Expanding the natural history of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: from cryptogenic cirrhosis to hepatocellular carcinoma

Methane gas in breath test is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Although the associations between a patient's body mass index (BMI) and metabolic diseases, as well as their breath test results, have been studied, the relationship between breath hydrogen/methane levels and metabolic diseases needs to be further clarified. We aimed to investigate how the composition of exhaled breath gases relates to metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and their key risk factors. An analysis was performed using the medical records, including the lactulose breath test (LBT) data of patients who visited the Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea, between January 2016 and December 2021. The patients were grouped according to four different criteria for LBT hydrogen and methane levels. Of 441 patients, 325 (72.1%) had positive results for methane only (hydrogen < 20 parts per million [ppm] and methane ⩾ 3 ppm). BMIs and NAFLD prevalence were higher in patients with only methane positivity than in patients with hydrogen and methane positivity (hydrogen ⩾ 20 ppm and methane ⩾ 3 ppm). According to a multivariate analysis, the odds ratio of only methane positivity was 2.002 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.244-3.221,P= 0.004) for NAFLD. Our results demonstrate that breath methane positivity is related to NAFLD and suggest that increased methane gas on the breath tests has the potential to be an easily measurable biomarker for NAFLD diagnosis.

Epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical aspects of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in MAFLD patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is undergoing a transformative shift, with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) emerging as a dominant etiology. Diagnostic criteria for MAFLD involve hepatic steatosis and metabolic dysregulation. Globally, MAFLD prevalence stands at 38.77%, significantly linked to the escalating rates of obesity. Epidemiological data indicate a dynamic shift in the major etiologies of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), transitioning from viral to metabolic liver diseases. Besides the degree of liver fibrosis, several modifiable lifestyle risk factors, such as type 2 diabetes, obesity, alcohol use, smoking, and HBV, HCV infection contribute to the pathogenesis of HCC. Moreover  gut microbiota and genetic variants may contribute to HCC development.The pathophysiological link between MAFLD and HCC involves metabolic dysregulation, impairing glucose and lipid metabolism, inflammation and oxidative stress. Silent presentation poses challenges in early MAFLD-HCC diagnosis. Imaging, biopsy, and AI-assisted techniques aid diagnosis, while HCC surveillance in non-cirrhotic MAFLD patients remains debated.ITA.LI.CA. group proposes a survival-based algorithm for treatment based on Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) algorithm. Liver resection, transplantation, ablation, and locoregional therapies are applied based on the disease stage. Systemic treatments is promising, with initial immunotherapy results indicating a less favorable response in MAFLD-related HCC.Adopting lifestyle interventions and chemopreventive measures with medications, including aspirin, metformin, and statins, constitute promising approaches for the primary prevention of HCC.Prognosis is influenced by multiple factors, with MAFLD-HCC associated with prolonged survival. Emerging diagnostic biomarkers and epigenomic markers, show promising results for early HCC detection in the MAFLD population.

Non-invasive biomarkers prognostic of decompensation events in NASH cirrhosis: a systematic literature review

Liver cirrhosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a life-threatening condition with increasing incidence world-wide. Although its symptoms are unspecific, it can lead to decompensation events such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, variceal hemorrhage, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, an increased risk for cardiovascular events has been demonstrated in patients with NASH. Pharmacological treatments for NASH cirrhosis are not yet available, one of the reasons being the lack in surrogate endpoints available in clinical trials of NASH cirrhosis. The feasibility of non-invasive prognostic biomarkers makes them interesting candidates as possible surrogate endpoints if their change following treatment would result in better outcomes for patients in future clinical trials of NASH cirrhosis. In this systematic literature review, a summary of the available literature on the prognostic performance of non-invasive biomarkers in terms of cardiovascular events, liver-related events, and mortality is outlined. Due to the scarcity of data specific for NASH cirrhosis, this review includes studies on NAFLD whose evaluation focuses on cirrhosis. Our search strategy identified the following non-invasive biomarkers with prognostic value in studies of NASH patients: NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) to platelet ratio index (APRI), enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF™), BARD (BMI, AST/ALT (alanine aminotransferase) ratio, diabetes), Hepamet Fibrosis Score (HFS), liver enzymes (AST + ALT), alpha-fetoprotein, platelet count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), Lysyl oxidase-like (LOXL) 2, miR-122, liver stiffness, MEFIB (liver stiffness measured with magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) + FIB-4), and PNPLA3 GG genotype. The aim of the present systematic literature review is to provide the reader with a summary of the non-invasive biomarkers with prognostic value in NASH cirrhosis and give an evaluation of their utility as treatment monitoring biomarkers in future clinical trials.

Incretin-based investigational therapies for the treatment of MASLD/MASH

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is the most common form of chronic liver disease. It exists as either simple steatosis or its more progressive form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), formerly, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The global prevalence of MASLD is estimated to be 32% among adults and is projected to continue to rise with increasing rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. While simple steatosis is often considered benign and reversible, MASH is progressive, potentially leading to the development of cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment of MASH is therefore directed at slowing, stopping, or reversing the progression of disease. Evidence points to improved liver histology with therapies that result in sustained body weight reduction. Incretin-based molecules, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), alone or in combination with glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and/or glucagon receptor agonists, have shown benefit here, and several are under investigation for MASLD/MASH treatment. In this review, we discuss current published data on GLP-1, GIP/GLP-1, GLP-1/glucagon, and GLP-1/GIP/glucagon RAs in MASLD/MASH, focusing on their efficacy on liver histology, liver fat, and MASH biomarkers.

One-hour post-load glucose levels are associated with hepatic steatosis assessed by transient elastography

AIM

To examine the association between 1-hour plasma glucose (PG) concentration and markers of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) assessed by transient elastography (TE).

METHODS

We performed TE in 107 metabolically well-characterized non-diabetic White individuals. Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was used to quantify liver steatosis, while liver stiffness marker (LS) was used to evaluate fibrosis.

RESULTS

Controlled attenuation parameter correlated significantly with 1-hour PG (r = 0.301, P < 0.01), fasting insulin (r = 0.285, P < 0.01), 2-hour insulin (r = 0.257, P < 0.02), homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance (r = 0.252, P < 0.01), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = -0.252, P < 0.02), body mass index (BMI; r = 0.248, P < 0.02) and age (r = 0.212, P < 0.03), after correction for age, sex and BMI. In a multivariable linear regression analysis, 1-hour PG (β = 0.274, P = 0.008) and fasting insulin levels (β = 0.225, P = 0.029) were found to be independent predictors of CAP. After excluding subjects with prediabetes, 1-hour PG was the sole predictor of CAP variation (β = 0.442, P < 0.001). In a logistic regression model, we observed that the group with 1-hour PG ≥  8.6 mmol/L (155 mg/dL) had a significantly higher risk of steatosis (odds ratio 3.98, 95% confidence interval 1.43-11.13; P = 0.008) than individuals with 1-hour PG <  8.6 mmol/L, after correction for potential confounders. No association was observed between 1-hour PG and LS.

CONCLUSION

Our data confirm that 1-hour PG ≥  8.6 mmol/L is associated with higher signs of NAFLD, even among individuals with normal glucose tolerance, categorized as low risk by canonical diagnostic standards. TE is a safe low-impact approach that could be employed for stratifying the risk profile in these patients, with a high level of accuracy.

Does myo-inositol supplementation influence oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease?

Myo-inositol (MI) is a carbocyclic sugar polyalcohol. MI has known to exert anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-diabetic activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MI supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers in obese patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this double-blinded placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial, 51 newly diagnosed obese patients with NAFLD were randomly assigned to receive either MI (4 g/day) or placebo supplements accompanied by dietary recommendations for 8 weeks. Oxidative stress biomarkers, nutritional status, as well as liver enzymes and obesity indices were assessed pre- and post-intervention. A total of 48 patients completed the trial. Although anthropometric measures and obesity indices decreased significantly in both groups, the between-group differences adjusted for confounders were non-significant for these parameters, except for weight (p = .049); greater decrease was observed in the MI group. Iron and zinc intakes decreased significantly in both groups; however, between-group differences were non-significant at the end of the study. No significant between-group differences were revealed for other antioxidant micronutrients at the study endpoint. Sense of hunger, feeling to eat, desire to eat sweet and fatty foods reduced significantly in both groups (p < .05), while the feeling of satiety increased significantly in the placebo group (p = .002). No significant between-group differences were observed for these parameters, except for desire to eat fatty foods; a greater decrease was observed in the MI group (p = .034). Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased in both study groups (p < .05); however, the between-group differences were non-significant at the end of the study. Furthermore, the between-group differences were non-significant for other oxidative stress biomarkers, except for serum nitric oxide (NO) level; a greater decrease was observed in the MI group. MI supplementation could significantly improve weight, desire to eat fatty foods, serum levels of NO, as well as the aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/ALT ratio.

