Possible roles of nonparenchymal cells in hepatocyte proliferation induced by lead nitrate and by tumor necrosis factor α

H Shinozuka, T Ohmura, S L Katyal, A I Zedda, G M Ledda‐Columbano, A Columbano – 1 June 1996 – A single intravenous injection of lead nitrate (LN) to rats induces liver cell proliferation without causing cell necrosis (direct hyperplasia). We suggested that liver cell proliferation in this model may be triggered by the induction of liver tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α).

Involvement of platelet‐activating factor in cytokine production and neutrophil activation after hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion

A Serizawa, S Nakamura, S Suzuki, S Baba, M Nakano – 1 June 1996 – Although platelet‐activating factor (PAF) is implicated as an important mediator in the pathogenesis of hepatic ischemia‐reperfusion (IR) injury, the precise mechanism of its action has not been studied.

Inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by targeted pretreatment of complexed antisense DNA in vitro

K Nakazono, Y Ito, C H Wu, G Y Wu – 1 June 1996 – We have shown that antisense oligonucleotides can be targeted to hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected cells, resulting in specific inhibition of viral protein synthesis and replication in vitro. The targeting system was based on the internalization of DNA complexes by highly selective receptors for galactose‐terminal glycoproteins, asialoglycoproteins, on the surface of hepatocytes. Our objective in this study was to determine whether antisense DNA could be targeted to hepatocytes to prevent subsequent infection by HBV.

The hepatocyte growth factor regulates the synthesis of acute‐phase proteins in human hepatocytes: Divergent effect on interleukin‐6‐stimulated genes

M I Guillen, M J Gomez‐Lechon, T Nakamura, J V Castell – 1 June 1996 – Our study addressed the role of the human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), a potent mitogen for mature rat and human hepatocytes, in the regulation of specific hepatic genes. The experimental evidence obtained in primary cultured human hepatocytes indicates that HGF regulates the synthesis of plasma proteins in a dose‐response fashion.

Severe recurrent cholestatic hepatitis C following orthotopic liver transplantation

L K Schluger, P A Sheiner, S N Thung, J Y Lau, A Min, D C Wolf, I Fiel, D Zhang, M A Gerber, C M Miller, H C Bodenheimer – 1 May 1996 – Recurrent infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is almost universal following orthotopic liver transplantation although clinical severity varies. Data on 135 patients who underwent transplantation for hepatitis C cirrhosis were reviewed. We describe a progressive, severe cholestatic form of hepatitis occurring in a subgroup of patients with recurrent hepatitis C.

Splenic Doppler impedance indices: Influence of different portal hemodynamic conditions

M Bolognesi, D Sacerdoti, C Merkel, G Gerunda, A Maffei‐Faccioli, P Angeli, R M Jemmolo, G Bombonato, A Gatta – 1 May 1996 – The spleen plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and maintenance of portal hypertension. Few data exist about splenic hemodynamics evaluated by duplex sonography in this condition. Twenty‐six normal subjects, 207 patients with portal hypertension of various causes, and in different splenoportal hemodynamic conditions, and 31 patients with liver transplantation were evaluated.

Does malnutrition affect survival in cirrhosis?

M Merli, O Riggio, L Dally – 1 May 1996 – A total of 1,053 cirrhotic patients were included in a prospective study to determine whether malnutrition is a risk factor for mortality in cirrhotic patients. Child‐Pugh classification as well as clinical and biochemical variables were used to assess the severity of cirrhosis. Nutritional status was evaluated both by anthropometric and clinical measurements. Patients were defined as malnourished when midarm muscle area (MAMA) and/or midarm fat area (MAFA) were below the 5th percentile of an age‐ and sex‐matched population.

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