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Cabozantinib, a multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting AXL, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR), and MET, is used clinically to treat certain cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to assess the impact of cabozantinib on liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis in a rat model of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). MASH-based liver fibrosis and hepatocarcinogenesis were induced in rats by feeding them a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD) for eight and 16 weeks, respectively. Cabozantinib (1 or 2 mg/kg, daily) was administered concurrently with the diet in the fibrosis model and after eight weeks in the carcinogenesis model. Treatment with cabozantinib significantly attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis without affecting hepatocyte steatosis and ballooning in CDAHFD-fed rats. Cabozantinib-treated rats exhibited a marked reduction in α-smooth muscle actin+ activated hepatic stellate cell (HSC) expansion, CD68+ macrophage infiltration, and CD34+ pathological angiogenesis, along with reduced hepatic AXL, VEGF, and VEGFR2 expression. Consistently, cabozantinib downregulated the hepatic expression of profibrogenic markers (Acta2, Col1a1, Tgfb1), inflammatory cytokines (Tnfa, Il1b, Il6), and proangiogenic markers (Vegfa, Vwf, Ang2). In a cell-based assay of human activated HSCs, cabozantinib inhibited Akt activation induced by GAS6, a ligand of AXL, leading to reduced cell proliferation and profibrogenic activity. Cabozantinib also suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced proinflammatory responses in human macrophages, VEGFA-induced collagen expression and proliferation in activated HSCs, and VEGFA-stimulated proliferation in vascular endothelial cells. Meanwhile, administration of cabozantinib did not affect Ki67+ hepatocyte proliferation or serum albumin levels, indicating no negative impact on regenerative capacity. Treatment with cabozantinib also reduced the placental glutathione transferase+ preneoplastic lesions in CDAHFD-fed rats. In conclusion, cabozantinib shows promise as a novel option for preventing MASH progression.

Imeglimin promotes glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in the pancreas in a glucose-dependent manner and inhibits gluconeogenesis in the liver. Meanwhile, imeglimin can improve mitochondrial function in hepatocytes. We used a nondiabetic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) model to examine the effects of imeglimin on MASH independent of its glucose-lowering action. Mice fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet (CDA-HFD) were orally administered imeglimin (100 and 200 mg/kg twice daily), and MASH pathophysiology was evaluated after 8 weeks. Moreover, an in vitro study investigated the effects of imeglimin on palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated lipid accumulation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dysfunction in human hepatocytes. CDA-HFD-fed mice showed hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis without hyperglycemia. Imeglimin reduced hepatic steatosis in response to increased expression of β-oxidation-related markers. Imeglimin reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation and increased mitochondrial biogenesis in CDA-HFD-fed mice. Consequently, imeglimin suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis and decreased macrophage infiltration with reduced proinflammatory cytokine expression, suppressing hepatic fibrosis development. PA-stimulated hepatocytes induced lipogenesis, inflammatory cytokine production, and apoptosis, which were significantly suppressed by imeglimin. In mitochondrial function, imeglimin improved PA-stimulated decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial complexes activity, oxygen consumption rate, and mitochondrial biogenesis marker expression. In conclusion, imeglimin could contribute to prevention of MASH progression through suppressing de novo lipogenesis and enhancing fatty acid oxidation.

Abstract Aims No solid evidence‐based opinion was raised regarding predictors of the degree of ascites reduction with tolvaptan. This retrospective cohort study aimed to examine whether serum copeptin concentration is a useful predictor of this. Methods The study population consisted of 80 patients with liver cirrhosis treated with tolvaptan for hepatic ascites effusions at Nara Medical University Hospital from May 2014 to December 2018. Forty‐three patients who lost >1.5 kg of body weight in the first week after starting tolvaptan were classified as good responders and the remaining 37 as poor responders. Various laboratory parameters were measured immediately before the start of tolvaptan therapy to examine factors associated with predicting its efficacy. Results In the univariate analysis, no significant differences with respect to age (67.6 vs. 69.8 years, p > 0.05), sex, body mass index (24.8 vs. 23.7 kg/m2, p > 0.05), Child–Pugh score (9.4 vs. 9.7, p > 0.05), and Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score (11 vs. 12, p > 0.05) were found between the two groups. Conversely, aspartate transferase and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels were significantly lower in the good response group (52.9 ± 56.3 vs. 68.8 ± 50.7 U/L, p

