A caspase inhibitor, IDN‐6556, ameliorates early hepatic injury in an ex vivo rat model of warm and cold ischemia

Niel C. Hoglen, Dean M. Anselmo, Masamichi Katori, Marian Kaldas, Xiu‐Da Shen, Karen L. Valentino, Charles Lassman, Ronald W. Busuttil, Jerzy W. Kupiec‐Weglinski, Douglas G. Farmer – 22 February 2007 – This study examined the efficacy of the caspase inhibitor, IDN‐6556, in a rat model of liver ischemia‐reperfusion injury. Livers from male Sprague‐Dawley rats were reperfused for 120 minutes after 24 hours of 4°C cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution.

Low risk of hepatitis B virus recurrence after withdrawal of long‐term hepatitis B immunoglobulin in patients receiving maintenance nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy

Stephen N. Wong, Chi‐Jen Chu, Chun‐Tao Wai, Terese Howell, Charles Moore, Robert J. Fontana, Anna S.F. Lok – 22 February 2007 – Hepatitis B virus (HBV) recurrence rates of 0‐16% had been reported in patients maintained on nucleoside analogues (NA) after hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) discontinuation after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, follow‐up in most studies was short. We aimed to determine the long‐term risk of HBV recurrence using this strategy.

Combined en bloc liver pancreas transplantation for children with CF

Kristin L. Mekeel, Max R. Langham, Regino Gonzalez‐Perralta, Alan Reed, Alan W. Hemming – 22 February 2007 – Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited genetic defect in epithelial chloride transport that results a multisystem disease affecting the sweat glands and the pulmonary and digestive systems. Although pulmonary disease remains the primary cause of morbidity and mortality in these patients, up to 8% may develop focal biliary cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Liver transplantation is an accepted therapy for these patients.

Recurrence of hepatitis B is associated with cumulative corticosteroid dose and chemotherapy against hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after liver transplantation

Nam‐Joon Yi, Kyung‐Suk Suh, Jai Young Cho, Choon Hyuck Kwon, Kwang‐Woong Lee, Jae Won Joh, Suk‐Koo Lee, Soon Il Kim, Kuhn Uk Lee – 22 February 2007 – The incidence of hepatitis B (HB) recurrence after a liver transplantation has been reduced by prophylaxis with hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and lamivudine. However, the long‐term incidence of recurrence is <10%, and the factors associated with HB recurrence are unclear. This study analyzed the factors associated with HB recurrence in 203 recipients who underwent liver transplantation for HB in 3 major centers in Korea over 4 years.

Inflammation is an important determinant of levels of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in acute liver failure

Rajeshwar P. Mookerjee, R. Neil Dalton, Nathan A. Davies, Stephen J. Hodges, Charles Turner, Roger Williams, Rajiv Jalan – 22 February 2007 – Acute liver failure (ALF) is characterized by rapid progressive organ failure and poor outcome. The pathophysiology of multiorgan dysfunction in ALF remains unclear but increased systemic inflammatory response is believed to be an important determining factor. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, results from proteolysis and the liver is a major site for its metabolism.

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