Articles tagged with Liver
A mouse experiment revealed that hydroxytyrosol, a compound found in extra-virgin olive oil, can reverse markers of insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed that hydroxytyrosol exerts a protective effect in the liver by improving enzyme activity and fatty acid composition.
Researchers used gene expression analysis to map the functions of liver cells, revealing nine distinct types each specializing in its own tasks. This discovery may help clarify common liver disorders and provide insights into human health.
Researchers at Linköping University developed a non-invasive magnetic resonance spectroscopy test to diagnose fatty liver disease. The new method can detect liver damage with as little as 3% fat content, increasing sensitivity and accuracy.
Researchers found metreleptin treatment improved liver function and reduced fatty liver disease progression in patients with partial lipodystrophy. Patients with lower baseline leptin levels showed higher response rates to the treatment.
Low birth weight and high birth weight are associated with the severity of liver disease in children, increasing their risk for NAFLD. Children born with low-birth weight are more likely to develop severe scarring of the liver, while those with high-birth weight are at greater risk for the hepatitis form of fatty liver disease.
Research suggests that early-life BPA exposure can lead to fatty liver disease by reprogramming gene expression. The study found that BPA creates new activating epigenomic marks on genes driving the progression of NAFLD in rats.
A study at Kanazawa University found that individuals with higher selenoprotein P levels exhibit reduced responses to physical exercise. The research team demonstrated that mice deficient in selenoprotein P showed improved exercise capacity and reduced blood glucose levels after exercise training. Furthermore, women with high selenopro...
Researchers found that a 65% decrease in liver volume and 46% reduction in hepatocyte size occurred in mice on a low protein diet. The liver's ability to regenerate itself was demonstrated after reintroducing a normal protein diet, with an 85% increase in liver volume.
Young men who are overweight or obese are at a higher risk of developing severe liver disease or liver cancer in later life. Men with obesity have more than twice the risk of liver problems compared to normal-weight men.
Researchers found that fat cells produce uridine during fasting, helping to maintain energy balance. This discovery may lead to a better understanding of metabolic disorders and new treatments.
Researchers found that different organs have distinct mitochondrial calcium portal compositions, allowing for tailored energy output. This difference may help explain organ failure and inform disease mechanisms.
A study analyzing nearly 30,000 liver transplant patients found elevated death and organ loss rates among those with high opioid use while waiting for a transplant. Transplant candidates requiring high levels of opioids should be carefully assessed before and after transplantation.
Researchers recommend that doctors exclude common liver issues before testing for rare conditions. Directed testing means ordering tests for the most common causes of sudden severe liver issues first, followed by tests for rare, dangerous autoimmune or genetic disorders that attack livers.
A single high-fat meal can reduce the body's sensitivity to insulin, leading to increased fat deposits in the liver and changes in energy metabolism. This study found that even a small amount of palm oil triggers insulin resistance, which can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease.
Researchers at Joslin Diabetes Center identified a new therapeutic approach by studying the role of microRNAs released from fat cells into the bloodstream. They found that these microRNAs can regulate gene expression in other organs and tissues, potentially leading to new treatments for metabolic diseases and cancer.
A new study has found that fructose consumption is independently associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and high uric acid concentrations in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD, a growing cause of liver disease in Western countries, affects up to 30% of the general population.
Researchers have successfully reprogrammed liver cells to behave like precursor cells that give rise to the pancreas, paving the way for potential cell therapies for type I diabetes. By altering a single gene, the team induced an identity crisis in liver cells, which then developed into cells with pancreatic properties.
A nationwide study published in JACS found that critically ill children can now undergo liver transplantation and achieve similar survival benefits as stable children. Survival rates have improved significantly since pediatric critical care was recognized as a specialty area of medicine, with one-year survival increasing from 66% to 92%.
A team of researchers developed a new strategy using computational modeling to simulate how liver cells respond to different doses of 15 drugs. The approach integrated experimental observations with knowledge of drug distribution and metabolism, revealing similar responses across different drugs.
Researchers discovered that paracetamol damages liver cells by disrupting tight junctions, leading to cell death and organ dysfunction. The study aims to develop alternative methods for testing paracetamol toxicity and identify potential targets for new drugs.
