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Pascual-Oliver A, Casas-Deza D, Yagüe-Caballero C, Arbones-Mainar JM, Bernal-Monterde V. Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Risk Modification after Hepatitis C Virus Eradication. Pathogens 2024; 13:278. [PMID: 38668233 PMCID: PMC11054742 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13040278] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) has revolutionized the hepatology paradigm, halting the progression of advanced liver disease in patients with chronic infection and reducing the risk of hepatocarcinoma. In addition, treatment with direct-acting antivirals can reverse the lipid and carbohydrate abnormalities described in HCV patients. Although HCV eradication may reduce the overall risk of vascular events, it is uncertain whether altered lipid profiles increase the risk of cerebrovascular disease in certain patients. We have conducted a review on HCV and lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, as well as new scientific advances, following the advent of direct-acting antivirals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Pascual-Oliver
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.-O.); (C.Y.-C.); (V.B.-M.)
| | - Diego Casas-Deza
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.-O.); (C.Y.-C.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, University Hospital Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto Aragones de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carmen Yagüe-Caballero
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.-O.); (C.Y.-C.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, University Hospital Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jose M. Arbones-Mainar
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, University Hospital Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto Aragones de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Vanesa Bernal-Monterde
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (A.P.-O.); (C.Y.-C.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, University Hospital Miguel Servet, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
- Instituto Aragones de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Mei T, Huang X, Tang S, Liu M, Zhang W, Yu H. Effects of sustained viral response on lipid in Hepatitis C: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:74. [PMID: 38461262 PMCID: PMC10924993 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-023-01957-2] [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: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Direct-acting Antiviral Agents (DAAs) influence serum lipids of patients with Hepatitis C virus (HCV). This paper presents an analysis of the relevant literature to investigate the effects of DAAs in treating hepatitis C to achieve a sustained viral response (SVR) on lipid parameters. METHODS PubMed,Web of science, Embase and Central databases were searched, with a deadline of September 2023. Studies on the effects of sustained viral response on lipid parameters after DAAs treatment for hepatitis C were selected. The required information was extracted from the included studies, and then the Stata 12.0 was used to analyze the data quantitatively. RESULTS Of 32 studies, the results showed that total cholesterol (TC) levels increased from the end of treatment (WMD = 20.144, 95%CI = 3.404, 36.884,P = 0.018) to one year after treatment (WMD = 24.900, 95%CI = 13.669, 36.131, P < 0.001). From the end of treatment (WMD = 17.728, 95%CI = 4.375, 31.082, P = 0.009) to one year after treatment (WMD = 18.528, 95%CI = 7.622, 29.433, P < 0.001), the levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were also increased. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were elevated from 4 weeks after treatment (WMD = 6.665, 95%CI = 3.906, 9.424, P < 0.001) to 24 weeks after treatment (WMD = 3.159,95% CI = 0.176, 6.142, P = 0.038). Triglyceride (TG) levels showed no significant change after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis C patients who achieved SVR on DAAs showed the increase of lipid levels and the improvement of hepatic inflammation indicators AST and ALT. This may provide evidence-based medical evidence for the follow-up and monitoring of blood lipids and hyperlipidemia treatment. REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42020180793.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Mei
- Interventional Therapy Center for Oncology Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Xiaojie Huang
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Shan Tang
- Department of Liver Disease, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Menglu Liu
- State Clinical Drug Trial Institution, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wenyan Zhang
- State Clinical Drug Trial Institution, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Haibin Yu
- State Clinical Drug Trial Institution, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China.
