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 at UNIGE found that the liver can produce glucose independently of hormonal signals, challenging the long-held belief about its role in glucose regulation. This autonomous glucose production may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes in patients with a fatty liver syndrome.
A new study in Diabetologia reveals that shorter individuals are at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The research found that for every 10cm increase in height, the risk of type 2 diabetes decreased by 41% in men and 33% in women, adjusted for age and other factors.
A new technique has been developed to improve donated liver preservation by super-cooling it to subzero temperatures, allowing for a significant extension of the time it can be stored outside the body. This breakthrough could greatly expand organ availability and reduce discard rates.
Researchers develop new method to preserve human livers for transplantation, extending viability from 9 hours to up to 27 hours. The new protocol uses a combination of technologies to prevent ice nucleation and deliver protective solution uniformly throughout the organ.
A recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has found that vitamin E absorption does not require concurrent consumption with fat. After 12 hours without eating, subjects who consumed a fat-containing meal showed significant absorption of vitamin E.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital developed a lab-on-a-chip platform to study non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progression. The platform allows for detailed studies of NAFLD's effects on liver cells and evaluates the potential of investigational drugs.
Researchers from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research have discovered how fatty liver disease develops in lean people. Lean patients tend to have worse outcomes due to an 'obesity-resistant' profile, despite having higher levels of bile acids and FGF19, which increase energy expenditure.
A recent study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics found that female rats who binge drink experience more severe liver injury than male rats. The research discovered nearly four times as much fatty build-up in the livers of female rats, triggering additional inflammation and damage.
Researchers have discovered that chronic liver diseases can cause cerebral molecular disturbances as early as two weeks after liver malfunction, even without physical symptoms. The study found two new molecules involved in the disease process: creatine and vitamin C.
The study reveals a high-definition picture of cell-to-cell signaling in the liver, identifying cellular changes that could drive nonalcoholic steatohepatitis progression. Single-cell analysis also uncovers new information about star-shaped cells and their role in liver fibrosis.
A recent study published by Mount Sinai researchers found that fluoride exposure may contribute to complex changes in kidney and liver function among youth in the US. The findings suggest that adolescents with poorer kidney or liver function may absorb more fluoride, highlighting potential health concerns.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have successfully grown genetically modified miniature human livers in a laboratory setting. These mini livers mimic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression and can be used to test therapeutics, providing a valuable tool for understanding and treating diseases.
A team of researchers has developed a method to establish multicellular human liver organoids that show liver tissue characteristics down to the gene and protein scale. The livers were triggered with liver diseases, such as steatohepatitis, and showed increased levels of fibrosis indicators.
A retrospective review of 304 patients found that aspirin therapy improved lab values and overall survival post-TAE for HCC, with lower bilirubin levels at 1 day, 1 month, and 1 year after embolization. Aspirin use was also associated with longer median overall survival period after TAE.
Researchers discovered an association between liver function and Alzheimer's disease, finding evidence of metabolic disturbance and altered liver enzymes linked to cognitive impairment. The study used blood-based biochemical markers of liver function to uncover connections with established Alzheimer's biomarkers.
Researchers at King's College London have identified a new type of cell called hepatobiliary hybrid progenitor (HHyP) that can regenerate liver tissue. HHyPs exhibit stem cell-like properties and may be able to repair liver damage, potentially bypassing the need for transplants.
A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology found that high levels of caffeine during pregnancy can lead to lower birth weights, altered growth hormone levels, and impaired liver development. The study suggests that excessive prenatal caffeine consumption may increase the risk of fatty liver disease in adulthood.
Researchers discovered that giving antibiotics to mice and humans before a liver transplant led to improved liver function after surgery. The treatment inhibited bacteria causing inflammation, reducing organ rejection and accelerating cell removal, resulting in better outcomes for patients.
A recent study published in PLoS One found a link between the gene AEBP1 and severe liver damage, specifically nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. The research suggests that AEBP1 regulates a network of genes related to fibrosis, which could lead to new therapeutic targets for treating liver disease.
