Hemodynamic effects of carvedilol plus simvastatin in cirrhosis with severe portal hypertension and suboptimal response to β-blockers: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized-trial.

Background Aims: Carvedilol is a non-selective β-blocker (NSBBs) with anti-α1-adrenergic activity, more effective than traditional NSBBs in reducing portal-pressure (HVPG). However, 35%-45% of patients still have insufficient HVPG-decrease. Statins ameliorate endothelial dysfunction, reduce hepatic vascular resistance, and have pleiotropic effects.

Flow cytometry analysis of leukocytes in induced sputum from asthmatic patients.

Inflammatory cell counts in induced sputum from asthmatic patients partially correlate with respiratory physiology data. To identify and quantify these inflammatory components, microscopy has been useful but it is not without its limitations. Flow cytometry could be an alternative but still has underlying methodological difficulties.