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Du T, Yu B, Luo W. Liver cirrhosis reversal and recompensation: Existing evidence and future prospects. WORLD CHINESE JOURNAL OF DIGESTOLOGY 2024; 32:320-326. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v32.i5.320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
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2
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McGrath MS, Wentworth BJ. The Renin-Angiotensin System in Liver Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5807. [PMID: 38891995 PMCID: PMC11172481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115807] [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: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a complex homeostatic entity with multiorgan systemic and local effects. Traditionally, RAS works in conjunction with the kidney to control effective arterial circulation, systemic vascular resistance, and electrolyte balance. However, chronic hepatic injury and resulting splanchnic dilation may disrupt this delicate balance. The role of RAS in liver disease, however, is even more extensive, modulating hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. Recognition of an alternative RAS pathway in the past few decades has changed our understanding of RAS in liver disease, and the concept of opposing vs. "rebalanced" forces is an ongoing focus of research. Whether RAS inhibition is beneficial in patients with chronic liver disease appears to be context-dependent, but further study is needed to optimize clinical management and reduce organ-specific morbidity and mortality. This review presents the current understanding of RAS in liver disease, acknowledges areas of uncertainty, and describes potential areas of future investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary S. McGrath
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA;
| | - Brian J. Wentworth
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
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3
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Chen L, Guo W, Mao C, Shen J, Wan M. Liver fibrosis: pathological features, clinical treatment and application of therapeutic nanoagents. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:1446-1466. [PMID: 38265305 DOI: 10.1039/d3tb02790b] [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: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible damage-repair response, the pathological features of which mainly include damage to hepatocytes, sinusoid capillarization, hepatic stellate cells activation, excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix and inflammatory response. Although some treatments (including drugs and stem cell therapy) for these pathological features have been shown to be effective, more clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness. In recent years, nanomaterials-based therapies have emerged as an innovative and promising alternative to traditional drugs, being explored for the treatment of liver fibrosis diseases. Natural nanomaterials (including extracellular vesicles) and synthetic nanomaterials (including inorganic nanomaterials and organic nanomaterials) are developed to facilitate drug targeting delivery and combination therapy. In this review, the pathological features of liver fibrosis and the current anti-fibrosis drugs in clinical trials are briefly introduced, followed by a detailed introduction of the therapeutic nanoagents for the precise delivery of anti-fibrosis drugs. Finally, the future development trend in this field is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Wenyan Guo
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
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4
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Niculae A, Gherghina ME, Peride I, Tiglis M, Nechita AM, Checherita IA. Pathway from Acute Kidney Injury to Chronic Kidney Disease: Molecules Involved in Renal Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14019. [PMID: 37762322 PMCID: PMC10531003 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the main conditions responsible for chronic kidney disease (CKD), including end-stage renal disease (ESRD) as a long-term complication. Besides short-term complications, such as electrolyte and acid-base disorders, fluid overload, bleeding complications or immune dysfunctions, AKI can develop chronic injuries and subsequent CKD through renal fibrosis pathways. Kidney fibrosis is a pathological process defined by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, evidenced in chronic kidney injuries with maladaptive architecture restoration. So far, cited maladaptive kidney processes responsible for AKI to CKD transition were epithelial, endothelial, pericyte, macrophage and fibroblast transition to myofibroblasts. These are responsible for smooth muscle actin (SMA) synthesis and abnormal renal architecture. Recently, AKI progress to CKD or ESRD gained a lot of interest, with impressive progression in discovering the mechanisms involved in renal fibrosis, including cellular and molecular pathways. Risk factors mentioned in AKI progression to CKD are frequency and severity of kidney injury, chronic diseases such as uncontrolled hypertension, diabetes mellitus, obesity and unmodifiable risk factors (i.e., genetics, older age or gender). To provide a better understanding of AKI transition to CKD, we have selected relevant and updated information regarding the risk factors responsible for AKIs unfavorable long-term evolution and mechanisms incriminated in the progression to a chronic state, along with possible therapeutic approaches in preventing or delaying CKD from AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Niculae
- Department of Nephrology, Clinical Department No. 3, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihai-Emil Gherghina
- Department of Nephrology, Ilfov County Emergency Clinical Hospital, 022104 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ileana Peride
- Department of Nephrology, Clinical Department No. 3, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mirela Tiglis
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Emergency Clinical Hospital of Bucharest, 014461 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ana-Maria Nechita
- Department of Nephrology, “St. John” Emergency Clinical Hospital, 042122 Bucharest, Romania
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5
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Molecular mechanisms of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD): functional analysis of lipid metabolism pathways. Clin Sci (Lond) 2022; 136:1347-1366. [PMID: 36148775 PMCID: PMC9508552 DOI: 10.1042/cs20220572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a condition of fat accumulation in the liver in combination with metabolic dysfunction in the form of overweight or obesity and insulin resistance. It is also associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk, including hypertension and atherosclerosis. Hepatic lipid metabolism is regulated by a combination of the uptake and export of fatty acids, de novo lipogenesis, and fat utilization by β-oxidation. When the balance between these pathways is altered, hepatic lipid accumulation commences, and long-term activation of inflammatory and fibrotic pathways can progress to worsen the liver disease. This review discusses the details of the molecular mechanisms regulating hepatic lipids and the emerging therapies targeting these pathways as potential future treatments for MAFLD.
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Yu HX, Feng Z, Lin W, Yang K, Liu RQ, Li JQ, Liu XY, Pei M, Yang HT. Ongoing Clinical Trials in Aging-Related Tissue Fibrosis and New Findings Related to AhR Pathways. Aging Dis 2022; 13:732-752. [PMID: 35656117 PMCID: PMC9116921 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a pathological manifestation of wound healing that replaces dead/damaged tissue with collagen-rich scar tissue to maintain homeostasis, and complications from fibrosis contribute to nearly half of all deaths in the industrialized world. Ageing is closely associated with a progressive decline in organ function, and the prevalence of tissue fibrosis dramatically increases with age. Despite the heavy clinical and economic burden of organ fibrosis as the population ages, to date, there is a paucity of therapeutic strategies that are specifically designed to slow fibrosis. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is an environment-sensing transcription factor that exacerbates aging phenotypes in different tissues that has been brought back into the spotlight again with economic development since AhR could interact with persistent organic pollutants derived from incomplete waste combustion. In addition, gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases, and microbiota-associated tryptophan metabolites are dedicated contributors to fibrogenesis by acting as AhR ligands. Therefore, a better understanding of the effects of tryptophan metabolites on fibrosis modulation through AhR may facilitate the exploitation of new therapeutic avenues for patients with organ fibrosis. In this review, we primarily focus on how tryptophan-derived metabolites are involved in renal fibrosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis and cardiac fibrosis. Moreover, a series of ongoing clinical trials are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang-Xing Yu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhe Feng
- 3Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wei Lin
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Kang Yang
- 4Kidney Disease Treatment Center, The first affiliated hospital of Henan university of CM, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rui-Qi Liu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia-Qi Li
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xin-Yue Liu
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Ming Pei
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Hong-Tao Yang
- 1Department of Nephrology, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,2National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Garbuzenko DV. Principles of diagnosis and treatment of alcohol-induced liver fibrosis. MEDITSINSKIY SOVET = MEDICAL COUNCIL 2022. [DOI: 10.21518/2079-701x-2022-16-7-104-114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Alcohol-related liver diseases are one of the leading causes of death worldwide, primarily due to complications of liver cirrhosis (LC). Early detection of alcohol-induced liver fibrosis (LF) is a difficult task, since often alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is clinically manifested only at late stages. Given that not all alcoholic suffer from ALD, the widespread use of liver biopsy to verify the diagnosis is not advisable. Despite the variety of proposed non-invasive methods for assessing the severity of LF in patients with ALD, none of them has sufficient validation and therefore cannot be recommended for widespread use in clinical practice. The most well-studied transient elastography, due to its suboptimal specificity, can be effectively used only to exclude clinically significant LF or LC. The only proven approach to treat ALD is persistent and total alcohol abstinence. While the therapeutic options for patients with severe forms of acute hepatitis remain unchanged since the 70s of the last century and are based mainly on the use of corticosteroids, currently, there are no approaches to antifibrotic therapy of ALD approved by the guidelines. At the same time, modern achievements in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of this disease have served as an impetus for the development of ways to solve the problem. In particular, providing intestinal eubiosis may be an important goal for the prevention and treatment of alcohol-induced LF. Randomized controlled multicenter trials involving a large number of patients are needed to confirm this and other hypotheses related to antifibrotic therapy of ALD and to accept them as a standard of medical care.
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8
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Wang FD, Zhou J, Chen EQ. Molecular Mechanisms and Potential New Therapeutic Drugs for Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:787748. [PMID: 35222022 PMCID: PMC8874120 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.787748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the pathological process of excessive extracellular matrix deposition after liver injury and is a precursor to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is essentially a wound healing response to liver tissue damage. Numerous studies have shown that hepatic stellate cells play a critical role in this process, with various cells, cytokines, and signaling pathways engaged. Currently, the treatment targeting etiology is considered the most effective measure to prevent and treat liver fibrosis, but reversal fibrosis by elimination of the causative agent often occurs too slowly or too rarely to avoid life-threatening complications, especially in advanced fibrosis. Liver transplantation is the only treatment option in the end-stage, leaving us with an urgent need for new therapies. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms of liver fibrosis could identify new targets for the treatment. Most of the drugs targeting critical cells and cytokines in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis are still in pre-clinical trials and there are hardly any definitive anti-fibrotic chemical or biological drugs available for clinical use. In this review, we will summarize the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, focusing on the role of key cells, associated mechanisms, and signaling pathways, and summarize various therapeutic measures or drugs that have been trialed in clinical practice or are in the research stage.
