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1.
Medicine (Baltimore) ; 103(28): e38831, 2024 Jul 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38996156

ABSTRACT

Cirrhosis is a chronic liver disease with severe consequences for a patient's health and survival. Exercise is an essential therapeutic strategy for both cirrhosis prevention and treatment. On the other hand, information regarding the present status of exercise-related research in cirrhosis is limited. Therefore, this study seeks to close the information gap in the scientific literature by using bibliometric techniques to analyze the trends, focal points, and cutting-edge research areas on exercise and cirrhosis. On September 22, 2023, research articles and reviews on exercise intervention for cirrhosis were obtained and downloaded from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Subsequently, we employed CiteSpace (version 6.1.R6) to conduct bibliometric and knowledge graph analyses. 588 papers in 301 scholarly journals were written by 673 authors from 460 institutions spread over 63 countries and regions. The most productive nation among them is the United States. Not only is Zobair M. Younossi 1 of the most prolific writers, but he also receives the most co-citations. Most articles were published by the University of Michigan in the US, with the University of Alberta in Canada coming in second. Meanwhile, the WORLD JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY has the most published articles, whereas HEPATOLOGY has the greatest number of co-citations. Apart from the theme words, the most frequently utilized keywords were "quality of life," "insulin resistance," and "mortality." Future research may concentrate on "obesity," "sarcopenia," and "Mediterranean diet," according to the analysis of keyword emergence. CiteSpace is used in this work to visually represent the topic of exercise intervention in cirrhosis, offering valuable information to researchers regarding the field's current status and possible future direction.


Subject(s)
Bibliometrics , Exercise Therapy , Liver Cirrhosis , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Exercise Therapy/methods , Exercise Therapy/statistics & numerical data , Biomedical Research/trends
2.
World J Gastroenterol ; 30(23): 2954-2958, 2024 Jun 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38946869

ABSTRACT

The Baveno VII criteria redefine the management of decompensated liver cirrhosis, introducing the concept of hepatic recompensation marking a significant departure from the conventional view of irreversible decline. Central to this concept is addressing the underlying cause of cirrhosis through tailored therapies, including antivirals and lifestyle modifications. Studies on alcohol, hepatitis C virus, and hepatitis B virus-related cirrhosis demonstrate the efficacy of these interventions in improving liver function and patient outcomes. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) emerges as a promising intervention, effectively resolving complications of portal hypertension and facilitating recompensation. However, optimal timing and patient selection for TIPS remain unresolved. Despite challenges, TIPS offers renewed hope for hepatic recompensation, marking a significant advancement in cirrhosis management. Further research is needed to refine its implementation and maximize its benefits. In conclusion, TIPS stands as a promising avenue for improving hepatic function and patient outcomes in decompensated liver cirrhosis within the framework of the Baveno VII criteria.


Subject(s)
Hypertension, Portal , Liver Cirrhosis , Patient Selection , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/virology , Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Portasystemic Shunt, Transjugular Intrahepatic/methods , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Hypertension, Portal/diagnosis , Hypertension, Portal/therapy , Treatment Outcome , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Liver/surgery
3.
Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi ; 32(6): 489-492, 2024 Jun 20.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38964889

ABSTRACT

Thrombocytopenia is one of the common complications of cirrhotic patients, which can induce an increasing bleeding risk and closely correlate with bleeding following invasive procedures. Consequently, how to respond to thrombocytopenia is crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. This article reviews the main mechanisms of cirrhosis concurrent with thrombocytopenia, as well as the corresponding clinical management strategies.


