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Kreisel W, Lazaro A, Trebicka J, Grosse Perdekamp M, Schmitt-Graeff A, Deibert P. Cyclic GMP in Liver Cirrhosis-Role in Pathophysiology of Portal Hypertension and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10372. [PMID: 34638713 PMCID: PMC8508925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The NO-cGMP signal transduction pathway plays a crucial role in tone regulation in hepatic sinusoids and peripheral blood vessels. In a cirrhotic liver, the key enzymes endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC), and phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) are overexpressed, leading to decreased cyclic guanosine-monophosphate (cGMP). This results in constriction of hepatic sinusoids, contributing about 30% of portal pressure. In contrast, in peripheral arteries, dilation prevails with excess cGMP due to low PDE-5. Both effects eventually lead to circulatory dysfunction in progressed liver cirrhosis. The conventional view of portal hypertension (PH) pathophysiology has been described using the "NO-paradox", referring to reduced NO availability inside the liver and elevated NO production in the peripheral systemic circulation. However, recent data suggest that an altered availability of cGMP could better elucidate the contrasting findings of intrahepatic vasoconstriction and peripheral systemic vasodilation than mere focus on NO availability. Preclinical and clinical data have demonstrated that targeting the NO-cGMP pathway in liver cirrhosis using PDE-5 inhibitors or sGC stimulators/activators decreases intrahepatic resistance through dilation of sinusoids, lowering portal pressure, and increasing portal venous blood flow. These results suggest further clinical applications in liver cirrhosis. Targeting the NO-cGMP system plays a role in possible reversal of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. PDE-5 inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for hepatic encephalopathy. Serum/plasma levels of cGMP can be used as a non-invasive marker of clinically significant portal hypertension. This manuscript reviews new data about the role of the NO-cGMP signal transduction system in pathophysiology of cirrhotic portal hypertension and provides perspective for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Kreisel
- Department of Medicine II, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Adhara Lazaro
- Institute for Exercise and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.L.); (P.D.)
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Translational Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Goethe University Clinic Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany;
| | - Markus Grosse Perdekamp
- Institute of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany;
| | | | - Peter Deibert
- Institute for Exercise and Occupational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; (A.L.); (P.D.)
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Zhou LL, Wang GC, Zhang MY, Huang GJ, Li W, Wang LY, Wang AH, Zhang CQ. Nomogram for hepatic venous pressure gradient in patients with cirrhosis. J Dig Dis 2021; 22:488-495. [PMID: 34272920 DOI: 10.1111/1751-2980.13033] [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: 01/30/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) plays an important role in the treatment and prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. Our study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for an HVPG >12 mmHg. METHODS A retrospective study was performed to create a nomogram for an HVPG >12 mmHg in a training cohort that was validated in another cohort. The discriminatory ability and calibration of the nomogram were tested using the C-statistic, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and calibration plots. RESULTS The nomogram was based on portosystemic shunts identified on computed tomography images, the etiology of cirrhosis and the Child-Pugh grade. These parameters were significantly associated with an HVPG >12 mmHg (P < 0.05 for both the training and validation cohorts). In the training cohort, the model showed good discrimination (C-statistic, AUROC, and R2 of 0.71, 0.71 and 0.13, respectively) and good calibration. The total cutoff value was 112 and the sensitivity and specificity were 57.1% and 77.6%, respectively. The application of the nomogram in the validation cohort still yielded good discrimination (C-statistic 0.75 [95% confidence interval 0.61-0.89], AUROC 0.75, and R2 0.16) and good calibration. CONCLUSIONS This nomogram is a convenient tool for predicting an HVPG >12 mmHg in patients with cirrhosis and can help clinicians quickly identify patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Li Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guang Chuan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ming Yan Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Guang Jun Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Digestive Diseases Hospital of Shandong First Medical Uniersity, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ling Yun Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jining No. 1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ai Hua Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, Shandong Province, China
| | - Chun Qing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China
