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 two-year trial found that switching from entecavir to lamivudine resulted in a 24% virologic rebound rate and 12% drug-resistance rate. Patients who continued on entecavir therapy maintained undetectable HBV DNA levels.
A new study by UCLA researchers has found that a key regulator of cholesterol and fat metabolism in the liver also plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. LXRs, master regulators of cholesterol and inflammatory gene expression, control the fibrosis-making cells of the liver.
A new three-drug cocktail has been shown to eliminate the hepatitis C virus in patients more effectively than the current two-drug regimen, with significantly higher rates of sustained virologic response. This breakthrough treatment offers new hope for patients who have not responded to previous therapy.
Researchers estimate that lifting the ban on HIV-infected organ donation could provide transplants to 500 patients annually. The study suggests that this change would not only benefit HIV-positive patients but also reduce waiting times for non-HIV infected patients.
Spanish researchers found that liver transplant recipients who quit smoking have a lower incidence of smoking-related malignancies, while active smoking increases the risk. Smoking cessation after liver transplantation reduces the incidence of malignancy, suggesting it may be a protective factor.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered a hormone pathway that could lead to new ways of treating type 1 diabetes independent of insulin. Fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) has insulin-like characteristics and may offer an alternative treatment for diabetes.
A study found vitamin D deficiency is common in patients with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, with severity linked to liver dysfunction. The research highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin D levels in all cirrhosis patients, with further studies needed to determine optimal supplementation.
Researchers have identified 15 new genetic regions associated with an increased risk of developing primary biliary cirrhosis. The study used genome data from 2,500 patients and 7,500 healthy individuals, tripling the number of known genetic regions to 22.
Researchers discovered new genetic variants affecting nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which may help doctors diagnose and treat the condition more effectively. The study found that approximately one quarter of NAFLD variation is influenced by genetics, with potential applications for clinical algorithms and novel therapeutics.
A research team discovered molecules that act as 'shift workers' to maintain the daily rhythm of fat metabolism in the liver. The findings suggest that disruption of this rhythm can lead to fatty liver and metabolic disorders.
Researchers found that patients with alcohol abuse history experienced less improvement in physical quality of life and greater pain and physical limitations after transplant surgery. However, their mental health quality improved significantly between baseline and one-month follow-up.
Alice Chen's inventions aim to improve drug development and disease modeling using humanized mice with tissue-engineered human livers. Her work has the potential to lead to a safer, less expensive, and more efficient path for drug testing.
Researchers found a significant association between IL28B genotypes and interferon-based antiviral treatment outcomes, as well as graft inflammation caused by hepatitis C virus (HCV). The presence of G-allele serves as a marker for severe HCV-induced graft inflammation and predictor of unsuccessful treatment.
UCSF researchers have discovered a crucial hormone pathway that contributes to the development of fatty liver disease. By disrupting this pathway, they found that fat accumulation in the liver can occur even without alcohol consumption. The study's findings may lead to the development of new therapeutic drugs targeting this pathway.
Studies using DREADD technology found that stimulating AgRP neurons induced weight gain and intense food seeking behavior, while inhibiting these neurons inhibited food intake. In another study, researchers discovered a new mechanism explaining growth hormone's role in fatty liver disease, which may lead to the development of novel tre...
Research reveals that gut bacteria can exert control over metabolic functions of organs, including the liver, through changes in the microbiota. The study found that colonization with specific bacteria triggered changes in liver metabolic profiles, including glycogen and triglyceride production.
A recent study found that hepatitis C patients in the US are twice as likely to be uninsured, with only a third having access to antiviral therapy. The lack of adequate health insurance coverage is a significant barrier to treatment, particularly for those with comorbidities.
A recent study published in The Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that individuals with fatty liver were significantly more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those without. Fatty liver was shown to be an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes, regardless of insulin resistance levels.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh developed a new donor-liver distribution system that could lead to up to 14% more transplants annually. The proposed regions aim to better account for population differences and geographic distance to increase organ availability.
The UK's failure to address its alcohol problem could result in a significant increase in liver deaths, with the country facing a projected 77,000 excess deaths over 20 years if it doesn't adopt effective policies. The authors argue that increasing alcohol quality and limiting availability of cheap products can help reduce death rates.
The University of South Florida is collaborating with Draper Laboratory to develop human liver models and long-term continuous culture systems for P. vivax malaria. This research aims to accelerate the discovery of new drugs or vaccines, targeting the dormant liver forms of the parasite.
