Differentiation of embryonic stem cells into hepatocytes: Biological functions and therapeutic application

Hanako Yamamoto, Gary Quinn, Akira Asari, Hiroko Yamanokuchi, Takumi Teratani, Masaaki Terada, Takahiro Ochiya – 30 December 2003 – Embryonic stem (ES) cells provide a unique source for tissue regeneration. We examined whether mouse ES cells can efficiently differentiate into transplantable hepatocytes. ES cells were implanted into mouse livers 24 hours after carbon tetrachloride intoxication; ES‐derived cells with several hepatocyte‐cell‐markers were generated.

Detection of functionally altered hepatitis C virus‐specific CD4+ T cells in acute and chronic hepatitis C

Axel Ulsenheimer, J. Tilman Gerlach, Norbert H. Gruener, Maria‐Christina Jung, Carl‐Albrecht Schirren, Winfried Schraut, Reinhart Zachoval, Gerd R. Pape, Helmut M. Diepolder – 30 December 2003 – Chronic hepatitis C is characterized by a weak or absent hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐specific CD4+ T‐cell response in terms of antigen‐specific proliferation or interferon gamma (IFN‐γ) secretion.

Alterations in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid during ischemia‐induced acute hepatic failure in the pig

Georgia Kostopanagiotou, Christina Routsi, Vassilios Smyrniotis, Marilena E. Lekka, Eirini Kitsiouli, Nikolaos Arkadopoulos, George Nakos – 30 December 2003 – The objective of this controlled experimental animal study was to evaluate whether acute hepatic failure (AHF) can cause acute lung injury (ALI) and to investigate possible pathophysiologic mechanisms. Seventeen domestic pigs were randomly assigned to AHF and sham groups. AHF was induced by surgical devascularization of liver in 10 animals. Seven animals were sham operated.

Keratin mutation in transgenic mice predisposes to Fas but not TNF‐induced apoptosis and massive liver injury

Nam‐On Ku, Roy M. Soetikno, M. Bishr Omary – 30 December 2003 – Hepatocytes express keratins 8 and 18 (K8/18) as their only cytoskeletal intermediate filament (IF) proteins, and K8/18 mutations predispose their carriers to liver cirrhosis. Transgenic mice that overexpress mutant human K18 (Arg89→Cys [R89C]) develop mild chronic hepatitis, hepatocyte fragility, keratin filament disruption, and increased susceptibility to drug‐induced liver injury.

Influence of ursodeoxycholate‐enriched diet on liver tumor growth in HBV transgenic mice

Michele Barone, Eugenio Maiorano, Roberta Ladisa, Rosario Cuomo, Antonia Pece, Pasquale Berloco, Maria Lucia Caruso, Anna Maria Valentini, Achille Iolascon, Antonio Francavilla, Alfredo Di Leo, Enzo Ierardi – 30 December 2003 – Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transgenic mice (official designation, Tg [Alb‐1 HBV] Bri 44) invariably develop macroscopically evident tumors within the 20th month of life. Sustained proliferative activity seems to play an important role in the development of these lesions.

Randomized trial comparing albumin and saline in the prevention of paracentesis‐induced circulatory dysfunction in cirrhotic patients with ascites

Javier Sola‐Vera, Josep Miñana, Elena Ricart, Montserrat Planella, Begoña González, Xavier Torras, Jose Rodríguez, José Such, Sonia Pascual, Germán Soriano, Miguel Pérez‐Mateo, Carlos Guarner – 30 December 2003 – Paracentesis‐induced circulatory dysfunction (PICD) is a recently described complication that can be prevented with the administration of plasma expanders. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of saline versus albumin in the prevention of PICD. Patients were randomized to receive albumin or saline after total paracentesis.

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