Articles tagged with Liver Damage
Women with cardiometabolic risk factors such as type 2 diabetes and high waist circumference face a higher risk of liver fibrosis, with rates increasing 11-fold and 2.8-fold compared to men. The study highlights the importance of managing these risk factors for liver health beyond heart disease prevention.
A study by MedUni Vienna found that up to one-third of patients with advanced alcohol-related cirrhosis can achieve complete regression of liver-related complications through consistent abstinence from alcohol. This 're-compensation' also leads to simultaneous recovery of liver function and a significant reduction in mortality rates.
A study from The University of Osaka reveals a molecular pathway connecting liver congestion to liver fibrosis, portal hypertension, and liver tumorigenesis. Researchers identified increased activity of YAP and CTGF in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells as key molecules involved in this signaling pathway.
A new blood test score, MetALD-ALD Prediction Index (MAPI), has been developed to identify when fatty liver disease is driven by excessive alcohol use. The tool uses five standard lab values and can estimate whether a person with fatty liver disease may have alcohol-related liver injury.
The Chinese Guidelines for Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Cirrhosis (2025) provide a comprehensive framework for diagnosing and managing liver cirrhosis. Key pathophysiological changes include impaired synthesis of albumin and coagulation factors, portal hypertension, gut-liver axis dysregulation, and progression driv...
Researchers discovered that ATG triggers rapid clotting and inflammation in the liver by activating a complement activation system and TGF-β pathway, leading to severe side effects. The study used human organoid models and imaging analysis to reveal the biphasic mechanism of ATG-induced liver injury.
A new study found that MET signaling plays a critical protective role in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by reducing liver damage and accelerating regeneration. The findings suggest targeting MET signaling could become a game-changer for treating drug-induced ALF, potentially reducing the need for emergency liver transplants.
A Rutgers-led study found that low-protein diets slowed liver tumor growth and cancer death in mice, uncovering a mechanism by which impaired waste-handling machinery can fuel cancer. The researchers suggest that individuals with elevated ammonia levels due to liver disease or impairment may benefit from reducing protein intake.
A study found that serum interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels can differentiate invasive pulmonary aspergillosis from bacterial pneumonia in patients with HBV-associated acute-on-chronic liver failure. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in IPA patients compared to non-infection controls.
Researchers found that PDK4 promotes M1 macrophage polarization, leading to increased inflammation and tissue injury in ACLF. Targeting PDK4 may be a promising strategy to attenuate inflammation and improve clinical outcomes.
Bacterial infections are common and severe complications in patients with liver cirrhosis, with a global prevalence of 35.1% reported. The most common infection sites were the gastrointestinal tract, ascites fluid, and urinary tract, with gram-negative organisms more frequent than gram-positive organisms.
Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy involves structural, inflammatory, and metabolic pathologies. Inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction promote cardiac damage, and the liver-heart axis highlights the impact of cirrhosis severity on cardiac health.
Steatotic liver disease can be precisely assessed using three-dimensional ultrafast vascular ultrasound. The technology visualizes subtle microvascular changes, enabling real-time monitoring of disease progression and therapeutic response.
Even after successful surgical intervention, progressive liver fibrosis remains common in biliary atresia, with fibrotic injury evolving over time. Advanced imaging and AI-assisted histological analyses reveal that ductular reaction plays a key role in matrix remodeling and disease progression.
Scientists developed a compound that targets Liver X Receptor specifically in liver and gut to lower triglycerides. In first-in-human clinical trial, participants showed significant drops in triglycerides and remnant cholesterol after taking the drug.
A multidisciplinary team of world-leading experts is developing an off-the-shelf engineered product that could address liver failure in millions of patients. The ImPLANT project aims to create synthetic biology-based gene circuits in human induced pluripotent stem cells to drive cell differentiation into all required liver cell types.
A study investigates dynamic changes in cardiac function and mitochondrial damage in a mouse model of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. Key findings include progressive cardiac dysfunction, inflammation, and mitochondrial injury contributing to disease progression.
A Carnegie Mellon-led team has secured a $28.5 million award from ARPA-H to develop a functional, 3D bioprinted liver for patients with acute liver failure. The project aims to provide a temporary liver that supports regeneration of a patient's own liver, reducing the need for full organ transplants.
A new study found that higher levels of PFAS in the blood are linked to an increased risk of early onset of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. MASLD affects up to 40% of children with obesity and increases long-term risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and liver cancer.
