Articles tagged with Liver
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that changing the circadian clock in mouse liver alters how the body responds to diet and changes the microbes living in the digestive tract. The study found that mice lacking a specific gene in their liver had different gut microbiomes and responded differently to weight loss diets.
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.
A Finnish study finds that moderate cardiorespiratory fitness protects against fatty liver, a significant public health concern linked to metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular disease. Achieving cardiorespiratory fitness can help mitigate the risk of fatty liver, regardless of weight status.
A new anti-rejection drug, Everolimus, has been found to reduce weight gain and enhance outcomes for liver transplant recipients. Researchers compared Everolimus to Tacrolimus in a randomized international multi-center study of over 700 patients, finding that those taking Everolimus gained less weight.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that a liver hormone called FGF21 may play a role in determining who has a sweet tooth. The researchers discovered two variants of the FGF21 gene associated with increased intake of sweets and candies.
Researchers found that patients with advanced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) tend to have more Proteobacteria and fewer Firmicutes in their stool than those with early stage NAFLD. A stool-based test for NAFLD is being developed using microbial patterns, which could potentially diagnose the condition earlier and more easily.
Investigators at MUSC have identified a critical regulatory mechanism for nitric oxide production in liver endothelial cells following liver injury. The study reveals that inhibition of CAV1 or GRK2 phosphorylation compromises complex formation and reduces eNOS activity, leading to increased portal pressure.
Researchers found that the p53 protein plays a key role in preventing acetaminophen-induced liver damage and promoting regeneration. Activation of p53 helps prevent injury progression while inhibition stimulates liver repair, offering hope for new treatment options.
Dr. Xiao-Ming Yin's pioneering research has significantly impacted our understanding of cellular degradation pathways, leading to novel cancer treatment approaches and potential therapeutic strategies for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Transplanted fetal rat liver cells multiply and give rise to new cells in injured adult liver. This breakthrough has implications for treating liver failure without organ transplants.
A recent study found that obesity significantly increases the risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by different metabolic pathways, particularly in individuals with the PNPLA3 gene variant. The researchers suggest that genetic screening may be valuable in identifying high-risk subgroups.
A Massachusetts General Hospital research team found that oral doses of intestinal alkaline phosphatase prevented the development of fatty liver in mouse models of binge drinking and chronic alcohol consumption. The study also provided evidence of an expanded role of the liver's stellate cells in alcoholic liver disease.
Researchers found that rats fed high-sugar diets experienced increased body fat mass, liver damage, and brain inflammation. A balanced diet was shown to mitigate these effects, highlighting the potential risks of sugar-laden diet products.
A study by Houston Methodist researchers found that the surface protein OX40, which helps keep T-cells alive, can trigger the death of liver immune cells. This leads to a chain reaction causing liver inflammation and disease. The research suggests a potential new avenue for intervention, such as OX40 inhibitors or blockers.
A new mouse study found that exposure to a high-fat diet in the womb and immediately after birth may increase offspring risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease later in life. The offspring of pregnant mice that consumed a high-fat diet developed liver fibrosis, a type of tissue scarring that is a sign of more serious disease.
The ANSWER study shows that long-term administration of human albumin improves survival rate in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. Treatment also enhances ascites management, quality of life, and reduces severe complications and hospitalization.
A study presented at ILC 2017 found that bezafibrate plus ursodeoxycholic acid improved symptoms, liver function tests, and surrogate markers of the disease in patients with primary biliary cholangitis. The combination therapy was well-tolerated and normalised prognostic biochemical parameters.
A new study reveals a strong association between colder climates and higher rates of alcoholic cirrhosis, a disease caused by excessive drinking. The research found that countries with lower temperatures and less sunshine had higher rates of alcohol-attributable liver cirrhosis.
A Finnish study found that central obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, lipid abnormalities, and high alcohol consumption are the strongest predictors of severe liver disease. Among individuals who consume excessive amounts of alcohol, only diabetes is a significant predictor.
A study demonstrated that A4250 reduced levels of blood bile acids and improved pruritus in 74% of patients with cholestatic liver diseases. The therapy was well-tolerated, with mostly mild side effects.
The SARAH trial found SIRT resulted in higher tumor response rates and controlled tumor progression compared to sorafenib, with better side-effect profiles and quality of life scores. However, it did not increase overall survival in HCC patients.
