Validation of conventional non-invasive fibrosis scoring systems in patients with metabolic associated fatty liver disease.

Background: Non-invasive fibrosis scores are not yet validated in the newly defined metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD).

Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of four non-invasive scores including aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI), fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), body mass index, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio, diabetes score (BARD), and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score (NFS) in patients with MAFLD.

Methods: Consecutive patients with histologically confirmed MAFLD were included.

[Retracted] Anticancer and apoptotic activities of oleanolic acid are mediated through cell cycle arrest and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Following the publication of the above paper, a concerned reader drew to the Editor's attention that several figures (principally, Figs. 3, 6 and 8) contained data that bore striking similarities to data published in other papers, some of which had been published around the same time and written by different authors based at different research institutions. After having conducted an independent investigation in the Editorial Office, the Editor of has determined that this article should be retracted from the Journal on account of a lack of confidence concerning the originality and the authenticity of the data.

Clinic-pathological features of metabolic associated fatty liver disease with hepatitis B virus infection.

Background: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a novel concept proposed in 2020.

Aim: To compare the characteristics of MAFLD and MAFLD with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.

Methods: Patients with histopathologically proven MAFLD from a single medical center were included.

Anticancer and apoptotic activities of oleanolic acid are mediated through cell cycle arrest and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential in HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive form of cancer, with high rates of morbidity and mortality, a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. The objective of the present study was to demonstrate the anticancer activity of oleanolic acid in HepG2 human HCC cells. Cell viability was evaluated using an MTT assay, following administration of various doses of oleanolic acid.

Hepatitis B surface antigen in late hepatitis B infection.

Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels are used to evaluate and monitor clinical phases of chronic hepatitis B infection but their clinical significance is unclear in the late complications, cirrhosis of the liver and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study aimed to evaluate HBsAg levels across the whole natural history of hepatitis B virus infection, including late complications. This retrospective, cross-sectional study enrolled 838 treatment-naive patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B infection at First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University between 2009 and 2012.

A new model for predicting liver cirrhosis in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers with low serum alanine transaminase activity.

Objectives: To develop a cirrhosis-predicted model in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers with alanine transarninase (ALT) less than two times the upper limit of normal (ULN).

Methods: Treatment-naive patients (n=278), who had undergone liver biopsies, were randomly divided into two groups - a training group and a validation group. Thirteen bio-clinical parameters were analyzed.

[Prolonged duration of the routine pegylated-interferon alfa-2a therapy produces superior virological response in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients: a single-center cohort study].

Objective: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion and/or hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) clearance are considered as good prognostic indicators of treatment outcome in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. While a sustained virological response (SVR) can be achieved by a finite 48-week course of pegylated-interferon alfa-2a (Peg-IFNalpha-2a), it has been suggested that longer-term treatment can improve the rate of SVR. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effects of prolonged and routine Peg-IFNa-2a therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive CHB.