Articles tagged with Liver
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Recent studies suggest that cigarette smoking and high fructose corn syrup consumption exacerbate nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in overweight individuals. Modifying these risk factors may improve patient outcomes for those with NAFLD, who are at risk of disease progression.
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.
Researchers found that ischemic preconditioning increases arterial blood flow while portal vein flow remains unaffected, suggesting a new strategy to reduce I/R injury. The study also suggests temporary occlusion of the portal vein may help avoid complications during liver surgery.
A dual FXR and TGR5 agonist decreases liver damage and modulates hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in a mouse model of PSC. FXR and TGR5 agonists regulate bile acids, glucose, lipids and inflammation.
A phase II study found GS-9450 significantly reduces levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferases in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. The treatment also showed promising results in terms of tolerability profile, suggesting its potential as a new treatment option for NASH.
Researchers found that between 93 and 100% of treatment-naïve G1 HCV patients achieved a sustained virologic response after 24 weeks of treatment if they had a fast antiviral response to Telaprevir and Peginterferon. The study showed that a twice daily dose of Telaprevir was as effective as three times a day.
A German study found that high dose UDCA was not superior to placebo in treating NASH, but showed promise in a subgroup of mildly overweight male patients. This result is significant as the incidence of NASH is increasing with rising obesity levels.
Two studies presented at the International Liver Congress 2010 found that extracorporeal liver support therapy may not improve overall survival, but shows positive effects on dialysis and severe hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis. A significant survival benefit was observed in patient subgroups with hepatorenal syndrome ...
A large patient cohort study found that genomic-based portraits can predict liver cancer recurrence. Two gene signatures were identified to identify patients with poor disease outcomes, enabling preventive therapies. The study also highlights potential therapeutic targets for adjuvant treatment following surgical intervention.
Results from two French studies presented at the International Liver CongressTM 2010 show that early liver transplantation can be proposed to non-respondents to steroids, while treatment with combined corticoids plus N-acetyl cysteine (C+NAC) increases survival rates in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis. The studies add to growin...
A study evaluating INT-747 added to ursodeoxycholic acid found significant improvements in liver enzyme levels in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. The results suggest a potential new treatment option for this chronic disease, which damages bile ducts and leads to liver scarring.
Researchers found that dark chocolate reduced damage to blood vessels in cirrhotic patients and lowered blood pressure. In contrast, white chocolate had no beneficial effects on portal hypertension.
Researchers found that mice lacking the FIH protein process fat differently, resulting in improved health outcomes on a high-fat diet. The lean mice exhibit enhanced insulin sensitivity and lower cholesterol levels compared to their normal littermates.
Researchers found that hepatitis C virus infection affects hepcidin levels in patients with genotype 3a. Successful antiviral therapy was associated with decreased serum prohepcidin concentrations, suggesting a potential link between HCV and hepcidin synthesis.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that real-time elastography is a valuable tool for assessing liver fibrosis. The technique uses elasticity measurements to differentiate between various degrees of liver fibrosis, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional methods.
A study found that Wilson disease patients' liver histology progression does not correlate with clinical parameters or treatment type. Researchers recommend considering liver biopsy with hepatic copper quantification every 3 years due to the inability of clinical tools to detect fibrosis progression despite treatment.
Two transplant centers report successful paired donor exchanges for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in ABO-incompatible cases. The program allows for compatible but unrelated donors to donate, enabling recipients to undergo LDLT with high success rates.
Researchers discovered that immune suppressive cells in the liver may facilitate cancer spread, and targeting these cells could prevent it. Combating immune suppressive cells early after cancer development may keep the disease from spreading to the liver.
A study published in the Journal of Gastroenterology found that the current ALT threshold value for detecting liver disease in children is unknown, leading to incorrect interpretations. Researchers developed sex-specific thresholds using data from the National Health and Examination Survey, which improved detection rates by 70-80%.
A recent study found that standard hepatitis C therapy is less effective in urban minority patients compared to clinical trials, with lower sustained viral response rates. Researchers attribute this disparity to the complex interaction of genetic variations, environmental factors, and health behaviors in these populations.
A study found that sirolimus-based immunosuppression significantly increases survival rates for post-transplant liver cancer patients, while radiofrequency ablation shows promise for very early-stage HCC treatment.
