Protozoa concentrations were very variable across the %grass rang

Protozoa concentrations were very variable across the %grass range but in extreme grazers, only low concentrations were reported. The results indicate that diet determines protozoa concentrations and part of the taxonomic composition of the protozoal fauna, but not protozoal

diversity. Yet, conditions determining the protozoal fauna have not been completely understood; in particular, conditions relating to the presence of Diplodiinae and Isotrichidae, which occur in opposing magnitudes in wild and domestic ruminants, respectively, remain to be investigated. The results indicate clear effects of the ecology of host species (BM, natural diet) on the ecology of their protozoal endobionts. “
“In South Africa, animals and plants are commonly Torin 1 molecular weight used as traditional medicine for both the healing of ailments and for symbolic purposes such as improving relationships and attaining good fortune. The aim of this study was twofold: to quantify the species richness

and diversity of traded animal species and to assess the trade in species of conservation concern. We surveyed the Faraday traditional medicine market in Johannesburg and conducted 45 interviews of 32 traders during 23 visits. We identified 147 vertebrate species representing about 9% of the total number of vertebrate species in South Africa and about 63% of the total number of documented species (excluding domestic animals) traded in all South African traditional medicine markets. The vertebrates 3-MA in vivo included 60 mammal species, 33 reptile species, 53 bird species and one amphibian species. Overall, species diversity in the MCE Faraday market was moderately high and highest for mammals and birds, respectively. Evenness values indicated that relatively few species were dominant. Mammal body parts and bones were the most commonly sold items (n=2453, excluding porcupine quills and pangolin scales), followed by reptiles (n=394, excluding osteoderms), birds (n=193, excluding feathers and ostrich

eggs) and amphibians (n=6). Most (87.5%) species traded were of least concern using IUCN criteria, although 17 species were of conservation concern. However, a higher than expected proportion of traders (62.5%) were selling listed species, which is a matter for concern and should be monitored in the future. “
“The field of animal vocal communication has benefited greatly from improved understanding of vocal production mechanisms and specifically from the generalization of the source–filter theory of speech production to non-human mammals. The application of the source–filter theory has enabled researchers to decompose the acoustic structure of vocal signals according to their mode of production and thereby to predict the acoustic variation that is caused by anatomical or physiological attributes of the caller.

The occlusion was adjusted to present solid interdigitation, cani

The occlusion was adjusted to present solid interdigitation, canine guidance, and consistent and regular occlusal contacts. After delivery of the definitive restorations, harmonious vertical facial relations were achieved with a satisfactory nose/lip/chin relationship (Fig 10). A class I relationship was obtained. The patient was extremely satisfied with the treatment outcome. The patient received instructions on meticulous oral hygiene care. A strict 6-month recall regimen was maintained. To date, the patient has worn the prosthesis for 5

years and reported no complications (Figs 11, 12). This clinical report presents the prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with CCD after orthodontic treatment. The treatment of dental abnormalities associated with CCD often requires selleck kinase inhibitor multidisciplinary approaches with a combination of orthodontics, prosthodontics, and

orthognathic surgical interventions. Despite orthodontic treatment, this patient presented a deficient lower facial height and unsatisfactory facial appearance because the underlying skeletal deformity had not been solved. In treating this patient with decreased OVD, standard phonetic and esthetic criteria were evaluated to determine the appropriate OVD.[7, 17-21] The patient’s ability to adapt to the increa-sed OVD was verified by an interim overdenture. BMN 673 research buy The patient did not show any negative consequences to the increased OVD. A maxillary overdenture covering the natural teeth could be a treatment option in this case. The advantages of overdentures compared with fixed prostheses include preservation of tooth structure and relatively low cost; however, there are disadvantages of overdentures as well. Caries tend to frequently occur because supporting teeth are isolated

medchemexpress from normal salivary contact by the overdenture.[16] Occlusal wear of the overdenture can be a problem after long-term use. Here, the patient preferred an FDP to an overdenture. Facial esthetics and lip support were satisfactory with the fixed interim prosthesis. Due to the increased OVD, the crown-to-root ratio was compromised for the fixed prosthesis. No objective criteria are yet identified to define the need for splinting in relation to violating the crown-to-root ratio.[22] However, splinting the maxillary teeth was considered to achieve stabilization against occlusal force. Splinting abutments may enhance stability and may significantly distribute horizontal forces.[23] A telescopic prosthesis was determined to be the treatment option. Inner telescopic copings were permanently cemented individually to the maxillary teeth, and then a detachable telescopic prosthesis (the superstructure) was cemented with provisional cement. Although this prosthesis requires complex laboratory procedures, there are many advantages.[24-27] The primary advantage of a telescopic prosthesis is retrievability.

