An open, randomized, multicenter clinical trial of oral tacrolimus in liver allograft transplantation: a comparison of dual vs. triple drug therapy.

Triple therapy combining an anticalcineurin agent, corticosteroids, and azathioprine (AZA) in liver transplantation has been frequently applied, particularly in Europe. Debates have arisen concerning the use of a third drug (AZA), mainly in patients receiving tacrolimus (TAC). An open-label, multicenter, prospective, and randomized trial was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of TAC and corticosteroids (dual therapy [D]) vs.

Melatonin prevents oxidative stress and hepatocyte cell death induced by experimental cholestasis.

The induction of oxidative stress precedes liver injury during experimental obstructive jaundice (OJ). In this sense, different evidences suggest that melatonin (MEL), as antioxidant, may be useful in the protection against apoptosis and necrosis during experimental cholestasis. In addition, we will also assess if MEL-dependent protection is related to a recovery of antioxidant status disturbances induced by OJ.

Effect of melatonin on cholestatic oxidative stress under constant light exposure.

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of melatonin on cholestatic oxidative stress under constant light exposure. Cholestasis was induced by double ligature and section of the extra-hepatic bile duct. Melatonin was injected i.

Effect of internal biliary drainage on plasma levels of endotoxin, cytokines, and C-reactive protein in patients with obstructive jaundice.

Preoperative biliary drainage may improve the cytokine and acute-phase response derangements observed in patients with obstructive jaundice. We conducted a prospective longitudinal, before-after trial in our 600-bed teaching hospital. Twenty-four patients with obstructive jaundice were investigated, 11 with benign obstruction and 13 with malignant disease.