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[Upregulating expressions of hepatic lipopolysaccharide receptors in nonalcoholic steatohepatitic rats].

OBJECTIVE: The expression of hepatic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) receptors in a rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model was studied in order to explore the pathogenesis of NASH. METHODS: Forty-five male SD rats were fed with a high fat diet. These rats were sacrificed after high fat feeding at 8, 12, 16, 24 weeks. Hepatic expressions of CD14 were observed by immunohistochemistry and expressions of TLR4 were detected by RT-PCR. Hepatic expressions and serum levels of TNFa were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. Some rats fed with normal rat food served as controls. RESULTS: At the 8th week fatty livers appeared, and hepatic expressions of CD14 (25.9+/-1.9) and TLR4mRNA (1.75+/-0.81) were upregulated compared to those in the control group (25.9+/-1.9 vs 12.4+/-0.7, 1.75+/-0.81 vs 0.98+/-0.33, P < 0.01, t > 2.756 and P < 0.05, t > 2.045). The hepatic expressions of the two kinds of receptors increased with the appearance of NASH at week 12 (61.8+/-1.9 and 1.88+/-0.72, P < 0.01, t > 2.756 and P < 0.05, t > 2.045), They reached to their peaks at week 16 (71.5+/-1.3 and 5.64+/-0.87, both P < 0.01 and t > 2.756), and decreased slightly at week 24 (67.7+/-6.6 and 4.98+/-0.72, both P < 0.01 and t > 2.756). Hepatic expressions and serum levels of TNFa also increased starting at week 8, and remained at that high level from week 8 to week 24. CONCLUSION: The hepatic expressions of CD14 and TLR4 were up-regulated gradually in the established rat NASH model. It may be one of the factors responsible for the increase of hepatic sensitivity to LPS injury of the NASH rats and may play an important role in the pathogenesis of NASH.

Animals↗

[Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: a clinicopathological analysis of liver biopsy in 32 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinicopathological features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and elucidate its diagnosis and differential diagnosis. METHODS: Liver biopsy tissues and clinical data of 32 patients with NASH were collected and the clinicopathological findings by HE and Masson staining were evaluated for NASH grading. RESULTS: Ballooning degeneration of the liver cells and fibrosis around hepatic sinusoid was scarce in mild NASH cases and increased in moderate to severe cases. Steatotic and inflammatory cells in the liver lobes decrease in liver cirrhosis related to seatohepatitis. CONCLUSION: Ballooning degeneration of the liver cells and fibrosis around the hepatic sinusoid have important value in differential diagnosis of mild from moderate to severe NASH, and correct histological grading benefits clinical intervention and prognostic evaluation of NASH.

Adult↗

In vivo assessment of liver cell apoptosis as a novel biomarker of disease severity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

In patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a liver biopsy remains the only reliable way to differentiate simple steatosis from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Noninvasive methods are urgently needed. Increasing evidence suggests hepatocyte apoptosis is a key mediator of liver injury in NAFLD. The aim of this study was to quantify hepatocyte apoptosis in plasma from patients with NAFLD and correlate it with histological severity. Plasma was obtained from 44 consecutive patients with suspected NAFLD at the time of liver biopsy. Histology was assessed blindly. Caspase-3-generated cytokeratin-18 fragments were measured in situ via immunohistochemistry and in vivo using a novel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Plasma cytokeratin-18 fragments were markedly increased in patients with NASH compared with patients with simple steatosis or normal biopsies (median [interquartile range]: 765.7 U/L [479.6-991.1], 202.4 U/L [160.4-258.2], 215.5 U/L [150.2-296.2], respectively; P < .001). Cytokeratin-18 fragment levels independently predicted NASH (OR 1.95; 95% CI 1.18-3.22; P = .009 for every 50 U/L increase). A cutoff value of 395 U/L calculated using the receiver operating characteristic curve approach showed a specificity of 99.9%, a sensitivity of 85.7%, and positive and negative predictive values of 99.9% and 85.7%, respectively, for the diagnosis of NASH. In conclusion, these findings strongly suggest that determination of hepatocyte caspase activation in the blood is a strong and independent predictor of NASH in human subjects. These data highlight the potential usefulness of this test as a noninvasive diagnostic means of determining histological disease severity in patients with NAFLD.

Apoptosis↗

Ursodeoxycholic acid or clofibrate in the treatment of non-alcohol-induced steatohepatitis: a pilot study.

