Multiple genetic polymorphisms are associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome, fatty liver, and airflow limitation: A Taiwan Biobank study.

BACKGROUND: Links have been reported between the airflow limitation and both metabolic syndrome (MetS) and fatty liver (FL). Additionally, associations between genetic factors and risks of MetS, FL, and airflow limitation have been identified separately in different studies. Our study aims to simultaneously explore the association between specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of certain genes and the risk of the three associated diseases. METHODS: In this retrospective cross-sectional nationwide study, 150,709 participants from the Taiwan Biobank (TWB) were enrolled. We conducted a genotype-phenotype association analysis of nine SNPs on seven genes (ApoE-rs429358, MBOAT7-rs641738, LEPR-rs1805096, APOC3-rs2854116, APOC3-rs2854117, PPP1R3B-rs4240624, PPP1R3B-rs4841132, TM6SF2-rs58542926, and IFNL4-rs368234815) using data from the TWB1.0 and TWB2.0 genotype dataset. Participants underwent a series of assessments including questionnaires, blood examinations, abdominal ultrasounds, and spirometry examinations. RESULTS: MetS was associated with FL and airflow limitation. ApoE-rs429358, LEPR-rs1805096, APOC3-rs2854116, APOC3-rs2854117, PPP1R3B-rs4240624, PPP1R3B-rs4841132, and TM6SF2-rs58542926 were significantly associated with the risk of MetS. The cumulative impact of T alleles of ApoE-rs429358 and TM6SF2-rs58542926 on the risk of FL was observed (p-value for trend < 0.001). Individuals without MetS and airflow limitation carrying LEPR-rs1805096 G_G genotype exhibited a reduction in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s percentage prediction (Coefficient -35, 95 % confidence interval (CI) -69.7- -0.4), low forced vital capacity percentage prediction (Coefficient -41.6, 95 % CI -82.6- -0.6), and low vital capacity percentage prediction (Coefficient -42.2, 95 % CI -84.2- -0.1). CONCLUSIONS: MetS significantly correlated with FL and airflow limitation. Multiple SNPs were notably associated with MetS. Specifically, T alleles of ApoE-rs429358 and TM6SF2-rs58542926 cumulatively increased the risk of FL. LEPR-rs1805096 shows a trend-wise association with pulmonary function, which is significant in patients without MetS or airflow limitation.

Optimal body mass index for protecting middle-aged and elderly patients with fatty liver from future fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies have suggested that body mass index (BMI) should be considered when assessing the relationship between fatty liver (FL) and osteoporosis. The aim of this study was to investigate future fracture events in people with FL, focusing on the effect of BMI in both sexes. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study from 2011 to 2019 enrolled 941 people, including 441 women and 500 men, aged 50 years or older who underwent liver imaging (ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance image) and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, for bone mineral density measurements). The study examined predictors of osteoporosis in both sexes, and the effect of different ranges of BMI (18.5-24, 24-27, and ≥27 kg/m2 in women; 18.5-24, 24-27, 27-30 and ≥30 kg/m2 in men) on the risk of future fractures in FL patients. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 5.3 years for women and 4.2 years for men. Multivariate analysis identified age and BMI as independent risk factors for osteoporosis in both sexes. Each unit increase in BMI decreased the risk of osteoporosis by ≥10%. In both women and men with FL, a BMI of 24-27 kg/m2 offered protection against future fractures, compared to those without FL and with a BMI of 18.5-24 kg/m2. CONCLUSION: The protective effect of a higher BMI against future fractures in middle-aged and elderly women and men with FL is not uniform and decreases beyond certain BMI ranges.

Fecal Carriage of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms Increases the Risk of Hepatic Encephalopathy in Cirrhotic Patients: Insights from Gut Microbiota and Metabolite Features.

