Susan E. Crawford – 27 May 2004

Lennox J. Jeffers, William Cassidy, Charles D. Howell, Sylvia Hu, K. Rajender Reddy – 27 May 2004 – Black Americans (blacks) have a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and respond poorly to therapy with interferon alfa‐based regimens, but they have been underrepresented in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of sustained virological response (SVR) to peginterferon alfa‐2a (40 kd) in combination with ribavirin in black patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1.

Jae‐Sung Kim, Shigetoshi Ohshima, Peter Pediaditakis, John J. Lemasters – 27 May 2004 – We investigated the effects of nitric oxide (NO) on hepatocellular killing after simulated ischemia/reperfusion and characterized signaling factors triggering cytoprotection by NO. Cultured rat hepatocytes were incubated in anoxic Krebs‐Ringer–HEPES buffer at pH 6.2 for 4 hours and reoxygenated at pH 7.4 for 2 hours.

Andrew K Burroughs, Ulrich Thalheimer, Maria Mela, David Patch – 27 May 2004

Jeffery L. Smith, Peter J. Lewindon, Anita C. Hoskins, Tamara N. Pereira, Kenneth D. R. Setchell, Nancy C. O'Connell, Ross W. Shepherd, Grant A. Ramm – 27 May 2004 – Focal biliary cirrhosis causes significant morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF). Although the mechanisms of pathogenesis remain unclear, bile acids have been proposed as potential mediators of liver injury. This study examined bile acid composition in CF and assessed altered bile acid profiles to determine if they are associated with incidence and progression of liver injury in CF‐associated liver disease (CFLD).

Keiji Hisaeda, Akihiko Inokuchi, Takanori Nakamura, Yukihide Iwamoto, Kimitoshi Kohno, Michihiko Kuwano, Takeshi Uchiumi – 27 May 2004 – The human multidrug resistance protein 2 (MRP2/ABCC2), expressed on the bile canalicular membrane, mediates the multispecific efflux of several organic anions, including conjugates of glucuronate, sulfate, and glutathione. Expression of MRP2 can be altered in response to environmental stimuli such as cholestasis and jaundice.

Michael Charlton – 20 May 2004

Lei Guo, Xiao‐Kang Li, Shin Enosawa, Naoko Funeshima, Seiichi Suzuki, Hiromitsu Kimura, Yasuhiko Sugawara, Katsunari Tezuka, Masatoshi Makuuchi – 20 May 2004 – A member of the costimulatory molecule family, inducible costimulator (ICOS), is expressed on activated T cells and plays a critical role in their primary activation and cytokine production. ICOS is involved in different immune phenomena, such as Th1‐mediated autoimmune disease and graft rejection.

Hee Chul Yu, Heecheon You, Ho Lee, Zhe‐Wu Jin, Jang Il Moon, Baik Hwan Cho – 20 May 2004 – The standard liver volume (LV) of a recipient is estimated in liver transplantation to determine the minimum LV necessary for the recipient. Simple linear formulas of LV estimation were developed for the Japanese and Caucasian populations. The present study examined the applicability of the reported formulas to the Korean population. Liver density (LD) was determined by analyzing 24 healthy livers.

Koo‐Jeong Kang, Jae Hwi Jang, Tae Jin Lim, Yuna Kang, Kwan Kyu Park, In Seon Lee, Pierre‐Alain Clavien – 20 May 2004 – We designed this experimental study to determine the optimal cycle for intermittent inflow occlusion during liver resection. A cycle of intermittent clamping (IC) for 15 minutes of ischemia followed by reperfusion for 5 minutes during liver resection is currently the most popular protocol used by experienced liver centers. As each period of reperfusion is associated with bleeding, longer periods of clamping would be advantageous.