Decompensated liver disease at presentation was found in 125 patients, and 70 had undergone transplantation for AIH, 57 had not undergone a liver biopsy, RGFP966 solubility dmso 39 did not have available data on autoantibodies or gamma globulins, three had only family history of AIH, and 256 did not have AIH as their final diagnosis.

Other cases excluded were for suspicion of overlap syndromes with primary biliary cirrhosis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (n = 97) and pediatric cases (n = 68). Drugs were suspected to have induced the AIH in 24 of 261 (9.2%) cases: minocycline (n = 11), nitrofurantoin (n = 11), and cephalexin and Prometrium, in one case each. These were suspected on clinical grounds because of current use of these drugs at the time of diagnosis. None of the patients continued with the drugs past the date of presentation, and none were rechallenged. The demographic and biochemical data in the study cohort of the 24 DIAIH patients and the 237 other AIH patients is demonstrated in Table 1. The median follow-up of the DIAIH patients was 36 months (13-77); and in the other AIH patients, 36 months (15-79) (P = NS). The DIAIH patients were referral patients from states other than Minnesota in 19 of 24 (79%) and CDK inhibitor in 160 of 237 (68%) in the other AIH patients (P = NS). A similar proportion of patients had antinuclear antibodies and smooth muscle antibody seropositivity

among the two groups (Table 1). Trial of discontinuation of immunosuppression was only tried in 14 of 24 (58%) of the DIAIH patients. A significantly medchemexpress higher proportion of patients with DIAIH were able to discontinue their immunosuppressive therapy compared with

other AIH patients (100% versus 35%) (P < 0.0001) (Table 1) and showed no relapse at 36 (12-58) months in the DIAIH patients. In general, liver tests at presentation were higher and jaundice more common in the DIAIH group, but the differences were not significantly different (Table 1). Patients with nitrofurantoin-induced and minocycline-induced AIH are shown in Table 2. A very similar proportion of the DIAIH and the rest of the AIH group had typical and compatible histology according to the histological characterization presented by Hennes et al.17 (Table 3). None of the DIAIH patients had atypical histology, and only one patient from the rest of the AIH group had atypical histology. This patient fulfilled diagnostic criteria for AIH, although histology was similar to histology observed in primary biliary cirrhosis. The severity of inflammation and fibrosis was not significantly different between the two groups (Table 3). There was a tendency toward a higher stage score in the AIH than in the DIAIH group, but the difference was not significant (Table 3). However, cirrhosis was not present in any of the DIAH patients, whereas cirrhosis was found among 5 of 24 (20.

Thirty-six hours after the transfections with RNA duplex, 2 × 104 QGY-7703 cells were added to coverslips that had been precoated with 240 μg Matrigel (R&D Systems) in 24-well plates. The

cells were allowed to spread for 1 hour at 37°C and were fixed, permeabilized and stained with fluorescent phalloidin (Invitrogen, catalog no. A34055), a probe for filamentous actin. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated from the date of the HCC resection to the time of first recurrence. Patients who were lost to follow-up or who died from causes unrelated to HCC were treated as censored events. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, which were applied to identify the prognostic factors, were performed with SPSS version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Associations between the RFS and the molecular changes or clinical characteristics were analyzed initially by a univariate Cox proportional www.selleckchem.com/products/Y-27632.html hazards regression analysis. selleck products Significant prognostic factors found in the univariate analysis were evaluated further by a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The data are expressed as the mean ± SEM from at least three independent experiments. The values for the capillary tube formation and luciferase activity

assays are from three independent experiments that were performed in duplicate. The differences between the groups were analyzed by Student t test when two groups were compared or by one-way analysis of variance when more than two groups were compared. Analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism, version 5 (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA). Correlations between two variables were explored with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. All statistical tests were two-sided; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Previously, we observed frequent down-regulation of miR-195 in HCC tissues.[17] To investigate the biological significance of this finding, we analyzed the correlation between miR-195 levels and the clinical features of HCC patients in this study. The Kaplan-Meier

plots revealed an association of lower miR-195 levels with shorter RFS (P = 0.004; Fig. 1A). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further confirmed miR-195 MCE down-regulation as an independent risk factor for RFS (HR, 1.773; P = 0.017; Supporting Table 1). Importantly, lower miR-195 levels were associated significantly with higher microvessel densities (MVDs; Fig. 1B) and the presence of metastasis (Fig. 1C), suggesting that miR-195 down-regulation may contribute to HCC progression by promoting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for cancer growth and metastasis, and migration and invasion are key steps in the metastatic cascade. To clarify the effect of miR-195 on HCC angiogenesis, we first performed in vitro endothelial recruitment and capillary tube formation assays with two HCC cell lines, QGY-7703 and MHCC-97H.

