BACKGROUND Although hepatitis B virus infection is the leading cause of chronic liver injury globally,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is gradually gaining attention as another major chronic liver disease.The nu...BACKGROUND Although hepatitis B virus infection is the leading cause of chronic liver injury globally,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is gradually gaining attention as another major chronic liver disease.The number of patients having chronic hepatitis B(CHB)with concomitant hepatic steatosis has increased.AIM To analyze the effect of NAFLD on the response to antiviral treatment in patients with CHB.METHODS Relevant English studies were systematically searched across PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library until October 2023.Studies in which the treatment outcomes were compared between patients with CHB only and those with CHB and hepatic steatosis were included.RESULTS Of the 2502 retrieved studies,11 articles were finally included.Biochemical response until 48 wk(OR=0.87,95%CI:0.50–1.53,P=0.000)and 96 wk(OR=0.35,95%CI:0.24–0.53,P=0.24)and virological response until 96 wk(OR=0.80,95%CI:0.43–1.49,P=0.097)were lower in patients with hepatic steatosis than in patients with CHB alone.CONCLUSION Hepatic steatosis lowers the biochemical response to antiviral treatment in patients with CHB.展开更多
The liver is in charge of distributing and regulating the movement of qi throughout the whole body,coordinating the transportation and transformation of the internal organs in the middle part of the body,promoting the...The liver is in charge of distributing and regulating the movement of qi throughout the whole body,coordinating the transportation and transformation of the internal organs in the middle part of the body,promoting the biochemical circulation of qi,blood,and body fluids,and regulating emotions.Liver dysfunction can disrupt the transportation and transformation of qi,blood,and body fluids,causing phlegm turbidity,blood stasis,and other unwanted symptoms.Poor regulation of emotion further aggravates the accumulation of pathological substances,resulting in the obstruction of heart vessels,and ultimately coronary heart disease(CHD).Through regulating lipid metabolism,inflammatory reaction,vasoactive substances,platelet function,neuroendocrine,and other factors,liver controlling dispersing qi plays a comprehensive role in the prognosis of atherosclerosis,the primary cause of CHD.Therefore,it is recommended to treat CHD from the perspective of liver-controlling dispersion.展开更多
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a global pandemic.Many clinical trials have been performed to investigate potential treatments or vaccines for this disease to reduce the high morbidity and mortali...The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a global pandemic.Many clinical trials have been performed to investigate potential treatments or vaccines for this disease to reduce the high morbidity and mortality.The drugs of higher interest include umifenovir,bromhexine,remdesivir,lopinavir/ritonavir,steroid,tocilizumab,interferon alpha or beta,ribavirin,fivapiravir,nitazoxanide,ivermectin,molnupiravir,hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin,and baricitinib.Gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms and liver dysfunction are frequently seen in patients with COVID-19,which can make it difficult to differentiate disease manifestations from treatment adverse effects.GI symptoms of COVID-19 include anorexia,dyspepsia,nausea,vomiting,diarrhea and abdominal pain.Liver injury can be a result of systemic inflammation or cytokine storm,or due to the adverse drug effects in patients who have been receiving different treatments.Regular monitoring of liver function should be performed.COVID-19 vaccines have been rapidly developed with different technologies including mRNA,viral vectors,inactivated viruses,recombinant DNA,protein subunits and live attenuated viruses.Patients with chronic liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease and liver transplant recipients are encouraged to receive vaccination as the benefits outweigh the risks.Vaccination against COVID-19 is also recommended to family members and healthcare professionals caring for these patients to reduce exposure to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus.展开更多
Infectious or noninfectious liver disease has inexorably risen as one of the leading causes of global death and disease burden.There were an estimated 2.14 million liver-related deaths in 2017,representing an 11.4%inc...Infectious or noninfectious liver disease has inexorably risen as one of the leading causes of global death and disease burden.There were an estimated 2.14 million liver-related deaths in 2017,representing an 11.4%increase since 2012.Traditional diagnosis and treatment methods have various dilemmas in different causes of liver disease.As a hot research topic in recent years,the application of artificial intelligence(AI)in different fields has attracted extensive attention,and new technologies have brought more ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of some liver diseases.Machine learning(ML)is the core of AI and the basic way to make a computer intelligent.ML technology has many potential uses in hepatology,ranging from exploring new noninvasive means to predict or diagnose different liver diseases to automated image analysis.The application of ML in liver diseases can help clinical staff to diagnose and treat different liver diseases quickly,accurately and scientifically,which is of importance for reducing the incidence and mortality of liver diseases,reducing medical errors,and promoting the development of medicine.This paper reviews the application and prospects of AI in liver diseases,and aims to improve clinicians’awareness of the importance of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.展开更多
Cytokines play pleiotropic roles in human health and disease by regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.Interleukins(ILs),a large group of cytokines,can be divided into seven families,including IL-1,IL-2,...Cytokines play pleiotropic roles in human health and disease by regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.Interleukins(ILs),a large group of cytokines,can be divided into seven families,including IL-1,IL-2,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12,and IL-17 families.Here,we review the functions of ILs in the pathogenesis and resolution of liver diseases,such as liver inflammation(e.g.,IL-35),alcoholrelated liver disease(e.g.,IL-11),non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(e.g.,IL-22),liver fibrosis(e.g.,Il-17a),and liver cancer(e.g.,IL-8).Overall,IL-1 family members are implicated in liver inflammation induced by different etiologies,such as alcohol consumption,high-fat diet,and hepatitis viruses.IL-2 family members mainly regulate T lymphocyte and NK cell proliferation and activation,and the differentiation of T cells.IL-6 family cytokines play important roles in acute phase response in liver infection,liver regeneration,and metabolic regulation,as well as lymphocyte activation.IL-8,also known as CXCL8,is activated in chronic liver diseases,which is associated with the accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages.IL-10 family members contribute key roles to liver immune tolerance and immunosuppression in liver disease.IL-12 family cytokines influence T-cell differentiation and play an essential role in autoimmune liver disease.IL-17 subfamilies contribute to infection defense,liver inflammation,and Th17 cell differentiation.ILs interact with different type I and type II cytokine receptors to regulate intracellular signaling pathways that mediate their functions.However,most clinical studies are only performed to evaluate IL-mediated therapies on alcohol and hepatitis virus infection-induced hepatitis.More pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to evaluate IL-mediated monotherapy and synergistic therapies.展开更多
