Potential role of Fibrosis-4 score in hepatocellular carcinoma screening: The Kangbuk Samsung Health Study.

AIM: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer-related death, with low survival rates worldwide. Fatty liver disease (FLD) significantly contributes to HCC. We studied the screening performance of different methods for identifying HCC in patients with FLD or with metabolic risk factors for FLD. METHODS: Korean adults (n = 340 825) without a prior HCC diagnosis were categorized into four groups: normal (G1), ≥2 metabolic risk factors (G2), FLD (G3), and viral liver disease or liver cirrhosis (G4). The National Cancer Registry data were used to identify HCC cases within 12 months. We assessed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of individual or combined screening methods. RESULTS: In 93 HCC cases, 71 were identified in G4, whereas 20 cases (21.5%) in G2 and G3 combined where ultrasound and Fibrosis-4 performed similarly to alpha-fetoprotein and ultrasound. In G2, Fibrosis-4 and ultrasound had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.93 [0.87-0.99]), whereas in G3, the combined screening methods had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (0.98 [0.95-1.00]). The positive predictive value was lower in G2 and G3 than in G4, but was >5% when restricted to a high Fibrosis-4 score. CONCLUSIONS: More than 21% of HCC cases were observed in patients with diagnosed FLD or at risk of FLD with metabolic risk factors. Nevertheless, screening for HCC in individuals without cirrhosis or viral hepatitis yielded very low results, despite the potential value of the Fibrosis-4 score in identifying individuals at high risk of HCC.

Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody Positivity and Long-Term Liver-Related Mortality in Korea: A Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Whether isolated hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) positivity is a risk factor for long-term liver-related outcomes in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-endemic areas remains unclear. We aimed to investigate liver-related and liver cancer mortality of isolated anti-HBc positivity in Korean adults. METHODS: A cohort study comprised 609,299 Korean adults who underwent hepatitis B serologic markers, as a part of health examination. Liver-related and liver cancer mortality were determined using the National Death Records. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 9.0 years (interquartile range, 5.5-13.7 years), 554 liver-related deaths were identified (liver-related mortality, 9.6 cases per 10 5 person-years). The prevalence of isolated anti-HBc positivity was 3.8% (n = 23,399) and was age-dependent. After adjustment for age, sex, and other confounders, hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for liver-related mortality in isolated anti-HBc-positive and hepatitis B surface antigen-positive subjects compared with HBV-unexposed subjects were 1.69 (1.22-2.33) and 27.02 (21.45-34.04), respectively. These associations were pronounced in the analyses using liver cancer mortality as an outcome. Among isolated anti-HBc-positive patients, the risks of liver-related and liver cancer mortality were significantly higher in those with high fibrosis-4 scores compared with patients unexposed to HBV with the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of 15.59 (9.21-26.37) and 72.66 (36.96-142.86), respectively. DISCUSSION: In this cohort of Korean adults, isolated anti-HBc positivity was associated with an increased risk of liver-related and liver cancer mortality, especially when accompanied by a high fibrosis score. Isolated anti-HBc positivity may be an independent risk factor for liver-related outcomes, especially in high-endemic areas.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and risk of incident young-onset hypertension: Effect modification by sex.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hypertension are increasingly common among young adults, it is uncertain if NAFLD affects incidence of young-onset hypertension, and if the association is modified by sex. We investigated potential effect modification by sex on the association between NAFLD and incident hypertension in young adults (<40 years). METHOD AND RESULTS: This cohort study comprised 85,789 women and 67,553 men aged <40 years without hypertension at baseline. Hepatic steatosis was assessed by liver ultrasound and classified as mild or moderate/severe. Hypertension was defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥130/80 mmHg; self-reported history of physician-diagnosed hypertension; or current use of BP-lowering medications. Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs; 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for incident hypertension by NAFLD status (median follow-up 4.5 years). A total of 25,891 participants developed incident hypertension (incidence rates per 103 person-years: 15.6 for women and 63.5 for men). Multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% CIs) for incident hypertension comparing no NAFLD (reference) with mild or moderate/severe NAFLD were 1.68 (1.56-1.80) and 1.83 (1.60-2.09) for women and 1.21 (1.17-1.25) and 1.23 (1.17-1.30) for men, respectively. Stronger associations were consistently observed between NAFLD and incident hypertension in women, regardless of obesity/central obesity (all p-values for interaction by sex <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NAFLD is a potential risk factor for young-onset hypertension with a relatively greater impact in women and in those with more severe hepatic steatosis.

