Article
Immunology
Yanyao Liu, Zilun Lei, Hao Chai, Song Xiang, Yihua Wang, Ping Yan, Zhenrui Cao, Xingyu Pu, Zhongjun Wu
Summary: This study found that recombinant human thrombomodulin (rTM) can inhibit the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), alleviate hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) and improve liver function. rTM blocks multiple signaling pathways to inhibit NETosis. The results suggest that NETs are a potential therapeutic target for hepatic IRI and rTM can be used to prevent liver injury caused by IRI.
Review
Virology
Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi, Nima Rezaei
Summary: COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to a pandemic. TLRs play a crucial role in activating the immune system in response to the virus, and could potentially be a target for controlling the infection. Understanding the mechanisms of TLR in COVID-19 may help in developing vaccines and treatments.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aaron M. Kwong, Patrick P. W. Luke, Rabindra N. Bhattacharjee
Summary: Carbon monoxide has transitioned from being feared to being a therapeutic drug that modulates inflammation, showing promising results in reducing renal ischemia and reperfusion injury and other inflammatory diseases.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Nicolas Melin, Daniel Sanchez-Taltavull, Rene Fahrner, Adrian Keogh, Michel Dosch, Isabel Buechi, Yitzhak Zimmer, Michaela Medova, Guido Beldi, Daniel M. Aebersold, Daniel Candinas, Deborah Stroka
Summary: The study found that CBLB502 reduces liver damage in ischemia-reperfusion injury and ConA-induced immuno-hepatitis by activating NF-kappa B and STAT3 signaling pathways. IL-22 enhances CBLB502's protective effects through cooperation, increasing hepatocyte resistance to acute liver injury.
CELL DEATH & DISEASE
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Jie Liu, Bingyi Yao, Liangcai Gao, Yuanjin Zhang, Shengbo Huang, Xin Wang
Summary: This review provides an overview of the role and potential value of carboxylesterases (CESs) in the progression and treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The relationship between CESs and hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation is analyzed, and the regulation of CESs by nuclear receptors is reviewed. Additionally, the advantages and disadvantages of existing NAFLD animal models are evaluated, and the application of CES-related animal models in NAFLD research is summarized.
BIOCHEMICAL PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Shen-ping Tang, Xin-li Mao, Ya-hong Chen, Ling-ling Yan, Li-ping Ye, Shao-wei Li
Summary: Liver transplantation is the ultimate method for treating end-stage liver disease. The increasing prevalence of obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver has led to a rise in the number of patients who may require liver transplantation. Ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidative stress play key roles in the pathogenesis of non-alcoholic fatty liver and its sensitivity to transplantation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Jiashu Pan, Wenjun Zhou, Ruohui Xu, Lianjun Xing, Guang Ji, Yanqi Dang
Summary: This study summarizes the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and the urgent need for approved treatment. It highlights the important role of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs) in regulating NAFLD and summarizes natural products that target PPARs to treat NAFLD.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Su Woong Jung, Jung-Woo Seo, Seon Hwa Park, Yang Gyun Kim, Ju-Young Moon, Sangdun Choi, Sang-Ho Lee
Summary: TIP1 demonstrated significant protective effects in a mouse model of renal IRI, reducing plasma creatinine levels, alleviating tubular injury, inhibiting inflammatory cytokine expression, decreasing apoptosis and oxidative stress levels, and reducing cell infiltration, suggesting potential benefits in attenuating kidney damage.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Mihaela Catalina Luca, Isabela Ioana Loghin, Ioana Florina Mihai, Radu Popa, Andrei Vata, Carmen Manciuc
Summary: While COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, the widespread presence of ACE2 suggests systemic involvement of other organs such as the heart, kidneys, and liver. This retrospective study examined SARS-CoV-2 infected patients in a hospital in Romania and found that liver injury, indicated by increased transaminase levels, was secondary to the viral infection. The study also revealed that high AST and ALT levels at hospital admission were associated with a higher risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients, indicating the prognostic significance of abnormal liver test results.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Jonathan M. Harnoss, Jun Cai, Sascha Hinterkopf, Praveen Radhakrishnan, Annabelle Schmitt, Mareen Dupovac, Lisa K. Nees, Moritz J. Strowitzki, Cormac T. Taylor, Martin Schneider
Summary: This study investigates the activation of the HIF pathway through inhibition of PHDs as a potential strategy to reduce primary graft dysfunction (PGD) after liver transplantation (LT). The results show that the administration of the small-molecule inhibitor EDHB induces HIF-1 signaling and increases the expression of its downstream target genes. In vivo experiments demonstrate that pretreatment with EDHB can mitigate hepatic ischemia and reperfusion injury and allograft injury after LT in animal models. The findings suggest that targeting PHDs with small-molecule inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic approach to reduce PGD after LT.
