A study found that sorafenib dramatically improved the condition of rats with portal hypertension, reducing new blood vessel growth and improving liver function. The results suggest that sorafenib may be an effective therapeutic agent for treating advanced portal hypertension.
A novel injectable, OCR-002, directly reduces blood levels of ammonia, a toxic chemical building up during acute hepatic encephalopathy attacks. Clinical trials will begin in 2009 to develop the treatment for patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and acute liver failure.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that African-Americans tend to store fat in subcutaneous adipose tissues, which may protect them from insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This fundamental difference in lipid metabolism could lead to targeted therapies for populations prone to NAFLD.
Local rectal cancer excision is effective for stages Tis and T1 cancers, with prevention of recurrence and postoperative follow-up increasing efficacy. Administering salvage therapy also improves outcomes.
A study found nearly 100 genes that support the replication of HCV and show that blocking several of them can suppress viral replication in cultured cells. Targeting these human genes could provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic HCV infection.
A 23-year-old man developed severe autoimmune hepatitis after contracting varicella zoster virus, responding dramatically to steroid treatment. The case highlights the importance of considering AIH in patients with persistent altered liver enzymes following a viral infection.
Research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that patients with upper GI bleeding admitted on weekends had a 22% higher mortality rate and were less likely to undergo early endoscopy. Patients with peptic ulcer-related UGIB also faced increased mortality, hospital charges, and length of stay.
A new study published in Hepatology found that African-Americans are more resistant to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, particularly when it comes to triglyceride levels. The research suggests an 'insulin resistance paradox' where African-Americans exhibit lower insulin sensitivity despite similar body fat distributions.
Researchers found that liver cancers linked to metabolic syndrome have distinct characteristics, including non-fibrotic development and better differentiation. The study suggests that the metabolic syndrome itself may cause cancer through insulin, lipid peroxidation or oxidative stress effects.
A specific gene called protein kinase C beta (PKC beta) plays a crucial role in the weight-gain response to a high-fat diet. Mice genetically engineered to lack PKC beta showed minimal health effects and resisted fat-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and liver damage. The study suggests that blocking this gene could be a therapeutic...
Researchers found significant correlations between serum levels of anti-tTG IgA and anti-DGP antibodies in untreated celiac disease patients. The study suggests an immune response difference to deamidated gliadin and tissue transglutaminase, supporting the hapten-carrier theory for anti-tTG IgA origin.
A study found significant correlations between PBC stage and AST, APRI, ALT/platelet, and AST/ALT ratios. These biomarkers show promise in reducing the need for liver biopsy, with AST/ALT exhibiting the highest sensitivity and specificity.
A study by Helmholtz Center researchers reveals that acute hepatitis B infection triggers chronic liver disease through altered T helper cell function. The team identified specific genes and immune mechanisms involved in the development of chronic hepatitis B, shedding light on potential diagnostic markers and treatment options.
A new review of randomized controlled trials has found that radiofrequency ablation significantly improves patient survival compared to percutaneous ethanol injection. Radiofrequency treatment offered a greater survival benefit due to improved local tumor response and more predictable tumor ablation.
A new study identifies Capn4 as a key molecule associated with liver cancer recurrence and metastasis after liver transplantation. The findings suggest that Capn4 expression is correlated with clinical outcomes and could be used as a prognostic marker for diagnosis.
Research finds children with newly diagnosed IBD have higher concentrations of folate in their blood compared to individuals without the disease. This discovery challenges previous theories on folate deficiency in IBD patients.
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology is the most influential journal in clinical medicine, publishing research applicable to practicing physicians. It received its first impact factor of 5.465 in 2008, ranking 8th out of 50 gastroenterology journals.
A study published in Hepatology found that people on low-carbohydrate diets produce more glucose from lactate or amino acids, burning liver fat for energy. This suggests that optimizing diet may help manage and treat diseases such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A large cohort study found that infection with hepatitis C virus significantly increases risk for pancreatic cancer, a previously under-examined association. The study, published in Hepatology, suggests that individuals infected with HCV should be closely monitored for this potentially fatal condition.
A new trial found that orlistat, a common fat absorption inhibitor, does not help patients with fatty liver disease lose weight or improve liver enzymes. However, moderate weight loss was associated with significant improvements in liver symptoms.