AIM: To investigate appropriate therapeutic strategies for graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) following liver transplantation. METHODS: Four patients who developed GVHD after liver transplantation in West China Hospital wer...AIM: To investigate appropriate therapeutic strategies for graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) following liver transplantation. METHODS: Four patients who developed GVHD after liver transplantation in West China Hospital were included in this study. Therapeutic strategies with augmentation or withdrawal of immunosuppressants combined with supportive therapy were investigated in these patients. In addition, a literature review of patients who developed GVHD after liver transplantation was performed. RESULTS: Although a transient response to initial treatment was detected, all four patients died of complications from GVHD: one from sepsis with multiple organ failure, one from gastrointestinal bleeding, and the other two from sepsis with gastrointestinal bleeding. Few consensuses for the treatment of GVHD after liver transplantation have been reached.CONCLUSION: New and effective treatments are re-quired for GVHD after liver transplantation to improve the prognosis of patients with this diagnosis.展开更多
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause for elevated liver enzymes in the developed nations. Beyond prevention programs which are of particular interest because of the increasing number of ...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause for elevated liver enzymes in the developed nations. Beyond prevention programs which are of particular interest because of the increasing number of overweight children, treatment should be focussed on the most important risk factors, obesity and insulin resistance. As a consequence of elucidating the pathomechanisms of NAFLD, the number of potential therapeutic options increased. However, many studies investigating the therapeutic effect show shortcomings in at least one of the following points: lack of a serial liver biopsy, short term of treatment and limited number of included patients. The second generation insulin sensitizer pioglitazone and rosiglitazone show the most promising improvements in NAFLD, but weight gain and potential hepatotoxidty calls for attention. In conclusion, a general recommendation for the application of specific drugs cannot be given. Besides controlled clinical trials, weight reduction and physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity in obese patients should be the priority objective.展开更多
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is chronic,with its progression leading to liver fibrosis and end-stage cirrhosis.Although NAFLD is increasingly common,no treatment guideline has been established.Man...BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is chronic,with its progression leading to liver fibrosis and end-stage cirrhosis.Although NAFLD is increasingly common,no treatment guideline has been established.Many mechanistic studies and drug trials have been conducted for new drug development to treat NAFLD.An up-to-date overview on the knowledge structure of NAFLD through bibliometrics,focusing on research hotspots,is necessary to reveal the rational and timely directions of development in this field.AIM To research the latest literature and determine the current trends in treatment for NAFLD.METHODS Publications related to treatment for NAFLD were searched on the Web of Science Core Collection database,from 2010 to 2023.VOSviewers,CiteSpace,and R package“bibliometrix”were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis.The key information was extracted,and the results of the cluster analysis were based on network data for generating and investigating maps for country,institution,journal,and author.Historiography analysis,bursts and cluster analysis,cooccurrence analysis,and trend topic revealed the knowledge structure and research hotspots in this field.GraphPad Prism 9.5.1.733 and Microsoft Office Excel 2019 were used for data analysis and visualization.RESULTS In total,10829 articles from 120 countries(led by China and the United States)and 8785 institutions were included.The number of publications related to treatment for NAFLD increased annually.While China produced the most publications,the United States was the most cited country,and the United Kingdom collaborated the most from an international standpoint.The University of California-San Diego,Shanghai Jiao Tong University,and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine produced the most publications of all the research institutions.The International Journal of Molecular Sciences was the most frequent journal out of the 1523 total journals,and Hepatology was the most cited and co-cited journal.Sanyal AJ was the most cited author,the most co-cited author was Younossi ZM,and the most influential author was Loomba R.The most studied topics included the epidemiology and mechanism of NAFLD,the development of accurate diagnosis,the precise management of patients with NAFLD,and the associated metabolic comorbidities.The major cluster topics were“emerging drug,”“glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist,”“metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,”“gut microbiota,”and“glucose metabolism.”CONCLUSION The bibliometric study identified recent research frontiers and hot directions,which can provide a valuable reference for scholars researching treatments for NAFLD.展开更多
The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has already been performed to treat patie...The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has already been performed to treat patients with cancer,liver diseases, and various types of chronic diseases. Indeed, stem cell-based therapies are effective in many diseases, and provide novel insights into the treatment of end-stage liver disease. Several clinical trials have indicated the efficacy profiles of stem cell transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver tumors. Animal models of acute liver failure have also provided important insights into the safety,mechanisms, and efficacy of stem cell therapies. Nevertheless, excitement due to this promising field must be tempered with careful and calculated research. In particular, studies on the quality, safety, and efficacy of stem cell transplantation are needed to ensure that qualified products are tested in well-designed clinical trials and approved by governments. Therefore, further investigations are required to effectively balance the safety with the innovation of stem cell transplantation research toward the effective treatment of end-stage liver disease.展开更多
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)encompasses a variety of liver conditions impacting individuals who consume minimal or no alcohol.Recently,traditional Chinese medicine has been gradually used to trea...BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)encompasses a variety of liver conditions impacting individuals who consume minimal or no alcohol.Recently,traditional Chinese medicine has been gradually used to treat mild to moderate fatty liver,among which Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder has been affirmed by many doctors and patients to be effective.However,there is limited research on combining this treatment with standard therapies for mild to moderate NAFLD.AIM To survey the effect of combining Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder with standard treatment on liver function and lipid metabolism disorder in patients with mild to moderate NAFLD.METHODS Eighty patients with mild to moderate NAFLD participated in this retrospective study,classified into two groups:The observation group(n=40)and the control group(n=40).In November 2020 and November 2022,the study was conducted at People’s Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area.The control group received standard treatment,while the observation group received Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder based on the control group.The study compared differences in traditional Chinese medicine clinical syndrome scores,liver fibrosis treatment,liver function indicators,lipid levels,and serum inflammatory factor levels before and after treatment,and we calculated the incidence of adverse reactions for both groups.RESULTS The total effective rate was 97.50%in the observation group and 72.5%in the control group.After 8 weeks of treatment,the main and secondary symptom scores remarkably decreased,especially in the observation group(P<0.05),and there was a significant reduction in the serum levels of hyaluronic acid(HA),laminin(LN),human rocollagen III(PC III),and collagen type IV(CIV).The levels of HA,LN,PC III,and CIV were significantly lower in the observation group(P<0.05).After 8 weeks,both groups indicated remarkable improvements in liver function and blood lipid levels,with the observation group having even lower levels(P<0.05).Serum levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-8 also dropped significantly.The observation group had a lower rate of adverse reactions(5.00%)compared to the control group(22.50%).CONCLUSION Adding Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder to standard treatment has been found to remarkably improve symptoms and reduce inflammation in patients with mild to moderate fatty liver disease.It also enhances hepatic function and lipid profile,ameliorates liver fibrosis indices,and lowers the risk of side effects.Consequently,this therapeutic protocol shows promise for clinical implementation and dissemination.展开更多
