RT-PCR was applied to measure the gene expression of apoptosis-associated genes, Bcl-2 and Bax, and also to detect the FASN gene expression. Results: HCC cells treated with EGCG exhibited significant cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and the formation of apoptotic bodies with Hoechst 33258 staining. The highest apoptosis rate was 28.6% Androgen Receptor antagonist in 160 μmol/L EGCG-treated groups measured by low cytometry. RT-PCR analysis indicated that Bcl-2 and FASN gene expression were significantly decreased with the increasing of EGCG concentration. Conclusion: EGCG can inhibit cell proliferation,

and induce apoptosis of HCC cells, this effect may be related to inhibition of tumor cell apoptosis-associated genes Bcl-2 and the expression of endogenous FASN. Key Word(s): 1. EGCG; 2. Apoptosis; 3. Fatty acid synthase; 4. HepG2; Presenting Author: JEFFEY GEORGE Additional Authors: VARGHESE THOMAS Corresponding Author: JEFFEY GEORGE Affiliations: GIOVERNMENT; GOVERNMENT Objective: To assess the effect of short course prednisolone in comparision with UDCA (Ursodeoxycholic acid) in the management of patients with

cholestatic viral hepatitis A. Methods: Patients diagnosed as acute hepatitis A with cholestasis having serum bilirubin level more than 10 mg/dl and with pruritus of grade 3 or 4 were enrolled and randomized into group A (UDCA 20 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks) and group B (prednisolone 0.75 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks). LFT and clinical parameters were recorded weekly for a maximum of 6 weeks. Primary endpoints were a fall find more Calpain in bilirubin to 3 mg/dl and/or reduction in pruritus by 2 grades. Mean time to clearance of jaundice and pruritis were compared. Results: 40 patients (34 males) were studied (group A = 20, group B = 20). Two were excluded, one due to protocol violation

and another due to steroid induced mild pancreatitis which resolved within a few days. Mean time to clearance of jaundice was 49.7 days (21–85) in group A versus 36.3 days (14–82) in Group B (p = 0.02). Maximum treatment response was seen at day 17 in steroid arm (p < 0.01). Mean time to resolution of pruritus was 34.9 days (16–62) versus 20.7 (7–69) respectively (p < 0.01). Adverse effects noted were acne vulgaris in 2, facial puffiness in 1 and pedal edema in 1 patient in the steroid arm and 2 patients with skin infection in the UDCA arm. Conclusion: CONCLUSION: Short course prednisolone treatment hastens recovery from jaundice and improves pruritus in patients with acute hepatitis A with cholestasis as against treatment with UDCA. Short course treatment with prednisolone is inexpensive and without major side effects. Key Word(s): 1. Prednisolone; 2. Cholestasis; 3. Viral hepatitis A; 4.