Background: Liver cirrhosis leads to portal hypertension (PH) with capillarization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs), although drug treatment options for PH are currently limited. Sodium glucose transporter 2 inhibitors, which are antidiabetic agents, have been shown to improve endothelial dysfunction. We aimed to elucidate the effect of tofogliflozin on PH and liver fibrosis in a rat cirrhosis model. Methods: Male-F344/NSlc rats repeatedly received carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) intraperitoneally to induce PH and liver cirrhosis alongside tofogliflozin (10 or 20 mg/kg). Portal hemodynamics and hepatic phenotypes were assessed after 14 weeks. An in vitro study investigated the effects of tofogliflozin on the crosstalk between LSEC and activated hepatic stellate cells (Ac-HSC), which are relevant to PH development. Results: Tofogliflozin prevented PH with attenuated intrahepatic vasoconstriction, sinusoidal capillarization, and remodeling independent of glycemic status in CCl4-treated rats. Hepatic macrophage infiltration, proinflammatory response, and fibrogenesis were suppressed by treatment with tofogliflozin. In vitro assays showed that tofogliflozin suppressed Ac-HSC-stimulated capillarization and vasoconstriction in LSECs by enhancing the antioxidant capacity, as well as inhibited the capilliarized LSEC-stimulated contractive, profibrogenic, and proliferative activities of Ac-HSCs. Conclusions: Our study provides strong support for tofogliflozin in the prevention of liver cirrhosis-related PH.

Background/Aims Covered self-expandable metallic stents (CMSs) are widely used for malignant distal biliary obstructions (MDBOs) caused by pancreatic carcinoma. This study compared the efficacy and safety of the laser-cut-type and braided-type CMSs. Methods To palliate MDBOs caused by pancreatic carcinoma, the laser-cut-type CMSs was used from April 2014 to March 2017, and the braided-type CMSs was used from April 2017 to March 2019. The tested self-expandable metallic stents were equipped with different anti-migration systems. Results In total, 47 patients received CMSs for MDBOs (24 laser-cut type, 23 braided-type). The time to recurrent biliary obstruction (TRBO) was significantly longer in the braided-type CMSs (p=0.0008), and the median time to stent dysfunction or patient death was 141 and 265 days in the laser-cut-type CMSs and braided-type CMSs, respectively (p=0.0023). Stent migration was the major cause of stent dysfunction in both groups, which occurred in 37.5% of the laser-cut-type CMSs and 13.0% of the braided-type CMSs. There were no differences in the survival duration between the groups. Conclusions The TRBO was significantly longer for the braided-type CMSs with an anti-migration system than for the laser-cut-type. Stent migration tended to be less frequent with the braided-type CMSs than with the laser-cut-type CMSs.

Abstract Background Protein-losing gastroenteropathy (PLGE) is a syndrome with a chief complaint of hypoalbuminemia, which occurs due to plasma protein leakage in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to general edema, ascites, and pleural effusions. Case presentation A 71-year-old woman visited another hospital for evaluation of hypoalbuminemia and systemic edema. She was hospitalized for a close inspection of hypoalbuminemia and was diagnosed with PLGE. Steroid and azathioprine therapy was prescribed; however, hypoalbuminemia did not improve, and the patient’s condition worsened due to anasarca. As hospitalization was prolonged, the patient was transferred to our hospital. She was infected with Helicobacter pylori, and we performed H. pylori eradication. Following H. pylori eradication, her edema improved remarkably. Conclusion We present the first case wherein H. pylori eradication successfully improved protein leakage in the lower gastrointestinal tract in a patient diagnosed with PLGE complicated with refractory to immunosuppressant treatment. H. pylori eradication should be considered in patients with PLGE complicated with H. pylori infection, without specific endoscopic finding or refractory to immunosuppressants.

Abstract Objectives Serial pancreatic juice aspiration cytological examination (SPACE) via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a useful diagnostic method for early‐stage pancreatic cancer, such as carcinoma in situ that are difficult to diagnose by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA). However, the diagnostic accuracy of SPACE is low, which is attributed to problems regarding specimen treatment. Hence, we evaluated the diagnostic efficacy of liquid‐based cytology (LBC) in pancreatic juice cytology for pancreatic cancer. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 24 patients with suspected pancreatic cancer that was difficult to diagnose by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration who underwent SPACE using LBC between April 2017 and April 2021. Results The most common reason for performing SPACE was localized stenosis of the main pancreatic duct without a mass. Eleven patients were diagnosed with malignancy after surgical resection, nine of whom had pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Ten patients were diagnosed as benign after a follow‐up of more than 1 year. The nine cases of malignancy were diagnosed before surgical resection by SPACE using LBC, with a sensitivity of 81.8% and specificity of 100%. The overall diagnostic accuracy was 91.7%. A total of 152 LBC examinations were performed via SPACE, with an adequate sample collection rate of 88.9%. No adverse events, including acute pancreatitis, occurred after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Conclusion SPACE with LBC offers good diagnostic efficacy in patients with pancreatic cancer that is difficult to diagnose by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration.

