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Paravati MR, Procopio AC, Milanović M, Scarlata GGM, Milošević N, Ružić M, Milić N, Abenavoli L. Onion Polyphenols as Multi-Target-Directed Ligands in MASLD: A Preliminary Molecular Docking Study. Nutrients 2024; 16:1226. [PMID: 38674916 PMCID: PMC11054911 DOI: 10.3390/nu16081226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A sedentary lifestyle associated with unregulated diets rich in high-calorie foods have contributed to the great prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) latterly, with up to 60% in the high-risk population and 25% in the general population. The absence of specific pharmacological strategies for this syndrome represents one of the major problems in the management of MASLD patients. Lifestyle interventions and adherence to a healthy diet are the main cornerstones of current therapies. The identification of nutraceuticals useful in the treatment of MASLD appears to be one of the most promising strategies for the development of new effective and safe treatments for this disease. The onion, one of the most widely studied foods in the field of nutraceuticals, serves as an inexhaustible reservoir of potent compounds with various beneficial effects. The following preliminary study analyzes, mediating in silico studies, the iteration of a library of typical onion compounds with 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, liver receptors X α and β, as well as peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α and γ. In this study, for the first time promising smart molecules from the onion that could have a beneficial action in MASLD patients were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rosaria Paravati
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.R.P.); (A.C.P.); (G.G.M.S.)
| | - Anna Caterina Procopio
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.R.P.); (A.C.P.); (G.G.M.S.)
| | - Maja Milanović
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (M.M.); (N.M.); (N.M.)
| | | | - Nataša Milošević
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (M.M.); (N.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Maja Ružić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Novi Sad, Clinic for Infectious Diseases, University Clinical Centre of Vojvodina, Hajduk Veljkova 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia;
| | - Nataša Milić
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine Novi Sad, University of Novi Sad, Hajduk Veljkova 3, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia; (M.M.); (N.M.); (N.M.)
| | - Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (M.R.P.); (A.C.P.); (G.G.M.S.)
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Abenavoli L, Aquila I, Sacco MA, Scarlata GGM, Procopio AC, Boccuto L, Scarpellini E, Greco M, Foti DP, Ricci P, Luzza F. Liver Damage and Impaired Coagulation in COVID-19 Patients: A Case Series. Diseases 2023; 11:141. [PMID: 37873785 PMCID: PMC10594514 DOI: 10.3390/diseases11040141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has generated an unprecedented challenge for healthcare systems worldwide. Currently, the scientific community wonders if liver injury in patients suffering from severe forms is a direct consequence of the virus or secondary manifestations of systemic inflammation. The liver plays an essential role in the development of the inflammatory storm typical of this disease, and its involvement is associated with worse clinical outcomes and a higher risk of morbidity and mortality from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS Ten patients suffering from severe COVID-19 disease who died between January 2020 and December 2021 were included in the present analysis. These subjects underwent a post mortem examination with a focused evaluation of the hepatic injury. Also, several laboratory parameters have been evaluated, with a primary focus on prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, antithrombin III, and D-dimers to detect coagulative changes. RESULTS The main cause of death was represented by pulmonary thromboembolism events (50%). The analysis of coagulation laboratory parameters and liver biomarkers revealed a statistically significant rise in aPTT and ALP, and a decrease in albumin, when comparing the blood value at admission and death. We also found high levels of D-dimers in most of the subjects at the time of hospitalization. Interestingly, the post mortem analysis of the liver showed ample morphologic variability, with several disease features. In detail, the liver histology revealed the following: the presence of a variable degree of micro- and macrovacuolar steatosis, inflammation (also, hepato-cholangitis), and variable fibrosis. Of mention, we were also able to detect organized fibrinous material. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that in subjects with a severe form of COVID-19, liver disease is related to changes in coagulative and fibrinolytic pathways. In particular, we noted low fibrinogen levels and high D-dimer levels with histological liver findings. Our data suggest that fibrinogen and D-dimers may be used as prognostic markers to detect the severity of liver disease in patients with COVID-19. Finally, we underline the crucial role of coagulation balance in subjects with severe forms of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.G.M.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Isabella Aquila
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (I.A.); (M.A.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Matteo Antonio Sacco
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (I.A.); (M.A.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Giuseppe Guido Maria Scarlata
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.G.M.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Anna Caterina Procopio
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.G.M.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- Healthcare Genetics and Genomics Doctoral Program, School of Nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29631, USA;
| | - Emidio Scarpellini
- Translationeel Onderzoek van Gastroenterologische Aandoeningen (T.A.R.G.I.D.), Gasthuisberg University Hospital, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Marta Greco
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.G.M.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Daniela Patrizia Foti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Græcia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Pietrantonio Ricci
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (I.A.); (M.A.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, Viale Europa, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (G.G.M.S.); (A.C.P.); (M.G.); (F.L.)
