Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), a disease with poor prognosis, is reportedly caused by cellular senescence due to mitochondrial dysfunction. In this study, we described and analyzed the underlying mechanism of a novel approach for ACLF using ABT263/navitoclax (Navi) that selectively eliminates senescent cells. METHODS: Irradiation-induced senescent hepatocytes were used for in vitro evaluation of the effects of Navi on ACLF (n = 6 for each group). Lipopolysaccharide- and carbon tetrachloride-induced ACLF mouse model was used for in vivo evaluation of the effects of Navi administration compared with the control using one-way or two-way analysis of variance, followed by Student's t-test or Kruskal-Wallis test. The effects on the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (n = 8 for each group) and mitochondrial functions, including adenosine triphosphate concentration and membrane potential (n = 8 for each group), were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme analysis. RESULTS: Navi eliminated irradiation-induced senescent hepatocytes in vitro, leading to non-senescent hepatocyte proliferation. Navi eliminated senescent cells in the liver in vivo, resulting in downregulation of mRNA expression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, a decrease of liver enzymes, and upregulated proliferation of non-senescent cells in the liver. Regarding mitochondrial functional assessment in the liver, adenosine triphosphate concentration and membrane potential were upregulated after Navi administration in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Navi may ameliorate ACLF damage by eliminating senescent cells in the liver, downregulating senescence-associated secretory phenotype factors, and upregulating mitochondrial functions. We believe that this novel approach using Navi will pave the way for ACLF treatment.

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.13879

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 10%-20% of the total HCC numbers. Its clinical features include the occurrence in the younger generation, large tumors, and poor prognosis. The contribution of hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein in hepatocytes during activation of various oncogenic pathways has been reported. We aimed to assess the possible association between HBx and Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression in the liver tissue and the clinical features of HBV-related HCC. Methods: The relationship between HBx and YAP expression was examined in vivo using HCC tumor and peritumor tissues (n = 55). The clinical information including tumor size, marker, and the prognosis was assessed with protein expressions. The in vitro gene expression analyses were conducted using HBx- and YAP-overexpressing HCC cell lines. Results: Among 19 cases of HBV-related, 17 cases of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related, and 19 cases of nonviral-related HCC, the HBV-related tumor showed the largest size. The HBx-stained area in the tumor and peritumor tissue showed a significant correlation with tumor size and serum α-fetoprotein level. YAP expression was higher in HBV-related tumor tissue than in the peritumor tissue and HCV-related tumor. Additionally, HBx and YAP protein expressions are correlated and both expressions in the tumor contributed to the poor prognosis. An in vitro study demonstrated that HBx and YAP overexpression in the hepatocytes activate the various oncogenic signaling pathways. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that YAP expression in the liver of HBV-infected patients might be the key factor in HBV-related HCC development and control of tumor-related features.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrep.2022.101352

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: To establish a treatment option for liver fibrosis, the possibility of the drug repurposing theory was investigated, with a focus on the off-target effects of active pharmaceutical ingredients. METHODS: First, several active pharmaceutical ingredients were screened for their effects on the gene expression in the hepatocytes using chimeric mice with humanized hepatocytes. As per the gene expression-based screening assay for 36 medications, we assessed the mechanism of the antifibrotic effect of letrozole, a third-generation aromatase inhibitor, in mouse models of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and a methionine choline-deficient (MCD) diet. We assessed liver histology, serum biochemical markers, and fibrosis-related gene and protein expressions in the hepatocytes. RESULTS: A gene expression-based screening assay revealed that letrozole had a modifying effect on fibrosis-related gene expression in the hepatocytes, including YAP, CTGF, TGF-β, and CYP26A1. Letrozole was administered to mouse models of CCl4- and MCD-induced liver fibrosis and it ameliorated the liver fibrosis. The mechanisms involved the inhibition of the Yap-Ctgf profibrotic pathway following a decrease in retinoic acid levels in the hepatocytes caused by suppression of the hepatic retinol dehydrogenase, Hsd17b13 and activation of the retinoic acid hydrogenase, Cyp26a1. CONCLUSIONS: Letrozole slowed the progression of liver fibrosis by inhibiting the Yap-Ctgf pathway. The mechanisms involved the modification of the Hsd17b13 and Cyp26a1 expressions led to the suppression of retinoic acid in the hepatocytes, which contributed to the activation of Yap-Ctgf pathway. Because of its off-target effect, letrozole could be repurposed for the treatment of liver fibrosis. The third-generation aromatase inhibitor letrozole ameliorated liver fibrosis by suppressing the Yap-Ctgf pathway by partially modifying the Hsd17b13 and Cyp26a1 expressions, which reduced the retinoic acid level in the hepatocytes. The gene expression analysis using chimeric mice with humanized liver revealed that the mechanisms are letrozole specific and, therefore, may be repurposed for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

DOI： 10.1007/s00535-022-01929-w

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with metabolic dysregulation and is linked with various cardiovascular complications, which often lead to poor prognostic outcomes. To develop a standard therapy for NAFLD and to urgently address its complications, the current study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of NAFLD-related heart disease and the therapeutic effects of drugs targeting various metabolic pathways. METHODS: To explore the mechanism of NAFLD-related heart disease, a medaka model of high-fat diet-induced NAFLD was utilized. The gross structural, histological, and inflammatory changes in the myocardium were evaluated in a time-dependent manner. In addition, the therapeutic effects of medicines used for NAFLD treatment including, selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator (SPPARMα, pemafibrate), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor (tofogliflozin), and statin (pitavastatin), and their combinations on heart pathology were evaluated. To determine the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects, the expression of genes related to liver inflammation was assessed via whole transcriptome sequencing analysis. RESULTS: The fish with NAFLD-related heart injury presented with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, which led to cardiac hypertrophy. This morphological change was caused by the infiltration of inflammatory cells, including macrophages and CD4- and CD8-positive lymphocytes, in the cardiac wall and the expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 in the cardiomyocytes. Further, the livers of the fish had upregulated expressions of senescence-associated secretory phenotype-related genes. Treatment with pemafibrate, tofogliflozin, and pitavastatin reduced these changes and, consequently, cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that NAFLD-related heart disease was attributed to the senescence-associated secretory phenotype-induced inflammatory activity in the cardiac wall, which resulted in myocardial hypertrophy. Moreover, the effects of SPPARMα, SGLT2 inhibitor, and statin on NAFLD-related heart disease were evident in the medaka NAFLD model.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.07.117

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本門脈圧亢進症学会  

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background and Aim: Symptoms of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) frequently impair one's quality of life (QOL). Nonetheless, with improved treatment, the prognosis of PBC also improves. QOL plays an important role in patients with PBC. In this study, we aimed to reevaluate the transition of new symptom development in PBC and its predictive factors. Methods: This retrospective multicenter study enrolled 382 patients with PBC for symptom analysis. The impact of a newly developed symptom on PBC prognosis was investigated by Kaplan-Meier analysis with propensity score matching and logistic progression analysis. Results: The cumulative risk of developing a new symptom after 10 and 20 years of follow-up was 7.6 and 28.2%, and specifically that of pruritus, which was the most common symptom, was 6.7 and 23.3%, respectively. In Cox hazard risk analysis, serum Alb level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.097; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.033-1.165; P = 0.002), the serum D-Bil level (HR, 6.262; 95% CI, 2.522-15.553, P < 0.001), and Paris II criteria (HR, 0.435; 95% CI, 0.183-1.036; P = 0.037) were significant independent predictors of a new symptom. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the overall survival and liver-related death were not significant between patients with and without a new symptom. Conclusion: The cumulative risk of new symptom development is roughly 30% 20 years after diagnosis and could be predicted by factors including serum albumin levels, serum D-Bil level, and Paris II criteria.

