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Yeh ML, Dai CY, Huang CF, Huang SF, Tsai PC, Hsu PY, Huang CI, Wei YJ, Liang PC, Bair MJ, Lee MH, Lin ZY, Huang JF, Yu ML, Chuang WL. The efficacy of multi-disciplinary lifestyle modifications in Taiwanese nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2024; 40:575-582. [PMID: 38623906 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Lifestyle modification is the standard of care for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of a short-term lifestyle modification program in the disease course of Taiwanese nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients with paired biopsies. All patients received a 6-month, strict multidisciplinary program of lifestyle modifications led by physicians, dieticians, and nursing staff. The histopathological and clinical features were assessed. The endpoints were normalization of transaminase levels, metabolic parameters, a decrease in the NAFLD activity score (NAS) ≥1, and a decrease in the fibrosis stage ≥1. We also aimed to elucidate the predictors associated with disease progression. A total of 37 patients with biopsy-proven NASH were enrolled. The normalization of transaminase levels increased from 0% to 13.5%. There were also significantly increased proportions of patients with normal total cholesterol, triglyceride, and hemoglobin A1c levels. Fifteen (40.5%) patients had an increased NAS ≥1, whereas 10 (27.0%) patients had NAS regression. Twelve (32.4%) patients had increased fibrosis ≥1 stage. Only 2 (5.4%) patients experienced fibrosis regression. A high fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level was associated with NAS progression. Older age and higher transaminase and FPG levels were factors associated with fibrosis progression. Seven (18.9%) patients achieved a body weight reduction >3%, and 4 (57.1%) of them experienced NAS regression. No significant effect of weight reduction on the progression of fibrosis was observed. The short-term lifestyle modification program significantly decreased liver enzymes and metabolic parameters in NASH patients. A more precise or intensive program may be needed for fibrosis improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Feng Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Linko Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yau Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ju Wei
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Liang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jong Bair
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan
- Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsuan Lee
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Division of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine and Center of Excellence for Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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Cao L, An Y, Liu H, Jiang J, Liu W, Zhou Y, Shi M, Dai W, Lv Y, Zhao Y, Lu Y, Chen L, Xia Y. Global epidemiology of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Med 2024; 22:101. [PMID: 38448943 PMCID: PMC10919055 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03315-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) shares common pathophysiological mechanisms with type 2 diabetes, making them significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes. The present study aimed to assess the epidemiological feature of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD at global levels. METHODS Published studies were searched for terms that included type 2 diabetes, and NAFLD or MAFLD using PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from their inception to December 2022. The pooled global and regional prevalence and incidence density of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD were evaluated using random-effects meta-analysis. Potential sources of heterogeneity were investigated using stratified meta-analysis and meta-regression. RESULTS A total of 395 studies (6,878,568 participants with NAFLD; 1,172,637 participants with MAFLD) from 40 countries or areas were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of type 2 diabetes among NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 28.3% (95% confidence interval 25.2-31.6%) and 26.2% (23.9-28.6%) globally. The incidence density of type 2 diabetes in NAFLD or MAFLD patients was 24.6 per 1000-person year (20.7 to 29.2) and 26.9 per 1000-person year (7.3 to 44.4), respectively. CONCLUSIONS The present study describes the global prevalence and incidence of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD. The study findings serve as a valuable resource to assess the global clinical and economic impact of type 2 diabetes in patients with NAFLD or MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Cao
- The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin, Tianjin, China
| | - Yu An
- Department of Endocrinology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiyuan Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Jinguo Jiang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Mengyuan Shi
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanling Lv
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yuhong Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China
| | - Yanhui Lu
- School of Nursing, Peking University, 38 Xueyuan Rd, Haidian District, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Liangkai Chen
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Yang Xia
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, No. 36, San Hao Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China.
- Liaoning Key Laboratory of Precision Medical Research On Major Chronic Disease, Liaoning Province, Shenyang, China.
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Khrais A, Kahlam A, Tahir A, Shaikh A, Ahlawat S. Outcomes of gout in patients with cirrhosis: A national inpatient sample-based study. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:303-310. [PMID: 36926244 PMCID: PMC10011910 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i2.303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperuricemia is a prerequisite for the development of gout. Elevated serum uric acid (UA) levels result from either overproduction or decreased excretion. A positive correlation between serum UA levels, cirrhosis-related complications and the incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease has been established, but it is unknown whether hyperuricemia results in worsening cirrhosis outcomes. We hypothesize that patients with cirrhosis will have poorer gout outcomes.
