Cytokeratin-18 Fragments Research Articles

Treatment with autophagic inhibitors enhances oligonol‑induced apoptotic effects in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Although the combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy has increased the survival rate of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), certain patients do not respond well to the treatment and have a poor prognosis. Therefore, novel therapeutic drugs and strategies to improve prognosis of patients with NPC are required. As certain plant extracts can suppress the viability of cancer cells, the present study investigated whether oligonol, a polyphenolic compound primarily found in lychee fruit, exerts anticancer activities in NPC cells. MTT, ELISA and immunoblotting were performed to investigate cell survival, cytokeratin-18 fragment release, and the expression of apoptosis and autophagy markers, respectively. Oligonol decreased the viability of NPC-TW01 and NPC/HK1NPC cell lines. Oligonol increased the protein expression of several apoptosis markers, including cleaved caspase-8 and -3, cleaved PARP and cytokeratin 18 fragment. Moreover, it also increased expression of autophagy markers Beclin 1 and LC3-II, as well as LC3-II/LC3-I ratio in both NPC cell lines. Furthermore, treatment with autophagy inhibitors 3-methyladenine or LY294002 significantly increased oligonol-induced viability inhibition in NPC-TW01 cells. Combined treatment of oligonol + LY294002 reduced LC3-II expression and the LC3II/LC3I ratio while increasing cleaved caspase-8 and -3, cleaved PARP and cytokeratin 18 fragment expression in NPC-TW01 cells. These findings indicated autophagy inhibitors could enhance viability inhibition and apoptotic effects induced by oligonol in NPC cells.

Serum Cytokeratin 18 Fragment Is an Indicator for Treating Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Although numerous noninvasive diagnostic methods have been developed to predict liver fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), they lack markers for predicting lobular inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, or changes related to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). We examined serum cytokeratin 18 fragment (CK18F) as a noninvasive marker for predicting treatment response and "at-risk MASH" and "MASH resolution" in patients with MASLD. One-hundred-and-ten patients with MASLD who underwent repeated biopsy were enrolled (age, 4 [0.5-21] years) in this retrospective study. We investigated associations among serum CK18F levels, liver histology, and blood tests and compared them with changes in serum CK18F levels and liver histology and the resolution of MASH. Additionally, 565 biopsy-proven patients were analyzed for associations among serum CK18F levels, liver histology, and blood tests. Moreover, the Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and CK18F were examined for their usefulness in predicting "at-risk MASH." CK18F changes were strongly correlated with changes in lobular inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score. Multiple regression analysis showed that contributing to "MASH resolution" was associated with changes in CK18F levels as independent factors. Patients diagnosed with MASLD and an FIB-4 index >2.67, or those with an FIB-4 index ≤2.67 and CK18F > 200 U/L, were at high risk of developing MASH and should be referred to a hepatologist. Conversely, those with an FIB-4 index ≤2.67 and CK18F ≤ 200 U/L were effectively managed through regular follow-up appointments. CK18F changes are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease activity score changes and are a promising noninvasive diagnostic marker for "at risk MASH" and "MASH resolution."

Fucoidan Enhances Cisplatin-induced Effects on SCC-25 Human Oral Cancer Cells by Inhibiting the PI3K/AKT Pathway.

Cisplatin is a drug for treating oral cancer. However, several previous studies indicate that oral cancer cells can develop resistance to cisplatin, which may result in a poor prognosis for patients with oral cancer. Fucoidan, a natural health product extracted from brown seaweed, has anticancer abilities against various types of cancer cell. This study evaluated whether fucoidan can enhance the sensitivity of oral cancer cells to cisplatin and explored the underlying mechanism. SCC-25 cells were used in the present study and treated with 0.3125 mg/ml fucoidan, 12.5 μg/ml cisplatin, or 0.3125 mg/ml fucoidan plus 12.5 μg/ml cisplatin for 48 h, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, enzyme-linked immunosorbent, and immunoblotting assays were performed to evaluate cell survival, cytokeratin-18 fragment release, and expression of markers of apoptosis and autophagy, respectively. Cotreatment with fucoidan enhanced cisplatin-induced reduction of SCC-25 cell survival compared to cisplatin alone. In addition, cotreatment also increased the expression of apoptosis markers, including activated caspase-8, activated caspase-9, activated caspase-3, and cleaved poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), but did not increase the expression of the two autophagy markers studied, beclin and autophagy-related 12-autophagy-related 5 conjugate. Fucoidan significantly inhibited cisplatin-induced AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 activation, which promoted PARP cleavage, caspase-3 activation, and cytokeratin-18 fragment expression in SCC-25 cells. Fucoidan promoted cisplatin-induced effects by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 4,5 bisphosphate 3 kinase/AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 activation induced by cisplatin. The results of this study may provide a basis for the possible application of the combination of fucoidan and cisplatin in the clinical treatment of oral cancer in the future to improve the prognosis of patients with oral cancer.

