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Zhang L, Huang Y, Huang M, Zhao CH, Zhang YJ, Wang Y. Development of Cost-Effective Fatty Liver Disease Prediction Models in a Chinese Population: Statistical and Machine Learning Approaches. JMIR Form Res 2024; 8:e53654. [PMID: 38363597 PMCID: PMC10907948 DOI: 10.2196/53654] [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: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in China presents a significant public health concern. Traditional ultrasound, commonly used for fatty liver screening, often lacks the ability to accurately quantify steatosis, leading to insufficient follow-up for patients with moderate-to-severe steatosis. Transient elastography (TE) provides a more quantitative diagnosis of steatosis and fibrosis, closely aligning with biopsy results. Moreover, machine learning (ML) technology holds promise for developing more precise diagnostic models for NAFLD using a variety of laboratory indicators. OBJECTIVE This study aims to develop a novel ML-based diagnostic model leveraging TE results for staging hepatic steatosis. The objective was to streamline the model's input features, creating a cost-effective and user-friendly tool to distinguish patients with NAFLD requiring follow-up. This innovative approach merges TE and ML to enhance diagnostic accuracy and efficiency in NAFLD assessment. METHODS The study involved a comprehensive analysis of health examination records from Suzhou Municipal Hospital, spanning from March to May 2023. Patient data and questionnaire responses were meticulously inputted into Microsoft Excel 2019, followed by thorough data cleaning and model development using Python 3.7, with libraries scikit-learn and numpy to ensure data accuracy. A cohort comprising 978 residents with complete medical records and TE results was included for analysis. Various classification models, including logistic regression (LR), k-nearest neighbor (KNN), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), were constructed and evaluated based on the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). RESULTS Among the 916 patients included in the study, 273 were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe NAFLD. The concordance rate between traditional ultrasound and TE for detecting moderate-to-severe NAFLD was 84.6% (231/273). The AUROC values for the RF, LightGBM, XGBoost, SVM, KNN, and LR models were 0.91, 0.86, 0.83, 0.88, 0.77, and 0.81, respectively. These models achieved accuracy rates of 84%, 81%, 78%, 81%, 76%, and 77%, respectively. Notably, the RF model exhibited the best performance. A simplified RF model was developed with an AUROC of 0.88, featuring 62% sensitivity and 90% specificity. This simplified model used 6 key features: waist circumference, BMI, fasting plasma glucose, uric acid, total bilirubin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. This approach offers a cost-effective and user-friendly tool while streamlining feature acquisition for training purposes. CONCLUSIONS The study introduces a groundbreaking, cost-effective ML algorithm that leverages health examination data for identifying moderate-to-severe NAFLD. This model has the potential to significantly impact public health by enabling targeted investigations and interventions for NAFLD. By integrating TE and ML technologies, the study showcases innovative approaches to advancing NAFLD diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhang
- Department of General Practice, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yueqing Huang
- Department of General Practice, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Min Huang
- Department of General Practice, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun-Hua Zhao
- Department of General Practice, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yan-Jun Zhang
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Hazzan R, Abu Ahmad N, Habib AS, Saleh I, Ziv N. Suboptimal reliability of FIB-4 and NAFLD-fibrosis scores for staging of liver fibrosis in general population. JGH Open 2024; 8:e13034. [PMID: 38380260 PMCID: PMC10877654 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.13034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Background and Aim The burden and incidence of liver cirrhosis are increasing worldwide. Early detection of liver fibrosis would help in early interventions and preventing the progression of fibrosis and cirrhosis. The accepted noninvasive markers for liver fibrosis staging, namely fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS), have shown inconsistent performance for detecting the fibrosis stage. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of FIB-4 score and NFS for the detection of liver fibrosis in the general population. Methods From a general population referred from a single, community-based family-physician clinic, we included study participants between the ages of 45 and 65 years, with no knowledge of liver disease and no record of alcohol consumption. Liver fibrosis was evaluated by the FIB-4 score and NFS using shear wave elastography (SWE) or transient elastography (TE) measurements as a reference. Results A total of 76 participants (aged 61.5 ± 0.37 years, 33% females) were included in the study cohort. We observed a nonsignificant correlation between liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and FIB-4 and NFS (r = 0.1, P = 0.37; r = 0.16, P = 0.15, respectively). Our results showed that only 5.2% with FIB-4 >3.25 and 9.7% with NFS >0.675 had LSM >12 kPa. The compatibility of fibrosis staging was 55% between FIB-4 score and LSM and only 18% between NFS and LSM. Conclusion We found that FIB-4 and NFS are unreliable tools for liver fibrosis estimation in the general population. There is a need for more reliable noninvasive methods for the early detection of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Neeman Ziv
- Diagnostic Imaging InstituteEmek Medical CenterAfulaIsrael
- The Faculty of MedicineTechnion Institute of TechnologyHaifaIsrael
