Articles tagged with Liver
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.
A new project, ATHENA, is developing four human organ constructs that mimic the response of actual human organs. The system, which includes a liver, heart, lung, and kidney, aims to provide a realistic and cost-effective way to screen new drugs and toxic agents.
Scientists have developed a liver organ construct that responds to toxins like real human livers, paving the way for more accurate drug screening. The project aims to create interconnected human organ constructs using a miniaturized platform, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency in toxicology testing.
A study found that veterans living farther from transplant centers were less likely to be added to a waitlist or receive a transplant, and more likely to die. The researchers suggest that this may be due to reduced access for evaluation and relocation needs.
A new study reveals that veterans with liver disease who live over 100 miles from a VA liver transplant center are only half as likely to be placed on the transplant waitlist, increasing their risk of death. The further away they live, the less likely they are to receive a transplant and ultimately die.
A UT Southwestern Medical Center study identified phosphatidic acids as a new potential therapeutic target for controlling high blood sugar in type 2 diabetes. Inhibiting or reducing production of phosphatidic acids may help regulate glucose levels.
Scientists have developed 'chemosynthetic livers' that can mimic human metabolism, allowing researchers to test drug safety and interactions without animal testing. The technology has already demonstrated accurate results with over 50 pharmaceutical compounds.
Patients co-infected with HIV and hepatitis C have an 80 percent higher rate of decompensated cirrhosis than hepatitis C-only patients. Even when ART is effective, they still experience a 60 percent higher risk of serious liver disease compared to those with hepatitis C alone.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that only 17% of liver transplant centers offer an alibi to potential donors, highlighting the need for standardization. The researchers recommend including written offers of alibis in consent forms to preserve donor autonomy.
A rare metabolic disease causing liver failure and autistic behavior showed significant improvements after a liver transplant, suggesting an unexpected link between metabolic conditions and some forms of autism. The patient's normalization of cholesterol levels after transplantation halted the progression of neurological damage.
A Rice University-led team of researchers found that liver cells up-regulate glycolytic pathway to produce more energy in response to disease, leading to net gain in metabolic output. The study suggests new treatments to delay liver failure by boosting glycolytic energy production.
A study of 39 young adults found that consuming polyunsaturated fat resulted in less body fat and more muscle mass than consuming saturated fat. This is significant for preventing obesity-related disorders like type-2 diabetes, as it suggests that a diet rich in unsaturated fats may help regulate fat distribution.
Researchers at Gladstone Institutes and UCSF have made a breakthrough in regenerative medicine by transforming skin cells into mature, fully functioning liver cells. The new method offers hope for treating liver failure and could serve as an alternative to liver transplants.
Researchers found that prostaglandin E2 presence determines stem cell fate, with more present becoming liver cells and less becoming pancreas cells. The discovery could lead to easier generation of liver and pancreas cells for lab research and future therapies.
A Japanese study found that sarcopenia, a loss of skeletal muscle mass, increases the risk of sepsis and mortality in patients undergoing live donor liver transplantation. Early nutritional support with enteral nutrition reduced sepsis rates in these patients. Treating malnutrition may reduce mortality risk following transplantation.
Innate lymphoid cells play key roles in protecting against infection or parasites, but their origin and function were unknown until now. Researchers identify ILCPs in fetal liver and adult bone marrow, paving the way for a better understanding of the immune system's first line of defense.
Researchers have developed nanoparticles that can efficiently silence target genes in the liver, showing promise for treating cancer and other diseases. The new particles, inspired by lipoproteins, achieve gene knockdown with a small amount of RNA, minimizing side effects in other tissues.
A Weizmann Institute of Science study reveals that daily fluctuations in triglycerides in the liver are driven by internal 'body clocks' and timing of meals. Researchers found that restricting nighttime feeding led to a 50% decrease in liver TAG levels, suggesting that meal times can affect lipid accumulation.
A recent Penn Medicine study reveals that patients with hepatopulmonary syndrome may be receiving unnecessary priority on the liver transplant wait list. The study found that these patients often have poor post-transplant survival rates and that a significant proportion of them do not meet clear clinical indications for transplantation.
University of Adelaide researchers have identified a crucial mechanism that can prevent liver failure resulting from excessive paracetamol consumption. By targeting the transient receptor potential melanostatine-2 (TRPM2) channel, they hope to develop new treatments for paracetamol overdose and potentially other liver-damaging poisonings.
