Articles tagged with Liver
A new study using bionic liver micro-organs explains the off-target toxicity of acetaminophen, a breakthrough that could transform drug development. The device detected small changes in cellular respiration, revealing a faster and lower-dose mechanism than previously thought.
Researchers have identified hybrid hepatocytes, which regenerate liver tissue more efficiently than normal cells without causing cancer. These cells offer a promising approach to treating liver diseases and potentially preventing fatal liver failure.
Hybrid hepatocytes, discovered by researchers at University of California - San Diego School of Medicine, have been found to proliferate and replenish liver mass after chronic liver injuries, showing promise as a therapeutic option for liver diseases. Unlike induced pluripotent stem cells, hybrid hepatocytes do not contribute to cancer.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University developed a novel DNA/RNA heteroduplex oligonucleotide (HDO) that significantly improves gene silencing and reduces liver dysfunction. The high potency of vitamin E-conjugated HDO results in improved delivery to the liver, leading to enhanced therapeutic effects.
Researchers found a potential biomarker, limonene, in breath samples of patients with cirrhosis, which gradually dropped after liver transplant. The study aims to develop a non-invasive diagnostic tool for early-stage liver disease diagnosis.
BIDMC researchers have discovered a novel vitamin B3 pathway that regulates liver metabolism and improves metabolic health. The study found that nicotinamide N-methyltransfersase (NNMT) plays a key role in this pathway, increasing Sirt1 protein levels and suppressing triglyceride and cholesterol synthesis.
HHMI scientists have discovered functional liver stem cells that proliferate and give rise to mature hepatocytes, even in healthy livers. The newly found stem cells require Wnt signals to maintain their identity and are responsible for replenishing the liver's population.
Researchers found that gout medications targeting uric acid and adenosine triphosphate can protect against alcohol-induced liver damage and inflammation. These findings suggest clinical trials for humans with alcoholic liver disease should be considered to prevent or treat acute episodes of alcoholic hepatitis.
Researchers have successfully created functional liver cells from human embryonic and genetic engineered stem cells. The new method enables unlimited production of liver cells with high accuracy, revolutionizing pharmaceutical drug discovery and potentially improving treatment outcomes.
A recent study by Boston University School of Medicine researchers found that liver activation is essential for maintaining adequate immune responses in the lungs against bacterial pneumonia. The study used a model system to demonstrate how a lack of liver response increases susceptibility to pneumonia.
Researchers have demonstrated a direct connection between two signaling proteins (NOX1 and NOX4) and liver fibrosis, a scarring process underlying chronic liver disease. The study adds credence to a pharmaceutical effort to create new treatments for diabetic nephropathy, liver fibrosis, and other progressive fibrotic diseases.
Researchers verified the accuracy of PoopMD, a free smartphone app that reads stool color to detect biliary atresia, a rare pediatric liver disease. The app correctly identified 27 normal stools and all acholic stool samples, providing reassurance for parents.
Scientists have uncovered a port of entry for malaria parasites in the liver, highlighting a potential new drug target. The discovery could help prevent the spread of disease and reduce malaria-related deaths worldwide.
A case study in Canadian Medical Association Journal highlights the risks of eating wild mushrooms, with a woman requiring a liver transplant after consuming misidentified Aminata bisporigera. The authors emphasize the importance of proper identification and caution against premature discharge from hospital or emergency department.
Researchers at the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy have discovered a link between nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and drug metabolism. NASH, an increasingly common but often undiagnosed liver disease, can cause toxic levels of certain medications to be retained in the body.
A team of researchers has discovered a link between acute liver failure and mutations in the NBAS gene, which affects cellular transport processes. The study found that these mutations can disrupt protein packing and transport within cells, leading to metabolic imbalances in the liver.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) has updated its guidance on testing, managing, and treating hepatitis C virus (HCV). The new recommendations focus on direct-acting antiviral drugs, which have shown high efficacy in curing HCV. With these updates, millions of Americans living with chronic HCV may now hav...
A study published in Liver Transplantation identified younger patients and those with more severe liver disease as more likely to have potential living liver donors. In contrast, older, single, divorced, or low-income patients were less likely to have a live donor volunteer for liver donation.
Researchers at Duke University developed a mathematical model of acetaminophen metabolism based on lab rat data, finding that glutamine may boost the body's ability to recover from overdose. The study suggests that adding glutamine alongside standard antidote N-acetylcysteine could prevent liver damage.
