MedWorm: Hepatitis

Muscle Mass Loss In Cirrhosis Patients Linked To Higher Death Rate

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Medical researchers at the University of Alberta reviewed the medical records of more than 100 patients who had a liver scarring condition and discovered those who were losing muscle were more apt to die while waiting for a liver transplant. These cirrhosis patients were placed at a lower spot on the transplant list because they had a higher functioning liver and were seemingly less sick than others with the same condition, based on scoring systems physicians commonly use today... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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First European Clinical Practice Guidelines For Wilson's Disease Published By EASL

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

The first European Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for the diagnosis and management of Wilson's disease are published by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) on the EASL website*.(1) Developed to assist physicians and healthcare providers in the clinical decision making process, the guidelines describe best practice for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Wilson's disease -- a rare genetic(2) disorder that, if left untreated, is fatal... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Characterization and Application of Monoclonal Antibody Against Hepatitis C Virus Nonstructual Protein Three

Hybridoma — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 16:36:54 +0100

Hybridoma Feb 2012, Vol. 31, No. 1: 54-59. (Source: Hybridoma)

Review article: the extra‐skeletal effects of vitamin D in chronic hepatitis C infection

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsLarger randomised clinical studies with adequate statistical power are needed to confirm these potentially very important nonskeletal effects of vitamin D in patients with chronic hepatitis C. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Peginterferon for Recurrent HCV After Liver TransplantationPeginterferon for Recurrent HCV After Liver Transplantation

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

This study explores the therapeutic options. Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Determining Virological Response in Chronic HCV Patients Determining Virological Response in Chronic HCV Patients

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

At what point in a treatment regimen is it optimal to determine virological response in chronic hepatitis C? Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Amateur tattoos carry hepatitis C risk: CDC

Reuters: Health — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:27:06 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - If you're planning on getting a tattoo, make sure it's from a professional and not your friend, says a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Source: Reuters: Health)

Amateur Tattoos Carry Hepatitis C Risk: CDC

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:27:04 +0100

If you're planning on getting a tattoo, make sure it's from a professional and not your friend, says a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hepatitis C, Piercing and Tattoos (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Insomnia

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: InsomniaCategory: Diseases and ConditionsCreated: 6/6/2005Last Editorial Review: 2/7/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

Immunogenicity and Tolerability of Recombinant Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine Administered With or Without Routine Infant Vaccinations According to Different Immunization Schedules: A Randomized Controlled Trial [Original Contribution]

JAMA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion A 4CMenB vaccine is immunogenic against reference strains when administered with routine vaccines at 2, 4, and 6 or at 2, 3, and 4 months of age, producing minimal interference with the response to routine infant vaccinations. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00721396 (Source: JAMA)

Transmission of Hepatitis C Virus Through Transplanted Organs and Tissue--Kentucky and Massachusetts, 2011 [From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention]

JAMA — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: JAMA)

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The Impact of IL28B Genotype on the Gene Expression Profile of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Treated with Pegylated Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin

Journal of Translational Medicine — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: IL28B CC genotype patients with CH-C show a sustained treatment-induced gene expression profile which is not seen in non-CC genotype patients. Silencing of SOCS1 is a negative and independent predictor of SVR. These data may provide some mechanistic explanation for higher rate of SVR in IL28B CC patients who are treated with PEG-IFN/RBV. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

One in 100 people 'can naturally resist HIV, malaria, leprosy and hepatitis'

the Mail online | Health — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:13:19 +0100

The findings came after Stanford University research into anthrax found susceptibility to the acute disease caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis varied from person to person. (Source: the Mail online | Health)

Magic mushrooms, international law and the failed 'war on drugs'

Guardian Unlimited Science — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:36:26 +0100

Recent research suggesting potential therapeutic benefits of psilocybin focus attention on the need to reform drug lawsIt's been a busy fortnight. First the publication of two major peer-reviewed research papers about magic mushrooms that attracted worldwide publicity. Then off to Prague for an international drugs policy symposium. And just last week, news of a large grant for our next collaborative study with Imperial College. But I'm getting ahead of myself.I established the Beckley Foundation some 14 years ago as a think tank on drugs policy. It was apparent even then that the "war on drugs" had failed. A 1997 report by the United Nations Drugs Control Programme put the value of the global trade in illicit drugs at around $400bn. Recent UN figures show that global production of opium (u...

For Patients With Primary Biliary Cirrhosis, Rituximab A Possible Treatment Option

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

An open-label study of rituximab, a monoclonal antibody for human CD20, was shown to be safe in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) who had an incomplete response to the standard ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy, also known as Ursodiol. Study details available in the February issue of Hepatology a journal published by Wiley-Blackwell on behalf of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, report that rituximab was successful in reducing the level of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) - a protein used to measure liver injury... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Coffee Consumption Reduces Fibrosis Risk In Those With Fatty Liver Disease

Health News from Medical News Today — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Caffeine consumption has long been associated with decreased risk of liver disease and reduced fibrosis in patients with chronic liver disease. Now, newly published research confirms that coffee caffeine consumption reduces the risk of advanced fibrosis in those with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Findings published in the February issue of Hepatology, a journal of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, show that increased coffee intake, specifically among patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), decreases risk of hepatic fibrosis... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Presence of precore and core promoter mutants limits the probability of response to peginterferon in HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B

Hepatology — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:Presence of only WT virus at baseline is a strong predictor of response (HBeAg loss with HBV DNA <10,000 copies/mL) to PEG‐IFN for HBeAg‐positive CHB. Patients with detectable PC and/or BCP mutants have a lower probability of response and are less optimal candidates for PEG‐IFN therapy. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Functional reconstitution of defective myeloid dendritic cells in chronic hepatitis C infection on successful antiviral treatment

Liver International — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsOur results indicate that DCs in CHC patients exhibiting mature and functional phenotype prior to therapy achieve sustained virological response suggesting that functional modulation of defective DCs is directly associated with successful response to therapy. (Source: Liver International)

Analysis of the interaction with the hepatitis C virus mRNA reveals an alternative mode of RNA recognition by the human La protein

Nucleic Acids Research — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Human La protein is an essential factor in the biology of both coding and non-coding RNAs. In the nucleus, La binds primarily to 3' oligoU containing RNAs, while in the cytoplasm La interacts with an array of different mRNAs lacking a 3' UUUOH trailer. An example of the latter is the binding of La to the IRES domain IV of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA, which is associated with viral translation stimulation. By systematic biophysical investigations, we have found that La binds to domain IV using an RNA recognition that is quite distinct from its mode of binding to RNAs with a 3' UUUOH trailer: although the La motif and first RNA recognition motif (RRM1) are sufficient for high-affinity binding to 3' oligoU, recognition of HCV domain IV requires the La motif and RRM1 to work in concert wit...

Akt augments the oncogenic potential of the HBx protein of hepatitis B virus by its phosphorylation

FEBS Journal — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SummaryHBx is a putative viral oncoprotein that plays an important role in various cellular aspects including modulation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. However, the molecular mechanism of Akt activation remains elusive. Here we show that HBx interacts with Akt1 kinase and get phosphorylated at serine 31 as evident from the mutational analysis of Akt recognition motif of in HBxS31A mutant or immunoblotting of HBx immunoprecipitates with Akt motif‐specific antibody. The Akt‐dependent phosphorylation of HBx was abrogated in the presence of PI3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 or Akt1 gene silencing by specific siRNA. Our co‐immunoprecipitation studies provided evidence for HBx‐Akt interaction in a cellular milieu. This interaction was confirmed in hepatoma HepG2.2.15 cells as well where HBx...

Risk Factors for Nonreceipt of Newborn Hepatitis B VaccineRisk Factors for Nonreceipt of Newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Which newborns are not receiving the hepatitis B vaccine? The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal® (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Azathioprine: Cholestatic hepatitis in an elderly patient: case report

Reactions — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:29:54 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Thin-layer chromatography immunostaining in detecting anti-phospholipid antibodies in seronegative anti-phospholipid syndrome.

Clinical and Developmental Immunology — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 16:26:31 +0100

Authors: Conti F, Alessandri C, Sorice M, Capozzi A, Longo A, Garofalo T, Misasi R, Bompane D, Hughes GR, Khamashta MA, Valesini G Abstract In clinical practice it is possible to find patients with clinical signs suggestive of anti-phospholipid syndrome (APS) who are persistently negative for the routinely used anti-phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Therefore, the term proposed for these cases was seronegative APS (SN-APS). We investigated the clinical usefulness of thin-layer chromatography (TLC) immunostaining in detecting serum aPL in patients presenting clinical features of SN-APS. Sera from 36 patients with SN-APS, 19 patients with APS, 18 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 20 anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive subjects and 32 healthy controls were examined for ...