Visceral Obesity and Cytokeratin-18 Antigens as Early Biomarkers of Liver Damage

Visceral obesity is linked to the progression of fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Cytokeratin-18 (CK18) epitopes M30 (CK18M30) and M65 (CK18M65) represent accurate markers for detecting NASH. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of CK18M30 and CK18M65 levels with anthropometric and metabolic characteristics, liver stiffness, and liver indices of steatosis and fibrosis in a cohort of subjects with visceral obesity; in this cross-sectional study, transient elastography (TE-Fibroscan®), anthropometric measurements, metabolic parameters, High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP), and CK18M30 and CK18M65 levels (Apoptosense ELISA, PEVIVA, Germany) were evaluated. Fatty Liver Index (FLI), Fibrosis 4 (FIB-4), and Aspartate transaminase (AST)-platelet ratio index (APRI) were calculated; among 48 subjects, 47.2% presented metabolic syndrome, 93.8% hepatic steatosis, 60.4% high liver stiffness, and 14.6% hypertransminasemia, while FIB-4 and APRI were normal. CK18M30 and CK18M65 levels were significantly correlated with waist circumference, AST, ALT, HoMA-IR, liver stiffness, and APRI (p < 0.001). Subjects with CK18 fragments above the median values showed significantly higher waist circumference, HbA1c, AST, ALT, HoMA-IR, FLI, and APRI compared to those with values below the median; CK18M30 and CK18M65 levels correlated well with anthropometric and metabolic characteristics, representing good biomarkers for early identification of NASH in subjects with visceral obesity.

Efficiency of glucocorticosteroids in severe alcoholic hepatitis

Introduction . The feasibility and risks of glucocorticosteroids (GCS) in severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) are actively discussed, and there is a real need to develop new biomarkers both to determine indications for the GCS use and to evaluate their effectiveness. Аim . Тo evaluate the effectiveness of GCS in SAH using a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammatory cytokines along with traditional laboratory parameters. Materials and methods . Prednisolone at a dose of 40 mg per day was received by 68 patients with SAH. The effectiveness of therapy was assessed after 7 days by the Lille index, the level of cytokeratin-18 fragments (FCK-18) and cytokines – IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8. Results . A positive effect of GCS was noted in 50 (73.5%) patients, after 7 days the Lille index was 0.23 ± 0.09, the levels of FCK18, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α were significantly reduced, with subsequent decrease and improvement in hepatic functional parameters. These patients had a 100% short-term (within 28 days) survival rate. Eighteen (26.5%) patients had a negative result, the Lille index was 0.61 ± 0.11, there was no significant decrease in FCK-18 and cytokines. After GCS was discontinued, they developed liver failure, 1/3 developed bacterial infections, all patients died of multiple organ failure within 28 days. Conclusion . The short-term effect of GCS therapy in SAH patients was 73.5%. Along with the traditional Lille index, the following indicators demonstrated diagnostic significance: fragments of cytokeratin-18, cytokines IL-6, IL-8, and, to a lesser extent, TNF-α and IL-1β.

Plasma Cytokeratin-18 Fragment Level Reflects the Metabolic Phenotype in Obesity.

