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 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A ketogenic diet reduced liver fat content and improved insulin resistance in overweight participants. The diet also increased hydrolysis of triglycerides and promoted ketogenesis, suggesting a possible mechanism for reversing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A new study from the University of California, Davis found that ibuprofen causes significant changes in liver enzymes in laboratory mice. The research highlights marked differences in how males and females metabolize the drug, with potential implications for human health.
Researchers found that intermittent fasting affects liver enzymes and fatty acid metabolism in mice, revealing a surprising role played by the HNF4-alpha protein. This knowledge can help develop new interventions for cancer, cardiovascular, and diabetes diseases.
A new technology has been used to investigate the cellular processes involved in liver fibrosis development, revealing key genes and cell types that correlate with fibrogenesis. The findings have potential applications for diagnostic tools and therapies.
Research reveals glucose acts as a molecular switch regulating SIRT1's function, impacting gene expression and metabolic flexibility. Glucose modification affects organismal health, with both over-activation and under-activation linked to diseases.
Researchers found that liver fibrosis is tied to a specific type of heart failure, known as preserved ejection fraction heart failure (HFpEF), which affects people with and without HIV and hepatitis C. The study suggests that preventing liver fibrosis may be crucial in reducing the risk of HFpEF.
Yale scientists have discovered the molecular mechanisms that trigger metabolic imbalance between glucose production and energy utilization in the liver. They found that a protein called INSP3R1 regulates both gluconeogenesis and fat oxidation in response to glucagon, providing new insights into glucagon biology.
The study reveals a significant increase in survival rates after liver transplantation in the UK, with improvements seen in both short-time and long-term outcomes. The advancements are attributed to better surgical techniques and immunosuppression strategies.
A novel cause of fatty liver disease has been discovered in lean individuals undergoing immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Researchers report a case of a woman who experienced severe inflammation of her subcutaneous fat and developed nonalcoholic fatty liver disease after treatment with the PD-1 inhibitor Nivolumab.
A recent study published in Drug Metabolism and Disposition found that mice with drug-induced liver damage can safely take medications for diabetes, hypertension, and depression at lower doses. This breakthrough suggests that people with damaged livers may be able to continue taking life-saving medications while healing.
Researchers created a map of molecules in mouse organs, revealing that microbes control bile acid structure. This modification changes how cells communicate and genes are expressed, potentially affecting disease development. Novel microbial-modified bile acids were found in up to 25% of human samples.
Researchers have discovered a molecular pathway that, when silenced, restores immune cells' normal function in people with fatty liver disease. Silencing a microRNA molecule called miR144 increases the endogenous antioxidant response, suggesting a promising therapeutic strategy for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
A new website, transplantcentersearch.org, allows patients to compare transplant centers for kidney, liver, heart and lung transplants. The tool uses data from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients to match factors important to each individual.
Research finds that persistent NRF2 activation may contribute to enlarged liver and fatty liver diseases, affecting over 200 million worldwide. AKT inhibitors show promise in treating hepatomegaly.
A protein called interleukin 6 (IL-6) plays a significant role in the spread of colorectal cancer to other parts of the body, particularly the liver. Suppressing IL-6 expression can enhance anti-tumor immune functions and improve patient survival.
Researchers at UCLA have identified a method to track the treatment of intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) in children by measuring the levels of micro-RNA 122. This non-invasive marker may be used to diagnose and monitor the disease without biopsies.
Scientists at UNIGE discovered a protein, S100A11, that promotes inflammation and build-up of fibrous tissue in the liver, increasing cancer severity. The presence of S100A11 in blood may enable early detection through simple blood sampling, paving the way for targeted therapies.
A recent study published in the journal AIDS found that vitamin E improves liver function and reduces fat in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and HIV. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed more significant improvements than reported in the general population.
Researchers found that green tea extract and exercise reduced fatty liver deposits by 75% in mice fed a high-fat diet, suggesting a potential health strategy for people. The study also showed increased gene expression related to energy metabolism in mice treated with both green tea extract and exercise.
The new guidelines offer 29 evidence-based recommendations for managing adult acute and acute-on-chronic liver failure in the ICU, covering cardiovascular, hematologic, pulmonary, renal, and endocrine considerations. The guidelines also highlight areas needing further research to inform clinical practice.
Researchers developed a CRISPR gene-editing technique that prevented genetic liver disease in mice by introducing a 'minigene' that expresses the enzyme ornithine transcarbamylase. The approach showed promise for treating rare metabolic disorders and other hereditary diseases.