A study engineered a gut microbiome with low urease expression to alleviate hyperammonemia symptoms in mice. This approach reduced circulating ammonia levels and improved mortality rates in animals with liver disease.
A genetically engineered mouse with weaker bones has a strong metabolism, suggesting a potential link between bone health and obesity-related type 2 diabetes. The study highlights the endocrine role of bone in regulating metabolism, and its exploration may lead to new avenues for treatment.
Boosting a naturally occurring molecule in the body can help protect against obesity-related diseases by reducing inflammation in fat tissues. The study found significant disease improvement, primarily affecting fat tissue, and demonstrated the potential of fundamental research to reduce inflammation.
The study reveals that Rev-erbα has two distinct roles in regulating the body clock and metabolism, one in cells across the body and another in the liver. This dual function may enable the development of targeted therapies for metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
The SIRFLOX randomized controlled study found that adding liver-directed SIR-Spheres Y-90 resin microspheres to first-line chemotherapy improved liver tumour control and reduced progression risk. The regimen provided a 7.9-month treatment benefit, translating to a 31% reduction in tumour progression risk.
A study of paracetamol use in seven European countries reveals a six-times higher risk of liver failure in Ireland and a two-fold higher risk in the UK. The highest rates of overdose-related liver failure were found in these two English-speaking countries, suggesting potential differences in self-poisoning practices.
Researchers at UCLA successfully tested a portable finger-probe device on 53 potential organ donors, predicting which livers would function properly after transplantation. The device could increase the number of organs used for transplant and save patients waiting for transplants from dying.
Researchers discovered a specific immune cell type that reduces inflammation and protects against liver damage. The Ly6C-negative monocyte subset dampens the immune response and induces anti-inflammatory genes in nearby cells.
Researchers at MIT and UCSD developed a new approach to detecting liver tumors using engineered probiotics. The bacteria produce a luminescent signal that can be detected with a common laboratory test, showing high sensitivity in detecting liver tumors larger than one cubic millimeter.
A risk prediction model has been developed to identify patients with hepatitis C who have the most urgent need for new anti-viral drugs. The model uses routine lab values and machine-learning methods to predict health outcomes, allowing doctors to target treatment to those with high risk of complications.
A Phase III study has shown an overall cure rate of 94% for patients with a liver transplant and returning hepatitis C, and 83% for patients with advanced cirrhosis. The FDA has granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation for the investigational combination, clearing the way for expedited drug development.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that skipping meals can lead to insulin resistance and increased abdominal fat gain in mice. Mice on restricted diets who fasted for extended periods developed metabolic issues, including inflammation and plumper fat cells, compared to those who ate regularly.
Patients with liver cancer can be cured with a liver transplant using organs from donors who died of cardiac death, according to the largest study of its kind. The study found no difference in liver cancer recurrence between livers donated after cardiac death and those obtained from brain-dead donors.
A new study from the University of Edinburgh found that individuals with high psychological distress were more likely to die from liver disease. The research tracked over 165,000 participants for ten years and controlled for various factors such as alcohol consumption and socioeconomic status.
A study published in Nature Cell Biology reveals that exosomes secreted by pancreatic cancer cells contain MIF, which educates liver cells to produce a protein leading to fibrosis and tumor growth. This discovery could lead to targeted treatments and biomarkers for early detection.
A new therapy with high cure rates is available, but the high cost of direct acting antiviral (DAA) treatment limits access for many hepatitis C virus patients. Increasing treatment efficacy and accessibility could avert significant liver-related deaths and end-stage liver disease in Australia.
A new class of protein-based contrast agents (PRCAs) has been developed to detect liver cancer at an early stage, providing robust results. The agent, ProCA32, allows for imaging of liver tumors measuring less than 0.25 millimeters with improved sensitivity and accuracy compared to existing methods.
A new study found that liver transplant centers in highly competitive geographic areas performed more transplants than those in less competitive areas. The researchers used data from 53,156 adult liver transplantation operations performed between 2003 and 2012.
Researchers at University College London have found that hepatitis B virus can persist in the liver by exploiting starved T cells. The study suggests that boosting the immune system and counteracting the liver's suppressive effect could potentially clear the infection.
Researchers successfully restored bilirubin levels to those found in healthy animals using gene therapy, offering new hope for the treatment of Crigler-Najjar syndrome. The therapy involved transferring a copy of the UGT1A1 gene into liver cells using an AAV vector, resulting in long-term correction without immunosuppression.
A plant toxin has been found to cause biliary atresia, a rare and debilitating liver disease, in animal models. The toxin, isolated from Australian plants, selectively destroys the bile ducts outside the liver, leading to scarring and preventing bile flow.
