A 69-year-old man was diagnosed as having myasthenia gravis (MG) in September 2004,and treated with thymectomy and prednisolone. He was then diagnosed as having steroid-induced diabetes mellitus,and received sulfonylu...A 69-year-old man was diagnosed as having myasthenia gravis (MG) in September 2004,and treated with thymectomy and prednisolone. He was then diagnosed as having steroid-induced diabetes mellitus,and received sulfonylurea (SU) therapy in May 2005. An alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (αGI) was added in March 2006,resulting in good glycemic control. He experienced symptoms of abdominal distention,increased flatus,and constipation in October 2007,and was admitted into our hospital in late November with hematochezia. Plain abdominal radiography revealed small linear radiolucent clusters in the wall of the colon. Computed tomography (CT) showed intramural air in the sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy revealed multiple smooth surfaced hemispherical protrusions in the sigmoid colon. The diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) was made on the basis of these findings. As the αGI voglibose was suspected as the cause of this patient's PCI,treatment was conservative,ceasing voglibose,with fasting and fluid supplementation. The patient progressed well,and was discharged 2 wk later. Recently,several reports of PCI associated with αGI therapy have been published,predominantly in Japan where αGIs are commonly used. If the use of αGIs becomes more widespread,we can expect more reports of this condition on a global scale. The possibility of PCI should be considered in diabetic patients complaining of gastrointestinal symptoms,and the gastrointestinal tract should be thoroughly investigated in these patients.展开更多
AIM To determine the efficacy of rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy(HE) with the linkage of gut microbiome in decompensated cirrhotic patients.METHODS Twenty patients(12 men and 8 women; median age, 66.8 years; rang...AIM To determine the efficacy of rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy(HE) with the linkage of gut microbiome in decompensated cirrhotic patients.METHODS Twenty patients(12 men and 8 women; median age, 66.8 years; range, 46-81 years) with decompensated cirrhosis(Child-pugh score > 7) underwent cognitive neuropsychological testing, endotoxin analysis, and fecal microbiome assessment at baseline and after 4 wk of treatment with rifaximin 400 mg thrice a day. HE was determined by serum ammonia level and number connection test(NCT)-A. Changes in whole blood endotoxin activity(EA) was analyzed by endotoxinactivity assay. Fecal microbiome was assessed by 16 S ribosome RNA(rR NA) gene sequencing.RESULTS Treatment with rifaximin for 4 wk improved hyperammonemia(from 90.6 ± 23.9 μg/d L to 73.1 ± 33.1 μg/dL; P < 0.05) and time required for NCT(from 68.2 ± 17.4 s to 54.9 ± 20.3 s; P < 0.05) in patients who had higher levels at baseline. Endotoxin activity was reduced(from 0.43 ± 0.03 to 0.32 ± 0.09; P < 0.05) in direct correlation with decrease in serum ammonia levels(r = 0.5886, P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in the diversity estimator(Shannon diversity index) and major components of the gut microbiome between the baseline and after treatment groups(3.948 ± 0.548 at baseline vs 3.980 ± 0.968 after treatment; P = 0.544), but the relative abundances of genus Veillonella and Streptococcus were lowered.CONCLUSION Rifaximin significantly improved cognition and reduced endotoxin activity without significantly affecting the composition of the gut microbiome in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.展开更多
AIM To evaluate the diagnostic performance of angiotensinconverting enzyme(ACE)on significant liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). METHODS In total,100 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy...AIM To evaluate the diagnostic performance of angiotensinconverting enzyme(ACE)on significant liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). METHODS In total,100 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy in our hospital were enrolled,and 70 patients except for 30 patients with hypertension,fatty liver or habitual alcoholic consumption were analyzed.We compared histological liver fibrosis and serum ACE levels and evaluated the predictive potential to diagnose significant liver fibrosis by comparison with several biochemical marker-based indexes such as the aspartate aminotransferase(AST)-to-platelet ratio index(APRI),the fibrosis index based on four factors(FIB-4),the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer(M2BPGi)level and the number of platelets(Plt). RESULTS Serum ACE levels showed moderately positive correlation with liver fibrotic stages(R2=0.181).Patients with significant,advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis(F2-4)had significantly higher serum ACE levels than those with early-stage fibrosis and cirrhosis(F0-1).For significant fibrosis(≥F2),the 12.8 U/L cut-off value of ACE showed 91.7%sensitivity and 75.0%specificity.The receiver-operating characteristic(ROC)curves analysis revealed that the area under the curve(AUC)value of ACE was 0.871,which was higher than that of APRI,FIB-4,M2BPGi and Plt. CONCLUSION The serum ACE level could be a novel noninvasive,easy,accurate,and inexpensive marker of significant fibrosis stage in patients with CHB.展开更多
AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) we...AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) were prepared as adherent cells from mouse embryos on embryonic d (ED) 14, after which undifferentiated cES cells were co-cultured with MFLCs. The induction of cES cells along a hepatic lineage was examined in MFLC- assisted differentiation, spontaneous differentiation, and growth factors (GF) and chemicals-induced differentiations (GF-induced differentiation) using retinoic acid, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), FGF2, FGF4, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), oncostatin M (OSM), and dexamethasone. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of α-fetoprotein, albumin (ALB), α-1-antitrypsin, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α was observed earlier in the differentiating cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, as compared to cES cells undergoing spontaneous differentiation and those subjected to GF-induced differentiation. The expression of cytochrome P450 7a1, a possible marker for embryonic endoderm-derived mature hepatocytes, was only observed in cES cells that had differentiated in a co-culture with MFLCs. Further, the disappearance of Oct3/4, a representative marker of an undifferentiated state, was noted in cells co-cultured with MFLCs, but not in those undergoing spontaneous or GF-induced differentiation. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed an increased ratio of ALB-immunopositive cells among cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, while glycogen storageand urea synthesis were also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: MFLCs showed an ability to induce cES cells to differentiate toward hepatocytes. The co-culture system with MFLCs is a useful method for induction of hepatocyte-like cells from undifferentiated cES cells.展开更多
AIM: To investigate the ability of a genetically altered embryonic stem (ES) cell line to generate insulin-producing cells in vitro following transfer of the Nkx2.2 gene.METHODS: Hamster Nkx2.2 genes were transferred ...AIM: To investigate the ability of a genetically altered embryonic stem (ES) cell line to generate insulin-producing cells in vitro following transfer of the Nkx2.2 gene.METHODS: Hamster Nkx2.2 genes were transferred into mouse ES cells. Parental and Nkx2.2-transfected ES cells were initiated toward differentiation in embryoid body (EB)culture for 5 d and the resulting EBs were transferred to an attached culture system. Dithizone (DTZ), a zincchelating agent known to selectively stain pancreatic beta cells, was used to detect insulin-producing cells.The outgrowths were incubated in DTZ solution (final concentration, 100 μg/mL) for 15 min before being examined microscopically. Gene expression of the endocrine pancreatic markers was also analyzed by RT-PCR. In addition, insulin production was determined immunohistochemically and its secretion was examined using an ELISA.RESULTS: DTZ-stained cellular clusters appeared after approximately 14 d in the culture of Nkx2.2-transfected ES cells (Nkx-ES cells), which was as much as 2 wk earlier, than those in the culture of parental ES cells (wt-ES). The frequency of DTZ-positive cells among total cultured cells on day 28 accounted for approximately 1.0% and 0.1% of the Nkx-ES- and wt-ES-derived EB outgrowths, respectively. The DTZ-positive cellular clusters were found to be immunoreactive to insulin, while the gene expressions of pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1(PDX1), proinsulin 1 and proinsulin 2 were observed in the cultures that contained DTZ-positive cellular clusters.Insulin secretion was also confirmed by ELISA, whereas glucose-dependent secretion was not demonstrated.CONCLUSION: Nkx2.2-transfected ES cells showed an ability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells.展开更多
AIM: To transplant undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice to determine their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes in the liver. METHODS: CCl4, 0.5 ...AIM: To transplant undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice to determine their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes in the liver. METHODS: CCl4, 0.5 mL/kg body weight, was injected into the peritoneum of C57BL/6 mice twice a week for 5 wk. In group 1 (n = 12), 1 x 105 undifferentiated ES cells (0.1 mL of 1 x 106/mL solution), genetically labeled with GFP, were transplanted into the spleens 1 d after the second injection. Group 2 mice (n = 12) were injected with 0.2 mL of saline twice a week, instead of CCl4, and the same amount of ES cells was transplanted into the spleens. Group 3 mice (n = 6) were treated with CCl4 and injected with 0.1 mL of saline into the spleen, instead of ES cells. Histochemical analyses of the livers were performed on post-transplantation d (PD) 10, 20, and 30. RESULTS: Considerable numbers of GFP-immunopositive cells were found in the periportal regions in group 1 mice (CCl4-treated) on PD 10, however, not in those untreated with CCl4 (group 2). The GFP-positive cells were also immunopositive for albumin (ALB), alpha-1 antitrypsin, cytokeratin 18, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha on PD 20. Interestingly, most of the GFP-positive cells were immunopositive for DLK, a hepatoblast marker, on PD 10. Although very few ES-derived cells were demonstrated immunohistologically in the livers of group 1 mice on PD 30, improvements in liver fibrosis were observed. Unexpectedly, liver tumor formation was not observed in any of the mice that received ES cell transplantationduring the experimental period. CONCLUSION: Undifferentiated ES cells developed into hepatocyte-like cells with appropriate integration into tissue, without uncontrolled cell growth.