Relationship between HBV genotypes and anti-viral therapeutic efficacy of interferon-alpha.

Background: Much evidence demonstrates that the genotypes of hepatitis B virus (HBV) present differences in pathogenicity and outcomes owing to differences in genetic structure. This study aimed to investigate the influences of HBV genotypes on the anti-viral therapeutic efficacy of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in chronic hepatitis B patients, and to determine the relationship between HBV genotypes and levels of viral replication or gene variations.

Methods: The chronic hepatitis B patients who were treated with IFN-alpha were selected randomly.

Modulation of liver oxidant-antioxidant system by ischemic preconditioning during ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats.

Aim: To investigate effects of ischemic pre-conditioning on the liver endogenous oxidant-antioxidant system during ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Methods: Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham-operated (Sham), ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischemic pre-conditioning plus ischemia/reperfusion (IPC) groups. Serum ALT, AST and hyaluronic acid levels were assayed and pathologic alterations observed.