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De Muynck K, Heyerick L, De Ponti FF, Vanderborght B, Meese T, Van Campenhout S, Baudonck L, Gijbels E, Rodrigues PM, Banales JM, Vesterhuus M, Folseraas T, Scott CL, Vinken M, Van der Linden M, Hoorens A, Van Dorpe J, Lefere S, Geerts A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Osteopontin characterizes bile duct-associated macrophages and correlates with liver fibrosis severity in primary sclerosing cholangitis. Hepatology 2024; 79:269-288. [PMID: 37535809 PMCID: PMC10789378 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an immune-mediated cholestatic liver disease for which pharmacological treatment options are currently unavailable. PSC is strongly associated with colitis and a disruption of the gut-liver axis, and macrophages are involved in the pathogenesis of PSC. However, how gut-liver interactions and specific macrophage populations contribute to PSC is incompletely understood. APPROACH AND RESULTS We investigated the impact of cholestasis and colitis on the hepatic and colonic microenvironment, and performed an in-depth characterization of hepatic macrophage dynamics and function in models of concomitant cholangitis and colitis. Cholestasis-induced fibrosis was characterized by depletion of resident KCs, and enrichment of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) in the liver. These MoMFs highly express triggering-receptor-expressed-on-myeloid-cells-2 ( Trem2 ) and osteopontin ( Spp1 ), markers assigned to hepatic bile duct-associated macrophages, and were enriched around the portal triad, which was confirmed in human PSC. Colitis induced monocyte/macrophage infiltration in the gut and liver, and enhanced cholestasis-induced MoMF- Trem2 and Spp1 upregulation, yet did not exacerbate liver fibrosis. Bone marrow chimeras showed that knockout of Spp1 in infiltrated MoMFs exacerbates inflammation in vivo and in vitro , while monoclonal antibody-mediated neutralization of SPP1 conferred protection in experimental PSC. In human PSC patients, serum osteopontin levels are elevated compared to control, and significantly increased in advanced stage PSC and might serve as a prognostic biomarker for liver transplant-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Our data shed light on gut-liver axis perturbations and macrophage dynamics and function in PSC and highlight SPP1/OPN as a prognostic marker and future therapeutic target in PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin De Muynck
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lander Heyerick
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Federico F. De Ponti
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Biology in Tissue Damage and Inflammation, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Meese
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- NXTGNT, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sanne Van Campenhout
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leen Baudonck
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Gijbels
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pedro M. Rodrigues
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Jesus M. Banales
- Department of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Biodonostia Research Institute, Donostia University Hospital, University of the Basque Country (UPV-EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
- CIBERehd, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, School of Sciences, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Mette Vesterhuus
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Norwegian PSC Research Center, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Trine Folseraas
- Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Norwegian PSC Research Center, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Medicine and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Charlotte L. Scott
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Biology in Tissue Damage and Inflammation, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- NXTGNT, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic & Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Butaye E, Somers N, Grossar L, Pauwels N, Lefere S, Devisscher L, Raevens S, Geerts A, Meuris L, Callewaert N, Van Vlierberghe H, Verhelst X. Systematic review: Glycomics as diagnostic markers for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2024; 59:23-38. [PMID: 37877758 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17748] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer with one of the highest cancer-related mortality rates worldwide. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving the therapeutic options and reducing the disease-related mortality. AIM To investigate serum N-glycomics as diagnostic markers for HCC. METHODS We performed a comprehensive search in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Scopus through August 17, 2023. Eligible studies assessed the potential use of serum N-glycomics as diagnostic biomarkers for HCC. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. RESULTS Of the 48 articles included, 11 evaluated the utility of N-glycomics for the diagnosis of HCC in whole serum while the remaining articles focused on specific protein glycoforms or protein levels. Of these specific proteins, haptoglobin, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), kininogen (Kin), α-1-antitrypsin and Golgi protein 73 (GP73) were the most frequently studied. Increased levels of fucosylation and branching presented as the most prevalent post-translational modifications of glycoproteins in patients with HCC compared to controls. Notably, glycomics-based biomarkers may provide a clinical benefit for the diagnosis of early HCC, as several algorithms achieved AUCs between 0.92-0.97. However, these were based on single studies with limited sample sizes and should therefore be validated. CONCLUSIONS Alterations in serum N-glycomics, characterised by increased levels of fucosylation and branching, have potential as diagnostic biomarkers for HCC. Optimisation of study design, patient selection and analysing techniques are needed before clinical implementation will be possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Butaye
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nicky Somers
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lorenz Grossar
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele Pauwels
- Knowledge Center for Health Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leander Meuris
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nico Callewaert
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Kalveram L, Baumann U, De Bruyne R, Draijer L, Janczyk W, Kelly D, Koot BG, Lacaille F, Lefere S, Lev HM, Lubrecht J, Mann JP, Mosca A, Rajwal S, Socha P, Vreugdenhil A, Alisi A, Hudert CA. Noninvasive scores are poorly predictive of histological fibrosis in paediatric fatty liver disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2024; 78:27-35. [PMID: 38291699 DOI: 10.1002/jpn3.12068] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in children. Roughly a quarter of paediatric patients with NAFLD develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Here, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of previously published noninvasive fibrosis scores to predict liver fibrosis in a large European cohort of paediatric patients with NAFLD. METHODS The 457 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD from 10 specialized centers were included. We assessed diagnostic accuracy for the prediction of any (F ≥ 1), moderate (F ≥ 2) or advanced (F ≥ 3) fibrosis for the AST/platelet ratio (APRI), Fibrosis 4 score (FIB-4), paediatric NAFLD fibrosis score (PNFS) and paediatric NAFLD fibrosis index (PNFI). RESULTS Patients covered the full spectrum of fibrosis (F0: n = 103; F1: n = 230; F2: n = 78; F3: n = 44; F4: n = 2). None of the scores were able to accurately distinguish the presence of any fibrosis from no fibrosis. For the detection of moderate fibrosis, area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) were: APRI: 0.697, FIB-4: 0.663, PNFI: 0.515, PNFS: 0.665, while for detection of advanced fibrosis AUROCs were: APRI: 0.759, FIB-4: 0.611, PNFI: 0.521, PNFS: 0.712. Fibrosis scores showed no diagnostic benefit over using ALT ≤ 50/ > 50 IU/L as a cut-off. CONCLUSIONS Established fibrosis scores lack diagnostic accuracy to replace liver biopsy for staging of fibrosis, giving similar results as compared to using ALT alone. New diagnostic tools are needed for Noninvasive risk-stratification in paediatric NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kalveram
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität zu Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Pediatric Kidney, Liver, and Metabolic Diseases Hannover, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Draijer
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Wojciech Janczyk
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutritional Disorders and Paediatrics, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Deirdre Kelly
- Liver unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bart G Koot
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Florence Lacaille
- Gastroenterology-Hepatology-Nutrition Unit, Hôpital Universitaire Necker-Enfants maladies, Paris, France
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hadar Moran Lev
- Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Dana Dwek Children's Hospital, affiliated to the Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Judith Lubrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Jake P Mann
- Liver unit, Birmingham Children's Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Antonella Mosca
- Hepatology, Gastroenterology, Nutrition, and Liver Transplantation Unit, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sanjay Rajwal
- Children's Liver Unit, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Leeds Children's Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Piotr Socha
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Nutritional Disorders and Paediatrics, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anita Vreugdenhil
- Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Anna Alisi
- Genetics of Complex Phenotypes Research Unit, Bambino Gesu' Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian A Hudert
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Nephrology and Metabolic Medicine, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität zu Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu, Berlin, Germany
