Emerging role of fibroblast growth factors 15/19 and 21 as metabolic integrators in the liver

Claudia Cicione, Chiara Degirolamo, Antonio Moschetta – 29 June 2012 – Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) 15/19 and 21 belong to the FGF endocrine subfamily. They present the intriguing characteristic to be transcribed and secreted in certain tissues and to act as hormones. The insulin‐mimetic properties of FGF21 and the regulatory role of FGF15/19 in bile acid and glucose homeostasis endorse these hormones as druggable targets in metabolic disorders.

Hepatitis B virus X protein stimulates gene expression selectively from extrachromosomal DNA templates

Pieter C. van Breugel, Eva I. Robert, Henrik Mueller, Adrien Decorsière, Fabien Zoulim, Olivier Hantz, Michel Strubin – 28 June 2012 – Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major risk factor for liver cancer development. HBV encodes the hepatitis B virus X (HBx) protein that promotes transcription of the viral episomal DNA genome by the host cell RNA polymerase II. Here we provide evidence that HBx accomplishes this task by a conserved and unusual mechanism.

Evolution of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease recurrence after liver transplantation

Deepa T. Patil, Lisa M. Yerian – 27 June 2012 – Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and is the fourth most common indication for liver transplantation. Risk factors for NAFLD can persist and even worsen after liver transplantation. However, the risk and significance of NAFLD recurrence remain unclear. Reported posttransplant NAFLD and NASH recurrence rates vary widely across studies.

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