Bone marrow‐derived stem cells in liver repair: 10 years down the line

Eleanor S. Gilchrist, John N. Plevris – 26 January 2010 – Hematopoietic stem cells have potential in the field of regenerative medicine because of their capacity to form cells of different lineages. Bone marrow stem cells have been shown to contribute to parenchymal liver cell populations, and although this may not be functionally significant, it has sparked interest in the field of autologous stem cell infusion as a possible treatment for cirrhosis.

Inhibition of transforming growth factor‐β/Smad signaling improves regeneration of small‐for‐size rat liver grafts

Zhi Zhong, Shigeki Tsukada, Hasibur Rehman, Christopher J. Parsons, Tom P. Theruvath, Richard A. Rippe, David A. Brenner, John J. Lemasters – 26 January 2010 – Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) is a potent inhibitor of cell proliferation. This study investigated whether overexpression of Smad7, which blocks TGF‐β–induced activation of Smad2/3, could prevent the suppression of regeneration of small‐for‐size liver grafts. Rats were intravenously given adenoviruses (2 × 1010 pfu/rat) carrying the LacZ gene or the Smad7 gene (Ad‐Smad7) 3 days prior to liver harvesting.

Clinical course of de novo hepatitis B infection after pediatric liver transplantation

Wei‐Ju Su, Ming‐Chih Ho, Yen‐Hsuan Ni, Jia‐Feng Wu, Yung‐Ming Jeng, Huey‐Ling Chen, Yao‐Ming Wu, Rey‐Heng Hu, Mei‐Hwei Chang, Po‐Huang Lee – 26 January 2010 – The characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in vaccinated children who acquire de novo HBV infections after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) remain largely unknown. The aim of this study was to explore HBV mutants in pediatric OLT recipients with de novo HBV infections.

The dilemma and reality of transplant tourism: An ethical perspective for liver transplant programs

Thomas D. Schiano, Rosamond Rhodes – 26 January 2010 – Transplant programs are likely to encounter increasing numbers of patients who return after receiving an organ transplant abroad. These patients will require ongoing medical care to monitor their immunosuppression and to provide treatment when the need arises. Transplant societies have condemned transplantation with organs purchased abroad and with organs procured from executed prisoners in China.

Health‐related quality of life and survival in liver transplant candidates

Rajasekhar Tanikella, Steven M. Kawut, Robert S. Brown, Michael J. Krowka, Jenna Reinen, Chandrasekhar R. Dinasarapu, James F. Trotter, Kari E. Roberts, Mustafa A. Mohd, Donna K. Arnett, Michael B. Fallon – 26 January 2010 – Health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important measure of the effects of chronic liver disease in affected patients that helps guide interventions to improve well‐being. However, the relationship between HRQOL and survival in liver transplant candidates remains unclear.

Monitoring peripheral blood CD4+ Adenosine triphosphate activity in recurrent hepatitis C and its correlation to fibrosis progression

Naim Alkhouri, Ibrahim A. Hanouneh, Rocio Lopez, Nizar N. Zein – 26 January 2010 – The recurrence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) is often associated with rapid fibrosis progression attributed to the state of impaired cellular immunity. At present, there are no means to predict those at risk for progression. Peripheral blood CD4+ adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release (the ImmuKnow assay) correlates with immunoreactivity and has been used to monitor global cellular immune function in transplant recipients.

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