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Onghena L, Van Nieuwenhove Y, Demeulenaere L, Devisscher L, Verhelst X, Degroote H, Raevens S, Van Vlierberghe H, Lefere S, Geerts A. Patients hospitalized with alcohol-related liver disease and prior bariatric surgery are more prone to develop acute-on-chronic liver failure. Liver Int 2023; 43:2743-2751. [PMID: 37718533 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15726] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Patients with a history of bariatric surgery (BS) are susceptible to developing alcohol use disorder. We and others have previously shown that these patients can develop severe alcohol-related liver disease (ARLD). Our aim was to describe the demographics, co-morbidities and mortality of a hospitalized population diagnosed with alcohol-related liver disease, in relation to BS. METHODS We included 299 patients hospitalized with ARLD at the Ghent University Hospital between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2022. Clinical, biochemical and outcome data were retrospectively retrieved from the most recent hospitalization. Statistical analysis was performed using the t test, Mann-Whitney U and χ2 tests. RESULTS Thirteen per cent (39/299) of patients admitted with ARLD had a history of bariatric surgery, of whom 25 (64.1%) had undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Patients with a history of BS were predominantly female (76.9%), in contrast to the non-BS population (29.2%) (p < .0001), and despite being significantly younger (p < .0001) and had a similar survival (61.5% vs. 58.1%). Bariatric surgery and older age at diagnosis were both significantly associated with poorer transplant-free survival. The cause of death was acute-on-chronic liver failure in 73.3% of BS patients, compared to only 19.2% of those without a history of BS (p < .0001). The weekly amount of alcohol consumed (p = .012) and duration of use (p < .0001) were significantly lower/shorter in the BS population. CONCLUSIONS BS patients hospitalized with ARLD are predominantly younger women with a lower cumulative alcohol consumption compared to those without prior BS. BS impacted transplant-free survival, with ACLF as the predominant cause of death in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Onghena
- Department for Human Structure and Repair, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yves Van Nieuwenhove
- Department for Human Structure and Repair, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurissa Demeulenaere
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lefere S, Geerts A. Letter: Detecting unreported alcohol consumption in patients with NAFLD - Standardisation is urgent. Authors' reply. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 58:969-970. [PMID: 37831534 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17738] [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: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
LINKED CONTENTThis article is linked to Magherman et al papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17388 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.17723
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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6
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Lefere S, Geerts A, De Bruyne R. Reply. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 21:2698-2699. [PMID: 36566817 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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7
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Mann JP, Vreugdenhil ACE, Zellos A, Krag A, Konidari A, Alisi A, Koot B, Kohlmaier B, Hudert CA, Tzivinikos C, Arikan C, Pienar C, Kelly D, Lurz E, Verduci E, Nicastro E, Fitzpatrick E, Indolfi G, Ranucci G, Antunes H, Labayen I, Degrassi I, Melek J, Brecelj J, Bronsky J, Lubrecht J, Brook K, Fotoulaki M, Rogalidou M, Samyn M, Zavhorodnia N, Junge N, Zavhorodnia O, Newsome P, DeBruyne R, Lefere S, Xavier S, Berg T, Lucian T, Frings V, Jańczyk W, Baumann U. Diagnosis of fatty liver in children should occur in parallel to investigation for other causes of liver disease. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:598-600. [PMID: 37028436 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00100-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
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8
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Vanderborght B, De Muynck K, Gijbels E, Lefere S, Scott CL, Guilliams M, Beschin A, Vinken M, Verhelst X, Geerts A, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Transient Kupffer cell depletion and subsequent replacement by infiltrating monocyte-derived cells does not alter the induction or progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Cancer 2023; 152:2615-2628. [PMID: 36912275 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34505] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Due to a combination of rapid disease progression and the lack of curative treatment options, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide. Infiltrated, monocyte-derived, tumor-associated macrophages are known to play a role in HCC pathogenesis, but the involvement of Kupffer cells (KCs) remains elusive. Here, we used the Clec4F-diphteria toxin receptor transgenic mouse model to specifically investigate the effect of KC depletion on HCC initiation, progression and neoplastic growth following liver resection. For this purpose, several HCC mouse models with varying underlying etiologies were used and partial hepatectomy was performed. Our results show that in HCC, developed on a fibrotic or non-alcoholic steatohepatitis background, depletion of embryonic KCs at the onset of HCC induction and the subsequent replacement by monocyte-derived KCs does not affect the tumor burden, tumor microenvironment or the phenotype of isolated KCs at end-stage disease. In non-chronic liver disease-associated diethylnitrosamine-induced HCC, ablation of Clec4F+ KCs did not alter tumor progression or neoplastic growth following liver resection. Our results show that temporal ablation of resident KCs does not impact HCC pathogenesis, neither in the induction phase nor in advanced disease, and indicate that bone marrow-derived KCs are able to swiftly repopulate the available KC niche and adopt their phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Muynck
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Eva Gijbels
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Charlotte L Scott
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Biology in Tissue Damage and Inflammation, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Martin Guilliams
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Biology in Tissue Homeostasis and Regeneration, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Alain Beschin
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, 1090, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, 9000, Belgium
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Lefere S, Verghote K, De Bruyne R, Provoost V, Satalkar PP. Correction to: 'A radical operation' - a thematic analysis of newspaper framing of bariatric surgery in adolescents. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:772. [PMID: 37101267 PMCID: PMC10131363 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15575-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kato Verghote
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veerle Provoost
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Priya P Satalkar
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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10
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Lanthier N, Lefere S, De Schepper H, Reenaers C. Clinical nutrition, skeletal muscle and liver disease: linking the dots for good management. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2023; 86:267-268. [PMID: 37428158 DOI: 10.51821/86.1.12052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- N Lanthier
- Service d'Hépato-Gastroentérologie, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Laboratory of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - S Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H De Schepper
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine and Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Infla-Med centre of excellence, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and hepatology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - C Reenaers
- Gastroenterology Department, CHU Sart-Tilman, Liège, Belgium
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11
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Magherman L, Van Parys R, Pauwels NS, Verhelst X, Devisscher L, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A, Lefere S. Meta-analysis: The impact of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption on progressive non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2023; 57:820-836. [PMID: 36708129 DOI: 10.1111/apt.17388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as fatty liver disease in the absence of heavy alcohol consumption. However, the impact of light-to-moderate alcohol consumption on progressive NAFLD and on mortality is presently unclear. METHODS Medline, Embase, OATD and OpenGrey were systematically searched up to November 2022 for relevant cross-sectional, case-control and cohort studies. The study outcomes were progressive NAFLD-steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and mortality. The entire review process was performed by two independent reviewers. A narrative synthesis was performed for all outcomes, while meta-analyses, subgroup analyses and publication bias assessment were performed depending on the number of articles. RESULTS After study selection, 32 articles were included. Cohort studies reported that moderate alcohol intake increased the risk for advanced fibrosis (pooled OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.08-2.26 and HR 1.39; 95% CI 1.22-1.57), which was not observed in cross-sectional studies. Alcohol use also increased the risk of developing liver cirrhosis and HCC, but seemed to lower the risk of steatohepatitis. Light alcohol consumption protected against all-cause mortality, an effect not observed in NAFLD patients with moderate intake. CONCLUSIONS There is wide heterogeneity in studies on the impact of alcohol on progressive NAFLD. Nevertheless, cohort studies reported a significant harmful effect of moderate alcohol consumption on the occurrence of advanced fibrosis. Further research is needed to make valid recommendations with regard to alcohol consumption in patients with NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Magherman
- Hepatology Research Unit, Dpt. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robbe Van Parys
- Hepatology Research Unit, Dpt. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nele S Pauwels
- Knowledge Center for Health Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Dpt. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Dpt. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Dpt. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Dpt. Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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12
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Geerts A, Onghena L, Lefere S. Liver health and the interplay between obesity, alcohol and bariatric surgery. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2023; 86:313-317. [PMID: 37428164 DOI: 10.51821/86.2.11553] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and metabolic consequences, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become a global health problem. Obesity has an important impact on chronic liver disease even beyond NAFLD, as it accelerates the progression of alcohol liver disease. Conversely, even moderate alcohol use can affect NAFLD disease severity. Weight loss is the gold standard treatment but adherence to lifestyle changes is very low in the clinical setting. Bariatric surgery can improve metabolic components and cause long-term weight loss. Therefore, bariatric surgery could serve as an attractive treatment option for NAFLD patients. A pitfall is the use of alcohol after bariatric surgery. This short review integrates data about the influence of obesity and alcohol on liver function and the role of bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Onghena
