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Domenico Sansonno, Felicia Anna Tucci, Valli De Re, Gianfranco Lauletta, Michele Montrone, Massimo Libra, Franco Dammacco – 20 April 2006

Genomic response to interferon‐α in chimpanzees: Implications of rapid downregulation for hepatitis C kinetics

Robert E. Lanford, Bernadette Guerra, Helen Lee, Deborah Chavez, Kathleen M. Brasky, Catherine B. Bigger – 20 April 2006 – The mechanism of the interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α)‐induced antiviral response during hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy is not completely understood. In this study, we examined the transcriptional response to IFN‐α in uninfected chimpanzees after single doses of chimpanzee, human, or human‐pegylated IFN‐α. Liver and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples were used for total genome microarray analysis.

A novel multidrug‐resistance protein 2 gene mutation identifies a subgroup of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis and pruritus

Annarosa Floreani, Isabella Carderi, Angela Variola, Erik Rosa Rizzotto, James Nicol, Nora V. Bergasa – 20 April 2006 – A single nucleotide polymorphism characterized by the substitution of valine for glutamate (V1188E) in exon 25 of the multidrug resistance protein 2 gene was found in a group of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. This heterozygous mutation was significantly associated with the presence of pruritus. (HEPATOLOGY 2006;43:1152–1154.)

Altered hepatobiliary gene expressions in PFIC1: ATP8B1 gene defect is associated with CFTR downregulation

Christine Demeilliers, Emmanuel Jacquemin, Véronique Barbu, Martine Mergey, François Paye, Laura Fouassier, Nicolas Chignard, Chantal Housset, Nour‐Eddine Lomri – 20 April 2006 – Recent reports in patients with PFIC1 have indicated that a gene defect in ATP8B1 could cause deregulations in bile salt transporters through decreased expression and/or activity of FXR. This study aimed to: (1) define ATP8B1 expression in human hepatobiliary cell types, and (2) determine whether ATP8B1 defect affects gene expressions related to bile secretion in these cells.

Effects of nebulized NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester in patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome

Federico P. Gómez, Joan A. Barberà, Josep Roca, Felip Burgos, Concepción Gistau, Robert Rodríguez‐Roisin – 20 April 2006 – Enhanced pulmonary production of nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). NO inhibition with NG‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) in both animals and humans with HPS has improved arterial hypoxemia. We assessed the role of enhanced NO production in the pathobiology of arterial deoxygenation in HPS and the potential therapeutic efficacy of selective pulmonary NO inhibition.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura following liver transplantation: A case series and review of the literature

Ryan M. Taylor, Paula Bockenstedt, Grace L. Su, Jorge A. Marrero, Shawn M. Pellitier, Robert J. Fontana – 20 April 2006 – Thrombocytopenia is common among liver transplant candidates and recipients. The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and outcome of new‐onset immune‐mediated thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) following liver transplantation at a single center.

Anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation: Causes and consequences

Robert C. Verdonk, Carlijn I. Buis, Robert J. Porte, Eric J. van der Jagt, Abraham J. Limburg, Aad P. van den Berg, Maarten J.H. Slooff, Paul M.J.G. Peeters, Koert P. de Jong, Jan H. Kleibeuker, Elizabeth B. Haagsma – 20 April 2006 – We retrospectively studied the prevalence, presentation, results of treatment, and graft and patient survival of grafts developing an anastomotic biliary stricture (AS) in 531 adult liver transplantations performed between 1979 and 2003. Clinical and laboratory information was obtained from the hospital files, and radiological studies were re‐evaluated.

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