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Di Ciaula A, Iacoviello M, Bonfrate L, Khalil M, Shanmugam H, Lopalco G, Bagnulo R, Garganese A, Iannone F, Resta N, Portincasa P, Stella A. Genetic and clinical features of familial mediterranean fever (FMF) in a homogeneous cohort of patients from South-Eastern Italy. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 115:79-87. [PMID: 37183082 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2023.05.015] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Familial Mediterranean Fever (FMF) is linked with the MEFV gene and is the commonest among monogenic autoinflammatory diseases, with high prevalence in the Mediterranean basin. Although the clinical presentation of FMF has a major role in diagnosis, genotype/phenotype correlations and the role of "benign" gene variants (as R202Q) appear highly variable and incompletely clear, making difficult to select the most effective strategy in the management of patients. Aim of the present study was to investigate the clinical presentation and the genetic background in a homogenous cohort of patients from Apulia (south eastern Italy). We investigated 217 patients with a clinical suspect of autoinflammatory diseases, who were characterized for the occurrence of specific symptoms and with next generation sequencing by a 4-gene panel including MEFV, MVK, NLRP3 and TNFRSF1A. A genetic change was identified in 122 (53.7%) patients, with 161 different MEFV variants recorded in 100 individuals, 10 variants in NLRP3, and 6 each in TNFRSF1A and MVK. The benign variant R202Q was largely prevalent (41.6% of all MEFV variants). When patients were selected according the number of pathogenic MEFV variants (0, 1, or 2 pathogenic variants), results failed to show significant links between the frequency of symptoms and the number of pathogenic variants. Only family history and Pras score (indicative for severity of disease) predicted the presence of pathogenic variants, as compared with carriers of variants considered of uncertain significance or benign. Fever >38 °C and arthralgias appeared more frequently in R202Q-positive patients than in non-R202Q carriers. These two subgroups showed comparable duration of fever, occurrence of myalgia, abdominal and chest pain, Pras, and IFFS scores. In conclusion, results confirm that FMF manifests in mild form in non-middle eastern patients. This possibility partly affects the reliability of clinical criteria/scores. Furthermore, the presence of the R202Q variant might not be completely neutral in selected groups of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Matteo Iacoviello
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lopalco
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosanna Bagnulo
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Florenzo Iannone
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Resta
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Laboratory of Medical Genetics, AOU Hospital Policlinico, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandro Stella
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DIMEPRE-J), Università degli Studi di Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy; Laboratory of Medical Genetics, AOU Hospital Policlinico, Bari, Italy.
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Di Ciaula A, Bonfrate L, Shanmugam H, Weber SN, Krawczyk M, Portincasa P. Effects of MBOAT7 polymorphism and steatosis on liver function assessed by methacetin breath-test. Eur J Clin Invest 2023:e14003. [PMID: 37029745 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14003] [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] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023]
Abstract
MBOAT7 rs641738 variant is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and liver fibrosis but the relationship between this polymorphism and early liver dysfunction remains uncertain. Eighty outpatients underwent blood analyses, liver imaging by ultrasound, acoustic radiation force impulse shear wave elastography, and were genotyped for MBOAT7 (wild type [WT], rs641738 heterozygous or homozygous) polymorphism using TaqMan assays. NAFLD was confirmed in 53 patients. Portal uptake and hepatocyte microsomal metabolization of (13 C)-methacetin were explored by measuring 13 CO2 appearance in exhaled air. The distribution of the MBOAT7 genotypes was comparable in subjects with or without NAFLD. The majority of subjects with or without NAFLD had a fibrosis ≤ F1, but decreased portal extraction of (13 C)-methacetin, i.e., 78.6% in homozygous, 45.0% in heterozygous, and 46.2% in WT for the MBOAT7 variant. Both substrate extraction and microsomal metabolization were mostly defective in the homozygous carriers. The extraction efficiency from portal blood flow was minimal in subjects with both homozygous rs641738 polymorphism and NAFLD, as compared to those with WT/heterozygous polymorphism, with or without NAFLD. In conclusion, the homozygous MBOAT7 rs641738 polymorphism per se is associated with reduced extraction efficiency of (13 C)-methacetin from the portal flow pointing to subclinical liver dysfunction independently from liver fibrosis. Liver steatosis worsens (13 C)-methacetin extraction efficiency. We urge to better explore the mechanisms of interaction between external factors and multiple gene polymorphisms (including MBOAT7), paving the road to primary prevention and novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Susanne N Weber
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Marcin Krawczyk
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Metabolic Liver Diseases, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Centre for Preclinical Research, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePre-J), University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
