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Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the major causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues can control disease progression. However, they cause very low HBsAg clearance or seroconversion rates and relapse in most patients after treatment withdrawal. In recent years, the further understanding of the interaction between hepatitis B virus (HBV) and host gives birth to a large number of novel drugs that hold promise for successful cure of CHB. This paper reviews several novel drugs against HBV in phase I, II, or III clinical trials, and points out that these novel drugs against HBV have preliminarily indicated a bright future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are about 150 million people around the world with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection currently, of whom 20% will ultimately progress to cirrhosis and eventually die of end - stage liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. Interferon (IFN) has long been recognized as the cornerstone of the treatment of chronic hepatitis C because of its role in sustained virologic response and prevention of disease progression. However, it has limited efficacy and multiple adverse effects. In recent years, direct - acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have shown good efficacy. This review summarizes the recent advances in IFN - free anti - HCV therapeutic regimens based on DAAs. We believe that, with the emergence of DAAs , IFN - free therapies will develop rapidly and display better prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) affects up to a third of the population in developed countries. Between 10% and 30% of patients with NAFLD have non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There are metabolic risk factors common to both NAFLD and cardiovascular disease, so patients with NASH have an increased risk of liver-related and cardiovascular death. This articles reviews the most recent advances in the management of NAFLD in five main areas: lifestyle modification, weight loss treatment, therapy for metabolic syndrome, insulin sensitizer and antioxidant pharmacotherapy, and management of end-stage liver disease. It is pointed out that clinicians need to pay more attention to metabolic syndrome in the diagnosis and treatment of NAFLD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Splenomegaly is an early sign of cirrhotic portal hypertension. In patients with liver cirrhosis, the resistance of splenic venous reflux increases and portal venous pressure is reversed to the spleen, which causes congestive splenomegaly and hyperplasia of splenic tissue and fibrous tissue. In addition, intestinal antigens enter the systemic circulation via the portal-systemic collateral circulation and stimulates the proliferation of mononuclear macrophages in the spleen after being taken up by the spleen, which further leads to splenomegaly and hypersplenism. On the contrary, abnormal spleen can cause the changes in liver function and portal vein hemodynamics. Therefore, the intervention of the spleen cannot be neglected during the treatment of liver cirrhosis and its complications. This article reviews the influence of abnormal spleen structure and function on liver pathophysiological function in patients with liver cirrhosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]