Analysis of prognosis and background liver disease in non-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma in two decades.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Antiviral hepatitis and systemic therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remarkably progressed in the recent 10 years. This study aimed to reveal the actual transition and changes in the prognosis and background liver disease in non-advanced HCC in the past 20 years. METHODS: This retrospectively recruited 566 patients who were diagnosed with non-advanced HCC from February 2002 to February 2022. The prognosis was analyzed by subdividing according to the diagnosis date (period I: February 2002-April 2009 and period Ⅱ: May 2009-February 2022). RESULTS: Patients in period II (n = 351) were significantly older, with lower albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and more anti-viral therapy, systemic therapy, and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy as compared with those in period I (n = 215). The etiology ratio of the background liver disease revealed decreased hepatitis C virus from 70.6% to 49.0% and increased non-B, non-C from 17.7% to 39.9% from periods I to Ⅱ. The multivariate analysis revealed older age and higher ALBI score in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) 0/A stage, AFP of >20 ng/mL, and higher ALBI score in BCLC B stage as independent prognosis factors. Fine-Gray competing risk model analysis revealed that liver-related deaths significantly decreased in period II as compared to period I, especially for BCLC stage 0/A (HR: 0.656; 95%CI: 0.442-0.972, P = 0.036). CONCLUSION: The characteristics of patients with non-advanced HCC have changed over time. Appropriate background liver management led to better liver-related prognoses in BCLC 0/A.

COVID-19 severity is associated with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: The association between the severity of COVID-19 and gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether the severity of COVID-19 is a risk factor for GI bleeding. DESIGN: A multicentre, retrospective cohort study was conducted on hospitalised patients with COVID-19 between January 2020 and December 2021. The severity of COVID-19 was classified according to the National Institute of Health severity classification. The primary outcome was the occurrence of GI bleeding during hospitalisation. The main analysis compared the relationship between the severity of COVID-19 and the occurrence of GI bleeding. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the severity of COVID-19 and the occurrence of GI bleeding. RESULTS: 12 044 patients were included. 4165 (34.6%) and 1257 (10.4%) patients had severe and critical COVID-19, respectively, and 55 (0.5%) experienced GI bleeding. Multivariable analysis showed that patients with severe COVID-19 had a significantly higher risk of GI bleeding than patients with non-severe COVID-19 (OR: 3.013, 95% CI: 1.222 to 7.427). Patients with critical COVID-19 also had a significantly higher risk of GI bleeding (OR: 15.632, 95% CI: 6.581 to 37.130). Patients with severe COVID-19 had a significantly increased risk of lower GI bleeding (OR: 10.349, 95% CI: 1.253 to 85.463), but the risk of upper GI bleeding was unchanged (OR: 1.875, 95% CI: 0.658 to 5.342). CONCLUSION: The severity of COVID-19 is associated with GI bleeding, and especially lower GI bleeding was associated with the severity of COVID-19. Patients with severe or critical COVID-19 should be treated with caution as they are at higher risk for GI bleeding.

Anticoagulation against portal vein thrombosis reduces mortality and liver cirrhosis-related complications: A propensity score-matched study.

AIM: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is one of the common complications of liver cirrhosis. Although anticoagulation contributes to thrombus resolution and is considered the first-choice treatment, its impact on patients' prognosis is still controversial. This study aimed to clarify the benefit of anticoagulation on mortality, liver function, and the incidence of liver cirrhosis-related complications in cirrhotic PVT patients. METHODS: We conducted a multicenter retrospective review in which we included 78 eligible patients with PVT out of 439. After propensity score matching, 21 cirrhotic PVT patients were included in each one of the untreated control and anticoagulation groups. RESULTS: Overall survival was significantly improved in the anticoagulation group compared with the control group (p = 0.041), along with PVT size reduction (53.3% vs. 108.2%, p = 0.009). At the time of CT follow-up, the anticoagulation group showed a lower ALBI score (p = 0.037) and its prevalence of massive ascites was significantly lower (p = 0.043) compared with the control group. The incidence of overt encephalopathy was also lower in the anticoagulation group (p = 0.041). The cumulative incidence of bleeding events did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Anticoagulation improves the survival of patients with cirrhotic PVT. Preserved liver function and reduced risks of cirrhosis-related complications under the treatment may have contributed to a better prognosis. Given its efficacy and safety, anticoagulation is worth initiating in patients with PVT.