A recent study by researchers at Rhode Island Hospital has found that the protein RIP1 plays a dual role in sepsis, promoting both cell death and survival. The study suggests that RIP1 is necessary for survival during septic injury, and its pro-survival trigger may hold key to developing new treatments for sepsis.
A new study reveals that estrogen receptors in the liver are critical for maintaining fertility, with dietary protein playing a crucial role. The researchers found that mice on calorie-restricted diets showed reduced reproductive cycles, but those given more protein restored normal function.
Recent research suggests that liver resection patients are at risk of developing hepatic vein thrombosis, which can lead to pulmonary embolism. The study reports two cases where thrombi formed in hepatic veins following surgery.
A new study links specific groups of gut bacteria to the development of fatty liver disease. The researchers found that certain bacterial populations correlated with increased fat in the liver during a restricted choline diet. These findings suggest that individual variations in gut bacteria may play a role in the disease, and could le...
A new method using MRI T2*-weighted imaging is proposed for assessing iron overload in beta-thalassemic patients. The results indicate that serum ferritin levels are not reliable for estimating iron stores, making MRI a more accurate and non-invasive option.
Scientists have discovered a new group of sensory neurons in the mouse liver that mediate blood pressure regulation and metabolism. Drinking water triggers an elevation in blood pressure in sick and elderly people, and this effect is mediated by the TRPV4 ion channel.
A study published in Hepatology found that HIV-infected patients with liver cancer have a higher risk of dropping off the transplantation wait list compared to HIV-negative patients. Despite this, overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates are not significantly affected following liver transplantation.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology investigated the seroprevalence of Hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies among patients with chronic viral liver disease in South Korea. The study found that most patients above 40 years old have already been exposed to HAV, highlighting the need for vaccination against HAV.
A study by Washington University School of Medicine raised safety concerns about targeting the Notch1 signaling pathway in cancer treatment. The research found that mice developed vascular tumors, massive hemorrhages, and died after chronic disruption of the Notch1 signal, highlighting the potential risks of anti-Notch therapies.
Researchers successfully create human liver tissue using tissue engineering, showing promise for liver cell transplantation. The new model uses resorbable scaffolds made from surgical sutures and can be used to overcome the organ shortage in patients with acute liver failure.
Researchers found a statistically significant decrease in peritoneal cavity fluid and clinical and biochemical improvement in many patients. The study suggests that cell transplantation might be clinically significant beyond improving laboratory parameters, potentially through paracrine effects.
A study by St. Michael's Hospital researchers found that people with fatty liver disease are three times more likely to suffer a stroke than those without the condition. High levels of liver enzymes were also found in adults who had an acute stroke, suggesting a potential link between the two.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that over half of liver transplant patients develop metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. This increases their risk for cardiovascular disease and mortality, but not necessarily mortality itself.
A new study found that mice sired by fathers on a low-protein diet exhibit changes in metabolic genes, passed down via the sperm, and associated with improved cholesterol metabolism. This suggests transgenerational reprogramming of metabolism, challenging traditional views on the impact of parental nutrition.
Research reveals that the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway plays a crucial role in reducing ketone production, a hallmark of aging in mice. The study found that activating mTORC1 decreases ketogenesis, and suppressing it prevents the decline in ketone levels associated with aging.
Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine present a new explanation for how fibrotic cells form in the human liver, upending long-held assumptions about EMT and FSP1. The study reveals endogenous stellate cells are the primary culprit in liver fibrosis, and FSP1 is an unreliable marker.
A study by German researchers discovered a link between the PNPLA3 gene and liver cirrhosis in Caucasian alcoholics, revealing that those carrying a specific genetic variant may be at a higher risk of developing the condition. The study found that up to 50% of these high-risk individuals may progress to cirrhosis.
Researchers found radiofrequency ablation to be a safe and effective therapy for managing hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients. The procedure resulted in high complete response rates, with 98.5% of patients achieving disease-free status.
Researchers identified a crucial protein, LXR-beta, involved in the negative side effects of glucocorticoid drugs. Targeting this protein may lead to safer drug designs. Additionally, TXNL2 is found to protect human breast cancer cells from oxidative stress, while mutations in SLC1A1 cause rare kidney disorder dicarboxylic aminoaciduria.
Researchers discovered SRC-1, a steroid receptor coactivator, plays a crucial role in regulating the liver's glucose production. The study found that mice lacking SRC-1 have impaired glucose production, leading to hypoglycemia.
