How liver cancer develops
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.
Liver
Articles tagged with Liver
UCLA receives $8.4 million NIH grant to help liver transplant recipients stay healthier
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.
Trigger for fatty liver in obesity
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.
Cholesterol-lowering drugs may help patients with cirrhosis
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.
New treatment on the horizon for type 1 diabetes sufferers
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.
Healthy aging: New EU project on the human liver
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.
Mysterious protein-folding molecule could trigger metabolic disorders
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.
Enzyme produced in the liver promotes obesity, fatty liver disease and insulin resistance
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.
New drug targets for a rare kidney and 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.
New use of blood cleaning device saves high-risk patients with liver failure
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.
Research reveals potential target for alcohol liver disease
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.
Organ crosstalk: Fatty liver can cause damage to other organs
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.
Almonds may help boost cholesterol clean-up crew
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.
Routine hospital tool found to predict poor outcomes after liver transplantation
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 children and adults get significantly healthier and quickly with less sugar
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.
Of mice and cheeseburgers: Experimental drug reverses obesity-related liver disease
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.
Molecule's role in maintaining liver size and function revealed
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.
Universal screening for alcohol misuse at hospital admission identifies patients at risk of developing alcoholic liver disease
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.
Research highlights impact of kidney injury on non-renal solid organ transplants
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.
Using latest technology, MRI provides 'one-stop-shop' to evaluate potential liver donors
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.
Male hepatitis B patients suffer worse liver ailments, regardless of lifestyle
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.
Princeton researchers report new system to study chronic hepatitis B
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.
Global health lessons from Thailand's successful liver fluke elimination campaign
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...
First patient treated in trial of a novel liver dialysis device, DIALIVE
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.
Engineered liver tissue expands after transplant
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.
New harmless radiopaque glue to seal bleeding and guide surgery
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.
New tools help surgeons find liver tumors, not nick blood vessels
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.
Predicting heart events after liver transplant
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.
Chronic liver inflammation linked to Western diet
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.
Should we screen for cirrhosis?
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.
Single molecule microRNA technology proves useful for liver toxicity detection
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.
Artificial bile ducts grown in lab & transplanted into mice could help treat liver disease
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.
Singapore scientists uncover how the liver unclogs itself
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.
Study examines palliative care trends in patients with end-stage 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.
Treating lymphatic fluid leaks improves protein loss in patients with single-ventricle heart disease
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.
Researchers see exosomes as way to make 'personalized medicine' easier and more precise
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.
Type 2 inflammation might be good for the belly but bad for the liver
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.
EASL releases editorial response to Cochrane Review of DAAs in HCV
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 ...
NIH study sheds light on immune responses driving obesity-induced liver disease
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.
Woodrats can't stomach favorite foods at high temps
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.
Fatality rates are high within 2 years of drug-induced liver injury
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.
Family of patients with NAFLD and cirrhosis are at increased risk of liver fibrosis
Family members of individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and cirrhosis are at a significantly higher risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis. A clinical trial found that immediate relatives had 12 times higher prevalence of liver fibrosis than healthy controls, indicating the need for screenings in family members.
Broccoli in focus when new substance against diabetes has been identified
Broccoli extract containing sulforaphane has been shown to lower blood sugar levels in patients with type-2 diabetes, targeting the liver's elevated glucose production and offering a mild side-effect profile.
A rusty and sweet side of sepsis
Researchers at Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência found that controlling iron levels is crucial for maintaining vital organs' function during infection. They discovered ferritin's role in regulating glucose production, which prevents lethal sepsis outcomes.
New genetic technique could help identify potential drug targets for malaria
A new genetic technique developed by Upeksha Rathnapala and colleagues at the University of Melbourne could enhance research into potential drug targets for malaria treatment. By using a novel approach involving fluorescent markers, scientists can identify metabolic processes essential for Plasmodium development in host animals.
