Articles tagged with Liver
Penn Medicine researchers found that living donor transplant outcomes are superior to those of deceased donors when surgeries are performed at an experienced center. The three-year patient survival rate for living donor recipients was 83% compared to 78% for deceased donors.
Researchers found that lipoic acid improved liver function and synchronized circadian rhythms in older animals, suggesting a potential breakthrough in understanding its benefits for human health. The study sheds light on the role of circadian rhythms in various biological processes and their dysfunction with age.
A large international study has found that overall death rates among HIV-positive adults have almost halved since 1999, while deaths due to AIDS-related causes and cardiovascular disease have declined significantly. Non-AIDS cancers remain a leading cause of non-AIDS deaths in people with HIV.
A novel study reveals that more than half of liver transplant patients want to be informed of donor risk at the time a liver is offered, with nearly 80% wanting to be involved in decision-making. The study aims to standardize patient information and involvement in transplantation decisions.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons reports that surgical resection improves survival among metastatic melanoma patients with limited liver disease. The five-year survival rate for surgical patients was 30%, compared to 6.6% for nonsurgical patients.
A Massachusetts General Hospital-developed protocol successfully preserved rat livers for up to four days using supercooling and machine perfusion. The method could enable the use of organs currently deemed unsuitable for transplant, alleviating the worldwide organ shortage.
Researchers developed a new supercooling technique to increase liver storage time from 24 hours to 3 days in animal study. The method successfully stored rat livers for up to four days, with 58% survival rate, offering potential for improved organ allocation and reduced costs.
A clinical study found that a certain group of genes and an immune cell ratio can predict tolerance to liver transplants in patients with hepatitis C. This could enable patients to stop taking immunosuppressants after a certain period, reducing the burden of chronic HCV infection.
A new transdermal selective androgen receptor modulator (SARM) drug may help older cancer patients build muscle without harming liver function or HDL levels. The novel compound, AUSRM-057, avoids negative impacts on prostate health, making it a promising treatment option.
A new study found that maternal use of the antidepressant fluoxetine during pregnancy increases the risk of fatty liver disease in adult offspring. The researchers studied rats exposed to fluoxetine in utero and found a significant association with metabolic abnormalities.
Research from UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a level of 'healthy' inflammation is necessary to prevent fatty liver and metabolic diseases. Inflammation helps remodel fat tissue, preventing the buildup of excess lipids in other tissues.
A study found that overweight children with a common gene mutation are more likely to have elevated liver values. The research highlights the importance of healthy lifestyle habits from an early age, particularly for children carrying the risk gene.
Research published in Liver Transplantation found that childhood liver transplant recipients have a reduced body cell mass post-transplant, leading to an increase in fat mass and a slim body composition. The study suggests that these patients are at risk of becoming 'skinny fat' due to their low body cell mass.
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a genome-editing approach that permanently reduces cholesterol levels in mice through a single injection. This approach could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks in humans, translating to a potential 90% reduction in heart attack risk. The technique targets the PCSK9 gene and ...
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that probiotics can modify the gut microbiota to prevent hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The researchers discovered that probiotic supplementation was not associated with any side effects, suggesting a safer treatment option.
Researchers have found that mature liver cells can dedifferentiate into functional progenitor cells, allowing them to regenerate a diseased liver. This discovery challenges long-held theories about the role of stem cells in liver regeneration.
Scientists discovered that blocking GLUT8, a molecule carrying large amounts of fructose into liver cells, prevents fatty livers in mice. The study suggests the liver acts as a sink for processing fructose, potentially harming overall metabolic syndrome.
Researchers tracked real-time virus replication and drug clearance in HCV patients, revealing a lag between liver and blood viral decay. The findings suggest the need for tailored therapy to achieve viral eradication and may inform vaccine development.
A study published in Diabetologia found that eating two large meals (breakfast and lunch) is more effective than six small meals with the same calories in controlling weight and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The researchers also found that this approach improved insulin sensitivity and reduced liver fat content.
A study published in JAMA found that further imaging using positron emission tomography (PET) scans before surgery did not significantly change the surgical treatment of colorectal cancer with liver metastases. The study enrolled 404 patients and involved 21 surgeons at nine hospitals in Ontario.
A study found that using positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography before surgery did not improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer and limited liver spread. The study suggests that PET-CT scans may not be necessary to change surgical management in these cases.
