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Tadokoro T, Nomura T, Fujita K, Manabe T, Takuma K, Nakahara M, Oura K, Mimura S, Tani J, Morishita A, Kobara H, Ono M, Masaki T. Management of hepatocellular carcinoma, an important cause of death in Japanese autoimmune hepatitis patients. BMC Gastroenterol 2024; 24:123. [PMID: 38561671 PMCID: PMC10986071 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-024-03204-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was considered rare but is increasing with prolonged prognosis. Its impact on the overall prognosis of AIH is unknown, and treatment has not been established. AIM To investigate the risk factors and prognosis of HCC in patients with AIH and identify appropriate management strategies. METHODS We studied patients with AIH including background liver disease, sex, age, complications, treatment, response to treatment, liver fibrosis, prognosis, and treatment. RESULTS In 131 patients, deaths due to liver failure were more common early after the onset of AIH; however, deaths due to HCC increased gradually. HCC was observed in 12 patients (median age, 70 years; male/female, 4/8; cirrhosis at onset, 11; median time to carcinogenesis, 7 years). Cirrhosis at diagnosis was identified as a risk factor for carcinogenesis in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio, 41.36; p < 0.0001) and cumulative cancer rates were high. Multidisciplinary therapy other than immune checkpoint inhibitors was administered as treatment for HCC. Two of the three patients who used molecular-targeted drugs discontinued the treatment because of adverse events. CONCLUSION HCC is an important cause of death in patients with AIH. Currently available drug therapies are limited and early detection is desirable. TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was retrospectively registered in the Ethics Committee of Kagawa University School of Medicine under the identifier 2019 - 238, registered on 4 Feb 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan.
| | - Takako Nomura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology, HITO Medical Center, 788-1 Kamibun-cho, Shikokutyuou, Ehime, 799-0121, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Takushi Manabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kei Takuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Mai Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Shima Mimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Hideki Kobara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
- Division of Innovative Medicine for Hepatobiliary and Pancreatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Kagawa University School of Medicine, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa, 761-0793, Japan
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Mercado LA, Gil-Lopez F, Chirila RM, Harnois DM. Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Overview. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:382. [PMID: 38396421 PMCID: PMC10887775 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14040382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition of the liver of undetermined cause that affects both sexes, all ages, races, and ethnicities. Its clinical presentation can be very broad, from having an asymptomatic and silent course to presenting as acute hepatitis, cirrhosis, and acute liver failure potentially requiring liver transplantation. The diagnosis is based on histological abnormalities (interface hepatitis), characteristic clinical and laboratory findings (increased aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum IgG concentration), and the presence of one or more characteristic autoantibodies. The large heterogeneity of these clinical, biochemical, and histological findings can sometimes make a timely and proper diagnosis a difficult task. Treatment seeks to achieve remission of the disease and prevent further progression of liver disease. First-line therapy includes high-dose corticosteroids, which are later tapered to decrease side effects, and azathioprine. In the presence of azathioprine intolerance or a poor response to the standard of care, second-line therapy needs to be considered, including mycophenolate mofetil. AIH remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, and a further understanding of the pathophysiological pathways of the disease and the implementation of randomized controlled trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia A. Mercado
- Department of Liver Transplant, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Fernando Gil-Lopez
- Department of Liver Transplant, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Razvan M. Chirila
- Department of General Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA;
| | - Denise M. Harnois
- Department of Liver Transplant, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic Florida, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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3
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Porukala M, Vinod PK. Gene expression signatures of stepwise progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0296454. [PMID: 38157373 PMCID: PMC10756545 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is a complex process progressing from premalignant stages to cancer in a stepwise manner. Mostly, HCC is detected at advanced stages, leading to high mortality rates. Hence, characterising the molecular underpinnings of HCC from normal to cancer state through precancerous state may help in early detection and improve its prognosis and treatment. In this work, we analysed the transcriptomic profile of tumour and premalignant samples from HCC or chronic liver disease patients, who had undergone either total or partial hepatectomy. The normal samples from patients with metastatic cancer/polycystic liver disease/ cholangiocarcinoma were also included. A gene co-expression network approach was applied to identify hierarchical changes: modules, pathways, and genes related to different trajectories of HCC and patient survival. Our analysis shows that the progression from premalignant conditions to tumour is accompanied by differences in the downregulation of genes associated with HNF4A activity and the immune system and upregulation of cell cycle genes, bringing about variability in patient outcomes. However, an increase in immune and cell cycle activity is observed in premalignant samples. Interestingly, co-expression modules and genes from premalignant stages are associated with survival. THBD, a classical marker for dendritic cells, is a predictor of survival at the premalignant stage. Further, genes linked to microtubules, kinetochores, and centromere are altered in both premalignant and tumour conditions and are associated with survival. Our analysis revealed a three-way molecular axis of liver function, immune pathways, and cell cycle driving HCC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manisri Porukala
- Centre for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, IIIT, Hyderabad, India
| | - P. K. Vinod
- Centre for Computational Natural Sciences and Bioinformatics, IIIT, Hyderabad, India
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4
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Cao Q, Zhang Y, Liu H, Cheng Y, Liu M, Zhao H, Tang R, Sun J, Xu S, Sun B, Sun Q. The lipid peroxidation-derived DNA adduct γ-OHPdG as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:7258-7277. [PMID: 37517089 PMCID: PMC10415556 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Chronic inflammation and lipid peroxidation (LPO) are associated with the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and γ-hydroxy-1, N2-propanodeoxyguanosine (γ-OHPdG) is a promutagenic DNA adduct derived from LPO. This study aimed to examine the relationship between γ-OHPdG and the progression of liver carcinogenesis. METHODS Primary HCC specimens were obtained from 228 patients and cirrhosis specimens from 46 patients. The patients were followed up with after surgery via outpatient visits and telephone calls. The levels of γ-OHPdG were determined by immunohistochemical analysis in the carcinomatous tissues together with adjacent and cirrhosis tissues. RESULTS γ-OHPdG levels in the cancerous tissues were significantly higher compared to adjacent tissues (P < 0.001) and also higher than the ones from the tissues of cirrhosis patients. Along with tumor size, histological grade, MVI grade, T stage, the percentage of ki67-positive cells and HCC progression, γ-OHPdG levels in cancerous tissues showed a gradually increasing trend. Moreover, prognostic analysis showed that higher γ-OHPdG levels in cancerous tissues were strongly correlated with lower overall survival (P < 0.001), lower intrahepatic recurrence-free survival (P < 0.001) and lower distant metastasis-free survival (P < 0.05). There was a trend, although not statistically significant, of increased levels of γ-OHPdG in cirrhosis cases that advanced to HCC, whereas γ-OHPdG levels reversely correlated with the period of time observed for cirrhosis advanced to HCC. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that γ-OHPdG is a prognostic biomarker for predicting outcomes in HCC, and may serve as a prospective indicator for predicting HCC in cirrhosis patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Cao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Yazhou Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Provincial Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Yuxia Cheng
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Mingxin Liu
- Shandong Life Science and Technology Ltd., Dezhou, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Hai Zhao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Ruixue Tang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Junying Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
| | - Sophia Xu
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Bing Sun
- Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC 20007, USA
| | - Qing Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Medicine and Health Key Laboratory of Clinical Pathology, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Shandong Institute of Nephrology, Jinan, Shandong Province, P.R. China
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5
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Buechter M, Dorn D, Möhlendick B, Siffert W, Baba HA, Gerken G, Kahraman A. Characteristics and Long-Term Outcome of 535 Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis-The 20-Year Experience of a High-Volume Tertiary Center. J Clin Med 2023; 12:4192. [PMID: 37445225 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12134192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a complex and progressive inflammatory liver disease characterized by immune-mediated destruction of the liver parenchyma, hypergammaglobulinemia, the presence of circulating autoantibodies, and good response to immunosuppressive therapy. Since the prevalence of AIH is relatively rare, data on the clinical course and the long-term outcome are scarce. Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 535 well-documented AIH patients treated at the University Hospital Essen between 2000 and 2020. Results: The majority of patients were middle-aged females (75% women, mean age 45 years) with AIH type 1 (97%). Approximately 32% of patients were diagnosed with cirrhosis due to AIH, 29% had concomitant autoimmune (predominantly autoimmune thyroiditis), and 10% had psychiatric diseases, respectively. Skin tumors were the most common malignant diseases (47% of all tumors), while hepatocellular carcinoma rarely occurred (only six cases). Overall long-term mortality and liver-associated mortality were 9.16% and 4.67%, respectively. However, long-term survival was strongly associated with disease remission. Conclusions: Although AIH is a silent disease and cirrhosis is present in many cases, a favorable long-term prognosis can be achieved by consequent immunosuppressive therapy. The incidence of (liver-associated) complications seems to be lower in comparison to other etiologies, such as viral hepatitis or NASH, and mainly depends on the long-term side effects of immunosuppressive therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Buechter
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Elisabeth Hospital, 58638 Iserlohn, Germany
| | - Dominik Dorn
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Birte Möhlendick
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Winfried Siffert
- Institute of Pharmacogenetics, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Hideo A Baba
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
| | - Guido Gerken
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Helios Clinic, 42549 Velbert, Germany
| | - Alisan Kahraman
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Clinic of Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, 45122 Essen, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Max Grundig Clinic, 77815 Bühl, Germany
