scholarly journals Bariatric Surgery and Liver Disease: General Considerations and Role of the Gut–Liver Axis

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 2649
Author(s):  
Maria Cerreto ◽  
Francesco Santopaolo ◽  
Antonio Gasbarrini ◽  
Maurizio Pompili ◽  
Francesca Romana Ponziani

Weight loss is a therapeutic solution for many metabolic disorders, such as obesity and its complications. Bariatric surgery aims to achieve lasting weight loss in all patients who have failed after multiple dietary attempts. Among its many benefits, it has been associated with the regression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is often associated with obesity, with evidence of substantial improvement in tissue inflammation and fibrosis. These benefits are mediated not only by weight loss, but also by favorable changes in systemic inflammation and in the composition of the gut microbiota. Changes in microbial metabolites such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), capable of acting as endocrine mediators, and bile acids (BAs) as well as modifications of the gut-brain axis, are among the involved mechanisms. However, not all bariatric surgeries show beneficial effects on the liver; those leading to malabsorption can cause liver failure or a marked worsening of fibrosis and the development of cirrhosis. Nevertheless, there are still many unclear aspects, including the extent of the benefits and the magnitude of the risks of bariatric surgery in cirrhotic patients. In addition, the usefulness and the safety of these procedures in patients who are candidates to or who have undergone liver transplant need solid supporting evidence. This paper aims to review literature data on the use of bariatric surgery in the setting of chronic liver disease.

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Yang ◽  
Melinda Nguyen ◽  
Irene Ju ◽  
Anthony Brancatisano ◽  
Brendan Ryan ◽  
...  

AbstractSignificant weight loss can modify the progression of Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with the most convincing evidence coming from bariatric surgery cohorts. Effective ways to non-invasively characterise NAFLD in these patients has been lacking, with high Fibroscan failure rates reported. We prospectively evaluated the utility of Fibroscan using XL-probe over a two-year period. 190 consecutive patients undergoing bariatric surgery were followed as part of their routine care. All patients had Fibroscan performed on the day of surgery and at follow-up a mean of 13 months (± 6.3) later. The majority of patients were female (82%) with mean age of 42. Fibroscan was successful in 167 (88%) at baseline and 100% at follow up. Patients with a failed Fibroscan had higher body mass index (BMI) and alanine transaminase (ALT), but no difference in FIB-4/NAFLD score. Mean baseline Liver stiffness measurement was 5.1 kPa, with 87% of patients classified as no fibrosis and 4% as advanced fibrosis. Mean baseline controlled attenuation parameter was 291, with 78% having significant steatosis, 56% of which was moderate-severe. Significant fibrosis was associated with higher BMI and HbA1c. Significant steatosis was associated with higher BMI, ALT, triglycerides and insulin resistance. Mean follow up time was 12 months with weight loss of 25.7% and BMI reduction of 10.4 kg/m2. Seventy patients had repeat fibroscan with reductions in steatosis seen in 90% and fibrosis in 67%. Sixty-four percent had complete resolution of steatosis. Fibroscan can be performed reliably in bariatric cohorts and is useful at baseline and follow-up. Significant steatosis, but not fibrosis was seen in this cohort with substantial improvements post-surgery.


2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 1241-1248 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hafsa Younus ◽  
Amit Sharma ◽  
Rosa Miquel ◽  
Alberto Quaglia ◽  
Subba Rao Kanchustambam ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Ten percent of cirrhotic patients are known to have a high risk of postoperative complications. Ninety percent of bariatric patients suffer from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and 50% of them may develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) which can progress to cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to assess whether the presence of cirrhosis at the time of bariatric surgery is associated with an increased rate and severity of short- and long-term cirrhotic complications. Methods A cohort of 110 bariatric patients, between May 2003 and February 2018, who had undergone liver biopsy at the time of bariatric surgery were reassessed for histological outcome and divided into two groups based on the presence (C, n = 26) or absence (NC, n = 84) of cirrhosis. The NC group consisted of NASH (n = 49), NAFLD (n = 24) and non-NAFLD (n = 11) liver histology. Medical notes were retrospectively assessed for patient characteristics, development of 30-day postoperative complications, severity of complications (Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification) and length of stay. The C group was further assessed for long-term cirrhosis-related outcomes. Results The C group was older (52 years vs 43 years) and had lower BMI (46 kg/m2 vs 52 kg/m2) and weight (126 kg vs 145 kg) compared to the NC group (p < 0.05). The C group had significantly higher overall complication rate (10/26 vs 14/84, p < 0.05) and severity of complications (CD class ≥ III, 12% vs 7%, p < 0.05) when compared to the NC group. The length of stay was similar between the two groups (5 days vs 4 days). The C group had significant improvement in model end-stage liver disease scores (7 vs 6, p < 0.01) with median follow-up of 4.5 years (range 2–11 years). There were no long-term cirrhosis-related complications or mortality in our studied cohort (0/26). Conclusion Bariatric surgery in cirrhotic patients has a higher risk of immediate postoperative complications. Long-term cirrhosis-related complications or mortality was not increased in this small cohort. Preoperative identification of liver cirrhosis may be useful for risk stratification, optimisation and informed consent. Bariatric surgery in well-compensated cirrhotic patients may be used as an aid to improve long-term outcome.


