Etiology-independent activation of the LTß-LTßR-RELB axis drives aggressiveness and predicts poor prognosis in HCC.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HCC is the most common primary liver tumor, with an increasing incidence worldwide. HCC is a heterogeneous malignancy and usually develops in a chronically injured liver. The NF-κB signaling network consists of a canonical and a noncanonical branch. Activation of canonical NF-κB in HCC is documented. However, a functional and clinically relevant role of noncanonical NF-κB and its downstream effectors is not established. APPROACH AND RESULTS: Four human HCC cohorts (total n = 1462) and 4 mouse HCC models were assessed for expression and localization of NF-κB signaling components and activating ligands. In vitro , NF-κB signaling, proliferation, and cell death were measured, proving a pro-proliferative role of v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog B (RELB) activated by means of NF-κB-inducing kinase. In vivo , lymphotoxin beta was identified as the predominant inducer of RELB activation. Importantly, hepatocyte-specific RELB knockout in a murine HCC model led to a lower incidence compared to controls and lower maximal tumor diameters. In silico , RELB activity and RELB-directed transcriptomics were validated on the The Cancer Genome Atlas HCC cohort using inferred protein activity and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis. In RELB-active HCC, pathways mediating proliferation were significantly activated. In contrast to v-rel avian reticuloendotheliosis viral oncogene homolog A, nuclear enrichment of noncanonical RELB expression identified patients with a poor prognosis in an etiology-independent manner. Moreover, RELB activation was associated with malignant features metastasis and recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates a prognostically relevant, etiology-independent, and cross-species consistent activation of a lymphotoxin beta/LTßR/RELB axis in hepatocarcinogenesis. These observations may harbor broad implications for HCC, including possible clinical exploitation.

Robotic or laparoscopic repeat hepatectomy after open hepatectomy: a cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Repeat hepatectomies are technically complex procedures. The evidence of robotic or laparoscopic (= minimally invasive) repeat hepatectomies (MIRH) after previous open hepatectomy is poor. Therefore, we compared postoperative outcomes of MIRH vs open repeat hepatectomies (ORH) in patients with liver tumors after previous open liver resections. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent repeat hepatectomies after open liver resections were identified from a prospective database between April 2018 and May 2023. Postoperative complications were graded in line with the Clavien-Dindo classification. We stratified patients by intention to treat into MIRH or ORH and compared outcomes. Logistic regression analysis was performed to define variables associated with the utilization of a minimally invasive approach. RESULTS: Among 46 patients included, 20 (43%) underwent MIRH and 26 (57%) ORH. Twenty-seven patients had advanced or expert repeat hepatectomies (59%) according to the IWATE criteria. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the study groups. The use of a minimally invasive approach was not dependent on preoperative or intraoperative variables. All patients had negative resection margins on final histology. MIRH was associated with less blood loss (450 ml, IQR (interquartile range): 200-600 vs 600 ml, IQR: 400-1500 ml, P = 0.032), and shorter length of stay (5 days, IQR: 4-7 vs 7 days, IQR: 5-9 days, P = 0.041). Postoperative complications were similar between the groups (P = 0.298). CONCLUSIONS: MIRH is feasible after previous open hepatectomy and a safe alternative approach to ORH. (German Clinical Trials Register ID: DRKS00032183).

Structural expression of bovine milk and meat factors in tissues of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer patients.

Chronic inflammation, linked to the presence of bovine milk and meat factors (BMMFs) and specific subsets of macrophages, results in oxygen radical synthesis and induction of mutations in DNA of actively replicating cells and replicating single stranded DNA. Cancers arising from this process have been characterized as indirect carcinogenesis by infectious agents (without persistence of genes of the agent in premalignant or cancers cells). Here, we investigate structural properties of pleomorphic vesicles, regularly identified by staining peritumor tissues of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancer for expression of BMMF Rep. The latter represents a subgroup of BMMF1 proteins involved in replication of small single-stranded circular plasmids of BMMF, but most likely also contributing to pleomorphic vesicular structures found in the periphery of colorectal, lung and pancreatic cancers. Structurally dense regions are demonstrated in preselected areas of colorectal cancer, after staining with monoclonal antibodies against BMMF1 Rep. Similar structures were observed in human embryonic cells (HEK293TT) overexpressing Rep. These data suggest that Rep or Rep isoforms contribute to the structural formation of vesicles.

