Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
A new study found that growth hormone reduces liver fat and inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, improving liver function tests and markers of inflammation. The study showed significant improvements in liver health after administering growth hormone to 41 participants for 6 months.
A large study of over 90,000 postmenopausal women found a strong association between sugar-sweetened beverage consumption and an increased risk of developing liver cancer. The study suggests that reducing sugar-sweetened beverage intake may help lower the likelihood of developing liver cancer.
Researchers have discovered an alternative route that pluripotent and endoderm extra-embryonic stem cells can use to form intestinal organs in the lab. This finding could lead to improved cell development and potentially treat diseases, but further function testing is needed.
A new EU project, DeLIVERY, aims to develop a microscopy system for liver cells to test tolerability of drug interactions. The system will enable researchers to observe how liver cells react to different medications, dosages, and combinations, potentially leading to improved patient safety.
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.
Scientists at CNIC discovered a complex network between liver tissue connections that allows the liver to regulate body temperature. The secretion of IL-12 by liver-infiltrating macrophages blocks FGF21 production, reducing heat generation by brown fat in mice.
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.
A new study reveals racial and socioeconomic inequalities in the prescribing of oral anticoagulants to reduce stroke risk in people with atrial fibrillation. Patients from black and other ethnic minorities, as well as those living in deprived areas, are less likely to receive medication.
The primary causes of liver cancer are changing globally, with advances in hepatitis B vaccinations and antiviral therapies reducing HBV-associated liver cancer. However, alcohol consumption and obesity are rising, leading to increased liver cancer deaths. The incidence of NASH is projected to increase further due to rising obesity rates.
A cross-sectional study found a strong association between ultrasound-derived fat fraction (UDFF) and MRI proton-density fat fraction (PDFF), providing high sensitivity for detecting hepatic steatosis. The study showed that UDFF had an AUC of 0.90 for identifying PDFF ≥5.5%.
A new University of California, Irvine-led study identifies sex-specific circuits of muscle signaling to other tissues, highlighting differences in muscle function between males and females. The research sheds light on how muscle functions, such as exercise, promote healthy longevity, metabolism and improve cognition.
A team of scientists used radiocarbon birth dating to show that human liver cells stay young throughout life, averaging less than three years old. The study found that typical liver cells renew approximately once a year, while DNA-rich cells can live up to a decade.
A team of researchers at University of Zurich successfully transplanted a human liver that was treated in a machine, paving the way for a potential solution to the global organ shortage. The liver was preserved for three days outside the body using a custom-made perfusion machine.
A new UK study found that people dying from alcohol-related liver disease had an average of 25 hospital interactions prior to their death, highlighting missed opportunities for intervention. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent mortality from ARLD, which is a significant cause of deaths globally.
A study by Brazilian scientists reveals that autophagy can modulate the accumulation of mutant mitochondrial DNA in cells during aging. The researchers found that mice with liver-specific atg7 knockout showed reduced buildup of mutant DNA, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for diseases associated with mitochondrial DNA mutations.
Researchers developed an algorithm to classify patients into disease subtypes based on molecular changes, enabling more targeted treatments. The tool has shown potential in a study on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, identifying lipid biomarkers for disease progression.
Researchers from NTU and NUS found a link between NAFLD and blood vessel damage, leading to increased risks of cardiovascular diseases. High levels of chemokines attract immune cells into blood vessels, causing inflammation and damage.
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.
Researchers found that liver transplants from drug overdose donors increased by 26% during the pandemic, while overall solid organ transplant use from overdose donors rose by 31.2%. This trend suggests that a surge in organ donations from overdose deaths helped stabilize liver transplant numbers despite COVID-19 disruptions.
Patients who use cannabis require higher levels of sedation during gastric endoscopies than non-users, according to research. Cannabis use is associated with increased odds of requiring higher total sedation during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
Patients who use cannabis require more drugs than non-users during gastric endoscopies, according to a study. Researchers found that cannabis use was associated with increased odds of requiring higher sedation levels during gastroscopy but not colonoscopy.
A study of 9,635 patients with alcohol use disorder found that medical therapy significantly lowers the risk of developing alcohol-associated liver disease. The results suggest a potential benefit of treatment in preventing long-term liver damage.
Research suggests that medications for excessive alcohol use may help prevent and treat ALD by lowering the risk of disease progression among individuals with alcohol use disorder. The study also found that treatment with certain medications was linked to a reduced incidence of ALD among participants without existing liver disease.
A new risk assessment method combines functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with splenic diameter to predict complications in patients with chronic liver disease. The study found that patients with low FLIS scores and large spleens had a higher risk of liver-associated complications.
A new review highlights the risks of fatty liver disease caused by metabolic dysfunction, characterized by fat accumulation in liver cells and oxidative stress. The progression of the disease can lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and cirrhosis with a high risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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.
Research suggests gallstone disease may be an early indicator of pancreatic cancer, with patients having gallstones nearly six times more likely to develop the disease. This association could lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving survival rates for pancreatic cancer patients.
Researchers investigate how enzymes regulate metabolism, weight gain, and liver disease, revealing diet's significant role in obesity and altered lipid profiles. The study also shows that age affects metabolic processes, leading to weight gain, increased fat storage, and unhealthy liver changes.
