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Kang J, Zhu JQ, Wang Y, He Q. Effect of Immunosuppressive Regimens on Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Fatty Liver Disease Following Liver Transplantation. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2025; 15:102387. [PMID: 39268481 PMCID: PMC11388780 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.102387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease has been linked to negative outcomes in patients with end-stage liver disease following liver transplantation. However, the influence of immunosuppressive regimens on it has not been explored. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted using the preoperative and postoperative data from patients with end-stage liver disease. The study compared three different groups: tacrolimus-based group, sirolimus-based group, and combined tacrolimus- and sirolimus-based regimens. Binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify risk factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Results A total of 171 patients participated in the study, consisting of 127 males and 44 females, with a mean age of 49.6 years. The prevalence of posttransplant metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease was 29.23%. Among the three groups, there were 111 liver transplant recipients in the tacrolimus-based group, 28 in the sirolimus-based group, and 32 in the combination group. A statistically significant difference was observed in the incidence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (P < 0.05), whereas the other preoperative and postoperative parameters showed no significant differences. Multivariate analysis revealed that a low-calorie diet (95% confidence intervals: 0.15-0.90, P = 0.021) and a combination of tacrolimus- and sirolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen (95% confidence intervals: 1.01-2.77, P = 0.046) were associated with lower risk of posttransplant metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. Conclusions Our study indicates that implementing a low-calorie diet and utilizing a combination of tacrolimus- and sirolimus-based immunosuppressive regimen can effectively lower the risk of posttransplant metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease following liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, PR China
| | - Ji-Qiao Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing Organ Transplant Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing Organ Transplant Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, PR China
| | - Qiang He
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreaticosplenic Surgery, Beijing Organ Transplant Center, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100020, PR China
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2
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Martínez-Arenas L, Vinaixa C, Conde I, Lorente S, Díaz-Fontenla F, Marques P, Pérez-Rojas J, Montalvá E, Carvalho-Gomes Â, Berenguer M. FibroScan compared to liver biopsy for accurately staging recurrent hepatic steatosis and fibrosis after transplantation for MASH. Liver Int 2024. [PMID: 39225307 DOI: 10.1111/liv.16085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) seems unavoidable and gradual. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy in the post-LT setting of patients transplanted for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) of recurrent hepatic steatosis and fibrosis identified with FibroScan, compared to biopsy findings. METHODS This prospective cohort study included adults transplanted for MASH between 2010 and 2022 in three LT centres in Spain who underwent FibroScan and biopsy at least 1-year after LT. RESULTS In total, 44 patients transplanted for MASH after LT were included. The median time from LT to biopsy and FibroScan was 24.5 (interquartile range [IQR]:16-46) and 26.0 (IQR: 16.8-41.5) months, respectively. The median time between biopsy and FibroScan was 2.0 (IQR: 0-5) months. On FibroScan, significant steatosis was diagnosed in about half of the patients (n = 21, 47.7%), yet advanced fibrosis in only two cases (4.6%). On biopsy, a quarter of biopsied patients (n = 11, 25%) had a MASH diagnosis, two (4.6%) with significant fibrosis and one (2.3%) with cirrhosis. All patients with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) values <8 kPa (n = 35, 79.5%) had a fibrosis stage ≤F1 (negative predictive value = 100%). The combination of post-LT hypertension (odds ratio [OR]: 12.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8-80.4, p = .010) and post-LT dyslipidaemia (OR: 7.9, 95% CI: 1.3-47.1, p = .024) with LSM (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.8, p = .030) was independently associated with MASLD. CONCLUSIONS Although biopsy remains the gold standard for detecting fibrosis, our results suggest that LSM values <8 kPa after LT for MASH are strongly correlated with absence of significant/advanced fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Martínez-Arenas
- Hepatology, Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplant Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Department of Biotechnology, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Vinaixa
- Hepatology, Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplant Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Isabel Conde
- Hepatology, Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplant Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Sara Lorente
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Aragón (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Fernando Díaz-Fontenla
- Liver Unit and Digestive Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Patrice Marques
- Hepatology, Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplant Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Judith Pérez-Rojas
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Eva Montalvá
- Hepatology, Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplant Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Surgery, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ângela Carvalho-Gomes
- Hepatology, Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplant Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Hepatology, Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery and Transplant Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe (IIS La Fe), Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBEREHD), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario y Politécnico La Fe, Valencia, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universitat de València, Valencia, Spain
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3
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Berg T, Aehling NF, Bruns T, Welker MW, Weismüller T, Trebicka J, Tacke F, Strnad P, Sterneck M, Settmacher U, Seehofer D, Schott E, Schnitzbauer AA, Schmidt HH, Schlitt HJ, Pratschke J, Pascher A, Neumann U, Manekeller S, Lammert F, Klein I, Kirchner G, Guba M, Glanemann M, Engelmann C, Canbay AE, Braun F, Berg CP, Bechstein WO, Becker T, Trautwein C. S2k-Leitlinie Lebertransplantation der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie, Verdauungs- und Stoffwechselkrankheiten (DGVS) und der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie (DGAV). ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2024; 62:1397-1573. [PMID: 39250961 DOI: 10.1055/a-2255-7246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Berg
- Bereich Hepatologie, Medizinischen Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Niklas F Aehling
- Bereich Hepatologie, Medizinischen Klinik II, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Tony Bruns
- Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Martin-Walter Welker
- Medizinische Klinik I Gastroent., Hepat., Pneum., Endokrin. Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Deutschland
| | - Tobias Weismüller
- Klinik für Innere Medizin - Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Vivantes Humboldt-Klinikum, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Medizinische Klinik B für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Frank Tacke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hepatologie und Gastroenterologie, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) und Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Medizinische Klinik III, Universitätsklinikum Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland
| | - Martina Sterneck
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg, Hamburg, Deutschland
| | - Utz Settmacher
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Jena, Jena, Deutschland
| | - Daniel Seehofer
- Klinik für Viszeral-, Transplantations-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Deutschland
| | - Eckart Schott
- Klinik für Innere Medizin II - Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie und Diabetolgie, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Deutschland
| | | | - Hartmut H Schmidt
- Klinik für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Hans J Schlitt
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Chirurgische Klinik, Charité Campus Virchow-Klinikum - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Andreas Pascher
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Münster, Deutschland
| | - Ulf Neumann
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Deutschland
| | - Steffen Manekeller
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral-, Thorax- und Gefäßchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - Frank Lammert
- Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH), Hannover, Deutschland
| | - Ingo Klein
- Chirurgische Klinik I, Universitätsklinikum Würzburg, Würzburg, Deutschland
| | - Gabriele Kirchner
- Klinik und Poliklinik für Chirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Regensburg und Innere Medizin I, Caritaskrankenhaus St. Josef Regensburg, Regensburg, Deutschland
| | - Markus Guba
- Klinik für Allgemeine, Viszeral-, Transplantations-, Gefäß- und Thoraxchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum München, München, Deutschland
| | - Matthias Glanemann
- Klinik für Allgemeine, Viszeral-, Gefäß- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum des Saarlandes, Homburg, Deutschland
| | - Cornelius Engelmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Medizinische Klinik m. S. Hepatologie und Gastroenterologie, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) und Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), Berlin, Deutschland
| | - Ali E Canbay
- Medizinische Klinik, Universitätsklinikum Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Bochum, Deutschland
| | - Felix Braun
- Klinik für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Viszeral-, Thorax-, Transplantations- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schlewswig-Holstein, Kiel, Deutschland
| | - Christoph P Berg
- Innere Medizin I Gastroenterologie, Hepatologie, Infektiologie, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, Tübingen, Deutschland
| | - Wolf O Bechstein
- Klinik für Allgemein- und Viszeralchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Deutschland
| | - Thomas Becker
- Klinik für Allgemeine Chirurgie, Viszeral-, Thorax-, Transplantations- und Kinderchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Schlewswig-Holstein, Kiel, Deutschland
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4
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Wu D, van de Graaf SFJ. Maladaptive regeneration and metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease: Common mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116437. [PMID: 39025410 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
The normal liver has an extraordinary capacity of regeneration. However, this capacity is significantly impaired in steatotic livers. Emerging evidence indicates that metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and liver regeneration share several key mechanisms. Some classical liver regeneration pathways, such as HGF/c-Met, EGFR, Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo/YAP-TAZ are affected in MASLD. Some recently established therapeutic targets for MASH such as the Thyroid Hormone (TH) receptors, Glucagon-like protein 1 (GLP1), Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptors (PPARs) as well as Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) are also reported to affect hepatocyte proliferation. With this review we aim to provide insight into common molecular pathways, that may ultimately enable therapeutic strategies that synergistically ameliorate steatohepatitis and improve the regenerating capacity of steatotic livers. With the recent rise of prolonged ex-vivo normothermic liver perfusion prior to organ transplantation such treatment is no longer restricted to patients undergoing major liver resection or transplantation, but may eventually include perfused (steatotic) donor livers or even liver segments, opening hitherto unexplored therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Wu
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands
| | - Stan F J van de Graaf
- Tytgat Institute for Liver and Intestinal Research, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Gastroenterology, Endocrinology and Metabolism (AGEM), Amsterdam University Medical Centers, the Netherlands.