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6
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Ji X, Chen X, Sheng L, Deng D, Wang Q, Meng Y, Qiu Z, Zhang B, Zheng G, Hu J. Metabolomics profiling of AKT/c-Met-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis and the inhibitory effect of Cucurbitacin B in mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1009767. [PMID: 36506561 PMCID: PMC9728611 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1009767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common kind of liver cancer, accounts for the majority of liver cancer diagnoses and fatalities. Clinical aggressiveness, resistance to traditional therapy, and a high mortality rate are all features of this disease. Our previous studies have shown that co-activation of AKT and c-Met induces HCC development, which is the malignant biological feature of human HCC. Cucurbitacin B (CuB), a naturally occurring tetracyclic triterpenoid compound with potential antitumor activity. However, the metabolic mechanism of AKT/c-Met-induced Hepatocellular Carcinogenesis and CuB in HCC remains unclear. In this study, we established an HCC mouse model by hydrodynamically transfecting active AKT and c-Met proto-oncogenes. Based on the results of hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), oil red O (ORO) staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), HCC progression was divided into two stages: the early stage of HCC (3 weeks after AKT/c-Met injection) and the formative stage of HCC (6 weeks after AKT/c-Met injection), and the therapeutic effect of CuB was evaluated. Through UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS metabolomics, a total of 26 distinct metabolites were found in the early stage of HCC for serum samples, while in the formative stage of HCC, 36 distinct metabolites were found in serum samples, and 13 different metabolites were detected in liver samples. 33 metabolites in serum samples and 11 in live samples were affected by CuB administration. Additionally, metabolic pathways and western blotting analysis revealed that CuB influences lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and glucose metabolism by altering the AKT/mTORC1 signaling pathway, hence decreasing tumor progression. This study provides a metabolic basis for the early diagnosis, therapy, and prognosis of HCC and the clinical application of CuB in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Ji
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xin Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lei Sheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Dongjie Deng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yan Meng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhenpeng Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Baohui Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Guohua Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Resource and Compound Prescription, Ministry of Education, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Guohua Zheng, ; Junjie Hu,
| | - Junjie Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China,*Correspondence: Guohua Zheng, ; Junjie Hu,
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7
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Nolan PE, Catania R, Vendrami CL, Borhani AA, Miller FH. Large Regenerative Nodules and Focal Nodular Hyperplasia-Like Lesions. Radiol Clin North Am 2022; 60:795-808. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rcl.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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8
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Natarajan Y, Tansel A, Patel P, Emologu K, Shukla R, Qureshi Z, El-Serag HB, Thrift AP, Kanwal F. Incidence of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Primary Biliary Cholangitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Dig Dis Sci 2021; 66:2439-2451. [PMID: 32743773 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06498-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The risk and determinants of HCC in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) are unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of HCC and risk factors associated with HCC risk among patients with PBC. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane databases and reference lists from relevant articles to identify cohort studies that examined incidence of HCC in patients with PBC from inception through November 2019. RESULTS A total of 29 studies including 22,615 patients met the eligibility criteria. The median cohort size was 292 patients followed for an average of 76 months. The pooled incidence rate for patients with PBC was 4.17 per 1000 patient-years (95% CI 3.17-5.47). On subgroup analysis, the incidence of HCC in patients with PBC cirrhosis was 15.7 per 1000 patient-years (95% CI 8.73-28.24). The HCC incidence rate was 9.82 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 5.92-16.28) in men and 3.82 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 2.85-5.11) in women. CONCLUSIONS Cirrhosis is the strongest risk factor for HCC in patients with PBC. Male gender was also a risk factor. Our meta-analysis supports current recommendations of HCC surveillance in patients with PBC cirrhosis. Further studies are needed to evaluate risk factors in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamini Natarajan
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Aylin Tansel
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Parth Patel
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kingsley Emologu
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Richa Shukla
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zeeshan Qureshi
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program, Section of Health Services Research (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Medical Center Digestive Disease Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Aaron P Thrift
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program in the Health Services Research, Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, 2002 Holcombe Blvd (MS152), Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Clinical Epidemiology and Comparative Effectiveness Program, Section of Health Services Research (IQuESt), Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.,Texas Medical Center Digestive Disease Center, Houston, TX, USA.,Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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9
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Wang G, Tanaka A, Zhao H, Jia J, Ma X, Harada K, Wang FS, Wei L, Wang Q, Sun Y, Hong Y, Rao H, Efe C, Lau G, Payawal D, Gani R, Lindor K, Jafri W, Omata M, Sarin SK. The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidance: the diagnosis and management of patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Int 2021; 15:223-257. [PMID: 33942203 PMCID: PMC8144150 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-021-10170-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Guiqiang Wang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China. .,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | | | - Hong Zhao
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China.,Peking University International Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jidong Jia
- Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiong Ma
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kenichi Harada
- Department of Human Pathology, Kanazawa University Graduate School of Medicine Kanazawa, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lai Wei
- Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qixia Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Hong
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Huiying Rao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cumali Efe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Turkey
| | - George Lau
- Humanity and Health Medical Group, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Diana Payawal
- Department of Hepatology, Cardinal Santos Medical Center, Manila, Philippines
| | - Rino Gani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Keith Lindor
- College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | | | - Masao Omata
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yamanashi Prefectural Central Hospital, Kofu-City, Yamanashi, Japan.,The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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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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11
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Fedrizzi RS, Coral GP, Mattos AAD, Mattos ÂZD, Tovo CV. EVALUATION OF PATIENTS WITH AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS IN A SPECIALIZED OUTPATIENT CLINIC IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL. ARQUIVOS DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA 2021; 57:361-365. [PMID: 33237214 DOI: 10.1590/s0004-2803.202000000-69] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic liver disease, characterized by necroinflammation and autoimmune etiology. Studies evaluating the characteristics of patients with AIH are scarce in Brazil. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to evaluate the profile of patients with AIH in a specialized center in Southern Brazil and to verify factors related to treatment response. METHODS this was a retrospective cohort study, which analyzed demographic, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory, and histologic data. Patients with AIH diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group (IAIHG) were included. In liver biopsies, the degree of fibrosis, histological activity, presence of hepatocyte rosettes, plasma cell infiltrates, and confluent necrosis were evaluated. In the statistical analysis, the significance level was 5%. RESULTS Forty adults patients diagnosed with AIH were included. The evaluated population predominantly consisted of women (75.0%) and the average age at diagnosis was 44.2 years. The association with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases occurred in 20.0% of cases. Clinically, 35.0% of patients presented with acute onset hepatitis, 37.5% with cirrhosis, and 27.5% with other forms of presentation. The most common clinical manifestation was jaundice (47.5%). Thirty-five patients were treated, and of these, 97.1% used prednisone combined with azathioprine. The average treatment time was 2.7 years. Response to treatment was complete or partial in 30 (85.7%) and absent in 5 (14.3%) patients. There was no statistically significant difference when evaluating response to treatment in relation to forms of presentation, histological findings, and the presence of autoantibodies. Regarding fibrosis, regression was observed in 18.75% of the cases. CONCLUSION Most patients with AIH were young at presentation and of female sex. The association with extrahepatic autoimmune diseases and cirrhosis at presentation was seen in a considerable proportion of patients. Treatment was effective, but there were no clinical, histological or serological parameters capable of predicting treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata S Fedrizzi
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Gabriela P Coral
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Angelo A de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Ângelo Z de Mattos
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
| | - Cristiane V Tovo
- Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina: Hepatologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brasil
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12
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Dakhoul L, Jones KR, Gawrieh S, Ghabril M, McShane C, Vuppalanchi R, Vilar-Gomez E, Nephew L, Chalasani N, Lammert C. Older Age and Disease Duration Are Highly Associated with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Autoimmune Hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2019; 64:1705-1710. [PMID: 30617453 PMCID: PMC6525055 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-018-5441-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rare in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). However, the overall burden of AIH cirrhosis in causing HCC and patients' risk factors are not well understood. AIMS To characterize the proportion of HCC linked to AIH at a large academic health center, and to identify variables associated with HCC in patients with AIH in a case-control study design. METHODS Over a 14.5-year period, medical records of all patients with HCC were reviewed. Cases are AIH patients identified from the cohort, and controls are patients with AIH without HCC. Three controls were randomly chosen from the Genetic Repository of Autoimmune Liver Disease and Coexisting Exposures database for each eligible case. RESULTS Out of 1250 eligible patients, 20 were linked to AIH (1.6%). Their median age was 64 years, 40% men and 100% Caucasian. Ten percent of AIH patients did not have evidence of cirrhosis at HCC diagnosis. The proportion of HCCs due to AIH decreased during the time intervals of the study. Compared to controls, cases were more likely men (40.0% vs. 18%, p = 0.049), with longer AIH duration (median 16 years vs. 5 years, p = 0.004). Prolonged AIH duration (OR 1.68, p = 0.006) and older age (OR 1.15, p = 0.049) were risk factors for HCC. CONCLUSIONS AIH is a rare cause (1.6%) for HCC in Midwestern USA with a decreasing trend over 14.5 years. Ten percent of AIH-HCC patients did not have cirrhosis at time of HCC diagnosis. Patients with prolonged duration of the disease and older age are at high risk to develop HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Dakhoul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Keaton R Jones
