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Reichelt S, Merle U, Klauss M, Kahlert C, Lurje G, Mehrabi A, Czigany Z. Shining a spotlight on sarcopenia and myosteatosis in liver disease and liver transplantation: Potentially modifiable risk factors with major clinical impact. Liver Int 2024; 44:1483-1512. [PMID: 38554051 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15917] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024]
Abstract
Muscle-wasting and disease-related malnutrition are highly prevalent in patients with chronic liver diseases (CLD) as well as in liver transplant (LT) candidates. Alterations of body composition (BC) such as sarcopenia, myosteatosis and sarcopenic obesity and associated clinical frailty were tied to inferior clinical outcomes including hospital admissions, length of stay, complications, mortality and healthcare costs in various patient cohorts and clinical scenarios. In contrast to other inherent detrimental individual characteristics often observed in these complex patients, such as comorbidities or genetic risk, alterations of the skeletal muscle and malnutrition are considered as potentially modifiable risk factors with a major clinical impact. Even so, there is only limited high-level evidence to show how these pathologies should be addressed in the clinical setting. This review discusses the current state-of-the-art on the role of BC assessment in clinical outcomes in the setting of CLD and LT focusing mainly on sarcopenia and myosteatosis. We focus on the disease-related pathophysiology of BC alterations. Based on these, we address potential therapeutic interventions including nutritional regimens, physical activity, hormone and targeted therapies. In addition to summarizing existing knowledge, this review highlights novel trends, and future perspectives and identifies persisting challenges in addressing BC pathologies in a holistic way, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life of patients with CLD awaiting or undergoing LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Reichelt
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Uta Merle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Klauss
- Department of Radiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Kahlert
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Georg Lurje
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Campus Charité Mitte | Campus Virchow-Klinikum, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arianeb Mehrabi
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zoltan Czigany
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Di Cola S, Khan S, Lapenna L, Merli M. Emerging drugs for the treatment of sarcopenia in cirrhosis of the liver. Expert Opin Emerg Drugs 2024; 29:81-91. [PMID: 38549232 DOI: 10.1080/14728214.2024.2332428] [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: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Malnutrition and sarcopenia are common and impact the prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. The etiology is multifactorial and includes periods of reduced caloric intake, increased catabolism and direct molecular mechanisms that inhibit muscle synthesis. Although these conditions are widely acknowledged, and there is a growing interest in their diagnosis, robust evidence regarding the treatment and reversibility of these conditions is still lacking. AREAS COVERED We have explored the current evidence on the pharmacological treatment of sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Additionally, we have searched for drugs already in use and ongoing trials for other chronic diseases. EXPERT OPINION The current guidelines recommend the use of a protein-adequate diet and moderate physical activity for treating sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis. Currently, robust evidence is derived only from the supplementation of Branched-Chain Amino Acids, capable of increasing muscle mass and function. There are many drugs targeting various pathways that contribute to sarcopenia. However, evidence is sporadic and insufficient to suggest their use in clinical practice.Novel drugs specifically designed to enhance muscle mass and function should be developed. Finally, gender significantly influences the type of muscle alteration and therapeutic mechanisms; therefore, future studies should be designed taking gender differences into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Di Cola
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Saniya Khan
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Lapenna
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Wang W, Pan D, Liu Q, Chen X, Wang S. L-Carnitine in the Treatment of Psychiatric and Neurological Manifestations: A Systematic Review. Nutrients 2024; 16:1232. [PMID: 38674921 PMCID: PMC11055039 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081232] [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: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE L-carnitine (LC), a vital nutritional supplement, plays a crucial role in myocardial health and exhibits significant cardioprotective effects. LC, being the principal constituent of clinical-grade supplements, finds extensive application in the recovery and treatment of diverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disorders. However, controversies persist regarding the utilization of LC in nervous system diseases, with varying effects observed across numerous mental and neurological disorders. This article primarily aims to gather and analyze database information to comprehensively summarize the therapeutic potential of LC in patients suffering from nervous system diseases while providing valuable references for further research. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Web Of Science, Embase, Ovid Medline, Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov databases. The literature pertaining to the impact of LC supplementation on neurological or psychiatric disorders in patients was reviewed up until November 2023. No language or temporal restrictions were imposed on the search. RESULTS A total of 1479 articles were retrieved, and after the removal of duplicates through both automated and manual exclusion processes, 962 articles remained. Subsequently, a meticulous re-screening led to the identification of 60 relevant articles. Among these, there were 12 publications focusing on hepatic encephalopathy (HE), while neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) and peripheral nervous system diseases (PNSDs) were represented by 9 and 6 articles, respectively. Additionally, stroke was addressed in five publications, whereas Raynaud's syndrome (RS) and cognitive disorder (CD) each had three dedicated studies. Furthermore, migraine, depression, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) each accounted for two publications. Lastly, one article was found for other symptoms under investigation. CONCLUSION In summary, LC has demonstrated favorable therapeutic effects in the management of HE, Alzheimer's disease (AD), carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), CD, migraine, neurofibromatosis (NF), PNSDs, RS, and stroke. However, its efficacy appears to be relatively limited in conditions such as ALS, ataxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Down syndrome (DS), and sciatica.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.W.); (D.P.); (X.C.)
| | - Da Pan
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.W.); (D.P.); (X.C.)
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082, China;
| | - Xiangjun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.W.); (D.P.); (X.C.)
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082, China;
| | - Shaokang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine and Engineering of Ministry of Education, and Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, China; (W.W.); (D.P.); (X.C.)
- Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, Xizang Minzu University, Xianyang 712082, China;
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Maharshi S, Sharma BC. Prophylaxis of hepatic encephalopathy: current and future drug targets. Hepatol Int 2024:10.1007/s12072-024-10647-9. [PMID: 38492132 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-024-10647-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is described by a broad spectrum of neurological and psychiatric aberrations resulting due to advanced liver dysfunction. It is a neurological disorder due to hepatic insufficiency and/or portosystemic shunts. Its clinical presentation includes neuropsychiatric dysfunction ranging from subclinical changes to comatose state. It is a sign of poor prognosis in cirrhotics with a high 1-year mortality. Each episode of hepatic encephalopathy leads to high hospitalization rate, poor prognosis and raised burden of healthcare. Primary prophylaxis is prevention of initial occurrence and secondary prophylaxis is prevention of reappearance of hepatic encephalopathy in subjects who had prior history. Early detection and management of triggers is very important in the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy. The initial choice of treatment is still lactulose, as it is effective in minimal, overt, and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. Rifaximin is equally effective as lactulose in managing hepatic encephalopathy and is better tolerated. Branch chain amino acids are beneficial in subjects who are protein intolerant. L-ornithine L-aspartate and probiotics are also useful in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. Rifaximin along with lactulose is effective in managing overt and recurrent hepatic encephalopathy. Large portosystemic shunts embolization and liver transplant is efficacious in certain group of patients. Nutritional therapy and fecal microbiota transplantation are newer therapies for hepatic encephalopathy but the evidences are limited, more research is required to prove their efficacy. Involvement of hospital pharmacists, telemedicine, and providing education are also beneficial in managing hepatic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudhir Maharshi
- Department of Gastroenterology, SMS Medical College and Hospitals, Jaipur, India
| | - Barjesh Chander Sharma
- Department of Gastroenterology, G.B. Pant Hospital, Room No. 201, Academic Block, New Delhi, 110002, India.
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Helbing DL, Dommaschk EM, Danyeli LV, Liepinsh E, Refisch A, Sen ZD, Zvejniece L, Rocktäschel T, Stabenow LK, Schiöth HB, Walter M, Dambrova M, Besteher B. Conceptual foundations of acetylcarnitine supplementation in neuropsychiatric long COVID syndrome: a narrative review. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-023-01734-3. [PMID: 38172332 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01734-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 can present as multi-organ pathology, with neuropsychiatric symptoms being the most common symptom complex, characterizing long COVID as a syndrome with a significant disease burden for affected individuals. Several typical symptoms of long COVID, such as fatigue, depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment, are also key features of other psychiatric disorders such as myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and major depressive disorder (MDD). However, clinically successful treatment strategies are still lacking and are often inspired by treatment options for diseases with similar clinical presentations, such as ME/CFS. Acetylcarnitine, the shortest metabolite of a class of fatty acid metabolites called acylcarnitines and one of the most abundant blood metabolites in humans can be used as a dietary/nutritional supplement with proven clinical efficacy in the treatment of MDD, ME/CFS and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Basic research in recent decades has established acylcarnitines in general, and acetylcarnitine in particular, as important regulators and indicators of mitochondrial function and other physiological processes such as neuroinflammation and energy production pathways. In this review, we will compare the clinical basis of neuropsychiatric long COVID with other fatigue-associated diseases. We will also review common molecular disease mechanisms associated with altered acetylcarnitine metabolism and the potential of acetylcarnitine to interfere with these as a therapeutic agent. Finally, we will review the current evidence for acetylcarnitine as a supplement in the treatment of fatigue-associated diseases and propose future research strategies to investigate the potential of acetylcarnitine as a treatment option for long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Lucas Helbing
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits, Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena, Magdeburg, Halle, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Site Halle, Jena, Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute on Aging, Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Dommaschk
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Lena Vera Danyeli
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits, Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena, Magdeburg, Halle, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Edgars Liepinsh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Alexander Refisch
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits, Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena, Magdeburg, Halle, Germany
| | - Zümrüt Duygu Sen
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits, Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena, Magdeburg, Halle, Germany
| | - Liga Zvejniece
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia
| | - Tonia Rocktäschel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits, Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena, Magdeburg, Halle, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Site Halle, Jena, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Karoline Stabenow
- Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, 07745, Jena, Germany
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Functional Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits, Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena, Magdeburg, Halle, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Site Halle, Jena, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Behavioral Neurology, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maija Dambrova
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Bianca Besteher
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Philosophenweg 3, 07743, Jena, Germany.
- Center for Intervention and Research on Adaptive and Maladaptive Brain Circuits, Underlying Mental Health (C-I-R-C), Jena, Magdeburg, Halle, Germany.
- German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), Site Halle, Jena, Magdeburg, Germany.