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5
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Choudhury A, Singh SP, Desmukh A, Sahoo B, Eslam M. Post-Liver Transplant Metabolic Syndrome. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2024; 14:101368. [PMID: 38523736 PMCID: PMC10960134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2024.101368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the second most frequent cause of liver transplantation following alcoholic liver disease. With longer follow-up and increased survival rates, the occurrence rate of the metabolic syndrome is increasing with time among liver transplant recipients. Reappearances of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease after transplantation, both as recurring cases and new instances, are prevalent; nonetheless, the recurrence of fibrosis is minimal. Recognizing populations at elevated risk and enhancing the management of metabolic-related conditions are crucial for maintaining a healthy transplanted organ, particularly considering the prolonged utilization of immunosuppressive treatments. Furthermore, NASH-related cirrhosis patients who had transplant are at a greater risk of cardiovascular, renal events and increased incidence of cancer, necessitating a unique care strategy. This review discusses post-transplant metabolic syndrome, risk factors, pathogenesis, diagnosis, prevention strategy, recurrent and de novo NAFLD and customized immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Choudhury
- Dept of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Satender P. Singh
- Dept of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Akhil Desmukh
- Dept of Hepatology and Liver Transplantation, Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bishnupriya Sahoo
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Consultant Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Liver Transplant, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
| | - Mohammed Eslam
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, NSW, Australia
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6
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Kusakabe J, Kozato A, Tajima T, Bekki Y, Fujiki M, Tomiyama K, Nakamura T, Matsushima H, Hashimoto K, Sasaki K. Reappraisal of Donor Age in Liver Transplantation: NASH as a Potential Target to Safely Utilize Old Liver Grafts. Transplantation 2024; 108:e110-e120. [PMID: 37990355 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With the chronic shortage of donated organs, expanding the indications for liver transplantation (LT) from older donors is critical. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) stands out because of its unique systemic pathogenesis and high recurrence rate, both of which might make donor selection less decisive. The present study aims to investigate the usefulness of old donors in LT for NASH patients. METHODS The retrospective cohort study was conducted using the Scientific Registry Transplant Recipient database. The cohort was divided into 3 categories according to donor age: young (aged 16-35), middle-aged (36-59), and old donors (60-). Multivariable and Kaplan-Meier analyses were performed to compare the risk of donor age on graft survival (GS). RESULTS A total of 67 973 primary adult donation-after-brain-death LTs (2002-2016) were eligible for analysis. The multivariable analysis showed a reduced impact of donor age on GS for the NASH cohort (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.13, 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.27), comparing old to middle-aged donors. If the cohort was limited to NASH recipients plus 1 of the following, recipient age ≥60, body mass index <30, or Model of End Stage Liver Disease score <30, adjusted hazard ratios were even smaller (0.99 [0.84-1.15], 0.92 [0.75-1.13], or 1.04 [0.91-1.19], respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed no significant differences in overall GS between old- and middle-aged donors in these subgroups ( P = 0.86, 0.28, and 0.11, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Donor age was less influential for overall GS in NASH cohort. Remarkably, old donors were equivalent to middle-aged donors in subgroups of recipient age ≥60, recipient body mass index <30, or Model of End Stage Liver Disease score <30.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiro Kusakabe
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Division of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery and Transplantation, Department of Surgery, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akio Kozato
- Department of Surgery, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY
| | - Tetsuya Tajima
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Department of General Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
| | - Yuki Bekki
- Recanati-Miller Transplantation Institute, the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York City, NY
| | - Masato Fujiki
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Koji Tomiyama
- Department of Solid Organ Transplant Surgery, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
| | - Tsukasa Nakamura
- Transplantation Unit, Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Hajime Matsushima
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Koji Hashimoto
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine and Department of General Surgery, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Kazunari Sasaki
- Division of Abdominal Transplant, Department of General Surgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA
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7
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Savino A, Loglio A, Neri F, Camagni S, Pasulo L, Lucà MG, Trevisan R, Fagiuoli S, Viganò M. Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) after Liver Transplantation: A Narrative Review of an Emerging Issue. J Clin Med 2024; 13:3871. [PMID: 38999436 PMCID: PMC11242808 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13133871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The development of steatotic liver disease after liver transplant (LT) is widely described, and epidemiological data have revealed an increased incidence in recent times. Its evolution runs from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis and, in a small proportion of patients, to significant fibrosis and cirrhosis. Apparently, post-LT steatotic disease has no impact on the recipient's overall survival; however, a higher cardiovascular and malignancy burden has been reported. Many donors' and recipients' risk factors have been associated with this occurrence, although the recipient-related ones seem of greater impact. Particularly, pre- and post-LT metabolic alterations are strictly associated with steatotic graft disease, sharing common pathophysiologic mechanisms that converge on insulin resistance. Other relevant risk factors include genetic variants, sex, age, baseline liver diseases, and immunosuppressive drugs. Diagnostic evaluation relies on liver biopsy, although non-invasive methods are being increasingly used to detect and monitor both steatosis and fibrosis stages. Management requires a multifaceted approach focusing on lifestyle modifications, the optimization of immunosuppressive therapy, and the management of metabolic complications. This review aims to synthesize the current knowledge of post-LT steatotic liver disease, focusing on the recent definition of metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and its metabolic and multisystemic concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Savino
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (A.S.); (S.F.)
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Loglio
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Flavia Neri
- Department of Organ Failure and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Stefania Camagni
- Department of Organ Failure and Transplantation, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Luisa Pasulo
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Maria Grazia Lucà
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (A.S.); (S.F.)
| | - Roberto Trevisan
- Endocrine and Diabetology Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Fagiuoli
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (A.S.); (S.F.)
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Mauro Viganò
- Gastroenterology Hepatology and Transplantation Unit, ASST Papa Giovanni XXIII, Piazza OMS 1, 24127 Bergamo, Italy; (A.S.); (S.F.)
- Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Milan Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
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8
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Makino K, Ishii T, Ogiso S, Nakakura A, Nishio T, Fukumitsu K, Uebayashi EY, Munekage F, Horie H, Iwaki K, Ito T, Hatano E. Combination of risk alleles of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 of donors can predict recurrence of steatotic liver disease after liver transplantation. Hepatol Res 2024. [PMID: 39031833 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.14086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
AIMS This study aimed to identify the genetic risk factors from donors or recipients that contribute to postliver transplantation (LT) steatotic liver disease (SLD), focusing on the genetic risk score (GRS) based on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SLD patients. METHODS This retrospective study included 55 Japanese SLD recipients and their respective donors. Genotyping of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13 was undertaken, and the combined GRS was calculated. The relationship between the GRS and the incidence of posttransplant SLD was also evaluated. RESULTS The SLD recipients had a high prevalence of post-LT graft steatosis/steatohepatitis (76.4% and 58.2%, respectively). Although the recipients had a high frequency of risk alleles, there was no relationship between the number of risk alleles for each SNP and the incidence of posttransplant SLD. In contrast, an increased number of risk alleles for any SNP in the donor was correlated with high incidence rates of both post-LT steatosis and steatohepatitis. A multivariable analysis showed that a high donor GRS was an independent risk factor for graft steatosis (odds ratio 8.77; 95% CI, 1.94-52.94; p = 0.009). Similarly, a high donor GRS was an independent risk factor (odds ratio 6.76; 95% CI, 1.84-30.78; p = 0.007) for post-LT graft steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS Donor risk alleles of PNPLA3, TM6SF2, and HSD17B13, rather than recipient risk alleles, have been implicated in the development of posttransplant SLD. The combination of these donor risk alleles into a GRS could predict the development of posttransplant SLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Makino
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takamichi Ishii
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Ogiso
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Nakakura
- Department of Biomedical Statistics and Bioinformatics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken Fukumitsu
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | | | - Fumiaki Munekage
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Horie
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kentaro Iwaki
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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9
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Vogel AS, Roediger R, von Ahrens D, Fortune BE, Schwartz JM, Frager S, Chacko KR, Tow CY. The Impact of Metabolic Health and Obesity on Liver Transplant Candidates and Recipients. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:685. [PMID: 38929668 PMCID: PMC11204519 DOI: 10.3390/life14060685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Poor metabolic health and obesity have significant impacts on the outcomes of patients suffering from chronic liver disease, particularly those with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. Patients with such comorbidities who require liver transplant evaluation for advancing liver disease or liver failure require special consideration due to increased risk of cardiovascular disease, renal dysfunction, sarcopenic obesity, and cancer. Those who have had a history of prior bariatric surgery pose specific anatomical constraints and may also be at increased risk of alcohol use disorder. Pre-operative risk assessment as well as strict control of metabolic risk factors are essential to reduce intra-operative and post-liver transplant complications. As immunosuppressive therapy exacerbates metabolic dysfunction and risk for cancer, post-liver transplant care must focus on balancing the need to prevent rejection and the impact of progressive metabolic dysfunction in this unique, but growing, patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Clara Y. Tow
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-888-795-4837; Fax: +1-602-563-8224
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10
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De Bock T, Brussaard C, François S, François K, Seynaeve L, Jansen A, Wissing KM, Janssens P. Prevalence of Liver Steatosis in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Patients: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study. J Clin Med 2024; 13:2888. [PMID: 38792433 PMCID: PMC11122077 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13102888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease caused by pathogenetic variants in either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Consequently, the mechanistic target of the rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway, a regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and survival, becomes inappropriately activated, leading to the development of benign tumors in multiple organs. The role of mTORC1 in lipid metabolism and liver steatosis in TSC patients has not been well-studied, and clinical data on liver involvement in this population are scarce. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional study to compare liver steatosis in TSC patients with age-, sex-, BMI-, and diabetes status-matched controls. Participants with a definite diagnosis of TSC were recruited from the TSC clinic at UZ Brussel. Liver steatosis was quantified using the fat signal fraction from in-phase and out-of-phase MRI, with a threshold of ≥5% defining the presence of steatosis. We also evaluated the prevalence of liver angiomyolipomata in the TSC group and analyzed risk factors for both liver steatosis and angiomyolipomata. Results: The study included 59 TSC patients and 59 matched controls. The mean fat signal fraction was 4.0% in the TSC group and 3.9% in the controls, showing no significant difference (two-tailed Wilcoxon signed ranks test, p = 0.950). Liver steatosis was observed in 15.3% of TSC patients compared to 23.7% of the controls, which was not statistically significant (two-tailed McNemar test, p = 0.267). Liver angiomyolipomata were identified in 13.6% of the TSC cohort. Conclusions: Our study, describing in detail the liver phenotype of TSC patients, did not reveal a significant difference in the prevalence of MRI-assessed liver steatosis in a large cohort of TSC patients compared to a closely matched control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaïs De Bock
- Department of Nephrology and Arterial Hypertension, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.B.); (K.F.); (K.M.W.)
| | - Carola Brussaard
- Department of Radiology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Silke François
- Department of Gastroenterology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Karlien François
- Department of Nephrology and Arterial Hypertension, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.B.); (K.F.); (K.M.W.)
| | - Laura Seynaeve
- Department of Neurology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Anna Jansen
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen (UZA), 2650 Antwerpen, Belgium;
| | - Karl Martin Wissing
- Department of Nephrology and Arterial Hypertension, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.B.); (K.F.); (K.M.W.)
| | - Peter Janssens
- Department of Nephrology and Arterial Hypertension, Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.D.B.); (K.F.); (K.M.W.)
