Articles tagged with Liver
Patients with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing serious liver disease compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis, according to a large population-based study. The study found that systemic inflammation plays a significant role in the development of liver disease in these patients.
Addressing poor nutrition in liver failure patients is vital, as it can lead to muscle wasting, weakness, and fatigue. A new review emphasizes the need for routine nutritional screening, especially in those with muscle wasting, and highlights the importance of adequate caloric and protein intake.
Researchers discovered that mTORC1 is essential for VLDL-triglyceride production, controlling lipid synthesis and storage in the liver. The study suggests targeting mTORC1 to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease associated with obesity and diabetes.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency by using a new gene editing technique. The approach combines RNA interference and gene augmentation to repopulate diseased livers with healthy cells, preventing damage and promoting regeneration.
A new study published in Nature Communications identifies the cells and genes necessary to make liver ducts in zebrafish, which could lead to the development of new treatments for Alagille syndrome. The research team discovered that Jagged signals come from an unexpected cell type, endoderm-derived cells within the liver itself, stimul...
A new method successfully removes cellular material from human livers while retaining the three-dimensional structure and extracellular matrix components. The technique enables reseeding of these scaffolds with human cells, providing proof-of-concept for generating bioengineered liver grafts.
Researchers discovered that stomach acid suppression alters specific gut bacteria in a way that promotes liver injury and progression of three types of chronic liver disease. This association was found in both mouse models and human patients with chronic alcohol abuse, highlighting the potential risks of common acid reflux medications.
A study found that consuming high sugar diets increases fat levels in the blood and liver, raising cardiovascular health risks. Healthy men with low liver fat showed similar changes after consuming a high sugar diet, highlighting the importance of sugar intake regulation.
A new UCLA study shows that black tea alters energy metabolism in the liver by changing gut metabolites, promoting weight loss and improving lean body mass. Both black and green tea change the ratio of intestinal bacteria, with black tea stimulating the growth of beneficial bacteria.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center found that mice on a fatty diet who consumed high levels of fructose suffered worse metabolic effects compared to those given similar calories of glucose. The study highlighted the increased production of an enzyme called Khk, which is specifically important in fructose metabolism.
Researchers compared GM soybean oil to conventional soybean, coconut, and olive oils, finding that GM soybean oil reduces obesity and insulin resistance but causes similar negative effects on diabetes and fatty liver as conventional soybean oil. Olive oil produced identical negative effects to Plenish.
Patients with both HIV and HCV are at increased risk of end-stage liver disease, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. Drinking three or more cups of coffee daily halved all-cause mortality in these patients. The anti-inflammatory properties of polyphenols in coffee may protect the liver and reduce inflammation.
A new study suggests that diet may be a crucial factor in the development of liver injuries in mice bred to consume high amounts of alcohol. The research found that mice on a diet of alcohol and water consumed less alcohol than those on an artificial sugar diet, resulting in greater liver injury.
A phase II trial found that radiation therapy and immunotherapy can halt tumor growth in patients with stage IV cancer, with at least 30% experiencing favorable response. The treatment combination was safe and well-tolerated, with stable disease achieved for half of the patients.
Researchers found that drinking alcohol induces changes to a cholesterol-regulating gene, PCSK9, leading to differences in how cholesterol is processed. Higher methylation and gene expression of PCSK9 were associated with chronic heavy alcohol use, which can lead to lower PCSK9 protein levels due to liver damage.
Dr. Matthew Cave is awarded $4 million to investigate the long-term effects of environmental chemicals on liver health. He plans to explore how endocrine-disrupting chemicals like BPA contribute to fatty liver disease, using a flexible research approach.
Researchers found that thirdhand smoke exposure causes significant health effects in mice as early as one month after initiation of exposure, including liver damage and insulin resistance. The effects worsen with time, with stress hormones increasing and immune fatigue developing at longer exposure durations.
A new EHR-based prompt increased HCV screening rates among baby boomers from 7.6% to 72%, while also facilitating follow-up care for infected patients. The streamlined process led to a significant increase in HCV treatment prescriptions, with 67% of newly diagnosed patients receiving curative treatment.
A low-calorie diet has been shown to reverse Type 2 diabetes by reducing liver and pancreatic fat content, allowing insulin production to resume. The reversal of diabetes remains possible for up to 10 years after onset with sustained weight loss.
