Portal vein arterialization in 25 liver transplant recipients:A Latin American single-center experience

BACKGROUND Portal vein arterialization(PVA)has been used in liver transplantation(LT)to maximize oxygen delivery when arterial circulation is compromised or has been used as an alternative reperfusion technique for complex portal vein thrombosis(PVT).The effect of PVA on portal perfusion and primary graft dysfunction(PGD)has not been assessed.All patients receiving PVA and LT at the Fundacion Santa Fe de Bogota between 2011 and 2022 were analyzed.To account for the time-sensitive effects of graft perfusion,patients were classified into two groups:prereperfusion(pre-PVA),if the arterioportal anastomosis was performed before graft revascularization,and postreperfusion(post-PVA),if PVA was performed afterward.The pre-PVA rationale contemplated poor portal hemodynamics,severe vascular steal,or PVT.Post-PVA was considered if graft hypoperfusion became evident.Conservative interventions were attempted before PVA.

Portal venous arterialization resulting in increased portal inflow and portal vein wall thickness in rats

AIM： To explore the influence of portal vein hemodynamic changes after portal venous arterialization （PVA） on peribiliary vascular plexus （PVP） morphological structure and hepatic pathology, and to establish a theoretical basis for the clinical application of PVA. METHODS： Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into control and PVA groups. After PVA, hemodynamic changes of the portal vein and morphological structure of hepatohilar PVP were observed using Doppler ultrasound, liver function tests, ink perfusion transparency management and three-dimensional reconstruction of computer microvisualization, and pathological examination was performed on tissue from the bile duct wall and the liver. RESULTS： After PVA, the cross-sectional area and blood flow of the portal vein were increased, and the increase became more significant over time, in a certain range. If the measure to limit the flow in PVA was not adopted, the high blood flow would lead to dilatation of intrahepatic portal vein and its branches, increase in collagen and fiber degeneration in tunica intima. Except glutamic pyruvic transaminase （GPT）, other liver function tests were normal. CONCLUSION： Blood with a certain flow and oxygen content is important for filling the PVP and meeting the oxygen requirement of the bile duct wall. After PVA, It is the anatomic basis to maintain normal morphology of hepatohilar bile duct wall that the blood with high oxygen content and high flow in arterialized portal vein may fill PVP by collateral vessel reflux. A adequate measure to limit blood flow is necessary in PVA.

Effects of partial portal vein arterialization on the hilar bile duct in a rat model

BACKGROUND: Liver revascularization is frequently required during the enlarged radical operation for hilar cholangio carcinoma involving the hepatic artery. Researchers have carried out a number of experiments applying partial porta vein arterialization (PVA) in clinical practice. In this study we aimed to establish a theoretical basis for clinical application o partial PVA and to investigate the effects of partial PVA on ra hilar bile duct and hepatic functions. METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly and equally assigned into 3 groups: control (group A), hepatic artery ligation+bile duct recanalization (group B), and partial PVA+bile duc recanalization (group C). Proliferation and apoptosis o rat hilar bile duct epithelial cells, arteriolar counts of the peribiliary plexus (PBP) of the bile duct wall, changes in serum biochemistry, and pathologic changes in the bile duc were assessed 1 month after operation. RESULTS: The proliferation of hilar bile duct epithelial cells in group B was greater than in groups A and C (P<0.01). No apoptotic hilar bile duct epithelial cells were detected in any of the groups. The PBP arteriolar counts of the hilar bile duc wall were similar in groups A and C (P>0.05), but the coun was lower in group B than in group A (P<0.01). No statistically significant differences in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and albumin were found in the 3 groups. The gamma-glutamyltransferase value was higher in group B than in groups A and C (P<0.01) The hepatic tissues of groups A and C showed no significan abnormality. Chronic inflammatory changes in the hilar bile duct walls were observed only in group B. CONCLUSION: Partial PVA can restore the arterial blood supply of the hilar bile duct and significantly extenuate the injury to hilar bile duct epithelial cells resulting from hepatic artery ligation.

