Hepatitis B Virus Core Antigen Stimulates IL-6 Expression via p38, ERK and NF-κB Pathways in Hepatocytes.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes both acute and chronic liver injury. Viral proteins are involved in the pathological progress. Hepatitis B core antigen (HBcAg), a component of viral nucleocapsid, is not only essential for HBV lifecycle, but also exhibits strong immunogenicity.

Hepatitis B Virus Middle Protein Enhances IL-6 Production via p38 MAPK/NF-κB Pathways in an ER Stress-Dependent Manner.

During hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, three viral envelope proteins of HBV are overexpressed in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). The large S protein (LHBs) and truncated middle S protein (MHBst) have been documented to play roles in regulating host gene expression and contribute to hepatic disease development. As a predominant protein at the ultrastructural level in biopsy samples taken from viremic patients, the role of the middle S protein (MHBs) remains to be understood despite its high immunogenicity.

Molecular biomarkers of colorectal cancer: prognostic and predictive tools for clinical practice.

Colorectal cancer remains one of the most common types of cancer and leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Although we have made steady progress in chemotherapy and targeted therapy, evidence suggests that the majority of patients undergoing drug therapy experience severe, debilitating, and even lethal adverse drug events which considerably outweigh the benefits. The identification of suitable biomarkers will allow clinicians to deliver the most appropriate drugs to specific patients and spare them ineffective and expensive treatments.