Articles tagged with Liver
Researchers developed a novel method to quantify NAFLD progression to advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The technique combines multiple non-invasive measures, including heavy water labeling and MRI assessments, to predict individual clinical fibrotic disease progression.
Researchers at Cardiff University developed a method to predict non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) through blood analysis, offering an early warning for potentially life-saving medical intervention. NASH is the most extreme form of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with inflammation causing scarring and cirrhosis.
Researchers have discovered vigilin, a 'lock keeper' protein in liver cells that regulates fat release and influences transport proteins. The study found a strong correlation between vigilin levels and fatty liver percentage.
Researchers created a patented vaccine to combat Fusobacterium necrophorum infection, which affects sheep and cattle with liver abscesses and calf diphtheria.
Patients waiting for a liver transplant exhibit high levels of sedentary behavior, with an average of 75.9% spent in sedentary activities, according to researchers. Clinicians' assessments often fail to accurately reflect patients' actual physical performance, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive evaluations.
A new analysis reveals a substantial increase in US liver-related hospitalizations for cirrhosis and acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF), resulting in significant economic burdens. Hospitalization rates nearly doubled, with inpatient costs rising twofold for cirrhosis and fivefold for ACLF.
A SickKids-led project explores the effects of severe malnutrition on children's livers, finding that dysfunctional mitochondria and peroxisomes contribute to impaired nutrient utilization. The study identifies a key gene, PEX2, involved in peroxisome loss during starvation.
A research team at Children's Hospital Los Angeles has successfully generated functional human tissue-engineered liver from adult stem and progenitor cells. The tissue-engineered liver exhibited normal structural components, including hepatocytes, bile ducts, and blood vessels, and demonstrated in vivo secretory function.
A research team has devised a new method to enhance genome-wide association studies for liver disease using purified liver cells made from induced pluripotent stem cells. The approach, developed by the Medical University of South Carolina, allows for more accurate identification of genetic mutations causing liver diseases.
Researchers at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have discovered a previously unknown protein, SETDB2, that helps the liver adapt to fasting states. This protein is increased during times of fasting and alters the genome to turn on genes needed for energy storage.
Researchers found that certain essential oil compounds reduce inflammation in human cells damaged by fine particle air pollutants. The compounds, including trans-anethole and eugenol, decreased cytokine levels by up to 96%.
Research by Adam Rose at German Cancer Research Center shows that low protein diets can improve glucose homeostasis and reduce metabolic disorders in obese mice. Low protein intake activates stress response pathways in the liver, promoting metabolic integrity.
A study published by the American Chemical Society found that citrus flavanones, a type of antioxidant, can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation caused by high-fat diets. This reduction leads to lower levels of cell-damage markers in the blood and liver, as well as reduced fat accumulation and damage in the liver.
Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a non-invasive MRI technique that measures liver fat density with high accuracy. This method corresponds to histological responses in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and shows promise for future clinical trials and treatment.
Changes in intestinal flora caused by antibacterial drugs can reduce enzyme activity in the liver and kidneys, affecting drug metabolism and transport. This study suggests that altered intestinal flora may lead to reduced drug efficacy and increased side effects.
Researchers at the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science have developed a patented technology that allows orally administered drugs to by-pass the liver. This innovation utilizes a natural nano-scale lipid transport system to deliver drugs directly into the bloodstream, increasing absorption rates and efficacy.
Obstructive sleep apnea and low nighttime oxygen are linked to NAFLD progression in children. Researchers found a correlation between severity of sleep-disordered breathing and oxidative stress, which promotes the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
A new Brown University study projects that treating 2,000 Rhode Islanders for hepatitis C virus infection per year could reduce cases by 90 percent and prevent over 70 percent of expected liver-related deaths by 2030. The analysis found that doubling the number treated annually could reduce death rates by less than 20 percent.
Scientists have identified a clear distinction between two strains of mice susceptible to Ascaris infection, with the resistant strain showing an earlier immune response and more rapid tissue repair. The study suggests manipulating hepatic ROS levels may confer resistance to Ascaris in susceptible mice.
Researchers found that resistant mice have higher levels of reactive oxygen species proteins and a more rapid tissue repair response in the liver. This suggests that highly oxidative conditions may be key to murine resistance to Ascaris infection.