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9
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Lin SN, Mao R, Qian C, Bettenworth D, Wang J, Li J, Bruining D, Jairath V, Feagan B, Chen M, Rieder F. Development of Anti-fibrotic Therapy in Stricturing Crohn's Disease: Lessons from Randomized Trials in Other Fibrotic Diseases. Physiol Rev 2021; 102:605-652. [PMID: 34569264 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00005.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal fibrosis is considered an inevitable complication of Crohn's disease (CD) that results in symptoms of obstruction and stricture formation. Endoscopic or surgical treatment is required to treat the majority of patients. Progress in the management of stricturing CD is hampered by the lack of effective anti-fibrotic therapy; however, this situation is likely to change because of recent advances in other fibrotic diseases of the lung, liver and skin. In this review, we summarized data from randomized controlled trials (RCT) of anti-fibrotic therapies in these conditions. Multiple compounds have been tested for the anti-fibrotic effects in other organs. According to their mechanisms, they were categorized into growth factor modulators, inflammation modulators, 5-hydroxy-3-methylgultaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors, intracellular enzymes and kinases, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) modulators and others. From our review of the results from the clinical trials and discussion of their implications in the gastrointestinal tract, we have identified several molecular candidates that could serve as potential therapies for intestinal fibrosis in CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Nan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Ren Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Chenchen Qian
- Department of Internal Medicine, UPMC Pinnacle, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Dominik Bettenworth
- Department of Medicine B, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Henan Key Laboratory of Immunology and Targeted Drug, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiannan Li
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - David Bruining
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, Minnesota, United States
| | - Vipul Jairath
- Alimentiv Inc., London, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Brian Feagan
- Alimentiv Inc., London, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Minhu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Florian Rieder
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States.,Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
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10
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Management of Cirrhotic Ascites under the Add-on Administration of Tolvaptan. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115582. [PMID: 34070416 PMCID: PMC8197450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tolvaptan is a recently available diuretic that blocks arginine vasopressin receptor 2 in the renal collecting duct. Its diuretic mechanism involves selective water reabsorption by affecting the water reabsorption receptor aquaporin 2. Given that liver cirrhosis patients exhibit hyponatremia due to their pseudo-aldosteronism and usage of natriuretic agents, a sodium maintaining agent, such as tolvaptan, is physiologically preferable. However, large scale studies indicating the patients for whom this would be effective and describing management under its use have been insufficient. The appropriate management of cirrhosis patients treated with tolvaptan should be investigated. In the present review, we collected articles investigating the effectiveness of tolvaptan and factors associated with survival and summarized their management reports. Earlier administration of tolvaptan before increasing the doses of natriuretic agents is recommended because this may preserve effective arterial blood volume.
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Update on New Aspects of the Renin-Angiotensin System in Hepatic Fibrosis and Portal Hypertension: Implications for Novel Therapeutic Options. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10040702. [PMID: 33670126 PMCID: PMC7916881 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10040702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
There is considerable experimental evidence that the renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a central role in both hepatic fibrogenesis and portal hypertension. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), a key enzyme of the classical RAS, converts angiotensin I (Ang I) to angiotensin II (Ang II), which acts via the Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) to stimulate hepatic fibrosis and increase intrahepatic vascular tone and portal pressure. Inhibitors of the classical RAS, drugs which are widely used in clinical practice in patients with hypertension, have been shown to inhibit liver fibrosis in animal models but their efficacy in human liver disease is yet to be tested in adequately powered clinical trials. Small trials in cirrhotic patients have demonstrated that these drugs may lower portal pressure but produce off-target complications such as systemic hypotension and renal failure. More recently, the alternate RAS, comprising its key enzyme, ACE2, the effector peptide angiotensin-(1–7) (Ang-(1–7)) which mediates its effects via the putative receptor Mas (MasR), has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and portal hypertension. This system is activated in both preclinical animal models and human chronic liver disease and it is now well established that the alternate RAS counter-regulates many of the deleterious effects of the ACE-dependent classical RAS. Work from our laboratory has demonstrated that liver-specific ACE2 overexpression reduces hepatic fibrosis and liver perfusion pressure without producing off-target effects. In addition, recent studies suggest that the blockers of the receptors of alternate RAS, such as the MasR and Mas related G protein-coupled receptor type-D (MrgD), increase splanchnic vascular resistance in cirrhotic animals, and thus drugs targeting the alternate RAS may be useful in the treatment of portal hypertension. This review outlines the role of the RAS in liver fibrosis and portal hypertension with a special emphasis on the possible new therapeutic approaches targeting the ACE2-driven alternate RAS.
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Jung MH, Lee JH, Lee CJ, Shin JH, Kang SH, Kwon CH, Kim DH, Kim WH, Kim HL, Kim HM, Cho IJ, Cho I, Hwang J, Ryu S, Kang C, Lee HY, Chung WJ, Ihm SH, Kim KI, Cho EJ, Sohn IS, Park S, Shin J, Ryu SK, Rhee MY, Kang SM, Pyun WB, Cho MC, Sung KC. Effect of angiotensin receptor blockers on the development of cancer: A nationwide cohort study in korea. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich) 2021; 23:879-887. [PMID: 33492766 PMCID: PMC8678844 DOI: 10.1111/jch.14187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The potential cancer risk associated with long‐term exposure to angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) is still unclear. We assessed the risk of incident cancer among hypertensive patients who were treated with ARBs compared with patients exposed to angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs), which are known to have a neutral effect on cancer development. Using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database, we analyzed the data of patients diagnosed with essential hypertension from January 2005 to December 2012 who were aged ≥40 years, initially free of cancer, and were prescribed either ACEI or ARB (n = 293,962). Cox proportional hazard model adjusted for covariates was used to evaluate the risk of incident cancer. During a mean follow‐up of 10 years, 24,610 incident cancers were observed. ARB use was associated with a decreased risk of overall cancer compared with ACEI use (hazard ratio [HR] 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72‐0.80). Similar results were obtained for lung (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64‐0.82), hepatic (HR 0.56, 95% CI 0.48‐0.65), and gastric cancers (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.66‐0.83). Regardless of the subgroup, greater reduction of cancer risk was seen among patients treated with ARB than that among patients treated with ACEIs. Particularly, the decreased risk of cancer among ARB users was more prominent among males and heavy drinkers (interaction P < .005). Dose‐response analyses demonstrated a gradual decrease in risk with prolonged ARB therapy than that with ACEI use. In conclusion, ARB use was associated with a decreased risk of overall cancer and several site‐specific cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Hyang Jung
- Cardiovascular Center, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Hwaseong, Republic of Korea
| | - Ju-Hee Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Joo Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Hun Shin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Si Hyuck Kang
- Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Hee Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Konkuk University Medical Center, Konkuk University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hee Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Hyeun Kim
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hack Lyoung Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyue Mee Kim
- Heart Research Institute, ChungAng University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In Jeong Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Iksung Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinseub Hwang
- Department of Statistics and Computer Science, Daegu University, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Soorack Ryu
- Department of Statistics and Computer Science, Daegu University, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Chaeyeong Kang
- Department of Statistics and Computer Science, Daegu University, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Young Lee
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wook-Jin Chung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gil Hospital, Gachon University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Hyun Ihm
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Il Kim
- Cardiovascular Center, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Joo Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Suk Sohn
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kyung Hee University at Gangdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungha Park
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinho Shin
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Kee Ryu
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Eulji University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Moo-Yong Rhee
- Cardiovascular Center, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Goyang-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Min Kang
- Division of Cardiology, Severance Cardiovascular Hospital and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Wook Bum Pyun
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Ewha Womans University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myeong-Chan Cho
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Chul Sung
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Kimura T, Singh S, Tanaka N, Umemura T. Role of G Protein-Coupled Receptors in Hepatic Stellate Cells and Approaches to Anti-Fibrotic Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:773432. [PMID: 34938271 PMCID: PMC8685252 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.773432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally increasing. Gaining control over disease-related events in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an advanced form of NAFLD, is currently an unmet medical need. Hepatic fibrosis is a critical prognostic factor in NAFLD/NASH. Therefore, a better understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis and the development of related therapies are of great importance. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are cell surface receptors that mediate the function of a great variety of extracellular ligands. GPCRs represent major drug targets, as indicated by the fact that about 40% of all drugs currently used in clinical practice mediate their therapeutic effects by acting on GPCRs. Like many other organs, various GPCRs play a role in regulating liver function. It is predicted that more than 50 GPCRs are expressed in the liver. However, our knowledge of how GPCRs regulate liver metabolism and fibrosis in the different cell types of the liver is very limited. In particular, a better understanding of the role of GPCRs in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), the primary cells that regulate liver fibrosis, may lead to the development of drugs that can improve hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we describe the functions of multiple GPCRs expressed in HSCs, their roles in liver fibrogenesis, and finally speculate on the development of novel treatments for NAFLD/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Kimura
- Molecular Signaling Section, Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Simran Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | - Naoki Tanaka
- International Relations Office, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
- *Correspondence: Takefumi Kimura, ; ; Naoki Tanaka,
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