Low liver fat in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma, decompensation and mortality

BACKGROUND

Progression to cirrhosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with a decrease in liver fat. However, the prognostic significance of liver fat content in NASH-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis is unclear.

AIM

To investigate the risk of decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mortality stratified by liver fat content in NASH-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis.

METHODS

In this meta-analysis of individual participant data, 456 patients with both magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) and MRI-derived protein density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF) were enrolled, and 296 patients with longitudinal follow-up were analysed. MRE combined with fibrosis-4 (MEFIB-index), and MRI-PDFF were used to measure liver fibrosis and fat, respectively. MEFIB-negative, MEFIB-positive+ MRI-PDFF ≥5% and MEFIB-positive+ MRI-PDFF <5% were defined as no significant liver fibrosis, NASH with significant fibrosis and higher liver fat content, and NASH with significant fibrosis and low liver fat content groups, respectively. The primary outcome was hepatic decompensation, HCC and death.

RESULTS

The rates of decompensation, HCC and mortality were highest in the NASH with significant fibrosis and low liver fat group (33%, 17% and 17%, respectively), followed by the NASH with significant fibrosis and higher liver fat group (18%, 13% and 13% respectively), and lowest in the no significant fibrosis (MEFIB-negative) group (0%, 1% and 2% respectively). In multivariable-adjusted analysis, low liver fat content was strongly associated (HR = 42.2 [95% CI: 7.5-235.5, p < 0.0001]) with HCC, decompensation and death. Sensitivity analyses for patients with cirrhosis (MRE ≥5 kPa) determined consistent findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Low liver fat content in patients with burnt-out NASH-related significant fibrosis and cirrhosis is associated with an increase in hepatic decompensation, HCC and mortality.

The role of anti-diabetic drugs in NAFLD. Have we found the Holy Grail? A narrative review

PURPOSE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a leading cause of liver disease, affecting 30% of the global population. NAFLD prevalence is particularly high in obese individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). NAFLD ranges from simple fat deposition in the liver to necroinflammation and fibrosis (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)), NASH-cirrhosis, and/or hepatocellular carcinoma. Insulin resistance plays a key role in NAFLD pathogenesis, alongside dysregulation of adipocytes, mitochondrial dysfunction, genetic factors, and changes in gut microbiota. Since insulin resistance is also a major predisposing factor of T2DM, the administration of anti-diabetic drugs for the management of NAFLD seems reasonable.

METHODS

In this review we provide the NAFLD-associated mechanisms of action of some of the most widely used anti-diabetic drugs, namely metformin, pioglitazone, sodium-glucose transport protein-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i), glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor analogs (GLP1 RAs), and dipeptyl-peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP4i) and present available data regarding their use in patients with NAFLD, with and without T2DM.

RESULTS

Both metformin and DPP4i have shown rather contradictory results, while pioglitazone seems to benefit patients with NASH and is thus the only drug approved for NASH with concomitant significant liver fibrosis by all major liver societies. On the other hand, SGLT2i and GLP1 RAs seem to be beneficiary in patients with NAFLD, showing both remarkable results, with SGLT2i proving to be more efficient in the only head-to-head study so far.

CONCLUSION

In patients with NAFLD and diabetes, pioglitazone, GLP1 RAs, and SGLT2i seem to be logical treatment options. Larger studies are needed before these drugs can be recommended for non-diabetic individuals.

MASLD and aspartame: are new studies in the horizon?

Fatty liver disease has been on the rise in the past few decades, and there is no hope that it will stop. The terminology change that has been recently proposed may not be sufficient to advocate for a reduction of steatogenic foods and a change in lifestyle. A course change may be supported by the recent labeling of aspartame sweetener as a possible carcinogenic compound by the International Association for Research on Cancer (IARC), an agency of the World Health Organization (WHO). Aspartame sweeteners and other edulcorating molecular compounds besides colorings may trigger liver cancer other than fatty liver disease, despite limited data supporting it. An essential bias in human cohort studies is indeed the exclusion of all confounding factors, which may be barely impossible for human studies. In this perspective, we suggest that the activation of the NOD-like receptor-enclosing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and the stimulation of the tumor suppression gene TP53 may be critical in the progression from fatty liver to liver inflammation and liver cancer. Aspartame reduces a transcriptional coactivator, precisely the peroxisomal proliferator-initiated receptor-γ (gamma) coactivator 1-α (alpha) (or PGC1α). This coactivator upregulates mitochondrial bioformation, oxidative phosphorylation, respiratory capacity, and fatty acid β-oxidation. Aspartame acts in this way, probably through the activation of TP53. These events have been accountable for the variations in the lipid outline in serum and total lipid storage as well as for the impairment of gluconeogenesis in the liver, as supported by the downregulation of the gluconeogenic enzymes in experimental animals, and may be relevant in humans as well.

Time-restricted feeding regulates lipid metabolism under metabolic challenges

Dysregulation of lipid metabolism is a commonly observed feature associated with metabolic syndrome and leads to the development of negative health outcomes such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or atherosclerosis. Time-restricted feeding/eating (TRF/TRE), an emerging dietary intervention, has been shown to promote pleiotropic health benefits including the alteration of diurnal expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism, as well as levels of lipid species. Although TRF likely induces a response in multiple organs leading to the modulation of lipid metabolism, a majority of the studies related to TRF effects on lipids have focused only on individual tissues, and furthermore there is a lack of insight into potential underlying mechanisms. In this review, we summarize the current insights regarding TRF effects on lipid metabolism and the potential mechanisms in adipose tissue, liver, skeletal muscle, and heart, and conclude by outlining possible avenues for future exploration.

The promising roles of medicinal plants and bioactive compounds on hepatic lipid metabolism in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in animal models: molecular targets

Imbalance in hepatic lipid metabolism can lead to an abnormal triglycerides deposition in the hepatocytes which can cause non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Four main mechanisms responsible for regulating hepatic lipid metabolism are fatty acid uptake, de novo lipogenesis, lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation. Controlling the expression of transcription factors at molecular level plays a crucial role in NAFLD management. This paper reviews various medicinal plants and their bioactive compounds emphasising mechanisms involved in hepatic lipid metabolism, other important NAFLD pathological features, and their promising roles in managing NAFLD through regulating key transcription factors. Although there are many medicinal plants popularly investigated for NAFLD treatment, there is still little information and scientific evidence available and there has been no research on clinical trials scrutinised on this matter. This review also aims to provide molecular information of medicinal plants in NALFD treatment that might have potentials for future scientifically controlled studies.

The Outcomes of Liver Transplantation in Severe Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Patients

The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus, obesity, and metabolic syndrome in the population can lead to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). In Western industrialized countries, this has become a major problem with significant socioeconomic impacts. MASH is now a leading cause of liver transplantation (LT), especially in developed countries. However, the post-transplant outcomes of such patients are a major concern, and published data are limited and extremely variable. In this article, we discuss graft and patient survival after LT, complications, the recurrence of MASH, and MASH appearing de novo after transplantation. Recent studies suggest that patients with MASH have slightly worse short-term survival, potentially due to increased cardiovascular mortality. However, most studies found that longer-term outcomes for patients undergoing LT for MASH are similar or even better than those for other indications. Hepatocellular carcinoma due to MASH cirrhosis also has similar or even better outcomes after LT than other etiologies. In conclusion, we suggest questions and topics that require further research to enhance healthcare for this growing patient population.

Hepatic Steatosis After Partial Pancreatectomy in a Cohort of Patients with Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm

Background/Aims

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been observed in patients after partial pancreatectomy. Previous studies have been performed on oncologic patients who underwent partial pancreatectomy and received adjuvant chemotherapy. By studying a cohort of patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs) who did not receive chemotherapy, the authors investigate the isolated effect of partial pancreatectomy on the development of fatty liver.

Methods

A retrospective search for patients with pancreatic IPMNs who underwent partial pancreatectomy at an academic center from 2006 to 2014 identified 63 patients, including 42 who had pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and 21 who had distal pancreatectomy (DP). Fourteen patients with preoperative hepatic steatosis, diabetes, obesity, on steroid therapy, history of malignancy, or incomplete data were excluded. No patient received chemotherapy. Liver fat signal fraction (LFSF) was computed by the Dixon method using pre- and postoperative in- and out-of-phase MRI.