Michelle Long, MD, MSc, assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine, has been awarded a three-year, $495,000 Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award to investigate the relationship between physical activity and NAFLD. The study aims to identify biomarkers of early disease and risk for progression.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery highlights the advantages of living-donor liver transplant over deceased donor transplants, including better three-year survival rates for patients and lower hospital costs. The findings suggest that living donation should be considered the first option for most patients with liver disease.
A comprehensive cell atlas of the human liver reveals previously unknown subtypes of liver cells, including hepatocytes, endothelial cells, and macrophages. The study provides unprecedented resolution into liver cell diversity and how it changes during development or upon disease progression.
Scientists at University of Utah Health and Merck Research Laboratories found that altering the production of ceramides can reverse insulin resistance and fatty liver disease in obese mice. By deactivating an enzyme called DES1, they lowered total ceramide levels, improving metabolic health.
A new intelligent liver function test has been developed to detect liver disease decades before it can become fatal. The test has shown a 44% increase in diagnosis of liver disease, giving patients earlier access to treatment.
Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have identified a new way the liver regenerates itself, involving the redistribution of epigenetic marks. By removing key epigenetic regulators, they found that genes were activated early and sustained during regeneration, providing a significant advance in understanding liver regeneration.
Researchers found a 14-gene signature that predicts two-year transplant-free survival in children with biliary atresia. The antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine reduced liver injury and fibrosis, increasing survival times in mouse models.
A new multi-organ-on-a-chip system accurately captures chemotherapies' toxic effects on liver and other organs. The technology enables flexible testing of different organ systems, potentially leading to more accurate drug development and personalized therapies.
A genetic mutation in the IL18BP gene has been identified as a cause of fatal response to hepatitis A infection. Targeting this pathway may prevent liver failure and death from viral infection.
A genetic study found that genes regulating iron metabolism are responsible for excess liver iron in populations of European ancestry. The research suggests a systemic and not organ-related problem, with implications for treatment and therapy.
A study by Brazilian scientists shows that moderate strength and weight training can reduce liver fat and improve blood sugar control in obese and diabetic individuals. The exercise protocol reduced local fat in the liver and improved cellular insulin signaling, even before significant weight loss occurred.
Researchers at Georgia State University have developed a non-invasive method for detecting liver fibrosis using machine-learning algorithms and ultrasound scans. This technology has the potential to improve early diagnosis and treatment of liver diseases, which affect millions worldwide.
A recent study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that a low-carb Mediterranean diet reduced liver fat by 30% and visceral fat by 25%, compared to low-fat diets. The study suggests that reducing hepatic fat is a more effective predictor of long-term health risks than visceral fat.
A new blood test shows promise in replacing liver biopsies for children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a condition affecting one in 10 children. The test detects different types of fats in the blood, indicating inflammation and scarring.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) suppresses the immune response by triggering SOCS regulators, dulling the normal immune response to viral infection. This allows HCV to survive, replicate and infect other cells, making it undiagnosed for months after initial infection.
Recent advances in stem cell biology have enabled long-term culturing of organotypic intestinal or hepatic tissues derived from tissue-resident or pluripotent stem cells. Organoids can recapitulate the in vivo architecture, functionality, and genetic signature of the corresponding tissue.
New research reveals that tissues can respond to light changes independently of the central clock in the brain, maintaining minimal functions even when other tissues fail. This autonomy has significant implications for health, particularly in regards to premature aging and pathologies caused by daily phase differences.
A new study by UCI researchers found that body parts like the liver and skin have internal clocks that respond to light changes, regardless of the brain's central clock. This discovery has significant implications for understanding circadian rhythms, aging processes, and overall well-being.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center develop human liver organoids that accurately mimic key features of fatal liver diseases. The study reveals molecular secrets of deadly ailments and tests a potential therapy for Wolman disease, reversing an often-fatal childhood condition.
Researchers at Duke-NUS Medical School and NHCS found that deactivating IL11 with therapeutic antibodies reverses inflammation and scarring in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This breakthrough has implications for the development of drugs to treat NASH, a common condition affecting millions worldwide.
Research suggests that exposure to phthalates, commonly found in everyday items, may increase the risk of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. Higher levels of phthalate exposure were associated with markers of impaired liver function, insulin resistance, and cholesterol in people with obesity and diabetes.