Liver diseases caused by various factors have become a significant threat to publichealth worldwide. Liver transplantation has been considered as the only effectivetreatment for end-stage liver diseases;however, it is...Liver diseases caused by various factors have become a significant threat to publichealth worldwide. Liver transplantation has been considered as the only effectivetreatment for end-stage liver diseases;however, it is limited by the shortage ofdonor organs, postoperative complications, long-term immunosuppression, andhigh cost of treatment. Thus, it is not available for all patients. Recently,mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has been extensively explored forrepairing hepatic injury in various liver diseases. MSCs are multipotent adultprogenitor cells originated from the embryonic mesoderm, and can be found inmesenchymal tissues including the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, adiposetissue, liver, lung, and others. Although the precise mechanisms of MSC transplantationremain mysterious, MSCs have been demonstrated to be able toprevent the progression of liver injury and improve liver function. MSCs can selfrenewby dividing, migrating to injury sites and differentiating into multiple celltypes including hepatocytes. Additionally, MSCs have immune-modulatoryproperties and release paracrine soluble factors. Indeed, the safety and effectivenessof MSC therapy for liver diseases have been demonstrated in animals.However, pre-clinical and clinical trials are largely required to confirm its safetyand efficacy before large scale clinical application. In this review, we will explorethe molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of MSCs on liverdiseases. We also summarize clinical advances in MSC-based therapies.展开更多
BACKGROUND The lack of effective pharmacotherapies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is mainly attributed to insufficient research on its pathogenesis.The pathogenesis of TM6SF2-efficient NAFLD remains unclea...BACKGROUND The lack of effective pharmacotherapies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is mainly attributed to insufficient research on its pathogenesis.The pathogenesis of TM6SF2-efficient NAFLD remains unclear,resulting in a lack of therapeutic strategies for TM6SF2-deficient patients.AIM To investigate the role of TM6SF2 in fatty acid metabolism in the context of fatty liver and propose possible therapeutic strategies for NAFLD caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.METHODS Liver samples collected from both NAFLD mouse models and human participants(80 cases)were used to evaluate the expression of TM6SF2 by using western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RNA-seq data retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to confirm the over-expression of TM6SF2.Knockdown and overexpression of TM6SF2 were performed to clarify the mechanistic basis of hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD.MK-4074 administration was used as a therapeutic intervention to evaluate its effect on NAFLD caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.RESULTS Hepatic TM6SF2 levels were elevated in patients with NAFLD and NAFLD mouse models.TM6SF2 overexpression can reduce hepatic lipid accumulation,suggesting a protective role for TM6SF2 in a high-fat diet(HFD).Downregulation of TM6SF2,simulating the TM6SF2 E167K mutation condition,increases intracellular lipid deposition due to dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and is characterized by enhanced fatty acid uptake and synthesis,accompanied by impaired fatty acid oxidation.Owing to the potential effect of TM6SF2 deficiency on lipid metabolism,the application of an acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor(MK-4074)could reverse the NAFLD phenotypes caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.CONCLUSION TM6SF2 plays a protective role in the HFD condition;its deficiency enhanced hepatic lipid accumulation through dysregulated fatty acid metabolism,and MK-4074 treatment could alleviate the NAFLD phenotypes caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.展开更多
This review describes woodchucks chronically infected with the woodchuck hepatitis virus(WHV)as an animal model for hepatocarcinogenesis and treatment of primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)induced by...This review describes woodchucks chronically infected with the woodchuck hepatitis virus(WHV)as an animal model for hepatocarcinogenesis and treatment of primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)induced by the hepatitis B virus(HBV).Since laboratory animal models susceptible to HBV infection are limited,woodchucks experimentally infected with WHV,a hepatitis virus closely related to HBV,are increasingly used to enhance our understanding of virus-host interactions,immune response,and liver disease progression.A correlation of severe liver pathogenesis with high-level viral replication and deficient antiviral immunity has been established,which are present during chronic infection after WHV inoculation of neonatal woodchucks for modeling vertical HBV transmission in humans.HCC in chronic carrier woodchucks develops 17 to 36 mo after neonatal WHV infection and involves liver tumors that are comparable in size,morphology,and molecular gene signature to those of HBV-infected patients.Accordingly,woodchucks with WHV-induced liver tumors have been used for the improvement of imaging and ablation techniques of human HCC.In addition,drug efficacy studies in woodchucks with chronic WHV infection have revealed that prolonged treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs,alone or in combination with other compounds,minimizes the risk of liver disease progression to HCC.More recently,woodchucks have been utilized in the delineation of mechanisms involved in innate and adaptive immune responses against WHV during acute,self-limited and chronic infections.Therapeutic interventions based on modulating the deficient host antiviral immunity have been explored in woodchucks for inducing functional cure in HBV-infected patients and for reducing or even delaying associated liver disease sequelae,including the onset of HCC.Therefore,woodchucks with chronic WHV infection constitute a well-characterized,fully immunocompetent animal model for HBV-induced liver cancer and for preclinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of new modalities,which are based on chemo,gene,and immune therapy,for the prevention and treatment of HCC in patients for which current treatment options are dismal.展开更多
Chronic liver disease(CLD)imposes a heavy burden on millions of people worldwide.Despite substantial research on the pathogenesis of CLD disorders,no optimal treatment is currently available for some diseases,such as ...Chronic liver disease(CLD)imposes a heavy burden on millions of people worldwide.Despite substantial research on the pathogenesis of CLD disorders,no optimal treatment is currently available for some diseases,such as liver cancer.Exosomes,which are extracellular vesicles,are composed of various cellular components.Exosomes have unique functions in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cell communication,which are associated with the occurrence of disease.Furthermore,they have application potential in diagnosis and treatment by carrying diverse curative payloads.Hepatic macrophages,which are key innate immune cells,show extraordinary heterogeneity and polarization.Hence,macrophage-derived exosomes may play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of various liver diseases.This review focuses on the effects of macrophage-derived exosomes on liver disease etiology and their therapeutic potential,which will provide new insights into alleviating the global pressure of CLD.展开更多