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Di Ciaula A, Shanmugam H, Ribeiro R, Pina A, Andrade R, Bonfrate L, Raposo JF, Macedo MP, Portincasa P. Liver fat accumulation more than fibrosis causes early liver dynamic dysfunction in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Eur J Intern Med 2023; 107:52-59. [PMID: 36344354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2022.10.024] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), events driving early hepatic dysfunction with respect to specific metabolic pathways are still poorly known. METHODS We enrolled 84 subjects with obesity and/or type 2 diabetes (T2D). FibroScan® served to assess NAFLD by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), and fibrosis by liver stiffness (LS). Patients with LS above 7 kPa were excluded. APRI and FIB-4 were used as additional serum biomarkers of fibrosis. The stable-isotope dynamic breath test was used to assess the hepatic efficiency of portal extraction (as DOB15) and microsomal metabolization (as cPDR30) of orally-administered (13C)-methacetin. RESULTS NAFLD occurred in 45%, 65.9%, and 91.3% of normal weight, overweight, and obese subjects, respectively. Biomarkers of liver fibrosis were comparable across subgroups, and LS was higher in obese, than in normal weight subjects. DOB15 was 23.2 ± 1.5‰ in normal weight subjects, tended to decrease in overweight (19.9 ± 1.0‰) and decreased significantly in obese subjects (16.9 ± 1.3, P = 0.008 vs. normal weight). Subjects with NAFLD had lower DOB15 (18.7 ± 0.9 vs. 22.1 ± 1.2, P = 0.03) but higher LS (4.7 ± 0.1 vs. 4.0 ± 0.2 kPa, P = 0.0003) than subjects without NAFLD, irrespective of fibrosis. DOB15 (but not cPDR30) decreased with increasing degree of NAFLD (R = -0.26; P = 0.01) and LS (R = -0.23, P = 0.03). Patients with T2D showed increased rate of NAFLD than those without T2D but similar LS, DOB15 and cPDR30. CONCLUSIONS Overweight, obesity and liver fat accumulation manifest with deranged portal extraction efficiency of methacetin into the steatotic hepatocyte. This functional alteration occurs early, and irrespective of significant fibrosis and presence of T2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy
| | - Rogério Ribeiro
- Portuguese Diabetes Association-Education and Research Center (APDP-ERC), Lisbon 1150-082, Portugal
| | - Ana Pina
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa 1169-056, Portugal
| | - Rita Andrade
- Portuguese Diabetes Association-Education and Research Center (APDP-ERC), Lisbon 1150-082, Portugal
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.
| | - João F Raposo
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa 1169-056, Portugal; Portuguese Diabetes Association-Education and Research Center (APDP-ERC), Lisbon 1150-082, Portugal
| | - M Paula Macedo
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School|Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NMS|FCM, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisboa 1169-056, Portugal; Portuguese Diabetes Association-Education and Research Center (APDP-ERC), Lisbon 1150-082, Portugal
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, Bari 70124, Italy.
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Khalil M, Shanmugam H, Abdallah H, John Britto JS, Galerati I, Gómez-Ambrosi J, Frühbeck G, Portincasa P. The Potential of the Mediterranean Diet to Improve Mitochondrial Function in Experimental Models of Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14153112. [PMID: 35956289 PMCID: PMC9370259 DOI: 10.3390/nu14153112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal expansion of body fat paves the way for several metabolic abnormalities including overweight, obesity, and diabetes, which ultimately cluster under the umbrella of metabolic syndrome (MetS). Patients with MetS are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, morbidity, and mortality. The coexistence of distinct metabolic abnormalities is associated with the release of pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, as components of low-to-medium grade systemic inflammation and increased oxidative stress. Adopting healthy lifestyles, by using appropriate dietary regimens, contributes to the prevention and treatment of MetS. Metabolic abnormalities can influence the function and energetic capacity of mitochondria, as observed in many obesity-related cardio-metabolic disorders. There are preclinical studies both in cellular and animal models, as well as clinical studies, dealing with distinct nutrients of the Mediterranean diet (MD) and dysfunctional mitochondria in obesity and MetS. The term “Mitochondria nutrients” has been adopted in recent years, and it depicts the adequate nutrients to keep proper mitochondrial function. Different experimental models show that components of the MD, including polyphenols, plant-derived compounds, and polyunsaturated fatty acids, can improve mitochondrial metabolism, biogenesis, and antioxidant capacity. Such effects are valuable to counteract the mitochondrial dysfunction associated with obesity-related abnormalities and can represent the beneficial feature of polyphenols-enriched olive oil, vegetables, nuts, fish, and plant-based foods, as the main components of the MD. Thus, developing mitochondria-targeting nutrients and natural agents for MetS treatment and/or prevention is a logical strategy to decrease the burden of disease and medications at a later stage. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the effects of the MD and its bioactive components on improving mitochondrial structure and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Amendola 165/a, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Hala Abdallah
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Jerlin Stephy John Britto
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Ilaria Galerati
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
| | - Javier Gómez-Ambrosi
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-A.); (G.F.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), ISCIII, 28029 Pamplona, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Gema Frühbeck
- Metabolic Research Laboratory, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain; (J.G.-A.); (G.F.)
- CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), ISCIII, 28029 Pamplona, Spain
- Obesity and Adipobiology Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Navarra (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Endocrinology & Nutrition, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (M.K.); (H.S.); (H.A.); (J.S.J.B.); (I.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-328-4687215
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Di Ciaula A, Calamita G, Shanmugam H, Khalil M, Bonfrate L, Wang DQH, Baffy G, Portincasa P. Mitochondria Matter: Systemic Aspects of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and Diagnostic Assessment of Liver Function by Stable Isotope Dynamic Breath Tests. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7702. [PMID: 34299321 PMCID: PMC8305940 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver plays a key role in systemic metabolic processes, which include detoxification, synthesis, storage, and export of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. The raising trends of obesity and metabolic disorders worldwide is often associated with the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which has become the most frequent type of chronic liver disorder with risk of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver mitochondria play a key role in degrading the pathways of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and xenobiotics, and to provide energy for the body cells. The morphological and functional integrity of mitochondria guarantee the proper functioning of β-oxidation of free fatty acids and of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Evaluation of the liver in clinical medicine needs to be accurate in NAFLD patients and includes history, physical exam, imaging, and laboratory assays. Evaluation of mitochondrial function in chronic liver disease and NAFLD is now possible by novel diagnostic tools. "Dynamic" liver function tests include the breath test (BT) based on the use of substrates marked with the non-radioactive, naturally occurring stable isotope 13C. Hepatocellular metabolization of the substrate will generate 13CO2, which is excreted in breath and measured by mass spectrometry or infrared spectroscopy. Breath levels of 13CO2 are biomarkers of specific metabolic processes occurring in the hepatocyte cytosol, microsomes, and mitochondria. 13C-BTs explore distinct chronic liver diseases including simple liver steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, drug, and alcohol effects. In NAFLD, 13C-BT use substrates such as α-ketoisocaproic acid, methionine, and octanoic acid to assess mitochondrial oxidation capacity which can be impaired at an early stage of disease. 13C-BTs represent an indirect, cost-effective, and easy method to evaluate dynamic liver function. Further applications are expected in clinical medicine. In this review, we discuss the involvement of liver mitochondria in the progression of NAFLD, together with the role of 13C-BT in assessing mitochondrial function and its potential use in the prevention and management of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Calamita
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70100 Bari, Italy;
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.)
| | - Mohamad Khalil
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.)
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.)
| | - David Q.-H. Wang
- Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Gyorgy Baffy
- Department of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02130, USA;
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.K.); (L.B.)
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Shanmugam H, Di Ciaula A, Di Palo DM, Molina‐Molina E, Garruti G, Faienza MF, vanErpecum K, Portincasa P. Multiplying effects of COVID-19 lockdown on metabolic risk and fatty liver. Eur J Clin Invest 2021; 51:e13597. [PMID: 34032283 PMCID: PMC8209861 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13597] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social containment measures imposed in Europe during the lockdown to face COVID-19 pandemic can generate long-term potential threats for metabolic health. METHODS A cohort of 494 non-COVID-19 subjects living in 21 EU countries were interviewed by an anonymous questionnaire exploring anthropometric and lifestyle changes during 1-month lockdown. A subgroup of 41 overweight/obese Italian subjects with previously diagnosed nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) joined the study following a 12-month follow-up period promoting weight loss by healthy lifestyle. RESULTS During the lockdown, body weight increased in 55% of subjects (average 2.4 ± 0.9 kg). Weight change increased with age, but not baseline body mass index. Subjects living in Italy had greater weight gain than those living in other European Countries. Weight gain during the lockdown was highest in subjects reporting no physical activity, and low adherence to Mediterranean diet. In the NAFLD group, weight gain occurred in 70% of cases. Subjects reporting weight loss during lockdown had decreased fatty liver score at 3 months before the lockdown, as compared with 1 year before. CONCLUSIONS Strict measures of social containment-even short-term-pave the way to the increased risk of metabolic abnormalities in the medium-long term. In this context, adherence to Mediterranean diet and regular physical activity play a protective role both in terms of weight gain and fatty liver development/progression, with implication for primary and secondary prevention. When adopting measures imposing social containment, intensive educational campaigns must increase public awareness about beneficial effects of healthy lifestyles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro”BariItaly
