Expression of NOTCH receptors and ligands and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.

To elucidate potential prognostic significance of NOTCH receptor and ligand expression in hepatocellular carcinoma. NOTCH receptors and ligands were divided into increased and decreased expression groups by X-tile program. The association between NOTCH receptors/ligands and prognosis was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test.

Liquiritigenin suppresses the activation of hepatic stellate cells via targeting miR-181b/PTEN axis.

Background: Liquiritigenin (LQ), an aglycone of liquiritin in licorice, has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activities. Previously, LQ was found to inhibit liver fibrosis progression.

Purpose: Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) has been reported to act as a negative regulator of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation.