Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
Two new treatments for liver diseases are being explored. A probiotic, VSL#3, has been shown to improve liver function and reduce the risk of hospitalization in patients with cirrhosis. Meanwhile, a fatty acid conjugate called Aramchol has been found to significantly reduce liver fat content in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver di...
Researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that triclosan causes liver fibrosis and cancer in laboratory mice through molecular mechanisms relevant in humans. Long-term exposure to the chemical may lead to liver toxicity, particularly when combined with other compounds.
A position paper by ESPGHAN Hepatology Committee outlines recommendations and a checklist for liver biopsy in infants and children. Liver biopsy is still necessary in follow-up after liver transplantation and for monitoring disease activity.
Researchers at the University of Georgia discovered that chlorogenic acid significantly reduced insulin resistance and fat accumulation in mice fed a high-fat diet. The compound also maintained normal blood sugar levels and healthy liver composition.
Researchers found that mice eat less when their liver stores high levels of glucose, suggesting a link between the liver and brain in regulating appetite. The study's findings could lead to new therapeutic targets for improving diabetes and obesity.
A new oral interferon-free therapy has produced significantly fewer side effects and is prescribed for 24 weeks. Cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C is the leading reason for liver transplantation in the U.S., with patients having lower survival rates than those transplanted for other causes of cirrhosis.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found that a new oral medication combination therapy is safe and beneficial for liver transplant patients, requiring only 12 weeks of treatment. The study showed excellent eradication of the virus with much fewer side effects compared to traditional interferon-based therapies.
The rate of hospitalization due to hepatitis A virus infection has declined significantly in the US, with a decrease from 0.72 to 0.29 per 100,000 cases between 2002 and 2011. Vaccination of adults with chronic liver disease may help prevent HAV infection and hospitalization.
A new experimental drug, obeticholic acid, has improved liver health in people with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by reducing inflammation and fat. However, the treatment was associated with increased total cholesterol levels, a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers found that bald and golden eagles in North America have dangerously high levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in their livers, with concentrations highest near urban areas. The study suggests a range of exposure to these toxic chemicals, with more research needed to understand trends and accumulation patterns.
Newborn rats showed increased uptake of vitamin A in tissues beyond the liver after supplementation, providing insight into neonatal nutritional needs. This research could inform evidence-based dietary recommendations to reduce infant mortality in developing countries.
Researchers will investigate how the Western diet increases the risk of developing liver and gastrointestinal cancers. They also aim to determine if specific bifidobacteria species can mitigate the negative effects of a high-fat, high-sugar diet.
A new preservation technique, sequential subnormothermic ex vivo liver perfusion (SNEVLP), has been shown to prevent ischemic type biliary stricture following liver transplantation using grafts from donations after cardiac death (DCD). SNEVLP reduces bile duct and endothelial cell injury post-transplantation compared to cold storage.
Researchers found that dietary iron plays a crucial role in regulating the liver's circadian clock, which can disrupt blood glucose levels. Eating high-iron foods at night may exacerbate this issue for shift workers, increasing the risk of metabolic disorders. More research is needed to determine optimal iron intake for shift workers.
A Mount Sinai-led research team has discovered a new kind of stem cell that can become either a liver cell or a blood vessel cell, contradicting current theory on organ development. This discovery may hold clues to the origins of and future treatment for liver cancer.
A team of scientists led by Prof. Mathias Heikenwälder found that immune cells, particularly CD8+ T cells and NK T cells, play a crucial role in the development of fatty liver disease, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver cancer. The study suggests that an existing metabolic imbalance triggers the activation and migration of...
Researchers discovered that high levels of the inhibitor TIMP-1 induce local inflammation in liver tissue, allowing tumor cells to form metastases. By understanding this mechanism, scientists can develop new treatments to prevent cancer progression and metastasis formation.
Researchers used an epigenetic clock to measure the biological age of liver tissues in obese subjects, finding a significant acceleration of liver aging. The study suggests that obesity may contribute to the premature development of age-related diseases such as liver cancer and insulin resistance.
Researchers found that decaf coffee consumption was linked to lower levels of abnormal liver enzymes in a study of over 27,000 participants. The study suggests that chemical compounds in coffee other than caffeine may help protect the liver.