A 12-week dose of an investigational three-drug combination cleared the virus in 93 percent of patients with liver cirrhosis who hadn't previously been treated. The addition of ribavirin to the regimen enhanced results, eliminating the virus in 93 percent of previously treated patients.
A new study found that living liver donors experienced lower sexual function at evaluation phase and three months after surgery. Donor education prior to surgery may help ease concerns and improve recovery.
A study found that using a pocket-sized ultrasound device (PUD) with physical examination can improve diagnosis accuracy and reduce the number of tests needed. The PUD was found to be comparable in performance to standard ultrasonography, but improved the accuracy of physical examinations, resulting in a 37% reduction in further testing.
The study found that the Sofosbuvir/daclatasvir combination achieved an 81.6% SVR4 rate after 12 weeks of treatment and a 93.9% SVR4 rate after 24 weeks, with a 100% SVR4 rate when combined with ribavirin. The treatment was effective in both cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients.
A comprehensive review highlights the need for better evidence on hepatitis B and C testing in European countries. The study found gaps in knowledge, particularly for high-risk populations such as migrants and men who have sex with men.
A study reveals that individuals with undiagnosed hepatitis C infection have a similar risk of developing advanced liver fibrosis as those who are diagnosed. The findings support the importance of regular screening for HCV, especially in high-risk groups.
A phase 3 study showed that a combination of daclatasvir, sofosbuvir, and ribavirin was effective in achieving sustained virologic response rates of over 90% in patients with HCV infection and advanced cirrhosis. The treatment was also well-tolerated, with no serious treatment-related side effects.
A worldwide study shows that daily drinking is a significant predictor of liver disease burden, with heavy drinkers having the highest risk. The study highlights the need for reducing heavy drinking as an important target for public health monitoring and policies.
A Phase 3 study demonstrates that sofosbuvir in combination with ribavirin and peginterferon is highly effective for treating genotype-3 HCV-infected patients, particularly those with cirrhosis. The BOSON study shows the optimal duration of treatment for these patients, which could lead to improved outcomes.
A recent study published in The International Liver Congress shows that alcohol use disorders are a stronger predictor of mortality than chronic hepatitis C virus infection, especially when severe comorbidities are present. AUDs were found to be associated with higher mortality risks across all hospital subgroups.
A new study presented at The International Liver Congress 2015 showed high rates of sustained virologic response and good tolerance when using sofosbuvir and daclatasvir-based regimens in patients with recurrent hepatitis C. These results support the use of interferon-free regimens in managing liver transplant patients infected with HCV.
The RUBY-1 study evaluates ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir and dasabuvir in patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD and HCV GT1 infection, revealing a well-tolerated combination with rapid viral load suppression.
BLU-554, a small molecule inhibitor of FGFR4, has been identified as a potential treatment option for up to 30% of HCC patients. The investigational drug was shown to be potent and 'exquisitely selective' for FGFR4 compared to other kinases targeting the FGFR family.
A 12-week oral regimen of once-daily single tablet grazoprevir/elbasvir is effective and well-tolerated in treatment-naive patients infected with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes 1, 4 or 6. Preliminary results show that 299 out of 316 patients achieved a sustained virologic response at 12 weeks.
A large population-based cohort study found that non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) increases the risk of death by 50% compared to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study also showed that patients with NASH had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality over a 14-year period.
The study demonstrated that ledipasvir-sofosbuvir achieves high sustained virologic response rates in patients with chronic genotype 4 and 5 HCV infection. The treatment was found to be effective in both treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients, with similar SVR12 rates across all patient types.
Many European countries lack national strategies to manage chronic viral hepatitis disease surveillance, burden assessment, and intervention impact. Governments need support for developing plans, estimating the national burden, and improving surveillance systems.
The daclatasvir-sofosbuvir combination was highly effective and well-tolerated in treating hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients with HIV co-infection. Across genotypes 1-4, the treatment resulted in a sustained virologic response rate of 97% at 12 weeks post-treatment.
The HCV-TARGET study shows all-oral direct-acting antiviral therapy is highly effective and well tolerated in patients with decompensated cirrhosis, with SVR rates of 75%, 77% and 81%. Liver function markers also improve during short-term follow-up.
A new study published at The International Liver Congress reveals that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with the development of coronary artery calcification. In patients without existing CAC, NAFLD significantly accelerated atherosclerosis progression, while in those with existing CAC, it did not affect disease ...