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Background: The mechanism(s) responsible for the development of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD) is unknown. Recently, a number of bile canalicular transport proteins have been identified that transport bile components out of hepatocytes. One group of these genes, multidrug resistance 1 (mdr1) and mdr2, encode P-glycoproteins. Mice lacking mdr2 expression develop liver disease that appears similar to PNALD. This study investigated the alteration in the expression of these transport proteins during the administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN)., Methods: Mice received either physiologic saline and standard chow or TPN. Mice were sacrificed on day 7, and hepatic DNA and RNA content, mRNA expression, and levels of mdr1 and mdr2 proteins were measured., Results: TPN administration led to a significant (p < .05) decline in mdr2 mRNA expression and an increase in mdr1 mRNA expression. Mdr2 protein expression declined by 66% in the TPN-treated group, and mdr1 protein expression significantly increased by 58%. Histology and biochemical parameters showed no evidence of liver injury. Serum bile acid levels were elevated in the TPN group, suggesting the development of early cholestasis., Conclusions: The decline in mdr2 and rise in mdr1 mRNA and protein expression with TPN administration occurred before the development of liver injury but during an early state of cholestasis. This suggests that alterations in mdr gene expression may be a causative factor in the development of PNALD.

Background: Congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is generally considered to be a benign neoplasm requiring only total excision. Rare local recurrences have usually been related to incomplete removal, and distant metastases to the lung have been reported three times., Methods: The authors reported the first case of CMN metastatic to the brain, illustrating a comparison of the histopathology of the primary and secondary lesions., Results: The gross appearance of the renal tumor was that of a benign CMN. On histopathologic examination, there was a single nodule of more cellular tissue with focal necrosis. This area was diagnosed as within the designation "cellular" mesoblastic nephroma. The appearance of the brain metastasis corresponded to that of the cellular nodule., Conclusions: This report expands the spectrum of metastatic potential of CMN. Though a rare event, this case underscores the need for close follow-up of infants with CMN.