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatic overload of gut-derived lipopolysaccharide dictates the progression of alcoholic liver disease(ALD)by inducing oxidative stress and activating Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells through toll-l...BACKGROUND Hepatic overload of gut-derived lipopolysaccharide dictates the progression of alcoholic liver disease(ALD)by inducing oxidative stress and activating Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells through toll-like receptor 4 signaling.Therefore,targeting the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity has attracted attention for the treatment of ALD.Zinc acetate and rifaximin,which is a nonabsorbable antibiotic,had been clinically used for patients with cirrhosis,particularly those with hepatic encephalopathy,and had been known to improve intestinal barrier dysfunction.However,only few studies focused on their efficacies in preventing the ALD-related fibrosis development.AIM To investigate the effects of a combined zinc acetate with rifaximin on liver fibrosis in a mouse ALD model.METHODS To induce ALD-related liver fibrosis,female C57BL/6J mice were fed a 2.5%(v/v)ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet and received intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)injection twice weekly(1 mL/kg)for 8 wk.Zinc acetate(100 mg/L)and/or rifaximin(100 mg/L)were orally administered during experimental period.Hepatic steatosis,inflammation and fibrosis as well as intestinal barrier function were evaluated by histological and molecular analyses.Moreover,the direct effects of both agents on Caco-2 barrier function were assessed by in vitro assays.RESULTSIn the ethanol plus CCl4-treated mice,combination of zinc acetate and rifaximin attenuated oxidative lipid peroxidation with downregulation of Nox2 and Nox4.This combination significantly inhibited the Kupffer cells expansion and the proinflammatory response with blunted hepatic exposure of lipopolysaccharide and the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kB pathway.Consequently,liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells activation were efficiently suppressed with downregulation of Mmp-2,-9,-13,and Timp1.Both agents improved the atrophic changes and permeability in the ileum,with restoration of tight junction proteins(TJPs)by decreasing the expressions of tumor necrosis factorαand myosin light chain kinase.In the in vitro assay,both agents directly reinforced ethanol or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated paracellular permeability and upregulated TJPs in Caco-2 cells.CONCLUSION Dual therapy with zinc acetate and rifaximin may serve as a strategy to prevent ALD-related fibrosis by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity.展开更多
AIM To clarify whether Agtr1 a methylation is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)-related liver fibrosis in adult rats.METHODS A choline-deficient amino acid(CDAA) diet model was employed...AIM To clarify whether Agtr1 a methylation is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)-related liver fibrosis in adult rats.METHODS A choline-deficient amino acid(CDAA) diet model was employed for methylation analysis of NASH-related liver fibrosis.Agtr1 a methylation levels were measured in the livers of CDAA- and control choline-sufficient amino acid(CSAA)-fed rats for 8 and 12 wk using quantitative methylation-specific PCR.Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) were isolated by collagenase digestion of the liver,followed by centrifugation of the crude cell suspension through a density gradient.Agtr1 a methylation and its gene expression were also analyzed during the activation of HSCs.RESULTS The mean levels of Agtr1 a methylation in the livers of CDAA-fed rats(11.5% and 18.6% at 8 and 12 wk,respectively) tended to be higher(P = 0.06 and 0.09,respectively) than those in the livers of CSAA-fed rats(2.1% and 5.3% at 8 and 12 wk,respectively).Agtr1 a was not methylated at all in quiescent HSCs,but was clearly methylated in activated HSCs(13.8%,P < 0.01).Interestingly,although Agtr1 a was hypermethylated,the Agtr1 a m RNA level increased up to 2.2-fold(P < 0.05) in activated HSCs compared with that in quiescent HSCs,suggesting that Agtr1 a methylation did not silence its expression but instead had the potential to upregulate its expression.These findings indicate that Agtr1 a methylation and its upregulation of gene expression are associated with the development of NASH-related liver fibrosis.CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that DNA methylation is potential y involved in the regulation of a renin-angiotensin system-related gene expression during liver fibrosis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Many advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients are receiving sorafenib treatment. Sorafenib reportedly improves overall survival(OS) significantly in patients with HCC. Prediction of sorafenib respons...BACKGROUND Many advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients are receiving sorafenib treatment. Sorafenib reportedly improves overall survival(OS) significantly in patients with HCC. Prediction of sorafenib response and prognosis in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment are important due to the potentially serious side effects of sorafenib. A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motifs 13(ADAMTS13) and von Willebrand factor(VWF) are associated with the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis and HCC through their roles in hypercoagulability; they are also associated with angiogenesis via vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). The imbalance between ADAMTS13 and VWF was associated with prognosis of various cancers in patients undergoing chemotherapy.AIM To investigate ADAMTS13 and VWF as potential biomarkers for sorafenib response and prognosis in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment.METHODS Forty-one patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment were included in this study. The initial daily sorafenib dose was 400 mg in all patients. ADAMTS13 activity(ADAMTS13:AC), VWF antigen(VWF:Ag), VEGF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Univariate andmultivariate analyses were used to determine predictive factors for sorafenib response and prognosis in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment.RESULTS ADAMTS13:AC was significantly higher in patients with stable disease(SD),partial response(PR), and complete response(CR) than in those with progressive disease(PD)(P < 0.05). In contrast, VWF:Ag and the VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio were significantly lower in patients with SD, PR, and CR than in those with PD(P < 0.05 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that the VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio was the only predictive factor for sorafenib response and ADAMTS13:AC was the only prognostic factor in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment. The patients with a low ADAMTS13:AC(<78.0) had significantly higher VEGF levels than those with a high ADAMTS13:AC(≥ 78.0)(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION The VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio and ADAMTS13:AC are potentially useful biomarkers for sorafenib response and prognosis, respectively, in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment.展开更多
