Studies using combinations of DAA agents with PEG-IFN/RBV have been initiated, and these studies will multiply. Whether or not RBV (and TBV) can be eliminated altogether remains to be determined. Particularly for those patients with unfavorable treatment characteristics, RBV may remain a part of our therapeutic armamentarium for years to come; if so, TBV could be an option with

the potential to limit toxicity and potentially reduce costs. The ideal study may combine TBV with a DAA agent and PEG-IFN and compare this to RBV to determine if SVR rates can be preserved or improved by the minimization of dose reductions and the reduction of the emergence of resistance. Because of the long wait between the approval of PEG-IFN and RBV and the yet-to-come approval of DAA agents, we should not discount the potential Roscovitine research buy contribution of TBV. Many promising agents have already been stopped

in development because of a lack of efficacy or toxicity.22, MG-132 nmr 23 Thus, if TBV can be shown to preserve or improve efficacy rates in combination with DAAs and PEG-IFN and bring lower rates of anemia, the use of TBV in these clinical settings would be a welcome addition to the HCV armamentarium as we begin to expand the HCV populations that we treat.1 “
“Peritoneovenous shunt (PVS) is accepted as a treatment for refractory ascites due to liver cirrhosis. Infection is a well-known complication of shunting. However, the effects of PVS in terms of complications for renal disease are unclear. We encountered a case involving a 52-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and complications of nephrotic syndrome that were worsened by PVS. He received PVS for refractory ascites due to alcoholic liver cirrhosis

before coming to our hospital for evaluation for liver transplantation. Nephrotic syndrome was then identified due to cirrhosis-related membranoproliferative SPTLC1 glomerulonephritis (MPGN). Prednisolone was administrated at 60 mg/day for MPGN. On day 5, he showed grade IV hepatic encephalopathy (West Haven criteria). Tapering prednisolone and intestinal cleansing with lactulose treatment improved hepatic encephalopathy, but hyperammonemia persisted and the PVS was removed. After shunt removal, urinary protein levels decreased from 4–6 g/day to 0.3–0.5 g/day and ammonia levels decreased. PVS may increase the excretion of urinary protein and increase ammonia levels in patients with complications of glomerulonephritis. “
“Lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) is preferentially expressed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functional role of Lcn2 in HCC progression is still poorly understood, particularly with respect to its involvement in invasion and metastasis.