Liver Fibrosis in Asians With Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate risk factors associated with liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 967 Korean patients with MAFLD involved a cohort from a health screening program during the years 2015-2018. The patients were classified into 4 MAFLD subgroups: group 1 (overweight). group 2 (obese), group 3 (lean/normal weight with metabolic abnormalities), and group 4 (diabetes). Liver fibrosis was assessed based on liver stiffness measurement (LSM) value using 2-dimensional real-time magnetic resonance elastography. We investigated differences in liver fibrosis according to MAFLD subgroup classification and determined the risk factors for significant fibrosis. RESULTS: The mean age was 50.8 years, and 869 (90%) patients were male. The mean value of LSM in magnetic resonance elastography was 2.48 ± 0.47 kPa. Significant fibrosis (LSM ≥2.97 kPa) was observed in 66 (6.8%) of 967 patients. The proportion of significant fibrosis in MAFLD group 1, group 2, group 3, and group 4 was 1.3%, 5.5%, 6.4%, and 18.9%, respectively (P < .001). Multivariable analysis indicated that the risk factors for significant fibrosis were serum ferritin ≥300 ng/mL (odds ratio [OR], 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-3.49; P = .023), Fibrosis-4 ≥1.3 (OR, 2.97; 95% CI, 1.68-5.24; P < .001), homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance ≥2.0 (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 1.25-5.43; P = .011), metabolic syndrome (OR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.31-4.88; P = .006), and MAFLD group 4 (OR, 6.93; 95% CI, 1.96-24.51; P = .003). However, the etiology of liver disease was not statistically associated with liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Liver fibrosis in patients with MAFLD varies according to subgroup classification based on diabetes, body mass index, and metabolic risk factors.

Liver fibrosis scores and risk of liver-related mortality in young adults with chronic hepatitis B: A cohort study.

The predictive role of noninvasive liver fibrosis scores on liver-related mortality in patients with chronic hepatitis B below 40 years of age remains unclarified. We examined the association of liver fibrosis scores with liver-related mortality in young (<40 years) and older adults with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. A cohort study was performed in 21,360 HBsAg-positive Korean adults without liver cirrhosis or liver cancer at baseline who were followed up for up to 18 years. The liver fibrosis scores were determined using the fibrosis-4 score (FIB-4) and aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index (APRI). Patients' vital status and cause of death were ascertained through the National Death Records. During a median follow-up of 10.2 years, 283 liver-related deaths were identified (liver-related mortality, 127.4/105 person-years). The liver fibrosis scores were significantly associated with increased risks of liver-related mortality; this association did not differ by age group (<40 vs. ≥40 years). The multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for liver-related mortality comparing intermediate and high to low FIB-4 scores were 4.23 (1.99-9.00), and 15.16 (5.18-44.38), respectively, among individuals under 40, and 4.46 (3.03-6.56) and 22.47 (15.11-33.41), respectively, among older individuals. These associations were similar in analyses using APRI. In this cohort of HBsAg-positive individuals, the liver fibrosis scores were associated with increased risks of liver-related mortality in young and older adults. The liver fibrosis scores have a role in predicting liver mortality, even in young adults with HBV.

Fasting Ketonuria and the Risk of Incident Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease With and Without Liver Fibrosis in Nondiabetic Adults.

INTRODUCTION: Dietary carbohydrate restriction or ketogenic diets are known to be beneficial in preventing liver fat accumulation. However, the effect of ketonemia on the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in nondiabetic population is largely unknown. We investigated the association between fasting ketonuria and the risk of incident NAFLD in healthy adults. METHODS: A cohort of 153,076 nondiabetic Koreans with no hepatic steatosis and low probability of fibrosis at baseline was followed for a median of 4.1 years. The outcome was incident hepatic steatosis with or without liver fibrosis, and it was assessed by liver ultrasound and noninvasive fibrosis indices, including fibrosis-4 and the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). Parametric proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for outcome according to ketonuria status. RESULTS: Within 677,702.1 person-years of follow-up, 31,079 subjects developed hepatic steatosis. Compared with no ketonuria (reference), fasting ketonuria was significantly associated with a decreased risk of incident hepatic steatosis, with multivariable-adjusted HRs (95% confidence interval) of 0.81 (0.78-0.84). The corresponding HRs for incident hepatic steatosis with intermediate-to-high NFS were 0.79 (0.69-0.90). Similar associations were observed replacing NFS with fibrosis-4. In addition, the presence of persistent ketonuria at both baseline and subsequent visit was associated with the greatest decrease in the adjusted HR for incident NAFLD. DISCUSSION: Ketonuria was associated with a reduced risk of developing incident hepatic steatosis with and without intermediate-to-high probability of advanced fibrosis in a large cohort of nondiabetic healthy individuals. The role of hyperketonemia in the prevention of NAFLD requires further exploration.