Researchers found that urinary ethyl glucuronide (uEtG) is the strongest marker of alcohol use, detecting consumption in 31% of participants. The study suggests combining uEtG with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test for better alerting doctors to potential issues.
A team of nanoengineers at UC San Diego created a 3D-printed hydrogel matrix to house nanoparticles, mimicking the function of the liver in sensing and capturing toxins from the blood. The device successfully neutralized pore-forming toxins, offering a potential solution for removing dangerous toxins from the blood.
Research found that snacking on high-fat and high-sugar foods increases intrahepatic triglyceride content and belly fat, but not with larger meal size. The study suggests cutting down on snacking may reduce the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A new machine perfusion system has been developed to increase the supply and quality of donor organs for liver transplantation. The system preserves metabolic function, preconditioning the liver before transplantation. Key findings include improved organ viability and reduced tissue damage.
Researchers found that lean patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) had a higher overall mortality rate and were more likely to be male and of lower socioeconomic status. They also showed signs of liver inflammation despite having less body fat and lower levels of liver damage.
Bariatric surgery resolves liver inflammation and reverses early-stage liver fibrosis by reducing fat deposits in the liver. The procedure showed significant improvement in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in severely obese patients.
A new study funded by the National Institutes of Health found that steroids after surgery do not improve bile flow in infants with biliary atresia, a rare liver disease. The study also revealed that survival rates were nearly the same for both groups, but infants on steroids experienced more serious adverse events.
A study published in JAMA found that corticosteroids do not improve bile flow in infants with biliary atresia six months after surgery. Infants who received steroids experienced more surgical complications and infections than those receiving a placebo.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that women with high gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels before pregnancy were twice as likely to develop gestational diabetes. The study also suggests a potential risk model to identify women who could benefit from pre-conception interventions.
A new study reveals that even light drinking increases the risk of liver fibrosis in people co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Researchers found a stark difference between co-infected and uninfected groups, highlighting the importance of counseling patients to reduce alcohol consumption.
Research reveals that maternal malnutrition can lead to growth restriction, obesity, and diabetes in offspring, with a domino effect on the health of grandoffspring. Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, may contribute to this transmission of disease risk.
Researchers have found that organs from donors with a history of certain cancers pose little risk to recipients, allowing for improved transplant survival rates. Optimizing donor organ preservation techniques can also improve graft function and reduce energy depletion in livers after circulatory death.
Scientists at the University of Arizona have discovered a molecular pathway that could help create new therapies for end-stage liver disease. By understanding how Nrf2 is suppressed in cirrhotic livers, researchers have identified Hrd1 as a key player in exacerbating the disease process.
A study has identified two subsets of Lyme disease in patients with acute infection, characterized by varying levels of immune system molecules. Patients with high mediator levels experience more severe symptoms and are at higher risk of developing post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The findings may help doctors predict which patien...
A study published in PLOS Medicine demonstrates that mice with humanized livers can recapitulate the toxic effects of fialuridine, which caused liver failure in humans. The mouse model shows promise for detecting toxicity before human testing.
Hepatitis C virus infects liver cells' energy centers, damaging mitochondria and recruiting proteins to eliminate damaged area. This process helps the virus persist in the body, making mitochondrial operations a potential therapeutic target.
A study by UCL researchers has uncovered the underlying cause of hyper-susceptibility to infection in cirrhosis patients, which is due to overproduction of prostaglandin E2. The authors suggest that administering albumin infusions could reverse immune suppression and prevent infections in these patients.
The new interferon-free 3D regimen, consisting of ABT-450/R/ABT-267 and ABT-333 plus ribavirin, demonstrated consistently high cure rates across various patient types, including GT1a and compensated cirrhosis patients. The treatment achieved SVR12 rates of 96.2% in SAPPHIRE-I study participants.
A UK study found a genetic variant associated with fatty liver disease severity in pediatric patients. Patients had low vitamin D blood levels throughout the year, and most samples were deficient or insufficient in vitamin D status compared to national health standards.
SBEL1, a compound isolated from Chinese herbal medicines, has been found to inhibit hepatitis C virus (HCV) activity by approximately 90%. It blocks virus entry and inhibits IRES-mediated translation, reducing HCV protein production and RNA replication.