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro”BariItaly
| | - Domenica Maria Di Palo
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro”BariItaly
| | - Emilio Molina‐Molina
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro”BariItaly
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Section of EndocrinologyDepartment of Emergency and Organ TransplantationsUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro” Medical SchoolBariItaly
| | - Maria Felicia Faienza
- Paediatric SectionDepartment of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro”BariItaly
| | - Karel vanErpecum
- Department of Gastroenterology and HepatologyUniversity Medical CenterUtrechtthe Netherlands
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human OncologyUniversity of Bari “Aldo Moro”BariItaly
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Di Ciaula A, Passarella S, Shanmugam H, Noviello M, Bonfrate L, Wang DQH, Portincasa P. Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Mitochondria as Players and Targets of Therapies? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105375. [PMID: 34065331 PMCID: PMC8160908 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease and represents the hepatic expression of several metabolic abnormalities of high epidemiologic relevance. Fat accumulation in the hepatocytes results in cellular fragility and risk of progression toward necroinflammation, i.e., nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Several pathways contribute to fat accumulation and damage in the liver and can also involve the mitochondria, whose functional integrity is essential to maintain liver bioenergetics. In NAFLD/NASH, both structural and functional mitochondrial abnormalities occur and can involve mitochondrial electron transport chain, decreased mitochondrial β-oxidation of free fatty acids, excessive generation of reactive oxygen species, and lipid peroxidation. NASH is a major target of therapy, but there is no established single or combined treatment so far. Notably, translational and clinical studies point to mitochondria as future therapeutic targets in NAFLD since the prevention of mitochondrial damage could improve liver bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Di Ciaula
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.N.); (L.B.)
| | - Salvatore Passarella
- School of Medicine, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (P.P.); Tel.: +39-328-468-7215 (P.P.)
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.N.); (L.B.)
| | - Marica Noviello
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.N.); (L.B.)
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.N.); (L.B.)
| | - David Q.-H. Wang
- Department of Medicine and Genetics, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences & Human Oncology, Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy; (A.D.C.); (H.S.); (M.N.); (L.B.)
- Correspondence: (S.P.); (P.P.); Tel.: +39-328-468-7215 (P.P.)
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Molina-Molina E, Shanmugam H, Di Ciaula A, Grattagliano I, Di Palo DM, Palmieri VO, Portincasa P. ( 13C)-Methacetin breath test provides evidence of subclinical liver dysfunction linked to fat storage but not lifestyle. JHEP Rep 2021; 3:100203. [PMID: 33490935 PMCID: PMC7806794 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2020.100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterised by the presence of hepatic steatosis in the absence of other causes of secondary hepatic fat accumulation, and is usually associated with visceral, metabolically active obesity. However, the subclinical effects of body and liver fat accumulation on liver function are still unclear. METHODS We used orally administered (13C)-methacetin and breath test to quantify the efficiency of hepatic extraction from portal blood flow and liver microsomal function in 81 participants, in relation to presence/absence of ultrasonographic NAFLD, extent of body fat accumulation, insulin resistance, dietary models, and lifestyle. RESULTS NAFLD was present in 23% of participants with normal weight, and prevalence increased with body fat and insulin resistance. Fat accumulation, NAFLD, and insulin resistance were associated with decreased hepatic extraction efficiency, and liver microsomal function was impaired in moderate-to-severe NAFLD. Caloric intake, dietary models, and lifestyles had a minor role in promoting functional changes. CONCLUSIONS The interplay between body fat accumulation, insulin resistance, and NAFLD is linked with altered hepatic extraction efficiency from blood flow and deranged microsomal function. Non-invasive diagnosis of subclinical alterations of liver function is relevant for primary and secondary prevention measures. Furthermore, the occurrence of NAFLD in lean individuals and the evidence that caloric intake, dietary models, and lifestyle played a minor role require further studies exploring the role of environmental factors in the natural history of these diseases. LAY SUMMARY Obesity is progressively increasing worldwide and is paralleled by fat accumulation in the liver (non-alcoholic fatty liver disease [NAFLD]), the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD can alter liver structure and function, with a variety of consequences ranging from asymptomatic and subclinical alterations to cirrhosis and cancer. (13C)-Methacetin breath test, a non-invasive diagnostic tool, can reveal early subclinical alterations of liver dynamic function in individuals with obesity and in patients with NAFLD.