Our aim was to assess the interobserver agreement (IA) in CH-EUS

Our aim was to assess the interobserver agreement (IA) in CH-EUS. Methods:  Fifteen endosonographers (eight experienced and seven non-experienced) from 11 Italian EUS centers evaluated 80 video-cases (40 solid pancreatic lesions, 20 pancreatic cystic lesions and 20 submucosal lesions) of CH-EUS, according to selleck inhibitor the degree of enhancement, the pattern of distribution and the washout of the contrast agent. IA within each

group and between the two groups of observers was assessed with the Fleiss kappa statistic. Results:  Overall IA was moderate for the uptake and fair for the pattern of distribution and the washout. In solid pancreatic lesions, IA was moderate for the uptake and fair for the pattern and the washout. In cystic pancreatic lesions, IA was uniformly moderate for the assessment of uptake, slight for the pattern and fair for the washout. In submucosal tumors,

IA was substantial for the uptake, slight for the pattern and fair for the washout. Non-experienced endosonographers demonstrated, in most cases, comparable IA with the experienced ones. Conclusions:  Interobserver agreement among endosonographers for CH EUS was satisfactory. In particular, overall IA varied from slight to substantial, being fair in the majority of cases. Inherent structural features of the lesions, as well as technical differences between the variables assessed, could have accounted for the fluctuation of the results. Outcomes of IA were reproducible between experienced and non-experienced endosonographers. “
“Cirrhotic ascites due to liver failure is a bad prognostic sign. The pathogenesis of ascites, investigations, learn more and management strategies are reviewed. “
“Aim:  Add-on adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) therapy has been a standard rescue treatment for patients with lamivudine (LAM)-resistant chronic hepatitis B, but the overall benefits of long-term add-on ADV therapy are still limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term efficiency of add-on ADV treatment and to explore predictive factors associated with it. Methods:  A total of 158 patients with LAM-resistant chronic hepatitis

B were included in this retrospective, multicenter, nationwide study in Japan. After confirming LAM resistance, 上海皓元 ADV was added to LAM treatment. Three types of events were considered as outcomes: virological response, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization. Virological response was defined as serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels of less than 3 log copies/mL. Baseline factors contributing to these outcomes were examined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results:  The median total duration of ADV treatment was 41 months (range, 6–84). The rate of virological response was 90.8% at 4 years of treatment; HBeAg clearance and ALT normalization were achieved by 34.0% and 82.

To assess the ability of copy number traits to predict patient ou

To assess the ability of copy number traits to predict patient outcomes, we compared the number of copy number traits that are associated with clinical outcomes to the number from a permutated dataset where the sample labels were randomly shuffled for each trait independently. cis-correlations

between a gene’s copy number and its own messenger RNA (mRNA) expression across tumors were calculated using Pearson’s correlation. P values associated with the resulting correlation coefficients were corrected for multiple hypotheses testing using the BH method. The null correlation distribution was obtained by shuffling the sample label between each copy number and expression vector independently for all genes. Genes with expression changes driven by somatic CNAs were selected from GISTIC2 amplification or deletion peaks with significant cis-correlation (FDR ≤0.05). We used the canonical pathway database from the Molecular Panobinostat manufacturer Signatures Database BMN 673 (MSigDB),[13] excluding gene sets with fewer than 10 or more than 500 members. Overrepresentation of selected genes among these pathways was assessed using Fisher’s exact test. The FDR was calculated based on 100 permutations where random gene sets of the same size were tested. The final top 17 pathways were selected based on (1) enrichment FDR ≤0.05 and (2) at least 30% of HCCs in the studied cohort having at least

