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Clinical and Molecular Hepatology May 2024
PubMed: 38768960
DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2024.0372 -
World Journal of Clinical Cases May 2024Hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma (HEA) has a low incidence and both clinical manifestations and imaging lack specificity. Thus, it is easy to misdiagnose HEA as other...
BACKGROUND
Hepatic epithelioid angiomyolipoma (HEA) has a low incidence and both clinical manifestations and imaging lack specificity. Thus, it is easy to misdiagnose HEA as other tumors of the liver, especially in the presence of liver diseases such as hepatitis cirrhosis. This article reviewed the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with HEA and alcoholic cirrhosis, and analyzed the literature, in order to improve the understanding of this disease.
CASE SUMMARY
A 67-year-old male patient with a history of alcoholic cirrhosis was admitted due to the discovery of a space-occupying lesion in the liver. Based on the patient's history, laboratory examinations, and imaging examinations, a malignant liver tumor was considered and laparoscopic partial hepatectomy was performed. Postoperative pathology showed HEA. During outpatient follow-up, the patient showed no sign of recurrence.
CONCLUSION
HEA is difficult to make a definite diagnosis before surgery. HEA has the potential for malignant degeneration. If conditions permit, surgical treatment is recommended.
PubMed: 38765741
DOI: 10.12998/wjcc.v12.i14.2382 -
Journal of Translational Medicine May 2024Changes in plasma protein glycosylation are known to functionally affect proteins and to associate with liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
BACKGROUND
Changes in plasma protein glycosylation are known to functionally affect proteins and to associate with liver diseases, including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a liver disease characterized by liver inflammation and raised serum levels of IgG, and is difficult to distinguish from other liver diseases. The aim of this study was to examine plasma and IgG-specific N-glycosylation in AIH and compare it with healthy controls and other liver diseases.
METHODS
In this cross-sectional cohort study, total plasma N-glycosylation and IgG Fc glycosylation analysis was performed by mass spectrometry for 66 AIH patients, 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls, 31 primary biliary cholangitis patients, 10 primary sclerosing cholangitis patients, 30 non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients and 74 patients with viral or alcoholic hepatitis. A total of 121 glycans were quantified per individual. Associations between glycosylation traits and AIH were investigated as compared to healthy controls and other liver diseases.
RESULTS
Glycan traits bisection (OR: 3.78 [1.88-9.35], p-value: 5.88 × 10), tetraantennary sialylation per galactose (A4GS) (OR: 2.88 [1.75-5.16], p-value: 1.63 × 10), IgG1 galactosylation (OR: 0.35 [0.2-0.58], p-value: 3.47 × 10) and hybrid type glycans (OR: 2.73 [1.67-4.89], p-value: 2.31 × 10) were found as discriminators between AIH and healthy controls. High A4GS differentiated AIH from other liver diseases, while bisection associated with cirrhosis severity.
CONCLUSIONS
Compared to other liver diseases, AIH shows distinctively high A4GS levels in plasma, with potential implications on glycoprotein function and clearance. Plasma-derived glycosylation has potential to be used as a diagnostic marker for AIH in the future. This may alleviate the need for a liver biopsy at diagnosis. Glycosidic changes should be investigated further in longitudinal studies and may be used for diagnostic and monitoring purposes in the future.
Topics: Humans; Hepatitis, Autoimmune; Female; Male; Polysaccharides; Middle Aged; Glycosylation; Case-Control Studies; Immunoglobulin G; Liver Diseases; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Aged
PubMed: 38745252
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05173-z -
Cureus Apr 2024This case report presents a unique instance of ascites in acute alcoholic hepatitis (AH) occurring in a non-cirrhotic patient. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation...
This case report presents a unique instance of ascites in acute alcoholic hepatitis (AH) occurring in a non-cirrhotic patient. Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation excluded alternative etiologies, pinpointing sinusoidal non-cirrhotic portal hypertension. Present therapeutic modalities for AH, including steroids and pentoxifylline, offer limited efficacy, necessitating ongoing investigation. Liver transplantation may be contemplated in refractory cases. This case underscores the intricate nature of AH presentations and the challenges in their management, emphasizing the imperative need for continued research to delineate optimal therapeutic strategies. Early intervention remains pivotal in addressing AH complications, underscoring the need for heightened clinical vigilance and proactive treatment approaches in such cases.
