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Monoe K, Takahashi A, Abe K, Kanno Y, Watanabe H, Ohira H. Evaluation of nail fold capillaroscopy findings in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:E129-36. [PMID: 24119054 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/30/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Some patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) experience Raynaud's phenomenon. The objective of this study was to clarify the relationships between nail fold capillaroscopy findings and clinical presentations of PBC. METHODS A total of 70 patients with PBC and 57 patients with non-PBC liver diseases, including 44 patients with chronic viral hepatic disease, eight with autoimmune hepatitis and five with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, were included in this study. Nail fold capillaroscopy findings were classified as normal or abnormal and were further graded as mild, moderate or severe, and the relationships between frequency of abnormal blood vessel and their clinical presentations were examined. RESULTS The frequency of abnormal nail fold capillaroscopy findings was significantly higher in PBC patients (54.3%) than in patients with non-PBC liver disease (13.8%) (P < 0.01). These abnormal findings observed in PBC patients were graded as mild in 15 patients, moderate in 18 patients and severe in five patients. Significantly more PBC patients with abnormal capillaroscopy findings (19/38, 50%) were positive for anticentromere antibody than were those with normal capillaroscopy findings (3/32, 9.4%) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION PBC patients had significantly higher frequency of abnormal nail fold capillaroscopy findings than did patients with non-PBC liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Monoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Yokokawa J, Kanno Y, Abe K, Saito H, Monoe K, Katsushima F, Sakamoto N, Takahashi A, Yokokawa H, Ohira H. Anti-nucleosome autoantibodies as markers for autoimmune hepatitis and their correlation with disease activity. Hepatol Res 2014; 44:420-8. [PMID: 23607768 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIM To assess the prevalence of autoantibodies against nucleosomes (anti-nucleosome Ab) in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), examine the correlation between anti-nucleosome Ab and disease activity, and evaluate the effectiveness of anti-nucleosome Ab in predicting relapse. METHODS We analyzed serum anti-nucleosome Ab levels in 38 patients with AIH by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and assessed their correlation with clinical characteristics. RESULTS Anti-nucleosome Ab levels were significantly higher in AIH, but not in patients with chronic hepatitis B (n = 20) or chronic hepatitis C (n = 20), compared to healthy controls (n = 15). The positive prevalence of anti-nucleosome Ab was 71.1% in AIH. Anti-nucleosome Ab levels were significantly lower during remission compared to that during flares within the same patients with AIH. Total bilirubin levels were significantly higher in patients with anti-nucleosome Ab levels of 53.7 U/mL or more compared to those with less than 53.7 U/mL at disease onset. Analysis of the reduction in anti-nucleosome Ab by immunosuppressive therapy in 16 AIH patients revealed that age at disease onset was significantly lower and IgG levels and relapse rates were significantly higher in patients with a reduction rate of less than 35% compared to those with a reduction rate 35% or more. The International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score and γ-globulin levels were also higher in patients with reduction rates of less than 35% (borderline significance). CONCLUSION Anti-nucleosome Ab in AIH patients may be useful markers not only for disease diagnosis, but also for activity assessment and relapse prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yokokawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Yukiko Kanno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hironobu Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kyoko Monoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Fumiko Katsushima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Natsumi Sakamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Hirohide Yokokawa
- Department of General Medicine, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromasa Ohira