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11
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Hildreth A, Schwimmer JB. Letter to the editor in response to: A case of pediatric alcohol-associated hepatitis evaluated for liver transplant listing. JPGN REPORTS 2024; 5:235. [PMID: 38756136 PMCID: PMC11093891 DOI: 10.1002/jpr3.12026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Amber Hildreth
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionUniversity of California San Diego School of MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- Department of GastroenterologyRady Children's HospitalSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Jeffrey B. Schwimmer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and NutritionUniversity of California San Diego School of MedicineLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- Department of GastroenterologyRady Children's HospitalSan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
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12
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Baciu C, Ghosh S, Naimimohasses S, Rahmani A, Pasini E, Naghibzadeh M, Azhie A, Bhat M. Harnessing Metabolites as Serum Biomarkers for Liver Graft Pathology Prediction Using Machine Learning. Metabolites 2024; 14:254. [PMID: 38786731 PMCID: PMC11122840 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14050254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Graft injury affects over 50% of liver transplant (LT) recipients, but non-invasive biomarkers to diagnose and guide treatment are currently limited. We aimed to develop a biomarker of graft injury by integrating serum metabolomic profiles with clinical variables. Serum from 55 LT recipients with biopsy confirmed metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), T-cell mediated rejection (TCMR) and biliary complications was collected and processed using a combination of LC-MS/MS assay. The metabolomic profiles were integrated with clinical information using a multi-class Machine Learning (ML) classifier. The model's efficacy was assessed through the Out-of-Bag (OOB) error estimate evaluation. Our ML model yielded an overall accuracy of 79.66% with an OOB estimate of the error rate at 19.75%. The model exhibited a maximum ability to distinguish MASH, with an OOB error estimate of 7.4% compared to 22.2% for biliary and 29.6% for TCMR. The metabolites serine and serotonin emerged as the topmost predictors. When predicting binary outcomes using three models: Biliary (biliary vs. rest), MASH (MASH vs. rest) and TCMR (TCMR vs. rest); the AUCs were 0.882, 0.972 and 0.896, respectively. Our ML tool integrating serum metabolites with clinical variables shows promise as a non-invasive, multi-class serum biomarker of graft pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Mamatha Bhat
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada; (C.B.); (S.G.); (S.N.); (A.R.); (E.P.); (M.N.); (A.A.)
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13
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Liukkonen VH, Nordin AJ, Färkkilä MA, Mirtti TK, Arola JT, Åberg FO. Protocol liver biopsy predicts graft survival after liver transplantation. Clin Transplant 2024; 38:e15286. [PMID: 38504561 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.15286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of protocol liver biopsy to monitor liver allograft status remains controversial. There is limited data from modern transplantation populations that includes protocol biopsies to evaluate its value in predicting clinical outcomes. METHODS All protocol liver biopsies were identified from 875 patients who underwent liver transplantation at Helsinki University Hospital between 2000 and 2019. Each histologic component was analyzed for its ability to predict long-term outcomes, especially graft survival. We determined the frequency of significant biopsy findings based on the Banff working group definition. Liver function tests (LFTs) and clinical markers were evaluated for their ability to predict significant biopsy findings. RESULTS In total, 867 protocol liver biopsies were analyzed. Significant findings were identified in 20.1% of the biopsies. In the first protocol biopsy, steatohepatitis (hazard ratio [HR] 3.504, p = .03) and moderate or severe congestion (HR 3.338, p = .04) predicted graft loss. The presence of cholangitis (HR 2.563, p = .04), necrosis (HR 7.635, p < .001), mild congestion (HR 4.291, p = .009), and significant biopsy finding (HR 2.540, p = .02) predicted inferior death-censored graft survival. While the degree of elevation of LFTs was positively associated with significant biopsy findings, the discrimination was poor (AUC .572-.622). Combined LFTs and clinical risk factors remained suboptimal for discriminating significant biopsy findings (AUC .696). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the use of protocol liver biopsies after liver transplantation since they frequently revealed changes associated with long-term outcomes, even when LFTs were normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville H Liukkonen
- Gastroenterology, North Karelia Central Hospital, Joensuu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arno J Nordin
- Transplantation and liver surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Tuomas K Mirtti
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna T Arola
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, Diagnostic Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Fredrik O Åberg
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Transplantation and liver surgery, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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14
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Widmer J, Eden J, Abbassi F, Angelico R, Rössler F, Müllhaupt B, Dutkowski P, Bueter M, Schlegel A. How best to combine liver transplantation and bariatric surgery?-Results from a global, web-based survey. Liver Int 2024; 44:566-576. [PMID: 38082500 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Obesity is a growing healthcare challenge worldwide and a significant risk factor for liver failure as seen with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Combining metabolic-bariatric surgery (MBS) with liver transplantation (LT) appears as attractive strategy to treat both, the underlying liver disease and obesity. However, there is an ongoing debate on best timing and patient selection. This survey was designed to explore the current treatment practice for patients with NASH and obesity worldwide. METHODS A web-based survey was conducted in 2022 among bariatric and LT surgeons, and hepatologists from Europe, North and South America and Asia. RESULTS The survey completion rate was 74% (145/196). The average respondents were 41-50 years (38%), male (82.1%) and had >20 years of clinical experience (42.1%). Centres with a high LT-caseload for NASH were mainly located in the USA and United Kingdom. Almost 30% have already performed a combination of LT with MBS and 49% plan to do it. A majority of bariatric surgeons prefer MBS before LT (77.2%), whereas most of LT surgeons (52%) would perform MBS during LT. Most respondents (n = 114; 80%) favour sleeve gastrectomy over other bariatric techniques. One third (n = 42; 29.4%) has an established protocol regarding MBS for LT candidates. CONCLUSION The most experienced centres doing LT for NASH are in the USA and United Kingdom with growing awareness worldwide. Overall, a combination of MBS and LT has already been performed by a third of respondents. Sleeve gastrectomy is the bariatric technique of choice-preferably performed either before or during LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Widmer
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janina Eden
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Fariba Abbassi
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberta Angelico
- HPB and Transplant Unit, Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabian Rössler
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Beat Müllhaupt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Dutkowski
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco Bueter
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery, Spital Männedorf, Männedorf, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Schlegel
- Department of Surgery and Transplantation, Swiss HPB Centre, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Transplantation Center, Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute and Department of Immunology, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Centre of Preclinical Research, Milan, Italy
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15
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Shenoy A, Bloom PP. Weight to go!-Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists in liver transplant recipients. Liver Transpl 2024; 30:124-126. [PMID: 37903064 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Shenoy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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16
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Rabindranath M, Zaya R, Prayitno K, Orchanian-Cheff A, Patel K, Jaeckel E, Bhat M. A Comprehensive Review of Liver Allograft Fibrosis and Steatosis: From Cause to Diagnosis. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1547. [PMID: 37854023 PMCID: PMC10581596 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in posttransplant care, long-term outcomes for liver transplant recipients remain unchanged. Approximately 25% of recipients will advance to graft cirrhosis and require retransplantation. Graft fibrosis progresses in the context of de novo or recurrent disease. Recurrent hepatitis C virus infection was previously the most important cause of graft failure but is now curable in the majority of patients. However, with an increasing prevalence of obesity and diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease as the most rapidly increasing indication for liver transplantation, metabolic dysfunction-associated liver injury is anticipated to become an important cause of graft fibrosis alongside alloimmune hepatitis and alcoholic liver disease. To better understand the landscape of the graft fibrosis literature, we summarize the associated epidemiology, cause, potential mechanisms, diagnosis, and complications. We additionally highlight the need for better noninvasive methods to ameliorate the management of graft fibrosis. Some examples include leveraging the microbiome, genetic, and machine learning methods to address these limitations. Overall, graft fibrosis is routinely seen by transplant clinicians, but it requires a better understanding of its underlying biology and contributors that can help inform diagnostic and therapeutic practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumitha Rabindranath
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rita Zaya
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Khairunnadiya Prayitno
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Ani Orchanian-Cheff
- Library and Information Services, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Keyur Patel
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elmar Jaeckel
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Ajmera Transplant Program, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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17
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Dumont C, Lanthier N, Dahlqvist G. Fibrosis and steatosis of the liver graft: Are non-invasive tests useful? A short review. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2023; 47:102194. [PMID: 37567467 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2023.102194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
As life expectancy of liver transplanted patients improves, new questions are arising to avoid progressive graft loss. The spectrum of chronic inflammation and fibrosis are known to be important triggers in the alteration of graft function. Liver biopsy remains the gold standard to better understand progressive, normal, and abnormal histological modifications of the graft. In parallel, the interest for metabolic steatosis development in post-transplantation is also growing. Long-term survival of these patients involves the management of comorbidities including metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases. Early detection of altered graft parenchyma, and monitoring of its evolution are undoubtedly essential. Non-invasive methods including transient elastography and fibrosis biomarkers are attractive tools to avoid drawbacks and complications of liver biopsy. Accuracy of these methods are well-known in a pre-transplantation setting, but evidence is lacking in post-transplantation setting. We review current knowledge of progressive liver fibrosis and steatosis development after transplantation and non-invasive methods of their assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Dumont
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Lanthier
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium; Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Géraldine Dahlqvist
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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18
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Taneja S, Roy A, Duseja A. NASH After Liver Transplantation: Impact of Immunosuppression. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:835-840. [PMID: 37693259 PMCID: PMC10483005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as one of the common causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is a leading indication for liver transplantation (LT). Patients with NAFLD-related cirrhosis and HCC are at high risk for the development of recurrent NAFLD after LT. NAFLD can also develop de novo post-transplantation in patients subjected to LT for other indications. Besides the pretransplant presence of various components of metabolic syndrome (MS) use of immunosuppressive agents in the post-LT setting forms one of the major drivers for the development of post-LT NAFLD. Individual components of conventional immunosuppressive regimens (corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, and m-TOR inhibitors) are all implicated in the development of post-LT metabolic derangement and follow unique mechanisms of action and degree of disturbances. The development of cardiovascular risk is associated with post-LT NAFLD, although graft outcomes do not seem to be influenced only by the presence of post-LT NAFLD. Measures in consonance with the management of NAFLD, in general, including lifestyle modifications and control of metabolic risk factors, hold true for post-LT NAFLD. Tailoring immunosuppression strategies with early corticosteroid withdrawal and calcineurin inhibitor minimization balancing against the risk of graft rejection constitutes important nuances in the individualized management of post-LT NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil Taneja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute on Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akash Roy
- Institute of Gastrosciences and Liver Transplantation Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, India
| | - Ajay Duseja
- Department of Hepatology, Postgraduate Institute on Medical Education & Research, Chandigarh, India
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19
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Amatya R, Lee D, Min KA, Shin MC. Pharmaceutical Strategies to Improve Druggability of Potential Drug Candidates in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Therapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:1963. [PMID: 37514148 PMCID: PMC10386216 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15071963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become globally prevalent and is the leading cause of chronic liver disease. Although NAFLD is reversible without medical intervention in the early stage, the condition could be sequentially worsened to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and, eventually, cirrhosis and hepatic cancer. The progression of NAFLD is related to various factors such as genetics, pre-disposed metabolic disorders, and immunologic factors. Thankfully, to date, there have been accumulating research efforts and, as a result, different classes of potent drug candidates have been discovered. In addition, there have also been various attempts to explore pharmaceutical strategies to improve the druggability of drug candidates. In this review, we provided a brief overview of the drug candidates that have undergone clinical trials. In the latter part, strategies for developing better drugs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reeju Amatya
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghee Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung Ah Min
- College of Pharmacy and Inje Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Inje University, 197 Injero, Gimhae 50834, Republic of Korea
| | - Meong Cheol Shin
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, 501 Jinju Daero, Jinju 52828, Republic of Korea
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20
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Terrault NA, Francoz C, Berenguer M, Charlton M, Heimbach J. Liver Transplantation 2023: Status Report, Current and Future Challenges. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2150-2166. [PMID: 37084928 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation offers live-saving therapy for patients with complications of cirrhosis and stage T2 hepatocellular carcinoma. The demand for organs far outstrips the supply, and innovations aimed at increasing the number of usable deceased donors as well as alternative donor sources are a major focus. The etiologies of cirrhosis are shifting over time, with more need for transplantation among patients with alcohol-associated liver disease and nonalcoholic/metabolic fatty liver disease and less for viral hepatitis, although hepatitis B remains an important indication for transplant in countries with high endemicity. The rise in transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease and nonalcoholic/metabolic fatty liver disease has brought attention to how patients are selected for transplantation and the strategies needed to prevent recurrent disease. In this review, we present a status report on the most pressing topics in liver transplantation and future challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah A Terrault
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.
