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Y Ashur

Publications and source records attributed to Y Ashur.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Analysis of chromosomal aberrations in large hepatocellular carcinomas by comparative genomic hybridization.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very common and highly malignant tumor, associated mainly with chronic viral hepatitis, cirrhosis of any cause, aflatoxin exposure and ethanol consumption. The aim of this study was to map genomic aberrations in HCC by a recently developed technique: comparative genomic hybridization (CGH). We applied CGH on 17 liver specimens, of which seven were HCCs. The rest were benign liver tumors, cirrhotic and normal livers, and other liver malignancies. Our study included mainly large tumors (mean size 10.5 cm) unrelated to viral hepatitis or cirrhosis. Our CGH analysis detected genomic imbalances in 42% of HCCs. The common aberrations included DNA gains of 1q, 9p, and 8q and DNA losses of 17p, 13q, 9q, 4q, and 11q. Also, we detected trisomies 8, 9, 18 and 21, which have not been reported previously. Gains and losses of DNA found in this study probably involve oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes that play a role in the puzzle of hepatocarcinogenesis. This study also suggests a possible link between the size of the tumor and the burden of genetic changes.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Cell adhesion molecules and hyaluronic acid as markers of inflammation, fibrosis and response to antiviral therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients.

OBJECTIVE: Cell adhesion molecules (intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)) and hyaluronic acid, markers of inflammation and fibrosis were monitored in hepatitis C patients to determine whether changes in plasma levels, during antiviral treatment, can predict long-term response to therapy. METHODS: In 55 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV), 33 treated with interferon (IFN) and 22 treated with IFN + ribavirin, sera was collected prior to treatment, at 3 + 6 months of therapy and 6 months post-treatment. Levels of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and hyaluronic acid were correlated with alanine aminotransferase levels, HCV-RNA-polymerase chain reaction status and histological fibrosis scoring. RESULTS: A decrease in ICAM-1 levels at 3 and 6 months of therapy, compared with pretreatment levels, was observed in responders to IFN + ribavirin therapy but this decrease in ICAM-1 levels was not evident following cessation of treatment. Hyaluronic acid levels, in both treatment groups, did not differ significantly between responders and non-responders. Hyaluronic acid levels did correlate, significantly, with degree of fibrosis whereas VCAM-1 levels were marginally increased only in patients with moderate (grade III) fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring of VCAM-1 and hyaluronic acid, during antiviral therapy, does not differentiate between responders and non-responders. A decrease in ICAM-1 levels during IFN + ribavirin treatment is associated with response to therapy, and its efficacy in predicting long-term response should be further substantiated.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Liver transplantation and nursing care in Israel.

The Liver Unit in Hadassah Medical Center has been following patients before and after transplantation in a process combining medical and nurse care. Since 1991, 145 patients have been studied. This article reviews the study methods associated with the liver transplantation process, including etiology of basic liver disease, drug adverse effects, complications, and survival rates. The value of the nursing coordinator in liver transplantation is discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

Bcl-2 rearrangement in patients with chronic hepatitis C associated with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia type II.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is found in 80% to 90% of patients with essential mixed cryoglobulinemia (EMC) type II, which is associated with monoclonal IgMk produced by monoclonal B cells. It was investigated whether bcl-2 rearrangement is associated with the clonal B-cell proliferation of EMC induced by hepatitis C. The study groups were composed of 15 patients with HCV and EMC, 12 patients with HCV without EMC, and 7 patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) unrelated to HCV. Fluorescence in situ hybridization with probes was applied to JH and to bcl-2 to study whether JH/bcl-2 translocation was present in these patients. Thirteen of 15 (86%) of patients with HCV-related EMC had the JH/bcl-2 translocation, a significantly higher rate than in HCV patients without EMC (16%; P < .001). Bcl-2 rearrangement was not detected in the patients with CLD not related to HCV. The JH/bcl-2 translocation may constitute a pathogenetic link for the development of NHL in patients with HCV infection. (Blood. 2000;96:2910-2912)

