Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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 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 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 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.
The NIH convened a panel to weigh evidence on hepatitis B management, highlighting the need for large studies and representative prospective cohort studies. The panel recommends routine screening for newly arrived immigrants from countries with high hepatitis B prevalence.
Researchers identified a molecular reason why MEK inhibitors are limited in their ability to kill B-RAF mutant tumor cells, suggesting a new antitumor approach. MicroRNA15a modulates the expression of Cdc25A and affects hepatic cystogenesis in a rat model of polycystic kidney disease.
Researchers found that transplanted bone marrow mononuclear cells reduced liver fibrosis and improved albumin expression in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. The study suggests the potential of cell-based therapies for patients with chronic liver diseases.
A study published in Liver International found that Canadian liver transplant centres are more willing to consider patients who smoke marijuana, while US programmes say no, highlighting the need for evidence-based eligibility criteria.
A FSU researcher has made a significant discovery about the life-threatening mechanism of liver fibrosis, attracting a $1.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health. The protein involved in scar formation could lead to treatment methods that slow down the disease process.
A study by the University of South Florida Health Sciences Center found that resveratrol reduces fat production and increases breakdown in the liver of mice fed alcohol. This prevents accumulation of fat and suggests resveratrol as a promising agent for preventing or treating human alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Researchers found MRN can be differentiated from HCC using CT/MRI features, including typical hyperdense appearance and lack of enhancement. Liver biopsy can be avoided if supported by these images, reducing the need for repeated biopsies.
Studies found that patients with IBD are at increased risk of Vitamin D deficiency, which may be associated with lower quality of life and higher disease activity. Regular Vitamin D checkups may be necessary to reverse deficiency-related bone loss in these patients.
Research highlights importance of regular Vitamin D checkups for IBD patients with lower quality of life and higher disease activity. Chronic liver disease patients also at risk of Vitamin D deficiency, which may be linked to increased disease severity and hospitalizations.
Researchers found a specific form of the PNPLA3 gene linked to higher liver-fat content and increased risk of liver inflammation. Hispanics are more likely to carry this gene variant than African-Americans and Caucasians, highlighting a genetic explanation for ethnic disparities in fatty liver disease.
The study found that Qianggan-Rongxian decoction can inhibit hepatic fibrosis and prevent the development of cirrhosis in rats. It also showed a significant reduction in serum levels of ALT and AST, indicating liver cell protection.
Increased intestinal macromolecular permeability and urinary nitrite excretion are associated with liver cirrhosis with ascites. The study suggests that these factors may contribute to the development of encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis.
A patient with bone marrow hypoplasia contracted HCV through blood transfusion, yet maintained normal liver function despite high serum ferritin levels. The study highlights the complex relationship between HCV infection and immune status, suggesting potential for extra-hepatic manifestations such as arthritis and vasculitis.
A six-month study found that moderate aerobic exercise and weightlifting reduced liver fat in people with type 2 diabetes, improving fitness and reducing body fat. The results suggest a key benefit of trimming fatty liver for those with the disease, which can accelerate heart disease and liver failure.
A study found that Nigella sativa reduces liver enzyme levels and oxidative stress after ischemia-reperfusion injury. The treatment also showed improved histopathology in liver tissue, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury.
Researchers have discovered a lipid-based hormone, palmitoleate, that stimulates insulin's effects on muscle and suppresses fat accumulation in the liver. The hormone is produced when the body produces its own 'home grown' fat, defying traditional views that all extra fat is bad.
Researchers identified a new class of hormones called lipokines, which help regulate metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity in mice. The discovery could lead to new treatments for obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and fatty liver disease.
A study analyzing 75 right hepatectomies in living donors found that complications occurred in 30.6% of cases, with biliary tree reconstruction being the most common issue. Despite this, no life-threatening complications or deaths were reported among donors.
Researchers have developed a new microbubble agent, Sonazoid, that enhances the sensitivity of contrast-enhanced intraoperative ultrasonography (CE-IOUS) for detecting occult liver lesions in patients with colorectal cancer. CE-IOUS using Sonazoid allows for longer imaging times and improved detection of metastases during hepatectomy.
Scientists have identified a crucial molecular pathway linking cortisol to fatty liver accumulation, offering new insights into the development of metabolic diseases. The study reveals that blocking cortisol receptors in the liver activates HES1 protein, which counteracts fat accumulation.
A study found that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels have advanced fibrosis, indicating the need for liver biopsy. The researchers discovered that patients with normal ALT had milder inflammation and steatosis, but still at risk of severe hepatic disease.