No abstract

We investigated the effect of transfection with connexin (Cx) 26 gene on the malignant potential of PLC/PRF/5 hepatoma cells, observing changes in their morphological features, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression, cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro, and their tumor growth in vivo. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis showed that 10.6% of PLC/PRF/5 hepatoma cells transfected with Cx26 cDNA expressed excessive Cx26, and the spread of lucifer yellow was wider in the colony of stable transfectants (PLC/Cx26) after its microinjection than in control. Nucleo-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio was significantly lower in PLC/Cx26 (P < 0.0001). Cell proliferation assay showed significantly lower numbers in PLC/Cx26 on day 10 after seeding than in control (P = 0.0039), and AFP level /10(5) cells was significantly lower in medium of PLC/Cx26 (P = 0.0039). The number of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells was less in PLC/Cx26 in vitro than in control (P = 0.0039), and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-positive cells were more abundant in the colony of PLC/Cx26 (P = 0.029). Tumor volume in SCID mice was significantly smaller in the group of PLC/Cx26 than in the control (P < 0.01) throughout the observation period, and tumor weight of PLC/Cx26 was significantly lower (P = 0.0019) week 9 after inoculation. Transfection with Cx26 cDNA inhibited dedifferentiation, suppressed cell proliferation, and apoptosis was induced. Tumor growth of PLC/Cx26 was retarded. These findings suggest that transfection with Cx26 gene into human hepatoma cells reduces their malignant potential.

2-5AS levels were significantly higher in patients treated with pegylated interferon than in those treated with non-pegylated interferon, suggesting that pegylated interferon is more potent at inducing interferon response genes resulting in an improved antiviral effect. Ribavirin did not appear to be related to interferon response gene induction.

No abstract

The 48-week administration of PEG IFN-α-2a achieved better biochemical and virological responses than the 24-week administration, particularly in younger females. The 5-year post-treatment response rate was 23.4%; however, more than two-thirds of the patients received additional antiviral therapy because of viral reactivation after PEG IFN-α-2a treatment. HBsAg clearance was noted in six patients (4.3%). PEG IFN-α-2a is effective in young female patients.