Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-024-10707-0

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-024-10702-5

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Other Link： https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12072-024-10702-5/fulltext.html

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.14062

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.3390/ijms25105454

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.3892/mi.2024.162

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Spandidos Publications  

DOI： 10.3892/mi.2024.147

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Spandidos Publications  

DOI： 10.3892/mi.2024.146

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Language：Japanese  

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese  

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotypes 3 and 4 are zoonotic strains that are primarily transmitted through the consumption of undercooked pork or game meat. They also cause asymptomatic infections, acute hepatitis, acute-on-chronic liver failure, chronic hepatitis, and extrahepatic manifestations. Here, we report a man in his 80s who had chronic hepatitis B, took entecavir for it, and presented with higher levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and jaundice. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed choledocholithiasis with cholecystolithiasis. Although endoscopic papillary balloon dilatation was performed for the removal of a common bile duct stone, the abnormal liver function tests, including jaundice, were prolonged. After other viral hepatitis and other causes of the liver injury were ruled out, as his serum was positive for immunoglobulin A anti-HEV and HEV genotype 3b RNA, we diagnosed him as having acute hepatitis E. In this case, with chronic hepatitis B and a common bile duct stone, the prolonged abnormal results for the liver function tests seemed to be caused by HEV infection. In conclusion, in cases with high ALT levels after removing choledocholithiasis, other factors, including HEV infection, should be considered to determine the cause of abnormal liver function test results. The further examination of hepatitis D virus infection and high ALT levels may be needed in HBV-infected individuals.

DOI： 10.3390/reports6040055

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

Abstract

In 2018, there was a hepatitis A outbreak in Japan, and HAV infection is considered a sexually transmitted disease. In general, patients with hepatitis A should be given attention, and this disease should be prevented more than ever. The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED) Hepatitis A and E viruses (HAV and HEV) Study Group has worked on the project to create “Recent Advances in Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Research and Clinical Practice Guidelines for HAV Infection in Japan”. The group consists of expert hepatologists and virologists who gathered at virtual meeting on 5 August 2023. Data about the pathogenesis, infection routes, diagnosis, complications, several factors for the severities, vaccination, and current and future treatments for hepatitis A were discussed and debated for a draft version. The participants assessed the quality of cited studies. The finalized recommendations are presented in this review. The recent advances in HAV research and clinical practice for HAV infection in Japan, have been reviewed by the AMED HAV and HEV Study Group.

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.13983

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

We have reported that extent of proliferation of atypical hepatocytes (POAH) in non-cancerous liver in hepatocellular carcinoma and chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 (CDT1) are associated with postoperative recurrence. Here, we investigated whether extent of POAH and expression of CDT1 in liver are also associated with chemically induced liver cancer in rats. Male Fisher strain rats were orally administered diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in their drinking water and sacrificed at 6, 8, 12, or 14 weeks after start of DEN administration. We serially monitored changes in extent of POAH, CDT1 expression by immunohistochemistry (IHC), and <i>CDT1</i> mRNA expression in liver by real-time quantitative PCR. The extent of POAH in liver progressed in a time-dependent manner after start of DEN administration. CDT1 expression was higher at 8 weeks than at 6 weeks by IHC, suggesting that CDT1 expression may be a marker of POAH severity. <i>CDT1</i> mRNA expression in liver was significantly higher at 12 weeks than at 6 weeks (<i>p</i><0.0001). We found that extent of POAH and the expression of CDT1 are also important factors in the development of chemical carcinogen-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Furthermore, the association with POAH and CDT1 expression in carcinogenic process is important regardless of the cause of hepatocarcinogenesis.

DOI： 10.3164/jcbn.13-16

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Background and Objectives: Muscle cramps are often observed in patients with liver diseases, especially advanced liver fibrosis. The exact prevalence of muscle cramps in outpatients with liver diseases in Japan is unknown. Patients and Methods: This study examined the prevalence of, and therapies for, muscle cramps in outpatients with liver diseases in Tokyo, Japan. A total of 238 outpatients with liver diseases were retrospectively examined. We investigated whether they had muscle cramps using a visual analog scale (VAS) (from 0, none, to 10, strongest), and also investigated their therapies. Results: Muscle cramps were observed in 34 outpatients with liver diseases (14.3%); their mean VAS score was 5.53. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that older age (equal to or older than 66 years) was the only significant factor as-sociated with muscle cramps. The prevalence of muscle cramps among patients with liver diseases seemed not to be higher. The problem was that only 11 (32.4%) of 34 outpatients received therapy for their muscle cramps. Conclusions: Only age is related to muscle cramps, which is rather weak, and it is possible that this common symptom may not be limited to liver disease patients.

DOI： 10.3390/medicina59091506

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese  

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Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection causes acute hepatitis. HAV also induces acute liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failure; however, no potent anti-HAV drugs are currently available in clinical situations. For anti-HAV drug screening, more convenient and useful models that mimic HAV replication are needed. In the present study, we established HuhT7-HAV/Luc cells, which are HuhT7 cells stably expressing the HAV HM175-18f genotype IB subgenomic replicon RNA harboring the firefly luciferase gene. This system was made by using a PiggyBac-based gene transfer system that introduces nonviral transposon DNA into mammalian cells. Then, we investigated whether 1134 US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs exhibited in vitro anti-HAV activity. We further demonstrated that treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor masitinib significantly reduced both HAV HM175-18f genotype IB replication and HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA replication. Masitinib also significantly inhibited HAV HM175 internal ribosomal entry-site (IRES) activity. In conclusion, HuhT7-HAV/Luc cells are adequate for anti-HAV drug screening, and masitinib may be useful for the treatment of severe HAV infection.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms24119708

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

In this Special Issue, “Molecular Mechanisms, Diagnosis and Treatments in Digestive Malignancy”, of the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, a total of 10 impactful articles have been published [...]

DOI： 10.3390/ijms24076471

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Authorship：Lead author,　Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

DOI： 10.3390/ijms24076218

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Attiki, Greece : International Institute of Anticancer Research

DOI： 10.21873/anticanres.16249

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Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Baltimore, American Society for Microbiology.  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection often causes acute hepatitis, which results in a case fatality rate of 0.2% and fulminant hepatitis in 0.5% of cases. However, no specific potent anti-HAV drug is available on the market to date. In the present study, we focused on inhibition of HAV internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-mediated translation and investigated novel therapeutic drugs through drug repurposing by screening for inhibitors of HAV IRES-mediated translation and cell viability using a reporter assay and cell viability assay, respectively. The initial screening of 1,158 drugs resulted in 77 candidate drugs. Among them, nicotinamide significantly inhibited HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA replication in Huh7 cells. This promising drug also inhibited HAV HM175 genotype IB subgenomic replicon and HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA replication in a dose-dependent manner. In the present study, we found that nicotinamide inhibited the activation of activator protein 1 (AP-1) and that knockdown of c-Jun, which is one of the components of AP-1, inhibited HAV HM175 genotype IB IRES-mediated translation and HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA and HAV HM175 genotype IB replication. Taken together, the results showed that nicotinamide inhibited c-Jun, resulting in the suppression of HAV IRES-mediated translation and HAV replication, and therefore, it could be useful for the treatment of HAV infection. <b>IMPORTANCE</b> Drug screening methods targeting HAV IRES-mediated translation with reporter assays are attractive and useful for drug repurposing. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3, niacin) has been shown to effectively inhibit HAV replication. Transcription complex activator protein 1 (AP-1) plays an important role in the transcriptional regulation of cellular immunity or viral replication. The results of this study provide evidence that AP-1 is involved in HAV replication and plays a role in the HAV life cycle. In addition, nicotinamide was shown to suppress HAV replication partly by inhibiting AP-1 activity and HAV IRES-mediated translation. Nicotinamide may be useful for the control of acute HAV infection by inhibiting cellular AP-1 activity during HAV infection processes.

DOI： 10.1128/jvi.01987-22

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated fatty-liver disease (MAFLD) is the principal worldwide cause of liver disease. Individuals with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have a higher prevalence of small-intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). We examined gut-microbiota isolated from 12-week-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive-5 rats (SHRSP5) fed on a normal diet (ND) or a high-fat- and high-cholesterol-containing diet (HFCD) and clarified the differences between their gut-microbiota. We observed that the <i>Firmicute/Bacteroidetes (F/B)</i> ratio in both the small intestines and the feces of the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD increased compared to that of the SHRSP5 rats fed ND. Notably, the quantities of the 16S rRNA genes in small intestines of the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD were significantly lower than those of the SHRSP5 rats fed ND. As in SIBO syndrome, the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD presented with diarrhea and body-weight loss with abnormal types of bacteria in the small intestine, although the number of bacteria in the small intestine did not increase. The microbiota of the feces in the SHRSP5 rats fed HFCD was different from those in the SHRP5 rats fed ND. In conclusion, there is an association between MAFLD and gut-microbiota alteration. Gut-microbiota alteration may be a therapeutic target for MAFLD.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms24054603

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：New York, Academic Press.  

Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β/Smad pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins such as collagen in response to chronic inflammation. It has been reported that ceramide regulates collagen production through TGF-β/Smad pathway activation. In this study, we examined whether miglustat, an inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase, can suppress liver fibrosis by reducing TGF-β/Smad pathway activity. Human hepatic stellate cells (HHSteCs) were cultured with TGF-β and multiple miglustat concentrations to examine dose-dependent effects on the expression levels of ECM-related genes and Smad proteins. To evaluate the efficacy of miglustat for fibrosis mitigation, C57BL/6 mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) for 4 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, followed by combined CCl₄ plus miglustat for a further 2 weeks. To examine if miglustat can also prevent fibrosis, mice were treated with CCl₄ for 2 weeks, followed by CCl₄ plus miglustat for 2 weeks. Miglustat dose-dependently downregulated expression of α-smooth muscle actin and ECM components in TGF-β-treated HHSteCs. Both phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2 and Smad3 were also suppressed by miglustat treatment. Sirius-Red staining and hydroxyproline assays of model mouse liver samples revealed that miglustat reduced fibrosis, an effect accompanied by decreased expression of ECM. Our findings suggest that miglustat can both prevent and reverse liver fibrosis by inhibiting TGF-β/Smad pathway.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.12.025

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, as well as extrahepatic manifestations such as malignant lymphoma. Currently, direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) against HCV infection can lead to a sustained virological response (SVR) in almost all HCV-infected patients. In this review article, we discuss acute exacerbation and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare in patients with chronic HCV infection. Although acute liver failure caused by HCV infection is rare, careful attention should be paid to the cases with ALT elevation during the natural course of chronic HCV infection. HCV genotype 2 infection, the use of rituximab, and a higher dose of corticosteroid are factors associated with HCV acute exacerbation and ALT flare. Treatment regimens for cancer have been interrupted or changed due to ALT flare due to HCV infection in some patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. The pathogenesis of HCV acute exacerbation and ALT flare could involve cellular as well as humoral immune responses. In the DAA era, the earlier introduction of DAAs may prevent chronic HCV-infected patients with acute exacerbation and ALT flare from developing into a more severe form, although DAAs may not be effective for all of them.

DOI： 10.3390/v15010183

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

AIM: The prognosis of patients with acute liver failure has improved dramatically in the past three decades due to advances in medical critical care and use of liver transplantation (LT) in Western countries, where the etiology of acute liver failure is different from that in Japan. We analyzed patients with fulminant hepatitis (FH) and late-onset hepatic failure (LOHF) admitted to our unit over a 32-year period to clarify the nature of Japanese patients with FH and LOHF. METHODS: A total of 137 Japanese patients with FH and LOHF between 1986 and 2017 were analyzed for etiologies, disease types, treatment protocols, and outcome. RESULTS: Of 137 patients, 124 were FH (53 acute type and 71 subacute type) and 13 LOHF. The major etiology was due to viral infections in 48% of patients. A total of 23.4% of patients recovered without LT, 7.3% received LT, and 69.3% died without LT. The number of patients showed rise and fall without an evident decrease during the period. Patients with autoimmune hepatitis increased after the establishment of autoimmune hepatitis criteria in 1999 (p < 0.001), and that with indeterminate cause decreased (p < 0.01). The mean age was older in the last decade than in the first decade (p = 0.036). Spontaneous and overall survival rates were not different during the period. CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of our patients with FH and LOHF has not improved, probably because of aging and the increasing proportion of etiologies with poor prognosis and difficult-to-treat patients without response to medications regardless of advancement of clinical management, including artificial liver support devices and LT.

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.13873

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：St. Louis, MO : Mosby  

BACKGROUND: Tumor stiffness measurement using magnetic resonance elastography can assess tumor mechanical properties and predict hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence. This study aimed to investigate preoperative tumor stiffness on magnetic resonance elastography as a predictor of overall survival and recurrence-free survival in patients with solitary nodular hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent curative resection. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients with solitary nodular hepatocellular carcinoma who underwent preoperative magnetic resonance elastography and curative resection were retrospectively analyzed. Potential associations of tumor stiffness and other clinicopathological variables with overall survival and recurrence-free survival were analyzed in both univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards analyses. The optimal tumor stiffness cutoff value was determined using the minimal P value approach. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, tumor stiffness (hazard ratio 1.31; 95% confidence interval, 1.07-1.59; P = .008) and vascular invasion (hazard ratio 2.62; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-5.17; P = .010) were independent predictors of recurrence-free survival. For overall survival, tumor stiffness (hazard ratio, 1.33; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.76; P = .037) was the only independent predictor. The optimal tumor stiffness cutoff value was 5.81 kPa for both overall survival and recurrence-free survival. Patients with tumor stiffness ≥5.81 kPa had a significantly greater risk of death (hazard ratio 6.10; 95% confidence interval, 2.11-21.90; P < .001) than those with tumor stiffness <5.81 kPa. CONCLUSION: Preoperative tumor stiffness as measured by magnetic resonance elastography was a predictor of overall survival and recurrence-free survival in hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent curative resection. Higher tumor stiffness was associated with higher risk of recurrence and death.

DOI： 10.1016/j.surg.2022.11.001

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI  

<jats:p>Through living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT) from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched sibling donor, it may be possible to stop the use of immunosuppressants. It is possible that acute antibody-mediated rejection and chronic active antibody-mediated rejection through the positivity of donor-specific anti-HLA antibodies and/or T cell-mediated rejection may affect the prognosis of liver transplantation. The etiologies of liver diseases of the recipient may also affect the post-transplantation course. Herein, we report on the successful re-treatment with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a patient who underwent a LDLT from HLA-matched sibling donor. After liver transplantation for HCV-related liver diseases, it is easy for HCV to re-infect the graft liver under a lack of immunosuppressants. DAA therapy against HCV re-infection immediately after transplantation should be commenced, and it is important to eradicate HCV for better prognosis of the recipients in LDLT for HCV-related liver diseases.</jats:p>

DOI： 10.3390/reports5040049

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Nature Publishing Group  

Recently, we reported that extent of proliferation of atypical hepatocytes (atypical hepatocytes) was most important histological risk factor for development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from chronic hepatitis C or liver cirrhosis. Here, we aimed to clarify whether the atypical hepatocytes in noncancerous sections is also involved in postoperative recurrence. Furthermore, we investigated significant genes involved in the atypical hepatocytes. Association between the extent of atypical hepatocytes in noncancerous tissue and postoperative recurrence was validated in 356 patients with HCC. Next, we identified putative signature genes involved in extent of atypical hepatocytes. First, atypical hepatocytes or hepatocytes other than the atypical hepatocyte in noncancerous sections of 4 HCC patients were selectively collected by laser capture microdissection (LCM). Second, the gene expression profiles of the selected hepatocyte populations were compared using Ion AmpliSeq Transcriptome Human Gene Expression Kit (Thermo Fisher SCIENTIFIC, Waltham, MA, USA) analysis. Finally, we validated the mRNA expression of the extracted genes in noncancerous frozen liver tissue from 62 patients with HCC by RT-qPCR to identify the signature genes involved in both the extent of atypical hepatocytes and postoperative recurrence. Furthermore, the extent of atypical hepatocytes and CDT1 expression in noncancerous sections from 8 patients with HCC were also validated by selectively collecting samples using LCM. The extent of atypical hepatocytes was associated with postoperative recurrence. Of the genes that showed significant differences in expression levels between two populations, the expression of the chromatin licensing and DNA replication factor 1 (CDT1) gene was most strongly associated with the extent of atypical hepatocytes and was also associated with postoperative recurrence. Furthermore, CDT1-positive cells that exhibited stronger expression resembled those morphologically considered to be atypical hepatocytes. CDT1 and Ki-67 were colocalized in the nuclei of both hepatocytes and cancer cells. The hepatocytes in noncancerous livers were not uniform in each hepatocyte population, suggesting that the accumulation of genetic abnormalities was variable. We found that the strong degree of atypical hepatocytes and high CDT1 mRNA expression represent a high carcinogenic state of the liver. Thus, we consider the evaluation of degree of these could support the personalized medicine.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-022-25201-6

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Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Washington Dc : American Society For Microbiology  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis worldwide. Furthermore, HAV causes acute liver failure or acute-on-chronic liver failure. However, no potent anti-HAV drugs are currently available in the clinical situations. There have been some reports that amantadine, a broad-spectrum antiviral, suppresses HAV replication <i>in vitro</i>. Therefore, we examined the effects of amantadine and rimantadine, derivates of adamantane, on HAV replication, and investigated the mechanisms of these drugs. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of amantadine and rimantadine on HAV HM175 genotype IB subgenomic replicon replication and HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA replication in cell culture infection systems. Amantadine and rimantadine significantly inhibited HAV replication at the post-entry stage in Huh7 cells. HAV infection inhibited autophagy by suppressing the autophagy marker light chain 3 and reducing number of lysosomes. Proteomic analysis on HAV-infected Huh7 cells treated by amantadine and rimantadine revealed the changes of the expression levels in 42 of 373 immune response-related proteins. Amantadine and rimantadine inhibited HAV replication, partially through the enhancement of autophagy. Taken together, our results suggest a novel mechanism by which HAV replicates along with the inhibition of autophagy and that amantadine and rimantadine inhibit HAV replication by enhancing autophagy. <b>IMPORTANCE</b> Amantadine, a nonspecific antiviral medication, also effectively inhibits HAV replication. Autophagy is an important cellular mechanism in several virus-host cell interactions. The results of this study provide evidence indicating that autophagy is involved in HAV replication and plays a role in the HAV life cycle. In addition, amantadine and its derivative rimantadine suppress HAV replication partly by enhancing autophagy at the post-entry phase of HAV infection in human hepatocytes. Amantadine may be useful for the control of acute HAV infection by inhibiting cellular autophagy pathways during HAV infection processes.

DOI： 10.1128/jvi.00646-22

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：London : BioMed Central, 2006-  

<h4>Background</h4>The most common type of cancer of the digestive system is hepatocellular carcinoma. In China, many patients harbour HBV. The lin28B/Let-7c/MYC axis is associated with the occurrence of many cancers. Therefore, we aimed to illuminate the function of the lin28B/Let-7c/MYC axis in hepatocellular carcinoma. We aimed to evaluate the critical involvement of lin28B and Let-7c in the carcinogenesis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (B-HCC).<h4>Methods</h4>Data from the GEO database were used to analyse differentially expressed genes and IRGs. A protein - protein interaction (PPI) network and Venn diagram were generated to analyse relationships. Real-time RT-PCR, Western blotting, and cell counting kit-8 assays were used to examine the association of lin28B, Let-7c, and MYC with cell proliferation.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 2552 functionally annotated differentially expressed RNAs were analysed in HBV patients from the GSE135860 database. In addition, 46 let-7c target genes were screened in HBV patients, and the interactions were analysed through PPI network analysis. The results confirmed that Let-7c and its target genes play a key role in HBV-related diseases. Next, we discovered a gradual decrease in Let-7c expression during the progression from HBV-associated chronic hepatitis (B-CH) and HBV-associated liver cirrhosis (B-LC) to B-HCC. We found evidence for a negative association between lin28B expression and Let-7c expression. The expression of MYC was obviously upregulated when Let-7c was inhibited.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Our results highlight that Let-7c and lin28B participate in the carcinogenesis of HBV-associated diseases through the lin28B/Let-7c/MYC axis.

DOI： 10.1186/s13027-022-00458-8

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(NPO)日本がん検診・診断学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Tokyo : National Center for Global Health and Medicine  

It is well-known that sustained virological response (SVR) by interferon (IFN)-based therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection reduced the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, whether IFN-free direct-acting antivirals reduce the risk of HCC is controversial. Therefore, this study aims to compare the incidence of HCC after the achievement of SVR between sofosbuvir combined with ledipasvir (SOF/LDV) and simeprevir with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin (Sim+IFN). Japanese patients with HCV infection (genotype 1) who achieved SVR between January 2013 and December 2014 by SOF/LDV (NCT01975675, n = 320) or Sim+IFN (000015933, n = 289) therapy in two nationwide, multicenter, phase III studies were prospectively monitored for the development of HCC by ultrasonography for 5 years after the end of treatment (EOT). No HCC was detected before the treatment. HCC was detected in 9 and 7 patients in the SOF/LDV and the Sim+IFN group in 5 years, respectively. The cumulative incidences of HCC rates 1, 3, and 5 years after EOT were similar between the two groups (1.5%, 2.7%, and 3.2% for the SOF/LDV and 1.8%, 2.8%, and 3.0% for the Sim+IFN group, respectively). No HCC was developed 3.5 years after EOT. Interestingly, a retrospective careful review of imaging taken before therapy revealed hepatic nodules in 50% of HCC patients, suggesting HCC was pre-existed before therapy. In conclusion, we could not find any differences in the incidence of HCC after the HCV eradication between the two therapeutic regimens, suggesting no enhancement of HCC development by DAA.

DOI： 10.35772/ghm.2022.01026

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Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI, [2000-  

Alcohol is the one of the major causes of liver diseases and promotes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In hepatocytes, alcohol is converted to acetaldehyde, which causes hepatic steatosis, cellular apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, peroxidation, production of cytokines and reduces immune surveillance. Endotoxin and lipopolysaccharide produced from intestinal bacteria also enhance the production of cytokines. The development of hepatic fibrosis and the occurrence of HCC are induced by these alcohol metabolites. Several host genetic factors have recently been identified in this process. Here, we reviewed the molecular mechanism associated with HCC in alcoholic liver disease.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms23179679

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English  

Acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), respectively, occur in patients with normal liver and patients with chronic liver diseases, including cirrhosis [...].

DOI： 10.3390/jcm11144249

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Previous RNA immunoprecipitation followed by proteomic approaches successfully demonstrated that Embryonic Lethal, Abnormal Vision, Drosophila-Like 1 (ELAVL1) interacts with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived RNAs. Although ELAVL family proteins stabilize AU-rich element (ARE)-containing mRNAs, their role in HBV transcription remains unclear. This study conducted loss-of-function assays of ELAVL1 for inducible HBV-replicating HepAD38 cells and HBx-overexpressed HepG2 cells. In addition, clinicopathological analyses in primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) surgical samples were also conducted. Lentivirus-mediated short hairpin RNA knockdown of ELAVL1 resulted in a decrease in both viral RNA transcription and production of viral proteins, including HBs and HBx, probably due to RNA stabilization by ELAVL1. Cell growth of HepAD38 cells was more significantly impaired in ELAVL1-knockdown than those in the control group, with or without HBV replication, indicating that ELAVL1 is involved in proliferation by factors other than HBV-derived RNAs. Immunohistochemical analyses of 77 paired HCC surgical specimens demonstrated that diffuse ELAVL1 expression was detected more frequently in HCC tissues (61.0%) than in non-tumor tissues (27.3%). In addition, the abundant expression of ELAVL1 tended to affect postoperative recurrence in HBV-related HCC patients. In conclusion, ELAVL1 contributes not only to HBV replication but also to HCC cell growth. It may be a potent therapeutic target for HBV-related HCC treatment.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms23147878

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：医歯薬出版株式会社  

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：{MDPI} {AG}  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a major cause of acute viral hepatitis globally, which can occasionally lead to acute liver failure (ALF) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF), which often result in death without liver transplantation [...].