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Dajti E, Ravaioli F, Paiola G, Volpi S, Colecchia L, Ferrarese A, Alemanni LV, Cusumano C, Di Biase AR, Marasco G, Vestito A, Festi D, Rautou PE, Cipolli M, Colecchia A. The non-invasive evaluation of liver involvement in patients with cystic fibrosis: A prospective study. Liver Int 2023; 43:2492-2502. [PMID: 37724776 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15748] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Porto-sinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD) has been described as the prominent pathology in liver explants of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), but data outside the transplant setting are lacking. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of portal hypertension (PH) in CF-associated liver disease (CFLD) and develop an algorithm to classify liver involvement in CF patients. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study of consecutive paediatric and adult patients in a tertiary centre between 2018 and 2019, who underwent ultrasound, liver (LSM) and spleen stiffness (SSM) measurement. CFLD was defined according to physical examination, liver tests and ultrasound findings. PSVD was likely if there were PH signs in the absence of advanced chronic liver disease (CF-ACLD, LSM <10 kPa). A historical cohort was used to validate the prognostic significance of the new definitions. RESULTS Fifty (27.5%) patients met CFLD criteria. At least one sign of PH was found in 47 (26%) patients, but most (81%) had LSM <10 kPa and were likely to have PSVD; only 9 (5%) had CF-ACLD. PSVD and CFLD (LSM <10 kPa) co-existed in most (23/36) cases. In the historical cohort (n = 599 patients), likely PSVD and CFLD+PH were independently associated with a 2-fold and 3.5-fold increase in mortality compared to patients without PH, respectively. In 34 patients with SSM, values <21 and >50 kPa accurately diagnosed specific signs of PH. CONCLUSIONS PSVD is the prevailing cause of PH in CF patients. We developed a new diagnostic algorithm based on clinical and elastosonography criteria to classify liver involvement in patients with CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elton Dajti
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico di S. Orsola, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Giulia Paiola
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sonia Volpi
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Luigi Colecchia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferrarese
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Caterina Cusumano
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Marasco
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico di S. Orsola, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Amanda Vestito
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico di S. Orsola, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Bologna, Italy
| | - Davide Festi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pierre-Emmanuel Rautou
- Centre de Recherche sur L'inflammation, Université Paris-Cité, Inserm, UMR 1149, Paris, France
- Centre de Référence des Maladies Vasculaires du Foie, FILFOIE, ERN RARE-LIVER, Service d'Hépatologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Beaujon, DMU DIGEST, Clichy, France
| | - Marco Cipolli
- Cystic Fibrosis Center, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Antonio Colecchia
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Borgo Trento University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Division of Gastroenterology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena and University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Spleen and Liver Stiffness Evaluation by ARFI Imaging: A Reliable Tool for a Short-Term Monitoring of Portal Hypertension? Int J Hepatol 2022; 2022:7384144. [PMID: 36117519 PMCID: PMC9481411 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7384144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Assessment of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) is the most reliable, though invasive method for evaluation of portal hypertension. Non-invasive, elastography-based techniques are well established in diagnosis, but not in monitoring of portal hypertension. The aim of our prospective study was to determine the value of acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography technique of the liver and spleen in diagnosis and monitoring of portal hypertension. METHODS We prospectively assessed portal hypertension by HVPG and corresponding elastography of the liver and spleen in 31 patients with liver cirrhosis and an indication for primary prophylaxis by non-cardio selective beta-blockers. Investigations were performed at baseline and a follow-up visit after 6-8 weeks. To address the known large variability of values for spleen elastography, well-defined corresponding areas in the spleen were used for baseline and follow-up elastography. Sensitivity, specificity, and AUC-ROC values for both spleen and liver elastography monitoring of portal hypertension were calculated. RESULTS Liver but not spleen elastography significantly correlated with HVPG results and was suitable for initial evaluation of portal hypertension. However, changes in HVPG results did not show any correlation with alterations of ARFI values from baseline to follow-up visits both for liver and spleen elastography. Spleen stiffness results were not homogeneous across the whole organ differing significantly between the upper, hilar, and bottom placed investigation areas. CONCLUSIONS In this prospective study ARFI-based assessment of liver elastography showed itself suitable for initial assessment but not for monitoring of portal hypertension. Spleen elastography was not appropriate for both, evaluation and monitoring of portal hypertension. A possible explanation for this new data that are in some contrast to previously published results is the degree of portal hypertension in our study, a comparatively short follow-up period, and well-defined investigation areas for spleen elastography in repetitive ARFI investigations. This trial is registered with NCT03315767.