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Abenavoli L, Maurizi V, Rinninella E, Tack J, Di Berardino A, Santori P, Rasetti C, Procopio AC, Boccuto L, Scarpellini E. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in NAFLD Treatment. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58111559. [PMID: 36363516 PMCID: PMC9695159 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58111559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Gut microbiota is not only a taxonomic biologic ecosystem but is also involved in human intestinal and extra-intestinal functions such as immune system modulation, nutrient absorption and digestion, as well as metabolism regulation. The latter is strictly linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathophysiology. Materials and methods: We reviewed the literature on the definition of gut microbiota, the concepts of “dysbiosis” and “eubiosis”, their role in NAFLD pathogenesis, and the data on fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in these patients. We consulted the main medical databases using the following keywords, acronyms, and their associations: gut microbiota, eubiosis, dysbiosis, bile acids, NAFLD, and FMT. Results: Gut microbiota qualitative and quantitative composition is different in healthy subjects vs. NALFD patients. This dysbiosis is associated with and involved in NAFLD pathogenesis and evolution to non-acoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In detail, microbial-driven metabolism of bile acids (BAs) and interaction with hepatic and intestinal farnesoid nuclear X receptor (FXR) have shown a determinant role in liver fat deposition and the development of fibrosis. Over the use of pre- or probiotics, FMT has shown preclinical and initial clinical promising results in NAFLD treatment through re-modulation of microbial dysbiosis. Conclusions: Promising clinical data support a larger investigation of gut microbiota dysbiosis reversion through FMT in NAFLD using randomized clinical trials to design precision-medicine treatments for these patients at different disease stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Græcia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Maurizi
- Internal Medicine Residency Program, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Emanuele Rinninella
- Clinical Nutrition Unit, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Department of Translational Medicine and Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Jan Tack
- T.A.R.G.I.D., Gasthuisberg University Hospital, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Arianna Di Berardino
- Clinical Nutrition and Internal Medicine Unit, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - Pierangelo Santori
- Hepatology and Internal Medicine Unit, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | - Carlo Rasetti
- Clinical Nutrition and Internal Medicine Unit, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
- Hepatology and Internal Medicine Unit, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Boccuto
- Healthcare Genetics and Genomics Doctoral Program, School of Nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, 105 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29631, USA
| | - Emidio Scarpellini
- T.A.R.G.I.D., Gasthuisberg University Hospital, KU Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Clinical Nutrition and Internal Medicine Unit, “Madonna del Soccorso” General Hospital, 63074 San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +3907-3579-3301; Fax: +3907-3579-3306
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Abenavoli L, Fabiano G, Procopio AC, Aquila I, Pellicano R, Barone S, Morelli M, Luzza F. Hepatic Encephalopathy by Manganese Deposition: A Case Report and a Review of Literature. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2022; 17:RRCT-EPUB-124572. [PMID: 35718981 DOI: 10.2174/1574887117666220617104539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy is defined as a spectrum of neuropsychiatric disorders in patients with liver dysfunction, usually cirrhosis, after exclusion of brain disease. This study reports the role of manganese in brain alterations and therefore in clinical manifestations of hepatic encephalopathy. CASE PRESENTATION Male patient, 67 years old, suffering from alcoholic liver cirrhosis and two previous episodes of hepatic encephalopathy, developed drowsiness, asterixis, amnesia, disorientation in time and space, and psychomotor retardation. Brain MRI without contrast showed: initial signs of cerebral atrophy, a hyperintense signal of globi pallidi and bilateral substantia nigra. The hyperintense signal of globi pallidi is the result of manganese deposition in the brain. CONCLUSION The case report presented supports the data reported in the literature indicating that the increase in plasma manganese levels in subjects with liver dysfunction is correlated with the onset of extrapyramidal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro Italy
