Articles tagged with Liver
A study published in JCI Insight has identified a potential treatment for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with tesamorelin reducing liver fat and fibrosis progression. The drug appears to increase expression of genes associated with burning of fat in the mitochondria, which may prevent fibrosis.
New studies demonstrate significant reductions in ALT, hepatic fat, and liver damage biomarkers for patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The treatments target lipid metabolism and show potential to address type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A new study published in Nature Metabolism suggests that excessive fructose consumption can lead to a leaky gut and subsequently cause fatty liver disease. The researchers found that the high fructose corn syrup disrupts the epithelial barrier protecting internal organs from bacterial toxins, leading to chronic inflammatory conditions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered that pigs can grow a new liver in their lymph nodes, which could potentially treat various liver diseases. The study found that large animals with damaged livers can regenerate hepatocytes, forming an ectopic liver that takes over liver functions.
Researchers developed a new microscopy technique to visualize NAFLD progression in real-time, capturing details of lipid accumulation and immune cell behavior. The approach provides a highly useful research tool for identifying key parameters contributing to the disease.
A high-protein diet with a calorie-reduced intake was found to decrease liver fat by around 40% in obese individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study suggests that the positive effect of the high-protein diet is due to suppressed uptake, storage, and synthesis of fat in the liver.
A newly identified mutation in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) may enable the development of more specific inhibitors to reduce triglyceride levels without intestinal side effects. This discovery has important public health implications for cardiovascular disease prevention.
Researchers at Yale University found that patients with COVID-19 had abnormal liver tests at much higher rates than previous studies, associated with poorer outcomes. The study also discovered a relationship between drugs used to treat severe COVID-19 and liver damage.
Researchers at UPV/EHU University of the Basque Country discover osteopontin's protective role in preventing early onset of metabolic fatty liver disease. Maintaining physiological levels of osteopontin is essential to delay disease progression during ageing.
Researchers are testing Functional Imagery Training (FIT) to help patients with alcohol-related liver disease stop drinking. FIT teaches people to create motivational imagery themselves, which can support long-term behavior change.
A Wayne State University team has made significant breakthroughs in understanding the causal relationships between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), type-2 diabetes, and obesity. They discovered two subtypes of NAFLD: one caused by genetic factors and another driven by metabolic syndrome.
A new drug candidate, SRI-37330, has been discovered to improve four detrimental characteristics of diabetes: high blood sugar, glucagon elevation, excessive glucose production by the liver, and fatty liver. The compound is non-toxic, orally bioavailable, and highly effective in human islets and mouse models.
Australian experts warn of a surge in chronic liver disease due to alcohol misuse and obesity-related liver disease. The number of cases has increased three-fold over the past 10-15 years, with over 6 million Australians affected.
A study found that exercising mice secretes a liver protein called Gpld1 into the blood, which correlates closely with improved cognitive function. Researchers believe this protein could be used to develop drugs that mimic the brain benefits of exercise, offering new hope for individuals unable to exercise due to physical limitations.
Researchers have discovered a new target and therapy to fight NAFLD, a major health issue affecting 25% of the world population. Using siRNA to silence MCJ protein, they found reduced liver steatosis and fibrosis in preclinical mouse models.
A bioartificial system can act as 'dialysis' for the liver in pigs with acute liver failure. The system, developed by Wei-Jian Li and colleagues, effectively detoxifies blood and prevents further liver damage.
A recent study reveals the cause behind the link between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and neurological problems, including Alzheimer's disease-like symptoms. The unique role of an adipokine called Lipocalin-2 in causing neuroinflammation may explain the prevalence of MAFLD among individuals with neurological disorders.
Repeated blood tests measuring liver damage biomarker FIB-4 identify people at high risk of severe liver disease. The study found that increased FIB-4 scores between testing occasions can predict future liver cirrhosis, with almost half of affected individuals identifiable.
A novel microbiome-based diagnostic tool has been developed to quickly and inexpensively identify liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in patients. The non-invasive method analyzes patient stool samples and achieves an accuracy of over 90% in diagnosing cirrhosis, with potential implications for improving treatment outcomes.
Researchers have identified a protein PPARα that regulates bile acid metabolism and suppresses the growth of cholangiocarcinoma in mice. The study provides new insights into liver cancer development and suggests potential therapeutic targets.
