Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
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.
Researchers at UHN have developed a deep learning model that can significantly improve long-term survival and quality of life for liver transplant recipients. The model is based on a large dataset from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients and has been validated using a local dataset from UHN's Ajmera Transplant Centre.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that exercise regimen reduced liver steatosis by 9.5%, liver stiffness by 6.8%, and FibroScan-AST Score by 16.4%. Exercise preserved muscle mass, independent of weight loss, and induced anti-inflammatory responses.
A new technique developed by HUG-CELL reconstructs livers in the laboratory using extracellular matrix and human cells. The method, which can be used to produce other organs as well, shows promise for increasing organ supply and reducing rejection risks for transplant patients.
Researchers at NIH/National Human Genome Research Institute developed a breath test to measure how well patients with methylmalonic acidemia respond to liver or combined liver and kidney transplants. The test assesses the severity of the disease and helps determine treatment efficacy.
Researchers found that liver disease primary biliary cholangitis triggers a signaling cascade in skin cells, leading to the formation of micro-RNA bubbles that signal itching. The discovery could lead to new treatments for severe itching and potential liver disease markers.
A new surgical approach at Mayo Clinic has shown promising results in reducing antibody-mediated rejection in highly sensitized patients. The reverse-order heart-liver transplant procedure involves transplanting the liver first, followed by the heart, and has been successful in all seven patients who underwent the procedure.
A study published in Science found that adult liver contains hematopoietic progenitors that can differentiate into tissue-resident lymphocytes. These findings reveal a local pathway for the development of innate lymphoid cells, providing insights into the liver's unique immune features.
A recent study published in Hepatology has identified a molecular signature for ER stress in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, which is associated with poorer prognosis and higher incidence of complications. The discovery opens up new treatment options by targeting ER stress with drugs already in clinical testing.
A review of studies links excessive fructose intake to NAFLD in children, suggesting restricting added sugars may reduce risk; current diagnosis methods are inadequate, and better tools are needed.
A Mount Sinai study found immunotherapy to be significantly less effective in liver cancer patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), while also fueling tumor growth. The research highlights the need for refined therapeutic strategies to treat both tumors and underlying liver disease.
Research at TUM has discovered that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is caused by auto-aggressive immune cells. These cells destroy liver tissue when exposed to inflammation signals and products of fat metabolism, leading to NASH. New therapies may be developed to target this destructive immune response.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a new method to quantify fat content in liver tissue using near-infrared hyperspectral imaging. The study found that this technique can accurately visualize lipid distributions within the liver and identify fatty liver-associated liver diseases, including cancer.
A new study from the University of Minnesota Medical School suggests that disease-driving B cells contribute to the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The research, led by Fanta Barrow, found that a Western diet and changes in gut microbes activate these pathogen-fighting B cells into 'disease-promoters',
Even moderate amounts of sugar increase fat synthesis in the liver, leading to a longer period of overactive fat production. Fructose and sucrose are found to have particularly detrimental effects, doubling fat production beyond food intake.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that reducing apolipoprotein CIII levels can protect against high-fat diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance and liver damage. The study showed that a treatment targeting apoCIII reversed metabolic derangements in mice.
Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can detect acute liver damage earlier than current methods. The test uses gold nanoparticles to target the antioxidant glutathione, which is depleted in damaged liver cells. This early detection could lead to faster recovery and improved treatment outcomes for patients with liver injury.
A study by University of South Florida researchers found nearly 100% of red snappers sampled showed evidence of liver damage, indicating early warning signs of a compromised ecosystem. Chronic oil exposure has been linked to cancer and death in fish.
Researchers found that conventional diagnostic methods for liver fibrosis do not accurately track the disease in patients who underwent Fontan surgery. The study revealed a unique regional development of fibrosis, which was not observed with hepatitis C and B, highlighting the need for new biomarkers and imaging techniques.
Researchers have identified CNNM4 protein as key regulator of magnesium in the liver and potential therapeutic target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. High expression of CNNM4 protein is associated with inflammation and liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
A large-scale trial found that daily albumin infusions provide no significant health benefit to patients hospitalised with advanced liver disease, over and above 'standard care'. The study showed no reduction in infection, kidney dysfunction, or death among patients receiving targeted albumin treatment.