Subject(s)
Liver Cirrhosis , Thrombocytopenia , Humans , Thrombocytopenia/therapy , Thrombocytopenia/etiology , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy
4.
Zhonghua Gan Zang Bing Za Zhi ; 32(6): 504-507, 2024 Jun 20.
Article in Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38964892

ABSTRACT

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common concomitant disease in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes. Therefore, T2DM/NAFLD patient populations are at high risk for cardiovascular disease. The occurrence and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related liver fibrosis and cardiovascular disease have a severe impact on the patient's prognosis and mortality rate. The American Diabetes Association's 2024 "Guidelines for the Standardized Management of Diabetes" put forward recommendations relevant to the screening, evaluation, treatment, and management of NAFLD in T2DM and prediabetic populations, as well as liver fibrosis. The important measures for decelerating liver inflammation and fibrosis progression and the risk of cardiovascular disease are based on improvements in lifestyle methods, weight loss, and blood sugar control.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/therapy , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/complications , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnosis , Humans , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/therapy , United States , Prediabetic State/therapy , Prediabetic State/diagnosis , Prediabetic State/complications , Cardiovascular Diseases/prevention & control , Cardiovascular Diseases/etiology , Cardiovascular Diseases/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/diagnosis
5.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 15099, 2024 07 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38956264

ABSTRACT

Liver fibrosis is a hallmark of chronic liver disease which could lead to liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. However, there is currently lack of a direct treatment for liver fibrosis. Boiling histotripsy (BH) is an emerging non-invasive high-intensity focused ultrasound technique that can be employed to mechanically destruct solid tumour at the focus via acoustic cavitation without significant adverse effect on surrounding tissue. Here, we investigated whether BH can mechanically fractionate liver fibrotic tissue thereby exhibiting an anti-fibrotic effect in an animal model of liver fibrosis. BH-treated penumbra and its identical lobe showed reduced liver fibrosis, accompanied by increased hepatocyte specific marker expression, compared to the BH-untreated lobe. Furthermore, BH treatment improved serological liver function markers without notable adverse effects. The ability of BH to reduce fibrosis and promote liver regeneration in liver fibrotic tissue suggests that BH could potentially be an effective and reliable therapeutic approach against liver fibrosis.


Subject(s)
Disease Models, Animal , High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation , Liver Cirrhosis , Animals , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation/methods , Male , Liver Regeneration , Liver/pathology , Liver/metabolism , Mice , Rats
6.
Sci Transl Med ; 16(757): eadg0338, 2024 Jul 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39047116

ABSTRACT

Donor organ shortages for transplantation remain a serious global concern, and alternative treatment is in high demand. Fetal cells and tissues have considerable therapeutic potential as, for example, organoid technology that uses human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to generate unlimited human fetal-like cells and tissues. We previously reported the in vivo vascularization of early fetal liver-like hiPSC-derived liver buds (LBs) and subsquent improved survival of recipient mice with subacute liver failure. Here, we show hiPSC-liver organoids (LOs) that recapitulate midgestational fetal liver promote de novo liver generation when grafted onto the surface of host livers in chemical fibrosis models, thereby recovering liver function. We found that fetal liver, a hematopoietic tissue, highly expressed macrophage-recruiting factors and antifibrotic M2 macrophage polarization factors compared with the adult liver, resulting in fibrosis reduction because of CD163+ M2-macrophage polarization. Next, we created midgestational fetal liver-like hiPSC-LOs by fusion of hiPSC-LBs to induce static cell-cell interactions and found that these contained complex structures such as hepatocytes, vasculature, and bile ducts after transplantation. This fusion allowed the generation of a large human tissue suitable for transplantation into immunodeficient rodent models of liver fibrosis. hiPSC-LOs showed superior liver function compared with hiPSC-LBs and improved survival and liver function upon transplantation. In addition, hiPSC-LO transplantation ameliorated chemically induced liver fibrosis, a symptom of liver cirrhosis that leads to organ dysfunction, through immunomodulatory effects, particularly on CD163+ phagocytic M2-macrophage polarization. Together, our results suggest hiPSC-LO transplantation as a promising therapeutic option for liver fibrosis.


