Placenta-derived CD95 ligand causes liver damage in hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count syndrome.

Background & Aims: The HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets) syndrome is a life-threatening complication during pregnancy. The associated liver disease may be severe, and maternal hepatic complications may progress to the point that transplantation becomes necessary. CD95 (APO-1, Fas)-mediated apoptosis of liver cells is one of the major pathogenic mechanisms during liver disease. The interaction of CD95 with its ligand, CD95L(FasL), induces apoptosis and thus the source of the death-inducing ligand is critical for understanding the pathomechanism of liver damage involving the CD95-system. Methods: Sera from HELLP patients were analyzed and used in cell culture experiment…

Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Cancer of the Liver and Bile Ducts

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common neoplasm in the world and the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. More than 500,000 deaths per year are attributed to HCC, representing 10% of all deaths from cancer. In select areas of Asia and Africa, HCC is the most common cause of death due to cancer. The incidence in Europe and the United States is relatively low but is increasing. In Europe, HCC is now the leading cause of death among patients with cirrhosis. In the United States, epidemiologic studies have demonstrated a doubling of HCC incidence over the past two decades. This increase, which has been attributed to the increasing prevalence of chronic hepatitis C…