Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is an important worldwide public health issue with no satisfying treatment available since now. Here we explore the effects of recombinant human cytoglobin (rhCygb) on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury and the underlying mechanisms. In vivo studies showed that rhCygb was able to ameliorate alcohol-induced liver injury, significantly reversed increased serum index (ALT, AST, TG, TC and LDL-C) and decreased serum HDL-C. Histopathology observation of the liver of rats treated with rhCygb confirmed the biochemical data. Furthermore, rhCygb significantly inhibited Kupffer cells (KCs) proliferation and TNF-α expression in LPS-induced KCs. rhCygb also inhibited LPS-induced NADPH oxidase activity and ROS, NO and O2•− generation. These results collectively indicate that rhCygb exert the protective effect on chronic alcohol-induced liver injury through suppression of KC activation and oxidative stress. In view of its anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammatory features, rhCygb might be a promising candidate for development as a therapeutic agent against ALD.

Pregenomic RNA (pgRNA) is an emerging serological marker for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. While pgRNA is principally the template for viral proteins and viral DNAs, additional novel functions for the serum pgRNA have recently been described. These results extend for pgRNA a regulatory function in the viral life cycle and potentially a role in pathogenesis. Here, we review the diverse roles of pgRNA in HBV replication and pathogenesis, emphasizing how the unique structure of this RNA is key to its various functions. We focus in particular on the role of HBV pgRNA in guiding antiviral therapy including nucleot(s)ide analog interruption and role as a marker of cure with new curative therapies. We also briefly allude to the emerging niche for new direct-acting or indirect-acting antivirals targeting pgRNA.

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