Donor disclosure – a donor's right and blood bank's responsibility

Transfusion Alternatives in Transfusion Medicine — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study describes our experiences in counseling donors who were enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay reactive for viral TTI, and challenges faced in implementing the donor disclosure program in a resource‐limited environment. (Source: Transfusion Alternatives in Transfusion Medicine)

Serum IL-33 Levels Are Associated with Liver Damage in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

Journal of Interferon — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 04:08:18 +0100

Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research , Vol. 0, No. 0. (Source: Journal of Interferon)

Hepatitis Research May Benefit From Stem Cells

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis C is a viral disease that leads to inflammation and organ failure. However, researchers are puzzled as to why some individuals are very susceptible to the disease, while others are not. Researchers believe they could find out how genetic variations produce these different responses by investigating liver cells from different individuals in the lab. However, liver cells are hard to obtain and extremely challenging to grow in a lab dish as they often lose their normal function and structure when removed from the body... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Cryptogenic Hepatitis and Bartonellosis

Digestive Diseases and Sciences — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:53:10 +0100

Content Type Journal ArticleCategory CorrespondencePages 1-2DOI 10.1007/s10620-012-2065-zAuthors Paulo Eduardo Neves Ferreira Velho, Department of Dermatology/Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. S.E., MMC98, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USAMarna Elise Ericson, Department of Dermatology/Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St. S.E., MMC98, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA Journal Digestive Diseases and SciencesOnline ISSN 1573-2568Print ISSN 0163-2116 (Source: Digestive Diseases and Sciences)

Vertex Posts 4Q Profit on Growing Incivek Sales

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:08:43 +0100

From Associated Press (February 2, 2012) CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Drugmaker Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc. said Thursday it turned a profit in the fourth quarter on sales of its hepatitis C pill Incivek, which was approved in May. Vertex reported a profit... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

An improved reverse dot hybridization for simple and rapid detection of adefovir dipivoxil-resistant hepatitis B virus.

Genetics and Molecular Research — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:24:05 +0100

An improved reverse dot hybridization for simple and rapid detection of adefovir dipivoxil-resistant hepatitis B virus. Genet Mol Res. 2012;11(1):53-60 Authors: Hu Y, Zhang WL, Xie SL, Zhao Y, Hu JL, Cai XF, Lai GQ, Huang AL Abstract Early detection of adefovir dipivoxil-resistant mutants during long-term treatment of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with this drug is of great clinical importance. We developed an improved reverse dot hybridization test for simple and rapid detection of the rtA181V/T and rtN236T mutations associated with adefovir dipivoxil resistance in chronic hepatitis B patients. Probes were designed for genotypes B, C, and D of this resistance characteristic; a total of 70 clinical samples were analyzed with this improved reverse dot hybridizati...

Stem Cells Could Drive Hepatitis Research Forward

Health News from Medical News Today — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis C, an infectious disease that can cause inflammation and organ failure, has different effects on different people. But no one is sure why some people are very susceptible to the infection, while others are resistant. Scientists believe that if they could study liver cells from different people in the lab, they could determine how genetic differences produce these varying responses. However, liver cells are difficult to obtain and notoriously difficult to grow in a lab dish because they tend to lose their normal structure and function when removed from the body... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Nigeria: Dismal State of Hepatitis B Management in Country

AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 08:24:50 +0100

[Daily Trust] Let me start by declaring that I am writing under a pseudonym as I cannot stand the social implication of disclosing my health details in a public medium like this. (Source: AllAfrica News: Health and Medicine)

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Malaria's Global Death Toll Much Higher Than Thought

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Malaria's Global Death Toll Much Higher Than ThoughtCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/3/2012 10:05:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/3/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis E Virus infection in rural and urban populations, Tunisia

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study investigated the prevalence and risk factors of HEV infection in Tunisian adult general population, either in blood donors (n=687) or in patients hospitalised for acute hepatitis (n=202). The mode of transmission differed between these two populations: contact with animals and living in rural habitat were the main risk factors of being in contact with HEV in asymptomatic blood donors, while HEV was contracted through contaminated water in symptomatic cases. HEV seroprevalence in adult blood donors in Tunisia was relatively low (5.4%) and increased with age.© 2012 The Authors Clinical Microbiology and Infection © 2012 European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (Source: Clinical Microbiology and Infection)

Reasons to consider earlier treatment of chronic HBV infections

Gut — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Introduction Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious public health problem, leading to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver failure. In highly endemic areas and among immigrants from these areas, most cases of chronic hepatitis B are due to HBV infection at birth or during the first year of life. Cirrhosis and HCC may occur at any age, but infections early in life are typically asymptomatic for the first few decades. Sharp rises in the incidence of fibrosis, cirrhosis and HCC generally do not appear until after the age of 30, the incidence of HCC showing a sharp rise after the age of 40. Approximately 50% of deaths in HBV carriers may be due to either chronic liver disease or HCC. Cirrhosis is a consequence of hepatocyte death and chronic inflammation in the l...

One-Pot Synthesis of Dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-1-ones

Synthesis — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

SynthesisDOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1289691AbstractA simple and efficient method for the synthesis of wide range of 3,3-dimethyl-11-alkyl or aryl 2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-dibenzo[b,e][1,4]diazepin-1-ones, recently reported as hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS5B polymerase inhibitors, is presented. The proposed method consists of one-pot condensation between 1,2-phenylenediamine and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione (dimedone) followed by cyclization with various alkyl and aryl acyl chlorides catalyzed by Er(III) triflate. With respect to methods previously reported, the proposed one-pot procedure furnishes appreciably higher yield of product in shorter reaction time.[...]© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart ˙ New YorkArticle in Thieme eJournals:Table of contents | Abstract | Full text (Source: Syn...

Well: HPV Vaccine Now Recommended for Boys, Hepatitis B Vaccine for Diabetes

NYT Health — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 03:29:32 +0100

Federal health officials recommended this week that all boys be routinely vaccinated against human papillomavirus, or HPV, and that people with diabetes be vaccinated against hepatitis B. (Source: NYT Health)

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BCG: Granulomatous hepatitis following intravesicular administration in an elderly patient: case report

Reactions — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:34:27 +0100

(Source: Reactions)

Attitudes Toward Hepatitis B Virus among Vietnamese, Chinese and Korean Americans in the Houston Area, Texas

Journal of Community Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:14:01 +0100

Abstract We explored attitudes about prevention, screening and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese communities. We use qualitative methods in 12 focus groups (n = 113) of adults who self-reported their ethnicity to be Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. We use grounded theory (i.e., consensus-building between co-coders about recurring, emerging themes) for analysis. Diet, nutrition, fatigue and stress were misidentified as HBV causes. Improving hygiene, diet, exercise, and holistic methods were misidentified as viable HBV prevention methods. Common screening problems included not affording test and not understanding test results. Participants shared reasons for using complementary and alternative medicine—when Western me...

UCLA researchers identify peptide that inhibits replication of hepatitis C virus

UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:00:00 +0100

Researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a cell-permeable peptide that inhibits a hepatitis C virus protein and blocks the viral replication that can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis. The finding by Dr. Samuel French, a UCLA assistant professor of pathology and senior author of the research, builds on previous work by French's laboratory that identified two cellular proteins that are important factors in hepatitis C virus infection. In that earlier research, French and his team set out to identify the cellular factors involved in hepatitis C replication. Using mass spectrometry, they found that heat-shock proteins (HSPs) 40 and 70 were important for viral infection. HSP 70 was previously known to be involved, but the study linked HSP 40 fo...

Interleukin-1β enhances the production of soluble MICA in human hepatocellular carcinoma

Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:58:29 +0100

In this study, we investigated the immunoregulatory role of IL-1β in the production of soluble MICA of HCC cells. First, we investigated the correlation between the serum IL-1β levels and soluble MICA in CH patients. Serum IL-1β levels were associated with soluble MICA levels in CH patients. The serum IL-1β levels of CH patients with the HCC occurrence were significantly higher than those of CH patients without HCC. We next examined the MICA production of IL-1β-treated HCC cells. Addition of IL-1β resulted in significant increase in the production of soluble MICA in HepG2 and PLC/PRF/5 cells, human HCC cells. But soluble MICA was not detected in both non-treated and IL-1β-treated normal hepatocytes. Addition of IL-1β did not increase the expressions of membrane-bound MICA on ...

