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Laursen TL, Bossen L, Pihl R, Troldborg A, Sandahl TD, Hansen AG, Folserass T, Vesterhus M, Grønbæk H, Thiel S. Highly Increased Levels of Inter-α-inhibitor Heavy Chain 4 (ITIH4) in Autoimmune Cholestatic Liver Diseases. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2022; 10:796-802. [PMID: 36304505 PMCID: PMC9547247 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2021.00515] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS There is an unmet need for new biomarkers to improve diagnostics and prognostics in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Inter-α-inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4) is an abundant, liver-produced protein, and its synthesis may be altered in liver diseases. We investigated whether ITIH4 plasma concentrations were affected in PBC and PSC patients. METHODS We developed an immunoassay specific for ITIH4 and determined ITIH4 plasma concentrations in 66 PBC, 126 PSC, 92 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), 67 chronic hepatitis C (CHC), 33 alcoholic hepatitis (AH) patients and 138 healthy controls (HCs). Hepatic ITIH4 expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in PBC. RESULTS The mean plasma concentration of ITIH4 was almost doubled in PBC [409 µg/mL (95% CI: 388-431)] and 35% higher in PSC [308 µg/mL, (95% CI: 296-319)] compared with HCs [226 µg/mL (95% CI: 221-231); p<0.001]. In PBC patients, ITIH4 correlated with IgM (rho=0.49, p<0.001). Responders to ursodeoxycholic acid treatment (UDCA) had lower levels of ITIH4 than incomplete responders [395 µg/mL (95% CI: 364-425)] vs. 460 µg/mL (95% CI: 421-498); p=0.02]. Four weeks of UDCA treatment had no effect (p=0.19). Increased ITIH4 immunohistochemical staining was seen in a liver biopsy from a PBC patient. ITIH4 levels in AIH [224 µg/mL (95% CI: 208-241)] and HCs were similar (p=0.8). ITIH4 levels were lower in AH [199 µg/mL (95% CI: 175-223)] and CHC [202 µg/mL (192-212)] patients than in HCs (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The plasma concentration of ITIH4 was highly elevated in patients with PBC and PSC, suggesting that ITIH4 should be further investigated as a biomarker in cholestatic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Correspondence to: Tea Lund Laursen, Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 99 Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard, DK-8200 Aarhus N, Denmark. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2494-0526. Tel: +45-23715703, Fax: +45-78462860, E-mail: ,
| | - Lars Bossen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rasmus Pihl
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anne Troldborg
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Rheumatology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Trine Folserass
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mette Vesterhus
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Department of Transplantation Medicine, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway
- Haraldsplass Deaconess Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Steffen Thiel
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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Laursen TL, Mellemkjær A, Møller HJ, Grønbæk H, Kazankov K. Spotlight on liver macrophages for halting injury and progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:697-705. [PMID: 36205054 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2132145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and is rapidly emerging as the leading cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality. Macrophages play an essential role in the development and progression of NAFLD. AREAS COVERED In this review, we provide an update on recent studies of drugs, which directly or indirectly affect macrophages in NAFLD, and discuss the implication of macrophage biomarkers to monitor the disease stage and progression/regression. EXPERT OPINION There is an unmet need for better understanding of disease pathogenesis from hepatic fat accumulation to disease progression with inflammation and fibrosis. We expect that future research will uncover additional objects/pathways as treatment targets. We speculate that this will involve better characterization of the gut microbiome, damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPS) or molecules and pathways involved in development of DAMPS, and advanced molecular biology studies including single-cell sequencing of macrophage subpopulations. In addition, we speculate that studies focusing on pharmaceuticals that improve insulin resistance, diminish the metabolic syndrome and reduce fibrosis will prevail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Medicine, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Anders Mellemkjær
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Munk DE, Lund Laursen T, Teicher Kirk F, Vilstrup H, Ala A, Gormsen LC, Ott P, Damgaard Sandahl T. Effect of oral zinc regimens on human hepatic copper content: a randomized intervention study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14714. [PMID: 36038585 PMCID: PMC9424214 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18872-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zinc inhibits intestinal copper uptake, an effect utilized for treating Wilson’s disease (WD). We used copper-64 (64Cu) PET/CT to examine how much four weeks of treatment with different zinc regimens reduced the hepatic 64Cu content after oral 64Cu administration and test if alternative regimens were noninferior to the standard regimen of zinc acetate 50 mg × 3 daily. Forty healthy persons were randomized to four different zinc protocols. The WD standard treatment zinc acetate 50 mg × 3 reduced the hepatic 64Cu content from 26.9 ± 7.5% to 13.3 ± 5.6% of the administered 64Cu. Zinc gluconate 50 mg × 3 was noninferior (P = 0.02) (35.8 ± 9.0% to 17.4 ± 7.5%). Zinc acetate 150 mg × 1 (33.1 ± 9.9% to 17.4 ± 7.5%) and zinc gluconate 150 mg × 1 (28.1 ± 6.7% to 22.0 ± 6.7%) were less effective. These effects were intra- and inter-individually highly variable, and 14% had no effect of any zinc regimen, which may explain disparities in zinc treatment efficacy in WD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Emilie Munk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Frederik Teicher Kirk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Aftab Ala
- Institute of Liver Studies, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, London, UK
| | - Lars Christian Gormsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Centre, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 99, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Munk DE, Björklund J, Lund Laursen T, Vilstrup H, Ott P, Grønbæk H, Damgaard Sandahl T. The galactose elimination capacity test to monitor liver disease course in patients with Wilson's disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:589-594. [PMID: 34994677 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.2024248] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prognosis of Wilson's disease (WD) has changed radically since the introduction of medical therapy with chelators and zinc. However, there is an unmet need for methods to evaluate the long-term treatment response and the liver disease progression in order to identify treatment failures. The galactose elimination capacity test (GEC) is a physiological measure of the total metabolic capacity of the liver, and a strong predictor of long- and short-term mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. Our aim was to investigate if the GEC test is useful for evaluation of treatment response and prediction of treatment failures in WD patients. METHODS We included all patients with WD in Denmark from 1992 through 2017 and retrieved data on GEC along with data on transplantation and death. RESULTS In total, 37 patients had completed one or more GEC tests. Of these, 31 were alive (three transplanted) and six were dead (two transplanted). A total of 24 patients had completed more than one GEC test. All 18 alive, nontransplanted patients showed improvement in GEC values following onset of treatment, except one patient, who was clinically confirmed with treatment failure. All six patients who underwent liver transplantation or died had a prior decline in their GEC. The difference in GEC development between patients alive and not transplanted and patients dead or transplanted was significant (p < .001). Index GEC values could not predict transplantation or death (p = .26). CONCLUSION The GEC test is a promising tool for monitoring treatment response and identifying treatment failures in patients with WD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ditte Emilie Munk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jessica Björklund
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Kirk FT, Munk DE, Laursen TL, Vilstrup H, Ott P, Grønbæk H, Lauridsen MM, Sandahl TD. Cognitive impairment in stable Wilson disease across phenotype. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:2173-2177. [PMID: 34342812 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00804-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In Wilson disease (WD), mutations in the gene encoding the ATP7B copper transport protein causes accumulation of copper especially in liver and brain. WD typically presents with hepatic and/or neuropsychiatric symptoms. Impaired cognition is a well-described feature in patients with neurological WD, while the reports on cognition in hepatic WD patients are fewer and less conclusive. We examined cognition in a cohort of WD patients with both phenotypes. In this cross-sectional pilot study, we investigated cognition in 28 stable Danish WD patients by the PortoSystemic Encephalopathy (PSE) and the Continuous Reaction Time (CRT) tests. Half of the patients were female, and their median age was 35.5 years (IQR 24.5). Their phenotype was hepatic in 14 (50%), neurologic in 10 (36%) and mixed in 4 (14%). The duration of treatment was > 2 year in all patients, and their condition was stable as judged by urinary copper excretion, liver enzymes, and clinical assessment. The hepatic patients did not show signs of liver failure. In total, 16 (57%) patients performed worse than normal in the PSE and/or the CRT tests. The two tests were correlated (rho = 0.60, p = 0.0007), but neither correlated with phenotype, MELD-, Child-Pugh score, 24 h-U-Cu, or treatment type. Measurable cognitive impairment was present in more than half of the stable WD patients independent of phenotype. Thus, our data questions the existence of a purely hepatic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederik Teicher Kirk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark.
