Articles tagged with Liver
Researchers propose using intrahepatic transplantation of hepatic oval cells to treat fulminant hepatic failure. Studies show that this approach improves liver function and increases survival rates in rats.
A study found that removing a protective protein called STAT5 from liver cells leads to an overabundance of TGFbeta, a damage-inducing protein. This results in the activation of a cancer-promoting protein, STAT3, which can promote tumor growth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that African-Americans tend to store fat in subcutaneous adipose tissues, which may protect them from insulin resistance and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This fundamental difference in lipid metabolism could lead to targeted therapies for populations prone to NAFLD.
Researchers found that long-term L-carnitine supplementation prevented the development of liver cancer in rats, reversing abnormal liver enzymes and histology. This study suggests carnitine may be used to prevent or slow liver cancer progression.
A new report from the University of Southampton finds that long-term daily drinking is the biggest risk factor for serious liver disease. The study suggests that regular drinking patterns can be discernible at an early age and recommends several alcohol-free days a week as a healthier pattern.
A study found nearly 100 genes that support the replication of HCV and show that blocking several of them can suppress viral replication in cultured cells. Targeting these human genes could provide an alternative therapeutic strategy for patients with chronic HCV infection.
Researchers found that the omentum increases liver size by 50% after transplantation, suggesting its role in regenerating damaged liver tissue. The study also identified oval cells as the key players in this process, which may be a promising new treatment for liver disease.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that telmisartan significantly improved insulin resistance, reduced liver inflammation and fibrosis, and showed promise as a treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. In contrast, valsartan had no effect on liver histology or plasma lipids.
A 23-year-old man developed severe autoimmune hepatitis after contracting varicella zoster virus, responding dramatically to steroid treatment. The case highlights the importance of considering AIH in patients with persistent altered liver enzymes following a viral infection.
A new study in mice reveals that a gene called PGC-1b plays a key role in the development of insulin resistance caused by high fructose intake. The researchers found that blocking PGC-1b activity improved metabolic profiles and reversed fructose-induced insulin resistance.
Patients who undergo liver transplantation for hepatitis B-related liver damage are at risk of disease recurrence if antiviral treatment is withdrawn, according to a new study. Researchers found that these patients lack cellular immunity against the disease, making lifelong antiviral therapy necessary.
A new study published in Hepatology found that African-Americans are more resistant to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, particularly when it comes to triglyceride levels. The research suggests an 'insulin resistance paradox' where African-Americans exhibit lower insulin sensitivity despite similar body fat distributions.
Researchers found that liver cancers linked to metabolic syndrome have distinct characteristics, including non-fibrotic development and better differentiation. The study suggests that the metabolic syndrome itself may cause cancer through insulin, lipid peroxidation or oxidative stress effects.
A study by ISU researcher Yeon-Kyun Shin found that statins can reduce brain function by depriving the brain of cholesterol, a vital component for efficient brain function. This affects neurotransmitter release, data-processing, and memory functions.
Research suggests iron metabolism plays a crucial role in the development of liver disease among heavy drinkers. The study found that individuals with high levels of iron overload and specific HFE mutations had a significantly higher risk of liver disease, regardless of their genetic status.
A study found significant correlations between PBC stage and AST, APRI, ALT/platelet, and AST/ALT ratios. These biomarkers show promise in reducing the need for liver biopsy, with AST/ALT exhibiting the highest sensitivity and specificity.
TIPS placement enhances renal function, decreasing systemic levels of symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA), while increasing arginine/ADMA ratio indicating increased NO bioavailability. The study confirms the liver's major role as ADMA-clearing organ and does not alter DDAH activity.
Researchers found that patients who lost at least 9% of body weight showed reversal of their liver damage, while those who lost 5% or more experienced improvement in insulin resistance and fat accumulation. Weight loss was the key factor in improving fatty liver disease.
Researchers developed a synthetic atherosclerosis drug, DMHCA, which targets the Liver X Receptors and reduces plaque formation without increasing fat levels. The study found significant therapeutic promise, with DMHCA significantly reducing arterial lesions in mice by 45-48%.
Scientists at the German Cancer Research Center have discovered that reduced production of LSR in the liver leads to elevated blood fat levels in obese mice. Restoring LSR production with leptin therapy reverses this effect, reducing blood fat levels and promoting fat breakdown.