Intestinal B cells license metabolic T-cell activation in NASH microbiota/antigen-independently and contribute to fibrosis by IgA-FcR signalling.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is aggravated by auto-aggressive T cells. The gut-liver axis contributes to NASH, but the mechanisms involved and the consequences for NASH-induced fibrosis and liver cancer remain unknown. We investigated the role of gastrointestinal B cells in the development of NASH, fibrosis and NASH-induced HCC. METHODS: C57BL/6J wild-type (WT), B cell-deficient and different immunoglobulin-deficient or transgenic mice were fed distinct NASH-inducing diets or standard chow for 6 or 12 months, whereafter NASH, fibrosis, and NASH-induced HCC were assessed and analysed. Specific pathogen-free/germ-free WT and µMT mice (containing B cells only in the gastrointestinal tract) were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet, and treated with an anti-CD20 antibody, whereafter NASH and fibrosis were assessed. Tissue biopsy samples from patients with simple steatosis, NASH and cirrhosis were analysed to correlate the secretion of immunoglobulins to clinicopathological features. Flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis were performed in liver and gastrointestinal tissue to characterise immune cells in mice and humans. RESULTS: Activated intestinal B cells were increased in mouse and human NASH samples and licensed metabolic T-cell activation to induce NASH independently of antigen specificity and gut microbiota. Genetic or therapeutic depletion of systemic or gastrointestinal B cells prevented or reverted NASH and liver fibrosis. IgA secretion was necessary for fibrosis induction by activating CD11b+CCR2+F4/80+CD11c-FCGR1+ hepatic myeloid cells through an IgA-FcR signalling axis. Similarly, patients with NASH had increased numbers of activated intestinal B cells; additionally, we observed a positive correlation between IgA levels and activated FcRg+ hepatic myeloid cells, as well the extent of liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal B cells and the IgA-FcR signalling axis represent potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of NASH. IMPACT AND IMPLICATIONS: There is currently no effective treatment for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is associated with a substantial healthcare burden and is a growing risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We have previously shown that NASH is an auto-aggressive condition aggravated, amongst others, by T cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that B cells might have a role in disease induction and progression. Our present work highlights that B cells have a dual role in NASH pathogenesis, being implicated in the activation of auto-aggressive T cells and the development of fibrosis via activation of monocyte-derived macrophages by secreted immunoglobulins (e.g., IgA). Furthermore, we show that the absence of B cells prevented HCC development. B cell-intrinsic signalling pathways, secreted immunoglobulins, and interactions of B cells with other immune cells are potential targets for combinatorial NASH therapies against inflammation and fibrosis.