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Damiris K, Tafesh ZH, Pyrsopoulos N. Efficacy and safety of anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:6304-6321. [PMID: 33244194 PMCID: PMC7656211 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i41.6304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in our understanding of the pathways linked to progression from hepatic insult to cirrhosis has led to numerous novel therapies being investigated as potential cures and inhibitors of hepatic fibrogenesis. Liver cirrhosis is the final result of prolonged fibrosis, which is an intimate balance between fibrogenesis and fibrinolysis. A number of these complex mechanisms are shared across the various etiologies of liver disease. Thankfully, investigation has yielded some promising results in regard to reversal of fibrosis, particularly the indirect benefits associated with antiviral therapy for the treatment of hepatitis B and C and the farnesoid receptor agonist for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis and metabolic associated fatty liver disease. A majority of current clinical research is focused on targeting metabolic associated fatty liver disease and its progression to metabolic steatohepatitis and ultimately cirrhosis, with some hope of potential standardized therapeutics in the near future. With our ever-evolving understanding of the underlying pathophysiology, these therapeutics focus on either controlling the primary disease (the initial trigger of fibrogenesis), interrupting receptor ligand interactions and other intracellular communications, inhibiting fibrogenesis, or even promoting resolution of fibrosis. It is imperative to thoroughly test these potential therapies with the rigorous standards of clinical therapeutic trials in order to ensure the highest standards of patient safety. In this article we will briefly review the key pathophysiological pathways that lead to liver fibrosis and present current clinical and experimental evidence that has shown reversibility of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, while commenting on therapeutic safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Damiris
- Department of Medicine, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Zaid H Tafesh
- Medicine-Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Nikolaos Pyrsopoulos
- Medicine-Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
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15
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Gunarathne LS, Rajapaksha H, Shackel N, Angus PW, Herath CB. Cirrhotic portal hypertension: From pathophysiology to novel therapeutics. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:6111-6140. [PMID: 33177789 PMCID: PMC7596642 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i40.6111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension and bleeding from gastroesophageal varices is the major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Portal hypertension is initiated by increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and a hyperdynamic circulatory state. The latter is characterized by a high cardiac output, increased total blood volume and splanchnic vasodilatation, resulting in increased mesenteric blood flow. Pharmacological manipulation of cirrhotic portal hypertension targets both the splanchnic and hepatic vascular beds. Drugs such as angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II type receptor 1 blockers, which target the components of the classical renin angiotensin system (RAS), are expected to reduce intrahepatic vascular tone by reducing extracellular matrix deposition and vasoactivity of contractile cells and thereby improve portal hypertension. However, these drugs have been shown to produce significant off-target effects such as systemic hypotension and renal failure. Therefore, the current pharmacological mainstay in clinical practice to prevent variceal bleeding and improving patient survival by reducing portal pressure is non-selective -blockers (NSBBs). These NSBBs work by reducing cardiac output and splanchnic vasodilatation but most patients do not achieve an optimal therapeutic response and a significant proportion of patients are unable to tolerate these drugs. Although statins, used alone or in combination with NSBBs, have been shown to improve portal pressure and overall mortality in cirrhotic patients, further randomized clinical trials are warranted involving larger patient populations with clear clinical end points. On the other hand, recent findings from studies that have investigated the potential use of the blockers of the components of the alternate RAS provided compelling evidence that could lead to the development of drugs targeting the splanchnic vascular bed to inhibit splanchnic vasodilatation in portal hypertension. This review outlines the mechanisms related to the pathogenesis of portal hypertension and attempts to provide an update on currently available therapeutic approaches in the management of portal hypertension with special emphasis on how the alternate RAS could be manipulated in our search for development of safe, specific and effective novel therapies to treat portal hypertension in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakmie S Gunarathne
- Department of Medicine, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Harinda Rajapaksha
- School of Molecular Science, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | | | - Peter W Angus
- Department of Gastroenterology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Chandana B Herath
- Department of Medicine, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, 1 Campbell Street, Liverpool, NSW 2170, Australia
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16
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Guo YC, Lu LG. Antihepatic Fibrosis Drugs in Clinical Trials. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2020; 8:304-312. [PMID: 33083254 PMCID: PMC7562798 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2020.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is not an independent disease. It refers to the abnormal proliferation of connective tissues in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Thus far, liver fibrosis has been considered to be associated with a set of factors, such as viral infection, alcohol abuse, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and autoimmune hepatitis, as well as genetic diseases. To date, clinical therapeutics for liver fibrosis still face challenges, as elimination of potential causes and conventional antifibrotic drugs cannot alleviate fibrosis in most patients. Recently, potential therapeutic targets of liver fibrosis, such as metabolism, inflammation, cell death and the extracellular matrix, have been explored through basic and clinical research. Therefore, it is extremely urgent to review the antihepatic fibrosis therapeutics for treatment of liver fibrosis in current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Cheng Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lun-Gen Lu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence to: Lun-Gen Lu, Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 650 Songjiang Road, Shanghai 201620, China. Tel: +86-21-63240090, E-mail:
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AlQudah M, Hale TM, Czubryt MP. Targeting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system in fibrosis. Matrix Biol 2020; 91-92:92-108. [PMID: 32422329 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components such as collagen in tissues or organs. Fibrosis can develop in the heart, kidneys, liver, skin or any other body organ in response to injury or maladaptive reparative processes, reducing overall function and leading eventually to organ failure. A variety of cellular and molecular signaling mechanisms are involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) interacts with the potent Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) pro-fibrotic pathway to mediate fibrosis in many cell and tissue types. RAAS consists of both classical and alternative pathways, which act to potentiate or antagonize fibrotic signaling mechanisms, respectively. This review provides an overview of recent literature describing the roles of RAAS in the pathogenesis of fibrosis, particularly in the liver, heart, kidney and skin, and with a focus on RAAS interactions with TGFβ signaling. Targeting RAAS to combat fibrosis represents a promising therapeutic approach, particularly given the lack of strategies for treating fibrosis as its own entity, thus animal and clinical studies to examine the impact of natural and synthetic substances to alter RAAS signaling as a means to treat fibrosis are reviewed as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad AlQudah
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada; Department of Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan
| | - Taben M Hale
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, United States
| | - Michael P Czubryt
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Canada.
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18
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Gunarathne LS, Angus PW, Herath CB. Blockade of Mas Receptor or Mas-Related G-Protein Coupled Receptor Type D Reduces Portal Pressure in Cirrhotic but Not in Non-cirrhotic Portal Hypertensive Rats. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1169. [PMID: 31607942 PMCID: PMC6761391 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension (PHT) resulting from splanchnic vasodilatation is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cirrhosis. The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays an important role in splanchnic vasodilatation in cirrhosis. This study investigated whether acute blockade of the vasodilatory receptors of the alternate RAS, Mas (MasR), Mas-related G-protein coupled receptor type D (MrgD), and angiotensin II type-2 receptor (AT2R) improves PHT in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic portal hypertensive rats and counteracts systemic hypotension associated with angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) blockade. Cirrhotic bile duct ligated (BDL) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injected and non-cirrhotic partial portal vein ligated (PPVL) rats were used for measurement of portal pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure before and after an intravenous bolus injection of the MasR, MrgD, and AT2R blockers, A779, D-Pro7-Ang-(1-7) (D-Pro) and PD123319, respectively. Separate groups of rats received a combined treatment with A779 or D-Pro given 20 min after AT1R blocker losartan. Mesenteric expression of MasR, MrgD, and AT2R and circulating levels of peptide blockers were also measured. Treatment with A779 and D-Pro significantly reduced PP in cirrhotic rat models. Despite rapid degradation of A779 and D-Pro in the rat circulation, the PP lowering effect of the blockers lasted for up to 25 min. We also found that PD123319 reduced PP in CCl4 rats, possibly by blocking the MasR and/or MrgD since AT2R expression in cirrhotic mesenteric vessels was undetectable, whereas the expression of MasR and MrgD was markedly elevated. While losartan resulted in a marked reduction in PP, its profound systemic hypotensive effect was not counteracted by the combination therapy with A779 or D-Pro. In marked contrast, none of the receptor blockers had any effect on PP in non-cirrhotic PPVL rats whose mesenteric expression of MasR and MrgD was unchanged. We conclude that in addition to MasR, MrgD, a newly discovered receptor for Angiotensin-(1-7), plays a key role in splanchnic vasodilatation in cirrhosis. This implies that both MasR and MrgD are potential therapeutic targets to treat PHT in cirrhotic patients. We also conclude that the alternate RAS may not contribute to the development of splanchnic vasodilatation in non-cirrhotic PHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakmie S Gunarathne
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Peter W Angus
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chandana B Herath
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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19
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Moscoso CG, Steer CJ. "Let my liver rather heat with wine" - a review of hepatic fibrosis pathophysiology and emerging therapeutics. Hepat Med 2019; 11:109-129. [PMID: 31565001 PMCID: PMC6731525 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s213397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cirrhosis is characterized by extensive hepatic fibrosis, and it is the 14th leading cause of death worldwide. Numerous contributing conditions have been implicated in its development, including infectious etiologies, medication overdose or adverse effects, ingestible toxins, autoimmunity, hemochromatosis, Wilson’s disease and primary biliary cholangitis to list a few. It is associated with portal hypertension and its stigmata (varices, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, combined coagulopathy and thrombophilia), and it is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, orthotopic liver transplantation has been the only curative modality to treat cirrhosis, and the scarcity of donors results in many people waiting years for a transplant. Identification of novel targets for pharmacologic therapy through elucidation of key mechanistic components to induce fibrosis reversal is the subject of intense research. Development of robust models of hepatic fibrosis to faithfully characterize the interplay between activated hepatic stellate cells (the principal fibrogenic contributor to fibrosis initiation and perpetuation), hepatocytes and extracellular matrix components has the potential to identify critical components and mechanisms that can be exploited for targeted treatment. In this review, we will highlight key cellular pathways involved in the pathophysiology of fibrosis from extracellular ligands, effectors and receptors, to nuclear receptors, epigenetic mechanisms, energy homeostasis and cytokines. Further, molecular pathways of hepatic stellate cell deactivation are discussed, including apoptosis, senescence and reversal or transdifferentiation to an inactivated state resembling quiescence. Lastly, clinical evidence of fibrosis reversal induced by biologics and small molecules is summarized, current compounds under clinical trials are described and efforts for treatment of hepatic fibrosis with mesenchymal stem cells are highlighted. An enhanced understanding of the rich tapestry of cellular processes identified in the initiation, perpetuation and resolution of hepatic fibrosis, driven principally through phenotypic switching of hepatic stellate cells, should lead to a breakthrough in potential therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos G Moscoso
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition
| | - Clifford J Steer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.,Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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20
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Jyani G, Prinja S, Ambekar A, Bahuguna P, Kumar R. Health impact and economic burden of alcohol consumption in India. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 69:34-42. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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21
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Manka P, Zeller A, Syn WK. Fibrosis in Chronic Liver Disease: An Update on Diagnostic and Treatment Modalities. Drugs 2019; 79:903-927. [DOI: 10.1007/s40265-019-01126-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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22
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The Effect of Splenectomy on the Reversal of Cirrhosis: a Prospective Study. Gastroenterol Res Pract 2019; 2019:5459427. [PMID: 31093275 PMCID: PMC6476033 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5459427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have demonstrated that liver fibrosis can be reversed by medication treatments. After splenectomy, cirrhosis patients have short-term changes in several serum markers for cirrhosis and liver stiffness. Aims To investigate the effect of splenectomy on the severity of cirrhosis. Methods A total of 62 patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension receiving splenectomy from December 2014 to July 2017 were enrolled. The degree of cirrhosis was preoperatively and postoperatively evaluated by serum markers, including hyaluronan (HA), laminin, amino-terminal propeptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP), type IV collagen (C-IV), liver stiffness (FibroScan), and liver volume. Results HA levels significantly increased at 1 week and 1 month postoperation (both P < 0.05), whereas the levels of PIIINP and C-IV significantly decreased from 1 month to 12 months postoperation (all P < 0.05). In addition, elastography examination demonstrated that the FibroScan score significantly reduced from 1 month to 24 months postoperation as compared with the baseline level (all P < 0.05). CT scan showed that the liver volume significantly increased at 6 months postoperation (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the alteration trends of these serum markers and the FibroScan score were further confirmed by the multivariate linear regression. Conclusions These observations suggested that splenectomy may result in long-term reversal of cirrhosis.
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Kawaguchi T, Inokuchi T, Honma T, Itano S, Kawasaki E, Inada C, Aoki T, Tsumura N, Araki A, Mukae T, Torimura T. Factors associated with advanced hepatic fibrosis in patients with various internal diseases: A multicenter community-based survey. Hepatol Res 2018; 48:882-892. [PMID: 29736951 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Advanced hepatic fibrosis can occur in patients with various diseases, including diabetes mellitus and hypertension. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of advanced hepatic fibrosis in patients with various internal diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a community-based survey in which 1012 patients were enrolled (mean age, 63.1 ± 10.8 years; female/male, 505/507). Hepatic fibrosis was evaluated by Fib-4 index and patients were classified into high and low Fib-4 groups. Independent factors for the high Fib-4 group were analyzed using logistic regression and decision tree analysis. RESULTS A high prevalence of high Fib-4 index was observed in patients with cardiovascular diseases; 37.1% of patients with hypertension belonged to the high Fib-4 group. Independent factors associated with the high Fib-4 group were BMI (OR 0.95, 95%CI 0.918-0.989, P < 0.01), male sex (OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.03-1.78, P < 0.05), and hypertension (OR 1.41, 95%CI 1.03-1.92, P < 0.05). In patients with hypertension, a decision tree algorithm revealed three profiles for Fib-4 index: 1) creatinine level < 0.76 mg/dL (high Fib-4; 30.0%), 2) creatinine level ≥ 0.76 mg/dL without sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) treatment (high Fib-4; 48.2%), and 3) creatinine level ≥ 0.76 mg/dL with SGLT2i treatment (high Fib-4; 23.5%). CONCLUSIONS A high prevalence of advanced hepatic fibrosis was observed in patients with hypertension. Hypertension was an independent risk factor, and creatinine level and SGLT2i were divergence variables for advanced hepatic fibrosis. Thus, hypertension with chronic kidney injury may exacerbate hepatic fibrosis, while SGLT2i treatment may ameliorate hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Kawaguchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | | | - Tomoki Honma
- Homma Internal Medicine & Cardiovascular Clinic, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Satoshi Itano
- Kurume-Chuo Hospital, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Eiji Kawasaki
- Diabetes Center, Shin-Koga Hospital, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Chizuko Inada
- Inada Medical Clinic, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Toshichika Aoki
- Aoki Internal Medicine Digestive Clinic, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Naohira Tsumura
- Tsumura Clinic, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Akiteru Araki
- Division of Medical Information, St.Mary's Hospital, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Tokunori Mukae
- Mukae Internal Medicine Clinic, Kurume, Japan.,Kurume Internal Medical Association
| | - Takuji Torimura
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume, Japan
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EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines: Management of alcohol-related liver disease. J Hepatol 2018; 69:154-181. [PMID: 29628280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 514] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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25
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Shim KY, Eom YW, Kim MY, Kang SH, Baik SK. Role of the renin-angiotensin system in hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. Korean J Intern Med 2018; 33:453-461. [PMID: 29462546 PMCID: PMC5943664 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2017.317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an important regulator of cirrhosis and portal hypertension. As hepatic fibrosis progresses, levels of the RAS components angiotensin (Ang) II, Ang-(1-7), angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and Ang II type 1 receptor (AT1R) are increased. The primary effector Ang II regulates vasoconstriction, sodium homoeostasis, fibrosis, cell proliferation, and inflammation in various diseases, including liver cirrhosis, through the ACE/Ang II/AT1R axis in the classical RAS. The ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor and ACE2/Ang-(1-9)/AT2R axes make up the alternative RAS and promote vasodilation, antigrowth, proapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects; thus, countering the effects of the classical RAS axis to reduce hepatic fibrogenesis and portal hypertension. Patients with portal hypertension have been treated with RAS antagonists such as ACE inhibitors, Ang receptor blockers, and aldosterone antagonists, with very promising hemodynamic results. In this review, we examine the RAS, its roles in hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension, and current therapeutic approaches based on the use of RAS antagonists in patients with portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwang Yong Shim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Young Woo Eom
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Seong Hee Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Institute of Evidence Based Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
- Correspondence to Soon Koo Baik, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, 20 Ilsan-ro, Wonju 26426, Korea Tel: +82-33-741-1223 Fax: +82-33-745-6782 E-mail:
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Stokkeland K, Lageborn CT, Ekbom A, Höijer J, Bottai M, Stål P, Söderberg-Löfdal K. Statins and Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors are Associated with Reduced Mortality and Morbidity in Chronic Liver Disease. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2017; 122:104-110. [DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Knut Stokkeland
- Department of Medicine; Visby Hospital; Visby Sweden
- Department of Medicine Huddinge; Unit of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | | | - Anders Ekbom
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology; Department of Medicine, Solna; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Jonas Höijer
- Unit of Biostatistics; IMM, Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Matteo Bottai
- Unit of Biostatistics; IMM, Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Per Stål
- Department of Medicine Huddinge; Unit of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
- Unit of Hepatology; Center of Digestive Diseases; Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
| | - Karin Söderberg-Löfdal
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology; Department of Laboratory Medicine; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology; Karolinska University Hospital; Stockholm Sweden
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27
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Kang SH, Kim MY, Baik SK. Novelties in the pathophysiology and management of portal hypertension: new treatments on the horizon. Hepatol Int 2017; 12:112-121. [DOI: 10.1007/s12072-017-9806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Akershoek JJ, Brouwer KM, Vlig M, Boekema BKHL, Beelen RHJ, Middelkoop E, Ulrich MMW. Differential effects of Losartan and Atorvastatin in partial and full thickness burn wounds. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179350. [PMID: 28614412 PMCID: PMC5470692 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Healing of burn wounds is often associated with scar formation due to excessive inflammation and delayed wound closure. To date, no effective treatment is available to prevent the fibrotic process. The Renin Angiotensin System (RAS) was shown to be involved in fibrosis in various organs. Statins (e.g. Atorvastatin), Angiotensin receptor antagonists (e.g. Losartan) and the combination of these drugs are able to reduce the local RAS activation, and reduced fibrosis in other organs. We investigated whether inhibition of the RAS could improve healing of burn wounds by treatment with Atorvastatin, Losartan or the combination of both drugs. Therefore, full and partial thickness burn wounds were inflicted on both flanks of Yorkshire pigs. Oral administration of Atorvastatin, Losartan or the combination was started at post-burn day 1 and continued for 28 days. Full thickness wounds were excised and transplanted with an autologous meshed split-thickness skin graft at post-burn day 14. Partial thickness wounds received conservative treatment. Atorvastatin treatment resulted in enhanced graft take and wound closure of the full thickness wounds, faster resolution of neutrophils compared to all treatments and reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin positive cells compared to control treatment. Treatment with Losartan and to a lesser extent the combination therapy resulted in diminished graft take, increased wound contraction and poorer scar outcome. In contrast, Losartan treatment in partial thickness wounds decreased the alpha-smooth muscle actin+ fibroblasts and contraction. In conclusion, we showed differential effects of Losartan and Atorvastatin in full and partial thickness wounds. The extensive graft loss seen in Losartan treated wounds is most likely responsible for the poor clinical outcome of these full thickness burn wounds. Therefore, Losartan treatment should not be started before transplantation in order to prevent graft loss. Atorvastatin seems to accelerate the healing process in full thickness wounds possibly by dampening the pro-inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanneke J. Akershoek
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Research Institute MOVE, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien M. Brouwer
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Research Institute MOVE, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel Vlig
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | | | - Rob H. J. Beelen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Middelkoop
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Hand Surgery, Research Institute MOVE, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
| | - Magda M. W. Ulrich
- Association of Dutch Burn Centres, Beverwijk, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Soto M, Sampietro-Colom L, Lasalvia L, Mira A, Jiménez W, Navasa M. Cost-effectiveness of enhanced liver fibrosis test to assess liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus and alcoholic liver disease patients. World J Gastroenterol 2017; 23:3163-3173. [PMID: 28533673 PMCID: PMC5423053 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v23.i17.3163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess liver fibrosis (LF) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and alcoholic liver disease (ALD), estimate health outcomes and costs of new noninvasive testing strategies
METHODS A Markov model was developed to simulate LF progression in HCV and ALD for a cohort of 40-year-old men with abnormal levels of transaminases. Three different testing alternatives were studied: a single liver biopsy; annual Enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF™) followed by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) imaging as a confirmation test if the ELF test is positive; and annual ELF test without LSM. The analysis was performed from the perspective of a university hospital in Spain. Clinical data were obtained from published literature. Costs were sourced from administrative databases of the hospital. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed.
