Cardiometabolic effects of direct-acting antivirals in patients with hepatitis C / Efectos cardiometabólicos de los antivirales de acción directa en pacientes con hepatitis C

El virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) se ha asociado durante mucho tiempo a varias manifestaciones extrahepáticas, entre ellas el aumento del riesgo cardiovascular. La aparición de los antivirales de acción directa (AAD) ha permitido evaluar la posible reversión de estas manifestaciones tras un tratamiento exitoso. Así, muchos estudios han aportado datos significativos sobre el efecto positivo del tratamiento con AAD en la resistencia a la insulina, la diabetes mellitus de tipo 2, la enfermedad cardiovascular y la aterosclerosis. Por el contrario, los estudios han mostrado efectos perjudiciales sobre el metabolismo de los lípidos y resultados indeterminados respecto a la función renal y el metabolismo del ácido úrico. No obstante, a medida que un mayor número de pacientes logre una respuesta virológica sostenida, se estudiarán ampliamente los efectos de la erradicación del VHC sobre los procesos cardiometabólicos, lo que permitirá obtener conclusiones más fiables sobre el alcance de los resultados extrahepáticos.(AU)

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has long been associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, including increased cardiovascular risk. The emergence of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has allowed us to evaluate the potential reversal of these manifestations after successful treatment. Therefore, many studies have provided significant takeaways regarding the positive effect of DAAs therapy on insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. In contrast, studies have shown detrimental effects on lipid metabolism and indeterminate results regarding renal function and uric acid metabolism. Nevertheless, as more and more patients achieve sustained virological response, the effects of HCV eradication on cardiometabolic processes will be extensively studied, allowing more reliable conclusions on the extent of extrahepatic outcomes.(AU)

Cardiometabolic effects of direct-acting antivirals in patients with hepatitis C.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has long been associated with several extrahepatic manifestations, including increased cardiovascular risk. The emergence of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) has allowed us to evaluate the potential reversal of these manifestations after successful treatment. Therefore, many studies have provided significant takeaways regarding the positive effect of DAAs therapy on insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. In contrast, studies have shown detrimental effects on lipid metabolism and indeterminate results regarding renal function and uric acid metabolism. Nevertheless, as more and more patients achieve sustained virological response, the effects of HCV eradication on cardiometabolic processes will be extensively studied, allowing more reliable conclusions on the extent of extrahepatic outcomes.

Which is the optimal antiobesity agent for patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease?

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest chronic liver disease and affects a considerable proportion of the general population worldwide. Obesity is a major risk factor for development and progression of NAFLD and weight loss is an effective intervention for the management of NAFLD. However, few patients achieve substantial and sustained weight loss with lifestyle measures. Therefore, antiobesity agents are frequently considered in patients with NAFLD but there are limited data on their safety and efficacy. In the present review, we discuss the role of antiobesity agents in the management of NAFLD. All approved antiobesity agents appear to reduce transaminase levels and to improve steatosis in patients with NAFLD. However, their effects on fibrosis are less well studied and whether they affect liver-related outcomes, including progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer, is unknown. The glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, liraglutide and semaglutide, appear to represent a first-line option in obese patients with NAFLD and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) since they induce considerable weight loss and have been extensively studied in patients with T2DM. However, more studies are needed to evaluated their effects on liver-related and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with NAFLD, particularly in those without T2DM.

Acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Is there a benefit?

De novo lipogenesis (DNL) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and also appears to be implicated in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. Accordingly, the inhibition of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which catalyzes the rate-limiting step of DNL, might represent a useful approach in the management of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Animal studies and preliminary data in patients with NAFLD consistently showed an improvement in steatosis with the use of these agents. However, effects on fibrosis were variable and an increase in plasma triglyceride levels was observed. Therefore, more long-term studies are needed to clarify the role of these agents in NAFLD and to determine their risk/benefit profile.

Endoscopic sedation practices of Greek gastroenterologists: a nationwide survey.

BACKGROUND: Sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy is rapidly evolving worldwide. However, this has led to significant disagreements, especially regarding the use of propofol by non-anesthesiologists. The aim of this study was to document the practices of Greek gastroenterologists regarding sedation and compare them to previous surveys. METHODS: The study was conducted in 2 periods, December 2015 and June 2018. In each period, the same online questionnaire regarding endoscopic sedation practices was sent to all registered Greek gastroenterologists (509 and 547 gastroenterologists, respectively). RESULTS: The response rates were 38.3% and 47.1%, respectively. In each period, 25.1% and 16.7% of physicians did not use sedation. Most gastroenterologists (approx. 70% in both instances) answered that they "almost never" collaborate with an anesthesiologist during endoscopy. Midazolam was by far the most popular sedation agent, used by almost 90% of physicians in both periods. Propofol was used by 30.8% and 27% of physicians, respectively. Physicians using propofol were significantly more satisfied with the sedation than other physicians, while propofol was the agent selected by most physicians if they were to undergo endoscopy themselves. Most physicians cited medicolegal reasons and inadequate training as chief reasons for not using propofol. CONCLUSIONS: Sedation use is widespread among Greek gastroenterologists. Although midazolam is the most commonly used agent, propofol is preferred (theoretically) by most physicians and achieves the best satisfaction. The introduction of a strict training curriculum for endoscopic sedation can effectively eliminate the barriers preventing gastroenterologists from administering propofol, while at the same time ensuring optimal patient safety during endoscopy.

Novel insights in the prevention of perinatal transmission of hepatitis B.

Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is major contributor to the growing burden of chronic hepatitis B worldwide. Administration of HBV immunoglobulin and HBV vaccination as soon after pregnancy as possible are the mainstay of prevention of perinatal transmission of HBV infection. In women with high viral loads, antiviral prophylaxis also appears to be useful. Lamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir have been shown to be both safe and effective in this setting but tenofovir is the first-line option due to its low potential for resistance and more favorable safety profile.

Effects of antiviral treatment on the risk of hepatocellular cancer in patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Accumulating data suggest that antiviral treatment in both CHB and CHC reduces the incidence of HCC. Evidence is more consistent for interferon-based treatment in both CHB and CHC and for lamivudine in patients with CHB. However, more limited data suggest that other nucleos(t)ide analogues might also reduce the risk of HCC. In contrast, conflicting data have been reported on the effects of direct-acting antivirals on the incidence of HCC.

Role of cenicriviroc in the management of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest chronic liver disease in high-income countries and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Macrophages appear to play an important role in the development and progression of hepatic fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. Accordingly, modulation of macrophage trafficking might represent an attractive therapeutic strategy in this population. Cenicriviroc is an oral inhibitor of the chemokine ligand 2/C-C chemokine receptor 2 pathway, which plays an important role in the hepatic recruitment of the macrophages. Preclinical studies and a phase 2b study in humans suggest that this agent might hold promise in the management of NAFLD.