Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
Research suggests adiponectin inhibits leptin-induced migration of liver cancer cells, slowing tumor growth and improving disease-free survival. The study's findings offer a promising therapy for obese liver cancer patients by targeting the oncogenic actions of leptin.
A new index of adipose dysfunction, visceral adiposity index (VAI), is directly correlated with viral load and independently associated with steatosis and necroinflammatory activity in patients with G1 CHC. VAI score also linked to insulin resistance, fibrosis, and moderate-severe necroinflammatory activity.
Two Japanese research teams have reported breakthrough studies in liver cell transplantation, with one team finding that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) can differentiate into hepatocyte-like cells and another team successfully transplanting porcine hepatocytes into mice with acute liver failure, highlighting progress in overcomin...
New study suggests that high levels of NOS2 are a predictor of survival in patients with ER-negative breast tumors and may be a good target for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, researchers identify the H-CDR3 antibody region as a potential key to treating pemphigus by targeting it with specific therapy. However, genetic inactiva...
Research finds pentoxifylline improves NASH, reducing fat and inflammation; vitamin E also shows promise in improving liver histology independently of insulin resistance. Studies suggest new treatment options for overweight individuals with liver disease.
Italian researchers found that liver transplant candidates with a strong religious connection had better post-transplant survival rates. The study also revealed that religiosity can prolong life span in individuals undergoing liver transplantation.
Patients treated with terlipressin for gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension experienced a significant reduction in serum sodium concentration. The study suggests that monitoring serum sodium closely and avoiding high-sodium solutions may help prevent adverse events.
Researchers found that weight-based dosing of taribavirin achieves comparable efficacy to ribavirin for treating chronic hepatitis C, with lower rates of anemia. The study suggests a safer alternative for HCV treatment while maintaining efficacy.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University discovered that multipolar mitosis, a form of cell division typically associated with cancer, can produce diverse and viable cells capable of protecting the liver from injury. This process may reveal why some individuals are more susceptible to liver diseases.
A new study reports a low stricture recurrence rate of postoperative biliary strictures after endoscopic stent placement, with successful retreatment options available. The study followed up on patients who underwent the treatment from 2001 to 2010, finding that most remained asymptomatic and had normal liver function tests.
Scientists have found a key protein regulating biological clocks also regulates glucose production in the liver, improving diabetic mice health. Altering this protein can open new treatments for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Research at the University of Liverpool has led to a potential breakthrough in detecting liver damage, using paracetamol as a basis for study. The team discovered specific proteins in the blood indicate early liver cell damage and can assess the extent of damage more accurately.
A recent UCI study discovered that liver defects may be a likely cause of low levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in Alzheimer's patients. The research found that DHA is not only essential for brain health but also plays a crucial role in preventing the neurodegenerative disease.
A new study found that adherence to practice guidelines reduces bleeding in cirrhosis patients, with 82% of those without bleeding receiving their screening EGD within six months. Patients who did not bleed were more likely to have received their screening EGD within the six-month window compared to those who bled.
Researchers found that naringenin activates nuclear receptors, increasing fatty acid oxidation and inhibiting 'bad cholesterol' production. This compound mimics actions of existing drugs, offering a potential treatment for hyperlipidemia, type-2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Scientists have created diseased liver cells from human skin samples to model a range of inherited disorders. The breakthrough could lead to personalized treatments and cell-based therapy for those suffering from liver diseases.
Patients hospitalized with alcoholic liver disease have a significantly increased mortality risk compared to those with non-alcoholic liver disease. The study suggests that the key difference between the two conditions is alcohol dependence, which exacerbates social problems and disease progression.
A study using MRI and MR spectroscopy found that abdominal and liver fat are key predictors of successful weight loss in individuals at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. After a lifestyle intervention, participants with lower baseline levels of these fats experienced greater reductions in body weight and improved insulin sensitivity.
A study found that geographic variation plays a key role in disparities in liver transplantation among racial and ethnic groups. Hispanics and Asians experience lower transplant rates compared to Caucasians, particularly at high MELD scores.
A new study found that those at highest risk to drink alcohol post-transplant can be identified, potentially preventing relapse. The length of sobriety prior to surgery is the most powerful predictor of return to alcohol use, with shorter sobriety conferring higher risk.
