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Zhang Y, Zheng T, Huang Z, Song B. CT and MR imaging of primary biliary cholangitis: a pictorial review. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:180. [PMID: 37880457 PMCID: PMC10600092 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01517-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a rare chronic autoimmune-mediated cholestatic liver disease involving medium and small bile ducts that can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. To date, the pathogenesis of PBC remains elusive, and there is currently no curative medical treatment. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, as common technical tools that allow non-invasive monitoring of liver tissue in vivo, play crucial roles in the diagnosis, staging, and prognosis prediction in PBC by enabling assessment of abnormalities in liver morphology and parenchyma, irregular configuration of bile ducts, lymphadenopathy, portal hypertension, and complications of cirrhosis. Moreover, CT and MRI can be used to monitor the disease progression after treatment of PBC (e.g. the onset of cirrhotic decompensation or HCC) to guide the clinical decisions for liver transplantation. With the optimization of imaging technology, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) offers additional information on liver stiffness, allows for the identification of early cirrhosis in PBC and provides a basis for predicting prognosis. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI enables the assessment of liver function in patients with PBC. The purpose of this review is to detail and illustrate the definition, pathological basis, and clinical importance of CT and MRI features of PBC to help radiologists and clinicians enhance their understanding of PBC.Critical Relevance StatementCharacteristic CT and MR imaging manifestations of primary biliary cholangitis may reflect the course of the disease and provide information associated with histological grading and altered cellular function.Key points• Imaging has become highly useful for differentiating PBC from other diseases.• Key pathological alterations of PBC can be captured by CT and MRI.• Characteristic manifestations provide information associated with histological grade and cellular function.• Despite this, the CT or MRI features of PBC are not specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Zhang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianying Zheng
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
| | - Zixing Huang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Radiology, West China Tianfu hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin Song
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No.37 Guoxue Alley, Wuhou District, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Radiology, Sanya People's Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China.
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Zachou K, Azariadis K, Lytvyak E, Snijders RJ, Takahashi A, Gatselis NK, Robles M, Andrade RJ, Schramm C, Lohse AW, Tanaka A, Drenth JP, Montano-Loza AJ, Dalekos GN. Treatment responses and outcomes in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and concomitant features of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. JHEP Rep 2023; 5:100778. [PMID: 37456672 PMCID: PMC10339258 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2023.100778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) affect 17-46% of Western countries, making coexistence with other liver diseases inevitable. We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of NAFLD/NASH or the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in a large multicentric cohort of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Methods Data from six academic centres (Greece, Canada, Japan, Germany, The Netherlands, and Spain) were evaluated. The presence of NAFLD/NASH in liver biopsy, MetS components, and clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded. Results A total of 640 patients (474 females, age 49 [4-87] years; follow-up 78 [1-521] months) were included. NAFLD was present in 146 (22.8%) patients (AIH/non-alcoholic fatty liver [NAFL] 115 [18%], AIH/NASH 31 [4.8%]). AIH/NAFL patients were older (p = 0.017), more frequently overweight or obese (p = 0.002), had hypertension (p = 0.001), and had diabetes (p = 0.016), whereas they less frequently had acute presentation (p = 0.002) and soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas positivity (p <0.05), lower transaminases (p <0.001), ALP (p = 0.028) and IgG (p = 0.004) and higher albumin (p <0.001) than patients with AIH only. Patients with AIH/NASH more frequently had cirrhosis at diagnosis (p = 0.036) and higher IgG (p = 0.009). Response to treatment did not differ between groups. Patients with cirrhosis with AIH/NAFL had higher frequency of decompensation compared with patients with AIH only (p <0.05). Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and dyslipidaemia had increased hazard of disease progression (p <0.05 for each). Conclusions The prevalence of NAFLD in AIH is similar to the general population. Concurrence of NASH in patients with AIH signifies a more severe disease, whereas that of NAFL may indicate a worse prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. T2DM and dyslipidaemia in AIH patients are associated with dismal parameters of outcome. Our findings suggest that NAFLD presence or even components of MetS in patients with AIH may affect prognosis, so closer follow-up of such patients is warranted. Impact and implications Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) affect many people, making coexistence with other liver diseases inevitable. We investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of NAFLD/NASH or the components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). NAFLD and NASH presence in patients with AIH is as frequent as in the general population. The concurrence of NASH in patients with AIH seems to signify a more severe disease, whereas that of non-alcoholic fatty liver may indicate a worse prognosis in a specific subgroup of patients who already have cirrhosis at diagnosis. Diabetes or dyslipidaemia in patients with AIH were associated with worse prognosis. Therefore, it seems that closer follow-up of patients with concurrent AIH and NAFLD or AIH and components of MetS is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Ellina Lytvyak
- Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Romée J.A.L.M. Snijders
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Mercedes Robles
- Unidad De Gestión Clínica De Aparato Digestivo, Servicio De Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen De La Visctoria, Universidad De Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Raul J. Andrade
- Unidad De Gestión Clínica De Aparato Digestivo, Servicio De Farmacología Clínica, Hospital Universitario Virgen De La Visctoria, Universidad De Malaga, Malaga, Spain
| | - Christoph Schramm
- Department of Medicine and Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar W. Lohse
- Department of Medicine and Martin Zeitz Centre for Rare Diseases, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Atsushi Tanaka
- Department of Medicine, Tokyo University, School of Medicine, Itabashi-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Joost P.H. Drenth
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), Radboud UMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Aldo J. Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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Muñoz-Sánchez G, Pérez-Isidro A, Ortiz de Landazuri I, López-Gómez A, Bravo-Gallego LY, Garcia-Ormaechea M, Julià MR, Viñas O, Ruiz-Ortiz E. Working Algorithms and Detection Methods of Autoantibodies in Autoimmune Liver Disease: A Nationwide Study. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12030697. [PMID: 35328252 PMCID: PMC8947365 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12030697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoantibody detection is the cornerstone of autoimmune liver diseases (AILD) diagnosis. Standardisation of working algorithms among autoimmunity laboratories, as well as being aware of the sensitivity and specificity of various commercial techniques in daily practice, are still necessary. The aim of this nationwide study is to report the results of the 2020 Autoimmunity Workshop organised by the Autoimmunity Group of the Spanish Society of Immunology and to provide useful information to clinicians and laboratory specialists to improve the management of autoantibody detection in AILD diagnoses. Serum samples from 17 patients with liver diseases were provided by the organisers of the 2020 Autoimmunity Workshop and were subsequently analysed by the 40 participating laboratories. Each laboratory used different techniques for the detection of autoantibodies in each patients’ serum sample, according to their working algorithm. Thus, almost 680 total complete patient reports were obtained, and the number of results from different autoantibody detection techniques was >3000. Up to eight different working algorithms were employed, including indirect immunofluorescence assays (IFA) and antigen-specific techniques (AgST). The IFA of HEp-2 cells was more sensitive than IFA of rat triple tissue for the study of anti-nuclear autoantibodies (ANA) associated with AILD. The IFA of a human neutrophil study for the analysis of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies was not carried out systemically in all patients, or by all laboratories. AgSTs were the most sensitive methods for the detection of anti-smooth muscle/F-actin, soluble liver antigen, liver cytosol-1, M2-mitochondrial autoantibodies, and ANA associated with primary biliary cholangitis. The main differences in AMA detection were due to patients with autoantibodies against the non-dominant epitope of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex. Given that they are complementary, IFA and AgST should be performed in parallel. If there is high suspicion of AILD, AgST should always be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Muñoz-Sánchez
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170-Escala 4, Planta 0, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.M.-S.); (A.P.-I.); (I.O.d.L.); (L.Y.B.-G.); (O.V.)
| | - Albert Pérez-Isidro
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170-Escala 4, Planta 0, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.M.-S.); (A.P.-I.); (I.O.d.L.); (L.Y.B.-G.); (O.V.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iñaki Ortiz de Landazuri
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170-Escala 4, Planta 0, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.M.-S.); (A.P.-I.); (I.O.d.L.); (L.Y.B.-G.); (O.V.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antonio López-Gómez
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; (A.L.-G.); (M.R.J.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears, 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Luz Yadira Bravo-Gallego
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170-Escala 4, Planta 0, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.M.-S.); (A.P.-I.); (I.O.d.L.); (L.Y.B.-G.); (O.V.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Maria Rosa Julià
- Department of Immunology, Hospital Universitari Son Espases, 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; (A.L.-G.); (M.R.J.)