PubMed: 38741864
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58187 -
Biochemistry and Biophysics Reports Jul 2024The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pemafibrate in a murine model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
AIM
The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of pemafibrate in a murine model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
METHODS
Forty-two, 19-week-old, male, C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups: a Control group (n = 14), a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) group (n = 14), and a DSS + PEM group (n = 14). All mice were given a standard rodent diet for the first week, followed by a choline-deficient, high-fat diet (CDHF) for the next 12 weeks. The 22nd day after the animals arrived was taken as Day 1 of the experiment. The Control group continued the CDHF diet and MilliQ water. The DSS group continued the CDHF diet, but starting on Day 1, the group received 0.8 % DSS to drink for 7 consecutive days, followed by MilliQ water for 10 days; this was taken as one course, and it was repeated on the same schedule until autopsy. The DSS + PEM group received the CDHF diet with PEM 0.1 mg/kg/day. Their drinking water was the same as that of the DSS group. On Seven animals from each group were autopsied on each of Day 50 and Day 120, and histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations, as well as quantitative RNA and cytokine measurements, of autopsied mice were performed.
RESULTS
Pemafibrate improved hepatic steatosis (decreased steatosis area), improved liver inflammation enhanced by DSS (decreased aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase), improved hepatic fibrosis promoted by DSS (decreased fibrotic areas and a marker of fibrosis), inhibited tumorigenesis, and decreased intestinal inflammation in the NASH model mice.
CONCLUSIONS
In a murine model of NASH, mixing PEM 0.1 mg/kg/day into the diet inhibited disease progression and tumor formation.
PubMed: 38737727
DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2024.101724 -
Food Science & Nutrition May 2024Liver diseases, encompassing conditions such as cirrhosis, present a substantial global health challenge with diverse etiologies, including viral infections, alcohol... (Review)
Review
Liver diseases, encompassing conditions such as cirrhosis, present a substantial global health challenge with diverse etiologies, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The exploration of natural compounds as therapeutic agents has gained traction, notably the herbal remedy milk thistle (), with its active extract, silymarin, demonstrating remarkable antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties in extensive preclinical investigations. It can protect healthy liver cells or those that have not yet sustained permanent damage by reducing oxidative stress and mitigating cytotoxicity. Silymarin, a natural compound with antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and antifibrotic activity, has shown potential in treating liver damage caused by alcohol, NAFLD, drug-induced toxicity, and viral hepatitis. Legalon® is a top-rated medication with excellent oral bioavailability, effective absorption, and therapeutic effectiveness. Its active component, silymarin, has antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, Eurosil 85® also, a commercial product, has lipophilic properties enhanced by special formulation processes. Silymarin, during clinical trials, shows potential improvements in liver function, reduced mortality rates, and alleviation of symptoms across various liver disorders, with safety assessments showing low adverse effects. Overall, silymarin emerges as a promising natural compound with multifaceted hepatoprotective properties and therapeutic potential in liver diseases.
PubMed: 38726410
DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.4010 -
Transplantation Proceedings May 2024There is continuous growth of combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKTx) numbers with remarkable outcomes, especially among patient with liver cirrhosis and end-stage...
BACKGROUND
There is continuous growth of combined liver-kidney transplantation (CLKTx) numbers with remarkable outcomes, especially among patient with liver cirrhosis and end-stage renal disease. The aim was to present a single center experience.
METHODS
Twenty patients (9 males) with a mean age of 48 (range: 20-62) years underwent CLKTx from 2005 to 2022. Indications were polycystic liver and kidney diseases (ADPKD) in 12 cases, cirrhosis due to hepatitis (4 patients), and 1 case of amyloidosis, alcoholic liver disease, nonalcoholic steatosis, and congenital hepatic fibrosis with concomitant glomerulonephritis. After hepatectomy, half of the patients had orthotopic liver transplantation with piggy-back technique, and the other had conventional technique. All but 1 recipient had biliary end-to-end anastomosis. 3 patients had preemptive kidney graft transplantation. 4 underwent simultaneous right-side nephrectomy due to volume of the right kidney. Kidney was transplanted from the separate incision after abdominal closure with typical anastomoses. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetile, basiliximab, and steroids were applied for all recipients.
RESULTS
Mean follow-up was 57.7 ± 54 months. No primary non-function of the grafts occurred. Delayed kidney graft function (DGF) occurred in 8 patients. Three-month, 1-year, and 5-year cumulative survival rates were: 90%, 80%, and 72% respectively. None of the patients required retransplantation, and 1 recipient returned to hemodialysis 19 months after transplantation. Preemptive kidney transplantation and simultaneous right-side nephrectomy were not significant for DGF and recipient survival. No deaths within the first year occurred in piggy-back technique.