Alcohol is a major risk factor of liver cirrhosis (LC). This study aimed to elucidate a surrogate marker of sarcopenia in patients with LC of different etiology. Out of 775 patients with LC, 451 were assessed for handgrip strength and skeletal muscle mass (by computed tomography). They were then divided into two groups: alcoholic cirrhosis (AC; n = 149) and nonalcoholic cirrhosis (NAC; n = 302). Endotoxin activity (EA) levels were measured with an EA assay. Group AC showed significantly higher platelet counts (p = 0.027) and lower blood urea nitrogen levels and fibrosis-4 index than group NAC (p = 0.0020 and p = 0.038, respectively). The risk factors of sarcopenia were age ≥ 65 years, female sex, CP-C LC, Hb levels < 12 g/dL, and EA level > 0.4 in all patients with LC; hemoglobin (Hb) levels < 12 g/dL and EA level > 0.4 in group AC; and age ≥ 65 years, CP-C LC, and Hb levels < 12 g/dL in group NAC. The prediction accuracy of Hb for sarcopenia in group AC, group NAC, and all patients was 83.6%, 75.9%, and 78.1% (sensitivity: 92.0%, 69.0%, and 80.2%; specificity: 66.4%, 71.0%, and 64.0%), respectively. Although not significant, the predictive performance was better when using the combination of Hb and EA measurements than when using Hb alone in group AC but was comparable in all patients. Hb levels can predict sarcopenia in patients with LC, but in those with AC, the combination of Hb and EA improves the prediction performance.

Background/Aims Endoscopic resection (ER) for superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) is challenging. Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR) is also problematic due to the anatomical features of the duodenum. We compared the safety and efficacy of underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) with those of CEMR through a retrospective analysis. Methods Altogether, 44 consecutive patients with 46 SNADETs underwent ER (18 CEMR cases and 28 UEMR cases) between January 2016 and October 2019. We investigated the proportions of en bloc resection, R0 resection, complications, resection time, and total procedure time and compared the outcomes of patients from the CEMR group with those of patients from the UEMR group. Results The median tumor size was 8.0 mm (range, 2.0–20.0 mm). The UEMR group showed a higher proportion of en bloc resection (96.4% vs. 72.2%, p

Abstract Background and Aim Because covert hepatic encephalopathy (CHE) has been shown to affect the prognosis of cirrhotic patients, early diagnosis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a prerequisite for the preservation of patients' quality of life and for prophylaxis of overt HE. The aim of this study was to identify a clinical parameter to predict impairment of cognitive function in cirrhotic patients with early‐stage HE. Methods We investigated the data from 172 patients with cirrhotic or idiopathic portosystemic shunt (PSS) in phase II/III trials of rifaximin in Japan. Classification and regression trees (CARTs) were constructed to identify clinical profiles related to cognitive dysfunction as indicated by the prolongation of time required for the Number Connection Test (NCT‐B). Results CART analysis detected age 65 years as the variable for the initial split, and serum albumin level was selected as the variable for the second split among patients aged ≤65 years. In 27 cirrhotic patients aged ≤65 years without PSS, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the optimal albumin level cutoff point was 3.05 g/dL, and the area under the curve was 0.80 for the prolongation of NCT‐B time, which was higher than that of the branched‐chain amino acids‐to‐tyrosine ratio (0.46), the prothrombin time–international normalized ratio (PT‐INR) (0.68), serum ammonia (0.61), and total bilirubin (0.69). Conclusions Lower serum albumin level as a clinical biomarker associated with impaired cognitive function may be available as a screening examination for early‐stage HE in cirrhotic patients aged ≤65 years without PSS before undergoing neuropsychological tests.

Background and Aim Hypothyroidism might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The association of subclinical hypothyroidism with NAFLD has been inconsistent. The relationship of NAFLD with thyroid function parameters and subclinical hypothyroidism was determined. Methods This cross‐sectional study included 70 patients with subclinical hypothyroidism and 70 controls with euthyroidism matched according to gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). NAFLD was diagnosed via abdominal ultrasonography. The association between NAFLD and subclinical hypothyroidism was analyzed. Results The prevalence of NAFLD was significantly higher in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism than in those with euthyroidism. Multivariate analysis showed that subclinical hypothyroidism was an independent risk factor of NAFLD adjusted by metabolic‐related factors, such as BMI, triglyceride, high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) was an independent risk factor of NAFLD adjusted by the same metabolic‐related factors, but free thyroxine (FT4) was not a risk factor. The FIB‐4 index, a noninvasive marker of liver fibrosis was significantly higher in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism than in those with euthyroidism. Compared with patients with euthyroidism, the proportion of the FIB‐4 index ≥2.67 was significantly higher, and the proportion of the FIB‐4 index