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Saito H, Takahashi A, Abe K, Okai K, Katsushima F, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Ohira H. Autoantibodies by line immunoassay in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Fukushima J Med Sci 2013; 58:107-16. [PMID: 23237866 DOI: 10.5387/fms.58.107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We attempted to measure multiple autoantibodies simultaneously using line immunoassay (LIA) in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) with or without anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA) and patients with PBC-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap, and we examined the clinical significance of measuring these autoantibodies. METHODS The study population consisted of 80 patients with PBC (including 12 AMA-negative patients), 16 patients with PBC-AIH overlap and 40 patients with AIH as controls. Nine antibodies (AMA-M2, M2-3E, Sp100, PML, gp210, Ro-52, LKM-1, LC-1 and SLA/LP) were detected by LIA, and AMA-M2 and anti-centromere antibody (ACA) were detected by ELISA. We examined the relationship between these autoantibodies and clinical findings. RESULTS The positive prevalence of each autoantibody and ACA in the PBC group, as determined by LIA, was as follows: 13.8% for anti-Sp100, 8.7% for anti-PML, 40% for anti-gp210 and 27.5% for anti-Ro-52 antibodies and 32.5% for ACA. In the PBC-AIH overlap group, the prevalence of anti-gp210 antibody (68.7%) and that of anti-Ro-52 antibody (81.2%) were significantly higher than those in the PBC and AIH groups. Only a few patients were positive for 2 or more autoantibodies. Nine patients were determined to be negative for all autoantibodies by LIA, of whom 7 were positive for ACA. Patients positive for anti-gp210 antibody included more patients classified as stage 4 on histology than did the negative group. Those positive for ACA included more patents with varices than did the negative group. CONCLUSION LIA can measure multiple autoantibodies simultaneously and thus is considered useful in diagnosing PBC and PBC-AIH overlap. In addition, ACA is a useful marker for identifying AMA-negative PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Saito
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University
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Abe K, Takahashi A, Sato Y, Okai K, Katsushima F, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Saito H, Ohira H. Case of idiopathic portal hypertension complicated with autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatol Res 2013; 43:984-90. [PMID: 23675841 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Revised: 11/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of idiopathic portal hypertension (IPH) complicated with autoimmune hepatitis. A 60-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with esophageal and gastric varices in February 2010. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography showed splenomegaly and collateral veins without evidence of liver cirrhosis. Laboratory examinations and liver biopsy indicated that the esophageal and gastric varices were caused by IPH. She underwent endoscopic injection sclerotherapy and partial splenic embolization. Two years after these therapies, laboratory examinations showed liver dysfunction with elevated levels of aspartate aminotransferase (180 IU/L), alanine aminotransferase (190 IU/L), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (159 IU/L) and immunoglobulin G (2609 mg/dL). The titer of antinuclear antibodies was 1:320 and its pattern was homogeneous and speckled. Histological examination revealed plasma cell/lymphocyte infiltration and interface hepatitis in the portal tract. Based on these findings, a diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis accompanied by IPH was made. After treatment with prednisolone (20 mg/day), liver functions were normalized immediately. Overlapping of IPH and AIH is extremely rare, but the present case is interesting considering the etiology of IPH because an autoimmune mechanism is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of IPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Takahashi A, Abe K, Saito R, Iwadate H, Okai K, Katsushima F, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Saito H, Kobayashi H, Watanabe H, Ohira H. Liver dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Intern Med 2013; 52:1461-5. [PMID: 23812192 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.9458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to define the clinical features of liver dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS The frequency and causes of liver dysfunction were examined in 206 patients with SLE. RESULTS Liver dysfunction was evident in 123 (59.7%) of the 206 patients. Liver dysfunction in patients with SLE can be drug-induced (30.9%) or caused by SLE itself (28.5%), fatty liver (17.9%), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) (4.9%), primary biliary cirrhosis (2.4%), cholangitis (1.6%), alcohol (1.6%) or viral hepatitis (0.8%), and it tends to be mild except when caused by AIH. Values for aminotransferase were significantly increased when AIH was the cause, whereas alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) were significantly increased when AIH or drugs were the cause. The liver was already dysfunctional at the time of SLE onset in 56 (45.5%) of 123 patients with liver dysfunction. Neurological involvement was more common among patients with than without liver dysfunction, whereas SLE activity and prognosis did not significantly differ between the two groups. CONCLUSION Liver dysfunction in the presence of SLE can be caused by many factors, but when extant at the time of SLE onset, either SLE itself or drugs can be the cause. Autoimmune hepatitis should be considered when liver dysfunction is relatively severe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan.
