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.

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.

K Houglum – 1 June 1996

B H Davis, A Chen – 1 June 1996

1 June 1996

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.

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.

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.

G A Kullak‐Ublick, U Beuers, G Paumgartner – 1 May 1996 – Bile acids are taken up into human liver by Na+‐dependent and Na+‐independent transport mechanisms. In hepatocarcinogenesis, numerous liver‐specific functions are lost and the uptake of organic anions is markedly reduced. We have investigated the molecular and functional derangements of bile acid transport in the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2. Uptake of [3H]‐taurocholic acid was saturable and entirely Na+ independent, with the kinetic characteristics of the human liver organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP).

K D Lindor, C Bru, R A Jorgensen, J Rakela, J M Bordas, J B Gross, J Rodes, D B McGill, C C Reading, E M James, J W Charboneau, J Ludwig, K P Batts, A R Zinsmeister – 1 May 1996 – The risk of complications from percutaneous liver biopsy is low, but discomfort is common and complications require hospitalization in approximately 4% of patients. The optimal method of performing these biopsies is unknown.