DOI： 10.3390/ijms23137214

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Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：{MDPI} {AG}  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a major cause of acute hepatitis worldwide and occasionally causes acute liver failure and can lead to death in the absence of liver transplantation. Although HAV vaccination is available, the prevalence of HAV vaccination is not adequate in some countries. Additionally, the improvements in public health reduced our immunity to HAV infection. These situations motivated us to develop potentially new anti-HAV therapeutic options. We carried out the in silico screening of anti-HAV compounds targeting the 3C protease enzyme using the Schrodinger Modeling software from the antiviral library of 25,000 compounds to evaluate anti-HAV 3C protease inhibitors. Additionally, in vitro studies were introduced to examine the inhibitory effects of HAV subgenomic replicon replication and HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA replication in hepatoma cell lines using luciferase assays and real-time RT-PCR. In silico studies enabled us to identify five lead candidates with optimal binding interactions in the active site of the target HAV 3C protease using the Schrodinger Glide program. In vitro studies substantiated our hypothesis from in silico findings. One of our lead compounds, Z10325150, showed 47% inhibitory effects on HAV genotype IB subgenomic replicon replication and 36% inhibitory effects on HAV genotype IIIA HA11-1299 replication in human hepatoma cell lines, with no cytotoxic effects at concentrations of 100 μg/mL. The effects of the combination therapy of Z10325150 and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor, favipiravir on HAV genotype IB HM175 subgenomic replicon replication and HAV genotype IIIA HA11-1299 replication showed 64% and 48% inhibitory effects of HAV subgenomic replicon and HAV replication, respectively. We identified the HAV 3C protease inhibitor Z10325150 through in silico screening and confirmed the HAV replication inhibitory activity in human hepatocytes. Z10325150 may offer the potential for a useful HAV inhibitor in severe hepatitis A.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms23116044

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Cytokines are secreted soluble glycoproteins that regulate cellular growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Suppressors of cytokine signaling (SOCS) proteins negatively regulate cytokine signaling and form a classical negative feedback loop in the signaling pathways. There are eight members of the SOCS family. The SOCS proteins are all comprised of a loosely conserved N-terminal domain, a central Src homology 2 (SH2) domain, and a highly conserved SOCS box at the C-terminus. The role of SOCS proteins has been implicated in the regulation of cytokines and growth factors in liver diseases. The SOCS1 and SOCS3 proteins are involved in immune response and inhibit protective interferon signaling in viral hepatitis. A decreased expression of SOCS3 is associated with advanced stage and poor prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). DNA methylations of SOCS1 and SOCS3 are found in HCC. Precise regulation of liver regeneration is influenced by stimulatory and inhibitory factors after partial hepatectomy (PH), in particular, SOCS2 and SOCS3 are induced at an early time point after PH. Evidence supporting the important role of SOCS signaling during liver regeneration also supports a role of SOCS signaling in HCC. Immuno-oncology drugs are now the first-line therapy for advanced HCC. The SOCS can be potential targets for HCC in terms of cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and immune response. In this literature review, we summarize recent findings of the SOCS family proteins related to HCC and liver diseases.

DOI： 10.3390/cancers14102549

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wyoming, N.S.W. : Ivyspring International Publisher  

Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (ATZ/BV) treatment is a combined immunotherapy consisting of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody, which has brought a major paradigm shift in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Gain-of-function mutation of CTNNB1 contributes to resistance of ICI monotherapy through the framework of non-T-cell-inflamed tumor microenvironment. However, whether CTNNB1 mutation renders resistance to ATZ/BV similar to ICI monotherapy remains to be elucidated. In this study, a liquid biopsy sample in plasma of 33 patients with HCC treated with ATZ/BV was subjected to droplet digital PCR for detecting hotspot mutations at the exon 3 of CTNNB1 locus. A total of eight patients (24.2%) exhibited at least one CTNNB1 mutation. The objective response rate (ORR) in patients with wild-type (WT) and mutant (MT) CTNNB1 was 8.0% and 12.5%, respectively, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 68.0% and 87.5%, respectively. No significant difference in both ORR and DCR has been observed between the two groups. The median progression-free survival in patients with WT and MT CTNNB1 was 6.6 and 7.6 months, respectively (not statistically significant). Similarly, no significant difference in overall survival has been observed between patients with WT and MT CTNNB1 (13.6 vs. 12.3 months). In conclusion, the treatment effect of ATZ/BV in patients with HCC with MT CTNNB1 was comparable to those patients with WT CTNNB1. These results implicate that BV added to ATZ might improve immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment caused by CTNNB1 mutation.

DOI： 10.7150/jca.71494

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Tokyo, Japan : Springer Verlag  

PURPOSE: Blood flow reduction after initiation of lenvatinib therapy may not always indicate tumor necrosis. This study aimed to compare the blood flow detectability of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS), contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) during lenvatinib therapy. METHODS: A total of 12 cases underwent CEUS and contrast-enhanced CT/MRI within 2 weeks during lenvatinib therapy. Vascularity on CEUS and CT/MRI was compared. RESULTS: At the time of CEUS examination, the median period from the start of lenvatinib was 227 ± 210 (31-570) days. CEUS showed hyperenhancement in eight cases (66.7%), hypoenhancement in two cases (16.7%), and no enhancement in one case (8.3%), while CT/MRI showed hyperenhancement in one case (8.3%), ring enhancement in three cases (25.0%), and hypoenhancement in eight cases (66.7%) (p = 0.007). Transarterial chemoembolization (n = 3), radiofrequency ablation (n = 2), and stereotactic body radiation therapy (n = 2) were performed after blood flow detection by CEUS. CONCLUSIONS: The viability of the HCC should be confirmed using CEUS when contrast-enhanced CT/MRI reveals lesion hypoenhancement during lenvatinib therapy.

DOI： 10.1007/s10396-022-01204-8

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Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

<jats:p>A 39-year-old male had a stomachache for 10 days before abnormal liver function tests were detected by a local doctor. Then, he was referred to us and admitted to our hospital for examination and treatment of elevated transaminases. He had taken benzbromarone to treat his hyperuricemia for seven months, and we diagnosed him with benzbromarone-induced liver injury. After the termination of benzbromarone, he finally recovered from his illness. There are several reports about benzbromarone-induced liver injury. In conclusion, as periodic liver function tests seem not to be completely performed, clinicians should regularly monitor liver function tests in patients taking benzbromarone.</jats:p>

DOI： 10.3390/reports5010008

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Authorship：Last author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：{MDPI} {AG}  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a causative agent of acute hepatitis and can occasionally induce acute liver failure. However, specific potent anti-HAV drug is not available on the market currently. Thus, we investigated several novel therapeutic drugs through a drug repositioning approach, targeting ribonucleic acid (RNA)-dependent RNA polymerase and RNA-dependent deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase. In the present study, we examined the anti-HAV activity of 18 drugs by measuring the HAV subgenomic replicon and HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA replication in human hepatoma cell lines, using a reporter assay and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, respectively. Mutagenesis of the HAV 5' untranslated region was also examined by next-generation sequencing. These specific parameters were explored because lethal mutagenesis has emerged as a novel potential therapeutic approach to treat RNA virus infections. Favipiravir inhibited HAV replication in both Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells, although ribavirin inhibited HAV replication in only Huh7 cells. Next-generation sequencing demonstrated that favipiravir could introduce nucleotide mutations into the HAV genome more than ribavirin. In conclusion, favipiravir could introduce nucleotide mutations into the HAV genome and work as an antiviral against HAV infection. Provided that further in vivo experiments confirm its efficacy, favipiravir would be useful for the treatment of severe HAV infection.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms23052631

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本メディカルセンター  

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本医療検査科学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Background and Objectives: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) could be currently one of the best therapies for patients with gastric varices. This study examined the exacerbation rates for esophageal varices following BRTO for gastric varices in patients with hepatic cirrhosis. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 91 cirrhotic patients who underwent BRTO for gastric varices. In total, 50 patients were examined for exacerbation rates of esophageal varices following BRTO. Esophageal varices and their associated exacerbation were evaluated by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Patients were allocated into two groups according to the main inflow tract for gastric varices: (1) 37 patients in the left gastric vein (LGV) group with an LGV width of more than 3.55 mm, and (2) 13 patients in the non-LGV group who had short gastric vein or posterior gastric vein. Moreover, treatment outcomes were retrospectively analyzed. Results: LGV width (p < 0.01) was the major risk factor for the deterioration of esophageal varices post BRTO. In addition, LGV was the most common inflow tract, and the LGV group contained 74% (37/50) of patients. The exacerbation rates of esophageal varices at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years post BRTO were 40%, 62%, 65%, and 68%, respectively. The comparison of the exacerbation rates for esophageal varices following BRTO according to inflow tract showed that the exacerbation rates were significantly higher in the LGV group than those of the non-LGV group (p = 0.03). In more than half of the subjects, LGV was the main inflow tract for gastric varices, and this group experienced more frequent exacerbations of esophageal varices following BRTO compared to patients with different inflow tract sources. Conclusion: Careful attention should be paid to the LGV width when BRTO is performed for gastric varices.

DOI： 10.3390/medicina58020205

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Athens : Dr. J.G. Delinassios  

BACKGROUND: Eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from chronic HCV-infected patients could improve liver function and prevent hepatocarcinogenesis in the long term. Eradication of HCV by direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) also leads to dynamic immunological changes. We report a case of recurrent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) that developed immediately after combination treatment with DAAs for HCV infection and decompensated cirrhosis. CASE REPORT: A 55-year-old male was started on a 12-week treatment with combination of HCV NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir and HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir. HCV RNA became undetectable after six weeks of treatment and was undetectable at the end of the treatment (EOT). Twelve days after the EOT, we diagnosed the patient with COVID-19 pneumonia, admitted him to our hospital and he was discharged two weeks later. One week after his discharge, he visited our hospital again, was diagnosed with recurrent COVID-19 pneumonia readmitted for a second time. Four days after second admission, cardiac arrest occurred, however, he recovered from severe COVID-19 and achieved sustained virological response and his liver function improved. CONCLUSION: In the COVID-19 era, while attention should be paid to the occurrence or exacerbation of infection, including COVID-19, interferon-free DAA combination therapy should be performed for HCV-infected individuals.

DOI： 10.21873/invivo.12923

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Athens, Greece : Hellenic Anticancer Institute  

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occasionally presents with simultaneous or metachronous primary malignancies of other organs. Despite the limited scope of cytocidal anticancer drugs or molecular targeted agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can still be used for various malignancies. Here, we present cases of double cancers including HCC treated with ICIs. CASE REPORT: Case 1: A 70-year-old man with lung cancer and 80-mm HCC underwent nivolumab therapy. The sizes of both cancers remained constant for nine months. Case 2: A 58-year-old man with pharyngeal cancer and HCC. Nivolumab was administered, but was withdrawn after one session because of progressive disease. Case 3: A 71-year-old man with a 5 cm HCC invading the inferior vena cava, and early esophageal cancer. HCC showed a significant volume reduction and esophageal cancer demonstrated slight improvement by atezolizumab and bevacizumab therapy. CONCLUSION: A combination therapy including ICI is a promising treatment option for HCC with concurrent malignancies.

DOI： 10.21873/anticanres.15442

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI AG  

Hepatis virus C (HCV) infection causes liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The objective of our study was to examine the effects of the HCV nonstructural protein (NS) 3/4A inhibitor glecaprevir/NS5A inhibitor pibrentasvir on real-world HCV patients in the northern part of Tokyo, Japan. Although 106 patients were consecutively included, a total of 102 HCV-infected patients with chronic hepatitis or compensated cirrhosis, who received 8- or 12-week combination treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir and were followed up to week 12 after the end of treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Only three patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events; however, they achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12). Finally, SVR rates were 99.0% (101/102). Only one patient without liver cirrhosis was a treatment relapser who received hepatic resection for HCC approximately two years after commencement of the 8-week combination treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir. After the exclusion of patients with HCV genotype 1b and P32 deletion in the HCV NS5A region, a 12-week combination of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir led to SVR12 in all nine direct-acting antiviral-experienced patients. Glecaprevir/pibrentasvir had a high efficacy and an acceptable safety profile for real-world HCV patients in a single hospital in Japan.

DOI： 10.3390/jcm10235529

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：London : Nature Pub. Group  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancy-related deaths. p53 mutation in HCC associates with worse clinicopathologic features including therapeutic limitation. A combination of targeted therapy may have some advantages. Akt/mTOR signaling contributes to the regulation of cell proliferation and cell death. Akt inhibitor (AZD5363) and mTORC1/2 dual inhibitor (AZD8055) are in a clinical trial for HCC and other cancers. In this study, we examined whether these inhibitors successfully induce antiproliferative activity in p53 mutant HCC cells, and the underlying mechanisms. We observed that a combination of AZD5363 and AZD8055 treatment synergizes antiproliferative activity on p53 mutated or wild-type HCC cell lines and induces apoptotic cell death. Mechanistic insights indicate that a combination of AZD5363 and AZD8055 activated FOXO3a to induce Bim-associated apoptosis in p53 mutated HCC cells, whereas cells retaining functional p53 enhanced Bax. siRNA-mediated knock-down of Bim or Bax prevented apoptosis in inhibitor-treated cells. We further observed a combination of treatment inhibits phosphorylation of FOXO3a and protects FOXO3a from MDM2 mediated degradation by preventing the phosphorylation of Akt and SGK1. FOXO3a accumulates in the nucleus under these conditions and induces Bim transcription in p53 mutant HCC cells. Combination treatment in the HCC cells expressing wild-type p53 causes interference of FOXO3a function for direct interaction with functional p53 and unable to induce Bim-associated cell death. On the other hand, Bim-associated cell death occurs in p53 mutant cells due to uninterrupted FOXO3a function. Overall, our findings suggested that a combined regimen of dual mTORC1/2 and Akt inhibitors may be an effective therapeutic strategy for HCC patients harboring p53 mutation.

DOI： 10.1038/s41419-021-04371-7

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the serious health problems in the world as HBV causes severe liver diseases. Moreover, HBV reactivation has occasionally been observed in patients with resolved HBV infection and patients using immunosuppression and anticancer drugs. Large-scale hospital data focused on HBV infection and severe liver function were analyzed at our hospital, located in an urban area adjacent to Tokyo, the capital city of Japan. A total of 99,932 individuals whose blood samples were taken at 7,170,240 opportunities were analyzed. The HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive group had a more frequent prevalence of patients with higher transaminase elevations than the HBsAg-negative group. However, among the HBsAg-negative group, patients who were positive for anti-HBV surface antibody and/or anti-HBV core antibody, had more severe liver conditions and fatal outcomes. More careful attention should be paid to alanine transaminase (ALT) elevations higher than 1000 IU/L in patients who had current and previous HBV infection.

DOI： 10.3390/v13112216

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：London : Nature Publishing Group  

Both EZH2 and its homolog EZH1 function as histone H3 Lysine 27 (H3K27) methyltransferases and repress the transcription of target genes. Dysregulation of H3K27 trimethylation (H3K27me3) plays an important role in the development and progression of cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study investigated the relationship between the expression of EZH1/2 and the level of H3K27me3 in HCC. Additionally, the role of EZH1/2 in cell growth, tumorigenicity, and resistance to sorafenib were also analyzed. Both the lentiviral knockdown and the pharmacological inhibition of EZH1/2 (UNC1999) diminished the level of H3K27me3 and suppressed cell growth in liver cancer cells, compared with EZH1 or EZH2 single knockdown. Although a significant association was observed between EZH2 expression and H3K27me3 levels in HCC samples, overexpression of EZH1 appeared to contribute to enhanced H3K27me3 levels in some EZH2lowH3K27me3high cases. Akt suppression following sorafenib treatment resulted in an increase of the H3K27me3 levels through a decrease in EZH2 phosphorylation at serine 21. The combined use of sorafenib and UNC1999 exhibited synergistic antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo. Combination treatment canceled the sorafenib-induced enhancement in H3K27me3 levels, indicating that activation of EZH2 function is one of the mechanisms of sorafenib-resistance in HCC. In conclusion, sorafenib plus EZH1/2 inhibitors may comprise a novel therapeutic approach in HCC.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-021-00889-0

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：The Japan Society of Hepatology  

A 70-year-old male had repeatedly undergone local treatment for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for 12 years. Systemic chemotherapy with sorafenib was started because lymph node and lung metastases were noted on X−1. However, the disease continued to progress, resulting in severe duodenal stenosis due to tumor invasion from lymph node metastasis. The patient eventually underwent laparoscopic gastric and small bowel bypass surgery after thorough consultation with a gastrointestinal surgeon and providing adequate informed consent. The postoperative course was good, and the patient was capable of oral intake and was discharged home. The patient wished to receive terminal care at home and expired about 6 months later due to HCC progression. Surgical bypass may be an option for patients with gastrointestinal obstruction associated with advanced HCC, as in this case, after careful consideration of the patient's condition.

DOI： 10.2957/kanzo.62.656

CiNii Article

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUNDS & AIMS: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease in which autoimmune destruction of the small intrahepatic bile ducts eventually leads to cirrhosis. Many patients have inadequate response to licensed medications, motivating the search for novel therapies. Previous genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and meta-analyses (GWMA) of PBC have identified numerous risk loci for this condition, providing insight into its aetiology. We undertook the largest GWMA of PBC to date, aiming to identify additional risk loci and prioritise candidate genes for in silico drug efficacy screening. METHODS: We combined new and existing genotype data for 10,516 cases and 20,772 controls from 5 European and 2 East Asian cohorts. RESULTS: We identified 56 genome-wide significant loci (20 novel) including 46 in European, 13 in Asian, and 41 in combined cohorts; and a 57th genome-wide significant locus (also novel) in conditional analysis of the European cohorts. Candidate genes at newly identified loci include FCRL3, INAVA, PRDM1, IRF7, CCR6, CD226, and IL12RB1, which each play key roles in immunity. Pathway analysis reiterated the likely importance of pattern recognition receptor and TNF signalling, JAK-STAT signalling, and differentiation of T helper (TH)1 and TH17 cells in the pathogenesis of this disease. Drug efficacy screening identified several medications predicted to be therapeutic in PBC, some of which are well-established in the treatment of other autoimmune disorders. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified additional risk loci for PBC, provided a hierarchy of agents that could be trialled in this condition, and emphasised the value of genetic and genomic approaches to drug discovery in complex disorders. LAY SUMMARY: Primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) is a chronic liver disease that eventually leads to cirrhosis. In this study, we analysed genetic information from 10,516 people with PBC and 20,772 healthy individuals recruited in Canada, China, Italy, Japan, the UK, or the USA. We identified several genetic regions associated with PBC. Each of these regions contains several genes. For each region, we used diverse sources of evidence to help us choose the gene most likely to be involved in causing PBC. We used these 'candidate genes' to help us identify medications that are currently used for treatment of other conditions, which might also be useful for treatment of PBC.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.055

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

症例は78歳女性.C型肝硬変を背景とする腫瘍径35mmと16mmの2個の肝細胞癌(HCC)の結節に対して,Emprintアブレーションシステムにて出力100W,計29分間のマイクロ波焼灼療法(MWA)を施行した.翌日のCTでは,腫瘍を含む広い焼灼範囲が得られていた.術後2日目,胸部症状の訴えがあり,十二誘導心電図においてV1-4でのT波の陰転化をみとめた.冠動脈造影検査では冠動脈に有意狭窄はなく,たこつぼ型心筋症と診断された.心不全に対してフロセミドによる心負荷軽減を行い,術後10日目に退院となった.たこつぼ型心筋症は,外科的手術など過剰な身体的ストレスも発症の一因となることが知られている.MWAは広い焼灼範囲が得られる優れたHCCの局所治療であるが,症例によっては身体的ストレスも大きいものと考えられ,たこつぼ型心筋症も合併症の一つとして念頭に置く必要がある.(著者抄録)

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Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/index.php?module=Default&action=Link&pub_year=2021&ichushi_jid=J00263&link_issn=&doc_id=20210909130003&doc_link_id=10.2957%2Fkanzo.62.548&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.2957%2Fkanzo.62.548&type=J-STAGE&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00007_3.gif

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Background and Objectives: Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have improved sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Our aim was to elucidate the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to compare the outcomes of patients aged 75 years or older (older group) with those of patients younger than 75 years (younger group) after SVR. Materials and Methods: Among 441 patients treated with interferon-free DAA combinations, a total of 409 SVR patients were analyzed. We compared the two age groups in terms of HCC incidence and mortality rates. Results: Older and younger groups consisted of 68 and 341 patients, respectively. Occurrence of HCC after SVR did not differ between the two groups of patients with a history of HCC. Occurrence of HCC after SVR was observed more in younger patients without a history of HCC (p < 0.01). Although older patients without a history of HCC had a higher mortality rate (p < 0.01), their causes of death were not associated with liver diseases. Among younger patients without a history of HCC, none died. Conclusions: After SVR, liver disease may not be a prognostic factor in older HCV patients without a history of HCC.

DOI： 10.3390/medicina57080761

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：{MDPI} {AG}  

Zinc chloride is known to be effective in combatting hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection, and zinc ions seem to be especially involved in Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways. In the present study, we examined this involvement in human hepatoma cell lines using a human TLR signaling target RT-PCR array. We also observed that zinc chloride inhibited mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3 (MAP2K3) expression, which could downregulate HAV replication in human hepatocytes. It is possible that zinc chloride may inhibit HAV replication in association with its inhibition of MAP2K3. In that regard, this study set out to determine whether MAP2K3 could be considered a modulating factor in the development of the HAV pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP) and its triggering of interferon-β production. Because MAP2K3 seems to play a role in antiviral immunity against HAV infection, it is a promising target for drug development. The inhibition of MAP2K3 may also prevent HAV patients from developing a severe hepatitis A infection.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms22147420

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Authorship：Lead author,　Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media {LLC}  

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-021-10191-w

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Tokyo, Japan : Springer Verlag  

<h4>Purpose</h4>Fibrosis is a predictor of mortality in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In our institution, abdominal ultrasonography has been performed based on a unified method consisting of 25 images. We investigated ultrasonographic grayscale findings related to fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.<h4>Methods</h4>This retrospective study comprised 41 cases of pathologically proven fatty liver between January 2015 and September 2020. A total of 26 ultrasonographic findings were subjectively evaluated. These findings, transient elastography (TE) with M probe, and FIB-4 index were compared with fibrosis stage.<h4>Results</h4>The frequency of roughness of the dorsal side of the surface (p < 0.001), heterogenicity of the parenchyma (p = 0.003), narrowing of the hepatic vein (p = 0.004), and splenomegaly (p < 0.001) were strongly correlated with the fibrosis stage. Logistic regression analysis for stage ≥ 3 showed narrowing of the hepatic vein (odds ratio [OR] 5.860, p = 0.031) and splenomegaly (OR 6.290, p = 0.028). Logistic regression analysis for stage 4 showed roughness of the ventral side of the surface (OR 42.0, p = 0.019). The AUROC for stage 3 and stage 4 with the number of positive ultrasonographic findings was 0.856, and 0.940, respectively. The AUROC for F3 and F4 with TE was 0.831 and 0.861, respectively. The AUROC for stage 3 and stage 4 with FIB-4 index was 0.815 and 0.806, respectively.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Narrowing of the hepatic vein, roughness of the dorsal side of the surface, heterogenicity of the parenchyma, and splenomegaly and their combination could predict fibrosis in patients with NAFLD.