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Key Words
- (13C), carbon-13
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- ARFI, acoustic radiation force impulse
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- BT, breath test
- Body mass index
- DOB, delta over baseline
- FLI, fatty liver index
- GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase
- HOMA, Homeostatic Model Assessment for Insulin Resistance
- HRQoL, health-related quality of life
- IDF, International Diabetes Federation
- KICA, ketoisocaproic acid
- Liver function
- MBT, methacetin breath test
- MD, Mediterranean diet
- MET, metabolic equivalent task
- Microsomal function
- NAFL, non-alcoholic fatty liver
- NAFLD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- NASH, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
- Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- OR, odds ratio
- Portal blood flow
- R-ATPIII, Revised National Cholesterol Education Programme-Adult Treatment Panel III
- SF-36, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey Questionnaire
- US, ultrasonography
- cPDR, cumulative per cent dose recovery
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Molina-Molina
- Clinica Medica ‘A. Murri’, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica ‘A. Murri’, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica ‘A. Murri’, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Domenica Maria Di Palo
- Clinica Medica ‘A. Murri’, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Vincenzo O. Palmieri
- Clinica Medica ‘A. Murri’, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica ‘A. Murri’, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
- Corresponding author. Address: Clinica Medica ‘Augusto Murri’, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy. Tel.: +39 80 5478 227; fax: +39 80 5478 232.
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Grattagliano I, Di Ciaula A, Baj J, Molina-Molina E, Shanmugam H, Garruti G, Wang DQH, Portincasa P. Protocols for Mitochondria as the Target of Pharmacological Therapy in the Context of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2310:201-246. [PMID: 34096005 PMCID: PMC8580566 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1433-4_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most frequent metabolic chronic liver diseases in developed countries and puts the populations at risk of progression to liver necro-inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in the onset of NAFLD and contributes to the progression from NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Thus, liver mitochondria could become the target for treatments for improving liver function in NAFLD patients. This chapter describes the most important steps used for potential therapeutic interventions in NAFLD patients, discusses current options gathered from both experimental and clinical evidence, and presents some novel options for potentially improving mitochondrial function in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignazio Grattagliano
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
- Italian College of General Practitioners and Primary Care, Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Jacek Baj
- Department of Anatomy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilio Molina-Molina
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantations, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - David Q-H Wang
- Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Genetics, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
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Tay Za K, Jayaranee S, Shanmugam H. Practice and performance of lupus anticoagulant tests: A single centre experience. Malays J Pathol 2020; 42:51-57. [PMID: 32342930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lupus anticoagulant (LA) is a well-known risk factor for thrombosis. Correct diagnosis of LA is essential in patient management with anticoagulation. The objectives of this study were to document the clinical and laboratory characteristics of patients tested for LA and to evaluate existing LA testing methods in our laboratory with the aim of improving the performance of LA test interpretation and reporting. METHODS Tests for LA include dilute Russell's viper venom time (dRVVT) and Kaolin clotting time (KCT). Patients with LA ratio (dRVVT screen ratio/dRVVT confirm ratio) of ≥1.2 were considered as LA positive irrespective of KCT results. KCT was considered positive if there was a prolongation in KCT screening test which was not corrected on mixing with normal plasma. RESULTS Of 577 patients' results, 295 were normal, 178 were KCT positive with negative dRVVT and 104 were LA positive. Incidences of thrombosis, connective tissue disease (CTD) and bad obstetric events were noted in 13%, 16% and 44% of normal patients, 9%, 22% and 49% of KCT+ patients and 23%, 37% and 17% of LA+ patients respectively. On further evaluation of dRVVT screen ratios, 431 had a ratio of <1.1, 59 had a ratio between 1.1 and 1.2 and 87 had a ratio of >1.2. Positive LA results were found in 3%, 29% and 87% of patients with dRVVT screen ratios of <1.1, 1.1 - 1.2 and >1.2 respectively. CONCLUSION LA+ patients had higher incidences of thrombosis and CTD as compared to normal and KCT only positive patients. There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between normal and KCT+ patients which suggests the presence of a high rate of false-positive KCT results. Since confirmatory testing for KCT is not widely used, the option of using another LA screening test method should be considered. In regard to dRVVT testing, confirmatory test should only be performed in patients with prolonged dRVVT screening result which was not corrected upon mixing with normal plasma as required by the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis guidelines on LA testing. This practice will not only result in significant cost reduction but also avoid diagnostic confusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Tay Za
- University Malaya Medical Centre, Department of Pathology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Shanmugam H, Molina Molina E, Di Palo DM, Faienza MF, Di Ciaula A, Garruti G, Wang DQH, Portincasa P. Physical Activity Modulating Lipid Metabolism in Gallbladder Diseases. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2020; 29:99-110. [PMID: 32176752 PMCID: PMC8114792 DOI: 10.15403/jgld-544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Physical activity encompasses a series of overall benefits on cardiovascular health and metabolic disorders. Research has recently focused on the hepatobiliary tract, as an additional target of the health-related outcomes of different types of physical exercise. Here, we focus on the global features of physical activity with respect to exercise modality and intensity, and on studies linking physical activity to lipid metabolism, gallbladder diseases (gallstones, symptoms, complications and health-related quality of life), gallbladder motor-function, enterohepatic circulation of bile acids, and systemic metabolic inflammation. Additional studies need to unravel the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in both beneficial and harmful effects of physical activity in populations with different metabolic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy. .
| | - Emilio Molina Molina
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenica Maria Di Palo
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Maria Felicia Faienza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Paediatric Section, University of Bari "A. Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Section of Endocrinology, Andrology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplants, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
| | - David Q H Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Marion Bessin Liver Research Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.