| | - Giulia Fabiano
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro Italy
| | | | - Isabella Aquila
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rinaldo Pellicano
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette-SGAS Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Barone
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maurizio Morelli
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro Italy
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Abenavoli L, Procopio AC, Cinaglia P, Zanza C, Grazie CD, Longhitano Y, Libicherova P, Luzza F. Clinical Patterns of Primary Biliary Cholangitis: Comparison Between Two European Case Series. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2022; 17:136-142. [PMID: 35718979 DOI: 10.2174/1574887117666220617095856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune cholestatic liver disease characterized by progressive destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts, followed by fibrous substitution of the ducts and potential evolution in cirrhosis. The geographical disparity in the prevalence of PBC suggests a possible role of environmental factors in developing the disease. We analyzed two groups of patients with different geographical prevalence. METHODS This study concerned the analysis of 14 Caucasian patients in two groups: ten patients enrolled in the Digestive Diseases Unit, University of Catanzaro (Italy), and four patients enrolled in the Department of Hepatology, University Hospital Kràlovskè Vinohrady of Prague (Czech Republic). The statistical analysis was performed using the software IBM SPSS (v. 20, Windows). RESULTS The Italian group showed a statistically significant difference in the total bilirubin values at diagnosis and during the last control (0.74±0.267 vs. 0.56±0.246; p-value: 0.013). Moreover, the comparison between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference in the serum albumin values at the time of the last control (4.6±0.231 vs. 4.15±0.532; p-value: 0.048). CONCLUSION Our data indicate an effective difference in the onset and clinical presentation between our two groups. More epidemiologic, prospective, and multicenter research projects are warranted to advance PBC knowledge in Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University, Magna Graecia, Catanzaro Italy
| | | | - Pietro Cinaglia
- Department of Health Sciences, University, Magna Graecia, Catanzaro Italy
| | - Christian Zanza
- Ospedale Alba-Bra Onlus, Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, Verduno (CN), Italy
| | | | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Ospedale Alba-Bra Onlus, Department of Emergency Medicine, Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Michele and Pietro Ferrero Hospital, Verduno (CN), Italy
| | - Pavla Libicherova
- Department of Hepatology, Third Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Královské Vinohrady, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, University, Magna Graecia, Catanzaro Italy
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Larussa T, Abenavoli L, Procopio AC, Iannelli C, Polimeni N, Spagnuolo R, Doldo P, Luzza F. The role of gluten-free diet in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease development. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2021; 25:6613-6618. [PMID: 34787864 DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202111_27104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Celiac Disease (CD) is an autoimmune disease involving the small bowel, generated by the ingestion of gluten-containing foods in genetically predisposed subjects. Currently, the unique therapy for CD is the absolute adherence to gluten-free diet, but this treatment has been related to the onset of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this systematic review, we provide an update from the most recent studies on the risk of developing NAFLD patients adhering to GFD. MATERIALS AND METHODS According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Statement (PRISMA) criteria, we performed a systematic literature search on PubMed and Google Scholar from 2012 to 2021. RESULTS In the present systematic review, eight studies investigated how GFD in CD patients may be a risk factor for the onset of NAFLD from a minimum of six months to the maximum follow-up period represented by a median of 10 years. CONCLUSIONS Present systematic review evaluates how GFD plays a key role in NAFLD for consumption of products rich in saturated fats and carbohydrates that promotes accumulation of lipids and lead to hepatic steatosis and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Larussa
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy.
