3) and the number of wiggles (Fig. 4). Vertical speed and body angle followed the same pattern of variations during descent phases. Firstly, they increased from 1.0 m s −1 and 45° to a maximum (up to 1.8 m s −1 and 80°) at about half of the maximum dive depth, then started

to decrease as the bird approached the bottom. When considered below a 5-m depth step in the water column, the birds’ vertical speed and Doxorubicin chemical structure body angle were positively affected by both maximum dive depth (Fig. 3a,e) and number of wiggles during the previous dive (Fig. 4a,e). Swimming speed during descent sharply increased in the first 5 m, then slightly increased before reaching a maximum value at about 2.0 m s −1 (Fig. 3c). Flipper stroke frequency decreased during descent from around

2.0 Hz in the first 5 m to around 1.0 Hz at the beginning of the bottom phase, and was positively affected by maximum dive depth (Fig. 3g). Vertical speed during ascent increased except during the last 30 m where it slightly decreased, and was positively affected by both maximum dive depth (Fig. 3b) and number of wiggles during the bottom of the current dive (Fig. 4b). Swimming speed during ascent remained constant PF-02341066 solubility dmso at about 2.0 m s −1 until a depth of 30–40 m where it started to increase, reaching a maximum value of 2.5–3.0 m s −1 at a depth of 15–20 m, and was positively affected by maximum dive depth during the last 40 m (Fig. 3d). Body angle during ascent increased except during the last 40 m where it quickly decreased, and was positively affected by both maximum dive depth (Fig. 3f) and number of wiggles during the bottom of the current dive (Fig. 4f). Flipper stroke frequency during ascent continuously decreased from around 0.9 Hz at the end of the bottom period to 0 Hz at the surface. The suppression of stroke movements appeared at a depth equal to approximately 35% of maximum dive depth. Ascent flipper stroke frequency was negatively affected by the number of wiggles

during the bottom phase of the current ROS1 dive (Fig. 4h). Theoretical studies of diving behaviour have proposed strategies that maximize the proportion of time spent submerged mostly based on the use/recovery of oxygen reserves (Carbone & Houston, 1994). Thus, divers should maximize the time spent in a favourable patch at depth by maximizing the oxygen store available at the foraging depth. If diving predators increase time spent foraging in a patch, that is at the bottom of a dive, they should in turn reduce the time spent commuting or recovering at the surface. The present study shows that deep divers such as king penguins can adjust their transit time from the surface to the bottom of a dive in response to the success of the previous dive, and from the bottom to the surface in response to the success of the current one.

Face validity and verification were assessed during model construction, debugging, and testing for internal consistency. We used quality-adjusted life year (QALY) as the main health outcome and life year gained (LYG) as a secondary measure of effectiveness. QALYs were calculated by multiplying the time a person remained in a certain health state by the utility associated with that particular health state and subsequent summing up over all health RAD001 solubility dmso states. Utility weights

for the health states before disease progression (0.76) and after disease progression (0.68) (Table 1) were derived from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) technology appraisal guidance 178. 7 A panel of local experts (three hepatologists and one expert in economic evaluations) was consulted to ensure that assumptions taken into consideration in the model reflected routine clinical practice. Model

creation and analyses were performed using R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria) 8 and Microsoft Excel 2007 (Microsoft, Redmond, WA). The analysis was conducted from the perspective of a third-party managed-care payer in selleckchem Italy. Hence, only direct medical costs were included. Indirect costs, such as lost earnings due to poor health, were not estimated. We conducted a costing analysis of the treatment strategies, calculating all costs in 2012 euros. Total cost per strategy was the unit cost multiplied by the quantity used. In particular, the drug cost (sorafenib) and the costs associated with disease progression (e.g., diagnostic exams, visits, hospitalization) were considered. Sorafenib is administered orally as 200 mg tablets. The recommended dosage http://www.selleck.co.jp/products/azd9291.html is 400 mg twice daily (a total daily dose of 800 mg). The dosage may be adjusted to two 200 mg tablets once daily if adverse drug reactions are suspected. The summary of product characteristics recommends that treatment should be continued as long as clinical benefit is observed or until unacceptable toxicity occurs. In Italy the price from the factory

for a pack of 200 mg tablets (112 tablets per pack) is €3,562 excluding value-added tax (VAT). 9 Estimates of annual direct costs for each health state included the frequency and costs of inpatient and outpatient visits, diagnostic and laboratory testing, medications, and procedures. These costs were updated based on a previous study 10 in which the medical resource use associated with each disease state was estimated based on the DRG tariffs11 and national ambulatory fees. The drug costs and costs associated with disease progression are reported in Table 1. Future costs and life-years were discounted at 3% per year. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of the different sorafenib-based treatment strategies compared with BSC.

