Noriko Oza

Waist circumference correlates with hepatic fat accumulation in male Japanese patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, but not in females

Background and Aim:  Abdominal obesity, a component of metabolic syndrome, is a major risk factor for non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In recent worldwide definitions of metabolic syndrome, waist measurement has been proposed as a simple and useful estimate of abdominal obesity, taking into account gender differences in waist circumference. The present cross‐sectional study investigated the correlation of hepatic fat accumulation and waist circumference in Japanese NAFLD patients to determine if there are gender differences in this relationship.

Eradication of hepatitis C virus by interferon improves whole-body insulin resistance and hyperinsulinaemia in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background/Aims: To investigate whether eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) by interferon (IFN) therapy influences systemic glucose metabolism.

Hepatitis C virus infection enhances insulin resistance induced by visceral fat accumulation

Background/Aims: To clarify the impact of visceral obesity on hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐infected patients, we examined the relationship between insulin resistance development and visceral fat accumulation.

Efficacy of ezetimibe for reducing serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels resistant to lifestyle intervention in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

To investigate the efficacy of ezetimibe and lifestyle intervention for treating patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and residual dyslipidemia via a combination of ezetimibe and lifestyle intervention.

Current activities and future directions of comprehensive hepatitis control measures in Japan: The supportive role of the Hepatitis Information Center in building a solid foundation

In Japan, hepatitis B or C virus infection has been a major health issue. For the prevention of liver‐related deaths, multifaceted strategies have been taken against hepatitis virus. In fiscal year (FY) 2002, nationwide screening for hepatitis was started as a part of health examinations provided by municipal governments. From FY2007, the hepatitis treatment network has been strengthened by the nationwide establishment of regional government‐based hepatitis treatment systems, comprising linked regional core centers, specialized institutions for hepatitis treatment, primary care physicians, and regional governments. Special subsidy program for patients with viral hepatitis was started at FY2008. The range of coverage has been expanding from patients treated with interferon to those on nucleotide analogs or interferon‐free therapies, including drug prices and examination expenses. The Basic Act on Hepatitis Measures was established in 2009. The Basic Guidelines for Promotion of Control Measures for hepatitis was issued in 2011, comprising nine principles in order to promote measures for hepatitis B and C. The Hepatitis Information Center was established in 2008. Its mission is to provide up‐to‐date hepatitis‐related information, supporting collaboration between regional core centers, and training medical personnel. The revision of the above‐mentioned Basic Guidelines in 2016 set the target as the reduction of patients progressing to cirrhosis and/or liver cancer. Achieving this goal definitely requires active collaboration among the national and local governments, regional core centers, and the Hepatitis Information Center, and participation by medical personnel, patients, and people with awareness.

Efficacy of pegylated interferon plus ribavirin in combination with corticosteroid for two cases of combined hepatitis C and autoimmune hepatitis

The treatment strategy for cases of combined autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) has not yet been established. A 47-year-old woman and a 53-year-old-woman were hospitalized for treatment of CHC. Ultrasonography and histological findings revealed that their liver was not cirrhotic but did have chronic damage. The histological findings of both patients were suggestive of AIH. The patients were systematically treated with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b plus ribavirin which was preceded by and combined with corticosteroid (CS), and showed sustained virological responses and normal liver function. Although these two patients with combined AIH and CHC were successfully treated with this regimen, careful attention to exacerbation of hepatic inflammation is needed because hepatitis C viral load was increased due to immunosuppression during CS treatment.

Epidemiological survey of hemoglobin A1c and liver fibrosis in a general population with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: HbA1c and FIB-4 index in NAFLD

The association between glycemia and liver fibrosis was analyzed using hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and the Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index in a large general population cohort that underwent a health checkup.