Organic anion-transporting polypeptides (OATPs) play a crucial role in the transport of bile acids and bilirubin. In our previous study, interleukin 6 (IL-6) reduced OATP1B3 levels in cholestatic disease. However, it remains unclear whether IL-6 inhibits OATP1B1 expression in cholestatic diseases. This study aimed to investigate whether IL-6 can inhibit OATP1B1 expression and explore the underlying mechanisms.

The effect of stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling on inflammatory factors was investigated in a cholestatic mouse model using RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. To assess the impact of inflammatory factors on OATP1B1 expression in hepatocellular carcinoma, we analyzed OATP1B1 expression by RT-qPCR and Western Blot after treating PLC/PRF/5 cells with TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6. To elucidate the mechanism by which IL-6 inhibits OATP1B1 expression, we examined the expression of the OATP1B1 regulator TCF4 in PLC/PRF/5 and HepG2 cells using RT-qPCR and Western Blot. The interaction mechanism between β-catenin/TCF4 and OATP1B1 was investigated by knocking down β-catenin/TCF4 through siRNA transfection.

The STING inhibitor decreased inflammatory factor levels in the cholestatic mouse model, with IL-6 exhibiting the most potent inhibitory effect on OATP1B1. IL-6 downregulated β-catenin/TCF4, leading to decreased OATP1B1 expression. Knocking-down β-catenin/TCF4 counteracted the β-catenin/TCF4-mediated repression of OATP1B1.

STING-mediated IL-6 up-regulation may inhibit OATP1B1, leading to reduced transport of bile acids and bilirubin by OATP1B1. This may contribute to altered pharmacokinetics in patients with diseases associated with increased IL-6 production.

The performance of neurodegenerative biomarkers—neurofilament light chain (NfL), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), tau, and ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1)—in diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) has not been systematically evaluated, simultaneously, nor have their associations with the development of overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE). This study aimed to evaluate the performance of plasma NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1 in diagnosing MHE and predicting the development of OHE in Chinese patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

In this prospective study, 124 patients with hepatic cirrhosis were recruited. The Psychometric Hepatic Encephalopathy Score was used to diagnose MHE, and OHE development was observed during a 30-day follow-up period. Plasma levels of NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1 were measured using the highly sensitive single-molecule array when MHE was diagnosed. Additionally, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) and MELD-Na scores were also measured.

MHE was diagnosed in 57 (46.0%) patients. Patients with MHE had significantly higher plasma levels of NfL and GFAP (34.2 vs. 22.4 pg/mL and 173 vs. 97.6 pg/mL, respectively; both p < 0.001) and lower tau levels (8.4 vs. 11.6 pg/mL, p = 0.048) compared to those without MHE. Plasma NfL (odds ratios = 1.027, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.006–1.048; p = 0.013) and serum ammonia levels (odds ratios = 1.021, 95% CI: 1.006–1.036; p = 0.007) were independently associated with MHE occurrence. A combination of NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1 was effective in diagnosing MHE in all cirrhotic patients (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [hereinafter referred to as AUROC]: 0.748, 95% CI: 0.662–0.821), with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 71.0%, 71.9%, and 71.6%, respectively. In patients without previous OHE, the combination had an AUROC of 0.764 (95% CI: 0.673–0.840), with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 72.5%, 71.7%, and 73.0%, respectively. Furthermore, GFAP (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.003, 95% CI: 1.000–1.005; p = 0.044), IL-6 (HR = 1.003, 95% CI: 1.001–1.004; p < 0.001), and MELD score (HR = 1.139, 95% CI: 1.072–1.210; p < 0.001)—but not NfL, tau, and UCHL1—were identified as risk factors for 30-day OHE development.

The combination of plasma levels of NfL, GFAP, tau, and UCHL1 performs well in diagnosing MHE. Additionally, MELD score, IL-6, and GFAP appear to be significant predictors of OHE development in patients with hepatic cirrhosis.

