Factors associated with hepatic fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C: a retrospective study of a large cohort of U.S. patients.

Goals: To determine the risk factors for stage 3 and 4 fibrosis in a large cohort of U.S. patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC).

In-vivo effects and mechanisms of celecoxib-reduced growth of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-expressing versus COX-2-deleted human HCC xenografts in nude mice.

We previously reported that celecoxib, a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor, suppresses growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through both COX-2 dependence and independence. Recently, we established COX-2-deleted human HCC cells, C2D-HuH7, and C2D-HuH7-bearing nude mice. Using this novel model, we examined the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of celecoxib on in-vivo growth of HCC xenografts in relation to COX-2 expression.

Clinical presentation of chronic hepatitis C in patients with end-stage renal disease and on hemodialysis versus those with normal renal function.

Background: The natural history of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) remains to be defined in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Aims: To determine the clinical presentation of CHC and the factors associated with stage III-IV fibrosis in patients with CHC and ESRD.

Methods: The study included patients with CHC and ESRD (n = 91) or normal renal function (NRF, n = 159).