There is growing interest in the non-invasive identification and monitoring of the outcome of liver damage in obese patients. Plasma cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) fragment levels correlate with the magnitude of hepatocyte apoptosis and have recently been proposed to independently predict the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The aim of the study was to analyze the associations of CK-18 with obesity and related complications: insulin resistance, impaired lipid metabolism and the secretion of hepatokines, adipokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The study involved 151 overweight and obese patients (BMI 25-40), without diabetes, dyslipidemia or apparent liver disease. Liver function was assessed based on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and the fatty liver index (FLI). CK-18 M30 plasma levels, FGF-21, FGF-19 and cytokines were determined by ELISA. CK-18 values >150 U/l were accompanied by high ALT, GGT and FLI, insulin resistance, postprandial hypertriglyceridemia, elevated FGF-21 and MCP-1 and decreased adiponectin. ALT activity was the strongest independent factor influencing high CK-18 plasma levels, even after an adjustment for age, sex and BMI [β coefficient (95%CI): 0.40 (0.19-0.61)]. In conclusion, the applied CK-18 cut-off point at 150 U/l allows to distinguish between two metabolic phenotypes in obesity.

Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Systematic Review

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the first-line therapy for OSA. However, the effect of CPAP on NAFLD in patients with concomitant OSA is still unclear. This study aims to identify the use of CPAP on NAFLD in patients with OSA. Method: A systematic literature search was performed using particular keywords and medical subheadings in three journal databases: Cochrane, PubMed, and EBSCOhost. The results were screened and assessed using inclusion and exclusion criteria by three independent authors. The Randomized controlled trial (RCT) quality was evaluated with Jadad scale and the cohort studies quality was assessed with Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale.Results: Two RCTs and three cohort studies were eligible to fulfil the inclusion criteria, consisting of 620 total patients. Two RCTs showed no statistically significant improvement after CPAP treatment in NAFLD based on intrahepatic triglyceride (measured by proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy), liver stiffness measurement, serum cytokeratin-18 fragment, and liver function blood test parameters. Meanwhile, 2 cohort studies in adults and 1 cohort study in children showed significant improvement in ALT, AST, and APRI. However, one cohort study showed no significant improvement in serum fibrosis markers and transient elastography measurement after CPAP treatment.Conclusion: CPAP might be beneficial in some patients with OSA to improve NAFLD, but further research that includes many subjects and longer duration of CPAP therapy is needed to confirm this result.

Collagens of the third and fourth types in various forms of alcoholic liver disease

The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and diagnostic significance of collagens of the third type (Col3) and the fourth type (Col4) in various forms of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Materials and methods. 98 patients with ALD were examined: 13 (13.3%) with liver steatosis (LS), 15 (15.3%) with steatohepatitis (SH), 56 (57.1%) with liver cirrhosis (LC), 14 (14.3%) with severe alcoholic hepatitis against the background of liver cirrhosis (SAH-LC). Among the examined there were 59 (60.2%) men and 39 (39.80%) women, the average age was 53.48±11.45 years. The content of fibrogenesis proteins in the blood serum - type III collagen (Col3) and type IV collagen (Col4) was determined by enzyme immunoassay (test systems “Kit For Collagen Type III (Col3)” and “Kit For Collagen Type IV (Col4)”, “Cloud-Clone Corp”, USA), a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis - fragments of cytokeratin-18 (FCK-18) (“Biotech” test system, Sweden), cytokines - IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL- 8, TNF-α (“Vector-Best”, Russia). Results. The level of Col3 in healthy individuals was 6.12±0.73 ng/ml and Col4-9.45±0.32 ng/ml. In all forms of ALD, the content of both types of collagen exceeded that in healthy individuals: Col3 in LS was 6.52±0.94 ng/ml (p<0.05), in SH it was 12.50±3.18 ng/ml (p<0.05), in LC - 20.96±4.93 ng/ml (p<0.05), in SAH-LC - 26.90±3.87 ng/ml (p<0.05); Col4-10.14±0.66 ng/ml, 13.87±1.15 ng/ml, 79.56±33.10 ng/ml and 107.12±39.09 ng/ml, respectively. Col3 positively correlated with ALT (r=0.27, p=0.02) and alkaline phosphatase (r=0.28, p=0.04). Col4 correlated with bilirubin (r=0.74), AST (r=0.65), glutamyl transpeptidase (r=0.58), cytokeratin-18 (r=0.56), sedimentation rate of erythrocytes (r=0.61), C-reactive protein (r=0.59), IL -6 (r= 0.51) and leukocytes (r=0.45) (all p<0.001). Conclusion. Col4 demonstrated greater diagnostic and clinical significance in alcoholic liver disease compared to Col3. The level of Col4 increased by an average of 8 times with the progression of the disease from liver steatosis to cirrhosis, and Col3 - only by 3 times. There were more diverse and stronger associations between Col4 and markers of hepatocellular damage and inflammation than between Col3 and these indicators. The maximum rise in the levels of both types of collagen found in SAH-LC confirmed the important role of this form of liver disease in the development of fibrosis, and hence in the further decompensation of liver cirrhosis.