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Samer Gawrieh
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Marwan Ghabril
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Chelsey McShane
- Department of Internal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Raj Vuppalanchi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Eduardo Vilar-Gomez
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Lauren Nephew
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Naga Chalasani
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Craig Lammert
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 Rotary Circle, Suite 225, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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13
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Valean S, Acalovschi M, Dumitrascu DL, Ciobanu L, Nagy G, Chira R. Hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with autoimmune hepatitis - a systematic review of the literature published between 1989-2016. Med Pharm Rep 2019; 92:99-105. [PMID: 31086834 PMCID: PMC6510357 DOI: 10.15386/mpr-1228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Liver cancer is one of the most common cause of deaths from cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was reported at a frequency of 7% of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) - related cirrhosis in 1988. We aimed to provide a systematic literature review on the frequency of HCC in patients with AIH, after the discovery of hepatitis C virus (HCV), in order to avoid any possible confounding etiology. Methods A literature search of the PubMed database between 1989–2016 was performed, using the relevant keywords “hepatocellular carcinoma” and “autoimmune hepatitis”. We followed the PRISMA statement guidelines during the preparation of this review. Results Eleven studies (n=8,460 patients with AIH) were retained for the final analysis. HCC was diagnosed in 0–12.3% of the AIH patients included in these studies. The overall occurrence of HCC in patients with AIH was estimated in two studies, at 5.1% and 6.2%, respectively. In patients with AIH and cirrhosis, the percentage of HCC varied between 0.2%–12.3%. The proportion of HCC in patients with AIH without cirrhosis was estimated at 1.03%. The percentage of cirrhosis in AIH patients varied from 18.7% to 83.3% in Japan, and from 12% to 50.2% in the other areas. The mean follow-up of the patients with AIH was of 10 years. Conclusions The development of HCC in patients with AIH appeared to be similar before and after the discovery of HCV, and it was mainly associated to cirrhosis. The number of patients developing cirrhosis in relation with AIH was impressive. The long evolution of AIH to cirrhosis and, eventually, to HCC, has been be suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Valean
- Medical Clinic no. 1, Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Monica Acalovschi
- Octavian Fodor Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Dan L Dumitrascu
- Medical Clinic no. 2, Department of Internal Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Lidia Ciobanu
- Octavian Fodor Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Georgiana Nagy
- Medical Clinic no. 1, Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Romeo Chira
- Medical Clinic no. 1, Department of Gastroenterology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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14
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Tarao K, Nozaki A, Ikeda T, Sato A, Komatsu H, Komatsu T, Taguri M, Tanaka K. Real impact of liver cirrhosis on the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in various liver diseases-meta-analytic assessment. Cancer Med 2019; 8:1054-1065. [PMID: 30791221 PMCID: PMC6434205 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 01/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is well known that the incidence of developing hepatocelluler carcinoma (HCC) is increased in liver cirrhosis of different etiologies. However, comparison of HCC incidence in various liver diseases has not yet been estimated. We surveyed this comparison. Methods The PubMed database was examined (1989‐2017) for studies published in English language regarding the prospective follow‐up results for the development of HCC in various liver diseases. A meta‐analysis was performed for each liver disease. Results The annual incidence (%) of HCC in the non‐cirrhotic stage and cirrhotic stage, and the ratio of HCC incidence in the cirrhotic stage/non‐cirrhotic stage were as follows. (a) hepatitis B virus liver disease: 0.37%→3.23% (8.73‐fold), (b) hepatitis C virus liver diseases: 0.68%→4.81% (7.07‐fold), (c) primary biliary cholangitis (0.26%→1.79%, 6.88‐fold), (d) autoimmune hepatitis (0.19%→0.53%, 2.79‐fold), and (e) NASH (0.03%→1.35%, 45.00‐fold). Regarding primary hemochromatosis and alcoholic liver diseases, only follow‐up studies in the cirrhotic stage were presented, 1.20% and 2.06%, respectively. Conclusions When the liver diseases advance to cirrhosis, the incidence of HCC is markedly increased. The development of HCC must be closely monitored by ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, irrespective of the different kinds of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Tarao
- Tarao's Gastroenterological Clinic, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Akito Nozaki
- Gastroenterological Center, Medical Center, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Takaaki Ikeda
- Gastroenterology Department, Yokosuka General Hospital Uwamachi, Yokosuka, Japan
| | - Akira Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University, Yokohama City Seibu Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Komatsu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yokohama Municipal Citizen's Hospital, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Tatsuji Komatsu
- Department Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization, Yokohama Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masataka Taguri
- Department of Data Science, Yokohama City University, Yokohama, Japan
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15
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Dalekos GN, Koskinas J, Papatheodoridis GV. Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver Clinical Practice Guidelines: Autoimmune hepatitis. Ann Gastroenterol 2019; 32:1-23. [PMID: 30598587 PMCID: PMC6302199 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2018.0330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a relatively rare acute or chronic liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by large heterogeneity. Its distribution is global, covering all ages, both sexes and all ethnic groups. The aim of the present Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) of the Hellenic Association for the Study of the Liver was to provide updated guidance and help to gastroenterologists, hepatologists, internists and general practitioners for AIH diagnosis and management. AIH diagnosis is based on clinicopathological characteristics: namely, polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia, particularly of immunoglobulin G (IgG), circulating autoantibodies, interface hepatitis on liver histology, absence of viral hepatitis, and a favorable response to immunosuppression. Clinical manifestations at disease onset are variable, ranging from asymptomatic to the acute/severe form. Aminotransferase and bilirubin levels vary, while the presence of hepatitis at the histological level is a prerequisite for diagnosis. Autoantibodies are the hallmark for AIH diagnosis; therefore, the CPG describe the appropriate serological algorithm for their detection. AIH therapy should aim to achieve complete biochemical (normalization of IgG and aminotransferases) and histological remission. All patients who have active disease, even those with cirrhosis, should be treated with individualized and response-guided induction therapy using prednisolone in combination with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil as first-line therapy. Immunosuppression should be given for at least 3 years and for at least 2 years after the achievement of complete biochemical response, while a liver biopsy should be recommended before treatment discontinuation. Current CPG are also provided for several specific conditions and difficult-to-treat patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- George N. Dalekos
- Institute of Internal Medicine and Hepatology, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Larissa, Larissa (George N. Dalekos)
| | - John Koskinas
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Hippokratio” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (John Koskinas)
| | - George V. Papatheodoridis
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Laiko” General Hospital of Athens, Athens (George V. Papatheodoridis), Greece
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16
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Sempokuya T, Bolger DT. Right Atrium Invasion of Tumor Thrombus from Hepatocellular Carcinoma Incidentally Found on Transthoracic Echocardiogram. HAWAI'I JOURNAL OF MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH : A JOURNAL OF ASIA PACIFIC MEDICINE & PUBLIC HEALTH 2018; 77:131-134. [PMID: 29888115 PMCID: PMC5993993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy in which tumor thrombus can invade portal and hepatic veins in late stages. However, an antemortem diagnosis of right atrial invasion by tumor thrombus is very rare and confers a poor prognosis. We report a patient with antemortem diagnosis of tumor thrombus in the right atrium incidentally found by transthoracic echocardiogram which was later confirmed with CT scan of abdomen with IV contrast. The patient was also noted to have an acute increase in alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). Our case suggests the importance of imaging studies and monitoring AFP levels in patients with long standing HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoki Sempokuya
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
| | - Dennis T Bolger
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawai'i, The Queen's Medical Center, Honolulu, HI
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17
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Coia H, Ma N, He AR, Kallakury B, Berry DL, Permaul E, Makambi KH, Fu Y, Chung FL. Detection of a lipid peroxidation-induced DNA adduct across liver disease stages. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2018; 7:85-97. [PMID: 29744335 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn.2017.06.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can increase cellular levels of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation (LPO) when associated with the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which can develop following the progression of steatosis, fibrosis and cirrhosis. Using a monoclonal antibody for cyclic γ-hydroxy-1, N2 -propanodeoxyguanosine (γ-OHPdG), a promutagenic DNA adduct formed endogenously by LPO, we examined its formation across liver disease stages to understand it's potential role in HCC development. Methods Formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) liver tissue samples from 49 patients representing normal, steatosis, fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC were stained for γ-OHPdG and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG), an oxidative damage biomarker. Quantification of immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed using histological scoring of intensity and distribution. Using primary human hepatocytes (HH) and a stellate cell (SC) co-culture, immunocytochemical staining of γ-OHPdG and Nile Red was performed to determine if the formation of γ-OHPdG was consistent between the clinical sample disease stages and the in vitro steatotic and fibrotic conditions. Results γ-OHPdG levels varied significantly between the stages of normal and steatosis, steatosis and fibrosis, and steatosis and cirrhosis (P≤0.005). There was a trend, although not significant, of increased levels of γ-OHPdG in HCC compared to the other groups. A strong correlation was observed (Pearson's, R2 =0.85) between levels of γ-OHPdG and 8-oxo-dG across the disease spectrum. The increase of γ-OHPdG in steatosis and decrease in fibrosis was a pattern confirmed in an in vitro model using primary HH co-cultured with human SCs. Conclusions γ-OHPdG was detected in FFPE liver tissues of patients with different stages of liver disease and in vitro studies, demonstrating that its formation is consistent with LPO in early stages of liver disease and suggesting that it may be a source of mutagenic DNA damage in liver disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Coia