Portal vein arterialization promotes liver regeneration after extended partial hepatectomy in a rat model

In the current study, we sought to establish a novel rat model of portal vein artefialization （PVA） and evaluate its impact on liver regeneration after extended partial hepatectomy （PH）. A total of 105 Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to three groups： 68% hepatectomy （the PH group）, portal arterialization after 68% hepatectomy （the PVA group）, and fight nephrectomy only （the control group）. Liver regeneration rate （LRR）, 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine （BrdU） labeling index, and liver functions were assessed on postoperative day 2, 7, 14 and 28. The 28-day survival rates were compared among the three groups. The 28-day survival rates were similar in all groups （P = 0.331）, and the anastomotic patency was 100%. The LRR in the PVA group was significantly higher than that of the PH group within postoperative 14 days （P 〈 0.05）. The PVA and PH group had increased serum alanine aminotransferase levels （232 ±61 U/L and 212 ±53 U/L, respectively） compared with the control group （101 ±13 U/L） on postoperative day 2, whereas from postoperative day 7 to day 28 there were no differences among the three groups. Serum albumin values were higher after the PVA procedure within postoperative day 14, which gradually became comparable on postoperative day 28 among the three groups. The peaks of BrdU labeling index appeared on postoperative day 2 in all rats, and the PVA procedure was associated with increased BrdU labeling index from postoperative day 7 to 28. The 28-day survival of the PVA rats was comparable. Our findings demonstrate that the PVA procedure utilizing portal vein trunk-renal artery microvascular reconstruction promotes remnant liver regeneration and confers beneficial effects on maintaining and even optimizing liver function after extended partial hepatectomy in rats.

Portal vein arterialization technique for liver transplantation patients

Liver transplantations were performed on two patients with hepatic failure caused by liver cirrhosis.Hard obsolete thrombi and portal venous sclerosis were observed in the major portal veins of both patients.The arteria colica media of one recipient and the portal vein of the donor were anastomosed end-to-end.The hepatic artery of the first donor was anastomosed end-to end with the gastroduodenal artery of the first recipient;meanwhile,the portal vein of the second donor was simultaneously anastomosed end-to-end with the common hepatic artery of the second recipient.The blood flow of the portal vein,the perfusion of the donor liver and liver function were satisfactory after surgery.Portal vein arterialization might be an effective treatment for patients whose portal vein reconstruction was difficult.

Partial portal vein arterialization using right gastroepiploic artery:A novel solution for portal hypoperfusion

To the Editor:Establishing dual arterial and portal inflow is essential for liver transplantation[1].Inadequate portal inflow compromises graft function and graft survival[2].Portal hypoperfusion is usually a consequence of spontaneous portosystemic shunt,ligation of which

Effects of partial portal vein arterialization on liver regeneration after hepatectomy in minipigs with obstructive jaundice

Background Hilar cholangiocarcinoma is a malignant tumor that is difficult to cure. The aim of this study was to observe the effects of flow-controlled partial portal vein arterializations （PPVA） on liver regeneration after hepatectomy in minipigs with chronic obstructive jaundice. Methods Eight minipigs were made into chronic obstructive jaundice models. United semi-hepatectomy, which imitates extended radical surgery for treatment of hilar cholangiocarcinoma, was then performed. The eight minipigs were randomly divided into groups A and B （n=4 minipigs each）. PPVA was performed in Group A but not in Group B. The effects of flow-controlled PPVA on live regeneration after hepatectomy were observed for 30 days after hepatectomy. Results The portal vein PO2 at the immediate time point and on postoperative day 30 was higher in Group A （（47.33±2.43） and （48.50±4.44） mmHg） than in Group B （（35.38±4.06） and （35.55±2.55） mmHg respectively, all P 〈0.01）. The mitotic index of liver cells on postoperative days 14 and 21 was higher in Group A （12.55%±2.85% and 15.25%±1.99% respectively） than in Group B （6.85%±2.10% and 11.88%±1.15% respectively, all P 〈0.05）. The regeneration rate of residual liver on postoperative days 14 and 21 was higher in Group A （24.56%±6.15% and 70.63%±9.83% respectively） than in Group B （11.96%±5.43% and 44.92%±7.42% respectively, P 〈0.05 and P 〈0.01 respectively）.Conclusion Flow-controlled PPVA can promote liver regeneration after hepatectomy and prevent liver failure in minipigs with chronic obstructive jaundice.

