Objective To investigate the relationship between serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT)or aspartate aminotransferase (AST)apportioned by the same hepatic parenchyma cell volume and liver histological necroinflammation grades in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B (CHB)patients.Methods A total of 145 CHB patients were divided into four groups:Gl,G2,G3 and G4 based on the liver histological necroinflammation grade.The serum ALT and AST levels were determined by automatic biochemical instrument in these four groups.Furthermore,serum ALT and AST levels were then apportioned by the same hepatic parenchyma cell volume.The data were analyzed by ANOVA.Results Mean serum ALT levels in G1,G2,G3 and G4 groups were (35.3±29.1),(91.6±120.4),(111.6± 116.1)and (118.0±122.1)U/L,respectively,and the serum ALT levels apportioned by same hepatic parenchyma cell volume were ( 54.0 ± 45.1 ),( 144.2 ± 184.9 ),(191.3± 204.8)and (215.1 ± 226.5)U/L,respectively.The pairwise comparison between G1 and other three groups all showed statistically significant difference (P＜0.05).Meanwhile,AST levels in G1 to G4 groups were (35.5± 29.0),(64.9±71.7),(96.0±81.9)and (102.8±77.0)U/L,respectively and the serum AST levels apportioned by the same hepatic parenchyma cell volume were (54.3±44.6),(102.3± 107.9),(165.2±148.7)and (189.4±145.4)U/L,respectively.The pairwise comparison between G1 and G3,G1 and G4,G2 and G3,G2 and G4 all showed statistically significant difference (P＜0.05).Conclusion Both AST and ALT levels are sensitive indicators for liver inflammation grading in HBeAg-negative CHB patients during the natural history of the disease.

Objective To investigate the balance of Th1/Th2 cytokines and its relationship with prognosis of severe chronic hepatitis B ( CHB ). Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from 112 severe CHB patients, 30 CHB patients and 30 healthy controls. IL-4, IFN-γ levels and HBV DNA loads were measured by ELISA and fluorescent PCR, respectively. The levels of cytokines in different stages, and their correlations with HBV DNA loads and short-term prognosis were analyzed. Results Higher levels of IL-4, IFN-γ and Th1/Th2 ratios in peripheral blood were detected in patients with severe CHB than those with CHB and the healthy controls (Z = 8.968, 10. 004 and 26. 067, P =0. 009, 0. 007 and 0. 000). IL4 levels in patients with end-stage server CHB were markedly higher than those in other stages ( Z = 3. 672 and 3. 158, P= 0.000 and 0.002), while their Thl/Th2 ratios were lower (Z=3. 161 and 2. 166, P=0.002 and 0. 030). No significant differences on levels of IL-4, IFN-γ and Th1/Th2 ratios were observed in severe CHB patients with different HBV DNA levels (Z =4.431, 2.626 and 0. 140, P =0.219, 0.403 and 0. 987). Elevated IL-4 was closely correlated with the high case-fatality rate within 12 weeks. Conclusions The balance between Th1 and Th2 cytokines is- disturbed in patients with severe CHB. Thl/Th2 ratio decreases with the aggravation of diseases, which may indicate unfavorable short-term prognosis.

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and its related factors of entecavir treatment for patients with acute on chronic hepatitis B liver failure (ACHBLF).Methods One hundred and eight patients with ACHBLF were enrolled and divided into entecavir group (n=53) and control group (n=55).HBV DNA level, liver function and 48-week survival rate were observed, and C ox regression model was established to identify the factors which may affect the efficacy of entecavir treatment.Results Totally 70 patients died in the study and 66 died within 12 weeks.The statistical difference on cumulative survival rate between two groups was observed from the third week on (χ2=5.357, P ＜ 0.05).The 48-weekcumulative survival rate in entecavir group was 47.2% (25/53), while that in the control group was 23.6%(13/55) (χ2=7.432, P ＜ 0.01).In entecavir group, for patients aged ＜ 40 with serum bilirubin level ＜513 μnol/L and international normalized ratio (INR) ＜ 2.5, the fatality rates decreased 74.9%, 75.3%and 76.0%, respectively.Conclusions Entecavir may improve the survival rate of patients with ACHBLF.Age, serum bilirubin level and INR are major factors related to the therapeutic efficacy.

