Pregnane X receptor activation induces liver enlargement and regeneration and simultaneously promotes the metabolic activity of CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C6/11 in rats.

Human pregnane X receptor (PXR) is critical for regulating the expression of key drug-metabolizing enzymes such as CYP3A and CYP2C. Our recent study revealed that treatment with rodent-specific PXR agonist pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN) significantly induced hepatomegaly and promoted liver regeneration after two-thirds partial hepatectomy (PHx) in mice. However, it remains unclear whether PXR activation induces hepatomegaly and liver regeneration and simultaneously promotes metabolic function of the liver. Here, we investigated the metabolism activity of CYP1A2, CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C6/11 during PXR activation-induced liver enlargement and regeneration in rats after cocktail dosing of CYP probe drugs. For PCN-induced hepatomegaly, a notable increase in the metabolic activity of CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C6/11, as evidenced by the plasma exposure of probe substrates and the AUC ratios of the characteristic metabolites to its corresponding probe substrates. The metabolic activity of CYP1A2, CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C6/11 decreased significantly after PHx. However, PCN treatment obviously enhanced the metabolic activity of CYP2C6/11 and CYP3A1/2 in PHx rats. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C6/11 in liver were up-regulated. Taken together, this study demonstrates that PXR activation not only induces hepatomegaly and liver regeneration in rats, but also promotes the protein expression and metabolic activity of the PXR downstream metabolizing enzymes such as CYP3A1/2 and CYP2C6/11 in the body.

The Liver and Lysosomal Storage Diseases: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Presentation, Diagnostics, and Treatment.

The liver, given its role as the central metabolic organ, is involved in many inherited metabolic disorders, including lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). The aim of this manuscript was to provide a comprehensive overview on liver involvement in LSDs, focusing on clinical manifestation and its pathomechanisms. Gaucher disease, acid sphingomyelinase deficiency, and lysosomal acid lipase deficiency were thoroughly reviewed, with hepatic manifestation being a dominant clinical phenotype. The natural history of liver disease in the above-mentioned lysosomal disorders was delineated. The importance of Niemann-Pick type C disease as a cause of cholestatic jaundice, preceding neurological manifestation, was also highlighted. Diagnostic methods and current therapeutic management of LSDs were also discussed in the context of liver involvement.

Concomitant Occurrence of Hepatitis A and a Pyogenic Liver Abscess: A Pediatric Case.

Pyogenic liver abscess (PLA) and hepatitis A are common in developing countries. As there is an overlap of clinical features, a diagnosis of dual infection can be missed. Here, we present the case of a five-year-old male who presented with abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice diagnosed as a complicated liver abscess with concurrent hepatitis A. To our knowledge, this is the first case where a PLA co-existed with hepatitis A. Simultaneous infection should be considered when a patient with liver abscess presents with jaundice, especially in areas where both diseases are endemic. Early diagnosis of both is crucial as PLA is a potentially fatal disease and co-infection with hepatitis A may worsen clinical outcomes.

Development of a nomogram to predict the risk of secondary failure of platelet recovery in patients with ß-thalassemia major after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective study.

Background: Secondary failure of platelet recovery (SFPR) is a common complication that influences survival and quality of life of patients with ß-thalassemia major (ß-TM) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Objectives: A model to predict the risk of SFPR in ß-TM patients after HSCT was developed. Design: A retrospective study was used to develop the prediction model. Methods: The clinical data for 218 ß-TM patients who received HSCT comprised the training set, and those for another 89 patients represented the validation set. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm was used to identify the critical clinical factors with nonzero coefficients for constructing the nomogram. Calibration curve, C-index, and receiver operating characteristic curve assessments and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the calibration, discrimination, accuracy, and clinical usefulness of the nomogram. Internal and external validation were used to test and verify the predictive model. Results: The nomogram based on pretransplant serum ferritin, hepatomegaly, mycophenolate mofetil use, and posttransplant serum albumin could be conveniently used to predict the SFPR risk of thalassemia patients after HSCT. The calibration curve of the nomogram revealed good concordance between the training and validation sets. The nomogram showed good discrimination with a C-index of 0.780 (95% CI: 70.3-85.7) and 0.868 (95% CI: 78.5-95.1) and AUCs of 0.780 and 0.868 in the training and validation sets, respectively. A high C-index value of 0.766 was reached in the interval validation assessment. DCA confirmed that the nomogram was clinically useful when intervention was decided at the possibility threshold ranging from 3% to 83%. Conclusion: We constructed a nomogram model to predict the risk of SFPR in patients with ß-TM after HSCT. The nomogram has a good predictive ability and may be used by clinicians to identify SFPR patients early and recommend effective preventive measures.