- Institut d’Investigació Sanitària Illes Balears, 07120 Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | - Odette Viñas
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170-Escala 4, Planta 0, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.M.-S.); (A.P.-I.); (I.O.d.L.); (L.Y.B.-G.); (O.V.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Estíbaliz Ruiz-Ortiz
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Villarroel 170-Escala 4, Planta 0, 08036 Barcelona, Spain; (G.M.-S.); (A.P.-I.); (I.O.d.L.); (L.Y.B.-G.); (O.V.)
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Universitat de Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
- Correspondence:
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Çavuş B, Akyuz F, İliaz R, Atasoy A, Akyuz U, Demir K, Besisik F, Kaymakoglu S. Is there any predictor for relapse after treatment withdrawal in autoimmune hepatitis patients in the real life? Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2022; 36:3946320221077860. [PMID: 35171719 PMCID: PMC8855400 DOI: 10.1177/03946320221077860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Backgrounds and Aims In autoimmune hepatitis, there are uncertainties about whether to discontinue
the treatment, when the treatment should be discontinued, and the risks of
relapse in the cases where remission is achieved with immunosuppressive
therapy. In this study, patients with AIH, whose immunosuppressive
treatments were discontinued, were evaluated for the rates of remission and
the risk of relapse. Materials and Methods A total of 119 patients, who were diagnosed with AIH based on the AIHG
scoring systems between 1990 and 2015, were evaluated. Patients were
receiving standard azathioprine and steroid therapy. The treatment was
discontinued in patients, who had been receiving treatment for at least
2 years, who had no clinical complaints, and whose aminotransferases were
normal and when an increase occurred in AST values more than two times the
normal after the treatment was interrupted, the case was considered as a
relapse. Results Among the patients, 83%(n = 99) were women. When the
patients were diagnosed with AIH, their mean age was 36 ± 16(8–79) years;
70.6%(n = 84) were type 1, 3.4%(n = 4)
type 2, and 26%(n = 31) were autoantibody-negative AIH. At
the time of discontinuation, liver biopsy was performed in 8 of the patients
and minimal-mild abnormalities were detected. Patients whose treatment was
discontinued received treatment for an average of 101 ± 75(range: 24–280,
median: 68.5) months; and, they were followed up for an average of 19
(1–110) months during the period without medication. Relapse occurred in
67%(n = 12) of the patients with drug withdrawal.