CXCR2 inhibition enables NASH-HCC immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasingly associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). HCC immunotherapy offers great promise; however, recent data suggests NASH-HCC may be less sensitive to conventional immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI). We hypothesised that targeting neutrophils using a CXCR2 small molecule inhibitor may sensitise NASH-HCC to ICI therapy. DESIGN: Neutrophil infiltration was characterised in human HCC and mouse models of HCC. Late-stage intervention with anti-PD1 and/or a CXCR2 inhibitor was performed in murine models of NASH-HCC. The tumour immune microenvironment was characterised by imaging mass cytometry, RNA-seq and flow cytometry. RESULTS: Neutrophils expressing CXCR2, a receptor crucial to neutrophil recruitment in acute-injury, are highly represented in human NASH-HCC. In models of NASH-HCC lacking response to ICI, the combination of a CXCR2 antagonist with anti-PD1 suppressed tumour burden and extended survival. Combination therapy increased intratumoural XCR1+ dendritic cell activation and CD8+ T cell numbers which are associated with anti-tumoural immunity, this was confirmed by loss of therapeutic effect on genetic impairment of myeloid cell recruitment, neutralisation of the XCR1-ligand XCL1 or depletion of CD8+ T cells. Therapeutic benefit was accompanied by an unexpected increase in tumour-associated neutrophils (TANs) which switched from a protumour to anti-tumour progenitor-like neutrophil phenotype. Reprogrammed TANs were found in direct contact with CD8+ T cells in clusters that were enriched for the cytotoxic anti-tumoural protease granzyme B. Neutrophil reprogramming was not observed in the circulation indicative of the combination therapy selectively influencing TANs. CONCLUSION: CXCR2-inhibition induces reprogramming of the tumour immune microenvironment that promotes ICI in NASH-HCC.

Minimally invasive mesohepatectomy for centrally located liver lesions-a case series.

BACKGROUND: Resection of centrally located liver lesions remains a technically demanding procedure. To date, there are limited data on the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive mesohepatectomy for benign and malignant lesions. It was therefore the objective of this study to evaluate the perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive mesohepatectomy for liver tumors at a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Consecutive patients who underwent a minimally invasive anatomic mesohepatectomy using a Glissonean pedicle approach from April 2018 to November 2021 were identified from a prospective database. Demographics, operative details, and postoperative outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics for continuous and categorical variables. RESULTS: A total of ten patients were included, of whom five patients had hepatocellular carcinoma, one patient had cholangiocarcinoma, three patients had colorectal liver metastases, and one patient had a hydatid cyst. Two and eight patients underwent robotic-assisted and laparoscopic resections, respectively. The median operative time was 393 min (interquartile range (IQR) 298-573 min). Conversion to laparotomy was required in one case. The median lesion size was 60 mm and all cases had negative resection margins on final histopathological analysis. The median total blood loss was 550 ml (IQR 413-850 ml). One patient had a grade III complication. The median length of stay was 7 days (IQR 5-12 days). Time-to-functional recovery was achieved after a median of 2 days (IQR 1-4 days). There were no readmissions within 90 days after surgery. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive mesohepatectomy is a feasible and safe approach in selected patients with benign and malignant liver lesions.

Intraoperative Increase of Portal Venous Pressure is an Immediate Predictor of Posthepatectomy Liver Failure After Major Hepatectomy: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess intraoperative changes of hepatic macrohemodynamics and their association with ascites and posthepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) after major hepatectomy. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Large-scale ascites and PHLF remain clinical challenges after major hepatectomy. No study has concomitantly evaluated arterial and venous liver macrohemodynamics in patients undergoing liver resection. METHODS: Portal venous pressure (PVP), portal venous flow (PVF), and hepatic arterial flow (HAF) were measured intraoperatively pre- and postresection in 67 consecutive patients with major hepatectomy (ie, resection of ≥3 liver segments). A group of 30 patients with minor hepatectomy served as controls. Liver macrohemodynamics and their intraoperative changes (ie, Δ) were analyzed as predictive biomarkers of ascites and PHLF using Fisher exact, t test, or Wilcoxon rank sum test for univariate and logistic regression for multivariate analyses. RESULTS: Major hepatectomy increased PVP by 26.9% (P = 0.001), markedly decreased HAF by 40.7% (P < 0.001), and slightly decreased PVF by 13.4% (P = 0.011). Minor resections had little effects on hepatic macrohemodynamics. There was no significant association of liver macrohemodynamics with ascites. While middle hepatic vein resection caused higher postresection PVP after right hepatectomy (P = 0.04), the Pringle maneuver was associated with a significant PVF (P = 0.03) and HAF reduction (P = 0.03). Uni- and multivariate analysis revealed an intraoperative PVP increase as an independent predictor of PHLF (P = 0.025). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative PVP kinetics serve as independent predictive biomarker of PHLF after major hepatectomy. These data highlight the importance to assess intraoperative dynamics rather than the pre- and postresection PVP values.