None of hepatic encephalopathy was induced in the sedative groups. The satisfactory assessments of the sedative EVL group were better than the conscious EVL group evaluated by gastroenterologists or cirrhotic patients. Conclusion: Sedation with propofol plus fentanyl is safe for EVL as well as EVS in liver cirrhotic patients. EVL may be easier for gastroenterologists and more comfortable for liver cirrhotic patients with sedation. Key Word(s): 1. sedation; 2. propofol; 3. fentany; 4. liver cirrhosis; Presenting Author: HONGZE ZENG Additional Authors: CHIR 99021 BING HU, YI MOU, HANG YI, WEI LIU, QIMING WANG Corresponding Author: BING HU, HONGZE ZENG Affiliations: West China

Hospital, Sichuan University Objective: A 49-year-old man presented to the emergency department with abdominal pain

for 5 days. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy at local hospital showed a toothpick embedded in the duodenal flexure. On the day he was admitted to our hospital, the patient reported hematuria. Methods: The patient complained no frequency, urgency or odynuria. His vital sign was stable. Physical exam and laboratory tests were unremarkable. An abdominal CT this website Showed a needle-shaped structure penetrating the duodenal wall into the right kidney, with no vessel injury. The attempt to remove the toothpick by endoscopy was unsuccessful because the toothpick was not seen. A repeat abdominal CT revealed the toothpick was still embedded in the duodenal wall. The patient was indicated for laparotomy and underwent duodenorrhaphy. Results: During surgery, a 6.5-cm toothpick was found. The patient had an uneventful post-operative recovery and was discharged after a week. Conclusion: The diagnosis of foreign body ingestion can sometimes be quite difficult because patients often do not remember ingesting a toothpick or other foreign bodies and gastrointestinal perforation can manifest as other diseases. Therefore, the possibility of gastrointestinal perforation by a foreign body should be isothipendyl considered when treating patients with abdominal pain. Key Word(s): 1.

duodenal perforation; 2. foreign body; 3. hematuria; 4. toothpick; Presenting Author: DONG YANYAN Additional Authors: LI YANQING Corresponding Author: LI YANQING Affiliations: Qilu Hospital Objective: We report case series of confocal laser endoscopic findings in signet ring cell gastric carcinoma. Methods: Confocal laser endoscopy with fluorescein sodium was carried out in twelve patients with signet ring cell gastric carcinoma. We compared macroscopic appearance features. And we captured the specific confocal laser endoscopic findings of signet ring cells showing histological characteristics with solitary large intracytoplasmic vacuoles pushing the nuclei to the periphery of the cell, and they were all confirmed by targeted biopsies. Results: We report case series of confocal laser endoscopic findings in signet ring cell gastric carcinoma.

0 assay (Roche Diagnostics, Branchburg, NJ) with a lower limit of quantification (LLQ) of 25 IU/mL and a lower limit

of detection (LLD) of 9.3 IU/mL. Samples were obtained at screening, at baseline, every 2 weeks through week 12, and at weeks 16, 20, 24, 28, 34, 40, 48, 52, 60, and 72 (depending on the treatment duration). Specimens were to be obtained within a period of 1 or 2 weeks before or after the designated time point. In both studies, genotypic resistance testing was at minimum to be performed at entry and at the time of failure. Futility rules were specified by protocol as detectable HCV RNA at week 24 (SPRINT-2) or at week 12 (RESPOND-2). Patients whose study learn more therapy was stopped for futility per protocol were considered treatment failures. In this retrospective analysis, the impact of alternative

