Articles tagged with Liver
MDC researchers have developed a new treatment approach for acute liver failure by utilizing the protein ARC, which stops excessive apoptosis in the liver. The treatment, TAT-ARC, has been shown to reverse liver failure and restore function in mice, offering a promising new hope for patients with this life-threatening disease.
A new study published in Liver Transplantation found that pediatric liver transplant recipients are at increased risk of graft loss and death from adult organ donors who are severely obese. However, the study also suggests that a BMI of 25-35 kg/m2 is not associated with an increased risk of mortality in this population.
A recent study found that miR-122 is involved in modulating fat and cholesterol metabolism in the liver. Additionally, it may have a tumor suppressive function in hepatocytes, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target for hepatocellular carcinoma. The molecule's role in liver homeostasis has also been highlighted.
A new study suggests that loss of microRNA-122 leads to liver cancer and that restoring this molecule may slow tumor growth. The researchers developed a model where mice lack miR-122 and develop liver cancer, which can be treated by restoring the molecule.
A new Penn study of 154 participants with chronic HCV found that silymarin supplements offered no significant improvements in liver disease treatment. The trial tested higher-than-normal doses of silymarin and concluded it had no impact on ALT levels or quality-of-life measures.
A long-term study found increased deaths from both liver-related and non-liver diseases in patients with active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections who had not cleared their infection. Chronic HCV infections can lead to increased mortality, even in people without symptoms.
A multicenter clinical trial published in JAMA found that silymarin supplements have no effect on serum ALT levels or hepatitis C virus levels. The study involved 154 patients with chronic hepatitis C and showed no significant differences in response between treatment groups.
Researchers found that silymarin supplements did not improve liver function or reduce symptoms in patients with treatment-resistant chronic hepatitis C. The study suggests that alternative treatments may be needed for this disease, which affects nearly 3% of the global population.
Researchers identify molecule that sequesters copper and routes it through urine, providing a previously unknown escape route from the body. This discovery could lead to new treatments for Wilson's disease, a rare disorder that causes copper accumulation in the liver.
Research finds that tobacco use increases the risk of viral hepatitis reinfection after liver transplantation. Smokers may experience lower immune system response, making them more susceptible to complications.
The American Heart Association has released a scientific statement addressing varied cardiac evaluation policies in transplant patients. The guidelines aim to standardize cardiac evaluation practices before kidney and liver transplantation, reducing unnecessary testing and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at UC San Diego have discovered a chemical called KL001 that affects the activity of cryptochrome, a key protein regulating our circadian rhythm. This finding offers a promising direction for developing new treatments for type 2 diabetes.
A study found that liver stiffness measured by transient elastography is an independent predictor of liver failure, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality in cirrhotic patients coinfected with HIV/HCV. The measurement also predicts potential recovery and survival in patients with cirrhosis.
A recent study published in Hepatology found that levels of hepatitis C virus (HCV) were higher among African-American and male injection drug users. The study also revealed that HCV RNA levels are influenced by demographic, viral, and human genetic factors, making it an important predictor of treatment response.
Scientists have created a new laboratory opossum model to study nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a common liver disease affecting up to 15 million Americans. The study found that high responders carried a mutated ABCB4 gene, leading to cholesterol accumulation in the liver and potential development of NASH.
Cyanobacteria populations are increasing globally due to global warming, producing more toxins that harm humans and the environment. In Spain, toxic cyanobacteria blooms in wetlands have been linked to high mortality rates among wildlife and potential human health risks.
The guidelines provide evidence-based information for diagnosing and managing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is rapidly becoming the most common cause of cirrhosis in the US. The condition can lead to liver cancer and failure, emphasizing the need for standardized medical care.
Researchers in Japan have successfully generated a new liver system using hepatocyte cell transplantation. The study demonstrated the feasibility of propagating mouse hepatocytes by creating a vascularized platform and uniform hepatocyte sheets, leading to the functionality of the engineered liver system.
A new MIT study examines how chronic inflammation can lead to cancer. The researchers found that the liver and colon respond differently to infection, with neutrophils secreting hypochlorous acid damaging proteins and DNA in the colon. The study could help predict the risk of chronic inflammation and develop ways to halt it.
A study of 450 pregnancies among 306 liver transplant recipients found lower miscarriage risk, higher live birth rates, and better delivery outcomes than the general population.
