Novel feedback inhibition of surface antigen synthesis by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signal and its implication for hepatitis B virus tumorigenesis and therapy

Chiao‐Fang Teng, Han‐Chieh Wu, Hung‐Wen Tsai, Her‐Shyong Shiah, Wenya Huang, Ih‐Jen Su – 6 July 2011 – Ground glass hepatocytes (GGHs) harboring hepatitis B virus (HBV) pre‐S mutants have been recognized as precursor lesions of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previously, we observed the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in GGHs and HCCs, together with a decreased expression of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) in HCC tissues. It is, therefore, hypothesized that the activation of mTOR during HBV tumorigenesis may potentially down‐regulate HBsAg expression.

The G‐Protein‐coupled bile acid receptor, Gpbar1 (TGR5), negatively regulates hepatic inflammatory response through antagonizing nuclear factor kappa light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB) in mice

Yan‐Dong Wang, Wei‐Dong Chen, Donna Yu, Barry M. Forman, Wendong Huang – 6 July 2011 – Gpbar1 (TGR5), a membrane‐bound bile acid receptor, is well known for its roles in regulation of energy homeostasis and glucose metabolism. TGR5 also displays strong attenuation of macrophage reactivity in vitro, but the physiological roles of TGR5 in inflammatory response, and its mechanism, is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that TGR5 is a negative modulator of nuclear factor kappa light‐chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF‐κB)‐mediated inflammation.

Drug‐Induced liver injury with hypersensitivity features has a better outcome: A single‐center experience of 39 children and adolescents

Harshad Devarbhavi, Dheeraj Karanth, Prasanna KS, Adarsh CK, Mallikarjun Patil – 6 July 2011 – Drug‐induced liver injury (DILI) is rare in children and adolescents, and, consequently, data are remarkably limited. We analyzed the causes, clinical and biochemical features, natural history, and outcomes of children with DILI. Consecutive children with DILI from 1997 to 2004 (retrospective) and 2005 to 2010 (prospective) were studied based on standard criteria for DILI. Thirty‐nine children constituted 8.7% of 450 cases of DILI. There were 22 boys and 17 girls.

Cannabinoid CB2 receptors protect against alcoholic liver disease by regulating Kupffer cell polarization in mice

Alexandre Louvet, Fatima Teixeira‐Clerc, Marie‐Noële Chobert, Vanessa Deveaux, Catherine Pavoine, Andreas Zimmer, Françoise Pecker, Ariane Mallat, Sophie Lotersztajn – 6 July 2011 – Activation of Kupffer cells plays a central role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. Because cannabinoid CB2 receptors (CB2) display potent anti‐inflammatory properties, we investigated their role in the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease, focusing on the impact of CB2 on Kupffer cell polarization and the consequences on liver steatosis.

Inflammation‐associated interleukin‐6/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation ameliorates alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases in interleukin‐10–deficient mice

Andrew M. Miller, Hua Wang, Adeline Bertola, Ogyi Park, Norio Horiguchi, Sung Hwan Ki, Shi Yin, Fouad Lafdil, Bin Gao – 2 July 2011 – Alcoholic and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis are characterized by fatty liver plus inflammation. It is generally believed that steatosis promotes inflammation, whereas inflammation in turn aggregates steatosis.

Changes in hepatitis A and B vaccination rates in adult patients with chronic liver diseases and diabetes in the U.S. population

Zobair M. Younossi, Maria Stepanova – 2 July 2011 – Professional societies recommend hepatitis A and hepatitis B immunization for individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD), but the degree of implementation is unknown. Data were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) conducted in 1999‐2008.

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