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Wang B, Zhou J, Wu X, Sun Y, Li L, Li P, Li M, Jiang W, Xu M, Feng B, Xu X, Cheng J, Xie W, Han T, Wang X, Li H, Piao H, Zhao X, Chen S, Meng T, Guan Q, Meng F, Kong Y, Ou X, Jia J, You H. Carvedilol Plus NUC for Patients With HBV-Compensated Cirrhosis Under Virological Suppression: A Randomized Open-Label Trial. Am J Gastroenterol 2024; 119:700-711. [PMID: 37929952 DOI: 10.14309/ajg.0000000000002569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Portal hypertension progression can be relieved after controlling the etiology of liver cirrhosis. Whether beta-blockers could additionally enhance the effects during treatment, particularly for small esophageal varices (EV), was unclear. This study aims to assess the efficacy of add-on carvedilol to delay EV progression during anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) treatment in HBV-related cirrhosis. METHODS This randomized controlled trial enrolled patients with virologically suppressed HBV-compensated cirrhosis and small/medium EV. The participants were randomly assigned to receive nucleos(t)ide analog (NUC) or carvedilol 12.5 mg plus NUC (1:1 allocation ratio). The primary end point was the progression rate of EV at 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS A total of 238 patients (small EV, 77.3%) were randomized into 119 NUC and 119 carvedilol plus NUC (carvedilol [CARV] combination group). Among them, 205 patients (86.1%) completed paired endoscopies. EV progression rate was 15.5% (16/103) in the NUC group and 12.7% (13/102) in the CARV combination group (relative risk = 0.79, 95% confidence interval 0.36-1.75, P = 0.567). Subgroup analysis on medium EV showed the CARV combination group had a more favorable effect in promoting EV regression (43.5% vs 13.1%, P = 0.022) than NUC alone, but not in small cases ( P = 0.534). The incidence of liver-related events (decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma, or death/liver transplantation) within 2 years was similar between the 2 groups (11.2% vs 10.4%, P = 0.881). DISCUSSION The overall results did not show statistically significant differences between the added carvedilol strategy and NUC monotherapy in preventing EV progression in patients with virologically suppressed HBV-compensated cirrhosis. However, the carvedilol-added approach might offer improved outcomes specifically for patients with medium EV (NCT03736265).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingqiong Wang
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jialing Zhou
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoning Wu
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yameng Sun
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Second People's Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Minghui Li
- Liver Disease Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Feng
- Hepatology Institute, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Xu
- Department of Infectious Disease, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jilin Cheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Xie
- Liver Disease Center, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Han
- Department of Hepatology, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tianjin Union Medical Center Affiliated to Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaozhong Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Urumqi, Xinjiang, China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tianjin Xiqing Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Hongxin Piao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Affiliated Hospital of Yanbian University, Yanji, China
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuyan Chen
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Tongtong Meng
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qiushuang Guan
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fandong Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and EBM Unit, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ou
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Hong You
- Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Liver Cirrhosis, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing, China
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García-Ros A, Morán S, Núñez V, García-Ros G, Ruiz G, García-Solano J. Impact of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy on Liver Fibrosis Regression among People with Chronic HCV Infection: Results from a Real-Life Cohort in Patients Who Achieved Sustained Virological Response. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:medicina59040814. [PMID: 37109770 PMCID: PMC10141631 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59040814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The global prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is 0.8%, affecting around 58 million people worldwide. Treatment with DAAs reduces all-cause HCV mortality by 49-68%. This work aims to determine whether there is liver fibrosis regression (LFR) in patients who achieved Sustained Virological Response (SVR) after treatment with DAAs. Materials and Methods: An analytical, observational, single-center, and cohort study was carried out. The final sample consisted of 248 HCV-infected patients. All started treatment with DAAs between January 2015 and December 2017. Five measurements were performed to determine the fibrotic stage in patients (measured in kilopascals (kPa)) using transient elastography (FibroScan®, Echosens, The Netherlands). Results: Taking the baseline fibrotic stage as a reference, the distribution in subgroups was as follows: 77 F4 patients (31.0%); 55 F3 patients (22.2%); 53 F2 patients (21.4%); and 63 F0/F1 patients (25.4%). There were 40 patients (16.1%) with at least one HCV complication and 13 (5.2%) who developed hepatocellular carcinoma. The overall LFR rate was 77.8% (144 of 185 F2/F3/F4 patients, p = 0.01) at the end of the follow-up period. The highest mean FibroScan® values were observed in patients with: "male gender"; "metabolic syndrome"; "subtype 1a"; "NRP DAA"; "at least one HCV complication"; "death from HCV complications"; and "liver transplantation requirement". Conclusions: Treatment with DAAs achieved high rates of LFR and a decrease in mean FibroScan® values in all subgroups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro García-Ros
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Santa Lucía University Hospital, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Senador Morán