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Nakamura M, Nishida N, Kawashima M, Aiba Y, Tanaka A, Yasunami M, Nakamura H, Komori A, Nakamuta M, Zeniya M, Hashimoto E, Ohira H, Yamamoto K, Onji M, Kaneko S, Honda M, Yamagiwa S, Nakao K, Ichida T, Takikawa H, Seike M, Umemura T, Ueno Y, Sakisaka S, Kikuchi K, Ebinuma H, Yamashiki N, Tamura S, Sugawara Y, Mori A, Yagi S, Shirabe K, Taketomi A, Arai K, Monoe K, Ichikawa T, Taniai M, Miyake Y, Kumagi T, Abe M, Yoshizawa K, Joshita S, Shimoda S, Honda K, Takahashi H, Hirano K, Takeyama Y, Harada K, Migita K, Ito M, Yatsuhashi H, Fukushima N, Ota H, Komatsu T, Saoshiro T, Ishida J, Kouno H, Kouno H, Yagura M, Kobayashi M, Muro T, Masaki N, Hirata K, Watanabe Y, Nakamura Y, Shimada M, Hirashima N, Komeda T, Sugi K, Koga M, Ario K, Takesaki E, Maehara Y, Uemoto S, Kokudo N, Tsubouchi H, Mizokami M, Nakanuma Y, Tokunaga K, Ishibashi H. Genome-wide association study identifies TNFSF15 and POU2AF1 as susceptibility loci for primary biliary cirrhosis in the Japanese population. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 91:721-8. [PMID: 23000144 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
For the identification of susceptibility loci for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed in 963 Japanese individuals (487 PBC cases and 476 healthy controls) and in a subsequent replication study that included 1,402 other Japanese individuals (787 cases and 615 controls). In addition to the most significant susceptibility region, human leukocyte antigen (HLA), we identified two significant susceptibility loci, TNFSF15 (rs4979462) and POU2AF1 (rs4938534) (combined odds ratio [OR] = 1.56, p = 2.84 × 10(-14) for rs4979462, and combined OR = 1.39, p = 2.38 × 10(-8) for rs4938534). Among 21 non-HLA susceptibility loci for PBC identified in GWASs of individuals of European descent, three loci (IL7R, IKZF3, and CD80) showed significant associations (combined p = 3.66 × 10(-8), 3.66 × 10(-9), and 3.04 × 10(-9), respectively) and STAT4 and NFKB1 loci showed suggestive association with PBC (combined p = 1.11 × 10(-6) and 1.42 × 10(-7), respectively) in the Japanese population. These observations indicated the existence of ethnic differences in genetic susceptibility loci to PBC and the importance of TNF signaling and B cell differentiation for the development of PBC in individuals of European descent and Japanese individuals.
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Abe K, Kanno Y, Okai K, Katsushima F, Monoe K, Saito H, Takahashi A, Yokokawa J, Ohira H. Centrilobular necrosis in acute presentation of Japanese patients with type 1 autoimmune hepatitis. World J Hepatol 2012; 4:262-7. [PMID: 23060971 PMCID: PMC3468703 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v4.i9.262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To compare clinicopathological features of acute presentation of type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) with or without centrilobular necrosis (CN). METHODS Our study comprised 41 patients with biopsy-proven acute presentation (acute exacerbation phase 36, acute hepatitis phase 5) of type 1 AIH at our hospital from 1975 to 2009. Elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (> 5x upper limit of normal) identified acute presentation of the disease. We compared clinicopathological features of these AIH patients with or without CN. The data used for analysis included patient background (age, sex, type of disease, presence of complications with other autoimmune diseases, human leukocyte antigen, and International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group score), clinical parameters at presentation (ALT, alkaline phosphatase, IgG, anti-nuclear antibodies, and anti-smooth muscle antibodies), histology and therapy. RESULTS CN was found in 13 (31.7%) patients with acute presentation (acute exacerbation phase 10, acute hepatitis phase 3) of AIH. Serum IgG levels of patients with CN were significantly lower than those of patients without CN (mean: 2307 mg/dL vs 3126 mg/dL, P < 0.05), while antinuclear antibody-negative rates were significantly higher (30.7% vs 3.5%, P < 0.05). However, other clinical features were similar between the two groups. The frequency of advanced fibrosis in patients with CN was significantly lower than in patients without CN (F0-2: 84.6% vs 35.7%, F3-4: 15.4% vs 64.3%, P < 0.05). Other histological features were similar between the two groups. Although there was no significant difference between groups when evaluated using the revised original score (12 vs 14), the simplified AIH score of patients with CN was significantly lower (6 vs 7, P < 0.05). Frequency of DR4 was similar between patients with and without CN. CONCLUSION CN is observed in both Japanese patients with acute hepatitis phase and acute exacerbation phase of type 1 AIH, although AIH with CN often shows clinical features of the genuine acute form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Abe
- Kazumichi Abe, Yukiko Kanno, Ken Okai, Fumiko Katsushima, Kyoko Monoe, Hironobu Saito, Atsushi Takahashi, Junko Yokokawa, Hiromasa Ohira, Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima 960-1295, Japan