A case of refractory immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced colitis with Clostridioides difficile infection.

The clinical symptoms of an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-induced colitis are similar to those of ulcerative colitis. ICI-induced colitis, like ulcerative colitis, may be complicated by other colitis, such as Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). A 72-year-old man was admitted because of watery and bloody stools 10 times a day after three courses of nivolumab (antibodies against programmed death 1) and ipilimumab (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4) for stage IV renal cell carcinoma. Colonoscopy revealed erythema and multiple erosions in the colon. Histopathological examination of colonic mucosa revealed diffuse inflammatory cell infiltration and apoptosis. The initial cytomegalovirus antigen test and C. difficile detection assay results were negative. Based on these findings, we diagnosed the patient with ICI-induced colitis and discontinued ICI therapy. The symptoms did not improve despite the administration of Prednisolone and infliximab. A repeat colonoscopy revealed a new appearance of pseudomembranes from the sigmoid colon to the rectum one month after the start of these treatments. At this point, the patient tested positive for C. difficile. With treatment with vancomycin for CDI, the abdominal symptoms gradually decreased. Nivolumab alone was cautiously restarted. However, no colitis recurrence and further tumor reduction were observed. Here, we report our experience of a case of refractory ICI-induced colitis complicated by CDI. ICI-induced colitis may be complicated by CDI and should be carefully treated with repeated CDI testing if refractory to treatment. We believe that our observation will provide helpful information for determining an appropriate treatment strategy for ICI-induced colitis.

COVID-19 pneumonia complicated by bilateral pneumothorax: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax is a rare but life-threatening complication associated with pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). CASE PRESENTATION: Informed consent was obtained from the patient himself.A 50-year-old man presented with a 9-day history of fever, cough, and dyspnoea. He was diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia and was admitted to the Medical Hospital, Tokyo Medical and Dental University. Chest CT showed diffuse patchy ground-glass opacities (GGOs). His state of oxygenation deteriorated, and mechanical ventilation was initiated on day 4 after admission (12th day from onset). He improved gradually and was weaned from ventilation on day 15. Sudden onset of bilateral pneumothorax occurred on day 21 with severe respiratory failure, and chest CT revealed pneumatocele formation on both lower lobes. CONCLUSIONS: Pneumothorax is a notable complication in cases of severe COVID-19 pneumonia, especially in those who require positive-pressure ventilation.

Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer as a novel predictive biomarker for patient survival after hepatitis C virus eradication by DAAs.

BACKGROUND: It is crucial to identify risk factors for life prognosis after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication among patients with or without a high risk of liver cancer or complications. METHODS: This is a prospective, multicenter and observational study using the database of 1031 patients after HCV eradication by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) to evaluate the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and patients' survival after a sustained virological response (SVR). The Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios associated with HCC development and survival. RESULTS: AFP at SVR was significantly associated with HCC recurrence in the adjusted model. Liver fibrosis, Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) at SVR and smoking status before treatment were positively associated with the development of HCC and M2BPGi was positively associated with HCC recurrence, although not reaching statistical significance. Among patients without a history of HCC, M2BPGi and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at SVR were significantly associated with death after viral eradication [M2BPGi (HR 4.07, 95% CI 1.22, 13.57), eGFR (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.94, 0.99)]. Strikingly, of 16 patients who died, among participants without a history of HCC, only two died of liver cancer associated with HCV, whereas 11 died of non-HCV- related cancer or cardiovascular diseases. CONCLUSION: M2BPGi at SVR is a potential predictor for patients' survival and a candidate biomarker for detecting individuals who are at greater risk of death due to cancer-related and unrelated to HCV, as well as cardiovascular diseases, after viral eradication.

Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide Derived From Liver Mesenchymal Cells Mediates Tight Junction Assembly in Mouse Intrahepatic Bile Ducts.

Formation of intrahepatic bile ducts (IHBDs) proceeds in accordance with their microenvironment. Particularly, mesenchymal cells around portal veins regulate the differentiation and ductular morphogenesis of cholangiocytes in the developing liver; however, further studies are needed to fully understand the arrangement of IHBDs into a continuous hierarchical network. This study aims to clarify the interaction between biliary and liver mesenchymal cells during IHBD formation. To identify candidate factors contributing to this cell-cell interaction, mesenchymal cells were isolated from embryonic day 16.5 matrix metalloproteinase 14 (MMP14)-deficient (knockout [KO]) mice livers, in which IHBD formation is retarded, and compared with those of the wild type (WT). WT mesenchymal cells significantly facilitated the formation of luminal structures comprised of hepatoblast-derived cholangiocytes (cholangiocytic cysts), whereas MMP14-KO mesenchymal cells failed to promote cyst formation. Comprehensive analysis revealed that expression of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) was significantly suppressed in MMP14-KO mesenchymal cells. VIP and VIP receptor 1 (VIPR1) were mainly expressed in periportal mesenchymal cells and cholangiocytic progenitors during IHBD development, respectively, in vivo. VIP/VIPR1 signaling significantly encouraged cholangiocytic cyst formation and up-regulated tight junction protein 1, cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, and aquaporin 1, in vitro. VIP antagonist significantly suppressed the tight junction assembly and the up-regulation of ion/water transporters during IHBD development in vivo. In a cholestatic injury model of adult mice, exogenous VIP administration promoted the restoration of damaged tight junctions in bile ducts and improved hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusion: VIP is produced by periportal mesenchymal cells during the perinatal stage. It supports bile duct development by establishing tight junctions and up-regulating ion/water transporters in cholangiocytes. VIP contributes to prompt recovery from cholestatic damage through the establishment of tight junctions in the bile ducts.

Time course alterations of virus sequences and immunoglobulin titers in a chronic hepatitis E patient.

AIM: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) can cause chronic infection in immunocompromised hosts. However, the dynamics of HEV during persistent infection is not well understood. To elucidate time course alterations in virus sequences and anti-HEV antibodies during persistent infection, we analyzed the HEV sequences and titers of anti-HEV antibodies from a chronic hepatitis E patient. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from a chronic hepatitis E patient under corticosteroid therapy for neurological disease. The titers of anti-HEV antibodies (immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, and immunoglobulin G) in serum samples were detected by enzyme immunoassay. The full or near-full nucleotide sequences of HEV isolated from consecutive serum samples were identified and compared. Phylogenetic analysis was also performed. RESULTS: Alterations of anti-HEV antibodies from a chronic hepatitis E patient were different from those previously reported in acute hepatitis E patients. The virus sequence was unchanged in the period without treatment, but nucleotide mutations were observed after ribavirin treatment was started. In addition, the sequence of this strain had extremely high identity to that isolated from swine liver in Japan. CONCLUSIONS: Virus mutations in HEV emerged after ribavirin treatment was started. Sequence analysis may useful for deciding the treatment strategy for chronic hepatitis E patients who did not eliminate the virus with 3 months of RBV treatment and inferring the origin of the infection. This report provides insights into the chronicity of hepatitis E, and the impact of persistent infection and ribavirin treatment on the emergence of virus mutations.

Comprehensive genetic analysis of cholangiolocellular carcinoma with a coexistent hepatocellular carcinoma-like area and metachronous hepatocellular carcinoma.

AIM: The genetic profile of cholangiolocellular carcinoma (CLC) and its origin in relation to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. To elucidate the genetic profile of CLC, a comprehensive analysis of genetic mutations was carried out in a case of CLC with an HCC-like focal area and metachronous HCC. METHOD: Liver tissue was obtained from CLC, a co-existent HCC-like area, and metachronously developed HCC by laser capture microdissection of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens obtained by hepatectomy. Gene mutational profiles were analyzed comprehensively by next-generation sequencing and digital PCR. Relationships among gene profiles, immunohistochemistry, and clinicopathological findings were investigated. RESULTS: Mutations in EGFR, PTEN, RB1, TP53, and ERBB2 were found in CLC, whereas mutations in KIT, BRAF, PTEN, TP53, and SMAD4 were found in the coexistent HCC-like area. Only the mutation in PTEN has a common Catalogue of Somatic Mutations in Cancer ID in the CLC and coexistent HCC-like area, and is related to the kinase-RAS module. In contrast, no cancer-related mutations were found in the metachronous HCC. No TERT mutations were found in any of the regions by digital PCR. Immunohistochemical staining for p53 was negative in CLC, although ≤10% positive in the coexistent HCC-like area. Immunostaining of C-kit, HER2, PTEN, and SMAD4 were negative. CONCLUSION: The genomic features of CLC and the focal area of an HCC-like region differ, but are related to the kinase-RAS module. The development of carcinogenesis in the CLC and HCC-like areas in this case might differ, following a common PTEN mutation, although alteration of the kinase-RAS module is the most common molecular event in CLC.