Background: Impact of fecal colonization by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) on changes in gut microbiota and associated metabolites, as well as its role in cirrhosis-associated outcomes, has not been thoroughly investigated. Methods: Eighty-eight cirrhotic patients and 22 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled with analysis conducted on plasma metabolites, fecal MDROs, and microbiota. Patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Predictive factors for cirrhosis-associated outcomes were identified using Cox proportional hazards regression models, and risk factors for fecal MDRO carriage were assessed using logistic regression model. Correlations between microbiota and metabolic profiles were evaluated through Spearman's rank test. Results: Twenty-nine (33%) cirrhotic patients exhibited MDRO carriage, with a notably higher rate of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in MDRO carriers (20.7% vs. 3.2%, p = 0.008). Cox regression analysis identified higher serum lipopolysaccharide levels and fecal MDRO carriage as predictors for HE development. Logistic regression analysis showed that MDRO carriage is an independent risk factor for developing HE. Microbiota analysis showed a significant dissimilarity of fecal microbiota between cirrhotic patients with and without MDRO carriage (p = 0.033). Thirty-two metabolites exhibiting significantly different expression levels among healthy controls, cirrhotic patients with and without MDRO carriage were identified. Six of the metabolites showed correlation with specific bacterial taxa expression in MDRO carriers, with isoaustin showing significantly higher levels in MDRO carriers experiencing HE compared to those who did not. Conclusion: Fecal MDRO carriage is associated with altered gut microbiota, metabolite modulation, and an elevated risk of HE occurrence within a year.

Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver clinical practice guidelines on liver transplantation.

Liver transplantation is a highly complex and challenging field of clinical practice. Although it was originally developed in western countries, it has been further advanced in Asian countries through the use of living donor liver transplantation. This method of transplantation is the only available option in many countries in the Asia-Pacific region due to the lack of deceased organ donation. As a result of this clinical situation, there is a growing need for guidelines that are specific to the Asia-Pacific region. These guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations for evidence-based management throughout the entire process of liver transplantation, covering both deceased and living donor liver transplantation. In addition, the development of these guidelines has been a collaborative effort between medical professionals from various countries in the region. This has allowed for the inclusion of diverse perspectives and experiences, leading to a more comprehensive and effective set of guidelines.

Mac-2-Binding Protein Glycosylation Isomer to Albumin Ratio Predicts Bacterial Infections in Cirrhotic Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel biomarker for liver fibrosis, but little is known about its role in cirrhosis-associated clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the predictive role of M2BPGi in cirrhosis-associated complications. METHODS: One hundred and forty-nine cirrhotic patients were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were followed up for 1 year, and cirrhosis-associated clinical events were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis was used to establish the values of the predictive models for cirrhotic outcomes, and Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify predictors of clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Sixty (40.3%) patients experienced cirrhosis-associated clinical events and had higher M2BPGi levels compared to those without events (8.7 vs. 5.1 cutoff index, p < 0.001). The most common cirrhosis-associated complications were bacterial infections (24.2%). On ROC analysis, M2BPGi to albumin ratio (M2BPGi/albumin) had comparable discriminant abilities for all cirrhosis-associated events (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.74) compared with M2BPGi, Child-Pugh, model for end-stage liver disease, albumin-bilirubin scores, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and was superior to M2BPGi alone for all bacterial infectious events (AUC = 0.80). Cox regression analysis revealed that the M2BPGi/albumin, but not M2BPGi alone, independently predicted all cirrhosis-associated events (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34, p = 0.038) and all bacterial infectious events (HR = 1.51, p = 0.011) within 1 year. However, M2BPGi/albumin did not predict other cirrhotic complications and transplant-free survival. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: M2BPGi/albumin might serve as a potential prognostic indicator for patients with cirrhosis, particularly for predicting bacterial infections.

Assuring safety of fecal microbiota transplantation in the COVID-19 era: A single-center experience.

Background and Aim: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is used to treat recurrent or refractory Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). In the past, screening of fecal donors required surveillance of personal behavior, medical history, and diseases that could be transmitted by the blood or fecal-oral route. In addition, the exclusion of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) has been recommended since 2018. This task has become more complicated in the era of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. To prevent fecal transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), it is crucial to commence screening for SARS-CoV-2, alongside other traditional tests. Our aim was to investigate whether hidden carriers of SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled for stool donation, and the status of the presence or incidence of MDRO during fecal donation in Taiwan. Methods: Fecal products collected from March 2019 to December 2022 were tested for MDRO and nucleic acid amplification tests for SARS-CoV-2 using the pooling method. The period of fecal product collection crossed the time before and during the COVID pandemic in Taiwan. Results: A total of 151 fecal samples were collected. The fecal products were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect SARS-CoV-2. The results were negative for all stocks. This was similar to the results of MDRO testing. The safety of FMT products has been guaranteed during the pandemic. Conclusion: Our FMT center produced MDRO-free and COVID-19-free products before and during the COVID-19 outbreak in Taiwan. Our protocol was effective for ensuring the safety of FMT products.