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Monoe K, Takahashi A, Katsushima F, Kanno Y, Saito H, Abe K, Yokokawa J, Ohira H. Case of primary biliary cirrhosis-autoimmune hepatitis overlap which manifested after delivery. Intern Med 2011; 50:1299-301. [PMID: 21673465 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.50.5022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 34-year-old woman showed liver dysfunction for the first time at 3 months after delivery. Two years later, she was referred to our department with continued liver dysfunction. She fulfilled the criteria for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap. Liver dysfunction improved after administration of ursodeoxycholic acid and bezafibrate. To the best of our knowledge this represents the second report of PBC-AIH overlap after delivery and we discuss immunological changes during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Monoe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Rheumatology, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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Yokokawa J, Saito H, Kanno Y, Honma F, Monoe K, Sakamoto N, Abe K, Takahashi A, Yokokawa H, Ohira H. Overlap of primary biliary cirrhosis and autoimmune hepatitis: Characteristics, therapy, and long term outcomes. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2010; 25:376-82. [PMID: 19817953 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2009.06018.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Coexistence of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is referred to as PBC-AIH overlap. Pathogenesis of PBC-AIH is not well understood and its diagnosis is challenging. We previously reported the clinical characteristics of 10 patients diagnosed with PBC-AIH overlap. AIMS The aim of the study was extend the earlier series and evaluate the diagnostic criteria, biological characteristics, potential therapy, and long-term outcomes of patients with PBC-AIH overlap. METHODS AND RESULTS We retrospectively analyzed clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics of 144 patients diagnosed with PBC and 73 diagnosed with AIH. We identified 16 cases of PBC-AIH overlap, according to criteria established by Chazouillères et al. and other studies. PBC preceded AIH in 6 patients and both diseases occurred simultaneously in the remaining 10 patients. PBC-AIH overlap has clinical, biochemical, and histological characteristics of both PBC and AIH. Thirteen patients treated with both ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and immunosuppressive therapy responded well, with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. The remaining three patients treated with either prednisolone (PSL) or UDCA alone developed cirrhosis, varices, ascites, encephalopathy, or died of liver-related causes at the 5, 12, and 14-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS PBC-AIH overlap is not a rare entity; it was observed in 11% of PBC patients in this study. Further studies will be required to investigate whether PBC-AIH overlap is distinct from the two individual diseases in terms of long-term outcomes and therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junko Yokokawa
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan.
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Abe K, Wakatsuki T, Katsushima F, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Takahashi A, Yokokawa J, Ohira H. A case of advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma successfully treated with chemosensitivity test-guided systemic chemotherapy. World J Gastroenterol 2009; 15:5228-31. [PMID: 19891026 PMCID: PMC2773906 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.15.5228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a relatively rare and highly fatal neoplasm that arises from the biliary epithelium. Prognosis is generally poor and survival is limited to a few months. Here we present a case of advanced ICC successfully treated by chemosensitivity test-guided systemic chemotherapy combining S-1 and cisplatin (CDDP). A 65-year-old woman with a liver tumor was referred to our hospital on November 21, 2007. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) showed low-density masses of 50 and 15 mm in diameter, respectively in segment VIII of the liver and in the enlarged lymph node in the para-aorta. Ultrasonography-guided fine needle biopsy diagnosed the tumors as ICC. Since the patient was inoperable for lymph node metastasis, she underwent systemic chemotherapy with gemcitabine. Six months after initiation of chemotherapy, CT revealed ICC progression in the liver and pleural dissemination with pleural effusion. The patient was admitted to our hospital for anticancer drug sensitivity testing on June 9, 2008. Based on the sensitivity test results, we elected to administer systemic chemotherapy combining S-1 and CDDP. Two months into the second chemotherapy treatment, CT revealed a reduction of the tumors in the liver and lymph node and a decrease in pleural effusion. After eight cycles of the second chemotherapy, 17 mo after ICC diagnosis, she is alive and well with no sign of recurrence. We conclude that chemosensitivity testing may effectively determine the appropriate chemotherapy regimen for advanced ICC.
