Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers advance promising therapy for fatty liver disease

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...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJHEP Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2026

Scientists uncover how cells surrounding primary liver tumors may help fuel cancer

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalHepatology Communications·DateSep 10, 2026

Protein linked to cell death may also drive liver cancer

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

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalHepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

Low-carb diet delivers added liver benefits beyond weight loss

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.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 27, 2026

Drug candidate treats severe fatty liver disease by protecting the gut in animal models

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.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2026

Healthy but sedentary individuals show early decline in cellular energy production

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.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz·JournalClinical Bioenergetics·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2026

New study finds Americans with severe obesity receive fewer surgeries despite rising need

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...

SourcePennington Biomedical Research Center·JournalObesity·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 9, 2026

Risk factors for fatty liver disease may begin to develop as early as the prenatal period and early childhood

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.

SourceTampere University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJun 9, 2026

Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of fat accumulation in liver and pancreas

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.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeSystematic review·DateJun 1, 2026

Early weight gain is linked to lifelong health consequences

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.

SourceLund University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Multi-task deep learning identifies four MASLD subtypes for precision cardiovascular– liver–kidney–metabolic management

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.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 26, 2026

Lower hemoglobin levels can offer several health benefits

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.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAnnals of Medicine·DateMar 25, 2026

Data-driven subgroups for 3-year risk stratification of incident diabetes and complications in diabetes-free Chinese adults

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.

SourceChinese Medical Journals Publishing House Co., Ltd.·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2026

A risk factor for liver disease: your parent’s body weight

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 ...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalGut·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 25, 2026

Pre-pregnancy parental overweight/obesity linked to next generation’s heightened fatty liver disease risk

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...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalGut·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 24, 2026

Maternal microbiome compound may hold key to preventing liver disease

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.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2026

‘Forever chemicals’ may increase liver disease risk in adolescents by as much as 3-fold

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 6, 2026

Fathers’ microplastic exposure tied to their children’s metabolic problems

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the Endocrine Society·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2025

City of Hope scientists study rare disorder to uncover mechanism and hormone regulation underlying fatty liver disease and sweet aversion

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.

SourceCity of Hope·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2025

Healthy Nordic diet good for both type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic 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.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2025

People with diabetes or fatty liver disease are less effective at obtaining energy from ketone bodies

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.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2025

USC Superfund researchers identify “forever chemical” PFHpA as risk factor for severe liver disease in adolescents

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCommunications Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2025

New EndoCompass Research Roadmap calls for coordinated investment to tackle Europe’s hormone health challenge

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.

SourceEuropean Society of Endocrinology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 17, 2025