A UC Riverside-led study found significant damage in the liver and lung of mice exposed to third-hand smoke, with wounds taking longer to heal and displaying hyperactivity. The study's findings suggest a critical need for research on human health risks associated with third-hand smoke exposure.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that DHA supplementation partially prevented metabolic damage associated with the Western diet. This led to observable changes in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that obese liver transplant recipients with diabetes experienced higher morbidity rates due to post-transplant complications, particularly diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Despite this, obesity did not negatively affect survival rates.
A study led by Boston University School of Medicine found that a lack of liver protein SIRT1 is associated with lower levels of FGF21, leading to fatty liver disease and obesity. Elevated FGF21 levels, however, transformed white fat cells into brown fat cells, producing heat and burning calories.
Researchers from University of Notre Dame and Indiana University School of Medicine have revealed a link between the circadian clock and alcohol-induced liver disease. The study found that disturbances in the liver's daily rhythms can lead to fatty liver disease, suggesting a potential target for treatment.
A novel study suggests that monitoring inactive chronic hepatitis B (HBV) carriers is a cost-effective strategy for China. The M&T strategy, which includes twice-yearly assessment of HBV and ALT levels, would result in significant health benefits at the population level, including reduced liver cancer and mortality rates.
The liver's protein production and release are influenced by both the internal clock and feeding behaviors, according to a recent study published in PNAS. The researchers found that the circadian clock does not solely regulate protein production but also affects the storage and release of proteins into the body.
Joslin researchers have discovered that the hormone FGF21 stimulates the browning of white fat, leading to improved glucose metabolism and calorie burning. This finding has implications for the development of new medications for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
A study published in Hepatology found that SLPI protein plays a critical role in excessive anti-inflammatory responses in acute liver failure, making patients susceptible to sepsis and infection. Inhibiting SLPI protein may help restore immune function and prevent infection in these patients.
A research team at CNIO has identified AP-1 proteins as key regulators of fatty liver disease (FLD), a condition that affects up to 30% of adults in Western societies. Increased expression of these proteins can prevent fat accumulation and FLD in mice.
Researchers found that co-culturing hepatocytes with mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord or fat tissues improved albumin production, urea production, and viability of hepatocytes. The combination of transplanted hepatocytes and MSCs has great promise in treating acute liver failure.
Researchers discovered that skin can communicate with the liver, affecting metabolism and fat accumulation. Covering skin with a substance like vaseline or latex prevents heat loss, which leads to reduced fat accumulation in the liver.
Research reveals racial disparities in pediatric liver transplant survival, with higher graft and patient survival rates among white children. Socioeconomic differences also contribute to these disparities, highlighting the need for further investigation and intervention.
Researchers have determined the high-resolution atomic structure of E2 envelope glycoprotein, a crucial part of the hepatitis C virus. The new data reveal unexpected structural features and should greatly speed efforts to make an effective hepatitis C vaccine.
A study published in Nature Medicine suggests a potential new treatment for seizures caused by high levels of ammonia in the blood. Bumetanide, a diuretic drug used to treat high blood pressure, has been found to restore normal electrical activity in the brains of mice with genetic metabolic disorders and prevent seizures.
Researchers have discovered that the immune system forms in the embryo's yolk sac before blood stem cells, potentially leading to a better understanding of childhood diseases such as leukaemia. The study provides new insights into the development of immune-competent cells and their relationship with blood stem cells.
Researchers in the UK found that organs from selected DCD donors with pre-hospital cardiac arrest had no significant impact on graft or transplant recipient survival compared to other deceased donors. The study suggests using these organs could boost the donor pool without adverse outcomes for liver transplant recipients.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that subclinical hypocalcemia, a condition of low blood calcium levels, is related to higher levels of fat in the liver. This can lead to health problems such as ketosis, uterus and mammary infections, and decreased milk production.
Researchers found that FOXO3 transcription factor protects against alcoholic liver injury when suppressed, but combination of HCV and alcohol disrupts this protective effect. FOXO3 activation is crucial for autophagy, a cellular degradation pathway that removes damaged mitochondria and prevents liver injury.
Researchers found that the immune system's JunB gene causes liver cells to become inflamed during hepatitis, leading to irreversible damage. The study proposes a new mechanism by which AP-1 acts as a double-edged sword in the liver, contributing to both viral defense and disease progression.
