Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
Researchers have found a way to protect the liver from damage caused by certain drugs, which could lead to improved drug safety. By targeting gap junctions in liver cells, they hope to develop new therapies for treating patients with drug-induced liver injury.
Researchers have discovered a way to block cell-to-cell communication in the liver, preventing damage caused by toxic drugs like acetaminophen. The approach has potential for improving drug safety and could lead to new treatment options for patients with drug-induced liver injury.
A study published in Hepatology found that older Americans with cirrhosis require twice the amount of informal caregiving and contribute added strain on the healthcare system. The prevalence of cirrhosis is expected to climb in this frail population due to increasing obesity and aging of those with hepatitis C.
Patients with cirrhosis are more likely to be Hispanic, have lower education, and higher healthcare utilization. They also experience significant functional disability, requiring twice the amount of informal caregiving as non-cirrhotic peers.
A new classification for diagnosing fibrosis in patients with chronic HCV has shown to be as accurate as currently used algorithms, but required no further liver biopsy. The study combined two fibrosis tests, providing a non-invasive and more precise fibrosis diagnosis.
A UCSF-led study found that children with biliary atresia who received maternal liver grafts had a failure rate of 3.7%, compared to 10.5% for paternal grafts. The researchers believe higher levels of maternal cells may establish tolerance and acceptance of maternal organs.
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is rapidly increasing in the U.S., mainly related to obesity and diabetes. Researchers found excellent post-transplantation survival rates among NASH patients, with one-year survival rates near 88%.
A team of researchers has identified markers that may enable liver transplant recipients to be weaned off their immunosuppressive drugs. Higher blood levels of iron-handling proteins and specific gene expressions in the liver can predict which patients are suitable for drug-weaning protocols.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine have identified the A2b adenosine receptor as a potential new target for preventing early stages of atherosclerosis. The study found that the receptor plays a key role in regulating liver lipid profiles and reducing atherosclerosis in mice on high-fat diets.
Researchers found that patients with fatty livers burn more fat and produce glucose faster than those with healthy livers, potentially leading to organ damage. The study's findings challenge previous assumptions about the role of metabolism in fatty liver disease.
A study found that green tea flavonoid EGCG inhibits the entry of hepatitis C virus into liver cells, suggesting a potential antiviral strategy to prevent reinfection following liver transplantation. The researchers investigated the effect of EGCG on HCV in preventing attachment and spread within liver cells.
A study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that liver transplant candidates prioritize 'best quality' organs over those with a higher risk of failure. The study found that patients prefer to have an equal or dominant role in deciding organ acceptance, and presenting organ quality as 'average quality' can increase risk tolerance.
Patients on liver transplant waiting lists prefer to receive high-quality donor organs, even if it means waiting longer, according to a new study. The research found that 58% of candidates would only accept organs with a risk of graft failure of 25% or less.
Recent studies have uncovered significant limitations in liver cancer screening for patients with cirrhosis, emphasizing the need for enhanced diagnostic procedures. Most patients with cirrhosis prefer surveillance over non-screening, and ultrasonographic screening at different intervals did not improve detection of small liver cancers.
Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that manipulating serotonin's actions can tip the balance towards healthy tissue regeneration and block scarring in mouse models of chronic liver disease. This approach targets the 5-HT2B receptor, which instructs scar-forming cells to switch off regeneration.
A new study by Johns Hopkins researchers found no correlation between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and increased mortality. NAFLD, prevalent among those with heart disease and obesity, does not appear to undermine health and longevity.
Repeatedly taking slightly too much paracetamol over time can lead to a dangerous staggered overdose. Patients with staggered overdoses often have low levels of paracetamol in their blood despite being at high risk of liver failure and death, according to Dr Kenneth Simpson.
A team of scientists from Scripps Research Institute has identified a family of chemical compounds that could lead to the development of novel drugs capable of not only alleviating symptoms but also preventing the deadly disease. The new class of compounds is highly effective against malaria parasites in both the blood and liver stages.
Researchers at Novartis have discovered a new class of dual-acting antimalarial compounds, the imidazolopiperazines (IZPs), which target both liver and blood infections. These compounds attack the Plasmodium parasite at both stages in its reproduction cycle, showing promise as a next-generation treatment for malaria.