The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system has gained attention due to its role as a mediator of liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Meanwhile, the natriuretic peptide (NP) system, including atrial NP (ANP) and C-type NP (CNP), is a counter-regulatory hormone regulated by neprilysin. Although the combination of an angiotensin receptor and a neprilysin inhibitor (sacubitril/valsartan: SAC/VAL) has shown clinical efficacy in patients with heart failure, its potential effects on hepatic fibrosis have not been clarified. This study assessed the effects of SAC/VAL in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced murine liver fibrosis as well as the in vitro phenotypes of HSCs. Treatment with SAC and VAL markedly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis while reducing α-SMA+-HSC expansion and decreasing hepatic hydroxyproline and mRNA levels of pro-fibrogenic markers. Treatment with SAC increased plasma ANP and CNP levels in CCl4-treated mice, and ANP effectively suppressed cell proliferation and TGF-β-stimulated MMP2 and TIMP2 expression in LX-2 cells by activating guanylate cyclase-A/cGMP/protein kinase G signaling. Meanwhile, CNP did not affect the pro-fibrogenic activity of LX-2 cells. Moreover, VAL directly inhibited angiotensin II (AT-II)-stimulated cell proliferation and the expression of TIMP1 and CTGF through the blockade of the AT-II type 1 receptor/protein kinase C pathway. Collectively, SAC/VAL may be a novel therapeutic treatment for liver fibrosis.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), the second most common primary liver cancer, has high mortality rates because of its limited treatment options and acquired resistance to chemotherapy. Sulforaphane (SFN), a naturally occurring organosulfur compound found in cruciferous vegetables, exhibits multiple therapeutic properties, such as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibition and anti-cancer effects. This study assessed the effects of the combination of SFN and gemcitabine (GEM) on human iCCA cell growth. HuCCT-1 and HuH28 cells, representing moderately differentiated and undifferentiated iCCA, respectively, were treated with SFN and/or GEM. SFN concentration dependently reduced total HDAC activity and promoted total histone H3 acetylation in both iCCA cell lines. SFN synergistically augmented the GEM-mediated attenuation of cell viability and proliferation by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both cell lines, as indicated by the cleavage of caspase-3. SFN also inhibited cancer cell invasion and decreased the expression of pro-angiogenic markers (VEGFA, VEGFR2, HIF-1α, and eNOS) in both iCCA cell lines. Notably, SFN effectively inhibited the GEM-mediated induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). A xenograft assay demonstrated that SFN and GEM substantially attenuated human iCCA cell-derived tumor growth with decreased Ki67+ proliferative cells and increased TUNEL+ apoptotic cells. The anti-cancer effects of every single agent were markedly augmented by concomitant use. Consistent with the results of in vitro cell cycle analysis, G2/M arrest was indicated by increased p21 and p-Chk2 expression and decreased p-Cdc25C expression in the tumors of SFN- and GEM-treated mice. Moreover, treatment with SFN inhibited CD34-positive neovascularization with decreased VEGF expression and GEM-induced EMT in iCCA-derived xenografted tumors. In conclusion, these results suggest that combination therapy with SFN with GEM is a potential novel option for iCCA treatment.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high risk of short-term mortality. A disintegrin-like and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type-1 motifs 13 (ADAMTS13) is a metalloproteinase that specifically cleaves multimeric von Willebrand factor (VWF). Imbalance between ADAMTS13 and VWF is associated with portal hypertension, which induces ACLF development. A previous study reported that ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:AC) and VWF antigen (VWF:Ag) are predictive biomarkers of ACLF development in patients with cirrhosis. This study investigated the changes in ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag levels from before to after the development of ACLF to determine their usefulness as a prognostic biomarker in patients with ACLF. In total, 101 patients with cirrhosis were enrolled in this study. The level of ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag was determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted to determine independent prognostic factors for patients with liver cirrhosis in the post-ACLF group. ADAMTS13:AC levels gradually decreased in the order of non-ACLF group, pre-ACLF group, and finally post-ACLF group. VWF:Ag and the ratio of VWF:Ag to ADAMTS13:AC (VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC) levels gradually increased in the order of non-ACLF group, pre-ACLF group, followed by post-ACLF group. VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC and CLIF-C ACLF scores were associated with prognosis in the post-ACLF group in multivariate analysis. The cumulative survival of the post-ACLF group was significantly lower for patients with high VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC (>9) compared with those with low VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC (≤9) (HR: 10.72, 95% confidence interval: 1.39–82.78, p < 0.05). The VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC increased according to the progression of ACLF in patients with cirrhosis and predicted prognosis in patients with cirrhosis with ACLF.

Background and Aims We previously reported the comparable efficacy of bi-monthly hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy (B-HAIC) to that of sorafenib chemotherapy for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) in patients with compensated cirrhosis. In this study, we demonstrate the efficacy of B-HAIC in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Methods Forty-five patients with aHCC refractory to transcatheter arterial chemo-embolization (TACE) were treated with B-HAIC and were divided into two groups according to hepatic functional reserve (Child-Pugh grade). Overall survival period, treatment response, and adverse events in each group were analyzed. Results Efficacy and disease control rates in the Child-Pugh B group (n=24; 21% and 71%, respectively) were not significantly impaired compared the Child-Pugh A group (n=21; 38% and 67%, respectively). Median survival time and survival rate at 12 months in the Child-Pugh B group were 422 days and 58.3%, respectively, whereas those in the Child-Pugh A group were 567 days and 70.8%, respectively. Importantly, the hepatic functional reserve of patients did not worsen in either group during the treatment period. Furthermore, the occurrence rate of adverse events leading to discontinuation of anti-tumor treatment was not significantly increased in the Child-Pugh B group. Conclusions Given the preservation of hepatic functional reserve afforded by B-HAIC chemotherapy in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, B-HAIC might be an acceptable alternative strategy for aHCC patients who do not respond to TACE.