A Henry Ford Hospital study found that the Donor Risk Index does not significantly impact liver transplant outcomes on a small scale. Hepatitis C was shown to remain a major contributor to poor graft survival in transplant patients. The study confirms this finding despite large-scale data suggesting otherwise, highlighting the importan...
Researchers found that only a subset of pre-transplant HCV viruses can infect the new liver, with these viruses having mutations in their surface protein that evade the immune response. This discovery may lead to new ways to prevent reinfection after liver transplant.
The merlin protein controls adult liver stem cell activity and prevents the overproliferation of these cells. This can lead to the development of liver cancer in mice.
The European Association for the Study of the Liver has released clinical practice guidelines for managing ascites, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis, and hepatorenal syndrome in patients with cirrhosis. The guidelines aim to improve disease outcomes and symptoms for cirrhotic patients.
A case report describes a rare instance of vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) secondary to nevirapine use in an HIV-positive pregnant female. The patient experienced liver dysfunction, jaundice, and itching after starting triple-drug therapy with nevirapine. Liver biopsy revealed cholestatic hepatitis, leading to severe ductopenia and...
A new trend in managing benign biliary strictures is emerging with the use of a removable covered SEMS. The stent, made of nitinol wire, imparts an outward radial force on the biliary duct to establish patency and has a radio-opaque string for easy retrieval.
Researchers suggest treatments used on liver cancers beyond Milan criteria be applied to all patients with HCC listed for transplantation. Ablation and waiting can control tumors, allowing time to determine tumor biology and reducing recurrence rates.
A double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial found that high doses of ursodeoxycholic acid failed to improve overall liver histology in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Only lobular inflammation showed significant improvement in certain subgroups.
Researchers at Oregon State University have found that stimulating the production of fatty acid elongase-5 enzyme in mice can cure mild diet-induced diabetes. The study suggests a new approach to diabetes therapy, with potential applications for human treatment and management of related conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A study found that perfusion CT can detect hemodynamic changes in liver tissue, indicating drug-induced hepatic damage. The research team correlated perfusion CT parameters with ALT levels and treatment cycles, revealing increased HPI and MTT in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Researchers have discovered a new route for delivering cholesterol into the feces, revising understanding of cholesterol loss. This finding suggests that an alternative pathway may deliver cholesterol directly to the intestine through the bloodstream, potentially reducing side effects associated with bile-based cholesterol delivery.
Cincinnati Children's Hospital researchers have identified molecular signatures that can classify the vast majority of patients with biliary atresia as inflamed or fibrotic. This helps determine the 'stage' of liver disease, allowing for tailored treatments and potential new therapies.
Researchers found significant correlation between shear wave velocity and histological fibrous stages in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This technology allows for longitudinal evaluation of liver rigidity at multiple sites, potentially useful for fibrous staging and prognostic indicator.
Liver transplant patients receiving cyclosporine for immunosuppression are at higher risk of developing de novo cancer, particularly those transplanted in recent years and younger than 50. The study found a significant association between C2 monitoring and increased early de novo cancer risk.
A new mouse model has revealed that a diet high in fructose and trans fats can lead to fatty liver disease with scar tissue. The study also identified potential biomarkers for early detection and suggests therapeutic interventions may reverse or protect against progressive liver damage.
Researchers have found that modulating the adrenal gland's production of glucocorticoid hormones can regulate the resetting of the internal body clock, providing a new potential therapy for jet lag. This discovery also has implications for those who suffer from rotating shift work and its associated health problems.
A 13-year study found a higher incidence rate of serious liver disease in adults with newly diagnosed diabetes compared to non-diabetic controls. The study suggests that insulin resistance and fatty load in the liver may contribute to liver disease in people with diabetes.
Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) is a significant complication of adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation. Researchers report successful use of running sutures with intimal eversion to reduce HAT incidence. Atraumatic microsurgical techniques and careful stoma sizing also contribute to graft survival.
Research found that blueberries reduced liver damage and inflammation in laboratory animals with hepatic fibrosis. The study suggested that consuming blueberries may be beneficial for people with liver diseases, including fibrosis.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a technique to grow transplantable replacement livers using the structural tissue of rat livers. The approach involves decellularizing the liver and reseeding it with liver cells, resulting in normal liver function for up to 10 days in culture.