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Takahashi A, Kanno Y, Takahashi Y, Sakamoto N, Monoe K, Saito H, Abe K, Yokokawa J, Irisawa A, Ohira H. Development of autoimmune hepatitis type 1 after pulsed methylprednisolone therapy for multiple sclerosis: A case report. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:5474-7. [PMID: 18803363 PMCID: PMC2744174 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.5474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A 43-year-old woman with multiple sclerosis (MS) was treated with pulsed methylprednisolone and interferon β at a hospital. Four weeks after initiating treatment, liver dysfunction occurred and she was referred and admitted to our hospital. Clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with and fulfilled the criteria for drug-induced hepatitis, but not for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). She was successfully treated with corticosteroids. As ataxia developed after 1 year, she was treated with pulsed methylprednisolone for 3 d, then readmitted to our hospital when liver dysfunction occurred. Clinical and laboratory findings led to the diagnosis of AIH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case of AIH developed after pulsed methylprednisolone for MS.
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Abe K, Ohira H, Kobayashi H, Saito H, Takahashi A, Rai T, Kanno Y, Monoe K, Watanabe H, Irisawa A, Sato Y. Breakthrough of immune self-tolerance to calreticulin induced by CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides as adjuvant. Fukushima J Med Sci 2008; 53:95-108. [PMID: 18402289 DOI: 10.5387/fms.53.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Reportedly, bacterial DNA containing unmethylated cytosine-guanosine dinucleotide motif-containing oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) can induce Th1-type adjuvant effects. We produced autoantibodies and induced hepatitis in mice using extracted proteins from human hepatocytes with CpG-ODNs as adjuvant. Western blot analysis was performed of sera from immunized mice and two patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). When a common band was detected, N-terminal amino acid sequencing was performed to determine its site. For detection of antibodies against the identified protein (calreticulin), ELISA was performed of sera of 50 patients with AIH: 45 with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), 24 with chronic hepatitis C (CH), and 24 healthy controls. Mice were immunized with calreticulin protein with CpG-ODNs as adjuvant. Several reacted bands were detected in their sera; in addition, a common band to the sera of patients with AIH was detected at 60 kDa. Subsequent N-terminal amino acid sequencing revealed that the protein was human calreticulin. ELISA showed that, of patients with AIH, PBC, and CH, 30.0% (15/50), 17.8% (8/45), and 12.5% (3/24), respectively, were positive for anti calreticulin antibodies. Splenocytes from immunized mice produced IFN-gamma after they were pulsed with calreticulin protein. Histological analyses of liver specimens taken from mice immunized with calreticulin protein together with CpG-ODNs showed spotty and focal necrosis. Immunofluorescence analysis showed increased expression of calreticulin in the liver treated with CpG-ODNs. These results suggest that a breakthrough of immune self tolerance to calreticulin is induced with CpG-ODNs as adjuvant and that calreticulin protein might be a target antigen in this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Abe
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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Honma F, Shio K, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Takahashi A, Yokokawa J, Kobayashi H, Watanabe H, Irisawa A, Ohira H. Primary biliary cirrhosis complicated by polymyositis and pulmonary hypertension. Intern Med 2008; 47:667-9. [PMID: 18379158 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.47.0793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 68-year-old woman was admitted to a hospital with pulmonary hypertension (PH) in August 2006. Perfusion scintigraphy of the lung was normal and showed no interstitial change. Liver dysfunction was noted and antinuclear antibodies (x1,280) were positive. In November 2006, muscle pain and weakness gradually developed in the brachial muscle and a quadriceps. She was referred and admitted to our hospital for elevated CPK and liver dysfunction in March 2007. She was diagnosed with polymyositis (PM) on the basis of the histological findings of muscle biopsy and treated with prednisolone. In addition, because anti-centromere antibodies and anti-mitochondrial M2 antibodies were positive with high titers, she was also diagnosed with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). Although PBC is often associated with other autoimmune diseases, there have been no reports of PBC complicated by PM and PH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiko Honma
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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Takahashi A, Rai T, Onizawa M, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Saito H, Abe K, Yokokawa J, Irisawa A, Ohira H. Autoimmune hepatitis complicated by late-onset systemic lupus erythematosus. Hepatol Res 2007; 37:771-4. [PMID: 17506835 DOI: 10.1111/j.1872-034x.2007.00091.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