Subject(s)
Immunomodulation , Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells , Liver Cirrhosis , Liver , Organoids , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Animals , Liver/pathology , Macrophages , Liver Transplantation , Mice
7.
Hepatol Commun ; 8(8)2024 Aug 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39037370

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is an emerging focus in health care, and specialized programs may reduce medical costs, supplement in-office visits, and improve patient satisfaction. In this study, we describe the development, feasibility, and early outcomes of an RPM program for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. METHODS: Forty-six patients were offered enrollment at the time of hospital discharge in the cirrhosis RPM program (CiRPM), of which 41 completed at least 30 days of monitoring. Participants were mailed remote monitoring equipment and a tablet to be used for patient-reported outcomes. Alerts were continuously monitored by virtual nursing staff who could perform targeted interventions. A cohort of historical controls (n = 74) was created for comparison using inverse probability of treatment weighting. RESULTS: Patients were enrolled in the program for a mean of 83.9 days, with 28 (68%) completing the full 90-day program. Participants uploaded vital signs and responded to symptom-based questionnaires on 93% of the monitored days. On end-of-program surveys, over 75% of patients expressed satisfaction with the program. Gender, age, and MELD-Na were similar between CiRPM and weighted control groups. The 90-day readmission rate was 34% in CiRPM and 47% in weighted controls. In the CiRPM group, 12% of subjects had 2 or more admissions, compared to 37% in the weighted control group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility of a cirrhosis-specific RPM program. Overall, patient satisfaction and utilization of the CiRPM was high. Future studies are needed to confirm the impact of RPM on the reduction of hospital readmissions in decompensated cirrhosis.


Subject(s)
Liver Cirrhosis , Patient Satisfaction , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Male , Female , Middle Aged , Feasibility Studies , Aged , Telemedicine , Monitoring, Physiologic/methods , Patient Reported Outcome Measures , Adult , Patient Readmission/statistics & numerical data
8.
J Zhejiang Univ Sci B ; 25(7): 594-604, 2024 May 17.
Article in English, Chinese | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39011679

ABSTRACT

Liver fibrosis is a significant health burden, marked by the consistent deposition of collagen. Unfortunately, the currently available treatment approaches for this condition are far from optimal. Lysyl oxidase-like protein 2 (LOXL2) secreted by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a crucial player in the cross-linking of matrix collagen and is a significant target for treating liver fibrosis. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) have been proposed as a potential treatment option for chronic liver disorders. Previous studies have found that MSC-sEV can be used for microRNA delivery into target cells or tissues. It is currently unclear whether microRNA-4465 (miR-4465) can target LOXL2 and inhibit HSC activation. Additionally, it is uncertain whether MSC-sEV can be utilized as a gene therapy vector to carry miR-4465 and effectively inhibit the progression of liver fibrosis. This study explored the effect of miR-4465-modified MSC-sEV (MSC-sEVmiR-4465) on LOXL2 expression and liver fibrosis development. The results showed that miR-4465 can bind specifically to the promoter of the LOXL2 gene in HSC. Moreover, MSC-sEVmiR-4465 inhibited HSC activation and collagen expression by downregulating LOXL2 expression in vitro. MSC-sEVmiR-4465 injection could reduce HSC activation and collagen deposition in the CCl4-induced mouse model. MSC-sEVmiR-4465 mediating via LOXL2 also hindered the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells. In conclusion, we found that MSC-sEV can deliver miR-4465 into HSC to alleviate liver fibrosis via altering LOXL2, which might provide a promising therapeutic strategy for liver diseases.


Subject(s)
Amino Acid Oxidoreductases , Extracellular Vesicles , Hepatic Stellate Cells , Liver Cirrhosis , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , MicroRNAs , Amino Acid Oxidoreductases/genetics , Amino Acid Oxidoreductases/metabolism , Animals , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , MicroRNAs/genetics , MicroRNAs/metabolism , Mice , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism , Liver Cirrhosis/genetics , Extracellular Vesicles/metabolism , Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism , Male , Humans , Mice, Inbred C57BL
9.
Int Immunopharmacol ; 138: 112554, 2024 Sep 10.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38968861