stopping rules using different HCV RNA thresholds [cutoffs of ≥9.3 (LLD), ≥25 (LLQ), ≥50, ≥100, or ≥1000 IU/mL] as well as <2-log and <3-log reductions of HCV RNA levels from the baseline level was assessed at week 8 (SPRINT-2 and RESPOND-2), at week 12 (SPRINT-2), and at week 16 (SPRINT-2). Only patients treated with one or more doses of boceprevir were eligible for these analyses. For each proposed stopping rule, patients were excluded if an HCV RNA measurement at the specified time point was not available within the designated window. When more than one HCV RNA measurement was available during a designated window, the highest value was used in the analyses. Evaluable patients selleck were divided into SVR and non-SVR groups. We assumed that all patients who discontinued therapy because of protocol-specified stopping rules would not have achieved SVR. In deriving stopping rules, our analyses did not distinguish between specific boceprevir regimens or differentiate between the reasons for failing to attain SVR (e.g., virological failure, missing outcome data, or discontinuations unrelated to virological failure). The operating characteristics of each cutoff value for HCV RNA were compared at the various time points. Loperamide In selecting

stopping rules, we imposed essentially zero tolerance for discontinuing therapy in patients who would go on to achieve SVR while trying to maximize discontinuations in patients not attaining SVR as early as possible. Simplicity, convenience, and compatibility with standard clinical practice were also considered. After identifying a robust stopping rule earlier than the rule specified by the protocol in SPRINT-2, we reviewed the population sequencing data for viruses isolated from the 65 boceprevir recipients with week 12 HCV RNA levels ≥100 IU/mL who would have discontinued therapy according to the proposed rule. The emergence of resistance-associated variants was considered possibly preventable by the week 12 stopping rule if a new variant was first detected by polymerase chain reaction genotyping any time after day 84.

The genotyping of each DNA sample was performed by real-time PCR with a model 7500 sequencer (ABI, Tokyo, Japan) using FAM- and VIC-labeled single nucleotide (nt) polymorphism (SNP) probes for the locus rs8099917 (ABI). Deep sequencing of part of the viral NS5A region was performed for each of the 110 patients. Briefly, RNA was extracted from the stored sera and reverse transcribed to complementary DNA.[23] Then, two-step nested PCR was carried out with primers specific for the NS5A region of the HCV genome. To avoid PCR selection bias, we searched for the most conserved DNA sequence

regions around NS5A by examining sequence information published previously from 43 HCV positive individuals from Japan[16] and designed novel primers for this study 5-Fluoracil cost (Supplementary Table 1). This PCR procedure amplified 436 viral nt, including the 1st to 432nd nt of the NS5A region. The primers for the second-round PCR had barcodes, 10 nt in length, attached and these differed for each sample, so that the PCR products

from each sample were identifiable. After the band densities of the PCR products were quantified using a Pico Green dsDNA Assay Kit (Invitrogen), the concentrations of the samples were adjusted to a common value and pooled samples were prepared. Libraries were then subjected to emulsion PCR, the enriched DNA beads were loaded onto a picotiter plate and pyrosequencing was carried out with a Roche GS Junior/454 U0126 ic50 sequencing system using titanium chemistry (Roche, Branford, CT, USA). The Roche Variant Analyzer version 2.5pl (Roche) was used for the analysis. Statistical differences in the parameters, including all available patients’ demographic, biochemical, hematological, Rutecarpine virological and SNP data in the three groups (naïve, relapser and null responder), classified according to the response to previous PEG IFN/RBV therapy, were determined using the χ2-test for categorical variables and Kruskal–Wallis test for numerical variables. Statistical differences in the parameters in two groups (Y93H positive, Y93H negative) were determined by Student’s

t-test or Mann–Whitney U-test for numerical variables and Fisher’s exact test or χ2-test for categorical variables. Variables that achieved statistical significance (P < 0.05) in univariate analysis were entered into multiple logistic regression analysis to identify significant independent factors. We also calculated the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. All P-values of less than 0.05 by the two-tailed test were considered significant. To perform deep sequencing analysis of the NS5A region from many patients, simultaneous analysis was carried out using the barcode primers and approximately 3826 reads were obtained per sample from each group of patients (naïve, relapser and null responder) (Table 2).