AIM To explore the link between cirrhosis and the incidence of gout-related complications.
METHODS This was a cross-sectional study. The national inpatient sample was used to identify patients hospitalized with gout, stratified based on a history of cirrhosis, from 2001 to 2013 via the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Primary outcomes were mortality, gout complications and joint interventions. The χ2 test and independent t-test were performed to assess categorical and continuous data, respectively. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for confounding variables.
RESULTS Patients without cirrhosis were older (70.37 ± 13.53 years vs 66.21 ± 12.325 years; P < 0.05). Most patients were male (74.63% in the cirrhosis group vs 66.83%; adjusted P < 0.05). Patients with cirrhosis had greater rates of mortality (5.49% vs 2.03%; adjusted P < 0.05), gout flare (2.89% vs 2.77%; adjusted P < 0.05) and tophi (0.97% vs 0.75%; adjusted P = 0.677). Patients without cirrhosis had higher rates of arthrocentesis (2.45% vs 2.21%; adjusted P < 0.05) and joint injections (0.72% vs 0.52%; adjusted P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION Gout complications were more common in cirrhosis. Those without cirrhosis had higher rates of interventions, possibly due to hesitancy with performing these interventions given the higher complication risk in cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayham Khrais
- Division of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Aaron Kahlam
- Division of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Ali Tahir
- Division of Medicine, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Bethlehem, PA 18015, United States
| | - Amjad Shaikh
- Division of Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
| | - Sushil Ahlawat
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States
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Hyperuricemia Is Associated with Significant Liver Fibrosis in Subjects with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, but Not in Subjects without It. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051445. [PMID: 35268536 PMCID: PMC8911142 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is associated with liver-related outcomes, yet often remains underdiagnosed in primary care settings. Hyperuricemia is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but the relationship between hyperuricemia and liver fibrosis remains unclear. Data on individuals without NAFLD is also limited. We investigated the association between hyperuricemia and liver fibrosis in subjects with and without NAFLD. This study recruited 11,690 relevant participants from a health-checkup center. NAFLD was based on ultrasonography. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid > 6.0 mg/dL in women and >7.0 mg/dL in men. Significant liver fibrosis was diagnosed with the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index ≥0.5. The following were positively associated with significant liver fibrosis: hyperuricemia (p = 0.001), age ≥ 65 years (p < 0.001), male gender (p < 0.001), obesity (p = 0.009), hypertension (p = 0.002), diabetes (p < 0.001), and NAFLD (p < 0.001) in the logistic regression. The positive association of hyperuricemia with significant liver fibrosis remained in subjects with NAFLD (p = 0.001), but not in subjects without NAFLD. In conclusion, hyperuricemia increased the associated risk of significant liver fibrosis. The positively associated risk existed in subjects with NAFLD, but not in those without it.
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Huang JF, Dai CY, Huang CF, Tsai PC, Yeh ML, Hsu PY, Huang SF, Bair MJ, Hou NJ, Huang CI, Liang PC, Lin YH, Wang CW, Hsieh MY, Chen SC, Lin ZY, Yu ML, Chuang WL. First-in-Asian double-blind randomized trial to assess the efficacy and safety of insulin sensitizer in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:1136-1147. [PMID: 34386935 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10242-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy and safety of insulin sensitizer in Asians with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remain elusive. AIMS The double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted aiming to investigate the efficacy and safety of pioglitazone in NASH patients. METHODS A total of 90 NASH patients (66 males, age = 44.1 ± 12.7 years) were prospectively randomized into oral pioglitazone 30 mg/day (Arm A) or placebo (Arm B) for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of pioglitazone in reducing inflammation and liver fat at end-of-treatment (EOT). NASH resolution/improvement without fibrosis worsening was also evaluated. RESULTS At EOT, there was a significantly decline of alanine aminotransferase (86.9 ± 34.3 to 45.7 ± 35.8 IU/L, p = 0.003) level in Arm A patients. In intention-to-treat analysis among 66 patients who completed paired biopsies, The NAFLD activity score (NAS) of 30 Arm A patients significantly decreased from 4.27 ± 1.14 at baseline to 2.53 ± 1.63 at EOT (p < 0.0001), whereas there was no significant change in patients of Arm B (3.94 ± 1.41 vs 3.94 ± 1.51, p = 1.0). NASH improvement without worsening of fibrosis was achieved in 46.7% (14/30) patients in Arm A, compared to 11.1% (4/36) patients in Arm B (p = 0.002). Liver fat content reduced (20.2 ± 9.0 to 14.3 ± 6.9%, p < 0.0001) on MRI-PDFF in Arm A compared to their counterparts. No significant difference of adverse events occurred between groups. CONCLUSIONS A 24-week pioglitazone treatment was well-tolerated and effective in improving liver histology and reducing liver steatosis in Asian NASH patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT01068444).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yau Hsu
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shiu-Feng Huang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Department of Anatomic Pathology, Linko Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jong Bair
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taitung, Taiwan.,Mackay Medical College, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Jen Hou
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Liang
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hung Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Wang
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yen Hsieh
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Chern Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Center for Liquid Biopsy and Cohort Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division and Hepatitis Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, 100 Tzyou Road, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan. .,Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Evaluation of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease using controlled attenuation parameter technology: A Taiwanese retrospective cohort study. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252286. [PMID: 34043691 PMCID: PMC8158967 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/purpose An increased prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is observed in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Western countries. Both intestinal inflammation and metabolic factors contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD-associated NAFLD. The burden of NAFLD is not clear in the Asian population. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis in a cohort of Taiwanese patients with IBD. Methods From January to December 2019, patients with IBD who underwent ultrasound examination were enrolled. Hepatic steatosis and fibrosis were measured with liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using FibroScan. Patients with a history of excessive alcohol or recent steroid use were excluded. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed. Results A total of 81 consecutive patients were enrolled and included in the analysis (45 with ulcerative colitis, 36 with Crohn’s disease). The median age was 42 years old. The patients were classified in terms of body mass index as normal weight (54.3%), underweight (11.1%), overweight (28.4%), and obese (6.2%). The mean CAP increased to 162.22 dB/m in the underweight group, 210.86 dB/m in the normal weight group, 260.7 dB/m in the overweight group, and 274.0 dB/m in the obese group. NAFLD was observed in 29.6% of the patients, 1.2% of which had significant fibrosis. Increased body mass index (odds ratio [OR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.62) and older age at IBD diagnosis (OR: 1.05, 95% CI 1–1.11) was found to be associated with the presence of NAFLD. Conclusion In this study, the prevalence of NAFLD was lower (29.6%) in IBD patients than in the Western population. Higher BMI and older age were associated with NAFLD in our study.
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Zhou M, Yang N, Xing X, Chang D, Li J, Deng J, Chen Y, Hu C, Zhang R, Lu X, Zhao Y, He Y. Obesity interacts with hyperuricemia on the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:43. [PMID: 33509116 PMCID: PMC7845112 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01615-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A series of evidence revealed that body mass index was an important confounding factor in the research of uric acid and ischemic heart disease/hypertension. The objective of this study was to investigate whether obesity status can modify the association between serum uric acid and the severity of liver damage in NAFLD, and the possible interactive effect of hyperuricemia and obesity.
Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study in a total of 557 ultrasound diagnosed-NAFLD. The hepatic steatosis and liver fibrosis were quantitatively evaluated by transient elastography. Hyperuricemia was defined as serum uric acid > 420 μmol/L in men, > 360 μmol/L in women and obesity was defined as body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2. The adjusted OR values of hyperuricemia and obesity were analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and the additive model was used to investigate the possible interactive effect. Results Multivariate regression analysis showed that hyperuricemia was associated with serious hepatic steatosis (1.74[1.09–2.79]) and elevated ALT (2.17[1.38–3.41]), but not with advanced fibrosis (1.61[0.91–2.85]). The association was further investigated in different BMI group. Hyperuricemia was associated with higher odds of serious hepatic steatosis (2.02[1.14–3.57]) and elevated ALT (2.27[1.37–3.76]) only in obese NAFLD, not in non-obese subjects. Similarly, patients with hyperuricemia had higher odds of advanced fibrosis in obese subjects (2.17[1.13–4.18]), not in non-obese subjects (0.60[0.14–2.70]). Furthermore, there was an additive interaction between hyperuricemia and obesity on the odds of serious hepatic steatosis (AP: 0.39[0.01–0.77]) and advanced fibrosis. (AP: 0.60[0.26–0.95]). Conclusions Hyperuricemia and obesity had a significantly synergistic effect on the hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. Thus, management of uric acid may need to be targeted in obese NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mimi Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xin Xing
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Danyan Chang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jiang Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunhua Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Rou Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaolan Lu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yingren Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China. .,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
| | - Yingli He
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 277 Yanta Road (w), Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China. .,Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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8
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Bao T, Ying Z, Gong L, Du J, Ji G, Li Z, Gao W, Jiang X, Yang H, Huang Y, Tang H. Association between Serum Uric Acid and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Nonobese Postmenopausal Women: A Cross-sectional Study. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10072. [PMID: 32572126 PMCID: PMC7308322 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-66931-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the association between serum uric acid (sUA) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in nonobese postmenopausal women. A total of 4323 female individuals over 18 years of age participated in this cross-sectional study. The subjects were divided into four groups according to menopause status and body mass index. sUA quartiles in this female population were categorized as follows: Q1 ≤ 230 mmol/L, Q2: 231-270 mmol/L, Q3: 271-310 mmol/L and Q4: ≥ 311 mmol/L. The presence or absence of NAFLD was assessed by abdominal ultrasonography. The prevalence of NAFLD was 38.8% in the general population, and the average age was 46.5 ± 11.3 years. Among nonobese and obese subjects, the prevalence of NAFLD was lower in nonmenopausal subjects than in postmenopausal subjects (nonobese: 20.74% vs 45.26%, respectively, P < 0.0001; obese: 70.51% vs 84.35%, respectively, P < 0.0001). After adjusting for age, current smoking status, current alcohol drinking status, diabetes, hypertension disease and triglyceride, the ORs (95% CIs) for NAFLD among individuals in Q2-Q4 were 1.518 (1.062-2.169), 1.431 (1.010-2.027) and 2.054 (1.442-2.927), respectively, P value for trend <0.0001. Higher sUA levels can be used as a predictive biomarker for NAFLD in nonobese postmenopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Bao
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhiye Ying
- West China Biomedical Big Data Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Gong
- Outpatient department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Du
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guiyi Ji
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhengzheng Li
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianweng Jiang
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hanwei Yang
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Huairong Tang
- Health Management Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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9
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Jang TY, Huang CI, Yeh ML, Liang PC, Tsai PC, Lin YH, Hsieh MY, Hou NJ, Lin ZY, Chen SC, Huang JF, Dai CY, Huang CF, Chuang WL, Yu ML. Improvement of hyperuricemia in chronic hepatitis C patients receiving directly acting antiviral agents. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 35:473-481. [PMID: 31414504 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Hepatitis C virus eradication via the use of antivirals ameliorates metabolic profiles. The changes in serum uric acid (SUA) levels in chronic hepatitis C patients who receive antivirals are not well understood. We aimed to address this issue by comparing the SUA changes before and after the achievement of a sustained virological response (which is defined as hepatitis C virus RNA seronegativity at 12 weeks after the end of treatment). METHODS Two hundred and thirteen sustained virological response patients who were treated by directly acting antivirals were consecutively enrolled. Pretreatment and post-treatment SUA levels were compared. Hyperuricemia was defined as a uric acid level > 7.0 mg/dL in men and > 6.0 mg/dL in women. RESULTS The SUA levels significantly decreased after treatment, as compared to the pretreatment levels (5.6 ± 1.5 vs 6.0 ± 1.7 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.001). The proportion of hyperuricemia incidences significantly decreased after treatment (25.8% vs 35.7%, respectively; P = 0.001). The improvement was only observed in patients with a fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4) < 6.5 (25.7% vs 37.1%, P = 0.001) but not in those patients with a FIB-4 ≧ 6.5 (26.3% vs 28.9%, P = 1.00). A multivariate analysis revealed that the factor that was associated with significantly decreased SUA