Liver Steatosis is Prevalent in Lean People With HIV and Associated With Exposure to Antiretroviral Treatment-A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Steatotic liver disease is suggested to have a higher prevalence and severity in people with HIV (PHIV), including in those with a normal body mass index (BMI). In this study, we used data from the 2000HIV cohort to (1) assess the prevalence of liver steatosis and fibrosis in lean versus overweight/obese PHIV and (2) assess associations in these subgroups between steatosis and fibrosis with traditional risk factors and HIV-specific characteristics. Methods: The 2000HIV study cohort comprises 1895 virally suppressed PHIV that were included between 2019 and 2021 in 4 HIV treatment centers in the Netherlands. The majority (58.5%) underwent vibration-controlled transient elastography for the assessment of liver steatosis and fibrosis. The prevalence of steatosis (controlled attenuation parameter ≥263 dB/m) and fibrosis (liver stiffness measurement ≥7.0 kPa) was estimated. Multiple factors including HIV characteristics and antiretroviral drugs were tested in a logistic regression model for association with steatosis and fibrosis. Analyses were performed separately for lean (Asian descent: BMI < 23 kg/m2, other descent: BMI < 25 kg/m2) and overweight/obese (other BMI) participants. Results: Of 1050 PHIV including 505 lean and 545 overweight/obese PHIV, liver steatosis was observed in 37.7% of the overall study population, 19.7% of lean, and 54% of overweight/obese PHIV, whereas fibrosis was observed in 9.0% of the overall study population, 5.9% of lean, and 12.0% of overweight/obese PHIV.All associations with fibrosis and most associations with steatosis concerned metabolic factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (overall population: adjusted odds ratio [aOR] for steatosis: 2.3 [1.21-4.4], P = .011; aOR for fibrosis: 3.7 [1.82-7.53], P < .001). Furthermore, in lean PLHIV, liver steatosis was associated with CD4 and CD8 counts at enrollment, dual therapy, and history of treatment with raltegravir (aOR: 3.6 [1.53-8.47], P = .003), stavudine (aOR: 3.73 [1.69-8.2], P = .001), and indinavir (aOR: 3.86 [1.59-9.37], P = .003). These associations were not observed in overweight/obese PHIV. Conclusions: Liver steatosis was highly prevalent, affecting approximately one-fifth of lean PHIV and half of overweight/obese PHIV. Fibrosis was observed in a minority. Both steatosis and fibrosis were associated with traditional metabolic risk factors. In addition, (prior) exposure to specific antiretroviral drugs was associated liver steatosis in lean, but not in overweight/obese PHIV. Implementing increased screening protocols could enhance the identification of steatotic liver disease in lean PHIV.

Real-world data on the management of pazopanib-induced liver toxicity in routine care of renal cell cancer and soft tissue sarcoma patients.

PURPOSE: Pazopanib is known to cause liver toxicity. A relationship between pazopanib exposure and alanine transaminase elevations has been described in clinical trials. This study investigated the relation between pazopanib exposure and liver toxicity in real-world patients and evaluated the management of pazopanib-induced liver toxicity in routine care. METHODS: A retrospective observational cohort study was performed in patients treated with pazopanib in whom pazopanib exposure was measured. The percentage of patients with and without liver toxicity during treatment with pazopanib was calculated as well as the average pazopanib exposure in both groups. Furthermore, the management of patients with liver toxicity was evaluated. RESULTS: Liver toxicity was observed in 25 out of the 133 patients included (19%). Pazopanib exposure was comparable in patients with or without liver toxicity (27.7 mg/L versus 28.1 mg/L). Seven patients permanently discontinued pazopanib after the occurrence of liver toxicity. Of the remaining 18 patients, continuation or restart of pazopanib after liver toxicity was successful in 16 patients and half of these patients were able to safely continue pazopanib at the same dose as prior to liver toxicity for the remaining duration of treatment. CONCLUSION: Our study did not demonstrate a clear relationship between pazopanib exposure and the occurrence of pazopanib-induced liver toxicity. Half of the patients were able to safely continue or restart pazopanib treatment after liver toxicity and received the same dose as prior to drug withdrawal. Successful interventions to address pazopanib-induced toxicity in the clinic led to an algorithm for the management of pazopanib-induced liver toxicity.