High carriage rate of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase Enterobacterales and diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in healthy donor screening for fecal microbiota transplantation.

The safety of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has been highlighted by extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli bacteremia transmitted from donors and acquisition of diarrheagenic E. coli (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)) via FMT. The use of donor screening criteria to lower the risk of pathogen transmission via FMT is essential. This study aimed to demonstrate the outcomes of our strict donor screening program. This study was conducted at our FMT center between January 2019 and June 2022. Our donor screening program included an initial questionnaire and subsequent blood and stool testing. We further used selective culture for third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GCR) Enterobacterales and multiplex PCR to detect diarrheagenic E. coli in stools. The resistance mechanisms and sequence type of 3GCR Enterobacterales were determined. A total of 742 individuals were assessed, and 583 participants (78.6%) were excluded after questionnaire. Of the remaining 159 participants undergoing stool and blood tests, 37 participants were finally qualified (5.0%, 37/742). A high fecal carriage rate of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (35.2%, 56/159), including E. coli (n=53) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=5), and diarrheagenic E. coli (31.4%, 50/159), including EPEC (n=41), enteroaggregative E. coli (n=11), enterotoxigenic E. coli (n=4), and STEC (n=1), was noted. CTX-M-79 and CTX-M-15 were dominant in E. coli and K. pneumoniae, respectively. The sequence types of the ESBL-producing strains were diverse. The screening for 3GCR Enterobacterales and diarrheagenic E. coli in stool is necessary. Our findings also support the effectiveness of multiplex PCR panels in FMT donor screening programs.

Pathogenesis and treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and its fibrosis.

The initial presentation of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is hepatic steatosis. The dysfunction of lipid metabolism within hepatocytes caused by genetic factors, diet, and insulin resistance causes lipid accumulation. Lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and endoplasmic reticulum stress would further contribute to hepatocyte injury and death, leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction in the liver. During the healing process, the accumulation of an excessive amount of fibrosis might occur while healing. During the development of NASH and liver fibrosis, the gut-liver axis, adipose-liver axis, and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) may be dysregulated and impaired. Translocation of bacteria or its end-products entering the liver could activate hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells, exacerbating hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Bile acids regulate glucose and lipid metabolism through Farnesoid X receptors in the liver and intestine. Increased adipose tissue-derived non-esterified fatty acids would aggravate hepatic steatosis. Increased leptin also plays a role in hepatic fibrogenesis, and decreased adiponectin may contribute to hepatic insulin resistance. Moreover, dysregulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors in the liver, adipose, and muscle tissues may impair lipid metabolism. In addition, the RAS may contribute to hepatic fatty acid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. The treatment includes lifestyle modification, pharmacological therapy, and non-pharmacological therapy. Currently, weight reduction by lifestyle modification or surgery is the most effective therapy. However, vitamin E, pioglitazone, and obeticholic acid have also been suggested. In this review, we will introduce some new clinical trials and experimental therapies for the treatment of NASH and related fibrosis.

Sarcopenia-related gut microbial changes are associated with the risk of complications in people with cirrhosis.

Background & Aims: Sarcopenia and gut dysbiosis are common in individuals with cirrhosis. However, the association between sarcopenia and microbial alterations, and the subsequent impact on cirrhotic outcomes are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify muscle-dependent microbial changes and related risks of cirrhotic complications. Methods: From September 2018 to December 2020, 89 individuals with cirrhosis and 16 healthy volunteers were prospectively enrolled. Muscle and nutritional status, serum amino acids, and fecal microbiota were analyzed. The association between microbial signatures of sarcopenia and cirrhotic complications was investigated. Results: A decline in muscle mass and strength were associated with gut microbial alterations in individuals with cirrhosis. The greatest microbial dissimilarity was observed between those with sarcopenia (both decline in muscle mass and strength) and those with normal-muscle status (p = 0.035). Individuals with sarcopenia had lower serum levels of alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, tryptophan and ornithine. Besides, gut microbial functions associated with amino acid biosynthesis were significantly reduced in individuals with sarcopenia and cirrhosis. Depletion of Dialister, Ruminococcus 2, and Anaerostipes were associated with cirrhotic sarcopenia, and significantly correlated with the serum levels of amino acids. Individuals with coexistent depletion of Ruminococcus 2 and Anaerostipes developed more infectious (44.4% vs. 3.0%) and non-infectious (74.1% vs. 3.0%) complications, and more hospitalizations (54 vs. 3) than those with cirrhosis with good microbial signatures (all p <0.001). In contrast, fecal enrichment of Ruminococcus 2 and Anaerostipes independently decreased the risk of 1-year complications. Conclusions: Sarcopenia-related fecal microbial alterations are associated with cirrhotic complications. These findings may facilitate measures to improve the outcomes of individuals with cirrhosis and sarcopenia by modifying gut microbiota. Impact and implications: The composition and biosynthetic functions of gut microbiota are significantly changed in individuals with sarcopenic cirrhosis. Those with a sarcopenia-related poor microbial signature, in which Ruminococcus 2 and Anaerostipes were both depleted, had significantly more infectious and non-infectious complications, as well as more hospitalizations. These findings highlight the therapeutic potential of modifying the gut microbiota of individuals with sarcopenic cirrhosis to improve their clinical outcomes.