Alcoholic liver disease(ALD)and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)are serious health problems worldwide.These two diseases have similar pathological spectra,ranging from simple steatosis to hepatitis to cirrhosi...Alcoholic liver disease(ALD)and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)are serious health problems worldwide.These two diseases have similar pathological spectra,ranging from simple steatosis to hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Although most people with excessive alcohol or calorie intake display abnormal fat accumulation in the liver(simple steatosis),a small percentage develops progressive liver disease.Despite extensive research on understanding the pathophysiology of both these diseases there are still no targeted therapies available.The treatment for ALD remains as it was 50 years ago:abstinence,nutritional support and corticosteroids(or pentoxifylline as an alternative if steroids are contraindicated).As for NAFLD,the treatment modality is mainly directed toward weight loss and co-morbidity management.Therefore,new pathophysiology directed therapies are urgently needed.However,the involvement of several inter-related pathways in the pathogenesis of these diseases suggests that a single therapeutic agent is unlikely to be an effective treatment strategy.Hence,a combination therapy towards multiple targets would eventually be required.In this review,we delineate the treatment options in ALD and NAFLD,including various new targeted therapies that are currently under investigation.We hope that soon we will be having an effective multi-therapeutic regimen for each disease.展开更多
The excess consumption of alcohol is associated with alcoholic liver diseases(ALD). ALD is a major healthcare problem, personal and social burden, and significant reason for economic loss worldwide. The ALD spectrum i...The excess consumption of alcohol is associated with alcoholic liver diseases(ALD). ALD is a major healthcare problem, personal and social burden, and significant reason for economic loss worldwide. The ALD spectrum includes alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis of ALD is based on a combination of clinical features, including a history of significant alcohol intake, evidence of liver disease, and laboratory findings. Abstinence is the most important treatment for ALD and the treatment plan varies according to the stage of the disease. Various treatments including abstinence, nutritional therapy, pharmacological therapy, psychotherapy, and surgery are currently available. For severe alcoholic hepatitis, corticosteroid or pentoxifylline are recommended based on the guidelines. In addition, new therapeutic targets are being under investigation.展开更多
Branched chain amino acids(BCAAs)have been shown to affect gene expression,protein metabolism,apoptosis and regeneration of hepatocytes,and insulin resistance.They have also been shown to inhibit the proliferation of ...Branched chain amino acids(BCAAs)have been shown to affect gene expression,protein metabolism,apoptosis and regeneration of hepatocytes,and insulin resistance.They have also been shown to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells in vitro,and are essential for lymphocyte proliferation and dendritic cell maturation.In patients with advanced chronic liver disease,BCAA concentrations are low,whereas the concentrations of aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine are high,conditions that may be closely associated with hepatic encephalopathy and the prognosis of these patients.Based on these basic observations,patients with advanced chronic liver disease have been treated clinically with BCAA-rich medicines,with positive effects.展开更多
Gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease(ALD). Consumption of alcohol leads to increased gut permeability, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and enteric dysbiosis. These fact...Gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease(ALD). Consumption of alcohol leads to increased gut permeability, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and enteric dysbiosis. These factors contribute to the increased translocation of microbial products to the liver via the portal tract. Subsequently, bacterial endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide, in association with the Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway, induce a gamut of damaging immune responses in the hepatic milieu. Because of the close association between deleterious inflammation and ALD-induced microbiota imbalance, therapeutic approaches that seek to reestablish gut homeostasis should be considered in the treatment of alcoholic patients. To this end, a number of preliminary studies on probiotics have confirmed their effectiveness in suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and improving liver function in the context of ALD. In addition, there have been few studies linking the administration of prebiotics and antibiotics with reduction of alcoholinduced liver damage. Because these preliminary results are promising, large-scale randomized studies are warranted to elucidate the impact of these microbiotabased treatments on the gut flora and associated immune responses, in addition to exploring questions about optimal delivery. Finally, fecal microbiota transplant has been shown to be an effective method of modulating gut microbiota and deserve further investigation as a potential therapeutic option for ALD.展开更多
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) incidence is increasing worldwide, paralleling the obesity epidemic. Although most cases are associated with cirrhosis, HCC can occur w...Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) incidence is increasing worldwide, paralleling the obesity epidemic. Although most cases are associated with cirrhosis, HCC can occur without cirrhosis in NAFLD. Diabetes and obesity are associated risk factors for HCC in patients. Given the sheer magnitude of the underlying risk factors(diabetes, obesity, non-cirrhotic NAFLD) screening for HCC in the non-cirrhotic population is not recommended. Optimal screening strategies in NAFLD cirrhosis are not completely elucidated with Ultrasound having significant limitations in detection of liver lesions in the presence of obesity and steatosis. Consequently NAFLD-HCC is more often diagnosed at a later stage with larger tumors and reduced opportunities for curative treatments as opposed to HCC in other causes of cirrhosis. When HCC is found at a curative stage treatments including liver transplantation, resection and loco-regional therapies are associated with good results similar to that seen in HCV-HCC. Future strategies under study include the use of chemopreventive and antioxidant agents to reduce development of cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). Strategies to reverse NASH via weight loss, control of associated conditions like diabetes are key strategies in reducing the increasing incidence of NASH-HCC. Novel therapeutic agents for NASH are in trials and if successful in achieving reversal of NASH will be an important strategy in reducing NAFLD-HCC.展开更多
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is quickly becoming one of the most prominent causes of liver disease worldwide.The increasing incidence of NAFLD is tied to the obesity epidemic and the subsequent metabolic der...Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is quickly becoming one of the most prominent causes of liver disease worldwide.The increasing incidence of NAFLD is tied to the obesity epidemic and the subsequent metabolic derangements brought along with it.Current efforts to elucidate the mechanism and causes of the disease have answered some questions,but much remains unknown about NAFLD.The aim of this article is to discuss the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of the disease,as well as the current and future diagnostic,preventative,and therapeutic options available to clinicians for the management of NAFLD.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Although hepatitis B virus infection is the leading cause of chronic liver injury globally,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is gradually gaining attention as another major chronic liver disease.The number of patients having chronic hepatitis B(CHB)with concomitant hepatic steatosis has increased.AIM To analyze the effect of NAFLD on the response to antiviral treatment in patients with CHB.METHODS Relevant English studies were systematically searched across PubMed,EMBASE,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library until October 2023.Studies in which the treatment outcomes were compared between patients with CHB only and those with CHB and hepatic steatosis were included.RESULTS Of the 2502 retrieved studies,11 articles were finally included.Biochemical response until 48 wk(OR=0.87,95%CI:0.50–1.53,P=0.000)and 96 wk(OR=0.35,95%CI:0.24–0.53,P=0.24)and virological response until 96 wk(OR=0.80,95%CI:0.43–1.49,P=0.097)were lower in patients with hepatic steatosis than in patients with CHB alone.CONCLUSION Hepatic steatosis lowers the biochemical response to antiviral treatment in patients with CHB.
