Articles tagged with Liver
A recent study examines the ethics of transplant tourism, where patients travel to countries like China and India for transplantation. US medical societies have crafted guidelines to advise clinicians on caring for transplant tourists, who may face sub-standard care and post-transplant infections.
A new study finds that machine perfusion preserves donor livers as well as cold storage, reducing hospital stays and long-term complications. This technique could expand the pool of available organs for transplantation.
Researchers have discovered that environmental cues can lead to breast cancer, while Wnt signaling plays a key role in a rare skin disease. Additionally, chronic morphine use has been found to delay wound healing due to immunosuppression and impaired immune cell recruitment.
New analysis of US population data confirms a link between Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure and cardiovascular disease in adults. Higher BPA concentrations were associated with heart disease, as well as abnormal liver enzyme concentrations.
A peer-based intervention increased knowledge and discussion of living liver donation among candidates, leading to a 42% surge in donations. The number of individuals presented for donation evaluation also rose by 74%, as reported in the January 2010 issue of Liver Transplantation.
A study published in Hepatology found that patients with chronic hepatitis C virus who consumed more than 308mg of caffeine daily had milder liver fibrosis. The protective effect was greatest when caffeine came from coffee sources, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit for moderate coffee consumption.
A recent study found that repeated liver stiffness measurements can accurately detect severity of fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C recurrence after a liver transplant. Slow 'fibrosers' progressed at the same rate as non-HCV LT patients, while rapid 'fibrosers' showed significant fibrosis and portal hypertension early on.
Researchers at MIT have developed a novel RNA interference technique that can silence multiple genes in the liver, offering potential new treatments for diseases such as cancer. The breakthrough delivery method uses lipid-like molecules to improve efficacy and reduce dosage requirements.
A new method using 3D imaging improves preoperative assessment of pancreatic carcinoma resection. The study found that 3D images were better for operation planning and consistently described as useful by surgeons.
Researchers identified a protein switch that helps prevent liver damage and cancer, offering new insights into the development of liver disease and cancer. The study suggests that TAK1 could be a master regulator of liver function, and its role in liver disease and cancer may enable the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Research finds that fruit flies' nutrient storage and consumption are controlled by opposing clocks in neurons and the fat body. The study reveals a complex interplay between metabolic signals and circadian rhythms, with implications for understanding human metabolism and disease.
A study found that morphologic changes on CT scans after bevacizumab-containing chemotherapy can predict overall survival in patients with stage IV colorectal cancer. The changes, including tumor size reduction and unique structural alterations, were strongly correlated with pathologic response and improved survival.
Researchers found no statistically significant differences in post-transplant survival rates between cirrhotic patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and alcoholic liver disease. However, NASH patients were at increased risk for metabolic syndrome complications, including cardiovascular mortality.
A recent metobolomics study found that impaired peroxisomal oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids is associated with progression to NASH. The study also revealed significantly higher plasma monounsaturated fatty acids in patients with NAFL and NASH.
A study published in PNAS reveals that food intake plays a crucial role in regulating liver gene expression, rather than the body's circadian clock. The findings suggest that consistent feeding schedules can have a significant impact on metabolism and may help explain why shift workers are more prone to metabolic syndrome.
A new study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that combining triple-drug TACE with a liver transplant significantly increased long-term survival rates for patients with unresectable liver cancer. The median survival time for patients who underwent the procedure was over 112 months.
Researchers found abnormal forms of apolipoprotein A-I proteins in the livers and blood of infected male mice, but not females. These proteins may provide important markers for tracking hepatitis B progression and help explain the gender disparity in the disease's severity.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that green tea extract inhibited proliferation, reduced collagen content, and downregulated collagen type 1 expression in liver fibrosis models.
A study by Stanford researchers identifies a molecular pathway that counters acetaminophen toxicity, which can lead to liver failure. The discovery highlights the potential of S-methylmethionine, a common herbal medicine supplement, in preventing liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose.
Radiofrequency ablation, a local hepatic treatment for liver metastases from colorectal carcinoma, can lead to unexplained liver hemorrhage. The procedure's increasing use with few selection criteria raises concerns about minimizing complications. Early intervention is crucial in managing these complications.
