Trajectories of hepatic steatosis and incidence of cardiovascular disease over a 29-year follow-up.

Aim: To examine the dynamic change in hepatic steatosis status during repeated assessments over time, and its potential impact on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Methods: We assessed trajectories of hepatic steatosis and other metabolic disorders in 3134 middle-aged adults undergoing longitudinal assessment of ultrasonography during a pre-baseline period (1993-2009) in a population-based cohort study of liver health. Subsequently, we determined the association of hepatic steatosis trajectories with the incidence of CVD among 2185 CVD-free individuals, followed until 2021.

Secular trends of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma in a high endemic area: A population-based study.

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is one of the most aggressive malignancies. However, because of its scarcity there are limited population-based data available for investigations into its epidemiologic characteristics. In Taiwan, we have a national cancer registry database that can be used to evaluate the secular trends of ICC.

Etifoxine, a TSPO Ligand, Worsens Hepatitis C-Related Insulin Resistance but Relieves Lipid Accumulation.

Etifoxine, an 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) agonist for the treatment of anxiety disorders in clinic, may be able to cause acute liver injury or cytolytic hepatitis. TSPO has been demonstrated to participate in inflammatory responses in infective diseases as well as to modulate glucose and lipid homeostasis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection disrupts glucose and lipid homoeostasis, leading to insulin resistance (IR).

Calcitriol Inhibits HCV Infection via Blockade of Activation of PPAR and Interference with Endoplasmic Reticulum-Associated Degradation.

Vitamin D has been identified as an innate anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) agent but the possible mechanisms for this issue remain unclear. Here, we clarified the mechanisms of calcitriol-mediated inhibition of HCV infection. Calcitriol partially inhibited HCV infection, nitric oxide (NO) release and lipid accumulation in Huh7.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of population-based screening of hepatocellular carcinoma: Comparing ultrasonography with two-stage screening.

Aim: To assess the cost-effectiveness of two population-based hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) screening programs, two-stage biomarker-ultrasound method and mass screening using abdominal ultrasonography (AUS).

Methods: In this study, we applied a Markov decision model with a societal perspective and a lifetime horizon for the general population-based cohorts in an area with high HCC incidence, such as Taiwan. The accuracy of biomarkers and ultrasonography was estimated from published meta-analyses.

Durability of Nucleos(t)ide Analogues Treatment in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B.

Long-term nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs) treatment is usually required for patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, whether discontinuation of NUCs is possible in selected patients remains debated. The aim of this study was to assess the durability of NUCs and predictors of sustained response after cessation of NUCs.

Application of quantitative estimates of fecal hemoglobin concentration for risk prediction of colorectal neoplasia.

Aim: To determine the role of the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), used to evaluate fecal hemoglobin concentration, in the prediction of histological grade and risk of colorectal tumors.

Methods: We enrolled 17881 individuals who attended the two-step colorectal cancer screening program in a single hospital between January 2010 and October 2011. Colonoscopy was recommended to the participants with an FIT of ≥ 12 ngHb/mL buffer.

Predictors of long-term survival in hepatocellular carcinomas: A longitudinal follow-up of 108 patients with small tumors.

Aim: Locoregional treatment [including percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) therapy and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)] provides an alternative treatment for early-diagnosed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the long-term survival of patients after locoregional treatments remains unclear.

Patients And Methods: A total of 108 patients with small HCC not indicated for surgical hepatic resection were recruited between 1991 and 1999.

Comparing the outcomes of two strategies for colorectal tumor detection: policy-promoted screening program versus health promotion service.

Background: The Taiwanese government has proposed a population-based colorectal tumor detection program for the average-risk population. This study's objectives were to understand the outcomes of these screening policies and to evaluate the effectiveness of the program.

Methods: We compared two databases compiled in one medical center.

Influences of tobacco and alcohol use on hepatocellular carcinoma survival.

Prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally poor. The role of modifiable lifestyle factors on HCC survival has been less studied. To examine whether prediagnosis smoking and alcohol affected HCC survival stratified by viral etiology, we conducted a prospective cohort study of 2,273 (1990 with viral hepatitis and 283 without) incident HCC cases aged 20-75 years who were enrolled between 1997 and 2004 from a Taiwanese multicenter study, and followed up through 2007.

Changes in serum levels of HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase determine risk for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background & Aims: It is not clear whether risk for hepatocellular carcinoma can be accurately determined from long-term changes in serum levels of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA or alanine aminotransferase (ALT).

Methods: We measured serum levels of HBV DNA and ALT at enrollment and during follow-up analysis of 3160 participants in the REVEAL-HBV study. Development of hepatocellular carcinoma was determined from follow-up examinations and computerized linkage with National Cancer Registry and National Death Certification profiles.

Role of reproductive factors in hepatocellular carcinoma: Impact on hepatitis B- and C-related risk.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more prevalent in men than in women. Estrogen may play some role in the development of HCC. We conducted a multicenter case-control study to evaluate the effects of reproductive factors on HCC risk, and to assess whether the association between each factor and HCC differs between hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive and -negative women, in which hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the major cause of HCC.

Increased risk for hepatitis B-related liver cirrhosis in relatives of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma in northern Taiwan.

Background: There is a tendency for familial aggregation of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aims of this study were to assess the degree to which familial aggregation of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers accounts for familiality of HCC in families of hepatitis B-related HCC patients, and whether HCC shares a familial predisposition with liver cirrhosis among HBsAg carriers.

Methods: A total of 671 first-degree relatives of HBsAg-positive HCC cases were recruited using abdominal ultrasonography and tests for HBsAg and serum aminotransferases.

Androgen receptor exon 1 CAG repeat length and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in women.

The androgen receptor (AR) gene is localized on chromosome X, and shorter CAG repeats in exon 1 of the AR gene were recently suggested to increase hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk among men. To examine whether the relationship between the AR-CAG repeats and HCC was also evident among women, we conducted a case-control study in Taiwan. The number of AR-CAG repeats was determined for 238 women with HCC and 354 unrelated control subjects (comprising 188 first-degree and 166 nonbiological relatives) selected from female relatives of patients with HCC.