Effects of portal venous arterialization on acute occlusion of hepatic artery in rats

Background A fatal complication after liver transplantation is anastomotic embolization of the hepatic artery. In order to solve this problem, the portal venous arterialization （PVA） is used to reconstruct the hepatic arterial blood flow. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of PVA on rats with acute occlusion of hepatic artery. Methods Rat PVA models were established and then randomly divided into Group 1 （control group）, Group 2 （jaundice group）, Group 3 （bile duct recanalization group）, and Group 4 （portal vein arterilization group）. Recanalization of the common bile duct and PVA were performed 5 days after bile duct ligation in the rats. The influence of the PVA on general conditions, hepatic changes of structure and function, portal vein pressure and hepatic micrangium were observed for one month. Results Five days after common bile duct ligation the serum bilirubin, transaminase and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly increased. Compared with group 1, there was a statistically significant difference （P 〈0.01）. These rats then underwent bile duct recanalization and PVA. After a month, the liver functions and microscopic structures completely returned to normal and, compared with group 1, there was no statistically significant difference in portal vein pressure （P 〉0.05）. Vascular casting samples showed that hepatic sinusoids were slightly thicker and more filled than normal ones and although they had some deformations, the hepatic sinusoids were still distributed around the central vein in radial form. Conclusion Within a month after operation, bile duct recanalization and PVA do not show obvious adverse effects on liver hemodynamics and hepatic micrangium, and the liver function and microscopic structure can return to normal.

Off-pump sequential bilateral internal mammary artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary venous system

Background Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery （OPCAB） has been widely applied in recent years as a less invasive method of myocardial revascularization. This study evaluated the sequential bilateral internal mammary artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary venous system during OPCAB.Methods From April 2004 to August 2010, patients with diffuse right coronary lesions were studied retrospectively and divided into two groups. Group 1 included seventeen patients who underwent this surgery while group 2 included twenty-one patients without right coronary artery surgical therapy. All patients presented with symptoms of angina. Blood flow of bridged vessels was measured. The perioperative ventricular parameters including left ventricular ejection fraction and end diastolic diameter were compared. During follow-up, myocardial nuclide imaging and coronary angiography were carried out.Results Off-pump coronary artery bypass was performed with an average of 3.6 grafts per patient. Hospital mortality was zero. At the time of follow-up, the patients in group 1 recovered better than in group 2 （P〈0.05）. In both groups, the mean New York Heart Association （NYHA） class and ejection fraction increased significantly （P〈0.001） and the mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter decreased significantly （P 〈0.05）. Myocardial blood supply of inferior wall in group 1 was obviously improved by myocardial nuclide imaging. Coronary angiography for eight patients in group 1 verified that there was blood flow to myocardium in the arterialized vein.Conclusions Sequential bilateral internal mammary artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary venous system can be performed during OPCAB. A postoperative improvement in the cardiac functions and the quality of life was documented, increasing our expectation for extensive application.

Sequential saphenous vein grafting combined with selective arterialization of middle cardiac vein during off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery

Currently coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） is the most commonly used procedure for revascularization of coronary heart disease. However it may not be suitable for the patients with diffuse coronary artery diseases. Under this circumstance, retrograde perfusion via cardiac venous system, namely retrograde coronary venous bypass graft （CVBG）,

Mimicking aneurysm in a patient with chronic occlusion of the left middle cerebral artery

The chronic occlusion of intracranial arteries generally has no or mild clinical symptoms,and the clinical symptoms of acute cerebral artery occlusion are mostly manifested as severe cerebral infarction symptoms,which often make early diagnosis difficult,thus losing the best treatment opportunity.Once cerebral infarction occurs,the consequences are difficult to recover.This is also an important reason for the high misdiagnosis rate and mortality of this disease.In this paper,the characteristics of the disease were analyzed to provide clinical reference.