2017 ◽  
Vol 89 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr Major ◽  
Michał Pędziwiatr ◽  
Mateusz Rubinkiewicz ◽  
Maciej Stanek ◽  
Anna Głuszewska ◽  
...  

Introduction; p to 300 million people have the body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m2. Obesity is the cause of many serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Bariatric surgery is the only effective method of achieving weight loss in patients with morbid obesity. Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the impact of bariatric surgery on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients operated on due to morbid obesity. Material and Methods: We included 20 patients who were qualified for bariatric procedures based on BMI > 40 kg/ m2 or BMI > 35kg/m2 with the presence of comorbidities. The average body weight in the group was 143.85kg, with an average BMI of 49.16kg/m2. Before the procedure, we evaluated the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in each patient using the Sheriff-Saadeh ultrasound scale. We also evaluated the levels of liver enzymes. Follow-up evaluation was performed twelve months after surgery. Results: Twelve months after surgery, the average weight was 102.34 kg. The mean %WL was 33.01%, %EWL was 58.8%, and %EBMIL was 61.37%. All patients showed remission of fatty liver disease. Liver damage, evaluated with ultrasound imaging, decreased from an average of 1.85 on the Sheriff-Saadeh scale, before surgery, to 0.15 twelve months after surgery (p < 0.001). As regards liver enzymes, the level of alanine aminotransferase decreased from 64.5 (U/l) to 27.95 (U/l) (p < 0.001), and the level of aspartate aminotransferase decreased from 54.4 (U/l) to 27.2 (U/l). Conclusions: Bariatric procedures not only lead to a significant and lasting weight loss, but they also contribute to the reduction of fatty liver disease and improve liver function.


2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (24) ◽  
pp. 5721
Author(s):  
Paulina Głuszyńska ◽  
Dorota Lemancewicz ◽  
Janusz Bogdan Dzięcioł ◽  
Hady Razak Hady

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has considerably increased over the last years. NAFLD is currently the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the developing world. The diagnosis of NAFLD/NASH is often incidental, as the early-stage of disease is frequently free of symptoms. Most patients recognized with NAFLD have severe obesity and other obesity-related disease such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), insulin-resistance, dyslipidemia and hypertension. The only proven method for NAFLD improvement and resolution is weight loss. Bariatric surgery leads to significant and long-term weight loss as well as improvement of coexisting diseases. There is a lot of evidence suggesting that metabolic/bariatric surgery is an effective method of NAFLD treatment that leads to reduction in steatosis, hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, there is still a need to perform long-term studies in order to determine the role of bariatric surgery as a treatment option for NAFLD and NASH. This review discusses current evidence about epidemiology, pathogenesis and treatment options for NAFLD including bariatric/metabolic surgery and its effect on improvement and resolution of NAFLD.


2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e000634
Author(s):  
Monica A Tincopa ◽  
Jane Wong ◽  
Michael Fetters ◽  
Anna S Lok

ObjectiveDespite clear evidence that weight loss via nutritional and physical activity changes improves histological outcomes in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many patients struggle to implement and maintain these health behaviour changes. The aim of this study was to characterise disease knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among persons with NAFLD and to identify the factors driving these health behaviours and perceptions.DesignWe conducted semistructured interviews among patients with NAFLD. We used purposeful sampling to enroll equivalent percentages based on age and sex, and enrolled approximately one-third of patients with cirrhosis to capture those perspectives. Interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Transcripts were coded using NVivo software to identify themes and subthemes.ResultsA total of 29 patient interviews were completed. Ambiguity about the diagnosis and aetiology of their liver disease was a key theme, though the vast majority of patients were aware that weight loss via nutrition and exercise was the primary therapy. Most patients were asymptomatic, diagnosed incidentally, and reported low level of concern regarding their diagnosis. The primary barriers and facilitators to health behaviour change were the presence of social support, competing medical comorbidities and low motivation to change behaviours.ConclusionsAlthough patients are aware that lifestyle interventions are the primary therapy for NAFLD, there is a gap in knowledge about the condition. The presence of social support and competing medical comorbidities were the most consistent facilitators and barriers to lifestyle change. Tailoring treatment recommendations to provide relevant disease education, specific nutrition and exercise regimens, and personalised approaches based on specific individual barriers and facilitators will likely aid in uptake and maintenance of first-line therapy for NAFLD.


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