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Puri P, Malik S. Liver Transplantation: Contraindication and Ineligibility. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2023; 13:1116-1129. [PMID: 37975058 PMCID: PMC10643298 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) is a life-saving therapeutic modality for patients with various advanced liver diseases. It is crucial to identify that the patient's illness is sufficiently advanced and unlikely to improve with medical management to justify the need for transplantation. At the same time, it is crucial to identify patients with comorbidities and far advanced disease that would result in an unacceptable outcome after LT. Specific care also is required before deciding on LT in the elderly, acute on chronic liver disease, patients with comorbidities, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Transplantation needs to be timed appropriately to avoid unnecessary LT and ensure that the decision is not left too late to avoid losing the patient without a transplant. Also, important is the decision as to when not to transplant. The current review explores some of these issues of contraindications and ineligibility for LT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Puri
- Fortis Escorts Liver and Digestive Diseases Institute, Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Sarthak Malik
- Department of Gastroenterology, Manipal Hospital, Dwarka, New Delhi 110075, India
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Rastgoo S, Fateh ST, Nikbaf-Shandiz M, Rasaei N, Aali Y, Zamani M, Shiraseb F, Asbaghi O. The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammatory and anti-inflammatory markers in adults: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:2173-2199. [PMID: 37656233 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01323-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
L-carnitine supplementation may be beneficial in improving inflammatory conditions and reducing the level of inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, according to the finding of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on inflammation in adults. To obtain acceptable articles up to October 2022, a thorough search was conducted in databases including PubMed, ISI Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus. A random-effects model was used to estimate the weighted mean difference (WMD). We included the 48 RCTs (n = 3255) with 51 effect sizes in this study. L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect on C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.001), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (p = 0.001), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) (p = 0.002), malondialdehyde (MDA) (p = 0.001), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (p = 0.029), alanine transaminase (ALT) (p < 0.001), and aspartate transaminase (AST) (p < 0.001) in intervention, compared to the placebo group. Subgroup analyses showed that L-carnitine supplementation had a lowering effect on CRP and TNF-α in trial duration ≥ 12 weeks in type 2 diabetes and BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2. L-carnitine supplementation reduced ALT levels in overweight and normal BMI subjects at any trial dose and trial duration ≥ 12 weeks and reduced AST levels in overweight subjects and trial dose ≥ 2 g/day. This meta-analysis revealed that L-carnitine supplementation effectively reduces the inflammatory state by increasing the level of TAC and decreasing the levels of CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and MDA in the serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Rastgoo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition Science and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Niloufar Rasaei
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Aali
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Zamani
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Shiraseb
- Department of Community Nutrition, School of Nutritional Sciences and Dietetics, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Espina S, Casas-Deza D, Bernal-Monterde V, Domper-Arnal MJ, García-Mateo S, Lué A. Evaluation and Management of Nutritional Consequences of Chronic Liver Diseases. Nutrients 2023; 15:3487. [PMID: 37571424 PMCID: PMC10421025 DOI: 10.3390/nu15153487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases are the major predisposing conditions for the development of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and frailty. Recently, the mechanism of the onset of these complications has been better established. Regardless of the etiology of the underlying liver disease, the clinical manifestations are common. The main consequences are impaired dietary intake, altered macro- and micronutrient metabolism, energy metabolism disturbances, an increase in energy expenditure, nutrient malabsorption, sarcopenia, frailty, and osteopathy. These complications have direct effects on clinical outcomes, survival, and quality of life. The nutritional status should be assessed systematically and periodically during follow-up in these patients. Maintaining and preserving an adequate nutritional status is crucial and should be a mainstay of treatment. Although general nutritional interventions have been established, special considerations are needed in specific settings such as decompensated cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver disease, and metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease. In this review, we summarize the physiopathology and factors that impact the nutritional status of liver disease. We review how to assess malnutrition and sarcopenia and how to prevent and manage these complications in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Espina
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.E.); (D.C.-D.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
| | - Diego Casas-Deza
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.E.); (D.C.-D.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
| | - Vanesa Bernal-Monterde
- Gastroenterology Department, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (S.E.); (D.C.-D.); (V.B.-M.)
- Adipocyte and Fat Biology Laboratory (AdipoFat), Translational Research Unit, Miguel Servet University Hospital, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
| | - María José Domper-Arnal
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sandra García-Mateo
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alberto Lué
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria (IIS) Aragon, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain; (M.J.D.-A.); (S.G.-M.)
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, 50009 Zaragoza, Spain
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Oura K, Morishita A, Manabe T, Takuma K, Nakahara M, Tadokoro T, Fujita K, Mimura S, Tani J, Ono M, Ogawa C, Moriya A, Senoo T, Tsutsui A, Nagano T, Takaguchi K, Himoto T, Masaki T. Relationship between Accurate Diagnosis of Sarcopenia and Prognosis in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treated with Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3243. [PMID: 37370853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123243] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Although there have been advances in the prevention and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in recent years, many HCC patients are still diagnosed with advanced stage. Systemic therapy is indicated for unresectable HCC (uHCC) with major vascular invasion and/or extrahepatic metastases, and the atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (atezo/bev) combination is currently recommended as first-line treatment for uHCC. Recently, sarcopenia-related factors, including decreased skeletal muscle index (SMI), have been reportedly associated with prognosis in uHCC patients treated with sorafenib or lenvatinib. There are few reports on muscle strength assessments, including grip strength (GS), despite their importance in accurate sarcopenia diagnosis, and furthermore, there is no evidence regarding atezo/bev therapy. In this study, we investigated whether sarcopenia affects the clinical outcome of atezo/bev therapy. This study included 64 uHCC patients on atezo/bev therapy and assessed their GS and SMI, and SMI was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). We diagnosed sarcopenia based on GS and BIA-SMI and compared the clinical outcomes in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups. Of these patients, 28 had sarcopenia, and 36 had non-sarcopenia. Adverse events (AEs) frequently occurred, and the albumin-bilirubin score significantly decreased after atezo/bev therapy in the sarcopenia group than in the non-sarcopenia group. The median progression-free survival was 4.7 (0.4-26.4) and 10.6 (1.1-24.5) months in the sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) was 12.6 (1.4-27.7) months in the sarcopenia group and was not reached in the non-sarcopenia group, indicating a significant difference in the Kaplan-Meier survival curves for both groups (p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, sarcopenia was significantly associated with OS. In conclusion, sarcopenia was significantly associated with poor clinical outcomes based on the occurrence of AEs and decreased liver function in uHCC patients on atezo/bev therapy. GS and SMI are important parameters for accurately diagnosing sarcopenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Oura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Asahiro Morishita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takushi Manabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital, Takamatsu 760-0017, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kei Takuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Mai Nakahara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tadokoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Koji Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Shima Mimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Joji Tani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Masafumi Ono
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Chikara Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Takamatsu Red Cross Hospital, Takamatsu 760-0017, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Akio Moriya
- Department of Gastroenterology, Mitoyo General Hospital, Kanonji 769-1695, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tomonori Senoo
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu 760-8557, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Akemi Tsutsui
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu 760-8557, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takuya Nagano
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu 760-8557, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Koichi Takaguchi
- Department of Hepatology, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, Takamatsu 760-8557, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Himoto
- Department of Medical Technology, Kagawa Prefectural University of Health Sciences, Takamatsu 761-0123, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Masaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun 761-0793, Kagawa, Japan
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10
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Patel AA, Tapper EB, Kanwal F, Woodrell CD, Hansen L, Lai JC, Rogal S, McDermott C, Rakoski M, Ufere NN. Targets and study design for symptom-focused trials aimed at patients with cirrhosis: An expert consensus. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0135. [PMID: 37267219 PMCID: PMC10241502 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Symptom-focused trials are critically needed for patients with cirrhosis. However, this work would benefit from standard processes and validated measures. METHODS A writing group was formed among hepatologists, nurses, palliative care providers, pharmacists, and clinical trial experts focused on symptom management in patients with cirrhosis to define the key (1) components of trial design, (2) symptom targets, (3) measurement, and (4) outcomes for each target. From July 2022 to January 2023, panelists participated in an iterative process of developing and arriving at a consensus for each component. The goal was to provide consensus definitions that can be operationalized in future clinical trials, including for patients with cirrhosis. RESULTS The panel reached a consensus on key reporting features for clinical trials, along with considerations for study design. Nine key symptom targets (muscle cramps, pruritus, pain, fatigue, sexual dysfunction, sleep disorders, depression and anxiety, nausea/vomiting, and dyspnea/breathlessness) were identified. The panel selected instruments that can be considered for clinical trials based on psychometric validation and previous experience. The panel identified ongoing needs, including instrument validation, safety data, evidence about non-pharmacologic interventions, and comparative effectiveness studies. CONCLUSION This expert panel identified key design, reporting, and measurement elements to standardize processes and measures in future symptom-focused clinical trials in the context of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpan A. Patel
- Tamar and Vatche Manoukian Division of Digestive Diseases, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elliot B. Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Fasiha Kanwal
- Baylor College of Medicine and Michael E DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Christopher D. Woodrell
- Brookdale Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Lissi Hansen
- Oregon Health & Science University, School of Nursing, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jennifer C. Lai
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Shari Rogal
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cara McDermott
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, New Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, New Carolina, USA
| | - Mina Rakoski
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Loma Linda University Health, Loma Linda, California, USA
| | - Nneka N. Ufere
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachussetts, USA
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11
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Liu Y, Ji F, Nguyen MH. Sarcopenia in cirrhosis: epidemiology, diagnosis, management and prognosis. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:131-139. [PMID: 37144530 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW With the development of many international guidelines, research on sarcopenia has increased rapidly, showing that sarcopenia is predictive of adverse outcomes, including increased mortality and impaired mobility, in patients with cirrhosis. The purpose of this article is to review the current evidence concerning the epidemiology, diagnosis, management and predictive value of sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. RECENT FINDINGS Sarcopenia is a frequent and lethal complication of cirrhosis. Currently, abdominal computed tomography imaging is the most commonly used method to diagnose sarcopenia. In clinical practice, assessing muscle strength and physical performance, such as by measuring handgrip strength and gait speed, is of increasing interest. In addition to the necessary pharmacological therapy, adequate intake of protein, energy and micronutrients, as well as regular moderate-intensity exercise, can help to minimize sarcopenia. Sarcopenia has been shown to be a strong predictor of prognosis in patients with severe liver disease. SUMMARY A global consensus is needed on the definition and operational parameters for the diagnosis of sarcopenia. Further research should focus on developing standardized screening, management and treatment protocols for sarcopenia. Adding sarcopenia to existing models may better exploit the effect of sarcopenia on prognosis in patients with cirrhosis, which should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
| | - Fanpu Ji
- Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biodiagnosis and Biotherapy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University
- Shaanxi Clinical Research Center of Infectious Diseases
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Ministry of Education of China, Xi'an, PRC
| | - Mindie H Nguyen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, California, USA
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12
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Sarcopenia and Frailty in Cirrhosis. Med Clin North Am 2023; 107:589-604. [PMID: 37001955 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia and frailty are frequent in cirrhosis, and both contribute to increased morbidity and mortality. The complex pathogenesis of sarcopenia in cirrhosis is mainly determined by hyperammonemia and malnutrition. Sarcopenia/frailty screening and reevaluation should be undertaken in all cirrhotic patients. Frailty tests are useful in the ambulatory setting, whereas the computed tomography scan is the diagnostic gold standard for sarcopenia. To manage sarcopenia/frailty, a multidisciplinary team should develop a personalized comprehensive care plan that includes patient education, protein/calorie intake goals, late evening meals, exercise programs, and micronutrient replenishment. In selected patients, branched-chain amino acid and testosterone supplements may also be beneficial.