Non-alcohol-induced steatohepatitis (NASH) is characterized by elevated serum aminotransferase activities with hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and occasionally fibrosis that may progress to cirrhosis. No established treatment exists for this potentially serious disorder. Our aim was to conduct a pilot study to evaluate the safety and estimate the efficacy of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and clofibrate in the treatment of NASH. Forty patients were diagnosed with NASH based on a compatible liver biopsy with other causes of liver disease, including alcohol abuse, excluded by history, serum tests, and use of ultrasound. Twenty-four patients received 13 to 15 mg/kg/d of UDCA for 12 months. Sixteen patients with hypertriglyceridemia were placed on clofibrate, 2 g/day for 12 months. Twenty-five women and 15 men entered the study. Six of 40 patients (15%) withdrew because of side effects. Four additional patients were withdrawn because of noncompliance; one of them later required liver transplantation. In the UDCA group, the decreases in mean serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) as well as histological grade of steatosis were significant. Among the patients treated with clofibrate, no change from baseline was found in mean ALT, aspartate transaminase (AST), GGT, bilirubin, triglycerides, and cholesterol, or in histological grade of steatosis, inflammation, or fibrosis after 12 months of treatment as compared with entry. Alkaline phosphatase activities decreased significantly from baseline. Despite the known lipid-lowering effects of clofibrate, it did not appear to be of clinical benefit in the treatment of NASH in this 1-year pilot study. However, treatment of NASH with UDCA for 12 months resulted in significant improvement in alkaline phosphatase, ALT, GGT, and hepatic steatosis. The possible benefit of UDCA therapy should be further investigated in the context of a randomized, controlled trial.

Alanine Transaminase↗

Hepatocellular carcinoma arising from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: report of two cases.

Sporadic cases of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) originating from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have recently been reported. Thus, we investigated the prevalence of NASH in patients with HCC. A review of the clinical records of 481 patients who underwent liver resection for HCC in our department between January 1991 and December 2003 revealed only two (0.4%) patients with HCC associated with NASH. Both of these patients had noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, and neither had a history of alcohol consumption or blood transfusion. All serologic markers for hepatitis B and C viruses were negative. Histological examination of the noncancerous hepatic tissue revealed NASH with moderate hepatic fibrosis in one patient and cirrhosis in the other. Thus, clinical follow-up and screening for HCC should be done for patients with hepatic fibrosis caused by NASH, even though this form of hepatitis is an uncommon cause of HCC.

Aged↗

Predictors of cirrhosis in Hispanic patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

It is estimated that 43% of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) will progress to liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Although NASH is more common in Hispanics, most studies have been conducted on Caucasians, and there is scarce information regarding ethnic differences in this disease. The aim of this study was to identify the independent predictors of cirrhosis in Hispanic patients with NASH. A retrospective case-control study was conducted on 80 patients with biopsy-proven NASH. Forty-two were Hispanic (study group) and 38 were Caucasians controlled for age and BMI (control group). Clinical, biochemical, and histologic features were analyzed for correlation with cirrhosis. There were no significant differences in demographic features between the two groups. In multivariate analysis, independent predictors of cirrhosis among Hispanic patients were age (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01-1.14) and AST/ALT ratio (OR, 10.56; 95% CI; 2.46-45.29), while independent predictors among non-Hispanic patients were age (OR, 1.085; 95% CI, 1.0-1.186), and diabetes mellitus (OR, 6.46; 95% CI, 1.19-35.07). In patients with NASH, predictors of cirrhosis varied according to ethnic background. Age was an independent predictor in both groups, however, AST/ALT ratio was found to be an independent predictor of cirrhosis only in Hispanic patients, and diabetes mellitus only in non-Hispanic patients.

Age Factors↗

Pioglitazone prevents hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and enzyme-altered lesions in rat liver cirrhosis induced by a choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined diet.