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Di Palo DM, Garruti G, Di Ciaula A, Molina-Molina E, Shanmugam H, De Angelis M, Portincasa P. Increased Colonic Permeability and Lifestyles as Contributing Factors to Obesity and Liver Steatosis. Nutrients 2020; 12:E564. [PMID: 32098159 PMCID: PMC7071468 DOI: 10.3390/nu12020564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal permeability (IP) is essential in maintaining gut-metabolic functions in health. An unequivocal evaluation of IP, as marker of intestinal barrier integrity, however, is missing in health and in several diseases. We aimed to assess IP in the whole gastrointestinal tract according to body mass index (BMI) and liver steatosis. In 120 patients (61F:59M; mean age 45 ± SEM 1.2 years, range: 18-75), IP was distinctively studied by urine recovery of orally administered sucrose (SO, stomach), lactulose/mannitol ratio (LA/MA, small intestine), and sucralose (SA, colon). By triple quadrupole mass-spectrometry and high-performance liquid chromatography, we measured urinary recovery of saccharide probes. Subjects were stratified according to BMI as normal weight, overweight, and obesity, and answered questionnaires regarding dietary habits and adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Liver steatosis was assessed by ultrasonography. IP at every gastrointestinal tract was similar in both sexes and decreased with age. Stomach and small intestinal permeability did not differ according to BMI. Colonic permeability increased with BMI, waist, neck, and hip circumferences and was significantly higher in obese than in lean subjects. As determined by logistic regression, the odds ratio (OR) of BMI increment was significantly higher in subjects in the highest tertile of sucralose excretion, also after adjusting for age and consumption of junk food. The presence of liver steatosis was associated with increased colonic permeability. Patients with lower score of adherence to Mediterranean diet had a higher score of 'junk food'. Intestinal permeability tended to increase in subjects with a lower adherence to Mediterranean diet. In conclusion, colonic (but not stomach and small intestinal) permeability seems to be linked to obesity and liver steatosis independently from dietary habits, age, and physical activity. The exact role of these last factors, however, requires specific studies focusing on intestinal permeability. Results should pave the way to both primary prevention measures and new therapeutic strategies in metabolic and liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenica Maria Di Palo
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.M.D.P.); (A.D.C.); (E.M.-M.); (H.S.)
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Garruti
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantations, University of Bari “Aldo Moro” Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Agostino Di Ciaula
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.M.D.P.); (A.D.C.); (E.M.-M.); (H.S.)
| | - Emilio Molina-Molina
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.M.D.P.); (A.D.C.); (E.M.-M.); (H.S.)
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.M.D.P.); (A.D.C.); (E.M.-M.); (H.S.)
| | - Maria De Angelis
- Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy;
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica “A. Murri”, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (D.M.D.P.); (A.D.C.); (E.M.-M.); (H.S.)
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Faienza MF, Chiarito M, Molina-Molina E, Shanmugam H, Lammert F, Krawczyk M, D'Amato G, Portincasa P. Childhood obesity, cardiovascular and liver health: a growing epidemic with age. World J Pediatr 2020; 16:438-445. [PMID: 32020441 PMCID: PMC7224053 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-020-00341-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequency of childhood obesity has increased over the last 3 decades, and the trend constitutes a worrisome epidemic worldwide. With the raising obesity risk, key aspects to consider are accurate body mass index classification, as well as metabolic and cardiovascular, and hepatic consequences. DATA SOURCES The authors performed a systematic literature search in PubMed and EMBASE, using selected key words (obesity, childhood, cardiovascular, liver health). In particular, they focused their search on papers evaluating the impact of obesity on cardiovascular and liver health. RESULTS We evaluated the current literature dealing with the impact of excessive body fat accumulation in childhood and across adulthood, as a predisposing factor to cardiovascular and hepatic alterations. We also evaluated the impact of physical and dietary behaviors starting from childhood on cardio-metabolic consequences. CONCLUSIONS The epidemic of obesity and obesity-related comorbidities worldwide raises concerns about the impact of early abnormalities during childhood and adolescence. Two key abnormalities in this context include cardiovascular diseases, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Appropriate metabolic screenings and associated comorbidities should start as early as possible in obese children and adolescents. Nevertheless, improving dietary intake and increasing physical activity performance are to date the best therapeutic tools in children to weaken the onset of obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes risk during adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Felicia Faienza
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Mariangela Chiarito
- Section of Pediatrics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Emilio Molina-Molina
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Frank Lammert
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Marcin Krawczyk