Exercise preconditioning alleviates ischemia-induced memory deficits by increasing circulating adiponectin

Cerebral ischemia is a major health risk that requires preventive approaches in addition to drug therapy.Physical exercise enhances neurogenesis and synaptogenesis,and has been widely used for functional rehabilitation after stroke.In this study,we determined whether exercise training before disease onset can alleviate the severity of cerebral ischemia.We also examined the role of exercise-induced circulating factors in these effects.Adult mice were subjected to 14 days of treadmill exercise training before surgery for middle cerebral artery occlusion.We found that this exercise pre-conditioning strategy effectively attenuated brain infarct area,inhibited gliogenesis,protected synaptic proteins,and improved novel object and spatial memory function.Further analysis showed that circulating adiponectin plays a critical role in these preventive effects of exercise.Agonist activation of adiponectin receptors by Adipo Ron mimicked the effects of exercise,while inhibiting receptor activation abolished the exercise effects.In summary,our results suggest a crucial role of circulating adiponectin in the effects of exercise pre-conditioning in protecting against cerebral ischemia and supporting the health benefits of exercise.

Imperative for long-term management and surveillance in Kawasaki disease

Kawasaki disease(KD)is a significant pediatric vasculitis known for its potential to cause severe coronary artery complications.Despite the effectiveness of initial treatments,such as intravenous immunoglobulin,KD patients can experience long-term cardiovascular issues,as evidenced by a recent case report of an adult who suffered a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction due to previous KD in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.This editorial emphasizes the critical need for long-term management and regular surveillance to prevent such complications.By drawing on recent research and case studies,we advocate for a structured approach to follow-up care that includes routine cardiac evaluations and preventive measures.

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells,and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy,thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell-derived treatments.This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear,presenting challenges for clinical translation.To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside,we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke.We found that administration of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis.The human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase,mammalian target of rapamycin,and protein kinase B,and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor.These findings suggest that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.Finally,we showed that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile.Therefore,human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Life-threatening bleeding caused by artery pseudoaneurysm after endoscopic procedure successfully treated by artery embolization

The Kakinuma et al’s case report shows that non-pregnancy-related arterial pseudoaneurysm is a relatively rare,little known by some gynecologists,endo-scopists,surgeons or radiologists,which can cause massive bleeding.Arterial pseudoaneurysm is a condition in which the wall of a blood vessel collapses due to some invasive event,and the resulting leaked blood is engulfed by soft tissues,forming a cavity that is in communication with the vessel.It is a potentially life-threatening complication that could occurs after some deliveries and some gynecological invasive procedures.Remarkably,an undetermined percentage of pseudoaneurysms are asymptomatic,and in an asymptomatic patient it is difficult to predict the risk of haemorrhage and the attitude to follow,which depends on several factors,such as,the size and location of the vessel involved,changes in the size of the pseudoaneurysm,or the available therapeutic resources to be offered to patients,among others circumstances.The management of abdominal arterial pseudoaneurysm does not have consistent scientific evidence,but it seems that,regardless of the associated circumstances,the pseudoaneurysm could be treated at least initially,and mainly,through endovascular procedures,as done by Kakinuma et al.

Anticipation for hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC) is an advanced targeted therapeuticapproach for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type ofprimary liver cancer. HAIC has demonstrated significant potential in managingadvanced HCC, particularly in regions with high prevalence rates. Despite itspromise, several challenges and areas for future research remain. Clinical studieshave substantiated the efficacy of HAIC in enhancing survival outcomes forpatients with advanced hepatic carcinoma. Notably, combination therapiesinvolving immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as lenvatinib and programmeddeath-1 inhibitors, have shown substantial improvements in median overallsurvival and progression-free survival compared to systemic chemotherapy.These combination therapies have also exhibited superior response rates anddisease control, with manageable and often less severe adverse events relative tosystemic treatments. This article is based on the review by Zhou et al and aims todiscuss the current status and future directions in the treatment of HCC, emphasizingthe role of HAIC and its integration with novel therapeutic agents.

Hepatic arterial infusion pump chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases: Revisiting traditional techniques to explore new frontiers

Hepatic arterial infusion(HAI)chemotherapy,first introduced in the 1980s,has gained recognition as an effective locoregional treatment for colorectal liver metastasis(CRLM).Initially used for unresectable liver metastases,HAI’s app-lication has expanded to the adjuvant setting following hepatic resection,with early studies indicating improved hepatic disease-free survival.Recent research demonstrates that combining HAI with modern systemic therapies enhances conversion to resectability and prolongs both recurrence-free and overall survival,even in heavily pretreated patients with diverse RAS mutational statuses.Person-alization through approaches like microsatellite instability status and dose mo-difications further optimize outcomes.However,the complexity of HAI requires expertise across multidisciplinary teams,limiting its widespread adoption to specialized centers.Ongoing clinical trials continue to investigate HAI’s role in CRLM management,highlighting its potential to become a cornerstone of liver-directed therapy.We explore how HAI chemotherapy,in combination with personalized medicine,can advance treatment strategies for metastatic colorectal cancer.

