GDF15 is an exercise-induced hepatokine regulated by glucagon and insulin in humans.

Objective: Growth differentiation factor (GDF)-15 is implicated in regulation of metabolism and circulating GDF15 increases in response to exercise. The source and regulation of the exercise-induced increase in GDF15 is, however not known.

Method: Plasma GDF15 was measured by ELISA under the following conditions: 1) Arterial-to-hepatic venous differences sampled before, during, and after exercise in healthy male subjects (n=10); 2) exogenous glucagon infusion compared to saline infusion in resting healthy subjects (n=10); 3) an acute exercise bout with and without a pancreatic clamp (n=6); 4) healthy subjects for 36 hours (n=17), and 5) patients with anorexia nervosa (n=25) were compared to healthy age-matched subjects (n=25).

Fibrogenesis and inflammation contribute to the pathogenesis of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.

Background: Fibrogenesis and inflammation contribute to the progression of cirrhosis. However, it is unknown if these processes also contribute to the development of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy (CCM). Novel magnetic resonance imaging with quantification of the extracellular volume (ECV) provides an estimate of the fibrotic remodelling in the liver and heart.

Muscle-Liver Substrate Fluxes in Exercising Humans and Potential Effects on Hepatic Metabolism.

Context: The liver is crucial to maintain energy homeostasis during exercise. Skeletal muscle-derived metabolites can contribute to the regulation of hepatic metabolism.

Objective: We aim to elucidate which metabolites are released from the working muscles and taken up by the liver in exercising humans and their potential influence on hepatic function.

Cardiac dysfunction in cirrhosis: a 2-yr longitudinal follow-up study using advanced cardiac imaging.

The temporal relationship between cirrhotic cardiomyopathy, progression of liver disease, and survival remains unknown. Our aim was to investigate the development of structural and functional cardiac changes over time with the progression of cirrhosis and outcome. Sixty-three cirrhotic outpatients (Child class: A = 9, B = 46, C = 8) and 14 healthy controls were included in this 2-yr longitudinal study.

Higher arterial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass may not reduce the risk of acute kidney injury.

Background: Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery is common and associated with increased mortality. It is unknown whether an intended higher arterial pressure during cardiopulmonary bypass reduces the incidence of acute and chronic kidney injury.

Methods: Patients were randomised either to a control group or a high pressure group (arterial pressure > 60 mmHg).