DOI： 10.1007/s10396-021-01107-0

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English  

Recently, the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) with or without chemotherapeutic agents has been increasing in the treatment for advanced cancer. Here, we report the occurrence of liver failure after the use of pembrolizumab in an 82-year-old woman with metastatic liver disease derived from right advanced renal pelvis, ureteral cancer, and bladder cancer. She was successfully treated with 0.6 mg/kg daily prednisolone. In patients treated with ICIs, ICI-induced hepatitis is occasionally observed. Even if patients are older, it appears important to diagnose and treat ICI-induced hepatitis earlier by multidisciplinary therapies including steroid treatment. This is a first report of pembrolizumab-induced liver failure in elder patient with age over 80 years. Even if patients are older, it appears important to diagnose and treat ICI-induced hepatitis earlier by multidisciplinary therapies including steroid treatment.

DOI： 10.1002/jgh3.12554

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel : S. Karger  

BACKGROUND: There is no standard posttreatment for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in whom lenvatinib therapy has failed. This study aimed to investigate rates of migration to posttreatment after lenvatinib and to explore candidates for second-line agents in the patients with failed lenvatinib therapy. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data on patients with advanced HCC who received lenvatinib as the first-line agent in 7 institutions. RESULTS: Overall survival and progression-free survival (PFS) of 178 patients who received lenvatinib as the first-line agent were 13.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 11.5-15.2) and 6.7 months (95% CI, 5.6-7.8), respectively. Sixty-nine of 151 patients (45.7%) who discontinued lenvatinib moved on to posttreatment. The migration rates from lenvatinib to the second-line agent and from the second-line agent to the third-line agent were 41.7 and 44.4%, respectively. Based on multivariate analysis, response to lenvatinib (complete or partial response according to modified RECIST) and discontinuation of lenvatinib due to radiological progression, as well as male were associated with a significantly higher probability of migration to posttreatment after lenvatinib. On the other hand, alpha-fetoprotein levels of 400 ng/mL or higher was correlated with a significantly lower probability of migration to posttreatment after lenvatinib. Of 63 patients who received second-line systemic therapy, 53 (84.2%) were administered sorafenib. PFS, objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR) for sorafenib treatment were 1.8 months (95% CI, 0.6-3.0), 1.8%, and 20.8%, respectively. According to the Cox regression hazard model, Child-Pugh class B significantly contributed to shorter PFS. PFS, ORR, and DCR of 22 patients who received regorafenib after lenvatinib in any lines were 3.2 months (range, 1.5-4.9 months), 13.6%, and 36.3%, respectively. Similarly, PFS, ORR, and DCR of 17 patients who received regorafenib after lenvatinib in the third-line (after sorafenib) were 3.8 months (range, 1.1-6.5 months), 17.6%, and 41.2%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sorafenib may not be a candidate for use as a posttreatment agent after lenvatinib, according to the results of the present study. Regorafenib has the potential to become an appropriate posttreatment agent after lenvatinib.

DOI： 10.1159/000515552

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Tokyo, Japan : Springer Verlag, c2001-  

<h4>Purpose</h4>Hemodynamic change after total paracentesis was investigated because it might lead to various complications. Although cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy (CART) is safer and more effective than total paracentesis in theory, hemodynamic change after CART has been never reported. And previous studies did not mention hemodynamics of the venous system.<h4>Methods</h4>We investigated the hemodynamic change, including that of the venous system, before and after CART using color Doppler ultrasonography and fast Fourier transform analysis. Twenty-eight patients with tensive cirrhotic ascites underwent ultrasonography the day before and after total volume CART. The diameter and velocity of the main, right, and left portal vein; inferior vena cava (IVC); and right renal vein were measured using ultrasonography.<h4>Results</h4>A total of 11.8 ± 4.4 L of ascites (range 3.6-20.9 L) was filtered and concentrated to 0.85 ± 0.40 L (range 0.36-1.50 L). The diameter of the IVC increased from median 13.5 ± 5.4 mm (range 4-25 mm) to 18.5 ± 4.1 mm (range 7-29 mm) (p = 0.007). The diameter of the right segmental renal vein significantly increased after KM-CART [from 5.0 ± 1.0 (4-8) mm to 7.0 ± 2.0 (3-10) mm] (p = 0.011). Hemodynamic change of the portal venous system was not significant. The time to the next CART in patients with an IVC diameter ≥ 20 mm and < 20 mm was 86 days and 20.5 days (p = 0.035), respectively.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Tensive ascites results in venous congestion in patients with cirrhotic ascites. CART improved venous flow, but it did not change the hemodynamics of the portal venous system.

DOI： 10.1007/s10396-021-01094-2

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：St. Louis, MO : Mosby  

BACKGROUND: Liver stiffness measurement using magnetic resonance elastography can assess the severity of liver fibrosis, which is significantly associated with recurrence after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate whether preoperative liver stiffness measurement by magnetic resonance elastograhy can predict recurrence after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: Patients who underwent preoperative liver stiffness measurement and curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled in this study. Potential associations between liver stiffness measurement, along with other clinical and pathologic variables, and intrahepatic hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 156 patients were included in this study. During a median follow-up period of 25.1 months (range, 6.0-60.5 months), 72 (46.1%) patients with hepatocellular carcinoma had an intrahepatic recurrence. The median disease-free period after resection was 17.9 months (range, 1.0-60.5 months). In the multivariate analysis, liver stiffness measurement (hazard ratio, 1.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.43; P <.001) and vascular invasion (hazard ratio, 1.96; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.25; P = .013) were identified as independent predictors of recurrence. When the optimal cutoff point was set at 4.53 kPa using the minimal P value approach, the disease-free period after curative resection in 71 patients with a liver stiffness measurement value ≥4.53 kPa (11.3 months [range, 2.0-60.5 months]) was significantly shorter than that of 85 patients with a liver stiffness measurement value <4.53 kPa (22.5 months [range, 1.1-60.5 months]; P <.001). CONCLUSION: Liver stiffness measurement using magnetic resonance elastography is a useful preoperative predictor of intrahepatic recurrence after curative resection for hepatocellular carcinoma.

DOI： 10.1016/j.surg.2021.02.027

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Wyoming, N.S.W. : Ivyspring International Publisher, 2010-

DOI： 10.7150/jca.56436

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：London : Nature Publishing Group  

FGF19/FGFR4 autocrine signaling is one of the main targets for multi-kinase inhibitors (MKIs). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying FGF19/FGFR4 signaling in the antitumor effects to MKIs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain unclear. In this study, the impact of FGFR4/ERK signaling inhibition on HCC following MKI treatment was analyzed in vitro and in vivo assays. Serum FGF19 in HCC patients treated using MKIs, such as sorafenib (n = 173) and lenvatinib (n = 40), was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lenvatinib strongly inhibited the phosphorylation of FRS2 and ERK, the downstream signaling molecules of FGFR4, compared with sorafenib and regorafenib. Additional use of a selective FGFR4 inhibitor with sorafenib further suppressed FGFR4/ERK signaling and synergistically inhibited HCC cell growth in culture and xenograft subcutaneous tumors. Although serum FGF19high (n = 68) patients treated using sorafenib exhibited a significantly shorter progression-free survival and overall survival than FGF19low (n = 105) patients, there were no significant differences between FGF19high (n = 21) and FGF19low (n = 19) patients treated using lenvatinib. In conclusion, robust inhibition of FGF19/FGFR4 is of importance for the exertion of antitumor effects of MKIs. Serum FGF19 levels may function as a predictive marker for drug response and survival in HCC patients treated using sorafenib.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-021-84117-9

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Philadelphia, PA : W.B. Saunders  

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Genome-wide association studies in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) have failed to find X chromosome (chrX) variants associated with the disease. Here, we specifically explore the chrX contribution to PBC, a sexually dimorphic complex autoimmune disease. METHODS: We performed a chrX-wide association study, including genotype data from 5 genome-wide association studies (from Italy, United Kingdom, Canada, China, and Japan; 5244 case patients and 11,875 control individuals). RESULTS: Single-marker association analyses found approximately 100 loci displaying P < 5 × 10-4, with the most significant being a signal within the OTUD5 gene (rs3027490; P = 4.80 × 10-6; odds ratio [OR], 1.39; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.028-1.88; Japanese cohort). Although the transethnic meta-analysis evidenced only a suggestive signal (rs2239452, mapping within the PIM2 gene; OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09-1.26; P = 9.93 × 10-8), the population-specific meta-analysis showed a genome-wide significant locus in East Asian individuals pointing to the same region (rs7059064, mapping within the GRIPAP1 gene; P = 6.2 × 10-9; OR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.21-1.46). Indeed, rs7059064 tags a unique linkage disequilibrium block including 7 genes: TIMM17B, PQBP1, PIM2, SLC35A2, OTUD5, KCND1, and GRIPAP1, as well as a superenhancer (GH0XJ048933 within OTUD5) targeting all these genes. GH0XJ048933 is also predicted to target FOXP3, the main T-regulatory cell lineage specification factor. Consistently, OTUD5 and FOXP3 RNA levels were up-regulated in PBC case patients (1.75- and 1.64-fold, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This work represents the first comprehensive study, to our knowledge, of the chrX contribution to the genetics of an autoimmune liver disease and shows a novel PBC-related genome-wide significant locus.

DOI： 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.02.061

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：San Diego, CA : Elsevier  

Lenvatinib is one of the first-line drugs for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and widely used around the world. However, the mechanisms underlying resistance to lenvatinib remain unclear. In this study, we conducted characteristic analyses of lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells. Lenvatinib-resistant HCC cell lines were established by exposure to serially escalated doses of lenvatinib over 2 months. The biological characteristics of these cells were examined by in vitro assays. To investigate the cytokine profile of lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells, the supernatant derived from lenvatinib-resistant Huh7 cells was subjected to nitrocellulose membrane-based sandwich immunoassay. Both activation of the MAPK/MEK/ERK signaling pathway and upregulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition markers were observed in lenvatinib-resistant cells. Concordant with these findings, proliferation and invasion abilities were enhanced in these cells compared with control cells. Screening of a cytokine array spotted with 105 different antibodies to human cytokines enabled us to identify 16 upregulated cytokines in lenvatinib-resistant cells. Among them, 3 angiogenic cytokines: vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor-AA (PDGF-AA), and angiogenin, were increased significantly. Conditioned medium from lenvatinib-resistant cells accelerated tube formation of human umbilical vein cells. In conclusion, lenvatinib-resistant HCC cells were characterized by enhanced proliferation and invasion abilities. These findings might contribute to the establishment of new combination therapies with lenvatinib.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.02.097

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：London : Nature Publishing Group  

Hepatitis B (HB) vaccines (Heptavax-II and Bimmugen) designed based on HBV genotypes A and C are mainly used for vaccination against HB in Japan. To determine whether there are differences in the genetic background associated with vaccine responsiveness, genome-wide association studies were performed on 555 Heptavax-II and 1193 Bimmugen recipients. Further HLA imputation and detailed analysis of the association with HLA genes showed that two haplotypes, DRB1*13:02-DQB1*06:04 and DRB1*04:05-DQB1*04:01, were significantly associated in comparison with high-responders (HBsAb > 100 mIU/mL) for the two HB vaccines. In particular, HLA-DRB1*13:02-DQB1*06:04 haplotype is of great interest in the sense that it could only be detected by direct analysis of the high-responders in vaccination with Heptavax-II or Bimmugen. Compared with healthy controls, DRB1*13:02-DQB1*06:04 was significantly less frequent in high-responders when vaccinated with Heptavax-II, indicating that high antibody titers were less likely to be obtained with Heptavax-II. As Bimmugen and Heptavax-II tended to have high and low vaccine responses to DRB1*13:02, 15 residues were found in the Heptavax-II-derived antigenic peptide predicted to have the most unstable HLA-peptide binding. Further functional analysis of selected hepatitis B patients with HLA haplotypes identified in this study is expected to lead to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying liver disease.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-021-82986-8

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Future Medicine Ltd  

London, UK : Future Medicine Ltd.

DOI： 10.2217/fvl-2020-0181

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Pleasanton, CA : Baishideng Publishing Group  

Pleasanton, CA : Baishideng Publishing Group

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Tokyo, Japan : Japanese Society of Internal Medicine  

Tokyo, Japan : Japanese Society of Internal Medicine

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.6728-20.

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Basel, Switzerland : MDPI

DOI： 10.3390/v13020207

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel : S. Karger  

Basel : S. Karger

DOI： 10.1159/000512028

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

症例は87歳男性。X年に肝S5の約20mm大の単発の肝細胞癌(Hepatocellular carcinoma:以下HCC)に対してラジオ波焼灼療法を施行した。術後6ヵ月の時点で再発がないことを確認し、インターフェロンフリー治療を行い、C型肝炎ウイルスを駆除した。X+2年に腫瘍マーカーの上昇を伴って右肺下葉に結節影が見つかった。肝内病変の再発はなかったことから、肺部分切除を行った結果HCCの肺転移の診断に至った。X+5年に、肺転移巣切除後に正常化していた腫瘍マーカーが再上昇し、第6胸椎に転移性骨腫瘍が見つかった。速やかに放射線照射を行うとともに経口マルチキナーゼ阻害剤による全身化学療法を開始した。昨今の抗ウイルス療法やHCCの治療法の進歩に伴い、しばしば肝内病変を伴わない遠隔転移のみの再発症例に遭遇することがある。治療経過や患者の病態を考慮した上で、適切な治療選択を行うことが予後延長に重要であると考えられた。(著者抄録)

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Other Link： https://search-tp.jamas.or.jp/index.php?module=Default&action=Link&pub_year=2021&ichushi_jid=J00263&link_issn=&doc_id=20210119050004&doc_link_id=10.2957%2Fkanzo.62.25&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.2957%2Fkanzo.62.25&type=J-STAGE&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00007_3.gif

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japan Society of Hepatology  

Case presentation: Tolvaptan has been administrated in a 61-year-old man with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) for 11 weeks before the detection of liver dysfunction. At four weeks after the discontinuation of tolvaptan therapy, his liver dysfunction temporarily worsened. Abdominal imaging showed no sign of liver cirrhosis and biliary tract diseases. He received ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) with the discontinuation of the previous medication. His transaminase levels improved to levels within the normal range four months after the discontinuation of tolvaptan therapy. He was diagnosed with drug-induced liver injury associated with tolvaptan, based on the liver biopsy findings. Our case suggests that it is highly important to carefully monitor liver function in order to recognize early hepatic side effects in ADPKD patients under tolvaptan therapy. We also need to recognize the long-term effect of tolvaptan-induced liver disease after the discontinuation of tolvaptan therapy.

DOI： 10.2957/kanzo.62.72

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japan Society of Hepatology  

A 78-year-old female patient underwent microwave ablation (MWA) for recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) on segment 7 of the liver. On the day after treatment, contrast-enhanced computed tomography demonstrated a sufficient ablative area. On the second postoperative day, the patient complained of chest discomfort and shortness of breath on exertion, accompanied by a negative T wave in V1-4 on electrocardiography and an increase in serum myocardial troponin I. Coronary angiography and left ventriculography suggested Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, but not acute coronary syndrome. The patient’s symptoms gradually resolved in response to medication, and the patient was discharged 10 days after MWA. Although the pathogenesis of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy is unclear, excessive physical stress, such as surgical procedures, is associated with its development. Takotsubo cardiomyopathy should be considered a complication related to MWA for relatively large HCCs.

DOI： 10.2957/kanzo.62.548

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：一般社団法人 日本肝臓学会  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel : S. Karger  

&lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Background and Aims:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The prognosis of patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is expected to improve as multiple molecular target agents (MTAs) are now available. However, the impact of the availability of sequential MTAs has not been fully verified yet. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Approach and Results:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; We retrospectively collected the data on the whole clinical course of 877 patients who received any MTAs as first-line systemic therapy for advanced HCC between June 2009 and March 2019. The study population was divided into 3 groups according to the date of first-line MTA administration (period 1: 2009–2012, &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 267; period 2: 2013–2016, &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 352; period 3: 2017–2019, &lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 258). Then, we compared the number of MTAs used, overall survival (OS), and MTA treatment duration among the 3 groups. Analysis was also performed separately for advanced-stage and nonadvanced-stage HCC. The proportion of patients who received multiple MTAs was remarkably increased over time (1.1%, 10.2%, and 42.6% in periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &amp;#x3c; 0.001). The median OS times were prolonged to 10.4, 11.3, and 15.2 months in periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.016). Similarly, the MTA treatment durations were extended (2.7, 3.2, and 6.6 months in periods 1, 2, and 3, respectively; &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; &amp;#x3c; 0.001). We confirmed that the correlation between OS and MTA treatment duration was strengthened (period 1: 0.395, period 2: 0.505, and period 3: 0.667). All these trends were pronounced in the patients with advanced-stage HCC but limited in the patients with nonadvanced-stage HCC. &lt;b&gt;&lt;i&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/i&gt;&lt;/b&gt; The availability of multiple MTAs had steadily improved the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC patients, particularly advanced-stage HCC patients.

DOI： 10.1159/000519868

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：日本臨床社  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：[Richmond, Victoria, Australia] : John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.  

[Richmond, Victoria, Australia] : John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

DOI： 10.1002/jgh3.12483

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Athens : Dr. J.G. Delinassios  

Athens : Dr. J.G. Delinassios

DOI： 10.21873/invivo.12168

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Athens : Dr. J.G. Delinassios  

Athens : Dr. J.G. Delinassios

DOI： 10.21873/invivo.12169

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OBJECTIVES:Quantitative image analysis is one of the methods to overcome the lack of objectivity of ultrasound (US). The aim of this study was to clarify the correlation between the features from a US image analysis and the histologic grade and microvascular invasion (MVI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and differentiation of HCC smaller than 2 cm from borderline lesions. METHODS:We retrospectively analyzed grayscale US images with histopathologic evidence of HCC or a precancerous lesion using ImageJ version 1.47 software (National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD). RESULTS:A total of 148 nodules were included (borderline lesion, n = 31; early HCC [eHCC], n = 3; well-differentiated HCC [wHCC], n = 16; moderately differentiated HCC [mHCC], n = 79; and poorly differentiated HCC [pHCC], n = 19). A multivariate analysis selected lower minimum gray values (odds ratio [OR], 0.431; P = .003) and a higher standard deviation (OR, 1.880; P = .019) as predictors of HCC smaller than 2 cm. Median (range) minimum gray values of borderline lesions, eHCC, wHCC, mHCC, and pHCC were 29 (0-103), 7 (0-47), 6 (0-60), 10 (0-53), and 2 (0-38), respectively, and gradually decreased from borderline lesions to pHCC (P < 0.001). The multivariate analysis showed a higher aspect ratio (OR, 2.170; P = .001) and lower minimum gray value (OR, 0.475; P = .043) as predictors of MVI. An anechoic area diagnosed by a subjective evaluation was correlated with the minimum gray value (P < .0001). The proportion of the anechoic area gradually increased from eHCC to pHCC (P = .031). CONCLUSIONS:In a US image analysis, HCC smaller than 2 cm had features of greater heterogeneity and a lower minimum gray value than borderline lesions. Moderately differentiated HCC was smoother than borderline lesions, and the anechoic area correlated with histologic grading. Microvascular invasion was correlated with a slender shape and a lower minimum gray value.

DOI： 10.1002/jum.15439

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Attiki, Greece : International Institute of Anticancer Research  

Attiki, Greece : International Institute of Anticancer Research

DOI： 10.21873/anticanres.14449

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Pleasanton, CA : Baishideng Publishing Group  

Pleasanton, CA : Baishideng Publishing Group

DOI： 10.35712/aig.v1.i1.5

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Tokyo : International Research and Cooperation Association for Bio & Socio-Sciences Advancement  

Tokyo : International Research and Cooperation Association for Bio & Socio-Sciences Advancement

DOI： 10.5582/bst.2020.03230

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel : S. Karger  

Basel : S. Karger

DOI： 10.1159/000508809.

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: A prospective pilot study of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and pegylated interferon alpha 2a (P-IFN) add-on therapy was conducted to evaluate its efficacy in reducing viral antigen levels in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B (UMIN 000020179). METHODS: Patients with chronic hepatitis B receiving maintenance TDF therapy and exhibiting hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) level > 800 IU/ml were divided into two arms. P-IFN was added for 48 weeks in the add-on arm (n = 32), while TDF monotherapy was maintained in the control arm (n = 51). Both groups were followed for 96 weeks after baseline measurements. RESULTS: Almost all patients in the control arm displayed a slow and constant reduction in HBsAg during follow-up. In contrast, roughly half of the add-on arm exhibited a sharp decline in HBsAg during P-IFN administration, which disappeared after halting P-IFN. At 96 weeks after baseline, 41% (13/32) of patients in the add-on arm had shown a rapid decrease in HBsAg, versus 2% (1/51) in the control arm (p < 0.001). Add-on therapy and increased cytotoxic T-cell response were significant factors associated with a rapid decrease in HBsAg according to multivariate analysis. In addition, higher HB core-related antigen (HBcrAg) level at baseline (p = 0.001) and add-on therapy (p = 0.036) were significant factors associated with a rapid reduction in HBcrAg. CONCLUSIONS: TDF and P-IFN add-on therapy in Japanese patients with chronic hepatitis B facilitated rapid decreases in HBsAg and HBcrAg. Further studies are needed to improve early HBsAg clearance rate.

DOI： 10.1007/s00535-020-01707-6

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Basel, Switzerland : MDPI

DOI： 10.3390/ijms21144906

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Future Medicine Ltd  

London, UK : Future Medicine Ltd.

DOI： 10.2217/fvl-2020-0104

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) worldwide. The integration of HBV genomic DNA into the host genome occurs randomly, early after infection, and is associated with hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV-infected patients. Therefore, it is important to analyze HBV genome integration. We analyzed HBV genome integration in human hepatoma PLC/PRF/5 cells by HBV sequence capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) methods. We confirmed the results by using Sanger sequencing methods. We observed that HBV genotype A is integrated into the genome of PLC/PRF/5 cells. HBV sequence capture-based NGS is useful for the analysis of HBV genome integrants and their locations in the human genome. Among the HBV genome integrants, we performed functional analysis and demonstrated the automatic expression of some HBV proteins encoded by HBV integrants from chromosomes 3 and 11 in Huh7 cells transfected with these DNA sequences. HBV sequence capture-based NGS may be a useful tool for the assessment of HBV genome integration into the human genome in clinical samples and suggests new strategies for hepatocarcinogenesis in HBV infection.