Thirty-six hours after the transfections with RNA duplex, 2 × 104 QGY-7703 cells were added to coverslips that had been precoated with 240 μg Matrigel (R&D Systems) in 24-well plates. The

cells were allowed to spread for 1 hour at 37°C and were fixed, permeabilized and stained with fluorescent phalloidin (Invitrogen, catalog no. A34055), a probe for filamentous actin. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated from the date of the HCC resection to the time of first recurrence. Patients who were lost to follow-up or who died from causes unrelated to HCC were treated as censored events. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, which were applied to identify the prognostic factors, were performed with SPSS version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Associations between the RFS and the molecular changes or clinical characteristics were analyzed initially by a univariate Cox proportional XL765 price hazards regression analysis. Buparlisib cost Significant prognostic factors found in the univariate analysis were evaluated further by a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The data are expressed as the mean ± SEM from at least three independent experiments. The values for the capillary tube formation and luciferase activity

assays are from three independent experiments that were performed in duplicate. The differences between the groups were analyzed by Student t test when two groups were compared or by one-way analysis of variance when more than two groups were compared. Analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism, version 5 (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA). Correlations between two variables were explored with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. All statistical tests were two-sided; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Previously, we observed frequent down-regulation of miR-195 in HCC tissues.[17] To investigate the biological significance of this finding, we analyzed the correlation between miR-195 levels and the clinical features of HCC patients in this study. The Kaplan-Meier

plots revealed an association of lower miR-195 levels with shorter RFS (P = 0.004; Fig. 1A). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further confirmed miR-195 MCE down-regulation as an independent risk factor for RFS (HR, 1.773; P = 0.017; Supporting Table 1). Importantly, lower miR-195 levels were associated significantly with higher microvessel densities (MVDs; Fig. 1B) and the presence of metastasis (Fig. 1C), suggesting that miR-195 down-regulation may contribute to HCC progression by promoting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for cancer growth and metastasis, and migration and invasion are key steps in the metastatic cascade. To clarify the effect of miR-195 on HCC angiogenesis, we first performed in vitro endothelial recruitment and capillary tube formation assays with two HCC cell lines, QGY-7703 and MHCC-97H.

Thirty-six hours after the transfections with RNA duplex, 2 × 104 QGY-7703 cells were added to coverslips that had been precoated with 240 μg Matrigel (R&D Systems) in 24-well plates. The

cells were allowed to spread for 1 hour at 37°C and were fixed, permeabilized and stained with fluorescent phalloidin (Invitrogen, catalog no. A34055), a probe for filamentous actin. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was calculated from the date of the HCC resection to the time of first recurrence. Patients who were lost to follow-up or who died from causes unrelated to HCC were treated as censored events. Kaplan-Meier plots and Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, which were applied to identify the prognostic factors, were performed with SPSS version 13.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Associations between the RFS and the molecular changes or clinical characteristics were analyzed initially by a univariate Cox proportional selleck hazards regression analysis. EGFR inhibitor Significant prognostic factors found in the univariate analysis were evaluated further by a multivariate Cox regression analysis. The data are expressed as the mean ± SEM from at least three independent experiments. The values for the capillary tube formation and luciferase activity

assays are from three independent experiments that were performed in duplicate. The differences between the groups were analyzed by Student t test when two groups were compared or by one-way analysis of variance when more than two groups were compared. Analyses were performed with GraphPad Prism, version 5 (GraphPad Software, Inc., San Diego, CA). Correlations between two variables were explored with the Spearman’s correlation coefficient. All statistical tests were two-sided; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Previously, we observed frequent down-regulation of miR-195 in HCC tissues.[17] To investigate the biological significance of this finding, we analyzed the correlation between miR-195 levels and the clinical features of HCC patients in this study. The Kaplan-Meier