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Well Blog: HPV Vaccine Now Recommended for Boys, Hepatitis B Vaccine for Diabetes

NYT Health — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:59:25 +0100

Thin‐layer chromatography immunostaining in detecting anti‐phospholipid antibodies in seronegative anti‐phospholipid syndrome

Clinical and Experimental Immunology — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:18:29 +0100

SummaryIn clinical practice it is possible to find patients with clinical signs suggestive of anti‐phospholipid syndrome (APS) who are persistently negative for the routinely used anti‐phospholipid antibodies (aPL). Therefore, the term proposed for these cases was seronegative APS (SN‐APS). We investigated the clinical usefulness of thin‐layer chromatography (TLC) immunostaining in detecting serum aPL in patients presenting clinical features of SN‐APS. Sera from 36 patients with SN‐APS, 19 patients with APS, 18 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 20 anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐positive subjects and 32 healthy controls were examined for aPL using TLC immunostaining. Anti‐β2‐glycoprotein‐I, anti‐annexin II, anti‐annexin V and anti‐prothrombin antib...

Recommendations For HPV And Hepatitis B Vaccinations Broadened By 2012 Adult Immunization Schedule

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 09:00:00 +0100

The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) now recommends routine HPV vaccination for males aged 11 to 12 years and catch-up vaccination for males aged 13 to 21. These are just two of the changes to the 2012 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule published February 1 in Annals of Internal Medicine, the flagship journal of the American College of Physicians (ACP). In addition to the changes in the HPV vaccine, the ACIP now recommends vaccination against Hepatitis B for adults younger than age 60 who have diabetes, as soon as possible after diabetes is diagnosed... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Shedding Light On Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Gene Mutation Linked To Accumulation Of Fat, Other Lipids In Liver

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A team of scientists from the University of Utah and the University of California at San Francisco has discovered that the mutation of a gene encoding a ketone body transporter triggers accumulation of fat and other lipids in the livers of zebrafish. This discovery, published in the Feb. 1, 2012, issue of Genes & Development, reveals that transport of ketone bodies out of the liver is a critical step in energy metabolism during fasting. It also provides a new approach for studying the development of fatty liver disease in humans... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, Bactrim, Septra

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim, Bactrim, SeptraCategory: MedicationsCreated: 12/31/1997Last Editorial Review: 2/2/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

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Recipient IL28B Polymorphism Is an Important Independent Predictor of Posttransplant Diabetes Mellitus in Liver Transplant Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

American Journal of Transplantation — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

IL28B polymorphisms are strongly associated with response to treatment for HCV infection. IL28B acts on interferon‐stimulated genes via the JAK‐STAT pathway, which has been implicated in development of insulin resistance. We investigated whether IL28B polymorphisms are associated with posttransplant diabetes mellitus (DM). Consecutive HCV patients who underwent liver transplantation between 1–1995 and 1–2011 were studied. Genotyping of the polymorphism rs12979860 was performed on DNA collected from donors and recipients. Posttransplant DM was screened for by fasting blood glucoses every 1–3 months. Of 221 included patients, 69 developed posttransplant DM (31%). Twenty‐two patients with recipient IL28B genotype TT (48%), 25 with IL28B genotype CT (25%) and 22 with IL28B genotype...

Impact of Sirolimus Duration on Hepatitis C Related Fibrosis Progression in Liver Transplant Recipients

American Journal of Transplantation — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: American Journal of Transplantation)

Early viral load and recipient IL28B rs12979860 genotype are predictors for progression of hepatitis C after liver transplantation

Liver Transplantation — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractThere have been few studies of detailed viral kinetics following liver transplantation (LT) and conflicting data have been reported on viral load and severity of recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease. This long‐term study aimed to examine (1) the impact of HCV RNA levels at specific points in time within the first year and (2) the influence of IL28B genotype on patient outcome and severity of recurrent HCV disease. Viral load was measured at week 2, 4, 12, 24 and 48 following LT and recipient / donor IL28B genotypes of 164 patients were determined. Cox‐regression analysis showed that viral load at week 2 was an independent negative predictor of recipient outcome. A week 2 viral load of = 6.0 log10 IU/mL was significantly associated with reduced patient survival. After a mea...

Aberrant cyclin A expression and centrosome overduplication induced by hepatitis B virus Pre-S2 mutants and its implication in hepatocarcinogenesis

Carcinogenesis — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we confirmed that cyclin A was detected in the cytoplasm in the majority of HBV-related HCC tissues. In vitro, the pre-S2 mutant-initiated ER stress could induce cytoplasmic cyclin A mediated via cleavage by the calcium-dependent protease μ-calpain, resulting in an N-terminal truncated product which was preferentially located in the cytoplasm. The aberrant cyclin A expression subsequently induced centrosome overduplication, and this effect was abolished by calpain-specific inhibitors or RNA interference targeting to cyclin A. Overall, our data indicate that HBV pre-S2 mutant may elicit aberrant cyclin A expression and centrosome overduplication through ER stress induction and thereby represent a potential mechanism for the chromosome instability in HBV hepatocarcinogenesi...

Low vaccination rate puts teens at risk for hepatitis A

Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Less than half of adolescents have been vaccinated against the hepatitis A virus, leaving a large segment of this population susceptible to the infection as they enter adulthood. Yet participation is higher when health care providers recommend the vaccine to their patients. Find out how you can make a huge difference for your teen patients by encouraging compliance. (Source: Modern Medicine Contemporary Pediatrics)

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Clinical features of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and hepatitis C infection.

Braz J Med Biol Res — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Greca LF, Pinto LC, Rados DR, Canani LH, Gross JL PMID: 22286533 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Braz J Med Biol Res)

Association of Ephrin receptor A3 gene polymorphism with susceptibility to chronic severe hepatitis B

Hepatology Research — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the genetic alteration at EphA3 locus plays a part role in the occurrence of chronic severe hepatitis B. (Source: Hepatology Research)

The HBV Vaccination in Adults With Diabetes MellitusThe HBV Vaccination in Adults With Diabetes Mellitus

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

How important is it for patients with diabetes to be vaccinated against hepatitis B? This new report explains. Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Cost Effectiveness of Screening Immigrants for Hepatitis BCost Effectiveness of Screening Immigrants for Hepatitis B

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

Are hepatitis B screening programs for new immigrants necessary and cost-effective? This new study explores the issue. Liver International (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

What Is Killing People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection?What Is Killing People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection?

Medscape Today Headlines — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 04:00:00 +0100

What is it about hepatitis C that makes it such a potentially deadly disease? This new study takes a close look at the disease. Seminars in Liver Disease (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

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Glucocorticoids plus N-Acetylcysteine in Alcoholic Hepatitis

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:16 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 366, Issue 5, Page 476-477, February 2012. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Early Liver Transplantation for Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis

New England Journal of Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:00:04 +0100

New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 366, Issue 5, Page 477-479, February 2012. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)

Changes to Tdap, HPV, Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations Among 2012 Schedule Highlights

AAFP Health of the Public — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:00:00 +0100

More than a dozen changes are reflected in the CDC's 2012 child, adolescent and adult immunization schedules. Developed in conjunction with the AAFP and other groups, several of the 2012 changes are especially pertinent to family physicians, according to the AAFP's liaison to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Jamie Loehr, M.D., of Ithaca, N.Y. "Some of the most important changes for family physicians in the 2012 immunization schedules involve the tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine for pregnant women and health care personnel, as well as the hepatitis B vaccine for patients with diabetes," Loehr told AAFP News Now (Source: AAFP Health of the Public)

Pediatricians' Group Recommends HPV Vaccine for Boys

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Pediatricians' Group Recommends HPV Vaccine for BoysCategory: Health NewsCreated: 2/1/2012 10:06:00 AMLast Editorial Review: 2/1/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

2012 adult immunization schedule broadens recommendations for HPV and hepatitis B vaccinations

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(American College of Physicians) The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends routine HPV vaccination for males aged 11-12 years and catch-up vaccination for males aged 13-21. These are just two of the changes to the 2012 Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule being published Feb. 1 in Annals of Internal Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

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MIT: Stem cells could drive hepatitis research forward

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Massachusetts Institute of Technology) Researchers produce liver-like cells from induced pluripotent stem cells. By creating liver-like cells, scientists can study why people respond differently to Hepatitis C. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

HCV core and NS3 proteins manipulate human blood-derived dendritic cell development and promote Th 17 differentiation

International Immunology — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In this study, we examined the effect of HCV proteins on the differentiation of human peripheral blood monocytes to dendritic cells (DCs). The HCV core (HCVc) and non-structural 3 (NS3) proteins inhibited the expression of CD1a, CD1b and DC-SIGN during monocyte differentiation to DCs, while increasing some markers characteristic of macrophages (CD14 and HLA-DR) and also PD-L1 expression. Meanwhile, HCVc and NS3 could induce differentiating monocytes to secrete IL-10. However, anti-IL-10 mAb could not reverse HCVc and NS3 inhibition of monocyte differentiation into DCs. The HCVc and NS3 proteins increased IL-6 secretion both in immature and in fully differentiated DCs and also promoted CD4+ T-cell IL-17 production. Since Th 17 cells are active in many examples of immunopathology, these effe...

