Articles tagged with Liver
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have identified two types of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, a liver-specific type and a systemic type that affects other organs. The discovery could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of this growing patient group, with potential benefits for cardiovascular health.
A Virginia Tech researcher has received a collaborative grant to improve cancer therapies by developing 3D liver organoids and employing cutting-edge microscopy technology. The project aims to identify the most effective treatments for cancer, enabling better-targeted treatments.
A study published in Nature reveals that dietary fructose promotes tumor growth in animal models of melanoma, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. The liver converts fructose into usable nutrients for cancer cells, a finding that could lead to new treatment avenues.
Researchers identified plasma extracellular vesicle-derived microRNAs as potential biomarkers for AATD liver disease. They found 39 differentially expressed miRNAs, which were validated in an independent cohort for predicting AATD liver disease.
Long-term hormone therapy in transgender individuals leads to significant changes in body composition and risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Transgender men experience increased muscle volume and abdominal fat, while women's muscle mass decreases, according to a new study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine.
Brigham researchers found that intestinal infections alter bile composition to promote intestinal defense, highlighting the liver's role in defending against infection. The study identified hundreds of new bile metabolites and revealed a shift in bile function during enteric infection.
A new prognostic model, the CATCH-LIFE-MELD score, has been developed to predict short-term survival outcomes in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure. The model's enhanced accuracy allows clinicians to identify high-risk patients who may benefit from urgent interventions, such as liver transplantation.
A genetic key to understanding mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome has been identified, revealing mechanisms for improved diagnosis and treatment. The research highlights the crucial role of the MICOS10 gene in maintaining mitochondrial structure and function.
Researchers at UNC Health Care have discovered a little-known protein, PDGFA-associated protein 1 (PDAP1), that plays a crucial role in the replication and infection of hepatitis A virus. The protein is used by the virus to exploit the host cell's stress response, allowing it to produce its own proteins necessary for replication.
A new UCLA study categorizes people with chronic liver disease into four unique risk groups based on barriers to outpatient care, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations among the highest-risk individuals.
The updated Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) 3.0 has reduced liver transplant disparities for women, increasing their chances of being added to the waitlist, receiving a transplant, and staying on it. Women now have equalized rates with men in terms of waitlist mortality and transplant rates after the policy change.
A new study reveals dramatic changes to gut and mouth bacteria in people with chronic liver disease, correlating with increased antibiotic resistance and poor clinical outcomes. The findings suggest a need for personalized microbiome-based treatments and rapid diagnosis of infections to improve patient care.
A new study reveals that an AI algorithm can accurately detect early-stage metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in patients who meet the criteria, leaving 83% undiagnosed. This highlights the need for improved screening and diagnosis methods to prevent progression to advanced liver disease.
Hospitalization rates for alcohol-induced liver disease rose significantly between 2005 and 2021, with greater absolute increases among older males than younger females. The study highlights the growing burden of this condition and underscores the importance of addressing alcohol-related liver disease.
A study found that beer-only drinkers have lower-quality diets and are more likely to be male, younger, smokers, and low income. They also reported the highest total daily caloric intake and lowest level of physical activity compared to other alcohol consumers.
Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.
Researchers found that sodium butyrate inhibits necroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells of liver cirrhosis by regulating MLKL via E2F1. Fecal BA levels were negatively correlated with serum MLKL levels, suggesting a protective effect.
A study found that heavy drinking among adult Americans increased by more than 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued for the following two years. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 adults and showed a sustained increase in alcohol use across all age groups, genders, and regions.
The 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 gene plays a significant role in regulating liver lipid metabolism, with loss-of-function variants linked to reduced risk of chronic liver disease progression. HSD17B13 modulation may provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with metabolic liver disease.