- Department of Medicine II, Saarland University Medical Center, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
- Laboratory of Metabolic Liver Diseases, Center for Preclinical Research, Department of General, Transplant and Liver Surgery, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Tay Za K, Shanmugam H, Chin EFM. A new complex translocation (8;22;21)(q22;q12;q22) in RUNX1/RUNX1T1 acute myeloid leukaemia. Malays J Pathol 2019; 41:333-338. [PMID: 31901918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with t(8;21)(q22;q22) producing RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement is a distinct sub-type which is usually associated with a favourable clinical outcome. Variant forms of t(8;21) are rare. Herein we describe a novel variant of t(8;21) AML in a 25-year-old pregnant woman who presented with intermittent fever. CASE REPORT Her peripheral smear and bone marrow aspirate showed many myeloblasts. Chromosomal study revealed t(8;22;21)(q22;q12;q22) and loss of X chromosome. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using whole chromosome painting probes confirmed the three-way translocation involving chromosomes 8, 21 and 22. RUNX1-RUNX1T1 rearrangement was identified in FISH and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirming the diagnosis of AML with variant t(8;21). The patient was treated with standard chemotherapy. She achieved morphological remission one month after induction chemotherapy. DISCUSSION Although the clinical significance of variant t(8;21) is not well delineated, the evaluation of 31 such cases suggests patients with variant t(8;21) have similar prognosis to those with classical t(8;21).
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Affiliation(s)
- K Tay Za
- University Malaya Medical Centre, Department of Pathology, Division of Laboratory Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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15
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Barosa C, Shanmugam H, Cabral F, Jones JG. p-Aminobenzoic acid as an alternative chemical biopsy agent for human hepatic UDP-glucose. Anal Biochem 2019; 590:113511. [PMID: 31759975 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2019.113511] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
p-Aminobenzoic acid (PABA) was evaluated for noninvasive sampling of UDP-glucose in the liver. Six healthy subjects ingested 550 mg PABA during a breakfast meal. Urine was collected 0-2 and 2-4 h after PABA ingestion. N-acetyl PABA glucuronide (NAPG) was identified with 522 ± 212 μmol recovered in the 2-4 h urines. One of the subjects ingested 2 g of 98% [U-2H7]glucose alongside PABA and the NAPG was analyzed for positional 2H-enrichment by 2H NMR following derivatization to 5-O-acetyl monoacetone glucuronolactone. In conclusion, PABA is an effective agent for the chemical biopsy of hepatic UDP-glucose in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Barosa
- CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, UC-Biotech, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, UC-Biotech, University of Coimbra, Portugal; UNIBA- University Aldo Moro of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Fernando Cabral
- CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, UC-Biotech, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - John G Jones
- CNC - Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology, UC-Biotech, University of Coimbra, Portugal; APDP-Portuguese Diabetes Association, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Molina-Molina E, Bonfrate L, Lorusso M, Shanmugam H, Scaccianoce G, Rokkas T, Portincasa P. Faster Detection of Helicobacter pylori Infection by 13 C-Urea Breath Test. Comparing Short versus Standard Sampling Time. J Gastrointestin Liver Dis 2019; 28:151-161. [PMID: 31204406 DOI: 10.15403/jgld-175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS 13 C-Urea Breath Test (UBT) is a non-invasive, highly accurate and recommended test to detect Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and to confirm post-therapy eradication. However, differences exist in terms of manufacturers, dose of labelled urea, addition of citric acid, solid vs. liquid formulation, and sampling times of breath samples. In this study, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of "short" (15 minutes) vs. "standard" (30 minutes) time for a single type of liquid UBT. METHODS We compared the performance of a single UBT type (BREATHQUALITY, AB Analitica, Padua, Italy, 10 mL of 75 mg 13 C-Urea and 1.4 g citric acid) during a "short" vs. "standard" breath sampling time. Enrolled were 151 subjects requiring UBT as naïve (N=92) or post-eradication (N=59) checks. RESULTS UBT at 15 and 30 minutes were highly comparable, showing optimal correlation in all subsets of patients (i.e. naïve vs. post eradication, negative vs. post eradication check). One discrepant result occurred at the borderline zone of the DOB 4‰, but proved to be true positive at a later confirmation by a second UBT and stool antigen test. CONCLUSIONS By shortening the testing time of BREATHQUALITY to 15 minutes (-50%) comparable accuracy will be maintained and in addition, it will bring some benefits to patients' waiting lists, compliance, and hospital staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Molina-Molina
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Leonilde Bonfrate
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Lorusso
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Harshitha Shanmugam
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Theodore Rokkas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Henry Durant Hospital Center, Athens, Greece
| | - Piero Portincasa
- Clinica Medica "A. Murri", Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro" Medical School, Bari, Italy.