OBJECTIVETo explore the effect and safety of topical propranolol hydrochloride gel for treatment of infantile hemangioma. METHODS Thirty nude mice (BALA/c, nu/nu) were divided into three groups, experimental group, control group and normal group. Human hemangioma endothelial cells cultured in vitro were injected subcutaneously in experimental group and control group to establish infantile hemangioma model. Topical propranolol hydrochloride gel was applied on the surface of the hemangioman in experimental group and normal group. Tumor volumn change and the skin situations (edema, erythema, ulceration) were observed at different periods. 45 days after cell injection, the mice were killed and plasma concentration was detected in the experimental group and the control group by high performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detector, and tumors were subjected to histopathologic examination and immunohistochemistry for CD31 and CD34. The correlation between volumes and plasma concentration was statistically analyzed with SPSS 13.0 paired samples t test with α = 0.05 as statistical standard.

RESULTSAt 45 days, the volume of the tumor in control group was (366.57 ± 17.08) mm³, which has a significant difference as compared to the experimental group (13.36 ± 2.09) mm³ (P < 0.05); and the plasma concentration was (16.83 ± 1.53) ng/ml in experimental group, and (18.42 ± 2.21) ng/ ml in normal group (P > 0.05 ). Topical propranolol hydrochloride gel (3%) has no irritation to nude mice's skin.

CONCLUSIONSTopical application of 3% propranolol hydrochloride gel is effective and safe for the treatment of infantile hemangioma.

Animals ; Gels ; administration & dosage ; Hemangioma ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Humans ; Immunohistochemistry ; Mice ; Mice, Nude ; Propranolol ; administration & dosage ; Skin Neoplasms ; drug therapy ; pathology ; Tumor Burden ; drug effects

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of topical propranolol gel on the levels of plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblastic growth factor (bFGF) and matrix metalloproteinases-9 (MMP-9) in proliferating infantile hemangiomas (IHs) of superficial type.

METHODS33 consecutive children with superficial IHs were observed pre-treatment, 1 and 3 months after application of topical propranolol gel for the levels of plasma VEGF, MMP-9 and bFGF by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Department of General Surgery of Dongfang Hospital from February 2013 to February 2014. The plasma results of IHs were compared with those of 30 healthy infants. The clinical efficacy in IHs was evaluated by Achauer system. Differences of plasma results between the healthy group and the IHs group pre-treatment were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U-test. Paired sample comparisons of any two time points of pre-treatment, 1 month and 3 months after treatment in IHs were evaluated by Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTSThe clinical efficiency of topical propranolol gel at 1, 3 months after application were 45.45%, 81.82% respectively. The levels of plasma VEGF and MMP-9 in patients pre- treatment were higher than those in healthy infants [(362.16 ± 27.29) pg/ml vs (85.63 ± 8.14) pg/ml, (1376.41 ± 42.15) pg/ml vs (687.27 ± 44.1) pg/ml, P < 0.05], but the level of bFGF did not show significant difference [(176.03 ± 13.60 ) pg/ml vs (235.94 ± 35.43 ) pg/ml, P > 0. 05 ]. The concentrations of VEGF and bFGF at 1, 3 months after treatment decreased obviously [(271.51 ± 18.59) pg/ml vs (362.16 ± 27.29 ) pg/ml, (135.85 ± 12.66) pg/ml vs (176.03 ± 13.60) pg/ml], 1 month after treatment vs pre-treatment, P < 0.05; (240.80 ± 19.89) pg/ml vs (362.16 ± 27.29) pg/ml, (107.31 ± 5.82) pg/ml vs (176.03 ± 13.60) pg/ml, 3 month after treatment vs pre-treatment, P < 0.05, whereas the levels of plasma MMP-9 declined slightly [(1321.18 ± 48.74) pg/ml vs (1376.41 ± 42.15 ) pg/ml, (1468.68 ± 32.78) pg/ml vs (1376.41 ± 42 2.15 ) pg/ml, P > 0.05 ].