Brain metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma: Clinical features and prognostic factors

BMC Cancer — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: BM from HCC is rare and associated with an extremely poor prognosis. However, patients with a low RPA class may benefit from aggressive treatment. The clinical implication of extracranial metastases in HCC patients with BM needs further assessment. (Source: BMC Cancer)

UK consensus guidelines for the use of the protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir in genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C infected patients

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ConclusionsThese UK Consensus guidelines indicate the current best practice for the use of boceprevir and telaprevir in the management of genotype 1 chronic HCV infection. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Immigrant patients with chronic hepatitis C and advanced fibrosis have a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. To explore the impact of the differences in baseline characteristics between immigrants with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and native‐born patients on the prognosis of advanced fibrosis. A retrospective cohort study was conducted in 318 patients (including 128 immigrants) with CHC and advanced fibrosis attending a tertiary referral clinic. Patients’ medical records were reviewed to collect data describing immigrant status, baseline characteristics, and liver‐related clinical outcomes. Kaplan–Meier (KM) analyses and Cox proportional‐hazards regression analyses were performed to explore the differences between the two groups with respect to clinical outcomes. Relative to native‐born patients, immigrant patients were older, more likely to be female, and more likely to be A...

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Hepatitis A Vaccination Coverage Among Adolescents in the United States

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis A infection causes severe disease among adolescents and adults. Hepatitis A vaccination (HepA) is recommended universally at 1 year, with vaccination through 18 years based on risk or desire for protection. This is the first study to evaluate adolescent HepA coverage in the United States using provider-reported vaccination data. HepA coverage was low among adolescents, leaving a large population susceptible to hepatitis A infection maturing into adulthood. (Read the full article) (Source: PEDIATRICS)

The Risk of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura After Vaccination in Children and Adolescents

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: ITP is unlikely after early childhood vaccines other than MMR. Because of the small number of exposed cases and potential confounding, the possible association of ITP with hepatitis A, varicella, and tetanus-diphtheria-acellular pertussis vaccines in older children requires further investigation. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Improving the Quality of Immunization Delivery to an At-Risk Population: A Comprehensive Approach

PEDIATRICS — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: We were able to implement a comprehensive immunization QI program that was sustainable over time. (Source: PEDIATRICS)

Sequence analysis of the polymerase gene in hepatitis B virus infected blood donors in iran.

Archives of Iranian Medicine — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: This study shows that antiviral-resistant mutations, such as lamivudine-resistant HBV strains, do not exist naturally among Iranian blood donors. More studies on the full-length HBV genomes are required to determine genome evolution of HBV among infected Iranian blood donors. PMID: 22292578 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Archives of Iranian Medicine)

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Non-invasive assessment of fibrosis using color Doppler ultrasound in patients with hepatitis C virus in the Amazon rainforest, Brazil.

The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Leão J, Brock M, Castilho M, Scariot A, Scariot A, Braga W Abstract Abstract. The purpose of this study was to correlate morphologic and hemodynamic Doppler ultrasound findings as indicators of the degree of inflammation and fibrosis and to diagnose chronic vital hepatitis complications and progression. A prospective, descriptive study of a case series was conducted that analyzed Doppler ultrasound images of the liver and portal system and used the portal vein congestion index, hepatic and splenic artery impedance indices, and the liver vascular index. Of 50 patients positive for antibodies against hepatitis C virus, morphologic changes highlighted increased hepatic parenchyma echogenicity in 24%, and increased gall blander echogenicity and wall thickness in 4%. The most ...

HCV burden of infection in Egypt: results from a nationwide survey

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study confirmed on a nationwide representative sample the very high HCV antibody prevalence in Egypt. It stresses the urgent need for strengthening prevention efforts, and bringing down the costs of antiviral drugs for countries like Egypt, where the people in the most precarious situations are also those most likely to be infected by the virus. (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

Stem Cells May Further Hepatitis C Research

MedlinePlus Health News — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:00:00 +0100

Using liver-like cells, scientists hope to learn how some people resist infectionSource: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hepatitis C, Stem Cells (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Outcomes of living‐donor liver transplantation in patients with preoperative type‐1 hepatorenal syndrome and acute hepatic decompensation

Liver Transplantation — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:57:13 +0100

In conclusion, HRS patients, compared with non‐HRS patients, had worse postoperative renal function and overall survival. However, their five‐year overall survival rate was still nearly 80%, which is satisfactory. Therefore, living‐donor liver transplantation can be considered for patients who have acute hepatic decompensation with or without HRS. © 2012 American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (Source: Liver Transplantation)

How to manage HIV-infected patients with chronic kidney disease in the HAART era

Clinical and Experimental Nephrology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:47:49 +0100

Abstract As human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients now live longer while receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), chronic kidney disease (CKD) has emerged as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among urban HIV population. Risk factors associated with CKD in such HIV-infected population include aging, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, co-infection with hepatitis C virus, low CD4 cell count, and high HIV viral load. Clinical experience has shown that HIV-infected individuals often have one or more concurrent risk factors for CKD. The cumulative effect of multiple risk factors on the development of CKD should be noted in this population. Glomerular disease directly related to HIV infection, so-called HIV-associated nephropathy, rema...

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Correlation between plasma amino acid profiles and the various stages of hepatitis B infection

European Journal of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:46:27 +0100

In this study, we analyzed the relationship between the amino acid profiles and varying clinical stages of HBV infection, and investigated their significance. The plasma amino acid concentrations in 115 patients with HBV infection and 32 healthy donors were detected and analyzed, and the main indicators of liver function were measured. Correlation analysis was performed between the amino acid profiles (Fischer’s ratio, branched-chain amino acid to tyrosine ratio [BTR]) and the key indicators of liver function in patients with HBV infection. Fisher’s ratio and the BTR of patients with HBV infection was found to differ from that of the healthy controls, and was also found to significantly correlate with the stage of HBV infection. Changes in the BTR were closely related to the lev...

Electrochemical detection of hepatitis C viral NS3-4A protease

RSC - Analyst latest articles — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:08:27 +0100

Analyst, 2012, Advance ArticleDOI: 10.1039/C2AN15881G, PaperModupeola A. Sowole, Heinz-Bernhard KraatzA bioorganometallic approach to detect a viral protease making use of a ferrocene-peptide conjugate.To cite this article before page numbers are assigned, use the DOI form of citation above.The content of this RSS Feed (c) The Royal Society of Chemistry (Source: RSC - Analyst latest articles)

Long-term effects of treatment and response in patients with chronic hepatitis C on quality of life

BMC Gastroenterology — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions Main determinants of HRQL were severity of liver disease, age, gender, participating center and response to treatment. Our results do not exclude a more profound negative impact of individualized treatment compared to standard, possibly caused by higher doses and extended treatment duration in the individualized group. Antiviral therapy might have a more intense and more prolonged negative impact on females. (Source: BMC Gastroenterology)

Pretravel preparation and travel‐related morbidity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory Bowel Diseases — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions:Pretravel advice for IBD patients was often deficient. There was a considerable amount of travel‐related morbidity and inconvenience. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;) (Source: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases)

Use of a Catalytic Model to Estimate Hepatitis A Incidence in a Low-Endemicity Country: Implications for Modeling Immunization Policies

Medical Decision Making — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

This study estimates the true incidence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in Canada using a catalytic model. Methods. A catalytic model was used to reconcile HAV seroprevalence data with the corresponding true cumulative risk of infection estimated from incidence data. Results. The average annual reported incidence was 6.2 cases per 100 000 from 1980 to 1989 and 7.7/100 000 from 1990 to 1999, indicating that Canada is a low-incidence country. The seroprevalence in Canadian-born individuals (n = 7 studies) was approximately 1%–8% in ages <20, 1%–11% in ages 20–29, 7%–29% in ages 30–39, and higher in older age groups. Between 1980 and 1995, the catalytic model estimated an average annual incidence of 60/100 000 (95% confidence interval, 33–524); appr...