A subset of liver cells takes on a greater workload to maintain metabolic function during regeneration, while others multiply in a coordinated manner. The liver's ability to regenerate and maintain its metabolic activity is crucial for the body's overall health.
Researchers at Tufts University use lipid nanoparticles to deliver CRISPR machinery specifically to the liver, reducing blood cholesterol levels by up to 57% in mice. The treatment may provide a long-term solution for high cholesterol, which affects over 29 million Americans.
Researchers from UT Southwestern Medical Center identified the cells responsible for liver tissue maintenance and regeneration, specifically those in zone 2. These cells can evade death, regenerate hepatocytes, and sustain liver function after damage.
A new study reveals that over one third of genetic variants associated with coronary artery disease regulate liver-specific genes involved in cholesterol metabolism. Researchers pinpoint the causal single nucleotide polymorphisms and target genes mediating the risk, expanding our understanding of the disease's mechanisms.
Scientists have successfully grown lab-grown 'mini-bile ducts' that can be used to repair damaged human livers, paving the way for cell therapies to treat liver disease. The technique uses organoids - clusters of cells that mimic tissue architecture and function - to repair bile ducts.
Researchers report that organoids grown from bile duct epithelial cells can repair damaged bile ducts in transplanted human livers. This breakthrough could lead to increased use of organs on the transplant waiting list by providing a cell-based therapy alternative.
Researchers discovered that cells within a single organ can synchronize their circadian rhythms without receiving timing cues from the brain or other external signals. This finding suggests a novel mechanism of coordination, where cells exchange molecules to stay in phase.
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.
A new algorithm detects hidden fingerprints in routine blood test results to identify people silently developing liver cirrhosis. The CIRRUS algorithm has an accuracy rate of 90% and can pick up over 70% of cases months or years before emergency admissions.
A liquid formulation called LATTE has been shown to kill liver cancer cells and potentiate chemotherapy treatments in mice, rabbits, pigs, and human tumor samples. The treatment could provide a safer alternative to traditional methods like thermal ablation, which can be resource-intensive and damage surrounding tissues.
Research using magnetic resonance spectroscopy reveals that SGLT2 inhibitors trigger a balance between glucose loss and new production in the liver, affecting metabolism in several organs. The study provides insight into the acute impact of these drugs on lipid and energy metabolism.
A clinical study led by Dr. Jordan Feld showed that peginterferon-lambda can significantly speed up recovery for COVID-19 outpatients, with patients who received the treatment being over four times more likely to clear the infection within seven days. The study also found quicker improvement of respiratory symptoms in the treatment group.
The IMbrave150 trial found that the atezo+bev combination provided a median overall survival of 19.2 months, surpassing the 13.4-month median for those treated with sorafenib alone. The treatment also showed improved survival rates at 18 months, with 52% of patients on atezo+bev remaining alive compared to 40% on sorafenib.
A recent 18-year study by Imperial College London reveals that cancer is now the leading cause of death among people with diabetes in England. Death rates from heart disease and stroke declined significantly during this period, but improvements were more modest for cancer-related deaths.
A global survey revealed significant disruptions to liver cancer care during the COVID-19 pandemic, including delayed screenings and treatments. The survey found that 87% of participating cancer treatment centers modified their clinical practices, highlighting the need for continued investment in liver oncology nurses and education.
Researchers found a distinctive gut microbiome profile in people with liver cancer linked to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that modulates the immune response, promoting cancer survival. This discovery could lead to more effective preventative and therapeutic treatments for NAFLD-related liver cancer.
A recent study by the PREDICT network identified bacterial infections and alcohol consumption as common triggers for acute decompensation of liver cirrhosis. The study monitored 1273 patients from 15 European countries and found that these triggers were present in over 90% of cases.
A new study introduces mRNA-LNP as a safe therapeutic intervention for liver regeneration, utilizing the same science used in COVID-19 vaccines. Researchers successfully induce rapid expansion of functional liver cells and recovery of liver function in injured livers.
The liver metabolizes coconut oil with medium-chain fatty acids, which are processed by DGAT1 enzyme, whereas long-chain fatty acids are processed by DGAT2. This knowledge could help treat certain diarrheal diseases by adjusting diet.