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Human placental mesenchymal stromal cells (hPMSCs) are known to limit graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). CD8+CD122+PD-1+Tregs have been shown to improve the survival of GVHD mice. However, the regulatory roles of hPMSCs in this subgroup remain unclear. Here, the regulatory mechanism of hPMSCs in reducing liver fibrosis in GVHD mice by promoting CD8+CD122+PD-1+Tregs formation and controlling the balance of IL-6 and IL-10 were explored. METHODS: A GVHD mouse model was constructed using C57BL/6J and BALB/c mice and treated with hPMSCs. LX-2 cells were explored to study the effects of IL-6 and IL-10 on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The percentage of CD8+CD122+PD-1+Tregs and IL-10 secretion were determined using FCM. Changes in hepatic tissue were analysed by HE, Masson, multiple immunohistochemical staining and ELISA, and the effects of IL-6 and IL-10 on LX-2 cells were detected using western blotting. RESULTS: hPMSCs enhanced CD8+CD122+PD-1+Treg formation via the CD73/Foxo1 and promoted IL-10, p53, and MMP-8 levels, but inhibited IL-6, HLF, α-SMA, Col1α1, and Fn levels in the liver of GVHD mice through CD73. Positive and negative correlations of IL-6 and IL-10 between HLF were found in liver tissue, respectively. IL-6 upregulated HLF, α-SMA, and Col1α1 expression via JAK2/STAT3 pathway, whereas IL-10 upregulated p53 and inhibited α-SMA and Col1α1 expression in LX-2 cells by activating STAT3. CONCLUSIONS: hPMSCs promoted CD8+CD122+PD-1+Treg formation and IL-10 secretion but inhibited HSCs activation and α-SMA and Col1α1 expression by CD73, thus controlling the balance of IL-6 and IL-10, and alleviating liver injury in GVHD mice.


Subject(s)
Forkhead Box Protein O1 , Graft vs Host Disease , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory , Animals , Female , Humans , Mice , Pregnancy , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology , CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism , Disease Models, Animal , Forkhead Box Protein O1/metabolism , Graft vs Host Disease/immunology , Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism , Hepatic Stellate Cells/immunology , Interleukin-10/metabolism , Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha Subunit/metabolism , Interleukin-6/metabolism , Liver/pathology , Liver/immunology , Liver/metabolism , Liver Cirrhosis/immunology , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/immunology , Mice, Inbred BALB C , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Placenta/cytology , Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology , T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/metabolism
10.
Stem Cell Res Ther ; 15(1): 199, 2024 Jul 06.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38971781

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMMSC)-based therapy has become a major focus for treating liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. However, although these cell therapies promote the treatment of this disease, the heterogeneity of BMMSCs, which causes insufficient efficacy during clinical trials, has not been addressed. In this study, we describe a novel Percoll-Plate-Wait procedure (PPWP) for the isolation of an active cell subset from BMMSC cultures that was characterized by the expression of neuroglial antigen 2 (NG2/BMMSCs). METHODS: By using the key method of PPWP and other classical biological techniques we compared NG2/BMMSCs with parental BMMSCs in biological and functional characteristics within a well-defined diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis injury male C57BL/6 mouse model also in a culture system. Of note, the pathological alterations in the model is quite similar to humans'. RESULTS: The NG2/BMMSCs revealed more advantages compared to parentalBMMSCs. They exhibited greater proliferation potential than parental BMMSCs, as indicated by Ki-67 immunofluorescence (IF) staining. Moreover, higher expression of SSEA-3 (a marker specific for embryonic stem cells) was detected in NG2/BMMSCs than in parental BMMSCs, which suggested that the "stemness" of NG2/BMMSCs was greater than that of parental BMMSCs. In vivo studies revealed that an injection of NG2/BMMSCs into mice with ongoing DEN-induced liver fibrotic/cirrhotic injury enhanced repair and functional recovery to a greater extent than in mice treated with parental BMMSCs. These effects were associated with the ability of NG2/BMMSCs to differentiate into bile duct cells (BDCs). In particular, we discovered for the first time that NG2/BMMSCs exhibit unique characteristics that differ from those of parental BMMSCs in terms of producing liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) to reconstruct injured blood vessels and sinusoidal structures in the diseased livers, which are important for initiating hepatocyte regeneration. This unique potential may also suggest that NG2/BMMSCs could be an novel off-liver progenitor of LSECs. Ex vivo studies revealed that the NG2/BMMSCs exhibited a similar trend to that of their in vivo in terms of functional differentiation responding to the DEN-diseased injured liver cues. Additionally, the obvious core role of NG2/BMMSCs in supporting the functions of BMMSCs in bile duct repair and BDC-mediated hepatocyte regeneration might also be a novel finding. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the PPWP-isolated NG2/BMMSCs could be a novel effective cell subset with increased purity to serve as a new therapeutic tool for enhancing treatment efficacy of BMMSCs and special seed cell source (BDCs, LSECs) also for bioliver engineering.