A recent study by Marshall University researchers discovered that nanoparticles of cerium oxide, commonly used in diesel fuels, can travel from the lungs to the liver and cause damage. The study found a dose-dependent increase in cerium levels in the liver, associated with liver enzyme elevations and histological evidence of liver damage.
Researchers have identified a new class of compounds, known as the imidazolopiperazine (IP) cluster, that could target both liver and blood stages of malaria infection. The IP cluster, including compound GNF179, showed promise in treating malaria-infected mice, extending survival by an average of 19 days.
Higher quality livers come from ducks with active fat-storing cells, while lower quality livers have cells struggling with high fat levels. Analyzing liver proteins revealed a key factor in determining foie gras quality.
A new treatment combining corticosteroids and N-acetylcysteine improves survival rates for patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis by 35-40% within a month, compared to the conventional cortisone-based treatment. The study results show that this combination therapy is well-tolerated and offers a promising prognosis for severe alcoholic...
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital found that adult living donor liver transplants are safe with a 100% donor survival rate and low-grade complications. The study, which looked at 54 living donor liver transplants over 10 years, also found minor complications in 61% of donors.
Researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center have identified a new molecular signature for biliary atresia, a devastating pediatric liver disease. The study found that some children with the condition exhibit high levels of Th2 immune system activity, providing a potential target for new therapies.
A study by Henry Ford Hospital found that patients with advanced liver disease have significantly higher healthcare costs compared to those with early stages of the disease. The average annual cost for patients with end-stage liver disease was estimated to be $59,995.
A human monoclonal antibody significantly suppressed hepatitis C virus (HCV) levels in liver transplant patients, delaying viral rebound. The treatment also reduced HCV-related liver damage and improved patient outcomes.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care have identified the regulatory mechanism behind cell polyploidy, a phenomenon observed in plants and insects. The discovery may lead to new insights into liver regeneration and disease treatment.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a promising new treatment for iron overload disorders using minihepcidin peptides, which mimic the natural protein hepcidin to lower iron levels in the blood. The study provides hope for individuals affected by hereditary hemochromatosis and beta-thalassemia.
Researchers discovered that insulin signaling converges with nutrient metabolism pathways to regulate lipid synthesis in the liver. The study suggests that multiple pathways are required for insulin-resistant livers to accumulate lipids.
The genome sequencing of Clonorchis sinensis reveals that it lacks enzymes required for fatty acid biosynthesis, unlike other liver flukes. This discovery provides insight into the parasite's complex lifestyle and may lead to new ways of controlling diseases caused by this parasite.
Differences in two metabolic enzymes may explain susceptibility to liver damage. Low levels of GAPDH and NDPK are associated with increased oxidative stress and disease severity.
A new study has identified 42 genetic regions associated with liver function, providing a better understanding of liver damage and disease. The research, involving over 61,000 people, may lead to new treatments that can improve liver function and prevent liver damage.
Scientists have cleanly corrected a human gene mutation in a patient's stem cells, using cutting-edge methods to target and correct the sequence of the genome. The corrected gene worked normally, demonstrating the potential for patient-specific therapies.
Studies reveal the role of Sirt1 in improving insulin sensitivity through caloric restriction. Researchers also identify a potential treatment approach for KRAS mutant colorectal cancers by combining receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors with MEK inhibitors. Additionally, new insights into the cellular defects of Huntington disease are p...
A new inherited neurometabolic disorder has been discovered, caused by mutations in the ADK gene. The disease, adenosine kinase deficiency, disrupts the methionine cycle, leading to symptoms such as encephalopathy and abnormal liver function.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a powerful molecular pathway regulating the liver's insulin management and new glucose production. FOX06, a protein family member, plays a crucial role in glucose production, leading to improved blood sugar levels when inhibited.
Researchers at UCLA developed a risk scoring system to predict long-term survival after liver re-transplantation, identifying eight key risk factors for potential failure. The predictive index will help guide physicians in determining patient risk and provide patients with informed consent information.
Researchers found that high-volume transplant centers used more high-risk donor livers, but achieved better graft and recipient survival rates. The study's findings suggest that increased organ utilization can improve outcomes for transplantation patients.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a lower incidence of liver-related complications and hepatocellular carcinoma compared to those infected with hepatitis C virus. NAFLD patients also had similar mortality rates as patients with HCV, despite having higher rates of cardiovascular complications.