one gene in the pathway altered by somatic CNAs. Total RNA was extracted from cell lines using the RNeasy Plus Mini Kit (Qiagen, Valencia, CA). The Taqman gene expression assay was performed using the TaqMan RNA-to-CT 1-step Kit protocol (catalog no.: 4392938; Applied Biosystems, Foster City, CA), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Data were derived from three independent experiments. Data analysis was performed using Stratagene’s software (Stratagene, La Jolla, CA), where

threshold cycle values were unlogged and normalized by the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) reference. Knockdown percentage was calculated as percent reduction in average signal from siBCL9 or medchemexpress siMTDH cells, relative to siControl cells (set to 100%), in each assay. The cell proliferation assay was performed using the CyQuant Direct Cell Proliferation assay (Life Technologies Corporation, Carlsbad, CA), according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Data were derived from five independent experiments. Percent inhibition was calculated as percent reduction in average signal from siBCL9 or siMTDH cells, relative to siControl cells (set to 100%), in each assay. P values between siControl and siBCL9 or siMTDH samples were calculated using a two-sample t test. Cells expressing small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting BCL9, MTDH, or control were suspended in a top layer of RPMI growth media and 0.35% Ultrapure LMP agar (Life Technologies) and plated on a bottom layer of growth media and 0.

Consistently, no evidence of significant induction of apoptosis w

Consistently, no evidence of significant induction of apoptosis was observed in HCV protein-expressing cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of the non-immunosuppressive CsA analogue alisporivir on HCV-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Well-characterized cell lines inducibly expressing the entire HCV polyprotein were chosen as an in vitro model, allowing to study the effects of alisporivir on mitochondrial physiology independent from its antiviral effect.21 In a recent model, proposed by us, the earliest event leading to mitochondrial Dasatinib in vitro dysfunction is the entry of Ca2+ into mitochondria19 (see also Li et al.29 and Dionisio et al.30). This event was suggested to take place

at mitochondrial-ER contact sites and is likely due to ER stress induced by HCV proteins.31, 32 Increased steady-state levels of mtCa2+ induce further alterations comprising production

of nitric oxide, inhibition of the respiratory chain and generation of ROS, thereby creating the conditions for a state of oxidative stress. Both Ca2+ and ROS are inducers of the MPTP, enhancing its opening probability.13, 14, 26, 27 Transient activation of the MPTP is thought to regulate the homeostasis of mtCa2+ levels and of the mtΔΨ.33 However, conditions leading to a persistent opening of the MPTP cause a complete collapse of the mtΔΨ and release of low molecular weight metabolites as well as coenzymes, with consecutive impairment of energy production by the oxidative phosphorylation system.28, 33, 34 Finally, continuous activation of the MPTP PLX4032 supplier causes the release of proapoptotic factors residing within the mitochondrial intermembrane space. Depending on the prevailing conditions, this may lead to selective removal of damaged organelles, programmed cell death, or necrosis.14, 15 Enhanced hepatocyte apoptosis has been demonstrated in chronic hepatitis C.35 Nevertheless,

HCV infection persists in the majority of patients. The consequences of apoptosis in chronic hepatitis C are not well understood. Proapoptotic and antiapoptotic effects have been described in vitro for some HCV proteins, in particular for core and NS5A.36 However, it is unknown which viral proteins affect apoptosis in a natural HCV infection medchemexpress in vivo. Insufficient apoptosis, with failure to remove cells carrying genetic alterations, and increased proliferation in the context of persistent inflammation, may promote the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. However, chronic apoptotic stimulation may also contribute to cancer development because of the high rate of regeneration invoked in the tissue, which enhances the risk of mitotic errors. Therefore, therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibiting apoptosis may be beneficial in chronic hepatitis C, and phase 2 trials are ongoing to explore the effect of a pancaspase inhibitor in chronic hepatitis C.