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is necessary to improve the prognosis of patients.However,the currently available tumor biomarkers are insufficient for the early detection of HCC.Acylcarniti...BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is necessary to improve the prognosis of patients.However,the currently available tumor biomarkers are insufficient for the early detection of HCC.Acylcarnitine is essential in fatty acid metabolic pathways.A recent study reported that a high level of acylcarnitine may serve as a useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of HCC in steatohepatitis(SH)patients.In contrast,another study reported that the level of acetylcarnitine(AC2)-one of the acylcarnitine species-in non-SH patients with HCC was decreased vs that reported in those without HCC.AIM To investigate the usefulness of acylcarnitine as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of HCC in non-SH patients.METHODS Thirty-three non-SH patients(14 with HCC and 19 without HCC)were enrolled in this study.Blood samples were obtained from patients at the time of admission.The levels of acylcarnitine and AC2 in the serum were determined through tandem mass spectrometry.The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and VEGF receptor 2(VEGFR-2)were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine early diagnostic factors of HCC.RESULTS The level of acylcarnitine was significantly lower in non-SH patients with HCC vs those without HCC(P<0.05).In contrast,the level of lens culinaris agglutininreactive fraction ofα-fetoprotein(AFP)-AFP-L3%-was significantly higher in non-SH patients with HCC vs those without HCC(P<0.05).However,the levels of total carnitine,free carnitine,AFP,des-γ-carboxy prothrombin,VEGF,and VEGFR-2 were not different between patients with and without HCC.The multivariate analysis showed that a low level of acylcarnitine was the only independent factor for the early diagnosis of HCC.The patients with a low level of AC2 had a significantly higher level of VEGF vs those with a high level of AC2(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The metabolic pathways of fatty acids may differ between SH HCC and non-SH HCC.Further studies are warranted to investigate these differences.展开更多
BACKGROUND Prediction of HAIC treatment response is important for improving the prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The progression of HCC is related to hypercoagulability and angiogenesis.It is k...BACKGROUND Prediction of HAIC treatment response is important for improving the prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The progression of HCC is related to hypercoagulability and angiogenesis.It is known that ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor(VWF)are related to hypercoagulability.In addition,previous study reported that the association between ADAMTS13 and VWF,and angiogenesis via vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Recently,ADAMTS13 and VWF have been associated with the prognosis in patients with various kinds of cancer undergoing chemotherapy.AIM To investigate whether ADAMTS13 and VWF become useful biomarkers of treatment response in HCC patients before the initiation of HAIC treatment.METHODS Seventy-two patients were enrolled in this study.ADAMTS13 activity(ADAMTS13:AC),VWF antigen(VWF:Ag)and VEGF levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the predictive factors of treatment response in patients with HCC undergoing HAIC treatment.RESULTS ADAMTS13:AC levels in HCC patients with stable disease(SD)+partial response(PR)of HAIC treatment were significantly higher than those with progressive disease(PD)(P<0.05).In contrast,VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio and VEGF levels in HCC patients with SD+PR were significantly lower than those with PD(both P<0.05).Patients with high VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio(>2.7)had higher VEGF levels than those with low ratio(≤2.7).Multivariable analysis revealed that VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio was a predictive factor of HAIC treatment response.CONCLUSION VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio may become a useful biomarker of treatment response in HCC patients before the initiation of HAIC treatment.展开更多
Aims:No solid evidence-based opinion was raised regarding predictors of the degree of ascites reduction with tolvaptan.This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine whether serum copeptin concentration is a useful ...Aims:No solid evidence-based opinion was raised regarding predictors of the degree of ascites reduction with tolvaptan.This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine whether serum copeptin concentration is a useful predictor of this.Methods:The study population consisted of 80 patients with liver cirrhosis treated with tolvaptan for hepatic ascites effusions at Nara Medical University Hospital from May 2014 to December 2018.Forty-three patients who lost>1.5 kg of body weight in the first week after starting tolvaptan were classified as good responders and the remaining 37 as poor responders.Various laboratory parameters were measured immediately before the start of tolvaptan therapy to examine