DOI： 10.3390/genes11060661

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND:Confronting a once-in-a-century pandemic with COVID-19, tremendous stress has been placed in all walks of life worldwide. AIMS:In order to enhance scientific information interflow in the arena of liver diseases in Asia-Pacific region during this difficult time, Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) has taken the initiative to form the APASL COVID-19 Taskforce to formulate a clinical practice guidance in Hepatology, liver-related oncology, transplantation and conduct of clinical trials. METHODS:A taskforce with 22 key opinion leaders in Hepatology from 16 countries or administration regions in Asia-Pacific regions was formed and through intense interaction via webinar, this guidance was formulated. Based on scientific data and experiences, recommendations were made in the management of liver injury, liver transplantation, autoimmune diseases, chronic liver diseases, delivery of elective and emergency services and conduct of clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS:This is the first consensus clinical guidance synthesized by APASL for our hepatologist and their allied medical personal.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-020-10054-w

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Basel, Switzerland : MDPI

DOI： 10.3390/v12050533

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Basel, Switzerland : MDPI

DOI： 10.3390/ijms21093349

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), causes hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The patatin-like phospholipase-3 (PNPLA3) I148M sequence variant is one of the strongest genetic determinants of NAFLD/NASH. PNPLA3 is an independent risk factor for HCC among patients with NASH. The obesity epidemic is closely associated with the rising prevalence and severity of NAFLD/NASH. Furthermore, metabolic syndrome exacerbates the course of NAFLD/NASH. These factors are able to induce apoptosis and activate immune and inflammatory pathways, resulting in the development of hepatic fibrosis and NASH, leading to progression toward HCC. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), destruction of the intestinal mucosa barrier function and a high-fat diet all seem to exacerbate the development of hepatic fibrosis and NASH, leading to HCC in patients with NAFLD/NASH. Thus, the intestinal microbiota may play a role in the development of NAFLD/NASH. In this review, we describe recent advances in our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms contributing to the development of hepatic fibrosis and HCC in patients with NAFLD/NASH.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms21041525

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：じほう  

じほう

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Life Science Publishing Co. Ltd  

Lusutrombopag has been covered by national health insurance in Japan, and now has been widely available for severe thrombocytopenia in the chronic liver disease patients. We experienced two cases of repeated treatment using lusutrombopag. Both of two patients had hepatocellular carcinoma with severe thrombocytopenia, and received repeated invasive treatments such as radiofrequency ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization successfully, without severe bleeding, thrombosis or any serious adverse events. Repetitive administration of lusutrombopag was efficient and safe.

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Aim: Tolvaptan, an oral vasopressin-2 antagonist, sometimes improves hepatic edema including ascites in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. In this study, we examined the effectiveness and survival advantage in patients with the long-term administration of tolvaptan. Methods: A total of 115 patients with refractory ascites who were treated with tolvaptan were retrospectively analyzed based on their clinical records. Patients with a decrease in body weight of ≥1.5 kg from the baseline on day 7 were determined as responders. Re-exacerbation was defined as a return to the baseline BW, dose escalation of conventional diuretics, or abdominal drainage. Results: Of the 115 patients, 84 were included in this analysis. Response to tolvaptan treatment was observed in 55 out of the 84 patients (65.5%), with a mean weight reduction of 2.52 kg. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that body mass index (≥24) and urinary specific gravity (≥1.018) were significant predictors of the response to tolvaptan. However, cumulative re-exacerbation rates in responders at 6 and 12 months were 42.4 and 60.1%, respectively. Child-Pugh (classification C), HCC complication, and serum sodium levels (≥133 mEq/L) were determined as independent prognostic factors impacting overall survival (OS). Although there were no significant differences in OS between tolvaptan responders and non-responders, the responders without re-exacerbation within 3 months showed significantly longer OS than those with re-exacerbation within 3 months. Conclusion: A persistent therapeutic response, but not early response to tolvaptan, was associated with favorable survival of decompensated cirrhotic patients.

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.41454

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：株式会社日本小児医事出版社  

株式会社日本小児医事出版社

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：Japanese  

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection occasionally leads to a critical condition in patients with or without chronic liver diseases. Acute-on-chronic liver disease includes acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) and non-ACLF. In this review, we searched the literature concerning the association between HAV infection and chronic liver diseases in PubMed. Chronic liver diseases, such as metabolic associated fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, coinfection with other viruses, and host genetic factors may be associated with severe hepatitis A. It is important to understand these conditions and mechanisms. There may be no etiological correlation between liver failure and HAV infection, but there is an association between the level of chronic liver damage and the severity of acute-on-chronic liver disease. While the application of an HAV vaccination is important for preventing HAV infection, the development of antivirals against HAV may be important for preventing the development of ACLF with HAV infection as an acute insult. The latter is all the more urgent given that the lives of patients with HAV infection and a chronic liver disease of another etiology may be at immediate risk.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms21176384

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel : S. Karger  

Basel : S. Karger

DOI： 10.1159/000507022

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

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Other Link： https://search.jamas.or.jp/index.php?module=Default&action=Link&pub_year=2019&ichushi_jid=J00263&link_issn=&doc_id=20191210020002&doc_link_id=10.2957%2Fkanzo.60.459&url=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.2957%2Fkanzo.60.459&type=J-STAGE&icon=https%3A%2F%2Fjk04.jamas.or.jp%2Ficon%2F00007_3.gif

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Abnormal autocrine fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) production has been observed in several types of cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we investigated the potential of serum FGF19 as a novel tumor marker of HCC based on a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). METHODS: The serum FGF19 levels of 304 patients with HCC was measured by ELISA. The serum levels of existing markers, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) were determined by chemiluminescence enzyme immunoassay. Both diagnostic value of FGF19 and its changes after curative ablation therapy was further examined. RESULTS: The median FGF19 levels in controls, chronic liver disease patients, and primary HCC patients, were 78.8 pg/mL, 100.1 pg/mL, and 214.5 pg/mL, respectively. The subsequent receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) successfully determined an optimal cut-off value of 200.0 pg/mL. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of FGF19 for HCC detection was comparable to those of AFP and DCP. Of importance, FGF19 showed higher sensitivity for the detection of small HCC (solitary cancer with diameter < 20 mm) than those of existing markers. In addition, 43 out of 79 cases (54.4%) with normal AFP and DCP (so-called "double negative HCC") exhibited serum FGF19 level ≥ 200 pg/mL. In 45 HCC patients treated with curative ablation therapy, serum FGF19 levels changed from 257.4 pg/mL to 112.0 pg/mL after the treatment. CONCLUSION: Our findings reveal that FGF19 can be a potential novel biomarker for HCC. Although FGF19 is not necessarily a substitute for existing markers, it may help improve the prognosis in HCC patients owing to its resourceful use in various aspects of HCC management and treatment.

DOI： 10.1186/s12885-019-6322-9

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：New York, NY : Springer  

New York, NY : Springer

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-019-09988-7

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Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Future Medicine Ltd  

DOI： 10.2217/fvl-2019-0089

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：日本大学医学会  

DOI： 10.4264/numa.78.5_295

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<jats:p> Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes affect the pathogenesis of disease progression during the course of HBV infection. In Japan, HBV genotype H is one of the rare HBV genotypes. We recovered HBV genotype H from a blood sample from a Japanese HIV-infected patient with acute exacerbation of chronic HBV infection. Due to the development of drugs for treating HBV and HIV, HBV genotype H and HIV coinfection has been well controlled by nucleos(t)ide analogs and highly active antiretroviral therapy, respectively, from 2002 to 2019. Further study is needed with regard to HBV genotype H and its pathogenesis. </jats:p>

DOI： 10.2217/fvl-2019-0089

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media {LLC}  

New York, NY : Springer

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-019-09976-x

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：London : BioMed Central  

London : BioMed Central

DOI： 10.1186/s12876-019-1069-y

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Hong Kong : AME Publishing Company  

Hong Kong : AME Publishing Company

DOI： 10.21037/hbsn.2019.03.19

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Athens, Greece : Hellenic Anticancer Institute  

Athens, Greece : Hellenic Anticancer Institute

DOI： 10.21873/anticanres.13535

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Future Medicine Ltd  

London, UK : Future Medicine Ltd.

DOI： 10.2217/fvl-2019-0031

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：New York : Springer  

New York : Springer

DOI： 10.1007/s10637-019-00801-8

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：[Australia] : Ivyspring International Publisher  

[Australia] : Ivyspring International Publisher

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.34245.

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Basel, Switzerland : MDPI

DOI： 10.3390/ijms20061406

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Basel, Switzerland : MDPI  

Almost all patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a major type of primary liver cancer, also have liver cirrhosis, the severity of which hampers effective treatment for HCC despite recent progress in the efficacy of anticancer drugs for advanced stages of HCC. Here, we review recent knowledge concerning the molecular mechanisms of liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC from genetic and epigenomic points of view. Because ~70% of patients with HCC have hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we focused on HBV- and HCV-associated HCC. The literature suggests that genetic and epigenetic factors, such as microRNAs, play a role in liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC, and that HBV- and HCV-encoded proteins appear to be involved in hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms, including immune checkpoints and molecular targets of kinase inhibitors, associated with liver cirrhosis and its progression to HCC.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms20061358

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Authorship：Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Wiley  

Wiley

DOI： 10.1002/jmv.25310

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Science and Business Media LLC  

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-018-36490-1

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Other Link： http://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-36490-1.pdf

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer  

Springer

DOI： 10.1007/s00535-018-1503-x

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Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japan Society of Hepatology  

A 48-year-old man was referred to our hospital for nivolumab administration for the treatment of unre- sectable squamous cell carcinoma of the lung. He had hepatitis C virus infection with virus genotype type 2a and was not treated with antiviral therapy with interferon or direct-acting antivirals. Nivolumab was administered three times every 2 weeks. The serum transaminase levels increased 2 weeks after the third administration. At first, drug-induced liver injury due to nivolumab was suspected
however, liver biopsy revealed acute exac¬erbation of chronic hepatitis C (new Inuyama classification, F1/A2). A 12-week combination therapy of sofosbu-vir and ribavirin was initiated. The serum transaminase levels improved, and a sustained virological response was obtained 24 weeks after the completion of antiviral therapy. No subsequent transaminase elevation has been observed.

DOI： 10.2957/kanzo.60.459

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：[Australia] : Ivyspring International Publisher  

[Australia] : Ivyspring International Publisher

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.32795

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The introduction of a direct-acting antiviral (DAA) for patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, could lead to higher sustained virologic response (SVR) rates with fewer adverse events, and it could shorten the treatment duration relative to the interferon era. Although most recent clinical studies have demonstrated that the occurrence rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are decreased by SVR with both interferon-based and interferon-free-regimens, there are several reports about the unexpected observation of high rates of early tumor occurrence and recurrence in patients with HCV-related HCC undergoing interferon-free therapy despite SVR. Several mechanisms of HCC occurrence and rapid immunological changes, including cytokines and chemokines during and after DAA treatment, have also been reported. We focused on the possibilities that HCC occurs or recurs during and after DAA treatment, based on the reported clinical and basic studies. Further studies and observations will be needed to determine the short-term and long-term effects on hepatocarcinogenesis caused by the eradication of HCV with DAAs. New serum biomarkers and a follow-up system for HCV-patients with SVR should be established.

DOI： 10.4254/wjh.v10.i12.898

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Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and those on hemodialysis due to nosocomial infections and past blood transfusions. While a majority of HCV-infected patients with end-stage renal disease are asymptomatic, some may ultimately experience decompensated liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma. Administration of a combination of elbasvir/grazoprevir for 12 weeks leads to high sustained virologic response (SVR) rates in patients with HCV genotypes (GTs) 1a, 1b or 4 and stage 4 or 5 CKD. Furthermore, a combination of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 8-16 weeks also results in high SVR rates in patients with all HCV GTs and stage 4 or 5 CKD. However, these regimens are contraindicated in the presence of advanced decompensated cirrhosis. Although sofosbuvir and/or ribavirin are not generally recommended for HCV-infected patients with severe renal impairment, sofosbuvir-based regimens may be appropriate for those with mild renal impairment. To eliminate HCV worldwide, HCV-infected patients with renal impairment should be treated with interferon-free therapies.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-018-9915-5

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer  

Springer

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-018-9915-5

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin is a biological marker of excessive drinking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of a direct nephelometric immunoassay for the differential diagnosis of alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases in comparison with gamma glutamyl transferase. METHODS: Serum samples were obtained from 305 subjects, including 122 patients with alcoholic and 102 cases with non-alcoholic liver diseases. Serum levels of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin were expressed as a percentage of total transferrin. RESULTS: Serum % carbohydrate-deficient transferrin levels were significantly higher in patients with alcoholic than with non-alcoholic liver diseases. Carbohydrate-deficient transferrin had better specificity than gamma glutamyl transferase to differentiate between alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver diseases.There were 8 alcoholic liver disease patients with normal gamma glutamyl transferase levels, and carbohydrate-deficient transferrin was significantly elevated in 6 of them. On the other hand, there were 25 non-alcoholic liver disease patients with elevated gamma glutamyl transferase levels; their carbohydrate-deficient transferrin levels were within the reference intervals in all cases. CONCLUSION: This simple carbohydrate-deficient transferrin immunoassay is useful to detect so-called gamma glutamyl transferase non-responding drinkers and also to exclude the possible role of excessive drinking in apparently non-alcoholic liver diseases. A large-scale prospective study is needed to further confirm the diagnostic utility of carbohydrate-deficient transferrin.

DOI： 10.1016/j.cca.2018.06.040

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BACKGROUND:Although direct-acting antiviral (DAA) developments make most of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection curable, some HCV patients develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative treatment of HCV. There is much dispute whether the rapid clearance of the virus enhances the HCC development. In advance of the dispute, we should make clear the characteristics of the patients with very early occurrence and recurrence of HCC after DAA therapy because it was still unclear. METHODS:We prospectively followed consecutive patients with HCV who had received sofosbuvir (SOF)-based treatment at two hospitals. The baseline characteristics, laboratory data, and liver imaging findings were acquired. We evaluated the rate of HCC occurrence and recurrence within 1-year after DAA therapy and analyzed the associated factors of very early HCC occurrence and recurrence right after SOF therapy. RESULTS:Between July 2013 and October 2016, we studied two cohorts with HCV infection that received SOF therapy. 402 and 462 patients in Yamanashi Central Hospital and Chiba University Hospital were included in this analysis, respectively. The SVR12 rates of genotypes 1 and 2 were 98.9% (561/567) and 96.0% (285/297), respectively. 41 patients developed HCC within 1 year after SOF therapy. The cumulative HCC occurrence and recurrence rate after SOF therapy was 5.0%. The common associated factor of 1-year HCC occurrence and recurrence in all cohorts was the existence of imaging "dysplastic nodule". CONCLUSIONS:SOF regimens for HCV also have very high rates of SVR 12 in the post-market distribution. The appearance of imaging "dysplastic nodule" was an associated factor of 1-year HCC occurrence and recurrence. To investigate existence of "dysplastic nodule" by imaging surveillance before DAA treatment is useful to detect high-risk patients of very early HCC occurrence and recurrence and it should be performed.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-018-9895-5

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Approximately 5-10% of individuals who are vaccinated with a hepatitis B (HB) vaccine designed based on the hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C fail to acquire protective levels of antibodies. Here, host genetic factors behind low immune response to this HB vaccine were investigated by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) association tests. The GWAS and HLA association tests were carried out using a total of 1,193 Japanese individuals including 107 low responders, 351 intermediate responders, and 735 high responders. Classical HLA class II alleles were statistically imputed using the genome-wide SNP typing data. The GWAS identified independent associations of HLA-DRB1-DQB1, HLA-DPB1 and BTNL2 genes with immune response to a HB vaccine designed based on the HBV genotype C. Five HLA-DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes and two DPB1 alleles showed significant associations with response to the HB vaccine in a comparison of three groups of 1,193 HB vaccinated individuals. When frequencies of DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes and DPB1 alleles were compared between low immune responders and HBV patients, significant associations were identified for three DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes, and no association was identified for any of the DPB1 alleles. In contrast, no association was identified for DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes and DPB1 alleles in a comparison between high immune responders and healthy individuals. Conclusion: The findings in this study clearly show the importance of HLA-DR-DQ (i.e., recognition of a vaccine related HB surface antigen (HBsAg) by specific DR-DQ haplotypes) and BTNL2 molecules (i.e., high immune response to HB vaccine) for response to a HB vaccine designed based on the HBV genotype C. (Hepatology 2018).

DOI： 10.1002/hep.29876

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-018-9883-9

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

The number of patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), has been increasing. NASH causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and is one of the most serious health problems in the world. The mechanism through which NASH progresses is still largely unknown. Activation of caspases, Bcl-2 family proteins, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase-induced hepatocyte apoptosis plays a role in the activation of NAFLD/NASH. Apoptotic hepatocytes stimulate immune cells and hepatic stellate cells toward the progression of fibrosis in the liver through the production of inflammasomes and cytokines. Abnormalities in glucose and lipid metabolism as well as microbiota accelerate these processes. The production of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum stress is also involved. Cell death, including apoptosis, seems very important in the progression of NAFLD and NASH. Recently, inhibitors of apoptosis have been developed as drugs for the treatment of NASH and may prevent cirrhosis and HCC. Increased hepatocyte apoptosis may distinguish NASH from NAFLD, and the improvement of apoptosis could play a role in controlling the development of NASH. In this review, the association between apoptosis and NAFLD/NASH are discussed. This review could provide their knowledge, which plays a role in seeing the patients with NAFLD/NASH in daily clinical practice.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v24.i25.2661

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We have performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) including 473 Japanese HBV (hepatitis B virus)-positive HCC (hepatocellular carcinoma) patients and 516 HBV carriers including chronic hepatitis and asymptomatic carrier individuals to identify new host genetic factors associated with HBV-derived HCC in Japanese and other East Asian populations. We identified 65 SNPs with P values < 10-4 located within the HLA class I region and three SNPs were genotyped in three independent population-based replication sets. Meta-analysis confirmed the association of the three SNPs (rs2523961: OR = 1.73, P = 7.50 × 10-12; rs1110446: OR = 1.79, P = 1.66 × 10-13; and rs3094137: OR = 1.73, P = 7.09 × 10-9). We then performed two-field HLA genotype imputation for six HLA loci using genotyping data to investigate the association between HLA alleles and HCC. HLA allele association testing revealed that HLA-A * 33:03 (OR = 1.97, P = 4.58 × 10-4) was significantly associated with disease progression to HCC. Conditioning analysis of each of the three SNPs on the HLA class I region abolished the association of HLA-A*33:03 with disease progression to HCC. However, conditioning the HLA allele could not eliminate the association of the three SNPs, suggesting that additional genetic factors may exist in the HLA class I region.

DOI： 10.1038/s41598-018-26217-7

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Blackwell Publishing  

Lipodystrophy is a rare condition that is often accompanied by one or more metabolic diseases. Here, we report a case of lipoatrophic diabetes induced by juvenile dermatomyositis. Although pioglitazone was not effective for lowering blood glucose levels, our observation suggested that it improved liver function slightly. The effectiveness of metreleptin for lowering blood glucose levels could not be determined, as we administered it in a short period. Liver biopsy showed burned-out non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The present results show that the successful treatment of lipoatrophic diabetes induced by juvenile dermatomyositis requires an early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.

DOI： 10.1111/jdi.12745

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Impact Journals LLC  

Background and Aim: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the standard procedure for treating Barcelona clinic liver cancer (BCLC) stage B hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, it is often carried out in the treatment of BCLC stage 0/A HCC for various reasons. This study aimed to elucidate the prognosis for BCLC stage 0/A HCC patients treated with TACE or with radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Materials and Methods: The prognosis of 242 BCLC stage 0/A HCC patients within Milan criteria who underwent initially TACE or RFA were retrospectively analyzed using propensity score matching analysis. Results: The analyses of baseline patient characteristics revealed that the maximum tumor size and the proportion of BCLC stage A patients were significantly higher in patients treated with TACE than in those treated with RFA (P &lt
0.001 and 0.047, respectively). After adjusting these factors using propensity score matching (1:3 matching), patients treated with TACE (n=32) and those treated with RFA (n=96) were further analyzed. The local recurrence rate was significantly higher in the TACE group than in the RFA group (P &lt
0.001). However, the overall survival (OS) in HCC patients treated with TACE was comparable to that in HCC patients treated with RFA (1 year, 93.5 vs. 95.8%
3 years, 75.4 vs. 85.8%
5 years, 61.8 vs. 70.7%
P=0.196). Multivariate analyses followed by univariate analyses revealed that serum bilirubin level (P=0.032), serum albumin level (P=0.008), HBV-DNA (P=0.013), and tumor number (P=0.021) were independent predictors of OS. Conclusion: TACE can substitute RFA at least in some patients with BCLC 0/A HCC.

DOI： 10.18632/oncotarget.25108

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer New York LLC  

Background Regorafenib has been investigated for its efficacy and safety as a second-line treatment in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We assessed the characteristics of patients with HCC treated with sorafenib who might be eligible for second-line treatment in general and regorafenib in particular. Methods Patients with HCC treated with sorafenib were retrospectively analyzed. We defined second-line candidate patients as maintaining Child–Pugh A and ECOG-PS ≤1 at the time of sorafenib failure. We also defined regorafenib candidate patients as follows: 1) continuing sorafenib at the time of radiological progression, 2) maintaining Child–Pugh A and ECOG-PS ≤ 1 at the time of sorafenib failure, and 3) continuing sorafenib 400 mg or more without intolerable adverse events at least 20 days of the last 28 days of treatment. Results Of 185 patients, 130 (70%) and 69 (37%) were candidates for second-line treatment and regorafenib. Child-Pugh score 6 and ECOG-PS 1 at the time of starting sorafenib were significantly lower in both second-line treatment and regorafenib candidate patients. Moreover, hand–foot skin reaction and liver failure during sorafenib treatment were associated with significantly low and high probabilities, respectively, of both Child–Pugh score &gt
6 and ECOG-PS &gt
1 at the time of sorafenib failure. Conclusion Regorafenib candidate patients after sorafenib failure are limited, and generally fewer than those who are candidates for second-line treatment. A lower Child–Pugh score and a better ECOG-PS were predictors of eligibility for second-line therapy and regorafenib treatment in sorafenib-treated patients with advanced HCC patients.

DOI： 10.1007/s10637-017-0507-3

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DOI： 10.4264/numa.77.2_123

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(一社)日本肝臓学会  

症例は40歳、男性。慢性腎不全による腎移植後のため、近医で通院加療を受けていた。高アンモニア血症と意識消失発作を認め、同院のCT検査で腹部血行異常を疑われたため精査目的に紹介となった。超音波では、門脈から下大静脈へ連続する管腔構造が認められ、門脈側から下大静脈へ向かう血流が観察されたことから静脈管開存が疑われた。血管造影検査では下大静脈から短絡路部へバルンカテーテルが挿入され、静脈管開存の存在が確認された。バルンカテーテルによる短絡路の閉塞試験では、門脈ならびに脾静脈血流は停滞し肝内門脈血流も観察されなかった。以上より、先天性門脈欠損症I型と診断され、外科的な短絡路結紮切離による改善は期待できないと考えられた。なお肝生検組織から、原発性胆汁性胆管炎(Scheuer分類Stage 2、中沼分類Stage 3)と診断された。今後、肝移植の適応を含めた診療の展開が求められる。(著者抄録)

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer India  

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-018-9862-1

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Impact Journals LLC  

Background: Interferon-free treatment can achieve higher sustained virological response (SVR) rates, even in patients in whom hepatitis C virus (HCV) could not be eradicated in the interferon treatment era. Immune restoration in the liver is occasionally associated with HCV infection. We examined the safety and effects of interferon-free regimens on HCV patients with autoimmune liver diseases. Results: All 7 HCV patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) completed treatment and achieved SVR. Three patients took prednisolone (PSL) at baseline, and 3 did not take PSL during interferon-free treatment. In one HCV patient with AIH and cirrhosis, PSL were not administered at baseline, but she needed to take 40 mg/day PSL at week 8 for liver dysfunction. She also complained back pain and was diagnosed with vasospastic angina by coronary angiography at week 11. However, she completed interferon-free treatment. All 5 HCV patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) completed treatment and achieved SVR. Three of these HCV patients with PBC were treated with UDCA during interferon-free treatment. Conclusions: Interferon-free regimens could result in higher SVR rates in HCV patients with autoimmune liver diseases. As interferon-free treatment for HCV may have an effect on hepatic immunity and activity of the autoimmune liver diseases, careful attention should be paid to unexpected adverse events in their treatments. Methods: Total 12 patients with HCV and autoimmune liver diseases [7 AIH and PBC], who were treated with interferon-free regimens, were retrospectively analyzed.

