Search results for "CIRRHOSIS"

In vitro evidences of epithelial to mesenchymal transition in low cell-density cultured human fetal hepatocytes

2017

Abstract Culturing fetal hepatocytes in high cell-density allowed stabilization of the hepatocyte phenotype up to 8 weeks, including the maintenance of liver-specific functions. On the other hand, when cultured at low cell-density, fetal hepatocytes underwent morphological modifications and acquired fibroblastic morphology. Since a switch from E-cadherin to vimentin expression accompanied these changes, we hypothesized the occurrence of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition when fetal hepatocytes were cultured at low cell-density. Changes in gene expressionsuch as up-regulation of fibrosis-related geneswere also observed, suggesting that the low cell-density culture system promoted the acqui…

Dual therapy with peg-interferon and ribavirin in thalassemia major patients with chronic HCV infection: Is there still an indication?

2016

Background: Iron overload and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection together can lead to chronic liver damage in thalassemia major (TM) patients. Aims: We investigated viral, genetic, and disease factors influencing sustained virological response (SVR) after peg-interferon and ribavirin therapy in TM patients with HCV infection. Methods: We analyzed 230 TM patients with HCV infection (mean age 36.0 ± 6.3 years; 59.1% genotype 1; 32.2% genotype 2; 3.4% genotype 3; and 5.3% genotype 4; 28.7% carried CC allele of rs12979860 in IL28B locus; 79.6% had chronic hepatitis and 20.4% cirrhosis; 63.5% naive and 36.5% previously treated with interferon alone) treated in 14 Italian centers. Results: By mul…

The nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) drug development graveyard: established hurdles and planning for future success

2020

Contains fulltext : 229341.pdf (Publisher’s version ) (Open Access) INTRODUCTION: Numerous pharmacological compounds that target the different molecular targets involved in the pathobiology of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are currently in clinical testing. So far, there are no regulatory approvals. AREAS COVERED: This paper sheds light on the molecular pathways involved in NASH and the drugs targeting these pathways. We have identified 10 compounds whose clinical development program has been halted. Moreover, we explore early phase clinical trials and dissect the reasons for termination of development. EXPERT OPINION: The main goal of NASH pharmacotherapy is to halt or reverse hepati…

Extracellular Matrix Molecular Remodeling in Human Liver Fibrosis Evolution

2016

Chronic liver damage leads to pathological accumulation of ECM proteins (liver fibrosis). Comprehensive characterization of the human ECM molecular composition is essential for gaining insights into the mechanisms of liver disease. To date, studies of ECM remodeling in human liver diseases have been hampered by the unavailability of purified ECM. Here, we developed a decellularization method to purify ECM scaffolds from human liver tissues. Histological and electron microscopy analyses demonstrated that the ECM scaffolds, devoid of plasma and cellular components, preserved the three-dimensional ECM structure and zonal distribution of ECM components. This method has been then applied on 57 l…

The ABCB4 p.T175A variant as potential modulator of hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic liver diseases: Looking beyond the cholestatic realm

2017

Increased incidence or recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in hepatitis C virus cirrhotic patients treated with direct-acting antivirals: myth or …

2018

Reply to: “Non-invasive prediction of oesophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis secondary to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease”

2018

Editorial: covert hepatic encephalopathy-silent but serious. Authors’ reply

2018

New clinical and pathophysiological perspectives defining the trajectory of cirrhosis

2021

Traditionally, the complications of cirrhosis, namely variceal bleeding, ascites and hepatic encephalopathy, were thought to result predominantly from circulatory dysfunction and altered organ perfusion arising as a result of portal hypertension. Over the past 20 years, large, international prospective studies have indicated the importance of systemic inflammation and organ immunopathology as additional determinants of organ dysfunction in cirrhosis, which not only manifests in the liver, brain, circulation and the kidneys, but also the immune system, gut, muscles, adrenal glands, reproductive organs, heart and lungs. This review provides an overview of the traditional and emerging concepts…

Inflammasomes in Liver Fibrosis

2017

AbstractCell death and inflammation are two central elements in the development of liver fibrosis. Inflammasomes are intracellular multiprotein complexes expressed in both hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells in the liver that are key regulators of inflammation and cell fate. They respond to cellular danger signals by activating caspase 1, releasing the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, as well as initiating a novel pathway of programmed cell death termed “pyroptosis.” These processes can initiate and perpetuate an abnormal wound-healing response with the principle cellular target being the activation of hepatic stellate cells. From the various inflammasomes, the NLRP3 inflammasome…