Researchers found that extensive liver resection impairs the regenerative capacity of the liver on a molecular and cellular level. Key findings include delayed activation of NF-kappa B and increased programmed cellular death in regenerating livers.
Researchers found no benefit from low-dose peginterferon treatment for patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C, who experienced a surprising health decline over four years. The study showed a significant progression of liver disease in these patients, ruling out maintenance therapy as an effective treatment option.
A recent study found that bariatric surgery leads to improvement of histopathological features of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in most patients. The risk of progression of inflammatory changes and fibrosis is minimal, with complete resolution of NAFLD reported in a majority of patients.
A study compared FibroScan with liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, finding non-invasive methods effective for fibrosis assessment. Transient elastography outperformed traditional biopsy in differentiating significant from absent or mild fibrosis, offering an alternative to invasive procedures.
A novel protein marker identifies rare adult liver stem cells whose ability to regenerate injured liver tissue has the potential for cell-replacement therapy. The finding offers significant implications for treating chronic liver disease in the future.
Researchers investigated Kupffer cell dynamics and phagocytic activity in a rat NASH model, confirming the effectiveness of CEUS examination in diagnosing NASH. The contrast effect in the liver parenchymal phase using Levovist® strongly implicates Kupffer cells in NASH pathogenesis.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic disease that can lead to severe liver damage due to inadequate bile secretion. A mutation in the ABCB4 gene causes low levels of phosphatidylcholine in bile, resulting in liver cell damage and cirrhosis.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology confirms that colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer incidence, with the greatest benefit seen after seven years of follow-up. However, the effectiveness of colonoscopy is reduced for cancers arising in the proximal colon.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center found that young adults without family history of bowel disease have few pre-cancerous polyps. Screening guidelines recommend colonoscopies starting at age 50, but the study suggests African Americans should consider colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that HCV-infected patients without initial liver damage are at risk of fibrosis progression. Factors associated with this development include elevated transaminases, body mass index above 25, and time interval between biopsies.
A new case report reveals the successful use of ERCP to diagnose biliary rhabdomyosarcoma in a child, obviating the need for surgery. The treatment involves chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with ERCP providing an effective alternative for some patients.
A new study suggests that down-staging hepatocellular carcinoma can improve post-transplant outcomes for patients who undergo treatment. The research found that tumors with more favorable biology respond well to treatment and do well after liver transplantation.
A study found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have advanced fibrosis, indicating the need for liver biopsy. The researchers discovered that patients with normal ALT had milder inflammation and steatosis, but still at risk of severe hepatic disease.
A new study confirms that colorectal cancer screening should begin at age 50, with colonoscopies being the most effective method for preventing the disease. The study found that the prevalence of colorectal polyps increases sharply after age 50, and African Americans have a higher rate of right-sided polyps.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that transient elastography, a non-invasive technique, can accurately diagnose late-stage liver disease. The study showed high correlation between LSM and pericellular fibrosis, allowing for better prediction of cirrhosis
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a vulnerable step in the hepatitis C virus' reproduction process that can be effectively targeted with an obsolete antihistamine. The novel technique used microfluidic chips to screen over 1,200 drug candidates and identified clemizole as a promising lead.
Congenital Tufting Enteropathy (CTE) is a rare, congenital disorder affecting infants, causing severe diarrhea and growth failure. Researchers identified the Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule gene as the cause of CTE.
Researchers discovered that hepatitis C infection causes fatty liver by elevating an enzyme called fatty acid synthase (FAS) in human liver cells. Elevated FAS levels may help determine which patients are at risk of developing life-threatening diseases like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
A new pilot study has shown that a self-administered, at-home cognitive behavioral program can relieve IBS symptoms comparable to office-based therapy. The findings are significant because there are no reliable medicines available to treat the full range of IBS symptoms.
A new study by researchers at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that high-volume hospitals for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) surgery have significantly lower in-hospital mortality rates and shorter post-operative hospital stays. Additionally, there was no increase in length of stay or hospitalization costs in these centers.
Scientists have discovered a molecular trick used by Salmonella to evade the immune system, giving it crucial time to establish itself in the host before symptoms appear. The AvrA protein helps reduce inflammation, allowing the bacteria to avoid detection and spread more easily.