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Exiting from uncharted territory: Hepatitis C virus assembles in mouse cell lines

Hepatology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:34:23 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Disruption of phospholipid and bile acid homeostasis in mice with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Hepatology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:29:32 +0100

Conclusion: Phospholipid and bile acid metabolism is disrupted in NASH, likely due to enhanced hepatic inflammatory signaling. Serum LPC and bile acids may be biomarkers of NASH. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

High plasma level of nucleocapsid‐free envelope glycoprotein‐positive lipoproteins in hepatitis C patients

Hepatology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: LVP are a mixed population of particles, comprising predominantly subviral particles that represent a distinct class of modified lipoproteins within the TRL family. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

CD4+ immune escape and subsequent T‐cell failure following chimpanzee immunization against hepatitis C virus

Hepatology — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Influence of HLA alleles in response to treatment with pegylated interferon‐alpha and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C

International Journal of Immunogenetics — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

The objective of this study was to analyse the possible role of HLA polymorphism of chronically infected hepatitis C virus patients in the response outcome to treatment with pegylated interferon‐alpha plus ribavirin. To that end, 144 Brazilian patients infected only with genotype 1 of the virus were treated with pegylated interferon‐alpha at 1.5 μg kg−1 in conjunction with ribavirin (1000 mg if patient weight was <75 kg and 1250 mg if >75 kg) for 48 weeks. The patients did not have concomitant HBV or HIV infections or liver disease, did not undergo previous antiviral treatment, and were followed up for 24 weeks after the end of treatment to assure they presented a sustained virological response. Patients were classified according to response to treatment in res...

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Polymorphisms in the potential functional regions of the TGF‐β 1 and TGF‐β receptor genes and disease susceptibility in HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Molecular Carcinogenesis — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease of multiple etiologies caused by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic defects. Current evidence indicates that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling pathway has a significant impact on different cellular process. Members of the TGF‐β superfamily (TGF‐β1, the type I TGF‐β receptor [TβRI], type II TGF‐β receptor [TβRII], and type III TGF‐β receptor]) play an important role in tumorigenesis. Numerous studies show that genetic polymorphisms in TGF‐β superfamily genes are associated with HCC in East Asian populations. We studied 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genes (TGF‐β1, TβRI, TβRII, and TβRIII) to examine their associations with hepatocarcinogenesis. A total of 1228 Chin...

UCLA researchers indentify a cell-permeable peptide that inhibits hepatitis C

EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences) Researchers from UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a cell-permeable peptide that inhibits a hepatitis C virus protein and blocks viral replication, which can lead to liver cancer. (Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health)

Vaccination coverage among medical residents in Paris, France

Clinical Microbiology and Infection — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractMedical residents are particularly exposed to the risk of occupational infection. We aimed to determine the vaccination coverage in residents with an anonymous self‐reporting electronic questionnaire. A total of 250 residents entered this survey. Vaccination rates were particularly high for mandatory vaccinations (diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B virus and tuberculosis). Regarding recommended vaccinations (influenza 45.6%, pertussis 65.2%, measles 62.8%, varicella 62.8%), rates were insufficient to prevent hospital epidemics, but higher than those reported in other healthcare workers. Further immunization programmes should target residents, and not only senior healthcare workers, with a critical role for occupational medicine departments. (Source: Clinical Microbio...

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma

International Journal of Cancer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'‐DDT), an organochlorine pesticide known to have deleterious health effects in humans, has been linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rodents. A recent study has reported that p,p'‐DDT and its most persistent metabolite, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'‐DDE), may also be associated with HCC in humans. To examine whether there is an association between p,p'‐DDT and/or p,p'‐DDE in a population at high‐risk of developing HCC.A nested case‐control study was conducted within the 83,794 person Haimen City Cohort in China. Sera and questionnaire data were collected from all participants between 1992 and 1993. The current study included 473 persons who developed HCC and 492 who did not, frequency matched on sex, age and area of...

Hepatitis C virus to hepatocellular carcinoma

Infectious Agents and Cancer — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Hepatitis C virus causes acute and chronic hepatitis and can lead to permanent liver damage and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a significant number of patients via oxidative stress, insulin resistance (IR), fibrosis, liver cirrhosis and HCV induced steatosis. HCV induced steatosis and oxidative stress causes steato-hepatitis and these pathways lead to liver injury or HCC in chronic HCV infection. Steatosis and oxidative stress crosstalk play an important role in liver damage in HCV infection. This Review illustrates viral and host factors which induce Oxidative stress, steatosis and leads toward HCC. It also expresses Molecular cascade which leads oxidative stress and steatosis to HCC. (Source: Infectious Agents and Cancer)

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Transmission of HCV Through Transplanted Organs and TissueTransmission of HCV Through Transplanted Organs and Tissue

Medscape Today Headlines — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

How common is transmission of hepatitis C through organ donation, and what types of preventive practices can be put into place to prevent this from happening? Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Role of monokine induced by interferon‐γ in liver injury induced by hepatitis B virus in mice

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 22:39:21 +0100

In conclusion, through NF‐κB activation, HBV induced Mig expression in vivo, which recruited peripheral inflammatory cells to the liver and resulted in liver damage. Phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt, ERK and JNK but not p38 might involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying HBV induced Mig expression in vivo. (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

The impact of hepatitis C virus donor and recipient status on long‐term kidney transplant outcomes: University of Wisconsin experience

Clinical Transplantation — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Singh N, Neidlinger N, Djamali A, Leverson G, Voss B, Sollinger HW, Pirsch JD. The impact of hepatitis C virus donor and recipient status on long‐term kidney transplant outcomes: University of Wisconsin experience.  Clin Transplant 2012 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399‐0012.2011.01583.x.  © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract: The survival benefit of transplanting hepatitis C (HCV)‐positive donor kidneys into HCV‐positive recipients remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of HCV‐status of the donor (D) kidney on the long‐term outcomes in kidney transplant recipients (R). We evaluated 2169 consecutive recipients of deceased‐donor kidney transplants performed between 1991 and 2007. The following HCV cohorts were identified: D−/R− (n = 1897),...

Long-term efficacy of 10-12 years after being immunized with Chinese hamster ovary cell derived hepatitis B vaccine in Chinese Rural Communities.

Vaccine — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The long-term efficacy of the CHO-derived hepatitis B vaccine is good and after vaccination maternal transmission is the most important route of spreading HBV. PMID: 22296954 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

A Novel prognostic scoring system to predict 3-month mortality risk in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure in hepatitis B: a retrospective cohort study

Hepatology International — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:51:45 +0100

Conclusions We developed an objective, pertinent, and sensitive prognostic scoring system that predicted the 3-month mortality of patients with ACLFB with greater accuracy than the MELD. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-8DOI 10.1007/s12072-011-9335-2Authors Yu-Bao Zheng, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600# Gangding, Guangzhou City, 510630 People’s Republic of ChinaShi-Bin Xie, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600# Gangding, Guangzhou City, 510630 People’s Republic of ChinaDong-Ying Xie, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Tianhe Road 600# Gangdi...

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Researchers Discover New Therapeutic Target To Combat Liver Cancer

Health News from Medical News Today — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

Researchers at CIC Biogune, the Cooperative Centre for Research into Biosciences and led by Dr. Maria Luz Martinez Chantar, have found a strong relationship between high levels of Hu antigen R (HuR) protein and the malignancy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma, through a novel molecular process in the investigation of this pathology and known as neddylation. The project provides new opportunities for making advances in the quest for personalised therapeutic applications in the treatment for Hepatocarcinoma... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

Genetic polymorphism in cyclooxygenase‐2 promoter affects hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

In conclusion, the ‐1195GG genotype in COX‐2 is a genetic marker for liver disease progression, while the PNPLA3 genotypes are not associated with disease progression in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis C. (Source: Journal of Viral Hepatitis)

Hepatocellular carcinoma screening practices and impact on survival among hepatitis B‐infected Asian Americans

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. Asians Americans have a high burden of hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCC screening practices in this population are unknown. We aimed to investigate predictors and patterns of HCC screening and its impact on survival in HBV‐infected Asian Americans. Clinical data were obtained from a retrospective cohort of 1870 HBsAg‐positive Asians in San Francisco’s safety net clinics. In 824 patients at‐risk for HCC, screening (≥1 imaging and/or AFP per year) decreased from 67% to 47% to 24% from the 1st to 2nd to 10th year after HBV diagnosis, respectively. AFP, imaging, and imaging plus AFP were used in 37%, 14%, and 49% during the first year after diagnosis, and imaging plus AFP increased to 64% by the 10th year. Among 1431 patients followed...

