Researchers have identified a promising new therapeutic target, MAP4K4, and developed an experimental compound, GPPD, that reduces fat buildup, inflammation, and scarring in preclinical models. The therapy has shown encouraging safety and efficacy in preclinical testing, offering a potential new treatment option for patients with metab...
Researchers found that post-transplant cirrhosis cases often reflected recurrence of the original disease, with lower long-term survival rates. The study highlights the need for lifelong surveillance of fibrosis progression after transplantation to improve outcomes.
Scientists have identified a pathway in liver cells that may explain how statins could help prevent or slow the development of liver cancer associated with fatty liver disease. Statins reduced levels of GGPP, a molecule that helps activate Rho GTPases, proteins involved in regulating a cell's internal structure and signaling.
Research identifies MLKL as a protein that helps drive liver cancer associated with obesity-related fatty liver disease by reducing mitochondrial function, promoting tumor development. Removing MLKL reduces liver tumors but not fatty liver or liver inflammation, suggesting a new therapeutic target for liver cancer treatment
MASH disease is a systemic condition affecting multiple organs and biological processes, with different genetic, metabolic, and immune responses among patients. The disease's complexity requires targeted and individualised treatment strategies, with emerging therapies addressing various mechanisms and subtypes.
Researchers found that meal timing programs the liver's daily rhythms and can have serious metabolic and health consequences when out of sync. The liver uses food signals to activate metabolic pathways, which can conflict with the body's natural circadian clock, leading to health issues.
Researchers identified EFHD1 as a protein driving metabolic liver disease, triggering an antiviral immune response that can be blocked to protect against liver injury. Blocking EFHD1 shows promise in preventing liver damage, even on high-fat diets.
A low-carb ketogenic diet was found to improve liver health and blood sugar control more significantly than other diets, reducing liver fat by 67% and lowering blood glucose measurements by 20%. The study suggests that weight loss alone is not enough to combat metabolic health risks and that dietary choice remains an important factor.
A new study suggests that phytoene, a colorless precursor of lycopene, may contribute to tomatoes' protective effects against fatty liver disease. Mice given phytoene developed substantially less fatty liver disease than those without the compound.
The University of Louisville is launching the Nutrition and Metabolic Health Center to tackle chronic diseases, with a focus on prevention and new treatments. Researchers will investigate the impact of nutrition and environmental factors on health, with the goal of improving prevention and treatment options.
A new trial will assess whether Semaglutide reduces alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder, obesity, and liver disease. The four-year CURB project aims to explore the potential benefits of the weight loss drug in treating alcohol-related liver disease and obesity.
Researchers highlight unanticipated benefits of GLP-1 medications, including reduced inflammation and lower risk of certain cardiovascular and musculoskeletal conditions. However, questions remain about lean body mass and nutritional health following weight loss associated with these medications.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that polyethylene microplastic increases signs of fatty liver disease and exacerbates the condition when paired with a diet high in fat, fructose, and cholesterol. The study suggests environmental exposures and dietary habits work together to accelerate liver damage.
A clinical trial showed semaglutide improved liver scarring in patients with advanced fatty liver disease and early-stage cirrhosis. Non-invasive blood tests reflected treatment-related improvements more clearly than liver biopsies, which could reduce reliance on invasive procedures.
A new review calls on Mexico to add liver health to its existing chronic disease programs, citing the country's high liver disease prevalence. Liver disease affects nearly half of Mexican adults and is linked to diabetes and obesity.
Researchers discovered a potential drug developed at Michigan Medicine reverses metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in animal models by disrupting the disease-driving pathway that links the gut and liver. DT-109 improved gut health, reducing inflammation in livers of nonhuman primates.
A CU Anschutz study reveals reduced mitochondrial efficiency in healthy yet sedentary individuals, which may precede the development of major diseases like cancer, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Regular exercise acts as a literal shield for cellular health, helping mitochondria seamlessly switch between burning fat and carbohydrates.
A study from the University of Oklahoma reveals that microplastic exposure can exacerbate fatty liver disease, especially in high-fat dietary conditions. Researchers used advanced mapping technology to pinpoint specific regions of liver damage caused by polyethylene exposure.
A study found that prebiotic xylo-oligosaccharides reduced harmful metabolites and improved liver health in overweight adults. The composition of the gut microbiota prior to supplementation influenced the benefits observed.