Results

Of the 49 patients included in the study, 29 (59%) underwent PD and 20 (41%) underwent DP. A total of 17 patients (34%) developed fatty liver after surgery. The entire cohort developed significant weight loss, 72.1 versus 69.4 kg (P < 0.01). Postoperatively, there was significant increase in LFSF, 1.3% versus 9.6% following PD (P < 0.01), and 2.1% versus 9.4% following DP (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Partial pancreatectomy increases the risk of NAFLD independent of chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity. The underlying mechanism remains unclear and possibly related to pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and malnutrition.

Macrophage specific restoration of the Nrf2 gene in whole-body knockout mice ameliorates steatohepatitis induced by lipopolysaccharide from Porphyromonas gingivalis through enhanced hepatic clearance

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) derived from Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), which causes periodontal disease, contributes to the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We investigated the role of Nrf2, an antioxidative stress sensor, in macrophages in the development of NASH induced by LPS from P.g. We generated macrophage-specific Nrf2 gene rescue mice (Nrf2-mRes), which express Nrf2 only in macrophages, using the cre/loxp system. Wild-type (WT) mice, whole body Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2-KO) mice, and Nrf2-mRes mice were fed a high-fat diet for 18 weeks, and LPS from P.g. was administered intraperitoneally for the last 6 weeks. Nrf2-KO mice developed severe steatohepatitis with liver inflammation and fibrosis compared with WT mice, and steatohepatitis was ameliorated in Nrf2-mRes mice. The mRNA expressions of Toll-like receptor (Tlr)-2, which activates inflammatory signaling pathways after LPS binding, and α-smooth muscle actin (αSma), which promotes hepatic fibrosis, were reduced in Nrf2-mRes mice compared with Nrf2-KO mice. The protein levels of LPS-binding protein in livers were increased in Nrf2-KO mice compared with WT mice; however, the levels were reduced in Nrf2-mRes mice despite similar numbers of F4/80 positive cells, which reflect macrophage/Kupffer cell infiltration into the livers. Nrf2 in macrophages ameliorates NASH through the increased hepatic clearance of LPS.

Pathology and Pathogenesis of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease-Associated Hepatic Tumors

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the livers of patients without a history of alcohol abuse. It is classified as either simple steatosis (nonalcoholic fatty liver) or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which can progress to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recently, it was suggested that the terms "metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD)" and "metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)" should replace the terms "nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)" and "nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)", respectively, with small changes in the definitions. MASLD, a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, is rapidly increasing in incidence globally, and is becoming an increasingly important cause of HCC. Steatohepatitic HCC, a histological variant of HCC, is characterized by its morphological features resembling non-neoplastic steatohepatitis and is closely associated with underlying steatohepatitis and metabolic syndrome. Variations in genes including patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein 3 (PNPLA3), transmembrane 6 superfamily 2 (TM6SF2), and membrane-bound O-acyltransferase domain-containing protein 7 (MBOAT7) are associated with the natural history of MASLD, including HCC development. The mechanisms of HCC development in MASLD have not been fully elucidated; however, various factors, including lipotoxicity, inflammation, reactive oxygen species, insulin resistance, and alterations in the gut bacterial flora, are important in the pathogenesis of MASLD-associated HCC. Obesity and MASLD are also recognized as risk factors for hepatocellular adenomas, and recent meta-analyses have shown an association between MASLD and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In this review, we outline the pathology and pathogenesis of MASLD-associated liver tumors.

Immunohistochemical expression of NRF2 is correlated with the magnitude of inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver disease

BACKGROUND

The nuclear factor E2-related factor 2-Kelch-like Ech-associated protein (NRF2-KEAP1) pathway is a major cellular defense mechanism against oxidative stress. However, the role of NRF2-KEAP1 signaling in the development of chronic liver disease remains unclear.

METHODS

Clinical liver specimens from 50 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) developed from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), 49 HCCs developed from chronic viral hepatitis C (CHc), and 48 liver metastases of colorectal cancer (CRC) from both tumorous and non-tumorous areas were collected during hepatic resection surgery. They were evaluated by immunohistochemical analyses of hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome, NRF2, and KEAP1, and compared with clinicopathological information.

RESULTS

Hepatic inflammation and fibrosis were more severe in the low-intensity NRF2 group than in the high-intensity NRF2 group both between CRC and NASH (Low vs. High: inflammation; p = 0.003, fibrosis; p = 0.014), and between CRC and CHc (Low vs. High: inflammation; p = 0.031, fibrosis; p = 0.011), which could indicate that NRF2 expression in cytosol of hepatocytes was inversely correlated with liver inflammation and fibrosis in non-tumorous areas. The dense staining of NRF2 in the nuclei of non-tumor hepatocytes positively correlated with liver inflammation (CRC and NASH; R = 0.451, p < 0.001, CRC and CHc; R = 0.502, p < 0.001) and fibrosis (CRC and NASH; R = 0.566, p < 0.001, CRC and CHc; R = 0.548, p < 0.001) in both NASH and CHc, and was inversely correlated with hepatic spare ability features such as platelet count (R = -0.253, p = 0.002) and prothrombin time (R = -0.206, p = 0.012). However, KEAP1 expression was not correlated with NRF2 expression levels and nuclear staining intensity.

CONCLUSIONS

Nuclear translocation of NRF2 was correlated with the magnitude of liver inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver disease. These results suggest that NRF2 plays a protective role in the development of chronic liver diseases such as NASH and CHc.

Research landscape and frontiers of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma: a bibliometric and visual analysis

Background: Due to the widespread prevalence of caloric excess and sedentary behavior on a global scale, there is a growing body of epidemiological evidence indicating that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has rapidly become a leading aetiology underlying of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In light of the escalating incidence of NASH-associated HCC (NASH-HCC), it is imperative to mitigate the impending burden. While there has been an increase in global awareness regarding this issue, it has yet to be examined from a bibliometric standpoint. Therefore, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive bibliometric analysis to characterize the evolution of this field. Method: The present study utilized the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) to identify publications pertaining to NASH-HCC over the past 2 decades. Employing Vosviewer 1.6.19, CiteSpace 6.2.R2, and the Analysis Platform of Bibliometrics, the study conducted an analysis of various dimensions including the quantity of publications, countries, institutions, journals, authors, co-references, keywords, and trend topics in this field. Results: A comprehensive analysis of 3,679 publications pertaining to NASH-HCC, published between 1 January 2002 and 1 April 2023, was conducted. The field in question experienced a rapid increase in publications, with the United States serving as the central hub. Collaboration between institutions was more extensive than that between countries. Notably, HEPATOLOGY (n = 30,168) emerged as the most impactful journal, and Zobair M. Younossi (n = 10,025) as the most frequently cited author in co-citations. The most commonly cited references were KLEINER DE, 2005, HEPATOLOGY (n = 630), followed by YOUNOSSI ZM, 2016, HEPATOLOGY (n = 493). The author keywords were categorized into three distinct clusters, namely, Cluster 1 (Mechanism), Cluster 2 (Factors), and Cluster 3 (Diagnosis). Analysis of high-frequency co-occurring keywords and topical trends revealed emphasis on molecular mechanisms in current research. "macrophages" and "tumor microenvironment" were active research hotspots at present in this field. Conclusion: A bibliometric analysis was performed for the first time on publications pertaining to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-hepatocellular carcinoma, uncovering co-research networks, developmental trends, and current research hotspots. The emerging frontiers of this field focused on the macrophages and tumor microenvironment, especially the tumor-associated macrophages, offering a fresh perspective for future research directions.

CT Texture Analysis in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of liver disease worldwide. There are limited biomarkers that can detect progression from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The purpose of our study was to utilize CT texture analysis to distinguish steatosis from NASH.

Methods

16 patients with NAFLD (38% male, median (interquartile range): age 57 (48-64) years, BMI 37.5 (35.0-46.8) kg/m2) underwent liver biopsy and abdominal non-contrast CT. CT texture analysis was performed to quantify gray-level tissue summaries (e.g., entropy, kurtosis, skewness, and attenuation) using commercially available software (TexRad, Cambridge England). Logistic regression analyses were performed to quantify the association between steatosis/NASH status and CT texture. ROC curve analysis was performed to determine sensitivity, specificity, AUC, 95% CIs, and cutoff values of texture parameters to differentiate steatosis from NASH.