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - S Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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13
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Somers N, Vandekerckhove E, Geerts A, Degroote H, Lefere S, Devisscher L, Meuris L, Callewaert N, Van Vlierberghe H, Verhelst X. Glycomics-based serum markers as reliable tool for assessment of viral response after treatment with direct-acting antiviral drugs in hepatitis C virus infection. Acta Clin Belg 2023; 78:96-102. [PMID: 35505274 DOI: 10.1080/17843286.2022.2072110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection have a genuine risk of developing liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, potentially resulting in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a risk that remains even after sustained viral response (SVR). Glycomics-based biomarkers are an attractive tool to closely monitor these patients during and after antiviral treatment, as alterations in the abundance of N-glycans reflect an altered state of the liver. This study assessed serum glycomics for the evaluation of inflammation-related fibrosis regression during and after treatment of HCV with DAAs. METHODS The GlycoFibroTest and GlycoCirrhoTest were analyzed in the sera 36 HCV-infected patients with advanced fibrosis (F3) or established cirrhosis (F4), before (week 0), during (week 12) and after (week 24) a twelve-week oral administration of DAAs therapy - using an optimized glycomic technology on a DNA sequencer. RESULTS All patients achieved SVR after treatment and two of them developed HCC in the subsequent five years. A significant decrease of the GlycoFibroTest (p < 0.0001) was seen after 12 weeks, consistent with other measured biomarkers (APRI, FIB-4, FibroTest). Statistical analysis was performed in IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0, using the non-parametric Friedman's test with a statistical significance α level of 0.05. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the GlycoFibroTest is a serum biomarker for viral response in HCV patients. The rapid decrease of the glycomics-based biomarker probably reflects the amelioration of liver inflammation as underlying process, rather than the improvement of liver fibrosis itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky Somers
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Elisabeth Vandekerckhove
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent UniversityGut-Liver, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent UniversityGut-Liver, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Leander Meuris
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nico Callewaert
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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14
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Lefere S, Vergote K, De Bruyne R, Provoost V, Satalkar PP. 'A radical operation' - a thematic analysis of newspaper framing of bariatric surgery in adolescents. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:447. [PMID: 36882787 PMCID: PMC9993750 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15366-8] [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: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity in adolescents is a growing public health issue. Bariatric surgery is an effective, yet controversial treatment option for adolescents. The moral acceptability of this procedure by health-care professionals as well as the general public can be influenced by its portrayal in the news media. Our objective was to analyze how newspaper articles portrayed adolescent bariatric surgery, with attention to the language used and moral arguments made. METHODS Using an inductive thematic analysis approach, we analyzed 26 UK and 12 US newspaper articles (2014-2022) on adolescent bariatric surgery for implicit or explicit moral evaluations and use of normative language. Coding was performed after immersive reading, assisted by NVivo. Themes were identified and refined iteratively through consecutive auditing cycles to enrich the depth and rigor of our analysis. RESULTS The major themes identified related to (1) defining the burden of adolescent obesity, (2) sparking moral outrage, (3) sensation-seeking, and (4) raising ethical issues. The articles employed moral language, specifically non-neutral and negative discourse regarding surgery. Blame was attributed to adolescents or their parents. Sensationalist wording often reinforced the normative content, drawing the attention of the reader and contributing to stigmatization of adolescents with severe obesity as lacking will power and being lazy. Further moral issues that stood out were the challenges in obtaining an informed consent, and the unequal access to surgery for socially disadvantaged groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide insights into how adolescent bariatric surgery is represented in the print news media. Despite frequent citing of experts and studies on the efficacy, safety and unmet need for bariatric surgery, obesity and surgery in adolescents are often stigmatized and sensationalized, with (prospective) patients depicted as looking for an easy way out in the form of a solution brought by others (health systems, society, tax payers). This may increase the stigma surrounding adolescent obesity, and therefore limit the acceptability of specific treatments such as bariatric surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. .,Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kato Vergote
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Veerle Provoost
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Priya P Satalkar
- Department Moral Sciences and Empirical (Bio) Ethics Research, Bioethics Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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15
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Geerts A, Lefere S. Bariatric surgery for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Indications and post-operative management. Clin Mol Hepatol 2023; 29:S276-S285. [PMID: 36545709 PMCID: PMC10029945 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2022.0373] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and metabolic consequences such as nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) has become a crucial health problem. Lifestyle modifications, especially weight loss, effectively reduces liver injury in NAFLD patients. However, adherence to lifestyle changes is very low in the clinical setting. Bariatric surgery can improve metabolic components and cause long-term weight loss. Therefore, bariatric surgery could serve as an attractive treatment option for NAFLD patients. This review integrates data about the benefits of bariatric surgery on NAFLD but also describes the potential pitfalls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Geerts
- Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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De Muynck K, Vanderborght B, De Ponti FF, Gijbels E, Van Welden S, Guilliams M, Scott CL, Beschin A, Vinken M, Lefere S, Geerts A, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Kupffer Cells Contested as Early Drivers in the Pathogenesis of Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis. Am J Pathol 2023; 193:366-379. [PMID: 36642171 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2022.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is an idiopathic chronic immune-mediated cholestatic liver disease characterized by fibro-inflammatory bile duct strictures, progressive hepatobiliary fibrosis, and gut-liver axis disruption. The pathophysiology of PSC remains insufficiently characterized, which hampers the development of effective therapies. Hepatic macrophages (MFs) are implicated in PSC pathogenesis, but the exact role of Kupffer cells (KCs) is unclear. Using the latest markers to discriminate resident KCs (ResKCs) from their monocyte-derived counterparts (MoKCs), and two models for intrahepatic and extrahepatic cholestasis, respectively, this study shows that CLEC4F+TIM4+ ResKCs are depleted after chronic cholestatic liver injury, whereas infiltrating CLEC4F+TIM4- MoKCs are already enriched during the acute phase. Transcriptional profiling of hepatic MF subsets during early cholestatic injury indicates that ResKCs are indeed activated and that MoKCs express even higher levels of pro-inflammatory and proliferative markers compared with ResKCs. Conditional depletion of KCs, by using Clec4fDTR transgenic mice, before and during early cholestasis induction had no effect, however, on the composition of the hepatic myeloid cell pool following injury progression and did not affect disease outcomes. Taken together, these results provide new insights on the heterogeneity of the MF pool during experimental PSC and evidence that depletion of resident and activated KCs during sclerosing cholangitis does not affect disease outcome in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin De Muynck
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Federico F De Ponti
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Biology in Tissue Damage and Inflammation, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Gijbels
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sophie Van Welden
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Intestinal Barrier Signaling in Disease and Therapy, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Martin Guilliams
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Biology in Tissue Homeostasis and Regeneration, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte L Scott
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Biology in Tissue Damage and Inflammation, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alain Beschin
- Cellular & Molecular Immunology Research Group, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium; Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie-Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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17