DOI： 10.1002/jgh3.12789

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本門脈圧亢進症学会  

大量の肝性腹水が腹腔内圧の上昇をもたらし、腹部コンパートメント症候群を発症している状況を腹水前後の膀胱内圧測定、腎静脈流速測定を中心に検討した。対象症例は穿刺前後の膀胱内圧測定、腎静脈の流速測定等が可能であった腹水合併肝硬変8例。穿刺前後の膀胱内圧、尿潜血反応、腎機能、腎静脈流速等を経時的に観察した。末期肝硬変患者が肝腎症候群へ移行する過程で腹水による腹腔内圧の上昇が腎うっ血を併発させ、レニン-アンギオテンシン-アルドステロン系の亢進に関係する可能性が示唆された。(著者抄録)

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the key bioamines of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its mechanism via autonomic neural signal pathways remains unexplained; hence, we evaluated the involvement of 5-HT and related-signaling pathways via autonomic nerves in NAFLD. Diet-induced NAFLD animal models were developed using wild-type and melanocortin 4 receptor knockout (MC4RKO) mice, and the effects of autonomic neural axis on NAFLD physiology, 5-HT and its receptors (Htrs), and lipid metabolism-related genes were assessed applying hepatic nerve blockade. Hepatic neural blockade retarded the progression of NAFLD by reducing 5-HT in the small intestine, hepatic Htr2a, and hepatic lipogenic genes expression, and HTR2A antagonist reproduced these effects. The effects were milder in MC4RKO, and brain 5-HT and Htr2c expression did not correlate with peripheral neural blockade. Our study demonstrates that the autonomic liver-gut neural axis is involved in the etiology of diet-induced NAFLD and that 5-HT and HTR2A are key factors, implying that the modulation of the axis and use of HTR2A antagonists are potentially novel therapeutic strategies for NAFLD treatment.

DOI： 10.1242/dmm.049612

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis mouse model has been widely utilized for human colitis research. While its mechanism involves a response to double-strand deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage, ataxia telangiectasia mutated (Atm)-checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2) pathway activation related to such response remains unreported. Recently, we reported that cyclin D1-binding protein 1 (Ccndbp1) activates the pathway reflecting DNA damage in its knockout mice. Thus, this study aimed to examine the contribution of Ccndbp1 and the Atm-Chk2 pathway in DSS-induced colitis. We assessed the effect of DSS-induced colitis on colon length, disease activity index, and histological score and on the Atm-Chk2 pathway and the subsequent apoptosis in Ccndbp1-knockout mice. DSS-induced colitis showed distal colon-dominant Atm and Chk2 phosphorylation, increase in TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling and cleaved caspase 3-positive cells, and histological score increase, causing disease activity index elevation and colon length shortening. These changes were significantly ameliorated in Ccndbp1-knockout mice. In conclusion, Ccndbp1 contributed to Atm-Chk2 pathway activation in the DSS-induced colitis mouse model, causing inflammation and apoptosis of mucosal cells in the colon.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm11133674

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Melanocortin 4 receptor gene-knockout (MC4R-KO) mice are known to develop obesity with a high-fat diet. Meanwhile, daisaikoto, one of Kampo medicines, is a drug that is expected to have therapeutic effects on obesity. Here, we report the efficacy of daisaikoto in MC4R-KO mice. Eight-week-old MC4R-KO male mice (n = 12) were divided into three groups as follows: the SD group, which is fed with a standard diet; the HFD group, fed a high-fat diet; and the DSK group, fed with a high-fat diet containing 10% of daisaikoto. After the four-week observation period, mice in each group were sacrificed and samples were collected. The body weights at 12 weeks were significantly higher in the HFD group than in the other groups, indicating that daisaikoto significantly reduced body weight gain and fat deposition of the liver. The metabolome analysis indicated that degradation of triglycerides and fatty acid oxidation in the liver were enhanced by daisaikoto administration. In MC4R-KO mice, the cytoplasm and uncoupling protein 1 expression of brown adipose tissue was decreased; however, it was reversed in the DSK group. In conclusion, daisaikoto has potentially improved fatty liver and obesity, making it a useful therapeutic agent for obesity and fatty liver.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-022-14371-y

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Regarding the prognosis of cases with advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a recent clinical study showed that the immune checkpoint inhibitors atezolizumab plus bevacizumab have superior efficacy to sorafenib. However, only a few reports have focused on their effects on extrahepatic metastases. We herein report a case of HCC in a 59-year-old man with intrahepatic lesions treated successfully by hepatic arterial chemoembolization, radiotherapy, and sorafenib; the extrahepatic lesion in the adrenal gland was treated by atezolizumab plus bevacizumab. The patient showed a tumor-free condition for one year. We have summarized the clinical course and reviewed the literature to underscore the efficacy of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab for treating extrahepatic lesions of HCC.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.9341-22

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

OBJECTIVE: Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a disease entity with an increasing incidence, with involvement of several metabolic pathways. Various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and the vasculature, are damaged in NASH, indicating the urgent need to develop a standard therapy. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the effects of drugs targeting various metabolic pathways and their combinations on a high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NASH medaka model. METHODS: To investigate the effects of drugs on vascular structures, the NASH animal model was developed using the fli::GFP transgenic medaka fed with HFD at 20 mg/fish daily. The physiological changes, histological changes in the liver, vascular structures in the fin, and serum biochemical markers were evaluated in a time-dependent manner after treatment with selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α modulator (pemafibrate), statin (pitavastatin), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (tofogliflozin), and their combinations. Furthermore, to determine the mechanisms underlying the effects, whole transcriptome sequencing was conducted using medaka liver samples. RESULTS: Histological analyses revealed significant suppression of fat accumulation and fibrotic changes in the liver after treatment with drugs and their combinations. The expression levels of steatosis- and fibrosis-related genes were modified by the treatments. Moreover, the HFD-induced vascular damages in the fin exhibited milder changes after treatment with the drugs. CONCLUSION: The effects of treating various metabolic pathways on the medaka body, liver, and vascular structures of the NASH medaka model were evidenced. Moreover, to our knowledge, this study is the first to report whole genome sequence and gene expression evaluation of medaka livers, which could be helpful in clarifying the molecular mechanisms of drugs.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.01.086

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Cyclin D1 binding protein 1 (CCNDBP1) is considered a tumor suppressor, and when expressed in tumor cells, CCNDBP1 can contribute to the viability of cancer cells by rescuing these cells from chemotherapy-induced DNA damage. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the function of CCNDBP1, which is directly related to the survival of cancer cells by escaping DNA damage and chemoresistance. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and tissues obtained from Ccndbp1 knockout mice were used for the in vitro and in vivo examination of the molecular mechanisms of CCNDBP1 associated with the recovery of cells from DNA damage. Subsequently, gene and protein expression changes associated with the upregulation, downregulation, and irradiation of CCNDBP1 were assessed. The overexpression of CCNDBP1 in HCC cells stimulated cell growth and showed resistance to X-ray-induced DNA damage. Gene expression analysis of CCNDBP1-overexpressed cells and Ccndbp1 knockout mice revealed that Ccndbp1 activated the Atm-Chk2 pathway through the inhibition of Ezh2 expression, accounting for resistance to DNA damage. Our study demonstrated that by inhibiting EZH2, CCNDBP1 contributed to the activation of the ATM-CHK2 pathway to alleviate DNA damage, leading to chemoresistance.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm11030851

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Due to the developments in the treatment for hepatitis, it is possible to prevent the progression of liver fibrosis and improve patients' prognosis even if it has already led to liver cirrhosis (LC). Consequently, a two-step study was conducted. To begin with, a retrospective study was conducted to identify the potential predictors of non-malignancy-related mortality from LC. Then, we prospectively analyzed the validity of these parameters as well as their association with patients' quality of life. In the retrospective study, 89 cases were included, and the multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that age (P = 0.012), model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score (P = 0.012), and annual rate of change of the albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with LC prognosis. In the prospective study, 70 patients were included, and the patients were divided into cirrhosis progression and non-progression groups. The univariate logistic regression analysis indicated the serum procollagen type III N-terminal peptide level (P = 0.040) and MELD score (P = 0.010) were significantly associated with the annual rate of change of the ALBI score. Furthermore, the mean Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire score worsened from 5.3 to 4.9 in the cirrhosis progression group (P = 0.034). In conclusion, a longitudinal increase in the ALBI score is closely associated with non-malignancy-related mortality and quality of life.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0263464

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Overt hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is one of the complications of liver cirrhosis (LC), which negatively affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is significantly associated with LC and its complications, including HE. We investigated the relationship between SIBO and LC, and the difference between hydrogen-producing and methane-producing SIBO (H-SIBO and M-SIBO, respectively). This is a prospective cohort study of 107 cases. Breath measurements of hydrogen and methane concentrations were performed for the diagnosis of SIBO. The study cohort included 81 males with a median age of 70 (40-86) years, and SIBO was detected in 31 cases (29.0%). There were no significant differences between the SIBO positive and SIBO negative groups. Reclassification into H-SIBO (16 cases) and others (91 cases) was performed, and the Child-Pugh score was only derived in the multivariate logistic analysis (P = 0.028, odds ratio 1.39, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.85). Furthermore, H-SIBO was significantly associated with covert HE in chi-square test (50.0% vs. 24.2%, P = 0.034). In addition, we evaluated the therapeutic response on SIBO of rifaximin in eight covert HE patients. 20% patients with M-SIBO and 67% patients with H-SIBO showed an improvement of the breath test. In conclusion, H-SIBO, but not M-SIBO, is significantly associated with liver function, and rifaximin might be more effective for covert HE with H-SIBO. Therefore, the diagnosis of SIBO, including the classification as H-SIBO and M-SIBO, might help to determine the choice of treatment for HE.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0264459