A recent study found that long naps may increase the risk of developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in people with type 2 diabetes. MASLD is characterized by excessive fat buildup in the liver, which can lead to chronic disorders like NAFLD.
A new study by Pennington Biomedical and collaborators found that Americans with the highest levels of obesity are undergoing fewer surgical procedures overall. Despite the increasing prevalence of extreme obesity, these individuals appear to be receiving proportionally fewer surgical interventions each year. The research highlights gr...
A new study by Tampere University researchers found that maternal pre-pregnancy hypertension and child body composition may contribute to the development of fatty liver disease. The study also identified dietary factors, such as high protein intake and low fruit consumption, as risk factors for elevated liver enzyme levels in children.
A new study reveals how Philip Morris Companies Inc. used cigarette research and flavor engineering to design Lunchables, a successful ultra-processed food for children. The company's strategy was based on optimizing 'technical synergies' between tobacco and food divisions.
Researchers highlight latest developments in pathology, diagnosis, and treatment of MASLD and IPFD, revealing correlations with chronic diseases like liver cancer and pancreatic cancer. Innovative treatments, such as AI-driven approaches and organ-targeted therapies, show promise for precision prevention and therapy.
Steatotic donor livers are susceptible to post-transplant dysfunction due to galectin-3 (LGALS3)-mediated pyroptosis. LGALS3 modulates NLRP3 inflammasome activity by regulating its ubiquitination, exacerbating graft injury.
Researchers found a significant association between fatty liver disease and increased cardiovascular risk, including nearly twice the rate of cardiovascular events. Patients with hepatic steatosis had a higher amount of noncalcified, rupture-prone coronary plaque.
Researchers have found that formoterol, a widely used asthma medication, may reverse fatty liver damage and improve metabolic function. The study's findings suggest that the drug could be repurposed to treat MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), a leading cause of liver transplantation.
A new review highlights the escalating global burden of MASLD, which can progress to liver cancer, emphasizing the need for early detection and multifaceted treatment. Non-invasive biomarkers are being developed to improve diagnostic precision, including multi-omic panels and molecular markers that outperform traditional tests.
The ECE 2026 brings together researchers and clinicians to share the latest endocrine research and developments. Key sessions include Plenaries, Symposia, Awards, Meet the Experts, Debates, and Oral Communications.
A $10 million grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences will support research on PFAS health effects and translate discoveries into real-world solutions. The study aims to identify links between PFAS exposure and metabolic conditions, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.
A recent study shows that people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes have elevated glucagon levels following a meal, closely linked to the fat content of their liver. This finding highlights the importance of the liver and glucagon regulation in metabolism.
The European Society of Endocrinology organizes World Hormone Day to educate the public about hormone-related health issues. Global endocrine disorders affect millions worldwide, emphasizing the need for proper hormone balance.
A Salk Institute study identifies Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 (FGF1) as the molecular signal that tells the liver when to release fat into the bloodstream, following a precise rhythm timed to the body's internal clock.
A study identified exosomal microRNA-122-3p as a key driver of MASLD pathogenesis. Elevated miR-122-3p levels induced triglyceride accumulation and reactive oxygen species production in liver cells.
Researchers identify senescent macrophages as a driver of fatty liver disease, inflammation and aging. Clearing these cells reversed liver damage in mice on unhealthy diets.
A study of over 600,000 people found that early weight gain is associated with a higher risk of dying from various diseases, particularly cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Weight gain during adulthood also increases the risk of premature death, especially for those who develop obesity at a younger age.
Researchers compare viral and MASLD cirrhosis pathogenic mechanisms, identifying shared pathways and diagnostic differences. The study aims to establish a framework for prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of MASLD cirrhosis.
A study by IRB Barcelona researchers sheds light on the regulation of protein production in fatty liver cells, revealing a key role for CPEB4 in controlling gene expression. The findings provide new perspectives on the disease and its progression towards more severe forms.
The study developed a novel multi-task deep LASSO algorithm that identified six core clinical indicators, establishing four stable MASLD subtypes with distinct characteristics. The classification system enables targeted interventions, prioritizing fibrosis screening and aggressive cardiorenal protection for specific subgroups.
A new study by Finnish researchers found that lower hemoglobin levels within the normal range may be beneficial for glucose metabolism and cardiovascular health. The study, conducted on 64 adults, revealed an association between lower hemoglobin levels and improved physical fitness, heart health, and reduced liver fat.