Impact of Intraoperative Re-resection to Achieve R0 Status on Survival in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer: A Single-center Experience With 483 Patients.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that intraoperative frozen section (FS) and re-resection results to achieve R0 status are associated with different long-term outcomes in pancreatic cancer patients. BACKGROUND: Recent data have challenged the survival benefit of additional resection in patients with pancreatic cancer in case of positive FS to achieve clear pathological section (PS). METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for exocrine pancreatic malignancy with curative intent were identified from a prospective database. Data were stratified by resection margin (group I: FS-R0 → PS-R0; group II: FS-R1 → PS-R0; group III: FS-R1 → PS-R1). Associations with survival were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 483 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 61 patients were excluded due to R2 or Rx status. Three hundred seventeen (75%) patients were allocated to margin group I, 32 (8%) to group II, and 73 (17%) to group III. Median overall survival in group I, II, and III was 29, 36, and 12 months (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in survival between patients in Group I and II (P = 0.849), whereas patients in group III had significantly poorer outcome than group I (P < 0.001) and II (P = 0.039). The prognostic value of margin group status was confirmed on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio = 1.694, 95% confidence interval 1.175-2.442). CONCLUSIONS: FS analysis with intraoperative re-resection should be performed routinely in patients undergoing pancreatic cancer surgery with the aim to achieve a R0 resection.

Exosomes: novel implications in diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Amongst all cancer subtypes, gastrointestinal tumours are responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In most of the cases, the limitation of the prognosis of patients with malignant gastrointestinal tumours can be attributed to delayed diagnosis of the disease. In the last decade, secondary prevention strategies, in particular tumour screenings, have been identified to significantly improve the identification of patients with early-stage disease, leading to more effective therapeutic interventions. Therefore, new screening methods and further innovative treatment approaches may lead to an increase in progression-free and overall survival rates. PURPOSE: Exosomes are small microvesicles with a size of 50-150 nm. They are formed in the endosomal system of many different cell types, where they are packed with nucleotides and proteins from the parental cell. After their release into the extracellular space, exosomes can deliver their cargo into recipient cells. By this mechanism, tumour cells can recruit and manipulate the adjacent and systemic microenvironment in order to support invasion and dissemination. Cancer-derived exosomes in the blood may provide detailed information about the tumour biology of each individual patient. Moreover, tumour-derived exosomes can be used as targetable factors and drug delivery agents in clinical practice. CONCLUSION: In this review, we summarise new aspects about novel implications in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer and show how circulating exosomes have come into the spotlight of research as a high potential source of 'liquid biopsies'.

Evaluating the use of UV Absorbance for the Differentiation of Humified from Non-humified Materials.

BACKGROUND: Products containing humic acids (HA) and fulvic acids (FA) have significant commercial potential, however, unknown to the consumer, some products may be mislabeled or contain adulterants. The prevalence of mislabelling and adulterants is primarily found in FA products. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy to differentiate between real and fake FA products is practical and desirable. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to expand the data set generated using a UV-VIS based method proposed by Mayhew et al., 2023. METHODS: In total, thirty (30) test samples were used to generate ninety test portions (3 replicates per test sample) for analysis using the UV-Vis methodology outlined in Mayhew et al., 2023, which in this study is referred to as the UVAC (UV absorbance confirmation) method. RESULTS: None of the thirteen FA test samples investigated were determined as humified using the UVAC method. The FA samples studied comprised of two IHSS standards, five commercial FA products (CFAP) and six full FA fractions (SFA), which were isolated from six known solid humic material sources (SHMS). There was a leonardite, a humalite, and four peat sources used as the SHMS. Analysis of the neutralized extract of the SHMS found only 3/6 SHMS were determined as humified. Six HA (SHA) test samples were also generated by isolating the HA from the SHMS and only 3/6 SHA were determined as humified. CONCLUSION: Given the high prevalence of false determinations more work is needed to improve the method so it can be used by industry or regulators. HIGHLIGHTS: The proposed method failed to determine IHSS FA standards as humified. Although the method is practical, it needs improvement and further study before it can be used for reliable differentiation of real from fake FA or HA.