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Ferreira J, Bicho M, Serejo F. Effects of HCV Clearance with Direct-Acting Antivirals (DAAs) on Liver Stiffness, Liver Fibrosis Stage and Metabolic/Cellular Parameters. Viruses 2024; 16:371. [PMID: 38543737 PMCID: PMC10974411 DOI: 10.3390/v16030371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a clinical and pathological syndrome with various causes and is characterized by varying degrees of hepatocellular necrosis and inflammation. It is a significant cause of liver transplantation and liver-related death worldwide. The hepatic manifestations of CHC are typically characterized by slowly progressing liver fibrosis, which is a non-specific and often disproportionate response to tissue damage. A large majority of HCV patients have extrahepatic manifestations with varying degrees of severity. HCV infection is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus, which increases insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and iron overload and causes chronic systemic inflammation. HCV infection is treated using direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) with cure rates of over 95 percent, minimal side effects, and shorter therapeutic courses. Despite the effective elimination of the virus, it seemed pertinent to understand to what extent HCV clearance eliminates or attenuates all the systemic alterations already induced by the virus during infection and chronicity. OBJECTIVES Our study aimed to determine whether eliminating HCV with DAAs alters the severity of liver disease (liver stiffness and liver fibrosis stage by TE) and the metabolic/cellular profile of patients with CHC. MATERIALS AND METHODS A group of 329 CHC patients from a Gastroenterology and Hepatology outpatient department were prospectively studied. Of these, 134 were also studied with DAAs. The liver fibrosis stage was evaluated by transient elastography (TE) using a FibroScan® device, and two groups were established for the analysis of liver stiffness (LS): mild and moderate stiffness (fibrosis F1 and F2; F1/2) and severe stiffness (fibrosis and cirrhosis F3 and F4; F3/4). Metabolic/cellular parameters were evaluated before and after antiviral treatment using standard methods: alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl-transpeptidase (γ-GT), haptoglobin (Hp), total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), free iron (Fe), transferrin saturation (TS), total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin (Ft), glycemia, insulin, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) and platelets count. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS 24.0 for Windows. RESULTS Comparing the fibrosis stage before and after DAAs treatment, we verify a reduction in LS in 85.7% of patients and an improvement in liver fibrosis stage in 22.2% of them after DAAs treatment. Before DAAs treatment, patients showed a 2.410 risk for higher fibrosis stages (F3/4). Comparing metabolic/cellular parameters before and after DAAs treatment, patients showed lower ALP, AST, ALT, γGT, TG, Fe, TIBC, and Ft values and higher TC, LDL, and Hp values after treatment. As such, HCV elimination reduces iron overload and insulin resistance. On the other hand, it caused dyslipidemia, raising total cholesterol and LDL to levels outside the reference values. The improvement in the liver fibrosis stage by TE was mainly associated with higher baseline platelet count and HDL values and lower insulin resistance. CONCLUSIONS With this study, we were able to contribute to the knowledge of the effects of HCV elimination with DAAs on liver disease and metabolic profile to improve the quality of treatment and follow-up of these patients after HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Ferreira
- Institute for Scientific Research Bento Rocha Cabral, 1250-047 Lisbon, Portugal;
- TERRA, ISAMB, Genetics Laboratory, Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Manuel Bicho
- Institute for Scientific Research Bento Rocha Cabral, 1250-047 Lisbon, Portugal;
- TERRA, ISAMB, Genetics Laboratory, Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Fátima Serejo
- TERRA, ISAMB, Genetics Laboratory, Lisbon Medical School, University of Lisbon, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal;
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, 1649-028 Lisbon, Portugal
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Peschel G, Grimm J, Müller M, Höring M, Krautbauer S, Weigand K, Liebisch G, Buechler C. Sex-specific changes in triglyceride profiles in liver cirrhosis and hepatitis C virus infection. Lipids Health Dis 2022; 21:106. [PMID: 36280840 PMCID: PMC9590217 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-022-01715-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with serum lipid abnormalities, which partly normalize following direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Here, associations of serum triglycerides (TGs) with viral genotype and markers of liver disease severity were evaluated in patients with chronic HCV. Methods The study included the serum of 177 patients with chronic HCV. TGs were quantified by flow injection analysis Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Laboratory values and noninvasive scores for liver fibrosis assessment were determined. The nonparametric Kruskal‒Wallis test, one-way ANOVA, multiple linear regression and Student’s t test were used as appropriate. P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results HCV-infected women had lower serum TGs than men, and thus, a sex-specific analysis was performed. None of the 46 TG species analyzed differed in the serum of female patients with and without liver cirrhosis. In contrast, in the serum of male patients with liver cirrhosis, TGs with 53, 56 and 58 carbon atoms and three to eight double bonds were diminished. These polyunsaturated TGs were also low in males with a high fibrosis-4 score. TGs with 7 or 8 double bonds negatively correlated with the model of end-stage liver disease score in males. In addition, TGs with 49, 51 and 53 carbon atoms were reduced in male patients infected with genotype 3a in comparison to genotype 1a. TGs with 56 carbon atoms were lower in genotype 3a-infected males than in genotype 1b-infected males. TGs did not differ in females by genotype. Genotype 3-related changes disappeared at the end of therapy with DAAs. Overall, the levels of serum TGs did not change during DAA therapy in either sex. Consequently, the serum TGs of males with liver cirrhosis were lower than those of males without cirrhosis at the end of therapy. Such a difference was not apparent in females. Conclusions The decline in TGs observed only in male patients with liver cirrhosis and male patients infected with genotype 3 illustrates sex-specific changes in lipid metabolism in chronic HCV. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12944-022-01715-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Peschel
