Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
Scientists at Hokkaido University have developed a lipid nanoparticle that delivers immune-signaling molecules into liver macrophage cells to overcome resistance to anti-tumor immunotherapy. This approach has shown promise in mice experiments and could lead to the development of an adjuvant treatment for cancer patients.
Researchers at Kanazawa University have identified a new vaccine platform that targets liver cells to induce anti-malaria immunity. The AAV8 vaccine platform was found to be more effective in eliciting a T cell-mediated response in the liver, providing sterile protection against malaria in a murine model.
A novel mortality risk prediction method helps tailor treatment decisions and transplant needs for patients based on individual symptoms. The new tool uses a random survival forest algorithm to predict individual mortality risk curves, calculate mortality at any given time, and provide a 95% confidence interval.
A 34-year follow-up study found that the coexistence of hypertension and fatty liver disease did not exceed their separate effects on mortality. The study suggests a negative interaction between the two conditions on cardiovascular death in non-diabetic men.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's grow functional biliary organoids to reveal previously unknown cell defects and a potential repair approach. The study identifies structural defects in cells that form bile ducts, which can lead to liver fibrosis and failure.
Researchers have developed a new therapeutic method combining synthetic CDK4/6 inhibitors with IKKβ and AKT inhibitors to treat refractory cancers. The study found that this combination therapy can improve treatment outcomes for hepatocellular carcinoma, K-Ras oncogene mutated lung cancer, and colon cancer.
Researchers at the University of Würzburg have found that innate lymphoid cells can specialize into killer cells that recognize and kill tumour cells. The study reveals a new transcription factor, Hobit, drives this specialization process.
A new global study found a significant decline in solid organ transplants performed during the first wave of Covid-19 in 2020, with over 48,000 years of patient life lost. Kidney transplantation showed the largest reduction across nearly all countries.
A randomized trial found that a shorter course of rifapentine-isoniazid therapy resulted in significantly higher treatment completion rates compared to a longer daily course. The findings suggest that this regimens can be more effective for preventing tuberculosis disease in individuals with HIV, particularly in high-transmission areas.
A recent study investigated sex disparity in living donor liver transplant access, revealing a significant inequity between men and women. The research suggests that male donors have better access to liver transplants than female donors, highlighting the need for gender-specific solutions to address this disparity.
Researchers from Osaka University found that quercetin in buckwheat liquor induces autophagy, a process that cleans up damaged proteins, and aggrephagy, which removes protein aggregates. This could lead to new treatments for diseases like Alzheimer's and alcoholic liver disease.
A recent study published in Transplant Infectious Disease found that COVID-19 vaccination provides strong protection against the virus for solid organ transplant recipients, with an almost 80% reduction in symptomatic cases. The study examined data from over 2,150 transplant patients and showed that nearly 70% of vaccinated patients re...
A new biomarker, HBcrAg, has been found to accurately predict viral load in patients with chronic hepatitis B and reflect response to anti-viral treatments. This discovery may lead to improved monitoring methods for CHB, enabling clinical decisions and potentially improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at Skoltech have discovered structures called apical bulkheads in liver cells that are responsible for the narrow shape of bile canaliculi. The discovery reveals a key role for the Rab35 protein in regulating hepatocyte lumina formation and suggests potential avenues for medical applications in fatty liver disease and fibrosis
Researchers found a regulatory cell type, mesenchymal cells, control liver regeneration through cell-to-cell contacts. The study suggests that the wrong number of contacts between populations can lead to cancer or chronic liver diseases.
The study analyzed patient data before and during the pandemic, revealing a significant increase in liver transplant requests and procedures. During the pandemic, more patients with acute alcohol-associated hepatitis underwent liver transplantation, highlighting the need for increased access to transplantation services.
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.
A novel 3D imaging technique reveals the degeneration of nerves in the liver, correlating with the severity of liver pathology in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study suggests a 'vicious cycle' where compromised nerve function contributes to disease progression and worsens metabolic challenges.
Researchers found that a chemical modification called m6A may offer protection against non-alcoholic fatty liver by slowing down the accumulation of fat in the liver. The study also suggested that this modification occurs at a different rate in females than males, potentially explaining sex differences in liver fat content.
