1. |
- Armandi, Angelo, et al.
(author)
-
Serum ferritin levels can predict long-term outcomes in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
- 2024
-
In: Gut. - : BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP. - 0017-5749 .- 1468-3288.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Objective Hyperferritinaemia is associated with liver fibrosis severity in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), but the longitudinal implications have not been thoroughly investigated. We assessed the role of serum ferritin in predicting long-term outcomes or death. Design We evaluated the relationship between baseline serum ferritin and longitudinal events in a multicentre cohort of 1342 patients. Four survival models considering ferritin with confounders or non-invasive scoring systems were applied with repeated five-fold cross-validation schema. Prediction performance was evaluated in terms of Harrell's C-index and its improvement by including ferritin as a covariate. Results Median follow-up time was 96 months. Liver-related events occurred in 7.7%, hepatocellular carcinoma in 1.9%, cardiovascular events in 10.9%, extrahepatic cancers in 8.3% and all-cause mortality in 5.8%. Hyperferritinaemia was associated with a 50% increased risk of liver-related events and 27% of all-cause mortality. A stepwise increase in baseline ferritin thresholds was associated with a statistical increase in C-index, ranging between 0.02 (lasso-penalised Cox regression) and 0.03 (ridge-penalised Cox regression); the risk of developing liver-related events mainly increased from threshold 215.5 mu g/L (median HR=1.71 and C-index=0.71) and the risk of overall mortality from threshold 272 mu g/L (median HR=1.49 and C-index=0.70). The inclusion of serum ferritin thresholds (215.5 mu g/L and 272 mu g/L) in predictive models increased the performance of Fibrosis-4 and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Fibrosis Score in the longitudinal risk assessment of liver-related events (C-indices>0.71) and overall mortality (C-indices>0.65). Conclusions This study supports the potential use of serum ferritin values for predicting the long-term prognosis of patients with MASLD.
|
|
2. |
- Mcteer, Matthew, et al.
(author)
-
Machine learning approaches to enhance diagnosis and staging of patients with MASLD using routinely available clinical information
- 2024
-
In: PLOS ONE. - : PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE. - 1932-6203. ; 19:2
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims Metabolic dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) outcomes such as MASH (metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis), fibrosis and cirrhosis are ordinarily determined by resource-intensive and invasive biopsies. We aim to show that routine clinical tests offer sufficient information to predict these endpoints.Methods Using the LITMUS Metacohort derived from the European NAFLD Registry, the largest MASLD dataset in Europe, we create three combinations of features which vary in degree of procurement including a 19-variable feature set that are attained through a routine clinical appointment or blood test. This data was used to train predictive models using supervised machine learning (ML) algorithm XGBoost, alongside missing imputation technique MICE and class balancing algorithm SMOTE. Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were added to determine relative importance for each clinical variable.Results Analysing nine biopsy-derived MASLD outcomes of cohort size ranging between 5385 and 6673 subjects, we were able to predict individuals at training set AUCs ranging from 0.719-0.994, including classifying individuals who are At-Risk MASH at an AUC = 0.899. Using two further feature combinations of 26-variables and 35-variables, which included composite scores known to be good indicators for MASLD endpoints and advanced specialist tests, we found predictive performance did not sufficiently improve. We are also able to present local and global explanations for each ML model, offering clinicians interpretability without the expense of worsening predictive performance.Conclusions This study developed a series of ML models of accuracy ranging from 71.9-99.4% using only easily extractable and readily available information in predicting MASLD outcomes which are usually determined through highly invasive means.
|
|
3. |
- Zhang, Huai, et al.
(author)
-
A global survey on the use of the international classification of diseases codes for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease.
- 2024
-
In: Hepatology international. - 1936-0541.