Relapse occurred within the first 12 months in 67% of these patients
(n = 8) and developed with an acute hepatitis attack in
42%. None of the clinical, laboratory, and histological data were found to
be effective on relapse. Conclusion In patients with AIH, relapse occurs in two-thirds of patients within an
average of 19 month after the discontinuation of the medication. Most
relapses occur at the early period and they are accompanied by an acute
hepatitis attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilger Çavuş
- 64041Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Filiz Akyuz
- 64041Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Raim İliaz
- 64041Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | | | - Umit Akyuz
- Fatih Sultan Mehmet Educational and Research Center, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Kadir Demir
- 64041Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Fatih Besisik
- 64041Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, İstanbul, Turkey
| | - Sabahattin Kaymakoglu
- 64041Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, İstanbul, Turkey
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Dalekos GN, Arvaniti P, Gatselis NK, Samakidou A, Gabeta S, Rigopoulou E, Koukoulis GK, Zachou K. First Results From a Propensity Matching Trial of Mycophenolate Mofetil vs. Azathioprine in Treatment-Naive AIH Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 12:798602. [PMID: 35087524 PMCID: PMC8787111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.798602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims As previous real-world studies and meta-analyses have shown that mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) might have better efficacy than azathioprine (AZA) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), we conducted a propensity matching study to assess the efficacy and safety of MMF vs. AZA. Methods All 126 consecutive treatment-naive adult AIH patients, diagnosed and followed in our department since 2016, were included. Patients received prednisolone 0.5-1 mg/kg/day plus either AZA 1-2 mg/kg/day or 1.5-2 g/day MMF. The tapering of prednisolone was identical between groups. Results After propensity matching score and adjustment for known factors affecting response to treatment and outcome, 64 patients were included in the study (MMF = 32 and AZA = 32). Rates of non-response, complete biochemical response (CBR) at 6 and 12 months, and prednisolone withdrawal (6 months, 12 months, and end of follow-up) were identical between groups. However, MMF treatment was significantly associated with CBR at the end of follow-up [odds ratio (OR) 11.259; 95% CI: 1.3-97.4, p = 0.028]. AZA patients were more prone to stop treatment due to AZA intolerance/insufficient response (p = 0.0001). At the end of follow-up, the overall efficacy of each schedule was also significantly higher in the MMF group compared to the AZA group (p = 0.0001). Conclusion We showed for the first time in a propensity matching study that MMF can be used as first-line therapy in AIH as attested by the significantly higher CBR at end of follow-up compared to AZA. Whether this better efficacy is also associated with higher histological remission rates and sustained CBR off immunosuppression needs further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Anna Samakidou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eirini Rigopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George K. Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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Gatselis NK, Azariadis K, Lyberopoulou A, Dalekos GN. Programmed cell death-1 rs11568821 and interleukin-28B rs12979860 polymorphisms in autoimmune hepatitis. J Transl Autoimmun 2021; 4:100126. [PMID: 34632357 PMCID: PMC8488593 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare chronic liver disease of unknown etiology. The genetic background affects susceptibility, clinical phenotype, and prognosis. The programmed cell death-1 rs11568821 polymorphism (PD1.3) has been associated with susceptibility to autoimmune diseases. The interleukin-28B (IL28B) rs12979860 polymorphism has been associated with steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in liver diseases. AIM Our aim was to investigate for the first time the incidence and clinical significance of PD1.3 and IL28B rs12979860 in AIH. METHODS Two hundred patients with AIH were evaluated, while 100 healthy subjects were used as controls. Genotyping was performed with in-house allelic discrimination End-Point PCR. RESULTS The SNP PD1.3/A was present in 36/200 (18%) AIH patients compared to 28/100 (28%) healthy controls (p = 0.065). The AA/GA genotypes were not associated with the mode of presentation of AIH, the histological grade or stage, the presence of cirrhosis, risk of disease progression, response to treatment and survival. The IL28B rs12979860 genotype distribution was CC 79/200 (39.5%), TT 36/200 (18%) and CT 85/200 (42.5%), in similar rates with healthy controls (p = 0.878). Inflammatory activity and fibrosis stage did not differ between CC homozygotes and CT/TT carriers. LDL cholesterol was significantly higher in CC than CT/TT patients (P = 0.027), though no differences was found regarding the presence of steatosis or steatohepatitis. On-treatment response to immunosuppressive treatment was not affected by the IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism. However, CC homozygotes AIH patients achieved treatment withdrawal in significantly higher rates (OR 2.3, 95%CI: 1.1-4.7, P = 0.02) irrespective of the presence of steatosis or steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS The PD1.3 and IL28B rs12979860 variants are unlikely to contribute to AIH susceptibility, disease presentation and prognosis. The IL28B rs12979860 is not associated with the presence of concurrent steatosis or steatohepatitis. However, although on-treatment response rates to immunosuppression were not affected by the IL28B rs12979860 polymorphism, AIH patients with CC homozygosity were more likely to achieve complete treatment withdrawal. This novel finding needs validation and further clarification from larger multicenter studies.
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Key Words
- AIH, Autoimmune hepatitis.
- ANA, Antinuclear antibodies.