Results

By histology, 6/16 (37%) of patients had simple steatosis and 10/16 (63%) had NASH. Patients with NASH had lower entropy (median, interquartile range (IQR): 4.3 (4.1, 4.8) vs. 5.0 (4.9, 5.2), P = 0.013) and lower mean value of positive pixels (MPP) (34.4 (21.8, 52.2) vs. 66.5 (57.0, 70.7), P = 0.009) than those with simple steatosis. Entropy values below 4.73 predict NASH with 100% (95%CI: 67-100%) specificity and 80% (50-100%) sensitivity, AUC: 0.88. MPP values below 54.0 predict NASH with 100% (67-100%) specificity and 100% (50-100%) sensitivity, AUC 0.90.

Conclusion

Our study provides preliminary evidence that CT texture analysis may serve as a novel imaging biomarker for disease activity in NAFLD and the discrimination of steatosis and NASH.

Inhibition of microRNA-33b in humanized mice ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in their advanced stages; however, there are currently no approved therapies. Here, we show that microRNA (miR)-33b in hepatocytes is critical for the development of NASH. miR-33b is located in the intron of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 and is abundantly expressed in humans, but absent in rodents. miR-33b knock-in (KI) mice, which have a miR-33b sequence in the same intron of sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 as humans and express miR-33b similar to humans, exhibit NASH under high-fat diet feeding. This condition is ameliorated by hepatocyte-specific miR-33b deficiency but unaffected by macrophage-specific miR-33b deficiency. Anti-miR-33b oligonucleotide improves the phenotype of NASH in miR-33b KI mice fed a Gubra Amylin NASH diet, which induces miR-33b and worsens NASH more than a high-fat diet. Anti-miR-33b treatment reduces hepatic free cholesterol and triglyceride accumulation through up-regulation of the lipid metabolism-related target genes. Furthermore, it decreases the expression of fibrosis marker genes in cultured hepatic stellate cells. Thus, inhibition of miR-33b using nucleic acid medicine is a promising treatment for NASH.

Altered local RAS in the liver increased the risk of NAFLD in male mouse offspring produced by in vitro fertilization

BACKGROUND

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is associated with an increased risk of adverse metabolic health in offspring, and these findings have been demonstrated in animal models without parental infertility issues. However, it is unclear what changes lead to abnormal metabolism. The activation of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been related to various aspects of metabolic syndrome. Thus, we focused on the local RAS of the liver, which is the central organ for glucose and lipid metabolism in offspring conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and studied the role of local liver RAS in metabolic diseases.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mouse offspring obtained by natural pregnancy and IVF were fed a standard chow diet or a high-fat diet (HFD) from 4 weeks of age through 16 weeks of age. We assessed glucose and lipid metabolism, hepatic histopathology, and the gene and protein expression of key RAS components. In addition, the blocker losartan was used from 4 weeks of age through 16 weeks of age to investigate the regulatory mechanisms of abnormal local RAS on metabolic activity in the IVF offspring liver.

RESULTS

The growth trajectories of IVF offspring body and liver weights were different from those of naturally pregnant offspring. Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and insulin resistance (IR) occurred in IVF-conceived male offspring. After continuous HFD feeding, male offspring in the IVF group underwent earlier and more severe IR. Furthermore, there was a trend of lipid accumulation in the livers of chow-fed IVF offspring. Hepatic steatosis was also more serious in the IVF offspring after HFD treatment. Type 1 receptor (AT1R), which is the primary receptor mediating the action of angiotensin (Ang) II, has been confirmed to be upregulated in IVF offspring livers. Losartan reduced or even eliminated most of the significant differences between the IVF and NC groups after HFD consumption.

CONCLUSIONS

The upregulation of AT1R expression in the liver increased the activity of the local RAS, resulting in abnormal glucose and lipid metabolism and lipid accumulation in the liver, significantly increasing the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in IVF offspring.

Prognostic Value of Simple Non-Invasive Tests for the Risk Stratification of Incident Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Cirrhotic Individuals with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a relevant disease burden in cirrhotic patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aimed to investigate the prognostic value of simple non-invasive tests (NITs) (AAR, APRI, BARD, FIB-4) for the stratification of HCC risk development in a cohort of 122 consecutive cirrhotic individuals with NAFLD. Over a median follow up of 5.9 (3.2–9.3) years, 13 (10.7%) developed HCC. Only FIB-4 was associated with HCC risk (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.03–1.58, p = 0.027). After evaluating different established FIB-4 cut-offs, the lowest cut-off of 1.45 allowed the ruling out of a greater number of patients with a minimal risk of HCC than the 1.3 cut-off (23 vs. 18 patients). Conversely, the cumulative incidence of HCC using the highest cut-off of 3.25 (rule in) was distinctly higher than the 2.67 cut-off (19.4% vs. 13.3%). After multivariate Cox regression analysis, these cut-offs were independently associated with HCC after adjusting for sex, BMI and T2DM (HR = 6.40, 95% CI 1.71–24.00, p = 0.006). In conclusion, FIB-4 values of <1.3 and >3.25 could allow for the optimal stratification of long-term HCC risk in cirrhotic individuals with NAFLD.

CHIP Haploinsufficiency Exacerbates Hepatic Steatosis via Enhanced TXNIP Expression and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Responses

TXNIP is a critical regulator of glucose homeostasis, fatty acid synthesis, and cholesterol accumulation in the liver, and it has been reported that metabolic diseases, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, hyperlipidemia, type 2 diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Because CHIP, an E3 ligase, was known to be involved in regulating tissue injury and inflammation in liver, its role in regulating ER stress-induced NAFLD was investigated in two experimental NAFLD models, a tunicamycin (TM)-induced and other diet-induced NAFLD mice models. In the TM-induced NAFLD model, intraperitoneal injection of TM induced liver steatosis in both CHIP^+/+ and CHIP^+/- mice, but it was severely exacerbated in CHIP^+/- mice compared to CHIP^+/+ mice. Key regulators of ER stress and de novo lipogenesis were also enhanced in the livers of TM-inoculated CHIP^+/- mice. Furthermore, in the diet-induced NAFLD models, CHIP^+/- mice developed severely impaired glucose tolerance, insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis compared to CHIP^+/+ mice. Interestingly, CHIP promoted ubiquitin-dependent degradation of TXNIP in vitro, and inhibition of TXNIP was further found to alleviate the inflammation and ER stress responses increased by CHIP inhibition. In addition, the expression of TXNIP was increased in mice deficient in CHIP in the TM- and diet-induced models. These findings suggest that CHIP modulates ER stress and inflammatory responses by inhibiting TXNIP, and that CHIP protects against TM- or HF-HS diet-induced NAFLD and serves as a potential therapeutic means for treating liver diseases.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Definition and subtypes

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide, with a global prevalence of approximately 30%. However, the prevalence of NAFLD has been variously reported depending on the comorbidities. The rising prevalence of obesity in both the adult and pediatric populations is projected to consequently continue increasing NAFLD prevalence. It is a major cause of chronic liver disease worldwide, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NAFLD has a variety of clinical phenotypes and heterogeneity due to the complexity of pathogenesis and clinical conditions of its occurrence, resulting in various clinical prognoses. In this article, we briefly described the basic definition of NAFLD and classified the subtypes based on current knowledge in this field.

Cinnabarinic Acid Provides Hepatoprotection Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic condition in which excess lipids accumulate in the liver and can lead to a range of progressive liver disorders including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. While lifestyle and diet modifications have proven to be effective as NAFLD treatments, they are not sustainable in the long-term, and currently no pharmacological therapies are approved to treat NAFLD. Our previous studies demonstrated that cinnabarinic acid (CA), a novel endogenous Aryl hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR) agonist, activates the AhR target gene, Stanniocalcin 2, and confers cytoprotection against a plethora of ER/oxidative stressors. In this study, the hepatoprotective and anti-steatotic properties of CA were examined against free fatty-acid-induced in vitro and high-fat-diet fed in vivo NAFLD models. The results demonstrated that CA treatment significantly lowered weight gain and attenuated hepatic lipotoxicity both before and after the established fatty liver, thereby protecting against steatosis, inflammation, and liver injury. CA mitigated intracellular free fatty acid uptake concomitant with the downregulation of CD36/fatty acid translocase. Genes involved in fatty acid and triglyceride synthesis were also downregulated in response to CA treatment. Additionally, suppressing AhR and Stc2 expression using RNA interference in vitro verified that the hepatoprotective effects of CA were absolutely dependent on both AhR and its target, Stc2. Collectively, our results demonstrate that the endogenous AhR agonist, CA, confers hepatoprotection against NAFLD by regulating hepatic fatty acid uptake and lipogenesis. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: In this study using in vitro and in vivo models, we demonstrate that cinnabarinic acid (CA), an endogenous AhR agonist, provides protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. CA bestows cytoprotection against steatosis and liver injury by controlling expression of several key genes associated with lipid metabolism pathways, limiting the hepatic lipid uptake, and controlling liver inflammation. Moreover, CA-induced hepatoprotection is absolutely dependent on AhR and Stc2 expression.

