Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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 new study presents data demonstrating that personalized direct-acting antiviral treatment can eradicate the hepatitis C virus from the body in patients who had previously failed treatment. The study identified effective re-treatment combinations for genotype 1 and 3, achieving SVR12 rates of 90% and 100%, respectively.
A new study finds that generic direct-acting antiviral treatment for Hepatitis C can deliver high sustained virologic response rates comparable to branded treatments, but at a significantly lower price. The results suggest that generic DAAs could support access to treatment in many countries where it is currently unaffordable.
A new study published at The International Liver Congress 2016 found that the diabetes drug sitagliptin was no more effective than placebo in reducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, researchers demonstrated that non-invasive imaging techniques based on MRI were useful for measuring changes in liver fat and fibrosis.
A new study demonstrates that a build-up of fat around the waist can cause more serious complications than obesity in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Non-obese patients with a large waist circumference are at risk of NAFLD complications, according to the research. The study highlights the need for addition...
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.
A new study presents Norursodeoxycholic acid as a viable treatment option for patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis, a rare condition characterized by inflammation and scarring in the bile ducts. The treatment significantly reduced levels of serum alkaline phosphatase and had similar rates of adverse events compared to placebo.
A pilot study found that a direct-acting antiviral treatment over six weeks can effectively cure acute hepatitis C in patients. The treatment resulted in undetectable HCV levels and sustained virologic response after a 12-week follow-up, with side effects including fatigue.
ABT-493 and ABT-530 achieved 100% sustained virologic response (SVR12) in cirrhotic patients, while non-cirrhotic patients showed a 97% SVR12 rate after eight weeks. This treatment offers hope for genotype 3 patients with heavily scarred livers.
A new algorithm designed for End-Stage Liver Disease (ESLD) accurately predicted death in 96% of patients and determined which patients would benefit from intensive care unit treatment. The algorithm combines pre-morbid liver function and Acute-on-Chronic Liver Failure grade to make predictions.
Scientists have discovered a potential method for battling obesity by stimulating brown fat in genetically predisposed mice, which may help treat metabolic syndrome and its related health issues. The study found that increasing heat production in the fatty tissue improved weight management and glucose control.
Studies demonstrate that tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) is as effective and safer than tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) in treating chronic Hepatitis B, with fewer negative changes in bone and kidney parameters. TAF improves patient safety while sustaining efficacy in patients with chronic Hepatitis B virus infection.
A new study demonstrates that antiviral therapy for immune tolerant Hepatitis B patients prolongs overall survival and reduces the risk of developing liver cancer (HCC) and scarring of the liver (cirrhosis). Nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment significantly lowers HCC and cirrhosis risks.
A new study found a potential link between long-term oral nucleos(t)ide analogue treatment for hepatitis B and an increased risk of colorectal and cervical cancer. Regular screening is recommended to prevent these cancers in patients receiving such treatment. The study analyzed data from 45,299 patients with chronic HBV infection.
A recent study re-affirms the use of interferon alpha as an effective treatment for patients with Hepatitis delta virus, a severe form of viral hepatitis. The research found that 35% of patients who responded to this therapy achieved sustained suppression of the virus and had favorable outcomes.
Researchers found that an investigational injectable treatment, RG-101, combined with direct-acting antivirals resulted in high virologic response rates among patients with genotype 1 and 4. The four-week treatment course showed promise in reducing Hepatitis C treatment time.
A new study from Mayo Clinic found that patients with high and low levels of donor-specific alloantibodies who received simultaneous liver-kidney transplants showed a lower incidence of cellular and antibody-mediated rejection, chronic injury to the kidney, and better overall kidney function compared to those who received a kidney tran...
The World Health Organization (WHO) commended innovative hepatitis testing projects from five countries at The International Liver Congress. These projects showcased new testing models for hepatitis in primary care, community settings, and prisons, highlighting the need to scale up hepatitis testing globally.
A study found that acute exenatide administration enhances glucose uptake and reduces insulin resistance in the liver and adipose tissue of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This treatment also improves glucose control in the liver and fatty cells, offering promising benefits for individuals with this condition.
A new triple combination treatment of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and GS-9857 achieved a high sustained virologic response rate of 99% in patients with HCV genotype 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6. The treatment was generally safe and effective, even in patients who had previously received direct acting antivirals.
A genome-wide association study has identified two genes, PNPLA3 and SLC38A4, that increase the risk of developing severe alcoholic hepatitis in heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with these genetic variants are more susceptible to developing this serious and life-threatening illness.
A new study reports that nearly 80% of children who undergo liver transplants can be expected to survive for at least 20 years. The study analyzed data from 128 consecutive children who received liver transplants between 1988 and 1993, with a median age of 2.5 years.
A new combination treatment of sofosbuvir, velpatasvir, and GS-9857 demonstrates safety and efficacy in patients with genotype 1 HCV infection. The study achieved high sustained virologic response rates, with 98% of patients responding to the three-drug combination.