Article
Plant Sciences
Man Gong, Chengfu Su, Mengzhe Fan, Ping Wang, Bingdi Cui, Zhongyuan Guo, Shaojia Liang, Lianhe Yang, Xiaoqian Liu, Liping Dai, Zhimin Wang
Summary: The active ingredients in Eucommia ulmoides leaves regulating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease are mainly flavonoids and phenolics. EUL 50 may play a role in lowering lipids by regulating PPAR gamma expression through inducing autophagy.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Junhua Weng, Xin Wang, Baohong Xu, Wen Li
Summary: ALR protects against IRI in steatotic liver by inhibiting inflammation and downregulating the TLR4/NF-κB pathway, thereby preserving liver function, reducing hepatic injury, and suppressing the inflammatory response.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Olesia Schapovalova, Anna Gorlova, Johannes de Munter, Elisaveta Sheveleva, Mikhail Eropkin, Nikita Gorbunov, Michail Sicker, Aleksei Umriukhin, Sergiy Lyubchyk, Klaus-Peter Lesch, Tatyana Strekalova, Careen A. Schroeter
Summary: A new immunomodulatory phytotherapy (IP) comprised of blackberry, chamomile, garlic, cloves, and elderberry extracts was studied as a potential low-cost solution against SARS-CoV-2 infection. The IP therapy was found to decrease inflammation and alleviate sickness behavior, suggesting its potency in combating the infection primarily through preventive effects.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Arunkumar Krishnan, Tinsay A. Woreta, Omar T. Sims, James P. Hamilton, James J. Potter, Saleh A. Alqahtani
Summary: This study examined the impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on the clinical characteristics and outcomes of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) diagnosed with COVID-19. The results showed that PLWH with NAFLD had higher hospitalization rates and risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) within 30 days. Close monitoring of this high-risk population is necessary.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Tong Li, Houshuai Zeng, Wenjing Xian, Hongxing Cai, Jianbo Zhang, Shiji Zhou, Yingxue Yang, Min Luo, Peng Zhu
Summary: This study found that Maresin1 (MaR1) can reduce liver macrophage pyroptosis by reducing mitochondrial damage, thereby alleviating liver ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. MaR1 inhibits liver macrophage pyroptosis by protecting mitochondria. Finally, it was found that MaR1 exerts mitochondrial protective effects through activation of its nuclear receptor RORa and the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Stephan Buch, Hamish Innes, Philipp Ludwig Lutz, Hans Dieter Nischalke, Jens U. Marquardt, Janett Fischer, Karl Heinz Weiss, Jonas Rosendahl, Astrid Marot, Marcin Krawczyk, Markus Casper, Frank Lammert, Florian Eyer, Arndt Vogel, Silke Marhenke, Johann von Felden, Rohini Sharma, Stephen Rahul Atkinson, Andrew McQuillin, Jacob Nattermann, Clemens Schafmayer, Andre Franke, Christian Strassburg, Marcella Rietschel, Heidi Altmann, Stefan Sulk, Veera Raghavan Thangapandi, Mario Brosch, Carolin Lackner, Rudolf E. Stauber, Ali Canbay, Alexander Link, Thomas Reiberger, Mattias Mandorfer, Georg Semmler, Bernhard Scheiner, Christian Datz, Stefano Romeo, Stefano Ginanni Corradini, William Lucien Irving, Joanne R. Morling, Indra Neil Guha, Eleanor Barnes, M. Azim Ansari, Jocelyn Quistrebert, Luca Valenti, Sacha A. Mueller, Marsha Yvonne Morgan, Jean-Francois Dufour, Jonel Trebicka, Thomas Berg, Pierre Deltenre, Sebastian Mueller, Jochen Hampe, Felix Stickel
Summary: This study identifies rs2242652 in TERT as a novel protective factor for HCC in patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Ewa Wunsch, Linda Krause, Tom Gevers, Christoph Schramm, Maciej K. Janik, Marcin Krawczyk, Jose Willemse, Natalie Uhlenbusch, Bernd Lowe, Ansgar Wilhelm Lohse, Piotr Milkiewicz
Summary: This study investigated the health-related quality of life in patients with autoimmune liver diseases and found that depression and treatment confidence are factors related to quality of life. Treatment confidence can be improved by enhancing the patient-physician relationship.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Helen H. Wang, Piero Portincasa, Min Liu, David Q. -H. Wang
Summary: The prevalence of cholesterol gallstone disease is increasing globally due to obesity and insulin resistance. The role of biliary phospholipids in cholesterol gallstone formation has been neglected, but their reduction or deficiency leads to abnormal bile composition that predisposes to cholesterol supersaturation. Changes in biliary phospholipid concentrations influence cholesterol crystallization, resulting in different crystallization pathways. This review summarizes the chemical structures and functions of biliary phospholipids and discusses their role in cholesterol crystallization and gallstone formation.
ADVANCES IN THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Wiktor Smyk, Ifigeneia Papapostoli, Michal Zorniak, Panagiotis Sklavounos, Lukasz Blukacz, Pawel Madej, Andreani Koutsou, Susanne N. Weber, Bettina Friesenhahn-Ochs, Maciej Cebula, Joanna Bosowska, Erich-Franz Solomayer, Marek Hartleb, Piotr Milkiewicz, Frank Lammert, Caroline S. Stokes, Marcin Krawczyk
Summary: This study used non-invasive tests to assess liver injury in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and investigated the impact of FLD-associated genetic variants on liver phenotypes in PCOS. The results showed that FLD is common in women with PCOS and its severity is influenced by both genetic and metabolic risk factors.
