MRI of colorectal cancer liver metastases: comparison of orally administered manganese with intravenously administered gadobenate dimeglumine.

Objectives: To compare the sensitivity of MRI to detect colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) after ingestion of manganese-based contrast agent (CMC-001) with that of a comprehensive intravenous gadobenate dimeglumine protocol, and to assess the safety and acceptability of oral manganese.

Methods: 20 patients suspected of having 1-6 CRLM were included prospectively in this randomised cross-over study. Liver MRI was performed with a one-week interval at 1.

Successful treatment of severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia via induction of UGT1A1 by rifampicin.

We report two patients with uncommon Gilbert's syndrome with severe unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia which was reduced from 200 to 60-90 micromol/L by long-term administration of rifampicin. Hepatic induction of bilirubin-glucuronosyltransferase was suggested by increased relative amounts of conjugated serum bilirubin. This molecular mechanism was confirmed in primary cultures of human hepatocytes.

Isoforms of procarboxypeptidase B, (pancreas-specific protein, PASP) in human serum, pancreatic tissue and juice.

Human Pancreas-Specific Protein (PASP) has been described as a useful serum marker for pancreatic graft rejection and acute pancreatitis. By molecular cloning PASP has recently been identified as procarboxypeptidase B (PCPB). By use of SDS-gel electrophoresis and Western blots, PASP isoforms (proteins interacting with PASP-antiserum) have now been explored in serum and pancreatic tissue and juice.