- Anti-LC1, Liver cytosol type-1 antibodies.
- Anti-LKM1, Liver kidney microsomal type-1 antibodies
- Anti-SLA/LP, Soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antibodies.
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- CR, Complete response.
- HCC, Hepatocellular carcinoma.
- HCV, Hepatis C virus.
- HDL, High density lipoprotein.
- HLA, Human leukocyte antigen.
- HWE, Hardy-weinberg equilibrium.
- IL28B, Interleukin 28B.
- INR, International normalized ratio.
- IQR, Interquartile range.
- IgG, Immunoglobulin class G.
- Interleukin-28B
- LDL, Low density lipoprotein
- MetS, Metabolic syndrome.
- NAFLD, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
- PCR, Polymerase chain reaction.
- PD1, Programmed cell death-1.
- Polymorphisms
- Programmed cell death-1
- SD, Standard deviation.
- SLE, Systemic lupus erythematosus.
- SMA, Smooth muscle antibodies.
- SNP, Single nucleotide polymorphism.
- ULN, Upper limit of normal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos K. Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110, Larissa, Greece
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Zachou K, Arvaniti P, Lyberopoulou A, Dalekos GN. Impact of genetic and environmental factors on autoimmune hepatitis. J Transl Autoimmun 2021; 4:100125. [PMID: 34622188 PMCID: PMC8479787 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2021.100125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic non-resolving liver disease characterized by diffuse hypergammaglobulinemia, the presence of autoantibodies and characteristic histological findings. The disease can have catastrophic outcome with the development of end-stage liver disease if misdiagnosed/undiagnosed and left untreated. AIH pathogenesis remains obscure and the main hypothesis supports its development in genetically predisposed individuals after being exposed to certain environmental triggers. Genetic predisposition is linked to the presence of certain HLA alleles, mainly HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR4. However, a wide number of non-HLA epitopes have also been associated with the disease although data vary significantly among different ethnic groups. Therefore, it is likely that epigenetic alterations may also play a crucial role in disease's pathogenesis, although not yet extensively studied. The aim of this review was to summarize the genetic and environmental factors that have been associated with AIH, but also to open new insights towards the role of epigenetic modifications in the etiology of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Lyberopoulou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
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Ultrastructural Profile Combined with Immunohistochemistry of a Hepatic Progenitor Cell Line in Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis: New Insights into the Morphological Pattern of the Disease. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081899. [PMID: 34440668 PMCID: PMC8392671 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering that the heterogenic population of a hepatic progenitor cell line (HPCL) can play a vital role in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), we decided to conduct pioneering retrospective evaluation of these cells in pediatric AIH by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The aim of the study was to assess the ultrastructure of the HPCL in children with untreated AIH. Ultrastructural analysis of the HPCL population, preceded by immunohistochemical staining for cytokeratin 7 (CK7), was performed using pretreatment liver biopsies from 23 children with clinicopathologically diagnosed AIH. Immunohistochemical assessment for CK7 allowed detection of proliferating immature epithelial cells differentiating towards periportal and intralobular intermediate hepatocytes without marked formation of ductular reactions in AIH children. Using TEM, we distinguished three morphological types of HPCs: I—the most undifferentiated progenitor cells; III—intermediate hepatocyte-like cells; II—intermediate bile duct cells. Most frequent were the cells differentiating towards hepatocytes, most rare—those differentiating towards cholangiocytes. The results indicate that an HPCL may be an important source of hepatocyte regeneration. Ultrastructural analyses of the HPCL population, combined with immunohistochemistry for CK7, might be a useful tool to evaluate liver cell regeneration, including fibrogenesis, and may help better understand the morphological pattern of the disease, in pediatric AIH. Frequent appearance of an HPCL in the vicinity of fibrotic foci, often accompanied by hyperactive Kupffer cells and transitional hepatic stellate cells, may indicate their significant involvement in liver fibrogenesis.
