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 published in the journal Radiology found that excess liver and muscle fat can increase the risk of osteoporosis by affecting bone marrow quality. Higher levels of bone marrow fat were linked to increased fracture risk, suggesting that obesity can weaken bones.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have created a new model to allocate organs from deceased donors more equitably. The model uses mathematical formulas similar to those used in redistricting maps to analyze supply and demand factors, reducing geographic disparities by half and significantly decreasing waitlist deaths.
A new study published in Hepatology reveals that higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of gallstone disease, especially in women. The research found a significant correlation between BMI and gallstone risk, with women facing a higher risk than men.
Researchers have developed two compounds that show promise as safer alternatives to acetaminophen, reducing the risk of liver damage. The new substances have a similar architecture to acetaminophen but are non-toxic to liver cells grown in the laboratory.
Patients who survived acetaminophen overdose have significantly lower overall health, reporting more days of impaired mental and physical health, pain, anxiety, and depression. The study also found that these patients had higher rates of substance abuse and psychiatric disease compared to non-overdose survivors and transplant recipients.
Researchers found that circadian rhythm disruption and alcohol combination leads to liver disease, a previously unrecognized risk factor. The study suggests that lifestyle factors like shift work and poor sleep can promote gut leakiness and increase disease susceptibility.
A new study published in Radiology found that moderate-intensity exercise significantly decreases fat volume in the abdomen, liver, and around the heart in patients with type 2 diabetes. The results suggest that exercise can reduce cardiovascular risk by targeting specific fat deposits.
Researchers discovered a novel fluorescent protein in the freshwater eel that can bind to bilirubin, enabling high sensitivity and accuracy for clinical tests. This breakthrough may contribute to liver function assessment and eel conservation efforts.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that green coffee bean dietary supplements do not protect against obesity-related disorders when given at higher doses. The research linked chlorogenic acid to an unhealthy build-up of fat in the liver.
A new study shows that split liver transplants can last just as long as whole organs in young children, potentially reducing waitlist mortality rates. The data from 2,679 pediatric patients who received liver transplants between 1995-2010 indicates improved safety of partial livers.
Researchers found that partial livers from deceased adult and teen donors have become less risky for infants, saving their lives. The study's findings suggest that the use of partial grafts from deceased donors has increased significantly over time, accounting for up to 32% of liver transplants in children.
Researchers found a strong association between low vitamin D levels and high HBV replication in patients with chronic HBV. The study suggests that vitamin D may help control HBV levels and proposes further investigation of its therapeutic potential.
Researchers at Mount Sinai have discovered a novel liver progenitor cell that can be differentiated from human embryonic stem cells and produce mature liver cells. This breakthrough discovery has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of liver disease, potentially overcoming the organ shortage issue.
Researchers found that daily sunscreen use significantly slows skin aging, with a 24% decrease in photoaging compared to discretionary application. In contrast, a survey of 1,820 physicians revealed that only about 43% had basic electronic health record systems and 10% met meaningful use criteria, highlighting challenges in EHR adoptio...
Researchers at MIT have identified 12 chemical compounds that help liver cells maintain their normal function while grown in a lab dish, and multiply to produce new tissue. The compounds can also mature induced pluripotent stem cells into fully functional hepatocytes.
Researchers at UC Irvine have discovered a new mechanism by which estrogen suppresses lipid synthesis in the liver, revealing potential new approaches for treating certain liver diseases. The study found that estrogen acts on cell membrane-based receptors to inhibit lipid synthesis, changing long-held views in the field.
A large group of U.S. patients with PSC and primary biliary cirrhosis showed an association between coffee consumption and reduced risk of PSC. The study suggests that PSC differs from primary biliary cirrhosis in terms of lifestyle factors, potentially offering new insights into disease causes and treatment.
A new study found that coffee consumption is associated with a reduced risk of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), an autoimmune disease of the bile ducts. Researchers also highlighted the need for better palliative care for terminally ill cirrhotic patients, who often face significant symptoms and challenges.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins scientists reveals an association between elevated cadmium levels and increased risk of liver disease in men. Higher levels of cadmium in urine were found to be nearly 3.5 times more likely to lead to liver-related deaths compared to lower levels.
Researchers found that transgenic expression of normal CFTR in the intestine of CF pigs eased meconium ileus, a common symptom of CF. Despite this improvement, other CF symptoms persisted, highlighting tissue-specific gene replacement as a potential treatment strategy.