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ning Ma
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Aiwu Ruth He
- Department of Oncology, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Department of Pathology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Deborah L Berry
- Department of Oncology, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eva Permaul
- Department of Oncology, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kepher H Makambi
- Department of Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ying Fu
- Department of Oncology, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fung-Lung Chung
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Oncology, Bioinformatics, and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
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18
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Samson A, Bentham MJ, Scott K, Nuovo G, Bloy A, Appleton E, Adair RA, Dave R, Peckham-Cooper A, Toogood G, Nagamori S, Coffey M, Vile R, Harrington K, Selby P, Errington-Mais F, Melcher A, Griffin S. Oncolytic reovirus as a combined antiviral and anti-tumour agent for the treatment of liver cancer. Gut 2018; 67:562-573. [PMID: 27902444 PMCID: PMC5868283 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-312009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Oncolytic viruses (OVs) represent promising, proinflammatory cancer treatments. Here, we explored whether OV-induced innate immune responses could simultaneously inhibit HCV while suppressing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, we extended this exemplar to other models of virus-associated cancer. DESIGN AND RESULTS Clinical grade oncolytic orthoreovirus (Reo) elicited innate immune activation within primary human liver tissue in the absence of cytotoxicity and independently of viral genome replication. As well as achieving therapy in preclinical models of HCC through the activation of innate degranulating immune cells, Reo-induced cytokine responses efficiently suppressed HCV replication both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, Reo-induced innate responses were also effective against models of HBV-associated HCC, as well as an alternative endogenous model of Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoma. Interestingly, Reo appeared superior to the majority of OVs in its ability to elicit innate inflammatory responses from primary liver tissue. CONCLUSIONS We propose that Reo and other select proinflammatory OV may be used in the treatment of multiple cancers associated with oncogenic virus infections, simultaneously reducing both virus-associated oncogenic drive and tumour burden. In the case of HCV-associated HCC (HCV-HCC), Reo should be considered as an alternative agent to supplement and support current HCV-HCC therapies, particularly in those countries where access to new HCV antiviral treatments may be limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel Samson
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Matthew J Bentham
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Karen Scott
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Gerard Nuovo
- The Ohio State University, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Abigail Bloy
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Elizabeth Appleton
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Robert A Adair
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Rajiv Dave
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Adam Peckham-Cooper
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Giles Toogood
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | | | - Matthew Coffey
- Department of Virology II, National Institute of Infectious Diseases 1-23-1 Toyama, Tokyo, Japan
- Oncolytics Biotech, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard Vile
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Kevin Harrington
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Peter Selby
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Fiona Errington-Mais
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Alan Melcher
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Stephen Griffin
- Leeds Institute of Cancer & Pathology (LICAP) and Leeds Cancer Research UK Clinical Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, St James’ University Hospital, Leeds, UK
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19
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Curran CS, Sharon E. PD-1 immunobiology in autoimmune hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Semin Oncol 2018; 44:428-432. [PMID: 29935904 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Disruption of liver immune tolerance allows for the development of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). AIH rarely progresses to HCC but the diseases similarly induce the production of IL-18 and matrix metalloproteinases. These molecules have distinct effects on the immune response, including the programmed cell-death 1 (PD-1) axis. In this review, differences in PD-1 function and possible cell signals in AIH and HCC are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen S Curran
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Elad Sharon
- Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, Division of Cancer Treatment & Diagnosis, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD.
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Tansel A, Katz LH, El-Serag HB, Thrift AP, Parepally M, Shakhatreh MH, Kanwal F. Incidence and Determinants of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 15:1207-1217.e4. [PMID: 28215616 PMCID: PMC5522646 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is unclear. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the incidence of HCC and associated risk factors among patients with AIH. METHODS We searched PubMed, Embase, and reference lists from relevant articles through June 2016 to identify cohort studies that examined the incidence of HCC in patients with AIH. We used random effects models to estimate pooled incidence rates overall and in subgroup of patients with cirrhosis. The between-study heterogeneity was assessed using I2 statistic. RESULTS A total of 25 studies (20 papers and 5 abstracts), including 6528 patients, met the eligibility criteria. The median cohort size was 170 patients with AIH (range, 25-1721 patients), followed for a median of 8.0 years (range, 3.3-16.0 years). The pooled incidence rate for HCC in patients with AIH was 3.06 per 1000 patient-years (95% confidence interval, 2.22-4.23; I2 = 51.5%; P = .002). The pooled incidence of HCC in patients with cirrhosis at AIH diagnosis was 10.07 per 1000 patient-years (95% confidence interval, 6.89-14.70; I2 = 48.8%; P = .015). In addition, 92 of 93 patients who had HCC had evidence of cirrhosis before or at the time of their HCC diagnosis. The risk of HCC seems to be lower in patients with AIH and cirrhosis than that reported for patients with cirrhosis from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or primary biliary cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS Based on the increased risked of HCC shown in this meta-analysis, there may be a role for HCC surveillance in patients with AIH and cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aylin Tansel
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.
| | - Lior H Katz
- The Department of Gastroenterology, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - Hashem B El-Serag
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas; Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Aaron P Thrift
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Mayur Parepally
- Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mohammad H Shakhatreh
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas; Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas; Section of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas
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Characterizing the Risk of False-Positive Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Recipients Transplanted With T2 MELD Exceptions. Transplantation 2017; 101:1099-1105. [DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000001660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Hepatitis C virus drives the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma: from immune evasion to carcinogenesis. Clin Transl Immunology 2016; 5:e101. [PMID: 27867514 PMCID: PMC5099426 DOI: 10.1038/cti.2016.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 08/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with high incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common primary malignancy of the liver with over half a million new cases diagnosed annually worldwide. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor and its activation by environmental chemicals and by its endogenous ligand kynurenine (Kyn) has been implicated in a variety of tumour-promoting processes such as transformation, tumorigenesis and in immunosuppression that enables tumour survival and growth. Kyn is generated constitutively by human tumour cells via tryptophan (Trp)-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), a Trp-degrading enzyme expressed in liver, brain and cancer cells. Notably, it has been shown that TDO-derived Kyn suppresses anti-tumour immune responses, thus promoting tumour-cell survival through activation of the AhR pathway. In the context of HCV infection-associated HCC, it was shown that AhR signalling is increased in HCV-infected hepatocytes, and that modifications in the expression of AhR pathway-specific genes are associated with the progression of HCV infection into HCC. Based on these observations, we present and discuss here the hypothesis that HCV infection promotes HCC by modulation of the TDO-Kyn-AhR pathway, resulting in tumorigenesis as well as in suppression of both anti-HCV and anti-tumour immune responses.
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van Gerven NMF, de Boer YS, Mulder CJJ, van Nieuwkerk CMJ, Bouma G. Auto immune hepatitis. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:4651-4661. [PMID: 27217697 PMCID: PMC4870072 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i19.4651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To provide an update of the latest trends in epidemiology, clinical course, diagnostics, complications and treatment of auto immune hepatitis (AIH). A search of the MEDLINE database was performed using the search terms: “auto immune hepatitis”, “clinical presentation”, “symptoms”, “signs”, “diagnosis”, “auto antibodies”, “laboratory values”, “serology”, “histopathology”, “histology”, “genetics”, “HLA genes”, “non-HLA genes”, “environment”, “epidemiology”, “prevalence”, “incidence”, “demographics”, “complications”, “HCC”, “PBC”, “PSC”, “corticosteroid”, “therapy”, “treatment”, “alternative treatment”. English-language full-text articles and abstracts were considered. Articles included reviews, meta-analysis, prospective retrospective studies. No publication date restrictions were applied. AIH is an immune meditated progressive inflammatory liver disease that predominantly affects middle-aged females but may affect people of all ages. The clinical spectrum of AIH is wide, ranging from absent or mild symptoms to fulminant hepatic failure. The aetiology of AIH is still unknown, but is believed to occur as the consequence of an aberrant immune response towards an un-known trigger in a genetically susceptible host. In the absence of a gold standard, diagnosis is based on the combination of clinical, biochemical and histopathological criteria. Immunosuppressive treatment has been the cornerstone of treatment since the earliest description of the disease in 1950 by Waldenström. Such treatment is often successful at inducing remission and generally leads to normal life expectancy. Nevertheless, there remain significant areas of unmet aetiological a clinical needs including fundamental insight in disease pathogenesis, optimal therapy, duration of treatment and treatment alternatives in those patients unresponsive to standard treatment regimens.
