International Hepatology

A recent clinical study conducted by Dr. Jean-Charles Nault and his team at the Cordeliers Research Center of Sorbonne University, France, was published in Gut journal. This study reveals the dynamic changes in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its clinical significance. The findings provide new perspectives and tools for the clinical management of HCC, highlighting the potential of ctDNA monitoring as an important adjunct in the diagnosis and treatment of HCC.

According to estimates from the Polaris Observatory, the prevalence of inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers in the general population in China was 6.1% in 2016, with approximately 86 million people chronically infected with HBV. This suggests that around 36.08% of these individuals are inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC), equating to about 30.96 million people. The definitions and treatment recommendations for IHC vary across national or regional chronic hepatitis B (CHB) guidelines. As research into the natural history of CHB deepens and antiviral treatment strategies evolve, the management of HBV infection is gradually changing. At a recent Beijing Hepatology Academic Annual Meeting, Dr. Sujun Zheng from Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, presented an insightful report on "Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Inactive HBsAg Carriers." Here, we summarize the key points.

The liver is a powerful organ with complex physiological structures and functions. Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process associated with various chronic liver diseases, ultimately leading to cirrhosis. In cirrhosis, the liver not only becomes harder but also shrinks in size, with imaging showing changes in the liver's appearance accompanied by alterations in hepatic hemodynamics. Recently, at the 10th Beijing Hepatology Academic Annual Conference in 2024, Hepatology Digest invited Dr. Dong Ji from the Fifth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital to discuss the latest insights and strategies on liver fibrosis reversal. The interview has been compiled into this article for readers to reference.

HBV infection is a major cause of chronic hepatitis B (CHB), cirrhosis, liver failure, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the development of new drugs and advancements in antiviral therapy, a complete cure for CHB remains a clinical challenge. The burden of liver disease in China is still heavy, and the implementation of high-quality liver disease management is urgently needed. This involves a comprehensive approach that includes enhanced public education, convenient screening and monitoring, empowerment of primary healthcare, optimization of doctor incentives, refined data management, and scientifically sound prevention and treatment strategies. Recently, Dr. Sujun Zheng from Beijing You An Hospital, Capital Medical University, provided a systematic overview of the exploration and progress in comprehensive liver disease management during an academic exchange. The following is a summary of the key points shared.

On July 28, 2024, the Journal of Hepatology (CAS 1st Tier, IF: 26.8), a leading international journal in hepatology, published a prospective study conducted by the LiverHome research group. This study, based on the general population in China, assessed the prevalence of fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis, providing the latest evidence for chronic liver disease screening in China. The study's corresponding authors are Xiaolong Qi, a CHESS founder, and Jie Shen from Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University. The co-first authors are Shanghao Liu (Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University) and Heng Wan (Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University).

While metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) has traditionally been associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, recent studies indicate that a significant prevalence of MAFLD also exists among lean individuals. These patients typically do not exhibit traditional obesity-related risk factors, such as a high body mass index (BMI) or large waist circumference, yet their livers are affected by pathological changes similar to those seen in obese individuals. Recently, a research team led by Dr. Matheus Souza from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro School of Medicine published a systematic review and meta-analysis that delves into the liver and cardiovascular risks in lean MAFLD patients compared to their non-lean counterparts. The findings offer new insights for clinical practice and public health strategies concerning MAFLD.

Recently, Combined GIHep&SHC 2024 was successfully held in Singapore. Experts in the field of liver disease from around the world gathered together to discuss the latest developments, challenges, and opportunities in liver disease. Reporters from Hepatology Digest rushed to the scene and conducted interviews with multiple experts. During the interview, Dr. Md Shofequnnabi Rumi, Assistant Professor at Enam Medical College Affiliated Hospital in Bangladesh, discussed the current status of treatment for viral hepatitis, metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and other related topics.