A 69-year-old man with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) was admitted to hospital with high fever and cough. Chest roentgenogram and computed tomography showed pleural and pericardial effusion. Serological tests showed a high titer of antinuclear antibodies and positive anti-DNA antibody and lymphocytopenia. He fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). After administration of corticosteroids, his symptoms and liver dysfunction improved. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first male case of overlap between AIH and late-onset SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takahashi
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Fukushima Medical University, Fukushima, Japan
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Rai T, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Saito H, Takahashi A, Irisawa A, Ohira H. Expression of human glucocorticoid receptor beta of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with severe autoimmune hepatitis. Fukushima J Med Sci 2007; 52:65-70. [PMID: 17427757 DOI: 10.5387/fms.52.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We evaluated the expression of human glucocorticoid receptor beta (hGRbeta) in patients with severe autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The subjects were 27 patients with AIH, including 6 with severe type (prothrombin time [PT] < 40%) and 21 with non-severe type (PT>40%). Total RNA extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was reversed using reverse transcriptase. The resultant complementary DNA was amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific primers for hGR alpha and beta. The six patients with severe AIH were female; three presented fulminant hepatic failure with hepatic encephalopathy. In all patients with AIH, hGR a was detected. The incidence of hGR beta expression in patients with non-severe type was 42.9% (9/21) ; it was 100% (6/6) in those with severe type. The positive ratio was significantly higher in severe-type patients. These results suggest that hGR beta expression in PBMCs is a novel predictor of AIH severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Rai
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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16
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Monoe K, Kanno Y, Saito H, Abe K, Takahashi A, Takiguchi J, Rai T, Hikichi T, Ohira H. [A case of hepatocellar carcinoma associated with mixed connective tissue disease]. Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi 2007; 104:568-72. [PMID: 17409667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
A 79-year-old woman, who had been treated because of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), was admitted to the hospital for the intensive examination of a hepatic tumor that was unexpectedly found on computed tomography. The hepatic tumor was approximately 40 mm in diameter. Her transaminase levels were slightly elevated but hepatic virus markers were negative. However, a liver aspiration biopsy revealed moderately differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the surrounding non-tumor area, nonspecific reactive hepatitis was detected. MCTD associated with HCC has not yet been reported in the past. This case appears to be very interesting in terms of the etiology of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Monoe
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine
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Abe K, Saito H, Takahashi A, Rai T, Takiguchi J, Kanno Y, Monoe K, Ohira H. [Case of acute hepatitis associated with Basedow's disease]. Nihon Shokakibyo Gakkai Zasshi 2007; 104:52-6. [PMID: 17230007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
A 20-year-old woman given a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism (Basedow's disease) had been subsequently treated with methimazole since 1999. As she could not be made euthyroid, surgery was planned to relieve the symptoms. Because of liver dysfunction after discontinuation of methimazole and administration of iodine, she was admitted to the hospital. She was negative for hepatitis A, B and C virus serologies, but positive for anti-nuclear antibodies. A liver biopsy, which showed features of chronic active hepatitis, led to the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Interestingly, normalization of serum T4 correlated with improvement of serum aminotransferases. This leads us to speculate that this patient's liver dysfunction may have been AIH exacerbated by the liver dysfunction of hyperthyroidism rather than acute deterioration of AIH itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazumichi Abe
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Japan
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Saito H, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Takahashi A, Rai T, Irisawa A, Ohira H. Two cases of primary biliary cirrhosis complicated by acute leukemia. Intern Med 2007; 46:561-3. [PMID: 17473489 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.46.6037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Case 1 was a 43-year-old woman, who was diagnosed as having PBC. After one month, she was hospitalized owing to sudden temporary unconsciousness. She was diagnosed as having acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) by bone marrow examination. Chemotherapy was done, but she died after 6 months. Case 2 was a 54-year-old woman, who was diagnosed as having PBC with CREST syndrome. Seven years later, she was diagnosed as having acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) by bone marrow examination. Chemotherapy was continued, and her symptoms are at present, stable. To date, there have been no reports of PBC complicated by acute leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Saito