Constraint-induced intervention as an emergent phenomenon from synaptic competition in biological systems.

The principle of constraint-induced therapy is widely practiced in rehabilitation. In hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP) with impaired contralateral corticospinal projection due to unilateral injury, function improves after imposing a temporary constraint on limbs from the less affected hemisphere. This type of partially-reversible impairment in motor control by early brain injury bears a resemblance to the experience-dependent plastic acquisition and modification of neuronal response selectivity in the visual cortex. Previously, such mechanism was modeled within the framework of BCM (Bienenstock-Cooper-Munro) theory, a rate-based synaptic modification theory. Here, we demonstrate a minimally complex yet sufficient neural network model which provides a fundamental explanation for inter-hemispheric competition using a simplified spike-based model of information transmission and plasticity. We emulate the restoration of function in hemiplegic CP by simulating the competition between cells of the ipsilateral and contralateral corticospinal tracts. We use a high-speed hardware neural simulation to provide realistic numbers of spikes and realistic magnitudes of synaptic modification. We demonstrate that the phenomenon of constraint-induced partial reversal of hemiplegia can be modeled by simplified neural descending tracts with 2 layers of spiking neurons and synapses with spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP). We further demonstrate that persistent hemiplegia following unilateral cortical inactivation or deprivation is predicted by the STDP-based model but is inconsistent with BCM model. Although our model is a highly simplified and limited representation of the corticospinal system, it offers an explanation of how constraint as an intervention can help the system to escape from a suboptimal solution. This is a display of an emergent phenomenon from the synaptic competition.

Use of cyclooxygenase inhibitor and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B: A nested case-control study using a nationwide population-based data.

The study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of COX inhibitors and the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) using a nationwide population-based data. A nested case-control study was conducted using the National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort (NHIS-NSC) from 2002 to 2013 in Korea. We compared the use of COX inhibitors between HCC cases and matched controls by categorizing 5 groups according to the cumulative defined daily dose (cDDD, <28, 28-90, 91-180, 181-360, and >360) adjusting the use of antiviral agents. A total of 4980 patients with CHB were analysed as 996 HCC cases and 3984 matched controls. The number of COX inhibitor users (≥28 cDDD) was 358 patients (36%) and 1814 patients (45%) in the HCC group and control group, respectively. The use of COX inhibitors was significantly associated with a decreased risk of HCC development compared with nonusers (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.52-0.73, P < .001). There was a dose-dependent inverse relationship between the use of COX inhibitors and the risk of HCC. The adjusted ORs were 0.75 (95% CI: 0.63-0.90), 0.41 (95% CI: 0.31-0.56), 0.38 (95% CI: 0.25-0.57) and 0.49 (95% CI: 0.31-0.79) for the 28-90, 91-180, 181-360 and >360 cDDDs, respectively (P < .01). In conclusion, the use of COX inhibitors was associated with a reduced risk of HCC in CHB. COX inhibitor may have a chemopreventive role in HCC development in patients with chronic liver disease.

Long-term hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) kinetics during entecavir treatment in Korean patients-Functional cure unlikely.