Development and validation of a digital biopsy model to predict microvascular invasion in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: Microvascular invasion is a major histopathological risk factor of postoperative recurrence in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to develop and validate a digital biopsy model using imaging features to predict microvascular invasion before hepatectomy. Methods: A total of 217 consecutive patients who underwent hepatectomy for resectable hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled at two tertiary-care reference centers. An imaging-based digital biopsy model was developed and internally validated using logistic regression analysis with adjustments for age, sex, etiology of disease, size and number of lesions. Results: Three imaging features, i.e., non-smoothness of lesion margin (OR = 16.40), ill-defined pseudocapsula (OR = 4.93), and persistence of intratumoral internal artery (OR = 10.50), were independently associated with microvascular invasion and incorporated into a prediction model. A scoring system with 0 - 3 points was established for the prediction model. Internal validation confirmed an excellent calibration of the model. A cutoff of 2 points indicates a high risk of microvascular invasion (area under the curve 0.87). The overall survival and recurrence-free survival stratified by the risk model was significantly shorter in patients with high risk features of microvascular invasion compared to those patients with low risk of microvascular invasion (overall survival: median 35 vs. 75 months, P = 0.027; recurrence-free survival: median 17 vs. 38 months, P < 0.001)). Conclusion: A preoperative assessment of microvascular invasion by digital biopsy is reliable, easily applicable, and might facilitate personalized treatment strategies.

Phosphoproteomics-directed manipulation reveals SEC22B as a hepatocellular signaling node governing metabolic actions of glucagon.

The peptide hormone glucagon is a fundamental metabolic regulator that is also being considered as a pharmacotherapeutic option for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Despite this, we know very little regarding how glucagon exerts its pleiotropic metabolic actions. Given that the liver is a chief site of action, we performed in situ time-resolved liver phosphoproteomics to reveal glucagon signaling nodes. Through pathway analysis of the thousands of phosphopeptides identified, we reveal "membrane trafficking" as a dominant signature with the vesicle trafficking protein SEC22 Homolog B (SEC22B) S137 phosphorylation being a top hit. Hepatocyte-specific loss- and gain-of-function experiments reveal that SEC22B was a key regulator of glycogen, lipid and amino acid metabolism, with SEC22B-S137 phosphorylation playing a major role in glucagon action. Mechanistically, we identify several protein binding partners of SEC22B affected by glucagon, some of which were differentially enriched with SEC22B-S137 phosphorylation. In summary, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of SEC22B is a hepatocellular signaling node mediating the metabolic actions of glucagon and provide a rich resource for future investigations on the biology of glucagon action.

A 5:2 intermittent fasting regimen ameliorates NASH and fibrosis and blunts HCC development via hepatic PPARα and PCK1.