Impact of NAFLD on clinical outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma treated with sorafenib: an international cohort study

BACKGROUND

The impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on overall survival (OS), treatment response and toxicity in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with sorafenib is unknown. We examined the impact of NAFLD on survival and toxicity in an international cohort of patients receiving sorafenib.

METHODS

Clinical and demographic data were collected from patients consecutively treated at specialist centres in Europe and North America. The impact of NAFLD on OS, sorafenib-specific survival and toxicity compared with other aetiologies of liver disease using multivariable Cox-proportional hazards and logistic regression modelling was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 5201 patients received sorafenib; 183 (3.6%) had NAFLD-associated HCC. NAFLD-associated HCC patients were more likely to be older women (median age 65.8 versus 63.0 years, p < 0.01 and 10.4% versus 2.3%, < 0.01), with a median body mass index (BMI) of 29.4. After controlling for known prognostic factors, no difference in OS in patients with or without NAFLD was observed [hazard ratio (HR): 0.99, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.84-1.18, p = 0.98]. NAFLD-associated patients had more advanced stage HCC when they commenced sorafenib [Barcelona Clinic Liver Class (BCLC) C/D 70.9% versus 58.9%, p < 0.01] and were more likely to be commenced on a lower starting dose of sorafenib (51.4 versus 36.4%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in sorafenib-specific survival between NAFLD and other aetiologies (HR: 0.96, 95% CI: 0.79-1.17, p = 0.96). Adverse events were similar between NAFLD and non-NAFLD HCC groups, including rates of greater than grade 2 hypertension (6.3% versus 5.8%, p = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

Survival in HCC does not appear to be influenced by the presence of NAFLD. NAFLD-associated HCC derive similar clinical benefit from sorafenib compared with other aetiologies.

Antioxidative Self-Assembling Nanoparticles Attenuate the Development of Steatohepatitis and Inhibit Hepatocarcinogenesis in Mice

Oxidative stress (OS) contributes to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatocarcinogenesis. We investigated whether antioxidative self-assembling nanoparticles (SMAPoTN) could reduce the development of NASH and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in p62/Sqstm1 and Nrf2 double knockout (DKO) mice and studied protective mechanisms. We measured disease development in male DKO mice fed a normal chow (NASH model) or a 60% high-fat diet (HFD; HCC model) with or without SMAPoTN administration for 26 weeks. SMAPoTN inhibited liver fibrosis in both groups and prevented HCC development (0% vs. 33%, p < 0.05) in the HFD group. SMAPoTN reduced OS, inflammatory cytokine signaling, and liver fibrosis. RNA-sequencing revealed that SMAPoTN decreased endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling genes in both groups, HCC driver genes, and cancer pathway genes, especially PI3K-AKT in the HFD groups. In the SMAPoTN treatment HFD group, serum lipopolysaccharide levels and liver lipopolysaccharide-binding protein expression were significantly lower compared with those in the nontreatment group. SMAPoTN improved the α-diversity of gut microbiota, and changed the microbiota composition. Oral SMAPoTN administration attenuated NASH development and suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis in DKO mice by improving endoplasmic reticulum stress in the liver and intestinal microbiota. SMAPoTN may be a new therapeutic option for NASH subjects and those with a high HCC risk.

Association of Hepatic Steatosis With Coronary Artery Disease by Studying the Role of Individual and Demographic Risk Factors

Background

In this study, we aimed to explore the possible association between hepatic steatosis (HS) and coronary artery disease (CAD) by calculating the patients’ calcium scores and comparing clinical and laboratory parameters of patients in King Abdullah Medical City (KAMC), Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The role of risk factors associated with HS was also assessed.

Methodology

The medical records of 79 patients who underwent coronary cardiac computed tomography (CT) for calcium scoring and enhanced or non-enhanced CT scans of the abdomen and pelvis at the Department of Radiology, KAMC, Makkah, KSA, between April 2012 and April 2013 were collected and analyzed.

Results

The overall prevalence of HS was 32.9%. Gender, age, and body mass index were significantly associated with HS. Low-dose unenhanced CT is a promising screening test for the determination of HS. A severe grade of calcium score was significantly associated with HS, while hypertension had no significant relation with HS. Biomarkers such as blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, and triglycerides had a significant association with HS, while other liver function tests and lipid profile values did not have a significant association. Bilirubin was significantly higher in non-fatty liver than in fatty liver. Furthermore, higher grades of calcium score were significantly associated with fatty liver in non-hypertensive and non-diabetic patients.

Conclusions

CAD is closely associated with HS. Moreover, diabetes mellitus and hypertension play a critical role in the development of HS.

Characterization of Nutrient Intake in Biopsy-Confirmed NAFLD Patients

Objectives: Weight loss improves the liver pathophysiological status of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. However, there are few studies that investigate the accurate relationships between nutritional intake and disease progression in NAFLD patients. Methods: A total of 37 biopsy-confirmed NAFLD patients were enrolled in this study. Clinical and nutritional control data of 5074 persons were obtained from the National Institute of Health and Nutrition. Each NAFLD subject recorded dietary intake for seven consecutive days using a dietary questionnaire and photographs of each meal. A dietitian analyzed and quantified the nutritional data in each patient. We further analyzed the nutritional intake of NAFLD patients in three groups according to the following criteria: (1) liver fibrosis degree (advanced, early), (2) gender (male, female), and (3) body mass index (BMI) (high, low). Results: Excesses or deficiencies of multiple nutrients were found in NAFLD patients compared with control subjects. In addition, there were variations in nutritional intake. (1) The intake of vitamins A, B₆, and E, pantothenic acid, soluble dietary fiber, and salt was lower in the advanced fibrosis group than in the early fibrosis group. (2) Fat intake was higher in male patients, and dietary fiber intake was lower in both male and female patients compared with control subjects. (3) Saturated fatty acid intake was higher, and copper and vitamin E intakes were lower in patients with high BMI than with low BMI. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that differences were found in some nutrient intake of NAFLD patients and controls and according to the severity of the conditions (liver fibrosis degree, BMI).

Endothelial Cell Dysfunction and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): A Concise Review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide. It is strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2DM), and other metabolic syndrome features. Reflecting the underlying pathogenesis and the cardiometabolic disorders associated with NAFLD, the term metabolic (dysfunction)-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has recently been proposed. Indeed, over the past few years, growing evidence supports a strong correlation between NAFLD and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, independent of the presence of diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. This implies that NAFLD may also be directly involved in the pathogenesis of CVD. Notably, liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) dysfunction appears to be implicated in the progression of NAFLD via numerous mechanisms, including the regulation of the inflammatory process, hepatic stellate activation, augmented vascular resistance, and the distortion of microcirculation, resulting in the progression of NAFLD. Vice versa, the liver secretes inflammatory molecules that are considered pro-atherogenic and may contribute to vascular endothelial dysfunction, resulting in atherosclerosis and CVD. In this review, we provide current evidence supporting the role of endothelial cell dysfunction in the pathogenesis of NAFLD and NAFLD-associated atherosclerosis. Endothelial cells could thus represent a "golden target" for the development of new treatment strategies for NAFLD and its comorbid CVD.

The Pathogenesis of HCC Driven by NASH and the Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a clinical syndrome with pathological changes that are similar to those of alcoholic hepatitis without a history of excessive alcohol consumption. It is a specific form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is characterized by hepatocyte inflammation based on hepatocellular steatosis. Further exacerbation of NASH can lead to cirrhosis, which may then progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is a lack of specific and effective treatments for NASH and NASH-driven HCC, and the mechanisms of the progression of NASH to HCC are unclear. Therefore, there is a need to understand the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases to identify new therapeutic approaches. Currently, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the utility of natural products in NASH, which is likely to be a promising prospect for NASH. This paper reviews the possible mechanisms of the pathogenesis and progression of NASH and NASH-derived HCC, as well as the potential therapeutic role of natural products in NASH and NASH-derived HCC.

Circulating bile acid concentrations and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in Guatemala

BACKGROUND

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major liver disease worldwide. Bile acid dysregulation may be a key feature in its pathogenesis and progression.

