Inhibition of hepatic tumor cell proliferation in vitro and tumor growth in vivo by taltobulin, a synthetic analogue of the tripeptide hemiasterlin.

Aim: To investigate the inhibitory effects of taltobulin (HTI-286), a synthetic analogue of natural hemiasterlin derived from marine sponges, on hepatic tumor growth in vitro and in vivo.

Methods: The potential anti-proliferative effects of HTI-286 on different hepatic tumor cell lines in vitro and in vivo were examined.

Results: HTI-286 significantly inhibited proliferation of all three hepatic tumor cell lines (mean IC50 = 2 nmol/L +/- 1 nmol/L) in vitro.

Effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on functional recovery after hepatectomy in lean and obese mice.

Background/aims: Liver regeneration is dependent upon coordinated proliferation of hepatocytes and endothelial cells. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) promotes angiogenesis. Hepatic steatosis delays regeneration and increases liver resection morbidity.

Heme oxygenase-1 attenuates ischemia/reperfusion-induced apoptosis and improves survival in rat renal allografts.

Background: Kidneys can be preserved only for a limited time without jeopardizing graft function and survival. Induction of heat shock proteins (HSPs) can protect against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Therefore, we investigated whether the induction of the HSP, heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), improves outcome following isotransplantation after an extended period of cold storage.

Liver surgery in the era of tissue-preserving resections: early and late outcome in patients with primary and secondary hepatic tumors.

During recent decades, the understanding of the segmental-oriented liver anatomy has enabled development of resection of isolated liver segments or sectors as dictated by the localization and extent of the mass lesion. These newer surgical procedures provide the advantage of maximal preservation of functional parenchyma, therefore minimizing the occurrence of postoperative liver failure and, at the same time, expanding the indications for surgery. We analyzed the results after classical hemihepatectomies and segment-based resections in a consecutive, nonselected patient group.

Elevated intracranial IL-18 in humans and mice after traumatic brain injury and evidence of neuroprotective effects of IL-18-binding protein after experimental closed head injury.

Proinflammatory cytokines are important mediators of neuroinflammation after traumatic brain injury. The role of interleukin (IL)-18, a new member of the IL-1 family, in brain trauma has not been reported to date. The authors investigated the posttraumatic release of IL-18 in murine brains following experimental closed head injury (CHI) and in CSF of CHI patients.

Extended preservation of rat liver graft by induction of heme oxygenase-1.

Livers can be preserved only for a short period without jeopardizing the transplantation outcome. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) protect against ischemia and reperfusion injury. We studied whether their induction and, in particular, the induction of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), improves transplantation survival after an extended time of cold storage.

Hyperthermia preconditioning induces renal heat shock protein expression, improves cold ischemia tolerance, kidney graft function and survival in rats.

Background: Evidence indicates that hyperthermia preconditioning (HP) can be protective in kidney transplantation, possibly through increased heat shock protein (HSP) expression. A detailed study about individual HSPs and functional preservation is lacking, however. Therefore, we studied the effects of HP on kidney graft survival, function and HSP expression.

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 shows strong and additive immunomodulatory effects with cyclosporine A in rat renal allotransplants.

Background: Vitamin D3 and its metabolites have long been found to exert immunosuppressive effects both in vivo and in vitro. The present study investigated the effect of 1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25DHC) on vascularized renal allografts in rats.

Methods: Three days prior to transplantation, two groups of animals were subjected to 1,25DHC (1 microg/kg/day IP) and a low calcium diet, which was continued until the end of the experiments.

Preoperative galactose elimination capacity predicts complications and survival after hepatic resection.

Objective: To analyze a single center's 6-year experience with 258 consecutive patients undergoing major hepatic resection for primary or secondary malignancy of the liver, and to examine the predictive value of preoperative liver function assessment.

Summary Background Data: Despite the substantial improvements in diagnostic and surgical techniques that have made liver surgery a safer procedure, careful patient selection remains mandatory to achieve good results in patients with hepatic tumors.

Methods: In this prospective study, 258 patients undergoing hepatic resection were enrolled: 111 for metastases, 78 for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), 21 for cholangiocellular carcinoma, and 48 for other primary hepatic tumors.