Early cholecystectomy following percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage is effective for moderate to severe acute cholecystitis in the octogenarians.

BACKGROUND: Acute cholecystitis (AC) is a life-threatening infectious/inflammatory disease in older patients. This study aimed to investigate the safety and optimal timing of surgery in patients aged ≥ 80 years with moderate to severe AC who received percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD). METHODS: From January 2008 to February 2021, 152 patients were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical outcomes were compared among patients who received laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), open cholecystectomy (OC), and conversion surgery, and between those who received early (< 6 weeks after PTGBD) and delayed cholecystectomy (≥ 6 weeks after PTGBD). Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for recurrent AC, further biliary events, conversion, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients underwent LC, 62 underwent OC, and 23 underwent conversion surgery. Operation-related complications and mortality rates did not differ among the types of surgery; however, LC group had shorter operative time than the other groups. Eighty-two patients underwent early cholecystectomy, while 70 underwent delayed cholecystectomy. There were no differences in operative time, operation-related complications, and mortality rates between the groups. However, higher rates of recurrent AC and biliary events were observed in the delayed cholecystectomy group (52.9% vs. 4.9% and 57.1% vs. 8.5%, p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, delayed cholecystectomy was a significant risk factor for recurrent AC (odds ratio [OR] = 19.42, p < 0.001) and further biliary events (OR = 15.95, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Early cholecystectomy is recommended for patients aged ≥ 80 years with moderate to severe AC following PTGBD.

(Pro)renin receptor inhibition attenuated liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with steatohepatitis.

The (Pro)renin receptor (PRR) is reportedly involved in hepatic lipid metabolism and hepatocyte PRR knockdown protects mice against hepatosteatosis. However, the impact of PRR inhibition on liver inflammation and fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unclear. Herein, C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal chow diet or fast food diet (FFD) for 24 weeks. Lentivirus-mediated PRR short hairpin RNA (shRNA) or handle region peptide (HRP), a PRR blocker, was administered for PRR inhibition. Mouse primary hepatocytes were cultured with palmitic acid, prorenin, siRNA-targeted PRR, and HRP. In FFD-fed mice, PRR inhibition via lentivirus-mediated PRR knockdown or HRP significantly attenuated liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Mechanistically, PRR knockdown or HRP decreased hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) abundance and upregulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα). HRP treatment also decreased hepatic PRR expression. In addition, intrahepatic oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammatory cell recruitment were ameliorated by PRR knockdown or HRP treatment, along with suppression of proinflammatory cytokine expression. PRR inhibition downregulated the hepatic expression of profibrotic factors, as well as TGF-ß1/SMAD3 pathway. In primary mouse hepatocytes, PRR knockdown with siRNA or HRP downregulated cellular ACC and increased PPARα expression. In conclusion, our findings revealed that PRR inhibition attenuated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in mice with NASH. Accordingly, targeting PRR signaling may serve as a potential treatment for NASH.

Acetate reprograms gut microbiota during alcohol consumption.