Research found that liver CD8+ T cells become highly activated and inflammatory under specific conditions, reprogramming themselves into disease-driving cells. The study sheds light on markers of activation and inflammation in these cells and the Interferon-1 pathway.
A study found that 0.11% of blood donations from Germany tested positive for hepatitis E virus RNA, a significant increase on previous reports. The discovery highlights the risk of transmission to immunocompromised individuals and calls for routine screening at blood donation centers.
A Phase 3 study demonstrates that the co-formulation of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir results in a 95% sustained virologic response rate at 12 weeks post treatment in patients with Hepatitis C virus genotype 3. The investigational treatment was well-tolerated and showed comparable safety to sofosbuvir and daclatasvir.
Research suggests that a diet rich in animal protein, but not fructose, is linked to NAFLD in overweight people. The study found significant associations between macronutrients and NAFLD predominantly in overweight individuals.
The ALIVER project aims to develop a novel liver dialysis machine, DIALIVE, which targets systemic inflammation and restores albumin function. The machine has shown promising results in pre-clinical tests and will be tested in clinical settings across Europe.
A study found that faecal transplantation improved cognitive impairment in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, a serious condition caused by severe liver disease. The treatment significantly reduced hospitalisations compared to standard care treatment.
A new study found that 99% of children aged six to 11 with hepatitis C achieved undetectable levels of HCV-RNA 12 weeks after treatment, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of a direct-acting antiviral regimen. The oral therapy was well-tolerated and did not cause serious adverse events.
The CheckMate 040 study found that nivolumab produces durable responses with long-term survival rates of up to 59.9% in sorafenib-experienced patients with advanced HCC, regardless of Hepatitis B or C infection status.
A new European study demonstrated that patients with chronic HCV and severe liver damage can be safely removed from the liver transplant list after successful direct-acting antiviral therapy. The study showed a favorable outcome over a year later, with only one patient dying from rapidly progressing hepatocellular carcinoma.
A retrospective review of a UK national HCV database found that over one-third of young people with childhood acquired HCV develop serious long-term liver disease. The study highlights the importance of early detection and treatment to prevent long-term liver damage.
A prospective study in patients with cirrhosis found that severe periodontitis strongly predicted higher mortality, mainly due to complications of cirrhosis. The study also showed a strong association between gum disease and risk of death in liver patients.
Recent reimbursement data shows significant variability in access to direct-acting antiviral therapy across European countries, particularly for patients with severe liver fibrosis or substance use. Many countries have restrictions on prescribing by specialists, limiting access to life-saving treatment.
A Phase 2 trial found rituximab not effective in treating fatigue in primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) patients, but showed improvements in anaerobic threshold. The study suggests further research on specific types of fatigue may yield more favorable results.
A multicentre, randomised, controlled study found that long-term oral antibiotic therapy with norfloxacin improved prognosis in patients with life-threatening advanced liver disease. Norfloxacin administration for 6 months was associated with reduced risk of death and infection at 6 months.
Recent studies present contrasting evidence on DAA therapy's association with liver cancer. A study found a higher recurrence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients who received DAAs, while another found no difference in HCC occurrence or recurrence between DAA and interferon-based therapies.
A DAA treatment combination, sofosbuvir/velpatasvir with or without voxilaprevir, shows significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes for patients with HCV and cirrhosis. The overall cure rate is 94% for patients with and without cirrhosis.
A worldwide analysis of over 3,000 patients reveals that those with alcoholic liver disease (ALD) are nearly 12 times more likely to be referred at an advanced stage than early. Early liver disease was defined as liver disease without evidence of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
The updated EASL guidelines provide new definitions of disease phases to guide clinicians on treatment indications. The guidelines also expanded indications for initiating treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission and offer clear cut recommendations for special patient populations. The main goal of therapy is to improve surviva...
A new study found that supplements of DHA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid, can prevent the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) into more serious health problems like cirrhosis and liver cancer. This breakthrough discovery offers hope to millions of people worldwide who struggle with obesity and poor diet.
The new Clinical Practice Guidelines define the use of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive modalities in managing patients with various liver diseases. The guidelines provide a range of generally accepted approaches for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of specific liver diseases.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics suggests that both low and high birth weights are linked to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children. The study found that advanced scarring of the liver is associated with low birth weight, while more inflammation is linked to high birth weight.