A large systematic review and meta-analysis of statin use in healthy adults found a generally favorable benefit-to-harm balance. The study, published in the BMJ, suggests that the potential harms of statins are small and should not deter their use for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects 25% of the global population, leading to inflammation and fibrosis. Researchers discovered that hepatocyte reprogramming is controlled by molecular switches, resulting in dysfunction.
Researchers at University of California San Diego have found that immunotoxins targeting mesothelin can prevent liver cells from producing collagen, a precursor to fibrosis and cirrhosis. In mouse models, these antibodies killed 60-100% of human mesothelin-producing cells, reducing collagen deposition.
Researchers analyze case studies to develop a flexible decision support model for split liver transplantation, considering fairness and efficiency metrics. The study suggests oscillating between splitting and not splitting based on patient health and demographics.
Researchers from Skoltech and their colleagues discovered promising compounds among pest control chemicals that inhibit the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, a key component in connective tissue. These compounds show potential as anti-fibrotic drugs for treating liver fibrosis.
A new study found that lung metastases from triple-negative breast cancer contain a more diverse array of cancer cells compared to liver metastases. The researchers identified specific genes responsible for this difference, which may inform targeted therapies for breast cancer treatment.
Scientists have discovered a new mechanism by which the liver adapts to injury by decreasing bile synthesis and shunting it to the bloodstream. This adaptation may explain why some patients with liver injury develop symptoms later than others, and could lead to new treatments for these patients.
Researchers discovered a code in the liver epigenome that promotes regeneration, enabling pro-regenerative genes to activate when signaled. This finding has potential to inform regenerative medicine for non-regenerative organs like lungs and hearts.
A new pathway to treating type 2 diabetes has been discovered by researchers at the University of Arizona, focusing on the liver's role in insulin sensitivity. The study found that fat in the liver increases the release of GABA, a neurotransmitter that decreases nerve activity.
A European gene therapy trial for Crigler-Najjar syndrome has demonstrated the first therapeutic effects of the treatment, allowing patients to stop phototherapy. The trial's preliminary results are encouraging, suggesting that gene therapy could become an alternative treatment for this severe liver disease.
A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals persistent racial disparities in cirrhosis outcomes, with Black patients facing higher mortality rates and lower transplant approval rates. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to improve healthcare access for Black patients, who face structural and institutional barriers...
Researchers found a large number of macrophages migrate to the liver after resection, influencing cell growth and metabolism. The study revealed essential roles of macrophages in mouse liver recovery from massive resections.
A study published in BMC Public Health found that consuming any type of coffee is associated with a reduced risk of developing chronic liver disease and related conditions. Moderate coffee consumption, particularly ground coffee containing kahweol and cafestol, was linked to the greatest benefits.
The University of Louisville Hepatobiology and Toxicology Center has received $11.3 million in NIH funding to support its research into liver-related illness. The center aims to reduce the impact of liver illnesses through prevention and therapy development.
A rare parasitic infection is spreading rapidly in Alberta, with over 17 human cases diagnosed between 2013 and 2020. The disease, known as alveolar echinococcosis, causes serious health complications and can be deadly if left untreated.
Researchers found that high serum levels of human IL-11 in mice with paracetamol toxicity led to liver cell death. However, blocking IL-11 signalling protected against liver damage and promoted survival. The study suggests a restorative effect when using anti-IL11 therapy.
A new noninvasive biomarker, thrombospondin-2, can identify patients at risk of NAFLD complications using a simple blood test. The biomarker was found to parallel clinical indicators used to categorize pathological changes in liver cells.
Research reveals liver cancer incidence is 2.6 times higher in Indigenous Australians compared to non-Indigenous patients. Mobile liver clinics and regular ultrasound surveillance can help prevent the disease, according to expert calls for action.
Research by Oregon State University suggests that compounds xanthohumol and tetrahydroxanthohumol can mitigate diet-induced accumulation of fat in the liver. The compounds act as antagonists for PPARγ, reducing fat storage and inflammation in the liver.
A $2.2 million NIH grant will support the development of mitochondrial uncouplers, small molecules that can help burn fat in the liver, potentially treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The research team aims to create effective drugs with a long half-life and test them in animal models simulating NASH.
Researchers have found that leptin can help mobilize extra fat in the liver, reversing conditions like nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in patients with partial lipodystrophy and/or low leptin levels. Leptin therapy showed promise in improving insulin sensitivity and body weight.