A new study published in Hepatology found that living donor liver transplant recipients had a 56% lower mortality rate compared to those waiting for a deceased donor liver transplant. However, this benefit was not observed for candidates with low MELD scores and hepatocellular carcinoma.
A new treatment, percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP), has been shown to significantly extend the time patients with liver-dominant metastatic melanoma can live without disease progression. On average, PHP patients survived for 8.1 months, compared to 1.6 months in the control group.
Digna Biotech receives FDA approval for cardiotrophin-1 as an acute liver failure treatment. The medicine is expected to work by acting as a messenger to damaged liver cells, helping them recover and restoring function. Cardiotrophin-1 has been shown to stimulate hepatic regeneration and protect hepatocytes during acute hepatic damage.
A Finnish study published in PLoS Medicine found that people living alone are more vulnerable to the adverse effects of increased alcohol availability, leading to a substantially increased risk of alcohol-related mortality. The study analyzed data from over 80% of Finland's population between 2000 and 2007 and discovered a greater incr...
Scientists at Centenary Institute discovered that liver cells can engulf and destroy T-cells, reducing organ rejection in transplants and potentially fighting hepatitis and other chronic liver diseases. The discovery opens up new approaches to transplant rejection and treatment of liver diseases, which affect millions worldwide.
A new study published in American Journal of Physiology and Endocrinology Metabolism found that mice born to mothers on a high-fat diet before and during pregnancy have higher fat mass and smaller livers. Switching to low-fat diet reduces risk, according to researchers at Oregon Health & Science University.
A new study has shown that a 24-week treatment course for hepatitis C is just as effective as a 48-week regimen for many patients. The study included 540 patients with chronic genotype 1 hepatitis C who had not previously been treated or could not be successfully treated with current standard of care.
A study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found that pure maple syrup improved liver function tests in rats fed a diet with 20% pure maple syrup compared to a control group. The results suggest that maple syrup's polyphenolic antioxidants may help regulate glucose metabolism and reduce liver enzyme levels.
Transplantation specialists propose changes to liver organ distribution to prioritize patients with high MELD scores and reduce waitlist mortality. The new model aims to rapidly allocate organs to those most in need, ensuring timely delivery and reducing death rates.
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine identified a protein called Sab that protects the liver from acetaminophen toxicity in mice. Silencing this protein also prevents liver injury caused by apoptosis and other stressors, offering a potential new target for preventing drug-induced liver disease.
Researchers discovered dendritic cells play a protective role in the liver against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure. High levels of dendritic cells are associated with protection, while low levels exacerbate liver damage and death.
A European study found radioembolization to be a viable treatment option for liver cancer patients, with median overall survival near 13 months. The procedure improved survival rates across different tumor stages and in patients with few treatment options.
Researchers found that saffron significantly reduced the number and incidence of liver nodules, with complete inhibition observed at the highest dose. Saffron also inhibited the elevation of proteins indicating liver damage and blocked inflammation.
Research suggests Hepatitis G virus may cause liver damage and cancer, contrary to FDA's initial declaration in 1997. A review of scientific literature shows the virus is prevalent globally, linked to hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine have devised a gene therapy cocktail that can treat some inherited diseases caused by misfolded proteins. The approach uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver two payloads simultaneously: one disables the mutant protein and another provides a new gene to replace its activity.
Scientists at Joslin Diabetes Center have discovered a new connection between obesity and insulin resistance through altered protein splicing. The study suggests that changes in RNA splicing proteins may contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes, offering potential targets for novel diabetes drugs.
The PATH B program provides a comprehensive educational resource for patients with chronic hepatitis B, improving understanding of the disease and enhancing patient-physician dialogue. The program aims to increase patient engagement in disease management, resulting in better quality of life.
Kezhong Zhang is studying CREBH's role in regulating NAFLD through a $1.7 million NIH grant. He aims to understand how CREBH controls fat production and digestion, with implications for preventing and treating NAFLD.
A new study by McMaster University researchers found that South Asians are more likely to store fat in internal organs like the liver, increasing the risk of diabetes and coronary artery disease. The study suggests that this type of visceral fat is associated with metabolic problems and may affect organ function.
Researchers found that pediatric liver-transplant patients required a second vaccination to defend against the pandemic virus, as a single-dose H1N1 vaccine did not provide adequate protection. A study published in Liver Transplantation revealed that increasing time since transplant correlated with successful immune response.