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Santa Lucía University Hospital, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Virginia Núñez
- Department of Psychiatry, Mental Health Center, 30201 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Gonzalo García-Ros
- Mining and Civil Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Cartagena, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Guadalupe Ruiz
- Foundation for Health Training and Research of the Region of Murcia, 30120 Murcia, Spain
| | - José García-Solano
- Department of Pathological Anatomy, Santa Lucía University Hospital, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
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Effect of Direct-Acting Antiviral Agents on Gastroesophageal Varices in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus-Related Cirrhosis. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2022; 58:medicina58081077. [PMID: 36013545 PMCID: PMC9415929 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58081077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Aim: In patients with hepatitis C virus-related liver cirrhosis (LC) who achieve sustained virological responses (SVRs) through treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), it remains unclear whether there are improvements in gastroesophageal varices (GEVs) and portal hypertension. We investigated changes in liver function and GEVs that occurred after DAA therapy. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the medical records of 195 patients with hepatitis C virus-related LC who received DAAs. A total of 171 patients achieved SVRs, among whom 36 had GEVs before or after receiving DAA therapy. The liver function, fibrosis, and GEVs were re-evaluated every 6 months after receiving DAA therapy. The risk factors for progressive GEVs were investigated. Results: DAA therapy resulted in improvements in liver function (indicated by aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and serum albumin levels) and fibrosis (indicated by type IV collagen levels and the Fibrosis-4 index). After receiving DAA therapy, 27 patients had stable GEVs and 9 had progressive GEVs. With respect to GEV grades before DAA therapy, there was a significant difference between patients with stable and progressive GEVs (p = 0.027). Presence of grade-2 GEVs before starting DAA therapy was a risk factor for GEV progression (odds ratio: 5.83; p = 0.04). Patients with grade-2 GEVs had significantly shorter progression-free periods than those with grade < 2 GEVs (p = 0.025). Conclusions: DAA therapy does not ameliorate GEVs. Furthermore, grade-2 GEVs can worsen after DAA therapy. Therefore, patients with GEVs of grades ≥ 2 should undergo endoscopic surveillance after receiving DAAs.
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Dezső K, Paku S, Kóbori L, Thorgeirsson SS, Nagy P. What Makes Cirrhosis Irreversible?-Consideration on Structural Changes. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:876293. [PMID: 35572980 PMCID: PMC9091510 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.876293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies have shown that liver fibrosis, and even cirrhosis can be reversed, disproving the old “dogma” that cirrhosis is irreversible. In addition to scaring, vascular alterations appear to be critically important in the progression of chronic liver diseases. To overcome the “tipping-point” of cirrhosis, we need to understand in depth what might make it irreversible in some cases. Morphologically, the initial, as well as the advanced stages of cirrhosis are characterized by specific structural changes. The hallmark of the initial stage is the division of the original liver parenchyma by centro-central or porto-portal septa. No significant vascular changes are observed in this stage. The advanced stage is characterized by several morphological alterations: (i) The main feature is the parenchymal extinction, with intact portal vein branches, hepatic artery branches, and biliary ductules; (ii) In the extinct areas we observed numerous loops in the ductular network, indicating the disruption of the hepato-biliary junctions; (iii) Although the ductular progenitor cells are able to generate hepatocytes via the budding process, the newly formed hepatocyte nodules cannot re-establish the original lobular architecture due to their disorganized growth. In conclusion, this regenerative process characteristic for the advanced stage, contributes to circulatory disorders, perpetuates parenchymal injury and may lead to the irreversibility of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Dezső
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Paku
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Kóbori
- Department of Surgery, Transplantation and Gastroenterology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Snorri S Thorgeirsson
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research (CCR), National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Péter Nagy
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gastroesophageal varices are common complications of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) and portal hypertension. Small varices have the risk of progressing to larger varices, causing bleeding or even death. Thus, early detection and appropriate management of small varices are necessary. The purpose of this review is to summarize the advance in the recent 5years about diagnosing and managing the small varices in CLDs. RECENT FINDINGS The diagnosing methods of small varices in recent studies include improved endoscopic examinations, such as capsule endoscopy, and many noninvasive methods, including blood tests, ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance. For the management of small varices, though it is controversial, prevention using nonselective beta-blockers is still an essential part. SUMMARY In this review, we summarize the classification of varices, the invasive and noninvasive diagnostic methods, their performances, and the emerging progression in the management of small varices in the recent 5 years. We hope that this review provides relevant information to understand better and appropriately manage small varices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian
| | - Hui Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian
| | - Jianyong Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, Nanchang
| | - Yifei Huang
- CHESS Center, Institute of Portal Hypertension, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaolong Qi