A large-scale study found that adults who engaged in regular walking and strength training had a significantly lower risk of cirrhosis-related death. The researchers observed that even moderate levels of physical activity, such as brisk walking, were associated with substantial reductions in mortality.
A study of 18 million people across Europe found that people with type 2 diabetes are at particular risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its aggressive form NASH. The study suggests that targeted interventions and treatments can be effective in preventing life-threatening disease progression.
A recent study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found a significant association between glyphosate exposure and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in human subjects. The study, led by Paul J. Mills, PhD, examined urine samples from patients with NAFLD and healthy individuals, revealing higher levels of glypho...
Researchers studied 16 donated livers and found significant impacts of race and gender on hepatocyte yield and viability. The findings suggest expanding liver selection criteria for improved therapeutics development and bioengineering applications.
A study comparing percutaneous liver ablation interventions (IRs) to surgical procedures for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) found IRs had significantly lower inhospital mortality rates and hospitalization costs. IRs were also associated with shorter lengths of stay and a higher routine discharge rate to home.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University use genome editing to create a human stem cell model of congenital hepatic fibrosis, uncovering molecular players that contribute to the illness. They identify IL-8 and CTGF as key genes involved in the disease's progression.
A team at IRB Barcelona has identified Mitofusin 2 as a protein that protects against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Early diagnosis and treatment options for this condition are limited, but researchers hope to enhance levels of Mitofusin 2 without side effects.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that liver transplant recipients with alcoholic hepatitis have a comparable alcohol relapse rate regardless of their sobriety period. The study's outcomes support waiving the six-month sobriety requirement for selected patients, promoting equal access to lifesaving transplants.
Rhythmic food intake drives liver gene expression independently of the molecular clock, regulating metabolic pathways and potentially leading to health issues like aging and obesity. The study's findings have implications for understanding circadian biology and the impact of timing on health.
A new study published in the Journal of Hepatology reports that whole-exome sequencing (WES) can diagnose the genetic cause of liver disease in a significant proportion of adult patients. The analysis identified four monogenic disorders in five unrelated adults, enabling new treatment options and shedding light on underlying molecular ...
A study of over 4,000 young adults in the UK found that nearly 20% had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and one in 40 had advanced fibrosis. The condition is linked to obesity, diabetes, and hyperlipidaemia, highlighting the need for greater public health awareness.
Researchers found that serum AKR1B10 levels were significantly associated with advanced liver fibrosis stages, particularly stage 4. The protein's origin was confirmed via immunohistochemical staining, and its combination with WFA(+)-M2BP showed high sensitivity and specificity for predicting NASH fibrosis and life-threatening events.
Researchers have developed a new method for transporting medicine through the body, using a sliding molecule that can jump between polymers to deliver medication to specific organs. Laboratory tests confirm the model's effectiveness in delivering molecules to gel-like materials.
Two large real-world studies confirm the efficacy of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in a broad range of individuals with HCV infection, including those with comorbidities. The treatment showed significant improvements in physical and mental well-being, with high sustained virological response rates.
Two independent studies found high rates of liver disease progression and mortality among patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH), highlighting the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent progression and reduce mortality. Advanced liver diseases progressed in up to 11% o...
A large cohort study in northern England found significant clustering of primary biliary cholangitis, autoimmune hepatitis, and primary sclerosing cholangitis in specific regions. The researchers suggest that exposure to a persistent environmental agent may play a key role in the development of these autoimmune liver diseases.
The Phase 3 REGENERATE study confirms obeticholic acid's effectiveness in treating NASH with liver fibrosis, improving fibrosis in almost one-quarter of recipients. The treatment also shows significant improvements in other histological markers of NASH, including lobular inflammation and hepatocellular ballooning.
Two studies presented at The International Liver Congress highlight the increasing burden of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people with HIV infection, leading to a risk of progressive liver disease. NAFLD prevalence is higher in HIV-infected individuals than the general population.
A new study finds that an enzyme involved in liver function also triggers a protective response when liver cells are damaged. By boosting the levels of this enzyme, researchers hope to develop new treatments for acute liver injury.
A new study suggests that increasing thrombospondin-1 levels may aid liver recovery after acetaminophen overdose. Mice with higher thrombospondin-1 levels showed improved liver function and reduced cell death compared to those without the protein.