A controlled trial suggests that a combination of band ligation and nadolol may not be the most effective prophylaxis for first variceal bleeding. Beta blockers are generally considered the treatment of choice for prophylaxis of first variceal bleeding.
A study published in Hepatology found that fewer than 20% of patients with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma received regular surveillance. Despite high-risk patients being recommended for HCC surveillance, population-based studies indicate only 11% are diagnosed early enough to receive potentially curative treatments.
A new chemotherapy delivery method has shown promising results in treating advanced melanoma patients with liver metastasis. The phase III trial demonstrated a significant increase in progression-free survival rates and controlled tumors in the liver.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have found that a medication used to treat seizures may be able to reverse or prevent the scarring of the liver in children with a genetic disorder. The study, published in Science, shows that carbamazepine can reduce toxic protein accumulation and improve liver function.
Researchers at UCLA Medical Center found antiviral therapy during compensated cirrhosis to be the most cost-effective approach for treating HCV patients with advanced liver disease. Treatment initiated before progression to more advanced liver disease resulted in improved survival and decreased costs compared to other strategies.
The review article provides a comprehensive guide to pain management in cirrhotic patients, recommending reduced dosing of acetaminophen and avoiding NSAIDs due to risk of acute renal failure. The authors emphasize the need for diligent follow-up for toxicity and adverse effects.
Researchers found that sustained virologic response (SVR) prevents esophageal varices in patients with compensated hepatitis C (HCV)-induced cirrhosis. This study suggests that endoscopic surveillance can be safely delayed or avoided in these patients, reducing unnecessary invasive procedures.
A recent study by the Cleveland Clinic reveals that patients with NASH-induced cirrhosis are at an equal risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma as those with HCV-cirrhosis. Researchers found three key factors associated with HCC development in the NASH population: older age, higher BMI, and lifetime alcohol consumption.
Researchers evaluated MARS treatment's cost-utility and health-related quality of life in 90 ALF patients. The study found improved HRQoL and reduced healthcare costs after MARS treatment, indicating a potential cost-effective option for ALF patients.
A new antifouling substance, medetomidine, has been shown to cause paler fish by affecting their skin cells containing dark pigment. The research also found that the substance can impair a fish's ability to break down environmental toxins and affect its liver function.
A study led by Loyola University Health System researcher found that 54% of cirrhosis patients scored below the 10th percentile for their age and education on a test measuring neurocognitive abilities.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals a 50% decrease in the number of patients listed for a second liver transplant within three years, indicating improved treatment outcomes for some patients with hepatitis B. Researchers found that new medications have improved ability to control hepatitis B recurrence.
A Mayo Clinic study found a 30% difference in risk for failed transplant between transplant centers. The study analyzed data from 12,233 patients and showed that quality of care, donor organ selection, and geographical location all contribute to outcome differences.
New research presents findings on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), showing it significantly affects transplant outcomes and highlighting alternative diagnostic methods. A scoring system, known as the NAFLD fibrosis score, also predicts poor outcomes in patients with NAFLD.
A recent study found that extending hepatitis C treatment for liver transplant patients beyond current standards results in high clearance rates of the virus from the blood. The study also showed a low relapse rate, with only two patients out of 66 eligible for treatment experiencing relapse.
A new study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that vitamin E improved features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), an obesity-related chronic liver disease. After 96 weeks of treatment, 43% of those treated with vitamin E met the primary endpoint compared to 19% of those who received a placebo.
Researchers found liver transplant recipients develop premature immune senescence due to chronic immune stress. The study suggests that accelerated T-cell aging contributes to increased morbidity and mortality in established liver graft recipients.
A randomized clinical trial found that Octreotide slowed the growth of cyst-filled livers in patients with polycystic liver disease (PLD) caused by autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). The treatment also improved kidney function and health perception in these patients.
A daily dose of specific vitamin E significantly improved NASH features in adults, while Actos showed promise but was associated with weight gain. Researchers acknowledge the need for long-term treatment and monitoring to assess benefits and risks.
Researchers found a high prevalence of complications in alcoholic cirrhosis patients at the time of diagnosis, with ascites and variceal bleeding being strong predictors of mortality. The study also showed that these complications do not follow a predictable sequence and cannot be used to determine the clinical course of the disease.