Polycystic liver disease: An uncommon genetic condition.

Key Clinical Message: Timely recognition, accurate diagnosis, and proper management are vital for preventing complications and improving outcomes in polycystic liver disease. Abstract: Polycystic liver disease is an uncommon genetic condition characterized by the presence of over 20 liver cysts. It is symptomatic in only 5% of cases. Surgical intervention remains the primary treatment approach for managing symptoms in affected patients. Herein, we report a case of PLD revealed by severe abdominal pain.

Hepatoblastoma Presenting as Rapidly Progressive Abdominal Mass in a Toddler-A Case Report.

Abdominal mass in a toddler is a common condition encountered in clinical practice. The nature of abdominal mass in toddlers can be a developmental cyst or benign and malignant tumours from various intraabdominal organs. Round blue cell tumours arising from the kidney, adrenals, pancreas, and liver in toddlers present as abdominal masses and are potentially fatal even with systematic treatment. Hepatoblastoma, a small round blue cell tumour of childhood, is a rare hepatic tumour. We report a case of hepatoblastoma in a toddler in view of its diagnostic challenge.

Revisiting the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of neuroblastoma 4S: 30 years of institutional experience and systematic review.

Background and purpose: Neuroblastoma 4S is a rare subtype of metastatic neuroblastoma found in children younger than 12 months, characterized by liver, skin, or bone marrow metastases. While the prognosis for patients is generally favorable, rapid progression of liver metastases can lead to life-threatening organ insufficiency. In such cases, immediate treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy is necessary. Given the recent decline in radiotherapy utilization, this study aims to reassess its role, evaluating its effectiveness and toxicity. Materials and methods: We conducted a systematic review and an institutional retrospective analysis to assess the use of radiotherapy for hepatomegaly in patients with neuroblastoma 4S. The study included data from 164 patients from the literature and 16 patients from our institutional cohort. We extracted and analyzed data on short- and long-term outcomes, as well as reports of radiotherapy-induced toxicity. Results: Our institutional data showed that 81 % of patients responded to low-dose radiotherapy administered at a median dose of 450 cGy in three fractions, resulting in liver shrinkage and symptom resolution. Based on the systematic review, 1-year survival rate was 80 %, while 5-year survival rate was 75 %. No serious toxicity was observed with the current low-dose radiotherapy; however, one case of induced secondary malignancy was reported. Conclusion: Radiation therapy is an effective treatment modality for hepatomegaly in patients with neuroblastoma 4S, with a success rate of about 80 %. Despite being administered to infants, a low dose of 450-600 cGy does not result in toxicity related to the kidneys, liver, or posture defects.

The reversal of PXR or PPARα activation-induced hepatomegaly.

The activation of pregnane X receptor (PXR) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) can induce liver enlargement. Recently, we reported that PXR or PPARα activation-induced hepatomegaly depends on yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling and is characterized by hepatocyte hypertrophy around the central vein area and hepatocyte proliferation around the portal vein area. However, it remains unclear whether PXR or PPARα activation-induced hepatomegaly can be reversed after the withdrawal of their agonists. In this study, we investigated the regression of enlarged liver to normal size following the withdrawal of PCN or WY-14643 (typical agonists of mouse PXR or PPARα) in C57BL/6 mice. The immunohistochemistry analysis of CTNNB1 and KI67 showed a reversal of hepatocyte size and a decrease in hepatocyte proliferation after the withdrawal of agonists. In details, the expression of PXR or PPARα downstream proteins (CYP3A11, CYP2B10, ACOX1, and CYP4A) and the expression of proliferation-related proteins (CCNA1, CCND1, and PCNA) returned to the normal levels. Furthermore, YAP and its downstream proteins (CTGF, CYR61, and ANKRD1) also restored to the normal states, which was consistent with the change in liver size. These findings demonstrate the reversibility of PXR or PPARα activation-induced hepatomegaly and provide new data for the safety of PXR and PPARα as drug targets.

Hepatomegaly and Splenomegaly: An Approach to the Diagnosis of Lysosomal Storage Diseases.