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany ,Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Fürstenfeldbruck, 82256 Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Jonathan Grimm
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martina Müller
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Marcus Höring
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Krautbauer
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kilian Weigand
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany ,grid.502406.50000 0004 0559 328XDepartment of Gastroenterology, Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein, 56073 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Gerhard Liebisch
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christa Buechler
- grid.411941.80000 0000 9194 7179Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
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Höring M, Peschel G, Grimm J, Krautbauer S, Müller M, Weigand K, Liebisch G, Buechler C. Serum Ceramide Species Are Associated with Liver Cirrhosis and Viral Genotype in Patients with Hepatitis C Infection. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179806. [PMID: 36077197 PMCID: PMC9456360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects ceramide metabolism, and, here, we have evaluated associations of eight serum ceramide species with viral load, viral genotype, and disease markers in 178 patients with chronic HCV. In this cohort, ceramide d18:1;O2/16:0 was higher in the serum of the 20 diabetic patients compared to the patients without this complication. Moreover, ceramide d18:1;O2/24:0 was negatively correlated with age. Of note, all but ceramide d18:1;O2/16:0 and 26:0 were diminished in the serum of patients with liver cirrhosis and, with the exception of ceramide d18:1;O2/16:0, were negatively correlated with the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score. Most of the serum ceramides are carried in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which rises following effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy. Ceramide d18:1;O2/24:0 recovered in parallel with LDL, whereas ceramide d18:1;O2/18:0 declined. Genotype-3-infected patients had the lowest ceramide levels, which were comparable to other genotypes after DAA treatment. Notably, ceramide d18:1;O2/23:0 and 24:0 were negatively correlated with the MELD score in patients with liver cirrhosis at the end of DAA therapy. Long-chain (LC) ceramides show adverse effects, whereas very-long-chain (VL) species have protective functions in the liver. The ratio of VL/LC ceramides was higher in non-cirrhosis patients than cirrhosis patients and further increased at the end of therapy in this subgroup. In summary, our study shows that serum ceramide levels are related to liver cirrhosis and viral genotype. Whether the more favorable serum ceramide profile in non-cirrhosis patients, before and after DAA therapy, is of pathophysiological importance needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Höring
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Georg Peschel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine, Klinikum Fürstenfeldbruck, 82256 Fürstenfeldbruck, Germany
| | - Jonathan Grimm
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Krautbauer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Martina Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Kilian Weigand
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Department of Gastroenterology, Gemeinschaftsklinikum Mittelrhein, 56073 Koblenz, Germany
| | - Gerhard Liebisch
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-941-944-7009
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Casas-Deza D, Martínez-Sapiña A, Espina S, Garcia-Rodriguez B, Fernandez-Bonilla EM, Sanz-Paris A, Gonzalez-Irazabal Y, Bernal-Monterde V, Arbones-Mainar JM. Evaluation of Cardiovascular Risk Factors after Hepatitis C Virus Eradication with Direct-Acting Antivirals in a Cohort of Treatment-Naïve Patients without History of Cardiovascular Disease. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11144049. [PMID: 35887813 PMCID: PMC9315656 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11144049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) produces changes at multiple levels in host metabolism, especially in lipid profile and cardio-metabolic risk. It is unclear how HCV eradication by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) modifies those changes. Objective: To evaluate the impact of DAA treatment on different risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. Methods: Prospective study with two-year follow-up. All patients treated with DAAs in the Liver Clinic of a tertiary hospital were included. Patients co-infected with HBV or HIV, with other causes of liver disease, on lipid-lowering treatment, pregnant, or with previous HCV treatment were excluded. The results were analyzed using linear mixed models. Results: 167 patients (53% female, 9.6% cirrhosis) were included. Low plasma lipid levels were observed before initiating HCV eradication. During the first year after treatment with DAA, we observed a sustained increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol (only in men), and LDL-cholesterol levels. An ameliorated glycemic control was also observed with a decrease in fasting insulin and reduced HOMA. Iron metabolism and coagulation function also improved with lower levels of serum ferritin and prothrombin activity; these biochemical changes resulted in a new diagnosis of hypercholesterolaemia in 17.4% of patients, requiring initiation of statins in 15%. Two non-fatal cardiovascular events were observed during the first 2 years of follow-up. Conclusions: DAA treatments returned plasma lipids to the normal range without increasing either the occurrence of cardiovascular events or the consumption of lipid-lowering medication beyond what is normal in a sex- and age-matched population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Casas-Deza
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.C.-D.); (S.E.); (E.M.F.-B.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.-R.); (A.S.-P.); (Y.G.-I.)
| | - Ana Martínez-Sapiña
- Clinical Microbiology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain;
| | - Silvia Espina
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.C.-D.); (S.E.); (E.M.F.-B.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.-R.); (A.S.-P.); (Y.G.-I.)
| | - Beatriz Garcia-Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.-R.); (A.S.-P.); (Y.G.-I.)