Experimental mouse models are crucial for studying liver fibrosis regression, with various models exhibiting reversible fibrosis after removal of causative agents or therapeutic interventions. However, challenges persist in replicating human disease progression and regression, highlighting the need for further refinement of these models.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by metabolic alterations that disrupt immune function, contributing to disease progression. Metabolite imbalances, such as elevated lactate levels and reduced ketone bodies, further suppress immune responses.
Researchers found that TTA reverses meldonium-induced changes in fatty acid synthesis and elongation, alleviating liver fat accumulation. Alterations in delta-6 desaturase activity and plasma L-carnitine levels play a critical role in hepatic steatosis.
A total of eight metabolites were identified, with three major pathways found: demethylation, dehydrogenation, and oxidation. These findings suggest that demethylation is the primary detoxification pathway for humantenirine.
A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe was synthesized to detect native human albumin (HA) activity in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Native HA activity levels were significantly higher in low albumin groups, correlating with increased severity of liver disease.
Researchers from Peking University have identified a new compound, C7, that retains the therapeutic effect of obeticholic acid without causing itch. The study reveals the molecular mechanism of bile acids activating hX4 to induce cholestatic itch, offering hope for more effective and comfortable liver disease treatments.
This study identifies the hsa_circ_0001726/miR-140-3p/KRAS axis as a key regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and lenvatinib resistance. The axis is involved in promoting cell proliferation and migration, and is also linked to overall survival in HCC patients.
A new prognostic model accurately predicts short-term mortality in ACLF patients, offering improved clinical decision-making. The Model for end-stage liver disease-complication score demonstrated superior predictive accuracy and robustness in external cohorts.
A 48-week follow-up study found that TMF treatment did not significantly affect blood lipid profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Lipid indices remained stable, regardless of baseline characteristics.
A cohort study reveals that AATD patients with COPD have a unique liver transcriptomic profile, with upregulated pathways related to fibrosis and inflammation. Histopathological analysis confirms higher levels of fibrosis and hepatocellular damage in these individuals.
The GALAD algorithm combines AFP, AFP-L3, and PIVKA-II for HCC detection. Combining GAAD, GALAD, or PIVKA-II with ultrasound improves diagnostic efficiency compared to recommended strategies.
A U.S.-based single-center retrospective cohort study found that advanced liver fibrosis is a primary risk factor for incident liver decompensation and liver-related events in patients with biopsy-proven metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatolog...
Researchers have unveiled a complex interplay between liver X and thyroid hormone receptors that regulates critical brain functions and protects against neurodegeneration. LXRs play a crucial role in regulating thyroid hormone function in the brain, while both receptors are essential for normal brain development and maintenance.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD) exhibits persistent activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) and its primary transcription factor P53 even after dietary reversal. Elevated P53 levels correlate with hepatocyte ballooning, suggesting a link between DDR signaling and MASLD recurrence.
This study investigates the role of GPX4 methylation in ferroptosis during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ferroptosis is observed in oxygen and glucose deprivation, characterized by decreased cellular viability and increased lipid peroxidation.
A new study has found that rifaximin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed for liver disease patients, is driving the emergence of a deadly superbug. The antibiotic triggers specific changes in bacteria that make them resistant to last-resort antibiotics like daptomycin.
Researchers discovered that tuberculosis alters liver metabolism and can push patients towards metabolic disease like diabetes. The study suggests undiagnosed TB could be a significant contributor to metabolic health issues.
Researchers on the International Space Station have developed human liver tissues with enhanced functionality in microgravity, paving the way for novel stem cell-derived liver tissues and alternative to traditional liver transplants. The team also created a bioreactor system for stable supercooling preservation of tissues.
Researchers found inhibiting ACMSD increases NAD+ levels, reducing inflammation and fibrosis in mouse models of MASLD/MASH. Boosting NAD+ production could protect against severe liver damage and cirrhosis.
Researchers found that patients had the same success rate when treated for 24 hours compared to 72 hours, with no difference in need for transfusion, ventilation, or vasopressors. This suggests that shorter octreotide therapy may be sufficient and could help reduce hospital stays and costs.