| | - Claire Francoz
- Liver Intensive Care and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hepatology, Hospital Beaujon, Clichy, France
| | - Marina Berenguer
- Hepatology and Liver Transplantation Unit, Hospital Universitario la Fe - IIS La Fe Valencia; CiberEHD and University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Michael Charlton
- Transplantation Institute, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Julie Heimbach
- William von Liebig Center for Transplantation, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota
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21
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Li J, Sato T, Hernández-Tejero M, Beier JI, Sayed K, Benos PV, Wilkey DW, Humar A, Merchant ML, Duarte-Rojo A, Arteel GE. The plasma degradome reflects later development of NASH fibrosis after liver transplant. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9965. [PMID: 37340062 PMCID: PMC10282030 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36867-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Although liver transplantation (LT) is an effective therapy for cirrhosis, the risk of post-LT NASH is alarmingly high and is associated with accelerated progression to fibrosis/cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease and decreased survival. Lack of risk stratification strategies hampers early intervention against development of post-LT NASH fibrosis. The liver undergoes significant remodeling during inflammatory injury. During such remodeling, degraded peptide fragments (i.e., 'degradome') of the ECM and other proteins increase in plasma, making it a useful diagnostic/prognostic tool in chronic liver disease. To investigate whether liver injury caused by post-LT NASH would yield a unique degradome profile that is predictive of severe post-LT NASH fibrosis, a retrospective analysis of 22 biobanked samples from the Starzl Transplantation Institute (12 with post-LT NASH after 5 years and 10 without) was performed. Total plasma peptides were isolated and analyzed by 1D-LC-MS/MS analysis using a Proxeon EASY-nLC 1000 UHPLC and nanoelectrospray ionization into an Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer. Qualitative and quantitative peptide features data were developed from MSn datasets using PEAKS Studio X (v10). LC-MS/MS yielded ~ 2700 identifiable peptide features based on the results from Peaks Studio analysis. Several peptides were significantly altered in patients that later developed fibrosis and heatmap analysis of the top 25 most significantly changed peptides, most of which were ECM-derived, clustered the 2 patient groups well. Supervised modeling of the dataset indicated that a fraction of the total peptide signal (~ 15%) could explain the differences between the groups, indicating a strong potential for representative biomarker selection. A similar degradome profile was observed when the plasma degradome patterns were compared being obesity sensitive (C57Bl6/J) and insensitive (AJ) mouse strains. The plasma degradome profile of post-LT patients yielded stark difference based on later development of post-LT NASH fibrosis. This approach could yield new "fingerprints" that can serve as minimally-invasive biomarkers of negative outcomes post-LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, West 1143, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Toshifumi Sato
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, West 1143, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - María Hernández-Tejero
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, West 1143, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Juliane I Beier
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, West 1143, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Khaled Sayed
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Computer Science, University of New Haven, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Daniel W Wilkey
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Abhinav Humar
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Andres Duarte-Rojo
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Northwestern Medicine and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Northwestern Medicine and Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Gavin E Arteel
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Thomas E. Starzl Biomedical Science Tower, West 1143, 200 Lothrop Street, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
- Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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22
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Pellegrina D, Prayitno K, Azhie A, Pasini E, Baciu C, Fischer S, Reimand J, Bhat M. Transcriptomic changes in liver transplant recipients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis indicate dysregulation of wound healing. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1111614. [PMID: 37223041 PMCID: PMC10200958 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1111614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has become a leading indication for liver transplantation. However, it often recurs in the graft and can also arise de novo in individuals transplanted for other indications. Post-transplant NASH (PT-NASH) is more aggressive and leads to accelerated fibrosis. The mechanistic basis of PT-NASH has not yet been defined and no specific therapeutic strategies are currently available. Methods Here, we profiled the transcriptomes of livers with PT-NASH from liver transplant recipients to identify dysregulated genes, pathways, and molecular interaction networks. Results Transcriptomic changes in the PI3K-Akt pathway were observed in association with metabolic alterations in PT-NASH. Other significant changes in gene expression were associated with DNA replication, cell cycle, extracellular matrix organization, and wound healing. A systematic comparison with non-transplant NASH (NT-NASH) liver transcriptomes indicated an increased activation of wound healing and angiogenesis pathways in the post-transplant condition. Conclusion Beyond altered lipid metabolism, dysregulation of wound healing and tissue repair mechanisms may contribute to the accelerated development of fibrosis associated with PT-NASH. This presents an attractive therapeutic avenue to explore for PT-NASH to optimize the benefit and survival of the graft.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Pellegrina
- Computational Biology Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Khairunnadiya Prayitno
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Amirhossein Azhie
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elisa Pasini
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cristina Baciu
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sandra Fischer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jüri Reimand
- Computational Biology Program, Ontario Institute for Cancer Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mamatha Bhat
- Multi-Organ Transplant Program, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ajmera Transplant Center, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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23
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Alqahtani SA, Chan WK, Yu ML. Hepatic Outcomes of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Including Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:211-223. [PMID: 37024203 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide and represents a significant cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Almost 20% of patients with NAFLD and advanced fibrosis develop cirrhosis, of which 20% can progress to decompensated liver stage. Although patients with cirrhosis or fibrosis continue to have a high risk for HCC progression, growing evidence shows that NAFLD-HCC can develop even in the absence of cirrhosis. Current evidence characterizes NAFLD-HCC primarily as a condition with late presentation, lower response to curative therapy, and poor prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh A Alqahtani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA; Liver Transplant Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Wah-Kheong Chan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatitis Research Center, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Hepatobiliary Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatitis Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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24
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Shalaby S, Battistella S, Zanetto A, Bizzaro D, Germani G, Paolo Russo F, Burra P. Changings and Challenges in Liver Transplantation for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/Steatohepatitis. Clin Liver Dis 2023; 27:225-237. [PMID: 37024204 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) is increasing rapidly worldwide. Compared with alcohol and viral-related liver disease, NAFLD/NASH is more frequently associated with a systemic metabolic syndrome, which significantly affects other organs, requiring multidisciplinary management, in all phases of liver transplant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Shalaby
- Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy
| | - Sara Battistella
- Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanetto
- Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy
| | - Debora Bizzaro
- Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy
| | - Giacomo Germani
- Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology, Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 2, Padua 35128, Italy.