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13
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Miura S, Oyanagi E, Watanabe C, Hamada H, Aoki T, Kremenik MJ, Yano H. Acetyl-L-carnitine attenuates Poly I: C- induced sickness behavior in mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2022; 86:1423-1430. [PMID: 35945649 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbac132] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Fatigue is accompanied by a decrease in physical activity or malaise, and might be reduced by acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) administration. The purpose of this study was to investigate the preventive effects of ALC on Poly I: C-induced sickness behavior in mice. For the experiment, male C3H/HeN mice were used and treated with ALC for 5 days before Poly I: C administration. ALC administration attenuated the decrease in wheel behavior activity of mice at 24 h after Poly I: C administration, and ALC treated mice quickly recovered from the sickness behavior. The gene expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the cerebrum and hippocampus, which is associated with physical activity, was higher in the ALC-treated group. Translocator protein 18kDa (TSPO), which has cytoprotective effects, was up-regulated in the cerebrum and hippocampus, suggesting that ALC suppressed the decrease in activity induced by Poly I: C treatment through enhancement of cytoprotective effects in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzuka Miura
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Eri Oyanagi
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Chihiro Watanabe
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hamada
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takafumi Aoki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Michael J Kremenik
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiromi Yano
- Department of Health and Sports Science, Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare, Kurashiki, Okayama, 288 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
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14
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Clinical Evidence of Acetyl-L-Carnitine Efficacy in the Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Pilot Clinical Trial. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:2493053. [PMID: 35936217 PMCID: PMC9355767 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2493053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Background. This study was undertaken to evaluate the influence of oral Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in patients with acute ischemic stroke. Methods. Sixty-nine cases with acute ischemic stroke with the onset of symptoms less than 24 hours not candidates for reperfusion therapy were randomly assigned to either the ALC group (1000 mg three times per day for three consecutive days) or the matching placebo group. The study outcomes based on intention-to-treat criteria included the change in the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score from baseline to day 90, as well as the change in serum levels of the inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers over the 3-day treatment protocol. Results. The NIHSS score and mRS score on day 90 were improved by 5.82 and 0.94 scores, respectively, in the ALC-treated group compared to 2.83 and 0.11 scores, respectively, in the placebo-treated group, which demonstrated the superiority of ALC relative to placebo. By using the multivariable analysis after adjusting for other variables in the model, compared to the group treated with placebo, patients in the ALC group had lower NIHSS score (
: -2.40, 95% CI: -0.69, -4.10 (
)) and mRS score (
: -1.18, 95% CI: -0.52, -1.84 (
)) 90 days after the intervention. The percentage of patients with a favourable functional outcome at day 90, defined as mRS scores of 0 or 1, was significantly higher in the ALC group in comparison to the placebo group (52.9% versus 28.6%). Further, over the 3-day treatment protocol, in the patients receiving ALC, the serum levels of proinflammatory biomarkers, including soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (sICAM-1), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), showed a significant decrease, while the serum levels of antioxidant biomarkers, including glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), as well as the total L-carnitine’s level showed a significant increase compared to those in patients receiving placebo indicating significant alteration. Conclusions. Although preliminary, these results suggested that ALC administration during the acute phase of ischemic stroke might be helpful in improving functional and neurological outcomes that are probably linked to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Trial Registration. This trial is registered with IRCT20150629022965N17 at Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (registration date: 25/07/2018).
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15
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Dambrova M, Makrecka-Kuka M, Kuka J, Vilskersts R, Nordberg D, Attwood MM, Smesny S, Sen ZD, Guo AC, Oler E, Tian S, Zheng J, Wishart DS, Liepinsh E, Schiöth HB. Acylcarnitines: Nomenclature, Biomarkers, Therapeutic Potential, Drug Targets, and Clinical Trials. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:506-551. [PMID: 35710135 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acylcarnitines are fatty acid metabolites that play important roles in many cellular energy metabolism pathways. They have historically been used as important diagnostic markers for inborn errors of fatty acid oxidation and are being intensively studied as markers of energy metabolism, deficits in mitochondrial and peroxisomal β -oxidation activity, insulin resistance, and physical activity. Acylcarnitines are increasingly being identified as important indicators in metabolic studies of many diseases, including metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression, neurologic disorders, and certain cancers. The US Food and Drug Administration-approved drug L-carnitine, along with short-chain acylcarnitines (acetylcarnitine and propionylcarnitine), is now widely used as a dietary supplement. In light of their growing importance, we have undertaken an extensive review of acylcarnitines and provided a detailed description of their identity, nomenclature, classification, biochemistry, pathophysiology, supplementary use, potential drug targets, and clinical trials. We also summarize these updates in the Human Metabolome Database, which now includes information on the structures, chemical formulae, chemical/spectral properties, descriptions, and pathways for 1240 acylcarnitines. This work lays a solid foundation for identifying, characterizing, and understanding acylcarnitines in human biosamples. We also discuss the emerging opportunities for using acylcarnitines as biomarkers and as dietary interventions or supplements for many wide-ranging indications. The opportunity to identify new drug targets involved in controlling acylcarnitine levels is also discussed. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review provides a comprehensive overview of acylcarnitines, including their nomenclature, structure and biochemistry, and use as disease biomarkers and pharmaceutical agents. We present updated information contained in the Human Metabolome Database website as well as substantial mapping of the known biochemical pathways associated with acylcarnitines, thereby providing a strong foundation for further clarification of their physiological roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maija Dambrova
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Marina Makrecka-Kuka
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Janis Kuka
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Reinis Vilskersts
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Didi Nordberg
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Misty M Attwood
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Stefan Smesny
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Zumrut Duygu Sen
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - An Chi Guo
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Eponine Oler
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Siyang Tian
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Jiamin Zheng
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - David S Wishart
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Edgars Liepinsh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Pharmacology, Latvian Institute of Organic Synthesis, Riga, Latvia (M.D., M.M.-K., J.K., R.V., E.L.); Section of Functional Pharmacology, Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, (D.N., M.M.A., H.B.S.); Department of Psychiatry, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany (S.S., Z.D.S.); and Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada (A.C.G., E.O., S.T., J.Z., D.S.W.)
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16
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Yoon EL, Ahn SB, Jun DW, Cho YK, Song DS, Jeong JY, Kim HY, Jung YK, Song MJ, Kim SE, Kim HS, Jeong SW, Kim SG, Lee TH. Effect of L-carnitine on quality of life in covert hepatic encephalopathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Korean J Intern Med 2022; 37:757-767. [PMID: 35526858 PMCID: PMC9271723 DOI: 10.3904/kjim.2021.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS L-carnitine is potentially beneficial in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). We aimed to evaluate the impact of L-carnitine on the quality of life and liver function in patients with liver cirrhosis and covert HE. METHODS We conducted an investigator-initiated, prospective, multi-center, double- blind, randomized phase III trial in patients with covert HE. A total of 150 patients were randomized 1:1 to L-carnitine (2 g/day) or placebo for 24 weeks. Changes in quality of life and liver function were assessed at 6 months. The model for end-stage liver disease (MELD), the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36), the psychometric hepatic encephalopathy score (PHES), and the Stroop Test were evaluated in all patients. RESULTS The total SF-36 score significantly improved in the L-carnitine group after 24 weeks (difference: median, 2; interquartile range, 0 to 11; p < 0.001); however, these values were comparable between the two groups. Furthermore, there was a significant ordinal improvement in PHES scores among patients with minimal HE who were in the L-carnitine group (p = 0.007). Changes in the total carnitine level also positively correlated with improvements in the Stroop test in the L-carnitine group (color test, r = 0.3; word test, r = 0.4; inhibition test, r = 0.5; inhibition/switching test, r = 0.3; all p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the MELD scores at week 24 did not differ between the groups. CONCLUSION Twenty-four weeks of L-carnitine supplementation was safe but ineffective in improving quality of life and liver function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen L. Yoon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital, Seoul,
Korea
- Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sang Bong Ahn
- Nowon Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Dae Won Jun
- Hanyang University Seoul Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Yong Kyun Cho
- Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Do Seon Song
- St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Suwon,
Korea
| | | | - Hee Yeon Kim
- Uijeongbu St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Uijeongbu,
Korea
- Bucheon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon,
Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Korea University Ansan Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Ansan,
Korea
| | - Myeong Jun Song
- Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon,
Korea
| | - Sung Eun Kim
- Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang,
Korea
| | - Hyoung Su Kim
- Hallym University Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Soung Won Jeong
- Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Sang Gyune Kim
- Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon,
Korea
| | - Tae Hee Lee
- Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon,
Korea
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17
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Miwa T, Hanai T, Nishimura K, Sakai Y, Imai K, Suetsugu A, Takai K, Shiraki M, Katsukura N, Shimizu M. Survival benefit of L-carnitine supplementation in patients with cirrhosis. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2022; 46:1326-1334. [PMID: 35511698 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2386] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-carnitine supplementation is effective in improving muscle cramps, hyperammonemia, and hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. However, limited evidence is available on the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on the survival of patients with cirrhosis. METHODS In this retrospective study, 674 patients with cirrhosis admitted to Gifu University Hospital or Chuno Kosei Hospital between October 2011 and December 2018 were enrolled. L-carnitine supplementation was defined as the use of L-carnitine for more than 30 consecutive days during the follow-up period. Propensity score matching was applied to create comparable groups between L-carnitine-treated and untreated patients. Mortality was evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model. RESULTS Among the patients, 93 were excluded. Of the remaining 581 patients, 71 (12%) received L-carnitine supplementation. Propensity matching identified 189 patients (63 L-carnitine-treated and 126 untreated patients) with comparable baseline characteristics in both groups. Of the matched patients, 33 (52%) L-carnitine-treated and 74 (59%) untreated patients died during the median follow-up period of 36.3 months. Overall survival was significantly higher in L-carnitine-treated patients than in untreated patients (hazard ratio [HR], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.43-0.99). A subgroup analysis showed that the survival benefit of L-carnitine supplementation was prominent in patients with Child-Pugh class B or C (HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.23-0.68), albumin levels ≤3.5 g/dL (HR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.37-0.95), and ammonia levels ≥90 μg/dL (HR, 0.50; 95% CI, 0.26-0.97) and those without sarcopenia (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.35-0.90). CONCLUSION L-carnitine supplementation may improve survival in patients with cirrhosis. CLINICAL RELEVANCY STATEMENT Carnitine is a vitamin-like compound that regulates lipid and energy metabolism. Although it has been recognized that L-carnitine supplementation improves hyperammonemia, hepatic encephalopathy, sarcopenia, and frailty in patients with cirrhosis, the relationship between L-carnitine supplementation mortality remains unknown. The results of our study provide the first evidence that L-carnitine supplementation may improve survival in patients with cirrhosis. L-carnitine supplementation may shed a new light on the nutritional intervention for patients with cirrhosis. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takao Miwa
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Hanai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.,Center for Nutrition Support & Infection Control, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Kayoko Nishimura
- Center for Nutrition Support & Infection Control, Gifu University Hospital, Gifu, Japan
| | - Yuko Sakai
- Department of Nutrition, Chuno Kosei Hospital, Seki, Japan
| | - Kenji Imai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Atsushi Suetsugu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Koji Takai
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan.,Division for Regional Cancer Control, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Makoto Shiraki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chuno Kosei Hospital, Seki, Japan
| | - Naoki Katsukura
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chuno Kosei Hospital, Seki, Japan
| | - Masahito Shimizu
- Department of Gastroenterology/Internal Medicine, Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
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18
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Ebadi M, Tsien C, Bhanji RA, Dunichand-Hoedl AR, Rider E, Motamedrad M, Mazurak VC, Baracos V, Montano-Loza AJ. Myosteatosis in Cirrhosis: A Review of Diagnosis, Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Potential Interventions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071216. [PMID: 35406780 PMCID: PMC8997850 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Myosteatosis, or pathological excess fat accumulation in muscle, has been widely defined as a lower mean skeletal muscle radiodensity on computed tomography (CT). It is reported in more than half of patients with cirrhosis, and preliminary studies have shown a possible association with reduced survival and increased risk of portal hypertension complications. Despite the clinical implications in cirrhosis, a standardized definition for myosteatosis has not yet been established. Currently, little data exist on the mechanisms by which excess lipid accumulates within the muscle in individuals with cirrhosis. Hyperammonemia may play an important role in the pathophysiology of myosteatosis in this setting. Insulin resistance, impaired mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, diminished lipid oxidation in muscle and age-related differentiation of muscle stem cells into adipocytes have been also been suggested as potential mechanisms contributing to myosteatosis. The metabolic consequence of ammonia-lowering treatments and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in reversing myosteatosis in cirrhosis remains uncertain. Factors including the population of interest, design and sample size, single/combined treatment, dosing and duration of treatment are important considerations for future trials aiming to prevent or treat myosteatosis in individuals with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ebadi
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8, Canada; (M.E.); (R.A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Cynthia Tsien
- Ajmera Transplant Program, Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Rahima A. Bhanji
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8, Canada; (M.E.); (R.A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Abha R. Dunichand-Hoedl
- Division of Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (A.R.D.-H.); (M.M.); (V.C.M.)