Researchers at McMaster University discovered that metformin reduces harmful fat molecules in the liver, allowing insulin to work better and lower blood sugar levels. The study found that even obese mice with genetic mutations developed fatty liver and pre-diabetes.
B cells circulating through the liver are first depleted after treatment with anti-CD20 antibodies. The study reveals a vital role of liver Kupffer cells in deleting B cells and provides techniques to improve the effectiveness of anti-CD20 therapy.
A new study published in Gastroenterology found that high-calorie diets, regardless of sugar type, contribute to the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study revealed comparable effects of fructose and glucose on the liver, highlighting calorie intake as a key factor in liver disease progression.
Researchers found that liver Kupffer cells are essential for deleting B cells using anti-CD20 therapy. The interaction between the liver and the immune system also affects the progression of candidiasis, a leading cause of hospital-acquired infections.
Two new studies demonstrate the effectiveness of sofosbuvir in preventing post-transplant recurrence of hepatitis C virus in liver transplant recipients. The experimental anti-viral drug was found to be safe and effective in over 60% of patients, offering a new hope for those with limited treatment options.
A non-invasive alternative to liver biopsy, the French-made FibroScan, has been proven very reliable in a national multi-center study. The device measures liver stiffness to assess fibrosis and guide treatment, providing quick and painless results.
Research published in Hepatology suggests that estrogen has a protective effect against the development of severe liver fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The study found that men and post-menopausal women have similar risks of developing severe fibrosis compared to pre-menopausal women.
Scientists at Brigham and Women's Hospital uncover a joint effort between the liver and muscle to maintain balanced fat production and burning. A phospholipid molecule acts as a signal molecule controlling this process. The study highlights the importance of coordinated changes in organs like the liver and muscle in metabolic responses.
Researchers at NUS found that activating Rho protein suppresses liver malignancies, providing evidence for signalling crosstalk between proteins in regulating liver overgrowth and cancer. The study paves the way for developing targeted therapeutics for liver cancer.
Scientists at Stanford University School of Medicine have developed a fast and efficient way to turn fat cells extracted from routine liposuction into liver cells. This method, which uses spherical culture, produces human liver-like cells that flourish inside mice bodies without signs of being tumorogenic.
Researchers developed a palatable paste to administer highly concentrated drugs in small volumes, improving treatment outcomes for llamas and alpacas. The paste allows for effective treatment of small liver fluke infections with minimal side effects.
Researchers at CNIO discovered that Fra-1 protein protects the liver from drug-induced damage and neutralizes toxins. This new regulatory mechanism could lead to future studies on new drugs for diseases related to toxic compound accumulation.
A new study found that danoprevir added to the current treatment regimen for patients with hepatitis C leads to high rates of remission and a well-tolerated safety profile. The drug demonstrated an 85% sustained virologic response rate, making it a potential breakthrough in treating this serious liver disease.
Scientists have developed a new method to create self-renewing stem cells specific to the human foregut, opening up possibilities for regenerative therapies. The breakthrough technique allows for the growth of pure liver or pancreatic cells in sufficient quantities for clinical use, overcoming current limitations.
A study by CU researchers has identified a soy derivative as the likely cause of liver damage in patients receiving intravenous nutrition. The finding may lead to better treatments for patients with intestinal problems or pancreatitis who rely on intravenous feeding.
Neurological researchers have discovered a significant link between abdominal fat and memory loss, finding that the same protein controlling fat metabolism in the liver also resides in the memory center of the brain. This study suggests that people with high levels of abdominal fat may be at risk for memory-related problems later in life.
A study of identical twins with significant weight differences found that in half of the pairs, the obese twin had a poorer blood fat profile and increased risk of diabetes. In contrast, the other half showed no difference in metabolic health between the two twins, shedding light on the 'metabolically healthy obesity' phenomenon.
Liver transplant recipients who receive substance abuse treatment before and after transplantation have lower alcohol relapse rates than those untreated or only treated prior to transplantation. Continued alcohol abuse post-transplantation also decreases graft survival and increases organ scarring.
Researchers developed a clinical tool to predict the risk of end-stage renal disease among liver transplant recipients. The Renal Risk Index calculates a score based on recipient characteristics and identifies factors associated with increased risk, such as BMI over 35 and hepatitis C diagnosis.
A TGen-led study has identified genetic loci associated with total bilirubin levels, steatosis, and mild fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found evidence for new genetic factors that may help identify patients at risk of developing severe forms of fatty-liver disease.