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Kirstein MM, Metzler F, Geiger E, Heinrich E, Hallensleben M, Manns MP, Vogel A. Prediction of short- and long-term outcome in patients with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatology 2015; 62:1524-35. [PMID: 26178791 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a loss of tolerance toward the hepatocellular epithelium. Liver transplantation (LT) represents the ultimate therapeutic option for a fulminant course or end-stage liver disease. The aim of this study was to elucidate the clinical, serological, and genetic features of remission, relapse, and overall and LT-free survival. Between 2000 and 2014, 354 AIH patients from Hannover Medical School were included. Clinical, laboratory, and histological reports were analyzed. DRB1 allele analyses were performed in 264 AIH and 399 non-AIH patients. Cox's regression analysis was performed to identify factors significantly associated with survival. Patients diagnosed in childhood were at higher risk for relapses (P=0.003), requirement for LTs (P=0.014, log rank), and had a reduced life expectancy (P<0.001, log rank). Detection of soluble liver antigen/liver pancreas antigen (SLA/LP) antibodies was significantly associated with reduced overall and LT-free survival (P=0.037; P=0.021). Cirrhosis, which was evident in 25% at first diagnosis, was found to be a predictor of poor survival and requirement for LT (P=0.003; P=0.009). DRB1*04:01-positive phenotype was associated with a higher rate of complete remissions and with a lower frequency of cirrhosis and LTs. There were no significant differences for subsequent relapses or survival in patients achieving either partial or complete remission. CONCLUSION Diagnosis<18 years, histological cirrhosis at first diagnosis and SLA/LP antibodies are major risk factors for a poor short- and long-term outcome. These patients are in need of high surveillance. Separating patients with positive SLA/LP antibodies into a third group may be reconsidered. DRB1*04:01 positivity has been identified in association with a favorable clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha M Kirstein
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frauke Metzler
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elena Geiger
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Eyk Heinrich
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Michael P Manns
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
| | - Arndt Vogel
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover, Germany
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Affiliation(s)
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- EASL office, 7 Rue Daubin, CH 1203 Geneva, Switzerland,
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Danielsson Borssén Å, Almer S, Prytz H, Wallerstedt S, Friis-Liby IL, Bergquist A, Nyhlin N, Hultcrantz R, Sangfelt P, Weiland O, Lindgren S, Verbaan H, Werner M. Hepatocellular and extrahepatic cancer in patients with autoimmune hepatitis--a long-term follow-up study in 634 Swedish patients. Scand J Gastroenterol 2015; 50:217-23. [PMID: 25483724 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2014.983154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cirrhosis is a well-known risk factor for hepatocellular cancer, but the true risk in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is scarcely studied. Other cancers may arise after prolonged use of immune-modulating drugs. The aim of this study was to investigate the cancer risk in a large cohort of AIH patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Six hundred and thirty-four Swedish patients in a well-defined cohort were matched to the Cause of Death Registry and the Cancer Registry. Standard incidence ratios were calculated by relating the incidences in the cohort to an age-matched material from the Swedish background population. RESULTS A higher overall incidence of malignancies than the background population was found, counting from the date of diagnosis (standard incidence ratio (SIR) 2.08, 95% CI 1.68-2.55). The highest risk was found for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We found 10 cases (4.0%) in 248 patients with cirrhosis, which gives an incidence rate of 0.3%. Standard incidence ratio for developing hepatobiliary cancer was 54.55 (95% CI 19.92-99.99). HCC only occurred in cirrhotic patients. There was also an increased risk for non-melanoma skin cancer (SIR 9.87, 95% CI 6.26-14.81). CONCLUSION A slightly enhanced risk for malignancies in general compared to the background population was found. The risk of hepatobiliary cancer was increased, but the annual risk over the observational period was well under the postulated 1.5% when surveillance in cirrhotic patients is considered to be cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Åsa Danielsson Borssén
- Departments of Medicine, Sections for Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Umeå University Hospital , Umeå , Sweden
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Gatselis NK, Zachou K, Koukoulis GK, Dalekos GN. Autoimmune hepatitis, one disease with many faces: Etiopathogenetic, clinico-laboratory and histological characteristics. World J Gastroenterol 2015; 21:60-83. [PMID: 25574080 PMCID: PMC4284362 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i1.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an unresolving progressive liver disease of unknown etiology characterized by hypergammaglobulinemia, autoantibodies detection and interface hepatitis. Due to the absence of specific diagnostic markers and the large heterogeneity of its clinical, laboratory and histological features, AIH diagnosis may be potentially difficult. Therefore, in this in-depth review we summarize the substantial progress on etiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological phenotypes of AIH. AIH has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations vary from asymptomatic to severe or rarely fulminant hepatitis. Hypergammaglobulinemia with selective elevation of IgG is found in most cases. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry, and favored by the impaired control of T-regulatory cells. Histology (interface hepatitis, emperipolesis and hepatic rosette formation) and autoantibodies detection although not pathognomonic, are still the hallmark for a timely diagnosis. AIH remains a major diagnostic challenge. AIH should be considered in every case in the absence of viral, metabolic, genetic and toxic etiology of chronic or acute hepatitis. Laboratory personnel, hepato-pathologists and clinicians need to become more familiar with disease expressions and the interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology to derive maximum benefit for the patient.
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van Gerven NMF, Verwer BJ, Witte BI, van Erpecum KJ, van Buuren HR, Maijers I, Visscher AP, Verschuren EC, van Hoek B, Coenraad MJ, Beuers UHW, de Man RA, Drenth JPH, den Ouden JW, Verdonk RC, Koek GH, Brouwer JT, Guichelaar MMJ, Vrolijk JM, Mulder CJJ, van Nieuwkerk CMJ, Bouma G. Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of autoimmune hepatitis in the Netherlands. Scand J Gastroenterol 2014; 49:1245-54. [PMID: 25123213 DOI: 10.3109/00365521.2014.946083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Epidemiological data on autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) are scarce. In this study, we determined the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of AIH patients in the Netherlands (16.7 million inhabitants). METHODS Clinical characteristics were collected from 1313 AIH patients (78% females) from 31 centers, including all eight academic centers in the Netherlands. Additional data on ethnicity, family history and symptoms were obtained by the use of a questionnaire. RESULTS The prevalence of AIH was 18.3 (95% confidential interval [CI]: 17.3-19.4) per 100,000 with an annual incidence of 1.1 (95% CI: 0.5-2) in adults. An incidence peak was found in middle-aged women. At diagnosis, 56% of patients had fibrosis and 12% cirrhosis in liver biopsy. Overall, 1% of patients developed HCC and 3% of patients underwent liver transplantation. Overlap with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis was found in 9% and 6%, respectively. The clinical course did not differ between Caucasian and non-Caucasian patients. Other autoimmune diseases were found in 26% of patients. Half of the patients reported persistent AIH-related symptoms despite treatment with a median treatment period of 8 years (range 1-44 years). Familial occurrence was reported in three cases. CONCLUSION This is the largest epidemiological study of AIH in a geographically defined region and demonstrates that the prevalence of AIH in the Netherlands is uncommon. Although familial occurrence of AIH is extremely rare, our twin data may point towards a genetic predisposition. The high percentage of patients with cirrhosis or fibrosis at diagnosis urges the need of more awareness for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole M F van Gerven
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, VU University Medical Center , Amsterdam , The Netherlands
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Zenouzi R, Weismüller TJ, Hübener P, Schulze K, Bubenheim M, Pannicke N, Weiler-Normann C, Lenzen H, Manns MP, Lohse AW, Schramm C. Low risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis with cirrhosis. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:1733-8. [PMID: 24530461 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with an increased risk of hepatobiliary malignancies. However, little is known about the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among patients with PSC; current recommendations on screening these patients for HCC are conflicting. We investigated the risk of HCC in patients with PSC with cirrhosis. METHODS We performed a retrospective study of patients with well-defined PSC from 2 large-volume tertiary care centers in Germany; data were collected from periods of up to 33 years. Liver cirrhosis was based on histology results or the presence of ascites, esophageal varices, or transient elastography values greater than 14 kPa. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the Cox proportional hazard model. Data from 509 patients (67% male), with a total of 4202 patients-years, were included in the final analysis. RESULTS We identified 119 patients with cirrhosis. During 292 patient-years, none of these patients developed HCC. Most HCCs were identified incidentally at the time of liver transplantation. We therefore reviewed data on liver explants from 140 patients who underwent transplantation; none were found to contain HCC. In contrast to the low numbers of HCCs among patients with PSC, 35 patients developed cholangiocarcinoma, 3 patients developed gallbladder cancer, and 9 patients developed colorectal cancer. CONCLUSIONS Based on a retrospective analysis of more than 500 patients with PSC, we confirm their high risk for hepatobiliary malignancies. However, the risk of HCC, even among patients with cirrhosis, seems to be low--regular HCC surveillance may not be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman Zenouzi
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias J Weismüller
- Department of Internal Medicine 1, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Hübener
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kornelius Schulze
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michael Bubenheim
- Biostatistics Department, Rouen University Hospital-Charles Nicolle, Rouen, France
| | - Nadine Pannicke
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Henrike Lenzen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael P Manns
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ansgar W Lohse
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schramm
- First Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells contribute in liver fibrosis improvement with interferon alpha. Inflammation 2014; 36:1374-82. [PMID: 23813328 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-013-9677-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the optimal dose, treatment time, and possible immunologic mechanisms of interferon alpha (IFN-α) in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 10 % carbon tetrachloride to induce liver fibrosis, except in the normal control group. The experimental mice were randomly divided into four groups: physiological saline group, 20 U/gb wt IFN-α group, 40 U/gb wt IFN-α group, and 60 U/gb wt IFN-α group. After 3 and 6 weeks, type I collagen was detected in liver by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stain, Masson's trichrome stain, and immunohistochemical staining. The number of CD8(+) T cells, the number of CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs and the activation of CD4(+) T cells were detected in liver and spleen. Beneficial effects were observed in the 40 U/gb wt IFN-α group by pathological analysis. The number of CD8(+) T cells in the liver was significantly lower in mice receiving middle-dose IFN-α therapy as compared to mice receiving physiological saline (P < 0.05), while CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs and activation of CD4(+) T cells in the liver were significantly higher in the therapeutic group than in the physiological saline group (P < 0.05). CD8(+) T cells (r = 0.3796) and activated CD4(+) T cells (r = 0.2437) were found to be positively correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs (r = -0.7932) was found to be negatively correlated with the degree of liver fibrosis. IFN-α can inhibit liver fibrosis following 6 weeks of middle-dose IFN-α therapy by upregulating CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs and suppressing CD8(+) T cells.