Impact of novel NS5A resistance-associated substitutions of hepatitis C virus detected in treatment-experienced patients.

Resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the NS5A region impair the efficacy of NS5A inhibitors. In this study, we evaluated the characteristics of the novel RASs observed in treatment-failure patients, A92K and a deletion at P32 (P32del), and the susceptibility of viruses with these RASs to various anti-HCV reagents by using JFH-1 based recombinant HCV with NS5A from a genotype 1b Con1 strain (JFH1/5ACon1). We introduced A92K or P32del solely or in combination with Q24K, L28M, R30Q or L31F into the NS5A of JFH1/5ACon1. Viruses harboring R30Q/A92K showed high extracellular core antigens and infectivity titers, whereas the other viruses with RASs showed low replication levels and infectivity titers. All the viruses with A92K or P32del were markedly resistant to ledipasvir, velpatasvir and elbasvir. Interestingly, viruses with R30Q/A92K were more susceptible to grazoprevir than viruses without RAS. All the viruses had a similar susceptibility to ribavirin and sofosbuvir. In conclusion, combination RASs R30Q/A92K enhanced virus production whereas other RASs impaired virus replication. Both A92K and P32del conferred severe resistance even to second generation NS5A inhibitors. However, these viruses were susceptible to grazoprevir, ribavirin and sofosbuvir. Thus, combination regimens with these reagents may eradicate viruses harboring A92K or P32del.

Loss of fibrocystin promotes interleukin-8-dependent proliferation and CTGF production of biliary epithelium.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a genetic liver disease resulting in abnormal proliferation of cholangiocytes and progressive hepatic fibrosis. CHF is caused by mutations in the PKHD1 gene and the subsequent dysfunction of the protein it encodes, fibrocystin. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of CHF, which is quite different from liver cirrhosis, remains unclear. This study investigated the molecular mechanism of CHF pathophysiology using a genetically engineered human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell model to aid the discovery of novel therapeutic agents for CHF. METHODS: PKHD1-knockout (PKHD1-KO) and heterozygously mutated PKHD1 iPS clones were established by RNA-guided genome editing using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The iPS clones were differentiated into cholangiocyte-like cells in cysts (cholangiocytic cysts [CCs]) in a 3D-culture system. RESULTS: The CCs were composed of a monolayer of cholangiocyte-like cells. The proliferation of PKHD1-KO CCs was significantly increased by interleukin-8 (IL-8) secreted in an autocrine manner. IL-8 production was significantly elevated in PKHD1-KO CCs due to mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway activation caused by fibrocystin deficiency. The production of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) was also increased in PKHD1-KO CCs in an IL-8-dependent manner. Furthermore, validation analysis demonstrated that both the serum IL-8 level and the expression of IL-8 and CTGF in the liver samples were significantly increased in patients with CHF, consistent with our in vitro human iPS-disease model of CHF. CONCLUSIONS: Loss of fibrocystin function promotes IL-8-dependent proliferation of, and CTGF production by, human cholangiocytes, suggesting that IL-8 and CTGF are essential for the pathogenesis of CHF. IL-8 and CTGF are candidate molecular targets for the treatment of CHF. LAY SUMMARY: Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF) is a genetic liver disease caused by mutations of the PKHD1 gene. Dysfunction of the protein it encodes, fibrocystin, is closely associated with CHF pathogenesis. Using an in vitro human induced pluripotent stem cell model and patient samples, we showed that the loss of fibrocystin function promotes proliferation of cholangiocytes and the production of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in an interleukin 8 (IL-8)-dependent manner. These results suggest that IL-8 and CTGF are essential for the pathogenesis of CHF.

LIM homeobox 2 promotes interaction between human iPS-derived hepatic progenitors and iPS-derived hepatic stellate-like cells.