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: Colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare subtype of colorectal cancer and is characterized by an abundance of mucin in the tumor. In addition, the colorectal mucinous adenocarcinoma often demonstrates poor differentiation in the histology of tumor cells and poor prognosis compared with those with adenocarcinoma. Here, we present the case of a young woman with colonic mucinous adenocarcinoma showing significantly rapid progression within four months of immunosuppressant therapy for Henoch-Schönlein purpura. CASE SUMMARY: Here we report a rare case of ascending colon mucinous adenocarcinoma with lymph node and liver metastases which developed and progressed rapidly within four months during the treatment of Henoch-Schönlein purpura using corticosteroids. The systemic screening examinations showed no tumors before the immunosuppressant therapy. Fortunately, the patient was successfully treated with chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: While no direct evidence that the immunosuppressants accelerated the tumor development, the case presenta tion and review of the literature demonstrated that surveillance for malignancies before and during treatment with immunosuppressive agents is essential.

DOI： 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i30.9182

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

ABSTRACT: Gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy (HE), and hepatocarcinogenesis are associated with the prognosis of patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) have been used to prevent bleeding, however the effects of PPIs on overall survival have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, this multicenter retrospective study aimed to assess the effect of PPI on the prognosis and HE occurrence of the patients with liver cirrhosis in Japan.A total of 456 patients diagnosed with LC at the 4 institutes during the study period (2010-2014) were assessed. PPI-treated and non-treated patients were compared using propensity score matching analysis. Primary and secondary endpoints of the study were set as the occurrence of HE and overall survival, respectively.A comparison of all cases showed a significantly poorer hepatic reserve function in the PPI-treated patients. The propensity-score matching analysis was performed and 120 PPI-treated patients were 1:1 matched with non-treated patients. The analysis revealed a higher incidence of HE in the PPI-treated than in the non-treated patients (P = .032; hazard ratio [HR], 2.162; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.066-4.176), but the prognosis of PPI-treated patients was no worse than that of non-treated patients (P = .676; HR, 1.101; 95% CI, 0.702-1.726).This retrospective study showed that PPI administration for the patients with liver cirrhosis may partly be related to the increased incidence of HE but not worsen the patient prognosis.

DOI： 10.1097/MD.0000000000026902

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Basic and clinical research have shown that the expression of molecules involved in the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell signaling pathway is related to the sensitivity to molecular-targeted agents. We herein report a case of HCC that was effectively treated with lenvatinib after a poor response to sorafenib. The tumor showed a high expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4, which is reportedly related to the sensitivity to lenvatinib in vitro. The information obtained from this case and from our literature review highlights the importance of assessing the expression of the molecules involved in tumors for effective precision medicine.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.6580-20

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Biochemical response to treatment in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) reflects prognosis. However, the best predictive criteria to detect biochemical response remain undetermined. In addition, because these criteria need > 6 months until definition, parameters that can estimate its results before initiating treatment are needed. METHODS: We conducted a single-center retrospective study on 196 patients with PBC, followed up for at least 12 months after initiating treatment. RESULTS: Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that Paris II (p = 0.002) and Rotterdam criteria (p = 0.001) could estimate the overall survival of PBC patients, whereas Paris II (p = 0.001), Rotterdam (p = 0.001), and Rochester criteria (p= 0.025) could estimate liver-related deaths. Cox hazard analysis revealed Paris II and Rotterdam criteria as significantly independent predictors of overall survival (hazard ratio (HR) 3.948, 95% CI 1.293-12.054, p = 0.016 and HR 6.040, 95% CI 1.969-18.527, p = 0.002, respectively) and liver-related deaths (HR 10.461, 95% CI 1.231-88.936, p = 0.032 and HR 10.824, 95% CI 1.252-93.572, p = 0.032, respectively). The results of Paris II criteria could be estimated by serum prothrombin time (Odds ratio (OR) 1.052, 95% CI 1.008-1.098, p = 0.021) and alanine transaminase level (OR 0.954, 95% CI 0.919-0.991, p = 0.014) whereas, those of Rotterdam criteria could be estimated by serum albumin level (OR 3.649, 95% CI 1.098-12.128, p = 0.035) at the time of diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the best prediction criteria and pre-treatment parameters that facilitate the prognosis of PBC patients.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-021-10163-0

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The etiology of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) consists of various factors, including neural signal pathways. However, the molecular mechanisms of the autonomic neural signals influencing NAFLD progression have not been elucidated. Therefore, we examined the involvement of the gut-liver neural axis in NAFLD development and tested the therapeutic effect of modulation of this axis in this study. To test the contribution of the gut-liver neural axis, we examined NAFLD progression with respect to body weight, hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, intestinal tight junction, microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in NAFLD models of choline-deficient defined L-amino-acid and high-fat diet-fed mice with or without blockades of autonomic nerves from the liver. Blockade of the neural signal from the liver to the gut in these NAFLD mice models ameliorated the progression of liver weight, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis by modulating serotonin expression in the small intestine. It was related to the severity of the liver pathology, the tight junction protein expression, microbiota diversity and short-chain fatty acids. These effects were reproduced by administrating serotonin antagonist, which ameliorated the NAFLD progression in the NAFLD mice models. Our study demonstrated that the gut-liver neural axis is involved in the etiologies of NAFLD progression and that serotonin expression through this signaling network is the key factor of this axis. Therefore, modulation of the gut-liver neural axis and serotonin antagonist ameliorates fatty and fibrotic changes in non-alcoholic fatty liver, and can be a potential therapeutic target of NAFLD.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

DOI： 10.1242/dmm.048922

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Wisteria floribunda agglutinin (WFA) is a lectin that binds to the sugar chain of Mac-2 binding protein (M2BP), and WFA-positive M2BP (WFA+-M2BP) has been reported as a useful marker for assessing liver fibrosis in chronic liver disease. Tolvaptan (TLV), a selective vasopressin V2 receptor antagonist, is used for cirrhotic ascites in Japan, but good predictors of treatment efficacy remain to be established. Our aim was to investigate whether WFA+-M2BP monitoring before and after TLV administration can predict treatment efficacy in patients with cirrhotic ascites. Twenty patients (10 men), with a median age of 72 years, were enrolled. Cirrhosis was caused by hepatitis B virus (n = 3), hepatitis C virus (n = 4), alcohol (n = 8), and others (n = 5). Responders were defined as having a body weight loss of ≥ 1.5 kg/week after TLV administration. Serum WFA+-M2BP levels were measured at baseline and days 1, 3, and 7 after TLV treatment. Twelve patients (60%) were responders. Baseline WFA+-M2BP levels were correlated with serum albumin levels (r = -0.544, P = 0.013). The baseline furosemide dose was lower and platelet count was higher in responders than in non-responders (P < 0.05). The ratio of WFA+-M2BP levels on day 1 after TLV administration to baseline was lower in responders than in non-responders (P < 0.05). The decrease in the ratio discriminated responders from non-responders (AUC = 0.844, P < 0.05). In conclusion, monitoring serum WFA+-M2BP is helpful for predicting the efficacy of TLV treatment in patients with cirrhotic ascites.

DOI： 10.1620/tjem.252.287

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: A type 2b immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related sclerosing cholangitis (SC) without autoimmune pancreatitis is a rare condition with IgG4-SC. While the variety of the imaging modalities have tested its usefulness in diagnosing the IgG4-SC, however, the usage of ultrasonography for the assessment of the response to steroidal therapy on the changes of bile duct wall thickness have not been reported in the condition. Therefore, the information of our recent case and reported cases have been summarized. CASE SUMMARY: We report the case of an 82-year-old Japanese man diagnosed with isolated IgG4-related SC based on the increase of serum IgG4, narrowing of the bile duct, its wall thickness, no complication of autoimmune pancreatitis, and IgG4 positive inflammatory cell infiltration to the wall with the fibrotic changes. The cholangiogram revealed type 2b according to the classification. Corticosteroid treatment showed a favorable effect, with the smooth decrease in serum IgG4 and the improvement of the bile duct wall thickness. CONCLUSION: As isolated type 2b, IgG4-SC is rare, the images, histological findings, and clinical course of our case will be helpful for physicians to diagnose and treat the new cases appropriately.