| | - Ditte Emilie Munk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Mette Munk Lauridsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, University Hospital of South Denmark, Esbjerg, Denmark
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200, Aarhus N, Denmark
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Eriksen LL, Nielsen MA, Laursen TL, Deleuran B, Vilstrup H, Støy S. Early loss of T lymphocyte 4-1BB receptor expression is associated with higher short-term mortality in alcoholic hepatitis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255574. [PMID: 34352016 PMCID: PMC8341529 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives In alcoholic hepatitis (AH), dysfunctional T lymphocytes may contribute to the high mortality from infections. T lymphocyte activation is governed by the expression of co-stimulatory receptors such as 4-1BB balanced by inhibitory receptors such as Programmed Death receptor 1 (PD-1). 4-1BB expression is unaccounted for in AH, while PD-1 is elevated. We characterized expression of 4-1BB and PD-1 and the associated T lymphocyte functional status in AH and investigated whether these were associated with short-term mortality. Methods Thirty-five patients with AH (at diagnosis and days 7 and 90) were compared with healthy controls (HC). Spontaneous and in vitro stimulated receptor expression were quantified by flow cytometry, and plasma proteins by ELISA. Results At diagnosis, the patients showed increased stimulated 4-1BB responses of CD4+ T lymphocytes. Also, the frequencies of PD-1+ T lymphocytes both with and without co-expressed 4-1BB were increased. Further, interferon-gamma was predominantly produced in T lymphocytes co-expressing 4-1BB. A decrease in the frequency of spontaneous 4-1BB+ T lymphocytes and an increase in soluble 4-1BB during the first week after diagnosis were associated with higher mortality at day 90 in AH. PD-1 expression showed no systematic dynamics related to mortality. Conclusions We found an increased stimulated 4-1BB response of T lymphocytes in AH and early loss of these lymphocytes was associated with a higher short-term mortality. This suggests a role of T lymphocyte 4-1BB expression in the progression of AH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lotte Lindgreen Eriksen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bent Deleuran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Sidsel Støy
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Laursen TL, Villesen IF, Leeming DJ, Karsdal MA, Sølund C, Tarp B, Kristensen LH, Holmboe CH, Leutscher P, Laursen AL, Gudmann NS, Grønbaek H. Altered balance between collagen formation and degradation after successful direct-acting antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:236-244. [PMID: 33058390 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The effect of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy on extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover, a prominent feature of chronic hepatitis C (CHC), is unknown. ECM protein degradation and formation generate fragments reflecting the tissue turnover balance when quantified in the blood. PRO-C3 and PRO-C4 reflect type III and IV collagen formation; C3M and C4M are degradation markers of type III and IV. We aimed to assess the markers' dynamics with DAA therapy in CHC patients. Plasma PRO-C3, PRO-C4, C3M and C4M were assessed before, during and up till one year after 12-24 weeks of DAA therapy in 77 CHC patients with advanced fibrosis (n = 14) or cirrhosis (n = 63). Liver stiffness was evaluated using transient elastography. PRO-C3, C3M and C4M levels decreased significantly (P < .00001) while PRO-C4 was unchanged (P = .20) during the study period. There was a steep decrease in the PRO-C3/C3M ratio during DAA therapy and follow-up (P < .02). The PRO-C4/C4M ratio was unchanged (P > .27). The dynamics of the collagen markers behaved similarly between patients with advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. However, the cirrhosis patients had >20% higher levels of C3M, PRO-C4 and C4M at all time points (P < .05). The collagen markers correlated with liver stiffness at baseline and follow-up.Markers of type III and IV collagen formation and degradation decreased during and after successful DAA therapy in CHC patients with advanced liver disease, and associated with disease severity. These results indicate an altered balance between collagen formation and degradation after viral clearance suggesting favourable effects on liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | | | - Christina Sølund
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hvidovre Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Britta Tarp
- Diagnostic Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | | | | | - Peter Leutscher
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital & Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Alex Lund Laursen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Henning Grønbaek
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Støy S, Laursen TL, Eriksen LL, Grønbæk H, Vilstrup H, Sandahl TD. No Effect in Alcoholic Hepatitis of Gut-Selective, Broad-Spectrum Antibiotics on Bacterial Translocation or Hepatic and Systemic Inflammation. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2021; 12:e00306. [PMID: 33566559 PMCID: PMC7846454 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In alcoholic hepatitis (AH), translocation of gut bacteria may drive hepatic macrophage activation and systemic inflammation. We investigated the effect of oral non-absorbable, broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment on bacterial translocation and liver and systemic inflammation in AH. METHODS We consecutively recruited 31 patients with AH. Fourteen were given vancomycin 500 mg, gentamycin 40 mg, and meropenem 500 mg once daily for 7 days. Seventeen patients were a reference group receiving standard-of-care. Circulating markers of bacterial translocation and inflammation were measured at baseline, by day 7 and 90. Gut bacteriome profiling was performed before the intervention and at day 7. RESULTS At study entry, blood lipopolysaccharide-binding protein was multifold higher than