Researchers have identified liver X receptor beta as a promising target for treating depression and anxiety, with key findings including LXRβ's role in regulating neurotransmission and neurogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression and personalized medicine approaches in psychiatry.
A recent study published in Liver Cancer found that patients with diabetes mellitus and comorbid obesity are at a higher risk of liver cancer recurrence after resection. The risk is significantly higher for those with comorbid obesity, increasing by approximately 3.8 times over five years postoperatively.
A recent study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles showed that reprioritizing organ allocation led to better outcomes for children with PALF. The changes resulted in substantially decreased deaths on the pediatric waitlist, increased rates of liver transplant, and improved post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg propose inhibiting somatostatin to restore glucagon release and prevent dangerous blood sugar levels. This approach has the potential to save lives and is supported by experimental results in mice with type 1 diabetes.
The TIPS procedure improves renal function in patients with portal hypertension, particularly those with refractory ascites. However, the benefits of TIPS for Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) and Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (HPS) are limited due to insufficient data.
Researchers identified CYP1B1 as a biomarker for HSC activation and liver fibrosis in patients and mice. Inhibition of CYP1B1 led to the accumulation of trehalose, which has anti-fibrotic activity, protecting mice from liver fibrosis.
Cholestasis leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, inflammation, and autophagy impairment. Novel therapeutic agents modulate mitochondrial and bile acid metabolism pathways to improve liver function.
A study published in Metabolism revealed a new mechanism for glucose production in the liver during stress. CREB and CRTC2 proteins were found to be involved in activating gluconeogenesis, a key metabolic function of the liver that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Women with hepatocellular carcinoma are less likely to receive a deceased-donor liver transplant due to sex-based differences in candidate size. The study's findings highlight the need for changes in allocation policy to improve access to size-matched donor livers for smaller candidates.
Researchers have shown that repeated administration of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA therapy significantly extended survival and reduced serum leucine levels in a mouse model of maple syrup urine disease. The treatment approach may represent a potential long-term universal treatment for MSUD.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered the role of A20 in suppressing chronic hepatitis by inhibiting the DCLK1-JNK pathway-dependent chemokines. In mice lacking A20 expression, hepatic stellate cells displayed spontaneous inflammation and increased chemokine levels.
Researchers developed a treatment approach using lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA therapy for MSUD, extending survival and reducing serum leucine levels. The study also identified a novel AAV variant with desirable biodistribution properties for targeting peripheral organs.
A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.
Researchers have created the first spatial map of malaria infection in the mouse liver using Spatial Transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing. This discovery sheds light on the parasite's lifecycle, revealing changes in host cell gene expression near infected areas.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that both meditation and stretching can significantly reduce cramp severity and improve quality of life for patients with cirrhosis. The researchers were surprised to find that meditation also had a positive effect on cramp severity, despite not expecting it.
Parents who struggle with alcohol use disorders can pass along symptoms of early aging to their children, affecting them well into adulthood. These accelerated aging effects include high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early onset dementia.
A study from Michigan Medicine researchers found that over 15 million adult Americans regularly consume herbal and dietary supplements containing potentially toxic liver ingredients. The largest proportion of users took turmeric or green tea supplements, while others used garcinia cambogia for weight loss.
Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.
A survey study estimates that 15.6 million US adults consume at least one potentially hepatotoxic botanical product within the past 30 days. Turmeric is the most commonly reported botanical, followed by green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh products.
A new study reveals that the protein CRTC plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart by ensuring it is neither too thick nor too thin. The research also shows that overexpression of CRTC causes cardiac hypertrophy, leading to adverse cardiovascular events.
Researchers used spatial transcriptomics to analyze liver biopsies from patients with CHB, uncovering distinct gene expression signatures and unique immune cell compositions. The study sheds light on the intricate interplay between the virus and the immune system, paving the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies.