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Proteomic signatures may indicate MRI-assessed liver fat

Researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev have discovered a link between proteomic biomarkers and liver fat percentage, which may improve patient monitoring and therapy targeting for NAFLD. The study, conducted over 18 months, found that specific protein changes were independently associated with liver fat relative change.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalHepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 28, 2024

New study further illuminates ability of cancer drug to lower blood sugar

A new study reveals that a cancer drug can improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood glucose levels, but eliminating a specific gene related to fat metabolism worsens insulin resistance. The research highlights the interconnectedness of fat metabolism in organs and the need for simultaneous treatment of obesity and insulin sensitivity.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2024

New drug candidate reverses obesity in mice

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a new class of drugs that block mitochondrial function and reverse diet-induced obesity, fatty liver, and diabetes in mice. The treatment increased fat metabolism, leading to drastic weight loss and restored glucose tolerance.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

A celebrity weight-loss drug helps people with HIV fight fatty liver, study shows

A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that semaglutide is an effective therapy for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in people with HIV. The medication, approved for type 2 diabetes treatment, showed significant reductions in liver fat and improved metabolic markers.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2024

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers discover novel drug candidate to combat fatty liver disease

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST) have discovered a novel compound, 11c, a 5HT2A antagonist, which exhibits robust biological activity and a favorable safety profile. The compound has shown promising efficacy in preclinical models and is poised to advance the treatment of metabolic liver diseases.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2024

Overeating and starving both damage the liver: Cavefish provide new insight into fatty liver disease

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for the development of starvation-induced fatty liver in cavefish, which are able to protect their liver due to reduced fat accumulation. This genetic basis has implications for understanding and addressing liver conditions in humans, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

UChicago Medicine helps bring first-of-its-kind drug for metabolic liver disease to the clinic

Resmetirom, a new medication, has been approved to treat metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a more advanced stage of MASLD characterized by liver inflammation and scarring. The drug was shown to improve fibrosis and reduce disease progression in patients with MASLD.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 14, 2024

Three Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis studies explore the use of traditional Chinese medicine for various diseases

Researchers explore the use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) compounds for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and improving sensitivity to radiation therapy for lung cancer. TCM compounds, such as oridonin and ginsenoside Rg5, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects and radiosensitizing properties.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2024

A new 3D bioprinted model offers a novel tool to study common liver disease, and perhaps find an effective treatment

A new 3D bioprinted liver tissue model has been developed to study nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a serious complication of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The model, created using liver cells from healthy or NASH-diseased donors, displays all characteristics of the disease, including fibrosis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 23, 2024

Aerobic exercise can help fight liver diseases

Aerobic exercise has been shown to reduce the severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by decreasing the size of lipid droplets in liver cells. This process is mediated by mitofusin 2, a protein that regulates communication between lipid droplets and mitochondria.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMetabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2024

Research shows association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis and mortality in some solid organ transplant recipients

A study published in Transplantation Proceedings found an association between metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) and increased mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Patients with MASH had a higher risk of death compared to those without, highlighting the importance of early identification.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalTransplantation Proceedings·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2024

New study unveils machine learning-aided non-invasive imaging for rapid liver fat visualization

A new study introduces a machine learning-aided non-invasive imaging technique that can rapidly visualize liver fat distribution, enabling early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases. The method uses near-infrared hyperspectral imaging and machine learning to differentiate between types of lipids in the liver.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

UTHealth Houston opens enrollment for lifestyle cooking program aimed at people with metabolic disease risk

The UTHealth Houston School of Public Health offers a 12-month lifestyle program combining evidence-based nutrition education with culinary learning to support behavior change. Participants will attend in-person and virtual classes, including hands-on cooking lessons, physical activity guidance, and mindfulness education.

Liver cancer rates increase in each successive generation of Mexican Americans, study finds

A study by the Keck School of Medicine of USC found that liver cancer risk increases with each successive generation of Mexican Americans, particularly among men. The research analyzed data from over 30,000 participants and found third-generation Mexicans to be 66% more likely to develop liver cancer than first-generation individuals.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalCancer·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 20, 2023

From soft tissue to stiff leather: Understanding the role of paxillin in liver fibrosis

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding a pathway contributing to liver fibrosis. Paxillin has been found to play a key role in the activation of hepatic stellate cells, leading to excessive extracellular matrix production and scarring. This discovery holds promise for developing new treatments for liver fibrosis.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateNov 1, 2023

Oregon State researchers uncover mechanism for treating dangerous liver condition

A study led by Oregon State University has identified the mechanism behind omega-3 supplements' effectiveness in combating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a liver condition associated with metabolic syndrome. Betacellulin, a protein growth factor, plays a crucial role in the disease's progression and scarring.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEMBO Molecular Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2023

Fatty liver disease patients likely to suffer from personality disorder

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that individuals with fatty liver disease are three times more likely to have a personality disorder than those without. Lifestyle modifications, such as changes in diet and exercise, can prevent disease progression but often fail to be implemented due to mental health factors.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalBMC Gastroenterology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2023

Liver fibrosis: Giant cells step in to compensate for impaired immune function

A team of researchers has uncovered a previously unknown compensatory mechanism found in liver disease. Giant cell clusters, formed by immune cells from the bone marrow, take over the filtration function of impaired Kupffer cells. This finding changes the way we think about the role of the immune system in liver fibrosis.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

How liver cells become scarring, and worse

Liver cells become scarring when damaged by conditions like viral hepatitis or excessive drinking, leading to cirrhosis and liver failure. Reversing this process involves targeting the creation of scar tissue and addressing underlying causes, offering new hope for patients with liver fibrosis.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 27, 2023

Liver cancer and severe liver disease more common if a close relative has fatty liver disease

A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that close relatives and partners of people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and severe liver disease. This suggests that family members could benefit from the same lifestyle advice as patients with MASLD.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2023