factors associated with predicting its efficacy.Results:In the univariate analysis,no significant differences with respect to age(67.6 vs.69.8 years,p>0.05),sex,body mass index(24.8 vs.23.7 kg/m^(2),p>0.05),Child-Pugh score(9.4 vs.9.7,p>0.05),and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score(11 vs.12,p>0.05)were found between the two groups.Conversely,aspartate transferase and alanine transaminase(ALT)levels were significantly lower in the good response group(52.9±56.3 vs.68.8±50.7 U/L,p<0.05;26.2±30.6 vs.40.5±33.5 U/L,p<0.01),whereas serum copeptin and serum sodium concentrations were significantly higher(57.1±15.0 vs.45.8±16.0 pg/mL,p<0.01;136.3±3.4 vs.133.8±5.8 mEq/L,p<0.05).In the multivariate analysis,serum copeptin concentration and ALT were statistically significant factors(p<0.01,p<0.05).Regression analysis of the association between the tolvaptan efficacy for refractory ascites and pretreatment serum copeptin concentration showed that a copeptin concentration cutoff of 45.9 pg/mL could predict treatment efficacy with a sensitivity,specificity,and area under the curve of 76.7%,59.5%,and 0.71%,respectively.Conclusion:Serum copeptin concentration may be a predictor of tolvaptan efficacy for refractory ascites effusion in Japanese patients with liver cirrhosis.展开更多
文摘A 69-year-old man was diagnosed as having myasthenia gravis (MG) in September 2004,and treated with thymectomy and prednisolone. He was then diagnosed as having steroid-induced diabetes mellitus,and received sulfonylurea (SU) therapy in May 2005. An alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (αGI) was added in March 2006,resulting in good glycemic control. He experienced symptoms of abdominal distention,increased flatus,and constipation in October 2007,and was admitted into our hospital in late November with hematochezia. Plain abdominal radiography revealed small linear radiolucent clusters in the wall of the colon. Computed tomography (CT) showed intramural air in the sigmoid colon. Colonoscopy revealed multiple smooth surfaced hemispherical protrusions in the sigmoid colon. The diagnosis of pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) was made on the basis of these findings. As the αGI voglibose was suspected as the cause of this patient's PCI,treatment was conservative,ceasing voglibose,with fasting and fluid supplementation. The patient progressed well,and was discharged 2 wk later. Recently,several reports of PCI associated with αGI therapy have been published,predominantly in Japan where αGIs are commonly used. If the use of αGIs becomes more widespread,we can expect more reports of this condition on a global scale. The possibility of PCI should be considered in diabetic patients complaining of gastrointestinal symptoms,and the gastrointestinal tract should be thoroughly investigated in these patients.
文摘AIM To determine the efficacy of rifaximin for hepatic encephalopathy(HE) with the linkage of gut microbiome in decompensated cirrhotic patients.METHODS Twenty patients(12 men and 8 women; median age, 66.8 years; range, 46-81 years) with decompensated cirrhosis(Child-pugh score > 7) underwent cognitive neuropsychological testing, endotoxin analysis, and fecal microbiome assessment at baseline and after 4 wk of treatment with rifaximin 400 mg thrice a day. HE was determined by serum ammonia level and number connection test(NCT)-A. Changes in whole blood endotoxin activity(EA) was analyzed by endotoxinactivity assay. Fecal microbiome was assessed by 16 S ribosome RNA(rR NA) gene sequencing.RESULTS Treatment with rifaximin for 4 wk improved hyperammonemia(from 90.6 ± 23.9 μg/d L to 73.1 ± 33.1 μg/dL; P < 0.05) and time required for NCT(from 68.2 ± 17.4 s to 54.9 ± 20.3 s; P < 0.05) in patients who had higher levels at baseline. Endotoxin activity was reduced(from 0.43 ± 0.03 to 0.32 ± 0.09; P < 0.05) in direct correlation with decrease in serum ammonia levels(r = 0.5886, P < 0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in the diversity estimator(Shannon diversity index) and major components of the gut microbiome between the baseline and after treatment groups(3.948 ± 0.548 at baseline vs 3.980 ± 0.968 after treatment; P = 0.544), but the relative abundances of genus Veillonella and Streptococcus were lowered.CONCLUSION Rifaximin significantly improved cognition and reduced endotoxin activity without significantly affecting the composition of the gut microbiome in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.
文摘AIM To evaluate the diagnostic performance of angiotensinconverting enzyme(ACE)on significant liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB). METHODS In total,100 patients with CHB who underwent liver biopsy in our hospital were enrolled,and 70 patients except for 30 patients with hypertension,fatty liver or habitual alcoholic consumption were analyzed.We compared histological liver fibrosis and serum ACE levels and evaluated the predictive potential to diagnose significant liver fibrosis by comparison with several biochemical marker-based indexes such as the aspartate aminotransferase(AST)-to-platelet ratio index(APRI),the fibrosis index based on four factors(FIB-4),the Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer(M2BPGi)level and the number of platelets(Plt). RESULTS Serum ACE levels showed moderately positive correlation with liver fibrotic stages(R2=0.181).Patients with significant,advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis(F2-4)had significantly higher serum ACE levels than those with early-stage fibrosis and cirrhosis(F0-1).For significant fibrosis(≥F2),the 12.8 U/L cut-off value of ACE showed 91.7%sensitivity and 75.0%specificity.The receiver-operating characteristic(ROC)curves analysis revealed that the area under the curve(AUC)value of ACE was 0.871,which was higher than that of APRI,FIB-4,M2BPGi and Plt. CONCLUSION The serum ACE level could be a novel noninvasive,easy,accurate,and inexpensive marker of significant fibrosis stage in patients with CHB.