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Lefere S, Dupont E, De Guchtenaere A, Van Biervliet S, Vande Velde S, Verhelst X, Devisscher L, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A, De Bruyne R. Intensive Lifestyle Management Improves Steatosis and Fibrosis in Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:2317-2326.e4. [PMID: 34871812 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Childhood obesity, with associated comorbidities such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is an increasing global health problem. Although lifestyle management is the mainstay of treatment, its efficacy on liver fibrosis has not yet been established. METHODS Children and adolescents admitted for severe obesity at a tertiary center (Zeepreventorium, De Haan, Belgium) were enrolled in this prospective study. Intensive lifestyle therapy encompassed caloric restriction, physical activity, education on a healthy lifestyle, and psychosocial support. At baseline, 6 months, and 12 months, liver ultrasound and transient elastography with controlled attenuation parameter were performed to assess liver steatosis and fibrosis. RESULTS A total of 204 patients (median age, 14.0 y; body mass index Z-score, +2.8) were evaluated at admission. NAFLD on ultrasound was present in 71.1%, whereas 68.6% had controlled attenuation parameter values of 248 dB/m or greater. A total of 32.8% of patients had at least F2 fibrosis, including 10.3% with transient elastography of 9 kPa or greater. After 6 months, the median body weight loss was 16.0% in the 167 patients evaluated. Fibrosis improved in 75.0% (P < .001). Baseline severity of liver fibrosis and steatosis were predictors of fibrosis resolution. Seventy-nine patients had reached the 1-year time point. The improvements were sustained because fibrosis regressed at least 1 stage in all patients with baseline fibrosis. Fasting serum alanine aminotransferase and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance decreased significantly over the 1-year period (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS NAFLD and associated fibrosis are highly prevalent in children and adolescents with severe obesity. An intensive multidisciplinary lifestyle management program that causes significant weight loss not only improves liver steatosis, but also fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent, Belgium; Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
| | | | - Ann De Guchtenaere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stephanie Van Biervliet
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Saskia Vande Velde
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent, Belgium
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Puengel T, Lefere S, Hundertmark J, Kohlhepp M, Penners C, Van de Velde F, Lapauw B, Hoorens A, Devisscher L, Geerts A, Boehm S, Zhao Q, Krupinski J, Charles ED, Zinker B, Tacke F. Combined Therapy with a CCR2/CCR5 Antagonist and FGF21 Analogue Synergizes in Ameliorating Steatohepatitis and Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23126696. [PMID: 35743140 PMCID: PMC9224277 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23126696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: With new potential drug targets emerging, combination therapies appear attractive to treat non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis. Chemokine receptor CCR2/5 antagonists can improve fibrosis by reducing monocyte infiltration and altering hepatic macrophage subsets. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) may improve NASH by modulating lipid and glucose metabolism. We compared effects of single drug to combination treatment as therapeutic strategies against NASH. (2) Methods: We analyzed serum samples and liver biopsies from 85 nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients. A CCR2/5 inhibitor (BMS-687681-02-020) and a pegylated FGF21 agonist (BMS-986171) were tested in male C57BL/6J mice subjected to dietary models of NASH and fibrosis (choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) up to 12 weeks; short- (2w) or long-term (6w) treatment). (3) Results: In NAFLD patients, chemokine CCL2 and FGF21 serum levels correlated with inflammatory serum markers, only CCL2 was significantly associated with advanced liver fibrosis. In rodent NASH, CCR2/5 inhibition significantly reduced circulating Ly6C+ monocytes and hepatic monocyte-derived macrophages, alongside reduced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. FGF21 agonism decreased body weight, liver triglycerides and histological NASH activity. Combination treatment reflected aspects of both compounds upon short- and long-term application, thereby amplifying beneficial effects on all aspects of steatohepatitis and fibrosis. (4) Conclusions: CCR2/5 inhibition blocks hepatic infiltration of inflammatory monocytes, FGF21 agonism improves obesity-related metabolic disorders. Combined therapy ameliorates steatohepatitis and fibrosis more potently than single drug treatment in rodent NASH, corroborating the therapeutic potential of combining these two approaches in NASH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tobias Puengel
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), 10178 Berlin, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH-University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (T.P.); (S.L.); Tel.: +49-30-450-630-057 (T.P.); +49-30-450-553-022 (S.L.)
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH-University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Correspondence: (T.P.); (S.L.); Tel.: +49-30-450-630-057 (T.P.); +49-30-450-553-022 (S.L.)
| | - Jana Hundertmark
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
| | - Marlene Kohlhepp
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
| | - Christian Penners
- Department of Medicine III, RWTH-University Hospital Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | | | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (F.V.d.V.); (B.L.)
| | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium;
| | - Stephanie Boehm
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Qihong Zhao
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - John Krupinski
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Edgar D. Charles
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Bradley Zinker
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; (S.B.); (Q.Z.); (J.K.); (E.D.C.); (B.Z.)
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow-Klinikum (CVK) and Campus Charité Mitte (CCM), 13353 Berlin, Germany; (J.H.); (M.K.); (F.T.)
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Querter I, De Bruyne R, Geerts A, Lefere S. Reply. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:1421-1422. [PMID: 34536580 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Querter
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Heldens A, Lefere S. MD2 AMP(K)s up the link between lipid accumulation and inflammation in NAFLD. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e832. [PMID: 35452173 PMCID: PMC9028087 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Anneleen Heldens
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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21
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Querter I, Pauwels NS, De Bruyne R, Dupont E, Verhelst X, Devisscher L, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A, Lefere S. Maternal and Perinatal Risk Factors for Pediatric Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:740-755. [PMID: 33862225 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2021.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [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: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common pediatric liver disease. The intrauterine and early life environment can have an important impact on long-term metabolic health. We investigated the impact of maternal prepregnancy obesity, (pre)gestational diabetes, breastfeeding, and birth anthropometrics/preterm birth on the development of NAFLD in children and adolescents. METHODS A comprehensive search was performed in MEDLINE, PubMed Central, EMBASE, and grey literature databases through August 2020. The primary outcome was the prevalence of pediatric NAFLD, whereas the histologic severity of steatohepatitis and/or fibrosis were secondary outcomes. Study selection, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by 2 independent reviewers. RESULTS Our systematic review included 33 articles. Study heterogeneity regarding patient populations, diagnostic tools, and overall quality was considerable. Eight studies determined the impact of maternal prepregnancy overweight/obesity and identified this as a possible modifiable risk factor for pediatric NAFLD. Conversely, 8 studies investigated (pre)gestational diabetes, yet the evidence on its impact is conflicting. Breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk for NAFLD, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis, especially in studies that evaluated longer periods of breastfeeding. Being born preterm or small for gestational age has an unclear impact on the development of NAFLD, although an early catch-up growth might drive NAFLD. CONCLUSIONS In a systematic review, we found that maternal prepregnancy overweight and obesity were associated with an increased risk of pediatric NAFLD. Breastfeeding might be protective against the development of NAFLD when the duration of breastfeeding is sufficiently long (≥6 months).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Querter
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent
| | - Nele S Pauwels
- Knowledge Center for Health Ghent, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent
| | - Ruth De Bruyne
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent
| | | | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent; Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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22
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Claeys W, Van Hoecke L, Lefere S, Geerts A, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Degroote H, Devisscher L, Vandenbroucke RE, Van Steenkiste C. The neurogliovascular unit in hepatic encephalopathy. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100352. [PMID: 34611619 PMCID: PMC8476774 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2021.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neurological complication of hepatic dysfunction and portosystemic shunting. It is highly prevalent in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with poor outcomes. New insights into the role of peripheral origins in HE have led to the development of innovative treatment strategies like faecal microbiota transplantation. However, this broadening of view has not been applied fully to perturbations in the central nervous system. The old paradigm that HE is the clinical manifestation of ammonia-induced astrocyte dysfunction and its secondary neuronal consequences requires updating. In this review, we will use the holistic concept of the neurogliovascular unit to describe central nervous system disturbances in HE, an approach that has proven instrumental in other neurological disorders. We will describe HE as a global dysfunction of the neurogliovascular unit, where blood flow and nutrient supply to the brain, as well as the function of the blood-brain barrier, are impaired. This leads to an accumulation of neurotoxic substances, chief among them ammonia and inflammatory mediators, causing dysfunction of astrocytes and microglia. Finally, glymphatic dysfunction impairs the clearance of these neurotoxins, further aggravating their effect on the brain. Taking a broader view of central nervous system alterations in liver disease could serve as the basis for further research into the specific brain pathophysiology of HE, as well as the development of therapeutic strategies specifically aimed at counteracting the often irreversible central nervous system damage seen in these patients.