A study identified metabolic subgroups in diabetes-free Chinese adults to predict 3-year risk of developing diabetes and related complications. The low-risk subgroup had favorable metabolic profiles, while the high-risk subgroup showed poor glycemic control and increased risks of fatty liver disease and cardiovascular events.
A $3.4 million NIH grant will fund a semi-automated feedback system to support people tracking diet, exercise, and weight in weight-management programs. The system aims to provide personalized feedback to increase tracking and weight loss success.
A new study has identified an altered expression of specific genes in individuals with obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and liver fibrosis. The research team found that inhibiting the gene expression can reduce liver fibrosis, offering a potential new treatment option.
A recent study from WashU Medicine found a strong correlation between parental obesity and the risk of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children. Research analyzing data from the UK Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children showed that maternal obesity was associated with a 2.9-fold increase in ...
Research published in the journal Gut found that pre-pregnancy parental overweight and obesity are independently associated with increased odds of developing metabolic dysfunction associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in children by age 24. Cumulative excess weight in childhood significantly influences this risk, with children who...
Scientists developed a compound that targets Liver X Receptor specifically in liver and gut to lower triglycerides. In first-in-human clinical trial, participants showed significant drops in triglycerides and remnant cholesterol after taking the drug.
A study from the University of Oklahoma suggests that maternal indole supplementation can significantly reduce the risk of fatty liver disease in children. The research found that offspring whose mothers received indole maintained healthier livers and had lower blood sugar levels, even after exposure to a Western-style diet later in life.
A new study reveals that people with an unexpectedly high metabolic BMI have up to a five times higher risk level for diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver. Metabolic BMI is based on advanced metabolomic analyses and identifies obesity-linked changes in metabolism that can be present even at normal weight.
A new study found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood are linked to an increased risk of early onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity and increases long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer.
A study led by UC Riverside scientists found that a father's microplastic exposure can trigger metabolic dysfunctions in his offspring, with female offspring being more susceptible. The research used mouse models and found altered sperm small non-coding RNA profiles and increased risk of diabetes in female offspring.
A landmark study published in Nature Metabolism reveals how citrin deficiency, a rare genetic disorder, triggers fat buildup in the liver despite being lean. The research also discovers a hormone that reduces cravings for sweets and alcohol, providing new therapeutic targets for MASLD and fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that the healthy Nordic diet was more effective in reducing blood glucose levels and improving body weight, inflammation, and lipid profile compared to other diets. The study also showed that participants lost weight despite being allowed to eat as much as they wanted from recommended foods.
A study found that mitochondria in people with type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease have impaired ability to utilize ketone bodies for energy production. This defect was greater than the overall decline in mitochondrial function, suggesting a potential new target for improving energy metabolism in diabetes.
Research finds that sorbitol, a common sugar substitute, can induce similar effects on the liver as fructose, leading to steatotic liver disease. The study also shows that gut bacteria play a crucial role in clearing sorbitol, and that excessive consumption can overwhelm them.
A study conducted at the University of California, Riverside, has uncovered a link between soybean oil consumption and obesity in mice. The research found that a genetically engineered group of mice on a high-fat diet rich in soybean oil did not gain weight, suggesting that the liver protein HNF4α plays a crucial role in fat metabolism.
The European Society of Endocrinology is launching a new campaign to raise awareness about the importance of hormone health. The #BecauseHormonesMatter initiative aims to improve public understanding of hormones and promote practical steps for better hormone health, following the success of last year's campaign.
Researchers identified a significant association between perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) exposure and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. The study used advanced models to reveal PFHpA's role in disrupting biological pathways, leading to liver damage and inflammation.
The National Institutes of Health has renewed Pennington Biomedical's Metabolic Basis of Disease Center for five years, providing $2.2M per year to support research on the mechanisms of metabolic health. The center aims to address the obesity epidemic and its related illnesses.
A study published in Science Advances found that the ketogenic diet can have potentially dangerous impacts on metabolic health, including impaired blood sugar regulation and fatty liver disease. Mice fed the diet developed severe metabolic complications, with some changes starting within days.
The European Society of Endocrinology has released the EndoCompass Research Roadmap, a major new initiative to align research efforts and improve funding strategies for hormone-related health challenges. The roadmap identifies specific research needs across eight endocrine specialties and five cross-cutting areas.