Human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells can differentiate into hepatocyte lineages, although the phenotype of the differentiated cells is immature compared to adult hepatocytes. Improvement of cell-cell interactions between epithelium and mesenchyme is a potential approach to address this phenotype issue. In this study, we developed a model system for improving interactions between human iPS-derived hepatic progenitor cells (iPS-HPCs) and human iPS-derived hepatic stellate cell-like cells (iPS-HSCs). The phenotype of iPS-HSCs, including gene and protein expression profiles and vitamin A storage, resembled that of hepatic stellate cells. Direct co-culture of iPS-HSCs with iPS-HPCs significantly improved hepatocytic maturation in iPS-HPCs, such as their capacity for albumin production. Next, we generated iPS cell lines overexpressing LIM homeobox 2 (LHX2), which suppresses myofibroblastic changes in HSCs in mice. Hepatocytic maturation in iPS-HPCs was significantly increased in direct co-culture with iPS-HSCs overexpressing LHX2, but not in co-culture with a human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2) overexpressing LHX2. LHX2 regulated the expression of extracellular matrices, such as laminin and collagen, in iPS-HSCs. In conclusion, this study provides an evidence that LHX2 upregulation in iPS-HSCs promotes hepatocytic maturation of iPS-HPCs, and indicates that genetically modified iPS-HSCs will be of value for research into cell-cell interactions.

Association of serum interferon-λ3 levels with hepatocarcinogenesis in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with direct-acting antiviral agents.

AIM: Although the efficacy of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment is improved dramatically by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains important. Interferon lambda 3 (IFN-λ3) is associated with liver fibrosis and inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients, but its impact on carcinogenesis remains controversial and little is known about its effects after viral clearance. To determine the contribution of IFN-λ3 to hepatocarcinogenesis after HCV clearance, we analyzed IFNL3 genotypes and serial serum IFN-λ3 levels in CHC patients who achieved sustained virologic responses (SVR). METHODS: This study comprised 201 CHC patients treated with DAAs. Serum samples were collected sequentially and IFN-λ3 levels were quantified by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. The IFNL3 polymorphism (rs8099917) was genotyped in 195 patients. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-five patients were rs8099917 T/T and 70 were non-T/T. Serum IFN-λ3 levels did not differ significantly with IFNL3 genotype, dropped markedly by 1 week and remained low up to 24 weeks after the end of treatment. Interferon-λ3 levels were significantly higher after viral clearance in patients who developed HCC and were associated with a higher potential for hepatocarcinogenesis, such as a higher frequency of non-hypervascular hypointensive nodules (P = 0.046), higher stages of liver fibrosis (P < 0.001), and higher post-treatment levels of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive Mac-2 binding protein (P < 0.001) and alanine aminotransferase (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Serum IFN-λ3 levels after HCV clearance are associated with the potential for HCC development. Interferon-λ3 could be helpful for elucidating the relationships among immunologic status, liver fibrosis, liver inflammation, and hepatocarcinogenesis, after achieving SVR.

Diabetic Retinopathy as a Risk Factor Associated with the Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

BACKGROUND: The risk factors associated with the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to identify such risk factors in NAFLD patients who developed HCC. METHODS: Between April 2000 and -December 2016, a total of 182 patients with NAFLD were enrolled in this study; of these, only 22 patients had HCC. To identify risk factors, univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. To identify risk factors other than the degree of fibrosis, propensity matched analysis adjusted by the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) was carried out on 44 patients. Multivariate and survival analyses were also performed in HCC patients. RESULTS: In 182 patients, multivariate analysis highlighted the NFS (OR 2.275; p < 0.001) and hypertension (OR 5.868; p = 0.037) as independent factors that were significantly associated with the development of HCC. After adjustment for the NFS, multivariate analysis identified diabetic retinopathy (OR 8.654; p = 0.017) as an independent factor that was significantly associated with the development of HCC. For predicting the development of HCC, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of diabetic retinopathy was significantly higher than that of diabetes (0.731 vs. 0.615; p < 0.001). In patients with HCC, multivariate analysis indicated that the NFS were significantly associated with diabetic retinopathy. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic retinopathy as well as liver fibrosis is a risk factor that associates with the development of HCC in NAFLD patients. Therefore, NAFLD patients with diabetic retinopathy should undergo careful screening for HCC.