normal, remained unchanged at day 7, but decreased at day 90 (P < 0.001) with no difference between the study groups. The macrophage activation markers sCD163 and sCD206 showed the same pattern (P < 0.001, day 90), still without group differences. The systemic inflammation markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and IL-10 showed similar dynamics without group differences. There was no difference in 90-day mortality (total of 6 deaths) between the groups. The remnant gut bacteriome was markedly diversified by the intervention with growth of bacterial species rare for human flora. DISCUSSION In patients with AH, gut-targeted antibiotic treatment does not change markers of bacterial translocation and liver and systemic inflammation. This suggests that bacterial translocation is less important once the inflammatory process is established or that bacteriome reduction is less important than composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidsel Støy
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Gantzel RH, Kjær MB, Laursen TL, Kazankov K, George J, Møller HJ, Grønbæk H. Macrophage Activation Markers, Soluble CD163 and Mannose Receptor, in Liver Fibrosis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 7:615599. [PMID: 33490096 PMCID: PMC7820116 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.615599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are essential components of the human host immune system, which upon activation facilitates a broad pallet of immunomodulatory events including release of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, restoration of immune homeostasis and/or wound healing. Moreover, some macrophage phenotypes are crucially involved in fibrogenesis through stimulation of myofibroblasts, while others promote fibrolysis. During the last decades, the role of resident liver macrophages viz. Kupffer cells and recruited monocytes/macrophages in acute and chronic liver diseases has gained interest and been extensively investigated. Specifically, the scavenger receptors CD163 and mannose receptor (CD206), expressed by macrophages, are of utmost interest since activation by various stimuli induce their shedding to the circulation. Thus, quantifying concentrations of these soluble biomarkers may be of promising clinical relevance in estimating the severity of inflammation and fibrosis and to predict outcomes such as survival. Here, we review the existing literature on soluble CD163 and soluble mannose receptor in liver diseases with a particular focus on their relationship to hepatic fibrosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease, as well as in chronic hepatitis B and C.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mikkel Breinholt Kjær
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.,Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Grønbæk H, Gantzel RH, Laursen TL, Kazankov K, Møller HJ. Macrophage markers and innate immunity in cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2020; 73:1586-1588. [PMID: 32994078 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2020.07.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | | | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Støy S, Laursen TL, Glavind E, Eriksen PL, Terczynska-Dyla E, Magnusson NE, Hamilton-Dutoit S, Mortensen FV, Veidal SS, Rigbolt K, Riggio O, Deleuran B, Vilstrup H, Sandahl TD. Low Interleukin-22 Binding Protein Is Associated With High Mortality in Alcoholic Hepatitis and Modulates Interleukin-22 Receptor Expression. Clin Transl Gastroenterol 2020; 11:e00197. [PMID: 32955203 PMCID: PMC8443818 DOI: 10.14309/ctg.0000000000000197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In alcoholic hepatitis (AH), high interleukin (IL)-22 production is associated with disease improvement, purportedly through enhanced infection resistance and liver regeneration. IL-22 binding protein (BP) binds and antagonizes IL-22 bioactivity, but data on IL-22BP in liver disease suggest a complex interplay. Despite the scarcity of human data, IL-22 is in clinical trial as treatment of AH. We, therefore, in patients with AH, described the IL-22 system focusing on IL-22BP and associations with disease course, and mechanistically pursued the human associations in vitro. METHODS We prospectively studied 41 consecutive patients with AH at diagnosis, days 7 and 90, and followed them for up to 1 year. We measured IL-22 pathway proteins in liver biopsies and blood and investigated IL-22BP effects on IL-22 in hepatocyte cultures. RESULTS IL-22BP was produced in the gut and was identifiable in the patients with AH' livers. Plasma IL-22BP was only 50% of controls and the IL-22/IL-22BP ratio thus elevated. Consistently, IL-22-inducible genes were upregulated in AH livers at diagnosis. Low plasma IL-22BP was closely associated with high 1-year mortality. In vitro, IL-22 stimulation reduced IL-22 receptor (R) expression, but coincubation with IL-22BP sustained IL-22R expression. In the AH livers, IL-22R mRNA expression was similar to healthy livers, although IL-22R liver protein was higher at diagnosis. DISCUSSION Plasma IL-22BP was associated with an adverse disease course, possibly because its low level reduces IL-22R expression so that IL-22 bioactivity was reduced. This suggests the IL-BP interplay to be central in AH pathogenesis, and in future treatment trials (see Visual abstract, Supplementary Digital Content 5, http://links.lww.com/CTG/A338).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidsel Støy
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Emilie Glavind
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Lykke Eriksen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ewa Terczynska-Dyla
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nils Erik Magnusson
- Diabetes and Hormone Diseases-Medical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | | | | | | | | | - Oliviero Riggio
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Bent Deleuran
