LCT-13910C>T polymorphism-associated lactose malabsorption and risk for colorectal cancer in Italy.

Background: The activity of epithelial lactase (LCT) associates with a polymorphism 13910 bp upstream the LCT-encoding gene (LCT-13910C>T). The relationship between LCT-13910C>T polymorphism and risk for colorectal cancer is unclear.

Aims: We examined the relationship between the LCT-13910C>T polymorphism causing lactose intolerance and risk for colorectal cancer/polyps onset in the Italian population.

Individually administered or co-prescribed thiopurines and mesalamines for inflammatory bowel disease.

Data from both basic research and clinical experience continue to suggest that mesalamines and thiopurines are effective and efficient for the maintenance of remission of inflammatory bowel diseases. Several decades following the formalization of their indications, attention on these two drugs has been fostered by recent achievements. Demonstration of the ability of mesalamine to activate a colonocyte differentiation factor has shed light on its chemopreventive effects on colorectal cancer; in addition to their anti-proliferative efficacy, thiopurines have been shown to be specific regulators of apoptosis.

Long-term follow-up of previous hepatitis C virus positive nonresponders to interferon monotherapy successfully retreated with combination therapy: are they really cured?

Objectives: To evaluate whether in chronic hepatitis C-positive patients who failed to respond to interferon (IFN) monotherapy a sustained response obtained with retreatment using the combination therapy of IFN + ribavirin can be safely considered to reflect eradication of the infection.

Methods: Prospective follow-up of a cohort of 97 patients who responded to retreatment with different regimens of IFN + ribavirin after failing to respond to a first IFN monotherapy course. The patients were followed throughout 7 yr of follow-up with determinations of HCV viremia every 6 months.