MAPK p38/Ulk1 pathway inhibits autophagy and induces IL-1β expression in hepatic stellate cells.

In the past, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were considered to be noninflammatory cells and to contribute to liver fibrosis by producing extracellular matrix. Recently, it was found that HSCs can also secrete cytokines and chemokines and therefore participate in hepatic inflammation. Autophagy participates in many immune response processes in immune cells.

Role and regulation of autophagy and apoptosis by nitric oxide in hepatic stellate cells during acute liver failure.

Background & Aims: We previously found that hepatic stellate cell activation induced by autophagy maintains the liver architecture to prevent collapse during acute liver failure. Nitric oxide has shown to induce hepatic stellate cell apoptosis. Whether and how nitric oxide is involved in acute liver failure and autophagy remains unclear.

Hepatic flare after telbivudine withdrawal and efficacy of postpartum antiviral therapy for pregnancies with chronic hepatitis B virus.

Background And Aim: The efficacy of telbivudine for breaking vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus has been well established. Data on the risk of postpartum flare after telbivudine withdrawal and efficacy of extended antiviral therapy after delivery are limited.

Methods: Chronic hepatitis B virus-infected women who received telbivudine beginning at week 24 or 28 of gestation were enrolled and then followed up to 52 weeks postpartum.

Two-Solvent Method Synthesis of NiO/ZnO Nanoparticles Embedded in Mesoporous SBA-15: Photocatalytic Properties Study.

Different loadings of NiO/ZnO nanoparticles embedded in mesoporous silica (SBA-15) were prepared via a two-solvent method with the ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure of SBA-15 kept. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffusive reflective UV-vis spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption porosimetry were employed to characterize the nanocomposites. The results indicate that the ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure of SBA-15 is kept and the absorption band edges of the nanocomposites shift into the ultraviolet light regime.