Researchers discovered a gene called ID2 that regulates output from the master circadian clock in the brain and helps generate rhythms in various biological processes. The study found that ID2 plays a key role in modulating both the Circadian and metabolic systems, with implications for understanding shift work's impact on health.
Researchers from the University of Granada and University of León found that human mononuclear cells isolated from umbilical cord blood exerted a deleterious effect on rats with liver cirrhosis, inducing hepatorenal syndrome instead of improving health. The study highlights the need for further research in hepatic regenerative medicine.
Scientists have assembled the largest-ever collection of liver proteins, which could become a roadmap for finding new biomarkers and treatments for liver disease, including hepatitis. The database includes 6,788 non-redundant proteins, many of which are related to diseases in the nervous system.
Research at CHEST 2009 found that patients who have undergone a liver transplant are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Additionally, Asian Indians experience heart attacks at an earlier age than Caucasians, suggesting potential disparities in ...
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University have received $3.9 million in Challenge grant funds to tackle specific scientific and health research challenges in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Drs. Flemming Forsberg, Laura N. Gitlin, Maurizio Pacifici, and Scott Waldman will study portal venous pressure, depression treatment, Heredit...
A new study found that extending hepatitis C treatment after liver transplant results in high rates of virus clearance and a low relapse rate, with only 8 percent of patients experiencing a relapse after 52 weeks of treatment.
Researchers found left side grafting has lower risk to donors compared to right lobe grafts, and recipients can achieve comparable survival rates with smaller graft sizes. The study suggests using left side grafts more frequently in adult-to-adult liver transplantation to reduce donor risk.
The Huichol population of Mexico has the highest documented CYP2E1*c2 allele frequency, placing them at high genetic risk for alcoholism and alcoholic liver disease. The absence of protective ADH1B and ALDH2 polymorphisms in this group exacerbates their vulnerability.
A study found that emodin reduces hepatic hydroxyproline content, serum AST and ALT activities, and inhibits HSC activation by down-regulating TGF-b1 and Smad4. Emodin may be an attractive therapeutic agent for treating fibrotic liver diseases.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered a genetic 'switch' in fruit flies that contributes to increased alcohol tolerance. This switch also has implications for the development of fatty liver syndrome and cirrhosis in humans, with certain gene variations linked to excessive drinking behavior.
Researchers discovered Snail and Twist are the major inducers of EMT in HCC, associated with reduced E-cadherin function and larger tumor size. The study provides essential information for determining liver cancer prognosis and identifying potential new treatments.
Patients with chronic hepatitis C who drink three or more cups of coffee per day have a lower risk of liver disease progression compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study found no association between tea intake and liver disease progression.
Uloric (febuxostat) has been shown to effectively manage hyperuricemia in patients with gout, achieving normal serum urate levels in 45-67% of patients. The treatment also reduced the risk of future gout flares and was superior to allopurinol in lowering serum urate levels.
Researchers at the University of Southampton discovered a link between a mother's high-fat diet during pregnancy and her child's development of fatty liver disease. The study found that a high-fat diet can affect the developing liver of a fetus, making it more susceptible to fatty liver disease later in life.
Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have developed a new high-throughput cellular array technology that can identify the biological components leading to or alleviating liver disease. By controlling the environment surrounding star-shaped liver cells, they found critical proteins regulating HSC activation.
Researchers found that patients with mild to moderate liver coma survived nearly 2.5 times more with N-acetylcysteine treatment than placebo, offering a new glimmer of hope for those affected by non-acetaminophen acute liver failure.
Researchers at Medical College of Wisconsin successfully produced patient-specific liver cells from skin cells, enabling potential treatment of metabolic liver diseases. The study builds on previous work by James Thomson and colleagues, showing that skin cells can be reprogrammed into embryonic stem cells.
A human liver fluke contributes to the development of bile duct (liver) cancer by secreting granulin, a growth hormone that causes uncontrolled cell growth. The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies the parasite as a Group I Carcinogen.
A recent study found a causal link between aberrant sustained hepatic LT?R signaling and the development of chronic hepatitis-induced liver cancer. Elevated lymphotoxin expression in the liver leads to inflammation and cancer progression.
A study by researchers from the University of Colorado found that hepatologists believe metabolic complications are common in liver transplant patients but poorly controlled. The majority of respondents felt that these complications significantly contributed to morbidity and mortality 10 years after transplantation. Barriers to control...
Researchers at Hiroshima University developed a method to temporarily control HCV levels in patients receiving new livers. Activated immune cells from donor livers were infused into patients, reducing viral activity despite immunosuppressive treatment. Further studies aim to improve this approach.
Researchers have developed innovative strategies to eliminate the hidden reservoir of HIV-1 from immune cells, keeping it under control. In another breakthrough, scientists found a way to transiently keep hepatitis C virus levels down in treated patients receiving a new liver transplant.
A large-scale study has found a strong association between metabolic syndrome and elevated liver enzymes in obese adolescent males. The researchers also discovered an ethnic difference between Hispanic and non-Hispanic male participants.
Human liver cyst walls develop vascular structures, driving cell proliferation and growth. Inhibiting VEGF receptor signaling blocks angiogenesis, a promising approach to prevent liver cyst expansion in ADPKD patients.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have identified a population of cancer stem cells in the liver prior to tumor formation. These malignant stem cells have been found to be resistant to chemotherapy and are thought to play a key role in driving liver cancer formation. The study suggests that targeting these cells could poten...
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that HBV genotypes B and C were the major genotypes in Indonesia, with genotype B being predominant. The study also identified associations between certain mutations and liver disease progression.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology evaluated 76 cases of living donor liver transplantation and found that the Chengdu formula is reliable. The other formulas, such as Fan and Heinemann, underestimated liver volume, while Urata and Lee overestimated it.
Researchers are designing liver mimics that can eventually form the basis for extracorporeal liver-assist devices. The primary research goal is to assemble 3D cellular structures that mimic the liver, capturing precise spacing between different cell types.
Researchers at UC Riverside found that second-hand cigarette smoke exposure can lead to fat accumulation in liver cells, causing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study highlights the potential for targeting molecular regulators SREBP and AMPK to develop new treatments for NAFLD.
Researchers found that 4 weeks of aerobic cycling exercise reduced hepatic triglyceride concentration and visceral adipose tissue volume in obese individuals, leading to lower risk of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study suggests that regular physical activity can benefit liver health without relying on weight loss.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill have discovered a genetic risk factor for severe liver disease in people with cystic fibrosis, specifically the SERPINA1 gene variant. Those carrying this variant are five times more likely to develop cirrhosis and other liver complications than those with the normal version of the gene.
Researchers discovered that PPAR-alpha's sumoylation process regulates gender-specific gene expression and protects female mice from estrogen-induced liver disease. This finding suggests potential new approaches to prevent this condition by targeting PPAR-alpha agonists.
A University of Pittsburgh study found that women, blacks, and Medicare recipients are less likely to be evaluated for liver transplantation. The research followed 144,507 patients hospitalized with liver-related conditions, revealing disparities in the evaluation process.
A recent study found similar waitlist and post-transplant outcomes among Asian Americans, African Americans, and Caucasians with HBV. However, Caucasians had a higher rate of HBV recurrence, which needs further validation.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic found high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid to be detrimental in treating primary sclerosing cholangitis. The six-year trial showed that serious adverse events were more common in the high-dose group, highlighting the need for further research on better treatment options.
A study found that CD14 rs2569190/C-159T gene variants are associated with the formation of portal lymphoid aggregates in chronic hepatitis C patients. These aggregates were also correlated with moderate and severe hepatic inflammation, but not with fibrosis progression.
A study found that low tacrolimus doses are effective in living donor liver transplant recipients with small-for-size grafts, indicating potential benefits for rational administration of tacrolimus. The research team recommended relatively low tacrolimus doses for patients receiving SFS grafts.
Researchers found that excess liver fat is linked to metabolic problems such as insulin resistance and high blood triglycerides. Losing weight can reverse fatty liver disease, with even brief calorie restriction showing significant reductions in liver fat.
A recent study led by Keith Lindor found that patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) who received high-dose ursodeoxycholic acid experienced poorer clinical results compared to those receiving a placebo. The therapy was associated with an increased risk of death, transplantation, and liver damage.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) enhances visualization of hepatic arteries, portal veins, and bridging veins, as well as liver graft parenchyma perfusion. CEUS has high sensitivity and specificity for detecting vascular complications after liver transplantation.