Researchers discovered that caspase-8 triggers programmed cell death in diseased liver cells, leading to genetic instability and tumor development. This mechanism is remarkably universal across various liver diseases.
The grant aims to improve the quality of donated livers and reduce organ rejection in transplanted patients. Researchers will focus on developing novel therapeutic strategies to prevent graft rejection and opportunistic infections.
Researchers identified a signaling pathway in liver cells that contributes to fatty liver disease in obesity. The study found that increased Fas content leads to liver steatosis and insulin resistance, while low BID content protects against fatty liver development.
A new study found that statin use can lower the risk of premature death in patients with cirrhosis. Statins may also help alleviate the course of cirrhosis and decrease fibrosis rates.
Researchers at Westmead Institute for Medical Research have discovered a new approach to treating type 1 diabetes, using pancreatic islet transplants delivered into the quadriceps muscle. This method presents fewer risks than current clinical practice of transplanting islets into the liver via the portal vein.
The EU-funded DeLIVER project aims to understand how medical drugs affect the liver and how it changes with age, with researchers from 9 countries working together to develop minimally invasive procedures.
A recent study by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina identifies CNPY2 as a key molecule triggering the unfolded protein response, which contributes to certain metabolic disorders. The study found that CNPY2 plays a crucial role in sustaining cellular stress when the UPR becomes active.
A study found that increased DPP4 production in the liver contributes to obesity, fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. Elevated DPP4 levels also promote less sensitivity to insulin, increasing the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers have identified new potential drug targets for a rare kidney and liver disease by studying the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. The study found that a protein complex, FPC, plays a key role in the development of cysts, fibrosis, and hypertension associated with ARPKD.
Researchers used a molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) to provide time for healing or transplant in patients with severe acute liver failure. The study found improved survival rates and recovery of liver function in patients who received MARS therapy.
A new study has identified fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) as a potential target for treating alcoholic liver disease. The research found that FGF21 levels increase in the blood after alcohol consumption, providing protection against liver damage.
Researchers found that fatty liver disease can cause damage to other organs, particularly the pancreas. The protein fetuin-A produced by the fatty liver triggers an inflammatory response in the pancreas, leading to reduced insulin secretion and worsening of blood glucose regulation.
A recent study found that consuming almonds regularly can improve HDL cholesterol levels and function in people with elevated LDL cholesterol. The almond diet resulted in a 19% increase in large HDL particles and improved HDL function by 6.4%, suggesting potential benefits for heart health.
A study led by Cedars-Sinai found that patients with lower Braden Scale scores have higher risks of nonambulation, prolonged hospital stays, and rehabilitation facility discharge after liver transplantation. Supervised exercise programs may improve physical functioning and quality of life for these patients.
Overweight individuals can experience measurable improvements in metabolic function within two weeks of reducing their sugar intake, particularly fructose. Cutting out high-fructose corn syrup can help prevent health issues like obesity, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes.
A drug called URMC-099 reversed liver inflammation and scarring in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The research suggests that the drug may help treat a growing health concern in the US, affecting over 64 million people.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University have identified a molecule called YAP that determines whether liver cells proliferate or are eliminated, depending on the presence or absence of injury. This balance is crucial for maintaining organ structure and function.
MRI provides a comprehensive evaluation method for living liver donors, replacing invasive and time-consuming conventional methods. The use of updated MRI-based techniques improves image quality, enabling non-invasive assessment of hepatic steatosis and vascular anatomy.
A 3-year study of over 50,000 hospital admissions found that systematic screening can identify patients at high risk of alcohol-related harm and liver disease. Patients with high risk profiles were referred to treatment, which may reduce future adverse events.
A study published in BMC Nephrology found that patients receiving non-renal solid organ transplants are at a higher risk of death due to acute kidney injury. The research suggests that reducing AKI-D diagnoses can improve health outcomes and reduce the financial burden on the healthcare system.
Researchers highlight the crucial role of outreach and education in disease elimination programs. In Thailand's successful liver fluke control model, educational efforts, including comics and songs, have led to significant reductions in human infection rates. The campaign's focus on community empowerment and addressing social factors h...
A recent study found that men with hepatitis B are more than twice as likely to develop severe liver disease as women, even when accounting for lifestyle and environmental factors. Drinking alcohol significantly increases liver disease risk in both men and women, but sex remains the strongest indicator of liver disease severity.