Research findings suggest that high-volume surgeons at high-volume centers have improved in-hospital mortality rates for liver resections. Additionally, hospitals with a high annual volume of IBD patients experience lower mortality rates among hospitalized patients who undergo surgery.
Researchers found that endoscopic ultrasound improves patient outcomes after diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. Heavy smoking and drinking are linked to an earlier onset of the disease, with beer being the strongest contributor.
Scientists have created human liver cells from embryonic stem cells, enabling drug toxicity studies and potential treatments for liver diseases. Researchers also found that innate immunity influences the response to treatment for chronic hepatitis C and discovered a link between urinary tract infections and primary biliary cirrhosis.
Bariatric surgery shows promise as a treatment for adolescent obesity, with per-oral suturing procedures offering a safe and effective alternative. Probiotics also aid in weight loss and GI quality of life after gastric bypass surgery.
Researchers have made significant progress in diagnosing and preventing celiac disease, a condition where gluten triggers an autoimmune response. A new therapy, AT-1001, has shown promising results in improving intestinal permeability and reducing symptoms.
New developments in sedation techniques, including computer-assisted systems and propofol administration, are expected to increase the effectiveness of colonoscopy and ease patient concerns. These advancements aim to encourage patients to get screened for colorectal cancer, which is curable when detected early.
Researchers presented preliminary results of a prospective randomized controlled trial showing NOTES to be equally successful as traditional laparoscopic surgery, but taking longer. The study also demonstrated complex surgeries can be performed via the mouth using flexible endoscopes.
A new real-time microscopic technique called confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) can identify suspicious patterns and precancerous cells, potentially eliminating the need for biopsies in many cases. CLE was found to be accurate in detecting gastrointestinal conditions with an overall accuracy rate of 91%.
Researchers found a significant association between anti-HBe antibodies and increased ALT levels among HBV-infected patients. Genotype D was the only type detected in different clinical forms of acute and chronic infections, with a higher prevalence of HBeAg-negative status among chronic hepatitis patients.
The COPILOT study found that low-dose peginterferon alfa-2b improved disease-free survival in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, especially those who stayed on treatment. In contrast, the medication was not superior to colchicine in overall patient populations.
Combining stents and photodynamic therapy significantly improves survival rates for patients with advanced liver bile duct cancer, increasing it from 7 months to over 16 months. The treatment's effectiveness is attributed to the number of stent-replacement procedures and PDT sessions.
Researchers have found that increasing SULF2 expression enhances cancer cell growth and migration, while decreasing it reduces both. The study suggests that blocking SULF2 may lead to an effective treatment for liver cancer and potentially other types of cancer.
Studies show that introducing patient navigators in safety net health systems increases colonoscopy completion rates among urban minorities, reducing no-show rates by up to 9.8%. This individual intervention approach may be particularly effective in addressing the complex barriers to colorectal cancer screening in low-income and minori...
Data indicate pre-existing lamivudine resistance predisposes patients to higher rates of BARACLUDE resistance. Nucleoside-naive patients experienced a cumulative probability of genotypic resistance of 1.2% through five years.
Researchers found that combining stenting with photodynamic therapy improved survival rates for patients with advanced liver bile duct cancer, reducing mortality by 57% compared to stenting treatment alone. The study suggests that this combined approach can help extend survival rates for these patients.
A new US population-based study found that elevated liver enzymes discovered during routine medical care are associated with a higher risk of mortality. Elevated AST and ALT levels were linked to increased standardized mortality rates, suggesting these simple blood tests could be valuable indicators of long-term outcome.
A study found that a 3-variable model of serum fibrosis markers, including HA, TIMP-1, and platelet count, can accurately predict cirrhosis in patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C. The model outperformed other published models and showed strong correlation with collagen content.
Researchers at Indiana University found that treatment with oral or swallowed/sprayed steroids results in significant patient improvement, but relapse is common if discontinued. The study suggests that long-term results are similar between groups, offering hope for effective therapy.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have discovered that grapefruit compound naringenin can block the secretion of hepatitis C virus from infected cells, a key step in maintaining chronic infection. This finding suggests that combining naringenin with antiviral medication may allow patients to clear the virus from their livers.