ABSTRACT
Brown tumors (also known as osteitis fibrosa cystica) are rare complications of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and secondary hyperparathyroidism (HPT), characterized by focal bone lesions that resemble neoplasms. They are often misdiagnosed as metastatic bone disease, especially in patients with a history of malignancy. We present a case of a 60-year-old man with a history of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and ESRD on hemodialysis (HD), who developed diffuse bone lesions on imaging with osteolytic/osteoblastic appearance concerning metastases, but on further workup was found to have brown tumors. We discuss the treatment and outcome and briefly review the relevant medical literature.
ABSTRACT
Gut microbiota is a community of microorganisms that reside in the gastrointestinal tract. An increasing number of studies has demonstrated that the gut-liver axis plays a critical role in liver homeostasis. Dysbiosis of gut microbiota can cause liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease. Preclinical and clinical investigations have substantiated that the metabolites and other molecules derived from gut microbiota and diet interaction function as mediators to cause liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and final cancer. This effect has been demonstrated to be associated with dysregulation of intrahepatic immunity and liver metabolism. Targeting these findings have led to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. Here, we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying gut microbiota-mediated impact on liver disease. We also summarize the advancement of gut microbiota-based therapeutic strategies in the control of liver diseases.