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Laursen TL, Sandahl TD, Kazankov K, Eriksen PL, Kristensen LH, Holmboe CH, Laursen AL, Vilstrup H, Grønbæk H. Early normalization of reduced urea synthesis capacity after direct-acting antiviral therapy in hepatitis C cirrhosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2020; 319:G151-G156. [PMID: 32597708 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00128.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [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] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Laursen TL, Sandahl TD, Kazankov K, Eriksen PL, Kristensen LH, Holmboe CH, Laursen AL, Vilstrup H, Grønbæk H. Early normalization of reduced urea synthesis capacity after direct-acting antiviral therapy in hepatitis C cirrhosis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 319: G151-G156, 2020. First published June 29, 2020; doi:10.1152/ajpgi.00128.2020.-Effects of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) cirrhosis on metabolic liver function are unknown but important for prognosis. Ureagenesis is an essential metabolic liver function involved in whole body nitrogen homeostasis. We aimed to investigate the ureagenesis capacity before and immediately after DAA therapy and relate the findings to hepatic inflammation and structural changes. In an observational before-and-after intervention study, the ureagenesis capacity was quantified by functional hepatic nitrogen clearance (FHNC) in 9 CHC patients with cirrhosis and 10 healthy volunteers. Hepatic inflammation was evaluated by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the macrophage activation markers sCD163 and sMR. Structural changes were estimated as liver stiffness and by portal hypertension as the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Before treatment, the FHNC in the patients was half of the controls [16.4 L/h (8.2-24.5) vs. 33.4 (29.2-37.6), P = 0.0004]; after successful DAA treatment, it normalized [28.4 (15.9-40.9), P = 0.008 vs. baseline]. DAA treatment normalized ALT (P < 0.0001) and decreased the elevated sCD163 from 5.6 mg/L (3.5-7.7) to 3.4 (2-0-4.8) (P < 0.001) and sMR from 0.35 mg/L (0.21-0.49) to 0.31 (0.17-0.45) (P < 0.01). Liver stiffness fell by 30% (P < 0.05) but remained over the cirrhosis threshold. HVPG was not affected (P = 0.59). DAA treatment restored the severely reduced ureagenesis capacity, along with amelioration of hepatic inflammation but without normalization of other cirrhosis characteristics. Our findings indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of virus eradication independent of hepatic structural effects rapidly improves metabolic dysfunction. We suggest this effect to be an important early onset part of the expected clinical DAA treatment benefit.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C restores the liver's reduced capacity to produce urea along with an improvement in liver inflammation without immediate effects on structural liver changes. The effect is suggested to be an important early onset part of the expected clinical treatment benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Lykke Eriksen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | | | - Alex Lund Laursen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Sandahl TD, Laursen TL, Munk DE, Vilstrup H, Weiss KH, Ott P. The Prevalence of Wilson's Disease: An Update. Hepatology 2020; 71:722-732. [PMID: 31449670 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [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: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In 1984, Scheinberg and Sternlieb estimated the prevalence of Wilson's disease to be 1:30,000 based on the limited available data. This suggested a large number of overlooked cases with potentially fatal consequences. The "Scheinberg-Sternlieb Estimate" is still widely used, although more recent clinical and genetic studies of higher quality are now available. In the present study, we included these data to update the prevalence estimate. APPROACH AND RESULTS A MEDLINE Ovid, Science Citation Index Expanded, and PubMed systematic search for all relevant studies on the prevalence of Wilson's disease was conducted. In total, 59 studies (50 clinical and 9 population-based genetic) were included in the final analysis. We identified 4 recent clinical studies based on nationwide databases of high quality, providing prevalence estimates from 1:29,000 to 1:40,000. Higher frequency populations do exist because of frequent first-cousin marriages and/or a higher mutation frequency. When calculating prevalence from the incidence related to number of births, estimates were 1:40,000-1:50,000. Clinical screening studies, including examination for Kayser-Fleischer rings or ceruloplasmin, did not improve these estimates because of insufficient sample size or selection biases. Population-based genetic studies in US and UK populations were not in disagreement with the clinically based estimates. At the same time, studies from France and Sardinia suggested that the genetic prevalence may be 3-4 times higher than the clinical disease prevalence. This raises the question whether the penetrance is indeed 100% as generally assumed. CONCLUSIONS The original prevalence estimate from 1984 of 1:30,000-1:50,000 still appears valid, at least for the United States, Europe, and Asia. In some population-based studies, the genetic prevalence was 3-4 times higher than clinically based estimates. The question of penetrance needs further evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ditte Emilie Munk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Karl Heinz Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Laursen TL, Siggaard CB, Kazankov K, Sandahl TD, Møller HJ, Tarp B, Kristensen LH, Laursen AL, Leutscher P, Grønbaek H. Time-dependent improvement of liver inflammation, fibrosis and metabolic liver function after successful direct-acting antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis C. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:28-35. [PMID: 31502741 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [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: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sofosbuvir-based direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy generally cures chronic hepatitis C (CHC) infections, however, the effects on the underlying liver disease and the potential rate of recovery are unclear. We aimed to investigate the effects of DAA therapy on liver inflammation, fibrosis, metabolic function and cognitive function and the time course in CHC patients with advanced liver disease. Seventy-one CHC patients with advanced liver disease were studied before, during and one year after successful sofosbuvir-based DAA therapy. Liver inflammation was assessed by plasma sCD163 and sMR levels (ELISA), fibrosis by liver stiffness (transient elastography), function by galactose elimination capacity (GEC) and cognitive performance by continuous reaction time (CRT). During DAA therapy, we observed a rapid sCD163 decline from baseline to end of treatment (6.9 vs 3.8 mg/L, P < .0001), whereas the change in sMR was more subtle (0.37 vs 0.30 mg/L, P < .0001). Liver stiffness decreased by 20% at end of treatment (17.8 vs 14.3 kPa, P < .0001), together suggesting rapid resolution of liver inflammation. One year after treatment, liver stiffness decreased by an additional 15% (P < .0001), suggestive of fibrosis regression. The GEC improved at follow-up (all: 1.74 vs 1.98 mmol/min), mainly at 12 weeks post-treatment, both in patients with cirrhosis (n = 56) and those with advanced liver fibrosis (n = 15) (P < .001). The CRT improved at one-year follow-up (1.86 vs 2.09, P = .04). In conclusion, successful DAA therapy of CHC proves beneficial in advanced liver disease, with an initial rapid resolution of liver inflammation and a subsequent gradual but steady improvement in liver fibrosis, metabolic liver function and reaction time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Britta Tarp
- Diagnostic Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, Denmark
| | | | - Alex Lund Laursen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Leutscher
- Centre for Clinical Research, North Denmark Regional Hospital, Hjørring, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbaek
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Björklund J, Laursen TL, Sandahl TD, Møller HJ, Vilstrup H, Ott P, Grønbæk H. High hepatic macrophage activation and low liver function in stable Wilson patients - a Danish cross-sectional study. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2018; 13:169. [PMID: 30241550 PMCID: PMC6150987 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-018-0910-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic macrophage (Kupffer cell) hyperplasia is often described in Wilson’s disease (WD). In many liver diseases, Kupffer cell activation is related to disease severity, liver function, and fibrosis but the importance in WD is unknown. Kupffer cell activation can be assessed by the P-concentration of soluble (s)CD163, metabolic liver function by the galactose elimination capacity (GEC), and fibrosis by Fibroscan. We investigated the associations between sCD163, selected inflammatory cytokines, GEC, and liver fibrosis in Danish WD patients. Methods In a cross-sectional design, we studied 29 stable and well-treated patients (male/female15/14) with a median age of 35 years (IQR 24–50). P-sCD163 and cytokines were measured by ELISA. The GEC was measured by intra-venous galactose loading. Results The median P-sCD163 value at 2.96 mg/L (1.97–3.93) was high in the normal range (0.7–3.9) and seven patients (24%) had a value above the upper normal value. sCD163 correlated with TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 (rho> 0.50, p < 0.005). A higher sCD163 value was closely associated with a lower GEC (rho = − 0.51, p = 0.02). sCD163 was not related to the liver fibrosis indices. Conclusions Stable WD patients showed various degrees of Kupffer cell activation which was accompanied by loss of metabolic liver function. Neither activation nor liver function was related to liver fibrosis. The findings suggest that in WD inflammatory Kupffer cell activation may be involved in the loss of liver function over time. sCD163 may serve as a non-invasive biomarker of loss of liver function in WD, which the degree of fibrosis evidently may not. This study is registered at clinical trials with name: “sCD163 and sMR in Wilsons Disease - Associations With Disease Severity and Fibrosis”, NCT02702765. Date of registration: 26.02.16. Date of enrolment of the first participant to the trial: 17.03.16. ULR: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02702765.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Björklund
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark.
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peter Ott
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, DK-8000, Aarhus, Denmark
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Lund Laursen T, Brøckner Siggard C, Kazankov K, Damgaard Sandahl T, Møller HJ, Ong A, Douglas MW, George J, Tarp B, Hagelskjaer Kristensen L, Lund Laursen A, Hiramatsu A, Nakahara T, Chayama K, Grønbaek H. Rapid and persistent decline in soluble CD163 with successful direct-acting antiviral therapy and associations with chronic hepatitis C histology. Scand J Gastroenterol 2018; 53:986-993. [PMID: 29987961 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2018.1481996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Soluble CD 163 (sCD163) is released from activated liver macrophages in chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) and serum levels reflect liver disease severity. The impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA)-therapy on sCD163-levels and the ability of sCD163 to predict the presence of liver fibrosis remain unclear. In a combined observational and prospective study, we aimed to investigate changes in sCD163 with DAA-treatment, to investigate associations between sCD163 and histopathological activity and fibrosis and to validate the sCD163-based fibrosis score in HCV-patients. METHODS We examined three groups of patients: an Australian (n = 28) treated with pegylated-interferon and a first-generation DAA, a Danish (n = 38) treated with sofosbuvir-based DAA-regimens and a Japanese (n = 562) assessed for activity and fibrosis (Metavir scoring system) in liver biopsies. Serum sCD163-levels were quantified by ELISA. RESULTS Thirteen (46%) of the Australian patients achieved sustained virological response (SVR) and only these patients had