Harvard researchers have discovered a novel hormone that regulates glucose production in the liver, offering new avenues for treating type 2 diabetes. The study found that switching off this hormone improves glucose metabolism, providing a potential therapeutic target.
Researchers found that a new antiviral treatment could halve chronic HCV prevalence among people who inject drugs in 15 years. In cities like Edinburgh, where chronic prevalence is lower, the treatment is projected to reduce HCV rates by 25%. Doubling treatment rates and increasing budget may be needed to scale up the therapy.
A study found that patients taking tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonists are at risk of developing acute liver injury, with most cases involving autoimmunity or hepatocellular injury. The condition is typically resolved after discontinuing the drug, but some patients may experience recurrence.
New data from clinical trials demonstrate substantial improvements in detecting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC) using urinary metabolite profiles. The tests show higher sensitivity and specificity compared to traditional methods, offering hope for early detection and improved survival rates.
A study found that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an independent predictor of early atherosclerosis and 10-year cardiovascular risk. Patients with NAFLD had higher carotid intima-media thickness and Framingham score, indicating increased cardiovascular risk.
A recent mouse study published at the International Liver Congress 2013 suggests that regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of developing liver cancer. The study found that mice fed a high-fat diet and subjected to regular exercise had a 71% lower incidence of tumours larger than 10mm compared to sedentary mice.
A new scoring system defines patients who achieve the most benefit from TACE treatment, differentiating those who may benefit from repeat sessions and those who are unlikely to respond. This finding presents a challenge for the design of phase III trials for intermediate-stage HCC.
Research revealed a significant increase in chronic liver disease risk among women with high BMI and heavy alcohol intake. Women are twice as sensitive to alcohol-related liver damage, and low BMI combined with high alcohol consumption poses greater risks.
Beta-blockers reduce portal hypertension, gastrointestinal permeability, and bacterial translocation in patients with cirrhosis. Non-invasive techniques like spleen stiffness predict clinical complications.
Scientists at the Salk Institute have discovered that a synthetic form of vitamin D can deactivate the switch governing fibrotic response in mouse liver cells, suggesting a potential new therapy for fibrotic diseases. This finding could lead to the development of a safer and more effective treatment for liver fibrosis.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that living liver donors experience a 0.2% mortality rate and life-threatening 'near-miss' events. Centers with more experience performing live donor procedures had lower rates of complications, suggesting the need for comprehensive information and education for donors.
Researchers found that infection with nematodes reduced body weight by up to 15% in obese mice and lowered fasting blood glucose levels. The study suggests a potential therapeutic effect of nematode infection on metabolic disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease and allergies.
Researchers have made progress in targeting cccDNA using novel therapeutic approaches, including liver regeneration and epigenetic control. Studies show that inducing hepatocyte turnover and blocking cell entry can accelerate the clearance of viral minichromosomes.
A new study at the International Liver Congress found that probiotics reduced the development of hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients by 50% over nine months. Probiotics work by reducing ammonia production in the gut, a key mediator of cerebral dysfunction.
Scientists have discovered that dietary medium chain triglycerides (MCT) can prevent the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in patients with obesity and type II diabetes. MCT substitution for polyunsaturated fat reduces liver fat accumulation and progression of injury, suggesting a potential future therapy.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive test for diagnosing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more advanced form of NAFLD. The phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) technique shows fair diagnostic accuracy for NASH and could improve clinical procedures.
Recent studies demonstrate encouraging data for direct-acting antiviral agents in a wide range of HCV patient populations. The trials showed high SVR12 rates and low adverse events, with some regimens achieving up to 90% success rate, offering new treatment options for patients with genotype 1, 4, 5, or 6.
Researchers discovered vitamin E can alleviate symptoms of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in mice, a common complication of obesity. The study suggests that supplementation with vitamin E may have significant public health benefits.
Researchers have identified a gene variant ID associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) diagnosis, including steatosis, steatohepatitis, and fibrosis. The study suggests that screening for this variant could lead to earlier detection and improved management of NAFLD.
A study by Michigan Medicine researchers found that consuming grapes reduced inflammation and fat storage in obesity-prone rats. Grape intake also improved antioxidant defense, particularly in the liver and kidneys.
