A new study reveals a significant increase in liver deaths due to cirrhosis among young adults, with the highest fatalities among whites, American Indians, and Hispanics. The rise is attributed entirely to alcohol-related liver disease, highlighting the need for prevention strategies such as taxes on alcohol and reducing marketing.
A major new study published in Science Translational Medicine found that a hepatitis C vaccine would significantly reduce transmission among injecting drug users, even if it doesn't provide complete sterilizing immunity. The study estimated that the risk of transmission could decrease to between 1 and 25 percent with vaccination.
Researchers at BIDMC developed the BE3A score to predict improvement in liver function after DAA therapy for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The online scoring system assesses 5 baseline factors to provide a shared decision-making tool for physicians and patients.
Researchers developed an accurate diagnostic score that uses two simple blood tests to identify patients in need of treatment against the deadly hepatitis B virus. The test was found to be as accurate as existing methods but at a fraction of the cost, making it accessible for sub-Saharan Africa's poorest regions.
A new approach for treating liver cirrhosis has been found with aleglitazar, which reduces inflammation and portal hypertension in rats with cirrhosis. Aleglitazar suppresses inflammation, vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, and tumor necrosis factor overproduction in cirrhotic rats.
A new decision-making tool called the BE3A score assesses 5 factors to predict improvement in liver function for patients with decompensated cirrhosis. The scoring system will aid physicians in shared decision-making about HCV treatment, particularly for those awaiting liver transplantation.
Researchers at Michigan State University discovered a link between intestinal inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, and communication between sensory neurons and enteric glia. The study found that specific molecular changes spark discomfort before symptoms appear.
A new study finds that video consultations between primary care physicians and specialists improve liver disease care and increase patient survival rates. Patients who participated in these consultations had a 54% higher survival rate compared to those without access to virtual consultations.
A new study categorizes GI bleeding outcomes by cause, revealing high readmission rates and significant differences in length of stay and mortality. The findings suggest grouping patients by type of MS-DRG and clinical conditions could provide a more accurate assessment of quality metrics.
The 2018 class of AGA Research Foundation awardees will continue to push gastroenterology and hepatology research forward with protected time for fundamental research. The awards program has launched the careers of investigators doing important work that translates to new patient care tools and better outcomes for patients.
A study reports that approximately half of young children with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) have received a liver transplant by age 10. Surgical biliary diversion was found to increase survival rates in children with mild or moderate PFIC2 mutations.
A recent study by Michigan Medicine has found that over one-third of cirrhosis cases are related to alcohol consumption, with women being disproportionately affected. The study reveals that patients with alcohol-related cirrhosis have higher healthcare costs and poorer health outcomes compared to those without the condition.
Scientists have identified three distinct subtypes of eosinophilic esophagitis, an emerging food allergic disease. The discovery provides a framework for developing precision medicines tailored to specific patient groups.
Scientists from Cincinnati Children's and UCSF have discovered a mechanism behind an unusual form of tissue regeneration in mice with Alagille syndrome, a rare liver disease. This discovery may lead to a viable treatment for human disease by instructing other types of liver cells to switch identities.
Researchers discovered mouse genes that enhance human T-cell power against liver cancer, offering new hope for patients. Engineered human T cells eradicated cancer without harming normal liver tissue.
The study highlights the significant burden of hepatitis B virus globally, with 292 million individuals living with the virus in 2016. Only 5% of eligible patients received antiviral therapy, and less than 1% of expectant mothers with high viral load received prophylaxis to prevent mother-to-child transmission.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology links high consumption of red and processed meat to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. High meat eaters had a higher risk of developing NAFLD and insulin resistance, regardless of saturated fat intake.
A new study by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute found that an eight-week treatment regimen for hepatitis C may be just as effective as a 12-week course in black patients. The study suggests that more people could take advantage of the shorter treatment duration, benefiting access and reducing costs.
A phase II clinical trial showed that NGM282 significantly reduced liver fat content in patients with NAFLD and NASH. The treatment, a non-tumorigenic variant of an endocrine gastrointestinal hormone, has no FDA-approved treatments for these conditions.
