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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
A spot urine test has been developed to monitor dietary sodium compliance in patients with liver disease and ascites. The study found adequate accuracy for the spot urine test, making it a valuable tool for identifying non-compliant patients.
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.
Research in cirrhosis patients reveals low bone formation and increased resorption leading to fragile bones. The study highlights the importance of correcting factors such as inadequate sunlight exposure, reduced physical activity, and vitamin D deficiency to improve bone health.
The study found that bilateral liver resection was safe with zero surgical mortality and a postoperative morbidity rate of 28.7%. The short- and long-term outcomes were also satisfactory, with a stone recurrence rate of 7.9% and an acute cholangitis rate of 6.5%.
Researchers found that a gut hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) activates receptors to regulate glucose levels via a gut-brain-liver neuronal axis. CCK's effects depend on activation of CCK-A receptors, which slow down glucose production in the liver.
Patients with BMI under 18.5 kg/m2 had higher retransplantation rates due to graft failure, and were more likely to die from hemorrhagic complications or cerebrovascular accidents. Patients with BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2 experienced higher death rates due to infectious complications and cancer.
Studies reveal that hepatitis C virus carriers have a significant increase in mortality, with liver-related deaths being the leading cause. The research found that monitoring HCV load and ALT levels may be crucial for identifying high-risk individuals, particularly older carriers who are less responsive to treatment.
Researchers identified a substance in the liver that helps process fat and glucose, which is also a component of the common food additive lecithin. Lecithin products may one day be used to control blood lipids and reduce risk for diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease
A study found that adjusting the Fibroscan probe position can significantly alter liver stiffness measurements, with potential implications for diagnosing advanced fibrosis and cirrhosis. The researchers suggest a more anterior probe position may improve test applicability and reduce false positives.
A landmark study finds that treatment with either of two standard antiviral drug therapies is safe and offers the best way for people infected with hepatitis C to prevent liver scarring, organ failure and death. The study showed that treating patients in early or less advanced stages of the disease leads to higher success rates.
Researchers discovered elevated populations of NK cells in the bile ducts of infants with biliary atresia, which led to tissue damage. Blocking the Nkg2d receptor and depleting NK cells prevented damage to bile duct surface tissues.
BA profiling in IBD patients showed decreased levels of certain BAs, while UC patients with liver and gallbladder diseases exhibited increased primary and secondary BAs. The study also found accelerated detoxification activity in IBD patients and a significant increase in primary and secondary BAs in UC patients with extraintestinal ma...
Researchers found that prolonged HAART use can better control HBV and delay or prevent liver complications. Patients with elevated liver enzymes before treatment were at increased risk of cirrhosis, highlighting the importance of monitoring these patients.
The study found that molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) treatment is effective in patients with acute liver failure. The etiology of liver failure and the grade of encephalopathy before MARS treatment were significant prognostic factors, while coagulation factor 5 levels were also predictive for unknown etiologies.
Researchers have identified a potential tumor suppressor gene, CST5, that mediates the anticancer effects of vitamin D3 in human colon cancer cells. The study found that cystatin D protein inhibited the growth of colon cancer cells and was induced by vitamin D3, suggesting its role as a candidate tumor suppressor gene.
A new study found that exercise counseling leads to significant improvements in physical activity, fitness, and liver health in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Patients who increased their physical activity had better metabolic indices, including lower liver enzymes and improved insulin resistance.
A study found that diets high in protein and cholesterol increase the risk of hospitalization or death due to cirrhosis or liver cancer, while those high in carbohydrates reduce the risk. The study also identified associations between dietary nutrient composition and liver disease progression.
Researchers found that patients with elevated serum creatinine, on life support, and children under 18 whose liver failure was caused by antiepileptics had poorer outcomes. A prognostic model developed by the study showed strong predictive ability for survival after transplantation.
The European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL) has renewed its publishing partnership with Elsevier for five years, with the flagship journal Journal of Hepatology being published monthly. EASL is a leading liver association in Europe, promoting research and education in hepatology.
This study investigated microproteinuria as an indicator for CNI-related nephrotoxicity in liver transplant recipients. Microproteinuria, including β2-microglobulin and α1-microglobulin, was found to be a sensitive marker for detecting CNI-related nephrotoxicity, with correlations between urinary levels and renal function reductions.
A new combination therapy of daily consensus interferon and ribavirin has been found to be effective in some hepatitis C patients who have not responded to previous treatment. The study, led by a Saint Louis University researcher, showed a success rate of above 30 percent for patients with less severe liver damage.
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have developed a system to target therapeutic genes to nerves in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG), showing dramatic efficiency in gene delivery compared to nontargeted adenoviruses. In mice lacking the Hexb gene, administration of DRG-targeted helper-dependent adenoviruses carrying the Hexb gene ...