DOI： 10.12998/wjcc.v8.i22.5821

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In alcoholic liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, obesity has become a problem that progresses into liver dysfunction. Herein, we investigated the relationship between the prognosis of steatohepatitis and body weight, along with fat accumulation in patients with alcoholic LC. We conducted a single-center retrospective study, enrolled 104 alcoholic LC patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on histological and clinical evidence, and investigated factors related to poor prognosis using multivariate Cox regression and cluster analyses. Cox regression analysis revealed three independent relevant factors: subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) index (median 34.8 cm2/m2, P = 0.009, hazard ratio [HR] 1.017, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.004-1.030), total bilirubin level (median 1.7 mg/dL, P = 0.003, HR 1.129, 95% CI 1.042-1.223), and prothrombin time value (median 64%, P = 0.007, HR 0.967, 95% CI 0.943-0.991). In the cluster analysis, we categorized the patients into three groups: no adipose tissue accumulation (NAT group), SAT prior accumulation (SAT group), and visceral adipose tissue prior accumulation (VAT group). The results of the three groups revealed that the SAT group displayed a significantly poor prognosis of the Kaplan-Meier curve (67.1 vs 21.2 vs 65.3, P<0.001) of a 5-year survival rate. Propensity score matching analysis of the SAT and VAT groups was performed to adjust the patient's background, but no significant differences were found between them; however, the prognosis was poorer (21.2 vs 66.3, P<0.001), and hemostatic factors were still at a lower level in the SAT group. These findings suggest that SAT accumulation type of obesity is a poor prognostic factor in alcoholic LC patients without HCC, and the hemorrhagic tendency might worsen the poor prognosis in such cases.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0242582

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

This study investigated the efficacy and safety of radiotherapy as part of multidisciplinary therapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Clinical data of 49 HCC patients treated with radiotherapy were assessed retrospectively. The efficacy of radiotherapy was assessed by progression-free survival, disease control rate, and overall survival. Safety was assessed by symptoms and hematological assay, and changes in hepatic reserve function were determined by Child-Pugh score and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) score. Forty patients underwent curative radiotherapy, and nine patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) underwent palliative radiotherapy as part of multidisciplinary therapy. Local disease control for curative therapy was 80.0% and stereotactic body radiotherapy was 86.7% which was greater than that of conventional radiotherapy (60.0%). Patients with PVTT had a median observation period of 651 days and 75% three-year survival when treated with multitherapy, including radiotherapy for palliative intent, transcatheter arterial chemoembolization, and administration of molecular targeted agents. No adverse events higher than grade 3 and no changes in the Child-Pugh score and ALBI score were seen. Radiotherapy is safe and effective for HCC treatment and can be a part of multidisciplinary therapy.

DOI： 10.3390/cancers12102955

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

A 66-year-old Japanese man was admitted to our hospital with grade 2 hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Abdominal computed tomography and laboratory examinations revealed decompensated liver cirrhosis. Intravenous administration of branched-chain amino acids immediately ameliorated the HE, and lactulose was initiated. However, a breath test revealed small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO); therefore, rifaximin was additionally initiated. The breath test was repeated after discharge, when no evidence of SIBO or overt HE was identified. This case suggested that a breath test is effective for the identification of SIBO and that the administration of a poorly absorbed antibiotic should be considered in SIBO-positive HE patients taking lactulose.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.4593-20

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global malignancy, responsible for >90% of primary liver cancers. Currently available therapeutic options have poor performances due to the highly heterogeneous nature of the tumor cells; recurrence is highly probable, and some patients develop resistances to the therapies. Accordingly, the development of a novel therapy is essential. We assessed gene therapy for HCC using a diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) gene-expressing plasmid, utilizing a non-viral hydrodynamics-based procedure. The antitumor effect of DTA expression in HCC cell lines (and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter selectivity) is assessed in vitro by examining HCC cell growth. Moreover, the effect and safety of the AFP promoter-selective DTA expression was examined in vivo using an HCC mice model established by the hydrodynamic gene delivery of the yes-associated protein (YAP)-expressing plasmid. The protein synthesis in DTA transfected cells is inhibited by the disappearance of tdTomato and GFP expression co-transfected upon the delivery of the DTA plasmid; the HCC cell growth is inhibited by the expression of DTA in HCC cells in an AFP promoter-selective manner. A significant inhibition of HCC occurrence and the suppression of the tumor marker of AFP and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin can be seen in mice groups treated with hydrodynamic gene delivery of DTA, both 0 and 2 months after the YAP gene delivery. These results suggest that DTA gene therapy is effective for HCC.

DOI： 10.3390/cancers12020472

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: The correlation of the growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported in epidemiological studies. However, the mechanisms of molecular and inter-organ systems that render these factors to influence on NAFLD have not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the induction of ghrelin which is the GH-releasing hormone and IGF-1, and involvement of autonomic neural circuits, in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. METHODS: The expression of gastric and hypothalamic ghrelin, neural activation in the brain, and serum IGF-1 were examined in NAFLD models of choline-deficient defined l-amino-acid diet-fed, melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice, and partial hepatectomy mice with or without the blockades of autonomic nerves to test the contribution of neural circuits connecting the brain, liver, and stomach. KEY RESULTS: The fatty changes in the liver increased the expression of gastric ghrelin through the autonomic pathways which sends the neural signals to the arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus through the afferent vagal nerve which reached the pituitary gland to release GH and then stimulate the IGF-1 release from the liver. In addition, high levels of ghrelin expression in the arcuate nucleus were correlated with NAFLD progression regardless of the circuits. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that the fatty liver stimulates the autonomic nervous signal circuits which suppress the progression of the disease by activating the gastric ghrelin expression, the neural signal transduction in the brain, and the release of IGF-1 from the liver.

DOI： 10.1111/nmo.13799

researchmap

Language：English  

BACKGROUND: Immunosuppression is effective in treating a number of diseases, but adverse effects such as bone marrow suppression, infection, and oncogenesis are of concern. Methotrexate is a key immunosuppressant used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Although it is effective for many patients, various side effects have been reported, one of the most serious being methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disorder. While this may occur in various organs, liver involvement is rare. Information on these liver lesions, including clinical characteristics, course, and imaging studies, has not been summarized to date. CASE SUMMARY: We present a case of 70-year-old woman presented with a 2-wk history of fever and abdominal pain. She had had rheumatoid arthritis for 5 years and was being treated with medication including methotrexate. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed multiple low density tumors in the liver and the histological analyses showed significant proliferation of lymphocytes in masses that were positive on immunohistochemical staining for CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD79a but negative for CD20 and CD56. Staining for Epstein-Barr virus-encoded RNA was negative. And based on these findings, the liver tumors were diagnosed as Methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disorders. A time-dependent disappearance of the liver tumors after stopping methotrexate supported the diagnoses. CONCLUSION: The information obtained from our case and a review of 9 additional cases reported thus far assist physicians who may face the challenge of diagnosing and managing this disorder.

DOI： 10.12998/wjcc.v7.i21.3553

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：JAPAN SOC INTERNAL MEDICINE  

Fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) are noninflammatory, nonatherosclerotic arterial diseases that cause aneurysm, occlusion, and thromboses. These diseases are rarely seen in mesenteric arterial lesions; however, as they can be lethal if appropriate management is not provided, the accumulation of clinical information from cases is essential. We herein report the cases of a 57-year-old man diagnosed with FMD and a 63-year-old man diagnosed with SAM. We conclude that an early diagnosis with imaging modalities and clinical information followed by the appropriate treatment improves the prognosis of these arterial diseases.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.3094-19

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BMC  

BackgroundDirect-acting antivirals (DAAs) result in a highly sustained virological response rate and better patient tolerance. However, this therapeutic approach may, on rare occasions, give rise to psychiatric symptoms. We describe a case requiring discontinuation of DAA and ribavirin combination therapy due to psychiatric symptoms in a patient with congenital anxious personality traits. The information summarized here will be helpful to physicians treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with underlying psychiatric problems.Case presentationA 57-year-old Japanese woman diagnosed with chronic HCV infection was prescribed DAA and ribavirin combination therapy. She had a history of mild innate anxiety and development of psychiatric symptoms due to interferon (IFN) therapy 8years prior, which subsided with discontinuation of the therapy. Similar psychiatric symptoms such as enervation, palpitations, an episode of hyperventilation, and consciousness disturbances with myotonia were observed after the administration of the antiviral agents. No abnormal findings related to her symptoms were observed on laboratory or imaging results. Psychiatrists diagnosed the patient as having a somatization disorder induced by the antiviral agents on the basis of innate anxiety. After the discontinuation of therapy, her symptoms gradually improved.ConclusionsAlthough DAAs were not causative factors for psychiatric symptoms in phase 3 studies, a post-marketing study reported psychiatric symptoms such as depression in patients with underlying psychiatric problems. Our case suggests psychiatric symptoms might worsen after DAA and ribavirin administration in patients with underlying psychiatric disorders, and therefore, close monitoring is necessary for these patients, especially if they have a history of psychiatric symptoms after IFN.

