Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
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 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 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 ...
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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.