Impact of duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) on NAFLD in patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus

ObjectivesNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents an excessively rising entity of chronic liver disease and is a leading cause of mortality among patients with metabolic syndrome. The duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) is a minimally invasive endoscopic treatment option for patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Although beneficial effects of DJBL therapy on body weight reduction and glycemic control have been described, the effects of DJBL implantation on NAFLD is unknown. The aim of this study was to to evaluate the effects of DJBL implantation for 6 to 9 months on biochemical and clinical biomarkers of NAFLD in a large cohort of patients. MethodsThe effect of DJBL treatment on biochemical and clinical parameters of NAFLD were assessed in a study cohort of 71 patients with obesity and T2DM. DJBL was implanted for 9 to 12 months and patients were regularly monitored during the implantation period and for a follow-up period of 6 months after explantation. ResultsDJBL therapy was associated with a significant decrease in fatty liver index during time of implantation (explantation versus implantation: 93.38 versus 98.22, P < 0.001). Moreover, DJBL implantation was associated with decreases of alanine aminotransferase (29.03 versus 42.29 U/L, P < 0.0001) and cytokeratin-18 fragments (CK18 MF30; 190.6 versus 276 U/L, P < 0.0001), that further remained stable during 6 months after explantation. NAFLD fibrosis and aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) scores decreased significantly during implantation (–0.83 versus 0.19, P < 0.001, 0.26 versus 0.36, P < 0.0001, respectively). ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate significant effects of DJBL treatment on biochemical and clinical markers of NAFLD activity. Significant effects of DJBL treatment on NAFLD fibrosis and APRI score further suggests protective effects of DJBL on liver-related morbidity and mortality in patients with obesity and T2DM.

Hepatocytic Apoptosis and Immune Dysfunction in Decompensation of Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis with Different Grades of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) of varying grades was assessed in 110 patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis using the on-line CLIF-C ACLF Calculator ( www.efclif.com/scientific-activity/score-calculators/clif-c-aclf ); fragments of cytokeratin-18, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 were also assayed. As ACLF progressed from grade 0 to grade 3, the levels of cytokeratin-18 fragments, IL-6, and IL-8 significantly increased, while IL-4 decreased. TNFα peaked in ACLF grade 1, but decreased in grades 2 and 3. IL-1β did not depend on the ACLF grade. Thus, hepatic damage and immune dysfunction are implicated in the progression of ACLF.