plots revealed an association of lower miR-195 levels with shorter RFS (P = 0.004; Fig. 1A). Multivariate Cox regression analysis further confirmed miR-195 MCE公司 down-regulation as an independent risk factor for RFS (HR, 1.773; P = 0.017; Supporting Table 1). Importantly, lower miR-195 levels were associated significantly with higher microvessel densities (MVDs; Fig. 1B) and the presence of metastasis (Fig. 1C), suggesting that miR-195 down-regulation may contribute to HCC progression by promoting tumor angiogenesis and metastasis. Angiogenesis is a prerequisite for cancer growth and metastasis, and migration and invasion are key steps in the metastatic cascade. To clarify the effect of miR-195 on HCC angiogenesis, we first performed in vitro endothelial recruitment and capillary tube formation assays with two HCC cell lines, QGY-7703 and MHCC-97H.

This project aims to create a reducible cationic delivery agent for siRNA based on polyethylenimine (PEI) disulfide-linked to linoleylamine (LA-SS-PEI). The LA-SS-PEI was then complexed with siRNAs by electrostatic interaction and evaluated for luciferase siRNA delivery to SK-HEP-1 liver cancer cells stably transfected with luciferase. Methods: Linoleylamine-SS-PEI (LA-SS-PEI)

was prepared by a three-step method: 1. Linoleylamine and N-succinimidyl-3-(2-pyridyldithiol)propionate (SPDP) were combined to produce LA-PDP. 2. PEI was combined with C59 wnt Traut’s reagent reagent to produce PEI-SH. 3. The product of step 1 and 2 were combined to produce LA-SS-PEI. LA-SS-PEI/siRNA complex was selleck products prepared using an ethanol injection method. The physiochemical properties of LA-SS-PEI /siRNA complexes, their particle size, zeta potential, cellular uptake, reduction by glutathione, and cytotoxicity were investigated. Luciferase silencing activity of the complex was determined by luciferase assay. Results: Particle size of LA-SS-PEI/siRNA complex was

197. 3±20. 4 nm and zeta potential was +31. 1±3. 7mV, No significant toxicity was found with LA-SS-PEI. Dissociation of the complex was shown in the presence of 5 mM reduced glutathione, deomonstrating that the complex was reducible. Compared with PEI/siRNA, LA-SS-PEI /siRNA was significantly more effective with 54% greater cellular uptake and induced 58% reduction in luciferase activity in SK-HEP-1 cells. Conclusion: In this study, we synthesized a LA-SS-PEI conjugate and evaluated its ability to deliver siRNA into SK-HEP-1 cells in vitro. LA-SS-PEI has the characteristics of a multivalent MCE公司 polyamine-based cationic lipid and the intracellular reduction of its disulfide bonds can mediate intracellular breakdown of the complexes followed by efficient release of

siRNAs. Further evaluation of this agent for siRNA delivery is warranted. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: Lesheng Teng, Jing Xie, Robert J. Lee Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer in Korea. Recently, there is an increasing evidence that polymorphism in genes may has a role in altering the risk of HCC. Protein phosphatase plays a crucial role in biological function and controls nearly every cellular process. The protein phosphatase, Mg2+/Mn2+ dependent, 1E (PPM1E) inactivates multiple substrates including 5′-AmP activate protein kinases (AMPK) which inhibits the growth and survival of cancer cells. However, no study on the possible genetic association of PPM1E single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with HCC has been conducted yet. Patients & Methods HCC patients (153 males and 30 females) and healthy individuals (167 males and 224 females) were enrolled in this study. The Age and sex of controls matched those of HCC patients.

Because of the value of the information obtained, the relative low risk to animals biopsied, and the ability to collect several samples, numerous researchers worldwide are currently utilizing biopsy techniques to obtain important new information on critical conservation questions. Furthermore, as new assays become available, archived and future biopsy samples will be able to provide additional information on the health of individuals

and the status of populations. For example, recent studies suggest that biopsies can provide information on stress levels through skin protein analyses (Southern et al. 2002), pregnancy status through blubber progesterone analysis (Mansour et al. 2002, Kellar et al. 2006), male reproductive status through blubber testosterone www.selleckchem.com/products/fg-4592.html CHIR 99021 analysis (Kellar et al. 2009), and individual age through the analysis of blubber fatty acids (Herman et al. 2008, 2009). Although the advantages of obtaining samples using biopsy methods, particularly via remote methods, are many, these endeavors require adequate caution and training to ensure that animals are not harmed. For example, the NOAA NMFS Northeast Fisheries Science Center has assembled a training manual for personnel engaged in cetacean biopsy procedures (see Wenzel et al. 2010). Based on our review, we find that certain measures tend to increase the success of collecting tissue samples