文摘The liver is in charge of distributing and regulating the movement of qi throughout the whole body,coordinating the transportation and transformation of the internal organs in the middle part of the body,promoting the biochemical circulation of qi,blood,and body fluids,and regulating emotions.Liver dysfunction can disrupt the transportation and transformation of qi,blood,and body fluids,causing phlegm turbidity,blood stasis,and other unwanted symptoms.Poor regulation of emotion further aggravates the accumulation of pathological substances,resulting in the obstruction of heart vessels,and ultimately coronary heart disease(CHD).Through regulating lipid metabolism,inflammatory reaction,vasoactive substances,platelet function,neuroendocrine,and other factors,liver controlling dispersing qi plays a comprehensive role in the prognosis of atherosclerosis,the primary cause of CHD.Therefore,it is recommended to treat CHD from the perspective of liver-controlling dispersion.
文摘The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a global pandemic.Many clinical trials have been performed to investigate potential treatments or vaccines for this disease to reduce the high morbidity and mortality.The drugs of higher interest include umifenovir,bromhexine,remdesivir,lopinavir/ritonavir,steroid,tocilizumab,interferon alpha or beta,ribavirin,fivapiravir,nitazoxanide,ivermectin,molnupiravir,hydroxychloroquine/chloroquine alone or in combination with azithromycin,and baricitinib.Gastrointestinal(GI)symptoms and liver dysfunction are frequently seen in patients with COVID-19,which can make it difficult to differentiate disease manifestations from treatment adverse effects.GI symptoms of COVID-19 include anorexia,dyspepsia,nausea,vomiting,diarrhea and abdominal pain.Liver injury can be a result of systemic inflammation or cytokine storm,or due to the adverse drug effects in patients who have been receiving different treatments.Regular monitoring of liver function should be performed.COVID-19 vaccines have been rapidly developed with different technologies including mRNA,viral vectors,inactivated viruses,recombinant DNA,protein subunits and live attenuated viruses.Patients with chronic liver disease or inflammatory bowel disease and liver transplant recipients are encouraged to receive vaccination as the benefits outweigh the risks.Vaccination against COVID-19 is also recommended to family members and healthcare professionals caring for these patients to reduce exposure to the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus.
基金National Natural Science Foundation,No.81800528the Natural Science Foundation of Gansu Province,No.20JR5RA364+1 种基金Key Research and Development Project of Gansu Province,No.20YF2FA011and the Health Industry Research Project in Gansu Province,No.GSWSKY2018-24.
文摘Infectious or noninfectious liver disease has inexorably risen as one of the leading causes of global death and disease burden.There were an estimated 2.14 million liver-related deaths in 2017,representing an 11.4%increase since 2012.Traditional diagnosis and treatment methods have various dilemmas in different causes of liver disease.As a hot research topic in recent years,the application of artificial intelligence(AI)in different fields has attracted extensive attention,and new technologies have brought more ideas for the diagnosis and treatment of some liver diseases.Machine learning(ML)is the core of AI and the basic way to make a computer intelligent.ML technology has many potential uses in hepatology,ranging from exploring new noninvasive means to predict or diagnose different liver diseases to automated image analysis.The application of ML in liver diseases can help clinical staff to diagnose and treat different liver diseases quickly,accurately and scientifically,which is of importance for reducing the incidence and mortality of liver diseases,reducing medical errors,and promoting the development of medicine.This paper reviews the application and prospects of AI in liver diseases,and aims to improve clinicians’awareness of the importance of AI in the diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases.
文摘Cytokines play pleiotropic roles in human health and disease by regulating both innate and adaptive immune responses.Interleukins(ILs),a large group of cytokines,can be divided into seven families,including IL-1,IL-2,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12,and IL-17 families.Here,we review the functions of ILs in the pathogenesis and resolution of liver diseases,such as liver inflammation(e.g.,IL-35),alcoholrelated liver disease(e.g.,IL-11),non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(e.g.,IL-22),liver fibrosis(e.g.,Il-17a),and liver cancer(e.g.,IL-8).Overall,IL-1 family members are implicated in liver inflammation induced by different etiologies,such as alcohol consumption,high-fat diet,and hepatitis viruses.IL-2 family members mainly regulate T lymphocyte and NK cell proliferation and activation,and the differentiation of T cells.IL-6 family cytokines play important roles in acute phase response in liver infection,liver regeneration,and metabolic regulation,as well as lymphocyte activation.IL-8,also known as CXCL8,is activated in chronic liver diseases,which is associated with the accumulation of neutrophils and macrophages.IL-10 family members contribute key roles to liver immune tolerance and immunosuppression in liver disease.IL-12 family cytokines influence T-cell differentiation and play an essential role in autoimmune liver disease.IL-17 subfamilies contribute to infection defense,liver inflammation,and Th17 cell differentiation.ILs interact with different type I and type II cytokine receptors to regulate intracellular signaling pathways that mediate their functions.However,most clinical studies are only performed to evaluate IL-mediated therapies on alcohol and hepatitis virus infection-induced hepatitis.More pre-clinical and clinical studies are required to evaluate IL-mediated monotherapy and synergistic therapies.