Research shows anti-microbial medications are a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury, with women and minorities disproportionately affected. Liver transplantation offers excellent survival rates, but further investigation is needed to understand the impact of alcohol use and diabetes.
A new scoring system for diagnosing Wilson's disease in pediatric patients has been developed, demonstrating 93% positive and 92% negative predictive values. The test's effectiveness was tested on children with mild liver disease and asymptomatic individuals, showing no significant improvement from the penicillamine challenge test.
A study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that IBD patients with hospital-acquired infections experience increased mortality and prolonged hospital stays. The majority of infections among hospitalized IBD patients are health-care associated, with severe liver disease patients being at highest risk.
Patients with abnormal liver function who receive statin treatment show improved liver function and reduced risk of cardiovascular events. Long-term statin treatment is a safe and promising strategy for patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).
Researchers found that boosting hepcidin levels may directly affect relieving anemic patients of their body's iron overload. Two studies illustrated a potential new dietary treatment for patients with hemochromatosis by increasing hepcidin levels and reducing iron absorption from the gut.
A new report reveals sub-standard transportation practices for donor organs led to fatal air crashes and emphasizes the need for improved safety measures. The study suggests implementing measures like quality aircraft, two-pilot crews, and aviation safety consultants to improve safety in organ procurement travel.
A team of researchers identified the gene Trib1 in mice, which regulates lipid production by the liver. Overexpression of Trib1 decreased blood lipids, while lack of Trib1 increased them. This suggests that TRIB1 is responsible for associations between chromosome 8 and lipid levels.
A recent study found that patients with more intra-abdominal fat are at higher risk of complications following major liver surgery, including longer hospital stays and increased mortality rates. However, body mass index (BMI) was not associated with these risks, highlighting the importance of using alternative measures to assess obesity.
The study reveals that specialized blood vessel cells initiate and sustain liver regeneration by producing growth factors. This finding opens the door for designing new therapies to treat damaged livers. The researchers identified specific genes, such as Id1 and Wnt2, that enable endothelial cells to regulate liver regeneration.
Research reveals alcohol's far-reaching consequences, including weakened immune systems, impaired bone growth, and increased risks of HIV transmission and poor surgical outcomes.
A new study reveals that telaprevir significantly improves sustained viral response rates for first-time hepatitis C patients to 75%, even for African-Americans and those with advanced liver fibrosis. The regimen's shorter treatment time also produces lower discontinuation rates for side effects compared to standard therapy.
New data from Phase 3 studies demonstrated telaprevir-based combination therapy achieved higher viral cure rates (75%) compared to current therapies, with significant improvements in response to treatment across various patient groups. African Americans and those with advanced liver fibrosis or cirrhosis also showed improved SVR rates.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have found that mortality rates from liver diseases are underestimated, with the condition ranking as high as fourth for certain age groups. The study analyzed data from 1979-2006 and found a significant correlation between national statistics and local mortality data.
Scientists have successfully engineered miniature human livers that function like real ones in a laboratory setting. The next step is to test their function after transplantation in animal models, with the ultimate goal of providing a solution to the liver transplant shortage.
A recent study by Henry Ford Hospital found that the race of liver donors may impact recurrent hepatitis C in patients after liver transplant. Patients receiving white cadaveric donor grafts had significantly more aggressive recurrent hepatitis C than those receiving grafts from African-American donors, regardless of recipient race. Th...
A Saint Louis University study found that curcumin eliminated the effects of leptin on activating hepatic stellate cells, which short-circuited the development of liver damage. The researchers discovered a potential therapy for treating and preventing liver fibrosis associated with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).
A new study published in Liver Transplantation found that obese children have a higher mortality risk after primary liver transplantation, while severely thin pediatric patients face an early mortality risk within the first year. The study suggests post-metabolic syndrome may contribute to late morbidity and mortality.
Alice Chen won $15,000 for implanting human liver cells in mice to facilitate drug testing. Mark Jensen received $10,000 for a method to manufacture composite lattice pole structures. The competition honored 15 students for their innovative ideas, with some using mice to study disease and others developing new materials.
Researchers at UCSF are advancing human embryonic stem cell-based strategies to treat neurological diseases and liver failure. They will investigate novel strategies using embryonic neurons to inhibit hyperactivity in the nervous system and develop therapeutically effective liver cells from human embryonic stem cells.