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A web-based program is as effective as group counseling for patients with NAFLD

A new six-year single-center study found a web-based program to be an effective approach to manage lifestyle changes in patients with NAFLD, comparable to group-based interventions. The web program reduced weight loss and improved liver health, suggesting counseling as a key therapeutic option until drugs are approved.

SourceEuropean Association for the Study of the Liver·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateOct 2, 2018

Big data studies scrutinize links between fatty liver disease and how cells make energy

Two recent studies reveal that mitochondrial proteins are broken down more quickly in fatty liver cells, reducing their activity. Meanwhile, liver cells with fatty liver disease show signs of overworking, using triglycerides instead of glucose to make energy and increasing reactive oxygen byproducts, which can damage proteins.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Lipid Research·DateSep 14, 2018

Automated analysis of biopsy samples enables rapid and reproducible quantification of NASH disease activity

A new study has reported a good correlation between an automated image analysis system and an expert reviewer for the identification of key markers of NASH disease activity in a pre-clinical model. The study used deep-learning algorithms applied to open-source pathology software (QuPath1) to accurately identify cell histology patterns ...

Germany: compensated cirrhosis substantially increases comorbidities and healthcare costs for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

A study analyzed outcomes and costs for German patients with NAFLD/NASH who developed compensated cirrhosis, finding significant increases in comorbidities, mortality, and healthcare costs. The study highlights the need for new treatment options to improve patient outcomes.

Study uncovers link between male hormones and metabolic disease in polycystic ovary syndrome

Researchers at the University of Birmingham have discovered that increased male hormones, particularly AKR1C3 enzyme activity in fat tissue, drive PCOS women's risk to develop diabetes and fatty liver disease. Abdominal fat tissue is a major source of high levels of male hormones in women with PCOS.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateJun 22, 2017

Family of patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis are at increased risk of liver fibrosis

Family members of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis. A clinical trial found that immediate relatives had 12 times higher prevalence of liver fibrosis than healthy controls, indicating the need for screenings in family members.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJun 19, 2017

New study: Unsaturated fat associated with fatty liver disease

A new study published in Cellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that consuming unsaturated fat can lead to fatty liver disease, contrary to its previously touted health benefits. The research used mice fed diets supplemented with either saturated or unsaturated fat, revealing the latter can cause liver damage.

SourceAmerican Gastroenterological Association·JournalCellular and Molecular Gastroenterology and Hepatology·DateJun 14, 2017

Take a coffee or tea break to protect your liver

A new study found that frequent coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower odds of high liver stiffness values, independent of lifestyle traits. Herbal tea consumption also showed a significant association with lower liver stiffness values, even in small amounts.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·DateJun 6, 2017

Unveiling the biology behind nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Researchers at EPFL have identified a key player in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. The study found that impaired SUMOylation of nuclear receptor LRH-1 promotes NAFLD, highlighting potential new treatments and biomarkers for the disease.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2017

Antioxidant may protect offspring of obese mothers from fatty liver disease

New research published in The FASEB Journal suggests that pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) may prevent the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in offspring. PQQ, a naturally occurring antioxidant found in soil and foods, was shown to protect against liver damage and inflammation in mice fed high-fat diets.