The value of the triglyceride-glucose index in the diagnosis of insulin resistance in early forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The goal. To determine the value of the triglyceride glucose index (TGI) for the diagnosis of insulin resistance (IR) in early forms of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).Materials and methods. 99 patients with NAFLD were examined: 38 (38.4%) with liver steatosis (LS) and 61 (61.6%) with steatohepatitis (SH). TGI was determined by the formula — In [fasting TG (mg / dl) × fasting glucose (mg / dl) / 2], patients with LS and SH were divided into quartiles (Q1-Q4) by increasing TGI levels with an assessment of liver tests, insulin levels (“Insulin TEST System”, Monobind Inc., USA), HOMA-IR, fragments of cytokeratin-18 (FCK-18) ("TPS ELISA, Biotech”, Sweden) and TNF-α (“Human TNFα Platinum” ELISA, eBioscience, Austria).Results. In patients with LS with a TGI increase from Q1 to Q4, HOMA-IR increased from 1.12 ± 0.48 to 6.02 ± 3.15 (p &lt;0.05), a direct relationship was found between these indicators — r = 0.52 (p = 0.03). TGI also correlated with waist circumference — r = 0.81 (p = 0.01), cholesterol — r = 0.51 (p = 0.002), alkaline phosphatase — r = 0.41 (p = 0.02). In patients with SH, from Q1 to Q4, HOMA-IR increased from 3.15 ± 1.8 to 6.2 ± 3.04 (p &lt;0.05), but there was no significant correlation between HOMA-IR and TGI. The levels of FCK-18 increased from Q1 to Q4-139.82 ± 72.45 to 359.75 ± 189.03 U / L (p &lt;0.05) and TNF-α — from 6.38 ± 1.25 pg / ml up to 7.75 ± 1.09 pg / ml (p &lt;0.05). There was a connection between TGI and the level of a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis — FCK-18 — r = 0.43 (p = 0.004).Conclusion. In liver steatosis, TGI has demonstrated its diagnostic role as a surrogate marker of insulin resistance, correlating with HOMA-IR. In steatohepatitis, TGI reflected the degree of hepatocytic apoptosis, correlating with fragments of cytokeratin-18.

The role of hepatocellular death and systemic inflammation in the development of acute kidney injury in acute decompensation of alcoholic liver cirrhosis

The aim of the study was to assess the role of hepatocellular death and systemic inflammation in the development of acute kidney injury (AKI) in acute decompensation of alcoholic liver cirrhosis (AD ALC).Materials and methods. 125 patients with ALC were examined: 20 (16.0%) (group I) with signs of hepatorenal syndromeacute kidney injury (HRS-AKI) at the age of 57.13 ± 9,08 years, 13 men (65.0%) and 105 (84.0%) patients (group II) without such a syndrome at the age of 56.30 ± 9.6 years., 62 men (59.0%). Along with liver tests, a markers of hepatocyte apoptosis and cytokines were determined by ELISA: fragments of cytokeratin-18 (FCK-18) ("Biotech" Sweden), cytokines — TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8 (“Vector-Best”, Russia). Grade and index of acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) were determined using an on-line calculator (www.efclif.com/scientific-activity/score-calculators/clif-c-aclf).Results. The hepatocellular death indicators were significantly higher in patients of group I with HRS-AKI compared with patients of group II without HRS-AKI: FCK-18-1609.44 ± 542.79 U / l versus 975.77±607.59 U / l, bilirubin — 242.64 ± 98.14 pmol/l versus 145.09 ± 79.35 pmol/l, inflammation indicators — TNF-α — 9.28 ± 3,11 pg/ml versus 6.59 ± 2.21 pg/ml, IL-6-54.79 ± 17.7 pg/ml versus 36.71 ± 18.05 pg/ml, CRP — 49.68 ± 23.23 mg/l versus 22.07 ± 20.40 mg/l, leukocytes — 12.23 ± 3.28x109/l versus 8,66 ± 2,31x109/l (everywhere p &lt;0.05). ACLF developed in all (100.0%) patients of group I, its grade was 2.73±0.76 and score — 56.33 ± 4.01; ACLF developed only in 37 (35,2%) patients of group II, its grade was1.05±0.24 (p&lt;0,05) and score was 47.45 ± 4,80 (p &lt;0.05).Conclusion. The development of HRS-AKI in patients with acute decompensation of ALC was associated with significantly higher rates of hepatocytic apoptosis, hyperbilirubinemia, systemic inflammation, frequency and severity of ACLF.