Transarterial Chemoembolization With Drug-Eluting Beads Versus Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Outcomes From a Multicenter, Randomized, Phase 2 Trial (the TRENDY Trial).

PURPOSE: To compare transarterial chemoembolization delivered with drug eluting beads (TACE-DEB) with stereotactioc body radiation therapy (SBRT) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a multicenter randomized trial. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Patients were included if they were eligible for TACE. They could also be recruited if they required treatment prior to liver transplantation. A maximum of four TACE-DEB procedures and ablation after incomplete TACE-DEB were both allowed. SBRT was delivered in six fractions of 8-9Gy. Primary end point was time to progression (TTP). Secondary endpoints were local control (LC), overall survival (OS), response rate (RR), toxicity, and quality of life (QoL). The calculated sample size was 100 patients. RESULTS: Between May 2015 and April 2020, 30 patients were randomized to the study. Due to slow accrual the trial was closed prematurely. Two patients in the SBRT arm were considered ineligible leaving 16 patients in the TACE-DEB arm and 12 in the SBRT arm. Median follow-up was 28.1 months. Median TTP was 12 months for TACEDEB and 19 months for SBRT (p=0.15). Median LC was 12 months for TACE-DEB and >40 months (not reached) for SBRT (p=0.075). Median OS was 36.8 months for TACEDEB and 44.1 months for SBRT (p=0.36). A post-hoc analysis showed 100% for SBRT 1- and 2-year LC, and 54.4% and 43.6% for TACE-DEB (p=0.019). Both treatments resulted in RR>80%. Three episodes of possibly related toxicity grade ≥3 were observed after TACE-DEB. No episodes were observed after SBRT. QoL remained stable after both treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: In this trial, TTP after TACE-DEB was not significantly improved by SBRT, while SBRT showed higher local antitumoral activity than TACE-DEB, without detrimental effects on OS, toxicity and QoL. To overcome poor accrual in randomized trials that include SBRT, and to generate evidence for including SBRT in treatment guidelines, international cooperation is needed.

Importance of complete response for outcomes of pregnancy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: While some articles describe outcome of pregnancy in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), there are less data evaluating influence of AIH control on maternal and perinatal outcomes. This study analysed outcomes of pregnancy and related possible risk factors in AIH. METHOD: A retrospective multicentre cohort study on pregnancy in AIH was performed in 11 hospitals in the Netherlands. Maternal and neonatal outcomes were collected from records and completed by interview. Risk factors-including incomplete response, relapse and cirrhosis-for adverse outcomes were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-seven pregnancies in 50 women resulted in 70 deliveries (72%) with a live birth rate of 98.5%. AIH relapse occurred in 6% during pregnancy, and in 27% of post-partum episodes. Absence of complete biochemical response at conception was identified as risk factor for the occurrence of gestational and post-partum relapses. Relapse of AIH in the year before conception was a risk factor for the occurrence of both gestational relapses and post-partum relapses. No complete biochemical response increased the risk for hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). Cirrhosis was found to be a risk factor for miscarriages, but not for other outcomes. CONCLUSION: Pregnancy in AIH is related to an increased incidence of maternal and fetal/neonatal complications; in most cases, outcome is good. Incomplete biochemical response at conception or relapse in the year before conception are risk factors for gestational and post-partum relapses, for hypertensive disorders and for ICP. Cirrhosis was a risk factor for miscarriages.

Noninvasive Staging of Hepatic Steatosis Using Calibrated 2D US with Liver Biopsy as the Reference Standard.