Subject(s)
Antigens , Liver Cirrhosis , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Mice, Inbred C57BL , Animals , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/chemically induced , Mice , Male , Antigens/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Proteoglycans/metabolism , Cell Differentiation , Cell Proliferation , Bone Marrow Cells/cytology , Bone Marrow Cells/metabolism , Cells, Cultured
11.
World J Gastroenterol ; 30(20): 2633-2637, 2024 May 28.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38855152

ABSTRACT

This editorial builds on the article titled "Establishment and validation of an adherence prediction system for lifestyle interventions in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease" by Zeng et al. We carried out a critical examination of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) pathogenesis and how lifestyle interventions could facilitate disease resolution, particularly highlighting that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of NAFLD. Our discussion details that weight loss is a pivotal factor in disease outcomes: A 3%-5% reduction is enough for resolution in 50% of non-obese individuals, while a 7%-10% reduction achieves similar benefits in obese individuals, as demonstrated by magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, the editorial underscores that such lifestyle changes are instrumental not only in resolving NAFLD but also in reversing hepatic steatosis and inflammation. These insights, derived from the research, emphasize the critical role of personalized lifestyle modifications in halting the progression of NAFLD to NASH and even reversing fibrosis, thus offering a template for effective patient management.


Subject(s)
Disease Progression , Life Style , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease , Weight Loss , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/therapy , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/diagnosis , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/etiology , Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/pathology , Humans , Obesity/diagnosis , Obesity/complications , Liver/pathology , Risk Reduction Behavior , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Treatment Outcome
12.
Sci Rep ; 14(1): 14848, 2024 06 27.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38937539

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of interventional embolization in cirrhotic patients with refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE) associated with large spontaneous portosystemic shunts (SPSS). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was employed to minimize potential bias. A total of 123 patients were included in this study (34 in the embolization group and 89 in the control group). In the unadjusted cohort, the embolization group demonstrated significantly better liver function, a larger total area of SPSS, and a higher percentage of patients with serum ammonia levels > 60 µmol/L and the presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (all P < 0.05). In the IPTW cohort, baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups (all P > 0.05). Patients in the embolization group exhibited significantly longer HE-free survival compared to the control group in both the unadjusted and IPTW cohorts (both P < 0.05). Subsequent subgroup analyses indicated that patients with serum ammonia level > 60 µmol/L, hepatopetal flow within the portal trunk, the presence of solitary SPSS, a baseline HE grade of II, and the absence of HCC at baseline showed statistically significant benefit from embolization treatment (all P < 0.05). No early procedural complications were observed in the embolization group. The incidence of long-term postoperative complications was comparable to that in the control group (all P > 0.05). Hence, interventional embolization appears to be a safe and effective treatment modality for cirrhotic patients with refractory HE associated with large SPSS. However, the benefits of embolization were discernible only in a specific subset of patients.


Subject(s)
Embolization, Therapeutic , Hepatic Encephalopathy , Liver Cirrhosis , Humans , Hepatic Encephalopathy/therapy , Hepatic Encephalopathy/etiology , Male , Female , Embolization, Therapeutic/methods , Middle Aged , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Aged , Treatment Outcome , Liver Neoplasms/therapy , Liver Neoplasms/complications , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/therapy , Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/complications , Retrospective Studies , Ammonia/blood
13.
Biotechnol J ; 19(6): e2300570, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38864387

