Role of endogenous opioids in modulating HSC activity in vitro and liver fibrosis in vivo.

Background: Endogenous opioids modulate the growth of nervous and non-nervous cells. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the main cell phenotype involved in liver fibrogenesis, display molecular markers of neuronal cells and respond to neurotransmitters.

Aim: To evaluate the role of endogenous opioids on liver fibrogenesis.

Peritoneal dialysis-related hydrothorax--case report.

Hydrothorax is an uncommon but well-recognized complication of peritoneal dialysis. Here, we describe a case of hydrothorax in a peritoneal dialysis patient who underwent video-assisted thorascopic surgery and talc pleurodesis for a diaphragmatic defect to preserve peritoneal dialysis capabilities. We reviewed the literature for 2001-2005 to assess how others have handled this situation and whether patients have returned successfully to peritoneal dialysis.

A model of insulin resistance and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in rats: role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid treatment on liver injury.

Insulin resistance induces nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We used a high-fat, high-calorie solid diet (HFD) to create a model of insulin resistance and NASH in nongenetically modified rats and to study the relationship between visceral adipose tissue and liver. Obesity and insulin resistance occurred in HFD rats, accompanied by a progressive increase in visceral adipose tissue tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA and in circulating free fatty acids.

Microcystin diversity in a Planktothrix rubescens population from Lake Albano (Central Italy).

The cyanobacterium Planktothrix rubescens Anagnostidis & Komarek (previously Oscillatoria rubescens DC ex Gomont) is present in several Italian lakes and it is known to produce cyanotoxins. The dynamics and toxin production of P. rubescens population in Lake Albano, a volcanic crater lake in Central Italy, has been studied for 5 years (January 2001-April 2005).