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25
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Silva AC, Nogueira P, Machado MV. Hepatic steatosis after liver transplantation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:431-448. [PMID: 36735478 DOI: 10.1097/lvt.0000000000000060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
NAFLD can occur after liver transplantation (LT), as recurrence or de novo hepatic steatosis (HS). We aimed to evaluate the literature on prevalence, risk factors, and prognosis of post-LT HS. Systematic review with meta-analysis through a search on: PUBMED, Scopus, and Web-of-Science, from inception until the September 30, 2021. Forty studies were included, representing 6979 patients. The post-LT HS prevalence was 39.76% (95% CI, 34.06-45.46), with a rising kinetics (11.06% increase per decade, p =0.04), and a geographical distribution (15.10% more prevalent in American continent compared with Europe and Asia). Recurrent HS was up to 5-fold more likely than de novo HS [OR: 5.38 (2.69-10.76)]. Metabolic disturbances were stronger risk factors in the post-LT recipient [obesity: OR: 4.62 (3.07-6.96); metabolic syndrome: OR: 3.26 (2.03-5.25)] as compared with pre-LT recipients, with the exception of diabetes mellitus, which doubled the risk at any set [pre-LT diabetes mellitus: OR: 2.06 (1.58-2.68); post-LT diabetes mellitus: OR: 2.12 (1.73-2.59)]. Donor factors were not the relevant risk factors for post-LT HS and the only immunosuppressive drug associated with increased risk was sirolimus [OR: 1.68 (1.07-2.64)]. The prevalence of post-LT steatohepatitis was 28.82% (19.62-38.03) and the strongest risk factor was pre-LT NAFLD. Limited outcomes data suggest that post-LT HS did not increase the risk for liver cirrhosis or mortality in these studies. Two out of 5 patients submitted to LT will develop post-LT HS, being recurrent HS more common than de novo HS. Diabetes mellitus and post-LT metabolic syndrome are the strongest risk factors for HS and baseline NAFLD for steatohepatitis. All transplanted patients should be enrolled in lifestyle interventions to prevent post-LT metabolic syndrome, and sirolimus should be avoided in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C Silva
- Gastroenterology Department, Medicine School, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Nogueira
- Biostatistic Department, Medicine School, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mariana V Machado
- Gastroenterology Department, Medicine School, Lisbon University, Lisbon, Portugal
- Gastroenterology Department, Vila Franca de Xira Hospital, Lisbon, Portugal
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26
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Rodas FV, Shankar N. NAFLD: A pretransplant and post-transplant conundrum. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2023; 21:93-98. [PMID: 37936953 PMCID: PMC10627585 DOI: 10.1097/cld.0000000000000021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian V. Rodas
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio—UTHSCSA, The Texas Liver Institute, San Antonio, Texas, USA
| | - Nagasri Shankar
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio—UTHSCSA, San Antonio, Texas, USA
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27
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Tariq N, Saharia A, Nwokedi U, Hobeika MJ, Mobley CM, Hsu D, Potter LM, Moore LW, Elaileh A, Sherman V, Ghobrial RM. Combined liver transplantation and sleeve gastrectomy: Report of a brief-interval staged approach. Liver Transpl 2023; 29:422-430. [PMID: 37160061 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Pretransplantation bariatric surgery in patients with high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score is fraught with risks. Bariatric surgery after liver transplantation (LT) may be complicated by surgical adhesions but could have advantages if performed at the time of transplantation. We investigated a method of brief-interval staging combining LT and sleeve gastrectomy (SG). LT recipients with a body mass index (BMI) > 40 kg/m 2 received an SG during the same hospitalization as the LT (LT/SG), at the same time as a planned brief-interval return to the operating room for biliary anastomosis. Differences in intraoperative attributes of the LT (Stage 1) versus SG (Stage 2) procedures were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank test with significance p < 0.05 and compared with patients with obesity having a two-stage LT without SG. A total of 14 cases {median MELD score 33 (interquartile range [IQR], 18-40)} were compared with 28 controls; 60% were critically ill prior to surgery with mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, or continuous renal replacement therapy. Median interval between procedures was 16.1 (IQR, 12.5-22.7) hours for cases and 12.2 (IQR, 11.1-16.6) hours for controls, p = 0.27. Median BMI at LT/SG was 47.0 (IQR, 41.7-51.3) kg/m 2 versus 38.1 (IQR, 35.7-39.8) kg/m 2 for controls, p < 0.001. At 1 year, median excess body weight loss was 74.0% (IQR, 46.2%-78.7%) in cases and 15.8% (IQR, -5.4% to 62.6%) in controls, p = 0.13; total weight loss was 38.1% (IQR, 23.9-42.9) in cases versus 7.7% (IQR, -2.4% to 27.6%) for controls, p = 0.03. Graft survival at 1 year was 92.9% for cases and 89.3% for controls with similar early postoperative outcomes. This proof-of-concept study revealed that a brief-interval SG during LT is feasible in patients with high MELD and resulted in sustained weight loss at 1 year with similar graft survival. Further studies are needed to determine an optimal strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabil Tariq
- Department of Surgery , Houston Methodist Hospital , Houston , Texas , USA
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28
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Fuochi E, Anastasio L, Lynch EN, Campani C, Dragoni G, Milani S, Galli A, Innocenti T. Main factors influencing long-term outcomes of liver transplantation in 2022. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:321-352. [PMID: 37034235 PMCID: PMC10075010 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i3.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplant (LT) outcomes have markedly improved in the recent decades, even if long-term morbidity and mortality are still considerable. Most of late deaths are independent from graft function and different comorbidities, including complications of metabolic syndrome and de novo neoplasms, seem to play a key role in determining long-term outcomes in LT recipients. This review discusses the main factors associated with late mortality and suggests possible strategies to improve long-term management and follow-up after liver transplantation. In particular, the reduction of drug toxicity, the use of tools to identify high-risk patients, and setting up a multidisciplinary team also for long-term management of LT recipients may further improve survival after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Fuochi
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Anastasio
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Erica Nicola Lynch
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Claudia Campani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Gabriele Dragoni
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Stefano Milani
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
| | - Tommaso Innocenti
- Gastroenterology Research Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence 50134, Italy
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29
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Vanlerberghe BTK, van Malenstein H, Sainz-Bariga M, Jochmans I, Cassiman D, Monbaliu D, van der Merwe S, Pirenne J, Nevens F, Verbeek J. Utility and prognostic value of diagnosing MAFLD in patients undergoing liver transplantation for alcohol-related liver disease. Clin Transplant 2023:e14965. [PMID: 36940254 DOI: 10.1111/ctr.14965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, the term metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) was proposed to replace non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). This concept enables diagnosing liver disease associated with metabolic dysfunction in patients with alcohol-related liver disease (ALD), a main indication for liver transplantation (LTx). We assessed MAFLD prevalence in ALD patients undergoing LTx and its prognostic value on post-LTx outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed all ALD patients transplanted at our center between 1990 and August 2020. MAFLD was diagnosed based on the presence or history of hepatic steatosis and a BMI > 25 or type II diabetes or ≥ 2 metabolic risk abnormalities at LTx. Overall survival and risk factors for recurrent liver and cardiovascular events were analyzed by Cox regression. RESULTS Of the 371 included patients transplanted for ALD, 255 (68.7%) had concomitant MAFLD at LTx. Median follow-up post-LTx was 72 months (IQR: 34.50-122). Patients with ALD-MAFLD were older at LTx (p = .001), more often male (p < .001) and more frequently had hepatocellular carcinoma (p < .001). No differences in perioperative mortality and overall survival were found. ALD-MAFLD patients had an increased risk of recurrent hepatic steatosis, irrespective of alcohol relapse, but no superimposed risk of cardiovascular events. CONCLUSIONS The co-presence of MAFLD at LTx for ALD is associated with a distinct patient profile and is an independent risk factor for recurrent hepatic steatosis. The use of MAFLD criteria in ALD patients might increase awareness and treatment of specific hepatic and systemic metabolic abnormalities before and after LTx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedict T K Vanlerberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), University Maastricht, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Hannah van Malenstein
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mauricio Sainz-Bariga
- Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Abdominal Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ina Jochmans
- Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Abdominal Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David Cassiman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Diethard Monbaliu
- Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Abdominal Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Schalk van der Merwe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jacques Pirenne
- Transplantation Research Group, Department of Microbiology and Transplantation, Laboratory of Abdominal Transplantation, KU Leuven, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Abdominal Transplant Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Frederik Nevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jef Verbeek
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Chronic Diseases and Metabolism (CHROMETA), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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30
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Martinez-Castillo M, Altamirano-Mendoza I, Zielinski R, Priebe W, Piña-Barba C, Gutierrez-Reyes G. Collagen matrix scaffolds: Future perspectives for the management of chronic liver diseases. World J Clin Cases 2023; 11:1224-1235. [PMID: 36926129 PMCID: PMC10013111 DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i6.1224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 1.5 billion chronic liver disease (CLD) cases have been estimated worldwide, encompassing a wide range of liver damage severities. Moreover, liver disease causes approximately 1.75 million deaths per year. CLD is typically characterized by the silent and progressive deterioration of liver parenchyma due to an incessant inflammatory process, cell death, over deposition of extracellular matrix proteins, and dysregulated regeneration. Overall, these processes impair the correct function of this vital organ. Cirrhosis and liver cancer are the main complications of CLD, which accounts for 3.5% of all deaths worldwide. Liver transplantation is the optimal therapeutic option for advanced liver damage. The liver is one of the most common organs transplanted; however, only 10% of liver transplants are successful. In this context, regenerative medicine has made significant progress in the design of biomaterials, such as collagen matrix scaffolds, to address the limitations of organ transplantation (e.g., low donation rates and biocompatibility). Thus, it remains crucial to continue with experimental and clinical studies to validate the use of collagen matrix scaffolds in liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Martinez-Castillo
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Itzel Altamirano-Mendoza
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rafal Zielinski
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Waldemar Priebe
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, United States
| | - Cristina Piña-Barba
- Materials Research Institute, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Gutierrez-Reyes
- Liver, Pancreas and Motility Laboratory, Unit of Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico, Mexico City 06726, Mexico City, Mexico
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31
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Abstract
Abnormal liver tests are common after liver transplantation. The differential diagnosis depends on the clinical context, particularly the time course, pattern and degree of elevation, and donor and recipient factors. The perioperative period has distinct causes compared with months and years after transplant, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, vascular thrombosis, and primary graft nonfunction. Etiologies seen beyond the perioperative period include biliary complications, rejection, infection, recurrent disease, and non-transplant-specific causes. The evaluation begins with a liver ultrasound with Doppler as well as appropriate laboratory testing and culminates in a liver biopsy if the imaging and laboratory testing is unrevealing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline B Henson
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, DUMC Box 3913, Durham, NC 27710, USA. https://twitter.com/jackie_henson
| | - Andrew J Muir
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University, DUMC Box 3913, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, DUMC Box 3913, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Li J, Sato T, Hernández-Tejero M, Beier JI, Sayed K, Benos PV, Wilkey DW, Humar A, Merchant ML, Duarte-Rojo A, Arteel GE. The plasma degradome reflects later development of NASH fibrosis after liver transplant. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.30.526241. [PMID: 36778394 PMCID: PMC9915514 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.30.526241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Although liver transplantation (LT) is an effective therapy for cirrhosis, the risk of post-LT NASH is alarmingly high and is associated with accelerated progression to fibrosis/cirrhosis, cardiovascular disease, and decreased survival. Lack of risk stratification strategies hamper liver undergoes significant remodeling during inflammatory injury. During such remodeling, degraded peptide fragments (i.e., 'degradome') of the ECM and other proteins increase in plasma, making it a useful diagnostic/prognostic tool in chronic liver disease. To investigate whether inflammatory liver injury caused by post-LT NASH would yield a unique degradome profile, predictive of severe post-LT NASH fibrosis, we performed a retrospective analysis of 22 biobanked samples from the Starzl Transplantation Institute (12 with post-LT NASH after 5 years and 10 without). Total plasma peptides were isolated and analyzed by 1D-LC-MS/MS analysis using a Proxeon EASY-nLC 1000 UHPLC and nanoelectrospray ionization into an Orbitrap Elite mass spectrometer. Qualitative and quantitative peptide features data were developed from MSn datasets using PEAKS Studio X (v10). LC-MS/MS yielded ∼2700 identifiable peptide features based on the results from Peaks Studio analysis. Several peptides were significantly altered in patients that later developed fibrosis and heatmap analysis of the top 25 most significantly-changed peptides, most of which were ECM-derived, clustered the 2 patient groups well. Supervised modeling of the dataset indicated that a fraction of the total peptide signal (∼15%) could explain the differences between the groups, indicating a strong potential for representative biomarker selection. A similar degradome profile was observed when the plasma degradome patterns were compared being obesity sensitive (C57Bl6/J) and insensitive (AJ) mouse strains. Both The plasma degradome profile of post-LT patients yields stark difference based on later development of post-LT NASH fibrosis. This approach could yield new "fingerprints" that can serve as minimally-invasive biomarkers of negative outcomes post-LT.