RESULTS In HCV patients, annual sequential ELF test/LSM and annual ELF test alone prevented respectively 12.9 and 13.3 liver fibrosis-related deaths per 100 persons tested, compared to biopsy. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) were respectively €13400 and €11500 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY). In ALD, fibrosis-related deaths decreased by 11.7 and 22.1 per 100 persons tested respectively with sequential ELF test/LSM and annual ELF test alone. ICERs were €280 and €190 per QALY, respectively.
CONCLUSION The use of the ELF test with or without a confirmation LSM are cost-effective options compared to a single liver biopsy for testing liver fibrosis in HCV and ALD patients in Spain.
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Schwabl P, Laleman W. Novel treatment options for portal hypertension. Gastroenterol Rep (Oxf) 2017; 5:90-103. [PMID: 28533907 PMCID: PMC5421460 DOI: 10.1093/gastro/gox011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Portal hypertension is most frequently associated with cirrhosis and is a major driver for associated complications, such as variceal bleeding, ascites or hepatic encephalopathy. As such, clinically significant portal hypertension forms the prelude to decompensation and impacts significantly on the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis. At present, non-selective β-blockers, vasopressin analogues and somatostatin analogues are the mainstay of treatment but these strategies are far from satisfactory and only target splanchnic hyperemia. In contrast, safe and reliable strategies to reduce the increased intrahepatic resistance in cirrhotic patients still represent a pending issue. In recent years, several preclinical and clinical trials have focused on this latter component and other therapeutic avenues. In this review, we highlight novel data in this context and address potentially interesting therapeutic options for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schwabl
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wim Laleman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospitals Leuven, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Abstract
In chronic liver diseases, an ongoing hepatocellular injury together with inflammatory reaction results in activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and increased deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) termed as liver fibrosis. It can progress to cirrhosis that is characterized by parenchymal and vascular architectural changes together with the presence of regenerative nodules. Even at late stage, liver fibrosis is reversible and the underlying mechanisms include a switch in the inflammatory environment, elimination or regression of activated HSCs and degradation of ECM. While animal models have been indispensable for our understanding of liver fibrosis, they possess several important limitations and need to be further refined. A better insight into the liver fibrogenesis resulted in a large number of clinical trials aiming at reversing liver fibrosis, particularly in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Collectively, the current developments demonstrate that reversal of liver fibrosis is turning from fiction to reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Eugenio Zoubek
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
| | - Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany.
| | - Pavel Strnad
- Department of Internal Medicine III, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany
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Buzzetti E, Kalafateli M, Thorburn D, Davidson BR, Thiele M, Gluud LL, Del Giovane C, Askgaard G, Krag A, Tsochatzis E, Gurusamy KS. Pharmacological interventions for alcoholic liver disease (alcohol-related liver disease): an attempted network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD011646. [PMID: 28368093 PMCID: PMC6464309 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011646.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-related liver disease is due to excessive alcohol consumption. It includes a spectrum of liver diseases such as alcohol-related fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, and alcoholic cirrhosis. Mortality associated with alcoholic hepatitis is high. The optimal pharmacological treatment of alcoholic hepatitis and other alcohol-related liver disease remains controversial. OBJECTIVES To assess the comparative benefits and harms of different pharmacological interventions in the management of alcohol-related liver disease through a network meta-analysis and to generate rankings of the available pharmacological interventions according to their safety and efficacy in order to identify potential treatments. However, even in the subgroup of participants when the potential effect modifiers appeared reasonably similar across comparisons, there was evidence of inconsistency by one or more methods of assessment of inconsistency. Therefore, we did not report the results of the network meta-analysis and reported the comparative benefits and harms of different interventions using standard Cochrane methodology. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, Science Citation Index Expanded, World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and randomised controlled trials registers until February 2017 to identify randomised clinical trials on pharmacological treatments for alcohol-related liver diseases. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised clinical trials (irrespective of language, blinding, or publication status) including participants with alcohol-related liver disease. We excluded trials that included participants who had previously undergone liver transplantation and those with co-existing chronic viral diseases. We considered any of the various pharmacological interventions compared with each other or with placebo or no intervention. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently identified trials and independently extracted data. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) and rate ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using both fixed-effect and random-effects models based on available-participant analysis with Review Manager. We assessed risk of bias according to Cochrane, controlled risk of random errors with Trial Sequential Analysis, and assessed the quality of the evidence using GRADE. MAIN RESULTS We identified a total of 81 randomised clinical trials. All the trials were at high risk of bias, and the overall quality of the evidence was low or very low for all outcomes. Alcoholic hepatitisFifty randomised clinical trials included 4484 participants with alcoholic hepatitis. The period of follow-up ranged from one to 12 months. Because of concerns about transitivity assumption, we did not perform the network meta-analysis. None of the active interventions showed any improvement in any of the clinical outcomes reported in the trials, which includes mortality (at various time points), cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, liver transplantation. None of the trials reported health-related quality of life or incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Severe alcoholic hepatitisOf the trials on alcoholic hepatitis, 19 trials (2545 participants) included exclusively participants with severe alcoholic hepatitis (Maddrey Discriminat Function > 32). The period of follow-up ranged from one to 12 months. There was no alteration in the conclusions when only people with severe alcoholic hepatitis were included in the analysis. SOURCE OF FUNDING Eleven trials were funded by parties with vested interest in the results. Sixteen trials were funded by parties without vested interest in the results. The source of funding was not reported in 23 trials. Other alcohol-related liver diseasesThirty-one randomised clinical trials included 3695 participants with other alcohol-related liver diseases (with a wide spectrum of alcohol-related liver diseases). The period of follow-up ranged from one to 48 months. The mortality at maximal follow-up was lower in the propylthiouracil group versus the no intervention group (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.78; 423 participants; 2 trials; low-quality evidence). However, this result is based on two small trials at high risk of bias and further confirmation in larger trials of low risk of bias is necessary to recommend propylthiouracil routinely in people with other alcohol-related liver diseases. The mortality at maximal follow-up was higher in the ursodeoxycholic acid group versus the no intervention group (OR 2.09, 95% CI 1.12 to 3.90; 226 participants; 1 trial; low-quality evidence). SOURCE OF FUNDING Twelve trials were funded by parties with vested interest in the results. Three trials were funded by parties without vested interest in the results. The source of funding was not reported in 16 trials. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Because of very low-quality evidence, there is uncertainty in the effectiveness of any pharmacological intervention versus no intervention in people with alcoholic hepatitis or severe alcoholic hepatitis. Based on low-quality evidence, propylthiouracil may decrease mortality in people with other alcohol-related liver diseases. However, these results must be confirmed by adequately powered trials with low risk of bias before propylthiouracil can be considered effective.Future randomised clinical trials should be conducted with approximately 200 participants in each group and follow-up of one to two years in order to compare the benefits and harms of different treatments in people with alcoholic hepatitis. Randomised clinical trials should include health-related quality of life and report serious adverse events separately from adverse events. Future randomised clinical trials should have a low risk of bias and low risk of random errors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Buzzetti
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUK
| | - Maria Kalafateli
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUK
| | - Douglas Thorburn
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUK
| | - Brian R Davidson
- Royal Free Campus, UCL Medical SchoolDepartment of SurgeryPond StreetLondonUKNW3 2QG
| | - Maja Thiele
- Odense University HospitalDepartment of Gastroenterology and HepatologySdr. Boulevard 29, Entrance 126OdenseDenmark5000
| | - Lise Lotte Gluud
- Copenhagen University Hospital HvidovreGastrounit, Medical DivisionKettegaards AlleHvidovreDenmark2650
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaCochrane Italy, Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health MedicineVia del Pozzo 71ModenaItaly41124
| | - Gro Askgaard
- RigshospitaletDepartment of HepatologyBlegdamsvej 9København ØDenmark2100
| | - Aleksander Krag
- Odense University HospitalDepartment of Gastroenterology and HepatologySdr. Boulevard 29, indgang 126Odense CDenmark5000
| | - Emmanuel Tsochatzis
- Royal Free Hospital and the UCL Institute of Liver and Digestive HealthSheila Sherlock Liver CentreLondonUK
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Jung YK, Yim HJ. Reversal of liver cirrhosis: current evidence and expectations. Korean J Intern Med 2017; 32:213-228. [PMID: 28171717 PMCID: PMC5339475 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2016.268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past, liver cirrhosis was considered an irreversible phenomenon. However, many experimental data have provided evidence of the reversibility of liver fibrosis. Moreover, multiple clinical studies have also shown regression of fibrosis and reversal of cirrhosis on repeated biopsy samples. As various etiologies are associated with liver fibrosis via integrated signaling pathways, a comprehensive understanding of the pathobiology of hepatic fibrogenesis is critical for improving clinical outcomes. Hepatic stellate cells play a central role in hepatic fibrogenesis upon their activation from a quiescent state. Collagen and other extracellular material components from activated hepatic stellate cells are deposited on, and damage, the liver parenchyma and vascular structures. Hence, inactivation of hepatic stellate cells can lead to enhancement of fibrolytic activity and could be a potential target of antifibrotic therapy. In this regard, continued efforts have been made to develop better treatments for underlying liver diseases and antifibrotic agents in multiple clinical and therapeutic trials; the best results may be expected with the integration of such evidence. In this article, we present the underlying mechanisms of fibrosis, current experimental and clinical evidence of the reversibility of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis, and new agents with therapeutic potential for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hyung Joon Yim
- Correspondence to Hyung Joon Yim, M.D. Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, 123 Jeokgeum-ro, Danwon-gu, Ansan 15355, Korea Tel: +82-31-412-6565 Fax: +82-31-412-5582 E-mail:
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Ramachandran P, Henderson NC. Antifibrotics in chronic liver disease: tractable targets and translational challenges. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 1:328-340. [PMID: 28404203 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(16)30110-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver disease prevalence is increasing globally. Iterative liver damage, secondary to any cause of liver injury, results in progressive fibrosis, disrupted hepatic architecture, and aberrant regeneration, which are defining characteristics of liver cirrhosis. Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for end-stage liver disease; however, demand greatly outweighs donor organ supply, and in many parts of the world liver transplantation is unavailable. Hence, effective antifibrotic therapies are urgently required. In the past decade, rapid progress has been made in our understanding of the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis and a large number of potential cellular and molecular antifibrotic targets have been identified. This has led to numerous clinical trials of antifibrotic agents in patients with chronic liver disease. However, none of these have resulted in a robust and reproducible effect on fibrosis. It is therefore imperative that the ongoing translational challenges are addressed, to convert scientific discoveries into potent antifibrotics and enable bridging of the translational gap between putative therapeutic targets and effective treatments for patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Ramachandran
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Neil C Henderson
- Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Inflammation Research, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
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35
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Clinical Advancements in the Targeted Therapies against Liver Fibrosis. Mediators Inflamm 2016; 2016:7629724. [PMID: 27999454 PMCID: PMC5143744 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7629724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins leading to liver dysfunction, is a growing cause of mortality worldwide. Hepatocellular damage owing to liver injury leads to the release of profibrotic factors from infiltrating inflammatory cells that results in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Upon activation, HSCs undergo characteristic morphological and functional changes and are transformed into proliferative and contractile ECM-producing myofibroblasts. Over recent years, a number of therapeutic strategies have been developed to inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis, inflammatory responses, and HSCs proliferation and activation. Preclinical studies have yielded numerous targets for the development of antifibrotic therapies, some of which have entered clinical trials and showed improved therapeutic efficacy and desirable safety profiles. Furthermore, advancements have been made in the development of noninvasive markers and techniques for the accurate disease assessment and therapy responses. Here, we focus on the clinical developments attained in the field of targeted antifibrotics for the treatment of liver fibrosis, for example, small molecule drugs, antibodies, and targeted drug conjugate. We further briefly highlight different noninvasive diagnostic technologies and will provide an overview about different therapeutic targets, clinical trials, endpoints, and translational efforts that have been made to halt or reverse the progression of liver fibrosis.
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36
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Kim G, Kim J, Lim YL, Kim MY, Baik SK. Renin-angiotensin system inhibitors and fibrosis in chronic liver disease: a systematic review. Hepatol Int 2016; 10:819-28. [PMID: 26903052 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-016-9705-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has an important role in hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension. RAS inhibitors are already accepted in clinical fields for antihypertensive management, but their effects on hepatic fibrosis are controversial. The aim of this study was to systematically review the effects of RAS inhibitors on hepatic fibrosis based on histological assessment. METHODS We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) of the literature using the Ovid-MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases (up to January 2015) to identify clinical studies evaluating the effects of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers on hepatic fibrosis or cirrhosis patients based on histological assessment. Of the 455 studies identified, we analyzed 7, including a total of 1066 patients, which met our selection criteria. RESULTS According to the MA, patients treated with RAS inhibitors had significantly lower fibrosis scores (SMD -0.68, 95 % CI -1.03, -0.34, I (2) = 0 %, p < 0.0001) and smaller fibrosis areas (SMD -0.80, 95 % CI -1.18, -0.41, I (2) = 0 %, p < 0.0001) than controls. Serum fibrosis markers such as TGF-β1, collagen I, IV, TIMP-1, and MMP2 were significantly reduced in the intervention group. In two studies, mean arterial pressures were significantly decreased in RAS inhibitor users, but there were no reports about symptoms related to decreased blood pressure. No significant difference was found in serum creatinine levels between the intervention and control groups, and significant renal dysfunction was not observed after administration of RAS inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS RAS inhibitors are potential therapeutic agents for hepatic fibrosis, which can be safely used in patients with chronic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeun Kim
- Research Institute for Nursing Science, College of Nursing, Keimyung University, Dalgubeoldae-ro 1095, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 704-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Juyoung Kim
- Research Institute for Nursing Science, College of Nursing, Keimyung University, Dalgubeoldae-ro 1095, Dalseo-Gu, Daegu, 704-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Li Lim
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Ilsan-ro 20, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 220-701, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Ilsan-ro 20, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 220-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Ilsan-ro 20, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 220-701, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Ilsan-ro 20, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 220-701, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Ilsan-ro 20, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 220-701, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Ilsan-ro 20, Wonju, Gangwon-do, 220-701, Republic of Korea.