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Key Words
- ABC, ATP-binding cassette
- ACLF, acute-on-chronic liver failure
- AD, acute decompensation
- ALF, acute liver failure
- AOM, azoxymethane
- AQP4, aquaporin 4
- Acute Liver Failure
- Ammonia
- BBB, blood-brain barrier
- BCRP, breast cancer resistance protein
- BDL, bile duct ligation
- Blood-brain barrier
- Brain edema
- CCL, chemokine ligand
- CCR, C-C chemokine receptor
- CE, cerebral oedema
- CLD, chronic liver disease
- CLDN, claudin
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- Cirrhosis
- Energy metabolism
- GS, glutamine synthetase
- Glymphatic system
- HE, hepatic encephalopathy
- HO-1, heme oxygenase 1
- IL-, interleukin
- MMP-9, matrix metalloproteinase 9
- MRP, multidrug resistance associated protein
- NGVU
- NGVU, neurogliovascular unit
- NKCC1, Na-K-2Cl cotransporter 1
- Neuroinflammation
- OCLN, occludin
- ONS, oxidative and nitrosative stress
- Oxidative stress
- P-gp, P-glycoprotein
- PCA, portacaval anastomosis
- PSS, portosystemic shunt
- S1PR2, sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2
- SUR1, sulfonylurea receptor 1
- Systemic inflammation
- TAA, thioacetamide
- TGFβ, transforming growth factor beta
- TJ, tight junction
- TNF, tumour necrosis factor
- TNFR1, tumour necrosis factor receptor 1
- ZO, zonula occludens
- mPT, mitochondrial pore transition
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter Claeys
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lien Van Hoecke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Paediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences; Liver Research Center Ghent; Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roosmarijn E. Vandenbroucke
- Barriers in Inflammation, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Antwerp University, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Antwerp, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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23
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Lefere S, Onghena L, Vanlander A, van Nieuwenhove Y, Devisscher L, Geerts A. Bariatric surgery and the liver-Mechanisms, benefits, and risks. Obes Rev 2021; 22:e13294. [PMID: 34002452 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [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: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity and metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has risen dramatically over the past decades. At present, bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for this global health problem, through effects on food intake, gut hormone secretion, metabolic signaling pathways, and adipose tissue dysfunction. The liver occupies a central role in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Notably, a reduction in hepatic fat content and an improvement in hepatic insulin resistance are among the earliest beneficial effects of bariatric surgery, which has therefore emerged as an attractive treatment option for NAFLD. However, as the scope and popularity of weight loss surgery have expanded, new questions have arisen regarding its safety in patients with liver cirrhosis, the outcome of liver transplantation in patients with a history of bariatric surgery, and over incidental reports of liver failure following surgery. Studies in humans and rodents have also linked bariatric surgery to an increased risk of developing alcohol use disorder, a major risk factor for liver disease. This review integrates data from clinical and translational research to delineate both the beneficial impact of bariatric surgery on the liver and the potential risks involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Louis Onghena
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liver Transplantation Service, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Aude Vanlander
- Department of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liver Transplantation Service, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Liver Research Center Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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24
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Devisscher L, Van Campenhout S, Lefere S, Raevens S, Tilleman L, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Van Eeckhoutte HP, Hoorens A, Lynes MA, Geerts A, Laukens D, Van Vlierberghe H. Metallothioneins alter macrophage phenotype and represent novel therapeutic targets for acetaminophen-induced liver injury. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:123-133. [PMID: 33724533 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3a0820-527r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication is the foremost cause of drug-induced liver failure in developed countries. The only pharmacologic treatment option, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), is not effective for patients who are admitted too late and/or who have excessive liver damage, emphasizing the need for alternative treatment options. APAP intoxication results in hepatocyte death and release of danger signals, which further contribute to liver injury, in part by hepatic monocyte/macrophage infiltration and activation. Metallothionein (MT) 1 and 2 have important danger signaling functions and might represent novel therapeutic targets in APAP overdose. Therefore, we evaluated hepatic MT expression and the effect of anti-MT antibodies on the transcriptional profile of the hepatic macrophage population and liver injury following APAP overdose in mice. Hepatic MT expression was significantly induced in APAP-intoxicated mice and abundantly present in human livers. APAP intoxication in mice resulted in increased serum transaminase levels, extended necrotic regions on liver histology and induced expression of proinflammatory markers, which was significantly less pronounced in mice treated with anti-MT antibodies. Anti-MT antibody therapy attenuated proinflammatory macrophage polarization, as demonstrated by RNA sequencing analyses of isolated liver macrophages and in LPS-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages. Importantly, NAC and anti-MT antibodies were equally effective whereas administration of anti-MT antibody in combination with NAC exceeded the efficiency of both monotherapies in APAP-induced liver injury (AILI). We conclude that the neutralization of secreted MTs using a monoclonal antibody is a novel therapeutic strategy as mono- or add-on therapy for AILI. In addition, we provide evidence suggesting that MTs in the extracellular environment are involved in macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver ImmunoPharmacology Unit, Department Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sanne Van Campenhout
- Gut-Liver ImmunoPharmacology Unit, Department Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Gut-Liver ImmunoPharmacology Unit, Department Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laurentijn Tilleman
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hannelore P Van Eeckhoutte
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Michael A Lynes
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Debby Laukens
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Liver Research Center Ghent, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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25
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Vanderborght B, De Muynck K, Lefere S, Geerts A, Degroote H, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Effect of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides on tumorigenesis, inflammation and fibrosis in a hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4504-4520. [PMID: 33400730 PMCID: PMC7721613 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. For advanced HCC, there is still an unmet need for more effective therapeutic strategies. HCC is typically associated with hypoxia and the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) regulatory pathway plays an important role in HCC development and progression. Therefore, we investigated the therapeutic potential of isoform-specific HIF-1α and HIF-2α antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs), along with their effect on the inflammatory and fibrotic component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), in an experimental HCC mouse model. Based on its efficacy and safety, a dosage regimen of 20 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection of HIFα ASO twice per week was selected for further investigation in a preventive and therapeutic setting in a N,N-diethylnitrous amide (DEN)-induced HCC mouse model. DEN administration resulted in 100% tumor formation and HIFα ASO administration led to effective and selective hepatic downregulation of its target genes. HIFα ASO treatment had no effect on tumor numbers, but even enhanced the increased hepatic expression of HCC tumor markers, α-fetoprotein and glypican-3, compared to scrambled control ASO treatment in HCC mice. Especially HIF-1α ASO treatment resulted in an enhanced increase of monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages in the liver and an enhanced hepatic upregulation of inflammatory markers. Both HIFα ASOs aggravated liver fibrosis in HCC mice compared to scrambled ASO treatment. The observed effects of our dosing regimen for HIF-1α and HIF-2α ASO treatment in the DEN-induced HCC mouse model discourage the use of HIFα isoforms as targets for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin De Muynck
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Helena Degroote
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Vanderborght B, Lefere S, Vlierberghe HV, Devisscher L. The Angiopoietin/Tie2 Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112382. [PMID: 33143149 PMCID: PMC7693961 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the usually late diagnosis and lack of effective therapies, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which poses a growing global health problem, is characterized by a poor prognosis. Angiogenesis plays an important role in HCC progression, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and angiopoietins (Angs) are key drivers of HCC angiogenesis. VEGF-targeting strategies already represent an important component of today’s systemic treatment landscape of HCC, whereas targeting the Ang/Tie2 signaling pathway may harbor future potential in this context due to reported beneficial anticancer effects when targeting this pathway. In addition, a better understanding of the relation between Angs and HCC angiogenesis and progression may reveal their potential as predictive factors for post-treatment disease progression and prognosis. In this review, we give a comprehensive overview of the complex role of Ang/Tie2 signaling in HCC, pinpointing its potential value as biomarker and target for HCC treatments, aiding HCC diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; (B.V.); (S.L.); (H.V.V.)