Clinical findings of hepatomegaly and splenomegaly, the abnormal enlargement of the liver and spleen, respectively, should prompt a broad differential diagnosis that includes metabolic, congestive, neoplastic, infectious, toxic, and inflammatory conditions. Among the metabolic diseases, lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) are a group of rare and ultrarare conditions with a collective incidence of 1 in 5000 live births. LSDs are caused by genetic variants affecting the lysosomal enzymes, transporters, or integral membrane proteins. As a result, abnormal metabolites accumulate in the organelle, leading to dysfunction. Therapeutic advances, including early diagnosis and disease-targeted management, have improved the life expectancy and quality of life of people affected by certain LSDs. To access these new interventions, LSDs must be considered in patients presenting with hepatomegaly and splenomegaly throughout the lifespan. This review article navigates the diagnostic approach for individuals with hepatosplenomegaly particularly focusing on LSDs. We provide hints in the history, physical exam, laboratories, and imaging that may identify LSDs. Additionally, we discuss molecular testing, arguably the preferred confirmatory test (over biopsy), accompanied by enzymatic testing when feasible.

Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the liver and spleen in Gaucher disease.

PURPOSE: To assess liver and spleen characteristics of a population with Gaucher disease (GD) using multiparametric MRI and MR elastography (MRE) for evaluation of diffuse liver and spleen disease, which includes liver fat fraction, liver and spleen volume and iron deposition, and liver and spleen stiffness correlated with DS3 Severity Scoring System for Gaucher disease (GD-DS3). METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 41 patients with type 1 Gaucher disease using a 3.0 T MRI and MRE between January 2019 and February 2020. Clinical, laboratory, and imaging data was collected. Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman's correlation were applied to evaluate liver and spleen MRI and MRE, clinical and laboratory variables, and GD-DS3. ERT and SRT treatment groups were compared. RESULTS: Hepatomegaly was seen in 15% and splenomegaly in 42% of the population. Moderate and strong and correlations were found between liver and spleen iron overload (rho = 0.537; p = 0.002); between liver and spleen volume (rho = 0.692, p < 0.001) and between liver and spleen stiffness (rho = 0.453, p = 0.006). Moderate correlations were found between liver stiffness and GD-DS3 (rho = 0.559; p < 0.001) and between splenic volume and GD-DS3 (rho = 0.524; p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of hepatosplenomegaly, liver fibrosis, and liver iron overload in treated patients with GD is low, which may be related to the beneficial effect of treatment. Liver MRE and splenic volume correlate with severity score and may be biomarkers of disease severity.

Hepatomegaly and jaundice as the presenting symptoms of systemic light-chain amyloidosis: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Light chain (AL) amyloidosis is a plasma cell dyscrasia characterized by the pathologic production and extracellular tissue deposition of fibrillar proteins derived from immunoglobulin AL fragments secreted by a clone of plasma cells, which leads to progressive dysfunction of the affected organs. The two most commonly affected organs are the heart and kidneys, and liver is rarely the dominant affected organ with only 3.9% of cases, making them prone to misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old woman was admitted with a 3-mo history of progressive jaundice and marked hepatomegaly. Initially, based on enhanced computed tomography scan and angiography, Budd-Chiari syndrome was considered and balloon dilatation of significant hepatic vein stenoses was performed. However, additional diagnostic procedures, including liver biopsy and bone marrow-examination, revealed immunoglobulin kapa AL amyloidosis with extensive liver involvement and hepatic vascular compression. The disease course was progressive and fatal, and the patient eventually died 5 mo after initial presentation of symptoms. CONCLUSION: AL amyloidosis with isolated liver involvement is very rare, and can be easily misdiagnosed as a vascular disease.

Pretransplant hepatomegaly is linked to relapse in patients with leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome not in remission.