DOI： 10.1186/s12876-019-1013-1

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The aging of the organ function causes sensitivity to the disease progression and need careful consideration for the medical treatment. With the increase of aging population, the opportunity to provide medical treatment for people in very old age is rapidly increasing therefore, the understanding of the various physiological changes of cellular function, size and function of organs are essential for the decision of therapeutic options. Among the various chronic conditions seen in elderly people, we have focused on liver cirrhosis, since despite specific therapeutic options for many of liver diseases including direct acting antivirals for hepatitis C virus, nucleoside analogs for hepatitis B, and corticosteroids for autoimmune hepatitis, there is currently no standard therapy to treat liver cirrhosis, which is the final stage of these liver diseases. Therefore, management of the various symptoms of liver cirrhosis is essential, and aging-related parameters must be considered in the decision making for therapeutic strategies and dosage of the available medicine. In this mini-review, we have summarized the therapeutic options to manage various symptoms of liver cirrhosis, carefully considering the physiological changes of various organs associated with aging.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v25.i15.1817

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The rise in the incidence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has necessitated the development of an effective prevention methodology. An antidiabetic drug, belonging to the group of sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors, has been tested for its therapeutic effect on NASH; however, no studies to date have demonstrated the preventive effect of an SGLT2 inhibitor on the histological progression of steatosis and fibrosis in a sequential manner in animal models. In the present study, we examined the effect of the SGLT2 inhibitor, tofogliflozin (Tofo), on NASH liver tissue using medaka as an animal model, maintaining a feeding amount and drug concentration in all animal bodies. We generated a medaka NASH model by feeding d-rR/Tokyo medaka a high-fat diet and administered Tofo by dissolving the drug directly in the water of the feeding tank. Thereafter, the effects of Tofo on body weight (BW), liver weight, hepatotoxicity, fatty infiltration, and fibrotic changes in the liver were examined. We report here that SGLT2 is expressed in medaka fish and that Tofo inhibits the accumulation of fatty tissue and delays the progression of liver fibrosis in the medaka NASH model by inhibiting increases in blood sugar, serum lipids, and transaminase, irrespective of changes in BW. These results suggest that Tofo is effective for treating NASH and that the medaka model may be useful for developing new therapeutic drugs for this disease.

DOI： 10.1002/2211-5463.12598

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background: Sorafenib (SOR) is an anti-angiogenic chemotherapeutic that prolongs the survival rates of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. However, SOR also damages normal vasculature and causes associated adverse events, including hand-foot syndrome and hypertension (HT). We previously reported in an animal study that vascular damage resulted in the narrowing of the normal vascular dimension area in medaka fish (Oryzias), and histidine (HIS), a major amino acid contained in dried bonito broth (DBB), prevented these changes. Therefore, in the study, we analyzed the effects of DBB and HIS on SOR-related vascular damages and associated adverse events in patients. Materials and methods: Three-dimensional (3D) vascular images of abdominal regions reconstituted from computed tomography were assessed to compare vascular diameter prior to and following SOR administration in groups receiving SOR monotherapy, DBB+SOR, and HIS+SOR. The clinical courses of hand-foot syndrome and HT and the toxicities of SOR in biochemical assays were monitored and compared between the groups. Correlations between hepatic function and SOR-related changes in the portal venous area dimension were also assessed. Results: SOR-related vascular damage revealed narrowing of the normal abdominal vasculature in the human body, which was monitored using 3D images. The damage was ameliorated by DBB and HIS, however, HIS had a more marked effect, particularly on the renal arteries and portal vein (PV). Maintenance of blood flow contributed to the maintenance of total cholesterol, prothrombin time, albumin (ALB), and renal functions. Changes in the 3D vascular area dimension of the PV and level of serum ALB were significantly correlated. The occurrences of the clinical symptoms of hand-foot syndrome and HT were lower in the DBB- and HIS-treated groups. Conclusion: Our results clearly demonstrate that DBB and HIS prevented SOR-related abdominal vascular damage and effectively maintained hepatic function, and prevented clinical symptoms and toxicity. Trial registration: This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000025937 and UMIN000026898).

DOI： 10.2147/CMAR.S201424

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The vascular diseases including aneurysm, occlusion, and thromboses in the mesenteric lesions could cause severe symptoms and appropriate diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing patients. With the development and improvement of imaging modalities, diagnostic frequency of these vascular diseases in abdominal lesions is increasing even with the small changes in the vasculatures. Among various vascular diseases, fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD) and segmental arterial mediolysis (SAM) are noninflammatory, nonatherosclerotic arterial diseases which need to be diagnosed urgently because these diseases could affect various organs and be lethal if the appropriate management is not provided. However, because FMD and SAM are rare, the cause, prevalence, clinical characteristics including the symptoms, findings in the imaging studies, pathological findings, management, and prognoses have not been systematically summarized. Therefore, there have been neither standard diagnostic criteria nor therapeutic methodologies established, to date. To systematically summarize the information and to compare these disease entities, we have summarized the characteristics of FMD and SAM in the gastroenterological regions by reviewing the cases reported thus far. The information summarized will be helpful for physicians treating these patients in an emergency care unit and for the differential diagnosis of other diseases showing severe abdominal pain.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v24.i32.3637

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: The impact of sarcopenia on the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who receive transcatheter intra-arterial therapies, including transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy, remains unclear. We investigated the prognostic value of skeletal muscle loss (SML) stratified by cutoffs for sarcopenia and rate of change in skeletal muscle mass over 6 months. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 102 patients with HCC treated with transcatheter intra-arterial therapies between 2005 and 2015. Computed tomography images of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) were analyzed to obtain the skeletal muscle area normalized for the height squared, defined as the skeletal muscle index at L3 (L3 SMI), before and 6 months after treatment. Low or high SMI was defined using cutoff values of 42 cm2/m2 in men and 38 cm2/m2 in women. The rate of change in skeletal muscle mass (ΔL3 SMI) over 6 months was calculated. Overall survival (OS) was compared in groups classified by baseline L3 SMI and ΔL3 SMI; prognostic significance was assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses, using Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: OS did not differ significantly between groups with low (n = 31) and high (n = 71) SMI at baseline (P = 0.172), but OS was significantly poorer in patients with SML (n = 41), defined as ΔL3 SMI < - 4.6% over 6 months than in those without SML (n = 61, P = 0.018). On multivariate analysis, SML (hazard ratio [HR], 1.675; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.031-2.721; P = 0.037), serum alpha-fetoprotein ≥20 ng/mL (HR, 2.550; 95% CI, 1.440-4.515; P = 0.001), and maximum tumor diameter ≥ 30 mm (HR, 1.925; 95% CI, 1.166-3.179; P = 0.010) were independent predictors of poor OS. Baseline L3 SMI was not significantly associated with OS (HR, 1.405; 95% CI, 0.861-2.293; P = 0.174). CONCLUSIONS: ΔL3 SMI was an independent prognostic factor in patients with HCC treated with transcatheter intra-arterial therapies. Further study is required to reveal whether prevention of skeletal muscle depletion might be a new therapeutic strategy to contribute to improved clinical outcomes in patients with HCC.

