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Abstract Background Housekeeping genes are routinely used as endogenous references to account for experimental differences in gene expression assays. However, recent reports show that they could be de-regulated in different diseases, model animals, or even under varied experimental conditions, which may lead to unreliable results and consequently misinterpretations. This study focused on the selection of suitable reference genes for quantitative PCR in human hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with different clinical outcomes. Methods We evaluated 6 commonly used housekeeping genes' expression levels in 108 HBV-related HCCs' matched tumor and non-tomor tissue samples with different clinical outcomes and 26 normal liver specimens by real-time PCR. The expression stability of the 6 genes was compared using the software programs geNorm and NormFinder. To show the impact of reference genes on data analysis, we took PGK1 as a target gene normalized by each reference gene, and performed one-way ANOVA and the equivalence test. Results With the geNorm and NormFinder software programs, analysis of TBP and HPRT1 showed the best stability in all tissue samples, while 18s and ACTB were less stable. When 18s or ACTB was used for normalization, no significant difference of PGK1 expression (p > 0.05) was found among HCC tissues with and without metastasis, and normal liver specimens; however, dramatically differences (p < 0.001) were observed when either TBP or the combination of TBP and HPRT1 were selected as reference genes. Conclusion TBP and HPRT1 are the most reliable reference genes for q-PCR normalization in HBV-related HCC specimens. However, the well-used ACTB and 18S are not suitable, which actually lead to the misinterpretation of the results in gene expression analysis.

Background: Focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH), the second most common benign hepatic tumor after hemangioma, is characterized by a stellate central scar and hyperplastic nodules. Although some large FNH may be associated with significant symptoms, more frequently they are discovered incidentally on physical examination or the work-up of unrelated symptoms. Since its nature and pathogenesis are still controversial, accurate diagnosis of FNH based on clinical presentation and radiographic studies is difficult. The purpose of this study was to explore the diagnosis and treatment of FNH., Methods: Eighty-six FNH patients confirmed pathologically were treated at the Liver Cancer Institute in our hospital from 1996 to 2006. Their clinical manifestations, imaging presentation, pathological findings, and surgical results were analyzed retrospectively., Results: Of the 86 patients with 99 foci, 54 were male and 32 female, with a mean age of 37 years. Eighty patients had a single solitary focus and 6 had multiple foci. Tumor diameter was less than 5 cm in 69 patients, 5-10 cm in 15, and more than 10 cm in 2. The overall rate of correct preoperative diagnosis was 59.3% (51/86) including 32.9% (26/79) by color Doppler flow imaging (CDFI), 60.3% (35/58) by CT, and 77.4% (24/31) by MRI. All the 86 patients underwent resection with good curative effect., Conclusions: CT and MRI are important diagnostic methods for FNH but it is difficult to make a definite preoperative diagnosis for partial classical and all non-classical FNH patients. We suggest that patients with clinical symptoms or with indefinite diagnosis should accept surgical removal.

Background: Liver resection is still a complicated operation with a high risk of postoperative morbidity. This study was undertaken to analyze the risk factors for postoperative complications after liver resection., Methods: From 2001 to 2004, a total of 146 patients underwent liver resection for malignant or benign lesions. Postoperative complications after the resection were classified as surgical and medical, their incidences were analyzed retrospectively. The risk factors for both surgical and medical complications were analyzed. To increase the safety of liver resection, surgical techniques were modified after April 2003, including control of inflow or outflow and intra-operative test with methylene blue., Results: Before April 2003, a series of 58 patients received liver resection. Modified surgical techniques were used in liver resections for 88 patients after April 2003. A total of 36 patients (24.7%) had postoperative complications. Surgical and medical complications occurred in 24 and 13 patients respectively (One patient had both surgical and medical complications). Perioperative blood transfusion was related to a higher risk of surgical complications (P < 0.05). Patients with diabetes mellitus were associated with a higher risk of medical complications (P < 0.05). Surgical complications and postoperative hospitalization were decreased after the use of modified surgical techniques (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Postoperative surgical complications can be decreased by modified surgical techniques, and careful selection of patients for liver resection may help to decrease postoperative medical complications also.