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Normothermic perfusion provides a means to rescue steatotic liver grafts including by pharmacological defatting. In this study, we tested the potential of new drug combinations to trigger defatting in three human culture models, primary hepatocytes with induced steatosis or isolated from steatotic liver, and precision-cut liver slices (PCLS) of steatotic liver. Forskolin, L-carnitine and a PPARα agonist, all were combined with rapamycin, an immunosuppressant that induces autophagy, in a D-FAT cocktail. D-FAT was tested alone or in combination with necrosulfonamide, an inhibitor of mixed lineage kinase domain-like involved in necroptosis. Within 24 hours in all three models, D-FAT induced a decrease in triglyceride content by 30%, attributable to an up-regulation of genes involved in free fatty acid β-oxidation and autophagy, and a down-regulation of those involved in lipogenesis. Defatting was accompanied by a decrease in endoplasmic reticulum stress and in the production of reactive oxygen species. The addition of necrosulfonamide increased the efficacy of defatting by 8%-12% in PCLS, with a trend towards increased autophagy. In conclusion, culture models notably PCLS are insightful to design strategies of liver graft rescue. Defatting can be rapidly achieved by combinations of drugs targeting mitochondrial oxidative metabolism, macro-autophagy, and lipogenesis.

Chronic hepatitis C is a major cause of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. It is generally accepted that inflammation that occurs in response to hepatocyte infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main mechanism that triggers myofibroblast differentiation and stimulation in chronic hepatitis C. The aim of this study was to determine if HCV might infect human liver myofibroblasts (HLMF) and directly stimulate their fibrogenic activities. We evaluated the expression of the viral entry receptors, levels of HCV-RNA and HCV-protein and the expression of fibrosis markers in HLMF by using quantitative PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence analyses. Pseudoparticles (HCVpp) and cell culture-derived HCV (HCVcc) were used to study the ability of HLMF to support viral entry, replication and fibrosis induction. We showed that HLMF expressed all known molecules of the HCV receptor complex, i.e. CD81, LDL-R, scavenger receptor-BI, claudin-1 and occludin. These cells were also permissive to HCVpp entry. Inoculation with HCVcc caused short-term infection of these cells, as shown by their content in positive- and negative-strand HCV RNA, in core and NS3 viral proteins, and by their release of core protein levels in the culture supernatants. HCV infection stimulated myofibroblastic differentiation, proliferation and collagen production in these cells. In addition, evidence of in vivo infection was provided by the detection of positive- and negative-strand HCV RNA in preparations of HLMF obtained from HCV-infected patients. These findings indicate that HCV infection of HLMF can occur and trigger extracellular matrix overproduction, thereby contributing to the development of HCV-related liver fibrosis.

First generation protease inhibitors (PI) with peg-interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) have been the only therapy available for hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection in most countries for 3 years. We have investigated the efficacy and tolerance of this triple therapy in transplanted patients experiencing a recurrence of HCV infection on the liver graft. This cohort study enrolled 81 liver transplant patients (Male: 76%, mean age: 55.8±9.7 years) with severe HCV recurrence (F3 or F4: n = 34 (42%), treatment experienced: n = 44 (54%)), treated with boceprevir (n = 36; 44%) or telaprevir (n = 45; 56%). We assessed the percentages of patients with sustained virological responses 24 weeks after therapy (SVR24), and safety. The SVR24 rate was 47% (telaprevir: 42%; boceprevir: 53%, P = ns). At baseline, a normal bilirubin level (p = 0.0145) and albumin level >35g/L (p = 0.0372) and an initial RBV dosage of ≥800 mg/day (p = 0.0033) predicted SVR24. During treatment, achieving an early virological response after 12 weeks was the strongest independent factor to predict SVR24 (p<0.0001). A premature discontinuation of anti-HCV therapy due to a serious adverse event (SAE) was observed in 22 patients (27%). Hematological toxicity, infections and deaths were observed in 95%, 28% and 7% of patients, respectively. A history of post-LT antiviral therapy and thrombocytopenia (<50G/L) during treatment were both independent predictors of the occurrence of infections or SAE (p = 0.0169 and p = 0.011). The use of first generation PI after liver transplantation enabled an SVR24 rate of 47% in genotype 1 patients, but induced a high rate of SAE. The identification of predictive factors for a response to treatment, and the occurrence of SAE, have enabled us to establish limits for the use of this anti-HCV therapy in the transplant setting.