文摘AIM: To investigate appropriate therapeutic strategies for graft-vs-host disease (GVHD) following liver transplantation. METHODS: Four patients who developed GVHD after liver transplantation in West China Hospital were included in this study. Therapeutic strategies with augmentation or withdrawal of immunosuppressants combined with supportive therapy were investigated in these patients. In addition, a literature review of patients who developed GVHD after liver transplantation was performed. RESULTS: Although a transient response to initial treatment was detected, all four patients died of complications from GVHD: one from sepsis with multiple organ failure, one from gastrointestinal bleeding, and the other two from sepsis with gastrointestinal bleeding. Few consensuses for the treatment of GVHD after liver transplantation have been reached.CONCLUSION: New and effective treatments are re-quired for GVHD after liver transplantation to improve the prognosis of patients with this diagnosis.
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause for elevated liver enzymes in the developed nations. Beyond prevention programs which are of particular interest because of the increasing number of overweight children, treatment should be focussed on the most important risk factors, obesity and insulin resistance. As a consequence of elucidating the pathomechanisms of NAFLD, the number of potential therapeutic options increased. However, many studies investigating the therapeutic effect show shortcomings in at least one of the following points: lack of a serial liver biopsy, short term of treatment and limited number of included patients. The second generation insulin sensitizer pioglitazone and rosiglitazone show the most promising improvements in NAFLD, but weight gain and potential hepatotoxidty calls for attention. In conclusion, a general recommendation for the application of specific drugs cannot be given. Besides controlled clinical trials, weight reduction and physical activity to improve insulin sensitivity in obese patients should be the priority objective.
基金National Science Foundation of China,No.81273142Anhui Provincial Natural Science Foundation,No.2108085MH298+3 种基金University Scientific Research Project of Anhui Provincial Education Department,No.KJ2021A0323Fund of Anhui Medical University,No.2021xkj196Clinical Medicine project of Anhui Medical University,No.2021LCXK027The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University Natural Science Foundation,No.2019GMFY02。
文摘BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is chronic,with its progression leading to liver fibrosis and end-stage cirrhosis.Although NAFLD is increasingly common,no treatment guideline has been established.Many mechanistic studies and drug trials have been conducted for new drug development to treat NAFLD.An up-to-date overview on the knowledge structure of NAFLD through bibliometrics,focusing on research hotspots,is necessary to reveal the rational and timely directions of development in this field.AIM To research the latest literature and determine the current trends in treatment for NAFLD.METHODS Publications related to treatment for NAFLD were searched on the Web of Science Core Collection database,from 2010 to 2023.VOSviewers,CiteSpace,and R package“bibliometrix”were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis.The key information was extracted,and the results of the cluster analysis were based on network data for generating and investigating maps for country,institution,journal,and author.Historiography analysis,bursts and cluster analysis,cooccurrence analysis,and trend topic revealed the knowledge structure and research hotspots in this field.GraphPad Prism 9.5.1.733 and Microsoft Office Excel 2019 were used for data analysis and visualization.RESULTS In total,10829 articles from 120 countries(led by China and the United States)and 8785 institutions were included.The number of publications related to treatment for NAFLD increased annually.While China produced the most publications,the United States was the most cited country,and the United Kingdom collaborated the most from an international standpoint.The University of California-San Diego,Shanghai Jiao Tong University,and Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine produced the most publications of all the research institutions.The International Journal of Molecular Sciences was the most frequent journal out of the 1523 total journals,and Hepatology was the most cited and co-cited journal.Sanyal AJ was the most cited author,the most co-cited author was Younossi ZM,and the most influential author was Loomba R.The most studied topics included the epidemiology and mechanism of NAFLD,the development of accurate diagnosis,the precise management of patients with NAFLD,and the associated metabolic comorbidities.The major cluster topics were“emerging drug,”“glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist,”“metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease,”“gut microbiota,”and“glucose metabolism.”CONCLUSION The bibliometric study identified recent research frontiers and hot directions,which can provide a valuable reference for scholars researching treatments for NAFLD.
文摘The past two decades have witnessed an explosion of research and clinical application of stem cells, transforming the field of regenerative medicine. Stem cell transplantation has already been performed to treat patients with cancer,liver diseases, and various types of chronic diseases. Indeed, stem cell-based therapies are effective in many diseases, and provide novel insights into the treatment of end-stage liver disease. Several clinical trials have indicated the efficacy profiles of stem cell transplantation in patients with end-stage liver disease, including liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver tumors. Animal models of acute liver failure have also provided important insights into the safety,mechanisms, and efficacy of stem cell therapies. Nevertheless, excitement due to this promising field must be tempered with careful and calculated research. In particular, studies on the quality, safety, and efficacy of stem cell transplantation are needed to ensure that qualified products are tested in well-designed clinical trials and approved by governments. Therefore, further investigations are required to effectively balance the safety with the innovation of stem cell transplantation research toward the effective treatment of end-stage liver disease.
基金Supported by the Chongqing Science and Health Joint Medical Research Project,No.2022MSXM133the First Batch of Key Disciplines on Public Health in Chongqing,Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing,No.CSTB2022NSCQ-MSX1522.
文摘BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)encompasses a variety of liver conditions impacting individuals who consume minimal or no alcohol.Recently,traditional Chinese medicine has been gradually used to treat mild to moderate fatty liver,among which Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder has been affirmed by many doctors and patients to be effective.However,there is limited research on combining this treatment with standard therapies for mild to moderate NAFLD.AIM To survey the effect of combining Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder with standard treatment on liver function and lipid metabolism disorder in patients with mild to moderate NAFLD.METHODS Eighty patients with mild to moderate NAFLD participated in this retrospective study,classified into two groups:The observation group(n=40)and the control group(n=40).In November 2020 and November 2022,the study was conducted at People’s Hospital of Chongqing Liang Jiang New Area.The control group received standard treatment,while the observation group received Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder based on the control group.The study compared differences in traditional Chinese medicine clinical syndrome scores,liver fibrosis treatment,liver function indicators,lipid levels,and serum inflammatory factor levels before and after treatment,and we calculated the incidence of adverse reactions for both groups.RESULTS The total effective rate was 97.50%in the observation group and 72.5%in the control group.After 8 weeks of treatment,the main and secondary symptom scores remarkably decreased,especially in the observation group(P<0.05),and there was a significant reduction in the serum levels of hyaluronic acid(HA),laminin(LN),human rocollagen III(PC III),and collagen type IV(CIV).The levels of HA,LN,PC III,and CIV were significantly lower in the observation group(P<0.05).After 8 weeks,both groups indicated remarkable improvements in liver function and blood lipid levels,with the observation group having even lower levels(P<0.05).Serum levels of interleukin-1β,tumor necrosis factor-α,and interleukin-8 also dropped significantly.The observation group had a lower rate of adverse reactions(5.00%)compared to the control group(22.50%).CONCLUSION Adding Dendrobium nobile Lindl.powder to standard treatment has been found to remarkably improve symptoms and reduce inflammation in patients with mild to moderate fatty liver disease.It also enhances hepatic function and lipid profile,ameliorates liver fibrosis indices,and lowers the risk of side effects.Consequently,this therapeutic protocol shows promise for clinical implementation and dissemination.