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva M. Fernandez-Bonilla
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.C.-D.); (S.E.); (E.M.F.-B.)
| | - Alejandro Sanz-Paris
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.-R.); (A.S.-P.); (Y.G.-I.)
- Nutrition Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Yolanda Gonzalez-Irazabal
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.-R.); (A.S.-P.); (Y.G.-I.)
- Clinical Biochemistry Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Vanesa Bernal-Monterde
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (D.C.-D.); (S.E.); (E.M.F.-B.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.-R.); (A.S.-P.); (Y.G.-I.)
- Correspondence: (V.B.-M.); (J.M.A.-M.)
| | - Jose M. Arbones-Mainar
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (B.G.-R.); (A.S.-P.); (Y.G.-I.)
- Translational Research Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERObn), Instituto Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Correspondence: (V.B.-M.); (J.M.A.-M.)
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Grewal T, Buechler C. Emerging Insights on the Diverse Roles of Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) in Chronic Liver Diseases: Cholesterol Metabolism and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031070. [PMID: 35162992 PMCID: PMC8834914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases are commonly associated with dysregulated cholesterol metabolism. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a serine protease of the proprotein convertase family that is mainly synthetized and secreted by the liver, and represents one of the key regulators of circulating low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Its ability to bind and induce LDL-receptor degradation, in particular in the liver, increases circulating LDL-cholesterol levels in the blood. Hence, inhibition of PCSK9 has become a very potent tool for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Besides PCSK9 limiting entry of LDL-derived cholesterol, affecting multiple cholesterol-related functions in cells, more recent studies have associated PCSK9 with various other cellular processes, including inflammation, fatty acid metabolism, cancerogenesis and visceral adiposity. It is increasingly becoming evident that additional roles for PCSK9 beyond cholesterol homeostasis are crucial for liver physiology in health and disease, often contributing to pathophysiology. This review will summarize studies analyzing circulating and hepatic PCSK9 levels in patients with chronic liver diseases. The factors affecting PCSK9 levels in the circulation and in hepatocytes, clinically relevant studies and the pathophysiological role of PCSK9 in chronic liver injury are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Grewal
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia;
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Regensburg University Hospital, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Magnasco L, Sepulcri C, Antonello RM, Di Bella S, Labate L, Luzzati R, Giacobbe DR, Bassetti M. The role of PCSK9 in infectious diseases. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:1000-1015. [PMID: 34269657 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210714160343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years, many aspects of the physiological role of PCSK9 have been elucidated, particularly regarding its role in lipid metabolism, cardiovascular risk, and its role in innate immunity. Increasing evidence is available about the involvement of PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of viral infections, mainly HCV, and the regulation of host response to bacterial infections, primarily sepsis and septic shock. Moreover, the action of PCSK9 has been investigated as a crucial step in the pathogenesis of malaria infection and disease severity. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to review the available published literature on the role of PCSK9 in a wide array of infectious diseases. CONCLUSION Besides the ongoing investigation on PCSK9 inhibition among HIV-infected patients to treat HIV- and ART-related hyperlipidemia, preclinical studies indicate how PCSK9 is involved in reducing the replication of HCV. Interestingly, high plasmatic PCSK9 levels have been described in patients with sepsis. Moreover, a protective role of PCSK9 inhibition has also been proposed against dengue and SARS-CoV-2 viral infections. Finally, a loss of function in the PCSK9-encoding gene has been reported to reduce malaria infection mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Magnasco
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Sepulcri
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Labate
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberto Luzzati
- Clinical Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Matteo Bassetti
- Infectious Diseases Unit, San Martino Policlinico Hospital - IRCCS, Genoa, Italy
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Villani R, Di Cosimo F, Romano AD, Sangineto M, Serviddio G. Serum lipid profile in HCV patients treated with direct-acting antivirals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13944. [PMID: 34230541 PMCID: PMC8260657 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93251-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Although direct-acting antivirals are very effective and safe drugs, several authors have reported the alteration of lipid profile during and after anti-HCV therapy suggesting a potential impact on the risk of cardiovascular events. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to investigate the magnitude and temporal trend of lipid profile changes in DAA treated patients. All selected studies included data on lipid profile before starting therapy and at least one follow-up assessment during or after antiviral treatment. We identified 14 studies (N = 1537 patients) after removing duplicates. Pooled data showed an increase in total cholesterol 4 weeks after starting therapy (+ 15.86 mg/dl; 95% CI + 9.68 to 22.05; p < 0.001) and 12 weeks after treatment completion (+ 17.05 mg/dl; 95% CI + 11.24 to 22.85; p < 0.001). LDL trend was similar to the total cholesterol change in overall analysis. A mean increase in HDL-cholesterol of 3.36 mg/dl (95% CI + 0.92 to 5.79; p = 0.07) was observed after 12 weeks of treatment, whereas at SVR24 HDL difference was + 4.34 mg/dl (95% CI + 1.40 to 7.28; p = 0.004).Triglycerides did not show significant changes during treatment and after treatment completion. DAAs induce mild lipid changes in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with DAAs, which may persist after treatment completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Villani
- C.U.R.E. (University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment), Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy.