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Luntsi G, Muhammad MA, Shirama YB, Lawal Mohammed M, Suleiman A, Ochie K. Sonographic evaluation of the portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease in northeastern Nigeria. ULTRASOUND (LEEDS, ENGLAND) 2021; 29:36-43. [PMID: 33552226 PMCID: PMC7844466 DOI: 10.1177/1742271x20944981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic liver disease is a public health burden worldwide. Portal hypertension is a major portosystemic abnormality in chronic liver disease. This study aimed to determine the main, right, and the left portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS A cross-sectional study was carried out at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi, northeastern Nigeria from December 2018 to September 2019. Ethical clearance was obtained from the institutional review board. A total of 200 subjects were recruited comprising 100 patients with chronic liver disease and 100 age-matched controls, aged 18 years and above. A transabdominal ultrasound scan was carried out measuring the main, right, and left portal vein diameter while lying supine and/or in the right anterior oblique position after overnight fasting, or 6 hours before the scan. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Pearson's correlation were used. RESULTS There were 106(53%) males and 94(47%) females, aged between 18 and 73 years with a mean age of 46.79 ± 15.43. The main, right, and left portal vein diameter in patients with chronic liver disease was 14.51 ± 0.78 mm, 6.83 ± 0.81 mm, and 6.26 ± 0.74 mm, which were higher than those of their control. The portal vein diameter positively correlated (weak) with age and respiratory phases among participants (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION This study found the main, right, and left portal vein diameter among patients with chronic liver disease to be larger than those of the controls. Ultrasonography is a reliable diagnostic tool in evaluating portosystemic pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geofery Luntsi
- Department of Medical Radiography, College of Medical Sciences,
University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Musa Abubakar Muhammad
- Department of Medical Radiography, College of Medical Sciences,
University of Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Yakubu Bababa Shirama
- Department of Radiology, Tafawa Balewa University Teaching
Hospital, Bauchi, Bauchi State, Nigeria
| | - Mohammed Lawal Mohammed
- Department of Radiology, University of Maiduguri Teaching
Hospital, Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria
| | - Aliyu Suleiman
- Department of Radiology, 465 Nigerian Air Force Hospitals, Kano,
Kano State, Nigeria
| | - Kalu Ochie
- Department of Radiography and Radiological Sciences, Faculty of
Health Sciences, University of Nigeria Enugu Campus, Nigeria
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Ribera J, Rodríguez-Vita J, Cordoba B, Portolés I, Casals G, Casals E, Jiménez W, Puntes V, Morales-Ruiz M. Functionalized cerium oxide nanoparticles mitigate the oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory activity associated to the portal vein endothelium of cirrhotic rats. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0218716. [PMID: 31233564 PMCID: PMC6590813 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The occurrence of endothelial alterations in the liver and in the splanchnic vasculature of cirrhotic patients and experimental models of liver diseases has been demonstrated. However, the pathological role of the portal vein endothelium in this clinical context is scarcely studied and, therefore, deserves attention. In this context, we aimed to investigate whether pathological endothelial activation occurs in the portal vein of cirrhotic rats. METHODS Cirrhosis was induced in wistar rats by CCl4 inhalation. We generated immortalized endothelial cells from the portal vein of control (CT-iPVEC) and cirrhotic rats (CH-iPVEC) by retroviral transduction of the SV40 T antigen. We assessed differential gene expression and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in iPVECs and in portal veins of control and cirrhotic rats. Finally, we assessed the therapeutic effectiveness of cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2NP) on reversing PVEC activation and macrophage polarization. RESULTS CH-iPVECs overexpressed collagen-I, endothelin-1, TIMP-1, TIMP-2, IL-6 and PlGF genes. These results were consistent with the differential expression showed by whole portal veins from cirrhotic rats. In addition, CH-iPVECs showed a significant increase in intracellular ROS and the capacity of potentiating M1 polarization in macrophages. The treatment of CH-iPVECs with CeO2NPs blocked intracellular ROS formation and IL-6 and TIMP-2 gene overexpression. In agreement with the in vitro results, the chronic treatment of cirrhotic rats with CeO2NPs also resulted in the blockade of both ROS formation and IL-6 gene overexpression in whole portal veins. CONCLUSIONS Endothelial cells from portal vein of cirrhotic rats depicted an abnormal phenotype characterized by a differential gene expression and the induction of M1 polarization in macrophages. We identified the excess of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a major contributor to this altered phenotype. In addition, we demonstrated the utility of the nanomaterial cerium oxide as an effective antioxidant capable of reverse some of these pathological features associated with the portal vein in the cirrhosis condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Ribera
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Juan Rodríguez-Vita
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernat Cordoba
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene Portolés
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gregori Casals
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eudald Casals
- Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology (ICN), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine-Biochemistry Unit, School of Medicine University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Victor Puntes
- Catalan Institute of Nanotechnology (ICN), Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Manuel Morales-Ruiz
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Department, Hospital Clínic of Barcelona, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Biomedicine-Biochemistry Unit, School of Medicine University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
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Wang T, Liang F, Zhou Z, Qi X. Global sensitivity analysis of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement with a stochastic computational model of the hepatic circulation. Comput Biol Med 2018; 97:124-136. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2018.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 04/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Wang T, Liang F, Zhou Z, Shi L. A computational model of the hepatic circulation applied to analyze the sensitivity of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) in liver cirrhosis. J Biomech 2017; 65:23-31. [PMID: 29042056 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2017.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is currently widely adopted to provide an estimate of portal pressure gradient (PPG) in the diagnosis and treatment of portal hypertension associated with liver cirrhosis. Despite the well-documented clinical utility of HVPG, it remains poorly understood how the relationship between HVPG and PPG is affected by factors involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cirrhosis. In the study, a computational model of the hepatic circulation calibrated to in vivo data was developed to simulate the procedure of HVPG measurement and quantitatively investigate the error of HVPG relative to PPG under various pathophysiological conditions. Obtained results confirmed the clinical consensus that HVPG is applicable to the assessment of portal hypertension caused by increased vascular resistance located primarily at the sinusoidal and postsinusoidal sites rather than at the presinusoidal site. On the other hand, our study demonstrated that the accuracy of HVPG measurement was influenced by many factors related to hepatic hemodynamics even in the case of sinusoidal portal hypertension. For instance, varying presinusoidal portal vascular resistance significantly altered the difference between HVPG and PPG, while an enhancement in portosystemic collateral flow tended to improve the accuracy of HVPG measurement. Moreover, it was found that presinusoidal and postsinusoidal vascular resistances interfered with each other with respect to their influence on HVPG measurement. These findings suggest that one should take into account patient-specific pathological conditions in order to achieve a better understanding and utilization of HVPG in the clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Wang
- School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Fuyou Liang
- School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Ship and Deep-Sea Exploration (CISSE), Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Zunqiang Zhou
- Department of Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China
| | - Lu Shi
- Institute of Underwater Technology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200231, China
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Pathophysiology of Portal Hypertension. PANVASCULAR MEDICINE 2015. [PMCID: PMC7153457 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-37078-6_144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The bases of our current knowledge on the physiology of the hepatic portal system are largely owed to the work of three pioneering vascular researchers from the sixteenth and the seventeenth centuries: A. Vesalius, W. Harvey, and F. Glisson. Vesalius is referred to as the founder of modern human anatomy, and in his influential book, De humani corporis fabrica libri septem, he elaborated the first anatomical atlas of the hepatic portal venous system (Vesalius 2013). Sir William Harvey laid the foundations of modern cardiovascular research with his Exercitatio Anatomica de Motu Cordis et Sanguinis in Animalibus (Harvey 1931) in which he established the nature of blood circulation. Finally, F. Glisson characterized the gastrointestinal-hepatic vascular system (Child 1955). These physiological descriptions were later complemented with clinical observations. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Morgagni, Puckelt, Cruveilhier, and Osler were the first to make the connection between common hepatic complications – ascites, splenomegaly, and gastrointestinal bleeding – and obstruction of the portal system (Sandblom 1993). These were the foundations that allowed Gilbert, Villaret, and Thompson to establish an early definition of portal hypertension at the beginning of the twentieth century. In this period, Thompson performed the first direct measurement of portal pressure by laparotomy in some patients (Gilbert and Villaret 1906; Thompson et al. 1937). Considering all these milestones, and paraphrasing Sir Isaac Newton, if hepatologists have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants. Nowadays, our understanding of the pathogenesis of portal hypertension has largely improved thanks to the progress in preclinical and clinical research. However, this field is ever-changing and hepatologists are continually identifying novel pathological mechanisms and developing new therapeutic strategies for this clinical condition. Hence, the aim of this chapter is to summarize the current knowledge about this clinical condition.
