How do neutrophils contribute to the pathophysiology of alcoholic hepatitis?5 answersNeutrophils play a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of alcoholic hepatitis (AH), contributing to both the initiation and progression of the disease through various mechanisms. In AH, neutrophils are significantly involved in liver injury and inflammation, with their infiltration being a hallmark of the disease's severity. Studies have shown that blood concentrations of neutrophil-derived mediators such as myeloperoxidase (MPO) and neutrophil elastase (NE) are significantly higher in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD), correlating with the intensity of inflammation and the severity of liver dysfunction. This is consistent with findings in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), where neutrophil infiltration also plays a critical role in promoting the progression of fatty liver to NASH, highlighting the shared inflammatory pathways in alcohol-related and non-alcohol-related liver diseases.
Moreover, neutrophils contribute to cholestasis in AH by binding to integrin β1 (ITGB1) on cholangiocytes, leading to a decrease in type 3 inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (ITPR3) expression, which is necessary for cholangiocyte secretion. This interaction triggers a cascade of events that exacerbate cholestasis, a condition that worsens the prognosis of AH. The involvement of neutrophils in SAH pathogenesis is further elucidated by the identification of two distinct histopathological phenotypes, one characterized by high intrahepatic neutrophils but low levels of CD8+ T cells. This phenotype is associated with upregulation of neutrophil cytosolic factor 1 (NCF1), which controls neutrophilic reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, promoting hepatic inflammation and disease progression.
Neutrophils also mediate the transition from steatosis to NASH by releasing a vast array of granule proteins that enhance liver metabolic inflammation, thereby promoting disease progression through neutrophil-macrophage interaction. The exacerbated neutrophil response in NASH, characterized by increased recruitment and delayed resolution of inflammation, suggests that neutrophils undergo priming in the liver, which can further respond to secondary inflammatory triggers. The phenotypic and functional plasticity of neutrophils, as identified in various liver diseases, underscores their role in tissue damage and immune regulation, making them potential therapeutic targets. This is supported by the notion that inappropriate activation and homing of neutrophils contribute to the pathological manifestations of many types of liver disease, including AH. Lastly, the critical involvement of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of liver diseases, including liver cancer, highlights their potential as targets for the treatment of liver diseases, further emphasizing their significant role in AH.
What is the phenotype of neutrophils in Alcoholic hepatitis.?10 answersThe phenotype of neutrophils in alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is characterized by a complex interplay of activation, infiltration, and interaction with other cell types, leading to liver injury and disease progression. In AH, neutrophils exhibit increased infiltration into the liver, a process implicated in the pathogenesis of severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH). This infiltration is associated with two distinct histopathological phenotypes based on liver immune phenotyping, suggesting varied mechanisms of liver injury. Neutrophils in AH demonstrate a high degree of plasticity, enabling them to modulate the activity of T cells, which may contribute to the progression of liver disease.
Functionally, neutrophils in AH are heterogeneous, involved not only in antimicrobial functions but also in tissue damage and immune regulation. They interact with cholangiocytes, contributing to cholestasis, a worsening factor in AH prognosis, through mechanisms involving cell adhesion molecules and signaling pathways that lead to a decrease in cholangiocyte secretion. In the context of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), neutrophils show altered number, phenotype, gene expression, and function, which are associated with poor outcomes and shaped by the circulatory environment of ACLF.
Neutrophil CD64 expression is significantly higher in patients with SAH and infection, serving as a potential marker to distinguish bacterial infection from inflammation. Alcohol consumption impacts neutrophil functionality, reducing spontaneous oxidative burst and altering TLR4 expression, which may influence the immune response in alcohol-related cirrhosis (ARC). The infiltration and activation of neutrophils in the liver involve systemic priming and transmigration mediated by chemokines and adhesion molecules. Lastly, alcohol exposure affects neutrophil gene expression and dampens their bactericidal ability, critical for resolving infections. Collectively, these findings underscore the multifaceted role of neutrophils in AH, highlighting their contribution to disease pathogenesis through various mechanisms of action.
Can the NLR ratio be used as a predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis?5 answersThe Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) shows varying diagnostic and prognostic value in different patient populations with sepsis. In neonatal sepsis, one study found no correlation between NLR and mortality rates. Conversely, in patients with sepsis and septic shock, NLR was reliable in identifying blood culture confirmed sepsis but not in discriminating between sepsis and septic shock or predicting 30-day mortality. For burn patients, NLR on the 1st and 3rd day of treatment correlated with mortality and sepsis incidence, indicating its prognostic value. In sepsis-induced myocardial injury, a higher NLR was associated with increased 30-day mortality, highlighting its prognostic significance. Additionally, in sepsis patients with coronary artery disease, high NLR was linked to higher 28-day mortality risk, especially when combined with other ratios and SOFA scores.
Corticosteroid therapy for hepatitis e virus patients?4 answersCorticosteroid therapy for patients with hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a topic of interest with varying outcomes in different types of hepatitis. Studies have shown that corticosteroid treatment in patients with severe COVID-19/chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection may increase the risk of mortality and delay viral clearance. In autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), corticosteroid therapy is commonly used and has been associated with improved outcomes without high mortality rates or sepsis. Additionally, in patients with cholestatic hepatitis A, corticosteroid therapy, specifically prednisolone, has shown promising results in managing severe pruritus. However, the duration and dosage of corticosteroids play a crucial role, as long-term use may lead to adverse effects and potential viral reactivation in chronic HBV patients. Therefore, the use of corticosteroids in HEV patients should be carefully considered based on individual factors and closely monitored to prevent complications.
How to predict alcohol blood concentration using machine learning?4 answersMachine learning algorithms can be used to predict alcohol blood concentration. Aschbacher et al. developed a digital phenotype of long-term smart-breathalyzer behavior to predict breath alcohol concentration (BrAC) levels using data from a smart breathalyzer. Li et al. used neural networks to analyze sensor data from smartphones to predict a person's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) based on their gait, achieving lower variance and outperforming other models. Mubibya and Almhana applied machine learning algorithms to predict a person's state of intoxication based on their alcohol levels, achieving higher prediction accuracy compared to previous works. Koch et al. developed an in-vehicle machine learning system using driver monitoring cameras to predict critical BAC levels, demonstrating reliable detection of driving under alcohol influence. Wang et al. used machine learning techniques to classify gases and predict ethanol concentration using a gas sensor array.
Can machine learning be used to predict the development of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)?5 answersMachine learning algorithms have shown promise in predicting the development of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Multiple machine learning models, including logistic regression, random forest, extreme gradient boosting, gradient boosting machine, and support vector machine, have been developed and validated for NAFLD prediction. These models have achieved high accuracy rates, with SVM and RF models achieving an overall accuracy of 99%. Important predictors for NAFLD risk identified by these models include alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin, age, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and elevated triglyceride (TG). These findings provide valuable insights for the early identification of high-risk patients with NAFLD, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.