significant decreases in sCD163-levels (2.7 (95%CI:1.9-3.6) vs. 4.1(2.9-5.7) mg L - 1, p = .008). In the Danish group, 37 (97%) patients achieved SVR at 12-weeks post-treatment with 32% reduction in sCD163-levels (5.0 (4.3-5.8) vs. 7.4 (6.3-8.7), p < .001). The decline was rapid and persisted 12 months after treatment cessation (p < .007). sCD163 levels increased in parallel with inflammatory activity and fibrosis (p < .001). The sCD163-based fibrosis score outperformed established fibrosis scores for significant fibrosis (areas under the receiver operating characteristics curves (AUROCs): 0.79 (0.75-0.83) vs. aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) 0.73 (0.69-0.77), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) 0.74 (0.70-0.78), p < .001). CONCLUSION sCD163-levels decline rapidly with successful DAA therapy and are associated with histological inflammatory activity and fibrosis, confirming a key role for macrophages in HCV inflammation and fibrosis and supporting sCD163 as a biomarker of treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- a Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark
| | | | - Konstantin Kazankov
- a Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- a Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- b Department of Clinical Biochemistry , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Adrian Ong
- c Storr Liver Centre , Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Mark W Douglas
- c Storr Liver Centre , Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Jacob George
- c Storr Liver Centre , Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney , Sydney , Australia
| | - Britta Tarp
- d Diagnostic Centre , Silkeborg Regional Hospital , Silkeborg , Denmark
| | | | - Alex Lund Laursen
- f Department of Infectious Diseases , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark
| | - Akira Hiramatsu
- g Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism , Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University , Hiroshima , Japan
| | - Takashi Nakahara
- g Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism , Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University , Hiroshima , Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- g Department of Gastroenterology and Metabolism , Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University , Hiroshima , Japan.,h Laboratory for Digestive Diseases , RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences , Hiroshima , Japan
| | - Henning Grønbaek
- a Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark
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Laursen TL, Wong GLH, Kazankov K, Sandahl T, Møller HJ, Hamilton-Dutoit S, George J, Chan HLY, Grønbaek H. Soluble CD163 and mannose receptor associate with chronic hepatitis B activity and fibrosis and decline with treatment. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 33:484-491. [PMID: 28618015 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.13849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Liver macrophages are activated in chronic hepatitis B virus (CHB) infection and play a pivotal role in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, their role during antiviral treatment is unclear. The soluble (s) macrophage activation markers, sCD163 and mannose receptor (sMR), are released during liver damage, and their serum levels reflect liver disease severity and portal hypertension. We aimed to investigate associations between sCD163 and sMR and histopathological activity and fibrosis and changes in sCD163, sMR, and hepatic CD163-expression following antiviral treatment in CHB patients. METHODS We assessed Ishak histological necroinflammatory activity and fibrosis scores in liver biopsies from 254 CHB patients and serially in 71 patients before and after nucleoside-analogue treatment. Liver CD163-expression was semi-quantitatively determined by immunohistochemistry and serum sCD163 and sMR measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. RESULTS Before treatment, the mean levels of sCD163 and sMR were 3.57 (SD 1.72) mg/L and 0.35 (0.12) mg/L. sCD163 and sMR increased with histological inflammatory activity (sCD163: r = 0.46, P < 0.00001; sMR: r = 0.48, P < 0.00001) and correlated positively with fibrosis (sCD163: OR 1.16, 95% CI:1.03-1.31; sMR: OR 1.34, 95% CI:1.13-1.59); both were markers of fibrosis independent of other biochemical parameters and risk factors. Antiviral treatment significantly reduced sCD163 (3.76 [1.46] vs 2.31 [0.95], P < 0.00001), sMR (0.37 [0.1] vs 0.29 [0.07], P < 0.00001) and hepatic CD163-expression (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSION The macrophage activation markers sCD163 and sMR were associated with activity and fibrosis in liver biopsies from CHB patients. Both serum markers decreased with antiviral treatment, along with decreased hepatic CD163 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Grace Lai-Hung Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Konstantin Kazankov
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Thomas Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Holger Jon Møller
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Henry Lik-Yuen Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics and Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Henning Grønbaek
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Björklund J, Laursen TL, Kazankov K, Thomsen KL, Hamilton-Dutoit S, Stenbøg E, Grønbæk H. [Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children and adolescents]. Ugeskr Laeger 2017; 179:V11160796. [PMID: 28689548] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by liver fat accumulation and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with inflammation and fibrosis, which may lead to cirrhosis also in childhood. NAFLD/NASH in children are related to obesity and the metabolic syndrome, and incidence and prevalence are expected to increase. Children having liver steatosis and elevated liver enzymes are most often asymptomatic, and a liver biopsy is necessary for correct diagnosis and staging. The treatment should focus on lifestyle changes, as pharmacological therapy needs further evaluation.