Adult↗
PubMed2000

A balanced 5:1 carbohydrate:protein diet: a new method for supplementing protein to patients with chronic liver disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Protein malnutrition in patients with chronic liver disease contributes to bone and muscle weakness and compromises immune function and survival. In contrast, high-protein diets may induce or exacerbate hepatic encephalopathy. The aim of the present study was to test whether increased amounts of protein, balanced by dietary carbohydrate in a 1:5 ratio, may be given to chronic liver disease patients in order to minimize postprandial increases in plasma amino acid (AA) concentrations. METHODS: Eight patients with chronic liver disease were studied. Each received, in a randomized order, three different diets of 2510 kJ of either high protein (37:50:28, carbohydrate:protein:fat), high carbohydrate (126:10:6) or a balanced 5:1 carbohydrate:protein diet (105:21:11). All patients were followed for plasma AA, glucose and insulin levels, as well as for cognitive and behavioral changes. RESULTS: Following the high protein diet, AA concentrations were significantly increased. In contrast, after the balanced diet, AA levels were practically constant enabled. All diets was well tolerated and no cognitive or behavioral changes appeared. CONCLUSION: The administration of a balanced 5:1 carbohydrate:protein diet may enable patients with chronic liver disease to tolerate increased amounts of dietary protein, without altering plasma amino acid concentrations.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

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Journal Article↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of immunogenicity of two hepatitis A vaccines--VAQTA and HAVRIX--in young adults.

Two new hepatitis A vaccines have been developed, and their immunogenicity tested using different immunoassays. The present study was designed to compare the immunogenicity of these two hepatitis A virus (HAV) vaccines--VAQTA and HAVRIX--as determined by seroconversion rates and anti-HAV titers, and using the same immunoassay. Healthy volunteers (15-30 y), seronegative for anti-HAV, were randomized in an open single center study to four groups of 20-21 vaccinees each, to receive either a 25 U or a 50 U dose of VAQTA, or HAVRIX at 720 EU or 1440 EU/dose, administered at 0, 1 and 6 m or at 0 and 6 m, respectively. Four weeks after primary immunization, seroconversion rates were 100% for VAQTA and 95% for HAVRIX, following injection of 50 U or 1440 EU, respectively (p = NS) and anti-HAV GMTs were 40 and 37 mIU/ml for VAQTA and HAVRIX, respectively. At 6 months, prior to the booster dose, seroconversion rates were 100% for both vaccines, with anti-HAV GMTs of 111 and 70 mIU/ml for VAQTA and HAVRIX, respectively (P < 0.05). At month 7, four weeks after the only booster injection, using the two dose regimen, anti-HAV titers were 2212 and 1511 mIU/ml for VAQTA and HAVRIX, respectively (P < NS). Using three doses of 25 U/dose of VAQTA or 720 EU/dose of HAVRIX at 0, 1 and 6 m did not produce any clinically evaluable advantage over the two dose regimen for either vaccine. No significant adverse events were observed using either vaccine. In summary, both vaccines have similar immunogenicity demonstrated using identical immunoassays for evaluation. These results also confirm the outstanding immunogenicity of a single dose of either of the HAV vaccines and support their use in pre- and possibly postexposure prophylaxis against hepatitis A virus infection.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1999

Comparison of immune reactivity and pharmacokinetics of two hepatitis B immune globulins in patients after liver transplantation.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) immune globulin (HBIg) administration will prevent HBV graft reinfection in HBV patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). However, the expenditure for such prophylaxis is extremely high ranging between $2,000 to $10,000 per month in various countries for an undefined period and presumably for life. As a consequence, there is a need for introduction of additional and less expensive modes of treatment. In a preliminary clinical trial a new HBIg preparation has been shown to induce longer lasting levels of circulating antibodies to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) in patients after OLT compared with previous experience with conventional HBIg preparations. In the present study the pharmacokinetics of this new HBIg, OMRI-Hep-B, were studied and compared with a conventional, licensed preparation, Hepatect. Fifteen post-OLT patients (2-8 years post-OLT, 18-62 years of age, 6 men, 9 women) were treated intravenously with 49 doses of OMRI-Hep-B or Hepatect given at least once, alternately, at 10,000 to 14,000 units per injection ( approximately 130 IU/kg body weight). The new HBIg was well tolerated and no adverse effects were observed. Administration of OMRI-Hep-B was shown to induce high and long-lasting levels of circulating anti-HBs antibodies and greater areas under the curve (AUC) compared with the conventional preparation. Thus, anti-HBs half-life was 22 +/- 1.3 days for OMRI-Hep-B recipients and 13 +/- 1.3 days for Hepatect recipients (P <.001). Time to reach trough anti-HBs levels of 150 mIU/mL was significantly longer after administration of OMRI-Hep-B than after Hepatect (79 +/- 4.5 and 52 +/- 3.8 days, respectively; P <.001). In summary, the pharmacokinetic profile of the new HBIg, and in particular its prolonged elimination half-life, may reduce the cost of administration by approximately 30% and improve the quality of life of patients by extending the interval between repeated immune globulin injections.

Adolescent↗