Researchers at MU School of Medicine identified epigenetic protein changes caused by binge drinking, which can amplify liver damage and lead to chronic liver failure. The study suggests that excessive alcohol consumption with a binge drinking pattern is a major public health concern globally.
Researchers found compounds in Camelina sativa seed that increase liver detoxification enzymes fivefold, showcasing its potential as a nutritional supplement and anti-cancer agent. The bioactive ingredients work synergistically when combined, similar to sulforaphane in broccoli.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine are developing a state-of-the-art 3D liver model to better predict organ physiology, assess drug toxicity and build disease models. The project aims to improve ways of predicting drug safety and effectiveness through collaboration with researchers from 11 institutions.
Scientists have developed a method to inject tonsil-derived stem cells into damaged livers, potentially treating liver disease without surgery. The technique uses a heat-sensitive liquid to grow liver cells on a 3-D scaffold, showing promise as an injectable tissue engineering approach.
Researchers have developed a magnetic resonance technique to detect and quantify fat in the liver, improving upon traditional hepatic biopsy methods. The study uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to measure liver fat content with high accuracy, providing valuable insights for diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases.
Researchers have found that ATF4 levels are elevated in livers of mice exposed to interventions increasing longevity. The protein is shared across diets, drugs, genes, and developmental alterations extending lifespan.
The Mayo Clinic has developed a scoring system to identify patients who can safely bypass the intensive care unit (ICU) after liver transplantation. The study found that 54.3% of patients can be fast-tracked, with better survival rates compared to those sent to the ICU.
A new study found that living liver donor candidates often experience ambivalence regarding donation, which is linked to physical, psychosocial, and financial concerns. Providing social support can help mitigate these concerns and reduce ambivalence among living liver donors.
A recent study found a significant increase in liver injury caused by herbals and dietary supplements in the US population over a ten-year period. Non-bodybuilding supplements were more likely to result in death or liver transplantation compared to conventional medications.
Using Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) has increased the number of organs available for transplant after circulatory death by 20%. This technology improves organ viability, particularly for kidneys, livers, and pancreases, making more life-saving organs available for patients waiting for transplants.
New research reveals that broader organ sharing for liver transplants will not negatively impact Cold Ischemia Time (CIT) but will increase the percentage of organs transported by flying, according to findings published in Liver Transplantation.
A novel complement inhibitor has been found to reduce liver cell death and stimulate post-surgery liver regrowth in mice. The treatment increased survival rates from 0% to 70% even after removing up to 90% of the liver. This breakthrough could represent a new treatment strategy for various liver injuries in humans.
Researchers at UCI found that two circadian-linked proteins, SIRT1 and SIRT6, manage separate and distinct metabolic processes in the liver. This discovery sheds new light on how the body's internal clock influences metabolic functions and could lead to more targeted treatments for liver disease and related disorders.
A new study finds that a Minimum Unit Price (MUP) policy would have a significant impact on heavy drinkers with cirrhosis, while leaving low-risk moderate drinkers unaffected. The policy targets the cheapest booze and heaviest drinkers, reducing their risk of liver deaths by 200 times.
Researchers have identified a combination of pills that cures 9 out of 10 hepatitis C patients, achieving a 93% cure rate in 12 weeks. The treatment was well-tolerated by patients and offers a higher cure rate than previous standard care.
A global prevalence study reveals that HCV genotype 1 accounts for over 46% of all cases, followed by genotypes 3 and 2. The study emphasizes the importance of understanding viral genotype to develop new treatments for HCV.
Two new pill-only antiviral drug regimens have shown promise in treating the most difficult-to-cure form of hepatitis C, with high cure rates and minimal side effects. The treatments offer a more effective, safer, and shorter option for patients with cirrhosis or those who have failed existing therapies.
A study found that HIV-infected patients with excess abdominal fat experienced modest reductions in liver fat after receiving tesamorelin, a growth hormone-releasing hormone analog. The treatment also led to significant decreases in abdominal fat accumulation.
A six-month treatment with tesamorelin lowered liver fat modestly but significantly in HIV patients. The drug's impact on glucose metabolism was temporary, and reduced liver inflammation may result from lower fat levels.
A new study by University of Granada researchers shows that consuming probiotics for 30 days can significantly reduce liver fat accumulation in obese rats. This finding is a promising step forward in the fight against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, which is closely linked to obesity and diabetes.
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 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.
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.