Research involving over 5000 people found hair dye and smoking increase risk of primary biliary cirrhosis, a progressive autoimmune liver disease. Smoking was also more common among those with PBC compared to the general population.
Curcumin reduces bile duct blockage, liver cell damage, and scarring in mice with chronic liver inflammation. The spice interferes with chemical signalling pathways involved in the inflammatory process, offering a promising alternative to current treatments like ursodeoxycholic acid.
Radiofrequency ablation treatment destroys cancer locally, extending life for colon cancer patients. Average survival rate after RFA is 91% at one year, 66% at two years, and 41% at three years.
Researchers have discovered that hepatitis C causes high insulin resistance primarily in muscles, not livers. This finding may lead to better management and prevention of diabetes among those with Hepatitis C, particularly for those at genetic risk.
Researchers from BUSM identified a new syndrome, SHAKE (Supplement-associated Hyperammonemia After C(K)achetic Episode), characterized by altered mental status and difficulty walking. The condition can be prevented by discontinuing high protein dietary supplements in patients with poor eating habits.
The US medical community has developed new transplant criteria for patients with liver cancer, aiming to ensure equitable organ allocation. The guidelines prioritize candidates based on tumor size, alpha-fetoprotein levels, and MELD scores, while also considering locoregional therapy and down-staging.
Researchers identified novel bedside criteria to distinguish between cirrhosis and inflammation in patients with ALD. A blood test can exclude active inflammation before using transient elastography for liver fibrosis assessment.
A new vaccine for liver fluke is being developed through a £1 million international research effort led by Queen's University Belfast. The parasite causes significant losses in the livestock industry, resulting in billions of pounds in economic losses each year. Scientists will work with partners in India and Wales to uncover an effect...
Research reveals that mice without an enzyme breaking down triglycerides exhibit improved metabolism with no negative effects, suggesting TGH as a promising therapeutic target. The liver compensates by synthesizing less fat and triglycerides are directed for oxidation.
Researchers found that ghrelin reduced liver fibrosis by 25% in treated rats, prevented acute liver damage, and decreased oxidative stress and inflammation. Human studies also showed lower ghrelin serum levels in patients with chronic liver disease, suggesting potential therapeutic benefits.
A study found that losartan-M6PHSA, a targeted delivery system of losartan, reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis in rats. In contrast, oral losartan alone had no significant effect on disease activity. The researchers believe early detection of fibrosis offers potential for therapies to prevent further scarring.
A recent Institute of Medicine report reveals 3.5-5.3 million people in the US have chronic HBV or HCV infections. Efforts to control these diseases are hindered by lack of knowledge among healthcare providers and the public, resulting in 15,000 deaths from liver cancer or related diseases annually.
Salk Institute researchers develop a 'humanized' mouse model susceptible to human liver infections and responding to human drug treatments. The model allows for testing of novel therapies for liver diseases like Hepatitis B and C, as well as malaria.
Researchers found that patients with primary biliary cirrhosis predominantly express IgM in plasma cells, which can be used to distinguish the condition from autoimmune hepatitis. The study supports the use of IgM/IgG ratio as a diagnostic tool for PBC.
A study found that HBV genotype C is independently associated with a higher risk of cirrhosis in community-based residents in Eastern China. Logistic regression models identified age, sex, and viral load as major risk factors for probable cirrhosis.
Researchers have discovered alternative chemicals that are safer and perform just as well as toxic fluorochemicals used in nonstick cookware, repellent clothing, and other products. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is phasing out these chemicals due to their potential health risks.
Researchers found that transplanted hepatocyte cells and growth factor genes rapidly infiltrate damaged livers, promoting regeneration. Prolonged HSC activation is beneficial for proliferation of transplanted cells.
Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have a higher overall mortality rate compared to the general population. The study found that cardiovascular disease and extra-hepatic malignancies were the primary causes of death among NAFLD patients.
Researchers confirm accuracy of transient elastography for diagnosing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and excluding advanced fibrosis. The study found TE to be superior to other non-invasive tests in detecting advanced fibrosis, with the potential to spare two-thirds of NAFLD patients from liver biopsies.