FXR agonists as therapeutic agents for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome and a risk factor for both cardiovascular and hepatic related morbidity and mortality. The increasing prevalence of this disease requires novel therapeutic approaches to prevent disease progression. Farnesoid X receptors are bile acid receptors with roles in lipid, glucose, and energy homeostasis.

The smoking behaviors and cancer-related disparities among urban middle aged and older men involved in the criminal justice system.

This study examined cancer knowledge, mental health, and tobacco use in formerly incarcerated men. The Cancer-Health Research Study with Formerly Incarcerated Men in New York City used a cross-sectional research design to examine cancer knowledge and prevention (CKP) outcomes among 259 justice-involved males, ages 35-67. CKP was assessed using items from the National Cancer Institute's Health Information National Trends Survey.

Development and progression of portal hypertensive gastropathy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and risk factors associated with new-onset and worsening portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

Methods: A total of 831 CHC patients with bridging fibrosis or cirrhosis at the time of entry were prospectively monitored for clinical and histological liver disease progression while receiving either low-dose peginterferon α2a or no antiviral therapy in the HALT-C (Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-term Treatment against Cirrhosis) trial. Upper endoscopy with grading of PHG was performed at baseline and at year 4 of the study.

Proton pump inhibitors for prophylaxis of nosocomial upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding: effect of standardized guidelines on prescribing practice.

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are frequently prescribed for prophylaxis of nosocomial upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Some inpatients receiving PPIs may have no risk factors for nosocomial upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, and PPIs may be continued unnecessarily at hospital discharge. We aimed to assess the effect of standardized guidelines on PPI prescribing practices.

Factors that determine the development and progression of gastroesophageal varices in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background & Aims: We aimed to identify the incidence and predictors of de novo gastroesophageal variceal formation and progression in a large cohort of patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis.

Methods: All participants in the Hepatitis C Antiviral Long-Term Treatment against Cirrhosis Trial were offered an endoscopy before treatment and again after 4 years. Patients with varices at baseline also had an endoscopy at 2 years.

The impact of race on liver transplant outcomes in the MELD era: still more questions than answers.

Liver transplantation is a life-saving therapy for patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD); however, donor livers are scarce. Several studies have demonstrated racial disparities in access to liver transplant as well as patient and graft survival after liver transplantation. These studies used data gathered before the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) was used to determine priority for liver transplant.

The prevalence and risk factors associated with esophageal varices in subjects with hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis.

Background: The factors predictive of the presence or the absence of esophageal varices in hepatitis C virus (HCV) and advanced fibrosis have not been defined.

Objectives: To define the prevalence of esophageal varices and the factors that are positively and negatively with such varices in hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis.

Design: A prospective study of esophageal varices and associated risk factors in subjects with hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis.

Disparity in use of orthotopic liver transplantation among blacks and whites.

Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is the best treatment for end-stage liver disease. Limited data exist on the access of minorities to OLT. The aim of this study was to determine whether disparities exist among black and white OLT patients.