文摘AIM: To explore whether a co-culture of cynomolgus monkey embryonic stem (cES) cells with embryonic liver cells could promote their differentiation into hepatocytes. METHODS: Mouse fetal liver-derived cells (MFLCs) were prepared as adherent cells from mouse embryos on embryonic d (ED) 14, after which undifferentiated cES cells were co-cultured with MFLCs. The induction of cES cells along a hepatic lineage was examined in MFLC- assisted differentiation, spontaneous differentiation, and growth factors (GF) and chemicals-induced differentiations (GF-induced differentiation) using retinoic acid, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), FGF2, FGF4, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), oncostatin M (OSM), and dexamethasone. RESULTS: The mRNA expression of α-fetoprotein, albumin (ALB), α-1-antitrypsin, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α was observed earlier in the differentiating cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, as compared to cES cells undergoing spontaneous differentiation and those subjected to GF-induced differentiation. The expression of cytochrome P450 7a1, a possible marker for embryonic endoderm-derived mature hepatocytes, was only observed in cES cells that had differentiated in a co-culture with MFLCs. Further, the disappearance of Oct3/4, a representative marker of an undifferentiated state, was noted in cells co-cultured with MFLCs, but not in those undergoing spontaneous or GF-induced differentiation. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed an increased ratio of ALB-immunopositive cells among cES cells co-cultured with MFLCs, while glycogen storageand urea synthesis were also demonstrated. CONCLUSION: MFLCs showed an ability to induce cES cells to differentiate toward hepatocytes. The co-culture system with MFLCs is a useful method for induction of hepatocyte-like cells from undifferentiated cES cells.
文摘AIM: To investigate the ability of a genetically altered embryonic stem (ES) cell line to generate insulin-producing cells in vitro following transfer of the Nkx2.2 gene.METHODS: Hamster Nkx2.2 genes were transferred into mouse ES cells. Parental and Nkx2.2-transfected ES cells were initiated toward differentiation in embryoid body (EB)culture for 5 d and the resulting EBs were transferred to an attached culture system. Dithizone (DTZ), a zincchelating agent known to selectively stain pancreatic beta cells, was used to detect insulin-producing cells.The outgrowths were incubated in DTZ solution (final concentration, 100 μg/mL) for 15 min before being examined microscopically. Gene expression of the endocrine pancreatic markers was also analyzed by RT-PCR. In addition, insulin production was determined immunohistochemically and its secretion was examined using an ELISA.RESULTS: DTZ-stained cellular clusters appeared after approximately 14 d in the culture of Nkx2.2-transfected ES cells (Nkx-ES cells), which was as much as 2 wk earlier, than those in the culture of parental ES cells (wt-ES). The frequency of DTZ-positive cells among total cultured cells on day 28 accounted for approximately 1.0% and 0.1% of the Nkx-ES- and wt-ES-derived EB outgrowths, respectively. The DTZ-positive cellular clusters were found to be immunoreactive to insulin, while the gene expressions of pancreatic-duodenal homeobox 1(PDX1), proinsulin 1 and proinsulin 2 were observed in the cultures that contained DTZ-positive cellular clusters.Insulin secretion was also confirmed by ELISA, whereas glucose-dependent secretion was not demonstrated.CONCLUSION: Nkx2.2-transfected ES cells showed an ability to differentiate into insulin-producing cells.
文摘AIM: To transplant undifferentiated embryonic stem (ES) cells into the spleens of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-treated mice to determine their ability to differentiate into hepatocytes in the liver. METHODS: CCl4, 0.5 mL/kg body weight, was injected into the peritoneum of C57BL/6 mice twice a week for 5 wk. In group 1 (n = 12), 1 x 105 undifferentiated ES cells (0.1 mL of 1 x 106/mL solution), genetically labeled with GFP, were transplanted into the spleens 1 d after the second injection. Group 2 mice (n = 12) were injected with 0.2 mL of saline twice a week, instead of CCl4, and the same amount of ES cells was transplanted into the spleens. Group 3 mice (n = 6) were treated with CCl4 and injected with 0.1 mL of saline into the spleen, instead of ES cells. Histochemical analyses of the livers were performed on post-transplantation d (PD) 10, 20, and 30. RESULTS: Considerable numbers of GFP-immunopositive cells were found in the periportal regions in group 1 mice (CCl4-treated) on PD 10, however, not in those untreated with CCl4 (group 2). The GFP-positive cells were also immunopositive for albumin (ALB), alpha-1 antitrypsin, cytokeratin 18, and hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha on PD 20. Interestingly, most of the GFP-positive cells were immunopositive for DLK, a hepatoblast marker, on PD 10. Although very few ES-derived cells were demonstrated immunohistologically in the livers of group 1 mice on PD 30, improvements in liver fibrosis were observed. Unexpectedly, liver tumor formation was not observed in any of the mice that received ES cell transplantationduring the experimental period. CONCLUSION: Undifferentiated ES cells developed into hepatocyte-like cells with appropriate integration into tissue, without uncontrolled cell growth.