Low retinol levels differentially modulate bile salt–induced expression of human and mouse hepatic bile salt transporters

Martijn O. Hoeke, Jacqueline R.M. Plass, Janette Heegsma, Mariska Geuken, Duncan van Rijsbergen, Julius F.W. Baller, Folkert Kuipers, Han Moshage, Peter L.M. Jansen, Klaas Nico Faber – 28 December 2008 – The farnesoid X receptor/retinoid X receptor‐alpha (FXR/RXRα) complex regulates bile salt homeostasis, in part by modulating transcription of the bile salt export pump (BSEP/ABCB11) and small heterodimer partner (SHP/NR0B2). FXR is activated by bile salts, RXRα by the vitamin A derivative 9‐cis retinoic acid (9cRA). Cholestasis is associated with vitamin A malabsorption.

Bile acids activate fibroblast growth factor 19 signaling in human hepatocytes to inhibit cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase gene expression

Kwang‐Hoon Song, Tiangang Li, Erika Owsley, Stephen Strom, John Y. L. Chiang – 28 December 2008 – Mouse fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) and human ortholog FGF19 have been identified as the bile acid–induced intestinal factors that mediate bile acid feedback inhibition of cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase gene (C YP7A1) transcription in mouse liver. The mechanism underlying FGF15/FGF19 inhibition of bile acid synthesis in hepatocytes remains unclear.

The pathogen receptor liver and lymph node sinusoidal endotelial cell C‐type lectin is expressed in human Kupffer cells and regulated by PU.1

Ángeles Domínguez‐Soto, Laura Aragoneses‐Fenoll, Fernando Gómez‐Aguado, María Teresa Corcuera, Joan Clária, Carmelo García‐Monzón, Matilde Bustos, Angel L. Corbí – 28 December 2008 – Human LSECtin (liver and lymph node sinusoidal endothelial cell C‐type lectin, CLEC4G) is a C‐type lectin encoded within the L‐SIGN/DC‐SIGN/CD23 gene cluster. LSECtin acts as a pathogen attachment factor for Ebolavirus and the SARS coronavirus, and its expression can be induced by interleukin‐4 on monocytes and macrophages.

Orlistat for overweight subjects with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis: A randomized, prospective trial

Stephen A. Harrison, Will Fecht, Elizabeth M. Brunt, Brent A. Neuschwander‐Tetri – 28 December 2008 – The aim of this study was to determine if orlistat, an inhibitor of fat absorption, combined with caloric restriction in overweight subjects with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis results in weight loss and improved liver histology. Fifty overweight subjects (body mass index = ≥27) with biopsy proven nonalcoholic steatohepatitis were randomized to receive a 1,400 Kcal/day diet plus vitamin E (800 IU) daily with or without orlistat (120 mg three times a day) for 36 weeks.

Randomized trial comparing pegylated interferon α‐2b versus pegylated interferon α‐2a, both plus ribavirin, to treat chronic hepatitis C in human immunodeficiency virus patients

Montserrat Laguno, Carmen Cifuentes, Javier Murillas, Sergio Veloso, Maria Larrousse, Antoni Payeras, Lucia Bonet, Francese Vidal, Ana Milinkovic, Antoni Bassa, Concha Villalonga, Iñaki Pérez, Cristina Tural, Maria Martínez‐Rebollar, Marta Calvo, Jose Luis Blanco, Estaban Martínez, Jose M. Sánchez‐Tapias, Jose M. Gatell, Jose Mallolas – 28 December 2008 – Although two pegylated interferons (Peg‐IFN) are available to treat chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, no head‐to‐head comparative studies have been published.

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