The aim of this study was to investigate the on-treatment kinetics of quantitative HBsAg during entecavir therapy to predict the treatment period needed to achieve functional cure. From a cohort of 1009 CHB treatment-naïve patients who were started on entecavir, the kinetics of quantitative HBsAg decline was assessed in 410 patients by a linear mixed model. The difference in the kinetics of quantitative HBsAg was determined based on the HBeAg positivity, HBeAg seroclearance and presence of baseline liver cirrhosis. Among the 410 patients, 213 patients (52.0%) were HBeAg-positive and 217 patients (66.1%) were male with a median age of 48 years. During a median follow-up of 53.5 months, the quantitative HBsAg level showed a slow but consistent decrease. The expected log qHBsAg levels as a function of time during entecavir treatment in HBeAg(+) and HBeAg(-) patients were 3.4773-0.0039 × Months and 3.1853-0.0036 × Months, respectively. The estimated time to clearance of quantitative HBsAg in our study was greater than 74.1 years in HBeAg-positive patients and 73.5 years in HBeAg-negative patients. The calculated time to achieve functional cure is lifelong without regard to HBeAg seroclearance or presence of liver cirrhosis. The mathematical modelling from a long-term follow-up of chronic hepatitis B patients on entecavir shows that HBsAg clearance requires decades of treatment. Thus, lifelong therapy is inevitable in entecavir-treated patients to achieve functional cure.

Comparative efficacy of bariatric endoscopic procedures in the treatment of morbid obesity: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The comparative efficacy of bariatric endoscopic procedures has not been completely elucidated. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of bariatric endoscopic procedures. METHODS: We searched for randomized controlled trials investigating the efficacy of bariatric endoscopic procedures, including the use of an intragastric balloon, duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL), aspiration therapy, primary obesity surgery endoluminal (POSE) procedure, and botulinum toxin injection to the stomach. Network meta-analyses were performed to determine the percentage of weight loss (%weight loss) and percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL). RESULTS: 22 studies with 2141 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Most endoscopic procedures showed superior efficacy in terms of %weight loss compared with the control (mean difference [MD] [95 % confidence interval (CI)]: aspiration therapy 10.4 % [7.0 % to 13.7 %]; fluid-filled balloon 5.3 % [3.4 % to 7.2 %]; POSE 4.9 % [1.7 % to 8.2 %]; and DJBL 4.5 % [1.4 % to 7.7 %]). In terms of %EWL, aspiration therapy, fluid-filled balloon, POSE, and DJBL were superior to the control (MD [95 %CI]: 27.3 % [15.3 % to 39.3 %]; 22.4 % [15.4 % to 29.4 %]; 15.3 % [2.5 % to 28.0 %]; and 13.0 % [4.9 % to 21.2], respectively). The gas-filled balloon and botulinum toxin injection did not show a significant difference in %weight loss or %EWL compared with the control. For the fluid-filled balloon, the %EWL and %weight loss tended to decrease after balloon removal at 6 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: All bariatric endoscopic procedures, except for gas-filled balloon and botulinum toxin injection to the stomach, showed superior short-term efficacy in terms of %weight loss or %EWL compared with lifestyle modification.

Effect of acute kidney injury on long-term outcomes of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients using the International Club of Ascites-acute kidney injury criteria.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute kidney injury (AKI) on long-term mortality of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) in cirrhotic patients using International Club of Ascites (ICA)-AKI criteria. METHODS: A total of 157 cirrhotic patients with a first episode of SBP between 2007 and 2016 were analyzed. We investigated the long-term mortality with related risk factors of SBP in cirrhosis including the ICA-AKI criteria. The ICA-AKI stage at SBP diagnosis is evaluated by stages 0-3. Stage progression was defined as a progression of AKI to a higher stage. RESULTS: The ICA-AKI stage at the diagnosis of SBP was stage 0 in 91 (58%), stage 1 in 33 (21%), stage 2 in 19 (12%), and stage 3 in 14 patients (9%). Stage progression within 48 h after SBP diagnosis was noted in 18 patients (12%). Multivariable analysis showed that the risk factors for overall survival were age ≥ 60 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.74, P = 0.029), serum sodium ≤ 130 mmol/L (HR 1.3, P = 0.017), ICA-AKI stage 1 (HR 2.51, P = 0.003), ICA-AKI stage 2 or 3 (HR 3.36, P < 0.001), and stage progression at 48 h after SBP diagnosis (HR 2.57, P = 0.004). The differences in overall survival using the ICA-AKI in patients without AKI using the conventional criteria were significantly different (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Acute kidney injury and its progression are significant risk factors for mortality in cirrhotic patients with SBP. The application of the ICA-AKI criteria is important and advantageous for early evaluation and intervention for a better prognosis in cirrhotic patients with SBP.