A new study uses stool microbiomes to predict cirrhosis risk in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Researchers found a unique signature that distinguishes cirrhosis from other causes of the disease, potentially leading to an accurate, non-invasive diagnostic tool.
A new study reveals that excessive fructose consumption overwhelms the gut's ability to break down sugar, leading to fatty liver development. The research found that consuming food slowly mitigates adverse effects, highlighting the importance of rate-dependent fructose processing.
Researchers have developed a reagent for selective and safe coating of the liver sinusoidal walls to control clearance of gene therapy drugs. The coating agent improved gene transfer efficacy by 2-4 times to the myocardium and skeletal muscles, and 10 times to colorectal cancer, reducing medical costs and adverse effects.
Scientists successfully deliver healthy mitochondrial complexes to liver cells in rats, offering a new approach for treating liver diseases. The method, which uses a protein coating to target mitochondria to the liver, shows promise for addressing a significant gap in current treatments.
A study from the University of Cincinnati found that HCV-positive livers can be safely transplanted into patients without the infection, and the virus can be eradicated. This breakthrough increases the chances of vital organ transplants for patients in need, addressing the shortage of available organs during the opioid crisis.
A major study published in Nature Communications reveals that normothermic machine perfusion assessment can recover enough livers from discarded donors to allow successful transplantation. This breakthrough technique has significant implications for the liver transplant waiting list and demand for transplants far outstrips supply.
Scientists at Seattle Children's Research Institute have developed a genetically attenuated parasite (GAP) that arrests late in the liver stage of human malaria, paving the way for a novel next-generation vaccine. The GAP technology has the potential to offer protection to those living in regions where malaria transmission is widespread.
A Phase II trial found that the treatment inhibited key enzyme, resulting in lowered triglyceride production and slower progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The study showed robust reduction in liver fat without corresponding increases in blood lipids.
Researchers found that brief exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during liver development can prematurely age the epigenome, leading to accelerated aging and increased susceptibility to metabolic disorders. This study highlights the long-term effects of environmental exposures on health and disease susceptibility.
Researchers from Nanjing University and University of Macau successfully transformed a mouse's spleen into a fully functional liver, overcoming key challenges in tissue engineering. The innovative approach could potentially provide a new solution for patients with end-stage organ failures due to limited donor availability.
A recent study from Iowa State University has uncovered a link between liver and heart disease, with researchers finding that liver dysfunction can contribute to the deterioration of the heart. The study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on the role of peroxisomes in regulating lipid metabolic processes and detoxification.
MUSC has established two new centers to support digestive and liver disease research, providing stable funding to over 30 investigators and creating a pipeline for future researchers. The centers aim to foster multidisciplinary collaborations and provide necessary resources for cutting-edge research.
A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Hepatology shows women and men have similar mortality rates from cirrhosis, contradicting previous research. The study analyzed data from 20,045 patients with cirrhosis, finding no difference in liver-related cause of death between genders.
Researchers at MUSC discovered beta-arrestin2's role in regulating nitric oxide production and found that reduced levels lead to portal hypertension. Overexpression of beta-arrestin2 enhances NO production, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target.
A new analysis predicts a sharp rise in alcohol-related liver disease in the US, with over 1 million deaths projected by 2040. Reducing high-risk drinking rates could prevent 299,000 deaths compared to the status quo scenario.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have created fully functional mini livers using skin cells from human volunteers. The lab-made organs were then transplanted into rats, with results showing they survived for four days and functioned like a normal liver.
A study by Curtin University found that tiger snakes living in Perth's urban wetlands are accumulating toxic heavy metals in their livers, suggesting habitat contamination. The snakes' bioaccumulation of heavy metals through eating frogs indicates the wetlands' pollution levels are a concern for local biodiversity.
Researchers at Okayama University have developed a model showing how liver cancer stem cells are born from normal stem cells under specific environmental conditions. The study successfully established liver CSCs without genetic manipulation, providing a crucial tool for further research and potential targeted therapies.
Women awaiting liver transplants face higher mortality rates than men due to various factors, including geographic location and medical urgency. Liver size also plays a role in these disparities, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to address sex-based inequalities.