Bioengineered human livers mimic natural development
Researchers bioengineered human liver tissues that exhibit previously unknown genetic-molecular crosstalk controlling developmental processes. The study reveals key communication between signaling proteins and receptors that instruct the development of liver tissues.
Scientists reverse mechanism of fatty liver disease
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a mechanism that causes fatty liver disease and successfully reversed it using a pharmacological approach. By eliminating senescent cells, the build-up of unwanted fat in the liver was reduced, restoring liver function to normal.
Take a coffee or tea break to protect your liver
A new study found that frequent coffee consumption was significantly associated with lower odds of high liver stiffness values, independent of lifestyle traits. Herbal tea consumption also showed a significant association with lower liver stiffness values, even in small amounts.
Zinc may hold key to fighting liver disease
Researchers discover zinc's anti-inflammatory effects in treating liver disease, inhibiting IFN-λ3 protein that causes tissue damage. Serum zinc levels are genetically linked to chronic hepatitis C progression.
All heart patients have some liver disease after Fontan surgery
CHOP researchers report universal liver fibrosis in survivors of the Fontan operation, a serious complication of the surgery. The study highlights the need for improved medical surveillance and less invasive methods to measure liver fibrosis.
Cigarette damage to unborn children revealed in stem cell study
Researchers used embryonic stem cells to study the effects of maternal smoking on liver tissue, revealing a potent cocktail of chemicals harms foetal organs. The study found that cigarette chemicals damage the liver differently in male and female foetuses.
New drug reduces transplant and mortality rates significantly in patients with hepatitis C
A new drug, sofosbuvir, has been found to significantly reduce liver transplant and mortality rates in patients with advanced stages of liver disease due to hepatitis C. This study involving nearly 1,900 patients showed a 40% reduction in the need for transplants after treatment with sofosbuvir.
World-first discovery of protein that causes liver disease brings hope for new treatments
Researchers have identified a protein causing liver fibrosis, paving the way for new treatments. The discovery, led by Professor Jacob George and Doctor Mohammed Eslam, reveals that variations in the interferon lambda 3 (INLF3) protein are responsible for tissue damage in the liver.
Intestinal fungi worsen alcoholic liver disease
Researchers found that intestinal fungi exacerbate liver disease and can be protected against by antifungal treatment. Fungi overgrowth leads to inflammation, which kills liver cells and promotes disease progression.
The fungal microbiome contributes to alcohol-induced liver damage in mice
A study led by Bernd Schnabl found that chronic alcohol intake increases fungal populations in the intestine and levels of β-glucan in the bloodstream, leading to liver inflammation. Treating mice with anti-fungal agents prevented liver disease, supporting further research into the fungal microbiome's role in alcohol-related liver damage.
Study shows regular physical activity and reduced sedentary time reduces build-up of dangerous liver fat
A new study published at the European Congress on Obesity found that regular physical activity and avoiding inactivity significantly reduce the build-up of dangerous liver fat. The researchers discovered that moving about more throughout the day, such as breaking up long periods of sitting, is a key factor in maintaining metabolic health.
Magnet study sees potential for MRE in measuring liver fibrosis in children
Researchers have determined that MRE can accurately measure liver fibrosis in children, a major determinant of clinical outcomes. The study's results suggest that MRE may be useful for monitoring the progression or improvement in children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Study: Genetic markers may predict which HCV, cirrhosis patients improve with treatment
A study found that specific genetic markers can predict which HCV patients are likely to improve with treatment, helping minimize the need for liver transplants. Researchers identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the PNPLA3 gene as a key indicator.
Poultry feed with arsenic more problematic than assumed?
Researchers have identified three additional compounds in chicken livers treated with Roxarsone, a common poultry feed supplement containing arsenic. These methylated compounds are up to 30,000 times more toxic than Rox and may pose significant risks to human health if consumed.
The liver increases by half during the day
In a study published in Cell, researchers found that liver size in mice increases by almost half before returning to its initial dimensions. The fluctuations are influenced by the rhythm of food intake and physical activity. The discovery sheds light on how our circadian clock affects liver function.