Bardoxolone methyl as a novel potent antiviral agent against hepatitis B and C viruses in human hepatocyte cell culture systems.

Antiviral drugs against hepatitis B virus (HBV) relieve symptoms experienced by patients with hepatitis; however, these drugs cannot eliminate HBV infection from all patients completely. On the other hand, direct antiviral agents (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) can achieve near-complete elimination of HCV infection. However, recent reports have claimed that DAAs pose a risk for HBV reactivation among patients with HBV and HCV co-infection.

Potential role of heme metabolism in the inducible expression of heme oxygenase-1.

Background: The degradation of heme significantly contributes to cytoprotective effects against oxidative stress and inflammation. The enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), involved in the degradation of heme, forms carbon monoxide (CO), ferrous iron, and bilirubin in conjunction with biliverdin reductase, and is induced by various stimuli including oxidative stress and heavy metals. We examined the involvement of heme metabolism in the induction of HO-1 by the inducers sulforaphane and sodium arsenite.