while minimizing disturbance to cetaceans during biopsy sampling. First, the dart design and delivery system used must be selected to account for the biology, physiology, and behavior of the target species. Usually the length of the dart tip and strength of the delivery device are based on the body size as well as the skin and blubber

thickness of the target species in order to acquire a suitable sample (either skin or skin and blubber) while preventing injury caused by penetration beyond the blubber layer. In general, lower powered 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 delivery systems are used for small cetaceans while higher powered delivery systems are used for large cetaceans. The strength of the delivery device should also be selected according to the expected approach distance; for example, crossbows with lower draw strengths are usually used at close ranges. Second, researchers utilizing biopsy sampling techniques must have experience with these methods. Those that practice firing biopsy darts at targets prior to initiating sampling of live animals are more likely to be successful in the field. Furthermore, success often increases with each subsequent year of biopsy sampling. It is also likely that cetaceans biopsied by experienced researchers (i.e, presumably better at operating boats near cetaceans, hitting the target animal, and sampling from the ideal body location) will have fewer physiological impacts and potentially exhibit fewer strong behavioral responses.

The genome of each virus contained the target gene under the control of a liver-specific promoter EalbAATp (Fig. 1A). AAVs Gefitinib cell line were administrated by the tail-vein injection to C57Bl/6J mice that had been feeding for 2 weeks on either normal chow diet (NCD) or HFD. Mice were studied throughout the dietary treatment and killed at either 4 or 13 weeks after AVV administration, for short- or long-term studies, respectively (Fig. 1A). Long-term expression of the virus was evaluated in mice injected with AAV-GFP until they were 33 weeks old (Supporting Fig. 1A-D).

Specific expression of CPT1A and CPT1AM in the liver was measured by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) (Fig. 1B). CPT1A mRNA expression levels were 58% and 62% higher in liver of CPT1A- and CPT1AM-expressing mice, respectively, compared to GFP control mice. No significant differences were seen in other tissues such as muscle or white adipose tissue (Fig. 1B). Liver CPT1 protein and activity levels were increased in those animals injected with AAV-CPT1A and AAV-CPT1AM compared to control AAV-GFP in both HFD (Fig. 1C,D) and NCD (Supporting Fig. 2A,B). Liver protein levels increased 3.08 ± 0.2- and 3.01 ± see more 0.15-fold in HFD CPT1A-, and CPT1AM-expressing mice, respectively, compared

to GFP control mice (Supporting Fig. 1E). CPT1 activity was also higher in HFD CPT1A-, and CPT1AM-expressing mice compared to GFP control mice (GFP: 2.51 ± 0.07, CPT1A: 3.96 ± 0.25, and CPT1AM: 4.53 ± 0.15 nmol.mg prot−1.min−1; P < 0.05) (Fig. 1D). CPT1AM is not inhibited by malonyl-CoA in yeast, pancreatic β-cells, muscle cells, or primary rat hepatocytes.6-9 We measured CPT1 activity in the presence of increasing concentrations 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 of malonyl-CoA in liver mitochondrion-enriched

fractions of GFP-, CPT1A-, and CPT1AM-expressing mice. At physiological concentrations of malonyl-CoA (1 to 10 μM), CPT1AM-expressing mice retained up to 78% of their activity, whereas GFP- and CPT1A-expressing mice retained only 48% (Fig. 1E). This indicates that cells expressing CPT1AM will retain most of their CPT1 activity independently of the malonyl-CoA levels. Notably, liver malonyl-CoA levels were similar for GFP-, CPT1A-, and CPT1AM-expressing mice fed on either NCD or HFD (Supporting Fig. 1F). Next, we examined whether the increase in CPT1 messenger RNA (mRNA), protein, and activity seen in CPT1A- and CPT1AM-expressing mice affected fatty-acid β-oxidation. We isolated primary hepatocytes from GFP-, CPT1A-, and CPT1AM-expressing mice treated with NCD or HFD and measured [1-14C]oleate oxidation to CO2 and acid-soluble products (ASPs), mainly ketone bodies. In HFD-treated mice, FAO to CO2 increased by 20.9% ± 0.8%, and 56.4% ± 4.6% in CPT1A- and CPT1AM-expressing mice, respectively, compared to GFP control mice (Fig. 1F). Similar results were obtained for FAO to ASP and total FAO (the sum of oxidation to CO2 and ASP) in HFD-treated mice (Supporting Fig.