Abstract Background To investigate the von Willebrand factor to ADAMTS13 ratio as a potential biomarker for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. Methods Serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein, des-γ-carboxy prothrombin, Lens culinaris agglutinin-reactive fraction of alpha-fetoprotein (alpha-fetoprotein-L3%), vascular endothelial growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2, as well as the plasma levels of von Willebrand factor antigen (von Willebrand factor: Ag) and ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:AC), were evaluated in 41 cirrhotic patients with HCC undergoing radiofrequency ablation and in 20 cirrhotic patients without HCC. The diagnostic accuracy of each biomarker was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results The von Willebrand factor: Ag and von Willebrand factor: Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratios were significantly higher in cirrhotic patients with HCC than in those without HCC (p

Abstract Background Gastric cancer has a wide spectrum of clinical features, imaging manifestations, and pathology. Punctate calcifications in gastric cancer are infrequent but are usually found in mucinous adenocarcinoma. However, there have only been a few autopsy case reports describing the correlation between the radiology and pathology findings of calcified mucinous adenocarcinoma of the stomach. We present an autopsy case of mucinous gastric adenocarcinoma with iris metastases as the initial symptom. Case presentation A 74-year-old Japanese woman presented with blurred vision. Her treating ophthalmologist diagnosed acute iritis with secondary glaucoma. The histopathological and immunohistochemical features of a trabeculectomy specimen favored metastatic carcinoma, most likely of gastrointestinal tract origin. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed multiple irregularly shaped ulcerative lesions, multiple erosions, and thickened folds in the corpus of her stomach. Histologic examination of a gastric tissue specimen obtained by endoscopic biopsy revealed poorly differentiated carcinoma with signet ring cell features. Computed tomography revealed a tumor with multiple punctate calcifications in the thickened gastric wall with diffuse low attenuation and multiple lymph node metastases, including the para-aortic lymph nodes, and peritoneal dissemination. She was diagnosed with stage IV gastric cancer (T4N3M1) and underwent seven cycles of 5-weekly TS-1, a novel oral fluoropyrimidine derivative, plus cisplatin therapy. Serial follow-up computed tomography revealed successive increases in the gastric wall calcifications. Her disease stabilized, but she died of aspiration pneumonia 8 months after the first visit. Autopsy tissue specimens had miliary, punctate calcifications present in abundant extracellular mucin pools in the submucosa, corresponding to the thickened low-attenuating middle layer on computed tomography. The final diagnosis was mucinous gastric adenocarcinoma because mucinous adenocarcinoma is diagnosed when more than half of the tumor area contains extracellular mucin pools. Conclusions We report the pathology and computed tomography imaging characteristics of a case of calcified mucinous adenocarcinoma of the stomach metastatic to the iris, including findings at autopsy. Metastatic carcinomas in the iris originating in the stomach are exceedingly rare. Multiple punctate calcifications were present in pools of extracellular mucin, a diagnostic clue for mucinous adenocarcinoma. Possible mechanisms underlying scattered punctuate calcifications in gastric mucinous adenocarcinoma warrant further investigation.

Background/Aims L-carnitine not only alleviates hyperammonemia and reduces muscle cramps in patients with liver cirrhosis, but also improves anemia in patients with chronic hepatitis and renal dysfunction. This study prospectively evaluated the preventative efficacy of L-carnitine supplementation against hemolytic anemia during antiviral treatment using ribavirin in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related chronic liver disease. Methods A total of 41 patients with chronic hepatitis were consecutively enrolled in this study. Group A (n=22) received sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 3 months, whereas group B (n=19) was treated with sofosbuvir, ribavirin, and L-carnitine. Hemoglobin concentration changes, the effects of antiviral treatment, and the health status of patients were analyzed using short form-8 questionnaires. Results A significantly smaller decrease in hemoglobin concentration was observed in group B compared to group A at every time point. Moreover, the prescribed dose intensity of ribavirin in group B was higher than that of group A, resulting in a higher ratio of sustained virological response (SVR) 24 in group B compared with group A. The physical function of patients in group B was also significantly improved compared to group A at the end of antiviral treatment. Conclusions L-carnitine supplementation alleviates ribavirin-induced hemolytic anemia in patients with HCV and helps relieve the physical burden of treatment with ribavirin-containing regimens. These advantages significantly increase the likelihood of achieving SVR.

