  ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 2 inactivation reduces the extent and stability of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in miceKesteloot, Frédéric  ; ; et alin Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (2007), 46(5), 1620-1631 ADAMTS2 belongs to the "ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type I motif" (ADAMTS) family. Its primary function is to process collagen type I, II, III, and V precursors into mature molecules by ... [more ▼] ADAMTS2 belongs to the "ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type I motif" (ADAMTS) family. Its primary function is to process collagen type I, II, III, and V precursors into mature molecules by excising the aminopropeptide. This process allows the correct assembly of collagen molecules into fibrils and fibers, which confers to connective tissues their architectural structure and mechanical resistance. To evaluate the impact of ADAMTS2 on the pathological accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, mainly type I and III collagens, we evaluated carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in ADAMTS2-deficient (TS2(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice. A single carbon tetrachloride injection caused a similar acute liver injury in deficient and WT mice. A chronic treatment induced collagen deposition in fibrous septa that were made of thinner and irregular fibers in TS2(-/-) mice. The rate of collagen deposition was slower in TS2(-/-) mice, and at an equivalent degree of fibrosis, the resorption of fibrous septa was slightly faster. Most of the genes involved in the development and reversion of the fibrosis were similarly regulated in TS2(-/-) and NW mice. Conclusion: These data indicate that the extent of fibrosis is reduced in TS2(-/-) mice in comparison with their WT littermates. Inhibiting the maturation of fibrillar collagens may be a beneficial therapeutic approach to interfering with the development of fibrotic lesions. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 56 (9 ULg)Peginterferon alpha-2b is safe and effective in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with advanced fibrosis.; ; et al in Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (2007), 46(2), 388-94 Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with advanced fibrosis are often not considered for treatment with peginterferon (PEG-IFN) because IFN therapy may precipitate immunological flares, potentially inducing ... [more ▼] Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with advanced fibrosis are often not considered for treatment with peginterferon (PEG-IFN) because IFN therapy may precipitate immunological flares, potentially inducing hepatic decompensation. We investigated the efficacy and safety of treating hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive CHB patients with 52 weeks of PEG-IFN-alpha-2b (100 microg weekly) alone or in combination with lamivudine (100 mg daily). Seventy patients with advanced fibrosis (Ishak fibrosis score 4-6) and 169 patients without advanced fibrosis, all with compensated liver disease, participated in the study. Virologic response, defined as HBeAg seroconversion and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA < 10,000 copies/ml at week 78, occurred significantly more often in patients with advanced fibrosis than in those without (25% versus 12%, respectively; P = 0.02). Also patients with cirrhosis (n = 24) exhibited a virologic response more frequently than did patients without cirrhosis (30% versus 14%, respectively; P = 0.02). Improvement in liver fibrosis occurred more frequently in patients with advanced fibrosis (66% versus 26%, P < 0.001). HBV genotype A was more prevalent among patients with advanced fibrosis than among those without (57% versus 24%, P < 0.001). Most adverse events, including serious adverse events, were observed equally as frequently in patients with advanced fibrosis and those without. Fatigue, anorexia, and thrombocytopenia occurred more often in patients with advanced fibrosis than in those without (P < 0.01). Necessary dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy was comparable for both patient groups (P = 0.92 and P = 0.47, respectively). CONCLUSION: PEG-IFN is effective and safe for HBeAg-positive patients with advanced fibrosis. Because PEG-IFN therapy results in a high rate of sustained off-therapy response, patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis but compensated liver disease should not be excluded from PEG-IFN treatment. [less ▲] Detailed reference viewed: 35 (3 ULg)Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) listed for liver transplantation (LTX) outside the MELD system: outcome of a multicenter Eurotransplant series; ; et al in Hepatology (Baltimore, Md.) (2005, October), 42(4, suppl 1), 323-324 Detailed reference viewed: 25 (1 ULg) |
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