| | - Elora Rider
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8, Canada; (M.E.); (R.A.B.); (E.R.)
| | - Maryam Motamedrad
- Division of Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (A.R.D.-H.); (M.M.); (V.C.M.)
| | - Vera C. Mazurak
- Division of Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2P5, Canada; (A.R.D.-H.); (M.M.); (V.C.M.)
| | - Vickie Baracos
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada;
| | - Aldo J. Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2X8, Canada; (M.E.); (R.A.B.); (E.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-780-248-1892
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19
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Rajpurohit S, Musunuri B, Basthi Mohan P, Shetty S. Novel Drugs for the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: Still a Long Journey to Travel. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:1200-1214. [PMID: 35814520 PMCID: PMC9257922 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2022.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the reversible complications of chronic liver disease, associated with a higher mortality rate. In current clinical practice, treatment with rifaximin and lactulose/lactitol is the first line of treatment in HE. With the advance in pathophysiology, a new class of ammonia lowering drugs has been revealed to overcome the hurdle and disease burden. The mechanism of the novel agents differs significantly and includes the alteration in intestinal microbiota, intestinal endothelial integrity, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and modulation of neurotoxins. Most of the trials have reported promising results in the treatment and prevention of HE with fecal microbiota transplantation, albumin, probiotics, flumazenil, polyethylene glycol, AST-120, glycerol phenylbutyrate, nitazoxanide, branched-chain amino acid, naloxone, and acetyl-l-carnitine. However, their clinical use is limited due to the presence of major drawbacks in their study design, sample size, safety profile, bias, and heterogenicity. This study will discuss the novel therapeutic targets for HE in liver cirrhosis patients with supporting clinical trial data.
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Key Words
- ALC, acetyl-L-carnitine
- BCAA, branched-chain amino acid
- BD, twice a day
- BDI, Beck Depression Inventory
- BUN, blood urea nitrogen
- CHESS, Clinical Hepatic Encephalopathy Staging Scale
- CLDQ, Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire
- ECT, estimated completion time
- EEG, electroencephalogram
- FMT, fecal microbiota transplantation
- GPB, glycerol phenylbutyrate
- HESA, Hepatic Encephalopathy Scoring Algorithm
- HRQOL, health-related quality of life
- IV, intravenous
- MED, Modified Encephalopathy Scale
- MELD, Model for End-stage Liver Disease
- MMSE, Mini-Mental State Examination
- NTZ, nitazoxanide
- Nal, naloxone
- OD, once a day
- ORT, object recognition test
- PEG, polyethylene glycol
- QID, four times a day
- QOL, quality of life
- RBNS, Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status
- RCT, randomized control trial
- RT-qPCR, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction
- TID, three times a day
- VSL#3, high concentration probiotic preparations
- hepatic encephalopathy
- liver cirrhosis
- novel drugs
- treatment outcome
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Shiran Shetty
- Address for correspondence: Shiran Shetty, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal 576104, Karnataka, India.
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20
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Levocarnitine Supplementation Suppresses Lenvatinib-Related Sarcopenia in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: Results of a Propensity Score Analysis. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13124428. [PMID: 34959980 PMCID: PMC8705344 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124428] [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: 11/21/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the inhibitory effect of levocarnitine supplementation on sarcopenia progression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients treated with lenvatinib. We evaluated the skeletal muscle index (SMI). After propensity score matching for age, sex, modified albumin-bilirubin grade, baseline presence of sarcopenia, and branched-chain amino acid administration, we selected 17 patients who received levocarnitine supplementation after starting lenvatinib therapy and 17 propensity-score-matched patients who did not receive levocarnitine. Sarcopenia was present in 76% of the patients at baseline. Changes in baseline SMI at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment were significantly suppressed in the group with levocarnitine supplementation compared with those without (p = 0.009 and p = 0.018, respectively). While there were no significant differences in serum free carnitine levels in cases without levocarnitine supplementation between baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment (p = 0.193), free carnitine levels were significantly higher after 6 weeks of treatment compared with baseline in cases with levocarnitine supplementation (p < 0.001). Baseline SMI and changes in baseline SMI after 6 weeks of treatment were significantly correlated with free carnitine levels (r = 0.359, p = 0.037; and r = 0.345, p = 0.045, respectively). Levocarnitine supplementation can suppress sarcopenia progression during lenvatinib therapy.
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21
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Hasan LZ, Wu GY. Novel Agents in the Management of Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Review. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2021; 9:749-759. [PMID: 34722190 PMCID: PMC8516841 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is an often devastating complication of chronic liver disease, associated with high mortality and increased burden on patients and healthcare systems. Current agents (such as nonabsorbable disaccharides and oral antibiotics) are often only partially effective and associated with unpleasant side effects. With our improved understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy, multiple treatment modalities have emerged with promising results when used alone or as an adjunct to standard medications. The mechanisms of these agents vary greatly, and include the manipulation of gut microbial composition, reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of inflammatory mediators, protection of endothelial integrity, modulation of neurotransmitter release and function, and other novel methods to reduce blood ammonia and neurotoxins. Despite their promising results, the studies assessing these treatment modalities are often limited by study design, sample size, outcome assessment heterogeneity, and paucity of data regarding their safety profiles. In this article, we discuss these novel agents in depth and provide the best evidence supporting their use, along with a critical look at their limitations and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Z. Hasan
- Correspondence to: Leen Z. Hasan, Department of Medicine, Internal Medicine Residency Program, UConn Health, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030-1235, USA. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3852-8591. Tel: +1-617-283-6633, Fax: +1-860-679-4613, E-mail: ,
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22
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Lai JC, Tandon P, Bernal W, Tapper EB, Ekong U, Dasarathy S, Carey EJ. Malnutrition, Frailty, and Sarcopenia in Patients With Cirrhosis: 2021 Practice Guidance by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases. Hepatology 2021; 74:1611-1644. [PMID: 34233031 PMCID: PMC9134787 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 260] [Impact Index Per Article: 86.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Lai
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology (Liver Unit), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Albert, Canada
| | - William Bernal
- Liver Intensive Therapy Unit, Institute of Liver Studies, Kings College Hospital, London, UK
| | - Elliot B Tapper
- Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
| | - Udeme Ekong
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Medstar Georgetown Transplant Institute, Washington, DC
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Elizabeth J Carey
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, AZ
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23
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Tandon P, Montano-Loza AJ, Lai JC, Dasarathy S, Merli M. Sarcopenia and frailty in decompensated cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2021; 75 Suppl 1:S147-S162. [PMID: 34039486 PMCID: PMC9125684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In patients with decompensated cirrhosis, sarcopenia and frailty are prevalent. Although several definitions exist for these terms, in the field of hepatology, sarcopenia has commonly been defined as loss of muscle mass, and frailty has been broadly defined as the phenotypic manifestation of the loss of muscle function. Prompt recognition and accurate assessment of these conditions are critical as they are both strongly associated with morbidity, mortality, poor quality of life and worse post-liver transplant outcomes in patients with cirrhosis. In this review, we describe the complex pathophysiology that underlies the clinical phenotypes of sarcopenia and frailty, their association with decompensation, and provide an overview of tools to assess these conditions in patients with cirrhosis. When available, we highlight data focusing on patients with acutely decompensated cirrhosis, such as inpatients, as this is an area of unmet clinical need. Finally, we discuss management strategies to reverse and/or prevent the development of sarcopenia and frailty, which include adequate nutritional intake of calories and protein, as well as regular exercise of at least moderate intensity, with a mix of aerobic and resistance training. Key knowledge gaps in our understanding of sarcopenia and frailty in decompensated cirrhosis remain, including best methods to measure muscle mass and function in the inpatient setting, racial/ethnic variation in the development and presentation of sarcopenia and frailty, and optimal clinical metrics to assess response to therapeutic interventions that translate into a reduction in adverse outcomes associated with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneeta Tandon
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Canada.