基金the Municipal Natural Science Foundation of Beijing,China,No.7192085.
文摘Liver diseases caused by various factors have become a significant threat to publichealth worldwide. Liver transplantation has been considered as the only effectivetreatment for end-stage liver diseases;however, it is limited by the shortage ofdonor organs, postoperative complications, long-term immunosuppression, andhigh cost of treatment. Thus, it is not available for all patients. Recently,mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transplantation has been extensively explored forrepairing hepatic injury in various liver diseases. MSCs are multipotent adultprogenitor cells originated from the embryonic mesoderm, and can be found inmesenchymal tissues including the bone marrow, umbilical cord blood, adiposetissue, liver, lung, and others. Although the precise mechanisms of MSC transplantationremain mysterious, MSCs have been demonstrated to be able toprevent the progression of liver injury and improve liver function. MSCs can selfrenewby dividing, migrating to injury sites and differentiating into multiple celltypes including hepatocytes. Additionally, MSCs have immune-modulatoryproperties and release paracrine soluble factors. Indeed, the safety and effectivenessof MSC therapy for liver diseases have been demonstrated in animals.However, pre-clinical and clinical trials are largely required to confirm its safetyand efficacy before large scale clinical application. In this review, we will explorethe molecular mechanisms underlying therapeutic effects of MSCs on liverdiseases. We also summarize clinical advances in MSC-based therapies.
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China,No.81670514 and No.81702337Scientific Research Project of Shanghai Municipal Health Commission,No.202040065Natural Science Foundation of Shanghai Scientific and Technological Project of Innovative Action,No.20ZR1411900.
文摘BACKGROUND The lack of effective pharmacotherapies for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is mainly attributed to insufficient research on its pathogenesis.The pathogenesis of TM6SF2-efficient NAFLD remains unclear,resulting in a lack of therapeutic strategies for TM6SF2-deficient patients.AIM To investigate the role of TM6SF2 in fatty acid metabolism in the context of fatty liver and propose possible therapeutic strategies for NAFLD caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.METHODS Liver samples collected from both NAFLD mouse models and human participants(80 cases)were used to evaluate the expression of TM6SF2 by using western blotting,immunohistochemistry,and quantitative polymerase chain reaction.RNA-seq data retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus database were used to confirm the over-expression of TM6SF2.Knockdown and overexpression of TM6SF2 were performed to clarify the mechanistic basis of hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD.MK-4074 administration was used as a therapeutic intervention to evaluate its effect on NAFLD caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.RESULTS Hepatic TM6SF2 levels were elevated in patients with NAFLD and NAFLD mouse models.TM6SF2 overexpression can reduce hepatic lipid accumulation,suggesting a protective role for TM6SF2 in a high-fat diet(HFD).Downregulation of TM6SF2,simulating the TM6SF2 E167K mutation condition,increases intracellular lipid deposition due to dysregulated fatty acid metabolism and is characterized by enhanced fatty acid uptake and synthesis,accompanied by impaired fatty acid oxidation.Owing to the potential effect of TM6SF2 deficiency on lipid metabolism,the application of an acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitor(MK-4074)could reverse the NAFLD phenotypes caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.CONCLUSION TM6SF2 plays a protective role in the HFD condition;its deficiency enhanced hepatic lipid accumulation through dysregulated fatty acid metabolism,and MK-4074 treatment could alleviate the NAFLD phenotypes caused by TM6SF2 deficiency.
文摘This review describes woodchucks chronically infected with the woodchuck hepatitis virus(WHV)as an animal model for hepatocarcinogenesis and treatment of primary liver cancer or hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)induced by the hepatitis B virus(HBV).Since laboratory animal models susceptible to HBV infection are limited,woodchucks experimentally infected with WHV,a hepatitis virus closely related to HBV,are increasingly used to enhance our understanding of virus-host interactions,immune response,and liver disease progression.A correlation of severe liver pathogenesis with high-level viral replication and deficient antiviral immunity has been established,which are present during chronic infection after WHV inoculation of neonatal woodchucks for modeling vertical HBV transmission in humans.HCC in chronic carrier woodchucks develops 17 to 36 mo after neonatal WHV infection and involves liver tumors that are comparable in size,morphology,and molecular gene signature to those of HBV-infected patients.Accordingly,woodchucks with WHV-induced liver tumors have been used for the improvement of imaging and ablation techniques of human HCC.In addition,drug efficacy studies in woodchucks with chronic WHV infection have revealed that prolonged treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogs,alone or in combination with other compounds,minimizes the risk of liver disease progression to HCC.More recently,woodchucks have been utilized in the delineation of mechanisms involved in innate and adaptive immune responses against WHV during acute,self-limited and chronic infections.Therapeutic interventions based on modulating the deficient host antiviral immunity have been explored in woodchucks for inducing functional cure in HBV-infected patients and for reducing or even delaying associated liver disease sequelae,including the onset of HCC.Therefore,woodchucks with chronic WHV infection constitute a well-characterized,fully immunocompetent animal model for HBV-induced liver cancer and for preclinical evaluation of the safety and efficacy of new modalities,which are based on chemo,gene,and immune therapy,for the prevention and treatment of HCC in patients for which current treatment options are dismal.
基金Ningbo Natural Science Foundation,No.2022J229and the Project of Ningbo Leading Medical&Health Discipline,No.2022-S04.