Researchers discovered the role of adenosine 2A receptor in preventing NAFLD, showing disrupted receptors lead to increased inflammation and fat deposition. The study validates this receptor as a potential therapeutic target for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai and Emulate are pioneering a Patient-on-a-Chip program to predict which disease treatments would be most effective for each patient. They leverage Organs-on-Chips technology to create an environment where cells exhibit unprecedented biological function, enabling personalized testing of drug treatments.
Researchers have developed a human intestinal lining that mirrors living tissue when placed inside microengineered Intestine-Chips. This breakthrough enables personalized testing of drug treatments for debilitating gastrointestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
The research developed mini-livers that can mimic fetal development and function, generating hepatocytes and bile ducts. This advancement may lead to improved treatments for congenital liver diseases.
Researchers created human intestinal 'mini-guts' to study the immune response to bacteria at different developmental ages. The study found that premature infants have an exaggerated immune response, contributing to NEC's pathogenesis.
Two cases of young children with severe esophageal injuries caused by swallowed lithium batteries from fidget spinners have been reported. The incidents highlight the potential danger of button batteries in children's toys, particularly those not specifically designed for kids.
Researchers found PQQ can prevent fatty liver disease progression in young mice fed a high-fat diet by protecting their microbiome. The study suggests that maternal diet affects offspring's gut health, leading to an increased risk of developing the disease.
A major new study confirms that drinking during late adolescence can predict the risk of developing liver disease later in life. The study found that even low levels of daily alcohol consumption can lead to severe liver disease in men, suggesting that current guidelines for safe drinking may need to be revised.
Scientists from TWINCORE published insights on processes involved in liver inflammation, highlighting the importance of Kupffer cells in regulating inflammatory responses. Type I interferons trigger Kupffer cells to take up infected cells and undergo apoptosis, while also delaying regeneration of immune cells.
A modeling study by Massachusetts General Hospital investigators finds that antiviral drugs can reduce the risk of complications from HCV-positive liver transplantation. The study suggests that HCV-negative patients with severe liver disease may benefit from receiving an HCV-positive liver followed by antiviral treatment.
A new clinical trial found that combining oral immunotherapy with omalizumab increased the speed and safety of treating multiple food allergies in children. The study showed significant efficacy and safety improvements, allowing patients to tolerate more foods without severe reactions.
A clinical trial found that combining an antibody drug with food desensitization treatment improved allergy relief for children with multiple food allergies. The treatment, omalizumab, showed promising results in reducing allergic reactions when introducing small amounts of trigger foods into their diet.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a strong biomarker candidate for early diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia, a rare disease causing liver damage in infants. The test, using matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting the condition.
A new study found that both alcohol consumption and metabolic factors contribute to the risk of severe liver disease in the general population. The research, published in Hepatology, suggests that considering both factors together can improve risk assessment and detection of individuals at high risk of progressive liver disease.
A study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with an increased risk of liver, colorectal, and breast cancers. Patients with NAFLD were 16.73 times more likely to develop hepatocellular carcinoma and twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer.
Monitoring blood levels of infliximab in IBD patients before loss of efficacy is associated with improved outcomes, including lower rates of surgery and hospitalization. This approach is linked to reduced treatment failure, infusion reactions, and need for IBD-related surgery or hospitalization.
Patients with both HIV and HCV are at increased risk of end-stage liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Drinking three or more cups of coffee daily halved all-cause mortality in these patients. The anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols in coffee may protect the liver and reduce inflammation.
A Mayo Clinic study found that Liraglutide slowed stomach emptying and led to significant weight loss in treated patients. The degree of stomach emptying delay was associated with the degree of weight loss, suggesting a potential biomarker for individualizing obesity treatment.
Researchers at University of Southampton discover natural killer cells can recognize global pathogens through a single receptor, paving the way for a new type of vaccine. The study identifies a non-variable part of the virus called the NS3 helicase protein as a key target for the immune system.
A new EHR-based prompt increased HCV screening rates among baby boomers from 7.6% to 72%, while also facilitating follow-up care for infected patients. The streamlined process led to a significant increase in HCV treatment prescriptions, with 67% of newly diagnosed patients receiving curative treatment.
Researchers at KAIST have developed a novel method to improve medication treatment for liver cancer, identifying the resistance mechanism of Sorafenib and discovering a new approach to block it. The study suggests the possibility of developing a new method to overcome drug resistance using network analysis.