CONCLUSIONS
CLKTx is safe and effective in the treatment of both liver and kidney failure.
Topics: Humans; Kidney Transplantation; Male; Adult; Liver Transplantation; Female; Middle Aged; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Retrospective Studies; Graft Survival
PubMed: 38719623
DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2024.03.014 -
Journal of Biological Engineering May 2024Alcohol consumption, a pervasive societal issue, poses considerable health risks and socioeconomic consequences. Alcohol-induced hepatic disorders, such as fatty liver...
Alcohol consumption, a pervasive societal issue, poses considerable health risks and socioeconomic consequences. Alcohol-induced hepatic disorders, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and cirrhosis, underscore the need for comprehensive research. Existing challenges in mimicking chronic alcohol exposure in cellular systems, attributed to ethanol evaporation, necessitate innovative approaches. In this study, we developed a simple, reusable, and controllable device for examining the physiological reactions of hepatocytes to long-term alcohol exposure. Our approach involved a novel device designed to continuously release ethanol into the culture medium, maintaining a consistent ethanol concentration over several days. We evaluated device performance by examining gene expression patterns and cytokine secretion alterations during long-term exposure to ethanol. These patterns were correlated with those observed in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Our results suggest that our ethanol-releasing device can be used as a valuable tool to study the mechanisms of chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases at the cellular level. Our device offers a practical solution for studying chronic alcohol exposure, providing a reliable platform for cellular research. This innovative tool holds promise for advancing our understanding of the molecular processes involved in chronic alcohol-mediated hepatic diseases. Future research avenues should explore broader applications and potential implications for predicting and treating alcohol-related illnesses.
PubMed: 38715085
DOI: 10.1186/s13036-024-00428-1 -
European Review For Medical and... Apr 2024Liver cirrhosis is the end-stage entity for a wide variety of chronic liver pathologies. These include viral hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic...
BACKGROUND
Liver cirrhosis is the end-stage entity for a wide variety of chronic liver pathologies. These include viral hepatitis B and C, alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, autoimmune hepatitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, and primary biliary cirrhosis. In the majority of cases, liver cirrhosis remains completely asymptomatic until acute decompensation occurs. Patients may present complications of portal hypertension such as gastro-esophageal varices and upper digestive hemorrhage, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, or hepato-renal syndrome. Establishing the right etiology of cirrhosis is of paramount importance as it helps the treating physician plan the best suitable treatment options and also improves overall outcome.
CASE REPORT
We present a case of a chronic alcohol consumer, which, over time, resulted in alcoholic cirrhosis. Initial diagnosis comprised of alcoholic liver disease. However, a further look into the medical history of the patients indicated the presence of underlying autoimmune liver disease, such as autoimmune hepatitis, which might have also contributed to the chronic liver injury.
CONCLUSIONS
Multiple factors can lead to liver cirrhosis. Although the most commonly found entity is alcoholism, it cannot be taken as a thumb rule for the only possible etiology. In-depth analysis and proper differential diagnosis should be carefully conducted in order not to miss out on other possible causes. As seen in our case, where an underlying autoimmune hepatitis was found to be the culprit, but due to a long history of alcohol consumption, it was masked at first instance.
Topics: Humans; Alcoholism; Hepatitis, Autoimmune; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Cirrhosis, Alcoholic
PubMed: 38708468
DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202404_36025 -
Journal of Cellular and Molecular... May 2024Liver diseases include all types of viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, liver failure (LF) and... (Review)
Review
Liver diseases include all types of viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, liver failure (LF) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Liver disease is now one of the leading causes of disease and death worldwide, which compels us to better understand the mechanisms involved in the development of liver diseases. Anoctamin 1 (ANO1), a calcium-activated chloride channel (CaCC), plays an important role in epithelial cell secretion, proliferation and migration. ANO1 plays a key role in transcriptional regulation as well as in many signalling pathways. It is involved in the genesis, development, progression and/or metastasis of several tumours and other diseases including liver diseases. This paper reviews the role and molecular mechanisms of ANO1 in the development of various liver diseases, aiming to provide a reference for further research on the role of ANO1 in liver diseases and to contribute to the improvement of therapeutic strategies for liver diseases by regulating ANO1.
Topics: Humans; Anoctamin-1; Liver Diseases; Animals; Signal Transduction; Neoplasm Proteins; Liver Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Gene Expression Regulation
PubMed: 38685684
DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18320