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- With the implementation of the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11) and the publication of the metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) nomenclature in 2020, it is important to establish consensus for the coding of MAFLD in ICD-11. This will inform subsequent revisions of ICD-11.Using the Qualtrics XM and WJX platforms, questionnaires were sent online to MAFLD-ICD-11 coding collaborators, authors of papers, and relevant association members.A total of 890 international experts in various fields from 61 countries responded to the survey. We also achieved full coverage of provincial-level administrative regions in China. 77.1% of respondents agreed that MAFLD should be represented in ICD-11 by updating NAFLD, with no significant regional differences (77.3% in Asia and 76.6% in non-Asia, p=0.819). Over 80% of respondents agreed or somewhat agreed with the need to assign specific codes for progressive stages of MAFLD (i.e. steatohepatitis) (92.2%), MAFLD combined with comorbidities (84.1%), or MAFLD subtypes (i.e., lean, overweight/obese, and diabetic) (86.1%).This global survey by a collaborative panel of clinical, coding, health management and policy experts, indicates agreement that MAFLD should be coded in ICD-11. The data serves as a foundation for corresponding adjustments in the ICD-11 revision.
|
|
4. |
- Bianco, Cristiana, et al.
(author)
-
Predictors of controlled attenuation parameter in metabolic dysfunction
- 2024
-
In: United European Gastroenterology Journal. - 2050-6406 .- 2050-6414. ; 12:3, s. 364-373
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background & Aims: Hepatic fat content can be non-invasively estimated by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) during transient elastography. The aim of this study was to examine the determinants and predictors of CAP values in individuals with metabolic dysfunction. Methods: We enrolled 1230 consecutive apparently healthy individuals (Liver-Bible-2022 cohort) with ≥3 metabolic dysfunction features. CAP was measured by Fibroscan. CAP determinants and predictors were identified using backward stepwise analysis and introduced in generalized linear models. Results: Participants were predominantly males (82.9%), mean age was 53.8±6.4years, 600 (48.8%) had steatosis (CAP≥275dB/m), and 27 had liver stiffness measurement (LSM)≥8kPa. CAP values correlated with LSM (p<10−22). In multivariable analysis, fasting insulin and abdominal circumference (AC) were the main determinants of CAP (p<10−6), together with body mass index (BMI; p<10−4), age, diabetes, triglycerides, ferritin, and lower HDL and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH; p<0.05 for all). In a subset of 592 participants with thyroid hormone measurement, we found an association between higher free triiodothyronine levels, correlating with lower TSH, and CAP values, independent of TSH and of levothyroxine treatment (p=0.0025). A clinical CAP score based on age, BMI, AC, HbA1c, ALT, and HDL predicted CAP≥275dB/m with moderate accuracy (AUROC=0.73), which was better than that of the Fatty Liver Index and of ALT (AUROC=0.70/0.61, respectively) and validated it in multiple cohorts. Conclusion: Abdominal adiposity and insulin resistance severity were the main determinants of CAP in individuals with metabolic dysfunction and may improve steatotic liver disease risk stratification. CAP values were modulated by the hypophysis-thyroid axis.
|
|
5. |
- Caon, Elisabetta, et al.
(author)
-
Exploring the impact of the PNPLA3 I148M variant on primary human hepatic stellate cells using 3D extracellular matrix models
- 2024
-
In: JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY. - 0168-8278 .- 1600-0641. ; 80:6
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background & Aims: The PNPLA3 rs738409 C>G (encoding for I148M) variant is a risk locus for the fibrogenic progression of chronic liver diseases, a process driven by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). We investigated how the PNPLA3 I148M variant affects HSC biology using transcriptomic data and validated findings in 3D-culture models. Methods: RNA sequencing was performed on 2D-cultured primary human HSCs and liver biopsies of individuals with obesity, genotyped for the PNPLA3 I148M variant. Data were validated in wild-type (WT) or PNPLA3 I148M variant-carrying HSCs cultured on 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds from human healthy and cirrhotic livers, with/without TGFB1 or cytosporone B (CsnB) treatment. Results: Transcriptomic analyses of liver biopsies and HSCs highlighted shared PNPLA3 I148M-driven dysregulated pathways related to mitochondrial function, antioxidant response, ECM remodelling and TGFB1 signalling. Analogous pathways were dysregulated in WT/PNPLA3-I148M HSCs cultured in 3D liver scaffolds. Mitochondrial dysfunction in PNPLA3-I148M cells was linked to respiratory chain complex IV insufficiency. Antioxidant capacity was lower in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs, while reactive oxygen species secretion was increased in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs and higher in bioengineered cirrhotic vs. healthy scaffolds. TGFB1 signalling followed the same trend. In PNPLA3-I148M cells, expression and activation of the endogenous TGFB1 inhibitor NR4A1 were decreased: treatment with the Csn-B agonist increased total NR4A1 in HSCs cultured in healthy but not in cirrhotic 3D scaffolds. NR4A1 regulation by TGFB1/Csn-B was linked to Akt signalling in PNPLA3-WT HSCs and to Erk signalling in PNPLA3-I148M HSCs. Conclusion: HSCs carrying the PNPLA3 I148M variant have impaired mitochondrial function, antioxidant responses, and increased TGFB1 signalling, which dampens antifibrotic NR4A1 activity. These features are exacerbated by cirrhotic ECM, highlighting the dual impact of the PNPLA3 I148M variant and the fibrotic microenvironment in progressive chronic liver diseases.