ABSTRACT

This article primarily introduces a new treatment for liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. We developed a hepatic patch by combining decellularized liver matrix (DLM) with the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/heparin-complex and evaluated its restorative efficacy. In vitro prophylactic results, the HGF/heparin-DLM patches effectively mitigated CCl4-induced hepatocyte toxicity and restored the cytotoxicity levels to the baseline levels by day 5. Furthermore, these patches restored albumin synthesis of injured hepatocytes to more than 70% of the normal levels within 5 days. In vitro therapeutic results, the urea synthesis of the injured hepatocytes reached 91% of the normal levels after 10 days of culture, indicating successful restoration of hepatic function by the HGF/heparin-DLM patches in both prophylactic and therapeutic models. In vivo results, HGF/heparin-DLM patches attached to the liver and gut exhibited a significant decrease in collagen content (4.44 times and 2.77 times, respectively) and an increase in glycogen content (1.19 times and 1.12 times, respectively) compared to the fibrosis group after 1 week, separately. In summary, liver function was restored and inflammation was inhibited through the combined effects of DLM and the HGF/heparin-complex in fibrotic liver. The newly designed hepatic patch holds promise for both in vitro and in vivo regeneration therapy and preventive health care for liver tissue engineering.


Subject(s)
Carbon Tetrachloride , Heparin , Hepatocyte Growth Factor , Hepatocytes , Liver , Animals , Carbon Tetrachloride/toxicity , Hepatocyte Growth Factor/metabolism , Heparin/chemistry , Hepatocytes/drug effects , Male , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , Extracellular Matrix/chemistry , Tissue Engineering/methods , Mice , Rats , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury/metabolism , Humans , Tissue Scaffolds/chemistry , Rats, Sprague-Dawley
14.
Mol Biol Rep ; 51(1): 734, 2024 Jun 14.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38874773

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Liver cirrhosis, a prevalent chronic liver disease, is characterized by liver fibrosis as its central pathological process. Recent advancements highlight the clinical efficacy of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) therapy in the treatment of liver cirrhosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: We investigated the pharmacodynamic effects of UC-MSCs and MSC conditional medium (MSC-CM) in vivo, utilizing a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced fibrotic rat model. Concurrently, we assessed the in vitro impact of MSCs and MSC-CM on various cellular process of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), including proliferation, apoptosis, activation, immunomodulatory capabilities, and inflammatory factor secretion. Our results indicate that both MSCs and MSC-CM significantly ameliorate the pathological extent of fibrosis in animal tissues, reducing the collagen content, serum biochemical indices and fibrosis biomarkers. In vitro, MSC-CM significantly inhibited the activation of the HSC line LX-2. Notably, MSC-CM modulated the expression of type I procollagen and TGFß-1 while increasing MMP1 expression. This modulation restored the MMP1/TIMP1 ratio imbalance and extracellular matrix deposition in TGFß-1 induced fibrosis. Both MSCs and MSC-CM not only induced apoptosis in HSCs but also suppressed proliferation and inflammatory cytokine release from activated HSCs. Furthermore, MSCs and MSC-CM exerted a suppressive effect on total lymphocyte activation. CONCLUSIONS: UC-MSCs and MSC-CM primarily modulate liver fibrosis severity by regulating HSC activation. This study provides both in vivo and in vitro pharmacodynamic evidence supporting the use of MSCs in liver fibrosis treatment.


Subject(s)
Apoptosis , Cell Proliferation , Hepatic Stellate Cells , Liver Cirrhosis , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Umbilical Cord , Hepatic Stellate Cells/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Animals , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Liver Cirrhosis/metabolism , Umbilical Cord/cytology , Rats , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Male , Carbon Tetrachloride , Disease Models, Animal , Culture Media, Conditioned/pharmacology , Rats, Sprague-Dawley , Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1/metabolism , Cell Line , Cytokines/metabolism
15.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 176: 116848, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38834005

ABSTRACT

Liver fibrosis is an intrahepatic chronic damage repair response caused by various reasons such as alcoholic liver, fatty liver, viral hepatitis, autoimmune diseases, etc., and is closely related to the progression of liver disease. Currently, the mechanisms of liver fibrosis and its treatment are hot research topics in the field of liver disease remedy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a class of adult stem cells with self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation potential, which can ameliorate fibrosis through hepatic-directed differentiation, paracrine effects, and immunomodulation. However, the low inner-liver colonization rate, low survival rate, and short duration of intervention after stem cell transplantation have limited their wide clinical application. With the intensive research on liver fibrosis worldwide, it has been found that MSCs and MSCs-derived exosomes combined with drugs have shown better intervention efficiency than utilization of MSCs alone in many animal models of liver fibrosis. In this paper, we review the interventional effects and mechanisms of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes combined with drugs to alleviate hepatic fibrosis in vivo in animal models in recent years, which will provide new ideas to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cells and their exosomes in treating hepatic fibrosis in the clinic.


