Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Researchers found that aerobic fitness protected against metabolic dysfunction in the liver, reducing inflammation and fatty deposits. Chronic alcohol ingestion did not cause significant changes in blood insulin or glucose levels, contrary to expectations.
Researchers found that chronic alcohol consumption impairs the body's ability to keep microbes in check, leading to bacterial migration and increased risk of liver disease. Restoring natural gut antibiotics may help treat the disease.
Research reveals that chronic drinking also promotes the growth of gut bacteria that can travel to the liver and exacerbate liver disease. The study found that boosting intestinal defense against certain bacteria may help patients with alcoholic liver disease.
A team of engineers at the University of California, San Diego has successfully created a 3D-printed liver tissue model that closely mimics human liver structure and function. The new model can be used for patient-specific drug screening and disease modeling, potentially saving pharmaceutical companies time and money.
CNIC researchers have identified a new target for the treatment of fatty liver disease, p38 gamma and p38 delta proteins. Inhibition of these proteins with specific inhibitors has shown potential as a treatment for fatty liver disease, potentially preventing inflammation, liver damage, and diabetes linked to obesity.
MIT researchers have developed a way to deliver CRISPR genome repair components more efficiently and safely, correcting mutated genes in 6 percent of liver cells in mice. The new approach has the potential to treat a range of diseases, including metabolic disorders and liver conditions.
Scientists have successfully delivered a CRISPR/Cas9 therapeutic to adult mice with Tyrosinemia type I, correcting 6% of the mutated FAH gene in liver cells. This breakthrough uses AAV and lipid nanoparticle delivery mechanisms, paving the way for potential human treatment.
Researchers have successfully treated a genetic disorder using a viral vector to deliver genome-editing components, correcting the disease-causing mutation. The treatment improved survival in newborn mice but showed poor results in adult animals, highlighting the need for further adjustments to the gene-editing system.
Researchers propose that certain individuals may experience heightened sensitivity to nanoparticles due to pre-existing conditions affecting the liver or lungs. This suggests a need for personalized models and clinical trials to better understand nanoparticle-related infusion reactions.
New research from Penn Medicine reveals that many transplant centers in the US reject organs for their sickest patients, increasing waitlist mortality. The study analyzed 23,000 organ offers to 13,255 patients and found significant variability in acceptance rates among centers.
Scientists have created engineered liver tissue that closely mimics the real thing, with a metabolic rate closer to real-life levels than existing models. The new approach successfully simulated how a real liver would react to various drug combinations.
A new study published in Radiology found that fatty liver disease is independently associated with subclinical heart failure in obese people. The study, which measured hepatic triglyceride content and cardiac function in 714 adults, suggests that dietary interventions may be crucial in preventing or reducing the risk of heart failure.
Researchers found that saturated fat, but not unsaturated fat, raises sphingosine-1-phosphate levels in obese people, leading to inflammation and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. This discovery may lead to new treatments to prevent liver disease in obese patients.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that while a healthier diet can aid weight loss and improve metabolism, it may not fully reverse liver damage caused by the Western diet. Diets high in sugar significantly slow liver recovery, even if overall calorie intake is reduced.
A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that a common gene mutation in healthy children improves blood lipid profiles while raising liver values. The TM6SF2 gene mutation was associated with lower triglyceride and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as higher ALT values indicative of changes in liver metabolism.
Researchers identified a liver-generated hormone, FGF21, that regulates sugar intake and suppresses sweet cravings in mice. The study found that FGF21 decreases appetite and intake of simple sugars but not complex carbohydrates.
Two studies found a liver-derived hormone, FGF21, that regulates sugar and alcohol intake in mice and primates. FGF21 suppresses sweet appetite by acting on the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that regulates food intake and energy homeostasis.
Researchers developed an antibody targeting a hormone in adipose tissue called aP2 to improve glucose regulation and reduce liver fat in obese mice. The study found that one of the antibodies effectively improved glucose regulation in two independent models of obesity, with beneficial reductions in liver fat.
A recent study published in Biomolecules found that chronic alcohol use combined with repeated binge drinking causes significant liver damage, exceeding previous estimates. The research, conducted on mice, showed that mice exposed to both chronic and binge consumption exhibited the highest levels of liver injury.
Researchers found a prophylaxis treatment can prevent new-onset hepatitis B in children who receive livers from donors previously infected with HBV. The regimen consisted of HBV vaccine injections and immunoglobulin, maintaining high antibody levels against the virus.
A study published in Gastroenterology reveals that the inhibition of CPEB4 protein can prevent the development of abnormal blood vessels associated with cirrhosis. This finding has significant implications for the treatment of this disease, which is responsible for a high rate of hospital admissions and use of health resources.