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Møller S, Kimer N, Kronborg T, Grandt J, Hove JD, Barløse M, Gluud LL. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Cardiovascular Disease: Overlapping Mechanisms. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:235-247. [PMID: 33992031 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) denotes a condition with excess fat in the liver. The prevalence of NAFLD is increasing, averaging > 25% of the Western population. In 25% of the patients, NAFLD progresses to its more severe form: nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and >25% of these progress to cirrhosis following activation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes. NAFLD is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome and represents a considerable and increasing health burden. In the near future, NAFLD cirrhosis is expected to be the most common cause for liver transplantation. NAFLD patients have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease as well as liver-related morbidity. In addition, hepatic steatosis itself appears to represent an independent cardiovascular risk factor. In the present review, we provide an overview of the overlapping mechanisms and prevalence of NAFLD and cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Søren Møller
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nina Kimer
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark.,Bridge Translational Excellence Program, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thit Kronborg
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Josephine Grandt
- Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Jens Dahlgaard Hove
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.,Department of Cardiology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Mads Barløse
- Department of Clinical Physiology and Nuclear Medicine, Center for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.,Gastro Unit, Medical Division, Copenhagen University Hospital Hvidovre, Denmark
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Pu X, Deng D, Chu C, Zhou T, Liu J. High-dimensional hepatopath data analysis by machine learning for predicting HBV-related fibrosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5081. [PMID: 33658585 PMCID: PMC7930086 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84556-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic HBV infection, the main cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, has become a global health concern. Machine learning algorithms are particularly adept at analyzing medical phenomenon by capturing complex and nonlinear relationships in clinical data. Our study proposed a predictive model on the basis of 55 routine laboratory and clinical parameters by machine learning algorithms as a novel non-invasive method for liver fibrosis diagnosis. The model was further evaluated on the accuracy and rationality and proved to be highly accurate and efficient for the prediction of HBV-related fibrosis. In conclusion, we suggested a potential combination of high-dimensional clinical data and machine learning predictive algorithms for the liver fibrosis diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangke Pu
- Institute of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Danni Deng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Chaoyi Chu
- Library, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China
| | - Tianle Zhou
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, 213001, China.
| | - Jianhong Liu
- Institute of Hepatology, The Third People's Hospital of Changzhou, Changzhou, 213001, China.
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Gelman S, Sakalauskas A, Zykus R, Pranculis A, Jurkonis R, Kuliavienė I, Lukoševičius A, Kupčinskas L, Kupčinskas J. Endogenous motion of liver correlates to the severity of portal hypertension. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:5836-5848. [PMID: 33132638 PMCID: PMC7579755 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i38.5836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degree of portal hypertension (PH) is the most important prognostic factor for the decompensation of liver cirrhosis and death, therefore adequate care for patients with liver cirrhosis requires timely detection and evaluation of the presence of clinically significant PH (CSPH) and severe PH (SPH). As the most accurate method for the assessment of PH is an invasive direct measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), the search for non-invasive methods to diagnose these conditions is actively ongoing.
AIM To evaluate the feasibility of parameters of endogenously induced displacements and strain of liver to assess degree of PH.
METHODS Of 36 patients with liver cirrhosis and measured HVPG were included in the case-control study. Endogenous motion of the liver was characterized by derived parameters of region average tissue displacement signal (dantero, dretro, dRMS) and results of endogenous tissue strain imaging using specific radiofrequency signal processing algorithm. Average endogenous strain µ and standard deviation σ of strain were assessed in the regions of interest (ROI) (1 cm × 1 cm and 2 cm × 2 cm in size) and different frequency subbands of endogenous motion (0-10 Hz and 10-20 Hz).