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-9-332-56-65
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Lefere S, Puengel T, Hundertmark J, Penners C, Frank AK, Guillot A, de Muynck K, Heymann F, Adarbes V, Defrêne E, Estivalet C, Geerts A, Devisscher L, Wettstein G, Tacke F. Differential effects of selective- and pan-PPAR agonists on experimental steatohepatitis and hepatic macrophages ☆. J Hepatol 2020; 73:757-770. [PMID: 32360434 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are essential regulators of whole-body metabolism, but also modulate inflammation in immune cells, notably macrophages. We compared the effects of selective PPAR agonists to those of the pan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and studied isoform-specific effects on hepatic macrophage biology. METHODS Lanifibranor or selective PPARα (fenofibrate), PPARγ (pioglitazone) and PPARδ (GW501516) agonists were therapeutically administered in choline-deficient, amino acid-defined high-fat diet (CDAA-HFD)- and Western diet (WD)-fed mouse models of NAFLD. Acute liver injury was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). The role of PPARs on macrophage functionality was studied in isolated hepatic macrophages, bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with palmitic acid, and circulating monocytes from patients with NAFLD. RESULTS Lanifibranor improved all histological features of steatohepatitis in CDAA-HFD-fed mice, including liver fibrosis, thereby combining and exceeding specific effects of the single PPAR agonists. Its potent anti-steatotic efficacy was confirmed in a 3D liver biochip model with primary cells. Infiltrating hepatic monocyte-derived macrophages were reduced following PPAR agonist administration, especially with lanifibranor, even after short-term treatment, paralleling improved steatosis and hepatitis. Lanifibranor similarly decreased steatosis, liver injury and monocyte infiltration in the WD model. In the acute CCl4 model, neither single nor pan-PPAR agonists directly affected monocyte recruitment. Hepatic macrophages isolated from WD-fed mice displayed a metabolically activated phenotype. Lanifibranor attenuated the accompanying inflammatory activation in both murine palmitic acid-stimulated bone marrow-derived macrophages, as well as patient-derived circulating monocytes, in a PPARδ-dependent fashion. CONCLUSION Pan-PPAR agonists combine the beneficial effects of selective PPAR agonists and may counteract inflammation and disease progression more potently. PPARδ agonism and lanifibranor directly modulate macrophage activation, but not infiltration, thereby synergizing with beneficial metabolic effects of PPARα/γ agonists. LAY SUMMARY Peroxisome proliferated-activated receptors (PPARs) are essential regulators of metabolism and inflammation. We demonstrated that the pan-PPAR agonist lanifibranor ameliorated all aspects of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in independent experimental mouse models. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and fatty acids induce a specific polarization status in macrophages, which was altered by lanifibranor to increase expression of lipid handling genes, thereby decreasing inflammation. PPAR isoforms have differential therapeutic effects on fat-laden hepatocytes, activated hepatic stellate cells and inflammatory macrophages, supporting the clinical development of pan-PPAR agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Tobias Puengel
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jana Hundertmark
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Penners
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | | | - Adrien Guillot
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kevin de Muynck
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Felix Heymann
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany; Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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Lefere S, Stroobant L, Verhelst X, Vanlander A, Berrevoet F, Troisi RI, Van Nieuwenhove Y, Rogiers X, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A. Bariatric Surgery Patients Are at Risk for Alcoholic Liver Disease with Need for Liver Transplantation. Obes Surg 2020; 30:4659-4664. [DOI: 10.1007/s11695-020-04806-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Van Campenhout S, Tilleman L, Lefere S, Vandierendonck A, Raevens S, Verhelst X, Geerts A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L. Myeloid-specific IRE1alpha deletion reduces tumour development in a diabetic, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model. Metabolism 2020; 107:154220. [PMID: 32243868 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2020.154220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Obesity, diabetes and associated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are rising risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Macrophages are important immune cells involved in inflammation and tumour development. Macrophage inositol-requiring enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α), an ER-stress protein, has been shown to be involved in macrophage cytokine production, and myeloid-specific IRE1α knock-out (myeloid IRE1α-KO) mice showed reduced weight gain during high-fat diet feeding. However, the effect of myeloid IRE1α on NASH and subsequent HCC development has not been examined. Here, we characterized the transcriptional profile of the hepatic macrophage population in a diabetes-NASH-HCC mouse model, and investigated the effect of myeloid-specific IRE1α deletion on the phenotype of hepatic macrophage subsets and experimental NASH-HCC development. METHODS Mice with non-functional myeloid IRE1α were created by crossing Ire1a floxed mice with Lysm-Cre mice. Two-day old myeloid IRE1α-KO and wild type (WT) mice were subcutaneously injected with streptozotocin (STZ), and male mice were fed a high-fat, -sucrose, -cholesterol diet (Western diet, WD) from the age of 4 weeks until 21 weeks. Control myeloid IRE1α-KO and WT mice received a PBS injection and were fed a matched control diet. These mice were evaluated for obesity, diabetes, NASH and HCC. The hepatic macrophage population was evaluated by flow cytometry and RNA sequencing on FACS-isolated macrophage subsets. RESULTS STZ-injection and WD feeding resulted in an impaired glucose tolerance, advanced NASH with fibrosis, and HCC development. Myeloid IRE1α-KO STZ mice showed lower fasting glucose levels at the start of WD feeding, and an improved glucose tolerance and attenuated HCC development after 17 weeks of WD feeding despite a similar degree of liver steatosis and inflammation compared to WT mice. Transcriptomic analysis of WT liver Kupffer cells, macrophages and monocytes revealed phenotypical changes in those cell subsets during NASH-HCC development. Isolated liver Kupffer cells and macrophages from mice with a myeloid IRE1α deletion showed downregulated pathways involved in immune system activation and metabolic pathways (only in Kupffer cells), whereas pathways involved in cell division and metabolism were upregulated in monocytes. These transcriptional differences were attenuated during NASH-HCC development. CONCLUSION Our results show that myeloid-specific IRE1α deletion results in an altered transcriptional profile of hepatic macrophages and dampens diabetes-induced NASH-HCC development, possibly by attenuated diabetes induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Van Campenhout
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Laurentijn Tilleman
- Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sander Lefere
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Astrid Vandierendonck
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Anja Geerts
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Lab of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ghent University, Ottergemsesteenweg 460, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Hepatology Research Unit, Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 2, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Entrance 36 - Floor 3, 9000 Ghent, Belgium.