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Abenavoli L, Cinaglia P, Procopio AC, Serra R, Aquila I, Zanza C, Longhitano Y, Artico M, Larussa T, Boccuto L, Ricci P, Luzza F. SARS-CoV-2 Spread Dynamics in Italy: The Calabria Experience. Rev Recent Clin Trials 2021; 16:309-315. [PMID: 33797377 DOI: 10.2174/1574887116666210401124945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The first case of infection by SARS-CoV-2 (i.e., COVID-19) has been officially recorded by the Italian National Health Service on February 21st, 2020. Lombardy was the first Italian region to be affected by the pandemic. Subsequently, the entire Northern part of Italy recorded a high number of cases, while the South was hit following the migratory waves. On March 8th, the Italian Government has issued a decree that imposed a total lockdown, defining it as a state of isolation and restricting access in Lombardy and the other 14 provinces of Northern Italy. METHODS We analyzed the virus trend in the period between February 24th and September 8th, 2020, focusing on Calabria, with regards to the following items: new positives, change of total positives, and total cases. Furthermore, we included other information, such as the incubation period, symptom resolution period, quarantine period. RESULTS On March 27th, the epidemic curve spiked with 101 new positive cases validating the hypothesis that this abnormal event was related to the displacement of non-residents people, living in the Northern part of Italy, to the home regions in the South. The epidemic curve showed a decreasing trend in the period after lockdown, proving the effectiveness of this measure. From the end of the lockdown May 04th to September 8th, the registered trend was -94.51%. A negative growth rate indicates that the number of new positive cases is lower than the number of healed patients. CONCLUSION This study describes the effectiveness of the Italian Government policy, particularly the role of lockdown, for the containment of SARS-CoV-2 contagion in Calabria, a region with a low SARS-CoV-2 infection rate within the registered period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Pietro Cinaglia
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Raffaele Serra
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Isabella Aquila
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Christian Zanza
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, SS. Antonio and Biagio and Cesare Arrigo Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Yaroslava Longhitano
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, SS. Antonio and Biagio and Cesare Arrigo Hospital, 15121 Alessandria, Italy
| | - Marco Artico
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome Policlinico Umberto I, 00155 Rome, Italy
| | - Tiziana Larussa
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro , Italy
| | - Luigi Boccuto
- Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, United States
| | - Pietrantonio Ricci
- Department of Surgical and Medical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Graecia", 88100 Catanzaro , Italy
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Abenavoli L, Procopio AC, Fagoonee S, Pellicano R, Carbone M, Luzza F, Invernizzi P. Primary Biliary Cholangitis and Bile Acid Farnesoid X Receptor Agonists. Diseases 2020; 8:diseases8020020. [PMID: 32532037 PMCID: PMC7348889 DOI: 10.3390/diseases8020020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic autoimmune liver disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the intrahepatic bile ducts. Currently, the first line drug for PBC is ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) characterized by anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and protective actions on cholangiocytes. Despite its recognized therapeutic action, 30–40% of PBC patients only partially benefit from UDCA therapy. This has led to the identification of the role of the farnesoid x receptor (FXR) in cholestatic liver diseases and, consequently, to the development of obeticholic acid (OCA), a steroid FXR agonist that has been recently approved for the treatment of PBC. OCA though is not effective in all patients and can cause itch, which eventually induces treatment drop out. Therefore, the search for new therapeutic strategies for PBC has begun. This review, in addition to summarizing the current treatments for PBC, provides overview of the chemical characteristics of new steroid FXR agonist candidates that could represent a future perspective for the treatment of PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludovico Abenavoli
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.C.P.); (F.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0961-369-4387; Fax: +39-0961-754-220
| | - Anna Caterina Procopio
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.C.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute of Biostructures and Bioimaging (CNR) c/o Molecular Biotechnology Center, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | | | - Marco Carbone
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca; 20126 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (P.I.)
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Francesco Luzza
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (A.C.P.); (F.L.)
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca; 20126 Milan, Italy; (M.C.); (P.I.)
- European Reference Network on Hepatological Diseases (ERN RARE-LIVER), San Gerardo Hospital, 20900 Monza, Italy
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