A phase III study found that simeprevir-based regimens achieved high SVR12 rates in HCV genotype 4-infected patients. The study showed that response-guided therapy criteria were met by most treatment-naïve and prior-relapser patients, resulting in high SVR12 rates.
Phase III study results show obeticholic acid produces meaningful biochemical improvements, including reduced ALP and bilirubin levels. The treatment also demonstrates significant clinical benefits, such as improved liver function parameters and a lower risk of liver transplantation and death.
A new fixed-dose combination of sofosbuvir and ledipasvir shows high cure rates for HCV genotype 1 patients, with only mild side effects. The treatment achieves SVR12 rates of up to 99% without the use of ribavirin, which is associated with significant side effects.
A new oral combination therapy has been shown to cure hepatitis C infection in over 90% of patients with liver cirrhosis, providing a significant improvement over the current treatment options. The study found that the treatment was well-tolerated and resulted in no long-term relapses.
A study found that gut microbiota plays a role in the development of alcoholic liver disease, with fecal microbiota transplantation showing promise as a potential treatment. The research highlights the importance of restoring gut functionality and re-establishing intestinal flora.
Studies predict improved HCC patient outcomes with new diagnostic approaches. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI shows higher detection sensitivity for early-stage HCC, potentially improving treatment outcomes by ensuring optimum care.
Studies show sequential combination therapy with peginterferon and nucleoside analogues results in high complete response and HBsAg loss rates. Baseline HBsAg level and rate of decline during treatment predict treatment response. Adding peginterferon to entecavir enhances response rates, viral decline, and facilitates discontinuation.
Researchers have developed robust new liver and fat cell models that report circadian clock function, allowing for high-throughput drug screening to find promising small molecules to resynchronize or help body clocks function normally.
Researchers have discovered an immunotherapeutic approach to treating liver cancer, utilizing isolated T-cell receptors that can recognize and eliminate liver cancer cells. This new treatment option holds promise for patients with limited treatment options, including those with advanced stage HCC.
A new trial involving sofosbuvir demonstrated promising results for patients with recurring HCV post-liver transplant, achieving SVR12 in 62% of cases. Additionally, improvements in clinical conditions associated with hepatic decompensation and liver function tests were observed.
A recent study found that mortality from viral hepatitis is significantly higher than from HIV/AIDS across EU countries. In 2010, there were nearly 90,000 deaths due to hepatitis C and nearly 31,000 deaths due to hepatitis B, compared to just over 8,000 deaths from HIV/AIDS.
A.S.P.E.N. Clinical Guidelines developed recommendations for the care of pediatric patients with intestinal failure at risk of parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease, while a prospective observational study found that feeding interruptions led to negative outcomes in critically ill patients. Intensive nutrition therapy also show...
Two studies confirmed NAFLD as an independent cardiovascular risk factor, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis and carotid plaques. Improvement in liver health through treatment is associated with a reduced risk of developing diabetes.
A novel outcome prediction model has been developed using sequentially-assessed measures to generate an individualised mortality risk prediction without liver transplantation. The model uses age, encephalopathy, and cardiovascular failure severity on admission, as well as dynamic variables, to predict non-transplanted 15-day survival.
The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) has published online recommendations for managing hepatitis C, which reflect the approval of three new direct-acting antivirals. The guidelines provide best practice on key areas, including treatment indications, available drugs, and measures to improve treatment adherence. Wit...
A recent study published in University of Eastern Finland found that the quality of dietary carbohydrates affects fatty acid composition in children's blood. High candy consumption and low high-fibre grain intake were linked to increased oleic acid levels, suggesting a potential role for delta-9-desaturase enzyme.
Researchers developed a nanoscale matrix biomaterial assembly that maintains liver cell morphology and function in microfluidic devices. The technology enables the creation of stable liver microtissues for use in organ-on-a-chip devices to mimic healthy liver physiology and test drug toxicity.
Consuming two or more cups of coffee per day significantly lowers the risk of death from liver cirrhosis, particularly non-viral hepatitis related cases. Heavy alcohol use increases cirrhosis mortality risk.
Researchers found that patients with low sodium levels prior to transplantation did not have higher mortality rates after surgery. The study, published in Liver Transplantation, analyzed data from over 19,500 patients who received a liver transplant in the US between 2003 and 2010.