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Jawan B, Wang CH, Chen CL, Huang CJ, Cheng KW, Wu SC, Shih TH, Yang SC. Review of anesthesia in liver transplantation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 52:185-96. [PMID: 25477262 DOI: 10.1016/j.aat.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a well-accepted treatment modality of many end-stage liver diseases. The main issue in LT is the shortage of deceased donors to accommodate the needs of patients waiting for such transplants. Live donors have tremendously increased the pool of available liver grafts, especially in countries where deceased donors are not common. The main ethical concern of this procedure is the safety of healthy donors, who undergo a major abdominal surgery not for their own health, but to help cure others. The first part of the review concentrates on live donor selection, preanesthetic evaluation, and intraoperative anesthetic care for living liver donors. The second part reviews patient evaluation, intraoperative anesthesia monitoring, and fluid management of the recipient. This review provides up-to-date information to help improve the quality of anesthesia, and contribute to the success of LT and increase the long-term survival of the recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Jawan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Chih-Hsien Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Long Chen
- Liver Transplant Program, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kwok-Wai Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Chun Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Tsung-Hsiao Shih
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Sheng-Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Zardi EM, Di Matteo FM, Pacella CM, Sanyal AJ. Invasive and non-invasive techniques for detecting portal hypertension and predicting variceal bleeding in cirrhosis: a review. Ann Med 2014; 46:8-17. [PMID: 24328372 PMCID: PMC4904298 DOI: 10.3109/07853890.2013.857831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is a severe syndrome that may derive from pre-sinusoidal, sinusoidal, and post-sinusoidal causes. As a consequence, several complications (i.e. ascites, oesophageal varices) may develop. In sinusoidal portal hypertension, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is a reliable method for defining the grade of portal pressure, establishing the effectiveness of the treatment, and predicting the occurrence of complications; however, some questions exist regarding its ability to discriminate bleeding from non-bleeding varices in cirrhotic patients. Other imaging techniques (transient elastography, endoscopy, endosonography, and duplex Doppler sonography) for assessing causes and complications of portal hypertensive syndrome are available and may be valuable for the management of these patients. In this review, we evaluate invasive and non-invasive techniques currently employed to obtain a clinical prediction of deadly complications, such as variceal bleeding in patients affected by sinusoidal portal hypertension, in order to create a diagnostic algorithm to manage them. Again, HVPG appears to be the reference standard to evaluate portal hypertension and monitor the response to treatment, but its ability to predict several complications and support management decisions might be further improved through the diagnostic combination with other imaging techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Maria Zardi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, 'Campus Bio-Medico' University , Rome , Italy
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Portale Hypertension. PRAXIS DER VISZERALCHIRURGIE. GASTROENTEROLOGISCHE CHIRURGIE 2011. [PMCID: PMC7123479 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-14223-9_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Während die Pathologie, die zur portalen Hypertension führt, im prähepatischen, hepatischen und posthepatischen venösen Gefäßbett liegen kann, machen die intrahepatischen Erkrankungen mit Abstand den Großteil aus. In unseren Breitengraden ist es die durch Alkoholabusus bedingte ethyltoxische Leberzirrhose, weltweit die durch Infektionen (HCV, HBV) bedingten Zirrhosen. Die chronische Hepatitis C mit ihren Komplikationen (Leberzellversagen, portale Hypertension und hepatozelluläres Karzinom) wird in den kommenden Jahren trotz moderner Therapieverfahren noch an Bedeutung gewinnen.