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Esmaeilzadeh M, Majlesara A, Faridar A, Hafezi M, Hong B, Esmaeilnia-Shirvani H, Neyazi B, Mehrabi A, Nakamura M. Brain metastasis from gastrointestinal cancers: a systematic review. Int J Clin Pract 2014; 68:890-9. [PMID: 24666726 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.12395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain metastases (BM) from the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) cancers are relatively rare. Despite those advances in diagnostic and treatment options, life expectancy and quality of life in these patients are still poor. In this review, we present an overview of the studies which have been previously performed as well as a comprehensive strategy for the assessment and treatment of BM from the GIT cancers. METHOD To obtain information on brain metastases from GIT, we performed a systematic review of Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). The collected data included patient characteristics, primary tumor data and brain metastases data. RESULT In our search of the literature, we found 74 studies between 1980 and 2011, which included 2538 patients with brain metastases originated from gastrointestinal cancer. Analysis of available data showed that among 2538 patients who had brain metastases from GIT, a total of 116 patients (4.57%) had esophageal cancer, 148 patients (5.83%) had gastric cancer, 233 patients (9.18%) had liver cancer, 13 patients had pancreas cancer (0.52%) and 2028 patients (79.90%) had colorectal cancer. The total median age of the patients was 58.9 years. CONCLUSION Brain metastases have been considered the most common structural neurological complication of systemic cancer. Due to poor prognosis they influence the survival rate as well as the quality of life of the patients. The treatment of cerebral metastasis depends on the patients' situation and the decisions of the treating physicians. The early awareness of a probable metastasis from GI to the brain will have a great influence on treatment outcomes as well as the survival rate and the quality-of-life of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Hassan N, Siddiqui AR, Abbas Z, Hassan SM, Soomro GB, Mubarak M, Anis S, Muzaffar R, Zafar MN. Clinical Profile and HLA Typing of Autoimmune Hepatitis From Pakistan. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2013; 13:e13598. [PMID: 24358040 PMCID: PMC3867004 DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/16/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has been investigated in different populations and ethnic groups, but no such data is available from Pakistan. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical profile of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and determine the associated antigens and alleles by performing HLA typing. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 58 patients, diagnosed and treated as AIH in the last 10 years were reviewed. Diagnosis was based on International AIH Group criteria. Forty one patients underwent liver biopsy. HLA typing was performed in 44 patients and 912 controls by serological method for HLA A and B, and by PCR technique using sequence specific primers for DR alleles. RESULTS Of 58 cases, 35 were females (60.3%). The median age was 14.5 (range 4-70 years), and AIH score was 14 (10-22). Thirty-six (62.0%) patients had type 1 AIH, 10 (17.2%) type 2, and the remaining 12 were seronegative with biopsy proven AIH. Forty-nine patients (84.4%) had cirrhosis. Twenty-four (41.4%) patients had ascites at the time of presentation. Among 41 patients who underwent liver biopsy, thirty-two had advance stages III and IV disease, and twenty had severe grade of inflammation. Fifteen patients had other associated autoimmune diseases and one developed hepatocellular carcinoma. HLA A2 (P = 0.036), HLA A9 (23) (P = 0.018), HLA A10 (25) (P = 0.000), HLA A19 (33) (P = 0.000), HLA B15 (63) (P = 0.007), HLA B40 (61) ( P = 0.002), HLA DR6 (P = 0.001) with its subtypes HLA-DRB1*13 (P = 0.032) and HLA-DRB1*14 (p = 0.017) were more prevalent in AIH with statistical significance than controls. CONCLUSIONS AIH in our region presents with advanced disease affecting predominantly children and adolescents. There is a genetic association of HLA DR6 along with other alleles and antigens in our patients with AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasir Hassan
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Adeelur Rehman Siddiqui
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zaigham Abbas
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
- Corresponding Author: Zaigham Abbas, Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, 74200, Karachi, Pakistan. Tel: +92-2199215718; Fax: +92-2199215469, E-mail:
| | - Syed Mujahid Hassan
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Ghous Bux Soomro
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammed Mubarak
- Department of Pathology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sabiha Anis
- Molecular Diagnostics and Immunology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Rana Muzaffar
- Molecular Diagnostics and Immunology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mirza Naqi Zafar
- Department of Pathology, Sindh Institute of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan
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Zachou K, Muratori P, Koukoulis GK, Granito A, Gatselis N, Fabbri A, Dalekos GN, Muratori L. Review article: autoimmune hepatitis -- current management and challenges. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 38:887-913. [PMID: 24010812 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a disease of unknown aetiology characterised by interface hepatitis, hypergammaglobulinaemia, circulating autoantibodies and a favourable response to immunosuppression. AIM To review recent advancements in understanding aetiopathogenesis, clinical, serological and histological features, diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies of AIH. METHODS Published studies on AIH extracted mainly from PubMed during the last 15 years. RESULTS Autoimmune hepatitis has a global distribution affecting any age, both sexes and all ethnic groups. Clinical manifestations are variable ranging from no symptoms to severe acute hepatitis and only seldom to fulminant hepatic failure. Autoimmune attack is perpetuated, possibly via molecular mimicry mechanisms, and favoured by the impaired control of regulatory T-cells. A typical laboratory finding is hypergammaglobulinaemia with selective elevation of IgG, although in 15-25% of patients - particularly children, elderly and acute cases - IgG levels are normal. Liver histology and autoantibodies, although not pathognomonic, still remain the hallmark for diagnosis. Immunosuppressive treatment is mandatory and life-saving; however, to meet strict response criteria, the conventional therapy with prednisolone with or without azathioprine is far from ideal. CONCLUSIONS Autoimmune hepatitis remains a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The clinician, the hepato-pathologist and the laboratory personnel need to become more familiar with different expressions of the disease, interpretation of liver histology and autoimmune serology. According to the strict definition of treatment response issued by the 2010 AASLD guidelines, many patients are nonresponders to conventional treatment. Newer immunosuppressive agents targeting pathogenetic mechanisms can improve patient management, which needs to be tailored on a case-by-case basis.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Zachou
- Department of Medicine and Research Laboratory of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Thessaly University, Larissa, Greece
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Hepatocellular carcinoma and other malignancies in autoimmune hepatitis. Dig Dis Sci 2013; 58:1459-76. [PMID: 23306849 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-012-2525-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma and extrahepatic malignancies can complicate the course of autoimmune hepatitis, and these occurrences may increase in frequency as the survival of patients with cirrhosis is extended and the prospect of new nonstandard immune-modifying intervention is realized. The frequency of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with autoimmune hepatitis and cirrhosis is 1-9 %, and annual occurrence in patients with cirrhosis is 1.1-1.9 %. The standardized incidence ratio for hepatocellular carcinoma in autoimmune hepatitis is 23.3 (95 % confidence interval (CI) 7.5-54.3) in Sweden, and the standardized mortality ratio for hepatobiliary cancer is 42.3 (95 % CI 20.3-77.9) in New Zealand. The principal risk factor is long-standing cirrhosis, and patients at risk are characterized mainly by cirrhosis for ≥ 10 years, manifestations of portal hypertension, persistent liver inflammation, and immunosuppressive therapy for ≥ 3 years. Multiple molecular disturbances, including the accumulation of senescent hepatocytes because of telomere shortening, step-wise accumulation of chromosomal injuries, and aberrations in transcription factors and genes, may contribute to the risk. Extraheptic malignancies of diverse cell types occur in 5 % in an unpredictable fashion. The standardized incidence ratio is 2.7 (95 % CI 1.8-3.9) in New Zealand, and non-melanoma skin cancers are most common. Outcomes are related to the nature and stage of the tumor at diagnosis. Surveillance recommendations have not been promulgated, but hepatic ultrasonography every six months in patients with cirrhosis is a consideration. Routine health screening measures for other malignancies should be applied diligently.