A large-scale genetic study has associated nine new genetic regions with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare autoimmune liver disease. The study definitively proves PSC is a distinct disease, despite its genetic relationship to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Researchers identified a specific profile of patients suffering from acute-on-chronic liver failure syndrome, characterized by high mortality rates and organ malfunctions. The study provides new diagnostic criteria for the condition, which is associated with cirrhosis and can be linked to patient age and medical history.
Despite concerns over high vitamin E intake, a new review concludes that the body can eliminate excess levels of the vitamin, making it impossible to take a harmful amount. Vitamin E is essential for proper organ function and has antioxidant properties.
A new genetic screen has identified the MKK4 gene as a promising therapeutic target to enhance liver regeneration. The study reveals that inhibiting MKK4 can increase hepatocyte production and survival, leading to healthier livers and improved long-term survival in mice.
Patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) without advanced fibrosis do not have higher mortality risk, according to new research. However, those likely to progress to advanced fibrosis had a 69% increase in mortality compared to those without fibrosis.
Researchers found that children and adults with genetic liver disorders have good chances of survival five years after a liver transplant. High survival rates also imply that liver transplantation is the best available treatment for these patients.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that US transplant providers would not offer transplants to patients with advanced age, severe obesity, or lifetime imprisonment. The majority also believe marijuana use and psychiatric diagnoses are contraindications for liver transplantation.
Scientists have found that hepatocytes can transform into biliary cells in response to injury, a process dependent on the activation of endogenous Notch signaling. This discovery provides direct evidence for cellular reprogramming in mammals and may lead to new treatments for diseases involving bile duct deficiency.
A new study published in Hepatology found that hepatitis C transmission from an infected partner during sex is extremely rare in monogamous heterosexual relationships. The researchers recruited 500 couples and found a maximum incidence rate of 0.07% per year, equivalent to roughly 1 case per 190,000 sexual contacts.
Researchers found that co-infection with HIV speeds up the progression of liver disease in individuals infected with hepatitis C, increasing the severity of scarring and cirrhosis by nearly a decade. The studies identified two genetic mutations that may help the immune system fight off the HCV virus more effectively.
A line of special liver cells called PICM-19 has the potential to perform many of the same functions as a human liver. The immortal cell line can be used to study various diseases, including liver cancers and cystic fibrosis, and may enable the development of artificial liver devices.
Researchers found that injecting NAC prior to harvesting significantly improves graft survival, with suboptimal organ usage showing higher benefits. The study suggests using NAC during organ procurement to reduce damage and improve transplant outcomes.
OHSU scientists have made a breakthrough by growing human liver stem cells in culture, demonstrating their therapeutic potential. The study's findings suggest that these cells can be infinitely expanded and converted into functional liver cells, offering new hope for treating chronic liver diseases.
The US Preventive Services Task Force recommends against daily supplementation with vitamin D ≤ 400 IU and calcium ≤ 1,000 mg for fracture prevention in postmenopausal women. Daily supplementation has no net benefit and increases the risk of kidney stones, according to a systematic evidence review.
Researchers found that IQGAP1, a molecule controlling cell shape and movement, can suppress the growth of liver tumors when active in surrounding cells. The study provides new insight into cancer metastasis and points to potential therapeutic targets for preventing or treating liver metastases.
A new study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism found that consuming high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) and sucrose at average daily levels does not increase liver fat. The findings add to scientific evidence that HFCS and table sugar are metabolically equivalent.
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan's Life Sciences Institute has found that amlexanox, an off-patent drug, can reverse obesity, diabetes, and fatty liver in mice. The study suggests that the drug works by inhibiting two genes involved in metabolic balance, leading to increased metabolism and weight loss.
Research suggests that monitoring hepatic function with HIDA SPECT prior to and during radiation therapy can help tailor treatment plans for unresectable liver cancer patients. This assessment method allows for personalized radiation doses while minimizing the risk of liver injury.
Researchers have identified a microRNA liver gene, miR-27b, which regulates lipid (cholesterol or fat) levels in the blood. The study found that miR-27b is sensitive to high triglycerides and is involved in lipid metabolism.
Research in England and Wales reveals a significant reduction in paracetamol overdose deaths due to smaller pack sizes, with a 43% decrease over 11 years. However, the study's authors caution that this trend may not continue if further measures are not taken to limit the death toll.