(i) Hepatitis B virus genotypes A and D are prevalent in chronic liver disease patients of Indian origin; and (ii) HBV genotype D is associated with more severe diseases and may predict the occurrence of HCC in young patients.

In patients with NASH, pentoxifylline therapy effectively achieved significant clinical and biochemical improvement with reduction in HOMA(IR). These benefits are possibly mediated through suppression of TNF-alpha.

Long-term pentoxyfylline therapy effectively achieves sustained biochemical improvement. This correlates well with histological resolution of the disease.

Hepatic dysfunction in the form of ascites and deranged liver functions is not uncommon in patients with EHPVO, more so in patients with prolonged portal hypertension. Based on our data it would be worthwhile to study whether prolonged portal vein thrombosis in EHPVO patients could lead to progressive liver disease.

In India: (i) HBV infection is the predominant factor for the development of HCC, often related to mutant forms of HBV; (ii) a majority of the HCC patients have overt cirrhosis of the liver; and (iii) HCV and alcohol per se are uncommonly associated.