Dr. Rebecca Ruebner's study found that end-stage kidney disease is relatively uncommon in children after liver transplantation, occurring in 2% of patients. However, children who develop end-stage kidney disease have a high mortality rate, highlighting the importance of closely following them for early signs of kidney disease.
A new study from VCU School of Medicine has identified molecular changes that may explain the severity of liver disease and risks to heart health in patients with fatty liver. The findings suggest increased cholesterol production and decreased expression of a receptor that takes up cholesterol, leading to cardiovascular disease.
Children are at risk of liver failure and death from acetaminophen overdoses, which can be prevented with improved labelling, dosing devices, and pharmacist counseling. N-acetylcysteine is the standard treatment for liver toxicity related to an overdose.
Researchers found that mature hepatocytes offered better repopulation efficiency than stem/progenitor cells after transplantation into liver-injured rats. The mature hepatocytes continued to survive and proliferate for up to one year, while the stem/progenitor cells died within two months.
A phase III trial found that men without liver metastases lived 8.2 months longer than those with metastasis, despite similar progression-free survival and response to chemotherapy.
A new study suggests that chronic hepatitis B virus infection may be as high as 2.2 million cases in the US, with foreign-born individuals contributing significantly to this burden. The prevalence is higher than previously reported and affects up to 400 million individuals worldwide.
A 16th-century Korean child's mummified liver has revealed a unique hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotype C2 sequence common in Southeast Asia, providing insight into the virus's evolution and spread. The ancient genome is the oldest full viral genome described in scientific literature.
A new study explores the progression of diseases leading to liver damage, affecting diverse populations, including young people. The research shows that obesity is putting teens at risk for developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which may lead to lifelong problems and serious consequences.
The Multisociety Sedation Curriculum for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy provides a comprehensive framework for training gastroenterologists in procedure sedation. The curriculum emphasizes the importance of practice and research based on ethical principles, aiming to balance patient comfort with safety.
A University of Michigan Health System study reveals that Bcl10 is necessary for the harmful effects of high-fat foods on insulin action and blood sugar regulation. The findings suggest that even short-term changes in diet can induce insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding the body's response to indulgent eating.
Doctors at Georgetown University Medical Center successfully treated four patients with amanitin poisoning using an IV preparation of milk thistle seeds. The treatment prevented liver failure and allowed all patients to fully recover without significant consequence.
Researchers found that naked mole rats have a greater number of proteasomes and higher protein-disposal activity in liver cells, enabling them to maintain good health. The discovery provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the animal's exceptional ability to resist aging.
Scientists at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine found that activated myofibroblasts can revert to an inactive phenotype during liver healing, suggesting a potential treatment approach for reversing fibrosis. This discovery has implications for treating not only liver but also lung and kidney fibrosis.
Research suggests that liver fat can be beneficial if stored in tiny coated droplets, reducing glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. Circadian rhythm regulation of histone deacetylase 3 may play a crucial role in metabolic management.
A new study finds that liver transplants performed at night or on weekends have similar survival rates as daytime operations. Patient and graft survival rates were unaffected by the timing of the transplant, with slight increases in graft failure rate noted only at 365 days.
Two studies found that severe fibrosis increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis at an earlier period. Fatty liver disease also increases risk, with GGT levels serving as a potential biomarker for early atherosclerosis.
A family history of liver cancer is associated with a 70-fold increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, independent of hepatitis B or C markers. Monitoring individuals with family history and hepatitis markers may help identify HCC at an earlier stage.
A University of Illinois study found that soy protein reduces triglycerides and fat accumulation in the liver of obese rats. The researchers believe that soy protein isolate can alleviate the symptoms of fatty liver disease by partially restoring a key signaling pathway.
A University of Illinois study reveals that soy protein can alleviate symptoms of fatty liver disease by partially restoring a key signaling pathway. The research found a 20% reduction in triglycerides and overall fat accumulation in the livers of obese rats fed soy, suggesting its potential as a treatment option.
Studies reveal the significant financial cost of liver disease in Europe, with hospitalisations accounting for 50.6% of direct costs per month. Moreover, acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) has a high short-term mortality rate of 35.5%, emphasizing the need for better diagnostic criteria and treatment strategies.