Maternal HBsAg status and infant size – a Faustian bargain?

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Summary. Information on the impact of maternal hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection on pregnancy outcome is conflicting. Some studies reported an association with increased infant birthweight, which could be interpreted as advantageous to pregnancy. A retrospective study was performed to compare birthweight outcome between 6261 and 55 817 singleton pregnancies in mothers screened positive and negative for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), respectively. The HBsAg positive women were younger, had higher body mass index (BMI) and incidence of overweight, but less gestational weight gain, and were associated with increased macrosomia (birthweight ≥4000 g) in mothers <35 years (odds ratio, OR, 1.28), BMI ≥25 kg/m2 (OR 1.24), without gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM, OR 1.19)...

[Seminar] The cryoglobulinaemias

LANCET — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Cryoglobulins are immunoglobulins that precipitate in vitro at temperatures less than 37°C and produce organ damage through two main pathways: vascular sludging (hyperviscosity syndrome, mainly in type I cryoglobulinaemia) and immune-mediated mechanisms (principally vasculitis, in mixed cryoglobulinaemia). Cryoglobulinaemia is associated with many illnesses, which can be broadly grouped into infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancies; the most common cause is infection with hepatitis C virus. (Source: LANCET)

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Development of organ‐specific donor risk indices

Liver Transplantation — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractDue to the shortage of deceased donor organs, transplant centers accept organs from marginal deceased donors, including older donors. Organ‐specific donor risk indices have been developed to predict graft survival using various combinations of donor and recipient characteristics. We will review the kidney donor risk index (KDRI) and liver donor risk index (LDRI) and compare and contrast their strengths, limitations, and potential uses. The Kidney Donor Risk Index has a potential role in developing new kidney allocation algorithms. The Liver Donor Risk Index allows for greater appreciation of the importance of donor factors, particularly for hepatitis C‐positive recipients; as the donor risk index increases, rates of allograft and patient survival among these recipients decrease...

No association between IRF3 polymorphism and susceptibility to hepatitis B virus infection in Chinese patients.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: The three tagSNPs of IRF3 are not associated with HBV infection in the Han Chinese population. PMID: 22294846 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Adenovirus-expressed preS2 antibody inhibits hepatitis B virus infection and hepatic carcinogenesis.

World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSION: Adenovirus-mediated HBV preS2Ab expression could inhibit HBV infection in L02 cells, and then inhibit DEN-induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis and protect hepatic function in HBV transgenic mice. PMID: 22294841 [PubMed - in process] (Source: World Journal of Gastroenterology : WJG)

Repeated transplantation of hepatocytes prevents fulminant hepatitis in a rat model of Wilson's disease

Liver Transplantation — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:45:27 +0100

AbstractThe outcome of consecutive hepatocyte transplants was explored in a rat model of Wilson's disease before the onset of fulminant hepatitis without preconditioning regimens. Rats received a high‐copper diet in order to induce a rapid induction of liver failure. Sham‐operated rats (15/15) developed jaundice and fulminant hepatitis, and they died within 4 weeks of first transplantation. Despite the continuation of a high dietary copper challenge, long‐term survival was observed for a notable proportion of the transplanted animals (7/18). All survivors displayed normalized levels of hepatitis‐associated serum markers and ceruloplasmin oxidase activity by posttransplant days 50 and 98, respectively. The liver copper concentrations, the liver histology, and the expression of marke...

Early use of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors is an independent risk factor for incisional hernia development after liver transplantation

Liver Transplantation — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:45:17 +0100

In conclusion, immunosuppressive therapy with mTOR inhibitors is an important independent risk factor for IH development after LT. To reduce the incidence of IHs, mTOR inhibitors should be avoided until the fourth month after LT unless their use is deemed to be strictly necessary. Liver Transpl 18:188–194, 2012. © 2011 AASLD. (Source: Liver Transplantation)

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Notes From the Field: Transplant‐Transmitted Hepatitis B Virus—United States, 2010

American Journal of Transplantation — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:36:13 +0100

Hepatitis B was transmitted to three of five organ recipients from a donor at increased risk for hepatitis B whose infection was detectable only by nucleic acid virus testing, which revealed extremely low‐level viremia. (Source: American Journal of Transplantation)

Hepatitis B virus mutants associated with hepatitis b surface antigen loss: Chicken or egg?

Hepatology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:52 +0100

(Source: Hepatology)

Osteopontin, an oxidant stress sensitive cytokine, up‐regulates collagen‐I via integrin αVβ3 engagement and PI3K/pAkt/NFκB signaling

Hepatology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:36 +0100

Conclusion: OPN emerges as a key cytokine within the ECM protein network driving the increase in Collagen‐I protein contributing to scarring and liver fibrosis. (HEPATOLOGY 2012) (Source: Hepatology)

Myeloid suppressor cells induced by hepatitis C virus suppress T‐cell responses through the production of reactive oxygen species

Hepatology — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:20:06 +0100

Conclusion: These results suggest that HCV promotes the accumulation of CD33+ MDSC, resulting in ROS‐mediated suppression of T‐cell responsiveness. Thus, the accumulation of MDSCs during HCV infection may facilitate and maintain HCV persistent infection. (HEPATOLOGY 2012) (Source: Hepatology)

Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis B

MedicineNet Cancer General — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis BCategory: Health NewsCreated: 1/26/2012 8:06:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 1/27/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Cancer General)

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Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People with Hepatitis B

MedlinePlus Health News — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Study found lower risk of developing disease for people taking these cholesterol-cutting drugs Source: HealthDay Related MedlinePlus Pages: Hepatitis B, Liver Cancer, Statins (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Statins May Stave Off Liver Cancer in People With Hepatitis B

Cancercompass News: Other Cancer — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

Study found lower risk of developing disease for people taking these cholesterol-cutting drugs (Source: Cancercompass News: Other Cancer)

[Newsdesk] Research brief

The Lancet Infectious Diseases — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:05:13 +0100

Vaccines based on human adenovirus 5 (Ad5) induce protective immune responses against several pathogens in animal models, but the neutralising antibodies to Ad5 that most people make are likely to impair the immunological potency of such vaccines. To circumvent this potential problem, researchers have isolated more than 1000 chimpanzee adenovirus strains. Vaccine vectors derived from some of these viruses induce potent cellular immunity in mice. Moreover, in a phase 1 clinical trial, a chimpanzee adenovirus-based vector expressing non-structural hepatitis C virus (HCV) proteins induced broad, sustained T-cell responses to HCV. (Source: The Lancet Infectious Diseases)

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Liver kidney microsomal type 1 antibodies reduce the CYP2D6 activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection

Journal of Viral Hepatitis — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:59:28 +0100

Summary. Liver kidney microsomal type 1 (LKM‐1) antibodies have been shown to decrease the CYP2D6 activity in vitro and are present in a minority of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection. We investigated whether LKM‐1 antibodies might reduce the CYP2D6 activity in vivo. All patients enrolled in the Swiss Hepatitis C Cohort Study and tested for LKM‐1 antibodies were assessed (n = 1723): 10 eligible patients were matched with patients without LKM‐1 antibodies. Patients were genotyped for CYP2D6 variants to exclude individuals with a poor metabolizer genotype. CYP2D6 activity was measured by a specific substrate using the dextromethorphan/dextrorphan metabolic ratio to classify patients into four activity phenotypes. All patients had a CYP2D6 extensive metabolizer genotyp...

