Dynamics of HBV DNA levels, HBV mutations and biochemical parameters during antiviral therapy in a patient with HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B.

Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection leads to long-term sequelae such as cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Antiviral therapy aims at controlling the viral replication and thus, decreasing the likelihood of such complications. In this study, we evaluated the dynamics of biochemical and virological parameters over 10 years of antiviral therapy in a Thai patient with chronic HBeAg-negative HBV infection, who had relapsed after two courses of interferon alfa treatment. Lamivudine administration initially led to a significant reduction in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBV DNA levels, but a subsequent emergence of YIDD mutants caused an ALT flare and a virus breakthrough. A 4-log HBV DNA decrease and normalization of the ALT level were achieved within 3 months of adefovir monotherapy without any relapse during follow-up exceeding 20 months. Thus, careful monitoring during treatment and knowledge of cross-resistance to antiviral salvage therapy are crucial for the management of patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Myristica fragrans Houtt. methanolic extract induces apoptosis in a human leukemia cell line through SIRT1 mRNA downregulation.

BACKGROUND: Myristica fragrans Houtt. (nutmeg) contains antibacterial, antiviral and anti-cancer activities. However the mechanisms underlying those activities have not been clearly explained. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Myristica fragrans Houtt. methanolic extract on Jurkat human leukemia T cell line. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Methanol extract of Myristica fragrans Houtt. (Myristicaceae) was used to study the effect on Jurkat cell metabolic activity using an MTT assay and on apoptosis using annexin V staining. Expression of SIRT1 gene was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: At the concentrations 50 and 100 ig/mL, the methanol extract of Myristica fragrans Houtt significantly inhibited Jurkat cell proliferation and induced apoptosis as detected by annexin V staining. Downregulation of SIRT1 mRNA expression in Jurkat cells was observed even when the amount of methanol extract was 10 microg/mL. CONCLUSION: Methanol extract of Myristica fragrans Houtt induced apoptosis of Jurkat leukemia T cell line in a mechanisms involving SIRTI mRNA downregulation.

Analysis of connective tissue growth factor promoter polymorphism in Thai children with biliary atresia.

OBJECTIVE: Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been proposed to play a key role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis in biliary atresia (BA). The aim of the present study was to determine the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the promoter region of CTGF gene in a Thai population, and to investigate the possible role of CTGF promoter polymorphism in the susceptibility of BA. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Genomic DNA was obtained from 84 patients with BA and 142 healthy controls. The -447 G/C and -132 C/G in CTGF promoter were amplified and examined by amplification-refractory mutation system (ARMs) and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis, respectively. The test of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) was performed using HWE program of SNPAnalyzer. Statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS and Epi Info. RESULT: According to the previous experiment, there were two SNPs, which were at position -447 and -132 on the promoter. However, there was only one SNP at the position -447 in the Thai population. No significant differences in genotype and allele frequency were observed between BA and controls or with BA subgroups. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that CTGF polymorphism at -447 G/C was not associated with BA and the jaundice status of the postoperative BA patients.