levels was FIB-4 < 6.5 (odds ratio [OR]/95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.22/1.04-9.95, P = 0.04) and estimated glomerular filtration rate < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR/CI: 4.34/1.94-9.73, P < 0.001). There existed a trend of a higher proportion of patients with significant SUA improvement along with the decrement of FIB-4 (29.7%, 25%, and 10.5% in patients with FIB-4 < 3.25, 3.25-6.5, and > 6.5, respectively; trend P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS SUA levels were significantly decreased in chronic hepatitis C patients after viral eradication. The improvement was particularly enhanced in patients with mild liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyng-Yuan Jang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Internal Medicine, Pingtung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ping-Tung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Po-Cheng Liang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Health Management Center, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hung Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Yen Hsieh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Nai-Jen Hou
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Cherng Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine and Hepatitis Research Center, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, and Center for Cancer Research and Liquid Biopsy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Center For Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B) and Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan.,Center for Lipid Science and Aging Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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10
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Huang JF, Tsai PC, Yeh ML, Huang CF, Huang CI, Hsieh MH, Dai CY, Yang JF, Chen SC, Yu ML, Chuang WL, Chang WY. Risk stratification of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease across body mass index in a community basis. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 119:89-96. [PMID: 30952479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2019.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The features and risk analysis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a community-based setting remain elusive. The predictors between obese and lean subjects need further clarification. We aimed to assess the characteristics of NAFLD during a community screening. The associated metabolic abnormalities and cardiovascular risk assessment were also analyzed. METHODS A total of 2483 subjects receiving multi-purpose health screening at 10 primary care centers were recruited. They received clinical assessment, including demographic data, laboratory examination, and abdominal sonography. RESULTS The prevalence of NAFLD and metabolic syndrome were 44.5%, and 15.8%, respectively. Among those NAFLD subjects, 1212 (48.8%) subjects were obese (BMI≥ 24 kg/m2). There was an increasing trend of NAFLD according to age, ranging from 25.8% of those aged <30 years to 54.4% of those aged 50-70 years (P for trend< 0.0001). High insulin resistance (IR) was the significant predictive factor for NAFLD in both obese (odds ratio [OR] = 3.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.87-8.36, P = 0.0002) and lean subjects (OR = 2.52, 95% CI = 1.13-5.54, p = 0.02). The prevalence of high Framingham Risk Score (≥7.5%) was 56.7% (211/372) among the male subjects, which was significantly higher than that (26%, 191/734) of the females (P < 0.001). There was a significant increase of high Framingham Risk Score according to BMI, ranging from 23.1% of BMI<24 kg/m2 to 45% of BMI>27 kg/m2 (P for trend< 0.0001). CONCLUSION IR is predictive of NAFLD irrespective of BMI. The cardiovascular risk may exist in lean NAFLD subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Jeng-Fu Yang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Shinn-Chern Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan; Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
| | - Wen-Yu Chang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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11
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Oral A, Sahin T, Turker F, Kocak E. Relationship Between Serum Uric Acid Levels and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Non-Obese Patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 55:medicina55090600. [PMID: 31533345 PMCID: PMC6780528 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55090600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background and objectives: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with multiple factors such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, obesity, and hyperuricemia. We aim to investigate the relationship between uric acid and NAFLD in a non-obese and young population. Materials and Methods: This study was performed in January 2010–2019 with a group of 367 (225 patients in the NAFLD group and 142 in the control group) patients with liver biopsy-proven NAFLD or no NAFLD. Patients with NAFLD were classified according to the percentage of steatosis as follows, group I had 1–20% and group II >20%. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory (biochemical parameters) features were collected retrospectively. Results: The mean body mass index (BMI) and age of the patients were 26.41 ± 3.42 and 32.27 ± 8.85, respectively. The BMI, homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA-IR), and uric acid (UA) values of the NAFLD group were found to be significantly higher than those of the controls. A positive correlation was found between the NAFLD stage and UA. The following factors were independently associated with NAFLD: BMI, HOMA-IR, and UA. In addition, the cut-off value of UA was 4.75 mg/dl with a sensitivity of 45.8% and a specificity of 80.3%. Conclusions: UA is a simple, non-invasive, cheap, and useful marker that may be used to predict steatosis in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alihan Oral
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroglu Bilim University, 34360 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Tolga Sahin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroglu Bilim University, 34360 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Fatih Turker
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroglu Bilim University, 34360 Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Erdem Kocak
- Department of Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Demiroglu Bilim University, 34360 Istanbul, Turkey.