|
|
6. |
|
|
7. |
- De Vincentis, Antonio, et al.
(author)
-
Poor accuracy and sustainability of the first-step FIB4 EASL pathway for stratifying steatotic liver disease risk in the general population.
- 2024
-
In: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics. - 0269-2813. ; 59:11, s. 1402-1412
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The European Association for the Study of the Liver introduced a clinical pathway (EASL CP) for screening significant/advanced fibrosis in people at risk of steatotic liver disease (SLD). We assessed the performance of the first-step FIB4 EASL CP in the general population across different SLD risk groups (MASLD, Met-ALD and ALD) and various age classes.We analysed a total of 3372 individuals at risk of SLD from the 2017-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES17-18), projected to 152.3million U.S. adults, 300,329 from the UK Biobank (UKBB) and 57,644 from the Biobank Japan (BBJ). We assessed liver stiffness measurement (LSM) ≥8kPa and liver-related events occurring within 3 and 10years (3/10year-LREs) as outcomes. We defined MASLD, MetALD, and ALD according to recent international recommendations.FIB4 sensitivity for LSM≥8kPa was low (27.7%), but it ranged approximately 80%-90% for 3-year LREs. Using FIB4, 22%-57% of subjects across the three cohorts were identified as candidates for vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE), which was mostly avoidable (positive predictive value of FIB4≥1.3 for LSM≥8kPa ranging 9.5%-13% across different SLD categories). Sensitivity for LSM≥8kPa and LREs increased with increasing alcohol intake (ALD>MetALD>MASLD) and age classes. For individuals aged ≥65years, using the recommended age-adjusted FIB4 cut-off (≥2) substantially reduced sensitivity for LSM≥8kPa and LREs.The first-step FIB4 EASL CP is poorly accurate and feasible for individuals at risk of SLD in the general population. It is crucial to enhance the screening strategy with a first-step approach able to reduce unnecessary VCTEs and optimise their yield.
|
|
8. |
- Petta, Salvatore, et al.
(author)
-
The first MASH drug therapy on the horizon: Current perspectives of resmetirom.
- 2024
-
In: Liver international. - 1478-3223. ; 44:7, s. 1526-1536
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The rising prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) poses a significant global health challenge, affecting over 30% of adults worldwide. MASLD is linked to increased mortality rates and substantial healthcare costs, primarily driven by its progression to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), which can lead to severe liver complications including cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite its growing burden, effective pharmacotherapy for MASLD/MASH has been lacking until the recent conditional approval of resmetirom by the FDA. Resmetirom, a liver-targeted thyroid hormone receptor-β selective drug, has shown promise in clinical trials for treating non-cirrhotic MASH with moderate to advanced fibrosis. It has demonstrated efficacy in reducing hepatic fat content, improving liver histology (both MASH resolution and fibrosis improvement), and ameliorating biomarkers of liver damage without significant effects on body weight or glucose metabolism. Notably, resmetirom also exhibits favourable effects on circulating lipids, potentially reducing cardiovascular risk in MASLD/MASH patients. The safety profile of resmetirom appears acceptable, with gastrointestinal adverse events being the most common, though generally mild or moderate. However, long-term surveillance is warranted to monitor for potential risks related to thyroid, gonadal, or bone diseases. Clinical implementation of resmetirom faces challenges in patient selection and monitoring treatment response, and will heavily rely on non-invasive tests for liver fibrosis assessment. Nonetheless, resmetirom represents a landmark breakthrough in MASLD/MASH treatment, paving the way for future therapeutic strategies aiming to mitigate the multifaceted risks associated with this complex metabolic liver disease.
