Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy outcome according to clarithromycin susceptibility testing in Japan.

Background: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection increases the risk of gastric cancer. Therefore, eradication is a global goal, which requires continuous monitoring of therapeutic regimens and effectiveness. Clarithromycin resistance is an important contributor to eradication failure, and metronidazole is recommended as second-line treatment in such cases.

Early-stage blocking of Notch signaling inhibits the depletion of goblet cells in dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis in mice.

Background: Goblet cells, which contribute to mucosal defense and repair in the intestinal epithelium, are depleted in human and rodent colitis. The Notch signal pathway regulates the differentiation of intestinal stem cells into epithelial cells and inhibits the differentiation of secretory lineages, including goblet cells. The aim of our study was to clarify whether the blocking of the Notch pathway at an early stage of colitis would preserve goblet cells and facilitate the healing process in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice.

Mutation of the p16/CDKN2 gene and loss of heterozygosity in malignant mucosal melanoma and adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the molecular biological characteristics of malignant mucosal melanoma (MMM) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the head and neck. We analyzed the common genetic abnormalities that may help to identify the loci in the genes involved in the development of MMM and ACC of the head and neck by PCR-LOH on chromosomes 1p, 6q, 9p, 10q, 11q, 12q, 17p, and 19q. LOH was observed in 6 of 12 cases of MMM and in 12 of 15 cases of ACC informative for at least one of the loci analyzed.

Hepatic expression of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase in the human liver of patients with alcoholic liver disease.

Background: Gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) has been recognized as an enzyme that converts glutathione into cysteine, and it is localized predominantly within the liver. Serum GGT is clinically recognized as the most useful marker for diagnosis of alcoholic liver disease (ALD).

Methods: GGT localization within the liver was examined immunohistochemically using an anti-GGT antibody and was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy in ALD and normal livers.

Reduced expression of low-density lipoprotein receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia.

Background And Aim: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently associated with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia. In familial hypercholesterolemia, genetic mutation of the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor gene has been recognized as being a pathogenesis of the disease. We investigate the expression of a LDL receptor protein and gene abnormalities of a LDL receptor in HCC cells in cases with paraneoplastic hypercholesterolemia.

Altered expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the liver of primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) patients.

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a representative marker of cholestasis, in diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, the hepatic localization of ALP in patients with cholestatic liver diseases has not been fully clarified. Accordingly, we studied the expression of ALP in the liver of PBC, chronic hepatitis C and controls.

Rapid-onset primary biliary cirrhosis resembling drug-induced liver injury.

A 54-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of acute liver injury. Since she had a history of having used a diet product, drug-induced liver injury (DILI) was initially considered. However, the patient was subsequently diagnosed as suffering from primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) based on the findings of liver histology and serum anti-mitochondrial antibody positivity.

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis associated with psoriasis vulgaris.

A 24-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of liver dysfunction. He had been diagnosed as having psoriasis vulgaris at 18 years of age. Physical examination demonstrated obesity, general erythema, and hepatomegaly.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with liver cirrhosis associated with negative serum HCV tests but positive liver tissue HCV RNA.

A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of a liver tumor. Laboratory data revealed mild liver dysfunction. Neither serum anti-HCV antibody nor HCV-RNA was detected.