Liver damage due to chronic alcohol use is among the most prevalent liver diseases. Alcohol consumption frequency is a strong factor of microbiota variance. Here we use isotope labeled [1-13C] ethanol, metagenomics, and metatranscriptomics in ethanol-feeding and intragastric mouse models to investigate the metabolic impacts of alcohol consumption on the gut microbiota. First, we show that although stable isotope labeled [1-13C] ethanol contributes to fatty acid pools in the liver, plasma, and cecum contents of mice, there is no evidence of ethanol metabolism by gut microbiota ex vivo under anaerobic conditions. Next, we observe through metatranscriptomics that the gut microbiota responds to ethanol-feeding by activating acetate dissimilation, not by metabolizing ethanol directly. We demonstrate that blood acetate concentrations are elevated during ethanol consumption. Finally, by increasing systemic acetate levels with glyceryl triacetate supplementation, we do not observe any impact on liver disease, but do induce similar gut microbiota alterations as chronic ethanol-feeding in mice. Our results show that ethanol is not directly metabolized by the gut microbiota, and changes in the gut microbiota linked to ethanol are a side effect of elevated acetate levels. De-trending for these acetate effects may be critical for understanding gut microbiota changes that cause alcohol-related liver disease.

Saccharomyces Boulardii Ameliorates Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis in Mice Induced by a Methionine-Choline-Deficient Diet Through Gut-Liver Axis.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is affecting people worldwide. Changes in the intestinal microbiome are crucial to NASH. A previous study showed that eradicating intestinal fungi ameliorates NASH; however, the role of intestinal fungi in the development of NASH remains unclear. Saccharomyces boulardii (SB), a dietary supplement yeast, has been reported to restore the integrity of the intestine. Here, we tested the effect of SB in the treatment of NASH. For this study, we fed eight-week-old C57/BL6 male mice either a methionine-choline deficient (MCD) diet or a normal chow diet (NCD) for eight weeks. Half of the MCD diet-fed mice were gavaged with SB (5 mg/day) once daily. The remainder of the NCD-fed mice were gavaged with normal saline as a control. The MCD diet-fed mice on SB supplement showed better liver function, less hepatic steatosis, and decreased inflammation. Both hepatic inflammatory gene expression and fibrogenic gene expression were suppressed in mice with SB gavage. Intestinal damage caused by the MCD diet was tampered with, intestine inflammation decreased, and gut permeability improved in mice that had been given the SB supplement. Deep sequencing of the fecal microbiome showed a potentially increased beneficial gut microbiota and increased microbiota diversity in the SB-supplemented mice. The SB supplement maintains gut integrity, increases microbial diversity, and increases the number of potentially beneficial gut microbiota. Thus, the SB supplement attenuates gut leakage and exerts a protective effect against NASH. Our results provide new insight into the prevention of NASH.

Outcomes of patients with malignant duodenal obstruction after receiving self-expandable metallic stents: A single center experience.

OBJECTIVES: Self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement is a safe and effective palliative treatment for malignant gastric outlet obstruction; however, the clinical outcomes of gastric and duodenal stenoses may differ. This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of SEMS placement and the predictors of clinical outcomes, specifically in malignant duodenal obstruction (MDO). METHODS: Between September 2009 and March 2021, 79 patients with MDO who received SEMS placement in our hospital were retrospectively enrolled. Patients were divided into three groups according to the obstruction levels: above-papilla group (type 1), papilla involved group (type 2), and below-papilla group (type 3). The clinical outcomes and predictors of survival and restenosis were analyzed. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates were 97.5% and 80.5%, respectively. Among patients who had successful stent placement, stent restenosis occurred in 17 patients (22.1%). The overall median stent patency time was 103 days. The overall median survival time after stent placement was 116 days. There was no difference in the stent patency, or stent dysfunction and procedure-related adverse events among the three groups. A longer length of duodenal stenosis ≥ 4 cm was associated with poor prognosis (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.06-3.49, p = 0.032) and post-stent chemotherapy was associated with lower mortality (HR = 0.33; 95% CI = 0.17-0.63, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: SEMS is a safe and effective treatment for MDO. Chemotherapy after SEMS implantation improve the survival for these patients and a longer length of stenosis predicts higher mortality.

