Project description:Peritoneal macrophages (PM) are thought to regulate peritoneal inflammation and control bacterial infections in decompensated liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to characterize human PM heterogeneity. Employing CD206 surface expression, we identified subsets of human large (LPM) and small (SPM) PM, which differed in granularity and maturation states. FACS-sorted LPM from patients with decompensated cirrhosis revealed discrete transcriptome clusters, comprising more than 4000 differentially regulated genes involved in cell cycle, metabolism, and immune signaling.
Project description:Objectives Non-invasive staging of decompensated cirrhosis is an unmeet clinical need. The aims of this study were to characterize and validate a novel miRNA signature to stage decompensated cirrhosis and predict the portal pressure and cardiac dysfunction response to non-selective beta-blockers (NSBB). Design Serum samples from patients with decompensated cirrhosis (n=36) and healthy controls (n=36) were tested for a novel signature of five miRNAs (miR-452-5p, miR-429, miR-885-5p, miR-181b-5p, and miR-122-5p) identified in the secretome of primary human hepatocytes, and three miRNAs (miR-192-5p, miR-34a-5p and miR-29a-5p) previously discovered as biomarkers of chronic liver disease. All patients had ascites, that was refractory in 18 (50%), and were placed on NSBB for variceal bleeding prophylaxis. In all patients, serum miRNAs, hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG), and echocardiogram study was performed before and 1 month after NSBB. Results Cirrhotic patients had lower serum levels of miR-429, miR-885-5p, miR-181b-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-192-5p and miR-29a-5p (p<0.05). miR-452-5p and miR-429 expression were lower in NSBB responders (p=0.006). miR-181b-5p expression was greater in refractory- than in diuretic sensitive ascites (p=0.008) and correlated with serum creatinine. miR-452-5p and miR-885-5p were inversely correlated with baseline systemic vascular resistance (ρ=-0.46 p=0.007; and ρ=-0.41 p=0.01 respectively), and with diminished systolic contractility in patients with refractory ascites after NSBB (ρ=-0.55 p=0.02; and ρ=-0.55 p=0.02, respectively). Conclusion Analysis of a miRNA signature in serum distinguishes patients with decompensated cirrhosis who show more severe systemic circulatory dysfunction and compromised systolic function after beta-blockade, and those more likely to benefit from NSBB.