RESULTS Four parameters showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) correlation with HVPG measurement. The strongest correlation was obtained for the standard deviation of strain (estimated at 0-10 Hz and 2 cm × 2 cm ROI size). Three parameters showed statistically significant differences between patient groups with CSPH, but only dretro showed significant results in SPH analysis. According to ROC analysis area under the curve (AUC) of the σROI[0…10Hz, 2 cm × 2 cm] parameter reached 0.71 (P = 0.036) for the diagnosis of CSPH; with a cut-off value of 1.28 μm/cm providing 73% sensitivity and 70% specificity. AUC for the diagnosis of CSPH for µROI[0…10Hz, 1 cm × 1 cm] was 0.78 (P = 0.0024); with a cut-off value of 3.92 μm/cm providing 73% sensitivity and 80% specificity. Dretro parameter had an AUC of 0.86 (P = 0.0001) for the diagnosis of CSPH and 0.84 (P = 0.0001) for the diagnosis of SPH. A cut-off value of -132.34 μm yielded 100% sensitivity for both conditions, whereas specificity was 80% and 72% for CSPH and SPH respectively.
CONCLUSION The parameters of endogenously induced displacements and strain of the liver correlated with HVPG and might be used for non-invasive diagnosis of PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigita Gelman
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas 44307, Lithuania
| | - Andrius Sakalauskas
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas 51423, Lithuania
| | - Romanas Zykus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas 44307, Lithuania
| | - Andrius Pranculis
- Department of Radiology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas 44307, Lithuania
| | - Rytis Jurkonis
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas 51423, Lithuania
| | - Irma Kuliavienė
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas 44307, Lithuania
| | - Arūnas Lukoševičius
- Biomedical Engineering Institute, Kaunas University of Technology, Kaunas 51423, Lithuania
| | - Limas Kupčinskas
- Institute for Digestive Research and Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas 44307, Lithuania
| | - Juozas Kupčinskas
- Institute for Digestive Research and Department of Gastroenterology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas 44307, Lithuania
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Cao Q, Lu X, Azad BB, Pomper M, Smith M, He J, Pi L, Ren B, Ying Z, Sichani BS, Morris M, Dilsizian V. cis-4-[ 18F]fluoro-L-proline Molecular Imaging Experimental Liver Fibrosis. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:90. [PMID: 32500081 PMCID: PMC7243806 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Early-stage liver fibrosis is potentially reversible, but difficult to diagnose. Clinical management would be enhanced by the development of a non-invasive imaging technique able to identify hepatic injury early, before end-stage fibrosis ensues. The analog of the amino acid proline, cis-4-[18F]fluoro-L-proline ([18F]fluoro-proline), which targets collagenogenesis in hepatic stellate cells (HSC), was used to detect fibrosis. Methods: Acute steatohepatitis was induced in experimental animals by liquid ethanol diet for 8 weeks, intra-gastric binge feedings every 10th day along with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. The control animals received control diet for 8 weeks and an equivalent volume of saline on the same schedule as the acute steatohepatitis model. First, in vitro cellular experiments were carried out to assess [3H]proline uptake by HSC, hepatocytes and Kupffer cells derived from rats with acute steatohepatitis (n = 14) and controls (n = 14). Next, ex vivo liver experiments were done to investigate unlabeled proline-mediated collagen synthesis and its associated proline transporter expression in acute steatohepatitis (n = 5) and controls (n = 5). Last, in vivo dynamic and static [18F]fluoro-proline micro-PET/CT imaging was performed in animal models of acute steatohepatitis (n = 7) and control (n = 7) mice. Results: [3H]proline uptake was 5-fold higher in the HSCs of steatohepatitis rats than controls after incubation of up to 60 min. There was an excellent correlation between [3H]proline uptake and liver collagen expression (r-value > 0.90, p < 0.05). Subsequent liver tissue studies demonstrated 2–3-fold higher proline transporter expression in acute steatohepatitis animals than in controls, and proline-related collagen synthesis was blocked by this transporter inhibitor. In vivo micro-PET/CT studies with [18F]fluoro-proline showed 2–3-fold higher uptake in the livers of acute steatohepatitis mice than in controls. There was an excellent correlation between [18F]fluoro-proline uptake and liver collagen expression in the livers of acute steatohepatitis mice (r-value = 0.97, p < 0.001). Conclusion: [18F]fluoro-proline localizes in the liver and correlates with collagenogenesis in acute steatohepatitis with a signal intensity that is sufficiently high to allow imaging with micro-PET/CT. Thus, [18F]fluoro-proline could serve as a PET imaging biomarker for detecting early-stage liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cao
- The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Xin Lu
- The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Babak Behnam Azad
- Division of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, The Johns Hopkins PET Center, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Martin Pomper