DOI： 10.18632/oncotarget.24391

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BACKGROUND: This prospective cohort study searched for factors associated with a response to nucleos(t)ide analogue/peg-interferon (NUC/peg-IFN) sequential therapy. METHODS: A total of 95 patients with chronic hepatitis B being treated with NUCs were enrolled. Immediately following NUC cessation, peg-IFN was administered at 180 µg/dose weekly for 48 weeks. RESULTS: Twenty-six patients (27%) were judged to be responders at 48 weeks after the completion of peg-IFN. Analysis of baseline factors revealed that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) <3.1 log IU/ml and HB core-related antigen (HBcrAg) <3.9 log U/ml were significant indicators of a treatment response. The levels of the markers decreased in both responders and non-responders during peg-IFN therapy but continued falling in responders only after halting peg-IFN. Lower HBsAg (<2.0 log IU/ml) and HBcrAg (<3.8 log U/ml) levels at the time of response judgment were also significantly associated with a favorable response. While lower HBcrAg at baseline was the sole predictor of decreased HBcrAg levels at judgment, lower HBsAg, lower HBcrAg, and the use of adefovir dipivoxil at baseline predicted decreased HBsAg levels at the study endpoint. The use of adefovir dipivoxil was also associated with higher serum IFN-λ3, which might have contributed to the reduction in patient HBsAg levels. CONCLUSIONS: The combinational use of HBsAg and HBcrAg levels at baseline and their changes throughout sequential therapy may be useful for predicting a response to NUC/peg-IFN sequential therapy.

DOI： 10.1007/s00535-017-1360-z

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Japanese Society of Internal Medicine  

Objective Patients with acute hepatitis B sometimes develop acute liver failure (ALF), which has a poor prognosis. The efficacy of nucleoside analogue (NA) monotherapy for ALF due to transient hepatitis B virus infection (HBV-ALF) remains controversial. Further investigations are necessary in nations with a shortage of donor livers for liver transplantation. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the efficacy of combination therapy with corticosteroid (CS) and NA in the treatment HBV-ALF. Patients We examined the clinical and biochemical features of 19 patients with HBV-ALF who were treated in the early stage of the disease between 2000 and 2015. Results Fourteen patients received CS and NA (CS + NA group) and 5 received NA monotherapy (NA group). Eleven patients (58%) survived and 8 (42%) died. The survival rates in the CS + NA and NA groups were 64% and 40%, respectively (p=0.60). The mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels declined significantly at week 2 in both groups. The mean PT activities improved significantly at weeks 1 and 2 in the CS + NA group (p&lt
0.05) but not in the NA group. None of the surviving patients developed persistent infection. Conclusion Combination therapy with CS and NA induces the rapid resolution of inflammation leading to a rapid recovery of the liver function. When it is administered at a sufficiently early stage, it would have a survival benefit and prevent persistent infection in HBV-ALF.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.9670-17

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：文光堂  

文光堂

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese  

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese   Publisher：科学評論社  

科学評論社

J-GLOBAL

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Impact Journals LLC  

Background: Interferon-free treatment results in higher sustained virologic response (SVR) rates, with no serious adverse events in hepatitis C virus (HCV)- infected patients. However, in some patients with treatment-failure in HCV NS5A inhibitor-including interferon-free regimens, the treatment-emergent HCV NS5A resistance-associated variants (RAVs), which are resistant to interferon-free retreatment including HCV NS5A inhibitors, are observed. In HCV-infected Japanese patients with daclatasvir and asunaprevir treatment failure, retreatment with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir could lead to only ~70% SVR rates. Case summary: Three HCV genotype (GT)-1b-infected cirrhotic patients who discontinued the combination of daclatasvir and asunaprevir due to adverse drug reactions within 4 weeks
retreatment with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir combination could result in SVR in these patients without RAVs. One HCV GT-1b-infected cirrhotic patient who discontinued the combination of daclatasvir and asunaprevir due to viral breakthrough at week 10
retreatment with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir combination for this patient with the treatment-emergent HCV NS5A RAV-Y93H resulted in viral relapse at week 4 after the end of the treatment. Conclusion: Retreatment with sofosbuvir and ledipasvir is effective for HCV GT- 1b patients who discontinue the combination of daclatasvir and asunaprevir within 4 weeks. The treatment response should be related to the existence of treatmentemergent HCV NS5A RAVs, but may not be related to the short duration of treatment.

DOI： 10.18632/oncotarget.23768

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Ivyspring International Publisher  

Objective: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has long been treated with interferon therapy (IFN). Currently, more than 90% of IFN-treated patients show a sustained virological response (SVR) when also treated with ribavirin and/or a protease inhibitor. Histological inflammation and fibrosis improve in IFN-treated patients, which indicates HCV clearance. IFN also reduces the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, a small proportion of patients with SVR develop HCC. To investigate the causes of hepatic carcinogenesis after SVR, we compared the liver histological findings before IFN to those after the development of HCC. Patients and methods: In total, 602 patients infected with type C chronic hepatitis or with liver cirrhosis who received IFN therapy during the period from 1992 through 2015 were included in this study. We assessed 14 of the 287 patients who achieved an SVR. Results: HCC was diagnosed by computed tomography, angiography or liver biopsy. The longest time from the SVR until HCC detection was 16.5 years, and the mean was 7.2±4.6 years. Nine of the 14 patients underwent surgery and one radiofrequency ablation. The histological findings of 10 patients were available for comparison. The comparison of the histological findings before treatment with those after the HCC diagnosis revealed an amelioration of liver fibrosis and other inflammatory changes. All ten patients showed improvements in fibrosis and steatosis. However, we observed that mild inflammatory change persisted from 1.8 years to 16.5 years after the confirmation of SVR in all cases. Conclusion: We suspect that persistent histological inflammation is one of the factors contributing to hepatocarcinogenesis (i.e., HCC development) even after successful treatment.

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.23147

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Impact Journals LLC  

Background: Sustained virologic response (SVR) by interferon and interferon-free treatment can results in the reduction of advanced liver fibrosis and the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Recent interferon-free treatment for HCV shortens the duration of treatment and leads to higher SVR rates, without any serious adverse events. However, it is important to retreat patients who have had treatment-failure with HCV non-structural protein 5A (NS5A) inhibitor-including regimens. Combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir only leads to approximately 100% SVR rates in HCV genotype (GT1b), NS5A inhibitornaïve patients in Japan. This combination is not an indication for severe renal disease or heart disease, and these patients should be treated or retreated with a different regimen. Case summary: Retreatment with HCV non-structural protein 3/4A inhibitor, grazoprevir, and HCV NS5A inhibitor, elbasvir, successfully eradicated HCV RNA in three patients with HCV genotype 1b infection who discontinued prior interferon-free treatments including HCV NS5A inhibitors due to adverse events within 2 weeks. Conclusion: Retreatment with the 12-week combination regimen of grazoprevir and elbasvir is effective for HCV GT1b patients who discontinue the HCV NS5A inhibitor-including regimens within 2 weeks. The treatment response may be related to the short duration of initial treatment, which did not produce treatment-emergent RASs.

DOI： 10.18632/oncotarget.24620

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A 70-year-old woman with hepatitis C cirrhosis underwent balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for hepatic encephalopathy due to spleno-renal shunt. Because the shunt was thick, long, and winding, we used a coaxial and double interruption system, which enables the effective occlusion of the drainage route, and shape-memory coils, which are more physically stable than conventional metallic coils because they form three-dimensional loops. The patient was successfully treated with the combined usage of these devices, resulting in a normal serum ammonia level. Thereafter, the patient was treated with direct-acting antivirals, and a sustained virological response was achieved.

DOI： 10.2169/internalmedicine.0247-17

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Impact Journals LLC  

Background: Excess iron is associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Results: mRNA expression of duodenal cytochrome b, divalent metal transporter 1, ferroportin 1, hepcidin, hephaestin and transferrin receptor 1 in liver were higher in high fat, high cholesterol-containing diet (HFCD) group than in normal diet (ND) group. mRNA levels of divalent metal transporter 1 and transferrin receptor 1, which stimulate iron absorption and excretion, were enhanced in small intestine. Epithelial mucosa of small intestine in HFCD group was characterized by plasma cell and eosinophil infiltration and increased vacuoles. Iron absorption was enhanced in this NASH model in the context of chronic inflammation of small intestinal epithelial cells, consequences of intestinal epithelial cell impairment caused by HFCD. Iron is transported to hepatocytes via portal blood, and abnormalities in iron absorption and excretion occur in small intestine from changes in iron transporter expression, which also occurs in NASH liver. Knockdown of hepcidin antimicrobial peptide led to enhanced heavy chain of ferritin expression in human hepatocytes, indicating association between hepcidin production and iron storage in hepatocytes. Conclusions: Iron-related transporters in liver and lower/upper portions of small intestine play critical roles in NASH development. Methods: Expression of iron metabolism-related genes in liver and small intestine was analyzed in stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR-SP), which develop NASH. Five-week-old SHR-SP fed ND or HFCD were examined. mRNA and protein levels of iron metabolism-related genes in liver and small intestine from 12- and 19-week-old rats were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry or Western blot.

DOI： 10.18632/oncotarget.25488

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is one of the major causes of acute hepatitis and acute liver failure in developing and developed countries. Although effective vaccines for HAV infection are available, outbreaks of HAV infection still cause deaths, even in developed countries. One approach to control HAV infection is prevention through diet, which can inhibit HAV propagation and replication. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is a member of the heat shock protein 70 family of molecular chaperone required for endoplasmic reticulum stress and stress-induced autophagy. We previously showed that the elevation of GRP78 expression inhibits HAV replication. It has been reported that Japanese miso extracts, which was made from rice-koji, enhance GRP78 expression. In the present study, we used human hepatoma Huh7 cells and human hepatocyte PXB cells to examine the efficacy of Japanese miso extracts as antiviral agents against HAV. Japanese miso extracts enhanced GRP78 expression and inhibited HAV replication in human hepatocytes. Together, these results demonstrate that Japanese miso extracts may partly modulate GRP78 expression and additively or synergistically work as antivirals against HAV infection. Japanese miso extracts can be used as effective dietary supplements for severe hepatitis A.

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.27489

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：{MDPI} {AG}  

Myanmar is adjacent to India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos and China. In Myanmar, the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections is 6.5% and accounts for 60% of hepatocellular carcinoma. HBV has nine genotypes that have been identified by molecular genetic analysis. HBV genotypes are associated with several clinical features. We reviewed the prevalence of HBV genotypes in Myanmar and neighboring countries. We also reviewed HBV genotypes in refugees from Myanmar. HBV subgenotype C1 is predominant in Myanmar. As HBV genotype C is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), it is important to screen for cirrhosis and HCC and to prevent their development in HBV-infected individuals of Myanmar.

DOI： 10.3390/diseases6010003

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Language：English   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

The recent development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection could lead to higher sustained virological response (SVR) rates, with shorter treatment durations and fewer adverse events compared with regimens that include interferon. However, a relatively small proportion of patients cannot achieve SVR in the first treatment, including DAAs with or without peginterferon and/or ribavirin. Although retreatment with a combination of DAAs should be conducted for these patients, it is more difficult to achieve SVR when retreating these patients because of resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) or treatment-emergent substitutions. In Japan, HCV genotype 1b (GT1b) is founded in 70% of HCV-infected individuals. In this minireview, we summarize the retreatment regimens and their SVR rates for HCV GT1b. It is important to avoid drugs that target the regions targeted by initial drugs, but next-generation combinations of DAAs, such as sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir for 12 wk or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir for 12 wk, are proposed to be potential solution for the HCV GT1b-infected patients with treatment failure, mainly on a basis of targeting distinctive regions. Clinicians should follow the new information and resources for DAAs and select the proper combination of DAAs for the retreatment of HCV GT1b-infected patients with treatment failure.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v23.i46.8120

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

DOI： 10.21926/obm.hg.1704005

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PROUS SCIENCE, SAU-THOMSON REUTERS  

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of advanced liver diseases and hepatocellular carcinoma in the U.S. and Japan. In the era of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) against HCV, interferon-free DAA combinations could achieve higher sustained virologic response rates in DAA-naive patients compared to interferon-including regimens. However, HCV nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) resistance-associated variants (RAVs) could occur in treatment-failure patients treated with interferon-free regimens including first-generation HCV NS5A inhibitors. Odalasvir (ACH-3102), a second-generation HCV NS5A inhibitor, has improved potency against HCV genotype (GT)-1 (GT-1a/GT-1b), GT-2b and RAVs in vitro compared with first-generation HCV NS5A inhibitors. A phase IIa study showed that AL-335, odalasvir and simeprevir for 6 or 8 weeks were well tolerated and highly effective in HCV GT-1 patients. Odalasvir is a new HCV NS5A inhibitor with higher genetic barrier and picomolar potency than first-generation HCV NS5A inhibitors. Therefore, this agent may be useful for retreatment of DAA-failure patients treated with first-generation HCV NS5A inhibitors.

DOI： 10.1358/DOF.2017.042.09.2681978

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection induces steatosis and is accompanied by multiple metabolic alterations including hyperuricemia, reversible hypocholesterolemia and insulin resistance. Total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and triglyceride levels are increased by peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy when a sustained virologic response (SVR) is achieved in patients with HCV. Steatosis is significantly more common in patients with HCV genotype 3 but interferon-free regimens are not always effective for treating HCV genotype 3 infections. HCV infection increases fatty acid synthase levels, resulting in the accumulation of fatty acids in hepatocytes. Of note, low-density lipoprotein receptor, scavenger receptor class B type. and Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 proteins are candidate receptors that may be involved in HCV. They are also required for the uptake of cholesterol from the external environment of hepatocytes. Among HCV-infected patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus infection, changes in serum lipid profiles are observed during interferon-free treatment and after the achievement of an SVR. It is evident that HCV affects cholesterol metabolism during interferon-free regimens. Although higher SVR rates were achieved with interferon-free treatment of HCV, special attention must also be paid to unexpected adverse events based on host metabolic changes including hyperlipidemia.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v23.i31.5645

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<jats:p>(1) Background: Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during pregnancy occasionally raises concerns, including acute exacerbation and the potential for mother-to-child transmission.(2) Case Report: Here, we present a case of a female patient with a chronic HBV infection who was treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and had a normal pregnancy and delivery. Furthermore, the use of TDF, HBV vaccination and passive immunization of her child with hyperimmune hepatitis B immunoglobulin successfully prevented vertical transmission of HBV to her child.(3) Conclusions: Women with chronic active HBV infections who become pregnant may receive additional care and consideration such as the administration of TDF.</jats:p>

DOI： 10.21926/obm.hg.1703004

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The aim of this study was to characterize the treatment response and tolerability of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapies in Japanese patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype (GT)-2. This retrospective study analyzed 114 Japanese HCV GT-2 patients treated for 12 weeks with 400 mg of sofosbuvir plus weight-based ribavirin daily. This treatment led to higher sustained virologic response at 12-weeks post-treatment (SVR12) rates in both treatment-naïve and treatment-experienced patients. The efficacy of this treatment in compensated cirrhotics was the same as that in patients with chronic hepatitis. HCV GT-2a infection and lower estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) tended to be associated with SVR12. Of 114 patients, 113 completed the combination of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin for 12 weeks. Seven patients without SVR12 did not have HCV NS5B-S282 mutations. The overall SVR12 rate was 90.4% (103 of 114). More effective therapeutic options with less adverse events are desired to achieve higher SVR rates in HCV GT-2 Japanese patients.

DOI： 10.3390/biology6020030

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPANDIDOS PUBL LTD  

Infection with hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a major cause of acute hepatitis globally and it is important to identify the mechanisms of HAV replication. Glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone and serves a role in unfolded protein response pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that GRP78 functions as an endogenous antiviral factor. In the present study, two loss-of-function studies using GRP78 were completed to elucidate the role of GRP78 in HAV infection. HAV replication was observed to be enhanced by deficient GRP78 although GRP78-deficiency also led to lower expression of ER stress molecules downstream of GRP78. Therefore, GRP78 appears to be a potential novel defensive molecule against HAV in hepatocytes.

DOI： 10.3892/etm.2017.4407

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPANDIDOS PUBL LTD  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a predominantly male disease in which the androgen receptor (AR) serves an important pathogenic role in hepatocarcinogenesis. Fatty acid metabolism also contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis and is associated with the prognosis of cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of the AR on fatty acid metabolism-associated gene expression in human hepatoma cell lines. AR-expression plasmids or control plasmids were transiently transfected into the human HCC cell lines Huh7 and HepG2. After 48 h, cellular protein and RNA were extracted and the expression of AR was confirmed by western blotting. Complementary DNA was synthesized and subjected to a quantitative polymerase chain reaction-based array to examine the expression of 84 fatty acid metabolism-associated genes. Overexpression of AR significantly downregulated the expression of 11 fatty acid metabolism-associated genes in Huh7 cells and 35 in HepG2 cells. The overexpression of AR also resulted in the upregulation of 6 fatty acid metabolism genes in HepG2 cells; however, it had no effect in Huh7 cells. Acyl-coenzyme A (CoA) thioesterase 7 and acyl-CoA oxidase 3 were downregulated in both cell lines. In conclusion, upregulation of AR via overexpression led to the disturbance of fatty acid metabolism-associated gene expression in human HCC cells. Therefore, the AR may serve a role in hepatocarcinogenesis via the regulation of hepatocellular fatty acid metabolism.

DOI： 10.3892/ol.2017.5973

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background
Noninvasive methods to accurately and conveniently evaluate liver fibrosis are desirable. MicroRNA (miR) is one of the candidates. MiRs are small RNAs consisting of 19-25 nucleotides that negatively regulate many target genes at transcriptional levels. Recently, many researchers have focused on circulating miRs in the blood stream as biomarkers. Hepatic miR-122 has been reported to have an association with viral replication and hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatic C virus (HCV) infection.
Methods
We measured serum miR-122 levels in HBV- and HCV-infected patients confirmed with liver biopsy. We also investigated a novel liver fibrosis marker Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive Mac-2 binding protein [WFA(+)-M2BP]. We evaluated the diagnostic usefulness of these markers in hepatic fibrosis and inflammation of patients with chronic viral infection.
Results
The serum miR-122 levels of HBV-infected patients were higher than those of the control subjects. In HBV-infected patients, the serum miR-122 levels of patients with advanced liver fibrosis were significantly lower. Serum WFA(+)-M2BP was significantly higher dependent on both the staging of fibrosis and the grading of inflammatory activity in patients with both HBV and HCV infection. We also observed that higher serum WFA(+)-M2BP levels augmented the prediction of advanced liver fibrosis among HBV-infected patients with lower serum miR-122 levels.
Conclusions
A lower serum miR-122 level is a useful predictor of advanced liver fibrosis in HBV-infected patients. Serum WFA(+)-M2BP could predict liver fibrosis in both HBV and HCV infection. The combination of these markers may result in the more accurate evaluation of liver fibrosis in HBV infection.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0177302

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a male-dominant disease with poor prognosis. Sorafenib is the only approved systemic chemotherapeutic drug for patients with advanced HCC. Previous studies have shown that androgen and androgen receptor (AR) are involved in human hepatocarcinogenesis and the development of HCC. Here, we discuss the recent data on AR and HCC, and the combination of sorafenib and inhibitors of AR for advanced-HCC patients. Androgen-dependent and androgen-independent AR activation exist in human hepatocarcinogenesis. AR could directly control hepatocarcinogenesis and regulate the innate immune system to influence HCC progression. Combination of sorafenib with AR inhibitors might represent a potential treatment for patients with advanced HCC.

DOI： 10.3390/cancers9050043

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The aim of this study was to characterize the treatment response and serious adverse events of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir therapies in Japanese patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 (GT1). This retrospective study analyzed 240 Japanese HCV GT1 patients treated for 12 weeks with 90 mg of ledipasvir plus 400 mg of sofosbuvir daily. Sustained virological response at 12 weeks post-treatment (SVR12) was achieved in 236 of 240 (98.3%) patients. Among treatment-naive patients, SVR12 was achieved in 136 of 138 (98.6%) patients, and among treatment-experienced patients, SVR12 was achieved in 100 of 102 (98.0%) patients. In patients previously treated with peginterferon plus ribavirin with various HCV NS3/4A inhibitors, 100% SVR rates (25/25) were achieved. Two relapsers had HCV NS5A resistance-associated variants (RAVs), but no HCV NS5B-S282 was observed after they relapsed. We experienced two patients with cardiac events during treatment. In conclusion, combination of ledipasvir plus sofosbuvir for 12 weeks is a potential therapy for HCV GT1 patients. Caution is needed for HCV NS5A RAVs, which were selected by HCV NS5A inhibitors and cardiac adverse events.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms18050906

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is one of the treatment goals of chronic HBV infection. Bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2) is one of the interferon (IFN)-stimulated genes (ISGs) and inhibits the release of various enveloped viruses. Here we examined the effects of antiviral treatment on HBsAg levels and its intracellular mechanism in HBsAg-producing hepatocytes. In PLC/PRF/ 5 and Huhl, IFNoc-2a treatment decreased HBsAg levels in their conditioned media. Upregulation of interleukin 8 (IL8), toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and interferon gamma -induced protein 10 (IP10) mRNAs was associated with the reduction of HBsAg in both PLC/PRF/5 and Huhl. The HBsAg level was upregulated by knockdown of IL8, TLR2 or IP10. Exogenous addition of IL8 enhanced BST2 promoter activity and BST2 mRNA expression. Additionally, knockdown of IL8 could lead to the downregulation of BST2 mRNA. Transfection of poly(I-C) enhanced IL8 and BST2 mRNA expression and inhibited HBsAg secretion from PLC/PRF/5 cells. In conclusion, IL8 might play an important role in the enhancement of BST2 and be involved in HBsAg eradication. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.03.150

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Background Despite recent advances in treatment strategies, it is still difficult to cure patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sorafenib is the only approved multiple kinase inhibitor for systemic chemotherapy in patients with advanced HCC. The majority of advanced HCC patients are resistant to sorafenib. The mechanisms of sorafenib resistance are still unknown.
Methods The expression of molecules involved in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway in human hepatoma cell lines was examined in the presence or absence of sorafenib. Apoptosis of human hepatoma cells treated with sorafenib was investigated, and the expression of Jun proto-oncogene (c-Jun) was measured.
Results The expression and phosphorylation of c-Jun were enhanced in human hepatoma cell lines after treatment with sorafenib. Inhibiting c-Jun enhanced sorafenib-induced apoptosis. The overexpression of c-Jun impaired sorafenib-induced apoptosis. The expression of osteopontin, one of the established AP-1 target genes, was enhanced after treatment with sorafenib in human hepatoma cell lines.
Conclusions The protein c-Jun plays a role in sorafenib resistance in human hepatoma cell lines. The modulation and phosphorylation of c-Jun could be a new therapeutic option for enhancing responsiveness to sorafenib. Modulating c-Jun may be useful for certain HCC patients with sorafenib resistance.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0174153

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Springer Tokyo  

We describe a case of acute liver failure (ALF) without hepatic encephalopathy with marked elevation of aminotransferase due to hepatitis A, according to the revised Japanese criteria of ALF. This liver biopsy of the patient showed compatible to acute viral hepatitis and she immediately recovered without intensive care. She had no comorbid disorders. Of interest, phylogenetic tree analysis using almost complete genomes of hepatitis A virus (HAV) demonstrated that the HAV isolate from her belonged to the HAV subgenotype IA strain and was similar to the HAJFF-Kan12 strain (99% nucleotide identity) or FH1 strain (98% nucleotide identity), which is associated with severe or fulminant hepatitis A. Careful interpretation of the association between HAV genome variations and severity of hepatitis A is needed and the mechanism of the severe hepatitis should be explored.