A single episode of high fat intake caused immediate increases in fat accumulation and alterations in liver metabolism. Insulin resistance, elevated triglycerides, and increased glucagon levels were also observed.
Researchers developed an improved Fatty Liver Index (FLI) to predict non-alcoholic fatty liver disease with high accuracy. The new index includes parameters such as age, waist circumference, and triglyceride levels, as well as a gene variant for fatty liver, to provide more precise diagnosis and risk assessment.
A new UCSF study reveals that binge drinking can cause fatty liver, inflammation and enzyme changes within seven weeks. The researchers found that even a short period of excessive drinking resulted in liver dysfunction.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that liver injury activates blood clotting, which then stimulates liver repair using an experimental model of high-dosage acetaminophen. The study identified fibrinogen as a critical protein in this process.
Children processed differently after receiving liver transplants, with implications on growth, infection risk, and cancer. Tailoring immunosuppressant regimens is crucial for optimal outcomes, emphasizing the need for pre-transplant and continuous post-transplant education.
Researchers at EPFL have identified a key player in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the liver. The study found that impaired SUMOylation of nuclear receptor LRH-1 promotes NAFLD, highlighting potential new treatments and biomarkers for the disease.
The study reveals that CPEB4 is essential for driving the liver stress response and preventing fatty liver disease. By understanding the molecular function of CPEB4, researchers can develop predictive markers and treatments to prevent this condition, which affects millions of people worldwide.
A study published in Diabetes journal found epigenetic changes in the DPP4 gene are associated with fatty liver development in both mice and humans. These changes, detected at six weeks of age, lead to increased enzyme production and correlate with fat content in the liver.
Researchers found that PQQ reduced fat in livers and inflammation, protecting adult mice from fatty liver even after stopping supplementation. The antioxidant may work by impacting pathways critical to early onset of diseases associated with maternal obesity and high-fat diets.
A novel murine model reveals MTU1's importance in regulating mitochondrial protein translation and embryonic development. The study found a conditional knockout mouse line with liver-specific MTU1 deficiency exhibited signs of liver damage, altered metabolism, and increased FGF21 levels.
Researchers found that food withdrawal leads to the accumulation of p53 protein in liver cells, playing a crucial role in metabolic adaptation to starvation. This discovery may pave the way for new treatments for patients with metabolic or cancer-related disorders.
Researchers found that exposure to malaria's blood stage inhibits the formation of protective immune cells and antibodies. This discovery highlights the need for a vaccine that targets both stages of infection to effectively prevent malaria.
Researchers identified four new regions of the genome associated with PSC risk, one of which is linked to increased levels of a protein called UBASH3A. The study found unique aspects to PSC biology and suggests the disease is not simply caused by IBD.
Researchers at Saint Louis University found that silencing a protein in liver and adipose tissue significantly improves blood sugar levels and reduces body fat in animal models. This breakthrough could lead to new treatments for insulin-resistant obese or overweight patients.
Researchers have found a new pathway in the liver that opens the door to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The pathway involves activating a protein called TRPV4, which releases nitric oxide and blocks an enzyme contributing to the disease.
A study reveals that the liver is the primary source of Apol1, a protein linked to kidney disease, and finds a significant association between APOL1 gene variants and increased risk in individuals of recent African ancestry. The findings provide new insights into the biology of Apol1 and its potential role in health and disease.
A new test has identified a gene signature related to the immune response in liver tissue of patients with high-risk Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC), a rare autoimmune condition. The test allows for early intervention with alternative treatments, increasing chances of success and potentially staving off the need for a liver transplant.
The new guidelines developed by the NASPGHAN recommend regular screening for NAFLD in all obese children between 9-11 years old using a simple liver enzyme test. Lifestyle changes such as improving diet and increasing physical activity are also recommended as first steps in treatment.
Research in mice reveals that gut microbe movements can influence a host animal's circadian rhythms by exposing different microbes and their metabolites as the day goes by. The study shows profound effects on host physiology, including changes in liver function and gene expression.
Researchers at Indiana University's Biocomplexity Institute developed a virtual model of the human liver to analyze drug absorption. The study suggests that virtual tissues models could play an important role in modern pharmacokinetics, reducing the risk of overdose from drugs like acetaminophen.