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Geerts A, Lefere S. Bariatric surgery for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Indications and post-operative management. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:S276-S285. [PMID: 36545709 PMCID: PMC10029945 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and metabolic consequences such as nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) has become a crucial health problem. Lifestyle modifications, especially weight loss, effectively reduces liver injury in NAFLD patients. However, adherence to lifestyle changes is very low in the clinical setting. Bariatric surgery can improve metabolic components and cause long-term weight loss. Therefore, bariatric surgery could serve as an attractive treatment option for NAFLD patients. This review integrates data about the benefits of bariatric surgery on NAFLD but also describes the potential pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Geerts
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Battistella S, D'Arcangelo F, Grasso M, Zanetto A, Gambato M, Germani G, Senzolo M, Russo FP, Burra P. Liver transplantation for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: indications and post-transplant management. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:S286-S301. [PMID: 36577425 PMCID: PMC10029965 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the fastest growing indication to liver transplantation (LT) in Western Countries, both for end stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is often expression of a systemic metabolic syndrome; therefore, NAFLD/NASH patients require a multidisciplinary approach for a proper pre-surgical evaluation, which is important to achieve a post-transplant outcome comparable to that of other indications to LT. NAFLD/NASH patients are also at higher risk of post-transplant cardiovascular events, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, renal impairment and recurrent NASH. Lifestyle modifications, included diet and physical activity, are key to improve survival and quality of life after transplantation. A tailored immunosuppressive regimen may be proposed in selected patients. Development of new drugs for the treatment of recurrent NASH is awaited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Battistella
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Arcangelo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Grasso
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Alberto Zanetto
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Martina Gambato
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giacomo Germani
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Senzolo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Paolo Russo
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Burra
- Gastroenterology and Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Padua University Hospital, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Belfort-DeAguiar R, Lomonaco R, Cusi K. Approach to the Patient With Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:483-495. [PMID: 36305273 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D), causing substantial burden from hepatic and extrahepatic complications. However, endocrinologists often follow people who are at the highest risk of its more severe form with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH (i.e., T2D or obesity with cardiometabolic risk factors). Endocrinologists are in a unique position to prevent cirrhosis in this population with early diagnosis and treatment. OBJECTIVE This work aims to offer endocrinologists a practical approach for the management of patients with NAFLD, including diagnosis, fibrosis risk stratification, and referral to hepatologists. PATIENTS (1) An asymptomatic patient with obesity and cardiometabolic risk factors, found to have hepatic steatosis; (2) a patient with T2D and NASH with clinically significant liver fibrosis; and (3) a liver transplant recipient with a history of NASH cirrhosis, with significant weight regain and with recurrent NAFLD on the transplanted organ. CONCLUSION NASH can be reversed with proper management of obesity and of T2D. While no agents are currently approved for the treatment of NASH, treatment should include lifestyle changes and a broader use of structured weight-loss programs, obesity pharmacotherapy, and bariatric surgery. Diabetes medications such as pioglitazone and some glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists may also improve liver histology and cardiometabolic health. Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors and insulin may ameliorate steatosis, but their effect on steatohepatitis remains unclear. Awareness by endocrinologists about, establishing an early diagnosis of fibrosis (ie, FIB-4, liver elastography) in patients at high-risk of cirrhosis, long-term monitoring, and timely referral to the hepatologist are all critical to curve the looming epidemic of cirrhosis from NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Belfort-DeAguiar
- Internal Medicine Department, Endocrinology Section, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut 06520, USA
| | - Romina Lomonaco
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
| | - Kenneth Cusi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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Villeret F, Dharancy S, Erard D, Abergel A, Barbier L, Besch C, Boillot O, Boudjema K, Coilly A, Conti F, Corpechot C, Duvoux C, Faitot F, Faure S, Francoz C, Giostra E, Gugenheim J, Hardwigsen J, Hilleret MN, Hiriart JB, Houssel-Debry P, Kamar N, Lassailly G, Latournerie M, Pageaux GP, Samuel D, Vanlemmens C, Saliba F, Dumortier J. Inevitability of disease recurrence after liver transplantation for NAFLD cirrhosis. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100668. [PMID: 36852108 PMCID: PMC9957774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2022.100668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Liver transplantation (LT) is the only available treatment for end-stage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (related decompensated cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma). The aim of our study was to evaluate the risk of disease recurrence after LT and the factors influencing it. Method This retrospective multicenter study included adults transplanted for NAFLD cirrhosis between 2000 and 2019 in 20 participating French-speaking centers. Disease recurrence (steatosis, steatohepatitis and fibrosis) was diagnosed from liver graft biopsies. Results We analyzed 150 patients with at least one graft liver biopsy available ≥6 months after transplantation, among 361 patients transplanted for NAFLD. The median (IQR) age at LT was 61.3 (54.4-64.6) years. The median follow-up after LT was 4.7 (2.8-8.1) years. The cumulative recurrence rates of steatosis and steatohepatitis at 5 years were 80.0% and 60.3%, respectively. Significant risk factors for steatohepatitis recurrence in multivariate analysis were recipient age at LT <65 years (odds ratio [OR] 4.214; p = 0.044), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol <1.15 mmol/L after LT (OR 3.463; p = 0.013) and grade ≥2 steatosis on the graft at 1 year after LT (OR 10.196; p = 0.001). The cumulative incidence of advanced fibrosis (F3-F4) was 20.0% at 5 years after LT and significant risk factors from multivariate analysis were metabolic syndrome before LT (OR 8.550; p = 0.038), long-term use of cyclosporine (OR 11.388; p = 0.031) and grade ≥2 steatosis at 1 year after LT (OR 10.720; p = 0.049). No re-LT was performed for NAFLD cirrhosis recurrence. Conclusion Our results strongly suggest that recurrence of initial disease after LT for NAFLD is inevitable and progressive in a large proportion of patients; the means to prevent it remain to be further evaluated. Impact and implications Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a growing indication for liver transplantation, but the analysis of disease recurrence, based on graft liver biopsies, has been poorly studied. Cumulative incidences of steatosis, steatohepatitis and NAFLD-related significant fibrosis recurrence at 5 years were 85.0%, 60.3% and 48.0%, respectively. Grade ≥2 steatosis on graft biopsy at 1 year (present in 25% of patients) is highly predictive of recurrence of steatohepatitis and advanced fibrosis: bariatric surgery should be discussed in these patients specifically.
