RISK FACTORS FOR HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is growing in worldwide prevalence and thus, is expected to have a higher number of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the following years. This review describes the risk factors associated with HCC in NAFLD-patients. The presence of liver cirrhosis is the preponderant one. Male gender, PNPLA3 variants, diabetes, and obesity also appear to predispose to the development of HCC, even in non-cirrhotic subjects. Thus far, intensive lifestyle modifications, including glycemic control, and obesity treatment, are effective therapies for NAFLD/ non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and, therefore, probably, also for HCC. Some drugs that aimed at decreasing inflammatory activity and fibrosis, as well as obesity, were studied. Other data have suggested the possibility of HCC chemoprevention. So far, however, there is no definitive evidence for the routine utilization of these drugs. We hope, in the future, to be able to profile patients at higher risk of NAFLD-HCC and outline strategies for early diagnosis and prevention.

Fatores de risco para carcinoma hepatocelular em pacientes com doença gordurosa não alcóolica do fígado / Risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

ABSTRACT Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is growing in worldwide prevalence and thus, is expected to have a higher number of NAFLD-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the following years. This review describes the risk factors associated with HCC in NAFLD-patients. The presence of liver cirrhosis is the preponderant one. Male gender, PNPLA3 variants, diabetes, and obesity also appear to predispose to the development of HCC, even in non-cirrhotic subjects. Thus far, intensive lifestyle modifications, including glycemic control, and obesity treatment, are effective therapies for NAFLD/ non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and, therefore, probably, also for HCC. Some drugs that aimed at decreasing inflammatory activity and fibrosis, as well as obesity, were studied. Other data have suggested the possibility of HCC chemoprevention. So far, however, there is no definitive evidence for the routine utilization of these drugs. We hope, in the future, to be able to profile patients at higher risk of NAFLD-HCC and outline strategies for early diagnosis and prevention.

RESUMO A doença metabólica e doença hepática gordurosa metabólica estão aumentando a prevalência mundial e, portanto, espera-se um número maior de carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) relacionado à doença hepática gordurosa não alcóolica (DHGNA) nos próximos anos. Esta revisão descreve os fatores de risco associados ao CHC em pacientes com DHGNA. A presença de cirrose hepática é a preponderante. Sexo masculino, variantes do gene PNPLA3, diabetes e obesidade também parecem predispor ao desenvolvimento de CHC, mesmo em indivíduos não cirróticos. Até agora, modificações significativas no estilo de vida, incluindo controle glicêmico e tratamento da obesidade, são terapias eficazes para DHGNA/ Esteatohepatite não-alcoolica e, portanto, provavelmente, também para CHC. Alguns medicamentos que propunham-se diminuir a atividade inflamatória e fibrose, bem como a obesidade, foram estudados. Outros dados sugeriram a possibilidade de quimioprevenção do CHC. Até o momento, no entanto, não há evidências definitivas para o uso rotineiro desses medicamentos. Esperamos, no futuro, poder traçar o perfil de pacientes com maior risco de DHGNA-CHC e traçar estratégias para diagnóstico precoce e prevenção.

BETTER LIVING DONOR LIVER TRANSPLANTATION PATIENT SURVIVAL COMPARED TO DECEASED DONOR - A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) is the first choice, but living donor transplantation (LDLT) is an alternative to be considered in special situations, such as lack of donated organs and emergencies. So far, there is no consensus on which transplantation method provides better survival and fewer complications, which is still an open point for discussion. METHODS: This meta-analysis compared the 1, 3, and 5-year patient and graft survival rates of LDLT and DDLT. We included studies published from April-2009 to June-2021 and adopted the generic model of the inverse of variance for the random effect of hazard ratios. The adequacy of the studies was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale - NOS (WELLS). RESULTS: For patient survival analysis, we included a total of 32,258 subjects. We found a statistically significant better survival for the LDLT group at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively: 1.35 HR (95%CI 1.10-1.66, P=0.005), 1.26 HR (95%CI 1.09-1.46, P=0.002) and 1.27 HR (95%CI 1.09-1.48, P=0.002). Our meta-analysis evaluated a total of 21,276 grafts. In the overall analysis, the 1-year survival was improved in favor of the LDLT group (1.36 HR, 95%CI 1.16-1.60, P<0.0001), while the 3-year survival (1.13 HR, 95%CI 0.96-1.33, P<0.13), and 5 (0.99 HR, 95%CI 0.74-1.33, P<0.96), did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: This metanalysis detected a statistically significant greater 1-, 3- and 5-years patient survival favoring LDLT compared to DDLT as well as a statistically significant difference better 1-year graft survival favoring the LDLT group.

