Liver fibrosis is a severe, life-threatening clinical condition resulting from nonresolving hepatitis of different origins. IL-17A is critical in inflammation, but its relation to liver fibrosis remains elusive. We find increased IL-17A expression in fibrotic livers from HBV-infected patients undergoing partial hepatectomy because of cirrhosis-related early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma in comparison with control nonfibrotic livers from uninfected patients with hepatic hemangioma. In fibrotic livers, IL-17A immunoreactivity localizes to the inflammatory infiltrate. In experimental carbon tetrachloride–induced liver fibrosis of IL-17RA–deficient mice, we observe reduced neutrophil influx, proinflammatory cytokines, hepatocellular necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis as compared with control C57BL/6 mice. IL-17A is produced by neutrophils and T lymphocytes expressing the Th17 lineage–specific transcription factor Retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γt. Furthermore, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) isolated from naive C57BL/6 mice respond to IL-17A with increased IL-6, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen, and TGF-β mRNA expression, suggesting an IL-17A–driven fibrotic process. Pharmacologic ERK1/2 or p38 inhibition significantly attenuated IL-17A–induced HSC activation and collagen expression. In conclusion, IL-17A+ Retinoic acid receptor–related orphan receptor γt+ neutrophils and T cells are recruited into the injured liver driving a chronic, fibrotic hepatitis. IL-17A–dependent HSC activation may be critical for liver fibrosis. Thus, blockade of IL-17A could potentially benefit patients with chronic hepatitis and liver fibrosis.

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ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess the effect of the stroke health management model on the prognosis and recurrence of mild to moderate ischemic stroke, guided by the stroke health manager based on the patients' needs. In addition, up-to-date evidence of healthcare resource allocation, planning, and optimization is provided.MethodsThe current research was a retrospective, observational, single-center, history-controlled study with patients divided into two groups, namely, the intervention group and the control group, following the guidance of the stroke health manager. The control group patients received standard medical care during hospitalization, which consisted of advice on healthy lifestyle choices carried out by the bed nurse, but no structured education, WeChat group, or clinical consultation was included. The intervention group patients, in addition to the standard medical care, received health management and health education from the stroke health manager, and after hospital discharge, the patients were followed up over the telephone by the health manager to see if there was any recurrence or readmission.ResultsFrom 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2020, 382 patients with acute ischemic stroke were enrolled in this study. Through the univariate regression analysis, we found that SHM intervention was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrence (HR = 0.459). We constructed a nomogram based on the significant variables from the regression analysis and also analyzed the association between the control group and the SHM intervention group among all subgroups using the Cox proportional hazards model to assess the effect of the stroke health management model. Most patients in this study had a total risk point between 170 and 270. The C-index value was 0.76, and the time-dependent AUC for predicting recurrence was >0.7.ConclusionThe stroke health manager-guided management model based on patients' needs can better control the risk factors of stroke and significantly reduce the recurrence rate of mild to moderate ischemic stroke within 1 year.

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