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 the University of Edinburgh have identified a cell process called senescence as a contributing factor to bile duct disease and liver failure. The study found that blocking chemical messages sent by cells during senescence restores liver function in mice, pointing towards new treatment targets.
A phase II clinical trial showed that NGM282 significantly reduced liver fat content in patients with NAFLD and NASH. The treatment, a non-tumorigenic variant of an endocrine gastrointestinal hormone, has no FDA-approved treatments for these conditions.
A new study in mice suggests that a weakened gut barrier may contribute to autoimmune disease. Researchers found that certain bacteria, such as <i>Enterococcus gallinarum</i>, can leak out of the intestines and trigger an autoimmune response similar to what's seen in lupus.
A new Yale study reveals that gut bacteria can travel to other organs and trigger an autoimmune response. Researchers found that suppressing the growth of Enterococcus gallinarum with an antibiotic or vaccine can suppress autoimmunity in mice with chronic autoimmune conditions.
Research found that fetal exposure to high-fat diets can lead to fatty liver development, increasing the risk of childhood obesity and metabolic diseases. The study identified microRNAs playing a role in this process, shedding light on potential strategies to combat childhood obesity.
The research developed mini-livers that can mimic fetal development and function, generating hepatocytes and bile ducts. This advancement may lead to improved treatments for congenital liver diseases.
A new scanning technology could almost halve the number of liver biopsies carried out on people with fatty liver disease. The study used digital image scanning to diagnose liver disease and found it to be superior to other tests in grading disease severity and excluding patients at increased risk.
Researchers found that outcomes for alternatives to whole liver transplantation, such as splitting a liver or using a part from a living donor, have improved for pediatric patients. These findings suggest opportunities for an increased organ supply and better use of those organs, potentially saving more lives.
Salk researchers have identified how the liver rapidly responds to food by storing pre-RNA molecules involved in glucose and fat metabolism. This finding could help better understand metabolism and some forms of diabetes.
A peptide called catestatin has been shown to improve glucose and insulin tolerance and reduce body weight in obese mice. CST treatment also inhibited liver inflammation and reduced fatty liver.
Recent studies investigate the role of cholesterol and other lipids in blood circulation, discovering a correlation between bad cholesterol levels and muscle damage in muscular dystrophy patients. Another study reveals a synergistic effect of hepatitis B and alcohol on cholesterol metabolism, increasing biosynthesis and impairing uptake.
Researchers from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and Yokohama City University report a high-volume production method for bioengineered human gut and liver tissues that avoids tumor risks. The new approach uses genetically stable posterior gut endodermal progenitor cells, which can be programmed to form different tissue ty...
Research suggests that excessive sugar intake can be harmful, especially to the liver, due to insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. A new mouse study shows that moderate amounts of fruit sugar will not reach the liver.
Researchers discovered that a biological clock protein can alleviate symptoms and increase survival rates in fulminant hepatitis by regulating inflammation. The study found that injecting a molecule potentiating the action of this protein reduced the inflammatory response and improved outcomes.
Researchers found PQQ can prevent fatty liver disease progression in young mice fed a high-fat diet by protecting their microbiome. The study suggests that maternal diet affects offspring's gut health, leading to an increased risk of developing the disease.
A major new study confirms that drinking during late adolescence can predict the risk of developing liver disease later in life. The study found that even low levels of daily alcohol consumption can lead to severe liver disease in men, suggesting that current guidelines for safe drinking may need to be revised.
Scientists from TWINCORE published insights on processes involved in liver inflammation, highlighting the importance of Kupffer cells in regulating inflammatory responses. Type I interferons trigger Kupffer cells to take up infected cells and undergo apoptosis, while also delaying regeneration of immune cells.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a mathematical model for computing radiation therapy treatments that could substantially reduce patient side effects while delivering the same results as conventional radiation therapy. The new approach, known as spatiotemporal fractionation, delivers different doses to part...
Researchers discovered that a hormone therapy combination of conjugated estrogens and bazedoxifene improves metabolism, prevents weight gain, and reduces inflammation in the liver. The treatment also showed no increased risk of reproductive cancer.
The new guidelines recommend a set of blood tests to diagnose patients with liver disease, including bilirubin, albumin, and liver enzymes. They also provide guidance on how to manage patients with abnormal test results, aiming to reduce unnecessary repeat testing for those unlikely to have significant liver disease.