DOI： 10.1007/s12328-016-0700-5

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：OXFORD UNIV PRESS  

A previous genome- wide association study (GWAS) performed in 963 Japanese individuals (487 primary biliary cholangitis [PBC] cases and 476 healthy controls) identified TNFSF15 (rs4979462) and POU2AF1 (rs4938534) as strong susceptibility loci for PBC. In this study, we performed GWAS in additional 1,923 Japanese individuals (894 PBC cases and 1,029 healthy controls),and combined the results with the previous data. This GWAS, together with a subsequent replication study in an independent set of 7,024 Japanese individuals (512 PBC cases and 6,512 healthy controls), identified PRKCB (rs7404928) as a novel susceptibility locus for PBC ( odds ratio [OR] = 1.26, P = 4.13 x 10(-9)). Furthermore, a primary functional variant of PRKCB (rs35015313) was identified by genotype imputation using a phased panel of 1,070 Japanese individuals from a prospective, general population cohort study and subsequent in vitro functional analyses. These results may lead to improved understanding of the disease pathways involved in PBC, forming a basis for prevention of PBC and development of novel therapeutics.

DOI： 10.1093/hmg/ddw406

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DOI： 10.21926/obm.hg.1701002

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<jats:p>(1) Background: Preventative treatment for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) has been recommended for patients receiving ≥20 mg/day prednisolone. We describe a patient who developed PCP while receiving a dose of 15 mg/day prednisolone, and consider criteria for the initiation of preventative therapy for PCP in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) treated with prednisolone.(2) Case Report: A 71-year-old woman initially possessed dark-colored urine, white stool, and decreased appetite, which indicated hepatic dysfunction. Further comprehensive investigation suggested a diagnosis of acute hepatitis with probable autoimmune etiology. Treatment was initiated at 60 mg/day prednisolone. Following a positive response by the patient, the dose was gradually reduced to 15 mg/day. Seventy days after the start of prednisolone treatment, respiratory symptoms appeared, and PCP was diagnosed following examination of bronchoalveolar lavage samples. The patient responded positively to treatment with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim combination therapy.(3) Conclusions: Preventative therapy for PCP may be indicated for AIH patients treated with steroids with (1) a dose of prednisolone of 12–15 mg/day or more, (2) a CD4+ lymphocyte count of 200–250/mm3 or less, or (3) a total lymphocyte count of 600/mm3 or less.</jats:p>

DOI： 10.21926/obm.hg.1701001

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Background: Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-negative inactive carriers, the majority of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers, are considered to have a good prognosis. The definition of the inactive HBV carrier state has been based on HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Here we conducted a prospective study involving 18 hospitals to clarify the prognosis of HBeAg-negative inactive carriers. Methods: Three hundred eighty-eight HBeAg-negative inactive carriers at the baseline were observed prospectively from January 2011 to November 2015. We evaluated the primary end point, defined as the development of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or liver-related death. Also, we analyzed the factors associated with inactive carrier dropout and markedly increased levels of ALT or HBV DNA or both during the follow-up period. Results: At the baseline, the mean age was 57.5 ± 13.1 years and 42 % of patients were male. No individual developed cirrhosis, HCC, or liver-related death during the follow-up period (1035 ± 252 days). Loss of inactive carrier status was seen in 75 patients (19.3 %). Factors associated with failure to meet the inactive carrier criteria in the multivariate analysis were the levels of ALT (hazard ratio 1.13, 95 % confidence interval 1.07–1.19, p &lt
 0.001), HBV DNA (hazard ratio 2.70, 95 % confidence interval 1.63–4.49, p &lt
 0.001), and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (hazard ratio 1.01, 95 % confidence interval 1.00–1.02, p = 0.003) at the baseline. Conclusions: Most inactive carriers in Japan had a good prognosis. However, despite the short observation period, some patients had loss of IC status. The long-term prognosis of inactive carriers remains unclear
therefore, careful follow-up of inactive carriers is needed.

DOI： 10.1007/s00535-016-1229-6

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Although the interaction between host and hepatitis A virus (HAV) factors could lead to severe hepatitis A, the exact mechanism of acute liver failure caused by HAV infection is not yet fully understood. The effects of metabolic diseases such as dyslipidemia or diabetes mellitus on HAV replication are still unknown. Here, we examined the effects of free fatty acids or high-concentration glucose on HAV replication and the effects on mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway-related genes in human hepatocytes. We discovered a novel effect of free fatty acids or high-concentration glucose on HAV replication in association with a reduction in the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78). We also observed that thapsigargin induced GRP78 expression and inhibited HAV replication. These findings may provide a new interpretation of the relationship between metabolic diseases and severity of hepatitis A and suggest a new understanding of the mechanism of severe HAV infection. (C)16 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.12.080

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Authorship：Lead author,　Last author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Progress in interferon-free treatment against hepatitis C virus (HCV) has remained a challenge in patients with decompensated cirrhosis due to a paucity of information on efficacy and safety profiles. This review illustrates that interferon-free treatment could result in greater than 85 % sustained virological response (SVR) rates in patients with HCV genotype 1 and decompensated cirrhosis. The combination of pangenotypic HCV NS5A inhibitor velpatasvir and HCV NS5B inhibitor sofosbuvir has demonstrated high SVR rates in patients with HCV genotypes 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6 and decompensated cirrhosis. Certain patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events, death or having liver transplantation. Taken together, interferon-free treatment could produce higher SVR rates in decompensated hepatic cirrhosis. However, as adverse events were occasionally observed, liver transplantation should always be considered as well. Further improvements in treatment are called for in patients with decompensated cirrhosis.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-016-9749-y

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

Determination of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes plays an important role in the direct-acting agent era. Discrepancies between HCV genotyping and serotyping assays are occasionally observed. Eighteen samples with discrepant results between genotyping and serotyping methods were analyzed. HCV serotyping and genotyping were based on the HCV nonstructural 4 (NS4) region and 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTR), respectively. HCV core and NS4 regions were chosen to be sequenced and were compared with the genotyping and serotyping results. Deep sequencing was also performed for the corresponding HCV NS4 regions. Seventeen out of 18 discrepant samples could be sequenced by the Sanger method. Both HCV core and NS4 sequences were concordant with that of genotyping in the 5'-UTR in all 17 samples. In cloning analysis of the HCV NS4 region, there were several amino acid variations, but each sequence was much closer to the peptide with the same genotype. Deep sequencing revealed that minor clones with different subgenotypes existed in two of the 17 samples. Genotyping by genome amplification showed high consistency, while several false reactions were detected by serotyping. The deep sequencing method also provides accurate genotyping results and may be useful for analyzing discrepant cases. HCV genotyping should be correctly determined before antiviral treatment.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms18010172

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Background: Genetic variation near the interferon lambda 3 (IFNL3) is known to be associated with response to pegylated interferon (pegIFN) and ribavirin combination therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection which is often accompanied by hepatic steatosis.
Aims: We examined whether this genetic variation is associated with host lipids and treatment response.
Methods: A total of 101 Japanese patients who had underwent liver biopsy before treatment with pegIFN and ribavirin for HCV genotype 1b infection were retrospectively analyzed for association between IFNL3 genotypes (rs8099917) and clinical factors including histopathological features of the liver. The presence of &gt;5% steatosis in the liver specimen was defined as hepatic steatosis.
Results: Forty patients (40%) had liver steatosis before therapy. Patients with IFNL3 minor genotype (non-TT) showed lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (p=0.0045), higher.-glutamyl transpeptidase level (p=0.0003) and higher prevalence of hepatic steatosis (p=0.0002). Advanced fibrosis [odds ratio (OR) 4.63, p=0.03] and IFNL3 major genotype (OR 0.13, p= 0.001) were 2 independent factors for determining the presence of hepatic steatosis. Among the factors associated with sustained virological response, IFNL3 genotype was the most significant predictor, as per multivariate analysis.
Conclusions: Our results confirmed that IFNL3 genotype is associated with hepatic steatosis as well as IFN response.

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.20171

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：Japanese  

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Wisteria floribunda agglutinin-positive human Mac-2-binding protein (WFA(+)-M2BP) is a novel non-invasive marker of liver fibrosis. The goal of the study was to investigate whether the novel serum biomarker WFA(+)-M2BP or other non-invasive markers are useful for the prediction of liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC). METHODS: We examined a significant correlation between serum WFA(+)-M2BP levels and histological staging of fibrosis in several chronic liver diseases, such as NASH, AIH, and PBC. RESULTS: WFA(+)-M2BP could not predict hepatic fibrosis in these patients. We also showed that the level of platelet counts is a useful predictor of hepatic fibrosis progression in patients with NASH, AIH, and PBC. There was a significant correlation between staging of fibrosis and grading of activity in the liver in all groups except for AIH patients. CONCLUSION: Platelet counts can predict hepatic fibrosis in patients with NASH, AIH, or PBC. Clinicians should pay attention to the grading of liver activity in the use of WFA(+)-M2BP.

DOI： 10.3390/diseases4040038

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY  

Background Corticosteroid (CS) has been introduced in most acute liver failure (ALF) patients for the purpose of suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines in Japan where a shortage of donor livers exists, whereas CS use is evaluated to be no benefit in Western countries. In the present study, we aimed to clarify the association between infectious complications and CS use in ALF, and determine when to evaluate treatment response and consider the timing for switching to liver transplantation (LT).
Methods Corticosteroid was administered to patients in the early stage prospectively. Clinical and biochemical features of 110 adult patients were analyzed.
Results Corticosteroids were administered to 78 (71%) patients. The duration between start of CS and onset of infection was 17 +/- 10 days. Multivariate analysis revealed that infection was associated with age 50 years (P = 0.034) and T-BIL &gt; 15 mg/dl (P &lt; 0.001), and not with CS use (P = 0.10). Accumulative incidence of infection was not different between patients with and without CS (P = 0.18).
Conclusions Corticosteroid use did not significantly increase the incidence of infection. Two weeks after introduction of CS is a critical point for evaluating treatment response, avoiding infectious complications and switching to LT.

DOI： 10.1002/jhbp.399

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

A 24-year-old man was admitted due to acute hepatitis with unknown etiology. After his condition and laboratory data gradually improved with conservative therapy, he was discharged 1 month later. Two months after his discharge, however, liver dysfunction reappeared. After his mother accidentally revealed that he took complementary and alternative medicine, discontinuation of the therapy caused his condition to improve. Finally, he was diagnosed with a recurrent drug-induced liver injury associated with Japanese complementary and alternative medicine. It is important to take the medical history in detail and consider complementary and alternative medicine as a cause of liver disease.

DOI： 10.1159/000452209

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The Asian-Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on the "APASL consensus statements and recommendation on management of hepatitis C" in March, 2015, in order to revise "APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection (Hepatol Int 6:409-435, 2012)". The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13 March 2015. New data were presented, discussed and debated to draft a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of cited studies. Finalized recommendations on treatment of hepatitis C are presented in this review.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-016-9717-6

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BackgroundThe aim of the present study was to examine the diagnostic ability of two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) with propagation-based reliability for grading of hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension.
MethodsThis prospective study (UMIN000022838) consisted of 135 subjects. Phase I (n=40) examined the effect of standard deviation (SD)/median as the reliability criterion of 2D-SWE, and phase II (n=95) compared the diagnostic ability of 2D-SWE under the best SD/median value and transient elastography (TE).
ResultsPhase I reported 0.49 as a best cut-off SD/median value. In phase II, the elasticity showed a correlation between the 2D-SWE and TE (r=0.88, P &lt;0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was comparable between the 2D-SWE and TE (0.936 and 0.948 for chronic hepatitis, P=0.34; 0.939 and 0.956 for cirrhosis, P=0.25). The hepatic venous pressure gradient showed a positive correlation with the 2D-SWE (r=0.435, P=0.043) and TE (r=0.378, P=0.083) in 22 patients. The AUROC was comparable between the 2D-SWE (0.844 for 10mmHg, 0.838 for 12mmHg) and TE (0.781 for 10mmHg, P=0.484; 0.800 for 12mmHg, P=0.589).
Conclusions2D-SWE is promising for the assessment of the grade of hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension, with the SD/median value as a reliability criterion.

DOI： 10.1002/jhbp.379

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The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on "APASL consensus statements and recommendations for management of hepatitis C" in March 2015 to revise the "APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection" (Hepatol Int 6:409-435, 2012). The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at the Istanbul Congress Center, Istanbul, Turkey on 13 March 2015. New data were presented, discussed, and debated during the course of drafting a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of the cited studies. The finalized recommendations for hepatitis C prevention, epidemiology, and laboratory testing are presented in this review.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-016-9736-3

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPANDIDOS PUBL LTD  

Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor- (TNF-) and interleukin (IL)-1 are often observed in the sera of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-infected patients. It is well known that these cytokines activate nuclear factor-B (NF-B)-signaling, and are associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. We investigated whether HBV or HBV X protein (HBx) enhanced the activation of NF-B in the presence of TNF and/or IL-1, and their effects on the expression of metabolic pathway-associated genes. We examined whether HBV or HBx enhanced cytokine-induced activation of NF-B in hepatocytes, using a reporter assay, in the presence or absence of TNF and/or IL-1. The expression of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), one of the NF-B target genes was also examined. The expression of metabolic pathway-associated genes in HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells in the presence or absence of TNF was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Human hepatocytes expressed TNF receptors and IL-1 receptors. NF-B was activated by cooperation between HBx and TNF in human hepatocytes. We observed IGFBP1 expression in HBV infection and that a number of metabolic pathway-associated genes were upregulated in HepG2.2.15 cells, compared with HepG2 cells with or without TNF treatment. We observed the cooperative effects of HBV and TNF which enhanced the activation of NF-B as well as upregulated the expression of metabolic pathway-associated genes in hepatocytes. These effects may be important in the development of HBV-associated metabolic syndrome.

DOI： 10.3892/ijmm.2016.2643

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BIOMED CENTRAL LTD  

Background: Ulcerative colitis is a lifelong, immunologically mediated disease. Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are now available for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. An interferon-free regimen appears useful, safe and effective for many patients for whom interferon-based treatment is contraindicated.
Case presentation: We studied a 56-year-old treatment-naive Japanese man with chronic HCV genotype 2b infection who had ulcerative colitis. This patient was treated with sofosbuvir and ribavirin for 12 weeks. During treatment, diarrhoea and bloody faeces were frequent. After ribavirin was reduced to 400 mg daily, these symptoms decreased. Finally, the patient achieved a sustained virologic response 12 weeks after the stoppage of the treatment.
Conclusion: Clinicians should pay careful attention to the ribavirin dose in the treatment of certain HCV patients with inflammatory bowel disease who are receiving sofosbuvir plus ribavirin.

DOI： 10.1186/s12876-016-0480-x

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

Myanmar is adjacent to India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos and China. In Myanmar, the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is 2%, and HCV infection accounts for 25% of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study, we reviewed the prevalence of HCV genotypes in Myanmar. HCV genotypes 1, 3 and 6 were observed in volunteer blood donors in and around the Myanmar city of Yangon. Although there are several reports of HCV genotype 6 and its variants in Myanmar, the distribution of the HCV genotypes has not been well documented in areas other than Yangon. Previous studies showed that treatment with peginterferon and a weight-based dose of ribavirin for 24 or 48 wk could lead to an 80%-100% sustained virological response (SVR) rates in Myanmar. Current interferon-free treatments could lead to higher SVR rates (90%-95%) in patients infected with almost all HCV genotypes other than HCV genotype 3. In an era of heavy reliance on direct-acting antivirals against HCV, there is an increasing need to measure HCV genotypes, and this need will also increase specifically in Myanmar. Current available information of HCV genotypes were mostly from Yangon and other countries than Myanmar. The prevalence of HCV genotypes in Myanmar should be determined.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v22.i27.6095

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major cause of acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, particularly in Asia-Pacific countries. The major complications in HBV carriers are hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), liver failure and esophageal varices following the progression to cirrhosis, while some develop HCC without cirrhosis. The progression to liver fibrosis and these other complications could be prevented by treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs); however, NUCs must be continuously administered for a long time. Peginterferon could lead to HBV surface antigen loss. It is difficult to use peginterferon in HBV-infected patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Acute liver failure due to HBV infection and acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B could be treated by NUCs. Universal vaccination programs against HBV could prevent new HBV infections globally. Here, we review the currently available treatments for HBV infection.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-016-9720-y

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DOI： 10.1007/s00535-016-1229-6

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Ivyspring International Publisher  

Background. All-oral combination of direct-acting antivirals could lead to higher sustained virologic response (SVR) in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and safety of the dual oral treatment with HCV nonstructural protein (NS) 5A inhibitor daclatasvir (DCV) plus HCV NS3/4A inhibitor asunaprevir (ASV) for 24 weeks in real-world HCV genotype 1-infected Japanese individuals. Methods. After screening for HCV NS5A resistance-associated variants (RAVs) by PCR invader assay, a total of 54 Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1 treated with DCV plus ASV were retrospectively analyzed. SVR12 was used for evaluation of the virologic response. Results. Of the total 54 patients, 46 patients (85.2%) were treated with DCV plus ASV for 24 weeks and achieved SVR12. The other 8 patients (14.8%) discontinued this treatment before 24 weeks due to adverse events. Of these 8 patients, 5 and 3 patients did and did not achieve SVR12, respectively. Finally, 51 of 54 (94.4%) patients achieved SVR12. Conclusion. Treatment with DCV and ASV after screening for HCV NS5A RAVs by PCR invader assay is effective and safe in the treatment of real-world HCV genotype 1-infected patients in Japan.

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.15519

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We describe a case of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) that may have occurred following drug-induced liver injury with camostat mesilate and/or benzbromarone in an elderly patient. The patient's liver biopsy showed chronic active hepatitis and autoimmune hepatitis. Stopping the use of these drugs did not lead to complete remission, but the use of a low dose of corticosteroids completely cured his liver dysfunction. In the present case, liver dysfunction was caused by an autoimmune mechanism. Special attention should be paid to idiopathic AIH and drug-induced AIH in elderly patients.

DOI： 10.1007/s12328-016-0648-5

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BackgroundAutoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is one of major etiologies of acute liver failure (ALF), and the survival rate without liver transplantation (LT) of patients with fulminant AIH is especially poor worldwide. We investigated the clinicopathological features of infectious complications in autoimmune ALF retrospectively and tried to determine when to continue corticosteroid (CS) treatment or abandon it for LT.
MethodsTwenty patients with autoimmune ALF, comprising five severe hepatitis, 13 fulminant hepatitis and two late onset hepatic failure, were analyzed.
ResultsCorticosteroids were administered to 19 patients. Seventeen infectious complications were observed in 12 patients. The median (range) duration between the introduction of CS and onset of infection was 15 (10-41) days. There were no significant differences in clinicobiochemical features between patients with and without infection. Of 20 patients, eight (40%) recovered without LT, four (20%) received LT and eight (40%) died without LT. Dead or transplanted patients had more advanced liver failure on admission than recovered ones (P&lt;0.01).
ConclusionsTwo-week after the introduction of CS is a critical point for avoiding infectious complications. Therefore, we should have evaluated efficacy of CS and performed LT by then at the latest in case of failure to improve.

DOI： 10.1002/jhbp.326

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background
The induction of apoptosis in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a promising therapeutic strategy against hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatic fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms of apoptosis in HSCs, however, are unknown under consideration of HBV infection. In this study, the effects of HBV on apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling in HSCs were examined.
Methods
The effects of conditioned media (CM) from HepG2.2.15 on apoptosis induced by the proteasome inhibitor MG132 in LX-2 and HHSteC were studied in regard to c-Jun. In combination with c-Fos, c-Jun forms the AP-1 early response transcription factor, leading to AP-1 activation, signal transduction, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis.
Results
In LX-2 cells, MG132 treatment was associated with the phosphorylation of c-Jun, activation of AP-1 and apoptosis. However, in the presence of CM from HepG2.2.15, these phenomena were attenuated. In HHSteC cells, similar results were observed. HBV genomic DNA is not involved in the process of HSC apoptosis. It is possible that HBeAg has an inhibitory effect on MG132-induced apoptosis in LX-2. We also observed the upregulation of several ER stress-associated genes, such as cAMP responsive element binding protein 3-like 3, inhibin-beta A and solute carrier family 17-member 2, in the presence of CM from HepG2.2.15, or CM from PXB cells infected with HBV.
Conclusions
HBV inhibits the activation of c-Jun/AP-1 in HSCs, contributing to the attenuation of apoptosis and resulting in hepatic fibrosis. HBV also up-regulated several ER stress genes associated with cell growth and fibrosis. These mechanistic insights might shed new light on a treatment strategy for HBV-associated hepatic fibrosis.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0146314

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：KARGER  

Objective: The utility of risk scores to predict the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) remains to be elucidated. Methods: CU-HCC (The Chinese University of Hong Kong-HCC) and GAG-HCC (Guide with Age, Gender, HBV DNA, Core promoter mutations and Cirrhosis) scores of 225 Japanese patients treated with NAs for at least 2 years were calculated before and 2 years after the NA treatment. According to the cutoff values, the patients were categorized into high-score or low-score groups. Results: Sixteen of 225 patients developed HCC. Patients with a high score before the NA treatment showed a significantly higher HCC incidence than those with a low score using both score models (p &lt; 0.001). Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic analyses based on scores before and 2 years after the NA treatment showed that both models exhibited moderate accuracy in predicting HCC development. The HCC incidence was significantly lower in the patients whose scores decreased below the cutoff values in response to the NA treatment than in those whose scores remained high using both models (p &lt; 0.01). Conclusions: The predictive performance of the CU-HCC and GAG-HCC scores in the CHB patients treated with NAs is comparable to that in the NA-naive patients. The patients with sustained high scores after the NA treatment showed a higher incidence of HCC development. (C) 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel

DOI： 10.1159/000444392

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：Baishideng Publishing Group Co  

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious problem worldwide. The use of interferon-based therapy has made HCV eradication challenging. The recent appearance of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) has changed HCV therapy. Combining the use of DAAs with peginterferon and ribavirin has improved treatment efficacy. Furthermore, the combination of different orally administered DAAs has enabled interferon-free therapy with much higher efficacy and safety. In particular, sofosbuvir, a nucleotide-based NS5B inhibitor, prevents HCV RNA synthesis by acting as a "chain terminator". Treatment with sofosbuvir has attained an extremely high rate of sustained virologic response. The current review summarizes the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir therapy.