| | - Aldo J Montano-Loza
- Division of Gastroenterology & Liver Unit, University of Alberta Hospital, Canada
| | - Jennifer C Lai
- Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Srinivasan Dasarathy
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Manuela Merli
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Gastroenterology, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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24
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Allen SL, Quinlan JI, Dhaliwal A, Armstrong MJ, Elsharkawy AM, Greig CA, Lord JM, Lavery GG, Breen L. Sarcopenia in chronic liver disease: mechanisms and countermeasures. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G241-G257. [PMID: 33236953 PMCID: PMC8609568 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00373.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenia, a condition of low muscle mass, quality, and strength, is commonly found in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes including reduction in quality of life, increased mortality, and posttransplant complications. In chronic liver disease (CLD), sarcopenia is most commonly defined through the measurement of the skeletal muscle index of the third lumbar spine. A major contributor to sarcopenia in CLD is the imbalance in muscle protein turnover, which likely occurs due to a decrease in muscle protein synthesis and an elevation in muscle protein breakdown. This imbalance is assumed to arise due to several factors including accelerated starvation, hyperammonemia, amino acid deprivation, chronic inflammation, excessive alcohol intake, and physical inactivity. In particular, hyperammonemia is a key mediator of the liver-gut axis and is known to contribute to mitochondrial dysfunction and an increase in myostatin expression. Currently, the use of nutritional interventions such as late-evening snacks, branched-chain amino acid supplementation, and physical activity have been proposed to help the management and treatment of sarcopenia. However, little evidence exists to comprehensively support their use in clinical settings. Several new pharmacological strategies, including myostatin inhibition and the nutraceutical Urolithin A, have recently been proposed to treat age-related sarcopenia and may also be of use in CLD. This review highlights the potential molecular mechanisms contributing to sarcopenia in CLD alongside a discussion of existing and potential new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie L. Allen
- 1School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan I. Quinlan
- 1School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Amritpal Dhaliwal
- 2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,3Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,4Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. Armstrong
- 2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,4Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Ahmed M. Elsharkawy
- 2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,3Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,4Liver Unit, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Carolyn A. Greig
- 1School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,5MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Janet M. Lord
- 2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,3Institute of Inflammation and Ageing, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,5MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Gareth G. Lavery
- 2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,6Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,7Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partner, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Leigh Breen
- 1School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom,2National Institute for Health Research, Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom,5MRC-Versus Arthritis Centre for Musculoskeletal Ageing Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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25
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Abe K, Fujita M, Hayashi M, Takahashi A, Ohira H. The Efficacy of Levocarnitine Treatment in Relieving Fatigue in Patients with Cirrhosis but without Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy. Intern Med 2021; 60:3533-3542. [PMID: 34776465 PMCID: PMC8666222 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.7175-21] [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: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective In the present study, we prospectively examined the efficacy of levocarnitine in relieving symptoms of fatigue in patients with cirrhosis but without overt hepatic encephalopathy. Methods Twenty-one cirrhotic patients who were able to undergo fatigue symptom evaluations at our institution were enrolled. A total of 12 cirrhotic patients underwent levocarnitine treatment (1,200-1,800 mg/day), while 9 did not undergo levocarnitine treatment. As primary endpoints, we investigated whether or not levocarnitine treatment exerted any beneficial effects by assessing the symptoms of fatigue [8-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-8) and Fisk Fatigue Severity Score (FFSS)] at baseline and three months after treatment. Furthermore, as exploratory secondary endpoints, we investigated whether or not levocarnitine treatment exerted ameliorative effects on oxidative stress by assessing the serum thioredoxin (TRX) and urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels. Results The median age of the patients was 73 years old. Three men and 18 women were categorized by their Child-Pugh class (A and B in 14 and 7 patients, respectively). There were no significant differences in the clinical laboratory values between the two groups. The FFSS and SF-8 scores were significantly improved in the patients with cirrhosis who underwent levocarnitine treatment (p<0.01) but not in those who did not undergo levocarnitine treatment. Furthermore, three months after levocarnitine treatment, the serum carnitine concentrations were significantly increased, and the serum thioredoxin levels were decreased in the patients with cirrhosis who underwent levocarnitine treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion These results suggest that levocarnitine treatment may relieve symptoms of fatigue in cirrhotic patients by reducing oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Masashi Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Manabu Hayashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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26
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Sato S, Namisaki T, Furukawa M, Saikawa S, Kawaratani H, Kaji K, Takaya H, Shimozato N, Sawada Y, Kitagawa K, Moriya K, Akahane T, Mitoro A, Hoki N, Ann T, Yoshiji H. Effect of L-carnitine on health-related quality of life in patients with liver cirrhosis. Biomed Rep 2020; 13:65. [PMID: 33149909 PMCID: PMC7605124 DOI: 10.3892/br.2020.1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
L-carnitine (4-N-trimethylammonium-3-hydroxybutyric acid) is the physiologically active form of carnitine and is a natural compound that has been shown to exhibit antioxidant activity. L-carnitine is used as a supplementary treatment in patients with cirrhosis with hepatic encephalopathy, hyperammonemia or muscle cramps. In the present study, the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on health-related quality of life in 30 patients with cirrhosis was prospectively examined. L-carnitine (1,800 mg/day) was administered orally for 6 months. To assess the effects of L-carnitine on chronic fatigue, patients filled out a self-report questionnaire regarding their physical and mental health. The levels of total and free carnitine, and acylcarnitine were found to be significantly higher 1, 3 and 6 months after therapy initiation compared with before treatment. Serum albumin levels were significantly increased 3 and 6 months after initiation of therapy. L-carnitine supplementation significantly increased the BAP/d-ROM ratio, a marker of antioxidant status in patients with cirrhosis. Changes in serum carnitine concentrations were positively correlated with changes in serum albumin levels (R2=0.369; P=0.012), but not with changes in serum ammonia levels (R2= 0.005; P=0.78). Total and mental health scores improved significantly, and physical scores improved marginally 3 and 6 months after initiation of L-carnitine. These findings may be attributed to the enhanced serum albumin levels and oxidative stress rather than the reduced serum ammonia levels. Based on these results, it is suggested that L-carnitine can potentially alleviate chronic fatigue, along with the increased BAP/d-ROM ratio, which were involved in increased oxidative stress in patients with cirrhosis. The specific mechanisms by which L-carnitine ameliorates chronic fatigue is not fully understood and requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tadashi Namisaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Masanori Furukawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Soichiro Saikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hideto Kawaratani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kosuke Kaji
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Takaya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Naotaka Shimozato
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Sawada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Koh Kitagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Kei Moriya
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takemi Akahane
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Akira Mitoro
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Hoki
- Department of Gastroenterology in Bellland General Hospital, Sakai, Osaka 599-8247, Japan
| | - Tatsuichi Ann
- Department of Gastroenterology in Bellland General Hospital, Sakai, Osaka 599-8247, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Yoshiji
- Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara 634-8522, Japan
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Hanai T, Shiraki M, Imai K, Suetugu A, Takai K, Shimizu M. Usefulness of Carnitine Supplementation for the Complications of Liver Cirrhosis. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12071915. [PMID: 32610446 PMCID: PMC7401279 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Carnitine is a vitamin-like substance that regulates lipid metabolism and energy production. Carnitine homeostasis is mainly regulated by dietary intake and biosynthesis in the organs, including the skeletal muscle and the liver. Therefore, liver cirrhotic patients with reduced food intake, malnutrition, biosynthetic disorder, and poor storage capacity of carnitine in the skeletal muscle and liver are more likely to experience carnitine deficiency. In particular, liver cirrhotic patients with sarcopenia are at a high risk for developing carnitine deficiency. Carnitine deficiency impairs the important metabolic processes of the liver, such as gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism, albumin biosynthesis, and ammonia detoxification by the urea cycle, and causes hypoalbuminemia and hyperammonemia. Carnitine deficiency should be suspected in liver cirrhotic patients with severe malaise, hepatic encephalopathy, sarcopenia, muscle cramps, and so on. Importantly, the blood carnitine level does not always decrease in patients with liver cirrhosis, and it sometimes exceeds the normal level. Therefore, patients with liver cirrhosis should be treated as if they are in a state of relative carnitine deficiency at the liver, skeletal muscle, and mitochondrial levels, even if the blood carnitine level is not decreased. Recent clinical trials have revealed the effectiveness of carnitine supplementation for the complications of liver cirrhosis, such as hepatic encephalopathy, sarcopenia, and muscle cramps. In conclusion, carnitine deficiency is not always rare in liver cirrhosis, and it requires constant attention in the daily medical care of this disease. Carnitine supplementation might be an important strategy for improving the quality of life of patients with liver cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsunori Hanai
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-(58)-230-6308; Fax: +81-(58)-230-6310
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Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders: A Critical Update. Nutrients 2020. [PMID: 32408706 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051389.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies explored the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in dementia, suggesting a role in slowing down cognitive decline. Nevertheless, in 2003 a systematic review concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend a clinical use, although a meta-analysis in the same year showed a significant advantage for ALC for clinical scales and psychometric tests. Since then, other studies have been published; however, a critical review is still lacking. We provide an update of the studies on ALC in primary and secondary dementia, highlighting the current limitations and translational implications. Overall, the role of ALC in dementia is still under debate. The underlying mechanisms may include restoring of cell membranes and synaptic functioning, enhancing cholinergic activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism, protecting against toxins, and exerting neurotrophic effects. The effects of ALC on the gut-liver-brain axis seem to identify the category of patients in which the new insights contribute most to the mechanisms of action of ALC, likely being the liver metabolism and the improvement of hepatic detoxifying mechanisms the primary targets. In this framework, our research group has dealt with this topic, focusing on the ALC-related cross-talk mechanisms. Further studies with homogeneous sample and longitudinal assessment are needed before a systematic clinical application.
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Pennisi M, Lanza G, Cantone M, D’Amico E, Fisicaro F, Puglisi V, Vinciguerra L, Bella R, Vicari E, Malaguarnera G. Acetyl-L-Carnitine in Dementia and Other Cognitive Disorders: A Critical Update. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12051389. [PMID: 32408706 PMCID: PMC7284336 DOI: 10.3390/nu12051389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies explored the effects of acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) in dementia, suggesting a role in slowing down cognitive decline. Nevertheless, in 2003 a systematic review concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend a clinical use, although a meta-analysis in the same year showed a significant advantage for ALC for clinical scales and psychometric tests. Since then, other studies have been published; however, a critical review is still lacking. We provide an update of the studies on ALC in primary and secondary dementia, highlighting the current limitations and translational implications. Overall, the role of ALC in dementia is still under debate. The underlying mechanisms may include restoring of cell membranes and synaptic functioning, enhancing cholinergic activity, promoting mitochondrial energy metabolism, protecting against toxins, and exerting neurotrophic effects. The effects of ALC on the gut-liver-brain axis seem to identify the category of patients in which the new insights contribute most to the mechanisms of action of ALC, likely being the liver metabolism and the improvement of hepatic detoxifying mechanisms the primary targets. In this framework, our research group has dealt with this topic, focusing on the ALC-related cross-talk mechanisms. Further studies with homogeneous sample and longitudinal assessment are needed before a systematic clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.P.); (F.F.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-3782448
| | - Mariagiovanna Cantone
- Department of Neurology, Sant’Elia Hospital, Azienda Sanitaria Provinciale (ASP) Caltanissetta, Via Luigi Russo 6, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
| | - Emanuele D’Amico
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Francesco Fisicaro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.P.); (F.F.); (G.M.)
| | - Valentina Puglisi
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Cremona, Viale Concordia 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (V.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Luisa Vinciguerra
- Department of Neurology, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) Cremona, Viale Concordia 1, 26100 Cremona, Italy; (V.P.); (L.V.)
| | - Rita Bella
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.D.); (R.B.)
| | - Enzo Vicari
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.P.); (F.F.); (G.M.)
- Research Center “The Great Senescence”, University of Catania, Via Androne 83, 95124 Catania, Italy
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Abstract
Despite widespread use of lactulose and rifaximin for the treatment of hepatic encephalopathy, this complication of advanced liver disease remains a major burden on the health care system in the United States and continues to predispose to high morbidity and mortality. Several agents have surfaced over recent years with promise to treat hepatic encephalopathy and mitigate the cognitive impairment associated with this disease process. The purpose of this article is to highlight the leading emerging therapies in hepatic encephalopathy as well as their therapeutic targets.