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) may progress to liver cirrhosis, and NASH patients with liver cirrhosis have a risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma ligand has recently been reported to have improved the condition of patients with NASH. The aim of this study was to investigate whether pioglitazone, a PPARgamma ligand, has any influence on the animal model of NASH as well as isolated hepatic stellate cells. In vivo, the effects of pioglitazone were examined using the choline-deficient L-amino acid-defined (CDAA)-diet liver fibrosis model. After two weeks, pioglitazone improved hepatic steatosis, prevented liver fibrosis, and reduced preneoplastic lesions in the liver after 10 weeks. Pioglitazone reduced the expression of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 mRNA without changing MMP-13 mRNA expression compared to the liver fed a CDAA diet alone. In vitro, pioglitazone prevented the activation of hepatic stellate cells resulting in reducing the expression of type I procollagen, MMP-2, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 mRNA with increased MMP-13 mRNA expression. These results indicate that pioglitazone may be one of the candidates for the benefit drugs for the liver disease of patients with NASH.

Amino Acids↗

Acarbose attenuates experimental non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

The alpha-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose is beneficial in the prevention of type 2 diabetes. To determine whether it attenuates the commonly associated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), we used an experimental NASH model. Rats were fed ad libitum a nutritionally adequate high fat diet (71% of calories as fat) with or without acarbose (200 mg/1000 calories) for 3 weeks. All rats given the high fat diet only developed typical NASH whereas acarbose attenuated several of the characteristic hepatic alterations of NASH: there was less steatosis and inflammation, with a significant reduction in the mRNA of the hepatic inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and of its protein. There was also a decrease in the CYP2E1 mRNA and in collagen, with similar trends for CYP2E1 protein and procollagen mRNA. Because acarbose attenuates many of the hepatic alterations associated with experimental NASH, it is now indicated to determine whether it exerts similar beneficial effects in patients afflicted by this disease.

Acarbose↗

Glutathione metabolism and antioxidant enzymes in patients affected by nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and accumulation of excessive fat in the liver may underlie the pathophysiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Given that glutathione blood metabolism may represent an indicator of tissue oxidative status, we analysed the blood profile of various forms of glutathione in children with NASH, and we evaluated the presence of systemic oxidative stress by calculating the oxidised/reduced glutathione ratio (GSSG/GSH). Furthermore, we analysed the catalytic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione transferase (GST), and glutathione reductase (GR) in blood of patients. METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from 21 children with NASH and 28 controls. Total, reduced, oxidised, and protein-bound glutathione concentrations were determined by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection. Antioxidant enzymes were spectrophotometrically assayed by using specific substrates. RESULTS: Our findings showed a 1.5-fold increase of GSSG in patients, resulting in a significant rise of the GSSG/GSH ratio. SOD, GPx, and GR activities were not significantly different in NASH respect to controls, whereas GST, which provides the second defence line against oxidative stress, was 17.8% increased. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrate an impairment of glutathione metabolism and antioxidant enzyme activities in blood of patients with NASH, supporting a consistent role of free radical cytotoxicity in the pathophysiology of the disease.

Adolescent↗

Elevation of serum thioredoxin levels in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Thioredoxin (TRX) is induced by many oxidative stresses. Serum TRX levels were significantly elevated in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, as compared to simple fatty liver (FL) patients or healthy controls. Serum TRX levels in NASH patients were significantly correlated with serum ferritin levels, but not with other variables. Removal of hepatic excess iron by phlebotomy significantly decreased the serum levels of TRX and ALT in NASH patient. Therefore, the pathogenesis of NASH may be associated with iron-related oxidative stress. The serum TRX level is a parameter for discriminating NASH from FL.

Journal Article↗

Effect of steatohepatitis associated with irinotecan or oxaliplatin pretreatment on resectability of hepatic colorectal metastases.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to evaluate the effect of preoperative administration of newer chemotherapeutic agents (irinotecan and oxaliplatin) on development of steatohepatitis, which could limit surgical options. STUDY DESIGN: Thirty-seven patients were referred for resection of hepatic colorectal metastases. Thirteen patients received no neoadjuvant therapy (NO CHEMO group); 10 received neoadjuvant 5-fluorouracil only (5-FU group), and 14 received neoadjuvant irinotecan (n = 12), or oxaliplatin, or both (n = 4), in conjunction with 5-FU (IRI-OXALI group). Specimens were graded for the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) according to established criteria. Specimens were also evaluated by a nine-criteria liver injury score (LIS). RESULTS: Mean biopsy scores were: NO CHEMO: NASH, 1.2, LIS, 5.2; 5-FU only: NASH, 1.1, LIS 5.7; and IRI-OXALI: NASH, 1.9, LIS, 9.4. Biopsy scores were significantly worse for IRI-OXALI compared with NO CHEMO or 5-FU only for NASH score, p = 0.003, and close to significantly worse for LIS score, p = 0.057. A multivariate analysis showed that both being in the IRI-OXALI group and body mass index were independent risk factors for developing this type of steatohepatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Severe steatohepatitis can be associated with preoperative administration of irinotecan or oxaliplatin, especially in the obese. It can affect the ability to perform large liver resections. Consideration should be given to performing resections before commencing these agents and to obtaining preoperative biopsy in those who have received these agents.