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Kim G, Lee SS, Baik SK, Cho YZ, Kim MY, Kwon SO, Cha SH, Cho MY. The need for histological subclassification of cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Liver Int 2016. [PMID: 26212153 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The need for further histological subclassification of cirrhosis has been increasingly recognized because of the heterogeneity of severity within cirrhosis. We sought to identify evidence in the literature regarding the histological subclassification of cirrhosis using the Laennec stage. METHODS We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis by searching databases, including MEDLINE, EMBASE and the COCHRANE library, for relevant studies. RESULTS Of 208 studies identified, 16 were eligible according to the inclusion criteria. With higher grades of the Laennec stage, clinical stages of cirrhosis and Child-Pugh scores/Model for end-stage liver disease scores increased (P < 0.05). Higher Laennec stages were statistically associated with the development of liver-related events, such as liver-related death, liver cancer progression and variceal haemorrhage, as well as higher hepatic venous pressure gradients and higher liver stiffness values (P < 0.05). Two open-labelled studies showed the usefulness of the Laennec system with regard to the evaluation of whether antifibrotic treatments were effective. The mean kappa value was 0.81 (range 0.61-0.87) for inter-observer agreement. CONCLUSIONS Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis, histological subclassification of cirrhosis using the Laennec system is useful to better predict prognosis and complications of portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaeun Kim
- Department of Nursing, Research Institute for Nursing Science, Keimyung University College of Nursing, Daegu, Korea
| | - Samuel S Lee
- Liver unit, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.,Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Youn Zoo Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sang Ok Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Cha
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Mee Yon Cho
- Department of Pathology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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Zhu Q, Li N, Li F, Zhou Z, Han Q, Lv Y, Sang J, Liu Z. Therapeutic effect of renin angiotensin system inhibitors on liver fibrosis. J Renin Angiotensin Aldosterone Syst 2016; 17:1470320316628717. [PMID: 27009285 PMCID: PMC5843853 DOI: 10.1177/1470320316628717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and objective: Currently, there is no effective therapy available for liver fibrosis. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of renin angiotensin system inhibitors on liver fibrosis. Method: Full-text randomized controlled trials in patients with liver fibrosis were identified and included in the meta-analysis. The primary outcome measure was the histological fibrosis score of the liver. Secondary outcome measures included fibrosis area of the liver, serological levels of fibrosis markers, adverse events, and withdrawals. Results: From 6973 non-duplicated entries by systematic search, four randomized controlled trials with 210 patients were identified. The renin angiotensin system inhibitors therapy resulted in a marginally significant reduction in liver fibrosis score (MD = -0.30; 95% CI: -0.62–0.02, p = 0.05) and a significant reduction in liver fibrosis area (MD = -2.36%; 95% CI: -4.22%–-0.50%, p = 0.01) as compared with control. The therapy was well tolerated and there was no significant difference in withdrawals between treatment and control groups (RD = 0.00; 95% CI: -0.06–0.06, p = 0.97). Conclusions: Renin angiotensin system inhibitor therapy results in a reduction in liver fibrosis score and liver fibrosis area in patients with hepatic fibrosis with good safety profile. However, randomized controlled trials of high-quality will clarify the effectiveness of renin angiotensin system inhibitors on liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianqian Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Zhihua Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Qunying Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Yi Lv
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Jiao Sang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Zhengwen Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, China Institute of Advanced Surgical Technology and Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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Paik YH. Reappraisal of Antihypertensive Medicine Doxazosin and Carvedilol as a Potential Therapeutic for Hepatic Fibrosis. Gut Liver 2015; 10:10-1. [PMID: 26696027 PMCID: PMC4694729 DOI: 10.5009/gnl15576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Han Paik
- Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine,Seoul, Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
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Long LH, Xue CQ, Shi JF, Dong JN, Wang L. Efficacy of Hepatoprotective Agents With or Without Antiviral Drugs on Liver Function and Fibrosis in Patients With Hepatitis B: A Meta-Analysis. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2015; 15:e29052. [PMID: 26300933 PMCID: PMC4539848 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.29052v2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Revised: 05/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT To systematically evaluate the effects of hepatoprotective agents, when delivered either alone or in combination with other antiviral or non-antiviral drugs in patients with hepatitis B and hepatic fibrosis. OBJECTIVES The current randomized controlled clinical trials aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combinations of antiviral and non-antiviral hepatoprotective agents on indexes of liver function and liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis B. DATA SOURCES Published literatures in Chinese and English on hepatoprotective treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis B and liver fibrosis were searched in three databases and randomized controlled clinical trials were selected. STUDY SELECTION Data were extracted according to a variety of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Meta-analysis was employed to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 22 randomized controlled trials encompassing 1,714 cases were considered in the meta-analysis. The obtained results indicated that the combination of antiviral drug and hepatoprotective agent was better than antiviral drug alone to improve liver function. Similarly, regarding liver fibrosis, using two different hepatoprotective agents was better than using one agent. The normalization rates of Aminotransferase (ALT) and total Bilirubin (TBil) were improved 25.7% by two hepatoprotective agents compared to the single agent. Acetylcysteine was superior to ursodeoxycholic acid or silibinin to reduce ALT. Ursodeoxycholic acid was superior to acetylcysteine or silibinin to reduce TBIL. CONCLUSIONS Hepatoprotective agents combined with antiviral drugs can significantly improve liver function and liver fibrosis parameters in patients with hepatitis B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hui Long
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical College, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
- Corresponding Author: Li-Hui Long, Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical College, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China. Tel: +86-2984277599, Fax: +86-2984277599, E-mail:
| | - Cai-Qin Xue
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical College, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
| | - Jun-Feng Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical College, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
| | - Juan-Ni Dong
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical College, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
| | - Li Wang
- Research Division, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Medical College, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710077, China
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Tan DY, Shi HY, Li CP, Zhong XL, Kang M. Effect of nuclear factor-κB and angiotensin II receptor type 1 on the pathogenesis of rat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:5877-5883. [PMID: 26019451 PMCID: PMC4438021 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i19.5877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the roles of nuclear factor (NF)-κB and angiotensin II receptor type 1 (AT1R) in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
METHODS: Forty-two healthy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group (normal diet), the model group, and the intervention group (10 wk of a high-fat diet feeding, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of PDTC); 6 rats in each group were sacrificed at 6, 10, and 14 wk. After sacrifice, liver tissue was taken, paraffin sections of liver tissue specimens were prepared, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed, and pathological changes in liver tissue (i.e., liver fibrosis) were observed by light microscopy. NF-κB expression in liver tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the expression of AT1R in the liver tissue was detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The data are expressed as mean ± SD. A two-sample t test was used to compare the control group and the model group at different time points, paired t tests were used to compare the differences between the intervention group and the model group, and analysis of variance was used to compare the model group with the control group. Homogeneity of variance was analyzed with single factor analysis of variance. H variance analysis was used to compare the variance. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
RESULTS: The NAFLD model was successful after 6 wk and 10 wk. Liver fibrosis was found in four rats in the model group, but in only one rat in the intervention group at 14 wk. Liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were gradually increased throughout the model. In the intervention group, the body mass, rat liver index, serum lipid, and transaminase levels were not increased compared to the model group. In the model group, the degree of liver steatosis was increased at 6, 10, and 14 wk, and was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.01). In the model group, different degrees of liver cell necrosis were visible and small leaves, punctated inflammation, focal necrosis, and obvious ballooning degeneration were observed. Partial necrosis and confluent necrosis were observed. In the model group, liver inflammatory activity scores at 6, 10, and 14 wk were higher than in the control group (P < 0.01). Active inflammation in liver tissue in the intervention group was lower than in the model group (P < 0.05). HE staining showed liver fibrosis only at 14 wk in 4/6 rats in the model group and in 1/6 rats in the intervention group. NF-κB positive cells were stained yellow or ensemble yellow, and NF-κB was localized in the cytoplasm and/or nucleus. The model group showed NF-κB activation at 6, 10, and 14 wk in liver cells; at the same time points, there were statistically significant differences in the control group (P < 0.01). Over time, NF-κB expression increased; this was statistically lower (P < 0.05) at 14 weeks in the intervention group compared to the model group, but significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared with the control group; RT-PCR showed that AT1R mRNA expression increased gradually in the model group; at 14 wk, the expression was significantly different compared with expression at 10 weeks as well as at 6 weeks (P < 0.05). In the model group, AT1R mRNA expression was significantly higher than at the same time point in the control group (P < 0.01).
CONCLUSION: With increasing severity of NAFLD, NF-κB activity is enhanced, and the inhibition of NF-κB activity may reduce AT1R mRNA expression in NAFLD.
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Strategies to prevent and reverse liver fibrosis in humans and laboratory animals. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:1727-50. [PMID: 25963329 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis results from chronic damage to the liver in conjunction with various pathways and is mediated by a complex microenvironment. Based on clinical observations, it is now evident that fibrosis is a dynamic, bidirectional process with an inherent capacity for recovery and remodeling. The major mechanisms involved in liver fibrosis include the repetitive injury of hepatocytes, the activation of the inflammatory response after injury stimulation, and the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which represents the major extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing cells, stimulated by hepatocyte injury and inflammation. The microenvironment in the liver is synergistically regulated abnormal ECM deposition, scar formation, angiogenesis, and fibrogenesis. Moreover, recent studies have clarified novel mechanism in fibrosis such as epigenetic regulation of HSCs, the leptin and PPARγ pathways, the coagulation system, and even autophagy. Uncovering the mechanisms of liver fibrogenesis provides a basis to develop potential therapies to reverse and treat the fibrotic response, thereby improving the outcomes of patients with chronic liver disease. Although both scientific and clinical challenges remain, emerging studies attempt to reveal the ideal anti-fibrotic drug that could be easily delivered to the liver with high specificity and low toxicity. This review highlights the mechanisms, including novel pathways underlying fibrogenesis that may be translated into preventive and treatment strategies, reviews both current and novel agents that target specific pathways or multiple targets, and discusses novel drug delivery systems such as nanotechnology that can be applied in the treatment of liver fibrosis. In addition, we also discuss some current treatment strategies that are being applied in animal models and in clinical trials.