Sorafenib therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with extrahepatic spread: treatment outcome and prognostic factors.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Sorafenib is recommended as the treatment of choice for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with extrahepatic spread (EHS). However, early discontinuation of sorafenib treatment is not uncommon because of adverse events, deterioration of liver function and/or performance. This study aimed to investigate the treatment outcome and prognostic factors of sorafenib treatment in HCC patients with EHS in which sorafenib was administered for at least 8 weeks. METHODS: From May 2007 to December 2012, a total of 254 HCC patients with EHS were treated with sorafenib monotherapy for at least 8 weeks. The treatment outcome, risk factors for disease progression, and overall survival were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The median duration of radiologic progression and overall survival after sorafenib was 2.5 and 9.6 months, respectively. Prognostic factors for radiologic progression were intrahepatic tumor with macrovascular invasion (MVI) (hazard ratio (HR) 2.38, p<0.001), intrahepatic tumor without MVI (HR 2.37, p<0.001), age <60 years (HR 1.44, p=0.008), peritoneal involvement (HR 1.57, p=0.03), and underlying hepatitis B (HR 1.46, p=0.05). Prognostic factors for overall survival were lack of disease control with sorafenib (HR 2.98, p<0.001), intrahepatic tumor with MVI (HR 2.23, p<0.001), intrahepatic tumor without MVI (HR 1.70, p=0.003), Child-Pugh class B (HR 1.90, p=0.009), serum AFP ⩾200ng/ml (HR 1.45, p=0.009), and ALT ⩾40U/L (HR 1.34, p=0.041). In patients with chronic hepatitis B, the use of antiviral treatment was associated with favorable overall survival after sorafenib therapy (HR 0.64, p=0.003). CONCLUSION: Sorafenib prolonged survival in HCC patients with EHS who achieved disease control. Intrahepatic tumor is a poor prognostic factor for both disease progression and overall survival in HCC patients with EHS treated with sorafenib.

Lactobacillus paracasei Induces M2-Dominant Kupffer Cell Polarization in a Mouse Model of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gut microbiota may be associated with the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aimed to investigate the protective effects and possible mechanisms of Lactobacillus paracasei on NASH. METHODS: Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into three groups and maintained for 10 weeks: control group (standard chow), NASH model group (high fat + 10 % fructose diet), and the L. paracasei group (NASH model with L. paracasei). Liver histology, serum aminotransferase levels, and hepatic gene expression levels were measured. Intestinal permeability was investigated using urinary (51)Creatinine Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ((51)Cr-EDTA) clearance. Total Kupffer cell counts and their composition (M1 vs. M2 Kupffer cells) were measured using flow cytometry with F4/80 and CD206 antibodies. RESULTS: Hepatic fat deposition, serum ALT level, and (51)Cr-EDTA clearance were significantly lower in the L. paracasei group than the NASH group (p < 0.05). The L. paracasei group had lower expression in Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX-4), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin 4 (IL-4), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ), and PPAR-δ compared with the NASH group (p < 0.05). The total number of F4/80(+) Kupffer cells was lower in the L. paracasei group than the NASH group. L. paracasei induced the fraction of F4/80(+)CD206(+) cells (M2 Kupffer cells) while F4/80(+)CD206(-) cells (M1 Kupffer cells) were higher in the NASH group (F4/80(+)CD206(+) cell: 44% in NASH model group vs. 62% in L. paracasei group, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lactobacillus paracasei attenuates hepatic steatosis with M2-dominant Kupffer cell polarization in a NASH model.

Patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with oral antiviral therapy retain a higher risk for HCC compared with patients with inactive stage disease.

BACKGROUND: It is generally stated that oral antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) decreases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although oral nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) may induce a state similar to inactive stage CHB, the long-term risk for HCC in patients treated with NUCs compared with inactive CHB is unclear. METHODS: A total of 1378 patients who were treatment naïve and started NUC therapy and 1014 patients with inactive stage CHB who were HBeAg-negative and continuously had hepatitis B DNA <2000 IU/mL during follow-up were enrolled. The NUC group was divided into two groups by continuous viral suppression: NUC complete responder (CR) group and NUC incomplete responder (IR) group. Cumulative HCC incidence rates were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The risk of developing HCC was significantly higher in the NUC CR group compared with the inactive CHB group, regardless of the presence of baseline liver cirrhosis (p<0.001). Risk factors associated with the development of HCC were treatment groups (p<0.001), age (p<0.001), sex (p<0.001) and the presence of liver cirrhosis at baseline (p=0.005). Of the NUC group, the cumulative incidence of HCC in the NUC IR group was significantly higher compared with the NUC CR group (p=0.028). CONCLUSIONS: The use of potent oral antiviral therapy can effectively suppress HBV replication in patients with CHB. However, the risk of HCC development in patients treated with oral antiviral agent is still significantly higher than patients with inactive stage CHB.