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mark Smith
- The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jiang He
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Liya Pi
- The Department of Pediatrics in the College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Bin Ren
- The Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Zhekang Ying
- The Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Babak Saboury Sichani
- The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael Morris
- The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Vasken Dilsizian
- The Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Liver stiffness in chronic hepatitis C virus infection. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 57:85-98. [PMID: 30447147 DOI: 10.2478/rjim-2018-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The severity of liver fibrosis can be assessed noninvasively today by liver stiffness measurements. Vibration-controlled transient elastography, shear wave elastography or magnetic resonance elastography are techniques increasingly used for this purpose. METHODS This article presents the recent advances in the use of new techniques for liver fibrosis assessment in chronic hepatitis C: the correlation between liver stiffness values and liver fibrosis estimated by liver biopsies, the prognosis role of liver stiffness values, their usefulness in monitoring the treatment response, in assessing the severity of portal hypertension and in estimating the presence of esophageal varices. Scientific articles from January 2017 to January 2018 were searched in PubMed and PubMed Central databases, using the terms "liver stiffness" and "hepatitis C". RESULTS The median liver stiffness values measured with different techniques are not identical, so that FibroScan thresholds cannot be used on any other elastographic machine. The higher the liver's stiffness measurement, the higher the liver-related events in patients with chronic hepatitis C. A liver stiffness measurement over 17 kPa could be an independent predictor for the presence of esophageal varices as well as a spleen with a longitudinal span ≥ 15 cm for patients with a value of liver stiffness < 17 kPa. A progressive and persistent decrease in liver stiffness is dependent on sustained virological response achievement. The lack of liver stiffness decrease has been associated with relapsers and a low value of liver stiffness at baseline. CONCLUSION Liver stiffness provides clues about the severity and evolution of liver disease.
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Jiménez-Sousa MÁ, Gómez-Moreno AZ, Pineda-Tenor D, Sánchez-Ruano JJ, Artaza-Varasa T, Martin-Vicente M, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Martínez I, Resino S. Impact of DARC rs12075 Variants on Liver Fibrosis Progression in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C: A Retrospective Study. Biomolecules 2019; 9:E143. [PMID: 30970632 PMCID: PMC6523653 DOI: 10.3390/biom9040143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
: The Duffy antigen receptor for chemokines (DARC) rs12075 polymorphism regulates leukocyte trafficking and proinflammatory chemokine homeostasis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-mediated liver fibrosis is associated with an uncontrolled inflammatory response. In this study, we evaluate the association between the DARC rs12075 polymorphism and liver stiffness progression in HCV-infected patients. We carried out a retrospective cohort study (repeated measures design) in 208 noncirrhotic patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) who had at least two liver stiffness measurements (LSM) with a separation of at least 12 months. We used generalized linear models to analyze the association between DARC rs12075 polymorphism and outcome variables. During a follow-up of 46.6 months, the percentage of patients with stages of fibrosis F0/F1 decreased (p < 0.001), while LSM values and the percentage of patients with cirrhosis increased (p < 0.001). This pattern of changes was maintained in each of the groups of patients analyzed according to their rs12075 genotypes (AA or AG/GG). However, the variations in liver stiffness characteristics were lower in patients with the rs12075 AG/GG genotype (AG/GG versus AA). Thereby, in the adjusted analysis, patients with the rs12075 AG/GG genotype had a lower risk of an increased value of LSM2/LSM1 arithmetic mean ratio (AMR = 0.83; p = 0.001) and of an increase in LSM ≥ 5 kPa (odds ratio (OR) = 0.28; p = 0.009). Besides, patients with rs12075 AG/GG had a lower risk of cirrhosis progression (OR = 0.24; p = 0.009). No significant associations were found for an increase in LSM ≥ 10 kPa. We found an association between the DARC rs12075 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and CHC progression. Specifically, patients with the DARC rs12075 AG/GG genotype had a lower risk of liver fibrosis progression and development of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Ángeles Jiménez-Sousa
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain.
| | | | - Daniel Pineda-Tenor
- Servicio de Laboratorio Clínico, Hospital de Antequera, 29200 Málaga, Spain.
| | | | | | - María Martin-Vicente
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain.
| | - Amanda Fernández-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain.
| | - Isidoro Martínez
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain.