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Marshall A, Lukk M, Kutter C, Davies S, Alexander G, Odom DT. Global gene expression profiling reveals SPINK1 as a potential hepatocellular carcinoma marker. PLoS One 2013; 8:e59459. [PMID: 23527199 PMCID: PMC3601070 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0059459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is the most important risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) but the role of liver disease aetiology in cancer development remains under-explored. We investigated global gene expression profiles from HCC arising in different liver diseases to test whether HCC development is driven by expression of common or different genes, which could provide new diagnostic markers or therapeutic targets. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Global gene expression profiling was performed for 4 normal (control) livers as well as 8 background liver and 7 HCC from 3 patients with hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) undergoing surgery. In order to investigate different disease phenotypes causing HCC, the data were compared with public microarray repositories for gene expression in normal liver, hepatitis C virus (HCV) cirrhosis, HCV-related HCC (HCV-HCC), hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis and HBV-related HCC (HBV-HCC). Principal component analysis and differential gene expression analysis were carried out using R Bioconductor. Liver disease-specific and shared gene lists were created and genes identified as highly expressed in hereditary haemochromatosis HCC (HH-HCC) were validated using quantitative RT-PCR. Selected genes were investigated further using immunohistochemistry in 86 HCC arising in liver disorders with varied aetiology. Using a 2-fold cut-off, 9 genes were highly expressed in all HCC, 11 in HH-HCC, 270 in HBV-HCC and 9 in HCV-HCC. Six genes identified by microarray as highly expressed in HH-HCC were confirmed by RT qPCR. Serine peptidase inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) mRNA was very highly expressed in HH-HCC (median fold change 2291, p = 0.0072) and was detected by immunohistochemistry in 91% of HH-HCC, 0% of HH-related cirrhotic or dysplastic nodules and 79% of mixed-aetiology HCC. CONCLUSION HCC, arising from diverse backgrounds, uniformly over-express a small set of genes. SPINK1, a secretory trypsin inhibitor, demonstrated potential as a diagnostic HCC marker and should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Marshall
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Histopathology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Margus Lukk
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Kutter
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Davies
- Department of Histopathology, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Alexander
- Cambridge Hepatobiliary Unit, Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan T. Odom
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Department of Oncology, Addenbrooke's Biomedical Campus, Hutchison-MRC Research Centre, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Blachier M, Leleu H, Peck-Radosavljevic M, Valla DC, Roudot-Thoraval F. The burden of liver disease in Europe: a review of available epidemiological data. J Hepatol 2013; 58:593-608. [PMID: 23419824 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2012.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 877] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To survey the burden of liver disease in Europe and its causes 260 epidemiological studies published in the last five years were reviewed. The incidence and prevalence of cirrhosis and primary liver cancer are key to understand the burden of liver disease. They represent the end-stage of liver pathology and thus are indicative of the associated mortality. About 0.1% of Hungarian males will die of cirrhosis every year compared with 0.001% of Greek females. WHO estimate that liver cancer is responsible for around 47,000 deaths per year in the EU. Harmful alcohol consumption, viral hepatitis B and C and metabolic syndromes related to overweight and obesity are the leading causes of cirrhosis and primary liver cancer in Europe. Chronic hepatitis B affects 0.5-0.7% of the European population. In the last decade the prevalence of chronic hepatitis C was 0.13-3.26%. It is of great concern that about 90% of people in Europe infected by viral hepatitis are unaware of their status. Available data suggest the prevalence rate of NAFLD is 2-44% in the general European population (including obese children) and 42.6-69.5% in people with type 2 diabetes. Each of these four major causes of liver disease is amenable to prevention and treatment, reducing the burden of liver disease in Europe and saving lives. Further surveys are urgently needed to implement cost-effective prevention programmes and novel treatments to tackle this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Blachier
- Department of Public Health, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris-Est Créteil, France
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Clinical features of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with autoimmune hepatitis in Japan. J Gastroenterol 2013; 48:109-14. [PMID: 22688407 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-012-0616-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 05/14/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is rare compared to that in patients with viral hepatitis. To clarify the status of HCC in patients with AIH in Japan, the clinical features of HCC in patients with AIH were analyzed. METHODS A primary survey gathered data from 496 member institutions of the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan, and a secondary survey collected additional information from 250 HCC patients out of a total 4869 AIH patients who were identified in the primary survey. RESULTS Of the 250 patients identified through the secondary survey, 127 patients (50.8 %) from throughout Japan were found to have HCC. The mean age at diagnosis of HCC was 69 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 1:5.7. The mean period from diagnosis of AIH to detection of HCC was 8 years, and Child-Pugh status at the time of HCC diagnosis was class A in 61.8 %; of the patients analyzed, 77.9 % also had cirrhosis of the liver. The mean value of maximum tumor diameter was 4.3 cm, and clinical stages were I in 20.1 % of patients, II in 47.6 %, III in 23.4 %, and IV in 8.9 %. The therapeutic modality used was surgery in 30.2 %, percutaneous therapy in 29.5 %, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in 36.4 %. Cumulative survival rate was 85.4 % at one year. CONCLUSION The survey results showed that HCC developed in 5.1 % of patients with AIH in Japan, with cirrhosis of the liver commonly found in elderly individuals; when HCC was diagnosed at an early clinical stage, in many cases, the liver function was relatively preserved. After diagnosis of AIH, observation of its progression with close attention to potential HCC complications is necessary.
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Fallatah HI, Akbar HO. Autoimmune hepatitis as a unique form of an autoimmune liver disease: immunological aspects and clinical overview. Autoimmune Dis 2012; 2012:312817. [PMID: 23304455 PMCID: PMC3530748 DOI: 10.1155/2012/312817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2012] [Revised: 09/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a unique form of immune-mediated disease that attacks the liver through a variety of immune mechanisms. The outcomes of AIH are either acute liver disease, which can be fatal, or, more commonly, chronic progressive liver disease, which can lead to decompensated liver cirrhosis if left untreated. AIH has characteristic immunological, and pathological, features that are important for the establishment of the diagnosis. More importantly, most patients with AIH have a favorable response to treatment with prednisolone and azathioprine, although some patients with refractory AIH or more aggressive disease require more potent immune-suppressant agents, such as cyclosporine or Mycophenolate Mofetil. In this paper, we discuss the immunological, pathological and clinical features of AIH, as well as the standard and alternative treatments for AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hind I. Fallatah
- Medical Department, Arab Board and Saudi Board of Internal Medicine, MACP, King Abdul Aziz University Hospital, P.O. Box 9714, Jeddah 21423, Saudi Arabia
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Aghemo A, Colombo M. Hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C: from bench to bedside. Semin Immunopathol 2012; 35:111-20. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-012-0330-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2012] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Hino-Arinaga T, Ide T, Kuromatsu R, Miyajima I, Ogata K, Kuwahara R, Hisamochi A, Torimura T, Sata M. Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in Japanese patients with autoimmune hepatitis type 1. J Gastroenterol 2012; 47:569-76. [PMID: 22187167 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-011-0519-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is occasionally seen even in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) without prior infection either with hepatitis C virus (HCV) or hepatitis B virus. The aim of this study was to identify the incidence of and risk factors for HCC with AIH in a large-scale population with a long-term follow-up in Japan. METHODS One hundred and eighty patients diagnosed with AIH were enrolled (F/M = 159/21; mean age, 59.9 years; mean observation period, 80.2 months). Patients with positive HCV antibody/serum HCV RNA and/or positive HBs Ag were excluded. Initial treatment included immunosuppressant therapy (n = 147), other drugs (n = 28), and no drug (n = 5). Patients underwent abdominal ultrasonography at intervals of 3-6 months during observation. Patients' demographic factors, biochemical data, liver histology, medications, response to treatment, and complications were evaluated in relation to HCC. RESULTS During the observation period, six patients (3.3%) developed HCC. Univariate analysis showed that risk factors for HCC were cirrhosis at diagnosis with AIH (p = 0.0002), absence of a treatment response (p = 0.033), abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at the final observation (p = 0.0002), and diabetes (p = 0.0015). Multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for HCC were cirrhosis at diagnosis of AIH (odds ratio 4.08) and abnormal ALT at final observation (odds ratio 3.66). CONCLUSION This retrospective study showed that cirrhosis at diagnosis of AIH and abnormal ALT at final observation were independently associated with HCC development. It is important to pay attention to the presence of cirrhosis at diagnosis of AIH and to normalize ALT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teruko Hino-Arinaga
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahi-machi, Kurume, Fukuoka, 830-0011, Japan.