Background: The role of regulatory T cells (Tregs) is now well established in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) linked to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, nothing is known about the potential interplay between Tregs and HCV. In this pilot study, we have investigated the ability of Tregs to hang HCV on and the subsequent effect on their suppressive function and phenotype. Moreover, we have evaluated how HCV could promote the recruitment of Tregs by infected primary human hepatocytes. Methods: Tregs of healthy donors were incubated with JFH-1/HCVcc. Viral inoculation was assessed using adapted assays (RT-qPCR, Flow Citometry (FACS) and Western Blot (WB). Expression of Tregs phenotypic (CD4, CD25, CD127 and Foxp3) and functional (IL-10, GZMB, TGF-β1 and IL-2) markers was monitored by RT-qPCR, FACS and ELISA. Suppressive activity was validated by suppressive assays. Tregs recruitment by infected primary hepatic cells was evaluated using Boyden Chamber. Results: Tregs express the classical HCV receptors (CD81, CLDN1 and LDLR) and some co-receptors (CD5). HCV inoculation significantly increases the suppressive phenotype and activity of Tregs, and raises their anergy by inducing an unexpected IL-2 production. Moreover, HCV infection induces the expression of chemokines (CCL17, CXCL16, and CCL20) by primary hepatic human hepatocytes and chemokine receptors (CCR4, CXCR6 and CCR6) by Tregs. Finally, infected hepatocytes have a significantly higher potential to recruit Tregs in a seemingly CCL20-dependent manner. Conclusions: Direct interaction between HCV and Tregs represents a newly defined mechanism that could potentiate HCV immune evasion and favor intratumoral recruitment contributing to HCC progression.

Introduction Mammalian target rapamycin inhibitors (m-TORi) are increasingly used in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Yet, there is rising concern that they also could impair wound healing and favor the development of several surgical complications. This report was designed to evaluate both feasibility and safety of major surgery in liver transplant recipients receiving m-TORi–based immunosuppression without therapeutic discontinuation. Methods From 2007 to 2012, six liver transplant recipients underwent nine major abdominal or thoracic surgical procedures without m-TORi discontinuation or specific dosage adjustment. Their characteristics and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results Indications for m-TORi were de novo or recurrent malignant disease in five patients and calcineurin inhibitors related neurologic toxicity in one patient. Abdominal procedures, thoracic procedures, and combined thoracic and abdominal procedures were performed in six, two, and one cases respectively. Emergency surgery was performed in one case and elective procedures were performed in eight cases, including five for malignant disease and three for late surgical complications following LT. No patient died postoperatively. One major complication was observed, but no patient required reoperation. No evisceration, incisional surgical site infection, or lymphocele occurred. Conclusions Major surgery in liver transplant recipients receiving m-TOR inhibitors appears both feasible and safe without therapeutic discontinuation or specific dosage adjustment.

The TRANSPEG study was a prospective study to assess the efficacy of antiviral therapy in patients with a recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) after liver transplantation. The influence of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) on the response to antiviral therapy was analyzed. Patients were considered as a function of their sustained virological response (SVR) at 18 months after treatment initiation. A transcriptomic analysis was performed to assess Treg markers (Tr1 and FoxP3+) in serum, PBMC, and liver biopsies. 100 patients had been included in the TRANSPEG study. Data from 27 of these patients were available. The results showed that the expression of CD49b (a predominant marker of Tr1) before the introduction of antiviral therapy was significantly associated with SVR. Responders displayed lower serum levels of CD49b than nonresponders (P<0.02). These findings were confirmed in PBMC and liver biopsies even if in a nonsignificant manner for the limited number of samples. The assessment of CD49b levels is thus predictive of the response to antiviral therapy. This data suggests that CD49b may be a marker of the failure of the immune response and antiviral therapy during HCV recurrence. The assessment of CD49b could help to select patients who require earlier and more intensive antiviral therapy.