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatic overload of gut-derived lipopolysaccharide dictates the progression of alcoholic liver disease(ALD)by inducing oxidative stress and activating Kupffer cells and hepatic stellate cells through toll-like receptor 4 signaling.Therefore,targeting the maintenance of intestinal barrier integrity has attracted attention for the treatment of ALD.Zinc acetate and rifaximin,which is a nonabsorbable antibiotic,had been clinically used for patients with cirrhosis,particularly those with hepatic encephalopathy,and had been known to improve intestinal barrier dysfunction.However,only few studies focused on their efficacies in preventing the ALD-related fibrosis development.AIM To investigate the effects of a combined zinc acetate with rifaximin on liver fibrosis in a mouse ALD model.METHODS To induce ALD-related liver fibrosis,female C57BL/6J mice were fed a 2.5%(v/v)ethanol-containing Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet and received intraperitoneal carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)injection twice weekly(1 mL/kg)for 8 wk.Zinc acetate(100 mg/L)and/or rifaximin(100 mg/L)were orally administered during experimental period.Hepatic steatosis,inflammation and fibrosis as well as intestinal barrier function were evaluated by histological and molecular analyses.Moreover,the direct effects of both agents on Caco-2 barrier function were assessed by in vitro assays.RESULTSIn the ethanol plus CCl4-treated mice,combination of zinc acetate and rifaximin attenuated oxidative lipid peroxidation with downregulation of Nox2 and Nox4.This combination significantly inhibited the Kupffer cells expansion and the proinflammatory response with blunted hepatic exposure of lipopolysaccharide and the toll-like receptor 4/nuclear factor kB pathway.Consequently,liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cells activation were efficiently suppressed with downregulation of Mmp-2,-9,-13,and Timp1.Both agents improved the atrophic changes and permeability in the ileum,with restoration of tight junction proteins(TJPs)by decreasing the expressions of tumor necrosis factorαand myosin light chain kinase.In the in vitro assay,both agents directly reinforced ethanol or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated paracellular permeability and upregulated TJPs in Caco-2 cells.CONCLUSION Dual therapy with zinc acetate and rifaximin may serve as a strategy to prevent ALD-related fibrosis by maintaining intestinal barrier integrity.
文摘AIM To clarify whether Agtr1 a methylation is involved in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)-related liver fibrosis in adult rats.METHODS A choline-deficient amino acid(CDAA) diet model was employed for methylation analysis of NASH-related liver fibrosis.Agtr1 a methylation levels were measured in the livers of CDAA- and control choline-sufficient amino acid(CSAA)-fed rats for 8 and 12 wk using quantitative methylation-specific PCR.Hepatic stellate cells(HSCs) were isolated by collagenase digestion of the liver,followed by centrifugation of the crude cell suspension through a density gradient.Agtr1 a methylation and its gene expression were also analyzed during the activation of HSCs.RESULTS The mean levels of Agtr1 a methylation in the livers of CDAA-fed rats(11.5% and 18.6% at 8 and 12 wk,respectively) tended to be higher(P = 0.06 and 0.09,respectively) than those in the livers of CSAA-fed rats(2.1% and 5.3% at 8 and 12 wk,respectively).Agtr1 a was not methylated at all in quiescent HSCs,but was clearly methylated in activated HSCs(13.8%,P < 0.01).Interestingly,although Agtr1 a was hypermethylated,the Agtr1 a m RNA level increased up to 2.2-fold(P < 0.05) in activated HSCs compared with that in quiescent HSCs,suggesting that Agtr1 a methylation did not silence its expression but instead had the potential to upregulate its expression.These findings indicate that Agtr1 a methylation and its upregulation of gene expression are associated with the development of NASH-related liver fibrosis.CONCLUSION This is the first study to show that DNA methylation is potential y involved in the regulation of a renin-angiotensin system-related gene expression during liver fibrosis.
文摘BACKGROUND Many advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) patients are receiving sorafenib treatment. Sorafenib reportedly improves overall survival(OS) significantly in patients with HCC. Prediction of sorafenib response and prognosis in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment are important due to the potentially serious side effects of sorafenib. A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motifs 13(ADAMTS13) and von Willebrand factor(VWF) are associated with the pathophysiology of liver cirrhosis and HCC through their roles in hypercoagulability; they are also associated with angiogenesis via vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF). The imbalance between ADAMTS13 and VWF was associated with prognosis of various cancers in patients undergoing chemotherapy.AIM To investigate ADAMTS13 and VWF as potential biomarkers for sorafenib response and prognosis in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment.METHODS Forty-one patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment were included in this study. The initial daily sorafenib dose was 400 mg in all patients. ADAMTS13 activity(ADAMTS13:AC), VWF antigen(VWF:Ag), VEGF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Univariate andmultivariate analyses were used to determine predictive factors for sorafenib response and prognosis in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment.RESULTS ADAMTS13:AC was significantly higher in patients with stable disease(SD),partial response(PR), and complete response(CR) than in those with progressive disease(PD)(P < 0.05). In contrast, VWF:Ag and the VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio were significantly lower in patients with SD, PR, and CR than in those with PD(P < 0.05 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that the VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio was the only predictive factor for sorafenib response and ADAMTS13:AC was the only prognostic factor in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment. The patients with a low ADAMTS13:AC(<78.0) had significantly higher VEGF levels than those with a high ADAMTS13:AC(≥ 78.0)(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION The VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio and ADAMTS13:AC are potentially useful biomarkers for sorafenib response and prognosis, respectively, in patients with HCC receiving sorafenib treatment.