Abstract Background Insulin resistance (IR) is closely associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Acyclic retinoid (ACR) targets retinoid X receptor α and reportedly prevents HCC recurrence in clinical practice. Angiotensin-II receptor blocker (ARB) can also inhibit experimental hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC development. These are reported to suppress IR-based hepatocarcinogenesis; however, limited data are available regarding the combined effects of both these agents. This study aimed to investigate the combined chemopreventive effect of ACR and ARB on liver tumorigenesis on rats with congenital diabetes. Methods Male diabetic Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) and non-diabetic Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats underwent 70% partial hepatectomy following a single intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine to induce hepatocarcinogenesis and the administration of ACR (peretinoin, 40 mg/kg/day), ARB (losartan, 30 mg/kg/day), and a combination of ACR and ARB. Six weeks thereafter, we assessed the size and number of the pre-neoplastic lesions (PNL) as well as the altered angiogenesis, oxidative stress, and chronic inflammation in the liver. Moreover, we assessed the effects exerted by ACR and ARB on in vitro cell growth in human HCC cell lines and human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). Results OLETF rats showed increase in the size and number of PNLs compared to LETO rats. ACR suppressed the augmentation in size and number of PNLs in the OLETF rats with suppression of cell growth, intrahepatic angiogenesis, lipid peroxidation, oxidative DNA damage, and proinflammatory cytokine production. Combining ACR with ARB enhanced the tumor-suppressive effect and ameliorated intrahepatic angiogenesis, lipid peroxidation, and proinflammatory status; however, cell growth and oxidative DNA damage remained unchanged. IR-mimetic condition accelerated in vitro proliferative activity in human HCC cells, while ACR inhibited this proliferation with G0/G1 arrest and apoptosis. Furthermore, ACR and ARB significantly attenuated the HUVECs proliferation and tubular formation under the IR-mimetic condition, and a combination of both agents demonstrated greater inhibitory effects on HUVEC growth than each single treatment. Conclusions ACR and ARB exert a combined inhibitory effect against IR-based hepatocarcinogenesis by the inhibition of cell growth, intrahepatic angiogenesis, and oxidative stress. Thus, this combination therapy appears to hold potential as a chemopreventive treatment therapy against HCC.

Background: This study aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (γ-GTP) to assess the single and combined benefits of these biological markers for the detection of chronic excessive alcohol consumption in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Methods: Biological markers were determined in blood samples from patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (drinking group, n = 35; nondrinking group, n = 81). The prediction accuracy of %CDT alone, γ-GTP alone, and their combination for the detection of excessive alcohol consumption was determined in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis. Results: Serum total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-GTP, and alkaline phosphatase levels and %CDT were significantly higher and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in the drinking group than in the nondrinking group. The combination of %CDT and γ-GTP compared with %CDT or γ-GTP alone showed a higher prediction accuracy. The combination of %CDT and γ-GTP exhibited a higher specificity than γ-GTP alone. However, in terms of sensitivity, no significant difference was found between single or combined markers. Conclusions: The combination of %CDT and γ-GTP is considered a useful biomarker of chronic excessive alcohol consumption in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis.

Molecular targeted therapy with lenvatinib is commonly offered to advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, although it is often interrupted by adverse effects which require a reduction in the initial dose. Thus, an alternative lenvatinib-based therapy to compensate for dose reduction is anticipated. This study aimed to assess the effect of combination of low-dose of lenvatinib and the angiotensin-II (AT-II) receptor blocker losartan on human HCC cell growth. In vitro studies found that losartan suppressed the proliferation by inducing G1 arrest and caused apoptosis as indicated by the cleavage of caspase-3 in AT-II-stimulated HCC cell lines (Huh-7, HLE, and JHH-6). Losartan attenuated the AT-II-stimulated production of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and interleukin-8 and suppressed lenvatinib-mediated autocrine VEGF-A production in HCC cells. Moreover, it directly inhibited VEGF-mediated endothelial cell growth. Notably, the combination of lenvatinib and losartan augmented the cytostatic and angiostatic effects of the former at a low-dose, reaching those achieved with a conventional dose. Correspondingly, a HCC tumor xenograft assay showed that the oral administration of losartan combined with lenvatinib reduced the subcutaneous tumor burden and intratumor vascularization in BALB/c nude mice. These findings support that this regimen could be a viable option for patients intolerant to standard lenvatinib dosage.

Background: Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is essential for the development of liver fibrosis. Epigenetic machinery, such as DNA methylation, is largely involved in the regulation of gene expression during HSC activation. Although the pharmacological DNA demethylation of HSC using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) yielded an antifibrotic effect, this drug has been reported to induce excessive cytotoxicity at a high dose. Hydralazine (HDZ), an antihypertensive agent, also exhibits non-nucleoside demethylating activity. However, the effect of HDZ on HSC activation remains unclear. In this study, we performed a combined treatment with 5-aza-dC and HDZ to obtain an enhanced antifibrotic effect with lower cytotoxicity. Methods: HSC-T6 cells were used as a rat HSC cell line in this study. The cells were cultivated together with 1 µM 5-Aza-dC and/or 10 µg/mL of HDZ, which were refreshed every 24 h until the 96 h treatment ended. Cell proliferation was measured using the WST-1 assay. The mRNA expression levels of peptidylprolyl isomerase A (Ppia), an internal control gene, collagen type I alpha 1 (Cola1), RAS protein activator like 1 (Rasal1), and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (Pten) were analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results: The percentage cell viability with 5-aza-dC, HDZ, and combined treatment vs. the vehicle-only control was 101.4 ± 2.5, 95.2 ± 5.7, and 79.2 ± 0.7 (p < 0.01 for 5-aza-dC and p < 0.01 for HDZ), respectively, in the 48 h treatment, and 52.4 ± 5.6, 65.9 ± 3.4, and 29.9 ± 1.3 (p < 0.01 for 5-aza-dC and p < 0.01 for HDZ), respectively, in the 96 h treatment. 5-Aza-dC and the combined treatment markedly decreased Cola1 mRNA levels. Accordingly, the expression levels of Rasal1 and Pten, which are antifibrotic genes, were increased by treatment after the 5-aza-dC and combined treatments. Moreover, single treatment with HDZ did not affect the expression levels of Cola1, Rasal1, or Pten. These results suggest that HDZ sensitizes to the antifibrotic effect of 5-aza-dC in HSC-T6 cells. The molecular mechanism underlying the sensitization to the antifibrotic effect of 5-aza-dC by HDZ remains to be elucidated. The expression levels of rat equilibrative nucleoside transporter genes (rEnt1, rEnt2, and rEnt3) were not affected by HDZ in this study. Conclusions: Further confirmation using primary HSCs and in vivo animal models is desirable, but combined treatment with 5-aza-dC and HDZ may be an effective therapy for liver fibrosis without severe adverse effects.

