Performance of transient elastography in assessing liver fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis overlap syndrome.

Aim: To investigate the performance of transient elastography (TE) for diagnosis of fibrosis in patients with autoimmune hepatitis-primary biliary cholangitis (AIH-PBC) overlap syndrome.

Methods: A total of 70 patients with biopsy-proven AIH-PBC overlap syndrome were included. Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation of liver stiffness measurement (LSM) and fibrosis stage.

Characteristics, Diagnosis and Prognosis of Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure in Cirrhosis Associated to Hepatitis B.

The diagnostic and prognostic criteria of acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) were developed in patients with no Hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis (CANONIC study). The aims of this study were to evaluate whether the diagnostic (CLIF-C organ failure score; CLIF-C OFs) criteria can be used to classify patients; and the prognostic score (CLIF-C ACLF score) could be used to provide prognostic information in HBV cirrhotic patients with ACLF. 890 HBV associated cirrhotic patients with acute decompensation (AD) were enrolled.

Comparison of survival and tumor recurrence rates in patients undergoing liver transplantation for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma using Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria.

Objectives: To assess the performance of the Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria based on a preoperative evaluation in patients undergoing liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods: Using a prospectively collected database, the data of consecutive patients with hepatitis B-related HCC undergoing LT at the Department of Liver Surgery of Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University from January 2005 to December 2009 were reviewed. Overall survival and tumor recurrence rates of patients fulfilling the Milan, Shanghai Fudan and Hangzhou criteria were compared using log-rank test.

De novo hepatitis B virus infection from anti-HBc-positive donors in pediatric living donor liver transplantation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence and risk factors of de novo hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection from hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc)-positive donors in pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 46 recipients without pre-liver transplantation (LT) HBV infection evidence who underwent LDLT from October 2006 to May 2011 in our center. HBV markers, including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibody (anti-HBs), anti-HBc, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and antibody (anti-HBe) were determined in both donors and recipients before LT and in recipients after LT.

Clinical and histological features of autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis in Chinese patients: a single center experience.

Objective: This study aimed to define the clinical features of Chinese patients with autoantibody-negative autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and to refine the diagnosis and management of these atypical patients in a single Chinese center.

Methods: A retrospective evaluation of 167 Chinese patients with AIH was performed. Patients meeting comprehensive criteria with the absence of antinuclear antibodies, smooth muscle antibodies, liver-kidney microsomal-1 antibodies and antimitochondrial antibodies were defined as autoantibody-negative patients.

[Clinical and pathological features of autoimmune hepatitis: no significant differences between genders].

Unlabelled: To explore the clinical and pathological features of male and female autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) patients.

Methods: One hundred and sixty-nine AIH patients were enrolled. The clinical and histological data of the male cases were compared with the female ones.

Efficacy of fenofibrate in Chinese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis partially responding to ursodeoxycholic acid therapy.

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of fenofibrate combination therapy in Chinese patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) who had a partial response to standard dose of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) for at least one year.

Methods: PBC patients were treated with UDCA (13-15 mg/kg/day) for more than one year. The biochemical response to UDCA treatment was evaluated after treatment.

[Validation of transient elastography (Fibroscan) in assessment of hepatic fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis].

Objective: To validate transient elastography (Fibroscan) in assessment of hepatic fibrosis in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

Methods: Liver stiffness was assessed using Fibroscan in totally 30 patients with AIH. We compared the results of Fibroscan with the Scheuer fibrosis stage in liver biopsy in each patient.

Liver X receptors bridge hepatic lipid metabolism and inflammation.

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the superfamily of metabolic nuclear receptors, which play central roles in the regulation of cholesterol absorption, efflux, transportation and excretion and many other processes correlating with lipid metabolism. LXRs can also regulate inflammation in vitro and in vivo. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that LXR are involved in the metabolism and inflammation in human diseases.

[Clinical and pathological features of primary biliary cirrhotic patients with negative anti-mitochondria antibody].

Objective: To explore the clinical and pathological features of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients with negative anti-mitochondria antibody (AMA).

Methods: Two hundreds and eight PBC patients were enrolled. The clinical and histological data of the negative AMA cases were compared with the AMA/AMA-M2 positive cases.

Th17 cells: the emerging reciprocal partner of regulatory T cells in the liver.

T helper cells that produce interleukin-17 (IL-17) (Th17 cells) have recently been identified as the third distinct subset of effector T cells, the differentiation of which depends on specific transcription nuclear factor retinoic acid-related orphan nuclear receptor-gammat. Emerging data have suggested that Th17 cells play an important role in innate immunity, adaptive immunity and autoimmunity. Interestingly, there is a reciprocal relationship between Th17 cells and regulatory T cells (Treg), not only in development, but also in their effector function.

Clinical research on liver reserve function by 13C-phenylalanine breath test in aged patients with chronic liver diseases.

Background: The objective of this study was to investigate whether the 13C-phenylalanine breath test could be useful for the evaluation of hepatic function in elderly volunteers and patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis.