DOI： 10.1186/s12885-018-4673-2

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The liver plays a key role in the metabolism of proteins. Liver dysfunction affects many organs because it communicates with the spleen and all digestive organs through the portal vein. Additionally, the kidney is an organ that is closely related to the liver and is involved in liver diseases. Glomerulonephritis is an important extrahepatic manifestation of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) therapy effectively suppresses HBV replication by inhibiting HBV polymerase, thus decreasing the levels of serum HBV-DNA and delaying the progression of cirrhosis. Although NA therapy is recommended for all patients with chronic HBV infection, regardless of the level of renal dysfunction, there is limited information on NA use in patients with chronic kidney disease. In addition, in patients with end-stage liver cirrhosis, hepatorenal syndrome can be fatal. Hence, we should take into account the stage of impaired renal function in patients with cirrhosis. The aims of this article are to review the epidemiology, clinical presentation, treatment, and prevention of HBV-associated nephropathy.

DOI： 10.3390/diseases6020052

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The development of therapeutic options to promote hepatic regeneration following severe liver injury is essential. While humoral factors have been reported as mechanisms of liver regeneration, the contributions of interorgan communication to liver regeneration have not been reported. In this study, we examined the effect of a neural relay on liver regeneration via activation of serotonin release from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Our results demonstrated that the afferent visceral nerve from the liver activates the efferent vagus nerve from the brain, leading to activation of serotonin release from the GI tract and contributing to liver regeneration. While it is difficult to apply these results directly to human health, we believe that this study may represent a step toward developing essential therapeutics to promote liver regeneration.

DOI： 10.1002/2211-5463.12382

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Sorafenib (SFN) is an anti-angiogenic chemotherapeutic that prolongs survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); its side effects, including vascular damages such as hand-foot syndrome (HFS), are a major cause of therapy discontinuation. We previously reported that maintenance of peripheral blood flow by intake of dried bonito broth (DBB) significantly prevented HFS and prolonged the administration period. The amino acids contained in DBB probably contribute to its effects, but the mechanism has not been clarified. We hypothesized that histidine, the largest component among the amino acids contained in DBB, has effects on SFN-induced vascular damage, and evaluated this possibility using a novel medaka fish model. METHODS: The fli::GFP transgenic medaka fish model has a fluorescently visible systemic vasculature. We fed the fish with SFN with and without histidine to compare blood flow and vascular structure among the differently fed models. The vascular cross-sectional area of each fish was measured to determine vascular diameter changes. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that SFN-fed medaka developed a narrower vascular diameter. In addition, this narrowing was counteracted by addition of histidine to the medaka diet. We observed no positive effect of histidine on regeneration of cut vessels or on cell growth of endothelial cells and HCC cell lines. CONCLUSION: We proved the efficacy of the medaka model to assess vascular changes after administration of specific chemicals. And our results suggest that SFN causes vascular damage by narrowing peripheral vessel diameter, and that histidine effectively counteracts these changes to maintain blood flow.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.01.057

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background: Prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who undergo transcatheter intra-arterial therapies, including transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and transcatheter arterial infusion chemotherapy, is affected by many clinical factors including liver function and tumor progression. However, the effect of body composition such as skeletal muscle and visceral and subcutaneous adipose tissues (VAT and SAT, respectively) on the prognosis of these patients remains unclear. We investigated the prognostic value of body composition in HCC patients treated with transcatheter intra-arterial therapies. Patients and methods: This study retrospectively evaluated 100 HCC patients treated with transcatheter intra-arterial therapies between 2005 and 2015. Areas of skeletal muscle, VAT, and SAT were measured on computed tomography images at third lumbar vertebra level and normalized by the height squared to calculate the skeletal muscle index, VAT index, and SAT index (SATI). The visceral to subcutaneous adipose tissue area ratio was also calculated. Overall survival (OS) was compared between high- and low-index groups for each body composition. Furthermore, prognostic significance was assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses using Cox proportional hazards models. Results: Among the body composition indexes, only SATI could significantly differentiate OS (p=0.012). Multivariate analysis showed that SATI (low- vs. high-SATI: HR, 2.065; 95% CI, 1.187-3.593; p=0.010), serum albumin (<3.5 vs. ≥3.5 g/dL; HR, 2.007; 95% CI, 1.037-3.886; p=0.039), serum alpha-fetoprotein (<20 vs. ≥20 ng/mL; HR, 0.311; 95% CI, 0.179-0.540; p<0.001), and Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors assessment (complete response+partial response+stable disease vs. progressive disease; HR, 0.392; 95% CI, 0.221-0.696; p=0.001) were indicated as independent prognostic factors for OS. Conclusion: High SAT volume is associated with better survival outcomes in HCC patients treated with transcatheter intra-arterial therapies. Elucidation of the mechanisms regulating SAT volume may offer a new therapeutic strategy for these patients.

DOI： 10.2147/CMAR.S167417

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background: Sorafenib (SOR) is a molecular medicine that prolongs the survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Therefore, the management of side effects is essential for the longer period of continuous medication. Among the various side effects, hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is the most common, occurring in 30%-50% of patients, and often results in discontinuation of the SOR medication. However, its mechanism has not been clarified, and no effective prevention method has been reported for the symptoms. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze its mechanism and to develop an effective prevention regimen for the symptoms. Materials and methods: To assess the mechanism of SOR-induced HFS, the peripheral blood flow in the hand and foot was carefully monitored by Doppler ultrasound, thermography, and laser speckle flowgraphy in the cases treated with SOR and its contribution was assessed. Then, the effect of dried-bonito broth (DBB), which was reported to improve peripheral blood flow, on the prevention of the symptom was examined by monitoring its occurrence and the peripheral blood flow. Results: A total of 25 patients were enrolled in this study. In all, eight patients developed HFS, and all cases showed a significant decrease in the peripheral blood flow. DBB contributed to an increase in the flow (p = 0.009) and significantly decreased occurrence of HFS (p = 0.005) than control. Multivariable analysis showed that the ingestion of DBB is a significant independent contributor to HFS-free survival period (p = 0.035). Conclusion: The mechanism of SOR-induced HFS involves a decrease in the peripheral blood flow, and the ingestion of DBB effectively prevents the development of the syndrome by maintaining the flow.

DOI： 10.2147/CMAR.S159370

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：CELL PRESS  

Development of an effective, safe, and convenient method for gene delivery to the pancreas is a critical step toward gene therapy for pancreatic diseases. Therefore, we tested the possibility of applying the principle of hydrodynamic gene delivery for successful gene transfer to pancreas using rats as a model. The established procedure involves the insertion of a catheter into the superior mesenteric vein with temporary blood flow occlusion at the portal vein and hydrodynamic injection of DNA solution. We demonstrated that our procedure achieved efficient pancreas-specific gene expression that was 2,000-fold higher than that seen in the pancreas after the systemic hydrodynamic gene delivery. In addition, the level of gene expression achieved in the pancreas by the pancreas-specific gene delivery was comparable to the level in the liver achieved by a liver-specific hydrodynamic gene delivery. The optimal level of reporter gene expression in the pancreas requires an injection volume equivalent to 2.0% body weight with flow rate of 1 mL/s and plasmid DNA concentration at 5 mu g/mL. With the exception of transient expansion of intercellular spaces and elevation of serum amylase levels, which recovered within 3 days, no permanent tissue damage was observed. These results suggest that pancreas-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery is an effective and safe method for gene delivery to the pancreas and clinically applicable.

DOI： 10.1016/j.omtn.2017.08.009

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：WILEY  

DOI： 10.1002/hep.29266

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Tokyo  

A 56-year-old Japanese man with liver cirrhosis (LC) due to hepatitis C virus was admitted to our hospital for radiofrequency ablation of residual tumor following lusutrombopag administration. Laboratory tests revealed thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. The patient’s LC was managed, and he was classified as Child–Pugh A. After admission, lusutrombopag was administered for 7 days. The platelet count increased to over 50,000/mm3 after 7–14 days and returned to previous levels 50 days after administration. Leukocyte and erythrocyte counts also increased in response to the treatment and stayed elevated for over 120 days. Lusutrombopag acts selectively on human thrombopoietin (TPO) receptors and activates signaling pathways that promote the proliferation and differentiation of bone marrow progenitor cells into megakaryocytes, consequently increasing the blood platelet count. However, the patient treated with lusutrombopag in our case study showed increased blood leukocyte and erythrocyte counts as well. Given that TPO receptors are reportedly expressed in not only megakaryocyte progenitor cells but also hematopoietic progenitors, lusutrombopag may potentially improve pancytopenia caused by LC and can be used for the recovery of blood counts before other treatments.