Despite the use of various pharmacotherapeutic strategies, fibrosis due to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains an unsatisfied clinical issue. We investigated the effect of sevelamer, a hydrophilic bile acid sequestrant, on hepatic fibrosis in a murine NASH model. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat (CDHF) diet for 12 weeks with or without orally administered sevelamer hydrochloride (2% per diet weight). Histological and biochemical analyses revealed that sevelamer prevented hepatic steatosis, macrophage infiltration, and pericellular fibrosis in CDHF-fed mice. Sevelamer reduced the portal levels of total bile acid and inhibited both hepatic and intestinal farnesoid X receptor activation. Gut microbiome analysis demonstrated that sevelamer improved a lower α-diversity and prevented decreases in Lactobacillaceae and Clostridiaceae as well as increases in Desulfovibrionaceae and Enterobacteriaceae in the CDHF-fed mice. Additionally, sevelamer bound to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the intestinal lumen and promoted its fecal excretion. Consequently, the sevelamer treatment restored the tight intestinal junction proteins and reduced the portal LPS levels, leading to the suppression of hepatic toll-like receptor 4 signaling pathway. Furthermore, sevelamer inhibited the LPS-mediated induction of fibrogenic activity in human hepatic stellate cells in vitro. Collectively, sevelamer inhibited the development of murine steatohepatitis by reducing hepatic LPS overload.

Rifaximin is a poorly absorbable antibiotic against hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This observational study aimed to elucidate the effect of rifaximin on intestinal permeability and gut microbiota in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Thirty patients with decompensated cirrhosis were assessed by ammonia level, neuropsychological testing, endotoxin activity (EA), and serum proinflammatory cytokines at baseline and after four weeks of rifaximin treatment (1200 mg/day). Intestinal permeability was indicated by serum soluble CD163 (sCD163), mannose receptor (sMR), and zonulin levels. To evaluate the gut microbiome, 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was applied. Rifaximin ameliorated hyperammonemia and cognitive dysfunction, although it did not change the serum proinflammatory cytokine levels. It decreased EA levels as well as serum levels of sCD163 and sMR, but not zonulin, and both decreases in sCD163 and sMR showed positive correlations with EA decrease (ΔsCD163: Correlation coefficient (R) = 0.680, p = 0.023; ΔsMR: R = 0.613, p = 0.014, vs. ΔEA). Gut microbial analysis revealed that the richness and complexity of species were unchanged while the abundance of the Streptococcus genus was reduced after treatment with rifaximin. Collectively, rifaximin alleviated HE and endotoxemia with improved intestinal hyperpermeability in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and this effect is partially involved in a gut microbial change.

Hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia activate the proliferative potential of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and promote hepatic fibrosis. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, antidiabetic agents, reportedly inhibit the HSC proliferation. Additionally, Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) agonists induce the systemic release of glucagon-like peptides from intestinal L cells, which maintains glycemic homeostasis. This study assessed the combined effect of TGR5 agonist and DPP-4 inhibitor on diabetes-based liver fibrosis development. Male diabetic rats received intraperitoneal injection of porcine serum (PS) to induce liver fibrosis, and they were orally administered the following agents: oleanolic acid (OA) as a TGR5 agonist, anagliptin (ANA) as a DPP-4 inhibitor, and a combination of both agents. Treatment with OA or ANA significantly improved glycemic status and attenuated intrahepatic steatosis and lipid peroxidation in diabetic rats. PS-induced liver fibrosis development was also drastically suppressed by treatment with either agent, and the combination of both reciprocally enhanced the antifibrotic effect. Fecal microbiome demonstrated that both agents inhibited the increase in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, an indicator of dysbiosis related to metabolic syndromes. Furthermore, ANA directly inhibited in vitro HSC proliferative and profibrogenic activities. Collectively, TGR5 agonist and DPP-4 inhibitor appears to be a novel strategy against liver fibrosis under diabetic conditions.