Methods: L-[1-13C] phenylalanine was administered orally at a dose of 100 mg to 55 elderly patients with liver cirrhosis, 30 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 38 elderly healthy subjects. The breath test was performed at 8 different time points (0, 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 min) to obtain the values of Delta over baseline, percentage 13CO2 exhalation rate and cumulative excretion (Cum).

The role of entecavir in preventing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation.

Objective: Although hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation has been reduced to 0%-10% since the application of the combination therapy of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and lamivudine, the viral mutation resistance of lamivudine is still an obstacle to the outcome of liver transplantation. Here we evaluate the role of entecavir in preventing hepatitis B recurrence after liver transplantation.

Methods: Patients who received a liver transplantation for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related end-stage liver disease in our center from March 2006 to December 2008 were enrolled in this study.

Cholesterol metabolism and expression of its relevant genes in cultured steatotic hepatocytes.

Objective: To investigate the cholesterol metabolism and mRNA expression of the relevant genes in cholesterol synthesis of the cultured steatotic hepatocytes model.

Methods: A steatotic model of hepatocytes was constructed by adding palmitic acid to the growing L-02 cells. These cells were collected at day 3 and 6, respectively.

Bile acids and insulin resistance: implications for treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is characterized by an accumulation of excess triglycerides in hepatocytes, and insulin resistance is now considered the fundamental operative mechanism throughout the prevalence and progression of the disease. Besides their role in dietary lipid absorption and cholesterol homeostasis, evidence has accumulated that bile acids are also signaling molecules that play two important roles in glucose and lipid metabolism: in the nuclear hormone receptors as farnesoid X receptors (FXR), as well as ligands for G-protein-coupled receptors TGR5. The activated FXR-SHP pathway regulates the enterohepatic recycling and biosynthesis of bile acids and underlies the down-regulation of hepatic fatty acid and triglyceride biosynthesis and very low density lipoprotein production mediated by sterol-regulatory element-binding protein-1c.

[Clinical features of 107 autoimmune hepatitis patients and 30 of them with AIH-primary biliary cirrhosis overlap syndrome].

Objective: In order to provide a reliable basis for the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and its overlap syndrome, we investigated the clinical, immunological characteristics of and the therapeutic methods for AIH and AIH-primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) overlap syndrome.

Methods: One hundred seven patients (77 with AIH and 30 with AIH-PBC overlap syndrome) were enrolled in the study. Their clinical manifestations, serum liver function tests (LFTs) findings, serum immunoglobulins, liver histopathological changes and their responsiveness to the therapies were investigated.

Inhibition of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase attenuates experimental autoimmune hepatitis: involvement of nuclear factor kappa B.

Aim: To investigate the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) in murine experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH).

Methods: To induce EAH, the syngeneic S-100 antigen emulsified in complete Freud's adjuvant was injected intraperitoneally into adult male C57Bl/6 mice. Liver injury was assessed by serum ALT and liver histology.

[Assessment of the health-related quality of life of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy].

Objective: The Medical Outcome Study of 36-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36) is a well-validated generic questionnaire widely used to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) is a specific HRQOL assessment designed for patients with liver diseases. The aim of our study is to evaluate the HRQOL based on SF-36 and CLDQ (Chinese version) in patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver cirrhosis, especially in the status of minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).

Methods: The SF-36 and CLDQ were answered by 160 healthy volunteers, 20 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 106 patients with cirrhosis.

Assessment of health-related quality of life in Chinese patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy.

Aim: To evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) based on the Chinese version of SF-36 and Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) in subjects with chronic hepatitis B, liver cirrhosis, including patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE).

Methods: The SF-36 and CLDQ were administered to 160 healthy volunteers, 20 subjects with chronic hepatitis B and 106 patients with cirrhosis (33 cases exhibited MHE). HRQOL scores were compared among the different study groups.

Expression of Toll-like receptor 4 in rat liver during the course of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury.

Background And Aim: It has recently been reported that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is involved in cellular responses to lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and early liver injury induced by LPS. The aim of the present study was to investigate the alterations of TLR4 gene expression in liver tissues and Kupffer cells during the course of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced chronic liver injury and fibrosis and its role in liver injury.

Methods: Rats were induced with liver injury and fibrosis by CCl(4) administered subcutaneously twice weekly for up to 8 weeks.

Expression of p21(WAF1) is related to acetylation of histone H3 in total chromatin in human colorectal cancer.

Aim: To explore the relationship between acetylation of histone in total chromatin and p21(WAF1) expression regulation in human colorectal carcinoma.

Methods: We analyzed the expression of tumor suppressor gene p21(WAF1) mRNA by RT-PCR or real-time PCR in 33 samples of colorectal cancerous tissue, corresponding para-cancerous tissue and normal colorectal mucosa, and also examined the level of acetylated histone H3 in total chromatin using Western blotting.

Results: The expression level of p21(WAF1) mRNA was significantly lower in colorectal cancerous tissue from 33 patients than in para-cancerous tissue and normal colorectal mucosa (2377.