CONCLUSIONSPropranolol gel may suppress the proliferation of superficial infantile bemangiomas by reducing VEGF and bFGF.

Administration, Topical ; Case-Control Studies ; Child ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 ; blood ; Gels ; Hemangioma ; blood ; drug therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 ; blood ; Propranolol ; pharmacology ; Time Factors ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A ; blood

Objective To investigate the susceptibility of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) to hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection during induction toward hepatocyte and the role of asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) in BMSC HBV infection. Methods BMSC obtained from hepatitis B patients were tested for HBV infection and then cultured with HBV infectious serum in vitro and induced to differentiate into hepatocyte through exposure to hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), fibroblast growth factor-4(FGF-4), and epidermal growth factor(EGF). Subsequently these cells were determined for the presence of hepatitis B virus e antigen( HBeAg), hepatitis B virus surface antigen(HBsAg) and ASGPR. All experiments were repeated for 3 times in 5 different samples. The results were analyzed by non-parametric test. Results After 6 days of exposure, BMSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells expressed hepatic special genes and proteins, including alpha fetoprotein(AFP),cytokeratin18 (CK18), albumin (Alb), and manifested hepatocyte functions, including glycogen synthesis, urea secretion and albumin synthesis. Expressions of CK18 and Alb were increased, and AFP was decreased with time of induction. The BMSC were resistant to HBV infection both in vitro and in vivo or after induction toward hepatocyte. ASGPR expression level was low in BMSC, which was increased in the induced BMSC but still lower than that of the control HepG2 cells. Conclusions BMSC are resistant to HBV infection both in vitro and in vivo. The low level expression of ASGPR may be a reason for this.

Objective To establish a scoring system for evaluating the severity of hepatitis B patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure and to compare the validity of this system with model for end-stage liver disease (MELD). Methods MELD score was used in hepatitis B patients with acuteon-chronic liver failure who were divided into survival group (203 cases) and death group (196 cases).Seven clinical relative indices, including prothrombin activity, serum creatinine, hepatic encephalopathy, accompanying infections, serum total bilirubin, the dimension of liver, the amount of ascites, were selected for evaluating the severity. Each index was graded with 1 to 4 points based on the severity. Then the total score was counted by adding up scores of each index. T test and area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used to evaluate the difference and similarity of the two systems. Results According to the new scoring system, the total score was 8. 07±3. 14 in the survival group and 16. 91 ±3. 54 in the death group. There was a statistically significant difference between these two groups (t = 26.125. P<0.01). In 81.32% of survival patients, their scores ranged from 3.91 to 12.23, while in 81.32% of dead patients, their scores ranged from 12.23 to 21.60. The two ranges overlapped at 12.23. According to the MELD system, the total score was 26. 43 ±5. 58 in the survival group and 40. 16 ±10. 22 in the death group. The difference between the two groups was statistically different (t = 16. 566, P<0. 01). In 61.02% of survival patients, the MELD scores ranged from 21. 49 to 31. 19, while in 61. 02% of the dead patients, the MELD scores ranged from 31. 19 to 48. 94. The two ranges overlapped at 31.19. The areas under ROC of the new scoring system and MELD system were 0.960 (95% CI: 0. 944-0. 977) and 0.886 (95% C/;0. 852 - 0. 920). No overlap was found in these two 95%CJ and there was a statistically significant difference. Conclusions The new scoring system is applicable for evaluating the severity and prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure in hepatitis B patients. The sensitivity of this new scoring system is approximate to the MELD system.