3A) Hematoxylin and eosin after 24 hours of reperfusion showed i

3A). Hematoxylin and eosin after 24 hours of reperfusion showed increased hepatocellular injury with swelling and fatty changes in wild-type mice compared to mice null for CD39 (Supporting Fig. 2A,B). Cytokine profiling

from serum taken after 3 hours of reperfusion reveals decreased circulating proinflammatory cytokines (Fig. 3B). In order to represent an outcome parameter of potential clinical implication, the area of necrosis was assessed after 4 days of reperfusion.22 Representative images of hematoxylin and eosin staining of liver injury after 4 days of reperfusion are shown in Fig. 3C,D. Long-term effects of liver injury were determined selleck chemicals llc by measurement of the area of liver necrosis at day 4 after ischemia (Fig. 3E). CD39 is the dominant ectonucleotidase on the systemic endothelium but is absent on quiescent liver sinusoidal endothelial cells with heightened expression noted with liver injury and regeneration on proliferating cells.18 We undertook to analyze expression patterns of CD39 on sinusoidal nonendothelial cells and to determine how these click here affected responses after IRI. To examine the contributions of the endothelial versus myeloid and immune

cell components, wild-type mice were reconstituted with bone marrow from wild-type or CD39-null mice after lethal total body irradiation. Transfer of wild-type bone marrow was associated with significantly more injury after 3 hours of hepatic reperfusion, MCE when compared to transfer of bone marrow from CD39-null mice (Fig. 4A). Expansion of hepatic NK and NKT cells was assessed 3 hours after reperfusion by measuring fractions of intrahepatic

lymphocytes. At this time point, expansion of NK cells was observed in wild-type and CD39-null mice (Fig. 4B). The fraction of NK cell population of the entire hepatic mononuclear cells was significantly higher in mice null for CD39. At these same time points, no significant expansion of hepatic NKT cells was observed (Fig. 4C). Next, we tested whether CD39 on NKT cells alone can directly modulate hepatic IRI in immunodeficient, reconstituted mice. This was done via adoptive transfer of purified NKT cells (CD3-positive, NK1.1-positive) to Rag1-null mice (which lack T cells, B cells, and NKT cells but contain NK cells). No difference was seen in hepatic injury measured as ALT elevation after adoptive transfer of either CD39-null or of wild-type NKT cells (Fig. 4D). At 24 hours after reperfusion, however, there was significantly less injury in nonreconstituted mice (without previous cell transfer; phosphate-buffered saline used as a vehicle control) when compared to the two reconstituted groups. IFNγ seems to be crucial in mediating at least some of the manifestations of hepatic and renal IRI.

9% to 29% This clearly indicates that product immunogenicity an

9% to 2.9%. This clearly indicates that product immunogenicity and switching to a different product Selleckchem R428 carry with them only a small risk for inhibitor

development. In addition, PTPs are likely to be older than untreated patients, and other confounding and potentially contributory factors not considered will have, in some cases, an immunological impact. The incidence of inhibitors in PUPs and MTPs with haemophilia A ranged from 4.4% [23] to 52% [1]. As a result of the potential influence of confounding factors, both genetic and non-genetic, it is not possible to fully appreciate the impact of the type of concentrate and product immunogenicity per se. It is also noteworthy that the incidence of inhibitors varies between cohorts despite the use of the same product, which underscores both the heterogeneity of the studies and the importance of a well-characterized cohort for study to better appreciate the immunogenicity of the product itself. Survey.  The issue of product switching was considered to be of moderate to low (3–2) importance and influence on clinical practice by

the majority of the group. The this website type of product was considered of moderate to low importance (no individual rated it at 5) (Figs 1 and 2), but its influence on clinical practice was highly variable (Fig. 1). Recommendations.  The European Haemophilia Therapy Standardisation Board concluded that in PTPs there is no evidence to suggest that the immunogenicity of various types of product will differ and that the use of these concentrates, or a switch between them, will be

associated with a risk of inhibitor development. Thus far, there is insufficient evidence with regard to inhibitor risk for a treating physician to select one product over another and recent findings suggesting an impact of the FVIII polymorphism on inhibitor risk require further studies [67]. MCE Evaluating whether the type of concentrate has the ability to modulate the risk in PUPs in a significant way and thereby establishing implications for the use of different types of factor concentrates will require well-designed, prospective clinical trials. These trials must also consider all other aspects of product choice. Independent of the concentrate used, EHTSB recommended that all patients should be carefully monitored during the high-risk period at start of treatment. This review of the literature revealed a lack of data allowing a proper appreciation of the potential impact of a variety of non-genetic risk-factors on inhibitor development. The most important factors appear to be: the reason for the first infusion at young age and the intensity of treatment. In these situations the immune system may be exposed to the deficient factor within the context of immune system challenges and the occurrence of danger signal(s). The prophylactic use of factor concentrates to prevent bleeds is state-of-the-art.