Meta‐analysis: antiviral treatment for hepatitis D

Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:34:11 +0100

ConclusionsLong‐term suppression of HDV RNA by IFNa is not maintained despite an end of treatment response; adding lamivudine is not beneficial. PEG‐IFNa is superior to other medications with respect to EOT and EOFUP. New RCTs should test combinations of PEG‐IFNa and newest antivirals. (Source: Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics)

Bristol-Myers Squibb Delivers Solid Fourth Quarter Capping a Year Highlighted by New Product Approvals, Continued Execution of Strategic Transactions and Good Operating Performance

Drugs.com - Pharma News — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 17:23:23 +0100

Net Sales Rise 7% to $5.5 Billion in Fourth Quarter GAAP EPS Increases 79% to $0.50 in the Fourth Quarter; Non-GAAP EPS Increases 13% to $0.53 Demonstrates Commitment to Hepatitis C with Planned Acquisition of Inhibitex Provides 2012 GAAP and... (Source: Drugs.com - Pharma News)

Noninvasive measurement of liver fibrosis by transient elastography and influencing factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B—A single center retrospective study of 466 patients

Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology -- Medical Sciences -- — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:49:57 +0100

Summary The noninvasive measurement of liver stiffness (LS) was evaluated by transient elastography (FibroScan) and the possible influencing factors from the patients’ clinical situations including age, gender, liver inflammation represented by alanine transaminase (ALT) and total billirubin (TBIL) level, HBV replication (HBV DNA loads), portal vein pressure (portal vessel diameter, PVD), splenic thickness (SPT) and body mass index (BMI) were analyzed in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). A total of 466 patients including 31 patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), and 435 patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) among which 82 patients were diagnosed with liver cirrhosis (LC) by clinical manifestations and liver B-type ultrasonic inspection were enrolle...

Identification Of Entry Point For Hepatitis C Infection

Health News from Medical News Today — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A molecule embedded in the membrane of human liver cells that aids in cholesterol absorption also allows the entry of hepatitis C virus, the first step in hepatitis C infection, according to research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. The cholesterol receptor offers a promising new target for anti-viral therapy, for which an approved drug may already exist, say the researchers, whose findings were reported online in advance of publication in Nature Medicine. An estimated 4... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)

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Causes of neonatal and maternal deaths in Dhaka slums: Implications for service delivery

BMC Public Health - Latest articles — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Delivery at a health facility with child assessment within a day of delivery and appropriate treatment could reduce neonatal deaths. Maternal mortality is unlikely to reduce without delivering at facilities with basic Emergency Obstetric Care (EOC) and arrangements for timely referral to EOC. There is a need for a comprehensive package of services that includes control of infectious diseases during pregnancy, EOC and adequate after delivery care. (Source: BMC Public Health - Latest articles)

Polymorphism of the TLR4 Gene Reduces the Risk of Hepatitis C Virus-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Oncology — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: The TLR4 rs2148356 T allele is associated with a reduced risk of HCC and could slow down its clinical progression in HCV-induced chronic liver disease. PMID: 22286521 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Oncology)

U.S. hepatitis A vaccine rates vary widely, survey shows

Reuters: Health — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:40:00 +0100

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Although about 85 percent of kids in two U.S. states have had a complete set of hepatitis A vaccines, overall just three in 10 have had both shots, according to a new survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (Source: Reuters: Health)

U.S. Hepatitis A Vaccine Rates Vary Widely, Survey Shows

MedlinePlus Health News — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:39:41 +0100

Although about 85 percent of kids in two U.S. states have had a complete set of hepatitis A vaccines, overall just three in 10 have had both shots, according to a new survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Source: Reuters Health Related MedlinePlus Pages: Childhood Immunization, Hepatitis A (Source: MedlinePlus Health News)

Hepatic perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PEComa): dynamic CT, MRI, ultrasonography, and pathologic features—analysis of 7 cases and review of the literature

Abdominal Imaging — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:13:44 +0100

Conclusions Dynamic CT, MRI, ultrasonography, and pathology of PEComa had some characteristics of benign tumor’s performance. Enhanced scan showed PEComa quickly enhanced on arterial phase and enhanced less on portal venous phase. Knowing these characteristics could help to improve the understanding and diagnosis of hepatic PEComa. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-7DOI 10.1007/s00261-012-9850-1Authors Yan Tan, Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011 Hunan Province, ChinaEn-hua Xiao, Department of Radiology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011 Hunan Province, China Journal Abdominal ImagingOnline ISSN 1432-0509Print ISSN 0942-8925 (Source: Abdominal Imaging)

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Health Highlights: Jan. 24, 2012

MedicineNet Hepatitis C General — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Title: Health Highlights: Jan. 24, 2012Category: Health NewsCreated: 1/24/2012 2:05:00 PMLast Editorial Review: 1/25/2012 (Source: MedicineNet Hepatitis C General)

Perioperative dynamic alterations in peripheral regulatory T and B cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

Journal of Translational Medicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion: Frequencies of peripheral Tregs and Bregs in HCC patients increased after surgery. These results suggest that a postoperative combination of therapies against Tregs and Bregs may be beneficial for better outcome of HCC patients after resection. (Source: Journal of Translational Medicine)

Inhibition of hepcidin transcription by growth factors

Hepatology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:HGF and EGF suppress hepatic hepcidin synthesis, in part through PI3 kinase MEK/ERK kinase pathways which may be modulating the nuclear localization of BMP pathway transcriptional regulators including activated Smads1/5/8 and the co‐repressor TGIF. EGF, HGF and possibly other growth factors that activate similar pathways may contribute to hepcidin suppression in chronic liver diseases, promote iron accumulation in the liver and exacerbate the destructive disease processes. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Liver progenitor cell markers correlate with liver damage and predict short‐term mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis

Hepatology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:LPC markers correlate positively with severity of liver disease and short‐term mortality in AH patients. This study suggests that LPC proliferation may be an important feature of AH pathophysiology. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Early transcriptional programming links progression to hepatitis C virus‐induced severe liver disease in transplant patients

Hepatology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

AbstractLiver failure due to chronic hepatitis C virus infection is a major cause for liver transplantation worldwide. Recurrent infection of the graft is universal in HCV patients following transplant and results in rapid progression to severe fibrosis and end‐stage liver disease in one‐third of all patients. No single clinical variable, or combination thereof, has so far proven accurate in identifying patients at risk of hepatic decompensation in the transplant setting. A combination of longitudinal, dimensionality reduction, and categorical analysis of the transcriptome from 111 liver biopsy specimens taken from 57 HCV‐infected patients over time identified a molecular signature of gene expression of patients at risk of developing severe fibrosis. Significantly, alterations in gen...

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Liver stiffness predicts clinical outcome in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients with compensated liver cirrhosis

Hepatology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusion:LS predicts the development of hepatic decompensations and liver‐related mortality in HIV/HCV‐coinfected with compensated cirrhosis and provides additional prognostic information to that provided by CTP score. (HEPATOLOGY 2012.) (Source: Hepatology)

Enhanced magnitude and breadth of neutralizing humoral response to a DNA vaccine targeting the DHBV envelope protein delivered by in vivo electroporation.

Virology — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Khawaja G, Buronfosse T, Jamard C, Guerret S, Zoulim F, Luxembourg A, Hannaman D, Evans C, Hartmann D, Cova L Abstract We explored in the duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) model the impact of electroporation (EP)-mediated DNA vaccine delivery on the neutralizing humoral response to viral preS/S large envelope protein. EP enhanced the kinetics and magnitude of anti-preS response compared to the standard needle DNA injection (SI). Importantly, EP dramatically enhanced the neutralizing potency of the humoral response, since antibodies induced by low DNA dose (10μg) were able to highly neutralize DHBV and to recognize ten antigenic regions, including four neutralization epitopes. Whereas, SI-induced antibodies by the same low DNA dose were not neutralizing and the epitope pattern...

Virus-like particles of hepatitis B virus core protein containing five mimotopes of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) protect chickens against IBDV.

Vaccine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Authors: Wang YS, Ouyang W, Liu XJ, He KW, Yu SQ, Zhang HB, Fan HJ, Lu CP Abstract Current infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) vaccines suffer from maternal antibody interference and mimotope vaccines might be an alternative. Previously we demonstrated an IBDV VP2 five-mimotope polypeptide, 5EPIS, elicited protective immunity in chickens. In the current study, the 5epis gene was inserted into a plasmid carrying human hepatitis B virus core protein (HBc) gene at its major immunodominant region site. The recombinant gene was efficiently expressed in Escherichia coli to produce chimeric protein HBc-5EPIS which self-assembles to virus-like particles (VLP). Two-week old specific-pathogen-free chickens were immunized intramuscularly with HBc-5EPIS VLP or 5EPIS polypeptide without adju...