Subject(s)
Exosomes , Liver Cirrhosis , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation , Mesenchymal Stem Cells , Exosomes/transplantation , Exosomes/metabolism , Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism , Humans , Animals , Liver Cirrhosis/pathology , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation/methods
16.
Biomed Pharmacother ; 177: 117003, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38908207

ABSTRACT

This review presents a comprehensive exploration of gene editing technologies and their potential applications in the treatment of liver fibrosis, a condition often leading to serious complications such as liver cancer. Through an in-depth review of current literature and critical analysis, the study delves into the intricate signaling pathways underlying liver fibrosis development and examines the promising role of gene editing in alleviating this disease burden. Gene editing technologies offer precise, efficient, and reproducible tools for manipulating genetic material, holding significant promise for basic research and clinical practice. The manuscript highlights the challenges and potential risks associated with gene editing technology. By synthesizing existing knowledge and exploring future perspectives, this study aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of precision gene editing to combat liver fibrosis and its associated complications, ultimately contributing to advances in liver fibrosis research and therapy.


Subject(s)
Gene Editing , Genetic Therapy , Liver Cirrhosis , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/genetics , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Gene Editing/methods , Animals , Genetic Therapy/methods , Precision Medicine/methods , CRISPR-Cas Systems/genetics
17.
Asian Pac J Cancer Prev ; 25(6): 2099-2104, 2024 Jun 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38918672

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have highlighted the potential of fetal hepatic stem cells in regenerative treatments for liver diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of fetal stem cell transplantation in patients with liver cirrhosis resulting from chronic hepatitis C. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients with liver cirrhosis of all Child-Turcotte-Pugh classes due to chronic hepatitis C, aged 18 to 65 years, were selected for this study. A single intravenous dose of 1 ml containing 6*106 fetal hepatic stem cells, diluted in 20.0 ml of 0.9% sodium chloride solution, was administered. The efficacy of the treatment was assessed by measuring levels of ALT, AST, total and direct bilirubin, gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase, alkaline phosphatase, total protein, and albumin before and after cell therapy. RESULTS: Post-treatment, a significant reduction was noted in the Child-Pugh score from 8 [6-9] to 7 [6-8] (p<0.001) and the MELD index from 11 [7-15] to 10 [7-14] (p=0.004). Skin itching decreased from 36.7% to 10%. Complaints of weakness increased significantly from 3.3% to 23.3% after 30 days of therapy (p=0.014), and the incidence of reduced appetite increased from 20% to 46.7% (p=0.021). No statistical differences were observed in the frequency of nosebleeds (86.7% initially vs. 90% at day 30, p=0.655) or drowsiness (63.3% initially vs. 76.7% at day 30, p=0.157). Significant reductions were noted in ALT levels by 35% and total bilirubin by 44%. The lack of significant changes in indicators of hepatic-cell insufficiency, particularly the protein-forming function as reflected in total protein and albumin levels, is likely due to the extent of liver tissue damage and thus a delayed recovery. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study affirm the clinical efficacy and promise of fetal hepatic stem cell therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment regimen for patients with liver cirrhosis.


