45; P < 0.001) and not serum storage duration MAPK inhibitor (beta = 0.03; P = 0.786) was significantly associated with MDA levels. We also recognize that this cross-sectional study cannot imply causation, and that additional mechanistic studies will be required to definitively establish the role of RES cell iron in the induction of various apoptotic pathways. In conclusion, we found that both HC and RES iron deposition are associated with increased OS, compared to patients without stainable iron. However, RES, but not HC iron deposition, in this disease is characterized by increased apoptosis in the liver, as shown by both in situ

TUNEL staining in the liver and circulating CK18 levels and suggests a mechanism for increased disease severity.

By contrast, our data suggest that selective HC iron deposition in NAFLD may preferentially promote cell necrosis versus apoptosis. Longitudinal studies will also help delineate the dynamic relationship of iron and OS and the role of these in NAFLD progression. The authors thank Andrew Rhieu and Jilene Chua for their work in TUNEL assay development and imaging and Priya Handa for her helpful discussions. “
“The role vitamin D playing in patients with chronic hepatitis C has been intensively studied. However, studies on the potential interaction between vitamin D level and chronic hepatitis B are still limited. This study aimed to explore whether any association existed between serum vitamin D level find more and liver histology or virological parameters in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection in Southern China. 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum levels

were determined in a cohort of 242 treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients. Histologic assessment was based on Knodell histologic activity index and Ishak fibrosis staging. Predictors of vitamin D insufficiency were identified using multivariate analysis. Mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D value was 33.90ng/ml. The percentage of patients with different concentration of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (≥30ng/ml, 20-30ng/ml, <20ng/ml) were 59.9%, 31.4% and 8.7%, respectively. Gender, Dolichyl-phosphate-mannose-protein mannosyltransferase season, age and viral genotype were independent predictors of vitamin D insufficiency (<30ng/ml). Patients with genotype B virus infection had a lower mean 25-hydroxyvitamin D level (p=0.023) and higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency than those with genotype C (p=0.021) , while no association was found between vitamin D status and viral load. In addition, 25-hydroxyvitamin D level did not significantly vary according to activity grade or fibrosis stage. The prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency is relatively low in our cohort. Patients infected with genotype B had a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency than genotype C. 25-hydroxyvitamin D serum level is not associated with viral load or fibrosis stage in chronic hepatitis B patients.