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12
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Lin TY, Yeh ML, Huang CF, Huang CI, Dai CY, Hsieh MH, Chen SC, Huang JF, Yu ML, Chuang WL. Disease progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in Taiwanese patients: a longitudinal study of paired liver biopsies. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 31:224-229. [PMID: 30308578 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) might progress to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the natural history of NASH has not been fully clarified. This study aimed to investigate the disease progression in NASH patients receiving paired liver biopsies. We also aimed to examine the factors associated with NASH progression. PATIENTS AND METHODS Ten NASH patients who had received liver biopsies during June 2001 and February 2010 were consecutively enrolled. The histopathological changes were examined retrospectively, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score (NAS) and fibrosis stage. The associated clinical profiles were also analyzed. RESULTS The median duration between paired biopsies was 20.5 months (range: 12-106 months). According to NAS and fibrosis stage, disease progression, stable disease, and disease regression were observed in seven patients, two patients, and one patient, respectively. Six (60%) patients had increased NAS on second biopsy, and two were lean NASH patients. The only patient with an improvement in NAS had achieved body weight reduction (13.3%) between paired biopsies. None of the 10 patients experienced an improvement in fibrosis. Five (50%) patients showed progression of fibrosis on second biopsy and the annual fibrosis progression rate was 0.32/year. Two of the five patients who showed progression of fibrosis were of the nonobese phenotype, whereas three patients were nondiabetic. CONCLUSION NASH is a progressive disease in Taiwanese patients. The disease progression should be further clarified in lean and nondiabetic NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ta-Ya Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Chern Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary Division
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine
- College of Medicine, Faculty of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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13
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Jang TY, Yeh ML, Huang CI, Lin ZY, Chen SC, Hsieh MH, Dai CY, Huang JF, Huang CF, Chuang WL, Yu ML. Association of hyperuricemia with disease severity in chronic hepatitis C patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0207043. [PMID: 30395654 PMCID: PMC6218088 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0207043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with extrahepatic manifestations such as metabolic abnormalities. The association between chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and uric acid levels has rarely been investigated. We aimed to evaluate the levels of serum uric acid in CHC patients. METHODS Three hundred and seventy-three histologically confirmed CHC patients who were scheduled to receive antiviral therapy were consecutively enrolled, and 746 age- and sex-matched uninfected controls were included for comparison. Hyperuricemia was defined as a uric acid level > 7 mg/dL in men and > 6.0 mg/dL in women. RESULTS Hyperuricemia was identified in 15.8% of the CHC patients. The uric acid levels did not differ between the CHC patients and the controls (5.54 ± 1.20 mg/dL vs. 5.45 ± 1.45 mg/dL, P = 0.3). Among the 373 CHC patients, the factors associated with hyperuricemia included body mass index (BMI) (OR/CI: 1.13/1.04-1.21, P = 0.003) and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (OR/CI: 0.98/0.97-1.00, P = 0.02). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors associated with hyperuricemia in male patients included BMI (OR/CI: 1.12/1.05-1.30, P = 0.006) and advanced fibrosis (F3-4) (OR/CI: 0.27/0.09-0.83, P = 0.02), whereas the factors associated with hyperuricemia in female patients included eGFR (OR/CI: 0.97/0.95-0.99, P = 0.02) and diabetes (OR/CI: 3.03/1.11-8.25, P = 0.03). There was a significant decreasing trend of serum uric acid levels with the progression of fibrotic stages among male patients (6.21 ± 1.03 mg/dL 5.82 ± 1.16 mg/dL and 5.44 ± 1.28 mg/dL in stages F0-2, F3, and F4, respectively, trend P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Hyperuricemia was inversely associated with liver disease severity in CHC male patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyng-Yuan Jang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Zu-Yau Lin
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Cherng Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
- Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Preventive Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Occupational Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Faculty of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
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Hyperuricemia is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017. [PMID: 28639970 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hyperuricemia is a significant risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). It may also have an impact on the histologic severity of NAFLD. However, data on this association are limited. We conducted this meta-analysis to investigate the relationship of serum uric acid with liver histologic severity as determined by NAFLD activity score (NAS) in patients with NAFLD. PATIENTS AND METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched through August 2016 for studies that investigated the association between hyperuricemia and NAS among patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using a random-effects model (generic inverse variance method). The between-study heterogeneity of effect size was quantified using the Q statistic and I. RESULTS Five observational studies with 777 NAFLD patients were identified. Patients with NAFLD who had hyperuricemia had a high NAS (defined as score of ≥5) significantly more often than did those without hyperuricemia with a pooled odds ratio of 2.17 (95% confidence interval: 1.51-3.12). The statistical heterogeneity was low, with I of 16% (Pheterogeneity=0.31). CONCLUSION In patients with NAFLD, hyperuricemia is associated with a higher degree of histological liver damage. Further studies are required to establish the role of uric acid-lowering therapy among these patients.