DOI： 10.4254/wjh.v8.i3.183

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：IVYSPRING INT PUBL  

Background. Direct-acting antiviral agents against HCV with or without peginterferon plus ribavirin result in higher eradication rates of HCV and shorter treatment duration. We examined which is better for predicting persistent virologic response, the assessment of serum HCV RNA at 12 or 24 weeks after the end of treatment for predicting sustained virologic response (SVR12 or SVR24, respectively) in patients treated by HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors with peginterferon plus ribavirin.
Methods. In all, 149 Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1b treated by peginterferon plus ribavirin with telaprevir or simeprevir were retrospectively analyzed: 59 and 90 patients were treated with telaprevir- and simeprevir-including regimens, respectively. HCV RNA was measured by TaqMan HCV Test, version 2.0, real-time PCR assay. SVR12 or SVR24, respectively, was defined as HCV RNA negativity at 12 or 24 weeks after ending treatment.
Results. Total SVR rates were 78.0% and 66.7% in the telaprevir and simeprevir groups, respectively. In the telaprevir group, all 46 patients with SVR12 finally achieved SVR24. In the simeprevir group, 60 (93.8%) of the total 64 patients with SVR12 achieved SVR24, with the other 4 patients all being previous-treatment relapsers.
Conclusions. SVR12 was suitable for predicting persistent virologic response in almost all cases. In simeprevir-including regimens, SVR12 could not always predict persistent virologic response. Clinicians should use SVR24 for predicting treatment outcome in the use of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors with peginterferon plus ribavirin for any group of real-world patients chronically infected with HCV.

DOI： 10.7150/ijms.14953

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

On-line hemodiafiltration (OLHDF) is one of the treatment options in the management of acute liver failure (ALF) in Japan. It is essential to avoid infection in the management of ALF. In fact, infection is one of the prognostic factors in ALF. In this report, we present a middle-aged Japanese man with ALF associated with benzbromarone use. He was successfully managed without infection until liver transplantation by creating an arteriovenous fistula for OLHDF. Utilizing an arteriovenous fistula for OLHDF, rather than inserting a vascular access catheter, is a beneficial option to avoid infectious diseases in the management of ALF.

DOI： 10.1159/000445186

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Following kidney transplantation, HCV increases the risk of graft loss and patient mortality compared with uninfected patients. The achievement of a sustained virological response with antiviral therapy improves survival and diminishes the risk of hepatic decompensation in HCV patients after a kidney transplant. It has been reported that direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are relatively safe and highly effective for the eradication of HCV in patients who are liver transplant recipients. In the present study, we investigated HCV eradication via interferon-free therapies with DAAs in two HCV patients with advanced liver fibrosis following renal transplantation. In both cases, the interferon-free regimens with DAAs were effective in eradicating HCV in the patients after kidney transplantation. No adverse events caused by interferon were identified with the exception of anemia. Interferon-free regimens with DAAs for recurrent HCV in patients following kidney transplantation are relatively safe and effective. However, attention should be focused on anemia during these treatments.

DOI： 10.1159/000445374

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) are relatively safe and highly effective for the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in liver transplant recipients. In this case study, we present a female with a graft reinfected with HCV genotype 2 who was treated with a combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin after living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Because the graft was from a hepatitis B core antibody-positive donor, passive immunization with hyperimmune hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) and entecavir were also provided to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) reactivation. It became clear that the combination of sofosbuvir and ribavirin promptly led to a sustained virologic response and that this combination was safe to treat graft reinfection with HCV genotype 2 after LDLT. Adverse events caused by DAAs were not observed, except for slight anemia. HBIG and entecavir were useful in the prevention of HBV reactivation. In conclusion, the present case indicated that DAA treatment for graft reinfection with HCV is safe and effective in LDLT from hepatitis B core antibody-positive donors.

DOI： 10.1159/000447423

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DOI： 10.1007/s12072-016-9736-3

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

MicroRNA-122 (miR-122) is one of the most abundant miRs in the liver. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-122 plays a role in inflammation in the liver and functions in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which reside in the space of Disse. Here, we showed that the transient inhibition of PKR-activating protein (PACT) expression, by miR-122 or siRNA targeting of PACT, suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and IL-1 beta, in human HSC LX-2. Sequence and functional analyses confirmed that miR-122 directly targeted the 30-untranslated region of PACT. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that miR-122 blocked NF-kappa B-nuclear translocation in LX-2 cells. We also showed that conditioned medium from miR-122-transfected LX-2 cells suppressed human monocyte-derived THP-1 cell migration. Taken together, our study indicates that miR-122 may downregulate cytokine production in HSCs and macrophage chemotaxis and that the targeting of miR-122 may have therapeutic potential for preventing the progression of liver diseases.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0144295

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) including nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is globally increasing and has become a world-wide health problem. Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus (HCV) is associated with hepatic steatosis. Viral hepatitis-associated hepatic steatosis is often caused by metabolic syndrome including obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and/or dyslipidemia. It has been reported that HCV genotype 3 exerts direct metabolic effects that lead to hepatic steatosis. In this review, the differences between NAFLD/NASH and viral hepatitis-associated steatosis are discussed.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v21.i46.12989

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Aim: The factors associated with the outcome of sequential therapy with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) in order to halt nucleoside/nucleotide analog (NUC) maintenance treatment for chronic hepatitis B were analyzed.
Methods: A total of 50 patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent IFN-alpha sequential therapy for cessation of NUC were enrolled retrospectively. The subjects received NUC plus IFN-alpha for 4 weeks followed by IFN-alpha alone for 20 weeks. Natural IFN-alpha of 6-MU doses was administrated three times a week. A successful response to NUC/IFN-alpha sequential therapy was defined as serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA below 4.0 log copies/mL, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) below 30 IU/L, and hepatitis B e-antigen negativity at 24 months after completing the treatment.
Results: Multivariate analysis revealed that hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of 3.0 log U/mL or more (P &lt; 0.002) and hepatitis B core-related antigen (hepatitis B core-related antigen [HBcrAg]) of 4.5 log U/mL or more (P &lt; 0.003) at the start of IFN-alpha administration were significant factors associated with a 24-month non-response. Maximal levels of ALT and HBV DNA during the follow-up period after completing IFN-alpha therapy were significantly related (P &lt; 0.001), and receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that both maximal ALT (P &lt; 0.001) and HBV DNA(P &lt; 0.001) were significantly related to the final 24-month response.
Conclusion: The combinational use of HBsAg and HBcrAg levels may be useful to predict the 24-month outcome of NUC/IFN-alpha sequential therapy. Maximal levels of ALT and HBV DNA during post-treatment follow-up may also help monitor responses to IFN-alpha sequential therapy.

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.12488

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

Epigenetics plays a role in the regulation of gene expression. Epigenetic changes control gene expression at the transcriptional level. Our previous study suggested that the La protein, which is mainly localized in the nucleus, was associated with hepatitis A virus (HAV) internal ribosomal entry site (IRES)-mediated translation and HAV replication. The aim of this study was to investigate whether epigenetic compounds have effects on HAV IRES-mediated translation and HAV replication. Sirtinol, a sirtuin inhibitor, inhibited HAV IRES-mediated translation in COS7-HAV-IRES cells. Treatment with 10 mu M sirtinol resulted in a significant reduction in the intracellular RNA levels of HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA in Huh7 cells. Epigenetic treatment with a sirtuin inhibitor may represent a new treatment option for HAV infection. In conclusion, epigenetic control was involved in HAV IRES-dependent translation and HAV replication. Special attention should also be paid to underlying viral diseases in the clinical use of epigenetic treatments for malignancies. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.09.083

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)ニュー・サイエンス社  

ウイルス肝炎、特に慢性B型肝炎及び慢性C型肝炎に対する治療は変革期を迎えている。B型肝炎、C型肝炎双方の治療法の進歩において、核酸アナログ製剤の開発が重要な位置を占めている。慢性B型肝炎の分野では、本邦では2000年から核酸アナログ製剤が使用可能となり、B型肝炎ウイルス増殖・複製を効率的に抑制することが可能となった。また、慢性C型肝炎治療においては、ウイルス構成成分を直接の標的とした薬剤の開発が盛んであるが、その中でも核酸アナログ製剤としてRNAポリメラーゼ作用を阻害する薬剤が優れた治療成績を挙げている。本稿では、核酸アナログ製剤を中心に、慢性B型肝炎及び慢性C型肝炎の最新治療を中心に概説した。(著者抄録)

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：(株)アークメディア  

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

AimThe outcome of acute liver failure (ALF) is influenced by its etiology, making etiological consideration of ALF important. However, specific etiology could not be identified in 30-40% of adult patients in a Japanese nationwide survey. We examined our patients with severe (SH) and fulminant hepatitis (FH) of indeterminate etiology for the better understanding of ALF.
MethodsWe investigated 106 adult patients with SH or FH including 24 of indeterminate etiology between 2000 and 2013, retrospectively.
ResultsOf 24 patients, 12 were men. Seventeen were SH and seven FH (three FH acute type and four FH subacute type). Eighty-three percent of patients were positive for antinuclear antibody. Seventeen recovered without liver transplantation (LT), two received LT and five died without LT. Histology of 15 patients showed a pattern of acute hepatitis (massive necrosis in four, submassive necrosis in one, severe acute hepatitis in two and acute hepatitis in eight). The involvement of immune-mediated liver injury was histologically suggested in some patients.
ConclusionThere was no large cluster of etiology in our patients with indeterminate cause. The causes of ALF of indeterminate etiology were the mixture of various minor or rare ones, if precise diagnosis of acute AIH was done. Outcome of our patients with indeterminate cause was not poor if they were treated as early as possible after the diagnosis of severe disease. Careful examination of unknown viral infection, drugs, toxins, undefined metabolic disorders and histology may help detect some of these etiologies.

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.12483

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Estimated hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rates in the general populations were 1.3, 0.9, 0.4-1.0, 14.7, 0.1-0.3, 0.9-1.9, 1.0-2.0, 5, 4.4-8.6 and 0.5-1.3 % in Australia, Bangladesh, Mainland China, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, Taiwan and Turkey, respectively. The main HCV genotypes (Gs) are G1, G3, G1b, G4, G1b, G3, G1b, G3, G1b and G2, and G1 in Australia, Bangladesh, Mainland China, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, Taiwan and Turkey, respectively. Of IL28B genotypes, favorable alleles are similar to 50 % in Australia and Turkey, but 60-70 % in most of the other Asian countries. Peginterferon plus ribavirin is available in all ten Asian Pasific countries. In addition, HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors with peginterferon plus ribavirin are currently available in several countries. Clinical trials of interferon-free regimens for HCV are ongoing in most of the ten Asian Pacific countries.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-015-9630-4

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Effective recognition of viral infection and successive activation of antiviral innate immune responses are vital for host antiviral defence, which largely depends on multiple regulators, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and microRNAs. Several early reports suggest that specific TLR-mediated immune responses can control hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication and express differentially with disease outcome. Considering the versatile function of miR-155 in the TLR-mediated innate immune response, we aimed to study the association between miR-155 and TLRs and their subsequent impact on HBV replication using both a HBV-replicating stable cell line (HepG2.2.15) and HBV-infected liver biopsy and serum samples. Our results showed that miR-155 was suppressed during HBV infection and a subsequent positive correlation of miR-155 with TLR7 activation was noted. Further, ectopic expression of miR-155 in vitro reduced HBV load as evidenced from reduced viral DNA, mRNA and subsequently reduced level of secreted viral antigens (HBsAg and HBeAg). Our results further suggested that CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein- (C/EBP-), a positive regulator of HBV transcription, was inhibited by miR-155. Taken together, our study established a correlation between miR-155 and TLR7 during HBV infection and also demonstrated in vitro that increased miR-155 level could help to reduce HBV viral load by targeting C/EBP-.

DOI： 10.1111/jvh.12390

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

DOI： 10.1002/hep.27693

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection is a major cause of acute hepatitis and occasionally leads to acute liver failure in both developing and developed countries. Although effective vaccines for HAV are available, the development of new antivirals against HAV may be important for the control of HAV infection in developed countries where no universal vaccination program against HAV exists, such as Japan. There are two forms of antiviral agents against HAV: direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) and host-targeting agents (HTAs). Studies using small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) have suggested that the HAV internal ribosomal entry site (IRES) is an attractive target for the control of HAV replication and infection. Among the HTAs, amantadine and interferon-lambda 1 (IL-29) inhibit HAV IRES-mediated translation and HAV replication. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors inhibit La protein expression, HAV IRES activity, and HAV replication. Based on this review, both DAAs and HTAs may be needed to control effectively HAV infection, and their use should continue to be explored.

DOI： 10.14218/JCTH.2015.00016

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, a cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a serious global health concern. HCC development and human hepatocarcinogenesis are associated with hepatic inflammation caused by host interferons and cytokines. This article focused on the association between the HBV core protein, which is one of the HBV-encoding proteins, and cytokine production. The HBV core protein induced the production of interferons and cytokines in human hepatoma cells and in a mouse model. These factors may be responsible for persistent HBV infection and hepatocarcinogenesis. Inhibitors of programmed death (PD)-1 and HBV core and therapeutic vaccines including HBV core might be useful for the treatment of patients with chronic HBV infection. Inhibitors of HBV core, which is important for hepatic inflammation, could be helpful in preventing the progression of liver diseases in HBV-infected patients.

DOI： 10.3390/diseases3030213

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DOI： 10.2169/naika.104.1861

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

We examined whether hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1b core- and NS5A-region mutations are associated with response to peginterferon -2b plus ribavirin combination therapy. A total of 103 patients with high HCV genotype 1b viral loads (100 KIU/mL) were treated with the combination therapy. Pretreatment mutations in the core region and interferon sensitivity determining region (ISDR) in the NS5A region were analyzed. In univariate analysis, arginine and leucine at positions 70 and 91 in the core region, defined as double wild (DW)-type, were associated with early virologic response (p = 0.002), sustained virologic response (SVR) (p = 0.004), and non-response (p = 0.005). Non-threonine at position 110 was associated with SVR (p = 0.004). Multivariate analysis showed the following pretreatment predictors of SVR: hemoglobin level 14 g/dL (odds ratio (OR) 6.2, p = 0.04); platelet count 14 x 10(4)/mm(3) (OR 5.2, p = 0.04); aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ratio &lt; 0.9 (OR 6.17, p = 0.009); DW-type (OR 6.8, p = 0.02); non-threonine at position 110 (OR 14.5, p = 0.03); and 2 mutations in the ISDR (OR 12.3, p = 0.02). Patients with non-DW-type, non-threonine at position 110, and &lt;2 ISDR mutations showed significantly lower SVR rates than others (11/45 (24.4%) vs. 27/37 (73.0%), respectively; p &lt; 0.001). SVR can be predicted through core and NS5A region mutations and host factors like hemoglobin, platelet count, and AST/ALT ratio in HCV genotype 1b-infected patients treated with peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms160921177

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

Due to the lack of efficient hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection systems, progress in understanding the role of innate immunity in HBV infection has remained challenging. Here we used human hepatocytes from a humanized severe combined immunodeficiency albumin promoter/enhancer driven-urokinase-type plasminogen activator mouse model for HBV infection. HBV DNA levels in culture medium from these human hepatocytes were 4.8-5.7 log IU/mL between day 16 and day 66 post-infection by HBV genotype C inoculum. HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) was also detected by chemiluminescent immunoassay from day 7 to day 66 post-infection. Western blot analysis revealed that major histocompatibility complex class I-related chain A (MICA), which plays a role in the innate immune system, was induced in HBV-infected human hepatocytes 27 days after infection compared with the uninfected control. MICA was reduced at day 62 and undetectable at day 90. Of interest, MICA expression by human hepatocytes increased after HBV infection and decreased before HBsAg loss. Human hepatocytes derived from chimeric mice with hepatocyte-humanized liver could support HBV genome replication. Further studies of the association between HBV replication and MICA induction should be conducted. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.07.102

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

In 2009, several groups reported that interleukin-28B (IL28B) genotypes are associated with the response to peginterferon plus ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a genome-wide association study, although the mechanism of this association is not yet well understood. However, in recent years, tremendous progress has been made in the treatment of HCV infection. In Japan, some patients infected with HCV have the IL28B major genotype, which may indicate a favorable response to interferon-including regimens; however, certain patients within this group are also interferon-intolerant or ineligible. In Japan, interferon-free 24-wk regimens of asunaprevir and daclatasvir are now available for HCV genotype 1b-infected patients who are interferon-intolerant or ineligible or previous treatment null-responders. The treatment response to interferon-free regimens appears better, regardless of IL28B genotype. Maybe other interferon-free regimens will widely be available soon. In conclusion, although some HCV-infected individuals have IL28B favorable alleles, importance of IL28B will be reduced with availability of oral interferon free regimen.

DOI： 10.5501/wjv.v4.i3.178

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

AimOlder age has been widely believed to be associated with a poor prognosis of acute liver failure. We aimed to evaluate the impact of older age on outcomes of Japanese patients with severe and fulminant hepatitis in an era of a highly aging society.
MethodsWe investigated 105 consecutive adult patients with fulminant hepatitis (FH) or severe hepatitis (SH) admitted to our liver unit between 2000 and 2013, consisting of 14 elderly patients (65 years) and 91 younger ones (&lt;65 years).
ResultsIn elderly patients, the proportion of women was greater (P&lt;0.001), the levels of aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase on admission were lower (P=0.011 and P=0.010, respectively), and the survival rate without liver transplantation was lower (P=0.024) than younger ones. Two of seven SH and all seven FH elderly patients died, whereas all 45 SH and 16 of 46 FH younger patients recovered. Seventy-one percent of elderly patients had underlying diseases with medications, and 57% had additional complications after the start of treatment for acute liver failure. Patients aged 70 years or more showed even poorer prognoses than younger ones and those aged 65-69 years (P=0.0052 and P=0.036, respectively).
ConclusionOlder age was associated with a poor prognosis of patients with SH and FH. One of the reasons other than complications and loss of organ reserve by aging would be that elderly patients consulted us at a more advanced stage of illness than younger ones.

DOI： 10.1111/hepr.12426

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. HCV nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) is an attractive antiviral target and plays an important role in HCV replication as well as hepatocarcinogenesis. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of HCV NS5A protein in the abrogation of apoptotic cell death induced by the proteasome inhibitor MG132.
Methods
Apoptotic responses to MG132 and the expression of molecules involved in NF-kappa B signaling pathways in human hepatocytes were investigated with or without the expression of HCV NS5A.
Results
HCV NS5A protected HepG2 cells against MG132-induced apoptosis, in line with NF-kappa B-nuclear translocation. A similar NF-kappa B-nuclear translocation was observed in Huh7 cells infected with HCV JFH1. In agreement with this, after treatment with MG132, HCV NS5A could elevate the transcription of several NF-kappa B target genes such as BCL2 and BCLXL to inhibit MG132-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes. HCV HCV NS5A also enhanced phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha. Consistent with a conferred prosurvival advantage, HCV NS5A reduced MG132-induced poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase cleavage.
Conclusions
HCV NS5A expression enhances phosphorylation of I kappa B alpha, liberates NF-kappa B for nuclear translocation and downregulates MG132-induced apoptotic pathways in human hepatocytes. It is possible that the disruption of proteasome-associated apoptosis plays a role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0131973

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPRINGER  

Recent advances in interferon-free treatment could lead to the eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) from patients infected with HCV. One of the direct-acting anti-viral agents, HCV NS5A inhibitor, is available for these combination therapies. However, naturally occurring resistance-associated variants (RAVs) to HCV NS5A inhibitors in treatment-na &lt; ve patients chronically infected with HCV genotype 1b are still unknown.
We performed ultra-deep sequencing and analysed previously reported RAVs in a total 132 HCV genotype 1b-infected Japanese patients who had never used HCV NS5A inhibitors. We also performed direct-sequencing by Sanger method in consecutively selected 50 of the total 132 samples, and the differences between the results of the two methods were compared.
In the comparison of the variant frequencies of ultra-deep sequencing with RAVs of direct-sequencing by Sanger method in 50 patients, we identified 32 RAVs by direct-sequencing with the Sanger method; minimum variant frequency was shown by ultra-deep sequencing to be 9 %. A total of 110 RAVs were identified only by ultra-deep sequencing. In the samples from all 132 patients, L31W (2.3 %), L31V (49.2 %), L31F (41.7 %), L31M (1.5 %), L31I (5.3 %), L31S (2.0 %), L31P (3.0 %) and L31R (0.8 %), and Y93N (2.3 %), Y93H (25 %), Y93C (0.8 %), Y93P (2.3 %) and Y93D (0.8 %) were identified.
We demonstrated naturally-occurring RAVs of HCV NS5A inhibitors by ultra-deep sequencing and that several mutations including Y93H are common in HCV NS5A inhibitor-treatment-na &lt; ve patients with chronic HCV genotype 1b. Careful attention should be paid to these RAVs, and further improvement of treatment options might be needed.

DOI： 10.1007/s12072-015-9624-2

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：WILEY-BLACKWELL  

Background and AimWhether an antiviral interferon (IFN)-based therapy (IBT) after curative treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) improves the prognosis in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related HCC remains to be elucidated.
MethodsA total of 178 patients within the Milan criteria underwent curative treatment for HCV-related HCC. Both the time to beyond the Milan criteria (TTBMC) and overall survival (OS) were compared between the sustained virologic response (SVR) (IFN with SVR, n=22), non-SVR (IFN without SVR, n=19), and non-IBT (control, n=82) groups using propensity score matching analysis. Prognostic factors to predict survival were also determined by the Cox proportional-hazards model.
ResultsTTBMC in the IFN with SVR group was significantly longer than those in the control and IFN without SVR groups (P&lt;0.001 and P=0.006, respectively), although no significant difference existed between the IFN without SVR and control groups. Similarly, OS of the IFN with SVR group was significantly longer than that of the control and IFN without SVR groups (P&lt;0.001 and P=0.029, respectively), although no significant difference existed between the IFN without SVR and control groups. The Cox proportional-hazards model identified SVR as an independent prognostic factor in these patients. The IFN with SVR group showed a 0.096-fold decrease in mortality risk compared with the control group (95% confidence intervals=0.023-0.405; P=0.001).
ConclusionElimination of HCV after curative treatment of patients with HCC within the Milan criteria inhibits recurrence and contributes to a preferential prognosis.

DOI： 10.1111/jgh.12925

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the male-dominant liver diseases with poor prognosis, although treatments for HCC have been progressing in the past decades. Androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Previous studies reported that AR was expressed in human HCC and non-HCC tissues. AR is activated both ligand-dependently and ligand-independently. The latter is associated with a mitogen-activated protein kinase-, v-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog 1-, or signal-transducer and activator of transcription-signaling pathway, which has been implicated in the development of HCC. It has been reported that more than 200 RNA expression levels are altered by androgen treatment. In the liver, androgen-responsive genes are cytochrome P450s, transforming growth factor β, vascular endothelial growth factor, and glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa, which are also associated with human hepatocarcinogenesis. Recent studies also revealed that AR plays a role in cell migration and metastasis. It is possible that cross-talk among AR-signaling, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and innate immune response is important for human hepatocarcinogenesis and HCC development. This review shows that AR could play a potential role in human HCC and represent one of the important target molecules for the treatment of HCC.

DOI： 10.2147/jhc.s48956

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

Direct-acting antivirals with or without peginterferon α (PEG-IFN α) plus ribavirin are now available for the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Direct-acting antivirals are potent inhibitors of HCV replication, but some of them occasionally possess serious adverse events. We experienced a 64-year-old female with chronic HCV genotype 1b infection who showed elevated alanine aminotransferase of 528 IU/l at week 9 after the commencement of treatment of simeprevir with PEG-IFN α-2a plus ribavirin. However, she achieved sustained virological response at week 24 after the end of treatment. In Japan, we also have to treat elderly patients infected with HCV and/or advanced hepatic fibrosis. Until an effective interferon-free regimen is established, direct-acting antivirals with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin may still play a role in the treatment for certain patients. To avoid serious results from adverse events, careful attention and follow-up will be needed in the treatment course of simeprevir with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin for chronic HCV infection.

