Changes of liver enzymes and triglyceride during the menopausal transition in Japanese women

Alanine aminotransferase as a risk marker for new-onset metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease

In this editorial, we comment on the article by Chen et al. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a global public health burden whose incidence has risen concurrently with overweight and obesity. Given its detrimental health impact, early identification of at-risk individuals is crucial. MAFLD diagnosis is based on evidence of hepatic steatosis indicated by liver biopsy, imaging, or blood biomarkers, and one of the following conditions: Overweight/ obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or metabolic dysregulation. However, in large-scale epidemiological studies, liver biopsies are not feasible. The application of techniques such as ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy is restricted by their limited sensitivity, low effectiveness, high costs, and need for specialized software. Blood biomarkers offer several advantages, particularly in large-scale epidemiological studies or clinical scenarios where traditional imaging techniques are impractical. Analysis of cumulative effects of excess high-normal blood alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels of blood ALT levels could facilitate identification of at-risk patients who might not be detected through conventional imaging methods. Accordingly, investigating the utility of blood biomarkers in MAFLD should enhance early detection and monitoring, enabling timely intervention and management and improving patient outcomes.

Comparison of age- and sex-dependent reference limits derived from distinct sources for metabolic measurands in basic liver diagnostics

BACKGROUND

Reference intervals for basic liver laboratory diagnostic rely on manufacturers' information, remaining unchanged for more than 20 years. This ignores known age and sex dependencies.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study to compare the age-dependent distribution of flagged and non-flagged laboratory findings between reference limits from 3 distinct sources: manufacturer, published reference study, and the truncated maximum likelihood method applied on a cohort of inpatients aged 18-100 years. Discordance rates adjusted for the permissible analytical uncertainty are reported for serum levels of albumin (n= 150,550), alkaline phosphatase (n= 433,721), gamma-GT (n=580,012), AST (n= 510,620), and ALT (n= 704,546).

RESULTS

The number of flagged findings differed notably between reference intervals compared, except for alkaline phosphatase. AST and alkaline phosphatase increased with age in women. Overall discordance for AP, AST, and ALT remained below 10%, respectively, in both sexes. Albumin decreased with age which led to discordant flags in up to 22% in patients ≥70 years. GGT and ALT peaked in 50-59-year-old men with up to 23.5% and 22.8% discordant flags, respectively.

CONCLUSION

We assessed the impact of different reference limits on liver related laboratory results and found up to 25 % discordant flags. We suggest to further analyse the diagnostic and economic effects of reference limits adapted to the population of interest even for well-established basic liver diagnostics.

Changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors during menopausal transition in Japanese women: the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study (CIRCS)

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to longitudinally clarify the changes in cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with menopause in Japanese women in the 2000s.

METHODS

Of the 4,596 women who underwent health examinations between 2007 and 2012 in three communities of the Circulatory Risk in Communities Study, 263 women who reported going through menopause during that period were included in the study. We randomly selected 1,665 men as control subjects who participated in a health examination at least once between 2001 and 2009 and at least once between 2010 and 2018 by 1:1 pair-matching for age, community, and examination year. The health examination data from 3 to 6 years before (2001-2009) and after menopause age (2010-2018) were compared in terms of body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels, serum total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, hemoglobin A 1c , hemoglobin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and current smoker status.

RESULTS

Compared with the men, the women showed a greater increase in serum total cholesterol (+16.7 vs -3.1 mg/dL, P < 0.001), non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (+15.9 vs -6.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001), fasting triglycerides (+1.2 vs +1.0 mg/dL, P = 0.027), triglycerides regardless of fasting status (+1.2 vs -0.9 mg/dL, P < 0.001), uric acid (+0.5 vs +0.2 mg/dL, P = 0.008), hemoglobin (+0.9 vs -0.3 g/dL, P < 0.001), aspartate aminotransferase (+2.9 vs -2.7 IU/L, P < 0.001), and alanine aminotransferase (+2.9 vs -2.6 IU/L, P < 0.001). No differences were found in the changes in body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and hemoglobin A 1c between the women and the matched men.

CONCLUSIONS

Menopause may be a crucial factor related to changes in serum total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, hemoglobin, and liver enzymes.