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Askarpour M, Djafarian K, Ghaedi E, Sadeghi O, Sheikhi A, Shab-Bidar S. Effect of L-Carnitine Supplementation on Liver Enzymes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Arch Med Res 2020; 51:82-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2019.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Abbasnezhad A, Choghakhori R, Kashkooli S, Alipour M, Asbaghi O, Mohammadi R. Effect of L-carnitine on liver enzymes and biochemical factors in hepatic encephalopathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:2062-2070. [PMID: 31254469 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS We aimed to investigate the effect of L-carnitine on biochemical factors including ammonia, bilirubin, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) in patients with hepatic encephalopathy (HE). METHODS A systematic search was carried out in Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to find articles related to the effect of L-carnitine supplementation in patients with HE, up to 7 February 2019. There was no language and time limitation. Meta-analyses were carried out using both the random and fixed effects models where appropriate, and I2 index was used to evaluate the heterogeneity. RESULTS Search yielded 3462 publications. Nine randomized clinical trials with 779 patients were eligible. L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of ammonia. Furthermore, our results indicated that L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of bilirubin, AST, BUN, and Cr in patients with HE. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that L-carnitine significantly reduced ammonia in patients with all the ages, long and short duration of the supplementation, doses less or higher than 4000 mg/day, any route of treatment (intravenous or oral), and in patients with any grade of the symptoms of HE. Moreover, we found that L-carnitine significantly increased circulating levels of albumin in HE patients. CONCLUSIONS Present systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced blood levels of ammonia, bilirubin, AST, BUN, and Cr in HE patients. Moreover, we found that L-carnitine significantly increased circulating levels of albumin. However, further large-scale randomized clinical trials are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abbasnezhad
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Razieh Choghakhori
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Sara Kashkooli
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Meysam Alipour
- Nutrition and Metabolic Diseases Researcher Center, Department of Nutrition, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Yousefi Rad E, Eslampour E, Falahi E, Mardani M, Hekmatdoost A, Asbaghi O, Saboori S. Effects of carnitine supplementation on liver aminotransferase enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Indian J Gastroenterol 2019; 38:470-479. [PMID: 31828538 DOI: 10.1007/s12664-019-00983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS This meta-analysis of the randomized controlled trials was performed to assess effects of carnitine supplementation on serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. METHODS A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Cochrane's library, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase was performed up to May 2018. From a total of 2012 articles identified initially, only 17 articles were included in the final meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of carnitine supplementation on serum levels of ALT and AST enzymes. RESULTS Random effects model meta-analysis showed that carnitine supplementation led to reduction in serum ALT (weighted mean difference [WMD] - 10.25 IU/L; 95% CI = - 15.73, - 4.77; p < 0.001) and AST levels (WMD - 7.85 IU/L; 95% CI = - 11.85, - 3.86; p < 0.001). The results of subgroup analysis showed that carnitine could reduce serum AST levels at dosages equal to 2000 mg/day (p = 0.014) or more than 2000 mg/day (p < 0.001). However, carnitine supplementation at dosages of ≤ 1000 mg/day (p = 0.035) or equal to 2000 mg/day (p = 0.013) resulted in significant reduction in ALT level, while doses more than 2000 mg/day did not change ALT significantly. Carnitine exerts its reducing effect on serum ALT and AST levels only when these aminotransferases are raised or when the duration of supplementation lasts at least 3 months. CONCLUSION Results of the current meta-analysis showed that carnitine supplementation can decrease serum AST and ALT levels significantly, especially when supplementation lasts 3 months or more in patients with elevated serum aminotransferase levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esmaeil Yousefi Rad
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Elham Eslampour
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Falahi
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Mardani
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Azita Hekmatdoost
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology, Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, British Columbia's Children's Hospital and Child and Family Research Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Omid Asbaghi
- Student Research Committee, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Somayeh Saboori
- Nutritional Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
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Does L-carnitine supplementation affect serum levels of enzymes mainly produced by liver? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Eur J Nutr 2019; 59:1767-1783. [PMID: 31385062 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-019-02068-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS L-carnitine supplementation is proposed to reduce liver enzymes levels; however, previous findings were equivocal. The current systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) were performed to assess the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on serum levels of enzymes mainly produced by liver [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGTP)]. METHODS Online databases as well as the reference lists of relevant studies were searched from inception up to June 2019. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration's tool. Data were pooled using the random-effects model and expressed as mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS In total, 18 RCTs (1161 participants) met the eligibility criteria. L-carnitine supplementation dose ranged from 500 to 4000 mg/day. L-carnitine supplementation significantly reduced serum ALT (MD = - 8.65 IU/L, 95% CI - 13.40, - 3.90), AST (MD = - 8.52 IU/L, 95% CI - 12.16, - 4.89), and GGTP (MD = - 8.80 IU/L, 95% CI - 13.67, - 3.92) levels. The subgroup analysis showed that L-carnitine might be more effective in reducing the enzymes when supplemented in higher doses (≥ 2000 mg/day), for longer durations (> 12 weeks), and among patients with liver diseases. The meta-evidence was graded as "moderate" for ALT and AST, and "low" for GGTP according to NutriGrade scoring system. CONCLUSION L-carnitine supplementation significantly improves circulating ALT, AST and GGTP levels; therefore, it might positively affect liver function, especially among patients with liver diseases. Further high-quality RCTs are recommended to confirm our results.
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Ekerfors U, Sunnerhagen KS, Westin J, Jakobsson Ung E, Marschall HU, Josefsson A, Simrén M. Muscle performance and fatigue in compensated chronic liver disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 2019; 54:925-933. [PMID: 31287334 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2019.1635638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Background: A common and debilitating symptom in patients with chronic liver disease is fatigue (CLD). Muscle dysfunction has been suggested to be a key mechanism of fatigue in CLD. Objective: We aimed to evaluate fatigue and the potential association with muscle performance and physical activity in outpatients with CLD. Methods: Two-hundred seventy outpatients with CLD were included, (52 ± 15 years, mean ± SD; 151 females) with autoimmune hepatitis (n = 49), primary biliary cholangitis (n = 45), primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 46), chronic hepatitis B (n = 57) or C (n = 73). Patients with a Child-Pugh >6 were excluded. The questionnaire Fatigue Impact Scale (FIS) was used to evaluate fatigue, and physical activity was evaluated through a self-reported level of physical activity. Muscle function was assessed with four muscle tests, walking speed, handgrip strength, standing heel-rise test (SHT) and 'Timed Up and Go' test (TUG). Results: The median total FIS score was 30 (40% had FIS > 40, considered high-fatigue). Diminished muscle performance was observed in the SHT (% of predicted value: 53 ± 26%) and with maximum grip strength (85 ± 20%). The FIS score was significantly different between groups of CLDs (p = .004). In multivariate analysis the TUG (p = .001), SHT (p = .005), antidepressants (p < .001), and level of physical activity (p = .001) were associated with fatigue (R2 = 29%). Subjects with higher levels of physical activity had lower FIS (p < .001). Conclusions: In patients with CLD, fatigue was associated with low muscle performance and reduced level of physical activity, which could be a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrika Ekerfors
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.,University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centered Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Katharina Stibrant Sunnerhagen
- University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centered Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.,Rehabilitation Medicine, Section for Clinical Neuroscience, Institute for Neuroscience and Physiology , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Johan Westin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Eva Jakobsson Ung
- University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centered Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.,Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Hanns-Ulrich Marschall
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Axel Josefsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden
| | - Magnus Simrén
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.,University of Gothenburg Centre for Person-Centered Care (GPCC), Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg , Gothenburg , Sweden.,Center for Functional Gastrointestinal and Motility Disorders, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , NC , USA
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Effect of lifelong carnitine supplementation on plasma and tissue carnitine status, hepatic lipid metabolism and stress signalling pathways and skeletal muscle transcriptome in mice at advanced age. Br J Nutr 2019; 121:1323-1333. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114519000709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
AbstractWhile strong evidence from clinical studies suggests beneficial effects of carnitine supplementation on metabolic health, serious safety concerns associated with carnitine supplementation have been raised from studies in mice. Considering that the carnitine doses in these mice studies were up to 100 times higher than those used in clinical studies, the present study aimed to address possible safety concerns associated with long-term supplementation of a carnitine dose used in clinical trials. Two groups of NMRI mice were fed either a control or a carnitine-supplemented diet (1 g/kg diet) from weaning to 19 months of age, and parameters of hepatic lipid metabolism and stress signalling and skeletal muscle gene expression were analysed in the mice at 19 months of age. Concentrations of free carnitine and acetylcarnitine in plasma and tissues were higher in the carnitine than in the control group (P<0·05). Plasma concentrations of free carnitine and acetylcarnitine were higher in mice at adult age (10 and 15 months) than at advanced age (19 months) (P<0·05). Hepatic mRNA and protein levels of genes involved in lipid metabolism and stress signalling and hepatic and plasma lipid concentrations did not differ between the carnitine and the control group. Skeletal muscle transcriptome analysis in 19-month-old mice revealed only a moderate regulation between carnitine and control group. Lifelong carnitine supplementation prevents an age-dependent impairment of plasma carnitine status, but safety concerns associated with long-term supplementation of carnitine at doses used in clinical trials can be considered as unfounded.
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González-Regueiro J, la Tijera MHD, Moreno-Alcántar R, Torre A. Pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy and future treatment options. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGÍA DE MÉXICO (ENGLISH EDITION) 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmxen.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
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González-Regueiro JA, Higuera-de la Tijera MF, Moreno-Alcántar R, Torre A. Pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy and future treatment options. REVISTA DE GASTROENTEROLOGIA DE MEXICO (ENGLISH) 2019; 84:195-203. [PMID: 31014748 DOI: 10.1016/j.rgmx.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Understanding of the pathophysiology of hepatic encephalopathy has conditioned new treatment options. Ammonia detoxification in hepatic encephalopathy is regulated by two enzymes: glutaminase or glutamine synthetase. The first produces ammonia and the second detoxifies the ammonia, which is why treatments are aimed at glutaminase inhibition or glutamine synthetase activation. At present, we know that both enzymes are found not only in the liver, but also in the muscle, intestine, kidney, and brain. Therefore, current treatments can be directed at each enzyme at different sites. Awareness of those potential treatment sites makes different options of approach possible in the patient with hepatic encephalopathy, and each approach should be personalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A González-Regueiro
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición «Salvador Zubirán», Ciudad de México, México
| | | | - R Moreno-Alcántar
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Centro Médico Nacional Siglo XXI, Ciudad de México, México
| | - A Torre
- Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición «Salvador Zubirán», Ciudad de México, México; Unidad de Hepatología y Trasplante Hepático, Departamento de Gastroenterología, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición «Salvador Zubirán», Ciudad de México, México.