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Zakaria NH, Sthaneshwar P, Shanmugam H. Severe asymptomatic hypophosphataemia in a child with T-acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Malays J Pathol 2017; 39:317-320. [PMID: 29279597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hypophosphataemia is a metabolic disorder that is commonly encountered in critically ill patients. Phosphate has many roles in physiological functions, thus the depletion of serum phosphate could lead to impairment in multiple organ systems, which include the respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological and muscular systems and haematological and metabolic functions. Hypophosphataemia is defined as plasma phosphate level below 0.80 mmol per litre (mmol/L) and can be further divided into subgroups of mild (plasma phosphate of 0.66 to 0.79 mmol/L), moderate (plasma phosphate of 0.32 to 0.65 mmol/L) and severe (plasma phosphate of less than 0.32 mmol/L). The causes of hypophosphataemia include inadequate phosphate intake, decreased intestinal absorption, gastrointestinal or renal phosphate loss, and redistribution of phosphate into cells. Symptomatic hypophosphataemia associated with haematological malignancies has been reported infrequently. We report here a case of asymptomatic severe hypophosphataemia in a child with acute T-cell lymphoblastic leukaemia. A 14-year-old Chinese boy was diagnosed to have acute T cell lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). His serum biochemistry results were normal except inorganic phosphate and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The serum inorganic phosphate level was 0.1mmol/L and the level was low on repeated analysis. The child had no symptoms related to low phosphate levels. The possible causes of low phosphate were ruled out and urine Tmp/GFR was normal. Chemotherapy regime was started and the serum phosphate levels started to increase. Hypophosphataemia in leukaemia was attributed to shift of phosphorus into leukemic cells and excessive cellular phosphate consumption by rapidly proliferating cells. Several reports of symptomatic hypophosphataemia in myelogenous and lymphoblastic leukaemia in adults have been reported. To our knowledge this is the first case of severe asymptomatic hypophosphataemia in a child with ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- N H Zakaria
- University Malaya, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
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Ambang T, Tan J, Shanmugam H, Wong K, Goh K. Sporadic inclusion body myositis and HLA associations in a multi-ethnic Asian population. Neuromuscul Disord 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2016.06.423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Ambang T, Shanmugam H, Tan J, Tan C, Cheah T, Sargunan S, Shahrizaila N, Wong K, Goh K. Myopathy with anti-signal recognition particle antibodies: Clinical and HLA associations in Malaysian patients. Neuromuscul Disord 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2015.06.235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Nadarajan V, Shanmugam H, Sthaneshwar P, Jayaranee S, Sultan KS, Ang C, Arumugam S. Modification to reporting of qualitative fluorescent spot test results improves detection of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD)-deficient heterozygote female newborns. Int J Lab Hematol 2011; 33:463-70. [PMID: 21501392 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-553x.2011.01309.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) fluorescent spot test (FST) is a useful screening test for G6PD deficiency, but is unable to detect heterozygote G6PD-deficient females. We sought to identify whether reporting intermediate fluorescence in addition to absent and bright fluorescence on FST would improve identification of mildly deficient female heterozygotes. METHODS A total of 1266 cord blood samples (705 male, 561 female) were screened for G6PD deficiency using FST (in-house method) and a quantitative enzyme assay. Fluorescence intensity of the FST was graded as either absent, intermediate or normal. Samples identified as showing absent or intermediate fluorescence on FST were analysed for the presence of G6PD mutations using TaqMan@SNP genotyping assays and direct nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS Of the 1266 samples, 87 samples were found to be intermediate or deficient by FST (49 deficient, 38 intermediate). Of the 49 deficient samples, 48 had G6PD enzyme activity of ≤ 9.5 U/g Hb and one sample had normal enzyme activity. All 38 intermediate samples were from females. Of these, 21 had G6PD activity of between 20% and 60%, and 17 samples showed normal G6PD activity. Twenty-seven of the 38 samples were available for mutation analysis of which 13 had normal G6PD activity. Eleven of the 13 samples with normal G6PD activity had identifiable G6PD mutations. CONCLUSION Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase heterozygote females cannot be identified by FST if fluorescence is reported as absent or present. Distinguishing samples with intermediate fluorescence from absent and bright fluorescence improves detection of heterozygote females with mild G6PD deficiency. Mutational studies confirmed that 85% of intermediate samples with normal enzyme activity had identifiable G6PD mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nadarajan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Division of Laboratory Medicine, Department of Pathology, University Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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