Articles tagged with Liver
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 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 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 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 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.
A new study found that patients with a prior history of hepatocellular carcinoma and treated with direct-acting antivirals for Hepatitis C have a higher-than-expected early recurrence rate of their liver cancer, with rates exceeding 40% in some subgroups. The recurrences may be due to a weakened immune system following DAA therapy.
A new study suggests that hepatitis C-infected livers can be used for transplants with similar medium- to long-term outcomes as healthy livers. This could reduce the waiting time for liver transplants for people with HCV, with over 15,000 people in the US and 8,500 in Europe currently waiting.
Patients with severe liver disease face increased risk of death when treated with DAAs, according to a new study. The study highlights the need for individualized discussions between healthcare professionals and patients regarding treatment options.
The elbasvir/grazoprevir combination was effective in HCV genotypes 1 and 4 with fewer overall side effects, resulting in an SVR12 of 99.2% compared to 90.5% for sofosbuvir/pegylated interferon. The new treatment demonstrated superior efficacy especially in hard-to-treat patients.
A new study shows that direct-acting antiviral therapy can improve the condition of patients with severe liver damage and hepatitis C, reducing their need for a liver transplant. The treatment improved the outlook for 35% of patients, allowing them to be removed from the transplant list or no longer require a transplant.
A new scoring system can accurately predict a person's risk of death from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the world's most prevalent liver disease. The study found that patients with severe NAFLD had a significantly higher risk of mortality, highlighting the importance of identifying patients at risk.
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 study finds that universal screening for alcohol misuse among hospital admissions can identify patients at greatest risk and provide targeted treatment, reducing the healthcare burden of alcohol-related harm. The UK researchers screened over 53,000 admissions and found that simple screening is achievable and effective in targetin...
Research presented at The International Liver Congress 2016 found that breastfeeding exclusively for six months can reduce the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adolescence by a third. Pre-pregnancy BMI within the normal range also reduces the risk, by half.
Studies presented at The International Liver Congress 2016 show differing perspectives on direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatment efficacy in patients co-infected with HIV and HCV. While one study found lower SVR12 rates in co-infected patients, another study showed no statistically significant impact of HIV co-infection on DAAs.
A new study demonstrates that community-based non-specialist providers can safely and effectively treat Hepatitis C patients. The study found that 285 out of 304 patients achieved SVR12, with no significant difference between providers in achieving this outcome.
A study found that co-administered vaccines against HCV and HIV did not impair the magnitude or breadth of either specific T-cell responses. This approach, known as prime-boost, showed potent T-cell responses in healthy volunteers.
A new study found that coffee supplementation improved several key markers of NAFLD in mice fed a high-fat diet, including reduced cholesterol and fat accumulation. Coffee also raised levels of Zonulin, which lessens gut permeability, a contributor to liver injury.
A new study found that patients with Hepatitis C virus who took direct-acting antiviral treatments had a 'high rate' of re-developing their illness, including liver cancer. The study suggests that these patients require close monitoring due to the high risk of recurrence.
Researchers created knockout mice that lack a gene involved in DNA repair, shedding light on how cells fix broken DNA. The mice developed kidney and liver dysfunction due to impaired detoxification, highlighting the importance of FAN1 protein.
Research shows people with type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition characterized by a build-up of fat in liver cells. The study found that hospital admissions and deaths caused by liver disease are likely to rise if cases of type 2 diabetes continue to increase.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that liver metastases derived from colorectal tumors are more resistant to radiation therapy. The study found that gastrointestinal stromal tumors were the most resistant, while those from breast and lung cancers were more sensitive.
A large study found that fatty liver disease is common among liver transplant recipients, with a significant increase in prevalence over time. The condition is linked to various risk factors, including high body mass index, elevated blood triglycerides, and type 2 diabetes, but does not affect short-term patient survival.
Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a DNA-based blood test that can detect liver scarring, also known as fibrosis, in patients with NAFLD. This breakthrough test measures epigenetic markers to stratify patients into mild or severe liver scarring, offering an early diagnosis and potentially improving patient outcomes.
A new study by Cornell University researchers identifies protein SIRT5 as a key player in maintaining healthy heart function. The study found that SIRT5 can remove harmful protein modifications, allowing the heart to burn fatty acids more efficiently. This discovery could lead to new therapies for cardiomyopathy and improved lifespan.