HBV DNA and HBsAg levels as risk predictors of early and late recurrence after curative resection of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that high hepatitis B virus (HBV) load is associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). The aim of our study was to investigate the predictive role of HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels in early and late recurrence of HCC after curative resection in patients with HBV-related HCC. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2010, a total of 248 patients underwent curative resection for HBV-related early-stage HCC (solitary tumor; < 5 cm in diameter or multinodular tumor; number of tumors ≤ 3 and diameter < 3 cm). We analyzed the predictive factors including HBV DNA and HBsAg levels for early recurrence (within 2 years) and late recurrence (after 2 years) of HCC after curative resection. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 33.3 months. Cumulative recurrence rates after resection at 1, 3, and 5 years were 16.6, 34.0, and 46.7 %, respectively. The multivariate analysis showed that risk factors for early recurrence were the presence of microvascular invasion (hazard ratio [HR] 3.86; p < 0.001), preoperative HBV DNA levels ≥ 20,000 IU/mL (HR 2.77; p < 0.001), and des-γ-carboxy prothrombin level ≥ 40 mAU/mL (HR 1.76; p = 0.045). Although, the risk factors for late recurrence by multivariate analysis were preoperative HBsAg levels ≥ 4,000 IU/mL (HR 2.80; p = 0.023) and age at resection ≥ 50 years (HR 3.22; p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: The HBV DNA levels were associated with early recurrence, whereas HBsAg levels were associated with late recurrence after curative resection in HBV-related HCC.

The feasibility of combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Sorafenib is regarded as the standard treatment of care in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C patients. However, the modest overall survival (OS) and disease control rate warrants for a better treatment modality. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy (TACE+RT) in comparison with sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS AND MATERIALS: From 2007 to 2011, a total of 116 patients with locally advanced HCC were retrospectively enrolled. Sixty-seven patients treated with TACE+RT were compared with 49 patients treated with sorafenib. Propensity score matching generated a matched cohort composed of 27 patients from each group. OS was the primary endpoint for the analysis. RESULTS: At baseline, the sorafenib group had a tendency for a tumour size ≥10 cm, presence of lymph node metastasis and main portal vein tumour thrombosis compared to the TACE+RT group. The OS in the TACE+RT group was significantly longer compared to the sorafenib group (14.1 months vs. 3.3 months, P < 0.001). In the propensity score-matched cohort, baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The TACE+RT group showed prolonged OS compared to the sorafenib group (6.7 months vs. 3.1 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that TACE+RT was the only independent prognostic factor associated with survival in the propensity score-matched cohort (HR = 0.172, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The OS of TACE+RT was longer compared to sorafenib treatment in locally advanced HCC patients without distant metastasis. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.

Mast cell number, substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea.

BACKGROUND: Recent studies have shown that mast cells play an important role in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We investigated the relationship between mast cells and the gut hormones substance P and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (IBS-D). METHODS: Colonoscopic biopsies were performed on the rectal mucosa of 43 subjects (IBS-D patients: 22, healthy volunteers: 21) diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria. Mast cells, and substance P & VIP were evaluated by quantitative immunohistology and image analysis. Mast cells were counted as tryptase-positive cells in the lamina propria, and substance P and VIP levels were expressed as percentages of total areas of staining. RESULTS: Mast cell counts were higher in IBS-D patients than healthy volunteers (9.6 ± 3.3 vs. 5.7 ± 2.5/high power field (HPF), p < 0.01). Substance P was also elevated (0.11 ± 0.08% vs. 0.03 ± 0.02 %, p < 0.01) while VIP was only high in women with IBS-D. Mast cell counts were positively correlated with levels of substance P & VIP in women but not men (women: r = 0.625, p < 0.01 for substance P and r = 0.651, p < 0.01 for VIP). However, mast cell counts were not correlated with IBS symptoms including abdominal pain. CONCLUSION: Mast cells are activated leading to the raised levels of substance P & VIP in IBS-D patients. However, the correlation between mast cells and levels of substance P & VIP differs according to gender.

Predisposing factors for recurrence of HBV-related small hepatocellular carcinoma after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation.

BACKGROUND. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as a curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is widely used. The aim of this study was to investigate predisposing factors for HCC recurrence in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related small HCC after RFA. METHods. A total of 170 patients underwent percutaneous RFA for HBV-related small HCC (≤3 cm in diameter) from January 2008 to December 2010 at Samsung Medical Center. We analyzed the risk factors for recurrence of HCC after RFA. RESULTS. The median follow-up duration was 27.0 months. A total of 89 patients (52%) experienced recurrence after percutaneous RFA. Cumulative recurrence-free rates after RFA at 1-, 3-, and 5 years were 81.3%, 47.2% and 35.7%, respectively. Univariate analysis showed that predisposing factors for HCC recurrence were the multinodularity (hazard ratio (HR) 2.22, p = 0.005), pre-RFA HBV DNA levels ≥2000 IU/mL (HR 1.61, p = 0.025), and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer stage A (HR 1.54, p = 0.046). The independent risk factors for recurrence by multivariate analysis were the multinodularity (HR 1.94, p = 0.026) and pre-RFA HBV DNA levels ≥2000 IU/mL (HR 1.57, p = 0.039). CONCLUSION. Multinodularity and HBV DNA levels were associated with the recurrence of HBV-related small HCC after RFA.

Effect of multispecies probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The efficacy of treatment with multispecies probiotics on irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms and the alterations of gut microbiota in patients who have taken probiotics were investigated. METHODS: This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involved 49 IBS patients (probiotics: 25, placebo: 24) diagnosed according to the Rome III criteria. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups: either to receive multispecies probiotics (a mixture of Bifidobacterium longum, B. bifidum, B. lactis, Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. rhamnosus, and Streptococcus thermophilus) twice a day for 4 weeks or to receive a placebo twice a day for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy end-point was the proportion of participants whose IBS symptoms were substantially relieved at week 4. Secondary end-points were the intensity of abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, stool frequency/consistency, alterations in fecal microflora over the 4 weeks. Fecal microflora were analyzed in 34 patients (probiotics: 17, placebo: 17) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays. RESULTS: The proportion of patients whose IBS symptoms were substantially relieved at week 4 was significantly higher in the probiotics group than in the placebo group: 68.0% (17/25) versus 37.5% (9/24) (P < 0.05). Secondary end-points such as improvement in abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating occurred in the probiotics group but not in the placebo group. Fecal analysis revealed that B. lactis, L. rhamnosus, and S. thermophilus had increased significantly in the probiotics group after 4 weeks and that B. lactis had increased in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Multispecies probiotics are effective in IBS patients and induce the alterations in the composition of intestinal microbiota.

Relationship of liver stiffness and controlled attenuation parameter measured by transient elastography with diabetes mellitus in patients with chronic liver disease.

High prevalence of diabetes mellitus in patients with liver cirrhosis has been reported in many studies. The aim of our study was to evaluate the relationship of hepatic fibrosis and steatosis assessed by transient elastography with diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease. The study population consisted of 979 chronic liver disease patients. Liver fibrosis and steatosis were assessed by liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) on transient elastography. Diabetes was diagnosed in 165 (16.9%) of 979 patients. The prevalence of diabetes had significant difference among the etiologies of chronic liver disease. Higher degrees of liver fibrosis and steatosis, assessed by LSM and CAP score, showed higher prevalence of diabetes (F0/1 [14%], F2/3 [18%], F4 [31%], P<0.001; S0/1 [15%], S2 [17%], S3 [26%], P=0.021). Multivariate analysis showed that the independent predictive risk factors for diabetes were hypertension (OR, 1.98; P=0.001), LSM F4 (OR, 1.86; P=0.010), male gender (OR, 1.60; P=0.027), and age>50 yr (OR, 1.52; P=0.046). The degree of hepatic fibrosis but not steatosis assessed by transient elastography has significant relationship with the prevalence of diabetes in patients with chronic liver disease.