Liver international : official journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Comparison of outcome in patients with cirrhosis and ascites following treatment with albumin or a synthetic colloid: a randomised controlled pilot trail.
The question of which colloid (albumin or synthetic colloids) used for plasma expansion following paracentesis or other complications requiring fluid loading in patients with cirrhosis remains controversial. ⋯ In patients with cirrhosis and ascites, human albumin appears to be more effective in preventing liver-related complications than synthetic colloid. This may be associated with decreased hospital costs.
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Comparative Study
Differential caspase-9-dependent signaling pathway between tumor necrosis factor receptor- and Fas-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis in mice.
Two apoptosis signaling pathways, which are used by different cell types, are identified. The activation of caspases is critical for the apoptosis process. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the caspase-9 inhibitor Ac-LEHD-CHO on tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)- and Fas-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis in vivo, in order to evaluate the similarities and distinctions between TNFR- and Fas-mediated signaling pathways. ⋯ Fas may rely on both caspase-8 activation (extrinsic pathway) and mitochondria (intrinsic pathway) to activate caspase-3. If the mitochondria-dependent pathway is blocked, the other pathway can compensate. In contrast, TNFR may mediate hepatocellular apoptosis mainly through the mitochondria-mediated caspase-9 activation pathway alone.