In contrast to TNF-α-mediated hepatitis, apoptosis caused by Fas-ligand (FasL) is JNK-independent.36 Based on the crucial role of Fas- and TNF-mediated cell injury in a broad spectrum of immune-related liver diseases, TAT-ARC protein transduction or ARC-related small molecules could be of therapeutic benefit for preventing and treating acute PD0325901 cost and chronic liver injuries.17, 18 A short-term application of an antiapoptotic approach would also limit the risk of developing cancer. Although we applied TAT fusion protein intraperitoneally

or intravenously, regional delivery of high TAT-ARC concentrations or small molecules by way of the hepatic artery or portal vein might be attractive Epigenetics Compound Library in the therapeutic setting. We thank Katarzyna Pogodzinski, Marlies Grieben, and Nadine Weser for excellent technical assistance. pTAT-HA and pTAT-βgal vectors were kindly provided by S. Dowdy (Howard Hughes Medical Institute, La Jolla, CA). This article is dedicated to Prof. Dr. Michael P. Manns on the occasion of his 60th birthday. “
“Plasma cell hepatitis (PCH) is an idiopathic disorder characterized by plasma cell infiltration in the allografts of patients who have undergone liver transplantation. Although an increasing number of cases of PCH have

been reported in liver transplant recipients with hepatitis C recurrence treated with interferon, it is unclear whether PCH is induced by interferon itself. Here, we describe the cases of two patients who developed PCH just after the

termination of antiviral therapy for recurrent hepatitis C after living donor liver transplantation. Liver dysfunction appeared at 1 month in one patient and 2 months in the other patient after pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy, and liver histology showed interface hepatitis with plasma cell-rich lymphoid aggregates. Both patients MCE recovered after steroid therapy and achieved sustained virological response. These cases suggest that PCH could be induced by the alteration of the immune condition resulting from the termination of antiviral therapy. PCH should be considered when the transaminase levels increase after antiviral therapy, and it should be carefully distinguished from hepatitis C relapse. PLASMA CELL HEPATITIS (PCH), termed de novo autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), is an idiopathic disorder with the histological characteristics of AIH, showing interface hepatitis with a predominantly lymphoplasmacytic necroinflammatory infiltrate with or without lobular involvement and bridging necrosis in patients after undergoing liver transplantation for indications besides AIH.[1-4] Interestingly, an increasing number of PCH cases have been reported in liver transplant recipients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), including patients treated with interferon and ribavirin for recurrent hepatitis C.