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Aim Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory biomarker that has a close relationship with tumor progression and metastasis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of NLR in the prognosis of male candidates with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) undergoing liver transplantation (LT). Methods We analyzed the clinical data of 248 male HCC candidates who underwent LT in our Liver Transplantation Center between 2002 and 2012. All risk factors were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox analysis and survival rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier log-rank test. Results NLR was proved to be an independent risk factor affecting overall survival (OS) ( P < 0.001) and tumor-free survival (TFS) ( P = 0.003) of male candidates with HCC following LT. Additionally, our study showed that elevated NLR (>4) was associated with early tumor recurrence by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Furthermore, we established Model_OS and Model_TFS to predict prognosis based on multivariate Cox analysis. Our study showed that male candidates with HCC who exceeded the Milan criteria but within Model_OS could achieve similar OS as those within the Milan criteria ( P = 0.220). Similarly, male patients who exceeded the Milan criteria but within Model_TFS could achieve similar TFS as those within the Milan criteria ( P = 0.197). Conclusion Proper inflammatory response may effectively reduce tumor recurrence after LT. Elevated NLR (>4) within a certain range is associated with early tumor recurrence. NLR-based models are efficient and safe for prognostic prediction among male candidates with HCC for LT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) is one of the factors that can affect prognosis and survival of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the present study, we aimed to find out some biomarkers associated with vascular invasion features of HCC with the method of comparative proteomic analysis. Methods: The proteins were extracted from a pair of HCC tissues with PVTT and without PVTT, and then separated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Differentially expressed protein spots were identified by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Further analysis of two proteins were completed using real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western-blot in 40 HCC tissues with PVTT ( n = 20) and without PVTT ( n = 20). Results: Among 465 protein spots displayed on the gels, 33 unique proteins (> twofold change, P < 0.01) were identified, including 24 upregulated in HCC tissue without PVTT and nine upregulated in HCC tissue with PVTT. The real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR showed no statistically significant difference between HCC tissues with PVTT and without PVTT for mRNA expressions of protein disulfide-isomerase, A6 (PDI A6) ( P = 0.137) and apolipoprotein A-I (Apo A-I) ( P = 0.718). However, compared with HCC tissues without PVTT, protein expression of PDI A6 was higher in HCC tissues with PVTT ( P < 0.001), while protein expression of Apo A-I was lower in HCC tissues with PVTT ( P = 0.012). Conclusions: PDI A6 and Apo A-I are closely related to vascular invasion feature of HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peliosis hepatis ( PH) is a rare benign liver lesion, characterized by the presence of multiple blood-filled cavities and marked dilation of the hepatic sinusoids throughout the hepatic parenchyma. It is often confirmed after the liver resection or liver biopsy. In the present study, we report a case of a 41-year-old woman who presented with a asymptomatic right hepatic mass. The imaging findings of the mass, including computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, showed centrifugal progression of enhancement during the portal and delayed phases. Because of the possibility of hepatic malignancy, partial resection of the liver was performed. The final pathological diagnosis was PH. By referring to the relevant literature, we conclude that, as a result of insignificant clinical manifestation and imaging features, PH should be kept in mind for patients with hepatic mass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]