Hepatic artery infusion chemotherapy:A resurgence

In this manuscript,we comment on the article by Zhou et al,who assessed the efficacy of hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy(HAIC)and its combination strategies for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)using network metaanalysis methodology.We focus specifically on the potential advantages and role of HAIC in the treatment algorithm for advanced HCC.However,there remains numerous knowledge gaps before the role of HAIC can be established.There is significant heterogeneity of HAIC regimes with difficult interpretation of the clinical outcomes.Additionally,there is a lack of direct comparative data between HAIC,systemic chemotherapy,novel immunotherapies and targeted therapies.The underlying biochemical mechanisms that might explain the efficacy of HAIC and its effect on the HCC microenvironment requires further research.In the developing era of nanotechnology and targeted drug delivery systems,there is potential for integration of HAIC with novel technologies to effectively treat advanced HCC whilst minimising systemic complications.

Optimizing dialysis modalities for diabetic end-stage kidney disease: A focus on personalized care and resource-limited settings

Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease(CKD)and end-stage kidney disease(ESKD)worldwide.While both haemodialysis(HD)and peritoneal dialysis(PD)are commonly used treatment options for ESKD,the choice of dialysis modality in diabetic ESKD patients remains a critical decision influenced by various patient-related,healthcare system,and socio-economic factors.This article examines the factors influencing the selection of dialysis modalities for diabetic patients,with a focus on the challenges and opportunities in low-resource settings.Key considerations include the impact of comorbidities such as peripheral arterial disease and CKD-related mineral bone disorder(MBD),as well as patient preferences,caregiver burden,and the availability of healthcare infrastructure.The article highlights the need for personalized approaches to dialysis selection,considering both clinical outcomes and quality of life.It also emphasizes the potential benefits of home dialysis,including home HD and PD,in improving patient autonomy and long-term survival.The article advocates for better government policies,increased awareness,and improved support systems to enhance the accessibility and efficacy of dialysis treatments,particularly in underserved populations.Further research comparing the outcomes of different dialysis modalities across diverse settings is essential to guide global treatment strategies for diabetic ESKD patients.

Independent risk factors for twin pregnancy adverse fetal outcomes before 28 gestational week by first trimester ultrasound screening

BACKGROUND The incidence of multiple pregnancies has increased worldwide recently and women with a twin pregnancy are at higher risk of adverse outcomes compared with women with a singleton pregnancy.It is important to understand the risk factors for adverse fetal outcomes in twin pregnancy in order to guide clinical management.AIM To identify the independent risk factors,including maternal personal and family medical histories and first trimester ultrasound screening findings,for adverse fetal outcomes of twin pregnancy before 28 weeks of gestation.METHODS The data of 126 twin pregnancies in our hospital,including pregnancy outcomes,first trimester ultrasound screening findings and maternal medical history,were retrospectively collected.Twenty-nine women with adverse outcomes were included in the abnormal group and the remaining 97 women were included in the control group.RESULTS Patients in the abnormal group were more likely to be monochorionic diamniotic(13/29 vs 20/97,P=0.009),with a higher mean pulsatility index(PI,1.57±0.55 vs 1.28±0.42,P=0.003;cutoff value:1.393)or a higher mean resistance index(0.71±0.11 vs 0.65±0.11,P=0.008;cutoff value:0.683)or early diastolic notch of bilateral uterine arteries(UtAs,10/29 vs 15/97,P=0.024)or with abnormal ultrasound findings(13/29 vs 2/97,P<0.001),compared with the control group.Monochorionic diamnioticity,higher mean PI of bilateral UtAs and abnormal ultrasound findings during first trimester screening were independent risk factors for adverse fetal outcomes(P<0.05).CONCLUSION First trimester ultrasound screening for twin pregnancy identifies independent risk factors and is useful for the prediction of fetal outcomes.