AIMS

To characterise the relationship between bile acid levels and NAFLD at the population level METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study in Guatemala in 2016 to examine the prevalence of NAFLD. Participants (n = 415) completed questionnaires, donated blood samples and had a brief medical exam. NAFLD was determined by calculation of the fatty liver index. The levels of 15 circulating bile acids were determined by LC-MS/MS. Adjusted prevalence odds ratios (POR_adj ) and 95% CI were calculated to examine the relationships between bile acid levels (in tertiles) and NAFLD.

RESULTS

Persons with NAFLD had significantly higher levels of the conjugated primary bile acids glycocholic acid (GCA) (POR_{adj T3 vs T1}  = 1.85), taurocholic acid (TCA) (POR_{adj T3 vs T1}  = 2.45) and taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) (POR_{adj T3 vs T1}  = 2.10), as well as significantly higher levels the unconjugated secondary bile acid, deoxycholic acid (DCA) (POR_{adj T3 vs T1}  = 1.78) and its conjugated form, taurodeoxycholic acid (TDCA) (POR_{adj T3 vs T1}  = 1.81).

CONCLUSIONS

The bile acid levels of persons with and without NAFLD differed significantly. Among persons with NAFLD, higher levels of the conjugated forms of CA (i.e. GCA, TCA) and the secondary bile acids that derive from CA (i.e. DCA, TDCA) may indicate there is hepatic overproduction of CA, which may affect the liver via aberrant signalling mediated by the bile acids.

Liver Fibrosis in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome

Background

Primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) is a systemic autoimmune epithelitis, potentially affecting salivary epithelium, biliary epithelium, and hepatocytes. Common immunological mechanisms might cause clinically silent liver inflammation, and combined with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis (LF) may occur. No studies have explored the occurrence of LF in the context of NAFLD among pSS patients.

Methods

Consecutive pSS patients from the rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Department of Pathophysiology and individuals evaluated in the hepatology outpatient clinic for possible NAFLD serving as comparators underwent transient elastography (TE) to assess LF and liver steatosis (LS). All participants had no overt chronic liver disease. Clinical, demographic, and laboratory data were collected from all participants at the time of TE.

Results

Fifty-two pSS patients and 198 comparators were included in the study. The median age (range) of pSS and comparators was 62.5 (30–81) and 55 (19–86) years, respectively. Both groups had similar prevalence regarding type 2 diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and similar body mass index (BMI). Patients with pSS had less frequently high LS (S2, S3) (27% vs. 62%, p < 0.001) and significant LF (F2–4) [2 (3.8%) vs. 34 (17.2%), p = 0.014] than comparators. Univariable analysis showed that advanced LF was significantly associated with older age, higher LS, greater BMI, and disease status (comparators than pSS); of these, only age was identified as an independent LF risk factor in the multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Conclusion

Liver fibrosis among pSS patients is most likely not attributed to the disease per se.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma Due to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Concepts and Future Challenges

Obesity has been labeled as the global pandemic of the 21st century, resulting from a sedentary lifestyle and caloric excess. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by excessive hepatic steatosis, is strongly associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome and is estimated to be present in one-quarter of the world population, making it the most common cause of the chronic liver disease (CLD). NAFLD spectrum varies from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. The burden of NAFLD has been predicted to increase in the coming decades resulting in increased rates of decompensated cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and liver-related deaths. In the current review, we describe the pathophysiology of NAFLD and NASH, risk factors associated with disease progression, related complications, and mortality. Later, we have discussed the changing epidemiology of HCC, with NAFLD emerging as the most common cause of CLD and HCC. We have also addressed the risk factors of HCC development in the NAFLD population (including demographic, metabolic, genetic, dietary, and lifestyle factors), presentation of NAFLD-associated HCC, its prognosis, and the issue of HCC development in non-cirrhotic NAFLD. Lastly, the problems related to HCC screening in the NAFLD population, the remaining challenges, and future directions, especially the need to identify the high-risk individuals, will be discussed. We will conclude the review by summarizing the clinical evidence for treating fibrosis and preventing HCC in those at risk with NAFLD-associated HCC.

Bone morphogenetic protein 4 alleviates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by inhibiting hepatic ferroptosis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a state of simple steatosis that progresses to inflammation and liver injury accompanied by ferroptosis. Bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) plays an important role in adipogenesis and differentiation, as well as in hepatic steatosis and iron regulation. However, the direct impact of BMP4 on NASH remains unclear. In this study, our aim was to investigate the effect of BMP4 on NASH and its underlying mechanism. We first explored BMP4 expression in vivo in mice and patients and in vitro in HepG2 and LO2 cell lines, and then, determined whether ferroptosis occurs in NASH. Further overexpression or inhibition of BMP4 was induced to observe the effect of BMP4 on liver ferroptosis in NASH. BMP4 expression was upregulated in patients and mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and free fatty acid (FFA)-induced HepG2 and LO2 cell lines. We observed ferroptosis in high-fat diet and high-fructose diet-fed mice and FFA-induced HepG2 and LO2 cell lines. BMP4 overexpressing plasmid was constructed and the HepG2 and LO2 cells were transfected with lentivirus (oe-BMP4), or treated with exogenously added recombinant human BMP4 or BMP antagonist noggin. BMP4 suppressed the markers of hepatic steatosis, liver inflammation, and liver injury. Upregulated BMP4 expression in HepG2 and LO2 cells reduced reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde content and relieved ferroptosis. Mechanistically, BMP4 overexpression in hepatocytes upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), a central regulator of ferroptosis, while exogenous inhibition of BMP4 by noggin decreased their levels. Immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated a physical interaction between BMP4 and GPX4 in HepG2 and LO2 cells, and confocal imaging confirmed colocalization of BMP4 and GPX4. Consistently, BMP4 overexpression plays an important role in NASH by increasing GPX4 expression, therefore decreasing hepatic ferroptosis. This study proposes BMP4 as a therapeutic target for preventing steatohepatitis.

Evaluating Serum Neuregulin 4 as a Noninvasive Biomarker in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) spectrum ranges from simple hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Considering the restrictions of liver biopsy, various serological biomarkers have recently emerged for non-invasive diagnosis of NAFLD. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) and NAFLD and the use of serum Nrg4 as a noninvasive marker for diagnosis of NAFLD. METHODS: Sixty-three Egyptian NAFLD patients and 63 controls were enrolled and subjected to detailed history taking, thorough clinical examination including anthropometric measures (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference). Laboratory investigations included complete blood count, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL-C], high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C], triglycerides), serum albumin, transaminases, bilirubin levels, hepatitis markers (anti-HCV antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigen), anti-nuclear antibodies and anti-smooth muscle antibody. Measurement of serum Nrg4 by ELISA and non-invasive NAFLD scores such as NAFLD fibrosis score and FIB4 score were applied to all patients. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between cases and controls regarding the BMI, waist circumference, hemoglobin level, total leukocytic count, total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and serum triglycerides levels. Nrg4 was significantly decreased in NAFLD patients as compared to controls. Moreover, Nrg4, total cholesterol, and LDL-C levels were statistically significant independent predictors of NAFLD. No significant differences were observed between Nrg4 level and the variable stages of hepatic fibrosis by NAFLD fibrosis score. CONCLUSION: Decreased serum Nrg4 level is frequent in NAFLD patients and is an independent predictor of NAFLD, suggesting that Nrg4 might have a potential role in prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Mass Cytometry Study on Hepatic Fibrosis and Its Drug-Induced Recovery Using Mouse Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

The number of patients with liver diseases has increased significantly with the progress of global industrialization. Hepatic fibrosis, one of the most common liver diseases diagnosed in many developed countries, occurs in response to chronic liver injury and is primarily driven by the development of inflammation. Earlier immunological studies have been focused on the importance of the innate immune response in the pathophysiology of steatohepatitis and fibrosis, but recently, it has also been reported that adaptive immunity, particularly B cells, plays an essential role in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, despite recent data showing the importance of adaptive immunity, relatively little is known about the role of B cells in the pathogenesis of steatohepatitis fibrosis. In this study, a single-cell-based, high-dimensional mass cytometric investigation of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected from mice belonging to three groups [normal chow (NC), thioacetamide (TAA), and 11beta-HSD inhibitor drug] was conducted to further understand the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis through reliable noninvasive biomarkers. Firstly, major immune cell types and their population changes were qualitatively analyzed using UMAP dimensionality reduction and two-dimensional visualization technique combined with a conventional manual gating strategy. The population of B cells displayed a twofold increase in the TAA group compared to that in the NC group, which was recovered slightly after treatment with the 11beta-HSD inhibitor drug. In contrast, the populations of NK cells, effector CD4⁺ T cells, and memory CD8⁺ T cells were significantly reduced in the TAA group compared with those in the NC group. Further identification and quantification of the major immune cell types and their subsets were conducted based on automated clustering approaches [PhenoGraph (PG) and FlowSOM]. The B-cell subset corresponding to PhenoGraph cluster PG#2 (CD62L^highCD44^highLy6c^high B cells) and PG#3 (CD62L^highCD44^highLy6c^low B cell) appears to play a major role in both the development of hepatic fibrosis and recovery via treatment, whereas PG#1 (CD62L^lowCD44^highLy6c^low B cell) seems to play a dominant role in the development of hepatic fibrosis. These findings provide insights into the roles of cellular subsets of B cells during the progression of, and recovery from, hepatic fibrosis.