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, Japan
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Kanno Y, Rai T, Monoe K, Saito H, Takahashi A, Irisawa A, Ohira H. POSSIBLE ASSOCIATION OF CYTOTOXIC T LYMPHOCYTE ANTIGEN-4 GENETIC POLYMORPHISM WITH LIVER DAMAGE OF PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS IN JAPAN. Fukushima J Med Sci 2006; 52:79-85. [PMID: 17427759 DOI: 10.5387/fms.52.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is an important inhibitor of T-lymphocyte response. Polymorphisms in the CTLA-4 gene have been reported to be associated with numerous autoimmune diseases. The aim of this study was to determine whether polymorphisms of CTLA-4 exon 1 (+49) genes are associated with susceptibility and clinicolaboratory findings of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) in the Japanease population. Blood samples were obtained from 45 patients (6 men and 39 women, aged 23-56 years) with PBC and 73 healthy controls (48 men and 25 women, aged 22-72 years). CTLA-4 exon 1 (+49) polymorphism was defined using a polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism with Bst71I restriction enzyme. The genotype frequencies of A/A, A/G, and G/G in 45 patients with PBC were 11% (5 patients), 44% (20 patients), and 44% (20 patients), respectively. There was no significant difference between frequencies in PBC patients and healthy controls. PBC patients with G/G genotype had significantly higher serum levels of ALT, GGT, and IgM than those in patients with A/A or A/G genotype. In conclusion, CTLA-4 gene polymorphisms are not associated with susceptibility of PBC in Japan; however, G/G genotype may be associated with liver damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yukiko Kanno
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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Saito H, Rai T, Takahashi A, Kanno Y, Monoe K, Irisawa A, Ohira H. CLINICOLABORATORY CHARACTERISTICS OF JAPANESE PATIENTS WITH PRIMARY BILIARY CIRRHOSIS-AUTOIMMUNE HEPATITIS OVERLAP. Fukushima J Med Sci 2006; 52:71-7. [PMID: 17427758 DOI: 10.5387/fms.52.71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To clarify the clinicolaboratory characteristics of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC)-autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) overlap, we analyzed their clinicolaboratory findings and compared them with those of patients with AIH or PBC retrospectively. We analyzed the laboratory findings of 177 patients that diagnosed 103 PBC and 74 AIH patients at our department during the period from January 1990 to April 2005. Of 103 PBC patients with a diagnosis of PBC, we identified 10 cases (9.7%) of PBC-AIH overlap (2 male, 8 female; mean age 56.5 years). PBC preceded AIH in 2 patients, and both diseases occurred simultaneously in the other 8 patients. There is no patients AIH preceded PBC. Positive frequency of anti-smooth muscle antibody (ASMA), IgG and IgM levels were significantly higher in patients with overlap than in those with AIH or PBC. Ursodeoxychoric acid (UDCA) was administered to all 10 patients initially, and later an immunosuppressant, prednisolone or azathioprine, was added in 6 patients. Two of the 10 patients died of liver failure 5 and 12 years after diagnosis, respectively. Both patients had been treated by either prednisolone or UDCA alone. We conclude that in patients with PBC-AIH overlap, the clinical characteristics of both PBC and AIH exist in an enhanced manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Saito
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan
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Takahashi A, Ohira H, Onizawa M, Monoe K, Kanno Y, Saito H, Abe K, Takiguchi J, Rai T, Kimura T, Kenjo A, Tsuchiya T, Saito T, Gotoh M. A recovery case of acute-onset autoimmune hepatitis presenting as fulminant hepatic failure [corrected], who received living donor-liver transplantation. Intern Med 2006; 45:1217-20. [PMID: 17139121 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.45.1799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A 23-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with jaundice and hepatic coma. She had taken a weight-loss supplement for one month before admission. Her clinical and laboratory findings were consistent with fulminant hepatic failure and fulfilled the criteria of autoimmune hepatitis. Despite corticosteroid pulse therapy and plasma exchange, her symptoms and laboratory findings deteriorated. Her condition improved after she received a living donor-liver transplant from her sister. Autoimmune hepatitis usually follows a chronic course, but it should be considered a type of fulminant hepatic failure and treated promptly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Takahashi
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Fukushima Medical University School of Medicine, Fukushima
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