Novelties in Chronic Liver Diseases

A special issue of Medicina (ISSN 1648-9144). This special issue belongs to the section "Gastroenterology & Hepatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 September 2024) | Viewed by 5813

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic liver disease is a silent epidemic worldwide. Published data from the World Health Organization and the Global Burden of Disease show that the burden of chronic liver disease is significant and increasing, primarily due to the increasing burden of metabolic liver disease and alcohol-related liver disease. Additionally, these diseases are associated with a substantial impact on the quality of life and economic burden. The aim of this Special Issue is to collect and present the latest advances in the pathogenesis, diagnosis and therapies of chronic liver diseases. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, diagnostic, predictive and therapeutic studies. We are interested in exploring the impact of hepatology research in a clinical setting, with regards to pre-clinical data record, clinical data management, accuracy of diagnosis and new treatment options.

The Special Issue should present cutting-edge research demonstrating the effectiveness of research progress in the domain of chronic liver diseases.

We solicit original contributions, reviews and meta-analyses that include, but are not limited to:

  1. Preclinical and clinical studies on the new diagnostic tools and therapies related to chronic liver diseases;
  2. Systematic reviews that explore the current landscape on chronic liver diseases in clinical practice;
  3. Meta-analysis to summarize the trends and the evidence of international literature;
  4. Case studies that highlight significant successes or challenges encountered in the application of new treatment of chronic liver disease in real-life;
  5. Contributions exploring the current approach and novelties in the pre-clinical and clinical setting of chronic liver diseases;
  6. Articles discussing future perspectives and new challenges in the area of chronic liver diseases.

Prof. Dr. Ludovico Abenavoli
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • metabolism
  • virus
  • alcohol
  • hepatitis
  • epidemiology
  • diagnosis
  • therapies
  • surgery
  • liver transplantation
  • artificial intelligence
  • cirrhosis
  • steatohepatitis