- CHESS Center, Institute of Portal Hypertension, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Takakusagi S, Saito N, Ueno T, Hatanaka T, Namikawa M, Tojima H, Takizawa D, Naganuma A, Kosone T, Arai H, Sato K, Kakizaki S, Takagi H, Uraoka T. Changes of esophageal varices in hepatitis C patients after achievement of a sustained viral response by direct‐acting antivirals. DEN OPEN 2022; 2:e11. [PMID: 35310699 PMCID: PMC8828222 DOI: 10.1002/deo2.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Objectives The changes in portal hypertension after achieving a sustained viral response (SVR) by direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) have not been fully elucidated. Consequently, noninvasive and inexpensive predictors need to be investigated. We therefore explored factors associated with the progression of EVs after the achievement of an SVR with DAAs in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods Eighty‐nine patients, who had achieved an SVR with DAAs and could have their esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) findings compared between before DAAs administration and after achieving an SVR achievement were enrolled in this study. We compared the patients with and without EVs progression. Furthermore, the cumulative progression rates of EVs were also analyzed. Results The fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) before DAAs administration was the only significant factor for the progression of EVs after an SVR (odds ratios: 1.2, 95% confidence intervals: 1.05–1.38, p = 0.01). In a receiver operating characteristics analysis, the cut‐off of FIB‐4 for the progression of EVs was 8.41 (sensitivity: 0.63, specificity: 0.86, positive predictive value: 0.31, negative predictive value: 0.96), namely EVs of those with more than 8.41 of FIB‐4 progressed and those with less than 8.41 of FIB‐4 did not. Conclusions As patients with FIB‐4 ≥ 8.41 may have progressions of EVs, periodic surveillance by EGD should be continued in such cases, even after an SVR is achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Takakusagi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Kusunoki Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Naoto Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Takashi Ueno
- Department of Internal Medicine Isesaki Municipal Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Takeshi Hatanaka
- Department of Gastroenterology Gunma Saiseikai Maebashi Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Masashi Namikawa
- Department of Internal Medicine Kiryu Kosei General Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Hiroki Tojima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Daichi Takizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology Japanese Red Cross Maebashi Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Atsushi Naganuma
- Department of Gastroenterology National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center Gunma Japan
| | - Takashi Kosone
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Kusunoki Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Hirotaka Arai
- Department of Gastroenterology Japanese Red Cross Maebashi Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Ken Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
| | - Satoru Kakizaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
- Department of Clinical Research National Hospital Organization Takasaki General Medical Center Gunma Japan
| | - Hitoshi Takagi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Kusunoki Hospital Gunma Japan
| | - Toshio Uraoka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine Gunma Japan
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Isfordink CJ, Maan R, de Man RA, van Erpecum KJ, van der Meer AJ. Should we continue surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma and gastroesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis and cured HCV infection? Eur J Intern Med 2021; 94:6-14. [PMID: 34563447 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2021.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and variceal bleeding are among the most common causes of liver-related mortality in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced cirrhosis. Current guidelines recommend HCC and gastroesophageal varices (GEV) surveillance in patients with HCV infection and cirrhosis. However, since the recent introduction of direct-acting antivirals, most patients with cirrhosis are now cured of their chronic HCV infection. As virological cure is considered to substantially reduce the risk of cirrhosis-related complications, this review discusses the current literature concerning the surveillance of HCC and GEV in patients with HCV-induced cirrhosis with a focus on the setting following sustained virological response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cas J Isfordink
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Division of Infectious Diseases, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Raoel Maan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert A de Man
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Karel J van Erpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Adriaan J van der Meer
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Joshita S, Yamashita Y, Okamoto T, Usami Y, Sugiura A, Yamazaki T, Kakino A, Ota M, Sawamura T, Umemura T. Quantitative and qualitative lipid improvement with chronic hepatitis C virus eradication using direct-acting antivirals. Hepatol Res 2021; 51:758-766. [PMID: 33982310 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.13666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Direct-acting antivirals have revolutionized hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy by providing a high sustained virological response (SVR) rate and subsequent favorable lipid increases. Proprotein convertase subtilisin-kexin like-9 (PCSK9) plays an important role in regulating quantitative lipid levels. This study examined the interactions between quantitative PCSK9 and lipid changes, as well as qualitative lipid changes in terms of lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-1 ligand containing apolipoprotein B (LAB) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol uptake capacity (HDL-CUC). METHODS Patients with chronic HCV infection (N = 231) who achieved an SVR by direct-acting antivirals without lipid-lowering therapy were included for comparisons of PCSK9, LAB, HDL-CUC, and other clinical indices between pretreatment and SVR12 time points. RESULTS LDL (LDL) cholesterol and HDL cholesterol levels were quantitatively increased at SVR12, along with higher PCSK9 (all p < 0.0001). PCSK9 was significantly correlated with LDL cholesterol (r = 0.244, p = 0.0003) and apolipoprotein B (r = 0.222, p = 0.0009) at SVR12. Regarding qualitative LDL changes, LAB was significantly decreased and LAB/LDL cholesterol and LAB/apolipoprotein B proportions were improved at SVR12 (all p < 0.0001). In terms of qualitative HDL changes, HDL-CUC was significantly ameliorated, along with HDL-CUC/HDL cholesterol, HDL-CUC/ apolipoprotein A1, and HDL-CUC/ apolipoprotein A2 at SVR12 (all p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS HCV eradication by direct-acting antivirals may produce quantitative lipid profile changes, along with PCSK9 production recovery in addition to qualitative lipid improvement, which possibly confers the additional secondary benefits of atherosclerosis improvement and cardiovascular disease event reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Joshita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamashita
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Toru Okamoto
- Institute for Advanced Co-Creation Studies Research, Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoko Usami
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shinshu University Hospital, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Ayumi Sugiura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tomoo Yamazaki
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Akemi Kakino
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Masao Ota
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Sawamura
- Department of Molecular Pathophysiology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
| | - Takeji Umemura
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shinshu University School of Medicine, Matsumoto, Japan.,Department of Life Innovation, Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Shinshu University, Matsumoto, Japan
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Miyamoto Y, Enomoto H, Nishikawa H, Nishimura T, Iwata Y, Nishiguchi S, Iijima H. Association of the Modified ALBI Grade With Endoscopic Findings of Gastroesophageal Varices. In Vivo 2021; 35:1163-1168. [PMID: 33622916 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM This study aimed to assess the association of the modified albumin-bilirubin (mALBI) grade with the endoscopic findings of gastroesophageal varices (GEVs). PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 141 patients with histologically proven cirrhosis who underwent a liver biopsy and esophagogastroduodenoscopy were enrolled. The relationships between the mALBI grade and endoscopic findings were evaluated. RESULTS The incidence of GEVs and high-risk GEVs differed among mALBI grades. Patients with mALBI grades of 2b-3 had higher rates of GEVs and high-risk GEVs in comparison to those with mALBI grades of 1-2a (p<0.0001). In addition, patients with mALBI grade 2b or grade 3, but not those with mALBI grade 2a, had significantly higher rates of complicated GEVs and high-risk GEVs in comparison to those with mALBI grade 1. CONCLUSION The mALBI grade may be useful in predicting the presence of GEVs and for stratifying their bleeding risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuho Miyamoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterology, Takarazuka City Hospital, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Hirayuki Enomoto
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan;
| | - Hiroki Nishikawa
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Takashi Nishimura
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Iwata
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
| | | | - Hiroko Iijima
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hyogo College of Medicine, Nishinomiya, Japan
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Cheng CH, Chu CY, Chen HL, Lin IT, Wu CH, Lee YK, Hu PJ, Bair MJ. Direct-acting antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C improves liver fibrosis, assessed by histological examination and laboratory markers. J Formos Med Assoc 2020; 120:1259-1268. [PMID: 33339709 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2020.11.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Direct-acting antiviral agents achieve sustained virological response in most chronic hepatitis C patients. However, histological responses are not consistent among all patients. We conducted an observational study to analyze the histological changes after direct-acting antiviral agent therapy. METHODS We recruited 220 patients who achieved sustained virological response after direct-acting antiviral agent. Histology was assessed by liver biopsy and laboratory indices including fibrosis-4 and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index. Primary outcomes were change in the dynamic laboratory results. Secondary outcomes were histological changes on liver biopsy. We analyzed the factors predictive of histological regression. RESULTS The mean fibrosis-4 index decreased from 4.78 at baseline to 3.30, 3.31, 3.65, and 3.66 at week 4, 8, end of treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively (all p < 0.01). Mean aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index decreased from 1.62 at baseline to 0.61, 0.66, 0.64, and 0.82 at week 4, 8, end of treatment, and 12 weeks after treatment, respectively (all p < 0.01). Mean Histological Activity Index at baseline and post-treatment was 6.9 ± 1.9 and 5.0 ± 2.3. The METAVIR fibrosis scores improved in 61.9% of the patients. We compared patients who achieved fibrosis-regression with the non-regression group. There was no significant difference in the baseline host/virological factors between the groups. CONCLUSION Reversal of liver inflammation and fibrosis was achieved in a significant number of patients who received direct-acting antiviral agent. No baseline host or virological factor was predictive of histological regression after antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Han Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Ying Chu
- Department of Pathology, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan
| | - Huan-Lin Chen
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - I-Tsung Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsien Wu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Kai Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Jen Hu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jong Bair
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Taitung Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taiwan; Mackay Medical College, New Taipei, Taiwan.
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