A 3-year study of over 50,000 hospital admissions found that systematic screening can identify patients at high risk of alcohol-related harm and liver disease. Patients with high risk profiles were referred to treatment, which may reduce future adverse events.
Researchers found that titanium dioxide nanoparticles can increase inflammation and damage to the intestinal mucosa in mice with colitis. Patients with colitis are recommended to avoid foods containing E171, a food additive made from titanium dioxide.
Researchers have found that liver cells can eliminate excess bile from blocked ducts through a mechanism involving the internal structure of the cell, which allows bile to be packaged inside vesicles for transport. This discovery could potentially improve the prognosis for infants with rare liver disease.
A new study found that only 4.5% of hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease received palliative care consultations. The rate of referrals increased from 0.97% in 2006 to 7.1% in 2012, but still remains low due to socioeconomic and ethnic barriers.
The EASL Editorial raises concerns about the Cochrane Review's conclusions on Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV), citing a lack of understanding of the disease and its long natural history. Recent studies have shown improvement in quality of life with DAA therapy, highlighting the need for more comprehensive ...
A recent study found nearly 10% of patients with definite, highly likely, or probable drug-induced liver injury to have a fatal outcome within 2 years. The majority of fatalities were directly attributed to the liver injury, highlighting the severity of this condition.
Researchers bioengineered human liver tissues that exhibit previously unknown genetic-molecular crosstalk controlling developmental processes. The study reveals key communication between signaling proteins and receptors that instruct the development of liver tissues.
A new study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that consuming unsaturated fat can lead to fatty liver disease, contrary to its previously touted health benefits. The research used mice fed diets supplemented with either saturated or unsaturated fat, revealing the latter can cause liver damage.
A novel study found that short duration of breastfeeding and maternal obesity are associated with an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescents. Breastfed infants who were fed infant formula milk before six months had a 40% increased likelihood of NAFLD.
A new study found that frequent coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower odds of high liver stiffness values, independent of lifestyle traits. Herbal tea consumption also showed a significant association with lower liver stiffness values, even in small amounts.
Researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes have bacteria that penetrate the mucus lining of their colon, leading to insulin resistance and abnormal blood glucose levels. The study's results provide a new understanding of how metabolic diseases like diabetes develop.
Research shows that the presence of HMO in formula-fed babies' digestive systems increases both good bacteria and metabolic activity beneficial to their health. The study also found that the addition of HMO brings Similac closer to breast milk than ever before, closing gaps in immune function.
Researchers identified a new test to predict the severity of IBD in children based on faecal microbiota profiles. The study found that children with more extensive IBD had distinct gut microbiota profiles, including higher levels of Clostridiales and Proteobacteria.
Positive data from Phase 1 trials of Nexvax2 in celiac disease demonstrate safety, tolerability, and bioactivity. The vaccine reduces gluten-specific T cells' responsiveness to antigenic stimulation without apparent duodenal injury.
A study presented at the ESPGHAN conference warns that young children on a vegan diet without proper medical and dietary advice may experience vitamin B12, calcium, zinc, and high-quality protein deficiencies. These deficiencies can lead to devastating health effects, including irreversible cognitive damage and death.
Researchers have determined that MRE can accurately measure liver fibrosis in children, a major determinant of clinical outcomes. The study's results suggest that MRE may be useful for monitoring the progression or improvement in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
A study finds that gluten-free items have a significantly higher energy content and different nutritional composition compared to their gluten-containing counterparts. This could impact children's growth and increase the risk of childhood obesity.
A new ambulatory monitoring device tracks gastric slow waves in patients with gastroparesis, enabling better understanding of the condition and its treatment. The device offers a window into stomach bioelectrical activity, revolutionizing digestive disease diagnosis and treatment.
A Taiwanese study found that statin use was linked to a decreased risk of decompensation in cirrhotic patients with HBV- or HCV-related cirrhosis. Statin use showed a favorable outcome and may benefit patients with other causes of cirrhosis as well.
A new study demonstrates an autonomously controlled 18-mm magnetized capsule colonoscope that successfully performed intricate maneuvers inside the colon. Researchers believe this technology will improve the acceptance and accuracy of colonoscopies.