Hepatotoxicity with High-Dose Green Tea Extract: Effect of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase and Uridine 5'-Diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 Genotypes

The predominant catechin in green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), may be hepatotoxic in high doses. Our objective was to investigate the influence of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase 1A4 (UGT1A4) genotypes on changes in liver injury biomarkers in response to long-term, high-dose green tea extract (GTE) supplementation among postmenopausal women. A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Minnesota Green Tea Trial (N = 1,075), in which participants were randomized to consume high-dose GTE (843 mg/day EGCG) or placebo capsules for 12 months. Analysis of covariance adjusting for potential confounders was performed to examine changes in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), AST: ALT ratio, and alkaline phosphatase from baseline to months 3, 6, 9, and 12 across COMT and UGT1A4 genotypes. Mean age and BMI within the GTE group (n = 400) were 59.8 yrs and 25.1 kg/m2, respectively, and 98% of subjects were white. From baseline to month 3, mean AST: ALT ratio change was +1.0% in the COMT (rs4680) A/G genotype versus -4.8% in the A/A genotype (p = 0.03). From baseline to months 6 and 9, respectively, mean ALT change was +78.1% and +82.1% in the UGT1A4 (rs6755571) A/C genotype versus +28.0% and +30.1% in the C/C genotype (p < 0.001 and p = 0.004, respectively). The UGT1A4 (rs6755571) A/C genotype may be an important risk factor for clinically-relevant serum transaminase elevations with 6-9 months of high-dose GTE supplementation among postmenopausal women. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of GTE-related hepatotoxicity may allow for a genetically-informed paradigm for therapeutic use of GTE.

Effect of Co-Administration of Panax ginseng and Brassica oleracea on Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Mice

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is a common disorder resulting from increased osteoclastic activity. To determine the effect of Panax ginseng on postmenopausal osteoporosis, ovariectomized (OVX) mice were treated with 500 mg/kg/day P. ginseng extract (Pg) alone or in combination with hot water extract of Brassica oleracea (Bo) daily for 10 weeks, and the effect of the treatments on OVX-induced bone loss was examined. Bone weight, bone mineral density (BMD), osteoclast (OC) formation, OC marker expression, and biochemical parameters in blood were determined. OVX significantly increased body weight and decreased bone weight compared with those in the Sham group (p < 0.01). Pg or Bo alone did not affect OVX-induced bone loss, but a combination of Pg and Bo (Pg:Bo) recovered bone weight. The bones of OVX mice showed lower BMD than that of Sham mice, and the Pg:Bo = 3:1 restored the decreased BMD. Single treatment with Pg or Bo did not alter OC formation; however, the Pg:Bo = 3:1 inhibited OC formation. In addition, Pg and Bo lowered the OVX-induced elevation in blood glucose level. Thus, we suggest that Pg in combination with proper materials, such as Bo, might be a potential candidate treatment with minimal side effects protect against postmenopausal osteoporosis.

A prospective, single-centre, single-arm, open label study of the long term use of a gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (Triptorelin SR, 11.25 mg) in combination with Tibolone add-back therapy in the management of chronic cyclical pelvic pain

BACKGROUND

Chronic cyclic pelvic pain (CCPP) affects women's quality of life and pituitary downregulation is often used for symptomatic relief. However, prolonged suppression of ovarian function is associated with menopausal side effects and can lead to osteoporosis. Currently, the use of gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists (GnRHa) for treatment of CCPP is usually restricted to 6-9 months, limiting their efficacy. There is limited information regarding safety and efficacy with longer-term use. The aim of this study is to examine the safety and efficacy of long-term (24 months) pituitary down-regulation with the GnRHa (Triptorelin SR) with add-back therapy (ABT) using Tibolone for symptom relief in women with CCPP.

METHODS

A single-arm, prospective clinical trial at a Tertiary University Teaching Hospital of 27 patients receiving Triptorelin SR (11.25 mg) and Tibolone (2.5 mg). Outcomes measures were the safety of treatment assessed by clinical examination, haematological markers, liver and renal function tests and bone mineral density (BMD) at 12, 18 and 24 months as well as at 6 months post-treatment. Pain and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) assessed using the endometriosis health profile (EHP-30) and chronic pain grade (CPG) questionnaires.

RESULTS

There was no evidence for any significant harmful effects on any of the measured haematological, renal or liver function tests. Although results regarding the effect on BMD are not conclusive there is an increased risk of development of osteopaenia after 12 months of treatment. Pain and HRQoL assessments showed significant improvement during medication, but with deterioration after treatment cessation.

CONCLUSION

Long- term Triptorelin plus Tibolone add-back therapy in women suffering from CCPP does not appear to be associated with significant serious adverse events apart from the possibility of deterioration in the BMD that needs to be monitored. This mode of therapy appears to be effective in pain relief and in improving quality of life over a 24-month period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trials database NCT00735852.