A murine model of NKT cell-mediated liver injury induced by alpha-galactosylceramide/d-galactosamine.

Natural killer-T (NKT) cells are rich in the liver. However, their involvement in liver injury is not fully understood. We developed here a new murine model of NKT-cell-activation-associated liver injury, and investigated a role of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and Fas in pathogenesis.

A new chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background/aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a novel chemotherapeutic regimen for advanced unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methodology: Seventeen patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma were treated by arterial infusion once a week of low-dose cisplatin (12 mg/m2) and doxorubicin (6 mg/m2) via a subcutaneously implanted injection port and by daily oral administration of 300 mg/day of UFT comprising 5-fluorouracil prodrug tegafur (FT) and uracil (U) at a ratio of 1:4.

Results: The median number of chemotherapy courses was 13 (range, 5-33).