Researchers at the University of Alberta discovered that hepatitis C virus causes direct damage to liver cells and leads to inflammation. This finding sheds new light on the virus and provides potential targets for therapy.
New rodent findings show that chronic drinking causes more injury to the liver than acute or binge drinking, with persistent gene-expression changes and deleterious conditioning. This research highlights the importance of daily, excessive drinking in programming the liver to become dependent on alcohol.
UT Southwestern researchers discovered that mice without the AGPAT2 enzyme accumulated excessive liver fat, leading to metabolic complications. A fat-free diet reduced liver triglycerides by approximately 50% in these mice.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that exposure to second-hand smoke and alcohol significantly raises the risk of liver disease. The combined effect led to elevated levels of liver fibrosis proteins, which can lead to cirrhosis.
Researchers found that blocking off the splenic artery helped six out of seven patients suffering from small-for-size syndrome after a partial liver transplant. This approach improved liver function tests and prevented complications in most cases.
A comprehensive hospital discharge program reduced re-hospitalizations by 30% and improved patient self-perceived preparation for discharge. New immunochemical fecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) vary in detecting colorectal cancer, with sensitivity rates ranging from 25% to 72%.
Overdoses of acetaminophen lead to two waves of liver cell destruction and immune system activation. Aspirin is found to downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production, providing substantial protection from acetaminophen-induced liver damage.
A Yale study suggests simple aspirin can prevent liver damage from common drug side effects, alcohol abuse, and obesity-related diseases. The study found that aspirin reduced mortality caused by an overdose of acetaminophen and blocked inflammation pathways.
A study found that sleep apnea is strongly associated with decreased glucose metabolism and pancreatic function, independent of body fat. Another study linked chronic intermittent hypoxia from sleep apnea to liver disease progression in severely obese patients.
Researchers explore alternative anatomical sites for islet transplantation, including the pancreas, to improve engraftment potential and patient safety. Bioartificial pancreas engineering and encapsulation technologies are also being developed to overcome challenges in current transplantation methods.
A study published in Hepatology found that people on low-carbohydrate diets produce more glucose from lactate or amino acids, burning liver fat for energy. This suggests that optimizing diet may help manage and treat diseases such as insulin resistance, diabetes, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
A new trial found that orlistat, a common fat absorption inhibitor, does not help patients with fatty liver disease lose weight or improve liver enzymes. However, moderate weight loss was associated with significant improvements in liver symptoms.
Research found that patients with hepatitis C who receive livers with high levels of fatty deposits have a more frequent and earlier viral recurrence. Graft survival is inversely proportional to donor liver steatosis, particularly when grafts contain greater than 30% fat and are subject to extended cold ischemic time.
A new quantitative analysis method uses computerized measurements to evaluate liver biopsy samples, providing accurate assessments of fibrosis and inflammation. The Metriser technology offers a faster and more objective alternative to traditional scoring systems.
Researchers found that hepatic granulomas are commonly associated with chronic hepatitis C, occurring in almost 1% of stable patients. The association suggests granuloma formation is part of the immune response to chronic hepatitis C, rather than a separate disease.
A study published in the World Journal of Gastroenterology found that resveratrol attenuates oxidative stress and histological alterations induced by liver ischemia/reperfusion. The results suggest that resveratrol has protective effects against hepatic I/R injury, making it a potential therapeutic drug for liver transplantation.
Researchers found that extensive liver resection impairs the regenerative capacity of the liver on a molecular and cellular level. Key findings include delayed activation of NF-kappa B and increased programmed cellular death in regenerating livers.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered a link between cyclophilin A levels and liver damage following a paracetamol overdose. They hope to develop a treatment to block this protein's harmful actions, enabling early identification of high-risk patients.
A new study by the University of Illinois found that fructose metabolism is more complex than previously thought, inducing a broader range of genes in the liver. This can lead to increased glycogen and triglycerides in the liver, as well as insulin resistance.
A University of Iowa researcher and colleagues have discovered a direct link between cellular stress and fatty liver disease in mice. The study found that disrupted protein folding causes abnormal fat metabolism in the liver, which may lead to serious conditions like diabetes and cirrhosis.
