Deubiquitylation of hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) by ubiquitin-specific peptidase 15 (USP15) increases HBx stability and its transactivation activity.

Hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) plays important roles in viral replication and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBx is a rapid turnover protein and ubiquitin-proteasome pathway has been suggested to influence HBx stability as treatment with proteasome inhibitors increases the levels of HBx protein and causes accumulation of the polyubiquitinated forms of HBx. Deubiquitinases (DUBs) are known to act by removing ubiquitin moieties from proteins and thereby reverse their stability and/or activity.

Omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: The most typical chronic liver disease in children and adolescents is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The dietary addition of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) provides a promising therapy for children with NAFLD due to its convenience and safety; however, several studies suggested contradictory results for PUFA supplementation in children. Hence, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of PUFA supplementation in children with NAFLD.

Sulforaphane suppresses EMT and metastasis in human lung cancer through miR-616-5p-mediated GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathways.

Sulforaphane is a common antioxidant selectively abundant in cruciferous plants, which exhibits effective anti-cancer actions in control of tumorigenesis or progression of various cancers. A recent study has shown that sulforaphane attenuates the EGFR signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), suggesting its potential anti-metastatic effects. In this study we assessed the involvement of sulforaphane and miR-616-5p in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and NSCLC metastasis.

Relationship between birth weight and total cholesterol concentration in adulthood: A meta-analysis.

Background: Although a substantial number of studies have investigated the relationship between birth weight and serum cholesterol later in life, the results vary extensively. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between birth weight and total cholesterol concentration in adulthood.

Methods: We considered the results of several published observational studies that reported the association between birth weight and total cholesterol concentration in adulthood.

Bladder leiomyoma presenting as dyspareunia: Case report and literature review.

Introduction: Leiomyoma of the bladder is a rare tumor arising from the submucosa. Most patients with bladder leiomyoma may present with urinary frequency or obstructive urinary symptoms. However, there are a few cases of bladder leiomyoma coexisting with uterine leiomyoma presenting as dyspareunia.

Serum Interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-10, but not T-Helper 9 (Th9) Cells, are Associated With Survival of Patients With Acute-on-Chronic Hepatitis B Liver Failure.

CD4 T helper (Th) cells are reported to be essential for initiating and maintaining an effective immune response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Th9 cells are a new subset of CD4 Th cells that produce interleukin (IL)-9 and IL-10. The present study aimed to investigate the percentage of Th9 cells relative to the number of CD4 cells in peripheral blood.

Multinodular Goiter Spontaneous Hemorrhage in ESRD Patients Result in Acute Respiratory Failure: A Case Report.

Euthyroid multinodular goiters may lead to acute respiratory failure caused by airway obstruction or laryngotracheal compression. Here, we present a case admitted to the nephrologist with multinodular goiter spontaneous hemorrhage along with respiratory failure and end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which required urgent surgical intervention.We report the case of a 63-year-old woman with ESRD who presented with a rapidly enlarging nodular goiter resulting in acute respiratory failure.

IgG4-related Kidney Disease Mimicking Malignant Ureter Tumor: Case Report and Literature Review.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease is a recently recognized systemic disease that can affect any organ or tissue in the body, including the kidneys. IgG4-related kidney disease (IgG4-RKD) is an important part of immunoglobulin G4-related disease. The most common renal manifestation of IgG4-RKD is tubulointerstitial nephritis and glomerular lesions.

Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome in an Elderly Man: Case Report and Literature Review.

Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a rare disease of unknown etiology defined by the combination of tubulointerstitial nephritis, uveitis, and biochemical abnormalities. It has been reported that TINU mainly affects adolescents and young women. Here we reported a special case regarding a 60-year-old man with acute renal failure due to TINU syndrome documented by renal biopsy.

Femoral Arteriovenous Fistula Associated With Leg Swelling 6 Months After Removal of a Hemodialysis Catheter: A Case Report.

Double-lumen catheters have been used widely to obtain temporary access in patients who are in need of acute hemodialysis (HD) because of acute renal failure. Several complications are associated with the insertion of these catheters, including bleeding, infection, injuries to arteries, and deep venous thrombosis. An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a rare but significant complication following catheterization for temporary HD.

The novel mTOR inhibitor Torin-2 induces autophagy and downregulates the expression of UHRF1 to suppress hepatocarcinoma cell growth.

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is frequently upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Blockage of mTOR was found to induce marked reduction in HCC growth in preclinical models. In the present study, we tested a novel mTOR inhibitor, Torin-2, for its antitumor efficacy in HCC cell lines Hep G2, SNU-182 and Hep 3B2.

The Transforming Growth Factor β1/Interleukin-31 Pathway Is Upregulated in Patients with Hepatitis B Virus-Related Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure and Is Associated with Disease Severity and Survival.

The transforming growth factor β1/interleukin-31 (TGF-β1/IL-31) pathway plays an important role in the process of cell injury and inflammation. The purpose of this work was to explore the role of the TGF-β1/IL-31 pathway in the cytopathic process of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The quantitative serum levels of TGF-β1, IL-9, IL-10, IL-17, IL-22, IL-23, IL-31, IL-33, and IL-35 were analyzed among chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients (n = 17), ACLF patients (n = 18), and normal control (NC) subjects (n = 18).

Interference of Notch 2 inhibits the progression of gliomas and induces cell apoptosis by induction of the cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase.

Glioblastoma is the most common type of malignant brain tumor with a poor prognosis. The Notch signaling pathway is often aberrantly activated in glioma cells. In order to determine the expression of Notch 2 and to evaluate its possible prognostic value in malignant glioblastoma, specimens from 32 patients and 20 controls were analyzed using immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

Ratios of regulatory T cells/T-helper 17 cells and transforming growth factor-β1/interleukin-17 to be associated with the development of hepatitis B virus-associated liver cirrhosis.

Background And Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the association of the regulatory T cells (Treg)/T-helper (Th) 17 cells and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/interleukin-17 (IL-17) ratios with the survival and disease progression in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated liver cirrhosis (LC).

Methods: The frequencies of Treg and Th17 cells were analyzed in 28 patients with HBV-LC, 70 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 20 normal controls (NC) by flow cytometry. The levels of cytokines related to Treg/Th17 differentiation, including IL-10, TGF-β1, IL-17, and IL-23, were measured by ELISA.