Evidence for human leukocyte antigen heterozygote advantage against hepatitis C virus infection

Peter Hraber, Carla Kuiken, Karina Yusim – 28 November 2007 – Outcomes of infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) vary widely, from asymptomatic clearance to chronic infection, leading to complications that include fibrosis, cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and liver failure. Previous studies have reported statistical associations between human leukocyte antigen (HLA) heterozygosity and favorable outcomes of infection with either hepatitis B virus (HBV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (the “heterozygote advantage”).

Terlipressin improves renal function in patients with cirrhosis and ascites without hepatorenal syndrome

Aleksander Krag, Søren Møller, Jens H. Henriksen, Niels‐Henrik Holstein‐Rathlou, Fin Stolze Larsen, Flemming Bendtsen – 28 November 2007 – Patients with advanced cirrhosis and ascites are characterized by circulatory dysfunction with splanchnic vasodilatation and renal vasoconstriction, which often lead to ascites. The vasoconstrictor terlipressin improves renal function in hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The aim of this study was to evaluate if terlipressin also improves renal function in patients with ascites without HRS.

Acute ethanol exposure inhibits insulin signaling in the liver

Jiman He, Suzanne de la Monte, Jack R. Wands – 28 November 2007 – Chronic ethanol consumption may produce hepatic injury and impair the ability of the liver to regenerate principally through its action on insulin signaling. These effects are mediated by insulin receptor substrate‐1 (IRS‐1) via the mitogen‐activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (MAPK/Erk) pathway and by survival signals through phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (Akt).

Hepatitis B virus DNA levels at week 4 of lamivudine treatment predict the 5‐year ideal response

Man‐Fung Yuen, Daniel Yee‐Tak Fong, Danny Ka‐Ho Wong, John Chi‐Hang Yuen, James Fung, Ching‐Lung Lai – 28 November 2007 – The best time and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level during an early lamivudine treatment period for predicting the long‐term outcome are unknown. We aimed to determine the optimal time and HBV DNA level during an early treatment period for the prediction of the response after a 5‐year lamivudine treatment.

Delayed‐onset primary cytomegalovirus disease after liver transplantation

Supha K. Arthurs, Albert J. Eid, Rachel A. Pedersen, Ross A. Dierkhising, Walter K. Kremers, Robin Patel, Raymund R. Razonable – 28 November 2007 – Clinical practice guidelines recommend antiviral prophylaxis to cytomegalovirus (CMV) donor‐positive/recipient‐negative (D+/R−) liver transplant recipients. We assessed the outcome of this strategy by determining the incidence, clinical features, and risk factors of CMV disease among CMV D+/R− liver transplant recipients who received antiviral prophylaxis.

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