DOI： 10.1007/s12328-017-0735-2

Scopus

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background and aim
Among various symptoms accompanied with chronic liver disease, pruritus affects the quality of life of patients, causing physical and mental stress, and worsens hepatic function. Recently, kappa-opioid receptor agonist, nalfurafine hydrochloride was approved to treat central pruritus in patients with liver disease in Japan. This study aimed to assess the long-term efficacy and safety of nalfurafine hydrochloride on pruritus in chronic liver disease patients.
Methods
A patient-reported outcome using questionnaire-based methods was used for 41 liver disease patients with or without pruritus symptoms. Nalfurafine hydrochloride (2.5 mu g/day) was orally administered to 18 patients suffering from pruritus symptoms and whose current treatment was not effective. The same questionnaires and visual analogue scales (VAS) were repeatedly followed up for the patients for the entire follow-up period, and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate the safety of the treatment.
Results
Pruritus completely disappeared in seven of 18 cases, and VAS scores showed a decreasing trend over time from the start of nalfurafine hydrochloride administration in all patients who received the medication. Among 11 patients who were followed up for more than 12 weeks, nine patients showed continuous improvement of symptoms, and this progress was still apparent at &gt;= 20 weeks after starting administration (p &lt; 0.0001). The medication was discontinued in four patients because of progression of primary disease, high cost, oral dryness, and anemia. No significant toxicity was observed on the serum biochemical analyses.
Conclusions
Nalfurafine hydrochloride contributed to long-term suppression of pruritus without significant safety problems.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0178991

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers and the third highest cause of cancerassociated mortality worldwide. The treatment of HCC is complicated by its variable biological behavior and the frequent coexistence of chronic liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. To date, multiple treatment modalities have been developed according to the stage of the tumor and the hepatic functional reserve, including transarterial treatments such as transarterial chemoembolization, transarterial oily chemoembolization (TOCE), and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (HAIC). We conducted a phase I and II study of the combination therapy with double platinum agents, miriplatin and cisplatin, and confirmed its safety and efficacy. Here, we describe two cases of unresectable HCC who were successfully treated by miriplatin-TOCE/cisplatin-HAIC combination therapy, resulting in complete responses with no significant adverse events. This report will provide that the combination therapy can be the therapeutic option for HCC patients in the advanced stage.

DOI： 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i6.238

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

Spontaneous tumor regression is an extremely rare phenomenon in the oncology field. However, there are several case reports resulted in the regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the accumulation of clinical information and analyses of the mechanism can contribute to the development of a novel therapy. For this purpose, we have carefully reviewed 23 cases of spontaneously regressed HCC published in recent 5 years and our case. The information regarding the tumor size, tumor marker, treatments, etc., have been summarized. The mechanism of spontaneous regression has been discussed to date and presumed to be due to many factors, including hypoxia and immunological reactions. In this careful review of the 24 cases based on the clinical information, hypoxia, systemic inflammation, and both upon spontaneous regression were seen in 3, 8, and 4 cases, respectively among the 15 cases for which the information regarding the proposed mechanisms are available. Recent development of immunotherapeutic approaches in oncology shows promising results, therefore, accumulation of additional cases and analysis of mechanisms underlying the spontaneous regression of HCC are essential and could lead to the development of a new generation of immunotherapies including antibodies directed against immune reactions.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v23.i21.3797

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC  

Intrahepatic lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been controlled by significant advances in treatment using loco-regional therapies, including, surgery, ablative therapy, catheter-based chemotherapy, and embolization. Consequently, the number of patients with extrahepatic metastatic lesions has increased. Their prognosis remains poor with approximately &lt;1y of survival from the time of diagnosis. A molecularly targeted drug, sorafenib, have been used to treat extrahepatic lesions and shown the prolonged survival time. However, the therapeutic benefit for the brain metastasis remains unclear, since it causes intratumor bleeding leading to the severe brain damage. No guidelines for the brain metastasis of HCC have been developed to date due to the shortage of the experiences and evidences. Therefore, the development of standard therapy for brain metastasis following the early diagnosis is essential by accumulating the information of clinical courses and evidences. For this purpose, we reviewed cases of HCC brain metastasis reported to date and analyzed additional 8 cases from our hospital, reviewing 592 advanced HCC cases to estimate the possible metastatic lesions in the brain. With careful review of cases and literature, we suggest that the cases with lung metastasis with increase tendency of tumor markers within recent 3-6months have higher risks of brain metastasis. Therefore, they should be carefully followed by imaging modalities. In addition, the loco-regional treatment, including surgical resection and radiation therapy should be performed for better prognosis by preventing re-bleeding from the tumors.

DOI： 10.1080/15384047.2016.1276134

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes constitute a highly related family of multi-subunit complexes to modulate transcription, and SWI/SNF subunit genes are collectively mutated in 20% of all human cancers. Bcl11b is a SWI/SNF subunit and acts as a haploinsufficient tumor suppressor in leukemia/lymphomas. Here, we show expression of Bcl11b in intestinal crypt cells and promotion of intestinal tumorigenesis by Bcl11b attenuation in Apc(min/+) mice. Of importance, mutations or allelic loss of BCL11B was detected in one-third of human colon cancers. We also show that attenuated Bcl11b activity in the crypt base columnar (CBC) cells expressing the Lgr5 stem cell marker enhanced regeneration of intestinal epithelial cells after the radiation-induced injury. Interestingly, BCL11B introduction in human cell lines downregulated transcription of beta-catenin target genes, whereas Bcl11b attenuation in Lgr5(+) CBCs increased expression of beta-catenin targets including c-Myc and cyclin D1. Together, our results argue that Bcl11b impairment promotes tumor development in mouse and human intestine at least in part through deregulation of beta-catenin pathway.

DOI： 10.1093/carcin/bgv044

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Severe alcoholic hepatitis has a high mortality rate due to limited therapeutic methods. Although corticosteroids have been used to control the inflammatory response, the outcomes vary and no standardized therapy has been established. Novel therapeutic approaches, such as anti-TNF-alpha, pentoxifilline, and others have been tested clinically on the basis of their cytokinemic pathophysiology with limited success. However, treatment of leukocytosis that causes cytokinemia and hepatic inflammation in patients via granulocytapheresis and leukocytapheresis showed promising results in a number of reports. Here, we report two cases of severe alcoholic hepatitis treated with granulocytapheresis. The liver function and inflammation recovered after the therapy. A review of 35 cases treated with granulocytapheresis and leukocytapheresis demonstrated their efficacy in treating alcoholic hepatitis by controlling leukocytosis as well as cytokines such as IL-8. Multidisciplinary treatment for severe alcoholic hepatitis should be considered case by case on the basis of the complexity and severity of the condition.

DOI： 10.1007/s10620-013-2871-y

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：English   Publisher：JAPAN SOC INTERNAL MEDICINE  

We herein report three cases of alcoholic cirrhosis complicated by deep bleeding. In two of the three cases, intramuscular or retroperitoneal hematomas developed spontaneously. In contrast, in the remaining case, an intramuscular hematoma developed after trauma. In the former two patients, the intramuscular hematomas recurred at other sites during hospitalization. All three patients received conservative therapy, and one patient with a retroperitoneal hematoma underwent transcatheter arterial embolization. All of the patients eventually died of liver failure. The occurrence of severe alcoholic liver disease with deep bleeding has recently been reported with increasing frequency, and clinicians should bear this condition in mind as a life-threatening complication of alcoholic liver disease.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.53.2123

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：JAPAN SOC INTERNAL MEDICINE  

We herein report the case of a 62-year-old Japanese man who presented with jaundice, dry eyes and abdominal discomfort. Imaging studies revealed swelling of the periorbital tissue, parotid and submandibular glands, pulmonary hilar lymph nodes, pancreas, bile ducts, gall bladder walls, bilateral kidneys, arterial walls and prostate. A significant increase in the serum level IgG4 was seen, and the patient was diagnosed with IgG4-related disease after undergoing a biopsy of the pancreas and prostate. We herein report a case of IgG4-related disease with multiple ten organ involvement at the onset of the disease that was successfully treated with prednisolone (PSL) therapy.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.52.9239

Web of Science

PubMed

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)響文社  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：医学図書出版(株)  

肝腎症候群は肝硬変や末期肝疾患患者に発症した可逆的な腎機能障害である。薬物治療の基本は、アルブミン製剤投与下に血管収縮薬を投与することであり、欧米ではテルリプレシンが最も一般的に使用されている。また、経頸静脈的肝内門脈大循環短絡術や血液透析も考慮されるが、肝移植が根治的な治療として位置付けられている。治療方針の決定においては、個々の症例の状況を慎重に検討のうえ、最新のガイドラインなどを参考にしつつ行う必要がある。(著者抄録)

