Abstract: There is provided an examination method which is simpler than conventional liver biopsy and enables the diagnosis of steatohepatitis. This diagnostic method comprises the steps of measuring the concentration of choline contained in a blood-derived sample collected from a subject; and determining the presence of fatty liver disease, severity of the disease, or a therapeutic effect on the disease based on the choline concentration.

Abstract: PBN (&agr;-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone), and its derivatives nitrone-based free radical traps, significantly reduce preneoplastic nodule development as well as inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formation at very low levels. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer development has been strongly implicated for many years. The involvement of ROS has been strongly implicated in cancer development is a model system where feeding a choline deficiency (CD) diet to rats leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Administering PBN in the drinking water inhibits HCC formation. Preneoplastic nodule growth in the liver is significantly suppressed by administering PBN, or some of its natural metabolites, in the diet. The effectiveness of PBN in preventing HCC development in the CD liver model is considered due to its prevention of tumor development after the target cells have already been initiated, i.e. genetically changed into tumor cells.

Abstract: PBN (&agr;-phenyl-tert-butylnitrone), and its derivatives nitrone-based free radical traps, significantly reduce preneoplastic nodule development as well as inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) formation at very low levels. The involvement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cancer development has been strongly implicated for many years. The involvement of ROS has been strongly implicated in cancer development is a model system where feeding a choline deficiency (CD) diet to rats leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Administering PBN in the drinking water inhibits HCC formation. Preneoplastic nodule growth in the liver is significantly suppressed by administering PBN, or some ofits natural metabolites, in the diet. The effectiveness of PBN in preventing HCC development in the CD liver model is considered due to its prevention of tumor development after the target cells have already been initiated, i.e.genetically changed into tumor cells.