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Laursen TL, Støy S, Deleuran B, Vilstrup H, Grønbaek H, Sandahl TD. The damage-associated molecular pattern HMGB1 is elevated in human alcoholic hepatitis, but does not seem to be a primary driver of inflammation. APMIS 2016; 124:741-7. [DOI: 10.1111/apm.12568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus Denmark
| | - Sidsel Støy
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus Denmark
| | - Bent Deleuran
- Department of Biomedicine; Aarhus University; Aarhus Denmark
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbaek
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology; Aarhus University Hospital; Aarhus Denmark
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Laursen TL, Sandahl TD, Støy S, Schiødt FV, Lee WM, Vilstrup H, Thiel S, Grønbæk H. Circulating mannan-binding lectin, M-, L-, H-ficolin and collectin-liver-1 levels in patients with acute liver failure. Liver Int 2015; 35:756-63. [PMID: 25203057 PMCID: PMC4329085 DOI: 10.1111/liv.12682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 08/26/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The complement system is activated in liver diseases including acute liver failure (ALF); however, the role of the lectin pathway of complement has scarcely been investigated in ALF. The pathway is initiated by soluble pattern recognition molecules: mannan-binding lectin (MBL), M-, L-, and H-ficolin and collectin-liver-1 (CL-L1), which are predominantly synthesized in the liver. We aimed to study lectin levels in ALF patients and associations with clinical outcome. METHODS Serum samples from 75 patients enrolled by the US ALF Study Group were collected on days 1 and 3. We included 75 healthy blood donors and 20 cirrhosis patients as controls. Analyses were performed using sandwich-type immunoassays (ELISA, TRIFMA). RESULTS At day 1, the MBL level in ALF patients was 40% lower compared with healthy controls {[median (interquartile range) 0.72 μg/ml(0.91) vs. 1.15 (1.92)(P = 0.02]}, and increased significantly by day 3 [0.83 μg/ml(0.94)(P = 0.01)]. The M-ficolin level was 60% lower [0.54 μg/ml(0.50) vs. 1.48(1.01)(P < 0.0001)]. The CL-L1 level at day 1 was slightly higher compared with healthy controls [3.20 μg/ml(2.37) vs. 2.64(0.72)(P = 0.11)]; this was significant at day 3 [3.35(1.84)(P = 0.006)]. H- and L-ficolin levels were similar to healthy controls. Spontaneous ALF survivors had higher levels of MBL at day 1 [0.96 μg/ml(1.15) vs. 0.60(0.60)(P = 0.02)] and lower levels of L-ficolin by day 3 compared with patients who died or were transplanted [1.61 μg/ml(1.19) vs. 2.17(2.19)(P = 0.02)]. CONCLUSION We observed significant dynamics in lectin levels in ALF patients, which may suggest they play a role in ALF pathogenesis. High MBL and low L-ficolin levels are associated with survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | | | - Sidsel Støy
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Frank Vinholt Schiødt
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Bispebjerg Hospital, 2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - William M. Lee
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, University of Texas, Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Steffen Thiel
- Department of Biomedicine - Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Aarhus University, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
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Støy S, Dige A, Sandahl TD, Laursen TL, Buus C, Hokland M, Vilstrup H. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells display impaired cytotoxic functions and reduced activation in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2015; 308:G269-76. [PMID: 25501547 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00200.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics and role of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT cells in the life-threatening inflammatory disease alcoholic hepatitis is largely unknown. These cells directly kill infected and damaged cells through, e.g., degranulation and interferon-γ (IFNγ) production, but cause tissue damage if overactivated. They also assist tissue repair via IL-22 production. We, therefore, aimed to investigate the frequency, functionality, and activation state of such cells in alcoholic hepatitis. We analyzed blood samples from 24 severe alcoholic hepatitis patients followed for 30 days after diagnosis. Ten healthy abstinent volunteers and 10 stable abstinent alcoholic cirrhosis patients were controls. Using flow cytometry we assessed cell frequencies, NK cell degranulation capacity following K562 cell stimulation, activation by natural killer group 2 D (NKG2D) expression, and IL-22 and IFNγ production. In alcoholic hepatitis we found a decreased frequency of CTLs compared with healthy controls (P < 0.001) and a similar trend for NK cells (P = 0.089). The NK cell degranulation capacity was reduced by 25% compared with healthy controls (P = 0.02) and by 50% compared with cirrhosis patients (P = 0.04). Accordingly, the NKG2D receptor expression was markedly decreased on NK cells, CTLs, and NKT cells (P < 0.05, all). The frequencies of IL-22-producing CTLs and NK cells were doubled compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05, all) but not different from cirrhosis patients. This exploratory study for the first time showed impaired cellular cytotoxicity and activation in alcoholic hepatitis. This is unlikely to cause hepatocyte death but may contribute toward the severe immune incompetence. The results warrant detailed and mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sidsel Støy
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and
| | - Anders Dige
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and
| | - Thomas Damgaard Sandahl
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and
| | - Tea Lund Laursen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and
| | - Christian Buus
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Hendrik Vilstrup
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; and
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