| | - Francesca Di Cosimo
- C.U.R.E. (University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment), Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonino Davide Romano
- C.U.R.E. (University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment), Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Moris Sangineto
- C.U.R.E. (University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment), Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- C.U.R.E. (University Centre for Liver Disease Research and Treatment), Liver Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Pinto 1, 71122, Foggia, Italy
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Torti C, Scaglione V, Cesana BM, Costa C, Marascio N, Schiaroli E, Busti C, Bastianelli S, Mazzitelli M, Trecarichi EM, Francisci D. Effect of directly acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus infection on proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 level. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e273. [PMID: 33969232 PMCID: PMC8088586 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Eradication of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) may affect proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels and cardiovascular risk. However, information regarding PCSK9 level after HCV eradication is lacking. Hence, in this case-control retrospective study, we aimed to evaluate PCSK9 level from pretherapy baseline up to sustained virological response (SVR). METHODS Eighty-four patients treated with directly acting antivirals (DAAs) between July 2015 and May 2018 were enrolled. Differences in baseline PCSK9 level due to absence/presence of recorded baseline characteristics (covariates) were evaluated. Changes in PCSK9 levels from pretherapy to SVR (ΔPCSK9) and their correlations with the covariates were assessed. The repeated measures analysis of variance was used to investigate the differences in PCSK9 level from the baseline to the achievement of SVR due to absence/presence of any covariate. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 67.6 ± 11 years, and 53.6% were males. Baseline PCSK9 levels were statistically lower in patients using statins than in those not using statins (mean, 70.3 ± 43.1 ng/mL vs 271.8 ± 252.2 ng/mL; P = .017). PCSK9 level decreased significantly from baseline to the time of SVR (255 ± 248 ng/mL vs 169 ± 188 ng/mL; P < .001). PCSK9 levels were statistically higher in the HCV-infected patients at baseline than in the control group (255 ± 248 vs 166.3 ± 120.2 ng/mL; P = .020); however, this difference was lost after achieving SVR (mean, 169 ± 188 vs 166.3 ± 120.2 ng/mL; P = .464). Changes in PCSK9 level was not statistically related to any of the recorded covariates. The PCSK9 mean level did not differ significantly with absence/presence of any covariate from pretherapy to SVR. CONCLUSIONS The reduction in mean PCSK9 level from baseline pretherapy to after HCV eradication was statistically significant. Whether PCSK9 is a new biomarker for cardiovascular risk in these patients remains to be ascertained.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Torti
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences“Magna Graecia” UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Vincenzo Scaglione
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences“Magna Graecia” UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Bruno Mario Cesana
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Unit of Medical Statistics, Biometrics and Bioinformatics “Giulio A. Maccacaro”, Faculty of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Chiara Costa
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases“Mater Domini” Teaching HospitalCatanzaroItaly
| | - Nadia Marascio
- Unit of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Health Sciences“Magna Graecia” UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Elisabetta Schiaroli
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of MedicineUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | - Chiara Busti
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of MedicineUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | - Sabrina Bastianelli
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of MedicineUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
| | - Maria Mazzitelli
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences“Magna Graecia” UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Enrico Maria Trecarichi
- Unit of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences“Magna Graecia” UniversityCatanzaroItaly
| | - Daniela Francisci
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Department of MedicineUniversity of PerugiaPerugiaItaly
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11