Human parvovirus (HPV) B19 is linked to a variety of clinical manifestations, such as erythema infectiosum, nonimmune hydrops fetalis, and transient aplastic anemia. Although a few cases have shown HPVB19 infection as a possible causative agent for hepatitis-associated aplastic anemia (HAAA) in immunocompetent patients, most reported cases of HAAA following transient hepatitis did not have delayed remission. Here we report a rare case of severe aplastic anemia following acute hepatitis with prolonged jaundice due to HPVB19 infection in a previously healthy young male. Clinical laboratory examination assessed marked liver injury and jaundice as well as peripheral pancytopenia, and bone marrow biopsy revealed severe hypoplasia and fatty replacement. HPVB19 infection was diagnosed by enzyme immunoassay with high titer of anti-HPVB19 immunoglobulin M antibodies. Immunosuppressive therapy was initiated 2 months after the onset of acute hepatitis when liver injury and jaundice were improved. Cyclosporine provided partial remission after 2 months of medication without bone marrow transplantation. Our case suggests that HPVB19 should be considered as a hepatotropic virus and a cause of acquired aplastic anemia, including HAAA.

Abstract Background Previous studies have shown that hoarding behavior usually starts at a subclinical level in early adolescence and gradually worsens; however, a limited number of studies have examined the prevalence of hoarding behavior and its association with developmental disorders in young adults. The aims of this study were to estimate the prevalence of hoarding behavior and to identify correlations between hoarding behavior and developmental disorder traits in university students. Methods The study participants included 801 university students (616 men, 185 women) who completed questionnaires (ASRS: Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale version 1.1, AQ16: Autism-Spectrum Quotient with 16 items, and CIR: Clutter Image Rating). Results Among 801 participants, 27 (3.4%) exceeded the CIR cut-off score. Moreover, the participants with hoarding behavior had a significantly higher percentage of ADHD traits compared to participants without hoarding behavior (HB(+) vs HB(−), 40.7% vs 21.7%). In addition, 7.4% of HB(+) participants had autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits, compared to 4.1% of HB(−) participants. A correlation analysis revealed that the CIR composite score had a stronger correlation with the ASRS inattentive score than with the hyperactivity/impulsivity score (CIR composite vs ASRS IA, r = 0.283; CIR composite vs ASRS H/I, r = 0.147). Conclusions The results showed a high prevalence of ADHD traits in the university students with hoarding behavior. Moreover, we found that the hoarding behavior was more strongly correlated with inattentive symptoms rather than with hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms. Our results support the concept of a common pathophysiology behind hoarding behavior and ADHD in young adults.

BackgroundDespite the widespread recognition of the importance of mental health in young people, only a small proportion of young people with a mental disorder, including university students, receive mental health care.ObjectiveWe developed a smartphone application (Mental App) for the university students and examined the effects of the app on their mental health.MethodsThe app was designed according to a questionnaire survey conducted before this study. The Mental App was installed on the students' smartphone and the psychological tests (the Link Stigma Scale, the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire) were performed on the same day. After using the App for two weeks, the students completed a questionnaire survey and underwent the same psychological tests. We compared the results between the app user and non-user group.ResultsA total of 68 students participated, of which 57 students completed the study (app user group, n = 28; control group, n = 29). The mean number of days spent using the app was 5.66 ± 3.16 (mean ± SD). The mean total screen time of the app was 9:03 ± 06:41(min:sec). The mean number of total actions (screen taps or swipes) was 161.91 ± 107.34. There were no significant between-group differences in the ΔLink Stigma Scale score (-0.11 ± 4.28 vs. -0.59 ± 3.30, p = 0.496) or the ΔCenter for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score (-4.39 ± 7.13 vs. -2.07 ± 8.78, p = 0.143). There was a significant between-group difference in the ΔGeneral Health Questionnaire score (-2.21± 2.23 vs. -0.17 ± 2.69, p = 0.007).ConclusionsThis non-randomized controlled pilot study indicates that the app we developed, may provide effective mental health care for university students, even in the short-term. Trial registration: UMIN000040332.

Theoretical studies have indicated that nestedness and modularity-non-random structural patterns of ecological networks-influence the stability of ecosystems against perturbations; as such, climate change and human activity, as well as other sources of environmental perturbations, affect the nestedness and modularity of ecological networks. However, the effects of climate change and human activities on ecological networks are poorly understood. Here, we used a spatial analysis approach to examine the effects of climate change and human activities on the structural patterns of food webs and mutualistic networks, and found that ecological network structure is globally affected by climate change and human impacts, in addition to current climate. In pollination networks, for instance, nestedness increased and modularity decreased in response to increased human impacts. Modularity in seed-dispersal networks decreased with temperature change (i.e., warming), whereas food web nestedness increased and modularity declined in response to global warming. Although our findings are preliminary owing to data-analysis limitations, they enhance our understanding of the effects of environmental change on ecological communities.