Mayo Clinic researchers developed an AI-ECG model that accurately diagnoses advanced chronic liver disease, allowing for early intervention and potential lifesaving treatment. The study found the model detected twice as many cases as standard methods, highlighting the promise of AI in preventive care.
A multinational study found PSC prevalence among Asian IBD patients to be markedly lower than in Western countries, associated with more favorable clinical outcomes. The proportion of asymptomatic PSC cases has increased due to improved imaging modality detection, allowing for early-stage diagnosis and reduced liver transplantation rates.
A new study by Nagoya University researchers found that laparoscopic surgery significantly reduces blood loss and improves jaundice recovery compared to traditional open surgery for treating biliary atresia. The study analyzed data from 356 children who had surgery at two months old, tracking their outcomes for an average of 13 years.
A newly developed tool called the DILI-Inpt prognostic score can predict which hospitalized patients with severe idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury are unlikely to recover on their own. The scoring system outperformed existing systems in identifying patients at high risk of death and liver transplant need.
The Chinese Society of Hepatology outlines a structured framework for monitoring, diagnosing, preventing, and managing drug-induced liver injury in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Key risk factors include underlying liver disease, genetic predisposition, and drug-specific factors.
A retrospective cohort study found that right hepatic lobe volume, spleen volume, and portal pressure gradient reduction predict further decompensation in cirrhotic patients post-TIPS. A nomogram model demonstrated high discriminative accuracy in identifying high-risk patients.
A two-stage, 24-week controlled trial found that patients who received lactulose therapy followed by tai-chi experienced fewer falls compared to a control group. The rate of injurious and non-injurious falls was significantly improved for those receiving both treatments.
A recent study published in Chinese Medical Journal reveals that dihydroartemisinin upregulates CHAC1 through H3K9 acetylation modification, inducing ferroptosis in hepatic stellate cells and suppressing liver fibrosis progression. This discovery identifies molecular targets for developing new anti-fibrotic drugs.
Researchers have developed a lab-grown organoid that replicates a regenerating liver, recreating interactions between hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells. This model provides a platform to study fibrosis, test anti-fibrotic therapies, and identify drugs that could prevent or reverse liver damage.
Researchers identified a significant association between perfluoroheptanoic acid (PFHpA) exposure and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in adolescents. The study used advanced models to reveal PFHpA's role in disrupting biological pathways, leading to liver damage and inflammation.
The review highlights perilipin 2's role in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism and its implications in various liver diseases, including hepatitis B, C, and alcoholic liver disease. PLIN2 acts as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis, while also influencing treatment response and tumor susceptibility.
Researchers discover that genetic glitches in the blood system, caused by aging, can spark obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Simple blood tests may help identify at-risk individuals to prevent chronic illnesses.
A study finds that a determinate diagnosis is crucial for initiating specific therapies in acute liver failure, potentially avoiding liver transplantation. A re-evaluation of cases initially classified as indeterminate reveals new diagnoses, including viral infections and autoimmune hepatitis.
Risk factors for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in liver cirrhosis include hemodynamic disturbances, vascular endothelial injury with hypercoagulable states, severity of cirrhosis, and thrombophilic genetic factors. Early identification and timely intervention are crucial to improve prognosis.
This review synthesizes current knowledge on khat-associated autoimmune hepatitis, establishing a causal link and guiding clinical management. Khat use disrupts immune tolerance, leading to a chronic inflammatory state and the development of AIH-like phenotype in susceptible individuals.
UCLA researchers have identified two key proteins, HuR and CEACAM1, that act as protective switches to prevent damage in damaged livers. By boosting this protection, organs deemed unsuitable for transplantation could be made suitable for use.
A study of 490 ALD patients found the ALBI score less accurate than MELD, MELD-Na+, and CTP scores in predicting survival. The ALBI score's components, such as serum albumin and bilirubin, were not independent predictors of mortality.
Researchers found that four common PFAS triggered fat buildup and cancer-related changes, with effects differing by sex. Liver cells from male and female donors responded differently to PFAS exposure.
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows that healthy eating and increased physical activity significantly lower the risk of liver-related death, even among heavy and binge drinkers. The research analyzed data from over 60,000 US adults and found that adherence to high levels of physical activity and/or diet q...
A new investigational drug, ION224, shows promise in treating metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a serious form of fatty liver disease. By targeting the DGAT2 enzyme, the drug helps reduce fat buildup and inflammation, two major drivers of liver damage.