A modeling study by Massachusetts General Hospital investigators finds that antiviral drugs can reduce the risk of complications from HCV-positive liver transplantation. The study suggests that HCV-negative patients with severe liver disease may benefit from receiving an HCV-positive liver followed by antiviral treatment.
Researchers found that mTOR stimulates liver tumor formation through increased lipid synthesis. The study shows how mTORC2 promotes the new synthesis of fatty acids and lipids in hepatocytes, enabling rapid cell growth and energy production.
A South American amphibian, Siphonops annulatus, has a liver that produces blood cells throughout its lifetime and breaks down collagen. Researchers found melanomacrophages in the species' liver cells can remove and break down collagen, potentially helping to prevent cirrhosis.
Scientists have successfully developed a biologically accurate mass-production platform for bioengineering human liver tissues suitable for therapeutic transplant into people. The new process allows researchers to generate single batches of up to 20,000 genetically matched, three-dimensional and highly functional liver micro-buds.
A study analyzing over 1.25 million cases found improvements in surgical site and bladder infections for 9 out of 10 operations since 2008, with the greatest reduction seen in urinary tract infections. Hospitals are encouraged to focus on improving quality of care for pancreas surgery.
A recent study published in the journal Genetics found that genetic differences can greatly impact how individuals respond to different diets. The researchers used four groups of animal models with unique genetic traits to test the effectiveness of various diets, including American-style, Mediterranean, Japanese, and ketogenic diets.
Researchers developed a novel model to study liver transplantation reperfusion and its impact on organ function. The new technique simulates the reperfusion stage of transplantation, allowing for better understanding of organ preservation and potential improvements in liver transplantation outcomes.
Researchers from UNIGE have identified a key role for the liver in the development of type 2 diabetes, linked to obesity and inflammation. By targeting the protein PTPR-γ, scientists may uncover new therapeutic strategies to prevent insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions.
A new study found that both alcohol consumption and metabolic factors contribute to the risk of severe liver disease in the general population. The research, published in Hepatology, suggests that considering both factors together can improve risk assessment and detection of individuals at high risk of progressive liver disease.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a strong biomarker candidate for early diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia, a rare disease causing liver damage in infants. The test, using matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7), shows high sensitivity and specificity in detecting the condition.
Researchers are developing new diagnostic tests and imaging techniques to diagnose NAFLD severity, predict disease progression, and monitor changes. The €34 million LITMUS project brings together clinicians, scientists, and pharmaceutical companies to create more accurate blood tests and treatments.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet discovered that Alagille Syndrome is caused by malformations of the bile ducts, leading to serious liver and heart problems. The study provides new insights into the disease and opens up possibilities for targeted therapies.
A €34 million European research project aims to develop new diagnostic tests for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and identify those at risk of severe inflammation and liver scarring. The project, LITMUS, brings together clinicians, scientists, and pharmaceutical companies to develop and validate biomarkers for testing NAFLD.
A new report suggests that moderate coffee consumption may reduce the risk of chronic liver disease by up to 65%. The study found an inverse association between coffee consumption and risk of liver cancer, with a potential risk reduction of 25-70%.
Researchers at MIT have created a new delivery system for the CRISPR genome-editing system, using nanoparticles to target and delete disease-causing genes. The technique achieved an 80% success rate in deleting the Pcsk9 gene, which regulates cholesterol levels, resulting in a 35% drop in total cholesterol levels.
A Yale-led research team has discovered how a very low calorie diet rapidly reverses type 2 diabetes in animal models. The study found that the diet lowers glucose production by decreasing conversion of lactate and amino acids into glucose, liver glycogen conversion to glucose, and fat content.
A new study found that microRNA-34a contributes to liver fibrosis in ALD. Inhibiting this miR-34a reduces liver injury and fibrosis in ALD patients.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute tested a new drug for hepatitis B virus infection, which uses RNA interference to reduce surface antigens. The therapy has shown safety and effectiveness in human trials, offering hope for a potential cure.
A recent study has identified Neuregulin 4 (Nrg4) as a key driver of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) progression. Increasing levels of Nrg4 protected liver cells from metabolic stress in mice, while loss of the hormone led to accelerated disease progression.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.