Aged↗

High-fat emulsion-induced rat model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a common medical problem. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the critical turning point at which NAFLD progresses to more advanced stages such as hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the study of the pathogenic or therapeutic factors involved in NASH has been hampered by the absence of a suitable experimental model. The aim of the present work was to establish a high-fat emulsion-induced rat model of NASH. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat emulsion via gavage for 6 weeks. Animals were examined for weight gain, serum and hepatic biochemistry, insulin sensitivity, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and tissue morphology, as well as cytochrome P-450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) expression in the liver. The results showed that rats treated with high-fat emulsion became obese, demonstrated abnormal aminotransferase activity, hyperlipoidemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. The model rats exhibited an increased concentration of serum TNF-alpha, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), MDA and reduced SOD levels in the liver. Immunoblot analysis showed that the expression of CYP2E1 was increased, whereas PPARalpha was reduced in the NASH model rat liver. Moreover, morphological evaluation revealed that hepatic steatosis, inflammation and mitochondrial lesions were also reproduced in this model. In conclusion, a practical and repeatable new rat model of steatohepatitis was established by feeding with high-fat emulsion via gavage. This model provides a valuable research tool and reproduces many of the clinical indices of human NASH.

Animals↗

Increased hepatic iron concentration in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is associated with increased fibrosis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a chronic liver disease that occasionally progresses to cirrhosis but usually has a benign course. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the hemochromatosis mutation Cys282Tyr in development of the mild hepatic iron overload found in some patients with NASH and its association with hepatic damage in these patients. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with NASH were studied. The presence of the Cys282Tyr mutation was tested in all patients, and the data were analyzed with respect to the histological grade of steatosis, inflammation, Perls' staining, hepatic iron concentration (HIC), and serum iron indices. RESULTS: Thirty-one percent of patients with NASH were either homozygous or heterozygous for the Cys282Tyr mutation. This mutation was significantly associated with Perls' stain grade (P < 0.005), HIC (P < 0.005), and transferrin saturation percentage (P < 0.005) but not with serum ferritin levels. Linear regression analysis showed that increased hepatic iron (Perls' stain or HIC) had the greatest association with the severity of fibrosis (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The Cys282Tyr mutation is responsible for most of the mild iron overload found in NASH and thus has a significant association with hepatic damage in these patients. Heterozygosity for the hemochromatosis gene mutation therefore cannot always be considered benign.

Adult↗

Nutritional and metabolic considerations in the etiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

The aim of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and serum levels of free fatty acids, choline deficiency, or celiac disease. Forty-seven patients with liver biopsy proven NASH were enrolled. Total serum free fatty acids and anti-endomysial antibodies were determined in all patients, while plasma free and phospholipid-bound choline were determined in 29 patients. Total serum free fatty acid concentration correlated significantly with female gender and serum albumin concentration. Patients with severe fibrosis on liver biopsy had significantly greater serum concentration of free fatty acids than patients without severe fibrosis. Plasma free and phospholipid-bound choline levels were normal and no significant correlation was found between the concentration of plasma free or phospholipid bound choline, and the severity of liver damage. Only one of the 47 patients with NASH had a positive titer for the anti-endomysial antibody. In conclusion, increased serum concentrations of free fatty acids were found in NASH and were associated with development of more severe liver disease. Neither choline deficiency nor celiac sprue by anti-endomysial antibody testing was associated with NASH.

Celiac Disease↗

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an overview.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) includes a spectrum of clinicopathological conditions with increasing prevalence in the developed world. Although steatosis alone seems to have a benign course, those patients with the diagnosis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can have a progressive course. Additionally, there is now evolving, indirect evidence that some of the patients with cryptogenic cirrhosis may be the result of 'burned-out' NASH. Although NAFL and NASH are associated with insulin-resistance syndrome, some patients with NAFL may have no obvious risk factors. Despite preliminary data from a number of pilot studies, no established therapies can be offered to patients with NASH. Over the next few years, a number of exciting research projects dealing with the epidemiology as well as the pathogenesis of NAFL are expected to be completed. It is anticipated that, through a better understanding of NAFL, more effective treatment protocols can be developed targeting only those patients with NASH that are at the highest risk for progression to cirrhosis and liver failure.