The role and molecular mechanisms of intermittent fasting (IF) in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and its transition to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are unknown. Here, we identified that an IF 5:2 regimen prevents NASH development as well as ameliorates established NASH and fibrosis without affecting total calorie intake. Furthermore, the IF 5:2 regimen blunted NASH-HCC transition when applied therapeutically. The timing, length, and number of fasting cycles as well as the type of NASH diet were critical parameters determining the benefits of fasting. Combined proteome, transcriptome, and metabolome analyses identified that peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and glucocorticoid-signaling-induced PCK1 act co-operatively as hepatic executors of the fasting response. In line with this, PPARα targets and PCK1 were reduced in human NASH. Notably, only fasting initiated during the active phase of mice robustly induced glucocorticoid signaling and free-fatty-acid-induced PPARα signaling. However, hepatocyte-specific glucocorticoid receptor deletion only partially abrogated the hepatic fasting response. In contrast, the combined knockdown of Ppara and Pck1 in vivo abolished the beneficial outcomes of fasting against inflammation and fibrosis. Moreover, overexpression of Pck1 alone or together with Ppara in vivo lowered hepatic triglycerides and steatosis. Our data support the notion that the IF 5:2 regimen is a promising intervention against NASH and subsequent liver cancer.

Development and Validation of a Model for Postpancreatectomy Hemorrhage Risk.

Importance: Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage (PPH) due to postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a life-threatening complication after pancreatoduodenectomy. However, there is no prediction tool for early identification of patients at high risk of late PPH. Objective: To develop and validate a prediction model for PPH. Design, Setting, and Participants: This retrospective prognostic study included consecutive patients with clinically relevant POPF who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy from January 1, 2009, to May 20, 2023, at the University Hospital Mannheim (derivation cohort), and from January 1, 2012, to May 31, 2022, at the University Hospital Dresden (validation cohort). Data analysis was performed from May 30 to July 29, 2023. Exposure: Clinical and radiologic features of PPH. Main Outcomes and Measures: Accuracy of a predictive risk score of PPH. A multivariate prediction model-the hemorrhage risk score (HRS)-was established in the derivation cohort (n = 139) and validated in the validation cohort (n = 154). Results: A total of 293 patients (187 [64%] men; median age, 69 [IQR, 60-76] years) were included. The HRS comprised 4 variables with associations: sentinel bleeding (odds ratio [OR], 35.10; 95% CI, 5.58-221.00; P < .001), drain fluid culture positive for Candida species (OR, 14.40; 95% CI, 2.24-92.20; P < .001), and radiologic proof of rim enhancement of (OR, 12.00; 95% CI, 2.08-69.50; P = .006) or gas within (OR, 12.10; 95% CI, 2.22-65.50; P = .004) a peripancreatic fluid collection. Two risk categories were identified with patients at low risk (0-1 points) and high risk (≥2 points) to develop PPH. Patients with PPH were predicted accurately in the derivation cohort (C index, 0.97) and validation cohort (C index 0.83). The need for more invasive PPH management (74% vs 34%; P < .001) and severe complications (49% vs 23%; P < .001) were more frequent in high-risk patients compared with low-risk patients. Conclusions and Relevance: In this retrospective prognostic study, a robust prediction model for PPH was developed and validated. This tool may facilitate early identification of patients at high risk for PPH.

Intestinal BMP-9 locally upregulates FGF19 and is down-regulated in obese patients with diabetes.

Bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-9, a member of the TGFß-family of cytokines, is believed to be mainly produced in the liver. The serum levels of BMP-9 were reported to be reduced in newly diagnosed diabetic patients and BMP-9 overexpression ameliorated steatosis in the high fat diet-induced obesity mouse model. Furthermore, injection of BMP-9 in mice enhanced expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)21. However, whether BMP-9 also regulates the expression of the related FGF19 is not clear. Because both FGF21 and 19 were described to protect the liver from steatosis, we have further investigated the role of BMP-9 in this context. We first analyzed BMP-9 levels in the serum of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats (a model of type I diabetes) and confirmed that BMP-9 serum levels decrease during diabetes. Microarray analyses of RNA samples from hepatic and intestinal tissue from BMP-9 KO- and wild-type mice (C57/Bl6 background) pointed to basal expression of BMP-9 in both organs and revealed a down-regulation of hepatic Fgf21 and intestinal Fgf19 in the KO mice. Next, we analyzed BMP-9 levels in a cohort of obese patients with or without diabetes. Serum BMP-9 levels did not correlate with diabetes, but hepatic BMP-9 mRNA expression negatively correlated with steatosis in those patients that did not yet develop diabetes. Likewise, hepatic BMP-9 expression also negatively correlated with serum LPS levels. In situ hybridization analyses confirmed intestinal BMP-9 expression. Intestinal (but not hepatic) BMP-9 mRNA levels were decreased with diabetes and positively correlated with intestinal E-Cadherin expression. In vitro studies using organoids demonstrated that BMP-9 directly induces FGF19 in gut but not hepatocyte organoids, whereas no evidence of a direct induction of hepatic FGF21 by BMP-9 was found. Consistent with the in vitro data, a correlation between intestinal BMP-9 and FGF19 mRNA expression was seen in the patients' samples. In summary, our data confirm that BMP-9 is involved in diabetes development in humans and in the control of the FGF-axis. More importantly, our data imply that not only hepatic but also intestinal BMP-9 associates with diabetes and steatosis development and controls FGF19 expression. The data support the conclusion that increased levels of BMP-9 would most likely be beneficial under pre-steatotic conditions, making supplementation of BMP-9 an interesting new approach for future therapies aiming at prevention of the development of a metabolic syndrome and liver steatosis.

A postresection perfusion deficit in the right colon is an independent predictor of perioperative outcome after major hepatectomy.

BACKGROUND: There is a strong interaction between hepatic hemodynamics and perfusion in the splanchnic system. However, little is known about differences in perfusion in different splanchnic compartments and their changes after hepatectomy. METHODS: Perfusion in various splanchnic compartments (ie, stomach, small intestine, right and left colon, liver) was assessed pre- and post-hepatectomy by intraoperative laser Doppler flowmetry. Differences of splanchnic perfusion between compartments were evaluated by ANOVA, and risk factors of postoperative complications (graded by the comprehensive complication index [CCI]) were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses. A prediction model of postoperative complications was developed. RESULTS: A total of 50 and 29 patients with major and minor hepatectomy were enrolled. Splanchnic perfusion at baseline varied significantly across different splanchnic compartments with highest values in the small bowel and right colon (P < .001). Major hepatectomy induced a significant perfusion decrease in the stomach (P = .006), right colon (P < .001) and small bowel (P = .035). A postresection perfusion deficit in the right colon with values below 254 perfusion units (PU) was identified as an independent predictor of clinically relevant complications after major hepatectomy (concordance index: 0.79, 95% CI 0.66-0.87, P = .002). Bootstrap validation confirmed internal validity and excellent calibration. CONCLUSIONS: Major hepatectomy causes significant reduction of splanchnic perfusion. An intraoperative posthepatectomy microcirculatory perfusion deficit of the right colon is a strong and independent predictor of clinically relevant postoperative complications after major hepatectomy.

A researcher's guide to preclinical mouse NASH models.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its inflammatory form, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), have quickly risen to become the most prevalent chronic liver disease in the Western world and are risk factors for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC is not only one of the most common cancers but is also highly lethal. Nevertheless, there are currently no clinically approved drugs for NAFLD, and NASH-induced HCC poses a unique metabolic microenvironment that may influence responsiveness to certain treatments. Therefore, there is an urgent need to better understand the pathogenesis of this rampant disease to devise new therapies. In this line, preclinical mouse models are crucial tools to investigate mechanisms as well as novel treatment modalities during the pathogenesis of NASH and subsequent HCC in preparation for human clinical trials. Although, there are numerous genetically induced, diet-induced and toxin-induced models of NASH, not all of these models faithfully phenocopy and mirror the human pathology very well. In this Perspective, we shed some light onto the most widely used mouse models of NASH and highlight some of the key advantages and disadvantages of the various models with an emphasis on 'Western diets', which are increasingly recognized as some of the best models in recapitulating the human NASH pathology and comorbidities.

Prognostic value of disease-free interval in colorectal cancer: Is it time?