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Van Campenhout S, Hastuti AAMB, Lefere S, Van Vlierberghe H, Vanhaecke F, Costas-Rodríguez M, Devisscher L. Lighter serum copper isotopic composition in patients with early non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:225. [PMID: 32306999 PMCID: PMC7168815 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05069-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [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: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is globally increasing. To challenge the current incidence of NAFLD, non-invasive markers that could identify patients at risk or monitor disease progression are an important need. Copper intake and organ copper concentrations have earlier been linked to NAFLD progression, but serum copper does not adequately represent the disease state. Cu atoms occur under the form of two stable isotopes, 63Cu and 65Cu, and the ratio of both (expressed as δ65Cu, in ‰) in blood serum has been shown to be altered in chronic liver disease. To assess whether the Cu isotope ratio might predict disease occurrence and progression of NAFLD, the serum Cu isotopic composition of patients with different stages of NAFLD was determined. Results Our results showed that serum δ65Cu values were lower in NAFLD patients, already at the level of simple steatosis, and remained stable during further disease progression. ROC analysis shows an almost perfect diagnostic ability of serum δ65Cu values for NAFLD, but no discrimination between different severity degrees could be made. Therefore, the serum Cu isotopic composition might show potential for early diagnosis of NAFLD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Van Campenhout
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics-Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 entrance 12-floor 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Gut Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 entrance 36-floor 3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Agustina A M B Hastuti
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic and Mass Spectrometry-A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics-Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 entrance 12-floor 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics-Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 entrance 12-floor 1, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Vanhaecke
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic and Mass Spectrometry-A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marta Costas-Rodríguez
- Department of Chemistry, Atomic and Mass Spectrometry-A&MS Research Unit, Ghent University, Campus Sterre, Krijgslaan 281-S12, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Gut Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10 entrance 36-floor 3, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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Lefere S, Devisscher L, Geerts A. Angiogenesis in the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Acta Gastroenterol Belg 2020; 83:301-307. [PMID: 32603050] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, and an increasing cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, is a key pathophysiological mechanism contributing to NAFLD progression. Major triggers for angiogenesis in NAFLD include tissue hypoxia, structural and dynamic endothelial cell dysfunction, stellate cell activation and macrophage-mediated inflammation. In turn, angiogenesis drives inflammation and is closely linked to the progression of liver fibrosis and the development of liver cancer. In particular, the molecular crosstalk between pro-angiogenic endothelial cells and activated stellate cells can result in a positive feedback loop in which angiogenesis and fibrosis develop in parallel. In this review, we highlight the molecular mechanisms, drivers and consequences of angiogenesis in the progression of NAFLD to NASH, fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Evidence from animal and clinical studies suggests that mediators of angiogenesis and endothelial dysfunction are promising disease biomarkers, and that inhibiting angiogenesis may improve the course of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - L Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - A Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lefere S, Devisscher L, Tacke F. Targeting CCR2/5 in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis: opportunities and challenges. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2020; 29:89-92. [PMID: 31952447 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2020.1718106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medical Center, Berlin, Germany
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Raevens S, Van Campenhout S, Debacker PJ, Lefere S, Verhelst X, Geerts A, Van Vlierberghe H, Colle I, Devisscher L. Combination of sivelestat and N-acetylcysteine alleviates the inflammatory response and exceeds standard treatment for acetaminophen-induced liver injury. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 107:341-355. [PMID: 31841237 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5a1119-279r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [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: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocyte death during acetaminophen (APAP) intoxication elicits a reactive inflammatory response, with hepatic recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes, which further aggravates liver injury. Neutrophil elastase (NE), secreted by activated neutrophils, carries degradative and cytotoxic functions and maintains a proinflammatory state. We investigated NE as a therapeutic target in acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI). C57BL/6 mice were administered a toxic dose of APAP, 2 h prior to receiving the NE inhibitor sivelestat, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), or a combination therapy, and were euthanized after 24 and 48 h. Upon APAP overdose, neutrophils and monocytes infiltrate the injured liver, accompanied by increased levels of NE. Combination therapy of NAC and sivelestat significantly limits liver damage, as evidenced by lower serum transaminase levels and less hepatic necrosis compared to mice that received APAP only, and this to a greater extent than NAC monotherapy. Lower hepatic expression of proinflammatory markers was observed in the combination treatment group, and flow cytometry revealed significantly less monocyte influx in livers from mice treated with the combination therapy, compared to untreated mice and mice treated with NAC only. The potential of NE to induce leukocyte migration was confirmed in vitro. Importantly, sivelestat did not impair hepatic repair. In conclusion, combination of NE inhibition with sivelestat and NAC dampens the inflammatory response and reduces liver damage following APAP overdose. This strategy exceeds the standard of care and might represent a novel therapeutic option for AILI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Raevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Pieter-Jan Debacker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lefere S, Van de Velde F, Hoorens A, Raevens S, Van Campenhout S, Vandierendonck A, Neyt S, Vandeghinste B, Vanhove C, Debbaut C, Verhelst X, Van Dorpe J, Van Steenkiste C, Casteleyn C, Lapauw B, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A, Devisscher L. Angiopoietin-2 Promotes Pathological Angiogenesis and Is a Therapeutic Target in Murine Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Hepatology 2019; 69:1087-1104. [PMID: 30259536 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [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] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Angiogenesis contributes to the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and promotes inflammation, fibrosis, and progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) is a key regulator of angiogenesis. We aimed to investigate the role of Ang-2 and its potential as a therapeutic target in NASH using human samples, in vivo mouse models, and in vitro assays. Serum Ang-2 levels were determined in 104 obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery and concomitant liver biopsy. The effect of the Ang-2/Tie2 receptor inhibiting peptibody L1-10 was evaluated in the methionine-choline deficient (MCD) and streptozotocin-western diet nonalcoholic fatty liver disease mouse models, and in vitro on endothelial cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages. The hepatic vasculature was visualized with µCT scans and scanning electron microscopy of vascular casts. Serum Ang-2 levels were increased in patients with histological NASH compared with patients with simple steatosis and correlated with hepatic CD34 immunoreactivity as a marker of hepatic angiogenesis. Serum and hepatic Ang-2 levels were similarly increased in mice with steatohepatitis. Both preventive and therapeutic L1-10 treatment reduced hepatocyte ballooning and fibrosis in MCD diet-fed mice and was associated with reduced hepatic angiogenesis and normalization of the vascular micro-architecture. Liver-isolated endothelial cells and monocytes from MCD-fed L1-10-treated mice showed reduced expression of leukocyte adhesion and inflammatory markers, respectively, compared with cells from untreated MCD diet-fed mice. In the streptozotocin-western diet model, therapeutic Ang-2 inhibition was able to reverse NASH and attenuate HCC progression. In vitro, L1-10 treatment mitigated increased cytokine production in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated endothelial cells but not in macrophages. Conclusion: Our findings provide evidence for Ang-2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy to target pathological angiogenesis in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sanne Van Campenhout
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Astrid Vandierendonck
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Christian Vanhove
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Debbaut
- Department of Electronics and Information Systems, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Casteleyn
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Bruno Lapauw
- Department of Endocrinology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease worldwide, and a major cause of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is intimately linked with other metabolic disorders characterized by insulin resistance. Metabolic diseases are driven by chronic inflammatory processes, in which macrophages perform essential roles. The polarization status of macrophages is itself influenced by metabolic stimuli such as fatty acids, which in turn affect the progression of metabolic dysfunction at multiple disease stages and in various tissues. For instance, adipose tissue macrophages respond to obesity, adipocyte stress and dietary factors by a specific metabolic and inflammatory programme that stimulates disease progression locally and in the liver. Kupffer cells and monocyte-derived macrophages represent ontologically distinct hepatic macrophage populations that perform a range of metabolic functions. These macrophages integrate signals from the gut-liver axis (related to dysbiosis, reduced intestinal barrier integrity, endotoxemia), from overnutrition, from systemic low-grade inflammation and from the local environment of a steatotic liver. This makes them central players in the progression of NAFLD to steatohepatitis (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis or NASH) and fibrosis. Moreover, the particular involvement of Kupffer cells in lipid metabolism, as well as the inflammatory activation of hepatic macrophages, may pathogenically link NAFLD/NASH and cardiovascular disease. In this review, we highlight the polarization, classification and function of macrophage subsets and their interaction with metabolic cues in the pathophysiology of obesity and NAFLD. Evidence from animal and clinical studies suggests that macrophage targeting may improve the course of NAFLD and related metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
- Department of Hepatology/Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Corresponding author. Address: Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, D-13353 Berlin, Germany.