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Hyperuricemia is not associated with severity of liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 29:694-697. [PMID: 28252464 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000000865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uric acid is a natural antioxidant. Previous studies have suggested a protective role of hyperuricemia against liver fibrosis among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the results were conflicting. METHODS MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched through August 2016 for studies that investigated the association between hyperuricemia and fibrosis stage among patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Pooled odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were calculated using a random-effects model, generic inverse variance method of DerSimonian and Laird. The between-study heterogeneity of effect size was quantified using the Q statistic and I. RESULTS A total of five observational studies with 749 NAFLD patients were identified. Patients with NAFLD who had hyperuricemia were not significantly more likely or less likely to have advanced liver fibrosis (defined as fibrosis stage of ≥3) compared with patients with NAFLD who had normal serum uric with the pooled odds ratio of 0.72 (95% confidence interval: 0.34-1.53). The statistical heterogeneity was low with an I of 22% (Pheterogeneity=0.27). CONCLUSION Significant protective role of hyperuricemia against the development of advanced liver fibrosis in patients with NAFLD was not observed in this meta-analysis.
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Huang JF, Yeh ML, Huang CF, Huang CI, Tsai PC, Tai CM, Yang HL, Dai CY, Hsieh MH, Chen SC, Yu ML, Chuang WL. Cytokeratin-18 and uric acid predicts disease severity in Taiwanese nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174394. [PMID: 28472039 PMCID: PMC5417412 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Identification of disease severity remains a challenge in the management of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Cytokeratin-18 (CK18), is a recently developed non-invasive biomarker for NASH. We aimed to assess the performance of CK18 in disease severity prediction among Taiwanese NASH patients. METHODS A total of 76 biopsy-proven NASH patients (54 males, age = 41.0 ± 13.5 years) were consecutively recruited. The optimal cutoff values of CK18 for each stage of fibrosis were correlated with their histopathological manifestations. RESULTS There were 23 (30.3%) patients of Metavir fibrosis stage 0 (F0), 32 (42.1%) patients of F1, 14 (18.4%) patients of F2, and 7 (9.2%) patients of F3-4, respectively. The CK18 levels among those patients of F0, F1, F2, F3-4 were 86.7 ± 75.6 U/L, 122.4 ± 123.8 U/L, 160.7 ± 120.4 U/L, and 507.3 ± 343 U/L, respectively (trend for P<0.001). The adjusted optimal cutoff value for F2 prediction was 312.5 U/L, yielding the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the accuracy of 96.4%, 28.6%, 77.9%, 75%, and 77.6%, respectively (P = 0.009). For the prediction of advanced fibrosis (F3-4), the adjusted optimal cutoff value was 374.5 U/L, yielding the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and the accuracy of 97.1%, 54.1%, 95.7%, 66.7%, and 77.6%, respectively (P = 0.003). Among those patients without hyperuricemia, the PPV, NPV, and accuracy of CK18 reached 100%, 95.8%, and 96%, respectively (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS CK18 combined with uric acid measurement is a promising non-invasive biomarker for prediction of disease severity in NASH patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01068444.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Fu Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lun Yeh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Feng Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ching-I Huang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chien Tsai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Ming Tai
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hua-Ling Yang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Yen Dai
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Hsuan Hsieh
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Chern Chen
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Lung Yu
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Long Chuang
- Hepatobiliary Division, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Faculty of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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