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本門脈圧亢進症学会  

【目的】非アルコール性脂肪性肝疾患(non-alcoholic fatty liver disease、NAFLD)は肝不全の一病態として重要な治療対象である。これまでに我々は肝障害時の肝再生に自律神経を介した消化管ホルモンの活性化の重要性を明らかにした。本研究では、NAFLDモデルマウスを対象として、その病態への神経ネットワークの関与および治療対象としての可能性を検討することを目的とした。【方法】NAFLDモデルマウスとして、コリン欠乏・メチオニン減量(CDAA)食給餌モデルと高脂肪食(HFD)給餌モデルを対象として、肝臓からの求心性内臓神経、迷走神経肝臓枝の遮断を行い、消化管ホルモン、腸内細菌叢への影響を評価した。【成績】CDAA食給餌モデルで彼からのグレリン分泌の活性化を認めたが、神経遮断により抑制され、NAFLDの進行抑制効果を認めた。また、両モデルで神経遮断により腸内細菌叢の構成が変化した。【結語】神経ネットワークへの介入が消化管ホルモン、腸内細菌叢に影響を与え、NAFLDの進行を抑制することが明らかとなった。(著者抄録)

researchmap

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(有)科学評論社  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一財)日本消化器病学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一財)日本消化器病学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：科学評論社  

CiNii Article

researchmap

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：新潟医学会  

近年、様々な疾患で体組成が病態や予後と関連していることが報告されている。我々の検討で、経動脈的治療を行った進行肝細胞癌症例のうち、骨格筋の6ヵ月間変化率が-4.6%未満の症例は予後不良であることが明らかとなった。また低皮下脂肪量も予後不良因子の一つであることを見出した。膵癌非切除例においては、内臓脂肪量が1ヵ月間で大きく減少した群で予後不良だった。進行消化器癌においては体組成、特にその変化率と予後が密接に関連していることが示唆された。(著者抄録)

researchmap

Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/index.php?module=Default&action=Link&pub_year=2018&ichushi_jid=J00990&link_issn=&doc_id=20200305060005&doc_link_id=%2Fdg3nigta%2F2018%2F013210%2F005%2F0350-0352%26dl%3D0&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.medicalonline.jp%2Fjamas.php%3FGoodsID%3D%2Fdg3nigta%2F2018%2F013210%2F005%2F0350-0352%26dl%3D0&type=MedicalOnline&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00004_2.gif

Language：Japanese  

J-GLOBAL

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

J-GLOBAL

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

J-GLOBAL

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一財)日本消化器病学会  

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一財)日本消化器病学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

Trousseau症候群は、Trousseauによって1865年に報告された、悪性腫瘍に合併する血栓症である。その脳卒中症状は、重篤な神経症状を呈し、直接的に生命予後に関与しうる傍悪性腫瘍症候群の一つとして認識されている。今回、胆管細胞癌に脳卒中症状を呈するTrousseau症候群を合併し死亡した2例を経験したので報告する。症例1は90歳、男性、症例2は58歳、女性でいずれの症例も生活習慣病の危険因子を有し、40mm前後の肝腫瘍で初診、各種画像検査、胆汁細胞診、組織診にて胆管細胞癌の診断となった。経過中、腫瘍の急激な増大、胆道出血を合併し、本症候群を発症しやすい状況であった。担癌患者では、病態が急速に進行する場合、凝固線溶系の異常値などに留意し、抗凝固療法の開始を含む対応が本症候群の発症を予防し、原病に対する治療介入の機会を増やしうる方法論であると考え、報告する。(著者抄録)

researchmap

Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/index.php?module=Default&action=Link&pub_year=2017&ichushi_jid=J00263&link_issn=&doc_id=20171003140007&doc_link_id=130006106557&url=http%3A%2F%2Fci.nii.ac.jp%2Fnaid%2F130006106557&type=CiNii&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00003_1.gif

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一財)日本消化器病学会  

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)アークメディア  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肥満学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一財)日本消化器病学会  

デクスメデトミジン塩酸塩(dexmedetomidine hydrochloride;DEX)による鎮静下に肝細胞癌局所治療を行った2例を報告する。症例1は経過中に血圧低下を認めたが経過観察にて対処し得た。症例2は、DEXの初期用量を減じて治療を行い血圧低下は軽度だった。いずれも鎮痛効果は十分だった。DEXは、用量設定などに課題があるものの有用な鎮静剤になりうると考えられた。(著者抄録)

DOI： 10.11405/nisshoshi.112.547

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

We investigated the effects of levocarnitine chloride (L-CA) in cirrhotic patients repeatedly suffering episodes of refractory hepatic encephalopathy. This study included 5 patients with cirrhosis requiring maintenance therapy with BCAA infusion because of recurrent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy despite combined oral medications. The use of L-CA, though at a relatively low dose of 900 mg/day, lowered the serum ammonia level, thereby decreasing the frequency of BCAA infusions in all the patients. These results suggest that L-CA may be a useful treatment choice for patients failing to show symptomatic amelioration in response to conventional therapy regimens. © 2014 The Japan Society of Hepatology.

DOI： 10.2957/kanzo.55.76

Scopus

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本消化器内視鏡学会  

症例は63歳男性。長期のアルコール多飲・喫煙歴がある。嚥下困難を主訴に当院を紹介受診した。食道造影では、食道全体に多発する突出像を認めた。上部消化管内視鏡検査では、多発するピンホール状陥凹の周囲に白色調の付着物質を認め、生検組織でカンジダ感染が検出された。食道壁内偽憩室症と診断し、節酒指導および狭窄に対する内視鏡的拡張術を行い、症状は改善傾向にある。食道カンジダ感染を伴い、典型的な内視鏡像、食道造影像を呈した食道壁内偽憩室症の1例を経験したので、文献的考察を加えて報告する。(著者抄録)

DOI： 10.11280/gee.55.3368

CiNii Article

researchmap

Other Link： http://search.jamas.or.jp/link/ui/2014026052

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：新潟医学会  

Bcl11bはヒトT細胞性白血病やそのモデルであるマウス胸腺リンパ腫において、ハプロ不全ながん抑制遺伝子として発症に寄与することがわかっている。本論文ではBcl11b機能低下モデルマウスおよびヒト大腸がん標本を利用し、Bcl11bが腸管腫瘍の発症に関与する可能性を検討した。Bcl11bの機能低下により、小腸陰窩サイズの増大と絨毛細胞の増殖が認められ、また放射線照射後の腸管細胞増殖抑制の減弱が観察された。腸管腫瘍発生にはβ-カテニンシグナルの関与が知られているが、機能低下マウスでは核内β-カテニン発現細胞数が上昇する像、すなわちβ-カテニンシグナルの亢進がみられた。培養細胞にBcl11bを導入した実験から、Bcl11bの転写抑制の標的にβ-カテニン遺伝子があることがわかった。一方、ヒト大腸がんの74検体の変異検索を行い、5検体に変異と15検体にLOHを見いだした。これら20のDNA変化では、LOHと変異の両方をもつ症例はなく、Bcl11bがハプロ不全ながん抑制遺伝子として働くことが示唆された。これらの結果から、Bcl11bタンパク質はWnt/β-カテニンシグナルを負に制御し、細胞増殖抑制に働く可能性が示唆された。また、ヒト大腸がんでBCL11Bはハプロ不全ながん抑制遺伝子として働くことが示された。(著者抄録)

CiNii Article

CiNii Books

researchmap

Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一財)日本消化器病学会  

researchmap

Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)癌と化学療法社  

83歳男.4年前,早期胃癌に対して幽門側胃切除術+Billroth I法再建術を受けた.今回,嘔気・嘔吐が出現し,入院となった.胃管を留置し,腸管内減圧を行った.腹部造影CTで十二指腸水平部と上行部の境界に含気性のスポンジ様低濃度腫瘤を認め,閉塞の原因と考えられた.胃管からの造影では十二指腸水平部が完全途絶となっていた.小腸内視鏡検査では,表面が黄色調の食物残渣に覆われた腫瘤が十二指腸内に嵌頓していた.これらの所見から胃石によるイレウスと診断し,手術を施行した.開腹すると空腸内に5×9cm大の腫瘤が認められ,これを摘出した.術後経過は良好で,9日目に退院した.患者は症状発現の10日ほど前に多量の柿を摂取しており,摘出標本所見とあわせて柿胃石と診断した

CiNii Article

researchmap