Biallelic TLR4 deficiency in humans.

Background: Toll-like receptors (TLRs) mediate functions for host defense and inflammatory responses. TLR4 recognizes LPS, a component of gram-negative bacteria as well as host-derived endogenous ligands such as S100A8 and S100A9 proteins.

Objective: We sought to report phenotype and cellular function of individuals with complete TLR4 deficiency.

Gene Expression Profiling of FFPE Samples: A Titration Test.

The gene expression analysis of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues is often hampered by poor RNA quality, which results from the oxidation, cross-linking and other chemical modifications induced by the inclusion in paraffin. Yet, FFPE samples are a valuable source for molecular studies and can provide great insights into disease progression and prognosis. With the advancement of genomic technologies, new methods have been established that offer reliable and accurate gene expression workflows on samples of poor quality.

Gastric glomus tumor presenting with massive upper GI bleeding: A challenging to diagnose and treat tumor.

Glomus tumors are infrequent benign tumors that originate from the glomus body and can be found anywhere in the body including the gastrointestinal tract. It is rare that gastric glomus tumors present with life-threatening upper GI bleeding. Diagnosis of gastric glomus tumors poses a challenge due to overlapping endoscopic and endosonographic features with other gastric subepithelial lesions, and the final diagnosis may not be clear until after surgical resection and pathological examination.

Noninvasive biomarkers FibroTest and ActiTest versus liver biopsy in chronic hepatitis C patients: the Middle East experience.

Background: The aim of this study was to compare noninvasive biomarkers, FibroTest and ActiTest in predicting fibrosis stage and inflammation grade in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients with liver biopsy (LB).

Methods: In 107 patients with CHC, levels of six serum biomarkers (alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, total bilirubin, haptoglobin, apolipoprotein, α-2 macroglobulin) were determined at the time of LB. LB was evaluated by Metavir score for fibrosis and inflammation.

High dose of Lamivudine and resistance in patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Background. Lamivudine is the most affordable drug used for chronic hepatitis B and has a high safety profile. With the daily dose of 100 mg there is progressive appearance of resistance to lamivudine therapy.