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Abstract
Significant progress has been made in understanding the principles underlying the development of liver fibrosis. This includes appreciating its dynamic nature, the importance of active fibrolysis in fibrosis regression, and the plasticity of cell populations endowing them with fibrogenic or fibrolytic properties. This is complemented by an increasing array of therapeutic targets with known roles in the progression or regression of fibrosis. With a key role for fibrosis in determining clinical outcomes and encouraging data from recently Food and Drug Administration-approved antifibrotics for pulmonary fibrosis, the development and validation of antifibrotic therapies has taken center stage in translational hepatology. In addition to summarizing the recent progress in antifibrotic therapies, the authors discuss some of the challenges ahead, such as achieving a better understanding of the interindividual heterogeneity of the fibrotic response, how to match interventions with the ideal patient population, and the development of better noninvasive methods to assess the dynamics of fibrogenesis and fibrolysis. Together, these advances will permit a better targeting and dose titration of individualized therapies. Finally, the authors discuss combination therapy with different antifibrotics as possibly the most potent approach for treating fibrosis in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Z. Mehal
- Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut,West Haven Veterans Medical Center, West Haven, Connecticut
| | - D. Schuppan
- Department of Medicine, Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University of Mainz Medical Center, Mainz, Germany,Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
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Trautwein C, Friedman SL, Schuppan D, Pinzani M. Hepatic fibrosis: Concept to treatment. J Hepatol 2015; 62:S15-24. [PMID: 25920084 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 482] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying liver fibrogenesis is fundamentally relevant to developing new treatments that are independent of the underlying etiology. The increasing success of antiviral treatments in blocking or reversing the fibrogenic progression of chronic liver disease has unearthed vital information about the natural history of fibrosis regression, and has established important principles and targets for antifibrotic drugs. Although antifibrotic activity has been demonstrated for many compounds in vitro and in animal models, none has been thoroughly validated in the clinic or commercialized as a therapy for fibrosis. In addition, it is likely that combination therapies that affect two or more key pathogenic targets and/or pathways will be needed. To accelerate the preclinical development of these combination therapies, reliable single target validation is necessary, followed by the rational selection and systematic testing of combination approaches. Improved noninvasive tools for the assessment of fibrosis content, fibrogenesis and fibrolysis must accompany in vivo validation in experimental fibrosis models, and especially in clinical trials. The rapidly changing landscape of clinical trial design for liver disease is recognized by regulatory agencies in the United States (FDA) and Western Europe (EMA), who are working together with the broad range of stakeholders to standardize approaches to testing antifibrotic drugs in cohorts of patients with chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Trautwein
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Scott L Friedman
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Detlef Schuppan
- Institute of Translational Immunology and Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany; Division of Gastroenterology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, UK.
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Vairappan B. Endothelial dysfunction in cirrhosis: Role of inflammation and oxidative stress. World J Hepatol 2015; 7:443-459. [PMID: 25848469 PMCID: PMC4381168 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v7.i3.443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This review describes the recent developments in the pathobiology of endothelial dysfunction (ED) in the context of cirrhosis with portal hypertension and defines novel strategies and potential targets for therapy. ED has prognostic implications by predicting unfavourable early hepatic events and mortality in patients with portal hypertension and advanced liver diseases. ED characterised by an impaired bioactivity of nitric oxide (NO) within the hepatic circulation and is mainly due to decreased bioavailability of NO and accelerated degradation of NO with reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, elevated inflammatory markers also inhibit NO synthesis and causes ED in cirrhotic liver. Therefore, improvement of NO availability in the hepatic circulation can be beneficial for the improvement of endothelial dysfunction and associated portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Furthermore, therapeutic agents that are identified in increasing NO bioavailability through improvement of hepatic endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and reduction in hepatic asymmetric dimethylarginine, an endogenous modulator of eNOS and a key mediator of elevated intrahepatic vascular tone in cirrhosis would be interesting therapeutic approaches in patients with endothelial dysfunction and portal hypertension in advanced liver diseases.
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Kim JH, Kim JM, Cho YZ, Na JH, Kim HS, Kim HA, Kang HW, Baik SK, Kwon SO, Cha SH, Kim YJ, Kim MY. Effects of candesartan and propranolol combination therapy versus propranolol monotherapy in reducing portal hypertension. Clin Mol Hepatol 2014; 20:376-83. [PMID: 25548744 PMCID: PMC4278069 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2014.20.4.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) inhibit activated hepatic stellate cell contraction and are thought to reduce the dynamic portion of intrahepatic resistance. This study compared the effects of combined treatment using the ARB candesartan and propranolol versus propranolol monotherapy on portal pressure in patients with cirrhosis in a prospective, randomized controlled trial. METHODS Between January 2008 and July 2009, 53 cirrhotic patients with clinically significant portal hypertension were randomized to receive either candesartan and propranolol combination therapy (26 patients) or propranolol monotherapy (27 patients). Before and 3 months after the administration of the planned medication, the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was assessed in both groups. The dose of propranolol was subsequently increased from 20 mg bid until the target heart rate was reached, and the candesartan dose was fixed at 8 mg qd. The primary endpoint was the HVPG response rate; patients with an HVPG reduction of >20% of the baseline value or to <12 mmHg were defined as responders. RESULTS The mean portal pressure declined significantly in both groups, from 16 mmHg (range, 12-28 mmHg) to 13.5 mmHg (range, 6-20 mmHg) in the combination group (P<0.05), and from 17 mmHg (range, 12-27 mmHg) to 14 mmHg (range, 7-25 mmHg) in the propranolol monotherapy group (P<0.05). However, the medication-induced pressure reduction did not differ significantly between the two groups [3.5 mmHg (range, -3-11 mmHg) vs. 3 mmHg (range, -8-10 mmHg), P = 0.674]. The response rate (55.6% vs. 61.5%, P = 0.435) and the reductions in mean blood pressure or heart rate also did not differ significantly between the combination and monotherapy groups. CONCLUSIONS The addition of candesartan (an ARB) to propranolol confers no benefit relative to classical propranolol monotherapy for the treatment of portal hypertension, and is thus not recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Hyun Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jung Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Youn Zoo Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Ji Hoon Na
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hyun Sik Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hyoun A Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Hye Won Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Soon Koo Baik
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea. ; Department of Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Sang Ok Kwon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Seung Hwan Cha
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Young Ju Kim
- Department of Radiology, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Moon Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea. ; Department of Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering, Wonju Severance Christian Hospital, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
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Suk KT, Kim MY, Baik SK. Alcoholic liver disease: Treatment. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:12934-12944. [PMID: 25278689 PMCID: PMC4177474 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i36.12934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2013] [Revised: 03/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The excess consumption of alcohol is associated with alcoholic liver diseases (ALD). ALD is a major healthcare problem, personal and social burden, and significant reason for economic loss worldwide. The ALD spectrum includes alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis of ALD is based on a combination of clinical features, including a history of significant alcohol intake, evidence of liver disease, and laboratory findings. Abstinence is the most important treatment for ALD and the treatment plan varies according to the stage of the disease. Various treatments including abstinence, nutritional therapy, pharmacological therapy, psychotherapy, and surgery are currently available. For severe alcoholic hepatitis, corticosteroid or pentoxifylline are recommended based on the guidelines. In addition, new therapeutic targets are being under investigation.
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Paik YH, Kim J, Aoyama T, De Minicis S, Bataller R, Brenner DA. Role of NADPH oxidases in liver fibrosis. Antioxid Redox Signal 2014; 20:2854-72. [PMID: 24040957 PMCID: PMC4026397 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Hepatic fibrosis is the common pathophysiologic process resulting from chronic liver injury, characterized by the accumulation of an excessive extracellular matrix. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) is a multicomponent enzyme complex that generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to a wide range of stimuli. In addition to phagocytic NOX2, there are six nonphagocytic NOX proteins. RECENT ADVANCES In the liver, NOX is functionally expressed both in the phagocytic form and in the nonphagocytic form. NOX-derived ROS contributes to various kinds of liver disease caused by alcohol, hepatitis C virus, and toxic bile acids. Recent evidence indicates that both phagocytic NOX2 and nonphagocytic NOX isoforms, including NOX1 and NOX4, mediate distinct profibrogenic actions in hepatic stellate cells, the main fibrogenic cell type in the liver. The critical role of NOX in hepatic fibrogenesis provides a rationale to assess pharmacological NOX inhibitors that treat hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. CRITICAL ISSUES Although there is compelling evidence indicating a crucial role for NOX-mediated ROS generation in hepatic fibrogenesis, little is known about the expression, subcellular localization, regulation, and redox signaling of NOX isoforms in specific cell types in the liver. Moreover, the exact mechanism of NOX-mediated fibrogenic signaling is still largely unknown. FUTURE DIRECTIONS A better understanding through further research about NOX-mediated fibrogenic signaling may enable the development of novel anti-fibrotic therapy using NOX inhibition strategy. Antio
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Han Paik
- 1 Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
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Kim JH, Lee S, Lee MY, Shin HK. Therapeutic effect of Soshiho-tang, a traditional herbal formula, on liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in animal models: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2014; 154:1-16. [PMID: 24727191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2014.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Liver fibrosis has been recognized as a major lesion of the liver that leads to liver cirrhosis at the end stage. Soshiho-tang (SST) has been used to improve liver fibrosis/cirrhosis by ameliorating fibrosis-specific markers. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of SST on liver fibrosis/cirrhosis through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis using animal models. MATERIALS AND METHODS Studies of SST treatment in liver fibrosis/cirrhosis-induced animal models were searched by electronic data bases. The quality of the studies included was assessed and the efficacy of SST was evaluated based on markers from liver tissues and serum. RESULTS Among the 838 studies identified in the literature search, 20 studies that met the inclusion criteria were included in the analysis. SST significantly reduced the elevated levels of fibrosis markers, such as the degree of fibrosis, hydroxyproline, hyaluronic acid, transforming growth factor-β1, and procollagen III in liver tissues, and aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, procollagen III, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1, and type IV collagen in the serum. CONCLUSIONS SST was effective in decreasing pathologically increased markers in animal models of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. A larger-scale of animals, well-designed animal study is expected to improve the methodological quality, heterogeneity, and potential biases of the meta-analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Hoon Kim
- Herbal Medicine Formulation Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 305-811, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghoon Lee
- Acupuncture, Moxibustion & Meridian Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 305-811, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Young Lee
- Herbal Medicine Formulation Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 305-811, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeun-Kyoo Shin
- Herbal Medicine Formulation Research Group, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 305-811, Republic of Korea.
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