Researchers found that ACSL1 catalyzes CoA conjugation of propionic acid-class NSAIDs, leading to liver injury through covalent binding with hepatic proteins. This variation in hepatic ACSL1 expression may account for individual susceptibility to toxicities.
A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that multiparametric CT findings can distinguish patients with high-risk NAFLD, characterized by advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. However, the presence of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains elusive on CT.
Researchers studied 18 men's livers after a day of eating and drinking, finding some responded by increasing fat storage while others reduced it. The study suggests that high carbohydrate consumption may protect the liver, contradicting typical associations with alcohol.
The study found that the green Mediterranean diet resulted in the greatest reduction of hepatic fat, with participants experiencing dramatic reductions in fatty liver. The modified diet included high intake of walnuts and Mankai, as well as less red meat.
Researchers developed a risk score to prioritize liver cancer patients for transplantation, accounting for both cancer-related and non-cancer-related factors. The LiTES-HCC score predicts post-transplant survival for hepatocellular carcinoma patients, leading to more efficient allocation of livers.
Researchers at EPFL and Weizmann Institute of Science study spatial shifts of gene expression within liver lobules in relation to the circadian clock. The study reveals that many liver genes are both zonated and rhythmic, regulating key metabolic functions.
A new study found that non-Hispanic white patients are disproportionately placed on liver transplant waitlists, with disparities attributed to private health insurance access and travel distance. The researchers suggest increasing awareness of these trends may promote equitable access to transplants.
A new study found that tumors in the liver siphon off critical immune cells, rendering immunotherapy ineffective. However, coupling immunotherapy with radiotherapy restored immune cell function and led to better outcomes in mice. Researchers are now exploring potential clinical trials to understand the mechanisms at play.
A new study by researchers at UCSF and Columbia University highlights the role of frailty in the gender gap in mortality rates for women waiting for liver transplants. Women awaiting liver transplants are found to be more likely to become too ill to undergo surgery or die before receiving a liver, with frailty being a significant risk ...
CREB3L3 protects against atherosclerosis by inhibiting SREBP's expression. Absence or overexpression of CREB3L3 exacerbates high blood lipid levels and atherosclerosis. The study provides insight into the molecular basis of atherosclerosis and its potential therapeutic targets.
Researchers developed a gene biomarker identification technique to predict liver toxicity in just 24 hours, reducing lengthy animal studies. The method uses machine learning approaches to identify key genes in messenger RNA, enabling accelerated testing for agrochemical and pharmaceutical companies.
The study found that polychlorinated biphenyls and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane impact salmon's lipid metabolism and environmental stress response. The transcriptome profiles suggest that OHC levels, rather than salmon origin, have a significant effect on the liver's gene expression.
A recent study published in Gut journal reveals that beta-blocker treatment can reduce systemic inflammation in patients with advanced liver disease, resulting in fewer complications and lower mortality rates. By targeting portal hypertension, beta-blockers may provide a new therapeutic option for patients with cirrhosis.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have developed a method to create lab-grown liver organoids with blood- and bile-handling systems using synthetic biology and machine learning. The resulting organs can mature faster than natural organs, extending the life of mice with failing livers.
A new diagnostic tool has been developed by MIT engineers to detect both fatty liver disease and fibrosis, which can lead to liver failure. The sensor uses nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) technology to measure water diffusion in tissue, revealing the presence of fatty or scarred tissue with high accuracy.
Researchers found nine genes in mako sharks that relate to tumor suppression and wound healing, surprising given the low incidence of cancer in these animals. The study also suggests that mako sharks may have monochrome vision, a common trait among all shark species.
A recent study by MedUni Vienna found that blood biomarkers for systemic inflammation increase with liver cirrhosis stages, predicting complications in asymptomatic patients. The severity of portal hypertension also correlates with levels of inflammatory markers, increasing mortality risk.
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that gut hormones FGF15/19 turn off fat-producing genes in the liver. The study suggests a new target for therapeutic treatment options to address obesity-related metabolic disorders.
Researchers found triclosan suppressed FGF21 expression and altered genes involved in amino acid and lipid metabolism. Triclosan also accelerated liver disease development in mice with type I diabetes and changed gut microbiota similar to NASH patients.
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.