Chronic Disease↗

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: what is it, and why is it important in the Asia-Pacific region?

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is a critical link in the chain of metabolic fatty liver disorders that spans steatosis to cryptogenic cirrhosis. It is the hepatic manifestation of the insulin resistance (or metabolic) syndrome, and provides a clue to understanding fibrotic progression of other chronic liver diseases, particularly hepatitis C. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis is often the first clinical indication of insulin resistance, with its complications of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Among those with risk factors, NASH is common: present in at least 20% of obese adults or children with or without type 2 diabetes, and at least 5% of those overweight. With emerging urbanization, increasing affluence and behavioral changes of physical inactivity and high fat/energy-excessive diet, type 2 diabetes has become common in Asia and the western Pacific rim. The rates range from 7-40%, which in countries like Japan represents a 3-20-fold increase (depending on age) over the last 20 years. The increase is associated with central adiposity, insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis and NASH. After cancer, cirrhosis from NASH is now the second most common age-related cause of death in type 2 diabetes. Reversing these trends must become a public health priority; the first awakenings were evident in Taiwan at the time of this meeting. In order to stimulate clinicians to think more about the importance of metabolic liver disease for development of cirrhosis, this review will cover clinical and laboratory features, natural history and an approach to diagnosis and management of NASH. Some emerging concepts on pathogenesis will be mentioned briefly, but the emphasis will be on the potency of lifestyle adjustments (physical activity and diet) to prevent or reverse fatty liver disorders.

Asia↗

Steatohepatitis in obese individuals.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which is the most severe histological form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is emerging as the most common clinically important form of liver disease in developed countries. Although its prevalence is 3% in the general population, this increases to 20-40% in obese patients. Since NASH is associated with obesity, prevalence has been predicted to increase along with the arsent epidemic of obesity and type II diabetes mellitus. The importance of this observation comes from the fact that NASH is a progressive fibrotic disease, in which cirrhosis and liver-related death occur in 25% and 10% in these patients respectively over a 10-year period. This is of particular concern given the increasing recognition of NASH in children. Treatment consists of treating obesity and its co-morbidities; diabetes and hyperlipidemia. Nascent studies suggest that a number of pharmacological therapies may be effective, but all remain unproven at present. Histological and laboratory improvement occurs with a 10% decrease in body weight. Bariatric surgery is indicated in selected patients.A greater understanding of the pathophysiological progression of NASH in obese patients must be obtained in order to develop more focused and improved therapy.

Chronic Disease↗

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome: further evidence for an etiologic association.

This study aims to determine the presence of the components of the metabolic syndrome in primary nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and to assess the role of liver disease in the genesis of peripheral hyperinsulinemia. Nineteen patients (18 men and 1 woman; mean age, +/- SD, 38 +/- 10 years; body mass index [BMI], 26 +/- 2 kg/m(2)) with histologic evidence of NASH were enrolled; 19 age- and sex-matched normal subjects were investigated as controls. Plasma glucose, insulin, and C-peptide levels were measured during an oral glucose tolerance test, and a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGT), analyzed by minimal modeling technique, was performed. Compared with controls, the NASH group had lower insulin sensitivity (3.84 +/- 2.44 vs. 7.48 +/- 3.01 10(-4) x min(-1)/microU/mL; P =.0003) and higher total insulin secretion (21 +/- 13 vs. 10 +/- 3 nmol/L in 240 minutes; P =.001). Hepatic insulin extraction was similar in both groups (69.8% +/- 16.1% vs. 70.2% +/- 18.3%; P =.854). According to the results of the oral glucose tolerance test, no patient was classified as diabetic, 5 were classified as glucose intolerant, and 1 was classified as having impaired fasting glycemia. Nine patients (47%) had at least the 2 minimum criteria required to define the metabolic syndrome according to the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR). In conclusion, hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance occur frequently in patients with NASH; these conditions do not stem from a reduced hepatic insulin extraction but from an enhanced pancreatic insulin secretion compensatory to reduced insulin sensitivity. The derangement of insulin regulation, often associated with the metabolic syndrome, may play a causal role in the pathogenesis of NASH.

Adult↗