International Journal of Hepatology

Association between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome

Rasheeta Sivapackianathan

Metabolic syndrome describes the co-occurrence of central adiposity, dysglycaemia, hypertension, lipid abnormalities and a number of other metabolic changes that increase risk of cardiovascular disease. This multi-system condition has adverse effects on many organs, the liver being one of them. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease appears to be the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, and is increasingly recognised as a major contributor to the burden of chronic liver disease world-wide. Metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease appear to have a common pathogenesis, arising from insulin resistance, central adiposity and chronic low grade inflammation. Treatment of metabolic syndrome may have a significant impact on progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and therapeutic options treating the underlying cause of metabolic syndrome (weight loss and insulin sensitising drug therapy) appear to be valid options in treating liver disease to prevent progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Recent studies suggest a possible role for vitamin E. Prevention of obesity is extremely important to reduce the risk of this condition leading to a growing cause of liver morbidity in the future.

Keywords: Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis; non-alcoholic fatty liver disease; metabolic syndrome

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.17-24

Current and emerging treatments for cholangiocarcinoma

Christopher Lim

Surgical resection, the treatment of choice for cholangiocarcinoma, may not be feasible because of tumour extension, parenchymal liver disease or tumour location. Liver transplantation is an alternative to palliative treatment in these patients but results in the past have been disappointing. In this article, we review the current and emerging treatments for cholangiocarcinomas, focusing particularly on the role of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and/ or radiotherapy in the setting of liver transplantation.

Keywords: Cholangiocarcinoma; biliary tract neoplasms; living donor liver transplantation; cadaveric donor liver transplantation.

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.25-35

LIVERCON 2010 at a Glance

The Editor

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.8-12

LIVERCON 2010: Abstracts

The Editor

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.13-16

Management of recurrent bleeding from facial arteriovenous malformations in end-stage liver disease

Syed Sufyan Hussain

We report the management by arterial embolisation of recurrent significant bleeding from a facial arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in a patient with end-stage liver disease. Given their propensity to re-bleed, AVMs are often refractory to other forms of treatment, including surgery. Evidence from the management of facial AVMs and our case suggests that embolisation may offer a better initial management strategy in patients with end-stage liver disease related facial AVMs.

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.53-54

Hepatitis C in Pakistan- A neglected challenge

Waris Qidwai

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.5-7

Hepatitis C - Goals of therapy and monitoring of therapy

Premashis Kar

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.36-44

NAFLD current concepts

Deepak Amarapurkar

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.45-49

Rationality and designing immune therapy against chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Sheikh Mohammad Fazle Akbar

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.49-50

Fibroscan: Non-invasive liver diagnostic device for detection of liver fibrosis

Grace Lai-Hung Wong

International Journal of Hepatology Vol.1(4) 2010 pp.50-52