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 1948 KiB  
Article
Impact of preS1 Evaluation in the Management of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection
by Yuka Hayashi, Kazuto Tajiri, Tatsuhiko Ozawa, Kiyohiko Angata, Takashi Sato, Akira Togayachi, Izuru Nagashima, Hiroki Shimizu, Aiko Murayama, Nozomu Muraishi, Hisashi Narimatsu and Ichiro Yasuda
Medicina 2024, 60(8), 1334; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60081334 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 955
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The measurement of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is essential for managing chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB). HBsAg consists of three different surface envelope proteins: large, middle, and small HB surface proteins. However, in clinical practice, it is [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The measurement of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is essential for managing chronic hepatitis B virus infection (CHB). HBsAg consists of three different surface envelope proteins: large, middle, and small HB surface proteins. However, in clinical practice, it is not common to evaluate each of these HB surface proteins separately. Materials and Methods: In this study, we investigated preS1 expression using seven monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) in 68 CHB patients, as well as examining their antigenicity. Results: Although the seven mAbs had been derived from genotype (Gt) C, they could recognize preS1 with Gts A to D. The epitopes were concentrated within the aa33-47 region of preS1, and their antigenicity was significantly reduced by an aa45F substitution. We found that preS1 expression remained consistent regardless of HBsAg levels and different Gts in CHB patients, in contrast to what was observed in SHBs. Conclusions: These results suggest that the antigenic epitope is preserved among different Gts and that the expression pattern of preS1 is altered during CHB, highlighting its vital role in the HBV infection cycle. Our present results suggest preS1 is a promising therapeutic target in CHB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novelties in Chronic Liver Diseases)
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10 pages, 644 KiB  
Article
Prospective Assessment of Serum Lipid Alterations in Chronic Hepatitis C Patients Treated with Direct Acting Antivirals: Insights Six Months Post Sustained Virological Response
by Oana Koppandi, Dana Iovănescu, Bogdan Miuțescu, Alexandru Cătălin Motofelea, Oana Maria Jigău, Andreea Iulia Papoi, Călin Burciu, Eyad Gadour, Deiana Vuletici and Eftimie Miuțescu
Medicina 2024, 60(8), 1295; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60081295 - 10 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is intricately linked with dysregulation of lipid metabolism. In particular, cholesterol plays a crucial role in HCV replication. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy has revolutionized the hepatitis C treatment landscape, achieving high rates of [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is intricately linked with dysregulation of lipid metabolism. In particular, cholesterol plays a crucial role in HCV replication. Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy has revolutionized the hepatitis C treatment landscape, achieving high rates of sustained virological response (SVR). However, viral clearance comes with some alterations in lipid-related markers. This prospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of HCV clearance on lipid homeostasis and non-invasive liver fibrosis markers in hepatitis C patients treated with DAAs. Material and Methods: Fifty-two patients with varying degrees of fibrosis treated with DAAs therapy were evaluated at baseline and 24 weeks post-SVR. Lipid profiles and non-invasive liver fibrosis markers were assessed. Results: Our findings revealed an increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, and LDLc (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) levels at 24 weeks post-SVR, alongside an improvement in serum liver enzymes. Although improvements in liver stiffness were observed in non-invasive tests, there was an increase in lipid-related markers post-SVR. Conclusions: This suggests a potential increased cardiovascular risk despite improvements in liver function and fibrosis, highlighting the necessity for statin therapy in some cases and extended follow-ups for these patients. These findings underscore the importance of closely monitoring lipid profiles in chronic hepatitis C patients post-SVR, as well as the potential need for statin therapy to mitigate cardiovascular risk. Additionally, extended follow-up is essential to assess long-term outcomes and ensure the optimal management of these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novelties in Chronic Liver Diseases)
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12 pages, 331 KiB  
Article
Differential Protective Effect of Zinc and Magnesium for the Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Acetaminophen and Potentiated with Ciprofloxacin in Rats
by Alexandra Ciocan (Moraru), Diana Ciubotariu, Cristina Mihaela Ghiciuc, Mihnea Eudoxiu Hurmuzache, Cătălina Elena Lupușoru and Radu Crișan-Dabija
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040611 - 8 Apr 2024
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Abstract
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence induced by magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and zinc gluconate (ZnG) supplementation on liver and kidney injuries experimentally induced with acetaminophen (AAPh) and potentiated by a ciprofloxacin addition in [...] Read more.
Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence induced by magnesium chloride (MgCl2) and zinc gluconate (ZnG) supplementation on liver and kidney injuries experimentally induced with acetaminophen (AAPh) and potentiated by a ciprofloxacin addition in rats. Material and Methods: The experiment was performed on five animal groups: group 1—control, treated for 6 weeks with normal saline, 1 mL/kg; group 2—AAPh, treated for 6 weeks with AAPh, 100 mg/kg/day; group 3—AAPh + C, treated for 6 weeks with AAPh 100 mg/kg/day and ciprofloxacin 50 mg/kg/day, only in the last 14 days of the experiment; group 4—AAPh + C + Mg, with the same treatment as group 3, but in the last 14 days, MgCl2 10 mg/ kg/day was added; and group 5—AAPh + C + Zn, with the same treatment as group 3, but in the last 14 days, zinc gluconate (ZnG), 10 mg/kg/day was added. All administrations were performed by oral gavage. At the end of the experiment, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected for biochemistry examinations. Results: Treatment with AAPh for 6 weeks determined an alteration of the liver function (increases in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactic dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase) and of renal function (increases in serum urea and creatinine) (p < 0.001 group 2 vs. group 1 for all mentioned parameters). Furthermore, the antioxidant defense capacity was impaired in group 2 vs. group 1 (superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity decreased in group 2 vs. group 1, at 0.001 < p < 0.01 and 0.01 < p < 0.05, respectively). The addition of ciprofloxacin, 50 mg/kg/day during the last 14 days, resulted in further increases in alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, urea, and creatinine (0.01 < p < 0.05, group 3 vs. group 2). MgCl2 provided a slight protection against the increase in liver enzymes, and a more pronounced protection against the increase in serum urea and creatinine (0.001 < p < 0.01 group 4 vs. group 3). MgCl2 provided a slight protection against the decrease in superoxide dismutase (0.01 < p < 0.05 group 4 vs. group 3), but not against decrease of glutathione peroxidase. The improvement of mentioned parameters could also be seen in the case of ZnG, to a higher extent, especially in the case of alanine aminotransferase and lactic dehydrogenase (0.01 < p < 0.05 group 5 vs. group 4). Conclusions: This study presents further proof for the beneficial effect of magnesium and zinc salts against toxicity induced by different agents, including antibacterials added to the analgesic and antipyretic acetaminophen; the protection is proven on the liver and kidney’s function, and the antioxidant profile improvement has a key role, especially in the case of zinc gluconate. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novelties in Chronic Liver Diseases)

Review

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11 pages, 865 KiB  
Review
The Many Faces of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease Treatment: From the Mediterranean Diet to Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
by Ludovico Abenavoli, Maria Luisa Gambardella, Giuseppe Guido Maria Scarlata, Ilaria Lenci, Leonardo Baiocchi and Francesco Luzza
Medicina 2024, 60(4), 563; https://doi.org/10.3390/medicina60040563 - 29 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1772
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by the gut microbiota. The main phyla are Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, now renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), an alteration in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes abundance promotes its pathogenesis and evolution into non-alcoholic [...] Read more.
The gastrointestinal tract is inhabited by the gut microbiota. The main phyla are Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, now renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), an alteration in Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes abundance promotes its pathogenesis and evolution into non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. For this reason, early treatment is necessary to counteract its progression. The aim of the present narrative review is to evaluate the different therapeutic approaches to MAFLD. The most important treatment for MAFLD is lifestyle changes. In this regard, the Mediterranean diet could be considered the gold standard in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD. In contrast, a Western diet should be discouraged. Probiotics and fecal microbiota transplantation seem to be valid, safe, and effective alternatives for MAFLD treatment. However, more studies with a longer follow-up and with a larger cohort of patients are needed to underline the more effective approaches to contrasting MAFLD. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novelties in Chronic Liver Diseases)
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