8, 9 More interestingly, FXR null mice spontaneously develop live

8, 9 More interestingly, FXR null mice spontaneously develop liver tumors when they age.10, 11 Because bile acids are known to cause DNA damage and induce cell transformation if their levels are not controlled, FXR’s roles in suppressing bile acid synthesis as well as promoting liver repair could be an intrinsic mechanism to protect liver from tumorigenesis.12, 13 Although bile acids are synthesized in the liver, FXR in both liver and intestine are required to control levels of bile acids. FXR represses CYP7a1 gene expression through the coordinated induction of fibroblast growth factor

15 (FGF15) in intestine and short heterodimer partner (SHP) in liver. FGF15 and SHP then act cooperatively to repress CYP7a1 transcription through a mechanism Cyclopamine that is not yet understood.14 Mice with deletion of either FGF15 or SHP have markedly elevated basal CYP7a1 expression. Mice with intestine-specific deletion of FXR lost the Dabrafenib chemical structure suppression of CYP7a1 expression after treatment with an FXR ligand, GW4064, suggesting that FXR in the gut is key to regulate bile acid synthesis in the liver.15 Moreover, FGF15 has been shown to promote hepatocyte proliferation through its receptor (FGFR4) in liver.16 FGFR4-deficient mice

exhibited increased liver injury and delayed liver repair after injury.17 All these results highlight an endocrine role of FGF15 from intestine to the liver. However, whether FGF15 has a role in liver regeneration/repair is unclear. medchemexpress In this study, we took advantage of liver- and intestine-specific FXR null mice and showed that both hepatic FXR and intestinal FXR contributed to promoting liver regeneration/repair. We further demonstrated that FGF15 induced by intestine FXR was an endocrine pathway to promote liver regrowth. BrdU, 2-bromodeoxy-uridine; CCl4, carbon tetrachloride; CYP7a1, cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase; FGF15, fibroblast growth factor 15; FXR, farnesoid X receptor; PH, partial hepatectomy; SHP, short heterodimer partner. FXR whole-body knockout mice (KO) were described.5 Liver-specific

FXR null mice (ΔL-FXR) and intestine-specific FXR null mice (ΔIN-FXR) were generated at the University of Southern California. All procedures followed National Institutes of Health (NIH) guidelines for the care and use of laboratory animals. Mice were housed in a pathogen-free animal facility under a standard 12-hour light/dark cycle and fed standard rodent chow and water ad libitum. Male mice between 8 and 10 weeks old were used in each group of experiments; 3-7 mice were used in each group. Total proteins from livers or ileal mucosa of ΔL-FXR and ΔIN-FXR FXR-null mice and FXR flox/flox (FXR Fl/Fl) controls were extracted and subjected to western blot analysis. Tail biopsies from animals were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The presence of the cre allele was detected by primers ML136 and ML137, resulting in a 500-bp PCR product.

Key Word(s): 1 HCV; 2 hepatitis; 3 chemokine; 4 IP-10; Presen

Key Word(s): 1. HCV; 2. hepatitis; 3. chemokine; 4. IP-10; Presenting Author: GANG SHI Additional Authors: WEI LU Corresponding Author: GANG SHI Affiliations: Tianjin Second People’s Hospital Objective: To implement two-way connection of found scientific research and clinical application about the traditional Chinese medicine prevention and cure viral hepatitis by translational medicine mode. Methods: At the moment of undertaking “The 11th Five Years Key Programs for Science and Technology Development of China”, to organize research team of translational

medicine, manage projects distribution and application NVP-BGJ398 of the traditional Chinese medicine prevention and cure viral hepatitis as a whole and share scientific research equipment, biological specimen, bio-information mTOR inhibitor base. Put research outcomes into practice by scientific operation