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Duplex Doppler ultrasound examination of the portal venous system: an emerging novel technique for the estimation of portal vein pressure. Dig Dis Sci 2010; 55:1230-40. [PMID: 19629688 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-009-0887-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2009] [Accepted: 06/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Measurement of portal venous pressure in patients with portal hypertension is important to assess efficacy of beta blockers in patients with esophageal varices. Currently, the gold standard for measurement of portal venous pressure is the estimation of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Being an invasive technique, serial measurements of HVPG are not feasible in clinical practice. In this respect, duplex Doppler ultrasound (DDUS) examination is an upcoming non-invasive technique for the estimation of portal venous and splanchnic hemodynamics. The aim of the present review is to analyze the current literature focusing on how the two techniques compare to each other in terms of assessing the portal pressure and assessing pitfalls in the current technique. RESULTS Duplex Doppler ultrasound (DDUS) currently has limitations in measuring the portal pressure in a non-invasive way. Hemodynamic venous and arterial indices measured on DDUS correlate with the HVPG. The technique has been refined, however, there is no uniform surrogate marker that can be used in clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS More studies are needed in order to remove the shortcomings in the current technique. The target is to be able to measure the actual portal pressure or at least derive an ideal venous or arterial hemodynamic surrogate marker having close correlation with the HVPG.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Endothelin receptor antagonists (ERAs) have recently become prominent therapies for pulmonary arterial hypertension, and are being explored clinically in several areas, including resistant hypertension, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and cancer. OBJECTIVE To review the available preclinical and clinical data surrounding ERAs and their potential role to treat portal hypertension. METHODS A systematic search of peer-reviewed publications was performed using PubMed and Ovid/Medline/EMBASE databases. RESULTS Several preclinical in vivo studies have evaluated ERAs in models of portal hypertension. The majority of these studies employ nonselective ERAs, and support the hypothesis that endothelin participates in the development and maintenance of portal hypertension. A limited number of studies have addressed whether ET(A) receptor-selective ERAs provide an advantage over nonselective agents in ameliorating the effects of portal hypertension, and the majority of these data indicate that selective ERAs may be sufficient. Very few clinical studies have evaluated ERAs in portal hypertension patients. What has been described in humans supports a role for endothelin, but is not sufficient to draw conclusions regarding ERA selectivity. CONCLUSION While preclinical evidence suggests a role for endothelin and ERAs in portal hypertension, scant and equivocal clinical data highlight a need for human studies with current selective and nonselective ERAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly R Pitts
- Gilead Sciences Inc., In Vitro Biology, 7575 West 103rd Avenue, Westminster, Colorado 80021, USA.
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Sanyal AJ, Bosch J, Blei A, Arroyo V. Portal hypertension and its complications. Gastroenterology 2008; 134:1715-28. [PMID: 18471549 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2008.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 223] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2008] [Revised: 03/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/06/2008] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Arun J Sanyal
- Division Of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
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14
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Ravindra KV, Eng M, Marvin M. Current Management of Sinusoidal Portal Hypertension. Am Surg 2008. [DOI: 10.1177/000313480807400102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Portal hypertension resulting from cirrhosis was one of the biggest challenges faced by general surgeons up until the past two decades. The management of portal hypertensive variceal hemorrhage has undergone dramatic changes during this period. Endoscopic variceal ligation and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts are currently used with great success. The degree of liver dysfunction remains the most important determinant of outcome in these patients. Patients with cirrhosis who have good liver function and recurrent variceal bleed remain candidates for shunt surgery. However, the need for surgical intervention has become a rarity. The success of liver transplantation has ensured that portal hypertension is cured permanently and one does not often see the critically ill and decompensated patient with cirrhosis on the surgical service. A review of the current treatment options in this very ill patient population is the primary focus of this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kadiyala V. Ravindra
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Mary Eng
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Michael Marvin
- Division of Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
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Ferlitsch A, Teml A, Reinisch W, Ulbrich G, Wrba F, Homoncik M, Gangl A, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Vogelsang H. 6-thioguanine associated nodular regenerative hyperplasia in patients with inflammatory bowel disease may induce portal hypertension. Am J Gastroenterol 2007; 102:2495-503. [PMID: 17894846 DOI: 10.1111/j.1572-0241.2007.01530.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest an association between 6-thioguanine (6-TG) therapy and hepatic nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). An influence of 6-TG on portal pressure remains to be determined. The aim of the study was to examine the functional relevance of long-term 6-TG treatment on hepatic hemodynamics in IBD patients and its association with NRH. METHODS Patients treated with 6-TG for IBD underwent measurement of the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and liver biopsy. 