文摘Chronic liver disease(CLD)imposes a heavy burden on millions of people worldwide.Despite substantial research on the pathogenesis of CLD disorders,no optimal treatment is currently available for some diseases,such as liver cancer.Exosomes,which are extracellular vesicles,are composed of various cellular components.Exosomes have unique functions in maintaining cellular homeostasis and regulating cell communication,which are associated with the occurrence of disease.Furthermore,they have application potential in diagnosis and treatment by carrying diverse curative payloads.Hepatic macrophages,which are key innate immune cells,show extraordinary heterogeneity and polarization.Hence,macrophage-derived exosomes may play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of various liver diseases.This review focuses on the effects of macrophage-derived exosomes on liver disease etiology and their therapeutic potential,which will provide new insights into alleviating the global pressure of CLD.
基金Supported by Merit Review grants BX001155 from the Department of Veterans Affairs,Office of Research and Development(Biomedical Laboratory Research and Development)to Kharbanda KK
文摘Alcoholic liver disease(ALD)and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)are serious health problems worldwide.These two diseases have similar pathological spectra,ranging from simple steatosis to hepatitis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.Although most people with excessive alcohol or calorie intake display abnormal fat accumulation in the liver(simple steatosis),a small percentage develops progressive liver disease.Despite extensive research on understanding the pathophysiology of both these diseases there are still no targeted therapies available.The treatment for ALD remains as it was 50 years ago:abstinence,nutritional support and corticosteroids(or pentoxifylline as an alternative if steroids are contraindicated).As for NAFLD,the treatment modality is mainly directed toward weight loss and co-morbidity management.Therefore,new pathophysiology directed therapies are urgently needed.However,the involvement of several inter-related pathways in the pathogenesis of these diseases suggests that a single therapeutic agent is unlikely to be an effective treatment strategy.Hence,a combination therapy towards multiple targets would eventually be required.In this review,we delineate the treatment options in ALD and NAFLD,including various new targeted therapies that are currently under investigation.We hope that soon we will be having an effective multi-therapeutic regimen for each disease.
基金Supported by grant from the Korea Healthcare Technology R and D Project,Ministry of Health and Welfare,South Korea,No.A100054
文摘The excess consumption of alcohol is associated with alcoholic liver diseases(ALD). ALD is a major healthcare problem, personal and social burden, and significant reason for economic loss worldwide. The ALD spectrum includes alcoholic fatty liver, alcoholic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. The diagnosis of ALD is based on a combination of clinical features, including a history of significant alcohol intake, evidence of liver disease, and laboratory findings. Abstinence is the most important treatment for ALD and the treatment plan varies according to the stage of the disease. Various treatments including abstinence, nutritional therapy, pharmacological therapy, psychotherapy, and surgery are currently available. For severe alcoholic hepatitis, corticosteroid or pentoxifylline are recommended based on the guidelines. In addition, new therapeutic targets are being under investigation.
文摘Branched chain amino acids(BCAAs)have been shown to affect gene expression,protein metabolism,apoptosis and regeneration of hepatocytes,and insulin resistance.They have also been shown to inhibit the proliferation of liver cancer cells in vitro,and are essential for lymphocyte proliferation and dendritic cell maturation.In patients with advanced chronic liver disease,BCAA concentrations are low,whereas the concentrations of aromatic amino acids such as phenylalanine and tyrosine are high,conditions that may be closely associated with hepatic encephalopathy and the prognosis of these patients.Based on these basic observations,patients with advanced chronic liver disease have been treated clinically with BCAA-rich medicines,with positive effects.
文摘Gut microbiota plays a key role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease(ALD). Consumption of alcohol leads to increased gut permeability, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, and enteric dysbiosis. These factors contribute to the increased translocation of microbial products to the liver via the portal tract. Subsequently, bacterial endotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide, in association with the Toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway, induce a gamut of damaging immune responses in the hepatic milieu. Because of the close association between deleterious inflammation and ALD-induced microbiota imbalance, therapeutic approaches that seek to reestablish gut homeostasis should be considered in the treatment of alcoholic patients. To this end, a number of preliminary studies on probiotics have confirmed their effectiveness in suppressing proinflammatory cytokines and improving liver function in the context of ALD. In addition, there have been few studies linking the administration of prebiotics and antibiotics with reduction of alcoholinduced liver damage. Because these preliminary results are promising, large-scale randomized studies are warranted to elucidate the impact of these microbiotabased treatments on the gut flora and associated immune responses, in addition to exploring questions about optimal delivery. Finally, fecal microbiota transplant has been shown to be an effective method of modulating gut microbiota and deserve further investigation as a potential therapeutic option for ALD.
文摘Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) associated hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) incidence is increasing worldwide, paralleling the obesity epidemic. Although most cases are associated with cirrhosis, HCC can occur without cirrhosis in NAFLD. Diabetes and obesity are associated risk factors for HCC in patients. Given the sheer magnitude of the underlying risk factors(diabetes, obesity, non-cirrhotic NAFLD) screening for HCC in the non-cirrhotic population is not recommended. Optimal screening strategies in NAFLD cirrhosis are not completely elucidated with Ultrasound having significant limitations in detection of liver lesions in the presence of obesity and steatosis. Consequently NAFLD-HCC is more often diagnosed at a later stage with larger tumors and reduced opportunities for curative treatments as opposed to HCC in other causes of cirrhosis. When HCC is found at a curative stage treatments including liver transplantation, resection and loco-regional therapies are associated with good results similar to that seen in HCV-HCC. Future strategies under study include the use of chemopreventive and antioxidant agents to reduce development of cirrhosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH). Strategies to reverse NASH via weight loss, control of associated conditions like diabetes are key strategies in reducing the increasing incidence of NASH-HCC. Novel therapeutic agents for NASH are in trials and if successful in achieving reversal of NASH will be an important strategy in reducing NAFLD-HCC.
文摘Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)is quickly becoming one of the most prominent causes of liver disease worldwide.The increasing incidence of NAFLD is tied to the obesity epidemic and the subsequent metabolic derangements brought along with it.Current efforts to elucidate the mechanism and causes of the disease have answered some questions,but much remains unknown about NAFLD.The aim of this article is to discuss the current knowledge regarding the pathogenesis of the disease,as well as the current and future diagnostic,preventative,and therapeutic options available to clinicians for the management of NAFLD.