Brazil performs more liver transplant surgeries than Latin America and globally ranks third in absolute terms. However, the country's increasing population and inadequate donor organ supply lead to only 5-10 liver transplants per million population annually.
A study found that biphenotypic primary liver carcinoma can be misclassified as hepatocellular carcinoma if only major imaging features are considered. The study suggests using a comprehensive algorithm for liver lesion assessment, such as Liver Imaging Reporting and Data Systems (LI-RADS), to accurately classify these malignancies.
A new gene therapy approach has shown promising results in treating hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1), a metabolic disorder characterized by progressive liver disease. The treatment involves transplanting corrected liver cells into the diseased liver, resulting in enzyme production and preventing liver failure.
Researchers at Osaka University identified a new drug target by inhibiting the SPP enzyme, reducing HCV particle production and improving pathological liver conditions. The discovery also revealed a protein quality control mechanism that could be useful for treating other diseases.
A study found that Medicaid expansion led to a significant increase in Medicaid enrollment among patients who received liver transplants funded by commercial insurance. The expansion resulted in a 50% increase in enrolling in Medicaid after 2014, while there was no impact on uninsured care usage.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered that deleting a specific protein, HNF6, leads to an increase in lipid-producing genes and liver damage. This study highlights the co-dependence of two cell nucleus proteins, HNF6 and Rev-erb-alpha, which regulate liver lipid metabolism.
Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis show differing patterns among ethnic minorities in the US. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of CLD and cirrhosis in Japanese Americans, Latinos, Native Hawaiians, and others.
Cirrhosis patients experience impaired immunity due to gut bacteria migration into the liver. Scientists identify that Type-1 IFN released by immune cells incapacitates the immune system, leading to fatal bacterial infections. Strengthening the immune response may now treat life-threatening infections without antibiotics.
Researchers created a liver on a chip that accurately replicates the metabolic variations found throughout the organ. The microfluidic device allows for fine control over liver cell metabolism, enabling the study of the effects of toxins and new drugs on the liver.
Researchers found liver is the major site for elimination and recycling of red blood cells, contradicting previous belief that spleen plays a key role. The study identified bone-marrow-derived immune cells as the main recycling cells, which accumulate in the liver and recycle iron.
Researchers have created a diagnostic model called the Framingham Steatosis Index (FSI) that can accurately predict nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The FSI is highly predictive and may become a cheaper alternative to screen for liver fat.
In a 24-week study, aerobic exercise training improved cardiopulmonary functional capacity and reduced waist circumference in postmenopausal women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Exercise also increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, but did not significantly affect body composition or glycemic profiles.
A three-year clinical trial found that pioglitazone reduced fatty liver disease activity in 58% of participants and halted fibrosis that leads to cirrhosis. The study also highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for NASH, a leading cause of liver transplants.
Researchers have identified a small peptide from a bacterium that efficiently binds excess copper from liver cells, offering a potential treatment for Wilson disease. The molecule, methanobactin, was shown to reverse acute stages of the disease and prevent organ failure.
A 40-year study of nearly 45,000 Swedish men found that being overweight in late adolescence significantly increases the risk of developing severe liver disease later in life. The study adjusted for various confounding factors and found a 64% increased risk for overweight men compared to those with low normal weight.
Researchers discovered that stem cells isolated from young mice can accelerate repair of stomach ulcers when transplanted into older mice. Additionally, studies redefined the role of the gut microbiome in inflammatory bowel disease and found potential therapeutic applications for acute alcoholic liver disease using a scavenger compound.
A new study from Johns Hopkins Medicine found that the liver plays a vital role in balancing fats and sugars, even when its ability is impaired. The research suggests that other tissues can step in to compensate for the liver's limitations, but if the liver fails, it can lead to a lethal onslaught of fat.
Researchers create new tool to define metabolic differences between individuals, paving the way for precision medicine. By combining genetic and protein data, scientists can better understand how patients respond to medication and tailor treatments accordingly.
Researchers at UCF College of Medicine have identified a tiny liver protein, SVIP, that regulates VLDL secretion when disrupted leads to cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. High levels of myristic acid in diet can activate SVIP, causing excess fat buildup in the liver, potentially leading to cancer.
A large-scale proteomic study using SWATH-MS technique reveals specific proteins responsible for fat and energy metabolism in mice. The researchers found that COX7A2L protein plays a crucial role in mitochondrial function and its deficiency can lead to metabolic disorders.