Effect of interferon-based and -free therapy on early occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although treatment for hepatitis C virus has been dramatically improved by the development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs), whether interferon (IFN)-free therapy reduces hepatocarcinogenesis in an equivalent manner to IFN-based therapy remains controversial. The aims of this study were to evaluate the occurrence and recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients treated with DAAs and to identify biomarkers of HCC development after antiviral treatment. METHODS: A restrospective review of a prospective database of 1,897 CHC patients who were treated with IFN-based (1,145) or IFN-free therapies (752) was carried out. Cumulative HCC occurrence and recurrence rates were compared using propensity score-matched analysis. Predictors of HCC development after viral eradication were identified by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Propensity score-matched analysis showed no significant difference in HCC occurrence (p=0.49) and recurrence rates (p=0.54) between groups treated with IFN-based or IFN-free therapies. In multivariate analysis, higher levels of post-treatment α-fetoprotein (AFP) or Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive Mac-2 binding protein (WFA+M2BP) were independently associated with HCC occurrence and recurrence after viral eradication. Only post-treatment WFA+M2BP level was significantly associated with HCC occurrence and recurrence among patients without severe fibrosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for WFA+M2BP levels was greater than that for AFP levels in ROC analysis. CONCLUSION: The risks of early HCC occurrence and recurrence after viral eradication were similar between IFN-based and IFN-free therapies. Post-treatment levels of WFA+M2BP may be helpful screening biomarkers for assessing the risk of HCC after IFN-free therapy. Patients with high WFA+M2BP levels after antiviral treatment, even without severe fibrosis, must be followed up carefully for HCC development. Lay summary: The risks of early HCC occurrence and recurrence after viral eradication were similar between IFN-based and IFN-free therapies. Post-treatment levels of WFA+M2BP may be helpful screening biomarkers for assessing the risk of HCC after IFN-free therapy.

ITPA gene variation and ribavirin-induced anemia in patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C treated with sofosbuvir plus ribavirin.

AIM: Sofosbuvir (SOF) and ribavirin (RBV) combination therapy produces a sustained response in many patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C. However, RBV-induced anemia is a troublesome side-effect that may limit this treatment. Genetic variation leading to inosine triphosphatase (ITPA) deficiency is known to protect against RBV-induced hemolytic anemia. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between the efficacy and safety of SOF/RBV treatment and ITPA gene variants. METHODS: Ninety patients with genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C treated with SOF/RBV were studied. The relationships among genetic polymorphisms of ITPA and the decline in hemoglobin levels from baseline, RBV dose reduction, and sustained virological response (SVR) rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall SVR at 12 weeks was 94.4% (85/90). Patients with the ITPA CA/AA genotypes had a lower degree of anemia throughout the therapy than those with the ITPA CC genotype. The percentage of patients requiring RBV dose reduction was significantly lower for those with the ITPA CA/AA variation, a difference even more apparent when the pretreatment hemoglobin level was <12 g/dL. The dose reduction of RBV and serum albumin level were significantly associated with SVR. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with the ITPA CA/AA genotype were less likely to develop anemia than those with the ITPA CC genotype and were more likely to complete SOF/RBV therapy. These results may provide a valuable pharmacogenetic diagnostic tool to predict drug-induced adverse events, particularly in patients with pre-existing anemia.

Bone morphogenetic protein-4 modulates proliferation and terminal differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells.

Fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells, called hepatoblasts, play central roles in liver organogenesis; however, molecular mechanisms regulating proliferation and terminal differentiation of such cells have not been completely elucidated. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP-4) is essential for the development of stem cells in various tissues, but its function in regulating the phenotype of hepatoblasts after the mid-gestational fetal stage remains unclear. The aim of this study is to clarify a functional role for BMP-4 in proliferation and terminal differentiation of murine hepatoblasts in mid-gestational fetal livers. METHODS: A functional role for BMP-4 in proliferation and terminal differentiation of murine hepatoblasts was validated by assay of colony formation, biliary luminal formation, and hepatic maturation using primary hepatoblasts in vitro. Molecular mechanisms regulating such effects of BMP-4 on primary hepatoblasts were also analyzed. RESULTS: Stimulation of BMP-4 upregulated phosphorylation of Smad1/5 in hepatoblasts. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 significantly suppressed colony formation of primary hepatoblasts in a dose-dependent manner, significantly suppressed cholangiocytic luminal formation of hepatoblasts, and promoted hepatic maturation of primary hepatoblasts. Stimulation of BMP-4 regulated the activation of several mitogen-activated protein kinases, such as extracellular signal-regulated kinase, Akt, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IIα in primary hepatoblasts. Moreover, Wnt5a, a molecule regulating cholangiocytic luminal formation, and BMP-4 coordinately suppressed proliferation and cholangiocytic luminal formation of hepatoblasts. CONCLUSION: This study shows that BMP-4-mediated signaling controls proliferation and terminal differentiation of fetal hepatic stem/progenitor cells.