A US study demonstrates that hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication can be limited by innate immune responses in murine cells. Inactivating these pathways and expressing entry factors enables infection and support of HCV replication.
Activated CD14+Trem-1+iNOS+ intestinal macrophages increase NO production, leading to enhanced intestinal permeability and bacterial product translocation. This upregulation contributes to the development of decompensated liver cirrhosis.
Recent clinical trials show promise for treating previously difficult to treat HCV patients, including those co-infected with HIV, and immunosuppressant-free treatment options like TMC435. New findings indicate higher SVR24 rates with addition of Boceprevir to PegIFN-α-2b and RBV.
The liver has been found to have a major impact on body weight regulation through its ability to influence appetite hormones in the brain. Research published in Diabetes reveals that overexpression of FBPase enzyme in the liver leads to reduced fat accumulation and decreased food intake.
Researchers identified stem cells in gallbladder tissue with the ability to repopulate injured livers and improve synthetic functions. These cells hold promise for treating various liver and metabolic diseases, including diabetes.
Recent clinical trials confirm that combinations of antivirals can provide a more effective treatment with fewer side effects. The new therapies target genotypes 1, 2, or 3 and include direct-acting antivirals and host-targeting antivirals.
A large-scale Danish study has found a positive link between childhood obesity and the development of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) in adulthood. The study monitored over 165,000 participants and found that as BMI increased during childhood, so did the risk of developing HCC.
Researchers have discovered a new and improved version of an enzyme that can detoxify deadly nerve agents, such as sarin. The PON1 variant shows 40-3,400-fold higher efficiency in metabolizing the three most toxic G-type nerve agents.
The EASL Clinical Practice Guidelines on Alcoholic Liver Disease provide recommendations for managing alcohol abuse and dependence, diagnosing liver diseases, and treating patients with ALD. The guidelines also identify areas for future research, including clinical trials.
A study presented at the International Liver Congress 2012 suggests that gut microbiota transplantation can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study found that transplanting microbiota from healthy mice prevented insulin resistance and liver inflammation in germ-free mice.
Research published in The Journal of Hepatology found that moderate alcohol consumption can reduce the risk and severity of liver disease in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD). Patients with NALFD who consume two drinks or less daily are half as likely to develop hepatitis as non-drinkers, experiencing less severe l...
Researchers at Salk Institute discover molecular switch controlling liver glucose production, potentially offering new avenue for treating insulin-resistant type II diabetes. The discovery may lead to agents that can selectively damp down activity of the IP3 spigot and calcineurin accelerator to lower blood sugar levels.
Researchers have discovered that Rev-erb proteins play a crucial role in controlling the body's internal clock and fat metabolism. When both proteins are not functioning, the liver fills with fat, leading to metabolic disorders. The study highlights the importance of understanding the circadian rhythm of metabolism.
Researchers found antibodies that can prevent infection from widely differing strains of HCV in cell culture and animal models. The newly discovered antibodies attach to sites on the viral envelope that seldom mutate, making them promising targets for an HCV vaccine.
A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die or become too sick for a transplant while waiting on the list compared to non-HCC candidates. The study suggests re-examining the prioritization criteria used to determine waitlist placement.
A study published in Hepatology found that diagnosing minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with the inhibitory control test and treating it with lactulose is cost-effective, preventing car accidents and reducing societal costs. The treatment prevents motor vehicle collisions and saves up to $3.6 million over a 5-year period.
Severe ill health has been found in bottlenose dolphins in Barataria Bay, Louisiana, which received heavy exposure to oil during the Deepwater Horizon spill. Preliminary results show underweight, anemic and diseased dolphins, as well as low levels of stress response hormones.
A new study by Yale School of Medicine researchers found that obese youths with particular genetic variants are more susceptible to fatty liver disease. The study focused on three ethnic groups and measured liver fat content using magnetic resonance imaging.
Research finds Patatin-like phospholipase domain containing protein-3 (PNPLA3) and glucokinase regulatory protein (GCKR) genetic variants contribute to fatty liver disease in obese children, explaining up to 39% of hepatic fat content.
A new study found that liver cancer patients are less likely to die on the wait list than non-HCC candidates, with HCC patients having substantially lower odds of waitlist removal for death or deterioration. The researchers argue that exception points currently allotted for HCC should be lowered.