Herb-induced Liver Injury-A Guide to Approach. Lessons from the Tinospora cordifolia (Giloy) Case Series Story.

Background: Tinospora cordifolia (TC) is being increasingly consumed in India for its health and suggested immune-enhancing benefits in preventing and countering COVID-19. We previously published our experience of hepatotoxicity with self-medication of TC in six individuals. Since herb-induced liver injury (HILI) has been described with Tinospora crispa (TCR) consumption, it was contested that our patients may have mistakenly self-medicated with TCR which is similar in appearance to TC. Methods: We collected the four plant samples and two commercial preparations that were consumed by our patients for further analysis. The six samples underwent high performance thin layer chromatography phytochemical analysis and DNA barcoding studies for the confirmation of the genus and species. The four plant part samples which included stems and leaves were also analysed by a botanist for the characteristic morphological and microscopic features. Results: Based on morphological, microscopic, phytochemical and DNA studies, the four plant part samples were identified as TC. The two commercial preparations could not be analysed on phytochemical analysis or DNA barcoding studies due to other ingredients that most likely interfered with the analysis. The herb consumed by our study subjects was confirmed to be Tinospora cordifolia. Conclusion: We have highlighted the key morphological and phytochemical differences between these two species. We propose an algorithmic approach to accurately identify the implicated herb in cases of HILI. Future studies on causality need to focus on the serological/histopathological identification of active herb/metabolites in human tissues.

Gender Differences in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has currently emerged as the most common liver disorder in both developed and developing countries. It has been observed that NAFLD exhibits sexual dimorphism, and there is limited understanding on the sex differences in adults with NAFLD. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease shows marked differences in prevalence and severity with regards to gender. There are considerable biological disparities between males and females attributed to differences in the chromosomal makeup and sex hormone levels, distinct from the gender differences resulting from the sociocultural influences that lead to differences in lifestyle, which have a significant impact on the pathogenesis of this complex disorder. A multitude of factors contributes to the gender disparities seen and need to be researched in-depth to better understand the mechanisms behind them and the therapeutic measures that can be taken. In this article, we will review the gender disparities seen in NAFLD, as well as recent studies highlighting certain gender-specific factors contributing to its varying prevalence and severity. How to cite this article: Nagral A, Bangar M, Menezes S, et al. Gender Differences in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2022;12(Suppl 1):S19-S25.

Decompensation of Cirrhosis: An Unusual Cause.

We describe a case of a 69-year-old woman, a known case of compensated Hepatitis C cirrhosis, presenting with recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) secondary to Salmonella Paratyphi B. She had recently tested positive for Salmonella Paratyphi bacteremia associated with UTI, managed with antibiotics. Two weeks later, she presented with fever and burning micturition with signs of abdominal distension and pedal edema suggestive of decompensation of cirrhosis. She had repeat positive urine cultures for Salmonella and was managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics, surgical stone removal, and supportive measures leading to resolution of symptoms and ascites. She was administered a prolonged antibiotic course on discharge for chronic shedding of Salmonella in the urine. UTIs are a common cause of decompensation in immunosuppressed states like liver cirrhosis, and rare infections like salmonella need to be identified and managed appropriately with sensitive antibiotics and the right duration of treatment.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Refractory Ascites in Gaucher Disease.

Gaucher disease is rare, inherited lysosomal storage disorder that leads to the excessive accumulation of certain lipids, especially within the bone marrow, liver, and spleen. We present a case of a 30-year-old man with Gaucher disease who underwent a splenectomy at the age of eight for severe cytopenia. His subsequent history was notable for recurrent avascular osteonecrosis and his liver disease progressed to portal hypertension, variceal bleeding, and refractory ascites. Upon evaluation of his candidacy for liver transplantation, he was sarcopenic, with tense, high serum-ascites albumin gradient (SAAG) ascites and florid venous collaterals on his anterior abdominal wall. His hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was 22 mmHg. He underwent a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) procedure, following which his HVPG was reduced to 2 mmHg and striking reversal of ascites as well as improvement of his nutritional state. TIPS was not complicated by hepatic encephalopathy. The successful outcome of TIPS in Gaucher disease with advanced hepatic disease underscores its utility as a bridge to liver transplantation with continuing enzyme replacement therapy.

Cutaneous mucormycosis: an unusual cause of decompensation in a patient with ethanol-related cirrhosis with COVID-19 exposure.

We describe a case of cutaneous mucormycosis in a middle-aged man with ethanol-related chronic liver disease. He presented with symptoms of fever, breathlessness for 10 days and altered mental status for 2 days. On admission, he was in septic shock and had acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). He was noted to have ruptured blisters in his left axilla. Although he repeatedly had negative COVID-19 Reverse Transcription-PCR results, he had positive IgG antibodies for COVID-19. He was managed with broad-spectrum antibiotics, steroids, vasopressors and ventilation for ARDS. Over the course of his hospitalisation, the axillary lesion progressed to a necrotising ulcer with deep tissue invasion. Debridement and culture of the axillary ulcer revealed mucor species, and he was started on amphotericin and posaconazole for mucormycosis. Unfortunately, he continued to deteriorate despite aggressive management and died after a prolonged hospital stay of 40 days.