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Martí‐Carvajal AJ, Gluud C, Arevalo‐Rodriguez I, Martí‐Amarista CE. Acetyl-L-carnitine for patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 1:CD011451. [PMID: 30610762 PMCID: PMC6353234 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011451.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is a common and devastating neuropsychiatric complication of acute liver failure or chronic liver disease. Ammonia content in the blood seems to play a role in the development of hepatic encephalopathy. Treatment for hepatic encephalopathy is complex. Acetyl-L-carnitine is a substance that may reduce ammonia toxicity. This review assessed the benefits and harms of acetyl-L-carnitine for patients with hepatic encephalopathy. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefits and harms of acetyl-L-carnitine for patients with hepatic encephalopathy. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Hepato-Biliary Group Controlled Trials Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, LILACS, and Science Citation Index Expanded for randomised clinical trials. We sought additional randomised clinical trials from the World Health Organization Clinical Trials Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov. We performed all electronic searches until 10 September 2018. We looked through the reference lists of retrieved publications and review articles, and we searched the FDA and EMA websites. SELECTION CRITERIA We searched for randomised clinical trials in any setting, recruiting people with hepatic encephalopathy. Trials were eligible for inclusion if they compared acetyl-L-carnitine plus standard care (e.g. antibiotics, lactulose) versus placebo or no acetyl-L-carnitine plus standard care. We are well aware that by selecting randomised clinical trials, we placed greater focus on potential benefits than on potential harms. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We selected randomised clinical trials, assessed risk of bias in eight domains, and extracted data in a duplicate and independent fashion. We estimated risk ratios (RRs) for dichotomous outcomes and mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes. We measured statistical heterogeneity using I² and D² statistics. We subjected our analyses to fixed-effect and random-effects model meta-analyses. We assessed bias risk domains to control systematic errors. We assessed overall quality of the data for each individual outcome by using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We identified five randomised clinical trials involving 398 participants. All trials included only participants with cirrhosis as the underlying cause of hepatic encephalopathy. Trials included participants with covert or overt hepatic encephalopathy. All trials were conducted in Italy by a single team and assessed acetyl-L-carnitine compared with placebo. Oral intervention was the most frequent route of administration. All trials were at high risk of bias and were underpowered. None of the trials were sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry.None of the identified trials reported information on all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, or days of hospitalisation. Only one trial assessed quality of life using the Short Form (SF)-36 scale (67 participants; very low-quality evidence). The effects of acetyl-L-carnitine compared with placebo on general health at 90 days are uncertain (MD -6.20 points, 95% confidence interval (CI) -9.51 to -2.89). Results for additional domains of the SF-36 are also uncertain. One trial assessed fatigue using the Wessely and Powell test (121 participants; very low-quality evidence). The effects are uncertain in people with moderate-grade hepatic encephalopathy (mental fatigue: MD 0.40 points, 95% CI -0.21 to 1.01; physical fatigue: MD -0.20 points, 95% CI -0.92 to 0.52) and mild-grade hepatic encephalopathy (mental fatigue: -0.80 points, 95% CI -1.48 to -0.12; physical fatigue: 0.20 points, 95% CI -0.72 to 1.12). Meta-analysis showed a reduction in blood ammonium levels favouring acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo (MD -13.06 mg/dL, 95% CI -17.24 to -8.99; 387 participants; 5 trials; very low-quality evidence). It is unclear whether acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo increases the risk of non-serious adverse events (8/126 (6.34%) vs 3/120 (2.50%); RR 2.51, 95% CI 0.68 to 9.22; 2 trials; very low-quality evidence). Overall, adverse events data were poorly reported and harms may have been underestimated. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This Cochrane systematic review analysed a heterogeneous group of five trials at high risk of bias and with high risk of random errors conducted by only one research team. We assessed acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo in participants with cirrhosis with covert or overt hepatic encephalopathy. Hence, we have no data on the drug for hepatic encephalopathy in acute liver failure. We found no information about all-cause mortality, serious adverse events, or days of hospitalisation. We found no clear differences in effect between acetyl-L-carnitine and placebo regarding quality of life, fatigue, and non-serious adverse events. Acetyl-L-carnitine reduces blood ammonium levels compared with placebo. We rated all evidence as of very low quality due to pitfalls in design and execution, inconsistency, small sample sizes, and very few events. The harms profile for acetyl-L-carnitine is presently unclear. Accordingly, we need further randomised clinical trials to assess acetyl-L-carnitine versus placebo conducted according to the SPIRIT statements and reported according to the CONSORT statements.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Gluud
- Copenhagen Trial Unit, Centre for Clinical Intervention Research, Department 7812, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University HospitalCochrane Hepato‐Biliary GroupBlegdamsvej 9CopenhagenDenmarkDK‐2100
| | - Ingrid Arevalo‐Rodriguez
- Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal (IRYCIS)Clinical Biostatistics UnitMadridSpain
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP)MadridSpain
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Abstract
Sarcopenia (severe muscle depletion) is a prevalent muscle abnormality in patients with cirrhosis that confers poor prognosis both pre- and post-liver transplantation. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia is multifactorial and results from an imbalance between protein synthesis and breakdown. Nutritional, metabolic, and biochemical abnormalities seen in chronic liver disease alter whole body protein homeostasis. Hyperammonemia, increased autophagy, proteasomal activity, lower protein synthesis, and impaired mitochondrial function play an important role in muscle depletion in cirrhosis. Factors including cellular energy status, availability of metabolic substrates (e.g., branched-chain amino acids), alterations in the endocrine system (insulin resistance, circulating levels of insulin, insulin-like growth factor-1, corticosteroids, and testosterone), cytokines, myostatin, and exercise are involved in regulating muscle mass. A favored atrophy of type II fast-twitch glycolytic fibers seems to occur in patients with cirrhosis and sarcopenia. Identification of muscle biological abnormalities and underlying mechanisms is required to plan clinical trials to reverse sarcopenia through modulation of specific mechanisms. Accordingly, a combination of nutritional, physical, and pharmacological interventions might be necessary to reverse sarcopenia in cirrhosis. Moderate exercise should be combined with appropriate energy and protein intake, in accordance with clinical guidelines. Interventions with branched chain amino acids, testosterone, carnitine, or ammonia-lowering therapies should be considered individually. Various factors such as dose, type, duration of supplementations, etiology of cirrhosis, amount of dietary protein intake, and compliance with supplementation and exercise should be the focus of future large randomized controlled trials investigating both prevention and treatment of sarcopenia in this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chathur Acharya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Virginia Commonwealth University and McGuire VA Medical Center, Richmond, VA, USA
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Ohara M, Ogawa K, Suda G, Kimura M, Maehara O, Shimazaki T, Suzuki K, Nakamura A, Umemura M, Izumi T, Kawagishi N, Nakai M, Sho T, Natsuizaka M, Morikawa K, Ohnishi S, Sakamoto N. L-Carnitine Suppresses Loss of Skeletal Muscle Mass in Patients With Liver Cirrhosis. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:906-918. [PMID: 30094402 PMCID: PMC6078216 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a major cause of secondary sarcopenia. Sarcopenia makes the prognosis worse; thus, novel therapeutic options for sarcopenia in patients with LC are urgently required as they are currently limited. In this retrospective study, 158 patients with LC were screened, and 35 of those patients who were treated with L‐carnitine for more than 6 months and for whom skeletal muscle mass changes could be evaluated by computer tomography were enrolled. Of the 158 patients, 79 patients who did not receive L‐carnitine supplementation served as controls. Cases and controls were propensity score matched for age, sex, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and branched chain amino acid administration, and changes in skeletal muscle mass and clinical data were compared. The 35 patients who received L‐carnitine supplementation and 35 propensity score‐matched patients who did not receive carnitine supplementation comprised the final enrollment. Compared with control patients, patients who received L‐carnitine had significantly worse liver function, which is associated with rapid progress of skeletal muscle depletion. However, loss of skeletal muscle mass was significantly suppressed in patients receiving L‐carnitine, and a significant effect was observed in patient subgroups stratified by age, sex, presence of hepatocellular carcinoma, and branched chain amino acid administration. The change ratios of most laboratory data, including vitamin D and insulin‐like growth factor 1 levels, were similar in the two groups, but ammonia levels were significantly less in those receiving L‐carnitine. However, even in patients receiving L‐carnitine but not showing an ammonia decrease, loss of skeletal muscle was significantly suppressed. Conclusion: L‐carnitine suppresses loss of skeletal muscle mass and may therefore be a novel therapeutic option for sarcopenia in patients with LC. (Hepatology Communications 2018; 00:000‐000)
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatsugu Ohara
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Koji Ogawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Goki Suda
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Megumi Kimura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Osamu Maehara
- Department of Pathophysiology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hokkaido University Sapporo Japan
| | - Tomoe Shimazaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Kazuharu Suzuki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Akihisa Nakamura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Machiko Umemura
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Takaaki Izumi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Naoki Kawagishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Masato Nakai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Takuya Sho
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Mitsuteru Natsuizaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Kenichi Morikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Shunsuke Ohnishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
| | - Naoya Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine Sapporo Japan
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43
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Kou L, Sun R, Ganapathy V, Yao Q, Chen R. Recent advances in drug delivery via the organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 (OCTN2/SLC22A5). Expert Opin Ther Targets 2018; 22:715-726. [PMID: 30016594 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2018.1502273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Transporters in the plasma membrane have been exploited successfully for the delivery of drugs in the form of prodrugs and nanoparticles. Organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 (OCTN2, SLC22A5) has emerged as a viable target for drug delivery. OCTN2 is a Na+-dependent high-affinity transporter for L-carnitine and a Na+-independent transporter for organic cations. OCTN2 is expressed in the blood-brain barrier, heart, liver, kidney, intestinal tract and placenta and plays an essential role in L-carnitine homeostasis in the body. Areas covered: In recent years, several studies have been reported in the literature describing the utility of OCTN2 to enhance the delivery of drugs, prodrugs and nanoparticles. Here we summarize the salient features of OCTN2 in terms of its role in the cellular uptake of its physiological substrate L-carnitine in physiological and pathological context; the structural requirements for recognition and the recent advances in OCTN2-targeted drug delivery systems, including prodrugs and nanoparticles, are discussed. Expert opinion: This transporter has great potential to be utilized as a target for drug delivery to improve oral absorption of drugs in the intestinal tract. It also has potential to facilitate the transfer of drugs across the biological barriers such as the blood-brain barrier, blood-retinal barrier, and maternal-fetal barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfa Kou
- a Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , China
| | - Rui Sun
- a Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , China
| | - Vadivel Ganapathy
- a Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , China.,b Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry , School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center , Lubbock , TX , USA
| | - Qing Yao
- c School of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , China
| | - Ruijie Chen
- a Department of Pharmacy , The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University , Wenzhou , China
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44
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Matsui H, Einama T, Shichi S, Kanazawa R, Shibuya K, Suzuki T, Matsuzawa F, Hashimoto T, Homma S, Yamamoto J, Taketomi A, Abe H. L-Carnitine supplementation reduces the general fatigue of cancer patients during chemotherapy. Mol Clin Oncol 2018; 8:413-416. [PMID: 29456846 PMCID: PMC5795559 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2018.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