Outcomes of liver transplantation for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (NASH-HCC) is the second-leading cause of liver transplantation (LT) performed for HCC. Despite this, little is known about the clinical characteristics and outcomes of NASH-HCC.

METHODS

Patients undergoing LT for HCC from 2001 to 2017 at a single center were reviewed. Outcomes of NASH-HCC (n = 51) were compared to other etiologies of HCC including hepatitis C (HCV) hepatitis B (HBV), and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Outcomes of NASH-HCC were also compared to HCV in the direct-acting antiviral (DAA) era (2014-2017).

RESULTS

The frequency of NASH-HCC as the primary indication for LT in patients with HCC increased significantly during the study period from 4.4% (2001-2008) to 15.6% in 2017. NASH-HCC patients were significantly older (median age 65 vs. 60; P < 0.001) with significantly lower alpha-fetoprotein levels (7.5 vs. 26.5, P < 0.001) compared to other etiologies. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival of NASH-HCC was 92%, 86%, and 80%. Overall survival of NASH-HCC was not significantly different compared to HCV, HBV, or ALD. Compared to HCV-HCC in the DAA era (n = 99), NASH-HCC had comparable post-LT survival (3-year survival 87% vs. 86%, P = 0.870).

CONCLUSION

In this large single-center experience of NASH-HCC, we demonstrate favorable outcomes of NASH-HCC following LT comparable to other common etiologies of HCC.

Effect of Ramadan fasting on hepatic steatosis as quantified by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP): a prospective observational study

Background

Although Ramadan fasting has a beneficial effect on health, the role of Ramadan fasting on patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as quantified by the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), is not determined yet. So, this study aimed to determine the effect of Ramadan fasting on patients with NAFLD by assessing the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and biochemical parameters of the fatty liver.

Patients and methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on 40 NAFLD patients, who were diagnosed by ultrasonography and quantified with controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) in transient elastography (FibroScan) and fasted the month of Ramadan. Transient elastography for CAP and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) were performed. Fibrosis 4 score (FIB4) and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) were also calculated.

Results

There is a statistically significant change in body mass index, fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, total cholesterol, serum albumin, total protein, AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase after Ramadan fasting. There were significant clinical improvements after Ramadan fasting in FIB-4 (1.31 ± 0.26 and 1.24 ± 0.25 respectively, p < 0.001), CAP (318.52 ± 34.59 and 294.0 ± 20.34, respectively, p < 0. 001), and LSM (6.95 ± 1.62 and 6.59 ± 1.49, respectively, p < 0. 001).

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates that Ramadan fasting could improve liver steatosis in patients with NAFLD proved with a significant reduction in the CAP and LSM.

SGLT-2 Inhibitors in NAFLD: Expanding Their Role beyond Diabetes and Cardioprotection

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an ‘umbrella’ term, comprising a spectrum ranging from benign, liver steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD has evolved as a major health problem in recent years. Discovering ways to prevent or delay the progression of NAFLD has become a global focus. Lifestyle modifications remain the cornerstone of NAFLD treatment, even though various pharmaceutical interventions are currently under clinical trial. Among them, sodium-glucose co-transporter type-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) are emerging as promising agents. Processes regulated by SGLT-2i, such as endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and oxidative stress, low-grade inflammation, autophagy and apoptosis are all implicated in NAFLD pathogenesis. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the NAFLD pathophysiology, and specifically focus on the potential impact of SGLT-2i in NAFLD development and progression, providing current evidence from in vitro, animal and human studies. Given this evidence, further mechanistic studies would advance our understanding of the exact mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of NAFLD and the potential beneficial actions of SGLT-2i in the context of NAFLD treatment.

Simvastatin Improves Microcirculatory Function in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Downregulates Oxidative and ALE-RAGE Stress

Increased reactive oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and fibrosis, which contribute to tissue damage and development and progression of nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD), play important roles in microcirculatory disorders. We investigated the effect of the modulatory properties of simvastatin (SV) on the liver and adipose tissue microcirculation as well as metabolic and oxidative stress parameters, including the advanced lipoxidation end product–receptors of advanced glycation end products (ALE-RAGE) pathway. SV was administered to an NAFLD model constructed using a high-fat–high-carbohydrate diet (HFHC). HFHC caused metabolic changes indicative of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis; treatment with SV protected the mice from developing NAFLD. SV prevented microcirculatory dysfunction in HFHC-fed mice, as evidenced by decreased leukocyte recruitment to hepatic and fat microcirculation, decreased hepatic stellate cell activation, and improved hepatic capillary network architecture and density. SV restored basal microvascular blood flow in the liver and adipose tissue and restored the endothelium-dependent vasodilatory response of adipose tissue to acetylcholine. SV treatment restored antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased lipid peroxidation, ALE-RAGE pathway activation, steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory parameters. Thus, SV may improve microcirculatory function in NAFLD by downregulating oxidative and ALE-RAGE stress and improving steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammatory parameters.

Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Does the Background Liver With or Without Cirrhosis Matter?

OBJECTIVES

The pathologic differences between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) arising in noncirrhotic and cirrhotic livers have not been well studied.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 378 HCC cases (95 in noncirrhotic, 283 in cirrhotic livers) from pathology archives (2010-2017).

RESULTS

Patients without cirrhosis were more likely to have hepatitis B (13.68% vs 2.83%, P < .001) or no known liver disease (30.53% vs 4.24%, P < .001), while hepatitis C was more common in patients with cirrhosis (65.72% vs 30.53%, P < .001). HCCs in noncirrhotic livers were larger in size (P < .001); were more likely to have a macrotrabecular histologic pattern (13.68% vs 4.95%, P < .01); were more likely to have fibrolamellar (3.16% vs 0%, P = .02), macrotrabecular-massive (13.68% vs 6.01%, P = .03), and clear cell (16.84% vs 6.71%, P < .01) subtypes; have a higher histologic grade (P < .01); be anaplastic tumor cells (P < .001); have a higher rate of vascular invasion (P < .01); and have a higher tumor stage (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings indicate that HCCs in noncirrhotic livers demonstrate a larger tumor size; have a more macrotrabecular histologic pattern; have fibrolamellar, macrotrabecular-massive, and clear cell subtypes; have a higher tumor grade and stage; have a higher rate of vascular invasion; and have more anaplastic tumor cells compared with cirrhotic livers. Further studies to explore different pathways that promote oncogenesis in noncirrhotic livers are needed to better understand the pathogenesis of HCC.

Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review, Meta-analysis, and Meta-regression

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) may be a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the extent of this association still needs to be addressed. Pooled incidence rates of HCC across the disease spectrum of NAFLD have never been estimated by meta-analysis.

METHODS

In this systematic review, we searched Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library from January 1, 1950 through July 30, 2020. We included studies reporting on HCC incidence in patients with NAFLD. The main outcomes were pooled HCC incidences in patients with NAFLD at distinct severity stages. Summary estimates were calculated with random-effects models. Sensitivity analyses and meta-regression analyses were carried out to address heterogeneity.

RESULTS

We included 18 studies involving 470,404 patients. In patients with NAFLD at a stage earlier than cirrhosis, the incidence rate of HCC was 0.03 per 100 person-years (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.01-0.07; I² = 98%). In patients with cirrhosis, the incidence rate was 3.78 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 2.47-5.78; I² = 93%). Patients with cirrhosis undergoing regular screening for HCC had an incidence rate of 4.62 per 100 person-years (95% CI, 2.77-7.72; I² = 77%).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis have a risk of developing HCC similar to that reported for patients with cirrhosis from other etiologies. Evidence documenting the risk in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or simple steatosis is limited, but the incidence of HCC in these populations may lie below thresholds used to recommend a screening. Well-designed prospective studies in these subpopulations are needed. The protocol for this systematic review is registered in the Prospero database (registration number CRD42018092861).