Researchers identified bile acid metabolites as potential biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Chenodeoxycholic acid and deoxycholic acid were found to distinguish DILI patients from healthy individuals, exhibiting predictive potential for chronicity.
Researchers found that a compound produced by Lactobacillus bacteria can reverse liver and gut damage caused by aflatoxin exposure. The molecule, 10-hydroxystearic acid, activated PPARα signaling to repair liver tissue and support gut health.
A new study from Weill Cornell Medicine sheds light on age-related liver changes that may lead to chronic diseases. The research reveals that aging disrupts the functional organization of liver cells, causing inflammation and impaired metabolism.
Research review finds handgrip strength is a reliable predictor of cirrhosis complications and outcomes, including malnutrition, muscle loss, cognitive impairment, hepatic encephalopathy, and mortality. Regular HGS assessments can inform timely personalized interventions to enhance patient quality of life.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have developed a method to coat Hepatic Progenitor Cells (HPCs) with natural sugars, making them stickier and increasing their ability to repair liver tissues. The coating does not harm the cells or stop them from working properly.
Researchers have identified a gene signature indicative of hepatic ferroptosis using an iron overload-induced mouse model and validated it in human liver injury systems. The study highlights the role of ferroptosis in liver injuries and offers potential therapeutic targets.
Rifaximin's long-term efficacy in managing hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is supported by reduced ammonia levels and improved cognitive scores. Low-dose regimens show comparable efficacy to standard doses while offering cost-effectiveness.
Chronic liver diseases like MASLD and MASH affect 33% and 5% of adults worldwide, respectively. Experts propose doubling MASH diagnosis rate by 2027 to improve outcomes and reduce healthcare burdens. A paradigm shift towards preventive hepatology is key to addressing this growing public health threat.
Clinical trials for MASH cirrhosis have shown promising results, particularly with FGF21 analogues like efruxifermin and pegozafermin. The review emphasizes the need for effective interventions targeting advanced disease stages and highlights the importance of surrogate endpoints in accelerating approvals.
The new ShARP Center will investigate how PFAS affect liver health, and develop methods to detect and remove them from public water sources. Researchers will also study the link between PFAS exposure and rare cancers.
A VCU-led study suggests that semaglutide, a medication approved for weight loss and blood sugar control, may also reverse liver damage in patients with non-cirrhotic non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (MASH). Researchers found that nearly 90% of participants remained on the medication after 72 weeks without significant side effects.
Researchers successfully treated atherosclerosis and fatty liver disease using DT-109 in nonhuman primates, which has potential as a dual therapy for two common conditions. The compound reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaques and stopped critical processes that lead to vascular calcification.
This study found that inhibiting cyclooxygenase-2 reduces liver ferroptosis and fibrosis by upregulating the Nrf2 signaling pathway. COX-2 inhibition also restored antioxidant defenses in hepatocytes, reducing oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation.
The study found that mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of CD8+ T cells is a significant predictor of bacterial infection (BI) and acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in cirrhotic patients. Low MMP levels were associated with increased risk of BI and ACLF.
A new editorial in Oncotarget discusses how artificial intelligence can improve liver imaging by recognizing when it might be wrong. The approach, called 'uncertainty quantification,' helps clinicians better detect liver cancer and other diseases by pointing out areas in medical scans that need a second look.
Scientists discover blocking gasdermin D, a key inflammatory protein, improves liver health while damaging kidneys and brain in severe liver disease patients. The study's findings suggest that future therapies may need to target this pathway in a more nuanced way.
A single-center retrospective study analyzed clinical data, imaging, histopathological manifestations, genetic testing results, and treatment effects in 48 WD patients. The study found age at diagnosis, K-F ring presence, and higher immunoglobulin G levels were associated with cirrhosis risk factors.
Researchers propose GLDH as a more liver-specific biomarker for detecting liver injury, offering greater specificity than current ALT and AST tests. The test performed similarly to ALT for detecting liver injury but was not impacted by associated muscle injury.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism of liver regeneration triggered by glutamate, which accelerates liver regeneration in minutes through changes in macrophage metabolism. Hepatocytes producing glutamine synthetase play a key role in this process.
A comprehensive study found that people with fatty liver disease have almost twice the mortality rate of the general population. The disease is caused by overweight or obesity and increases the risk of dying from various causes, including liver disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and infections.
Researchers found that females developed ascites later and were more susceptible to carbon tetrachloride toxicity than males. The study highlights the need for gender parity in preclinical studies and suggests that sex hormones may play a protective role against disease progression.