L-Carnitine (LC) plays an important role in the metabolism of fatty acids, and LC deficiency is associated with a feeling of weakness or general fatigue. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapy often develop LC deficiency, which is considered to be a factor contributing to general fatigue. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of LC supplementation as a treatment for general fatigue in cancer patients during chemotherapy. A total of 11 cancer patients who were suffering from general fatigue during chemotherapy in our hospital between September 2014 and December 2015 were examined (6 cases involved adjuvant chemotherapy and 5 cases involved chemotherapy for unresectable or recurrent disease). The patients were administered 1,500 mg/day of levocarnitine per os, and the change in mean daily fatigue from the baseline to 8 weeks was assessed using the Brief Fatigue Inventory. The change in the plasma levels of albumin and the lymphocyte counts from the baseline to 8 weeks were also assessed. LC supplementation reduced general fatigue in all cases. Moreover, LC supplementation maintained the plasma levels of albumin and lymphocyte counts during chemotherapy, and enabled patients to continue chemotherapy sequentially without dose reduction. Therefore, LC supplementation improved general fatigue in all the examined cancer patients during chemotherapy. This treatment may make improve the tolerability of chemotherapy in cancer patients by reducing general fatigue and improving the nutritional status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Matsui
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
| | - Takahiro Einama
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan.,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan.,Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Shichi
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
| | - Ryo Kanazawa
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Shibuya
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Matsuzawa
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
| | - Taku Hashimoto
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
| | - Shigenori Homma
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Junji Yamamoto
- Department of Surgery, National Defense Medical College, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Akinobu Taketomi
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery I, Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8638, Japan
| | - Hironori Abe
- Department of Surgery, Hokkaido Social Work Association Obihiro Hospital, Obihiro, Hokkaido 080-0805, Japan
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van Ommen B, Wopereis S, van Empelen P, van Keulen HM, Otten W, Kasteleyn M, Molema JJW, de Hoogh IM, Chavannes NH, Numans ME, Evers AWM, Pijl H. From Diabetes Care to Diabetes Cure-The Integration of Systems Biology, eHealth, and Behavioral Change. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 8:381. [PMID: 29403436 PMCID: PMC5786854 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
From a biological view, most of the processes involved in insulin resistance, which drives the pathobiology of type 2 diabetes, are reversible. This theoretically makes the disease reversible and curable by changing dietary habits and physical activity, particularly when adopted early in the disease process. Yet, this is not fully implemented and exploited in health care due to numerous obstacles. This article reviews the state of the art in all areas involved in a diabetes cure-focused therapy and discusses the scientific and technological advancements that need to be integrated into a systems approach sustainable lifestyle-based healthcare system and economy. The implementation of lifestyle as cure necessitates personalized and sustained lifestyle adaptations, which can only be established by a systems approach, including all relevant aspects (personalized diagnosis and diet, physical activity and stress management, self-empowerment, motivation, participation and health literacy, all facilitated by blended care and ehealth). Introduction of such a systems approach in type 2 diabetes therapy not only requires a concerted action of many stakeholders but also a change in healthcare economy, with new winners and losers. A "call for action" is put forward to actually initiate this transition. The solution provided for type 2 diabetes is translatable to other lifestyle-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben van Ommen
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Suzan Wopereis
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Pepijn van Empelen
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Child Health, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hilde M. van Keulen
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Child Health, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Wilma Otten
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Child Health, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Marise Kasteleyn
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Johanna J. W. Molema
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Work Health Technology, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Iris M. de Hoogh
- Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), Department of Microbiology and Systems Biology, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Niels H. Chavannes
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Mattijs E. Numans
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Andrea W. M. Evers
- Department of Health, Medical and Neuropsychology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hanno Pijl
- Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden, Netherlands
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Tibullo D, Barbagallo I, Giallongo C, Vanella L, Conticello C, Romano A, Saccone S, Godos J, Di Raimondo F, Li Volti G. Heme oxygenase-1 nuclear translocation regulates bortezomibinduced cytotoxicity and mediates genomic instability in myeloma cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:28868-80. [PMID: 26930712 PMCID: PMC5045362 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a clonal B-cell malignancy characterized by an accumulation of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow leading to bone destruction and bone marrow failure. Several molecular mechanisms underlie chemoresistance among which heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) could play a major role. The aim of the present research was to evaluate the impact of HO-1 in MM following bortezomib (BTZ) treatment and how HO-1 is implicated in the mechanisms of chemoresistance. MM cells were treated for 24h with BTZ (15 nM), a boronic acid dipeptide inhibitor of the 26S proteasome used in the treatment of patients with MM as first-line therapy. We evaluated cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, HO-1 expression and compartmentalization and cellular genetic instability. Results showed that BTZ significantly reduced cell viability in different MM cell lines and induced ER-stress and ROS formation. Concomitantly, we observed a significant overexpression of both HO-1 gene and protein levels. This effect was abolished by concomitant treatment with 4-phenybutirric acid, a molecular chaperone, which is known to reduce ER-stress. Surprisingly, inhibition of HO activity with SnMP (10μM) failed to increase BTZ sensitivity in MM cells whereas inhibition of HO-1 nuclear translocation by E64d, a cysteine protease inhibitor, increased sensitivity to BTZ and decreased genetic instability as measured by cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. In conclusion, our data suggest that BTZ sensitivity depends on HO-1 nuclear compartmentalization and not on its enzymatic activity and this finding may represent an important tool to overcome BTZ chemoresistance in MM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Tibullo
- Division of Haematology, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Cesarina Giallongo
- Division of Haematology, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Conticello
- Division of Haematology, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Alessandra Romano
- Division of Haematology, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Salvatore Saccone
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Justyna Godos
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Raimondo
- Division of Haematology, AOU "Policlinico - Vittorio Emanuele", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,EuroMediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Palermo, Italy
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Tajiri K, Futsukaichi Y, Kobayashi S, Yasumura S, Takahara T, Minemura M, Sugiyama T. L-Carnitine for the Treatment of Overt Hepatic Encephalopathy in Patients with Advanced Liver Cirrhosis. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo) 2018; 64:321-328. [PMID: 30381621 DOI: 10.3177/jnsv.64.321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy is a major complication in patients with advanced cirrhosis and is associated with poor prognosis. To evaluate the effectiveness of L-carnitine supplementation in patients with overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE), outcomes were retrospectively analyzed in patients with OHE who were treated with intravenous branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), with or without intravenous L-carnitine. Twenty-six patients were treated with intravenous BCAA in addition to conventional agents such as lactulose and non-absorbable antibiotics (Group A), and 19 patients were treated with these agents plus intravenous L-carnitine (Group L). Changes in blood ammonia concentrations, hepatic coma grade and the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) were compared in the two groups. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated in the two groups and in patients who were and were not administered oral L-carnitine supplementation. At baseline, GCS scores were significantly lower and deterioration in liver function greater in Group L. After 3 d of intravenous L-carnitine, however, GCS showed a significantly greater improvement in Group L than in Group A. Blood ammonia levels improved stably over time in Group L. Overall survival and RFS were similar in Group L and Group A, but median RFS was significantly longer in patients who did than did not receive oral L-carnitine supplementation (735 versus 497 d, p=0.03). Although these findings are preliminary, L-carnitine supplementation may be a therapeutic option for patients with OHE and disturbed consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuto Tajiri
- Department of Gastroenterology, Toyama University Hospital
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48
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The effects of olive leaf extract from a Sicilian cultivar in an experimental model of hepatic steatosis. RENDICONTI LINCEI-SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-017-0649-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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49
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Heiss K, Raffaele M, Vanella L, Murabito P, Prezzavento O, Marrazzo A, Aricò G, Castracani CC, Barbagallo I, Zappalà A, Avola R, Li Volti G. (+)-Pentazocine attenuates SH-SY5Y cell death, oxidative stress and microglial migration induced by conditioned medium from activated microglia. Neurosci Lett 2017; 642:86-90. [PMID: 28163081 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sigma receptors (σ1R) are expressed both in neurons and microglia and can be considered as a promising target for developing pharmacological strategies for neuroprotection in various experimental models. The aim of the present study was to test the effect of (+)-pentazocine, a putative σ 1R agonist, in an in vitro model of neuron/microglia crosstalk following hypoxia/reoxygenation. METHODS Microglia (BV2 cells) was exposed (3h) to 1% oxygen and reoxygenation was allowed for 24h. Conditioned media obtained from this experimental condition was used to treat neuroblast-like cell line (SH-SY5Y cells) in the presence or absence of (+)-pentazocine (25μM). Cell viability was measured by cytofluorimetric analysis, whereas inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated by the expression of Hsp70, GAD, SOD and p65. Microglial cell migration was also evaluated by Xcelligence technology. RESULTS Our results showed that (+)-pentazocine was able to increase SH-SY5Y cell viability following exposure to microglial-conditioned medium. Furthermore, (+)-pentazocine was also able to inhibit microglial cell toward neuron treated with hypoxic conditioned medium. Finally, pharmacological treatment reduced the expression of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers (GAD, SOD and p65). Interestingly, hypoxic medium was able to reduce the expression of Hsp70 and such effect was prevented by (+)-pentazocine treatment. CONCLUSIONS (+)-Pentazocine exhibits significant neuroprotective effects in our in vitro model of SH-SY5Y/microglial crosstalk thus suggesting that σ1R may represent a possible strategy for neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Heiss
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Raffaele
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Vanella
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Paolo Murabito
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Policlinico "G. Rodolico", University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 78, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Orazio Prezzavento
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Aricò
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Carlo Castruccio Castracani
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Ignazio Barbagallo
- Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, V.le A. Doria 6, 95125 Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Roberto Avola
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95100 Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Li Volti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95100 Catania, Italy; Euro-Mediterranean Institute of Science and Technology, Via Emerico Amari 131, 90100 Palermo, Italy.
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De Rui M, Montagnese S, Amodio P. Recent developments in the diagnosis and treatment of covert/minimal hepatic encephalopathy. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016; 10:443-50. [PMID: 26758861 DOI: 10.1586/17474124.2016.1141675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The terms minimal hepatic encephalopathy and covert hepatic encephalopathy are defined. Clinical assessment is unreliable and both require the use of diagnostic tools. Of these, psychometric tests are the most widely used. They require proper standardization and may be biased by patient cooperation or lack thereof. The measure of the critical flicker frequency and of the electroencephalogram, possibly quantified, are also useful. The alteration of any of them is not strictly parallel in size and may vary from patient to patient. When possible, the use of multiple measures might increase diagnostic reliability. These functional measures should be interpreted within the clinical/biochemical profile of the patient to exclude other disorders. A flow chart for treatment is proposed on the basis of current knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- M De Rui
- a Department of Medicine , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
| | - S Montagnese
- a Department of Medicine , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
| | - P Amodio
- a Department of Medicine , University of Padua , Padua , Italy
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