Sobrevida de pacientes submetidos ao transplante hepático com enxerto de doador vivo é melhor em comparação com doador falecido — uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise / Better living donor liver transplantation patient survival compared to deceased donor — a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT Background Deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) is the first choice, but living donor transplantation (LDLT) is an alternative to be considered in special situations, such as lack of donated organs and emergencies. So far, there is no consensus on which transplantation method provides better survival and fewer complications, which is still an open point for discussion. Methods This meta-analysis compared the 1, 3, and 5-year patient and graft survival rates of LDLT and DDLT. We included studies published from April-2009 to June-2021 and adopted the generic model of the inverse of variance for the random effect of hazard ratios. The adequacy of the studies was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale — NOS (WELLS). Results For patient survival analysis, we included a total of 32,258 subjects. We found a statistically significant better survival for the LDLT group at 1, 3 and 5 years, respectively: 1.35 HR (95%CI 1.10—1.66, P=0.005), 1.26 HR (95%CI 1.09—1.46, P=0.002) and 1.27 HR (95%CI 1.09—1.48, P=0.002). Our meta-analysis evaluated a total of 21,276 grafts. In the overall analysis, the 1-year survival was improved in favor of the LDLT group (1.36 HR, 95%CI 1.16—1.60, P<0.0001), while the 3-year survival (1.13 HR, 95%CI 0.96—1.33, P<0.13), and 5 (0.99 HR, 95%CI 0.74—1.33, P<0.96), did not differ significantly. Conclusion This metanalysis detected a statistically significant greater 1-, 3- and 5-years patient survival favoring LDLT compared to DDLT as well as a statistically significant difference better 1-year graft survival favoring the LDLT group.

RESUMO Contexto O transplante de fígado com doador falecido é a primeira escolha, mas o transplante de doador vivo é uma alternativa a ser considerada em situações especiais, como falta de órgãos doados e emergências. Até o momento, não há consenso sobre qual método de transplante proporciona melhor sobrevida e menos complicações, sendo, ainda, um ponto em aberto para discussão. Métodos Esta meta-análise comparou as taxas de sobrevida de pacientes e enxertos de 1, 3 e 5 anos de transplante de doador vivo e transplante de fígado com doador falecido. Incluímos estudos publicados de abril de 2009 a junho de 2021 e adotamos o modelo genérico do inverso da variância para o efeito aleatório das razões de risco. A adequação dos estudos foi determinada por meio da Escala de Newcastle-Ottawa — NOS (WELLS). Resultados Para análise de sobrevida do paciente, incluímos um total de 32.258 indivíduos. Encontramos uma melhor sobrevida estatisticamente significativa para o grupo de transplante de fígado de doador vivo em 1, 3 e 5 anos, respectivamente: 1,35 HR (IC95% 1,10—1,66, P=0,005), 1,26 HR (IC95% 1,09—1,46, P=0,002) e 1,27 HR (IC95% 1,09—1,48, P=0,002). Nossa meta-análise avaliou um total de 21.276 enxertos. Na análise geral, a sobrevida em 1 ano foi melhorada em favor do grupo de transplante de doador vivo (1,36 HR, IC95% 1,16—1,60, P<0,0001), enquanto a sobrevida em 3 anos (1,13 HR, IC95% 0,96—1,33, P<0,13) e 5 (0,99 HR, IC95% 0,74—1,33, P<0,96), não diferiram significativamente. Conclusão Esta meta-análise detectou uma sobrevida estatisticamente significativa maior do paciente em 1, 3 e 5 anos favorecendo o transplante de doador vivo em comparação com o transplante de fígado com doador falecido, bem como uma diferença estatisticamente significativa melhor na sobrevida do enxerto em 1 ano favorecendo o grupo de transplante de doador vivo.

Association and Risk Factors of Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head in Sickle Cell Disease: A Systematic Review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the level of evidence about the associated factors and the risk factors of osteonecrosis of femoral head (ONFH) in sickle cell individuals. METHODS: The review was based on the search and selection of studies available in the electronic databases PubMed, SCIELO, LILACS, BVS. As descriptors, the terms of Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) corresponding to "Osteonecrosis", "Necrosis avascular" and "Aseptic necrosis" and "Femoral head" and "sickle cell disease" and "risk factor" and "predictor". RESULTS: Among clinical and laboratorial factors the most promising risk factors were the severity of sickle cell disease and acute chest syndrome. As a result, from studies of a moderate level of quality, blood pressure, body weight, previous trauma, haemoglobin to haematocrit ratio (Hb/HCT), and number of hospitalizations can be highlighted. Others, such as genetic markers and male gender, have also been positively associated in lower quality studies. CONCLUSION: For a better clarification of what the risk factors are for the ONFH, it is necessary to study with populations of different origins, different ages, different profiles of Hb, which present greater methodological rigor and perform a multivariate analysis to control confounding factors. Further study is also needed to understand the genetic determinants of ONFH.