Background Accumulation of lipid in the liver (ie, hepatic steatosis) is the basis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Asymptomatic steatosis can lead to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and downstream complications. Purpose To assess the diagnostic performance of calibrated US (CAUS) as a method for detection and staging of hepatic steatosis in comparison with liver biopsy. Materials and Methods Two-dimensional US images in 223 consecutive patients who underwent US-guided liver biopsy from May 2012 to February 2016 were retrospectively analyzed by two observers using CAUS. CAUS semiautomatically estimates echo-level and texture parameters, with particular interest in the residual attenuation coefficient (RAC), which is the remaining steatosis-driven attenuation obtained after correction of the beam profile. Data were correlated with patient characteristics and histologically determined steatosis grades and fibrosis stages. The data were equally divided into training and test sets to independently train and test logistic regression models for detection (>5% fat) and staging (>33% and >66% fat) of hepatic steatosis by using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. Results A total of 195 patients (mean age, 50 years ± 13 [SD]; 110 men) were included and divided into a training set (n = 97 [50%]) and a test set (n = 98 [50%]). The average CAUS interobserver correlation coefficient was 0.95 (R range, 0.87-0.99). The best correlation with steatosis was found for the RAC parameter (R = 0.78, P < .01), while no correlation was found for fibrosis (R = 0.14, P = .054). Steatosis detection using RAC showed an AUC of 0.97 (95% CI: 0.94, 1.00), and the multivariable AUC was found to be 0.97 (95% CI: 0.95, 1.00). The predictive performance for moderate and severe hepatic steatosis using RAC was 0.93 (95% CI: 0.88, 0.98) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.87, 0.98), respectively. Conclusion The calibrated US parameter residual attenuation coefficient detects and stages steatosis accurately with limited interobserver variability, and performance is not hampered by the presence of fibrosis. © RSNA, 2022 Online supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Grant in this issue.

Prevention of hepatic encephalopathy by administration of rifaximin and lactulose in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS): a multicentre randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial (PEARL trial).

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension can suffer from variceal bleeding or refractory ascites and can benefit from a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Post-TIPS hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common (20%-54%) and often severe complication. A prophylactic strategy is lacking. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: The Prevention of hepatic Encephalopathy by Administration of Rifaximin and Lactulose in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing placement of a TIPS (PEARL) trial, is a multicentre randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial. Patients undergoing covered TIPS placement are prescribed either rifaximin 550 mg two times per day and lactulose 25 mL two times per day (starting dose) or placebo 550 mg two times per day and lactulose 25 mL two times per day from 72 hours before and until 3 months after TIPS placement. Primary endpoint is the development of overt HE (OHE) within 3 months (according to West Haven criteria). Secondary endpoints include 90-day mortality; development of a second episode of OHE; time to development of episode(s) of OHE; development of minimal HE; molecular changes in peripheral and portal blood samples; quality of life and cost-effectiveness. The total sample size is 238 patients and recruitment period is 3 years in six hospitals in the Netherlands and one in Belgium. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study protocol was approved in the Netherlands by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam (2018-332), in Belgium by the Ethics Committee Research UZ/KU Leuven (S62577) and competent authorities. This study will be conducted in accordance with Good Clinical Practice guidelines and the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Study results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04073290) and EudraCT database (2018-004323-37).

Trends in incidence, diagnosis, treatment and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma in a low-incidence country: Data from the Netherlands in the period 2009-2016.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the trends in incidence, diagnostics, treatment and survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Netherlands. METHOD: Data regarding incidence, diagnostics, primary treatment and survival of patients with HCC in the period 2009-2016 were obtained from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Trends in incidence, diagnostics, various treatment modalities (except liver transplantation, due to inaccurate data) and regional treatment preferences were analysed. Survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression modelling. RESULTS: In the period of 2009-2016, 3838 patients were diagnosed with HCC. A distinct decrease in the percentage of patients who underwent tumour biopsy was observed (from 51% in 2009-2010 to 42% in 2015-2016). Percentage of patients who underwent cancer treatment increased markedly (from 49% in 2009-2010 to 57% in 2015-2016), mainly because of an increasing use of resection and ablation. The number of hospitals where resections were performed or sorafenib treatment prescribed decreased slightly. The number of hospitals sporadically (<1 ablation per year) performing ablations increased. There were significant differences between regions in the application of resection, ablation and transarterial chemoembolisation /radioembolisation (p < 0.05 after 'case mix'-correction). One-, 3- and 5-year survival of patients with HCC significantly improved in the studied period. Receiving cancer treatment was associated with increased survival, whereas increasing age and an advanced tumour stage were both associated with decreased survival. CONCLUSION: From 2009 to 2016, patients with hepatocellular carcinoma more often received cancer treatment and their survival improved. There were significant differences in types of treatment between various regions.