Limited published data are available regarding the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) variables of prolonged-release tacrolimus (PRT) after liver transplantations. The goal of this study was to compare the PK and PD profiles of PRT in early and stable liver transplant recipients by developing a population PK model of PRT and investigating the profile of calcineurin activity (CNA) in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells. A conversion from BID immediate-release tacrolimus (IRT) to once-daily PRT based on a one-to-one daily dose was performed at day 7 (D7) and D90 posttransplantation in groups A (n = 12) and B (n = 12), respectively. Extensive PK samplings, including whole-blood tacrolimus (TAC) concentration, and CNA assessments were performed at D14 and D104 in groups A and B, respectively. TAC concentration–time data (N = 221) were analyzed by using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. A 2-compartment model with linear elimination and a delayed first-order absorption characterized by 2 transit compartments best described the PK data. Model-predicted dose-normalized (6.0 mg/d) area under the TAC concentration–time curve over the dosing interval in groups A and B was similar (geometric mean, 235.6 ng/mL · h [95% CI, 139.6–598.7] vs 224.6 ng/mL · h [95% CI, 117.6–421.5], respectively; P = 0.94). Area under the CNA versus time curve over the dosing interval did not differ between groups (4897 [3437] and 4079 [1008] pmol/min/106 cells; P = 0.50). In group A, trough CNA at D14 posttransplantation was statistically higher than that measured just before the switch to PRT (ie, D7 posttransplantation) (198 [92] vs 124 [72] pmol/min/106cells, n = 8; P = 0.048); no statistical difference in TAC concentration was observed (P = 0.11). In group B, no statistical difference between D90 and D104 was observed in either trough CNA (149 [78] vs 172 [82] pmol/min/106 cells, n = 6; P = 0.18) or TAC (P = 0.17) concentration. No graft rejection was observed in either of the groups. This study suggests that one-to-one dosage conversion to once-daily PRT during the early posttransplantation period could result in significant CNA variations but without causing graft rejection. Further investigations in larger cohorts are warranted to confirm these results. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02105155.

To the Editor: Interferon alfa therapy has been recently proposed 1 to treat patients with recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection following liver transplantation 2 , 3 . We report on two patients in whom we believe that interferon alfa therapy (interferon alfa-2b, Schering-Plough) may have triggered acute vanishing bile duct syndrome. Among 28 patients who received liver transplants for cirrhosis due to HCV between 1987 and 1992, serologic (enzyme-linked immunosorbent and recombinant immunoblotting assays), viral (polymerase chain reaction), and histologic evidence of recurrent HCV infection was demonstrated in 21. Interferon alfa therapy (3 million units three times weekly) was instituted in five . . .

Interleukin-4 (IL-4) is overexpressed in liver grafts in a context of severe recurrent hepatitis C, during which the development of fibrosis is dramatically accelerated. In this study, we examined the effects of IL-4 on the activation and collagen production of cultured human intrahepatic (myo)fibroblasts (hIHFs), and investigated the underlying mechanisms. The myofibroblastic nature of cells was evaluated morphologically using activation markers (smooth muscle α -actin, vimentin and prolyl 4-hydroxylase). Quiescent hIHFs were obtained by cell incubation in serum-free medium or cell culture on Matrigel. We first analyzed IL-4 receptor expression, STAT-6 activation by IL-4, and STAT-6 inhibition by an anti-IL-4 antibody or by STAT-6 small-interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. We then focused on collagen production, using quantitative real-time PCR to analyze the effect of IL-4 on the mRNA expression of collagens I, III and IV, and on collagen levels in supernatants of hIHFs, using the Sircol collagen assay. hIHFs cultured in plastic wells appeared to be morphologically activated. The expression of activation markers was reduced by serum deprivation or culture on Matrigel, and restored by IL-4 incubation. The IL-4 receptor was expressed by hIHFs, and STAT-6 was activated following incubation with IL-4. Both anti-IL-4 antibody and STAT-6 siRNA transfection inhibited this activation. The treatment of hIHFs with IL-4 increased the mRNA expression of collagens I, III and IV ( P <0.05) and elevated collagen levels in supernatants ( P =0.01 vs untreated cells). Therefore, IL-4 exerts profibrotic effects by activating hIHFs and inducing collagen production and secretion. This effect requires IL4-R binding and STAT-6 activation. IL-4 may thus be involved in accelerated course of fibrogenesis during recurrent hepatitis C.

We have developed a culture model to assess antifibrotic drugs using normal human liver myofibroblasts (HLMFs) obtained from 31 subjects. Activation was evaluated in terms of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen 1 (Coll1) expression using RT-PCR, and proliferation as the uptake of 5-ethynil-2′-deoxyuridine. Under analysis of variance, between-subject differences accounted for 70% of all variability and inter-experiment differences for 30%. The sensitivity of the model was determined by quantifying the effects in terms of relative expression, which were 0.74±0.03 for cyclosporine A (CsA) and 2.4±0.10 for transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) (P<0.0001 vs no treatment) for α-SMA expression. Inter-subject variations in α-SMA and Coll1 expression enabled the classification of subjects as potentially low or high fibrosers. Finally, we observed that pirfenidone (which has beneficial effects in vivo) significantly reduced the expressions of α-SMA and Coll1, whereas the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor losartan (which has no effect in vivo) had no significant effect. Our model may thus detect the antifibrotic properties of drugs. Antifibrotic drugs with promising clinical relevance could possibly be selected using a bank of HLMFs from high fibrosers.