Articles tagged with Fatty Liver Disease
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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 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 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.
Researchers have identified a potential new drug that improves both liver fibrosis and inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The drug, Pegozafermin, mimics the body's natural hormone FGF21, controlling energy use and lipid metabolism in the liver.
A new research centre will focus on developing new types of RNA medicine for treating metabolic diseases. The centre, led by Professor Jørgen Kjems at Aarhus University, aims to create targeted treatments for conditions like diabetes and atherosclerosis.
Researchers found that distant cancers alter liver function by inducing fat accumulation and inflammation in liver cells. The process involves secretion of extracellular vesicles containing fatty acids, which reprogram the liver to resemble fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that B cells in the gastrointestinal tract play a crucial role in promoting liver cancer by activating autoaggressive T cells and producing IgA antibodies. When B cells are turned off, inflammation and fibrosis regress in mice, suggesting new ways to prevent NASH and liver cancer.
A new substudy of the STEP TEENS trial shows that semaglutide significantly reduces levels of liver enzymes, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), which are indicators of liver damage. The study found improvements in ALT levels with weight loss of ≥10%.
Researchers found that fatty liver cells secrete proteins and genetic material that promote the spread of colorectal cancer to the liver. This condition is likely underdiagnosed, affecting over 40% of patients with colorectal cancer, according to a new study published in Cell Metabolism.
A pilot study found that high-dose tadalafil improved metabolic control and reduced hemoglobin A1c levels by 2.50 mmol/mol in patients with well-controlled type 2 diabetes. The treatment also showed increased blood flow, liver values, and metabolism.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events and death in patients with NAFLD. The study included 9,374 adult patients with NAFLD and obesity, who underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
A recent study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers found that the Japanese diet pattern, rich in soy products, seafood, and seaweed, inhibits liver fibrosis progression. High muscle mass, also associated with this diet, shows a lower degree of liver fibrosis progression.
A new study published in The Lancet shows that metabolic surgery is more effective than medications and lifestyle interventions in treating advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The trial compared three active treatments and found that surgery reversed inflammation and improved liver fibrosis, leading to better overall health ben...
Scientists discover that milk-derived extracellular vesicles can repair damaged gut barriers and prevent bacterial toxins from leaking into the bloodstream. The study shows promising results in treating leaky gut syndrome and related diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A research team led by the University of Cincinnati's Atsuo Sasaki aims to understand how an enzyme regulates lysosomal function based on energy molecule GTP. This study could lead to new treatments for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and anti-aging.
Researchers have developed a glycine-based tripeptide that successfully treats nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in non-human primates and mice. The compound, DT-109, reverses fat buildup and prevents scarring by stimulating fatty acid degradation and antioxidant formation.
Researchers created the integrated-gut-liver-on-a-chip platform to examine how gut and liver cells interact, particularly in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed significant changes in gene expression and DNA damage when free fatty acids were introduced, leading to cell death similar to severe cases of NAFLD.
A study from Indiana University School of Medicine found that people with NAFLD have significantly decreased levels of the liver enzyme CYP2C19, which is important for medication processing. This decrease may lead to slower clearance of certain medications and reduced effectiveness of medicines like antidepressants and clopidogrel.
A recent study found that certain microbial metabolites are associated with liver fat content in individuals with fatty liver disease. The researchers identified degradation products of amino acids and differences in testosterone levels as potential biomarkers.
Researchers developed a small-molecule drug that limits magnesium transport into cellular power plants, resulting in skinny, healthy mice. The findings hold significant implications for preventing cardiometabolic diseases like heart attack and stroke, as well as reducing liver cancer risk.
New research from the University of Missouri establishes a link between western diets high in fat and sugar and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found that a specific bacteria called Blautia producta and a lipid caused liver inflammation and fibrosis, leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Researchers have developed a new imaging approach to diagnose advanced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH). The enzyme-sensitive nanoprobe emits signals that can be detected by MRI techniques, providing more accurate and sensitive data for diagnosis. This breakthrough aims to improve the treatment outcomes of NASH patients.
Researchers created human organoid models of fatty liver disease to shed light on drug responses and disease biology. The models identified a common mechanism for effective drugs that block lipid generation from sugars, suggesting personalized medicine applications.
A recent study published in JHEP Reports found that individuals with low thigh muscle volume and high muscle fat infiltration had an increased mortality risk. The researchers also discovered that poor muscle health was not associated with a worsened prognosis in people with fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that alternate-day fasting combined with exercise decreased liver fat, weight, and ALT enzymes in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study suggests that this lifestyle modification may be a good option for treating the condition without pharmaceuticals.
A mutant SRSF1 gene may cause severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NASH), researchers have found. Mice lacking the gene develop all three hallmarks of NASH: excess fat, inflammation, and scarring in the liver. The study suggests that DNA damage in liver cells triggers this pathology, highlighting the need to protect the genome.
Scientists have discovered that wrinkles in the cellular nucleus may be involved in common metabolic diseases such as diabetes and fatty liver disease. The new findings suggest that targeting these wrinkles could lead to novel treatments for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which affects 40% of people over age 70.
Researchers from DZD and Harvard Medical School identified key hepatokines dysregulated in NAFLD, predicting type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular events. Hepatokine cluster analysis revealed distinct subtypes of people with fatty liver having different pathomechanisms of insulin resistance.
A study identified an antibody candidate that blocks the protein VEGF-B, presenting a possible therapeutic option for fatty liver disease. The treatment method involves keeping fatty acids in adipose tissue to prevent liver accumulation.
A recent study found that consuming soy flour rich in B-conglycinin can reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower the risk of metabolic diseases. The protein inhibits HMGCR, a liver enzyme involved in triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein metabolism.
A new study by the University of Coimbra found that higher coffee intake is associated with reduced NAFLD severity in overweight people with T2D. Caffeine and polyphenols in coffee may help alleviate liver fibrosis and improve glucose homeostasis.
A recent study found that eating fast food is associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, a potentially life-threatening condition. Researchers discovered that people with obesity or diabetes who consume high amounts of fast food have severely elevated levels of fat in their liver.