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Researchers identify factors that contribute to alcoholic liver disease

A novel study has identified metabolic defects, impaired protein secretion, and altered phosphoproteomic signatures in alcohol-associated cirrhosis and hepatitis. These findings may lead to the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for a disease with limited treatment options.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

Problems in the powerhouse: Excessive degradation of mitochondria found to be a tipping point from normal, beneficial alcohol metabolism to alcoholic liver disease

Research finds that excessive mitochondrial damage caused by alcohol exposure can lead to chronic liver disease. Mitochondrial depolarization triggers mitophagy, a process removing damaged mitochondria; however, constant removal causes additional liver tissue damage.

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

Globins - on the hunt to protect your liver

Researchers at Osaka City University found that globin family members can suppress liver inflammation and fibrosis in mice. The proteins' antioxidant capacity was greater than glutathione and vitamin C, suggesting a potential therapy for liver fibrosis.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalRedox Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

Journal of Hepatology COVID-19 news brief

Research in the Journal of Hepatology suggests that COVID-19 vaccines are unlikely to cause liver injury, but liver transplant patients may experience delayed care due to the pandemic. The study found that vaccinated patients with liver disease had a lower antibody response compared to healthy patients.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2022

Spaceflight wreaks havoc on liver metabolism

A study found that spaceflight alters liver gene expression and reduces antioxidant capacity in mice, leading to increased oxidative stress. However, exposure to artificial gravity can mitigate some of these effects, suggesting potential for dietary supplementation to offset changes during spaceflight.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 6, 2021

Antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus reduces risk of post-treatment liver cancer progression, study shows

A cohort study of 165 patients with hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma found that treating the virus with direct-acting antivirals reduces tumor progression and metastasis. The study showed a 72% reduction in tumor progression and an 88% reduction in risk of death from HCC.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalJournal of Viral Hepatitis·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

'Good cholesterol' may protect liver

A study in mice and human blood samples found that HDL3 protects the liver by blocking gut bacterial signals that cause inflammation. The researchers identified a special type of HDL called HDL3 that is produced by the intestine, which blocks lipopolysaccharide signals that activate immune cells.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2021

Cytoglobin: key player in preventing liver disease

Cytoglobin has been identified as a key player in delaying liver fibrosis progression in mice. The enhancement of CYGB on hepatic stellate cells or intravenous injection of recombinant CYGB suppresses liver damage and cirrhosis. This discovery holds promise for developing new anti-fibrotic therapy for human chronic liver diseases.

SourceOsaka City University·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 16, 2021

A gene mutation that protects against disease

Researchers have discovered a gene mutation that protects against liver disease and may offer a 'fountain of youth' for French-Canadian families. The PCSK9Q152H mutation has been found to lower bad cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular diseases, allowing individuals to live longer and healthier into their late 80s and mid-90s.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 19, 2020

Lactobacillus balances gut microbiome and improves chronic-alcohol-induced liver injury

Researchers found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus can restore a balanced intestinal microbiome and counter liver damage caused by chronic alcohol consumption. The probiotic effect of the bacteria reduced inflammation and fat accumulation in the liver, indicating potential therapeutic applications for alcohol-induced liver disease.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Medicinal Food·DateDec 9, 2019

New insights on liver injury in men taking body building supplements

Researchers found that men taking bodybuilding supplements experienced prolonged and difficult-to-treat liver injuries, often accompanied by jaundice and generalized itching. The study also revealed that many products contained illicit anabolic steroids not accurately listed on the label.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateApr 3, 2019

Pyronaridine-artesunate for treating uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria

Researchers found pyronaridine-artesunate to be as effective as currently used artemisinin-based combination therapies for treating uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Mild liver injuries were observed in some patients but no severe damage was reported. The treatment holds promise for areas with rising artemisinin resistance.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJan 8, 2019

Breakthrough for treatment of fibrotic diseases

Scientists have found a drug combination that can halt the progression of fibrosis, a condition responsible for almost half of all deaths. The study, published in European Urology, tested a combination of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and selective oestrogen receptor modulators on cells and animals.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalEuropean Urology·DateNov 5, 2018

Nutmeg's hidden power: Helping the liver

Researchers have discovered how nutmeg helps protect the liver, using a mouse animal model of liver toxicity. The spice was shown to restore healthy levels of lipids and acylcarnitines, and a specific compound, myrislignan, had a strong protective effect against liver damage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMay 9, 2018

Crucial protective role observed for farnesoid-X receptor in cholestatic liver injury

Researchers observed a crucial protective role for farnesoid-X receptor in cholestatic liver injury, with oral FXR-agonist INT-747 normalizing dysfunctional intestinal FXR-signaling and changing in intestinal permeability, inflammation, and bacterial translocation. The study suggests potential new therapeutic avenues for liver disease.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal Of Pathology·DateJan 29, 2015