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unidad de Infección Viral e Inmunidad, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Spain.
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Prognostic Role of Liver Stiffness Measurements Using Magnetic Resonance Elastography in Patients with Compensated Chronic Liver Disease. Eur Radiol 2018; 28:3513-3521. [PMID: 29488082 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-017-5278-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To retrospectively evaluate the prognostic role of liver stiffness (LS) measurement using magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) in patients with compensated chronic liver disease (cCLD). METHODS We enrolled 217 patients with cCLD who underwent MRE. After mean follow-up of 45.0 ± 17.6 months, cumulative incidence (CI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence, development of decompensation and overall survival (OS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS During the follow-up period, HCC occurred in 33 patients, and 1-, 3- and 5-year CIs of HCC occurrence were 3.8%, 14.8% and 18.9%, respectively. The LS value was a significant predictive factor for HCC occurrence [p < 0.001, hazard ratio (HR) = 1.59 per unit (1.25-2.03)]. Eighteen patients experienced hepatic decompensation, and 1-, 3- and 5-year CIs of decompensation were 2.8%, 7.3% and 11.3%, respectively. The LS value was also significantly associated with decompensation development [p < 0.001, HR = 2.02 per unit (1.37-2.98)]. Fourteen patients died, and 1-, 3- and 5-year OSs were 99.1%, 98.0% and 89.8%, respectively. The LS value was demonstrated to be a significant affecting factor for OS [p = 0.008, HR = 1.39 per unit (1.10-1.78)]. CONCLUSIONS LS obtained from MRE was a significant predictive factor for the development of decompensation, HCC occurrence and OS in cCLD patients. KEY POINTS • Liver stiffness (LS) values obtained from MRE can provide prognostic information. • The LS value was a significant predictive factor for occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma. • The LS value was significantly associated with development of hepatic decompensation. • Survival of compensated chronic liver disease patients was affected by the LS value.
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Chapman T, Dubinsky T, Barr RG. Ultrasound Elastography of the Liver: What the Clinician Needs to Know. JOURNAL OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE 2017; 36:1293-1304. [PMID: 28258611 DOI: 10.7863/ultra.16.08001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Todd Chapman
- University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Richard G Barr
- Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, USA
- Radiology Consultants, Youngstown, Ohio, USA
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13
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Tzschätzsch H, Sack I, Marticorena Garcia SR, Ipek-Ugay S, Braun J, Hamm B, Althoff CE. Time-Harmonic Elastography of the Liver is Sensitive to Intrahepatic Pressure Gradient and Liver Decompression after Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) Implantation. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2017; 43:595-600. [PMID: 27979668 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2016.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2016] [Revised: 08/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the correlation between hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and liver shear wave speed (SWS) measured by multi-frequency time-harmonic ultrasound elastography (THE) before and after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) implantation. Ten patients with ascites, cirrhotic liver disease and portal hypertension were prospectively examined with invasive HVPG measurement and THE before and after TIPS implantation. HVPG and SWS decreased after TIPS placement from 20.4 ± 2.2 mmHg to 9.8 ± 4.1 mmHg (mean ± standard deviation) and from 3.87 ± 0.54 m/s to 3.27 ± 0.44 m/s. Mean reduction HVPG was -10.6 ± 3.7 mmHg, p < 0.001; mean reduction SWS was -0.60 ± 0.29 m/s, p < 0.001. A linear correlation was observed between HVPG and SWS (R = 0.59, p = 0.0061). THE-measured SWS is a first potential direct ultrasound marker for liver decompression following TIPS in ascites-associated cirrhotic liver disease and therefore might be suitable to non-invasively detect portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Tzschätzsch
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Selcan Ipek-Ugay
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Braun
- Institute of Medical Informatics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bernd Hamm
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian E Althoff
- Department of Radiology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjiri Dighe
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
| | - Matthew Bruce
- Applied Physics Laboratory, University of Washington Seattle, WA
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15