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Raevens S, Geerts A, Paridaens A, Lefere S, Verhelst X, Hoorens A, Van Dorpe J, Maes T, Bracke KR, Casteleyn C, Jonckx B, Horvatits T, Fuhrmann V, Van Vlierberghe H, Van Steenkiste C, Devisscher L, Colle I. Placental growth factor inhibition targets pulmonary angiogenesis and represents a therapy for hepatopulmonary syndrome in mice. Hepatology 2018; 68:634-651. [PMID: 29023811 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 08/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe complication of cirrhosis with increased risk of mortality. Pulmonary microvascular alterations are key features of HPS; but underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood, and studies on HPS are limited to rats. Placental growth factor (PlGF), a proangiogenic molecule that is selectively involved in pathological angiogenesis, may play an important role in HPS development; however, its role has never been investigated. In this study, we validated an HPS model by common bile duct ligation (CBDL) in mice, investigated the kinetic changes in pulmonary angiogenesis and inflammation during HPS development, and provide evidence for a novel therapeutic strategy by targeting pathological angiogenesis. Mice with CBDL developed hypoxemia and intrapulmonary shunting on a background of liver fibrosis. Pulmonary alterations included increased levels of proangiogenic and inflammatory markers, which was confirmed in serum of human HPS patients. Increased PlGF production in HPS mice originated from alveolar type II cells and lung macrophages, as demonstrated by immunofluorescent staining. Dysfunctional vessel formation in CBDL mice was visualized by microscopy on vascular corrosion casts. Both prophylactic and therapeutic anti-PlGF (αPlGF) antibody treatment impeded HPS development, as demonstrated by significantly less intrapulmonary shunting and improved gas exchange. αPlGF treatment decreased endothelial cell dysfunction in vivo and in vitro and was accompanied by reduced pulmonary inflammation. Importantly, αPlGF therapy did not affect liver alterations, supporting αPlGF's ability to directly target the pulmonary compartment. CONCLUSION CBDL in mice induces HPS, which is mediated by PlGF production; αPlGF treatment improves experimental HPS by counteracting pulmonary angiogenesis and might be an attractive therapeutic strategy for human HPS. (Hepatology 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Raevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelies Paridaens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jo Van Dorpe
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University and Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tania Maes
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ken R Bracke
- Laboratory for Translational Research in Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Casteleyn
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium.,Applied Veterinary Morphology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical, Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | | | - Thomas Horvatits
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Valentin Fuhrmann
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Hepatology Research Unit, Ghent University, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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Devisscher L, Scott CL, Lefere S, Raevens S, Bogaerts E, Paridaens A, Verhelst X, Geerts A, Guilliams M, Van Vlierberghe H. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis induces transient changes within the liver macrophage pool. Cell Immunol 2017; 322:74-83. [PMID: 29111158 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [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: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Kupffer cells (KCs) and monocyte-derived macrophages are implicated in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) pathogenesis but their functions remain unclear due to the lack of specific markers to distinguish between the different cell types. Additionally, it is unclear if multiple subsets of KCs are present during NASH. Here, we characterized the liver macrophage subsets during methionine/choline deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH and recovery. We observed a significant reduced contribution of Ly6CloClec4F+Tim4+KCs to the hepatic macrophage pool in MCD fed mice, which normalized during recovery. Ly6CloClec4F-Tim4- monocyte-derived macrophages increased during MCD feeding and returned to baseline during recovery. Ly6CloClec4F+Tim4- monocyte-derived KCs developed during initial recovery but did not self-renew as their numbers were reduced after full recovery. Initial recovery from MCD diet feeding was further characterized by increased proportions of Ki-67+ proliferating KCs. In conclusion, the hepatic macrophage pool undergoes substantial albeit transient changes during NASH and recovery, with the KC pool being maintained by proliferation and differentiation of short-lived monocyte-derived KCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Belgium.
| | - Charlotte L Scott
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Ontogeny and Functional Specialization, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Centre for Immunobiology, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, UK.
| | - Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Eliene Bogaerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Annelies Paridaens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Martin Guilliams
- Laboratory of Myeloid Cell Ontogeny and Functional Specialization, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lefere S, De Rouck R, De Vreese L. What to expect from reliability and validity claims? A pragmatic conception of psychiatric nosology. J Eval Clin Pract 2017; 23:981-987. [PMID: 28032415 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [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: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 09/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The reliability and validity of psychiatric diagnoses have always been a major concern. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) reliability field trials yielded ambiguous results, with some diagnostic categories scoring well below par. We argue that the emphasis on the reliability of psychiatric diagnoses, which has dominated psychiatric nosology and guided the endeavor of improving the DSM in its consecutive editions, is misguided and lacks in structural validity. In this article, we defend a pragmatic view on psychiatric disease as the most fruitful approach to an understanding of what the categorical distinctions in the DSM (can) represent. Disorders in the DSM are descriptions of clinical pictures and do not necessarily correspond to an identified pathological substrate. Although this is a logical result of the nature of psychiatric disease, it bears important consequences. The various DSM disease categories are not uniform but should be regarded as representing different kinds of disorders, ranging from a separation from normal behavior based on practical grounds to the discrete kind of disorders envisioned by proponents of a strong realistic view. We argue that the explication of kinds of disorders outlined in this article provides interesting perspectives on the problems of reliability and validity that the DSM faces.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leen De Vreese
- Centre for Logic and Philosophy of Science, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Lefere S, Hoorens A, Raevens S, Troisi R, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Geerts A. Refractory subacute steatohepatitis after biliopancreatic diversion. Hepatology 2017; 66:289-291. [PMID: 28073162 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Hoorens
- Department of Pathology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Raevens
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Roberto Troisi
- Department of General and Hepatobiliary Surgery, Liver Transplantation Unit, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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40
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Lefere S, Van Steenkiste C, Verhelst X, Van Vlierberghe H, Devisscher L, Geerts A. Hypoxia-regulated mechanisms in the pathogenesis of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 73:3419-31. [PMID: 27091156 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2222-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The pandemic rise in obesity has resulted in an increased incidence of metabolic complications. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and has become the most common chronic liver disease in large parts of the world. The adipose tissue expansion and hepatic fat accumulation characteristics of these disorders compromise local oxygen homeostasis. The resultant tissue hypoxia induces adaptive responses to restore oxygenation and tissue metabolism and cell survival. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) function as master regulators of this hypoxia adaptive response, and are in turn hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs). PHDs are the main cellular oxygen sensors and regulate HIF proteasomal degradation in an oxygen-dependent manner. HIFs and PHDs are implicated in numerous physiological and pathological conditions. Extensive research using genetic models has revealed that hypoxia signaling is also a key mechanism in adipose tissue dysfunction, leading to adipose tissue fibrosis, inflammation and insulin resistance. Moreover, hypoxia affects liver lipid metabolism and deranges hepatic lipid accumulation. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms through which the hypoxia adaptive response affects adipocyte and hepatic metabolism, and the therapeutic possibilities of modulating HIFs and PHDs in obesity and fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Lefere
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 1K12IE, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Christophe Van Steenkiste
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 1K12IE, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Maria Middelares Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Xavier Verhelst
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 1K12IE, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hans Van Vlierberghe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 1K12IE, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 1K12IE, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anja Geerts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Ghent University Hospital, De Pintelaan 185, 1K12IE, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
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