Preparation and Characterization of a Liver Targeted, Poly(amidoamine) Based, Gene Delivery System

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is an aggressive liver disease that is considered a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NASH is characterized by multiple underlying genetic mutations, with no approved cure to date. Gene therapies that target those genetic mutations may play a major role in treating this disease, once delivered specifically to the hepatocytes. In this chapter we present, in detail, the synthesis and the characterization of an efficient gene delivery system capable of targeting hepatocytes by exploiting the overexpression of asialoglycoprotein receptors on their cell surface. The targeting ligand, galactose derivative, lactobionic acid (Gal), is first conjugated to bifunctional poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), and then the formed PEG-Gal is further conjugated to the positively charged polymer, poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) to form a PAMAM-PEG-Gal construct that can complex and deliver genetic material (e.g., pDNA, siRNA, mRNA) specifically to hepatocytes. We first synthesize PAMAM-PEG-Gal using carbodiimide click chemistry. The synthesized conjugate is characterized using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Next, nanoplexes are prepared by combining the positively charged conjugate and the negatively charged genetic material at different nitrogen to phosphate (N/P) ratios; then the size, charge, electrophoretic mobility, and surface morphology of those nanoplexes are estimated. The simplicity of complexing our conjugate with any type of genetic material, the ability of our delivery system to overcome the current limitations of delivering naked genetic material, and the efficiency of delivering its payload specifically to hepatocytes, makes our formulation a promising tool to treat any type of genetic abnormality that arises in hepatocytes, and specifically NASH.

Identification of microRNA-96-5p as a postoperative, prognostic microRNA predictor in nonviral hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM

The microRNA (miR) clusters miR-183/96/182 and miR-217/216a/216b are significantly upregulated in nonviral hepatocellular carcinoma (NBNC-HCC). Here, we investigate the impact of each member of these clusters on the clinical outcome of NBNC-HCC and analyze the antitumor effects of miR-96-5p.

METHODS

The association between recurrence-free survival of 111 NBNC-HCC patients and the levels of miR-183-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-217-5p, miR-216a-5p, and miR-216b-5p in tumor and adjacent tissues was investigated. The impact of miR-96-5p on apoptosis and invasion of a hepatoma cell line, HepG2, was investigated by cell counting, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry, respectively.

RESULTS

MicroRNA-183-5p, miR-96-5p, miR-182-5p, miR-217-5p, and miR-216b-5p were significantly upregulated in tumor tissues compared to the adjacent tissues (p = 0.0005, p = 0.0030, p = 0.0002, p = 0.0011, and p = 0.0288, respectively). By multivariate Cox regression analysis, high tumor/adjacent ratios of miR-182-5p (p = 0.007) and miR-217-5p (p = 0.008) were associated with poor recurrence-free survival. In contrast, a low tumor/adjacent ratio of miR-96-5p (p < 0.001) was associated with poor recurrence-free survival. It suggested that further upregulation of miR-96-5p in tumors might have an inhibitory effect on recurrence. Transfection of miR-96-5p mimic significantly induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells, in association with downregulation of Nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) and a decrease of phosphorylated AKT protein. Interestingly, simultaneous knockdown of the NPM1 and AKT genes induced apoptosis. MicroRNA-96-5p also suppressed proliferation and invasion, which inhibited epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition of HCC cells.

CONCLUSION

MicroRNA-96-5p as a tumor suppressor would be valuable to stratify NBNC-HCC patients at high risk of recurrence.

In Vivo Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Evaluation of Redox-Related Diseases and Theranostics

Significance:In vivo molecular and metabolic imaging is an emerging field in biomedical research that aims to perform noninvasive detection of tissue metabolism in disease states and responses to therapeutic agents. The imbalance in tissue oxidation/reduction (Redox) states is related to the onset and progression of several diseases. Tissue redox metabolism provides biomarkers for early diagnosis and drug treatments. Thus, noninvasive imaging of redox metabolism could be a useful, novel diagnostic tool for diagnosis of redox-related disease and drug discovery. Recent Advances:In vivo dynamic nuclear polarization magnetic resonance imaging (DNP-MRI) is a technique that enables the imaging of free radicals in living animals. DNP enhances the MRI signal by irradiating the target tissue or solution with the free radical molecule's electron paramagnetic resonance frequency before executing pulse sequence of the MRI. In vivo DNP-MRI with redox-sensitive nitroxyl radicals as the DNP redox contrast agent enables the imaging of the redox metabolism on various diseases. Moreover, nitroxyl radicals show antioxidant effects that suppress oxidative stress. Critical Issues: To date, considerable progress has been documented preclinically in the development of animal imaging systems. Here, we review redox imaging of in vivo DNP-MRI with a focus on the recent progress of this system and its uses in patients with redox-related diseases. Future Directions: This technique could have broad applications in the study of other redox-related diseases, such as cancer, inflammation, and neurological disorders, and facilitate the evaluation of treatment response as a theranostic tool. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 172-184.

Oral administration of Jinan Red Ginseng and licorice extract mixtures ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by modulating lipogenesis

Background

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is one of the main chronic liver diseases. NASH is identified by lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis. Jinan Red Ginseng (JRG) and licorice have been widely used because of their anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. Hence, this study assessed JRG and licorice extract mixtures' effects on NASH progression.

Methods

Palmitic acid (PA) and the western diet (WD) plus, high glucose-fructose water were used to induce in vitro and in vivo NASH. Mice were orally administered with JRG-single (JRG-S) and JRG-mixtures (JRG-M; JRG-S + licorice) at 0, 50, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg/day once a day during the last half-period of diet feeding.

Results

JRG-S and JRG-M reduced NASH-related pathologies in WD-fed mice. JRG-S and JRG-M consistently decreased the mRNA level of genes related with inflammation, fibrosis, and lipid metabolism. The treatment of JRG-S and JRG-M also diminished the SREBP-1c protein levels and the p-AMPK/AMPK ratio. The FAS protein levels were decreased by JRG-M treatment both in vivo and in vitro but not JRG-S.

Conclusion

JRG-M effectively reduced lipogenesis by modulating AMPK downstream signaling. Our findings suggest that this mixture can be used as a prophylactic or therapeutic alternative for the remedy of NASH.

TG68, a Novel Thyroid Hormone Receptor-β Agonist for the Treatment of NAFLD

Activation of thyroid hormone receptor β (THRβ) has shown beneficial effects on metabolic alterations, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we investigated the effect of TG68, a novel THRβ agonist, on fatty liver accumulation and liver injury in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). C57BL/6 mice fed HFD for 17 or 18 weeks, a time when all mice developed massive steatohepatitis, were then given TG68 at a dose of 9.35 or 2.8 mg/kg for 2 or 3 weeks, respectively. As a reference compound, the same treatment was adopted using equimolar doses of MGL-3196, a selective THRβ agonist currently in clinical phase III. The results showed that treatment with TG68 led to a reduction in liver weight, hepatic steatosis, serum transaminases, and circulating triglycerides. qRT-PCR analyses demonstrated activation of THRβ, as confirmed by increased mRNA levels of Deiodinase-1 and Malic enzyme-1, and changes in lipid metabolism, as revealed by increased expression of Acyl-CoA Oxidase-1 and Carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. The present results showed that this novel THRβ agonist exerts an anti-steatogenic effect coupled with amelioration of liver injury in the absence of extra-hepatic side effects, suggesting that TG68 may represent a useful tool for the treatment of NAFLD.

Clinical practice advice on lifestyle modification in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in Japan: an expert review

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver diseases worldwide, including in Japan. The Japanese Society of Gastroenterology (JSGE) and the Japanese Society of Hepatology (JSH) have established the Japanese NAFLD/NASH guidelines in 2014 and revised these guidelines in 2020. As described in these guidelines, weight reduction by diet and/or exercise therapy is important for the treatment of NAFLD patients. The I148M single nucleotide polymorphism (rs738409 C > G) of PNPLA3 (patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing 3 protein) is widely known to be associated with the occurrence and progression of NAFLD. In the Japanese, the ratio of PNPLA3 gene polymorphisms found is approximately 20%, which is higher than that found in Westerners. In addition, the ratio of lean NAFLD patients is also higher in Japan than in Western countries. Therefore, the method for lifestyle guidance for the NAFLD patients in Japan would be different from that for the people in Western countries. The problems in the treatment of NAFLD patients include alcohol consumption and sarcopenia. Therefore, guidelines that can help clinicians treat Japanese patients with NAFLD are needed. In this expert review, we summarize evidence-based interventions for lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, alcohol, and sarcopenia) for the treatment of patients with NAFLD, especially from Japan and Asian countries.