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Pawluś A, Inglot M, Chabowski M, Szymańska K, Inglot M, Patyk M, Słonina J, Caseiro-Alves F, Janczak D, Zaleska-Dorobisz U. Shear wave elastography (SWE) of the spleen in patients with hepatitis B and C but without significant liver fibrosis. Br J Radiol 2016; 89:20160423. [PMID: 27529729 DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20160423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to compare the elasticity of the spleen in patients with hepatitis B and C but without liver fibrosis with that of healthy subjects using a shear wave elastography (SWE) examination. METHODS Between December 2014 and December 2015, 35 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections and 45 patients with (hepatitis C virus) HCV infections and liver stiffness below 7.1 kPa were included in the study. The control group was composed of 53 healthy volunteers without any chronic liver disease, with no abnormal findings in their ultrasound examinations and with an SWE of the liver below 6.5 kPa. The SWE measurements were a part of routine ultrasound abdominal examinations. The examinations were performed using an Aixplorer device by two radiologists with at least 6 years' experience. To compare spleen stiffness between the groups, the Mann-Whitney U-test was applied. To analyze the dependency between liver and spleen elasticity, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was calculated. RESULTS A total of 133 SWE findings were analyzed. Stiffness of the spleen was significantly higher in patients with HBV and HCV but without significant liver fibrosis than it was in the healthy controls (p = 0.0018 and 0.0000, respectively). This correlation was also present in patients with liver stiffness below 6.5 kPa (p = 0.0041 and 0.0000, respectively). Analysis revealed no significant correlation between liver and spleen stiffness in patients with hepatitis B and C and without significant fibrosis (p = 0.3216 and 0.0626, respectively). CONCLUSION Patients with hepatitis B and C but without significant liver fibrosis have stiffer spleens than healthy controls. There is no dependency between liver and spleen elasticity in patients without significant fibrosis. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE The SWE examination might be an important tool and could be used in addition to conventional imaging. Our study may become a starting point in further investigations into the role of the spleen in HCV and HBV infections and perhaps into introducing spleen elastography into diagnostic and follow-up procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Pawluś
- 1 Department of General and Pediatric Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 68 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej street, 50-369 Wroclaw
| | - Marcin Inglot
- 1 Department of General and Pediatric Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 68 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej street, 50-369 Wroclaw
| | - Mariusz Chabowski
- 2 Division of Surgical Specialties, Department of Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Kinga Szymańska
- 1 Department of General and Pediatric Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 68 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej street, 50-369 Wroclaw
| | - Małgorzata Inglot
- 4 Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immune Deficiencies, Wroclaw Medical University, 5 Koszarowa street, 51-149 Wroclaw
| | - Mateusz Patyk
- 1 Department of General and Pediatric Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 68 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej street, 50-369 Wroclaw
| | - Joanna Słonina
- 1 Department of General and Pediatric Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 68 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej street, 50-369 Wroclaw
| | | | - Dariusz Janczak
- 2 Division of Surgical Specialties, Department of Clinical Nursing, Faculty of Health Science, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Urszula Zaleska-Dorobisz
- 1 Department of General and Pediatric Radiology, Wroclaw Medical University, 68 Marii Curie-Skłodowskiej street, 50-369 Wroclaw
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Chin JL, Pavlides M, Moolla A, Ryan JD. Non-invasive Markers of Liver Fibrosis: Adjuncts or Alternatives to Liver Biopsy? Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:159. [PMID: 27378924 PMCID: PMC4913110 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis reflects sustained liver injury often from multiple, simultaneous factors. Whilst the presence of mild fibrosis on biopsy can be a reassuring finding, the identification of advanced fibrosis is critical to the management of patients with chronic liver disease. This necessity has lead to a reliance on liver biopsy which itself is an imperfect test and poorly accepted by patients. The development of robust tools to non-invasively assess liver fibrosis has dramatically enhanced clinical decision making in patients with chronic liver disease, allowing a rapid and informed judgment of disease stage and prognosis. Should a liver biopsy be required, the appropriateness is clearer and the diagnostic yield is greater with the use of these adjuncts. While a number of non-invasive liver fibrosis markers are now used in routine practice, a steady stream of innovative approaches exists. With improvement in the reliability, reproducibility and feasibility of these markers, their potential role in disease management is increasing. Moreover, their adoption into clinical trials as outcome measures reflects their validity and dynamic nature. This review will summarize and appraise the current and novel non-invasive markers of liver fibrosis, both blood and imaging based, and look at their prospective application in everyday clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun L Chin
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Pavlides
- Oxford Centre for Clinical Magnetic Resonance Research, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - Ahmad Moolla
- Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
| | - John D Ryan
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford Oxford, UK
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