The liver plays a crucial role in maintaining whole-body homeostasis in both health and disease, engaging in important communication with other organs. The coordination of multiple signaling pathways is essential for facilitating such interorgan communication. Among these pathways, the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and HIPPO signaling pathways serve critical functions as tumor suppressors, exerting pivotal control over liver development, size, and tissue regeneration. In the normal hepatic context, these pathways exhibit significant crosstalk through various molecular mechanisms. This interaction is context-dependent within the hepatic microenvironment, regulating diverse cellular processes from development to adulthood. Disruptions in the regulation of these pathways and their crosstalk contribute to the onset of liver diseases. This review delves into the intricate interplay between the canonical pathways of TGF-β and HIPPO, exploring their involvement in liver development and various pathologies such as fibrosis, cirrhosis, and tumorigenesis. Special attention is given to their impact on the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition process, a crucial element associated with liver wound healing and cancer metastasis. By addressing these molecular interactions, the review aimed to provide insights into the underlying mechanisms that influence liver physiology and pathology, offering potential avenues for therapeutic interventions.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis (Yptb) causes intestinal infection and can spread to the liver, where the bacterium induces hemosiderosis, abscesses, and hepatitis. To evade the immune response of the host organism, Yptb expresses at least six plasmid-encoded Yersinia outer proteins belonging to the Type III secretion system, which suppress phagocytic activity. Recently, evidence has accumulated that chromosome-encoded protein toxins are also involved in the anti-phagocytic defense of Yptb. Most of these toxins have been found in isolates from patients with Far East scarlet-like fever, often accompanied by liver pathology. Yersinia proteins contribute to bacterial colonization of lymphoid organs through their effects on immune cells. A thorough understanding of the immunomodulatory effects of these toxic proteins on bacterial dissemination and colonization in the liver will contribute to the development of novel approaches to cure hepatic pathology during Yptb infection. The review aimed to summarize the current data on the mechanisms of effects of Yptb plasmid- and chromosome-encoded toxins on bacterial colonization in the liver. The review highlights the fine-tuning of immune system activity by toxins encoded by both a 70-kb plasmid and chromosomes, through various mechanisms of action of individual proteins and their interactions. The focus is on mechanisms that promote bacterial survival in macrophages, including those that facilitate bacterial-induced macrophage polarization towards the M2 phenotype. The role of a type of phagocyte death in bacterial dissemination and colonization in the organs is also discussed.

Chronic liver disease (CLD) represents a significant global health burden, with hepatic steatosis-associated disorders—such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), alcoholic liver disease, and hepatitis C virus infection—being major contributors. Recent genome-wide association studies have identified the rs72613567:TA variant in the 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 (HSD17B13) gene as a protective factor against the development and progression of these conditions. In this review, we summarized the current evidence surrounding the HSD17B13 rs72613567 variant, aiming to elucidate its impact on CLD risk and outcomes, and to explore the potential mechanisms behind its hepatoprotective effects. The rs72613567:TA variant induces a splice donor site mutation, resulting in a truncated, non-functional HSD17B13 protein. Numerous studies have demonstrated that this loss-of-function mutation confers protection against the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with MASH, alcoholic liver disease, and hepatitis C virus infection. Moreover, the rs72613567:TA variant has been associated with reduced liver enzyme levels and improved survival in HCC patients. Integrating this variant into genetic risk scores has shown promise in predicting the progression of fatty liver disease to cirrhosis and HCC. Furthermore, inhibiting HSD17B13 expression through RNA interference and small molecule inhibitors has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy for MASH. However, the precise molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of the HSD17B13 rs72613567 variant remain to be fully elucidated. Future research should focus on clarifying the structure-function relationship of HSD17B13 and its role in liver pathophysiology to facilitate the development of targeted therapies for CLD associated with hepatic steatosis.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) remains a significant global health challenge, and effective antiviral therapies are essential for long-term management. This study aimed to evaluate the real-world effectiveness and safety of tenofovir amibufenamide (TMF) in a cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

In this multicenter, prospective, real-world cohort study, 194 CHB patients were recruited from four hospitals between August 2021 and August 2022. Patients were divided into treatment-naïve (TN, n = 123) and treatment-experienced (TE, n = 71) groups. The TN group was further subdivided into TMF (n = 63) and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, n = 60) subgroups. In the TE group, patients transitioned from prior antiviral therapies (entecavir or TDF) to TMF after meeting criteria for poor virological response or safety concerns. Treatment response was evaluated in terms of virological effectiveness and alanine transaminase normalization rates. Virological response (VR), ALT normalization rates, renal function markers, and lipid profiles were monitored.

In the TN cohort, VR rates at 24 and 48 weeks were 42.86% and 90.48% for TMF, and 60.00% and 83.33% for TDF. ALT normalization rates at 24 and 48 weeks for TMF were 56.82% and 70.45% (according to AASLD 2018 standards). In the TE group, VR rates at 24 and 48 weeks were 83.1% and 91.55%, respectively. ALT normalization rates were 86.67% and 93.33% (local standards), and 66.67% and 76.67% (AASLD 2018 standards) (z = −2.822, P = 0.005). Additionally, TMF showed improved renal safety over TDF, with no significant differences in lipid concentrations.