Effects of Low-to-Moderate Doses of Anabolic Steroids on Lipid Profile and Muscle Hypertrophy in Resistance Training Practitioners: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

Abstract Background: The use of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS) is prevalent among young bodybuilders, motivated by aesthetic results. Although the medical community condemns this practice for its potential deleterious effect, we must recognize the need for more scientific research on the likelihood and magnitude of the adverse events. Objective: To evaluate whether high-quality, scientific evidence supports that AAS negatively affect lipid profile and promote muscle hypertrophy in resistance training practitioners. Methods: A systematic review of the literature of randomized clinical trials was conducted in the PubMed / Medline, Scielo and Science direct databases. The searches were conducted by two independent researchers by June 2018. A significance level of 5% was considered in the analysis. Results: Six clinical trials involving 170 resistance training practitioners were included. A significant heterogeneity was found in studies evaluating the effects of AAS on lipid profile and muscle hypertrophy (I² = 97, 95 and 91%, respectively), with no significant effects on HDL-cholesterol (-5.62mg/dL, 95%CI −12.10, 0.86, p= 0.09), LDL-cholesterol (7.76 mg/dL, 95%CI −9.70, 25.23, p= 0.57) and muscle hypertrophy (2.44kg 95%CI 0.02, 4.86, p=0.05). Conclusion: Current evidence does not support that low-to-moderate doses of AAS cause serious negative effects on lipid profile or promote muscle hypertrophy in resistance training practitioners.

Efeito do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade versus treinamento contínuo na composição corporal: uma revisão sistemática com meta-análise / Effect of high-intensity interval training versus continuous training on body composition: A systematic review with meta-analysis

A Obesidade é um fator de risco para doenças cardiovasculares e a sua prevalência cresce a cada ano atingindo mais de 2 bilhões de adultos no mundo. As principais recomendações para perda de gordura concentram-se em exercícios de estados estacionários de intensidades moderadas. Entretanto, essas diretrizes não conseguem ser atendidas pela maior parte da população adulta. Sendo assim, novas modalidades ou intensidades de exercícios vem sendo propostas na tentativa de promover perdas mais significativas da gordura corporal. Foi realizado uma revisão sistemática com meta-análise com o objetivo de comparar os efeitos do treinamento intervalado de alta intensidade (HIIT) e do treinamento contínuo nos desfechos: massa corporal total, percentual de gordura, índice de massa corporal e circunferência de cintura de indivíduos com sobrepeso e/ou obesidade. As buscas foram realizadas nas bases de dados Pubmed, Science Direct, PEDro, Scielo e Cochrane Library. A análise foi restrita a ensaios clínicos randomizados em adultos com 18 anos de idade ou mais e com excesso de peso corporal. As meta-análises foram conduzidas utilizando o software Review Manager para modelos de efeitos aleatórios com o método do inverso da variância para os dados contínuos, os dados foram apresentados por diferença da média e IC95%. Quatorze estudos foram incluídos para a análise meta-analítica, houve redução significativa para o grupo CONT para circunferência de cintura (1,19 cm; IC95%: 0,34­2,04; p= 0,006; I²= 0%). Em conclusão, o HIIT não se mostrou melhor estatisticamente em relação ao CONT para alterar os marcadores da composição corporal.

Obesity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease and its prevalence grows each year reaching more than 2 billion adults worldwide. The main recommendations for fat loss are concentrated in steady-state exercises of moderate intensity. However, these guidelines cannot be met by most of the adult population. Thus, new modalities or exercise intensities are being proposed in an attempt to promote weight or fat loss. A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted to compare the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and continuous training on outcomes: total body mass (TBM), fat percentage (%F), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference ( WC) of overweight and / or obesity. Searches were conducted in Pubmed, Science Direct, PEDro, Scielo and Cochrane Library. The analysis was restricted to randomized clinical trials in adults 18 years of age or older and overweight. Meta-analyses were conducted using Review Manager software for random effects models with the inverse variance method for continuous data, and results were pre-sented by mean difference and 95%CI. Fourteen studies were included for the meta-analytic analysis, there was a significant reduction for the CONT group for CC (1.19 cm; 95%CI: 0,34­2,04; p= 0,006; I²= 0%). In conclusion, HIIT was not statistically better in relation to CONT to alter the markers of body composition.