Radical therapy, such as hepatectomy, local aspiration therapy and

transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE), was often feasible for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosed in patients with chronic hepatitis as a result of regular Selleckchem Carfilzomib surveillance by serum AFP measurement and ultrasonography, as compared with a matched group of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who were not under surveillance and were diagnosed on the basis of the clinical symptomatology (LF021146 level 3, LF038227 level 3, LF106251 level 1, LF100863 level 2b, LF019822 level 2a). Nonetheless, another report has suggested that even if regular surveillance is performed, the opportunity for hepatectomy is not increased (LF039058 level 2a). In order to truly demonstrate the usefulness of hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance, it is necessary to prove that regular screening helps in the detection of the cancer at an earlier stage, that early detection PI3K inhibitor increases the possibility of radical treatment and that it results in improved prognosis. In relation to hepatocellular

carcinoma surveillance, there are only a few articles suggesting that these requirements can be met; thus, conclusions should be drawn carefully. There are no articles directly comparing the efficacy of surveillance between patients with chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis. There are also no articles directly comparing differences in the efficacy of surveillance between patients with chronic hepatitis B and C and taking into account risk factors such as sex, age and the level of alcohol consumption. The subjects mafosfamide of surveillance in each report vary slightly so that the results should be interpreted

carefully taking such differences into account. When reviewing based on the annual rate of primary liver cancer, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma was high in studies including many patients with cirrhosis, and it was often reported that regular screening of groups at a high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma increased the frequency of detection of hepatocellular carcinoma as a solitary lesion or nodules, leading to increase in the changes of radical treatment. CQ6 How should regular screening for hepatocellular carcinoma be implemented? Hepatocellular carcinoma screening is centered around ultrasonography combined with tumor marker measurements, with dynamic CT/MRI performed concurrently in the very high-risk group, such as patients with cirrhosis. (grade B) Regular screening at intervals of 2–6 months using tumor marker measurements and ultrasonography, in combination with dynamic CT/MRI as needed, increases the possibility of detection of hepatocellular carcinoma in the single nodule stage.

Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed for 515 early gastric cancer lesions: 143 lesions in the non-elderly patients (< 65 years) and 372 lesions

in the elderly patients TGF-beta inhibitor (≥ 65 years) (Table 2). The indication of ESD was PS 0, 1, or 2, but the procedure was performed for patients with a PS of 3 if they desired it. Of the lesions in the elderly, four (1.0%) were in elderly patients with a PS of 3. The PS increased to six (1.6%) after the procedure. None of the non-elderly had a PS of 3 before or after the procedure. This result showed a significantly higher PS in the elderly group and worsening PS after the procedure (Table 2). There were patients with the following comorbidities: cardiovascular disease (hypertension, ischemic heart diseases such as myocardial www.selleckchem.com/products/PD-0332991.html infarction and angina pectoris, and cerebral infarction), lipidosis (diabetes and hyperlipidemia), liver disease (cirrhosis), and

kidney disease (chronic renal dysfunction). Of the elderly, 66.1% had a pre-existing comorbidity, whereas among the non-elderly, 43.4% had a pre-existing comorbidity. Similarly, 1.3% and 0% of the lesions, respectively, were in elderly and non-elderly patients with senile dementia, and 18.3% and 9.8% of the lesions were in the elderly and non-elderly with previous or existing non-gastric malignancy. The percentages were significantly higher in the elderly (Table 3). The elderly and non-elderly groups had no significant difference in their distribution of the location where ESD was performed, macroscopic type of lesion, tumor size, histological type, and depth of invasion (Table 4). The two groups had no differences in the categories of early gastric cancer lesions for which ESD was performed (Table 5). The two groups had no significant difference in the en bloc plus R0 resection rate by lesion category (Table 5). Ten lesions in the elderly patients (2.7%) and six in the non-elderly patients (4.2%) had residual tumor from partial resection, which had been performed for technical reasons; seven lesions in the elderly patients (1.9%) and three in the non-elderly patients (2.1%)

had positive margins Baricitinib because of an error in determining the extent of cancer. Overall, the two groups had no significant difference in their duration of hospitalization (Table 6). However, non-elderly and elderly patients with a perforation had a significantly longer mean duration of hospitalization than elderly patients without a perforation. The two groups had no significant difference in the operating time for ESD (Table 6). The two groups had no difference in the incidence of perforation of the stomach or pneumonia (Table 6). Perforations occurred in cases where a good visual field could not be obtained because of hemorrhage or in cases of ulcer scar. Two elderly patients underwent emergency surgery because of perforation. Of the lesions in the elderly, 10.