Outcomes of patients with malignant esophagogastric junction obstruction receiving metallic stents: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Malignancies-related esophagogastric junction (EGJ) obstruction is usually diagnosed in inoperable status with poor clinical outcomes. Metallic stent placement at EGJ could improve dysphagia for these patients. However, studies regarding the outcomes in these patients receiving metallic stents are still limited. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of metallic stent placement in malignant EGJ obstruction. METHODS: Forty-one patients with inoperable malignant EGJ obstruction receiving metallic stent placement were retrospectively enrolled. The clinical outcomes between different stents and deployment techniques were analyzed. RESULTS: The overall technical success rate was 97.6% and clinical success rate was 92.1%. The median overall survival time was 77 (4-893) days, and the patency time was 71 (4-893) days, respectively. Poststent radiotherapy significantly prolonged survival and stent patency. Between patients receiving uncovered or partially covered metal stents, there was no difference in procedure-related complications, survival time, and stent patency time. Moreover, the clinical outcomes in patients receiving duodenal stents for malignant EGJ obstruction are not inferior to those receiving esophageal stents. CONCLUSION: This study provides crucial information for endoscopists to establish individualized stenting strategies for malignant EGJ obstruction.

Alteration of gut microbial composition associated with the therapeutic efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in Clostridium difficile infection.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) leads to a significant cause of hospital-acquired morbidity and mortality. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is effective to treat recurrent or refractory CDI (rCDI). However, the change of microbial composition contributed by FMT and its association with treatment outcomes is not well determined in Taiwan. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of FMT and the association with microbial alteration endemically. METHODS: Twelve patients who received FMT for rCDI in Taipei Veterans General Hospital were prospectively enrolled from April 2019 to July 2020. The clinical assessments and fecal microbial analyses in comparison with fecal materials of unrelated donors were conducted before and after FMT. RESULTS: The overall success rate of FMT for rCDI was 91.7%. A prominence of Proteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria and Enterobacteriales were observed in the feces of patients with rCDI. Increased fecal phylogenetic diversities and a significant microbial dissimilarity were provided by successful FMT compared to patients before treatment. However, the distinctness was not obvious between patients' feces at baseline and after unsuccessful FMT. Moreover, dynamic change of fecal microbial composition after FMT was observed during follow-up but did not interrupt the treatment effects of FMT. CONCLUSION: Gut dysbiosis commonly co-exists in patients with rCDI. Restoration of gut microbial communities by FMT provides a promising strategy to treat antibiotic-failed CDI, and the extent of microbial change would be related to the treatment outcomes of FMT. Besides, the effectiveness of FMT for CDI could be maintained even the gut microbiota has diverged over time.

Mac-2 binding protein glycosylation isomer is a potential biomarker to predict portal hypertension and bacterial infection in cirrhotic patients.

OBJECTIVES: Mac-2-binding protein glycosylation isomer (M2BPGi) is a novel plasma biomarker for liver fibrosis, but less is known about its role in portal hypertension. We aimed to evaluate the association between M2BPGi and hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) and to investigate its predictive value on prognosis of cirrhotic patients. METHODS: Forty-eight cirrhotic patients who underwent HVPG measurement in Taipei Veterans General hospital were retrospectively enrolled. The Spearman's correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between plasma M2BPGi levels and HVPG and other parameters. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to identify predictors for clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Plasma M2BPGi levels were higher in cirrhotic patients than healthy subjects and significantly correlated with HVPG levels (rs = 0.45, p = 0.001). On multivariate Cox regression analysis, higher plasma M2BPGi levels [≥ 6 cut-off index (C.O.I)] did not predict mortality within five years for cirrhotic patients and the result was similar in patients without hepatocellular carcinoma. Interestingly, M2BPGi ≥ 6 C.O.I was a potential predictor of bacterial infection within five years [Hazar ratio (HR) = 4.51, p = 0.003]. However, M2BPGi failed to predict occurrence of other cirrhosis-related complications, including variceal bleeding, ascites formation, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, hepatorenal syndrome and hepatic encephalopathy. CONCLUSION: Plasma M2BPGi levels positively correlated with HVPG and higher serum M2BPGi levels might have a potential role in predicting development of bacterial infection for cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension.

Eritoran Attenuates Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in Mice with Chronic Liver Injury.

Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling plays a key role in liver inflammation and fibrosis. The therapeutic effects of eritoran, a TLR4 antagonist, in mice with chronic liver injury remained unclear. C57BL/6 mice were fed a fast-food diet (FFD) or treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) to induce chronic liver injury. Eritoran (10 mg/kg) or a vehicle was randomly intraperitoneally administered to the FFD-fed mice and the CCl4-injured mice. Primary mouse liver cells were cultured with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or eritoran. In both FFD and CCl4 mouse models, eritoran significantly reduced serum ALT levels and decreased hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration without altering hepatic steatosis. Additionally, eritoran attenuated liver fibrosis by decreasing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and the abundance of α-smooth muscle actin and transforming growth factor-ß1. Hepatic TLR4 downstream signaling including MyD88 expression, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, p38 and JNK phosphorylation were successfully inhibited by eritoran. In the in vitro study, LPS-induced nuclear translocation of NF-κB in primary HSCs and Kupffer cells was significantly suppressed by eritoran. In conclusion, eritoran attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis by inhibition of the TLR4 signaling pathway in mice with chronic liver injury. Eritoran may serve as a potential drug for chronic liver disease.

