Effector T cell function rather than survival determines extent and duration of hepatitis in mice.

Background & Aims: Acute hepatitis is often mediated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs); however, the intrinsic parameters that limit CTL-mediated liver injury are not well understood.

Methods: To investigate whether acute liver damage is limited by molecules that decrease the lifespan or effector function of CTLs, we used a well-characterized transgenic (Tg) mouse model in which acute liver damage develops upon transfer of T cell receptor (TCR) Tg CD8 T cells. Recipient Tg mice received donor TCR Tg T cells deficient for either the pro-apoptotic molecule Bim, which regulates CTL survival, or suppressor of cytokine signaling-1 (SOCS-1), which controls expression of common gamma chain cytokines; the effects of anti-PD-L1 neutralizing antibodies were also assessed.

Long-term results after in-situ split (ISS) liver resection.

Purpose: In-situ split (ISS) liver resection is a novel method to induce rapid hypertrophy of the contralateral liver lobe in patients at risk for postoperative liver failure due to insufficient liver remnant. So far, no data about oncological long-term survival after ISS liver resection is available.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed our patients treated with ISS liver resection at the Department of Surgery of the University of Regensburg, the first center worldwide to perform ISS.

Retrograde stapling of a free cervical jejunal interposition graft: a technical innovation and case report.

Background: Free jejunal interposition is a useful technique for reconstruction of the cervical esophagus. However, the distal anastomosis between the graft and the remaining thoracic esophagus or a gastric conduit can be technically challenging when located very low in the thoracic aperture. We here describe a modified technique for retrograde stapling of a jejunal graft to a failed gastric conduit using a circular stapler on a delivery system.

MSC-based therapies in solid organ transplantation.

Immunomodulatory cell therapy as a complement to standard pharmacotherapy represents a novel approach to solid organ allograft acceptance. This methodology may allow for a reduced dose of immunosuppressive drug to be administered and thus attenuate the severe side effects associated with long-term immunosuppression such as drug-related impairment of renal function, increased risk from opportunistic infections and malignancies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to possess both immune modulatory and regenerative properties in vitro and in preclinical models.

Rationale and prospects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy for liver transplantation.

Purpose Of Review: Despite their potential to supplement the donor organ pool, expanded donor criteria grafts are associated with an elevated risk of graft failure and increased early mortality. Likewise, attempts to promote operational graft tolerance through conventional immunosuppressive therapy have demonstrated significant safety-related drawbacks. Because of their potent regenerative and immunomodulative potential, adjunct mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy represents an innovative approach to both of these clinical problems.