A new approach repairs liver disease by converting fibrosis-causing cells into functional hepatocytes, reducing damage and improving liver function. The technique targets liver fibrosis, a primary driver of liver disease, and may be more efficient than cell transplants.
Researchers have discovered a signature of gut bacteria associated with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a liver disease with no effective treatment. The findings may lead to a novel diagnosis tool and microbiota-based therapies, enabling better identification of PSC patients and personalized treatment approaches.
Research reveals that people with low ALDH2 activity, common in East Asian populations, are more likely to develop non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Even those who don't drink heavily or at all are at risk. Regular γ-GTP level checks are recommended.
Researchers found that epigenetic modifications in the Igfbp2 gene increase susceptibility to obesity and predict fatty liver disease. Young animals with this modification exhibit impaired glucose metabolism and morbid obesity.
Research found that high levels of the protein p62 are strongly associated with cancer recurrence and reduced patient survival in human liver samples. In mice, p62 was required for liver cancer to form. The study suggests p62 could be used as a prognostic marker and potential therapeutic target for liver cancer.
Fatty liver and visceral obesity are key predictors of prediabetes and cardiovascular risk. Insulin secretion failure and resistance also play a significant role in modulating disease risk.
A study led by Amita Sehgal found that a neuropeptide regulates the expression of detoxification genes in both fruitflies and mice, driving feeding behavior and having implications for chronotherapy. The findings suggest that synchrony between brain and peripheral clocks is crucial for maintaining good health.
Scientists at Helmholtz Munich discovered that fasting induces the production of a protein called GADD45β, which reduces fatty acid absorption in the liver and improves sugar metabolism. This finding holds promise for therapeutic intervention in metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes.
A Mayo Clinic study found that metformin does not limit the action of hormone glucagon, which may mitigate its ability to lower glucose production in the liver. The researchers discovered a compensatory increase of glucagon in prediabetic individuals taking metformin.
Researchers found that lung cancer can rewire the body's clock to control lipid metabolism and insulin sensitivity in the liver. This alteration leads to decreased glucose tolerance and changes in lipid metabolism.
Patients with compensated HCV cirrhosis who respond to antiviral therapies have similar survival rates as the general population, according to a new study. The study found that treatment should be given as early as possible to achieve maximum benefit.
Researchers found that curing hepatitis C virus (HCV) could spare approximately 10,500 livers from being transplanted into HCV-infected patients over a twenty-year period. This would also lead to an estimated 7,300 livers being transplanted into liver disease patients without HCV.
A study found that a quality improvement initiative by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services increased the removal of liver transplant candidates from the waiting list. The analysis of nationwide transplant data showed that over 4,300 Americans were delisted between 2007 and 2012 due to deteriorating illness.
Researchers found that high-intensity blue light reduces inflammation and organ damage at the cellular level in mice before surgery. This potential pre-treatment light therapy could improve outcomes in patients undergoing procedures with blood restriction.
Researchers found that transplanting liver cells into an extra-hepatic site, such as the intra-mesentery, can help protect against post-operative liver failure and aid in survival of the remaining liver. The study showed improved overall mortality due to acute liver failure in the transplantation group.
Researchers found that mice flown aboard the space shuttle developed early signs of liver disease, including increased fat storage and changes to genes responsible for breaking down fats. This study has implications for future missions to Mars, highlighting the need for further research on the impact of spaceflight on human physiology.
The partnership will enable pharmaceutical companies to identify compounds most likely to succeed in human clinical trials, shortening the timeline to drug approval. Advanced lipidomic profiling analysis on tissues such as the liver will be made available, enhancing the depth and quality of scientific data.
A Phase 1 study found that NVR 3-778, a first-in-class HBV capsid assembly inhibitor, is well-tolerated when combined with pegylated interferon. The treatment reduced levels of hepatitis B more than NVR 3-778 alone, with the largest reduction seen in the combination group.
A new study reveals high levels of hepatitis B markers among unvaccinated refugee populations in northern Germany, highlighting a significant public health concern. The research found that nearly one million asylum applications were lodged in Germany last year, with many coming from unstable states where health systems have broken down.
A new study has demonstrated the efficacy of all-oral treatment regimens in adolescents with hepatitis C virus. The study found that 97% of patients achieved sustained virologic response rates after 12 weeks of treatment, suggesting a promising treatment option for this patient group.