Deficient Stat3 DNA-binding is associated with high Pias3 expression and a positive anti-apoptotic balance in human end-stage alcoholic and hepatitis C cirrhosis

End-stage HCV and ALD cirrhosis is characterized by impaired Stat3 DNA-binding possibly through up-regulation of Pias3. Therefore, impaired activation of Stat3 target genes might contribute to disturbed liver regeneration and repair. The attempt in cirrhotic livers to favor anti-apoptotic over pro-apoptotic pathways is not sufficient to compensate for the low cellular proliferation rates.