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Key Words
- ABM, Agence de la Biomédecine
- BS, bariatric surgery
- Bariatric surgery
- CNI, calcineurin inhibitor
- CST, corticosteroid
- CV, cardiovascular
- CYA, cyclosporine
- ESLD, end-stage liver disease
- HCC, hepatocellular carcinoma
- LT, liver transplantation
- MS, metabolic syndrome
- NAFLD recurrence
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- liver transplantation
- mTOR-i, mTOR inhibitor
- metabolic syndrome
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Affiliation(s)
- François Villeret
- Service d’Hépatologie et de Transplantation Hépatique, Institut d’Hépatologie de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France,Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Sébastien Dharancy
- Service des Maladies de l’Appareil Digestif, Hôpital Claude Huriez, CHRU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Domitille Erard
- Service d’Hépatologie et de Transplantation Hépatique, Institut d’Hépatologie de Lyon, Hôpital de la Croix Rousse, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Armand Abergel
- Département de Médecine digestive, CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Louise Barbier
- Service de Chirurgie digestive, Oncologique et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Trousseau, CHU Tours, Tours, France
| | - Camille Besch
- Service de Chirurgie Hépato-bilio-pancréatique et Transplantation Hépatique, CHRU Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France
| | - Olivier Boillot
- Fédération des Spécialités Digestives, Institut d’Hépatologie de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Karim Boudjema
- Service de Chirurgie Hépatobiliaire et digestive, Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, Rennes, France
| | - Audrey Coilly
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Université Paris Saclay, Unité Inserm 1193, AP-HP, Villejuif, France
| | - Filomena Conti
- Sorbonne Université, CRSA, APHP, Unité Médicale de Transplantation Hépatique, Service d’Hépatogastroentérologie, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Corpechot
- Service d'Hépatologie, Hôpital Saint-Antoine, CHU Saint-Antoine, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - François Faitot
- Service de Chirurgie Hépato-bilio-pancréatique et Transplantation Hépatique, CHRU Hautepierre, Strasbourg, France
| | - Stéphanie Faure
- Service d’Hépato-gastroentérologie et Transplantation Hépatique, CHU Saint-Eloi, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Claire Francoz
- Service d'Hépatologie et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital Beaujon, APHP, Clichy, France
| | - Emiliano Giostra
- Service de Gastroentérologie et Hépatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Genève, Genève, Switzerland
| | - Jean Gugenheim
- Service de Chirurgie Digestive et Centre de Transplantation Hépatique, Université Côte d’Azur, CHU l’Archet, Nice, France
| | - Jean Hardwigsen
- Service Chirurgie Générale et Transplantation Hépatique, Hôpital La Timone, APHM, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jean-Baptiste Hiriart
- Service d'Hépatologie et de Transplantation Hépatique, CHU Haut-Lévêque, Pessac, France
| | - Pauline Houssel-Debry
- Service des Maladies du Foie, Hôpital Universitaire de Pontchaillou, CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Nassim Kamar
- Département de Néphrologie et Transplantation d'Organes, CHU Rangueil, Toulouse, France
| | - Guillaume Lassailly
- Service des Maladies de l’Appareil Digestif, Hôpital Claude Huriez, CHRU Lille, Lille, France
| | - Marianne Latournerie
- Service d’hépatologie et de Gastro-entérologie, CHU Dijon-Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Georges-Philippe Pageaux
- Service d’Hépato-gastroentérologie et Transplantation Hépatique, CHU Saint-Eloi, Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Didier Samuel
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Université Paris Saclay, Unité Inserm 1193, AP-HP, Villejuif, France
| | - Claire Vanlemmens
- Service d'Hépatologie et Soins Intensifs Digestifs, CHU Jean Minjoz, Besançon, France
| | - Faouzi Saliba
- Centre Hépato-Biliaire, Hôpital Paul Brousse, Université Paris Saclay, Unité Inserm 1193, AP-HP, Villejuif, France
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France,Fédération des Spécialités Digestives, Institut d’Hépatologie de Lyon, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France,Corresponding author. Address: Pavillons L, Hôpital Edouard Herriot, 69437 Cedex 03, Lyon, France; Tel.: (33) 4 72 11 01 11; fax: (33) 4 72 11 01 47
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Dong Q, Bao H, Wang J, Shi W, Zou X, Sheng J, Gao J, Guan C, Xia H, Li J, Kang P, Xu Y, Cui Y, Zhong X. Liver fibrosis and MAFLD: the exploration of multi-drug combination therapy strategies. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1120621. [PMID: 37153080 PMCID: PMC10157161 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1120621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the prevalence of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has reached pandemic proportions as a leading cause of liver fibrosis worldwide. However, the stage of liver fibrosis is associated with an increased risk of severe liver-related and cardiovascular events and is the strongest predictor of mortality in MAFLD patients. More and more people believe that MAFLD is a multifactorial disease with multiple pathways are involved in promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Numerous drug targets and drugs have been explored for various anti-fibrosis pathways. The treatment of single medicines is brutal to obtain satisfactory results, so the strategies of multi-drug combination therapies have attracted increasing attention. In this review, we discuss the mechanism of MAFLD-related liver fibrosis and its regression, summarize the current intervention and treatment methods for this disease, and focus on the analysis of drug combination strategies for MAFLD and its subsequent liver fibrosis in recent years to explore safer and more effective multi-drug combination therapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfu Dong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haolin Bao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiangang Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wujiang Shi
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xinlei Zou
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jialin Sheng
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jianjun Gao
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Canghai Guan
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Haoming Xia
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jinglin Li
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Pengcheng Kang
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Functional and Clinical Translational Medicine, Fujian Province University, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen, Fujian, China
- Jiangsu Province Engineering Research Center of Tumor Targeted Nano Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, Jiangsu, China
- Key Laboratory of Biomarkers and In Vitro Diagnosis Translation of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Ministry of Education, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, Key Laboratory of Chemical Genomics, Peking University Shenzhen Graduate School, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Department of Pathology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Pharmacy and Individualized Therapy of Huzhou, Department of Pharmacy, Changxing People's Hospital, Changxing, Zhejiang, China
- Yi Xu
| | - Yunfu Cui
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Yunfu Cui
| | - Xiangyu Zhong
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- *Correspondence: Xiangyu Zhong
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Nishio T, Ito T, Hata K, Taura K, Hatano E. Current status of liver transplantation for non-B non-C liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Ann Gastroenterol Surg 2023; 7:42-52. [PMID: 36643372 PMCID: PMC9831911 DOI: 10.1002/ags3.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, non-B non-C chronic liver diseases, including alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have markedly increased worldwide. Liver transplantation (LT) is an effective curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as well as decompensated liver cirrhosis. In Japan, where the source of liver grafts is strongly dependent on living donors, efforts have been made to unify the indications for eligibility of HCC patients for LT, leading to the development of 5-5-500 criteria. Along with the expansion of eligibility for LT, the current changing trends in underlying liver diseases of LT recipients, which are related to the rising tide of non-B non-C cirrhosis and HCC, are highlighting the importance of peri-transplant management of patients with various comorbidities. The post-LT prognosis of patients with ALD is significantly affected by de novo malignancies and metabolic syndrome-related complications as well as posttransplant alcohol relapse. NAFLD/NASH patients often suffer from obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and other metabolic syndrome-related disorders, and nonneoplastic factors such as cardiovascular events and recurrence of NAFLD/NASH have a significant impact on post-LT outcomes. Patient management in the peri-transplant period as well as risk assessment for LT are key to improving post-LT outcomes in the era of a growing number of cases of LT for non-B non-C liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Nishio
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Takashi Ito
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Koichiro Hata
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Kojiro Taura
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
| | - Etsuro Hatano
- Department of Surgery, Graduate School of MedicineKyoto UniversityKyotoJapan
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Lonardo A, Mantovani A, Petta S, Carraro A, Byrne CD, Targher G. Metabolic mechanisms for and treatment of NAFLD or NASH occurring after liver transplantation. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2022; 18:638-650. [PMID: 35840803 DOI: 10.1038/s41574-022-00711-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The rising tide of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with the obesity epidemic is a major health concern worldwide. NAFLD - specifically its more advanced form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-related cirrhosis - is now the fastest growing indication for liver transplantation in the USA and Europe. Although the short-term and mid-term overall survival rates of patients who receive a liver transplant for NASH-related cirrhosis are essentially similar to those of patients who receive a transplant for other liver indications, recipients with NASH-related cirrhosis have an increased risk of waiting-list mortality and of developing recurrent liver disease and cardiometabolic complications in the longer term after liver transplantation. This Review provides a brief overview of the epidemiology of NAFLD and NASH and the occurrence of NAFLD or NASH in patients after liver transplantation for NASH and other liver indications. It also discusses the putative metabolic mechanisms underlying the emergence of NAFLD or NASH after liver transplantation as well as optimal therapeutic approaches for recipients of liver transplants, including the management of cardiometabolic comorbidities, tailored immunosuppression, lifestyle changes and pharmacotherapy for NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amedeo Lonardo
- Metabolic Syndrome Unit, University of Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mantovani
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Salvatore Petta
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, PROMISE, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Amedeo Carraro
- Liver Transplant Unit, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Christopher D Byrne
- Nutrition and Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Southampton National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Giovanni Targher
- Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
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Kalogirou MS, Giouleme O. Growing challenge of post-liver transplantation non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Transplant 2022; 12:281-287. [PMID: 36187880 PMCID: PMC9516490 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i9.281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide, with an estimated prevalence of 25%. Post-liver transplantation (LT) recurrent or de novo hepatic steatosis is a common complication in recipients, irrespective of transplantation indication. Risk factors for graft steatosis mainly include obesity, immunosuppression, donor steatosis, and genetic factors. Liver transplant recipients are at high risk of developing insulin resistance, new-onset diabetes, and post-transplantation metabolic syndrome that is highly associated with immunosuppressive treatment. Post-LT NAFLD is often underdiagnosed due to the poor sensitivity of most routine imaging methods. The gold standard for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis is liver biopsy, which is, however, limited to more complex cases due to its invasive nature. There is no approved pharmacotherapy in NAFLD. Lifestyle modification remains the cornerstone in NAFLD treatment. Other treatment strategies in post-LT NAFLD include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, bariatric surgery, and tailored immunosuppression. However, these approaches originate from recommendations in the general population, as there is scarce data regarding the safety and efficacy of current management strategies for NAFLD in liver transplant patients. Future prospective studies are required to achieve tailored treatment for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Styliani Kalogirou
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division of the Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Olga Giouleme
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Division of the Second Propedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
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Ahmad MI, Khan MU, Kodali S, Shetty A, Bell SM, Victor D. Hepatocellular Carcinoma Due to Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Current Concepts and Future Challenges. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:477-496. [PMID: 35673598 PMCID: PMC9167599 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s344559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Imran Ahmad
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Muhammad Umair Khan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- ECPE- Executive and Continuing Professional Education, Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115-5810, USA
| | - Sudha Kodali
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Akshay Shetty
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S Michelle Bell
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David Victor
- Lynda K and David M Underwood Center for Digestive Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Houston Methodist Hospital Houston, Houston, TX, USA
- Sherrie and Alan Conover Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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Richardson B, Khan MQ, Brown SA, Watt KD, Izzy M. Personalizing Diabetes Management in Liver Transplant Recipients: The New Era for Optimizing Risk Management. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:1250-1261. [PMID: 34921530 PMCID: PMC9134800 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in liver transplant recipients (LTRs). With concurrent comorbidities and use of various immunosuppression medications, identifying a safe and personalized regimen for management of PTDM is needed. There are many comorbidities associated with the post-transplant course including chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, allograft steatosis, obesity, and de novo malignancy. Emerging data suggest that available diabetes medications may carry beneficial or, in some cases, harmful effects in the setting of these co-existing conditions. Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists have shown the most promising beneficial results. Although there is a deficiency of LTR-specific data, they appear to be generally safe. Effects of other medications are varied. Metformin may reduce the risk of malignancy. Pioglitazone may be harmful in patients combatting obesity or heart failure. Insulin may exacerbate obesity and increase the risk of developing malignancy. This review thoroughly discusses the roles of these extra-glycemic effects and safety considerations in LTRs. Through weighing the risks and benefits, we conclude that alternatives to insulin should be strongly considered, when feasible, for personalized long-term management based on risk factors and co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooks Richardson
- Department of Internal MedicineVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | | | - Sara A Brown
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
| | - Kymberly D Watt
- Division of Gastroenterology and HepatologyMayo ClinicRochesterMNUSA
| | - Manhal Izzy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and NutritionVanderbilt University Medical CenterNashvilleTNUSA
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Su R, Wei X, Wei Q, Lu D, Lin Z, Wang S, Shao C, Xu X. Extrahepatic organs in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in liver transplant patients. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2022; 11:400-411. [PMID: 35693397 PMCID: PMC9186206 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-20-568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in patients who undergo liver transplantation (LT). Whereas there is huge data on NAFLD, little is known about NAFLD in LT. In this review, we aim to explore extrahepatic organs and their potential mechanisms in the development of NAFLD in LT patients and discuss current limitations in preclinical and clinical scenarios with suggestions for future study. METHODS The following keywords, such as NAFLD, NASH, liver transplant, therapy, pathogenesis and biomarkers, were set for literature retrieval. The articles which were published articles in English till 25th June 2020 in PubMed database were included, and there is no limit for the study design type. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS Following LT, there are significant shifts in the microbiota and farnesoid X receptor may be a potential therapeutic target for NAFLD in LT settings. The roles of probiotics and diet on NALFD remain inconclusive in LT background. Nevertheless, the adipokines and cytokines disorder and local insulin resistance of adipose tissue may contribute to NAFLD process. Bariatric surgeries are promising in controlling de novo and recurrent NAFLD with significant reduction in abdominal adipose tissue, despite the optimal timing is inconclusive in LT cases. Furthermore, circumstantial evidence indicates that miRNA-33a may function as a mediator bridging sarcopenia and NAFLD of post-LT. β-Hydroxy-β-Methyl-Butyrate treatment could improve muscle status in graft recipients and shows protective potential for NAFLD in LT settings. CONCLUSIONS Gut, adipose tissue and muscle are intricately intertwined in promoting NAFLD in LT cases. Further animal studies are needed to deepen our understanding of mechanisms in multi-organ crosstalk. High quality clinical trials are warrant for making guidelines and developing management strategies on NAFLD after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renyi Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuyong Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Lu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuyuan Lin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Shu Lan Hospital, Shu Lan International Medical College of Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuxiao Shao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Lishui Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Lishui, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People’s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Hangzhou, China
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A Comprehensive Review on the Risk of Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Disease after Liver Transplantation. LIVERS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/livers2020006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival rates after liver transplantation have increased dramatically over the past 20 years. Cardiovascular disease is the most common extra-hepatic cause of mortality in the long-term post liver transplant. This is intimately linked with both the higher pre-existing rates of metabolic syndrome in these patients as well as increased propensity to develop de novo metabolic syndrome post-transplant. This unfavorable metabolic profile that contributes to cardiovascular disease is multifactorial and largely preventable. This review explores metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease and their contributory factors post liver transplantation to highlight areas for potential intervention and thus reduce the significant morbidity and mortality of patients due to metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease.