Objective To assess the application of a new scoring system for severity evaluation of acute-on-chronic liver failure induced by hepatitis B.Methods A total of 399 patients (203 survivals and 196 deaths) with acute-on-chronic liver failure induced by hepatitis B were collected from the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University during January 2003 and June 2008.All patients were graded with the new scoring system and model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) at critical stage (survivals) or terminal stage (deaths).The survival rates and fatality rates of patients who were graded by two scoring systems were analyzed and compared.Results With MELD system,the fatality rate was 11.89％ (17/143) in patients with scores of 15-26,64.68％ (141/218) with scores of 27-48,and 100％ (38/38) with scores of 49-69.No score range with fatality rate of 0 was found.While with the new scoring system,the survival rate was 99.2％ (126/127) when the severity scores were between 2 to 8,and patients with scores 2,3,4,5,6 and 8 were all survived; the fatality rates were gradually raised from 4.2％ (1/24) with scores of 9-17 to 100％ (82/82) with scores of 18 and above.Conclusion The new scoring system is more objective,simple and sensitive than MELD system,which can be used for severity evaluation of acute-onchronic liver failure induced by hepatitis B.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy,safety and the possible mechanism of shenfu injection (SFI)in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).Methods A total of fifty-eiSht patients with SAP admitted to Research Institute of General Surgery of Nanjing Military Command from June 2006 to September 2008 were randomized into the conventional group(n=28)and SFI group(n=30).Patients in SFI group were treated by plus SFI(50 ml per day for 7 days)on routine treatment.The time to pain ease,bowel sound recovery times,body temperature recovery time were observed;APACHE Ⅱ score,Binder point was calculated;serum amylase,TNF-α and IL-1β were measured.The complication rate,operation rate,mortality were analyzed.Results The duration of abdominal pain,recovery of bowel sound,body temperature,and mean hospital stay days in SFI group were 95.3±2.8)d,(5.1±1.7)d,(7.1±2.4)d and(32.4±6.4)d;7 days later the APACHE Ⅱ score,Binder point was 8.63±1.33 and 6.50±1.66.respectively;the serum levels of amylase,TNF-α,and IL-1β were(1152±576)U/L,(48.7±16.4)ns/na and(199.3±53.3)ng/ml,respectively.12 episodes of severe complication occurred,operation rate was 3.33%(4/30)and the mortality rate was 0%.All the parameters were statistically significantly lower than those in the conventional group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).There was no adverse event related to SFI.Conclusions SFI was safe and effective for SAP,and the mechanism may be related to inhibit over-release of inflammatory medium and cytokines,and improve microcirculation.

Objective To explore the efficacy of 3 years of continuous entecavir treatment in nucleos(t) ide-naive chronic hepatitis B patients.Methods A total of 82 chronic hepatitis B patients received the antiviral therapy of entecavir 0.5 mg/d.The ALT level and HBV-DNA loads before and after the treatment were observed.And the rates of ALT normalization,HBV DNA clearances,HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion during the end of the therapy of year 1,2 and 3 were also studied.Results For the 82 patients,during the end of the therapy of year 1,2 and 3,the rates of ALT normalization were 79.3％ (65/82),84.2％ (69/82)and 92.7％ (76/82) ; the HBV-DNA loads were (3.108 ± 1.394),(2.637 ± 0.571) and (2.670 ± 0.982) log10 copies/ml; the rates of HBV DNA clearances were 65.9％ (54/82),81.7％ (67/82) and 89.0％ (73/82) respectively.And for the 60 cases of HBeAg positive patients,during the end of the therapy of year 1,2 and 3,the rates of HBeAg loss were 18.3％ (11/60),43.3％ (26/60) and 41.7％ (25/60) ; the rates of HBeAg seroconversion were 16.7％ (10/60),28.3％ (17/60) and 31.7％ (19/60) respectively.Conclusions Continuous entecavir treatment in nucleos(t) ide-naive chronic hepatitis B patients could inhibit HBV replication effectively,enhance ALT normalization and HBeAg seroconversion.And prolongationg of treatment may increase the rates of HBV DNA clearances,HBeAg loss and HBeAg seroconversion.