Role of tissue molecular pathogens in development of acute chronic liver failure in alcoholic liver cirrhosis

The aim of the study was to assess the pathogenetic, diagnostic and clinical role of tissue molecular pathogens – fragments of cytokeratin-18 in the development of acute chronic liver failure (ACLF) in decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis (ALC).Materials and methods. 80 patients with ALC were examined: 30 without signs of ACLF and 50 with signs of ACLF and 36 healthy individuals. Hepatic functional tests were determined, a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis – fragments of cytokeratin-18 (FCK-18) (Biotech, Sweden) by the enzyme immunoassay, ACLF scores were calculated using an on-line calculator at www.efclif.com/scientific-activity/score-calculators/ clif-c-aclf.Results. With ACLF, a high level of FCK-18 was detected – 1505.4 ± 446.9 U/L, more than 20 times higher than that in healthy individuals – 71.5 ± 19.6 U/L (p &lt; 0.05) and three times higher than the level of FCK-18 in patients with ALC without ACLF – 489.4 ± 490.2 U/L. The levels of aminotransferases, bilirubin, creatinine, INR were significantly higher in patients with ACLF compared with patients without ACLF, and the level of albumin was lower. FCK-18 level directly correlated with ALT – r = 0.61 (p &lt; 0.05), AST – r = 0.68 (p &lt; 0.05), with bilirubin level – r = 0.41 (p &lt; 0, 05) and the ACLF score – r = 0.48 (p &lt; 0.05) and inversely correlated with the albumin level r = –0.51 (p &lt; 0.05).Conclusion. Apoptosis of hepatocytes and tissue molecular pathogens released during it – fragments of cytokeratin-18 – play a role in the development of acute chronic liver failure in decompensated alcoholic liver cirrhosis.

Dose-Effect/Toxicity of Bupleuri Radix on Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress and Normal Rats Based on Liver Metabolomics.

Depression, one of the most prevalent psychiatric diseases, affects the quality of life of millions of people. Studies have shown that the lower polar fraction of Bupleuri Radix (PBR) elicited therapeutic effects in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) rats. In contrast, comparatively mild liver injury was observed in normal rats administered a high PBR dose. It is essential to clarify the effective and safe dose of PBR and its dose-effect/toxicity relationship. In this study, we used the CUMS model to evaluate the effects and toxicities of PBR and to decipher the dose-effect/toxicity relationship and mechanism using the liver metabonomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis. In CUMS rats, PBR improved the depression-like behaviors including reduced body growth rate, anhedonia, and locomotor activities, and markedly reduced the contents of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In control rats, PBR treatment altered ALT and AST from typical levels. Moreover, the effective dose range for CUMS rats was 12.6–163 g (herb)/kg, the median toxicity dose for CUMS and normal rats were 388 and 207 g (herb)/kg. The toxicological results showed that the cytokeratin-18 fragment level was increased significantly in CUMS rats given with 100 g (herb)/kg PBR. After a comprehensive analysis, the use of PBR dose was determined to be 12.6–50 g (herb)/kg. In CUMS rats, PBR could reverse amino acid metabolism, energy metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and β-oxidation of fatty acids to produce an anti-depressant effect in a dose-dependent manner. In control rats, two additional metabolic pathways were significantly perturbed by PBR, including glycerophospholipid metabolism and bile acid metabolism. Moreover, the comprehensive metabolic index including dose-effect index (DEI) and dose toxicity index (DTI) had a remarkable ability (ROC = 0.912, ROC = 0.878) to predict effect and toxicity. The DEI and DTI were used to determine the dose range of effect and toxicity which was shown high concordance with previous results. Furthermore, the CUMS rats possessed a higher toxicity tolerance dose of PBR which was consistent with the theory of “You Gu Wu Yun” in traditional Chinese medicine. The metabonomics techniques combined with correlation analysis could be used to discover indicators for comprehensive evaluations of efficacy and toxicity.