New research suggests that excess liver fat is a key contributor to metabolic problems, including high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. The study found that children with fatty liver disease had abnormalities in glucose and fat metabolism, including lower levels of HDL cholesterol.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found no difference in liver disease progression among patients treated with interferon compared to those who did not receive it. The HALT-C Trial showed that interferon, often used as a maintenance treatment, is ineffective in slowing disease progression.
Researchers found no benefit from low-dose peginterferon treatment for patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C, who experienced a surprising health decline over four years. The study showed a significant progression of liver disease in these patients, ruling out maintenance therapy as an effective treatment option.
A new study from Mayo Clinic found that etanercept therapy was not effective in treating patients with moderate to severe alcoholic hepatitis, increasing six-month mortality rates due to increased infections. Abstinence is still considered the best policy for reversing liver damage and reducing disease progression.
A new study published in Gastroenterology finds that antibiotics are the single largest class of drugs causing liver injury, affecting 73% of cases. Central nervous system agents were also found to be commonly associated with drug-induced liver injury.
Research found that workers with high levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and central obesity had significantly higher self-reported fatigue after work. The study suggests that objective measures such as elevated ALT and increased waist circumference are associated with work-related fatigue in apparently healthy workers.
A new study reveals that the master gene SRC-2 plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. Mice lacking SRC-2 develop severe hypoglycemia and die within two days without food. The findings have significant implications for treating genetic diseases like Von Gierke's disease and adult-onset diabetes.
A study compared FibroScan with liver biopsy in patients with chronic hepatitis C, finding non-invasive methods effective for fibrosis assessment. Transient elastography outperformed traditional biopsy in differentiating significant from absent or mild fibrosis, offering an alternative to invasive procedures.
A recent study found that racial disparities in liver transplantation have decreased since the introduction of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score system. In contrast, sex-based disparities persist, with women being less likely to receive a liver transplant within three years of listing.
A study from Karolinska Institutet reveals that bad cholesterol inhibits the breakdown of peripheral fat in cells. The discovery opens up new theories for the association between blood lipids and metabolic syndrome.
New research reveals that alkaline pH activates TRPA1 protein in human cell lines and mouse nerve cells, causing pain sensation. The study suggests a potential link between TRPA1 activation and human alkaline pH-related pain sensations, contributing to the understanding of pain mechanisms.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh discovered that exposure to EPA-approved levels of arsenic in drinking water can lead to cardiovascular disease by closing pores in liver blood vessels. The study found that mice exposed to arsenic had impaired sinusoidal cell functions, leading to a loss of nutrient exchange and waste removal.
A novel protein marker identifies rare adult liver stem cells whose ability to regenerate injured liver tissue has the potential for cell-replacement therapy. The finding offers significant implications for treating chronic liver disease in the future.
A recent study investigated the possible association between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and liver cirrhosis (LC) in alcoholic patients. The research found an inverse correlation between pancreatic and liver function tests, suggesting that these diseases evolve differently and have distinct etiopathogeny.
Research on sildenafil use in cirrhosis patients found that it does not induce profound changes in splanchnic blood flow and portal hypertension. The study suggests phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibition is not a useful therapeutic agent for alleviating portal hypertension in end-stage liver disease.
Tibotec presents data from the OPERA-1 Phase IIa trial showing dose-dependent antiviral activity of TMC435, with mean reductions in HCV RNA of 2.63 and 3.47 log10 IU/mL. Nearly 90% of patients achieved undetectable viral load within 28 days of combined treatment with standard care.
A new study shows that magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) can identify liver fibrosis with high accuracy, helping to avoid invasive biopsies. MRE produces color-coded images indicating internal organ stiffness, allowing doctors to diagnose liver disease earlier.
Researchers investigated Kupffer cell dynamics and phagocytic activity in a rat NASH model, confirming the effectiveness of CEUS examination in diagnosing NASH. The contrast effect in the liver parenchymal phase using Levovist® strongly implicates Kupffer cells in NASH pathogenesis.
Researchers discover DBT's mechanism of toxicity, revealing its impact on the immune system and inflammation response. Exposure to DBT can cause flu-like symptoms, irritated skin, and difficulty breathing.
Researchers have discovered a new genetic disease that can lead to severe liver damage due to inadequate bile secretion. A mutation in the ABCB4 gene causes low levels of phosphatidylcholine in bile, resulting in liver cell damage and cirrhosis.