Researchers determined the 3D structure of NTCP, a protein crucial for liver function and HBV/HDV infection. The study reveals two essential conformations: one 'open' pore for bile salt binding and a 'closed' conformation preventing virus recognition.
The study identifies two subpopulations of liver ILC1s, Ly49E+ and Ly49E-, with distinct origins and functions. The Ly49E+ subset is produced by embryonic hematopoietic precursors and exhibits stronger cytotoxicity, while the Ly49E- subset has stronger immune memory potential.
A novel therapy using sustained release of nitric oxide has been shown to ameliorate obesity and Type 2 diabetes in mice fed a high-fat diet. The therapy was found to decrease body weight, improve glucose tolerance, and stimulate the browning of adipose tissue.
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.
Researchers found that a molecule called beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) produced in the liver during low-carb diets can suppress colorectal tumor growth. BHB's anti-tumor effects were replicated by giving mice the molecule directly, indicating its potential as a preventive and treatment for colorectal cancer.
Researchers have found a way to partially reset liver cells to more youthful states, allowing them to heal damaged tissue at a faster rate than previously observed. The use of reprogramming molecules improves cell growth and leads to better liver tissue regeneration in mice.
Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have developed a highly accurate and minimally invasive test for detecting liver fibrosis. The test, GlycoFibroTyper, measures changes in sugar molecules attached to antibodies in patient blood samples.
A new study has identified a strong predictor for the development of clinically important liver problems in people with Hemochromatosis. Researchers found that 84% of those with advanced liver fibrosis also had arthritis, highlighting the importance of early detection and monitoring.
Researchers at HKU have identified a new protein, SBK1, that regulates lipid metabolism in the liver and alleviates health problems caused by fatty liver disease. The study found that SBK1 activity reduces lipid accumulation, inflammation, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia in mice with fructose-induced fatty liver disease.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common condition that can lead to chronic liver damage and cardiovascular disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as lifestyle changes can help prevent or reverse the condition.
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.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes create mini-livers on a chip to study the immune system's response to hepatitis C infection. The platform enables precise control over cellular interactions, allowing for detailed insights into how the liver interacts with the virus and T cells.
Researchers have found that two sugar substitutes, acesulfame potassium and sucralose, inhibit the activity of P-glycoprotein, a vital protein in liver detoxification. This can lead to impaired transport of toxins and drugs, potentially affecting people taking certain medications. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
A breakthrough discovery has identified a novel approach to tackle metabolic diseases by inhibiting a liver enzyme that regulates appetite and energy expenditure. The treatment, which stabilizes key proteins in the blood, resulted in significant weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity in obese mice.
A preclinical study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and given the mineral supplement Aquamin did not develop liver cancer, unlike those without the supplement. The researchers observed a dramatic reduction in late-stage consequences of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in animals receiving the supplement.
Researchers discovered a key protein, c-Maf, required for naive endothelial cells to mature into liver sinusoidal blood vessels. Induced liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (iLSECs) support hepatocytes, promoting healthy function.
Researchers found that one viral protein suppresses infection with hepatitis E. However, experimental studies in mice revealed a different pattern, suggesting the two viruses affect each other in complex ways. Further analysis of liver cells is needed to shed light on the underlying causes of co-infection.
A retrospective study found that cases of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease increased since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Late-night meals and higher alcohol intake were identified as independent predictors of developing MAFLD, especially among working-age individuals.
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.
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.
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.
The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center has received a five-year, $1.87 million NIH grant to investigate the role of vitamin A depletion in Alzheimer's disease. The research aims to test the hypothesis that a lack of antioxidant all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) promotes reactive oxygen species toxicity.
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
A new study found that making hepatitis C screenings a default order for patients who meet guidelines doubled the rate of screenings among those recommended. The no-click system resulted in an 80% screening rate, compared to 42% under a previous alert system.
Researchers discovered a link between the immune system and microbiome in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disease associated with inflammatory bowel disease. MAIT cells activated by bile-derived pathogens could play an important role in PSC pathophysiology, offering potential new treatment implications.
A study by Osaka University investigated the relationship between autophagy and metabolism during fasting. Autophagy was found to play a key role in promoting fat loss during fasting, particularly through the upregulation of adipogenic genes. The findings may have important implications for understanding metabolism during aging.
Researchers identified peripheral tissues as source of blood amyloid beta, which regulates blood glucose levels and suppresses insulin secretion. The study suggests a possible mechanism linking type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer's disease development.
Researchers found that disruption of normal neuronal functions affects metabolic activity, potentially contributing to drug-seeking behaviors. The study suggests that alterations in dopamine signaling may reprogram the circadian liver metabolome, leading to substance use disorders.
The International Lipid Expert Panel recommends a step-by-step approach to diagnosing and managing muscle symptoms caused by statins. The 'nocebo/drucebo' effect, where patients experience side effects due to expectation, affects up to 70% of diagnosed statin intolerance cases.
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.
Chronic liver injury triggers bone loss through the liver-bone axis, characterized by an imbalance of PP2Ac® and LCAT. This study reveals the molecular mechanisms behind HOD disease progression.
Scientists have discovered the signature of genes expressed by hematopoietic stem cells that can produce healthy blood cells after being transplanted. This finding could enable scientists to expand these cells outside the body or convert other types of stem cells into functional blood cells.