Hepatomegaly is an extramedullary disease (EMD) manifestation of hematological malignancy. Although EMD before allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a risk factor for relapse in patients not in complete remission (NonCR) patients, the significance of hepatomegaly to allo-HCT is unclear. We conducted a single-center retrospective observational study of 140 patients with acute leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome who underwent allo-HCT at our institution from 2014 to 2019. Hepatomegaly was assessed by ultrasonography using the liver index (LI). In the univariable analysis, the LI/height ratio was significantly associated with relapse (hazard ratio [HR] per standard deviation [sd]: 1.51, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-1.93, p = 0.001, sd = 13.8) in NonCR patients (n = 62), but showed no significant association in CR patients (n = 78) (HR per sd: 0.95, 95% CI 0.64-1.39, p = 0.780, sd = 8.7). In multivariable analysis, the LI/height ratio was significantly associated with relapse (HR per sd: 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.78, p = 0.037) after adjusting for the refined disease risk index and conditioning intensity. Interaction analysis showed a noteworthy but not statistically significant association between the LI/height ratio and CR status (p = 0.110). In conclusion, our findings suggest that the LI may be a risk factor for relapse in NonCR patients after allo-HCT.

Malformación linfática quística gigante del hígado: dos casos pediátricos con diferente abordaje quirúrgico / Giant cystic lymphatic malformation of the liver: two pediatric cases with different surgical approach

Introducción. Las malformaciones linfáticas quísticas, también llamadas linfangiomas quísticos, aparecen muy raramente de forma aislada en el hígado. Casos clínicos. Se presentan dos pacientes femeninas de edad preescolar con marcada hepatomegalia, dependiente de lesiones quísticas multitabicadas, secundarias a malformación linfática quística gigante del hígado, que fueron tratadas en el Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler, La Habana, Cuba. Resultados. En ambos casos el diagnóstico se apoyó en los estudios de imágenes, la laparoscopia y el análisis histopatológico. En un caso el tratamiento fue la hepatectomía derecha, mientras que en el otro se empleó la escleroterapia, ambas con evolución favorable. Conclusión. A pesar de su rareza, este diagnóstico no debe obviarse ante un paciente pediátrico con lesiones hepáticas quísticas. El tratamiento de elección es la resección quirúrgica, pero su indicación y envergadura debe valorarse de forma individualizada

Introduction. Cystic lymphatic malformations, also called cystic lymphangiomas, are very rarely found in the liver. Clinical cases. Two pediatric female preschool-age patients. presented with hepatomegaly due to multi-septated cystic lesions of the liver, who received treatment at Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler, La Habana, Cuba. Results. We report two pediatric cases with giant cystic lymphatic malformation of the liver. In both cases, the diagnosis were based on imaging, laparoscopy and pathology. In one case the treatment was right hepatectomy, whereas in the other, sclerotherapy was performed, both with a favorable outcome. Conclusion. Despite its rarity, this diagnosis should be considered in pediatric patients with hepatic cystic lesions. The recommended treatment is surgical resection, but its indication and extent should be assessed individually for each patient.

From hepatomegaly to POEMS syndrome: A case report.

We present a case of POEMS syndrome from Turkiye, a rare, multisystemic condition resulting from plasma cell dyscrasia. POEMS is an acronym representing its cardinal features: Peripheral neuropathy; Organomegaly; Endocrinopathy; Monoclonal plasma-cell proliferative disorder; and Skin changes. The syndrome has an estimated prevalence of 0.3 per 100,000 individuals and typically manifests in the fifth or sixth decade of life. Progressive peripheral neuropathy is the syndrome's most prominent symptom. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, a thorough medical history, physical examination, and comprehensive diagnostic evaluations are essential. These evaluations should include serum immunoelectrophoresis, serum cytokines, and growth factors, a skeletal survey, and a bone marrow biopsy. Early recognition and treatment of POEMS syndrome are crucial to prevent debilitating progression and to optimize clinical outcomes.

Report of an Iranian child with chronic abdominal pain and constipation diagnosed as glycogen storage disease type IX: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Glycogen storage disease type IX is a rare disorder that can cause a wide variety of symptoms depending on the specific deficiency of the phosphorylase kinase enzyme and the organs it affects. CASE PRESENTATION: A 4-and-a-half-year-old Caucasian girl was referred to our clinic with a liver biopsy report indicating a diagnosis of glycogen storage disease. Prior to being referred to our clinic, the patient had been under the care of pediatric gastroenterologists. The patient's initial symptoms included chronic abdominal pain, constipation, and elevated liver transaminase. With the help of the pediatric gastroenterologists, cholestasis, Wilson disease, and autoimmune hepatitis were ruled out. Given that glycogen storage diseases type I and type III are the most common, we initially managed the patient with frequent feedings and a diet that included complex carbohydrates such as a corn starch supplement and a lactose restriction. Following an unfavorable growth velocity and hepatomegaly during the follow-up period, genetic analysis was conducted, which revealed a novel mutation of the phosphorylase kinase regulatory subunit beta gene- a c.C412T (P.Q138x) mutation. As the diagnosis of glycogen storage disease type IX was confirmed, the treatment regimen was altered to a high protein diet (more than 2 g/kg/day) and a low fat diet. CONCLUSION: Given the mild and varied clinical manifestations of glycogen storage disease type IX, it is possible for the diagnosis to be overlooked. It is important to consider glycogen storage disease type IX in children who present with unexplained hepatomegaly and elevated transaminase levels. Furthermore, due to the distinct management of glycogen storage disease type IX compared with glycogen storage disease type I and glycogen storage disease type III, genetic analysis is essential for an accurate diagnosis.