Predictive value of cytokeratin-18 fragment levels for diagnosing steatohepatitis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Several noninvasive markers have been developed to predict nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We investigated the predictive value of the cytokeratin-18 fragment (CK18-F) level and FIB-4 index for diagnosing NASH in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A total of 246 patients histologically diagnosed with NASH (n = 185) or nonalcoholic fatty liver (n = 61) were enrolled. We analyzed weighted receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the prediction of NASH and determined the relationship between the CK18-F level and the histological features of NASH. In addition, we investigated the predictive value of the combination of the CK18-F level and FIB-4 index for diagnosing NASH. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) value of the CK18-F level was 0.77. With a CK18-F cutoff level of 260 U/L, the sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing NASH were 82.7 and 57.4%, respectively. Multiple comparisons showed that the CK18-F level did not differ among fibrosis stages but did significantly differ among hepatocyte ballooning grades. Overall, 95.7% (66/69) of patients with a FIB-4 index of ≥2.67 had NASH. In patients with a FIB-4 index of <2.67, the AUROC value of the CK18-F level for predicting NASH was 0.77 and a CK18-F cutoff level of 260 U/L resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 82.4 and 56.9%. The CK18-F level had a good predictive ability for diagnosing NASH in patients with NAFLD. Additionally, the combination of the CK18-F level and FIB-4 index accurately and noninvasively predicted NASH, even those with a low FIB-4 index.

Angiopoietin-2 levels correlates with disease activity in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a chronic liver disease in children, ranges from nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We investigated the role of Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2) as a biomarker for pediatric NAFLD-related liver damage. We assessed the plasma levels of Ang-2 and cytokeratin-18 (CK18) fragments and their association with histologic activity in 76 children with NAFLD and 28 controls. The mean plasma levels of Ang-2 and CK18 were higher in children with NAFLD than in age-matched controls (Ang-2 155.4 ± 72.5 vs 7.5 ± 2.3 ng/mL, p < 0.001; CK18 390.4 ± 145.6 vs 193.9 ± 30.8 IU/L, p < 0.001). Ang-2 was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in children with NASH (N = 41) while CK18 was significantly increased (p = 0.002) in children with fibrosis (N = 47). Ang-2 levels accurately predicted NASH (AUROC 0.911; 95% CI 0.844-0.979; p < 0.0001), while CK18 predicted both NASH (AUROC 0.827; 95% CI 0.735-0.919; p < 0.0001) and fibrosis (AUROC 0.724; 95% CI 0.611-0.837; p = 0.001). Ang-2 and CK18 in combination were good predictors of NASH with a sensitivity of 71.4% and a specificity of 100%. In conclusion, our data suggested Ang-2 as a suitable biomarker of NASH in the pediatric population. However, our findings need external validation in other cohorts. Several circulating factors have been extensively studied as potential biomarkers for NASH. Angiopoietin-2 circulating levels are increased in children with NAFLD and are associated with NASH. Angiopoietin-2 levels are more efficient than CK18 levels at assessing the most severe form of disease, and the combining of these two biomarkers reached a positive predictive value of 100% for NASH.

Serum caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 fragment as a prognostic biomarker in hematological patients with febrile neutropenia

The study aim was to determine the benefit of the measurement of serum caspase-cleaved cytokeratin-18 (CK-18) fragment as a prognostic marker of febrile neutropenia (FN) in hematological patients. The study population consisted of 86 consecutive patients with FN who received intensive chemotherapy for hematological malignancy at the adult hematology ward of Kuopio University Hospital. Twenty-three patients (27%) had acute myeloid leukemia, and 63 patients (73%) were autologous stem cell transplant recipients. Serum caspase-cleaved CK-18 fragment M30, C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were measured at the onset of FN (d0), on day 1 (d1), and on day 2 (d2). Eight patients (9%) developed severe sepsis, including three patients with septic shock. Eighteen patients (21%) had a blood culture-positive infection. Serum CK-18 fragment peaked on the first day after fever onset in patients with severe sepsis. Higher CK-18 level was associated with severe sepsis, intensive care unit treatment, and fatal outcome, but not with blood culture positivity. In ROC curve analysis, d1 serum CK-18 fragment predicted severe sepsis with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.767, CRP with an AUC of 0.764, and PCT with an AUC of 0.731. On d2, the best predictive capacity was observed for CRP with an AUC of 0.832. The optimal cutoff of caspase-cleaved CK-18 fragment M30 for predicting severe sepsis was 205 U/L on d1. In hematological patients, serum CK-18 fragment was found to be a potential prognostic marker of severe sepsis at early stages of FN.

Role of Bacterial Infection in the Development of Acute Liver Failure in Patients with Decompensated Alcoholic Liver Cirrhosis.

