The antiviral effects were similar in the two groups

(sustained virological response rates [SVR], 40% in group A, 50% in group B). The discontinuation rates by anemia were 30% in group A and 20% in group B. Serum creatinine concentrations were lower in group B than those in group A. Although the exposure to TVR tended to be lower in 500 mg q8h than that in 750 mg q8h, the SVR rates in both groups were similar. The result suggests that the 500 mg selleck q8h dose may be one option for treatment. In addition, the present findings indicate that the development of adverse events which increase with a TVR-based regimen, specifically anemia and creatinine, could be avoided by dose adjustment of TVR. “
“The matricellular protein, thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1), is prominently expressed during tissue repair. TSP-1 binds to matrix components, proteases, cytokines, and growth factors and activates intracellular signals through its multiple domains. TSP-1 converts latent transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) complexes into their biologically active form. TGF-β plays significant roles in cell-cycle regulation, modulation of differentiation, and induction of apoptosis. Although TGF-β1 is a major inhibitor of proliferation PD0325901 in vivo in cultured hepatocytes, the functional requirement

of TGF-β1 during liver regeneration remains to be defined in vivo. We generated a TSP-1-deficient mouse model of a partial hepatectomy (PH) and explored TSP-1 induction, progression of liver regeneration, and TGF-β-mediated signaling during the repair process after hepatectomy. We show here that TSP-1-mediated TGF-β1 activation plays an important role in suppressing hepatocyte proliferation. TSP-1 expression was induced in endothelial cells (ECs) as an immediate early gene in response to PH. TSP-1 deficiency resulted in significantly reduced

TGF-β/Smad signaling and accelerated hepatocyte proliferation through down-regulation of p21 protein expression. TSP-1 induced in ECs by reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulated TGF-β/Smad signaling and proliferation in hepatocytes in vitro, suggesting that the immediately and transiently produced ROS in the regenerating liver were the responsible factor for TSP-1 induction. Conclusions: the We have identified TSP-1 as an inhibitory element in regulating liver regeneration by TGF-β1 activation. Our work defines TSP-1 as a novel immediate early gene that could be a potential therapeutic target to accelerate liver regeneration. (HEPATOLOGY 2011) Cell proliferation is part of the wound-healing response and plays a central role in regeneration after tissue damage. It is crucial to advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying tissue regeneration and to develop a novel strategy to enhance the regenerative process. Such knowledge, in turn, would yield clinical benefits, such as decreased morbidity and mortality.