|
|
9. |
- Salomone, Federico, et al.
(author)
-
SIRT5 rs12216101 T>G variant is associated with liver damage and mitochondrial dysfunction in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
- 2024
-
In: JOURNAL OF HEPATOLOGY. - 0168-8278 .- 1600-0641. ; 80:1, s. 10-19
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background & Aims: Sirtuin 5, encoded by the SIRT5 gene, is a NAD+ -dependent deacylase that modulates mitochondrial metabolic processes through post-translational modifications. In this study, we aimed to examine the impact of the SIRT5 rs12216101 T>G non-coding single nucleotide polymorphism on disease severity in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods: The rs12216101 variant was genotyped in 2,606 consecutive European patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD. Transcriptomic analysis, expression of mitochondrial complexes and oxidative stress levels were measured in liver samples from a subset of bariatric patients. Effects of SIRT5 pharmacological inhibition were evaluated in HepG2 cells exposed to excess free fatty acids. Mitochondrial energetics in vitro were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography. Results: In the whole cohort, the frequency distribution of SIRT5 rs12216101 TT, TG and GG genotypes was 47.0%, 42.3% and 10.7%, respectively. At multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for sex, age >50 years, diabetes, and PNPLA3 rs738409 status, the SIRT5 rs12216101 T>G variant was associated with the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (odds ratio 1.20, 95% CI 1.03-1.40) and F2-F4 fibrosis (odds ratio 1.18; 95% CI 1.00-1.37). Transcriptomic analysis showed that the SIRT5 rs12216101 T>G variant was associated with upregulation of transcripts involved in mitochondrial metabolic pathways, including the oxidative phosphorylation system. In patients carrying the G allele, western blot analysis confirmed an upregulation of oxidative phosphorylation complexes III, IV, V and consistently higher levels of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species and malondialdehyde, and lower ATP levels. Administration of a pharmacological SIRT5 inhibitor preserved mitochondrial energetic homeostasis in HepG2 cells, as evidenced by restored ATP/ADP, NAD+/NADH, NADP+/NADPH ratios and glutathione levels. Conclusions: The SIRT5 rs12216101 T>G variant, heightening SIRT5 activity, is associated with liver damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress in patients with NAFLD. (c) 2023 European Association for the Study of the Liver. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
|
|
10. |
- Sasidharan, Kavitha, et al.
(author)
-
IL32 downregulation lowers triglycerides and type I collagen in di-lineage human primary liver organoids.
- 2024
-
In: Cell reports. Medicine. - 2666-3791. ; 5:1
-
Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Steatotic liver disease (SLD) prevails as the most common chronic liver disease yet lack approved treatments due to incomplete understanding of pathogenesis. Recently, elevated hepatic and circulating interleukin 32 (IL-32) levels were found in individuals with severe SLD. However, the mechanistic link between IL-32 and intracellular triglyceride metabolism remains to be elucidated. We demonstrate invitro that incubation with IL-32β protein leads to an increase in intracellular triglyceride synthesis, while downregulation of IL32 by small interfering RNA leads to lower triglyceride synthesis and secretion in organoids from human primary hepatocytes. This reduction requires the upregulation of Phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A). Furthermore, downregulation of IL32 results in lower intracellular type I collagen levels in di-lineage human primary hepatic organoids. Finally, we identify a genetic variant of IL32 (rs76580947) associated with lower circulating IL-32 and protection against SLD measured by non-invasive tests. These data suggest that IL32 downregulation may be beneficial against SLD.
|
|