Articles tagged with Fatty Liver Disease
A study of 15 brand-name drugs found that competition from 'skinny label' generics saved Medicare nearly $15 billion from 2015 to 2021. The largest savings were seen for rosuvastatin, pregabalin, and imatinib, with actual spending being $16.8 billion versus projected spending of $31.5 billion.
Decreased gut bacterial diversity was found in patients with NAFLD, while Faecalibacterium and Ruminococcus 2 were associated with the disease. The study identified a combination of microbiomes and biochemical indexes that distinguished NAFLD from normal livers.
Researchers found a three-component signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells that leads to collagen production and liver fibrosis. A novel RNA-based treatment, ASO, was designed to block this pathway, preventing fibrosis without side effects.
Researchers found that spinal cord injury triggers abnormal neuronal activity that causes abdominal fat tissue compounds to leak and pool in the liver and other organs. A short course of gabapentin, commonly prescribed for nerve pain, prevented this damaging metabolic effect.
Scientists have discovered genetic variants in BSN and APBA1 genes linked to adult-onset obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. These variants are associated with a significant increase in obesity risk, highlighting a new biological mechanism for the condition.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers identified a new organelle, MLRO, formed by mitochondrial and lysosomal fusion, which may offer an alternative process to breaking down damaged mitochondria. Understanding MLRO's function could lead to new therapeutic strategies for chronic liver diseases.
A new study finds that Latinx children with unreliable access to food at age 4 are nearly four times more likely to develop fatty liver disease later. The researchers recommend earlier screening for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and ensuring public meal programs offer nutritious meals.
Research reveals oestrogen's protective role in preventing fatty liver disease by targeting the TEAD1 protein. The discovery could lead to a new treatment for fatty liver and liver cancer, as well as earlier detection methods.
A new prediction tool has been developed to identify individuals at high risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) due to alcohol-related liver disease. The nomogram uses key risk factors, including heavy drinking, age, and diabetes, to predict HCC risk with high accuracy.
A Phase 2b pilot study found semaglutide reduced liver fat content in people with HIV, with 29% of participants experiencing complete resolution of MASLD. The treatment also led to weight loss and improved blood sugar levels.
A new mouse study reveals that the gut microbiome interacts with the loss of female sex hormones to exacerbate metabolic disease. The research suggests that the gut microbiome contributes to weight gain, fat in the liver, and inflammation, particularly in women after menopause.
Researchers have identified a new mechanism that inhibits glucose synthesis in the liver, which could lead to improved efficiency of current diabetes treatments. The study highlights the role of GDF15 protein in modulating AMPK and reducing liver fibrosis.
Researchers discovered a new role for Mfsd7c in exporting excessive choline from the brain. The study suggests that targeting this protein could lead to therapeutic interventions for Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a method to study liver function and disease using the cornea of mice eyes. They transplanted liver cells into the eyes, creating a non-invasive platform to monitor liver health over time.
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.
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.
A new microscopy technique has been developed to investigate neutral lipids within lipid droplets of living cells. This method allows researchers to monitor the synthesis of neutral lipids directly and observe their behavior over a long period.
A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet found that GLP1 agonists like Ozempic reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease. Those who continued taking the medication for ten years were half as likely to develop severe liver disease.
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.
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.
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.
The £30M ADVANCE study aims to accelerate the development of new therapies for people with liver cirrhosis by identifying translational biomarkers. Researchers will enroll 200 patients with cirrhosis and use advanced techniques to analyze gene expression, blood tests, and MRI scans.
A phase 3 trial found that tirzepatide promotes additional weight loss and preserves metabolic health when continued, but discontinuation leads to significant weight regain. Researchers suggest chronic treatment may be necessary for sustained weight loss and improved cardiometabolic risk factors.
A study from Monash University reveals the levels of NOX4 protein change as fatty liver disease progresses, offering hope for prevention and treatment. Removing NOX4 in obese mice leads to NASH and liver damage, while artificially raising its levels protects against it.
Researchers discovered that RvD2, a specialized proresolving lipid mediator, can alleviate established liver scarring or fibrosis. Treatment with RvD2 improved liver histopathology and increased bone marrow and blood monocytes.
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.
Researchers have found that lowering a form of brain cholesterol known as cholesteryl esters helps prevent brain damage and behavioral changes in mice with Alzheimer's-like tau deposits. The study suggests that reducing cholesteryl ester levels could be a promising candidate to test in neurodegenerative diseases.
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.
A new study predicts a 23% rise in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatosic liver disease (MASLD) in US adults from 2020 to 2050. The predicted increase is linked to rising obesity and diabetes rates, resulting in nearly twice as many liver cancers annually.