6-TG therapy was stopped when NRH was diagnosed. If elevated, HVPG measurement was repeated after 1 yr. RESULTS Twenty-six patients (15 women, 11 men; median age 41 yr, range 23-76) treated with 6-TG for 38 months (median; range 12-45) were included. Among 24 patients with sufficient liver biopsy, 6 patients (25%) were diagnosed with NRH. In these 6 patients, the HVPG was higher (median HVPG 7 mmHg, range 3-14) than in the 18 patients without NRH (median 3 mmHg, range 2-5; P < 0.001). In the patients with NRH, two had clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) (13 and 14 mmHg, respectively); in one patient the HVPG was slightly elevated (7 mmHg). No overt clinical signs of portal hypertension were observed. One year after stopping 6-TG therapy, HVPG decreased in all 3 patients with initially elevated HVPG levels. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that IBD patients under long-term 6-TG therapy are at a substantial risk for developing NRH. NRH results in elevation of HVPG and may cause CSPH. Discontinuation of 6-TG therapy extenuates portal hypertension and may thus reduce the risk of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnulf Ferlitsch
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Elsayes KM, Narra VR, Mukundan G, Lewis JS, Menias CO, Heiken JP. MR imaging of the spleen: spectrum of abnormalities. Radiographics 2006; 25:967-82. [PMID: 16009818 DOI: 10.1148/rg.254045154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The spleen has the same relationship to the circulatory system that the lymph nodes have to the lymphatic system. A wide range of diseases can affect the spleen. Pathologic conditions of the spleen can be classified into the following categories: congenital diseases (accessory spleen, polysplenia, and asplenia); trauma; inflammation (abscess, candidiasis, histoplasmosis, and sarcoidosis); vascular disorders (infarction, diseases affecting the splenic vasculature, and arteriovenous malformation); hematologic disorders (sickle cell disease and extramedullary hematopoiesis); benign tumors (cysts, hemangioma, diffuse hemangiomatosis of the spleen, and hamartoma); malignant tumors (sarcoma, lymphoma, and metastases); and other disease processes that affect the spleen diffusely (portal hypertension, Gaucher disease, and sickle cell disease) or focally (Gamna-Gandy nodules). New magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques have increased the role of MR imaging in detection and characterization of splenic diseases. MR imaging is an excellent tool for diagnosis and evaluation of focal lesions and pathologic conditions of the spleen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled M Elsayes
- Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, 510 S Kingshighway Blvd, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) is responsible for the more severe and often lethal complications of cirrhosis such as bleeding oesophageal varices, ascites, renal dysfunction and hepatic encephalopathy. Because of the combined impact of these complications, PHT remains the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Over the years, it has become clear that a decrease in portal pressure is not only protective against the risk of variceal (re)bleeding but is also associated with a lower long-term risk of developing complications and an improved long-term survival. A milestone in therapy was the introduction of non-selective beta-blockers for the prevention of bleeding and rebleeding of gastro-esophageal varices. However, in practice, less than half the patients under beta-blockade are protected from these risks, supporting the overall demand for innovation and expansion of our therapeutic armamentarium. Recent advances in the knowledge of the pathophysiology of cirrhotic PHT have directed future therapy towards the increased intrahepatic vascular resistance, which, in part, is determined by an increased hepatic vascular tone. This increased vasculogenic component provides the rationale for the potential use of therapies aimed at increasing intrahepatic vasorelaxing capacity via gene therapy, liver-selective nitric oxide donors and statines on the one hand, and at antagonizing excessive intrahepatic vasoconstrictor force through the use of endothelin antagonists, angiotensin blockers, alpha(1) adrenergic antagonists or combined alpha(1)- and non-selective beta-blockers or somatostatin analogues on the other. The focus of this review is to give an update on the pathophysiology of PHT in order to elucidate these potential novel strategies subsequently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Laleman
- Department of Hepatology, University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium
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18
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Abstract
Portal hypertension is an almost unavoidable complication of cirrhosis, and it is responsible for the more lethal complications of this syndrome. Appearance of these complications represents the major cause of death and liver transplantation in patients who have cirrhosis. This article highlights treatment modalities in use for managing portal hypertension and those that may be available in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan G Abraldes
- Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, ICMDM, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Villaroel 170 08036, Barcelona, Spain
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19
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Abstract
The complications of portal hypertension are totally prevented if hepatic venous pressure gradient is decreased below 12 mm Hg. Besides, if this target is not achieved, a 20% decrease in portal pressure from baseline levels offers an almost total protection from variceal bleeding. This sets the rationale for drug therapy to reduce portal pressure in portal hypertension. Pharmacological therapy to decrease portal pressure includes vasoconstrictors to decrease portal blood inflow, vasodilators to decrease hepatic resistance, and combination therapy. Oral agents, such as beta-adrenergic blockers and organic nitrates, are used for long-term prevention of variceal bleeding, while parenteral agents, such as somatostatin (and analogues) and terlipressin, are used for the treatment of acute variceal bleeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Bosch
- Hepatic Hemodynamics Laboratory, Liver Unit, IMD, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaime Bosch
- Hepatic Hemodynamic Laboratory, Liver Unit, IMD, Hospital Clinic, IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Villarroel 170, 08036, Barcelona, Spain.
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