GenX analogs exposure induced greater hepatotoxicity than GenX mainly via activation of PPARα pathway while caused hepatomegaly in the absence of PPARα in female mice.

Despite their use as substitutes for perfluorooctanoic acid, the potential toxicities of hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA, commercial name: GenX) and its analogs (PFDMOHxA, PFDMO2HpA, and PFDMO2OA) remain poorly understood. To assess the hepatotoxicity of these chemicals on females, each chemical was orally administered to female C57BL/6 mice at the dosage of 0.5 mg/kg/d for 28 d. The contribution of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARα and γ) and other nuclear receptors involving in these toxic effects of GenX and its analogs were identified by employing two PPAR knockout mice (PPARα-/- and PPARγΔHep) in this study. Results showed that the hepatotoxicity of these chemicals increased in the order of GenX < PFDMOHxA < PFDMO2HpA < PFDMO2OA. The increases of relative liver weight and liver injury markers were significantly much lower in PPARα-/- mice than in PPARα+/+ mice after GenX analog exposure, while no significant differences were observed between PPARγΔHep and its corresponding wildtype groups (PPARγF/F mice), indicating that GenX analog induce hepatotoxicity mainly via PPARα instead of PPARγ. The PPARα-dependent complement pathways were inhibited in PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA exposed PPARα+/+ mice, which might be responsible for the observed liver inflammation. In PPARα-/- mice, hepatomegaly and increased liver lipid content were observed in PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA treated groups. The activated pregnane X receptor (PXR) and constitutive activated receptor (CAR) pathways in the liver of PPARα-/- mice, which were highlighted by bioinformatics analysis, provided a reasonable explanation for hepatomegaly in the absence of PPARα. Our results indicate that GenX analogs could induce more serious hepatotoxicity than GenX whether there is a PPARα receptor or not. These chemicals, especially PFDMO2HpA and PFDMO2OA, may not be appropriate PFOA alternatives.

Niemann-Pick disease type B and heterogeneous manifestations of its liver involvement： A case report / 临床肝胆病杂志

This article reports a case with the chief complaint of “hepatosplenomegaly to be investigated” and a confirmed diagnosis of Niemann-Pick disease type B after various tests， and a literature review was conducted to summarize the heterogeneous manifestations of liver involvement in type B Niemann-Pick disease， in order to improve the clinical management of difficult and rare liver diseases.

Correlation of thermal burn hepatic dysfunction with outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: Organ dysfunction and failure increase the morbidity and mortality following major burn. Alteration of liver morphology and function is common following major burns; however, it has not received much attention. In this study we have assessed the impact of thermal burn on liver in relation with mortality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 55 patients (33 female and 22 males) with TBSA 10-90% and age ranged from 18 to 75 years were included. A bed side serial ultrasonography to assess the volume of liver and liver function tests was done on the 2nd, 9th and 16th day following burn. Baseline demographic and clinical information such as age, gender, burn size and outcome of patient were also collected. RESULTS -: 8 patients died during 2nd week following burn and 47 survived. The mean TBSA for survivors was 37% and for non survivors 80%. Mean liver volume in survivors steadily decreased from 1693.70 cm3 to 1631.31 cm3 over 3 weeks. Mean liver volume in non- survivors steadily increased from 1855.88 cm3 to 2028.50 cm3 over 2 weeks. Liver function test in survivors steadily improved while in non survivors it deteriorated over 2 weeks. CONCLUSION: There is a correlation between altered liver morphology and function with mortality among severely burnt patients however liver volume did not show statistical significance. A decreasing trend of liver dysfunction parameters and hepatomegaly following burn is associated with good prognosis.