Researchers at Princeton University have successfully tested a cell-culture system that allows for the long-term study of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections. This breakthrough may aid in the development of antiviral drugs to cure chronic HBV, which can cause severe liver disease and cancer.
A first patient has been successfully treated with the DIALIVE system, a novel liver dialysis device designed to remove toxins that trigger inflammation in liver failure patients. The trial aims to establish the device's safety and performance in 24 patients across Europe, with plans for an additional study enrolling over 100 patients.
Researchers have developed a way to engineer liver tissue by organizing tiny subunits that contain three types of cells embedded into a biodegradable scaffold. The engineered livers expanded 50-fold after implantation in mice with damaged livers and performed normal liver functions.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based adhesive that exhibits imaging contrast effect in CT and ultrasound, is biocompatible, and ensures accurate target localization during movement. The new glue has shown less toxicity than FDA-approved options and was successfully tested in animal models for various surgical procedures.
A new software technology helps surgeons precisely locate liver tumors during surgery by correcting for the organ's deformation. This innovation has shown to improve registration in over 70% of cases, aiding in more accurate and safer surgical procedures.
Liver specialists recommend screening high-risk patients for cirrhosis due to its growing prevalence as a cause of death, but others argue that the test's accuracy and cost-effectiveness are questionable. Implementing widespread screening could lead to disinvestment in other interventions and risks population health.
A new risk score app, CAR-OLT, has been developed to predict cardiovascular complications in liver transplant patients. The app uses a unique blood flow model and is intended for use in those ages 18 to 75 with liver disease undergoing evaluation for liver transplantation.
A Western diet high in fat and sugar has been shown to cause hepatic inflammation in mice, especially in males, with FXR-deficient mice being more susceptible. The study found that probiotics and bile acid receptor agonists may hold promise for preventing and treating hepatic inflammation and progression into advanced liver diseases.
A new study published in PLOS ONE demonstrates a single molecule microRNA technology that can detect liver toxicity with high accuracy and specificity. The method, developed by Quanterix, uses a PCR-free approach to measure miR-122, a promising biomarker for drug-induced liver injury.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge have successfully grown artificial bile ducts in a lab and transplanted them into mice, offering new hope for treating liver diseases. The artificial bile ducts, known as biliary organoids, were grown using cell transplantation and tissue engineering technology.
Researchers have found that liver cells can eliminate excess bile from blocked ducts through a mechanism involving the internal structure of the cell, which allows bile to be packaged inside vesicles for transport. This discovery could potentially improve the prognosis for infants with rare liver disease.
A new study found that only 4.5% of hospitalized patients with end-stage liver disease received palliative care consultations. The rate of referrals increased from 0.97% in 2006 to 7.1% in 2012, but still remains low due to socioeconomic and ethnic barriers.
Researchers from CHOP and Penn Medicine found that leakage from the liver's lymphatic system causes protein-losing enteropathy in single-ventricle heart disease patients. A novel intervention to seal off leaks improves symptoms and quality of life for these patients.
Exosomes, nanoscale sacs containing biomarkers, can capture changes in enzyme expression due to smoking, disease status, and environmental exposure. Researchers aim to use this non-invasive method to achieve personalized medicine for children and teens with varying levels of individual variability.
A new study suggests that genetic predisposition to type 1 inflammation protects against NAFLD, but type 2 inflammation actually worsens the condition. Targeted treatments for metabolic syndrome may need reevaluation due to this unexpected finding.
The EASL Editorial raises concerns about the Cochrane Review's conclusions on Direct Acting Antivirals (DAAs) for Chronic Hepatitis C (HCV), citing a lack of understanding of the disease and its long natural history. Recent studies have shown improvement in quality of life with DAA therapy, highlighting the need for more comprehensive ...
Research suggests type 2 immunity protects against metabolic disease but worsens nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) through inflammation and scarring. Inflammation in the liver involves immune molecules like IL-13, TGF-beta, and IFN-gamma.
A study by University of Utah researchers found that woodrats' livers are less efficient at breaking down toxins at higher temperatures, potentially affecting their diet and ecosystem. The reduction in liver function may be due to a tradeoff between thermoregulation and detoxification, leading to changes in gene expression and metabolism.
A recent study found nearly 10% of patients with definite, highly likely, or probable drug-induced liver injury to have a fatal outcome within 2 years. The majority of fatalities were directly attributed to the liver injury, highlighting the severity of this condition.