Gut dysbiosis is regarded as a pathogenetic factor of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but its role in NAFLD persistence is unknown. We investigated the influence of the gut microbiota on persistent NAFLD. This cohort study included 766 subjects with 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing data from fecal samples at baseline who underwent repeated health check-up examinations. Fatty liver was determined using ultrasound at baseline and follow-up. Participants were categorized into four groups: none (control), developed, regressed, or persistent NAFLD. The persistent NAFLD group had lower richness compared with the control group. Significant differences were also found in both non-phylogenic and phylogenic beta diversity measures according to NAFLD persistence. Pairwise comparisons indicated that taxa abundance mainly differed between the control and persistent NAFLD groups. A relative high abundance of Fusobacteria and low abundance of genera Oscillospira and Ruminococcus of the family Ruminococcaceae and genus Coprococcus of the family Lachnospiraceae were found in the persistent NAFLD group. Based on the functional predictions, pathways related to primary and secondary bile acid biosynthesis were highly detected in the persistent NAFLD group compared with the control group. These findings support that the composition of the gut microbiome associated with dysregulation of bile acid biosynthetic pathways may contribute to the persistence of NAFLD. This is the first cohort study to demonstrate the influence of microbiota on persistent NAFLD. Our findings may help identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention in NAFLD.
1 December 2022 in Asian Pacific Journal of Allergy and Immunology
Background: Despite recent advances in the treatment of drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), the mainstay of treatment involves discontinuing the culprit drugs and administering topical or systemic corticosteroid. Objective: The clinical use of a tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha inhibitor was rarely explored in treatment of DRESS. Methods: We present a case of corticosteroid-induced DRESS that was successfully treated with a TNF-alpha inhibitor without sequalae. Results: This is the first case report that showed the clinical use of a TNF alpha inhibitor in treating corticosteroids-induced DRESS and immediate hypersensitivity reactions. The HLA-B*5801 was identified as a possible genetic factor associated with a corticosteroid-induced DRESS. Conclusion: A TNF-alpha inhibitor could be a primary option in treating DRESS, especially in patients with hypersensitivity reaction to corticosteroids.