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Sarcognato S, Sacchi D, Grillo F, Cazzagon N, Fabris L, Cadamuro M, Cataldo I, Covelli C, Mangia A, Guido M. Autoimmune biliary diseases: primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Pathologica 2021; 113:170-184. [PMID: 34294935 PMCID: PMC8299325 DOI: 10.32074/1591-951x-245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases are rare hepato-biliary disorders characterized by a progressive, inflammatory destruction of bile ducts. Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) are the main autoimmune cholestatic liver diseases. Both may evolve into secondary biliary cirrhosis and its complications. Therapeutic options are limited and liver transplantation remains the only definitive treatment for PBC and PSC. Most PBC and PSC patients have a typical presentation, which does not require liver biopsy. However, in routine clinical practice, important variants or specific subgroups that benefit from liver biopsy for proper management may be observed. Herein, we provide a general overview of clinical and pathological characteristic of PBC and PSC, highlighting the most important features for routine diagnostic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Diana Sacchi
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Federica Grillo
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, University of Genova and Policlinico San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Nora Cazzagon
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology - DISCOG, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Fabris
- Department of Molecular Medicine - DMM, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Ivana Cataldo
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy
| | - Claudia Covelli
- Pathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- Liver Unit, Fondazione IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza", San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Maria Guido
- Department of Pathology, Azienda ULSS2 Marca Trevigiana, Treviso, Italy.,Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Rigopoulou EI, Dalekos GN. Current Trends and Characteristics of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Autoimmune Liver Diseases. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1023. [PMID: 33804480 PMCID: PMC7957658 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13051023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the commonest among liver cancers, is one of the leading causes of mortality among malignancies worldwide. Several reports demonstrate autoimmune liver diseases (AILDs), including autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) to confer increased risk of hepatobiliary malignancies, albeit at lower frequencies compared to other liver diseases. Several parameters have been recognized as risk factors for HCC development in AIH and PBC, including demographics such as older age and male sex, clinical features, the most decisive being cirrhosis and other co-existing factors, such as alcohol consumption. Moreover, biochemical activity and treatment response have been increasingly recognized as prognostic factors for HCC development in AIH and PBC. As available treatment modalities are effective only when HCC diagnosis is established early, surveillance has been proven essential for HCC prognosis. Considering that the risk for HCC is not uniform between and within disease groups, refinement of screening strategies according to prevailing demographic, clinical, and molecular risk factors is mandated in AILDs patients, as personalized HCC risk prediction will offer significant advantage in patients at high and/or medium risk. Furthermore, future investigations should draw attention to whether modification of immunosuppression could benefit AIH patients after HCC diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - George N. Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece;
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Autoimmune Hepatitis: Clinical Characteristics and Predictors of Biochemical Response to Treatment. J Transl Int Med 2020; 8:106-111. [PMID: 32983933 PMCID: PMC7500116 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2020-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an important cause of chronic liver disease. Aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics and factors predicting response to treatment in patients with AIH. Methods In this prospective observational study, all patients diagnosed with AIH from 2017 to 2019 were included. Biochemical response to the treatment was checked three months after the start of the treatment. Response was considered good if transaminases normalized, or poor if either remained persistently elevated or improved partially. Results Of the total 56 patients, 41 (73.2%) were females. Mean age was 29.5 (±16.9) years. About half (53.6%; n = 30) the patients were aged < 25 years and majority [47 (83.9%)] were cirrhotic. Autoimmune serology was negative in 20 (35.7%). Seronegativity was associated with severe necroinflammation (P = 0.015) and esophageal varices (P = 0.021). Response to treatment was good in 34 (60.7%). Bivariate analysis showed that good response to treatment was associated with pre-treatment serum IgG level > 20 g/L (P = 0.024), presence of pseudorosettes on histopathology (P = 0.029) and three months post-immunosuppression serum total bilirubin < 2mg/dL (P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only pre-treatment serum IgG >20 g/L (P = 0.038) and post-treatment serum total bilirubin <2 mg/dL (P = 0.004) were independent predictors of good response to treatment. Conclusion Majority of AIH patients in our study were young and cirrhotic. A negative autoimmune serology does not rule out AIH and liver biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Seronegative AIH rapidly progresses to advanced liver disease. Response to treatment is good with pre-treatment IgG > 20g/L and post-treatment total bilirubin < 2 mg/dL.