A study found that teens experiencing food insecurity, who rely on low-cost ultra-processed foods, are developing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) at a higher rate. Participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) seems to protect young people against liver disease.
A study at ACR Convergence 2023 found that hydroxychloroquine lowers the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in rheumatoid arthritis patients, particularly in women and men under 50. The medication may exert its effect through increased adiponectin levels, a hormone inversely linked to insulin resistance and inflammation.
Recent studies have shed light on the pathogenesis of chronic liver diseases, highlighting the importance of non-coding RNAs, autophagy, and extrahepatic signalling in their development. Novel therapeutic targets for preventing and treating these devastating diseases are being explored.
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.
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.
Research has discovered a significant connection between birthweight and the onset of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (MASLD) in young people. Babies born with low birthweight were found to be four times more likely to develop MASLD in childhood, adolescence, or young adulthood.
Researchers developed a new technology to test new drugs against liver diseases by recreating the real human liver environment. The model consists of live liver cells in an artificial blood vessel system, allowing for controlled testing and monitoring.
The study aims to identify genetic and molecular factors associated with susceptibility and progression of liver disease in Hispanics/Latinos. Researchers will collect data from 300 participants, including those with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and healthy controls.
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.
A new study published in Exp. Mol. Med. has identified Thrap3 as a key player in exacerbating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by inhibiting AMPK, a crucial regulator of fat metabolism. Inhibiting Thrap3 expression presents a promising avenue for treating NAFLD.
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.
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.
Researchers have identified a mechanistic link between zinc levels in humans and the risk of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease. Genetic analysis revealed that zinc plays a crucial role in insulin production and glucose metabolism, with circulating zinc levels associated with reduced diabetes risk.
The Keck School of Medicine of USC has launched a five-year, $50.3 million multi-omics study to better understand the causes and prevention of various diseases, including NAFLD, in underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed a unique supramolecule to remove cholesterol from macrophages, stopping the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice. Cholesterol crystals are also found in human patients, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy.
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.
A 4-month randomized controlled trial found that daily intake of resistant starch can lower liver triglycerides and liver enzymes associated with liver injury and inflammation. The treatment group had a different microbiota composition and functionality compared to the control group, leading to improved liver conditions.
A new approach to treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been discovered, utilizing resistant starch to reduce fat accumulation and inflammation in the liver. The study found that consuming resistant starch daily led to an increase in beneficial gut bacteria, which positively impacted liver health.
A new analysis of liver cancer identified racial and ethnic differences in cause, as well as emerging trends for this highly fatal disease. The study found that liver cancer disproportionately affects people of low socioeconomic status, immigrants, veterans, and incarcerated populations.
A new gene therapy study has identified microRNA-22 as a potential treatment for liver cancer, achieving better survival outcomes and reducing inflammation compared to the current FDA-approved drug lenvatinib. The treatment was administered via a single intravenous injection and showed no observable toxicity.
A new study led by Wayne State University aims to discover gene-heavy metal interactions in human livers that contribute to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, funded by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, will investigate how naturally accumulated metals interact with the liver genome.
Recent meta-analysis finds MAFLD associated with higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in adults. People with MAFLD are 20% more likely to develop CKD than those without the condition.
Scientists have discovered a potential new treatment approach for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by targeting a receptor called Adgrf1. Overexpressing Adgrf1 improved insulin sensitivity and reduced lipid accumulation in liver cells, suggesting its role in fat metabolism.
Yale researchers have created a functional humanized liver in living mice, enabling scientists to study human-specific mechanisms for regulating cholesterol levels and treating chronic liver diseases. The discovery uses progenitor stem cells and mature cells from a human liver to mimic the cellular functions of a healthy human liver.
Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identify fructose as a central conduit to obesity and diseases. Fructose works differently than other nutrients by lowering active energy, stimulating food intake and leading to weight gain.
A study published in Hepatology reveals that abnormal pre-mRNA splicing is associated with liver disease caused by excessive alcohol consumption. The researchers propose targeting specific splicing factors as a novel approach to mitigate the disease.
Research at Duke-NUS Medical School suggests that a specific mechanism involving the omega-3 transporter protein Mfsd2a prevents the liver from storing excess fat, which could lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Dietary supplements containing this lipid may help prevent the condition.
A large-scale study shows that repeated liver stiffness measurements can predict patient outcomes in chronic liver disease. The researchers found that monitoring changes in liver stiffness over time provides a more accurate assessment of patient risk than single measurements.