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have outlined that the onset of synchronous colorectal cancer (CRC) metastases is associated with poor overall survival (OS) compared to patients with metachronous disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of disease-free interval with newly diagnosed CRC scheduled for primary tumor resection. METHODS: Patients who underwent primary CRC resection over an 18-year period were identified from a prospective database at a tertiary-care hospital. In this observational study, the cohort was stratified for the onset of metastases, i.e. synchronous, early-onset and late-onset metachronous disease. The OS was compared using Kaplan-Meier estimators and stratified Cox hazard regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 360 patients, 204 (57%) had synchronous, 61 (17%) had early metachronous, and 95 (26%) had late metachronous metastases, respectively. The onset of synchronous metastases was not associated with worse OS compared to early and late metachronous disease. ASA level > II (P = 0.011), right-sided compared to left-sided cancer (P = 0.032) or rectal cancer (P < 0.001), and high-grade tumors (P = 0.022) were identified as independent predictors of poor OS, whereas the only favorable prognostic factor was surgical resection of metastases (P = 0.047). Additionally, ASA level < III (P = 0.003) and low-grade tumors (P = 0.032) were found to predict resection of metastases. CONCLUSION: Individual patients' and tumor characteristics rather than the timing of metastases are associated with OS in newly diagnosed CRC. These data support curative treatment strategies even in patients with synchronous metastases.

[Definition and treatment of superior mesenteric artery revascularization and dissection-associated diarrhea (SMARD syndrome) in Germany]. / Definition und Behandlung der A.-mesenterica-superior-Revaskularisations- und -Dissektions-assoziierten Diarrhö (SMARD-Syndrom) in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: The superior mesenteric artery (SMA) is exposed and dissected during pancreatic resections (PR) and mesenteric vascular surgery (MVS). The resulting damage of the surrounding extrinsic and intrinsic vegetative nerve plexus can lead to a temporary or treatment refractory diarrhea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to provide an overview of the current status of SMA revascularization and dissection-associated diarrhea (SMARD syndrome) in Germany. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After a selective literature search (SLS) on the frequency of newly developed postoperative diarrhea after PR and MVS, an online survey was initiated. RESULTS: The SLS (n = 4) confirmed that newly developed postoperative diarrhea is a frequent complication after preparation for revascularization (RV) or dissection (DIS) of the SMA (incidence approximately 62%). Treatment refractive courses were relatively uncommon with 14%. Out of 159 centers 54 took part in the survey and 63% stated that they carried out an SMA RV/DIS during PR or MVS. The average PR per center was 47 in 2018 and 49 in 2019. The average MVS was 5 per center in both years and on average 3 patients suffered from SMARD syndrome. CONCLUSION: This survey recorded the current status of the SMARD syndrome in Germany for the first time. So far there are no recommendations for the treatment of such a diarrhea. The results show that initially a symptomatic treatment should be carried out. Due to the complexity of the pathophysiology, causal treatment approaches have not yet been developed.

The therapeutic landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma.

The liver is endowed with an amazing regenerative capacity that allows it to withstand an enormous amount of damage. Nevertheless, it is precisely this highly regenerative capacity that renders it susceptible to dysplasia and liver cancer. Liver cancer is not only one of the most common cancers but also one of the deadliest. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver cancer, accounting for up to 70%-90% of all cases, but treatment options for advanced stages remain scarce. Therefore, a great deal of effort has gone into identifying early diagnostic markers as well as novel therapies, both local and systemic, for the treatment of this deadly disease. In this review, we aim to shed light into the current therapeutic landscape of HCC with an emphasis on the available treatments, ranging from surgical and local-ablative therapy for early and intermediate stages of the disease to systemic therapies for advanced cancer treatments. We will also address the molecular mechanisms and limitations of currently available systemic therapies and the causes of treatment resistance and finally summarize the emerging future avenues and novel concepts that are promising.