5% and 79.6±6.5% respectively N=9, p<0.01) when compared to solutions containing 0.1% HA (Sol2A) (53.3±13.3%; N=9), 0.05% HA (Sol2B) (50.6±5.3%; N=9), or low (1.5%) albumin (50.4±4.3%; N=9). Sol1 displayed the same low level of senescent cells ACP-196 solubility dmso as the control (CTRL, not cryopreserved cells), while Sol3 displayed increased senescent cells compared to CTRL (p<0.05). Sol1 showed a proliferation rate significantly higher than Sol3 (p<0.01), the latter being higher than CTRL (p<0.01).

RT-PCR showed no difference in the expression of tested genes among different cryopreservant solutions, and even among cryopre-rved and freshly isolated cells. The number of colonies in culture was markedly higher in Sol1 (31.50±8.50; N=18, p<0.01) with respect to Sol3 (9.00±3.40; N=18). The increased plating efficiency may depend on CD44-HA bounds which are maintained after thawing. The differentiation potential was preserved when cells were cryopreserved both in Sol1 and Sol3, since thawed cells showed a higher expression of albu-min/cytokeratin(CK)18 when transferred in medium tailored for hepatocytes (N=5, p<0.01),

higher expression of secretin receptor/CK7 in medium tailored for cholangiocytes (N=5, p<0.01), and, finally, higher expression of insulin/c-peptide in medium tailored for p-pancreatic islets (N=5, p<0.01), in comparison to hBTSCs maintained constantly in KM. CCI-779 Conclusions: We identified an HA-based strategy and the conditions for a successful cryopreservation of hBTSCs. This could help in clinical

trials of cell therapy for liver diseases and poses the basis for hBTSCs banking. Disclosures: The following people have nothing to disclose: Vincenzo Cardinale, Lorenzo Nevi, Raffaele Gentile, Guido Carpino, Alice Fraveto, Alessia Torrice, Alfredo Cantafora, Vincenzo Pasqualino, Giovanni Casella, Daniela Bosco, Alessandro Pintore, Giuseppe Spagnolo, Michela Nardacci, Pasquale Bartolomeo Berloco, Eugenio Gaudio, Domenico Alvaro In compensated cirrhosis with portal hypertension (PH), non-selective -blockers (NSBB) are useful to prevent bleeding from varices but not to prevent the development of varices. This suggests that response to NSBB may depend of NADPH-cytochrome-c2 reductase the evolutive stage of PH. This study aimed at characterizing the hemody-namic profile of each stage of PH in compensated cirrhosis and the response to -blockers according to the stage. METHODS: HVPG and systemic hemodynamic were measured in 294 patients with cirrhosis and without any previous decompensation. Of them, 194 patients had clinically significant PH (CSPH), defined by HVPG ≥10mmHg, either without varices (n= 80) or with small varices (n= 114), and 81 patients had mild-PH with HVPG of 6.0-9.5 mmHg. Measurements were repeated after i.v propranolol administration (0.15 mg/ Kg) RESULTS: As compared with patients with CSPH, those with mild-PH had lower liver stiffness (elastography 19±7 vs 30±14 Kpa, P< 0.001), better liver function (MELD 5.6±2.1 vs 6.5±2.6, P<0.

It is also possible that intestinal effects of GFT505 contribute to its hepatoprotective role in NAFLD/NASH. Indeed, PPAR-α activation in the intestine by agonists such as GFT505 has recently been shown to contribute to increased HDL production,[31] indicating a potential role for intestinal PPAR-α in the regulation of whole-body lipoprotein this website metabolism. In view of its extensive enterohepatic cycling, GFT505 activation of PPARs in both the intestine and liver thus results in an improved lipid profile that would be beneficial in dyslipidemic NASH patients. The PPARs have

been proposed as targets of interest to treat NAFLD/NASH.[10] Pilot studies with the thiazolidinediones in patients with NASH demonstrated improvements of IR, liver enzymes, and liver fat, but variable results on histological NASH features such as cellular injury, liver inflammation, and fibrosis.[32-35] In two larger studies performed in patients with biopsy-proven NASH, long-term treatment with pioglitazone led to clear