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Tincopa M. CAQ Corner: Long-term medical complications of liver transplantation. Liver Transpl 2022; 29:548-554. [PMID: 37160057 DOI: 10.1002/lt.26486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Tincopa
- Transplant Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California Los Angeles, Santa Monica, California, USA
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Prevalence of fatty liver disease after liver transplantation and risk factors for recipients and donors. Ann Hepatol 2022; 27:100670. [PMID: 35051631 DOI: 10.1016/j.aohep.2022.100670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Fatty liver disease (FLD) may develop in liver transplant recipients. We investigated the recipient and donor risk factors for FLD development after liver transplantation (LT). METHODS A total of 108 liver transplant recipients (54 men [50.0%]; median age, 52 [20-68] years) treated from 2011-2020 was enrolled. Three recipients died at < 3 months as a result of infection or blood flow impairment, and were excluded from the long-term FLD study. On evaluation of 88 prospective living donors, fatty liver was observed in 21. The prevalence and risk factors for FLD and survival were evaluated. RESULTS After LT, 28 of 105 recipients (26.7%) developed FLD. FLD was more common in patients with a high body mass index (BMI) and dyslipidemia (both p < 0.01), primary nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (p = 0.02), after living-donor LT (p = 0.03) and everolimus (EVL) use (p = 0.08). Factors predictive of FLD included EVL use and a high BMI (hazard ratios = 3.00 and 1.34; p = 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively). Sixteen donors lost 6.5 kg (range: 2.0-16.0 kg) of body weight prior to LT. However, there were no cases of primary non-function, which did not affect the FLD prevalence. Development of FLD did not have a negative impact on LT outcome; the 5-year survival rate was 92.6%. CONCLUSIONS Recipient factors were more important than donor factors for FLD onset after LT.
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Akter S. Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis: Risk Factors and Pathophysiology. Middle East J Dig Dis 2022; 14:167-181. [PMID: 36619154 PMCID: PMC9489315 DOI: 10.34172/mejdd.2022.270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive subtype non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are the most prevalent liver diseases, often leading to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This review aims to describe the present knowledge of the risk factors responsible for the development of NAFLD and NASH. I performed a literature review identifying studies focusing on the complex pathogenic pathway and risk factors of NAFLD and steatohepatitis. The relationship between NAFLD and metabolic syndrome is well established and widely recognized. Obesity, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and insulin resistance are the most common risk factors associated with NAFLD. Among the components of metabolic syndrome, current evidence strongly suggests obesity and type 2 diabetes as risk factors of NASH and HCC. However, other elements, namely gender divergences, ethnicity, genetic factors, participation of innate immune system, oxidative stress, apoptotic pathways, and adipocytokines, take a leading role in the onset and promotion of NAFLD. Pathophysiological mechanisms that are responsible for NAFLD development and subsequent progression to NASH are insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia, oxidative stress, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, cytokine/adipokine signaling pathways, and genetic and environmental factors. Major pathophysiological findings of NAFLD are dysfunction of adipose tissue through the enhanced flow of free fatty acids (FFAs) and release of adipokines, and altered gut microbiome that generate proinflammatory signals and cause NASH progression. Understanding the pathophysiology and risk factors of NAFLD and NASH; this review could provide insight into the development of therapeutic strategies and useful diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Akter
- Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh,Corresponding Author: Sharmin Akter, PhD Department of Physiology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh-2202, Bangladesh Tel: +0088-091-67401-6 (ext. 6320) Fax: + 880 91 61510
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Villeret F, Dumortier J, Erard-Poinsot D. How will NAFLD change the liver transplant landscape in the 2020s? Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2022; 46:101759. [PMID: 34311133 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2021.101759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Liver steatosis is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome, and is now the leading cause of chronic liver disease worldwide. The treatment of metabolic cirrhosis with liver failure and/or hepatocellular carcinoma is liver transplantation (LT). During the past decade, metabolic cirrhosis represented an increasing cause for LT, especially in the United States. At listing, patients with metabolic cirrhosis are older, with numerous cardiovascular (CV) and renal comorbidities, and this requires multidisciplinary pre-transplant assessment. After LT, 5-year survival is similar to other indications. The leading causes of death are infectious, cancers and CV. The recurrence of the initial disease is very frequent, and a significant part of the patients progress towards graft cirrhosis. No specific immunosuppressive regimen is recommended, but the toxicity profiles must probably be taken into account. In these patients, the only etiological treatment is that of obesity, in the absence of specific therapy for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The place of bariatric surgery has to be defined, probably sleeve gastrectomy, in a stable patient, 6-12 months after LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Villeret
- Hepatology Department, Croix Rousse Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Dumortier
- Hepatogastroenterology Department, Edouard Herriot Hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France; University Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
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Han MAT, Olivo R, Choi CJ, Pyrsopoulos N. De novo and recurrence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease after liver transplantation. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:1991-2004. [PMID: 35070003 PMCID: PMC8727208 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i12.1991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a new acronym adopted from the consensus of international experts. Given the increasing prevalence of MAFLD in pre-transplant settings, de novo and recurrent graft steatosis/MAFLD are common in post-transplant settings. The impact of graft steatosis on long-term outcomes is unclear. The current knowledge of incidence rate, risk factors, diagnosis, long-term outcomes, and management of graft steatosis (both de novo and recurrent) is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ma Ai Thanda Han
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Raquel Olivo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Catherine J Choi
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07101, United States
| | - Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
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Alhinai A, Qayyum-Khan A, Zhang X, Samaha P, Metrakos P, Deschenes M, Wong P, Ghali P, Chen TY, Sebastiani G. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in liver transplant recipients diagnosed by serum cytokeratin 18 and transient elastography: A prospective study. World J Hepatol 2021; 13:2179-2191. [PMID: 35070018 PMCID: PMC8727200 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v13.i12.2179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) seem common after liver transplantation.
AIM To investigate incidence and predictors of NAFLD and NASH by employing noninvasive testing in liver transplant recipients, namely controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and the serum biomarker cytokeratin 18 (CK-18). We also evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of CK-18 and CAP compared to liver histology.
METHODS We prospectively recruited consecutive adult patients who received liver transplant at the McGill University Health Centre between 2015-2018. Serial measurements of CK-18 and CAP were recorded. NAFLD and NASH were diagnosed by CAP ≥ 270 dB/m, and a combination of CAP ≥ 270 dB/m with CK-18 > 130.5 U/L, respectively. Incidences and predictors of NAFLD and NASH were investigated using survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards.
RESULTS Overall, 40 liver transplant recipients (mean age 57 years; 70% males) were included. During a median follow-up of 16.8 mo (interquartile range 15.6-18.0), 63.0% and 48.5% of patients developed NAFLD and NASH, respectively. On multivariable analysis, after adjusting for sex and alanine aminotransferase, body mass index was an independent predictor of development of NAFLD [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04-1.41; P = 0.01] and NASH (aHR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.06-1.49; P < 0.01). Compared to liver histology, CAP had a 76% accuracy to diagnose NAFLD, while the accuracy of CAP plus CK-18 to diagnose NASH was 82%.
CONCLUSION NAFLD and NASH diagnosed non-invasively are frequent in liver transplant recipients within the first 18 mo. Close follow-up and nutritional counselling should be planned in overweight patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshaima Alhinai
- Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
| | | | - Xun Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Epidemiology, McGill University, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Patrick Samaha
- Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Peter Metrakos
- Cancer Research Program, The Research Institute of McGill University and The Research Institute of McGill University Health Center, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Marc Deschenes
- Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Philip Wong
- Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Peter Ghali
- Medicine, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida 32218, United States
| | - Tian-Yan Chen
- Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
| | - Giada Sebastiani
- Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal H4A3J1, Canada
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