Met-CCL5 modifies monocyte subpopulations during liver fibrosis regression.

Fibrosis or scarring of the liver parenchyma is a mainstay of chronic liver diseases and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Since complete scarring of the liver develops over several decades, therapeutic intervention with the aim of ameliorating fibrosis is of great clinical interest. In a recent study, we could identify the chemokine receptor antagonist Met-CCL5 as a potential compound to inhibit fibrosis progression and accelerate its regression.

Proapoptotic effects of the chemokine, CXCL 10 are mediated by the noncognate receptor TLR4 in hepatocytes.

Unlabelled: Aberrant expression of the chemokine CXC chemokine ligand (CXCL)10 has been linked to the severity of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-induced liver injury, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, we describe a yet-unknown proapoptotic effect of CXCL10 in hepatocytes, which is not mediated through its cognate chemokine receptor, but the lipopolysaccharide receptor Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4). To this end, we investigated the link of CXCL10 expression with apoptosis in HCV-infected patients and in murine liver injury models.

Response evaluation of chemotherapy in metastatic colorectal cancer by contrast enhanced ultrasound.

Aim: To evaluate whether contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) might also be used for response prediction and early response evaluation in patients receiving bevacizumab based chemotherapy for metastasized colorectal cancer.

Methods: Thirty consecutive patients with non primary resectable liver metastases from colorectal cancer underwent CEUS before treatment (CEUS date 1) and before the second (CEUS date 2) and fourth (CEUS date 3) cycle of bevacizumab based chemotherapy. Three parameters [PEAK, Time to peak (TTP) and RISE RATE]were correlated with radiological response.

A 7-gene signature of the recipient predicts the progression of fibrosis after liver transplantation for hepatitis C virus infection.

Fibrosis recurrence after liver transplantation (LT) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a universal event and strongly determines a patient's prognosis. The recipient risk factors for fibrosis recurrence are still poorly defined. Here we assess a genetic risk score as a predictor of fibrosis after LT.

Safe use of FOLFOX in two patients with metastatic colorectal carcinoma and severe hepatic dysfunction.

Background: Chemotherapeutic options for patients with metastasised colorectal cancer and impaired liver function are limited. Although oxaliplatin and 5-FU are well tolerated as single therapeutic agents, data supporting their use as combination chemotherapy in the setting of severe hepatic dysfunction are insufficient.

Patients And Methods: Here, we report on 2 patients with colorectal cancer and severe liver dysfunction secondary to hepatic metastases.

Long-term survival of a HCC-patient with severe liver dysfunction treated with sorafenib.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary cancer of the liver. Prognosis and treatment options are stage dependent. In general, prognosis of patients with unresectable HCC is poor, especially for those patients with impaired liver function.

Aberrant DNA methylation of the transcription factor C/EBPalpha in acute myelogenous leukemia.

We investigated the methylation status of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) promoter region near the transcription start site in acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). In hematopoietic tumor cell lines, CpG island hypermethylation of the proximal C/EBPalpha promoter region was associated with transcriptional silencing, and treatment with the demethylating agent 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine resulted in C/EBPalpha reexpression and promoter demethylation. Aberrant methylation of the C/EBPalpha promoter region occurred in 10/80 diagnostic AML samples, and there was an inverse correlation between aberrant methylation of C/EBPalpha and the negative cell cycle regulator p15.