Background: Sarcopenia and osteoporosis reduce life quality and worsen prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis (LC). When these two complications coexist, a diagnosis of osteosarcopenia is made. We aimed to investigate the actual situations of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, and vertebral fracture, and to clarify the relationship among these events in patients with LC. Methods: We describe a cross-sectional study of 142 patients with LC. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) criteria, Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) criteria, and European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) criteria. The skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) and handgrip strength were assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis and a digital grip strength dynamometer, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using dual energy X-ray absorptiometry, and vertebral fracture was evaluated using spinal lateral X-rays. The severity of LC was assessed using the Child-Pugh classification. Results: Among the 142 patients, the prevalence of sarcopenia was 33.8% (48/142) according to the JSH and AWGS criteria and 28.2% (40/142) according to the EWGSOP2 criteria. The number of patients with osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, and vertebral fracture was 49 (34.5%), 31 (21.8%), and 41 (28.9%), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed a close association between sarcopenia and osteoporosis. Osteoporosis was independently associated with sarcopenia [odds ratio (OR) = 3.923, P = 0.010]. Conversely, sarcopenia was independently associated with osteoporosis (OR = 5.722, P < 0.001). Vertebral fracture occurred most frequently in patients with osteosarcopenia (19/31; 61.3%) and least frequently in those without both sarcopenia and osteoporosis (12/76; 15.8%). The SMI and handgrip strength values were significantly correlated with the BMD of the lumbar spine (r = 0.55 and 0.51, respectively; P < 0.001 for both), femoral neck, (r = 0.67 and 0.62, respectively; P < 0.001 for both), and total hip (r = 0.67 and 0.61, respectively; P < 0.001 for both). Conclusions: Sarcopenia, osteoporosis, osteosarcopenia, and vertebral fracture were highly prevalent and closely associated with one another in patients with LC. Specifically, patients with osteosarcopenia had the highest risk of vertebral fractures. Early diagnosis of these complications is essential for treatment intervention.

Pegylated interferon α (IFNα) in combination with ribavirin is currently recommended as a standard-of-care treatment for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. This combination therapy has drastically improved the rate of sustained virological response, specifically in difficult-to-treat patients. Recently, individualized treatment, such as response-guided therapy, is being developed based on host-, HCV- and treatment-related factors. Furthermore, modified regimens with currently available medications, novel modified IFNα and ribavirin or combinations with specifically targeted antiviral therapy for HCV agents, are currently being investigated. The purpose of this review is to address some issues and epoch-making topics in the treatment of chronic HCV infection, and to discuss more optimal and highly individualized therapeutic strategies for HCV-infected patients.

The liver plays a pivotal role in nutrient/energy metabolism and storage, anabolic hormone regulation, ammonia detoxification, and cytokine production. Impaired liver function can cause malnutrition, hyperammonemia, and chronic inflammation, leading to an imbalance between muscle protein synthesis and proteolysis. Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) have a high prevalence of sarcopenia, characterized by progressive loss of muscle mass and function, affecting health-related quality of life and prognosis. Recent reports have revealed that osteosarcopenia, defined as the concomitant occurrence of sarcopenia and osteoporosis, is also highly prevalent in patients with CLD. Since the differentiation and growth of muscles and bones are closely interrelated through mechanical and biochemical communication, sarcopenia and osteoporosis often progress concurrently and affect each other. Osteosarcopenia further exacerbates unfavorable health outcomes, such as vertebral fracture and frailty. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and osteosarcopenia, and an understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms involving the liver, bones, and muscles, are important for prevention and treatment. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of sarcopenia and osteosarcopenia elucidated to data in hopes of promoting advances in treating these musculoskeletal disorders in patients with CLD.

Osteosarcopenia and frailty have a negative health impact on an aging society. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and relationship of osteosarcopenia and frailty in 291 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), who comprised 137 males and 154 females, with a median age of 70.0 years. Sarcopenia was diagnosed according to the Japan Society of Hepatology criteria. Bone mineral density was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Frailty was defined by five parameters (exhaustion, slowness, weakness, low physical activity, and weight loss). Among the 291 patients, 49 (16.8%) and 81 (27.8%) had osteosarcopenia and frailty, respectively. Frailty and vertebral fracture were more frequently noted in patients with osteosarcopenia than in those without osteosarcopenia (79.6% vs. 17.4% and 59.2% vs. 20.2%, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). Meanwhile, osteosarcopenia and vertebral fracture were more frequently observed in patients with frailty than in those without frailty (48.1% vs. 4.8% and 49.4% vs. 18.1%, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). On multivariate analysis, frailty was an independent factor associated with osteosarcopenia (odds ratio (OR), 9.837; p < 0.001), and vice versa (OR, 10.069; p < 0.001). Osteosarcopenia and frailty were prevalent, closely interrelated, and increased the risk of vertebral fracture in patients with CLD.