); (I.H.); (M.L.); (O.S.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
- Correspondence:
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Gerussi A, Restelli U, Croce D, Bonfanti M, Invernizzi P, Carbone M. Cost of illness of Primary Biliary Cholangitis - a population-based study. Dig Liver Dis 2021; 53:1167-1170. [PMID: 32830065 DOI: 10.1016/j.dld.2020.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The economic burden of Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) has not been investigated at population-level. Aim of this study was to estimate the cost of illness of PBC in Lombardy, Italy. METHODS Individuals with PBC were identified through ICD-9-CM code 571.6 and/or medical exemption code 008.571.6, from the Banca Dati Assistito of Lombardy. Only health services (outpatient, inpatient activities and drugs) related to PBC were considered to estimate direct medical costs in 2017. RESULTS We identified 970 adult patients (83.5% females) with a mean age of 61 years. Global annual costs were equal to € 913,763 (€ 942 per patient), with € 459,506 (50.3%, € 474 per patient) deriving from hospitalizations (mostly due to liver transplantation, 30.5%, and cirrhosis complications, 20.6%). Costs from outpatient activities were € 109,090 (11.9%, € 112 per patient). CONCLUSIONS This study provides an overview of the costs attributed to PBC care and management, mainly related to hospitalizations for cirrhosis complications, which is necessary for assuring cost-effective introduction of novel therapies. Additional studies focused on indirect cost, e.g. overall loss of productivity, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Gerussi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Umberto Restelli
- Center for Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, LIUC - Università Cattaneo, Castellanza (Varese), Italy; School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Davide Croce
- Center for Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, LIUC - Università Cattaneo, Castellanza (Varese), Italy
| | - Marzia Bonfanti
- Center for Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, LIUC - Università Cattaneo, Castellanza (Varese), Italy
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy
| | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy; European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy.
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49
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Costa V, Moreira M, Costa R, Fontes J. Primary Biliary Cholangitis Overlap With Autoimmune Hepatitis? A Case Report. J Med Cases 2021; 12:131-133. [PMID: 34434444 PMCID: PMC8383662 DOI: 10.14740/jmc3623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic, autoimmune cholestatic disease, characterized by inflammation of the small and medium-sized bile ducts, which can lead to cirrhosis. Two to nineteen percent of patients with PBC have been reported to have features that overlap with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). We report a case of a 39-year-old man with changes in liver biochemistry, with 6 years of asymptomatic evolution, whose diagnostic investigation determined the diagnosis of PBC, however with some features of AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vitor Costa
- Department of Medicine, Unidade Local de Saude do Alto Minho, Largo Conde de Bertiandos, Ponte de Lima 4990-041, Portugal
| | - Marta Moreira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Unidade Local de Saude do Alto Minho, Largo Conde de Bertiandos, Ponte de Lima 4990-041, Portugal
| | - Raquel Costa
- Department of Medicine, Unidade Local de Saude do Alto Minho, Largo Conde de Bertiandos, Ponte de Lima 4990-041, Portugal
| | - Joana Fontes
- Department of Medicine, Unidade Local de Saude do Alto Minho, Largo Conde de Bertiandos, Ponte de Lima 4990-041, Portugal
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50
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John BV, Aitcheson G, Schwartz KB, Khakoo NS, Dahman B, Deng Y, Goldberg D, Martin P, Taddei TH, Levy C, Kaplan DE. Male Sex Is Associated With Higher Rates of Liver-Related Mortality in Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Cirrhosis. Hepatology 2021; 74:879-891. [PMID: 33636012 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The impact of sex on the postcirrhosis progression of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) has not been well defined. Prior studies have suggested that men have worse outcomes but present at more advanced stages of fibrosis than women. This observation, however, has been limited by small numbers of men and even fewer patients with cirrhosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS We investigated the association of sex with the development of all-cause and liver-related mortality or transplantation, decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), using competing-risk time-updating Cox proportional hazards models in a large cohort of predominantly male patients with PBC cirrhosis assembled from the Veterans Health Administration. In a cohort of 532 participants (418 male) with PBC-related cirrhosis with a total follow-up of 3,231.6 person-years (PY) from diagnosis of compensated cirrhosis, male participants had a higher unadjusted rates of death or transplantation (8.5 vs. 3.8 per 100 PY; P < 0.0001), liver-related death or transplantation (5.5 vs. 2.7 per 100 PY; P < 0.0001), decompensation (5.5 vs. 4.0 per 100 PY; P = 0.002), and HCC (0.9 vs. 0.3 per 100 PY; P < 0.0001). After adjusting for confounders, male sex was associated with a higher risk of death or transplantation (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.01-3.19; P = 0.046), and liver-related death or transplantation (subhazard ratio, 2.17; 95% CI, 1.15-4.08; P = 0.02). A sensitivity analysis that defined ursodeoxycholic acid response as normalization of alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin revealed similar findings. CONCLUSIONS In patients with PBC and well-compensated cirrhosis, male sex is associated with a higher risk of both death and liver-related death or transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binu V John
- Division of HepatologyBruce W Carter VA Medical CenterMiamiFLUSA
| | | | - Kaley B Schwartz
- Division of HepatologyBruce W Carter VA Medical CenterMiamiFLUSA
| | - Nidah S Khakoo
- Department of MedicineJackson Memorial HospitalMiamiFLUSA
| | - Bassam Dahman
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Department of Health Behavior and PolicyVirginia Commonwealth UniversityRichmondVAUSA
| | - David Goldberg
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver DiseasesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiFLUSA
| | - Paul Martin
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver DiseasesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiFLUSA
| | - Tamar H Taddei
- Section of Digestive DiseasesYale School of MedicineNew HavenCTUSA.,Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyVA Connecticut Healthcare SystemWest HavenCTUSA
| | - Cynthia Levy
- Division of Digestive Health and Liver DiseasesUniversity of Miami Miller School of MedicineMiamiFLUSA
| | - David E Kaplan
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphiaPAUSA.,Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyCorporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPAUSA
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