A Baylor University study found that exposure to obesogens, chemical compounds disrupting normal metabolic processes, can lead to increased susceptibility to weight gain across the lifespan. The study highlights the potential effects of chemicals in consumer products on lipid-related diseases, including obesity and fatty liver disease.
Researchers have identified three new genes that play a role in preventing fatty liver development. The genes IRGM, Ifgga2, and Ifgga4 produce regulatory proteins that counteract fat accumulation in the liver, but genetic variations lead to reduced protein production, resulting in increased fat content.
A team of researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital has identified key molecular step stones in ALD that may provide targets for drug therapy development. The study found that cGAS and Cx32 are promising potential molecular targets for ALD treatment development.
Melbourne researchers have identified a microscopic protein, RPL6, that can be added to a malaria vaccine for efficient protection. The combination offered complete protection against malaria in mice, building upon the 2016 discovery of T cells resident in the liver and the 'prime and trap' vaccination strategy.
Researchers have collaborated on developing new drugs that can effectively reduce the growth of cysts in the liver and kidneys, offering a promising therapeutic option for this genetic disorder. The drugs, based on the structure of bile acid UDCA, show promise in blocking the growth of cysts in an animal model.
A study published in Hepatology reveals that Annexin A6 is essential for liver regeneration after a transplant or hepatic surgery. The protein helps maintain glucose homeostasis, allowing the liver to recover and restore its functions.
NAFLD affects 5.7% of adults in the US, progressing to cirrhosis in 39% over 8 years, with risk factors including cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol.
A study at The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute found that growth hormone boosts liver regeneration in mice by suppressing inflammatory responses. Mice with normal growth hormone receptors survived liver surgery and experienced full liver regeneration.
Conditional knockout of the mouse def gene in hepatocytes leads to cell morphology abnormality, constant inflammatory cells infiltration, and multiple tissue damage foci. Partial hepatectomy causes sudden acute death in def conditional knockout mice, which is rescued by dexamethasone treatment.
Research reveals TGF-β-driven reduction of cytoglobin (CYGB) in HSCs leads to oxidative DNA damage and liver fibrosis in NASH. CYGB has a protective effect on hepatic parenchymal cells by scavenging hydroxyl radicals.
A 30-year study on Crigler-Najjar syndrome reveals the clinical course of 28 individuals with high bilirubin levels, demonstrating the effectiveness of phototherapy and liver transplantation. Early intervention is critical, and treatment delays increase brain damage risk.
Researchers found dihydromyricetin (DHM) activates mechanisms that quickly metabolize alcohol and reduce liver harm. The study supports DHM as a dietary supplement to offset acute and long-term risks of alcohol consumption.
The Position Paper provides recommendations for clinicians treating patients with chronic liver diseases during the pandemic, including prioritizing outpatient care and reducing direct exposure to COVID-19. The paper aims to support clinicians in providing best possible care despite limited healthcare resources.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology have successfully created 3D cultured tissue that mimics liver fibrosis, a key characteristic of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The cells were collected from liver tissues of NASH model mice and showed characteristics similar to those of NASH liver tissues.
A new UCL study found that heavy drinking over a lifetime significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and liver damage in older adults. Heavy drinking is also associated with a larger waist circumference and body mass index (BMI) in later life, even if it's stopped before age 50.
Researchers investigated three non-invasive methods to predict nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) based on risk factors. However, the methods agreed only about 20% of the time, indicating a need for better and more reliable non-invasive diagnostic tools.
Researchers found that bariatric surgery significantly decreased liver enzymes, Fatty Liver Index, and BARD score in patients with NAFLD. Gastric bypass was associated with the greatest reduction in liver damage.
The REVITA-2 study found that Revita DMR therapy significantly improved blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and liver measures in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes. The treatment, which involves duodenal mucosal resurfacing, reduced insulin resistance and improved metabolic health.
Research shows female mice accumulate more liver fat than males but are better at using it up, potentially benefiting women's health. Fasting may be beneficial for women specifically due to its impact on liver health.
Researchers redefine Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) as Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), a condition characterized by liver fat build-up affecting over 1 billion people. The new definition aims to improve treatment pathways, trial design, and drug development for this disease.
MIT biological engineers develop a multitissue model of the colon and liver, revealing how different tissues contribute to inflammatory diseases. The study finds that metabolic byproducts generated by bacteria play an important role in exacerbating inflammation.