Cardiac function in relation to myocardial injury in hospitalised patients with COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported on myocardial injury in patients with coronavirus infectious disease 19 (COVID-19) defined as elevated cardiac biomarkers. Whether elevated biomarkers truly represent myocardial dysfunction is not known. The aim of this study was to explore the incidence of ventricular dysfunction and assess its relationship with biomarker analyses. METHODS: This cross-sectional study ran from April 1 to May 12, 2020, and consisted of all consecutively admitted patients to the Radboud university medical centre nursing ward for COVID-19. Laboratory assessment included high-sensitivity Troponin T and N­terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP). Echocardiographic evaluation focused on left and right ventricular systolic function and global longitudinal strain (GLS). RESULTS: In total, 51 patients were included, with a median age of 63 years (range 51-68 years) of whom 80% was male. Troponin T was elevated (>14 ng/l) in 47%, and a clinically relevant Troponin T elevation (10â€¯× URL) was found in three patients (6%). NT-proBNP was elevated (>300 pg/ml) in 24 patients (47%), and in four (8%) the NT-proBNP concentration was >1,000 pg/ml. Left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction <52% and/or GLS >-18%) was observed in 27%, while right ventricular dysfunction (TAPSE <17 mm and/or RV S' < 10 cm/s) was seen in 10%. There was no association between elevated Troponin T or NT-proBNP and left or right ventricular dysfunction. Patients with confirmed pulmonary embolism had normal right ventricular function. CONCLUSIONS: In hospitalised patients, it seems that COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, while cardiac dysfunction occurs less often. Based on a single echocardiographic evaluation, we found no relation between elevated Troponin T or NT-proBNP, and ventricular dysfunction. Echocardiography has limited value in screening for ventricular dysfunction.

Elafibranor: a potential drug for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Introduction: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a progressive disease phenotype starting from simple steatosis, which can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It is component of the metabolic syndrome with a large impact on mortality in these patients. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors that regulate lipid and insulin metabolism, two key components in pathophysiology of NAFLD and NASH. Elafibranor acts as an agonist of PPAR-α and PPAR-δ and is currently under development for the treatment of NAFLD.Areas covered: This review summarizes the pharmacological aspects, the preclinical and clinical effectivity, and safety data of elafibranor for the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis.Expert opinion: Current data support an effect of elafibranor on the resolution on NASH and the improvement of two key drivers of NASH progression - insulin resistance and serum lipid normalization. The safety profile is favorable, though reversible serum creatinine elevations occur with use, potentially limiting its use in patients with concurrent renal disease. The modest effect sizes in different NAFLD disease stages of elafibranor and other drugs in development for NASH, will likely lead to pursuing of drug combinations personalized to each stage of the NAFLD disease spectrum.

Profiling the patient with autoimmune hepatitis on calcineurin inhibitors: a real-world-experience.

OBJECTIVE: Therapy for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) consists of steroid induction therapy, followed by maintenance therapy with azathioprine. However, up to 20% of patients experience either insufficient response or intolerance on first-line therapy. Calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) are frequently used when first-line therapy fails. Although a number of studies report on efficacy, less is known on the patient trajectory before switch to CNIs. Our aim was to describe the road toward CNI therapy in AIH patients. METHODS: Patients with an AIH diagnosis who used CNIs as either second- or third-line treatment were included in the study. Reason for switch to CNI was assessed as either an insufficient response or intolerance to prior therapy. Efficacy was assessed by normalization of transaminases at last moment of follow-up. RESULTS: Final analysis included 20 patients who were treated with CNIs. Ten patients were treated with tacrolimus and ten patients received cyclosporine. In patients who used CNI treatment as third-line therapy (n = 13), duration of first-line therapy was almost twice as long as duration of second-line therapy (2.58 years vs. 1.33 years; P = 0.67). Patients treated with tacrolimus had relatively high trough levels (7.6 ng/mL) and more (minor) adverse events. Fifty-five percent of patients had normalization of transaminases at last moment of follow-up. CONCLUSION: CNI treatment in AIH as second- or third-line therapy is effective in ~50% of patients. The trajectory before switch varies considerably between patients.