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Arvaniti P, Giannoulis G, Gabeta S, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Belimumab is a promising third-line treatment option for refractory autoimmune hepatitis. JHEP Rep 2020; 2:100123. [PMID: 32671332 PMCID: PMC7340979 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100123] [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: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background & Aims Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease of unknown aetiology with a favourable response to immunosuppression. However, in the clinic, it appears that <50% of patients achieve complete response on standard treatment. Serum B cell-activating factor (BAFF) levels are elevated in patients with AIH and are likely to contribute to disease pathogenesis. Given that belimumab, a BAFF inhibitor, has been shown to be effective in other autoimmune diseases, we investigated its use as a third-line add-on treatment option in patients with advanced AIH who did not respond to conventional treatment. Methods Herein, we report for the first time two patients, a 27-year-old female and a 58-year-old male, both with AIH-related compensated cirrhosis at diagnosis, who were refractory to standard immunosuppressive therapies and received add-on third-line therapy with belimumab. Results Both patients achieved a complete response and remained in remission while receiving low-dose corticosteroids. No adverse events related to belimumab and/or disease decompensation were observed. Conclusions These preliminary findings indicate belimumab as a promising treatment option for patients with AIH and refractory and advanced liver-related fibrosis. Lay summary A small proportion of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are refractory to standard treatments; these patients bear the highest probability of developing decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma because third-line treatment options are not well established. In this case study, we showed that third-line add-on therapy with belimumab, a B cell-activating factor inhibitor, could be an alternative and promising treatment option in patients with advanced AIH who did not respond to conventional treatment. Belimumab is a B cell-activating factor inhibitor that has been proposed for the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis. In 2 patients with autoimmune hepatitis, belimumab led to complete response and remission. No adverse events related to belimumab and/or disease decompensation were observed.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ANA, antinuclear antibody
- AST, aminotransferase
- AZA, azathioprine
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- B cells
- BAFF
- BAFF, B cell-activating factor
- Belimumab
- CR, complete response
- DCs, dendritic cells
- EBV, Epstein–Barr virus
- GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase
- LSM, liver stiffness measurements
- MMF, mycophenolate mofetil
- SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- Treatment
- Tregs, regulatory T cells
- ULN, upper limit of normal
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi Arvaniti
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George Giannoulis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Stella Gabeta
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, University of Thessaly, 41110 Larissa, Greece
| | - George N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, National Expertise Center of Greece in Autoimmune Liver Diseases, General University Hospital of Larissa, 41110 Larissa, Greece.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, 41447 Larissa, Greece
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Azariadis K, Gatselis NK, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Glycogenic hepatopathy as a cause of severe deranged liver enzymes in a young patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus. BMJ Case Rep 2019; 12:12/3/e228524. [PMID: 30898943 DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2018-228524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogenic hepatopathy (GH) is a rare complication of poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM). We present a 19-year-old woman with T1DM and autoimmune thyroiditis who admitted to our department because of abrupt onset intermittent abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant accompanied by laboratory evidence of acute anicteric hepatitis. Physical examination revealed significant hepatomegaly but the common imagining studies were negative. Following exclusion of common causes of acute hepatitis and because of the presence of smooth muscle antibodies in a young female patient with already established two autoimmune diseases, a liver biopsy was performed in order to exclude the potential presence of autoimmune hepatitis. However, liver histology showed typical findings of GH. Intense treatment targeting strict glycemic control resulted in normalisation of liver biochemistry. This case underlines that GH should be considered as a rare cause of acute hepatitis in T1DM patients with poor glycemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalliopi Azariadis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece
| | - Nikolaos K Gatselis
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece
| | - George K Koukoulis
- Department of Pathology, University of Thessaly, Medical School, Larissa, Thessaly, Greece
| | - Georgios N Dalekos
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece.,Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa, Greece
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