TMF is comparable to TDF in terms of CHB treatment effectiveness, with better renal safety and no impact on lipid levels. In TE patients, transitioning to TMF therapy does not affect antiviral treatment outcomes.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant global health issue, ranking as the sixth most prevalent malignancy and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Despite advancements in therapeutic strategies, mortality rates for HCC remain high. The tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) plays a vital role in HCC progression by influencing tumor cell survival and growth. Recent studies highlight the essential role of exosomes in mediating intercellular communication within the TIME, particularly in interactions among tumor cells, immune cells, and fibroblasts. These interactions drive critical aspects of tumor development, including immune escape, angiogenesis, drug resistance, and metastasis. A detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which exosomes modulate the TIME is essential for developing targeted therapies. This review systematically evaluated the roles and regulatory mechanisms of exosomes within the TIME of HCC, examining the impact of both HCC-derived and non-HCC-derived exosomes on various cellular components within the TIME. It emphasized their regulatory effects on cell phenotypes and functions, as well as their roles in HCC progression. The review also explored the potential applications of exosome-based immunotherapies, offering new insights into improving therapeutic strategies for HCC.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is characterized by an elevated level (>155 mg/dL) of LDL (low-density lipoprotein)-Cholesterol in the blood circulation and is one of the major causes of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. The significant genes responsible for this lipid deposition are LDL-Receptor (LDLR), Apolipoprotein B-100 (APOB), and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 genes (PCSK9). Other than these 3 genes, 64 gene loci have been identified as polygenic causes. The aim of the study was to analyze the other genes involved in this condition.

In this study, three datasets representing the markers of monocyte, T lymphocyte, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in atherosclerosis and FH were selected from the pool of hypercholesterolemia datasets, and differential expression analysis was done using networkanalyst.ca.

The monocyte and t-lymphocytes datasets each had 743 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while the iPSCs dataset contained 691 DEGs. RPS7, AKRIC3, PL9, and OSM were among the genes that were expressed in the majority of Gene ontology annotations.

According to the findings, genes with varied levels of expression are associated with a variety of functions, including membrane transport, ubiquitin-protein ligase activity, the COP9 signalosome complex, the mitochondrial respiratory chain, and copper metabolism. Analyzing these critical genes lays the groundwork for investigating potential therapeutic targets that could alleviate the impact of cardiovascular disease in individuals diagnosed with FH.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat to public health in the 21st century, with bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) exhibiting multidrug resistance due to the presence of AMR genes. Understanding the evolutionary patterns and functional relationships of these genes is crucial for addressing this issue effectively.

We conducted phylogenetic analysis to examine the evolution of AMR genes in C. jejuni. Additionally, we constructed and analyzed a gene interaction network comprising 39 functional relationships. Clustering analysis was employed to identify interconnected clusters associated with AMR processes. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the involvement of cellular components, molecular functions, and biological processes.

Our analysis revealed two interconnected clusters (C1 and C2) closely associated with AMR processes. Furthermore, genes encoding ribosomal proteins (rplE, rplV, rplG, rplK, rplA, rplJ, rpsE, rplB, rpsL, and rpmA) were identified as hub genes within the gene interaction network. These genes interact frequently with their functional counterparts, indicating their significance in AMR mechanisms. Enriched Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis highlighted the importance of the ribosome pathway in understanding antibiotic resistance mechanisms in C. jejuni.

The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying AMR in C. jejuni. By elucidating the evolutionary patterns, gene interactions, and pathway enrichment, our study provides valuable insights that may contribute to the development of novel treatments for illnesses caused by this pathogen.

The quantitative effects of alcohol consumption on cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection are unknown. This study aimed to establish a dose-dependent model of alcohol consumption on the risks of cirrhosis and HCC.

PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and four Chinese databases were searched for studies published from their inception to 15 May 2024. A random-effects model was used to pool the data on the incidence of cirrhosis and HCC, and a dose-dependent model of alcohol’s effect on cirrhosis and HCC was established.

A total of 33,272 HBV patients from 45 studies were included. Compared with non-drinkers, the overall pooled odds ratio (OR) for cirrhosis was 2.61 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46–4.66; I2 = 94%, p < 0.001), and the OR for HCC was 2.27 (95% CI: 1.50–3.43; I2 = 90%, p < 0.001) among drinkers. Compared with low-level drinkers, the estimated pooled OR for cirrhosis was 2.34 (95% CI: 1.59–3.44; I2 = 87%, p < 0.001), and the OR for HCC was 2.42 (95% CI: 1.90–3.09; I2 = 80%, p < 0.001) among high-level drinkers. Furthermore, a linear dose-dependent analysis showed that each daily consumption of 12 g of alcohol increased the risk of cirrhosis by 6.2% and the risk of HCC by 11.5%.

Alcohol dose-dependently increases the risks of cirrhosis and HCC in patients with HBV infection, and patients with daily alcohol consumption of more than 12 g should be strictly monitored.