Hepatic IFNL4 expression is associated with non-response to interferon-based therapy through the regulation of basal interferon-stimulated gene expression in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near interferon lambda 4 (IFNL4) gene located upstream of IFNL3 are associated with response to anti-HCV therapy both in interferon (IFN)-based and IFN-free regimens. IFNL4 encodes IFNλ4, a newly discovered type III IFN, and its expression is controlled by rs368234815-TT/ΔG, which is in strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) with other tag SNPs within or near IFNL4 such as rs12979860 and rs8099917. Intrahepatic expression levels of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs) affect the responsiveness to IFNα and are also associated with IFNL4 genotype. However, IFNL4 expressions and its role in intrinsic antiviral innate immunity remain unclear. This study evaluated the effect of IFNL4 on intrahepatic ISG expression and investigated its relationship with treatment outcomes in liver samples obtained from 49 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated (PEG)-IFN/ribavirin therapy. IFNL4 mRNA was detected in 11 of 22 patients with IFNL4-unfavorable SNPs but not in patients with favorable genotypes. IFNL4 expression was associated with non-response to PEG-IFN/ribavirin therapy. Intrahepatic expression of antiviral ISGs (ISG15 and MX1) was significantly higher in IFNL4-unfavorable patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA than in patients with undetectable IFNL4 mRNA, whereas the expression of suppressive ISGs (RNF125, SOCS1, SOCS3, and RNF11) was lower in patients with detectable IFNL4 mRNA. In summary, intrahepatic expression of IFNL4 was associated with increased antiviral ISG expression and decreased suppressive ISG expression at baseline, resulting in poor responsiveness to IFNα-based therapy in HCV infection.

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatic cell lines as a new model for host interaction with hepatitis B virus.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is not eradicated by current antiviral therapies due to persistence of HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) in host cells, and thus development of novel culture models for productive HBV infection is urgently needed, which will allow the study of HBV cccDNA eradication. To meet this need, we developed culture models of HBV infection using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived hepatocyte lineages, including immature proliferating hepatic progenitor-like cell lines (iPS-HPCs) and differentiated hepatocyte-like cells (iPS-Heps). These cells were susceptible to HBV infection, produced HBV particles, and maintained innate immune responses. The infection efficiency of HBV in iPS-HPCs predominantly depended on the expression levels of sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP), and was low relative to iPS-Heps: however, long-term culture of iPS-Heps was difficult. To provide a model for HBV persistence, iPS-HPCs overexpressing NTCP were established. The long-term persistence of HBV cccDNA was detected in iPS-HPCs overexpressing NTCP, and depended on the inhibition of the Janus-kinase signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that iPS-derived hepatic cell lines can be utilized for novel HBV culture models with genetic variation to investigate the interactions between HBV and host cells and the development of anti-HBV strategies.

Serial measurement of Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive Mac-2-binding protein is useful for predicting liver fibrosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with IFN-based and IFN-free therapy.

AIM: Wisteria floribunda agglutinin positive (WFA+) Mac-2-binding protein (M2BPGi) is a noninvasive glyco-marker for liver fibrosis. This study evaluated the utility of serial measurement of serum M2BPGi and total M2BP as a predictor of fibrosis and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: This study included 119 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Of these patients, 97 were treated with IFN-based therapy and 22 were treated with daclatasvir and asunaprevir. Serum M2BPGi values were measured prior to, at the end of, and at 24 weeks after the completion of treatment. As subanalysis, serum total M2BP levels were measured in patients treated with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin. RESULTS: In patients treated with IFN-based therapy, M2BPGi levels were elevated at the end of treatment but decreased afterwards. In contrast, M2BPGi levels in patients treated with IFN-free therapy decreased immediately after starting the treatment without transient elevation. Though pre-treatment M2BPGi levels significantly correlated with fibrosis in both patients with a sustained virological response (SVR) and non-SVR, post-treatment M2BPGi levels decreased regardless of the degree of fibrosis in patients with SVR. In multivariate analysis, non-SVR and HCC development were independent factors associated with M2BPGi level ≥2.2. In patients treated with pegylated-interferon and ribavirin, total M2BP levels were positively correlated with fibrosis and HCC development. CONCLUSION: Real-time monitoring of the serum M2BPGi level after antiviral therapy for CHC patients could be a helpful screening tool for assessing the risk of HCC. M2BP and its glycan structure could be associated together with hepatocarcinogenesis.