Management of portal hypertension and ascites in polycystic liver disease.

Patients suffering from polycystic liver disease may develop Hepatic Venous Outflow Obstruction, Portal Vein Obstruction and/or Inferior Caval Vein Syndrome because of cystic mass effect. This can cause portal hypertension, leading to ascites, variceal haemorrhage or splenomegaly. For this review, we evaluate the evidence to provide clinical guidance for physicians faced with this complication. Diagnosis is made with imaging such as ultrasound, computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. Therapy includes conventional therapy with diuretics and paracentesis, and medical therapy using somatostatin analogues. Based on disease phenotype various (non-)surgical liver-volume reducing therapies, hepatic or portal venous stenting, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts and liver transplantation may be considered. Because of complicated anatomy, use of high-risk interventions and lack of empirical evidence, patients should be treated in expert centres.

A Novel Automatic Digital Algorithm that Accurately Quantifies Steatosis in NAFLD on Histopathological Whole-Slide Images.

BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of hepatic steatosis is a key to grade disease severity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS: We developed a digital automated quantification of steatosis on whole-slide images (WSIs) of liver tissue and performed a validation study. Hematoxylin-eosin stained liver tissue slides were digitally scanned, and steatotic areas were manually annotated. We identified thresholds for size and roundness parameters by logistic regression to discriminate steatosis from surrounding liver tissue. The resulting algorithm produces a steatosis proportionate area (SPA; ratio of steatotic area to total tissue area described as percentage). The software can be implemented as a Java plug-in in FIJI, in which digital WSI can be processed automatically using the Pathomation extension. RESULTS: We obtained liver tissue specimens from 61 NAFLD patients and 18 controls. The area under the curve of correctly classified steatosis by the algorithm was 0.970 (95% CI 0.968-0.973), P < 0.001. Accuracy of the algorithm was 91.9%, with a classification error of 8.1%. SPA correlated significantly with steatosis grade (Rs = 0.845, CI: 0.749-0.902, P < 0.001) and increased significantly with each individual steatosis grade, except between Grade 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a novel digital analysis algorithm that accurately quantifies steatosis on WSIs of liver tissue. This algorithm can be incorporated when quantification of steatosis is warranted, such as in clinical trials studying efficacy of new therapeutic interventions in NAFLD. © 2019 The Authors. Cytometry Part B: Clinical Cytometry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Clinical Cytometry Society.

Increased proteinase 3 and neutrophil elastase plasma concentrations are associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes.

INTRODUCTION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is becoming a major health problem worldwide. Inflammation plays an important role in disease pathogenesis and recent studies have shown a potential role for the neutrophil serine proteases (NSPs) proteinase-3 (PR3) and neutrophil elastase (NE) in NAFLD as well as an imbalance between NSPs and their natural inhibitor alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT). The aim of this study was to investigate whether PR3 and NE plasma concentrations are associated with NAFLD and/or type 2 diabetes. METHODS: To explore this hypothesis we used several cohorts: a cohort of 271 obese individuals with liver steatosis, a cohort of 41 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD, a cohort of 401 obese type 2 diabetes patients and a cohort of 205 lean healthy controls; and measured PR3 and NE plasma concentrations. In addition, we measured AAT plasma concentrations in order to investigate if the ratios between NSPs and their natural inhibitor were altered in NAFLD and type 2 diabetes when compared to healthy controls. RESULTS: Our data shows an increase in PR3 and NE concentrations and a decrease in AAT concentrations in obese patients when compared to controls. Moreover, PR3 plasma concentrations are increased in patients with liver steatosis. Furthermore, PR3 and NE concentrations in the liver are associated with the advanced stages of NAFLD characterized by NASH and/ or liver fibrosis. Additionally, PR3 and NE concentrations were up-regulated in patients with type 2 diabetes when compared to lean and obese controls. CONCLUSION: We conclude that circulating levels of NSPs associate with obesity-related metabolic disorders. Further research is needed to clearly establish the role of these proteases and investigate whether they could be used as non-invasive markers for NAFLD and/or type 2 diabetes.