Researchers have developed a new minimally invasive approach using gold nanoparticles encapsulated by gum Arabic to target and destroy precancerous tumor cells in the livers of mice. The study shows that this 'green' nanotechnology approach can suppress liver preneoplastic lesions with minimal damage to healthy tissue.
Researchers found that jet lag increases both obesity-related liver disease and liver cancer risk by disrupting the body's internal homeostasis. The study suggests that lifestyle changes leading to chronic jet lag can also increase liver cancer risk in humans.
A recent study found that low-fat diets and regular exercise can reduce liver inflammation and scarring in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Additionally, improved liver health was associated with enhanced kidney function in these individuals, independent of other factors such as diabetes or weight loss.
A new study by a team at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that two molecules complement each other to maintain a healthy level of fat in the liver. When these molecules are removed, there is a swift buildup of toxic fats that causes an aggressive and lethal form of liver damage.
New research suggests that food restriction increases levels of tumor-suppressing molecule p53 in mice and human hepatocytes. This p53-induction is required for fasting-induced adaptation of nutrient metabolism, offering new therapeutic concepts for metabolic diseases and cancer.
Research reveals a strong connection between fatty liver disease and cardiovascular disease, with individuals with fatty liver at higher risk of developing high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases.
A new mechanism regulating glucose metabolism has been discovered by researchers at Helmholtz Munich. The transforming growth factor beta 1-stimulated clone 22 D4 (TSC22D4) gene acts as a molecular switch in the liver, influencing genes that can regulate metabolism throughout the body.
Scientists at EPFL and Nestéle Institute of Health Sciences identified 5000 proteins affected by the diurnal cycle in mouse liver cells. The study used cutting-edge proteomics to monitor protein accumulation over a 24-hour cycle, revealing key cellular functions such as DNA repair and ribosome biogenesis were also affected.
A new study found that high-protein diets reduced liver fat in individuals with type 2 diabetes, with significant reductions seen in half of the participants. The diets were based on either plant or animal protein sources, and all participants benefited from the high-protein diet.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai discovered that cutting nerves to the kidneys dramatically improves liver sensitivity to insulin, effectively curing insulin resistance in laboratory animals. The study reveals a previously unknown communication pathway between the kidneys and liver to regulate blood sugar levels.
NAFLD affects 64 million individuals worldwide, with annual direct medical costs of $103 billion in the US and €35 billion in Europe. The economic burden is even higher when including societal and indirect costs.
Herbal and dietary supplements are linked to liver injury in the US, affecting 20% of cases. The study identifies performance-enhancing products as major contributors to this toxic effect.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center discovered that inactivating the TAZ protein in liver cells reverses fibrosis, a primary feature of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This finding has potential implications for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, a serious condition that can lead to liver failure and cancer.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that young people with chronic liver conditions have a significantly higher prevalence of depression and anxiety compared to the general adolescent population. The most common concerns reported by these patients are fatigue, sleep difficulties, financial concerns, and low self-esteem.
A new analysis reveals unacceptable mortality rates in young US children with chronic liver disease on transplant waiting lists and after transplantation. Young children with higher pediatric end-stage liver disease scores, lower initial height, and higher weight at listing have a higher risk of mortality.
Caspase inhibitors may trigger necrotic cell death, despite preventing apoptosis, according to a new study. Researchers found that blocking apoptosis can lead to alternative necrotic cell death in cultured hepatocytes and mouse livers.
The Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) SAFE-T and C-Path PSTC have obtained regulatory support from the US FDA and EMA for four new liver safety biomarkers. These biomarkers, including cytokeratin 18, HMGB1, osteopontin, and MCSFR1, show promise in predicting drug-induced liver injury and may improve early prediction of liver toxici...
A multicenter study of 1,015 major liver resections found that minimally invasive surgery (MIS) had significantly lower odds of serious morbidity and death in the short term compared to open operations. Risk of complications such as bile leak and readmission were similar between the two procedures.
A significant proportion of macrophages are distributed to tissues before bone marrow function starts, maintaining themselves through stem cell-like renewal. Embryonic-derived macrophages regulate iron metabolism and the growth of the mammary gland in adults.
A Japanese research team has identified a hormone that limits liver fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and cirrhosis. Administering growth hormone alleviated NASH conditions caused by adult growth hormone deficiency, and treatments were effective on model animals.