The study found that hepatocellular carcinoma develops on a background of chronic inflammation and fibrosis, with tumor-associated macrophages playing a key role. The researchers characterized the inflammatory microenvironment in two HCC mouse models, revealing divergent phenotypes of liver macrophage subsets and their contribution to ...
Researchers discovered that a Western diet high in fat and cholesterol can lead to obesity, diabetes, and Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which progresses to liver cancer, kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease. Switching to a normal chow diet improves NASH and liver fibrosis, prevents cancer progression and mortality.
A recent study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that people with overweight or obesity are at a greater risk of developing liver diseases compared to those within a healthy weight range. The study analyzed data from nearly half a million participants and found that even moderate alcohol consumption can lead...
A recent study has discovered a subtype of immune cells called dendritic cells, which become activated in the liver and promote the progression of non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH). Manipulating these cells may lead to new treatments for NASH, a condition that can lead to life-threatening cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Researchers discovered that type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1) promote progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by inducing inflammatory and aggressive behavior in T cells. Blocking or genetically modifying cDC1 alleviates symptoms in mice, suggesting a potential new approach to prevent serious liver damage.
Researchers used base editing to introduce a single point mutation in the PCSK9 gene, reducing LDL cholesterol levels by up to two-thirds. This precision technology holds promise for treating inherited metabolic liver diseases.
A new study found that blocking ABCB10 protein in liver cells protects against insulin resistance and fatty liver disease. Increased bilirubin content inside mitochondria driven by ABCB10 activity contributes to fatty liver disease. The findings could inspire the development of therapies targeting ABCB10 or mitochondrial bilirubin.
A team of scientists at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has discovered a promising new approach to preventing obesity-driven liver damage. By controlling a subgroup of immune system cells that trigger non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), researchers have identified a potential treatment target.
Research found a sharp increase in consults for alcohol-related GI and liver diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the proportion remaining elevated even after re-opening. The study highlights the potential impact of increased anxiety, depression, and social isolation on alcohol consumption.
Scientists are examining the metabolic transition in chickens, from fat-rich diet as embryos to high-carbohydrate diet after hatch. This research aims to optimize nutrition for healthy growth and gain insights into liver function to prevent metabolic disease in humans and other species.
Researchers from Utrecht University publish a consensus on what constitutes an organoid, highlighting the importance of using primary cells for personalized therapies. The new system categorizes organoids into three types based on defining characteristics, providing clarity for future research and clinical applications.
Researchers from Skoltech, Italy, discovered a new axis for preventing liver fibrosis by targeting the GILZ protein. The study used mice models and verified findings with human clinical data, suggesting that controlling the signaling pathway involving GILZ could lead to treating inflammatory liver diseases.
Researchers have developed a novel strategy to treat, prevent, and possibly reverse liver damages by exploiting small extracellular vesicles derived from interferon-γ pre-conditioned MSCs. The approach has shown promising results in reducing inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of cirrhosis.
Researchers have made new discoveries about fetal liver cells that could help make liver cell transplants more effective. Fetal liver cells can multiply and maintain function for long periods when used in transplants, but adult liver cells do not share this ability.
Researchers investigated the prevalence of portopulmonary hypertension among patients with chronic liver disease at Shinshu University Hospital. The study aims to clarify the condition's etiology and pathophysiology, as well as identify risk factors for its onset.
Recent studies point to links between environmental exposures and health risks, including respiratory problems from hog farms and inflammation caused by triclosan. Gulf War veterans may also be more susceptible to alcohol-induced liver damage due to environmental factors.
Researchers developed a therapy to improve liver function during external perfusion, making previously unusable donor livers transplantable. The study found that being perfused outside the body triggers self-repair mechanisms in livers.
Researchers from Aarhus University are conducting a treatment trial using faeces-microbiome transplantation to improve cirrhosis outcomes and lower mortality rates. The project replaces patients' sick intestinal bacteria with those from healthy donors, aiming to alleviate complications and disease progression.
A new study maps brain regions responsible for alcohol's intoxicating effects, revealing that acetate produced in the brain plays a key role in cognitive impairment. The research also suggests that abnormalities in enzyme production can lead to detrimental effects associated with alcohol misuse.
Researchers developed a chimeric mouse model that accurately reproduces human non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by combining both human and murine cells. The study reveals striking differences in liver cell behavior, metabolism, and gene expression, providing new insights into the disease's mechanisms.