文摘BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is necessary to improve the prognosis of patients.However,the currently available tumor biomarkers are insufficient for the early detection of HCC.Acylcarnitine is essential in fatty acid metabolic pathways.A recent study reported that a high level of acylcarnitine may serve as a useful biomarker for the early diagnosis of HCC in steatohepatitis(SH)patients.In contrast,another study reported that the level of acetylcarnitine(AC2)-one of the acylcarnitine species-in non-SH patients with HCC was decreased vs that reported in those without HCC.AIM To investigate the usefulness of acylcarnitine as a biomarker for the early diagnosis of HCC in non-SH patients.METHODS Thirty-three non-SH patients(14 with HCC and 19 without HCC)were enrolled in this study.Blood samples were obtained from patients at the time of admission.The levels of acylcarnitine and AC2 in the serum were determined through tandem mass spectrometry.The levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)and VEGF receptor 2(VEGFR-2)were determined by enzymelinked immunosorbent assay.Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine early diagnostic factors of HCC.RESULTS The level of acylcarnitine was significantly lower in non-SH patients with HCC vs those without HCC(P<0.05).In contrast,the level of lens culinaris agglutininreactive fraction ofα-fetoprotein(AFP)-AFP-L3%-was significantly higher in non-SH patients with HCC vs those without HCC(P<0.05).However,the levels of total carnitine,free carnitine,AFP,des-γ-carboxy prothrombin,VEGF,and VEGFR-2 were not different between patients with and without HCC.The multivariate analysis showed that a low level of acylcarnitine was the only independent factor for the early diagnosis of HCC.The patients with a low level of AC2 had a significantly higher level of VEGF vs those with a high level of AC2(P<0.05).CONCLUSION The metabolic pathways of fatty acids may differ between SH HCC and non-SH HCC.Further studies are warranted to investigate these differences.
文摘BACKGROUND Prediction of HAIC treatment response is important for improving the prognosis in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).The progression of HCC is related to hypercoagulability and angiogenesis.It is known that ADAMTS13 and von Willebrand factor(VWF)are related to hypercoagulability.In addition,previous study reported that the association between ADAMTS13 and VWF,and angiogenesis via vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF).Recently,ADAMTS13 and VWF have been associated with the prognosis in patients with various kinds of cancer undergoing chemotherapy.AIM To investigate whether ADAMTS13 and VWF become useful biomarkers of treatment response in HCC patients before the initiation of HAIC treatment.METHODS Seventy-two patients were enrolled in this study.ADAMTS13 activity(ADAMTS13:AC),VWF antigen(VWF:Ag)and VEGF levels were determined via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the predictive factors of treatment response in patients with HCC undergoing HAIC treatment.RESULTS ADAMTS13:AC levels in HCC patients with stable disease(SD)+partial response(PR)of HAIC treatment were significantly higher than those with progressive disease(PD)(P<0.05).In contrast,VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio and VEGF levels in HCC patients with SD+PR were significantly lower than those with PD(both P<0.05).Patients with high VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio(>2.7)had higher VEGF levels than those with low ratio(≤2.7).Multivariable analysis revealed that VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio was a predictive factor of HAIC treatment response.CONCLUSION VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio may become a useful biomarker of treatment response in HCC patients before the initiation of HAIC treatment.
文摘Aims:No solid evidence-based opinion was raised regarding predictors of the degree of ascites reduction with tolvaptan.This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine whether serum copeptin concentration is a useful predictor of this.Methods:The study population consisted of 80 patients with liver cirrhosis treated with tolvaptan for hepatic ascites effusions at Nara Medical University Hospital from May 2014 to December 2018.Forty-three patients who lost>1.5 kg of body weight in the first week after starting tolvaptan were classified as good responders and the remaining 37 as poor responders.Various laboratory parameters were measured immediately before the start of tolvaptan therapy to examine factors associated with predicting its efficacy.Results:In the univariate analysis,no significant differences with respect to age(67.6 vs.69.8 years,p>0.05),sex,body mass index(24.8 vs.23.7 kg/m^(2),p>0.05),Child-Pugh score(9.4 vs.9.7,p>0.05),and Model for End-stage Liver Disease score(11 vs.12,p>0.05)were found between the two groups.Conversely,aspartate transferase and alanine transaminase(ALT)levels were significantly lower in the good response group(52.9±56.3 vs.68.8±50.7 U/L,p<0.05;26.2±30.6 vs.40.5±33.5 U/L,p<0.01),whereas serum copeptin and serum sodium concentrations were significantly higher(57.1±15.0 vs.45.8±16.0 pg/mL,p<0.01;136.3±3.4 vs.133.8±5.8 mEq/L,p<0.05).In the multivariate analysis,serum copeptin concentration and ALT were statistically significant factors(p<0.01,p<0.05).Regression analysis of the association between the tolvaptan efficacy for refractory ascites and pretreatment serum copeptin concentration showed that a copeptin concentration cutoff of 45.9 pg/mL could predict treatment efficacy with a sensitivity,specificity,and area under the curve of 76.7%,59.5%,and 0.71%,respectively.Conclusion:Serum copeptin concentration may be a predictor of tolvaptan efficacy for refractory ascites effusion in Japanese patients with liver cirrhosis.