LIVER INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Medicinal
Giovanni Martemucci, Piero Portincasa, Vincenzo Centonze, Michele Mariano, Mohamad Khalil, Angela Gabriella D'Alessandro
Summary: Excessive and uncontrolled oxidative stress can damage biomacromolecules, and is implicated in several chronic noncommunicable diseases. Antioxidant supplements are theoretically beneficial, but more evidence is needed to determine their ultimate effects compared to reactive oxygen species in various diseases.
MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Correction
Medicine, General & Internal
Piero Portincasa
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Mohamad Khalil, Leonilde Bonfrate, Agostino Di Ciaula, Piero Portincasa, LEITvax Grp
Summary: The study found that different COVID-19 vaccines were authorized in Italy and Lebanon in 2021, but the side effects and the impact of sex and age were not fully explored. A web-based questionnaire was designed to collect self-reported side effects after the 1st and 2nd dose of the vaccine in Italian and Lebanese cohorts. The study revealed that females had higher rates and severity of post-vaccinal symptoms compared to males, and the symptoms rates and severity decreased with increasing age.
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Biographical-Item
Medicine, General & Internal
Piero Portincasa
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Piero Portincasa
Summary: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common type of chronic liver disease characterized by excessive hepatic fat storage in patients with no or little alcohol consumption. The etiology and pathogenesis of NAFLD are largely unknown, and there is currently no definitive therapy. Due to its close association with metabolic dysfunctions, efforts are being made to change the acronym NAFLD to MAFLD, which is expected to improve disease classification, awareness, understanding, and choice of personalized therapeutic approaches. Other sub-classifications of fatty liver disease have also been proposed to address the heterogeneity of causes.
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Francesca Baldini, Farah Diab, Nadia Serale, Lama Zeaiter, Piero Portincasa, Alberto Diaspro, Laura Vergani
Summary: Hepatic steatosis is a common result of obesity, where adipose tissue dysfunction and excessive fatty acids contribute to liver disease. The crosstalk between adipocytes and hepatocytes, mediated by soluble factors, plays a crucial role in metabolic dysfunction.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohamad Khalil, Hala Abdallah, Danute Razuka-Ebela, Maria Calasso, Maria De Angelis, Piero Portincasa
Summary: Given the important role of gut microbiota in host homeostasis and energy balance, changes in its composition can lead to immune-mediated inflammatory disorders and increased intestinal permeability. Za'atar, a popular plant-based food in the Eastern Mediterranean region, contains antioxidant compounds and fiber that have shown health benefits in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Studies have also explored the effects of Za'atar on gut microbiota and gastrointestinal diseases, especially its polyphenols. However, more research is needed on the potential clinical applications of Za'atar as a nutraceutical in gastrointestinal disorders.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Emilie K. Mitten, Piero Portincasa, Gyorgy Baffy
Summary: Portal hypertension in cirrhosis is defined as an increase in the portal pressure gradient (PPG), and it is traditionally estimated by the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) also leads to portal hypertension, which is more common in this condition than previously believed. A better understanding of liver mechanobiology in NAFLD may help in the development of novel pharmaceutical targets for prevention and treatment.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL HEPATOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Piero Portincasa, Agostino Di Ciaula, Leonilde Bonfrate, Alessandro Stella, Gabriella Garruti, John Thomas Lamont
Summary: About 20% of adults worldwide have gallstones, with 80% of them being composed of cholesterol. Gallstone disease is a condition caused by gallbladder stones, which requires medical treatment, endoscopic procedures, or cholecystectomy. It is one of the most prevalent digestive disorders in Western countries and a common reason for hospital admissions in Europe. The incidence of gallstone disease is increasing due to the global epidemic of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Gallstones can be considered a metabolic dysfunction-associated disease, requiring specific and systemic preventive measures.
INTERNAL AND EMERGENCY MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jacek Baj, Julia Bargiel, Justyna Cabaj, Bartosz Skierkowski, Gabriela Hunek, Piero Portincasa, Jolanta Flieger, Agata Smolen
Summary: This article reviews the literature on the relationship between the concentration of selected elements in the serum of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and the onset and progression of this psychiatric condition. According to the results, metallomics may serve as a potential screening tool for patients with MDD, providing assessment of symptom severity. Deficiencies or excessive amounts of selected elements may be associated with the progression of depressive symptoms or even the onset of the disease in individuals predisposed to MDD.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Marcin Krawczyk, Zbigniew Kulaga, Olga Niewiadomska, Irena Jankowska, Dariusz Lebensztejn, Sabina Wiecek, Piotr Socha
Summary: The study found that overweight and obese children have a higher risk of developing gallstones, with obesity being more common among children with gallstones. Body weight, overweight, and obesity were all positively associated with the risk of gallstone disease.
CLINICS AND RESEARCH IN HEPATOLOGY AND GASTROENTEROLOGY
(2023)