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Grimm J, Peschel G, Müller M, Schacherer D, Wiest R, Weigand K, Buechler C. Rapid Decline of Serum Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin 9 (PCSK9) in Non-Cirrhotic Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Receiving Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:1621. [PMID: 33920491 PMCID: PMC8069657 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10081621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) efficiently eradicate the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels increase rapidly upon DAA treatment. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9) induces degradation of the hepatic LDL receptor and thereby elevates serum LDL. The aim of this study was to determine serum PCSK9 concentrations during and after DAA therapy to identify associations with LDL levels. Serum PCSK9 was increased in 82 chronic HCV-infected patients compared to 55 patients not infected with HCV. Serum PCSK9 was low in HCV patients with liver cirrhosis, but patients with HCV-induced liver cirrhosis still exhibited higher serum PCSK9 than patients with non-viral liver cirrhosis. Serum PCSK9 correlated with measures of liver injury and inflammation in cirrhotic HCV patients. In patients without liver cirrhosis, a positive association of serum PCSK9 with viral load existed. Serum PCSK9 was not different between viral genotypes. Serum PCSK9 did not correlate with LDL levels in HCV patients irrespective of cirrhotic status. Serum PCSK9 was reduced, and LDL was increased at four weeks after DAA therapy start in non-cirrhotic HCV patients. Serum PCSK9 and LDL did not change upon DAA treatment in the cirrhotic group. The rapid decline of PCSK9 after the start of DAA therapy in conjunction with raised LDL levels in non-cirrhotic HCV patients shows that these changes are not functionally related.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Grimm
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Georg Peschel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Martina Müller
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Doris Schacherer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Reiner Wiest
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, University Inselspital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Kilian Weigand
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
| | - Christa Buechler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, Rheumatology and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (J.G.); (G.P.); (M.M.); (D.S.); (K.W.)
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Hino N, Sasaki R, Takahashi Y, Koike M, Fukushima M, Haraguchi M, Honda T, Miuma S, Ozawa E, Miyaaki H, Ichikawa T, Nakao K. Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection with Direct-acting Antiviral Agents Elevates the Serum Small-dense Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Level. Intern Med 2021; 60:191-199. [PMID: 33456023 PMCID: PMC7872797 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.5563-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level is known to increase following the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection using direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). This study aimed to investigate the changes in the lipid profiles, including small-dense LDL cholesterol (sdLDL), in HCV patients treated with DAAs. Patients We retrospectively assessed 67 HCV patients who achieved sustained virological response with DAA administration and were observed for more than 2 years, of whom 32 were on daclatasvir/asunaprevir, 14 were on sofosbuvir/ledipasvir, and 21 were on sofosbuvir/ribavirin. Methods We evaluated the lipid profiles, including sdLDL, every 6 months until 2 years after the start of treatment and analyzed the factors related to changes in the sdLDL level. Results The median sdLDL value at baseline was 12.8 mg/dL, which increased to 19.5 mg/dL at 6 months (p<0.001) and remained elevated at 25.4 mg/dL at 2 years later (p<0.001). The Kaplan-Meier curve indicated that patients with high values of LDL, albumin, muscle attenuation and visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio were at increased risk for elevation of sdLDL over 35 mg/dL (log-rank test: p<0.001; p=0.008, p=0.002 and p=0.042, respectively). A multivariate analysis performed on the factors contributing to elevation of sdLDL 2 years after DAA treatment (≥35.0 mg/dL) revealed pretreatment LDL (≥91.0 mg/dL) and muscle attenuation (≥33.7 HU) as significant factors (p=0.007 and p=0.032, respectively). Conclusion SdLDL increased continuously after DAA treatment, and high LDL levels and low intramuscular fat deposition before treatment contributed to elevated sdLDL levels after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoyuki Hino
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
- Department of Comprehensive Community Care Systems, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Ryu Sasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Youichi Takahashi
- Innovation and Translational Research Center, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, Japan
| | - Makiko Koike
- Innovation and Translational Research Center, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, Japan
| | - Masanori Fukushima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Masafumi Haraguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Takuya Honda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Satoshi Miuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Eisuke Ozawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Hisamitsu Miyaaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
| | - Tatsuki Ichikawa
- Department of Comprehensive Community Care Systems, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
- Innovation and Translational Research Center, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nagasaki Harbor Medical Center, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Japan
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