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Chinese Medical Journal review sheds light on protein drug target for treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A review article suggests that retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) may be a potential target for clinical intervention in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study highlights the importance of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of NAFLD, including its role in inducing hepatic de novo lipogenesis and impairing fatty acid oxidation.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 13, 2022

People with poor sleep behaviors may be at risk for fatty liver disease

A recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism has found that people with sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy sleep behaviors are at risk for developing fatty liver disease. Moderate improvement in sleep quality was related to a 29% reduction in the risk for fatty liver disease.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJul 28, 2022

“Unlocking” sarcopenic obesity: A review in portal hypertension & cirrhosis provides clarity on key aspects of disease impact and treatment

Researchers from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital review sarcopenic obesity's impact on liver disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. The study aims to clarify the pathogenesis of sarcopenic obesity and identify potential therapeutic avenues.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalPortal Hypertension & Cirrhosis·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 6, 2022

Prenatal exposure to chemicals in consumer and industrial products is associated with rising liver disease in children

A comprehensive study found that prenatal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children. The researchers measured 45 chemicals in pregnant women and found elevated levels of biomarkers indicating risk for liver disease in children who were more highly exposed.

Pediatric liver disease increases risk of developing type 2 diabetes

A new study has found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, revealed that among 892 children with NAFLD, 6.6% developed type 2 diabetes, with the incidence rate rising by 3% annually.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 13, 2022

The gut microbiome as a health compass

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict NAFLD development based on gut microbiome data, showing 90% of subjects who developed the disease had subtle differences in their samples. The model combines easily measurable information from blood and microbiome data with high accuracy.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

More cardiovascular disease found in lean people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than in those who are overweight with the same condition

Researchers discovered that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite lower rates of other health conditions, lean patients with NAFLD exhibited increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease.

More cardiovascular disease found in lean people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than in those who are overweight with the same condition

A new study found that lean individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease compared to those who are overweight or obese. Despite having lower risks for other metabolic and cardiovascular conditions, lean patients with NAFLD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Seven out of ten patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease feel stigmatized

A study led by the University of Barcelona found that 69% of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease perceive stigmatization in their daily lives, affecting stereotypes, discrimination, shame, and social isolation. The perceived stigma is associated with impaired quality of life and can lead to human and social rights issues.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMay 12, 2022

Synthetic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS linked to liver damage

A new study systematically reviews data on PFAS exposure and liver damage, linking three commonly detected PFAS to elevated levels of a liver enzyme, ALT. The research suggests a potential link between PFAS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing public health crisis affecting 25% of adults worldwide.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 27, 2022

Kisspeptin: A new drug to treat liver disease?

A modified version of the hormone kisspeptin has been shown to protect against the development of fat in the liver and reduce inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model. This could potentially favorably impact the health and lives of millions of patients around the globe.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 7, 2022

TGen-Temple review suggests even normal weight individuals are susceptible to severe fatty liver disease

Even normal weight individuals are susceptible to severe fatty liver disease due to various risk factors including diet, genetics, and ethnicity. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis if left undiagnosed or untreated.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalDiabetology & Metabolic Syndrome·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 24, 2022

Pusan National University scientists discover why women are more resistant to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease than men

Researchers found that female mice produce more of the FPR2 protein, which helps prevent NAFLD, and that estrogen mediates its production. This discovery highlights the need for sex-balanced animal experiments and could lead to novel treatments and gender-based therapies for NASH

SourcePusan National University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2022

A new study relates liquid fructose intake to fatty liver disease

A new study reveals that liquid fructose intake, even in high-fat diets, can accelerate liver fat accumulation and hypertriglyceridemia. The study found that fructose induces an increase in the synthesis of fatty acids in the liver and inhibits lipid oxidation, leading to the emergence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Women with irregular periods may be at risk for liver disease

Researchers found that long or irregular menstrual cycles in young women are associated with an increased risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is a chronic condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, increasing the risk of death. Lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of NAFLD in these women.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateMar 3, 2022

Diseased male livers undergo sex-change

Research by the University of Queensland found that male livers with hepatic diseases undergo a sex change as part of a self-protective mechanism. The study suggests that this transformation may be driven by the female hormone oestrogen, which helps to slow down disease progression.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Hospital admission with liver cirrhosis: highest mortality rate of all chronic diseases

A nationwide study in Germany found that liver cirrhosis has the highest mortality rate among chronic diseases, with 0.94% of hospital admissions affected. The study also showed a decline in mortality rates due to improvements in Hepatitis C treatment, but an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cases.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2022

Understudied lncRNAs could help enable early detection of potentially deadly liver disease

A comprehensive review highlights recently discovered associations between lncRNAs and specific diseases, including fatty liver disease and liver cancer. The study suggests that a diverse group of molecules known as long noncoding RNAs could emerge as biomarkers for liver disease.

SourceThe Translational Genomics Research Institute·JournalAnnual Review of Pathology Mechanisms of Disease·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 8, 2022

Development of fatty liver disease under a healthy diet

Researchers found that alterations in the RNF43 and ZNRF3 genes lead to an accumulation of lipids and inflammation in the liver, increasing the risk of developing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver disease. These genetic changes also affect liver cell proliferation, contributing to the progression of liver diseases.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics (MPI-CBG)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Lack of access to affordable, nutritious food puts those with chronic liver disease at a higher risk of death

A new study by Keck Medicine of USC found that food insecurity increases the risk of death among patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and advanced liver disease. The study, which analyzed data from over 34,000 individuals, suggests that eradicating food insecurity could eliminate up to 7% of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease d...

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 16, 2021

New PET imaging-based tool detects liver inflammation from fatty liver disease

A team of researchers at UC Davis Health has developed a novel PET imaging-based tool to detect liver inflammation in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The tool uses dynamic PET imaging and mathematical modeling to measure glucose transport from blood to liver tissue, allowing clinicians to quantify liver inflammation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateNov 30, 2021

Telehealth-delivered diet and exercise programs led to significant improvements in knee osteoarthritis symptoms and quality of life

Researchers found that video-based, telehealth-delivered exercise and weight loss programs improved pain and function in people with knee osteoarthritis and overweight or obesity. The intervention with dietary component led to substantial weight loss and additional benefits.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Promising discovery: D-glyceric acid activates cellular mitochondria and reduces low-grade inflammation in aging humans

A study found that D-glyceric acid treatment improved metabolism, blood parameters, and reduced low-grade inflammation in healthy volunteers aged 50-60 years. The compound's activation of mitochondrial metabolism may help interrupt the spiral of persistent systemic inflammation and improve liver function.

Postmenopausal women may benefit from estrogen compound research

Researchers have identified a novel estrogen compound that provides benefits similar to hormone replacement therapy but without the risk factors associated with it. The compound has been shown to reduce excess lipid deposition in the liver and prevent the progression of fibrosis, which can lead to liver failure and metabolic problems.