(Pro)renin Receptor Knockdown Attenuates Liver Fibrosis Through Inactivation of ERK/TGF-ß1/SMAD3 Pathway.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Activation of the (pro)renin receptor (PRR) up-regulates the expression of profibrotic genes in the kidney and heart. We aimed to investigate the role of PRR in hepatic fibrogenesis. METHODS: Human hepatic PRR levels were measured in patients with or without liver fibrosis. PRR expression was analyzed in primary mouse hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Experimental fibrosis was studied in thioacetamide (TAA)-treated or methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet-fed C57BL/6 mice. Lentivirus-mediated PRR short hairpin RNA was used to knockdown hepatic PRR expression. Lentiviral vectors expressing PRR short hairpin RNA or complementary DNA from the α-smooth muscle actin promoter were used for myofibroblast-specific gene knockdown or overexpression. RESULTS: PRR is up-regulated in human and mouse fibrotic livers, and in activated HSCs. Hepatic PRR knockdown reduced liver fibrosis by suppressing the activation of HSCs and expression of profibrotic genes in TAA or MCD diet-injured mice without significant changes in hepatic inflammation. Renin and prorenin increased the expression of PRR and production of TGF-ß1 in human activated HSC Lieming Xu-2 cells, and knockdown of PRR inactivated Lieming Xu-2 cells with decreased production of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 and Mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) phosphorylation. Myofibroblast-specific PRR knockdown also attenuated liver fibrosis in TAA or MCD diet-injured mice. Mice with both myofibroblast-specific and whole-liver PRR knockdown showed down-regulation of the hepatic extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway. Myofibroblast-specific PRR overexpression worsened TAA-induced liver fibrosis by up-regulating the ERK/TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway. CONCLUSIONS: PRR contributes to liver fibrosis and HSC activation, and its down-regulation attenuates liver fibrosis through inactivation of the ERK/TGF-ß1/Smad3 pathway. Therefore, PRR is a promising therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.

Persistent liver inflammation in chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis after direct-acting antivirals induced sustained virological response.

BACKGROUND: Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) improve sustained virological response (SVR) rates with normalization of liver enzymes in patients with hepatitis C. However, liver inflammation may persist despite virus eradication. We aimed to investigate the rate and risk factors for persistent elevated aminotransferase levels in patients with advanced fibrosis after DAA-induced SVR. METHODS: From January 2017 to April 2018, chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis and SVR after DAA treatment at the Taipei Veterans General Hospital were prospectively enrolled. Persistent liver inflammation after SVR was defined as an increase in levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (>40 U/L) at SVR12. RESULTS: A total of 461 patients were included (57.9% females, mean age 64 years, 69.6% genotype 1b, 46.4% cirrhosis). At SVR12, there was a decline in ALT levels (90.5 ± 80.8 U/L to 25.3 ± 26.5 U/L) from baseline levels. Persistent liver inflammation at SVR12 was detected in 45 patients (9.8%). The presence of cirrhosis, markers of impaired liver functions, history of interferon-based therapy, steatosis, and elevated ALT levels at baseline was associated with persistent liver inflammation after SVR12. Results of multivariate analysis indicated that levels of baseline serum total bilirubin (odds ratio [OR]: 2.605, 95% CI: 1.158-5.858), international normalized ratio (OR: 14.389, 95% CI: 1.754-118.049), ALT (OR: 1.006, 95% CI: 1.003-1.009), and the presence of steatosis (OR: 3.635, 95% CI: 1.716-7.698) were independent predictors of persistent liver inflammation at SVR12. CONCLUSION: Persistent liver inflammation is not uncommon in chronic hepatitis C patients with advanced fibrosis after DAA-induced SVR. It is associated with impaired baseline liver function and steatosis. Long-term follow-up is required to assess the implication of liver inflammation on disease progression.