015), and ezrin (P = 0.092) positivity and loss of E-cadherin expression (P = 0.006), compared to CD133-negative HCCs. Ezrin expression was more common in EpCAM-positive HCCs, compared to EpCAM-negative HCCs (P = 0.007), and snail was more frequently expressed in c-kit-positive HCCs, compared to c-kit-negative HCCs (P = 0.031). A univariable survival analysis,

according to the expression status of the four stemness-related markers, demonstrated that K19 expression in HCC was associated with a poor overall (P = 0.018) and disease-free survival (P = 0.007) (Supporting Table 3). CD133-expressing HCCs showed decreased overall survival (P = 0.057), compared to CD133-negative HCCs, although http://www.selleckchem.com/products/Deforolimus.html marginally significant. EpCAM or c-kit expression status was not related to HCC prognosis in this study. In addition, expression of three or more stemness-related proteins in HCC was characterized by a decreased overall survival (P = 0.086); however, see more disease-free

survival was not affected by this variable. Because the majority (n = 101) of cohort 1 HCCs were HBV-related, survival analysis was repeated separately for 101 HBV-related HCCs and 36 HBV-unrelated HCCs (11 HCV-related, 6 alcohol-related, and 19 of uncertain etiology) to see whether K19 would be still prognostically significant in non-B-viral HCCs. Disease-free survival was still significantly decreased in K19-positive, HBV-unrelated HCCs, compared to K19-negative cases (P = 0.005) (Supporting Fig. 3). Overall survival, however, was not significantly different MCE公司 between the two groups. As for the HBV-related HCCs, decreased overall survival (P = 0.002) and disease-free survival (P = 0.121) were noted in the K19-positive groups. Because K19 appeared to be the stemness-related marker that was most significantly associated with clinicopathologic

features of tumor aggressiveness, the next cohort was divided into two groups, according to K19 protein expression status. Immunohistochemical stain for K19 protein was done using whole sections of representative paraffin blocks from each case, and K19 positivity was found in 68 (28.7%) cases. The pattern of K19 immunoreactivity was focal and heterogeneous. The smaller tumor cells at the periphery of the tumor-cell nests, or intermingled with the hepatocyte-like cells within the tumor-cell nests, expressed K19 in 16 cases, whereas the majority of the K19-expressing tumor cells were hepatocyte-like cells (n = 52). HCCs were grouped according to K19 protein-expression status, and clinicopathological features were compared between the two groups (Table 2). The K19-positive group was composed of higher proportions of younger (P = 0.004) and female (P < 0.001) patients, compared to the K19-negative group. K19-positive HCCs were more frequently associated with high AFP levels (>1,000 IU/mL), compared to K19-negative HCCs (P < 0.001). On pathologic examination, K19-positive HCCs showed more frequent microvascular invasion (P = 0.017) and fibrous stroma (P = 0.

015), and ezrin (P = 0.092) positivity and loss of E-cadherin expression (P = 0.006), compared to CD133-negative HCCs. Ezrin expression was more common in EpCAM-positive HCCs, compared to EpCAM-negative HCCs (P = 0.007), and snail was more frequently expressed in c-kit-positive HCCs, compared to c-kit-negative HCCs (P = 0.031). A univariable survival analysis,

according to the expression status of the four stemness-related markers, demonstrated that K19 expression in HCC was associated with a poor overall (P = 0.018) and disease-free survival (P = 0.007) (Supporting Table 3). CD133-expressing HCCs showed decreased overall survival (P = 0.057), compared to CD133-negative HCCs, although Selleck JNK inhibitor marginally significant. EpCAM or c-kit expression status was not related to HCC prognosis in this study. In addition, expression of three or more stemness-related proteins in HCC was characterized by a decreased overall survival (P = 0.086); however, ICG-001 supplier disease-free

survival was not affected by this variable. Because the majority (n = 101) of cohort 1 HCCs were HBV-related, survival analysis was repeated separately for 101 HBV-related HCCs and 36 HBV-unrelated HCCs (11 HCV-related, 6 alcohol-related, and 19 of uncertain etiology) to see whether K19 would be still prognostically significant in non-B-viral HCCs. Disease-free survival was still significantly decreased in K19-positive, HBV-unrelated HCCs, compared to K19-negative cases (P = 0.005) (Supporting Fig. 3). Overall survival, however, was not significantly different 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 between the two groups. As for the HBV-related HCCs, decreased overall survival (P = 0.002) and disease-free survival (P = 0.121) were noted in the K19-positive groups. Because K19 appeared to be the stemness-related marker that was most significantly associated with clinicopathologic

features of tumor aggressiveness, the next cohort was divided into two groups, according to K19 protein expression status. Immunohistochemical stain for K19 protein was done using whole sections of representative paraffin blocks from each case, and K19 positivity was found in 68 (28.7%) cases. The pattern of K19 immunoreactivity was focal and heterogeneous. The smaller tumor cells at the periphery of the tumor-cell nests, or intermingled with the hepatocyte-like cells within the tumor-cell nests, expressed K19 in 16 cases, whereas the majority of the K19-expressing tumor cells were hepatocyte-like cells (n = 52). HCCs were grouped according to K19 protein-expression status, and clinicopathological features were compared between the two groups (Table 2). The K19-positive group was composed of higher proportions of younger (P = 0.004) and female (P < 0.001) patients, compared to the K19-negative group. K19-positive HCCs were more frequently associated with high AFP levels (>1,000 IU/mL), compared to K19-negative HCCs (P < 0.001). On pathologic examination, K19-positive HCCs showed more frequent microvascular invasion (P = 0.017) and fibrous stroma (P = 0.

“
“The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), along with the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act, was

signed into law and upheld by the Supreme Court earlier this year. The ACA contains a variety of reforms that, if implemented, will significantly affect current models of healthcare delivery for patients with acute and chronic hepatobiliary diseases. One of the Act’s central reforms is the creation of accountable care organizations (ACOs) whose mission will be to integrate different levels of care to improve the quality of services delivered and outcomes among populations while maintaining, or preferably reducing, the overall costs of care. Currently, there are clinical practice areas Proteasome inhibitor within hepatology, such as liver transplantation, that already have many of the desired features attributed to ACOs. The ACA is sure to affect all fields of medicine,

including the practice of clinical hepatology. This article describes the components of the ACA that have the greatest potential to influence the clinical practice of hepatology. Conclusion: Ultimately, it will be the responsibility of our profession to identify R788 in vitro optimal healthcare delivery models for providing high-value, patient-centered care. (Hepatology 2014;59:1681–1687) “
“The diagnosis of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is based on the histological findings. Further, there may be interobserver differences. Liver to spleen (L/S) ratio on computed

tomography (CT) is employed to detect or even 上海皓元医药股份有限公司 quantify the fat content of the liver. The objective of this study was to accurately diagnose fatty liver by evaluating the relationship between L/S ratio and histological findings. Sixty-seven biopsy-proven NAFLD patients were enrolled. L/S ratio on CT was calculated. The area of steatosis in liver specimens was measured by BIOREVO BZ-9000 microscope, and the percentage of steatosis was calculated using Dynamic cell count BZ-H1C software. Steatotic grade assessed by pathologist was significantly correlated with the percentage of steatosis and L/S ratio. Factors associated with steatosis were L/S ratio, aspartate aminotransferase and Homeostasis Model of Assessment – Insulin Resistance as determined by multivariate analysis. L/S ratios were: S0, 1.16 ± 0.20 (mean ± standard deviation); S1, 0.88 ± 0.28; S2, 0.76 ± 0.20; and S3, 0.40 ± 0.18, respectively. The optimal cut-off value of L/S ratio to exclude steatosis was 1.1, and the area under the receiver–operator curve for the diagnosis of steatosis was 0.886. Our study suggests that while 0% of steatosis showed 1.296 L/S ratio, the cut-off value of L/S ratio would be 1.1 at least to exclude clinically important liver steatosis. NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world.