Hepatitis B virus vaccine in chronic kidney disease: Improved immunogenicity by adjuvants? A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

Vaccine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

CONCLUSIONS: Our meta-analysis showed that adjuvanted hepatitis B vaccine did not significantly improve the seroprotection rate in patients with renal insufficiency. These results do not support adjuvantation as an approach to increase the immunogenicity of existing recombinant vaccines towards HBV in this high-risk population. PMID: 22285268 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Vaccine)

Single stage and multistage classification models for the prediction of liver fibrosis degree in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

Computer Methods and Programs in Biomedicine — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:50:49 +0100

Abstract: Predicting significant fibrosis or cirrhosis in patients with hepatitis C virus has persistently preoccupied the research agenda of many specialized research centers. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the use of readily available laboratory tests to predict significant fibrosis or cirrhosis with the purpose to substantially reduce the number of biopsies performed. Although many of them reported significant predictive values of several serum markers for the diagnosis of cirrhosis, none of these diagnostic techniques was successful in accurately predicting early stages of liver fibrosis. Therefore, in this study a single stage classification model and a multistage stepwise classification model based on Neural Network, Decision Tree, Logistic Regression, and Nearest Neigh...

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HCV Management for Individuals on Methadone MaintenanceHCV Management for Individuals on Methadone Maintenance

Medscape Today Headlines — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 04:00:00 +0100

This article takes an in-depth look at hepatitis C treatment options in a specialized community of people on methadone maintenance. Journal of Viral Hepatitis (Source: Medscape Today Headlines)

Overview of Chronic Hepatitis B

Clinical Care Options Hepatitis - HBV — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0100

CCO Slideset - In this downloadable slideset, Chul S. Hyun, MD, PhD, provides an overview of hepatitis B for primary care providers. (Source: Clinical Care Options Hepatitis - HBV)

In this issue.

European Journal of Immunology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:43:14 +0100

Authors: Abstract COVER IMAGE: The cover is based on a spinal cord histology section taken from a TNFR2(-/-) mouse adoptively transferred with TNFR2(-/-) Treg cells prior to immunization with MOG(35-55) to induce EAE. The section is stained with Luxol Fast blue to detect demyelination; Luxol Fast Red, which detects inflammatory infiltration, is the counterstain. The image is taken from the article by Tsakiri et al. (pp. 403-412) in which it is shown that TNFR2 on non-haematopoietic cells is necessary for Treg-cell suppressive activity and repression of EAE development. The colour of the image has been digitally altered for the cover. CMV: FINE TUNING THE NK-CELL RESPONSE DURING CHRONIC HEPATITIS INFECTION: Two recent studies reported on the expansion of NKG2C(+) NK cells during ch...

Serum IL-33 Levels Are Associated with Liver Damage in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

International Journal of Photoenergy — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:18:57 +0100

This study examined the potential role of IL-33 in the pathogenic process of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Chinese patients. The levels of serum IL-33 and sST2 in 154 patients with CHC, 24 with spontaneously resolved HCV (SR-HCV) infection and 20 healthy controls (HC), were analyzed by ELISA. The concentrations of serum IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10, HCV loads, ALT, AST, and HCV-Ab were measured. We found that the levels of serum IL-33 in CHC patients were significantly higher than those of SR-HCV and HC but decreased after treatment with interferon for 12 weeks. More importantly, the levels of serum IL-33 were correlated with the concentrations of ALT and AST in CHC patients. The levels of serum sST2, as a decoy receptor of IL-33, were significantly higher in CHC ...

Mutations in the S gene region of hepatitis B virus genotype D in Golestan Province-Iran

Virus Genes — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:14:42 +0100

This study showed “a” determinant S gene mutations in HBV infected people with HBsAg positivity in Golestan Province-Iran. The rate of mutation in our study was 95%. Collectively, the results of this project exhibited that most of mutations were clustered in CD4 + antigenic epitopes. Content Type Journal ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s11262-012-0715-zAuthors Abdolvahab Moradi, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranSareh Zhand, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, IranAmir Ghaemi, Infectious Diseases Research Centre, Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, Golestan University o...

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Analysis of hepatitis B surface antibody titers in B cell lymphoma patients after rituximab therapy

Annals of Hematology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:25:51 +0100

In conclusion, we found that anti-HBs titers decreased significantly (P < 0.001) after rituximab treatment. B cell lymphoma patients with low pre-treatment anti-HBs titers (<100 mIU/mL) were more likely to lose anti-HBs antibodies and were at risk of HBV reactivation after rituximab immunochemotherapy. Content Type Journal ArticleCategory Original ArticlePages 1-6DOI 10.1007/s00277-012-1405-6Authors Sung-Nan Pei, Division of Hema-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, TaiwanMing-Chun Ma, Division of Hema-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, TaiwanMing-Chung Wang, Div...

BioLineRx Signs Exclusive License Agreement For BL-8020, An Oral Treatment For Hepatitis C

Pharmaceutical Online News — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0100

BioLineRx, a biopharmaceutical development company, announced recently it has signed a worldwide, exclusive license agreement with Genoscience, a French company focused on viral disease therapeutics, to develop and commercialize BL-8020, an orally available treatment for Hepatitis C. BL-8020 has been developed for anti-viral therapy by Professor Philippe Halfon, Co-Founder and President of Genoscience. (Source: Pharmaceutical Online News)

Analysis of the PKR-eIF2alpha phosphorylation homology domain (PePHD) of hepatitis C virus genotype 1 in HIV-coinfected patients by ultra-deep pyrosequencing and its relationship to responses to pegylated interferon-ribavirin treatment

Archives of Virology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:53:26 +0100

Abstract Chronic coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is among the greatest challenges facing public health worldwide. In this population, the response to hepatitis C therapy by treatment with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (PEG-IFN+RBV) is lower than in HCV-monoinfected patients, particularly in those infected by HCV genotype 1. A PKR/eIF-2α phosphorylation homology domain (PePHD) within the E2 protein has been found to interact with PKR and inhibit PKR in vitro, suggesting a possible mechanism for HCV to evade the antiviral effects of IFN. The aim of this work was to analyze the amino acid conservation in the HCV-E2-PePHD and quasispecies diversity among HCV-HIV-coinfected patients exhibiting sustained virological response,...

Entry point for hepatitis C infection identified

EurekAlert! - Biology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

(University of Illinois at Chicago) A molecule embedded in the membrane of human liver cells that aids in cholesterol absorption also allows the entry of hepatitis C virus, the first step in hepatitis C infection, according to research at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine. (Source: EurekAlert! - Biology)

Permissiveness of human hepatoma cell lines for HCV infection

Virology Journal — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: We conclude that the restrictions observed later during HCV infection in these cell lines could in part be attributed to HCV-induced innate signaling. Nevertheless, the identification of two new cell lines capable of supporting authentic HCVcc infection, even at reduced levels, expands the current repertoire of cell lines amendable for the study of HCV in vitro and should aid in further elucidating HCV biology and the cellular determinants that modulate HCV infection. (Source: Virology Journal)

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Risk of hepatitis B reactivation and the role of novel agents and stem-cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection

Annals of Oncology — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Conclusions: Use of prophylaxis may reduce but will not preclude HBV reactivation. Highest risk occurs during immune reconstitution phase of HDT/ASCT. The role of immunomodulatory agents in HBV reactivation needs to be further elucidated. Separate HBV prophylaxis and surveillance guidelines ought to be developed for patients with MM. (Source: Annals of Oncology)

Consumer Information on: ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Assay and ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Quality Control Material for use on the ADVIA® Centaur and ADVIA® Centaur XP Systems - P100039

Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ADVIA Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) assay is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. (Source: Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA): CDRHNew)

ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Assay and ADVIA® Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) Quality Control Material for use on the ADVIA® Centaur and ADVIA® Centaur XP Systems

Medical Device Approvals — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

ADVIA Centaur Anti-HBs2 (aHBs2) assay is a laboratory test used to detect antibodies associated with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. (Approved: 1/20/2012) (Source: Medical Device Approvals)

Natural killer cell activation enhances immune pathology and promotes chronic infection by limiting CD8+ T-cell immunity [Immunology]

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 05:00:00 +0100

Infections with HIV, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus can turn into chronic infections, which currently affect more than 500 million patients worldwide. It is generally thought that virus-mediated T-cell exhaustion limits T-cell function, thus promoting chronic disease. Here we demonstrate that natural killer (NK) cells have a negative impact on the development of T-cell immunity by using the murine lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus. NK cell-deficient (Nfil3−/−, E4BP4−/−) mice exhibited a higher virus-specific T-cell response. In addition, NK cell depletion caused enhanced T-cell immunity in WT mice, which led to rapid virus control and prevented chronic infection in lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus clone 13- and reduced viral load in DOCILE-infected animals. Further exp...