The clinical spectrum of Fontan-associated liver disease: results from a prospective multimodality screening cohort.

AIMS: Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis are a consequence of a Fontan physiology, and determine prognosis. It is unclear whether non-invasive assessment of liver pathology is helpful to provide clinically relevant information. The aims of this study were to assess the spectrum of Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD) and usefulness of non-invasive methods to assess biopsy confirmed liver fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hepatic screening of consecutive patients consisted of a blood panel, ultrasonography, elastography, contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/computed tomography (CT) scan, and liver biopsy (scored with Fontan specific fibrosis scores and collagen proportionate area; CPA). Fibrosis parameters, varices, ascites, and splenomegaly were measured on imaging. Thirty-eight of 49 referred patients (27 ± 6.6 years, 73.7% male) underwent the complete screening protocol. Liver fibrosis on biopsy was present in all patients, and classified as severe (Stages 3-4) in 68%. Median CPA was 22.5% (16.9-29.5) and correlated with individual fibrosis scores. ELF® and liver stiffness were elevated, but MELD-XI scores were low in all patients. Fibrosis severity neither correlated to ELF® and liver stiffness, nor to (semi-) quantitative fibrosis parameters on MRI/CT. Varices were present in 50% and hyperenhancing nodules in 25% of patients, both independent of fibrosis stage, but varices were associated with higher CPA values. CONCLUSION: The FALD spectrum includes both hepatic congestion and severe fibrosis, with signs of portal hypertension and hyperenhancing nodules as significant manifestations. Routine imaging, transient elastography, and serum biomarkers are unable to accurately assess severity of liver fibrosis in this cohort. Future research should focus on validating new diagnostic tools with biopsy as the reference standard.

Extracellular matrix components indicate remodelling activity in different fibrosis stages of human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

AIMS: The composition of several important extracellular matrix components (ECM) has not yet been elucidated in human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We aim to investigate the proportion of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs) in human NAFLD liver tissue with respect to severity of inflammation and fibrosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Histopathological features were quantified by NAFLD activity score and grading assignment. The collagen proportionate area (CPA) was measured. Slides were stained with alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), as a marker of activated HSCs, and α-SMA was quantified digitally. Zymography was performed to measure the proteolytic activity of MMP-2 and MMP-9. TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 protein concentration was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). α-SMA was higher in severe fibrosis (6.3%, interquartile range 2.9-13.1) than mild and no fibrosis (median 1.1 and 0.9%, P < 0.001) and correlated strongly with CPA (Rs = 0.870, P < 0.001). ProMMP-2 activity in severe (4.1%, IQR 2.6-16.2) and mild fibrosis (2.7%, IQR 1.9-3.9) was higher than in no fibrosis (1.5%, (IQR 0.95-2.1); P = 0.001 and P = 0.046) and showed a moderate positive correlation with CPA (Rs = 0.495, P = 0.001). TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 were significantly higher in severe fibrosis than mild or no fibrosis. Both showed moderate correlation with CPA (TIMP-1: Rs = 0.471, P = 0.002 and TIMP-2: Rs = 0.325, P = 0.036). MMP-9 correlated as the only ECM component to inflammation severity. CONCLUSIONS: Advanced human NAFLD-fibrosis has a distinct ECM composition with increased HSCs and increased TIMP inhibition, but there is also ongoing remodelling activity of MMP-2.

Biochemical Effects on the Liver of 1 Month of Alcohol Abstinence in Moderate Alcohol Consumers.

SHORT SUMMARY: : In this study in healthy moderate alcohol consumers, we observe that one month of alcohol abstinence results in decreased gamma-glutamyl transferase levels, which return to baseline levels after resumption of alcohol consumption.