Subject(s)
Hepatitis C, Chronic , Liver Cirrhosis , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Middle Aged , Male , Female , Adult , Adolescent , Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications , Young Adult , Aged , Hepacivirus , Stem Cell Transplantation/methods , Follow-Up Studies , Prognosis
18.
Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol ; 18(6): 239-256, 2024 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38785070

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Classically, clinical practice guidelines and expert recommendations have focused on the management of decompensated cirrhotic patients, so we focused this review on improving care for compensated cirrhotic patients who are followed up in outpatient clinics. AREAS COVERED: We reviewed the current methods for establishing liver function, the diagnosis and management of advanced chronic liver disease and clinically significant portal hypertension as well as the prevention of its complications, with special attention to covert hepatic encephalopathy, we also paid attention to the extrahepatic complications of cirrhosis and the palliative care. All this from the perspective of evidence-based medicine and trying to empower precision medicine. The literature search was undertaken by PubMed with 'cirrhosis,' 'advanced chronic liver disease,' 'liver function,' 'portal hypertension,' 'covert hepatic encephalopathy,' 'minimal hepatic encephalopathy,' 'palliative care' as MeSH terms. EXPERT OPINION: We must offer compensated cirrhotic patients specific care and measures to prevent the progression of the disease and the appearance of its complications beyond the calculation of liver function and imaging screening for hepatocellular carcinoma that we perform every six months. Entities that have typically received little attention, such as covert hepatic encephalopathy, extrahepatic complications and symptoms of cirrhosis, and palliative care, must come to the spotlight.


Subject(s)
Hepatic Encephalopathy , Liver Cirrhosis , Palliative Care , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Hepatic Encephalopathy/therapy , Hepatic Encephalopathy/etiology , Hepatic Encephalopathy/diagnosis , Hypertension, Portal/therapy , Hypertension, Portal/etiology , Hypertension, Portal/diagnosis , Disease Progression , Liver Function Tests
19.
Curr Med Res Opin ; 40(7): 1155-1162, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38773739

ABSTRACT

Hepatorenal Syndrome is a critical complication of liver failure, mainly in cirrhotic patients and rarely in patients with acute liver disease. It is a complex spectrum of conditions that leads to renal dysfunction in the liver cirrhosis population; the pathophysiology is characterized by a specific triad: circulatory dysfunction, nitric oxide (NO) dysfunction and systemic inflammation but a specific kidney damage has never been demonstrated, in a clinicopathological study, kidney biopsies of patients with cirrhosis showed a wide spectrum of kidney damage. In addition, the absence of significant hematuria or proteinuria does not exclude renal damage. It is estimated that 40% of cirrhotic patients will develop hepatorenal syndrome with in-hospital mortality of about one-third of these patients. The burden of the problem is dramatic considering the worldwide prevalence of more than 10 million decompensated cirrhotic patients, and the age-standardized prevalence rate of decompensated cirrhosis has gone through a significant rise between 1990 and 2017. Given the syndrome's poor prognosis, the clinician must know how to manage early treatment and any complications. The widespread adoption of albumin and vasopressors has increased Hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury reversal and may increase overall survival, as previously shown. Further research is needed to define whether the subclassification of patients may allow to find a personalized strategy to treat Hepatorenal Syndrome and to define the role of new molecules and extracorporeal treatment may allow better outcomes with a reduction in treatment-related adverse effects. This review aims to examine both pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of hepatorenal syndrome, with a particular focus on managing adverse events caused by treatment.


Subject(s)
Hepatorenal Syndrome , Hepatorenal Syndrome/therapy , Hepatorenal Syndrome/etiology , Hepatorenal Syndrome/epidemiology , Hepatorenal Syndrome/diagnosis , Humans , Liver Cirrhosis/complications , Liver Cirrhosis/epidemiology , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy , Vasoconstrictor Agents/therapeutic use , Vasoconstrictor Agents/adverse effects
20.
Hepatol Commun ; 8(5)2024 May 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38696374

ABSTRACT

Racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities exist in the prevalence and natural history of chronic liver disease, access to care, and clinical outcomes. Solutions to improve health equity range widely, from digital health tools to policy changes. The current review outlines the disparities along the chronic liver disease health care continuum from screening and diagnosis to the management of cirrhosis and considerations of pre-liver and post-liver transplantation. Using a health equity research and implementation science framework, we offer pragmatic strategies to address barriers to implementing high-quality equitable care for patients with chronic liver disease.


Subject(s)
Continuity of Patient Care , Healthcare Disparities , Liver Diseases , Humans , Liver Diseases/therapy , Chronic Disease , Liver Transplantation , Health Equity , Health Services Accessibility , Liver Cirrhosis/therapy
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