DOI： 10.1159/000437138

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE  

The JAK2 inhibitor AZD1480 has been reported to inhibit La protein expression. We previously demonstrated that the inhibition of La expression could inhibit hepatitis A virus (HAV) internal ribosomal entry-site (IRES)-mediated translation and HAV replication in vitro. In this study, we analyzed the effects of AZD1480 on HAV IRES-mediated translation and replication. HAV IRES-mediated translation in COS7-HAV-IRES cells was inhibited by 0.1-1 mu M AZD1480, a dosage that did not affect cell viability. Results showed a significant reduction in intracellular HAV HA11-1299 genotype IIIA RNA levels in Huh7 cells treated with AZD1480. Furthermore, AZD1480 inhibited the expression of phosphorylated-(Tyr-705)-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and La in Huh7 cells. Therefore, we propose that AZD1480 can inhibit HAV IRES activity and HAV replication through the inhibition of the La protein. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.02.058

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：MDPI AG  

The current treatments for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 1 infection are combinations of direct-acting antivirals, and faldaprevir is one of the new generation of HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors. At the end of 2013, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor simeprevir and the HCV NS5B polymerase inhibitor sofosbuvir. Simeprevir or sofosbuvir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin are available for clinical use. Faldaprevir, another HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitor that also has fewer adverse events than telaprevir or boceprevir, is under development. Of interest, faldaprevir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, and interferon-free treatment with faldaprevir in combination with deleobuvir plus ribavirin provides high sustained virological response rates for HCV genotype 1 infection. The aim of this article is to review these data concerning faldaprevir. Faldaprevir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment appears to be associated with fewer adverse events than telaprevir or boceprevir in combination with pegylated interferon and ribavirin, and may be one of the therapeutic options for treatment-naive patients with HCV genotype 1. The interferon-free combination of faldaprevir and deleobuvir with ribavirin was effective for HCV genotype 1 infection and may hold promise for interferon-ineligible and interferon-intolerant patients.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms16034985

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BIOMED CENTRAL LTD  

Background: Short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) can knockdown target genes and thus have an immense impact on biology and pharmacy research. The key question of which siRNAs have high knockdown ability in siRNA research remains challenging as current known results are still far from expectation.
Results: This work aims to develop a generic framework to enhance siRNA knockdown efficacy prediction. The key idea is first to enrich siRNA sequences by incorporating them with rules found for designing effective siRNAs and representing them as enriched matrices, then to employ the bilinear tensor regression to predict knockdown efficacy of those matrices. Experiments show that the proposed method achieves better results than existing models in most cases.
Conclusions: Our model not only provides a suitable siRNA representation but also can predict siRNA efficacy more accurate and stable than most of state-of-the-art models.

DOI： 10.1186/s12859-015-0495-2

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPRINGER JAPAN KK  

BackgroundThere has existed important differences in the definition of acute liver failure (ALF) between Japanese criteria and those of other countries. The novel diagnostic criteria for ALF in Japanese patients were established by the Intractable Hepato-Biliary Diseases Study Group of Japan, in order to correspond to those for ALF in Europe and the USA. We prospectively diagnosed our ALF patients based on this novel criteria, and discussed the etiology by a fixed point observation.
MethodsWe investigated the etiology of 54 adult inpatients and outpatients with ALF between 2010 and 2012.
ResultsOf 54 patients, 36 were ALF without coma, 17 ALF with coma and one late onset hepatic failure. The etiology was due to viral infections in 38.9%, autoimmune hepatitis in 11.1%, drug-induced liver injury in 13.0%, etiologies without hepatitis in 29.6% (circulatory disturbance in 18.5%, infiltration of the liver by malignant cells in 7.4%, and metabolic diseases in 3.7%) and indeterminate causes in 7.4%.
ConclusionsCirculatory disturbance was the most frequent etiology according to the novel criteria. Indeterminate etiology was less observed in our study than the nation-wide survey with significance (P = 0.0014).

DOI： 10.1002/jhbp.178

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Mosapride citrate-a prokinetic agent-improves hemoglobin A1c levels in diabetic patients; however, the underlying mechanism is unclear. We aimed to clarify this mechanism.
Preprandial and postprandial (90 min after a meal) blood was obtained from 12 healthy men, and serum insulin and plasma active glucagon-like peptide-1 concentrations were measured. Measurements were also taken after the administration of 5 mg of mosapride citrate three times per day after every meal for 14 days. In addition, C57BL/6 mice were permitted free access to water containing 0.04 % domperidone (D group) or 0.02 % mosapride citrate (M group) for 2 weeks (four mice per group). T1r2 (taste receptor, type 1, member 2), T1r3, and Gnat3 (guanine nucleotide-binding protein, alpha transducing 3) mRNA expression levels of the stomach, duodenum, and proximal and mid-jejunum were evaluated.
In human subjects, postprandial plasma active glucagon-like peptide-1 and serum insulin concentrations after administration of mosapride citrate were significantly higher than those pre-administration (4.8 +/- A 2.2 pmol/L, 45.6 +/- A 41.6 mu IU/mL, and 3.7 +/- A 1.2 pmol/L, 34.1 +/- A 28.4 mu IU/mL, respectively). The mouse expression levels of T1r2 and Gnat3 in the proximal jejunum and mid-jejunum in the M group (4.1 +/- A 1.8-fold, 3.1 +/- A 1.6-fold, and 4.6 +/- A 0.8-fold, 3.1 +/- A 0.9-fold increases, respectively), were significantly higher than those of the control group.
The administration of mosapride citrate for 2 weeks enhanced postprandial plasma active glucagon-like peptide-1 and serum insulin concentration and increased the expression of sweet taste receptors in the upper intestine.

DOI： 10.1007/s10620-014-3271-7

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The short-term prognosis of patients with severe acute exacerbation of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) leading to acute liver failure is extremely poor. We have reported the efficacy of corticosteroid in combination with nucleoside analogue in the early stages, but virological efficacy has not been documented. Our aim was to elucidate the virological efficacy of this approach. Thirteen patients defined as severe acute exacerbation of CHB by our uniform criteria were prospectively examined for virological responses to treatment. Nucleoside analogue and sufficient dose of corticosteroids were introduced as soon as possible after the diagnosis of severe disease. Of the 13 patients, 7 (54%) survived, 5 (38%) died and 1 (8%) received liver transplantation. The decline of HBV DNA was significant between the first 2 weeks (P = 0.02) and 4 weeks (P &lt; 0.01). Mean reduction in HBV DNA during the first 2 weeks was 1.7 +/- 0.9 log copies per mL in overall patients, 2.1 +/- 0.8 in survived patients and 1.2 +/- 0.9 in dead/transplanted patients. The decline of HBV DNA was significant between the first 2 weeks (P = 0.03) and 4 weeks (P = 0.02) in survived patients, but not in dead/transplanted patients. Our study shows that corticosteroid treatment in combination with nucleotide analogue has sufficient virological effect against severe acute exacerbation of CHB, and a rapid decline of HBV DNA is conspicuous in survived patients.

DOI： 10.1111/jvh.12258

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：S. Karger AG  

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is an emerging health concern in developing and developed countries, such as Japan. Five cases have recently been diagnosed as hepatitis E. Of interest, 3 of them had rheumatoid arthritis (RA), although a previous study demonstrated a lack of association between HEV and RA. One of the other patients developed autoimmune hepatitis and was successfully treated with corticosteroids approximately 150 days after the diagnosis of hepatitis E. In RA patients with liver dysfunction, the presence of HEV infection should be evaluated immediately because these patients are often relatively old. Further investigation of the association between HEV and autoimmune hepatitis is needed.

DOI： 10.1159/000441387

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：Baishideng Publishing Group Co  

Patients who are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and also have advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis have been recognized as "difficult-to-treat" patients during an era when peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy is the standard of care. Recent guidelines have clearly stated that treatment should be prioritized in this population to prevent complications such as decompensation and hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent advances in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C have been achieved through the development of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Boceprevir and telaprevir are first-generation DAAs that inhibit the HCV NS3/4A protease. Boceprevir or telaprevir, in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, improved the sustained virological response rates compared with peginterferon and ribavirin alone and were tolerated in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection without cirrhosis or compensated cirrhosis. However, the efficacy is lower especially in prior non-responders with or without cirrhosis. Furthermore, a high incidence of adverse events was observed in patients with advanced liver disease, including cirrhosis, in real-life settings. Current guidelines in the United States and in some European countries no longer recommend these regimens for the treatment of HCV. Next-generation DAAs include second-generation HCV NS3/4A protease inhibitors, HCV NS5A inhibitors and HCV NS5B inhibitors, which have a high efficacy and a lower toxicity. These drugs are used in interferon-free or in interferon-based regimens with or without ribavirin in combination with different classes of DAAs. Interferon-based regimens, such as simeprevir in combination with peginterferon and ribavirin, are well tolerated and are highly effective especially in treatment-naïve patients and in patients who received treatment but who relapsed. The efficacy is less pronounced in null-responders and in patients with cirrhosis. Interferon-free regimens in combination with ribavirin and/or two or more DAAs could be used for treatment-naïve, treatment-experienced and even for interferon-ineligible or interferon-intolerant patients. Some clinical trials have demonstrated promising results, and have shown that the efficacy and safety were not different between patients with and without cirrhosis. There are also promising regimens for genotypes other than genotype 1. Interferon is contraindicated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, and further studies are needed to establish the optimal treatment regimen for this population. In the future, interferon-free and ribavirin-free regimens with high efficacy and improved safety are expected for HCV-infected patients with advanced liver diseases.

DOI： 10.4254/wjh.v7.i8.1133

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：Baishideng Publishing Group Co  

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can cause liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Several studies have demonstrated that the eradication of HCV reduces the occurrence of HCC. In Japan, as many people live to an advanced age, HCV-infected patients are also getting older, and the age at HCC diagnosis has also increased. Although older HCV-infected patients have a risk of developing HCC, the treatment response to peginterferon-alpha plus ribavirin therapy is relatively poor in these patients because of drop-out or discontinuation of this treatment due to adverse events. It is established that the mechanism of action between interferon-alpha and interferon-beta is slightly different. Short-term natural interferon-beta monotherapy is effective for patients with acute hepatitis C and patients infected with HCV genotype 2 and low viral loads. Natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin for 48 wk or for 24 wk are also effective for some patients with HCV genotype 1 or HCV genotype 2. Natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin has been used for certain "difficult-to-treat" HCV-infected patients. In the era of direct-acting anti-virals, natural interferon-beta plus ribavirin may be one of the therapeutic options for special groups of HCV-infected patients. In the near future, signal transduction pathways of interferon-beta will inform further directions.

DOI： 10.4254/wjh.v7.i8.1125

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publisher：Baishideng Publishing Group Co  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistently infects approximately 350 million people, and approximately 600000 liverrelated deaths are observed per year worldwide. HBV infection is also one of the major risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The persistence of serum hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and high level of serum HBV DNA are thought to reflect a high HBV replication status in hepatocytes, causing cirrhosis, HCC and liver-related deaths. It has been reported that antiviral therapy, such as peginterferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues (NUCs), could suppress liver-related death by inhibiting the HBV DNA levels and inducing seroconversion from HBeAg to antibody to HBe antigen. Currently, peginterferon is widely used, but there are also several disadvantages in the use of peginterferon, such as various adverse events, the administration route and duration. It is difficult to predict the effects of treatment and interferon is contraindicated for the patients with advanced fibrosis of the liver and cirrhosis. With respect to NUCs, entecavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are current the first-choice drugs. NUCs can be administered orally, and their anti-viral effects are stronger than that of peginterferon. However, because cessation of NUC administration leads to high levels of viral replication and causes severe hepatitis, they must be administered for a long time. On the other hand, the use of both interferon and NUCs cannot eliminate covalently closed circular DNA of HBV. In this review, we evaluate the natural course of chronic HBV infection and then provide an outline of these representative drugs, such as peginterferon, entecavir and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.

DOI： 10.4254/wjh.v7.i11.1541

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Baishideng Publishing Group Co  

The current management therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients are discussed in this review. Despite the development of new therapies, HCC remains a "difficult to treat" cancer because HCC typically occurs in advanced liver disease or hepatic cirrhosis. The progression of multistep and multicentric HCC hampers the prevention of the recurrence of HCC. Many HCC patients are treated with surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), although these modalities should be considered in only selected cases with a certain HCC number and size. Although there is a shortage of grafts, liver transplantation has the highest survival rates for HCC. Several modalities are salvage treatments
however, intensive care in combination with other modalities or in combination with surgical resection or RFA might offer a better prognosis. Sorafenib is useful for patients with advanced HCC. In the near future, HCC treatment will include stronger molecular targeted drugs, which will have greater potency and fewer adverse events. Further studies will be ongoing.

DOI： 10.4254/wjh.v7.i15.1913

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Hindawi Limited  

Aim. Eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is still challenging even if interferon- (IFN-) free regimens with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for HCV-infected individuals are available in clinical practice. IFNL4 is a newly described protein, associated with human antiviral defenses. We investigated whether IFNL4 ss469415590 variant has an effect on the prediction of treatment response in HCV-infected patients treated with IFN-including regimens.
Patients and Methods. In all, 185 patients infected with HCV genotype 1 treated with peg-IFN plus ribavirin, with or without telaprevir, were genotyped for IFNL4 ss469415590. We retrospectively investigated whether the role of IFNL4 ss469415590 variant and other factors could predict sustained virological response (SVR) in Japanese patients infected with HCV genotype 1.
Results. There were 65.7%, 31.5%, and 2.8% patients in the IFNL4 ss469415590 TT/TT, TT/-G, and -G/-G groups, respectively. SVR rates were 82.1% or 49.3% in patients treated with peg-IFN plus ribavirin with or without telaprevir, respectively. IFNL4 ss469415590 variant and HCV viral loads or IFNL4 ss469415590 variant and early virological response were better predictors of SVR in patients treated with peg-IFN plus ribavirin with or without telaprevir, respectively.
Conclusion. In the era of DAAs, measurement of IFNL4 ss469415590 variant could help the prediction of SVR in Japanese HCV genotype 1 infected individuals treated with IFN-including regimens.

DOI： 10.1155/2014/723868

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：SPANDIDOS PUBL LTD  

The present study examined the expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78/Bip) in human pancreatic cancer cell lines and the effect of knockdown of GRP78 on the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). Human pancreatic cancer cell lines (KP-2, MIAPaCa-2, Panc-1 and SUIT-2), constitutively expressed GRP78. We also demonstrated that ER stress induced by thapsigargin upregulated protein levels of GRP78. In the presence of thapsigargin, knockdown of GRP78 enhanced the PARP cleavage in the human pancreatic cancer cells. These results provide evidence that GRP78 is a potential therapeutic target for 'difficult-to-treat' pancreatic cancer, in which ER stress signaling in part falls into disorder.

DOI： 10.3892/or.2014.3533

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：MDPI AG  

We retrospectively reviewed 413 recipients with hematologic malignancies who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) between June 1986 and March 2013. Recipients with antibody to hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and/or to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) were regarded as experiencing previous hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Clinical data of these recipients were reviewed from medical records. We defined &gt;= 1 log IU/mL increase in serum HBV DNA from nadir as HBV reactivation in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive recipients, and also defined &gt;= 1 log IU/mL increase or re-appearance of HBV DNA and/or HBsAg as HBV reactivation in HBsAg-negative recipients. In 5 HBsAg-positive recipients, 2 recipients initially not administered with nucleos(t) ide analogues (NUCs) experienced HBV reactivation, but finally all 5 were successfully controlled with NUCs. HBV reactivation was observed in 11 (2.7%) of 408 HBsAg-negative recipients; 8 of these were treated with NUCs, and fortunately none developed acute liver failure. In 5 (6.0%) of 83 anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs-positive recipients, HBV reactivation occurred. None of 157 (0%) recipients without HBsAg, anti-HBs or anti-HBc experienced HBV reactivation. In HSCT recipients, HBV reactivation is a common event in HBsAg-positive recipients, or in HBsAg-negative recipients with anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs. Further attention should be paid to HSCT recipients with previous exposure to HBV.

DOI： 10.3390/ijms151121455

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background: We previously reported that the hepatitis C virus (HCV) nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) down-regulates TLR4 signaling and lipopolysaccharide-induced apoptosis of hepatocytes. There have been several reports regarding the association between HCV infection and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Here, we examined the regulation of HCV NS5A on the apoptosis of hepatocytes induced by thapsigargin, an inducer of ER stress.
Methods: The apoptotic response to thapsigargin and the expression of molecules involved in human hepatocyte apoptotic pathways were examined in the presence or absence of HCV NS5A expression.
Results: HCV JFH1 infection induced ER stress in the Huh7 cell line. HCV NS5A protected HepG2 cells against thapsigargin-induced apoptosis, the effect of which was linked to the enhanced expression of the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein/immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein (GRP78). Consistent with a conferred pro-survival advantage, HCV NS5A reduced poly(adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase cleavage and activation of caspases-3, -7 and -9, and Bax expression, while increasing the expressions of the anti-apoptotic molecules XIAP and c-FLIP. HCV NS5A weakly interacts with GRP78 and enhances GRP78 expression in hepatocytes.
Conclusion: HCV NS5A enhances GRP78 expression, resulting in the inhibition of apoptotic properties, and inhibits thapsigargin-induced apoptotic pathways in human hepatocytes, suggesting that disruption of ER stress-mediated apoptosis may have a role in the pathogenesis of HCV infection. Thus, HCV NS5A might engender the survival of HCV-infected hepatocytes contributing to the establishment of persistent infection.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0113499

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There has existed important differences in the definition of acute liver failure (ALF) between Japanese criteria and those of other countries. The novel diagnostic criteria for ALF in Japanese patients were established by the Intractable Hepato-Biliary Diseases Study Group of Japan, in order to correspond to those for ALF in Europe and the USA. We prospectively diagnosed our ALF patients based on this novel criteria, and discussed the etiology by a fixed point observation.We investigated the etiology of 54 adult inpatients and outpatients with ALF between 2010 and 2012.Of 54 patients, 36 were ALF without coma, 17 ALF with coma and one late onset hepatic failure. The etiology was due to viral infections in 38.9%, autoimmune hepatitis in 11.1%, drug-induced liver injury in 13.0%, etiologies without hepatitis in 29.6% (circulatory disturbance in 18.5%, infiltration of the liver by malignant cells in 7.4%, and metabolic diseases in 3.7%) and indeterminate causes in 7.4%.Circulatory disturbance was the most frequent etiology according to the novel criteria. Indeterminate etiology was less observed in our study than the nation-wide survey with significance (P = 0.0014).

DOI： 10.1002/jhbp.178

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：PUBLIC LIBRARY SCIENCE  

Background: Despite the development and availability of hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccine, HAV infection is still a major cause of acute hepatitis that occasionally leads to fatal liver disease. HAV internal ribosomal entry-site (IRES) is one of the attractive targets of antiviral agents against HAV. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the impact of La, one of the cellular proteins, on HAV IRES-mediated translation and HAV replication.
Methods and Findings: We investigated the therapeutic feasibility of siRNAs specific for cellular cofactors for HAV IRES-mediated translation in cell culture. It was revealed that siRNA against La could inhibit HAV IRES activities as well as HAV subgenomic replication. We also found that the Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors SD-1029 and AG490, which reduce La expression, could inhibit HAV IRES activities as well as HAV replication.
Conclusions: Inhibition of La by siRNAs and chemical agents could lead to the efficient inhibition of HAV IRES-mediated translation and HAV replication in cell culture models. La might play important roles in HAV replication and is being exploited as one of the therapeutic targets of host-targeting antivirals.

DOI： 10.1371/journal.pone.0101993

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Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic cancer remain difficult to treat, and despite the ongoing development of new treatments, the overall survival rate has only modestly improved over the past decade. Liver and pancreatic progenitors commonly develop from endoderm cells in the embryonic foregut. A previous study showed that HCC and pancreatic cancer cell lines variably express androgen receptor (AR), and these cancers and the surrounding tissues also express AR. AR is a ligand-dependent transcription factor that belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. Androgen response element is present in regulatory elements on the AR-responsive target genes, such as transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF beta-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). It is well known that the activation of AR is associated with human carcinogenesis in prostate cancer as well as HCC and pancreatic cancer and that GRP78, TGF beta, and VEGF all play important roles in carcinogenesis and cancer development in these cancers. HCC is a male-dominant cancer irrespective of its etiology. Previous work has reported that vertebrae forkhead box A 1/2 are involved in estrogen receptors and/or AR signaling pathways, which may contribute to the gender differences observed with HCC. Our recent work also showed that AR has a critical role in pancreatic cancer development, despite pancreatic cancer not being a male dominant cancer. Aryl hydrocarbon (or dioxin) receptor is also involved in both HCC and pancreatic cancer through the formation of complex with AR. It is possible that AR might be involved in their carcinogenesis through major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related gene A/B. This review article describes AR and its role in HCC and pancreatic cancer and suggests that more specific AR signaling-inhibitors may be useful in the treatment of these "difficult to treat" cancers. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v20.i28.9229

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Dove Medical Press Ltd  

We report on a woman with hepatic involvement of primary systemic (immunoglobulin light chain, AL) amyloidosis. Her diagnosis was confirmed by liver biopsy. Clinical symptoms of hepatic amyloidosis are generally mild at its first stage, with most frequent findings being hepatomegaly and alkaline phosphatase elevation. Recent advances in the understanding of the pathophysiology of systemic amyloidosis have made several treatments available. However, its prognosis is occasionally poor. Because liver biopsy is not always safe, other modalities for the diagnosis are needed. Of interest was that fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake into the liver was observed, compared with that into the spleen, in this patient, indicating that FDG positron emission tomography and computed tomography might be useful for the diagnosis of hepatic amyloidosis with mild liver dysfunction. © 2014 Tawada et al.

DOI： 10.2147/IMCRJ.S63296

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Authorship：Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：BAISHIDENG PUBLISHING GROUP INC  

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) chronically infects more than 350 million people worldwide. HBV causes acute and chronic hepatitis, and is one of the major causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. There exist complex interactions between HBV and the immune system including adaptive and innate immunity. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and TLR-signaling pathways are important parts of the innate immune response in HBV infections. It is well known that TLR-ligands could suppress HBV replication and that TLRs play important roles in anti-viral defense. Previous immunological studies demonstrated that HBV e antigen (HBeAg) is more efficient at eliciting T-cell tolerance, including production of specific cytokines IL-2 and interferon gamma, than HBV core antigen. HBeAg downregulates cytokine production in hepatocytes by the inhibition of MAPK or NF-kappa B activation through the interaction with receptor-interacting serine/threonine protein kinase. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are also able to regulate various biological processes such as the innate immune response. When the expressions of approximately 1000 miRNAs were compared between human hepatoma cells HepG2 and HepG2.2.15, which could produce HBV virion that infects chimpanzees, using real-time RT-PCR, we observed several different expression levels in miRNAs related to TLRs. Although we and others have shown that HBV modulates the host immune response, several of the miRNAs seem to be involved in the TLR signaling pathways. The possibility that alteration of these miRNAs during HBV infection might play a critical role in innate immunity against HBV infection should be considered. This article is intended to comprehensively review the association between HBV and innate immunity, and to discuss the role of miRNAs in the innate immune response to HBV infection. (C) 2014 Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.3748/wjg.v20.i23.7197

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