New research reveals that heavy drinking after liver transplantation can cause significant damage to newly transplanted livers, leading to severe health issues. Early alcohol assessments and multidisciplinary interventions are crucial to prevent relapse and ensure patient success.
Experts predict a rise in alcohol-related deaths in England due to income growth outpacing tax increases, but Scotland's minimum unit pricing law may lead to a decrease. In contrast, Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Wales are likely to follow Scotland's lead, resulting in lower death rates.
Researchers developed a novel 3D imaging technique that provides accurate detection of advanced fibrosis in liver disease. The technology outperforms current methods, offering improved accuracy and reduced invasiveness.
Researchers found that part of the liver vasculature is derived from the endocardium in the developing heart, with endocardial VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling playing a crucial role in liver angiogenesis and organogenesis. The discovery provides new insights into liver development and regeneration.
Researchers found improved survival rates for acute liver failure patients, with overall survival increasing from 67% to 75%, and survival without a transplant rising from 45% to 56%. Transplant success also improved, with survival rates reaching 96%.
Patients undergoing parathyroid surgery experienced fewer hip fractures and fractures of any type compared to those receiving bisphosphonates. Surgery also improved bone mineral density, while bisphosphonates had no impact on fracture risk.
Researchers have found that CD163 can predict mortality in blood samples from patients with acute on chronic liver failure, a condition with a high four-week mortality rate of 20-30%. Measuring this biomarker may lead to improved diagnostics and treatment towards macrophages via CD163.
Researchers found that a protein called TRIM21 was preventing the body's antioxidant response system from working effectively, leading to serious illness. Inhibiting this protein may lead to effective treatments for liver and heart disease.
Researchers found that the Ice-Age diet triggered physical changes in Neanderthals, including an expanded liver and renal system. A high-protein intake led to a larger ribcage and wider pelvis, adapting to the limited availability of carbohydrates.
CRI researchers found that inactivating a certain protein-coding gene promotes liver tissue regeneration in mammals. The study showed that mice without the gene had healthier livers, improved liver function, and faster healing of damaged tissues.
Researchers at Loyola University Health System have developed a new approach to treating hepatitis C, using mathematical models to predict when patients can safely stop taking direct-acting antiviral medication. This approach could lead to a 50% reduction in treatment cost and improved patient adherence.
A multi-center trial will test the effectiveness of Harvoni in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) in liver transplant patients. The $3.8M grant, funded by Gilead Sciences, aims to evaluate the drug's cure rate and compare it to existing treatments.
Ajay Jain, a SLU hepatologist, is researching preventative strategies for parenteral nutrition-associated injuries. He aims to understand the interplay of bile acid regulated pathways and assess the role of the gut microbiome during PN.
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered that malfunctioning mitochondria can cause cell death due to excessive calcium uptake, leading to heart attacks and strokes. Inhibiting this calcium overload could provide a novel treatment strategy for these conditions.
A University of Cincinnati researcher is studying nearly 3,000 patients to see if a genetic variant that protects against HIV also prevents injury from Hepatitis C. The study aims to understand how inhibition of the CCR5 receptor may influence liver injury and disease progression in individuals co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C.
Researchers have found a modified protein that can reverse liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in lab rats. The protein, TRAIL, was coated with a polymer to extend its half-life, allowing it to effectively kill activated hepatic stellate cells and reduce signs of fibrosis.
A new study suggests that consuming broccoli may protect against liver cancer and aid in countering the development of fatty liver disease. The researchers found that adding broccoli to a Westernized diet reduced the formation of cancer nodules in the liver and improved liver health.
A new human liver microphysiology platform has been developed to study liver physiology, drug safety, and disease progression. The Sequentially Layered, Self-Assembly Liver (SQL-SAL) model mimics the physiological conditions created by immune, stellate, and endothelial cells.
Researchers found that trehalose prevents the buildup of fat in liver cells by blocking the transport of energy from sugar into liver cells. This triggers autophagy, a natural process where cells consume stored fats and other waste materials. The study suggests that trehalose may offer a potential treatment for nonalcoholic fatty liver...
The Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen has been awarded 14 ERC grants, with three scientists receiving 6 million euros. Dr. Daniel Razansky is investigating non-invasive brain imaging methods, while Dr. Irmela Jeremias focuses on targeted tumor treatment and Dr. Mathias Heikenwaelder explores immune system interactions in liver disease.