We examined 74 patients with acute decompensation of alcoholic liver cirrhosis: 34 (45.9%) with bacterial infection (group 1) and 40 (54.1%) without bacterial infection (group 2). The degree and index of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) were determined using an on-line CLIF-C ACLF Calculator and the levels of cytokeratin-18 fragments, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8. In group 1, AST, cytokeratin-18, TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, degree and score of ACLF were significantly higher than in group 2. ACLF developed in 18 (52.9%) patients in group 1 and in 11 (27.5%) (p<0.05) patients in group 2. Within 1 month, 10 (29.4%) patients of group 1 and 2 (5%) patients of group 2 died (p<0.05). Patients with bacterial infection showed a more severe course of alcoholic liver cirrhosis and ACLF than those without bacterial infection.

Clinical features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with different glycemic status

Introduction. NAFLD is an urgent health problem, its prevalence reaches 45%. NAFLD increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases by 3 times, the risk of death from them by 2 times and increases the risk of developing diabetes by 5 times. NAS occupies up to 20% of the structure of NAFLD and has a high potential for progression, and the violation of endogenous glycemic regulation and the development of DM2 accelerates the rate of disease progression.The goal was to determine the frequency of development of prediabetes (PD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in NASH patients and the effect of impaired glycemic status on the clinical features of NASH.Materials and methods: 211 NASH patients were examined: 148 (70.1%) men, 63 (29.9%) women, 48.3 ± 10.2 years old. The diagnosis was established on the basis of clinical, laboratory, ultrasound and histological data. By enzyme immunoassay were determined: TNF-α, cytokeratin-18 fragments (CKF-18), insulin; were calculated HOMA-IR and NAFLD fibrosis score (NAFLD FS).Results and discussion. PD was detected in 39 (18.5%) patients, T2DM - in 33 (15.6%) patients. In PD patients, in contrast to patients with normoglycemia, the following indicators were significantly higher: waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), cholesterol levels (Ch), LDL, ESR, TNF-α, NAFLD FS and lower albumin and platelet levels. In patients with T2DM, in contrast to those with normoglycemia, the following indicators were significantly higher: WC, BMI, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase (APh), Ch, ESR, CKF-18 and NAFLD FS. In T2DM patients in contrast to those with PD, the following indicators were significantly higher: aminotransferases, APh and lower albumin level.Conclusions. Prediabetes and T2DM were detected with almost the same frequency among patients with NASH – in 18.5% and 15.6%, respectively. Disturbance of glycemic status was associated with a significance increase in waist circumference, markers of inflammation, dyslipidemia, fibrosis, hepatocytic necrosis, apoptosis, intrahepatic cholestasis and a decrease in albumin level.

Relationship between hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and serum apoptosis marker m30- antigen in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective: The amount of evidence suggests that the apoptosis marker M30-antigen (an antibody that recognizes the cytokeratin-18 fragment) has an association with hyperglycemia.&#x0D; Material and Methods: In this study, serum M30 levels of 145 patients diagnosed with prediabetes (n = 28) and type 2 diabetes, which was divided into four groups according to their HbA1c levels, were measured. The health control group (n = 24) was composed of healthy individuals. Serum concentrations of M30 antigen were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system and expressed as mean ± SD. HbA1c concentration was determined by boronate affinity technology according to NGSP standards.&#x0D; Results: M30 levels were comparable in the healthy control group (64,39±3,9 U/L) and prediabetes group (82,07±13,7). Type 2 diabetes Groups A, B, C, and D had levels of 109,38±16 U/L, 117,46±14,3 U/L, 173,69±48,1 U/L, and 163,40±37,3 U/L, respectively. The analysis of the data has shown that serum levels of M30 in the control and prediabetes groups were significantly lower than Type 2 diabetes Groups C and D (p=0.043). When all groups were taken into consideration, a significant relationship was found between HbA1c and serum M30 levels (r=0.231, p=0.002).&#x0D; Conclusion: Apparently, the increase in glycemia is followed by a rise in the serum levels of the, suggesting that apoptosis occurs as a secondary effect immediately after hyperglycemia.