mechanism. Results: Our hospital has 4 national level items understudied and 4 bureau level items after implement translational medicine mode in recent 2 years. We has cultivated 3 doctors on combination of traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine, designated 4 people to receive Master of medicine and Doctor Education, 3 people has got master academic degree. Conclusion: Translational medicine mode of the traditional Chinese medicine prevention and cure viral hepatitis can break traditional medicine research separation, re-establish research system of the traditional Chinese medicine prevention and cure viral hepatitis and carry out two-way Translation from bench to bedside. Key Word(s): 1. translational medi; 2. viral hepatitis; 3. Chinese medicine; Presenting Author: CHUNYAN WANG Corresponding Author: CHUNYAN WANG Affiliations: Tianjin 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 Second People’s Hospital Objective: To investigate the diagnostic value of CAP by transient elastography technique for liver steatosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B

(CHB). Methods: Eighty-eight patients with CHB were enrolled in this study. All of the patients underwent CAP by transient elastography technique, and they underwent liver biopsy at the same term. With liver biopsy as the gold standard, ROC curves were delineated for different endpoints. The area under the ROC curves (AUC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value for liver steatosis in patients with CHB. Results: There was a positive correlation between the AUCs of CAP and liver pathological stage (r = 0.582, p < 0.05). The CAP between S0, S1, S2, S3 were significantly different (F = 17.79, P < 0.01). The AUC values of CAP were 0.711 (0.592–0.870), 0.868 (0.748–0.989), 0.974 (0.922–1.026) for S > 0, S > 1, S > 2, respectively. The optimal cut-off values were 219.5, 230.0, 283.5 dB/m. Conclusion: CAP is a novel tool to assess the degree of steatosis. Key Word(s): 1. LSM; 2. CAP; 3. hepatitis B; 4.

”1 We agree that adherence is crucial in the efficacy of treatmen

”1 We agree that adherence is crucial in the efficacy of treatment, but we

have demonstrated that a high adherence rate and treatment efficacy can be obtained in clinical practice. Ezequiel Ridruejo* ‡, Raúl Adrover†, Marcelo O. Silva‡, * Hepatology Section, Department of Medicine, Centro de Educación Ferroptosis inhibitor Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno, Buenos Aires, Argentina, † Centro de Hepatología, Buenos Aires, Argentina, ‡ Hepatology and Liver Transplant Unit, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina. “
“Background and Aims:  Identifying the invasive depth of cancers less than 10 mm in diameter remains a challenge. This study examines the clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal cancers less than 10 mm in diameter and invading submucosal layer (SM)3 and below, which require surgery and must never be treated by endoscopic mucosal resection. Methods:  We studied 54 cases of colorectal cancer less than 10 mm in diameter and invading the submucosa and deeper tissues, by dividing them into two groups: those invading SM1 and SM2 versus those invading SM3 and below. We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics

of cancers invading SM3 and below by comparing them with cancers invading SM1 and SM2. Similarly, 38 cases, whose endoscopic findings could be analyzed, were selected and examined. Results:  In cases invading SM3 and below, the rates of moderately to poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, lymphatic and venous permeation and lymph node metastasis were significantly higher than those invading SM1 and SM2. Among cases invading SM3 and below, the presence of endoscopic Romidepsin cost findings—including white spots of the protruded type, and fullness, white spots, hardness and protruded lesions in

the depressed area of the depressed type—was significantly higher than 上海皓元 among those invading SM1 and SM2. Conclusion:  Colorectal cancers less than 10 mm in diameter and invading SM3 and below have high malignant potential. Cancers of this invasive depth can be identified by looking for characteristics such as white spots, fullness, hardness and protruded lesions in the depressed area. Careful endoscopic observation for these signs aids in determining the appropriate treatment. “
“It is unclear whether the spleen affects the progression of liver cirrhosis (LC) through “liver–spleen cross-talk”. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is reported to be the most potent cytokine of liver fibrosis, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) is an important factor of liver regeneration. In this study, we investigated the expression of cytokines in the spleens of LC patients in order to attempt to prove the existence of liver–spleen cross-talk. The study enrolled 22 patients who underwent splenectomy at our institute between 2004 and 2010. TGF-β1 expression in the resected spleen was measured using immunohistochemical staining.