metabolic and liver histological improvement, but did not significantly improve fibrosis.[36, 37] Human studies performed with marketed PPAR-α agonists have generated inconsistent results on NAFLD/NASH. In a prospective study in patients with NASH, gemfibrozil demonstrated favorable effects on liver enzymes,[38] whereas fenofibrate showed variable results.[39-42] No PPAR-δ Z-VAD-FMK agonist is clinically available at present. However, treatment of overweight dyslipidemic patients with the PPAR-δ agonist, MBX-8025, for 8 weeks led to a reduction in liver enzymes.[43] Moreover, after 2 weeks of treatment in moderately obese men, the PPAR-δ agonist, GW501516, reduced liver fat content by 20%, in conjunction with aminophylline reductions in plasma GGT levels.[44] To assess the potential

of GFT505 to ameliorate liver dysfunction associated with MetS, its effects on plasma markers of liver dysfunction were evaluated after 4-12 weeks of treatment at 80 mg/day in four independent phase II clinical studies performed in dyslipidemic, prediabetic, insulin-resistant, and/or diabetic patients. Quartile analysis showed that GFT505 significantly lowered liver dysfunction markers, such as ALT, GGT, and ALP. To confirm the therapeutic potential of GFT505 on histological features of NASH, a phase IIb study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01694849) in biopsy-proven NASH patients is currently ongoing. In conclusion, together with its favorable effects on hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity, glucose homeostasis, and lipid metabolism,[19, 45] the present study shows the therapeutic potential of GFT505 for NASH treatment. By activating both PPAR-α and PPAR-δ, GFT505 acts on key cellular mechanisms involved in NAFLD/NASH pathogenesis, including TG accumulation, extracellular matrix synthesis, and inflammation.

The aetiology of the underlying liver disease was: HBV (41%), Hepatitis C (23%), and Alcohol related liver disease (16%). The median age at diagnosis was 56 years, 62% were male. The median duration

of surveillance was 3.4 years. HCC was detected in 23 patients (5%). The overall adherence rate for AFP testing and US surveillance was 79% and 59%, respectively. US adherence correlated strongly with clinic attendance but even in those attending regularly, 20% of US surveillance scans were missed. Conclusion: The poor performance of US surveillance highlights the rationale for continuing AFP testing at this time. Strategies that we have undertaken to improve US surveillance rates include: a patient education brochure, nurse specialist cirrhosis clinics, and improving clinic non-attendance procedures. Key Word(s): 1. HCC; 2. ultrasound; 3. cirrhosis; 4. Surveillance; Presenting buy LEE011 Author: JIN TAO Additional Authors: LEIJIA LI, BIN WU Corresponding Author: JIN TAO Affiliations: The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Objective: To investigate the clinical characteristics of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP)

associated with cirrhosis to provide basis for the clinical reasonable application. Methods: The clinical manifestations and signs, the laboratory examinations, ascitic fluid cultures and drugs sensitivity test and the prognosis of SBP were retrospectively analyzed in 82 patients with cirrhosis. Results: Among the 82 patients, the ascites bacterial culture was positive in 28 cases, the Gram-negative bacilli covered the largest percentage of pathogenic bacteria (23 cases, 82.1 %). Among them, PS-341 in vivo MycoClean Mycoplasma Removal Kit the Escherichia coli was the most common of all (15 cases, 53.6 %). Conclusion: Patiens with liver cirrhosis of unknown cause fever, abdominal pain, rapid increase in short-term ascites or peripheral blood leukocytes, neutrophils should be alert to the occurrence of SBP. The early diagnosis of spontaneous peritonitis and the prompt, sufficiency and effective antibiotic treatment are the primary factors to improve the later period liver disease patient

prognosis. Key Word(s): 1. peritonitis; 2. cirrhosis; 3. ascites; Presenting Author: JIN TAO Additional Authors: YINGHUI YANG, BIN WU Corresponding Author: JIN TAO Affiliations: The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Objective: To compare the epidemiological, clinical, biological and histological characters among autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) and their overlap syndrome (OS), and to assess the value of IgM and IgG in differentiating AIH, PBC and OS. Methods: One hundred and six cases in our hospital from July of 2006 to July of 2010 were analyzed. The clinical manifestations and signs, the laboratory examinations were analyzed We evaluated the expression of IgM and IgG cells in liver tissues by immunostaining, and their titer in serum by ELISA.