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Migita K, Watanabe Y, Jiuchi Y, Nakamura Y, Saito A, Yagura M, Ohta H, Shimada M, Mita E, Hijioka T, Yamashita H, Takezaki E, Muro T, Sakai H, Nakamuta M, Abiru S, Komori A, Ito M, Yatsuhashi H, Nakamura M, Ishibashi H. Hepatocellular carcinoma and survival in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (Japanese National Hospital Organization-autoimmune hepatitis prospective study). Liver Int 2012; 32:837-44. [PMID: 22221966 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2011.02734.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 11/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Although the outcome of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is generally good, the natural course and likelihood of progression to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain undefined, and may vary by region and population structure. Our aims were to evaluate risk factors that contribute to poor outcome and particularly development of HCC in a prospective multicentric cohort study of AIH. METHODS The study group comprised 193 Japanese patients with AIH who were prospectively followed up at annual intervals between 1995 and 2008. The mean follow-up period was 8.0 ± 4.5 years. RESULTS Twenty-one (10.9%) patients had cirrhosis at presentation and a further 15 (7.8%) developed cirrhosis during the follow-up period. Survival rates were 94.2% at 10 years and 89.3% at 15 years. HCC was diagnosed in seven of the 193 patients. The presence of cirrhosis at presentation was a risk factor for HCC according to a Cox proportional hazard model, and the HCC-free survival rate was significantly lower in those with cirrhosis compared to those without cirrhosis according to Kaplan-Meier analysis. CONCLUSIONS Although the outcome of AIH is as good if not better among Japanese than for other populations, there was an increased risk of HCC in these patients. Cirrhosis at presentation was predictive of development of HCC in AIH in Japan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Migita
- Clinical Research Center, NHO Nagasaki Medical Center, Omura, Japan.
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Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an important entity within the broad spectrum of autoimmune hepatobiliary disease comprised of AIH, primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Since the 1960s, AIH has been investigated with extensive clinical research aimed at effective therapeutic intervention. It was one of the first liver diseases where treatment was demonstrated to prolong survival. AIH occurs in children, as well as in adults. Its clinical manifestations in children may differ from classic adult AIH. These differences have elucidated certain aspects of AIH and hepatobiliary disease in general. There are two major patterns of AIH: type 1, with anti-smooth muscle antibodies and type 2, with anti-liver/kidney microsomal antibodies. The second type of AIH was first identified in children and is more common in younger patients. AIH often presents as acute disease in children and also in adults: the nomenclature has dropped the allusion to chronicity. Some children who have sclerosing cholangitis present with clinical disease closely resembling AIH; this AIH-like PSC, termed autoimmune sclerosing cholangitis (ASC), is also found in adults. Children with AIH may have identifiable monogenic disorders of immune regulation such as autoimmune polyendocrinopathy-candidiasis-ectodermal dystrophy (APECED). Like adults with AIH, children with AIH usually respond very favourably to immunosuppressive treatment with corticosteroids ± azathioprine. True cures seem to be rare, although many children achieve a stable remission. Nonetheless children with AIH may develop cirrhosis and some require liver transplantation. Early diagnosis and improved treatment strategies may further improve the outlook for children with AIH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve A Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children, and Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Maass T, Sfakianakis I, Staib F, Krupp M, Galle PR, Teufel A. Microarray-based gene expression analysis of hepatocellular carcinoma. Curr Genomics 2011; 11:261-8. [PMID: 21119890 PMCID: PMC2930665 DOI: 10.2174/138920210791233063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2009] [Revised: 11/13/2009] [Accepted: 01/06/2010] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microarray studies have successfully shed light on various aspects of the molecular mechanisms behind the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), such as the identification of novel molecular subgroups and the genetic profiles associated with metastasis and venous invasion. These experiments, mainly comprising genome wide profiling, potentially represent the basis of novel targeted therapeutic strategies in HCC. In response, we summarize the multiple reported expression profiles in HCC associated with HCC development, novel subgroups, venous invasion and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thorsten Maass
- Department of Medicine I, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
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Lohse AW, Mieli-Vergani G. Autoimmune hepatitis. J Hepatol 2011; 55:171-82. [PMID: 21167232 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis was one of the first liver diseases for which an effective treatment was developed and the benefit proven by randomized controlled trials. Nonetheless, both the diagnosis and the treatment of autoimmune hepatitis remain full of challenges. The clinical spectrum is very wide, ranging from subclinical non-progressive disease to fulminant hepatic failure. Diagnostic criteria based on elevation of IgG, demonstration of characteristic autoantibodies, and histological features of hepatitis in the absence of viral disease are very helpful. However, in some patients, diagnosis remains a clinical challenge. Adequately dosed steroids are the mainstay of remission induction treatment, while remission maintenance is best achieved by azathioprine. Therapeutic alternatives are required in a small group of patients responding insufficiently to these drugs or intolerant to their side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ansgar W Lohse
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.
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Emerging topics in human tumor virology. Int J Cancer 2011; 129:1289-99. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Khatri G, Merrick L, Miller FH. MR imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma. Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am 2011; 18:421-50, x. [PMID: 21094448 DOI: 10.1016/j.mric.2010.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy typically associated with chronic liver disease and is a leading cause of mortality among these patients. Prognosis is improved when detected early. MRI is the best imaging examination for accurate diagnosis. Although arterial enhancement with delayed washout, increased T2-weighted signal intensity, delayed capsular enhancement, restricted diffusion, and tumor thrombus are typical features, not all lesions demonstrate these findings. The radiologist must be familiar with these typical imaging characteristics, and less common appearances and associated findings of HCC, and must be able to differentiate them from those of lesions that mimic HCC. Knowledge of therapeutic options and how those are related to imaging findings is imperative to assist clinicians in managing these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Khatri
- Department of Radiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 676 North St Clair Street, Suite 800, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Jothimani D, Cramp ME, Mitchell JD, Cross TJS. Treatment of autoimmune hepatitis: a review of current and evolving therapies. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2011; 26:619-27. [PMID: 21073674 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2010.06579.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is an immune-mediated necroinflammatory condition of the liver. Presentation can vary from the asymptomatic individual with abnormal liver function test to fulminant liver failure. The diagnosis is based on the combination of biochemical, autoimmune, and histological parameters, and exclusion of other liver diseases. Standard therapy consists of a combination of corticosteroids and azathioprine, which is efficacious in 80% of patients. Alternative therapies are increasingly being explored in patients who do not respond to the standard treatment and/or have unacceptable adverse effects. This review examines the role of alternative drugs (second-line agents) available for AIH treatment non-responders. These agents include budesonide, mycophenolate mofetil, cyclosporin, tacrolimus, 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, rituximab, ursodeoxycholic acid, rapamycin, and methotrexate. In addition, the risk of opportunistic infections and malignancies are discussed. A treatment algorithm is proposed for the management of patients with AIH treatment non-responders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Jothimani
- The Southwest Liver Unit, Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, UK
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Sanyal AJ, Yoon SK, Lencioni R. The etiology of hepatocellular carcinoma and consequences for treatment. Oncologist 2011; 15 Suppl 4:14-22. [PMID: 21115577 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2010-s4-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 340] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have liver cirrhosis, which develops following long periods of chronic liver disease. Cirrhosis is characterized by a decrease in hepatocyte proliferation, indicating an exhaustion of the regenerative capacity of the liver, and results in an increase in fibrous tissue and a destruction of liver cells, which may ultimately lead to the development of cancerous nodules. Half of all cases of HCC are associated with hepatitis B virus infection, with a further 25% associated with hepatitis C virus. Other risk factors for developing HCC include alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, intake of aflatoxin-contaminated food, diabetes, and obesity. There are multiple factors involved in the etiology of HCC, all of which have a direct impact on patient characteristics and disease course, and although a causative agent can often be identified, HCC remains an extremely complex condition associated with a poor prognosis. Additionally, the geographic variation in etiology means that information from different countries is needed in order to optimize surveillance methods and develop effective chemoprevention strategies. Unfortunately, there are still many gaps in our current understanding, and further research efforts are needed to fully elucidate the diverse mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HCC and offer optimal prevention strategies for those at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun J Sanyal
- Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center, Richmond, Virginia, USA.
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