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Paleolithic diets are not without risks

A recent UNIGE study highlights the risks of high-protein diets, also known as Paleolithic diets, which can lead to severe neurological disorders. Excess protein increases ammonium production, overwhelming the liver and potentially causing coma in severe cases.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeNews article·DateJul 17, 2024

Progress in the management of patients with cholestatic liver disease: where are we and where are we going?

Significant progress has been made in understanding and managing cholestatic liver diseases, with emerging therapies like OCA, fibrates, and budesonide. Multidisciplinary approaches involving hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians are crucial for improving patient outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 12, 2024

The relationship between viral replication and the severity of hepatic necroinflammatory damage changed before HBeAg loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Studies found a negative relationship between HBV replication and liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with high viral DNA levels, which shifted to positive relationships for those with low DNA levels or HBeAg-negative status. This interaction suggests a complex relationship between viral replication and liver damage progression.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 22, 2024

Overeating and starving both damage the liver: Cavefish provide new insight into fatty liver disease

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.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Novel stem cell therapy using technology from mRNA COVID-19 vaccines may stimulate natural repair in treatment of chronic and acute liver disease

A new stem cell treatment using mRNA technology from COVID-19 vaccines has shown promise in regenerating liver tissue, potentially reversing chronic and acute liver diseases. The treatment stimulates the natural repair mechanism of the liver by activating specific receptors on stem cells.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateDec 7, 2023

From soft tissue to stiff leather: Understanding the role of paxillin in liver fibrosis

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.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalJournal of Cell Science·DateNov 1, 2023

Liver cancer and severe liver disease more common if a close relative has fatty liver disease

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2023

Researchers discover a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation

Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

Study sheds light on cellular interactions that lead to liver transplant survival

Researchers identify key protein interactions that control the body's immune response during liver transplantation, leading to improved transplant survival rates. The study found that a specific communication pathway between CEACAM1 and TIM-3 proteins plays a crucial role in controlling the immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Obesity associated with increased inflammation and prolonged symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury

Researchers found that obese patients with mild traumatic brain injuries had higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers and prolonged symptoms compared to those with healthy body mass indexes. The study suggests that obesity may mediate the inflammatory response and symptoms in mTBI patients.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Neurology Neurosurgery & Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2023

New liver dialysis device shows potential to resolve liver failure in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

A clinical trial using DIALIVE, a novel liver dialysis device, demonstrated significant improvements in all main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of ACLF and sustained improvement in biomarkers.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Delivery of antioxidants to liver mitochondria

A research team at Hokkaido University has developed a system to deliver antioxidants to mitochondria in the liver, reducing oxidative stress and damaging caused by ROS. The system, called CoQ10-MITO-Porter, was found to be more effective when downsized particles were used.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

Researchers found that after 96 weeks, some patients achieved loss of detectable HBsAg and reduced liver inflammation levels, indicating functional cure. The study suggests that discontinuing long-term antiviral therapy may be more effective than continuing it for certain patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

A readily available dietary supplement may reverse organ damage caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy

A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Infectious Diseases·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 24, 2023

New biomarker strategy devised to screen for, diagnose deadly heart complication from cancer treatment

Researchers at Michigan Medicine have developed a new biomarker-based strategy to screen for immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced myocarditis, which can cause muscle damage and liver injury. Early detection of these biomarkers can lead to earlier treatment and improved survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJACC CardioOncology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 20, 2022

New Chinese Medical Journal review elucidates potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

A new Chinese Medical Journal review article elucidates the potential contributors to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression, highlighting the role of bile acid and sphingolipid biology. Researchers summarize current understanding of NAFLD, its progression, and potential therapeutic strategies.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 20, 2022

Chinese researchers identify new molecular targets into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Researchers have identified Insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 2 (IGF2BP2) as a key regulator in the development and progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. IGF2BP2 overexpression was found to induce liver steatosis, inflammation, and injury in healthy mice, while knockdown improved NASH pathogenesis.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalLife Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022

New $4M NIH grant awarded to researchers at Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University to fund groundbreaking research on disparities in hepatitis B and liver disease in Asian-Americans

The new grant aims to address structural racism and discrimination affecting Asian-Americans with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and liver cancer. Researchers will examine factors such as socio-historical hardship, segregation, and mistrust of the health system to improve quality of care.