Articles tagged with Liver
A new study found that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation reduces hospital stays and improves blood-clotting and liver-enzyme activity. The treatment also protects transplanted livers from cell death, promising relief for donor-organ shortages.
A Japanese patient with liver cirrhosis and HCV infection underwent liver transplantation and was cleared of the virus just one month later. The long-term use of PEGylated IFN may have contributed to this outcome.
Researchers compared gene expression in the frontal cortex of cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic alcoholics, finding widespread effects on cellular pathways related to cirrhosis. This suggests that heavy drinking can cause more brain damage in individuals with liver scarring.
Researchers at Ohio State University are developing a new technology to keep artificial liver cells alive and functioning normally. By creating different types of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers, they can recreate natural oxygen gradients, allowing the liver cells to function as well as they do in the body.
A new study suggests that inhaling nitric oxide during liver transplantation can decrease hospital stay time and improve liver function. The authors found increased levels of nitrite in circulation, which may mediate the beneficial effects of NO inhalation.
Researchers found that FTY720 prevents disease in mouse models of leukemia caused by the cancer protein BCR-ABL. Nitric oxide inhalation also accelerates restoration of liver function after transplantation, reducing hospital stay times.
Advanced age does not increase risk of death following liver transplant, according to a study. The authors analyzed 26 variables related to the recipients and found that preoperative hospitalization, cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C, and increasing model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were associated with higher death rates.
Researchers at OHSU have created a technique to produce human liver cells in mice, which can be used to test how pharmaceuticals are metabolized. This innovation has the potential to change the way drugs are tested and could lead to breakthroughs in treating diseases such as hepatitis C and malaria.
Researchers developed a new blood test to detect liver cancer in an early stage, improving detection accuracy by 70%. The test uses the ratio of two sugar groups on blood proteins to identify liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis.
Two studies have found significant gender-based differences in newborns' hearts and livers that may explain why female infant deaths are higher after heart surgery and pediatric liver transplants are less successful. Newborn girls' hearts accumulate more acid during ischemia, which may lead to injury, while their livers produce more an...
Two studies examine the role of sodium levels in predicting mortality for patients with severe liver disease, finding that low sodium levels are associated with increased wait-list mortality and poorer post-transplant outcomes. The results suggest incorporating sodium levels into MELD models could improve prognostic accuracy.
A study found that ibuprofen treatment improved cognitive function in rats with chronic liver failure by reducing inflammation and normalizing a key brain pathway. The results suggest a potential therapeutic utility of decreasing inflammation in treating hepatic encephalopathy.
A meta-analysis of 11 studies on coffee consumption and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) found a 41% reduction in HCC risk among coffee drinkers. The study suggests that compounds in coffee may act as blocking agents, reducing carcinogenic detoxification and liver disease risk.
A recent study found that magnetic resonance CAD significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of liver fibrosis, outperforming experienced radiologists in detection and grading.
A genetic metabolic defect in the liver can lead to obesity in some individuals, a study published in Metabolism reveals. The defect impairs the body's ability to burn fat, leading to increased hunger and overeating.
A joint research by Dr. Leonid Brodsky and Dr. Milton Taylor identified 37 genes out of 22,000 possible genes which fight the hepatitis C virus. The study's mathematical model can be applied to identify key genes in patient response to treatment, potentially leading to more effective medications.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new biomaterial that can be injected into wounds to deliver targeted payloads of cells and antibiotics, enabling repair and regeneration of damaged tissue. The hydrogels also display antimicrobial properties, making them suitable for treating infections.
Insulin resistance in skeletal muscle leads to altered energy storage, promoting metabolic syndrome.
A recent study discovered a gene variant that significantly increases the risk of developing gallstones, with affected individuals being two to three times more likely to develop the condition. The relevant gene contains instructions for building a molecular pump that transports cholesterol into bile ducts.
Researchers measured the effect of hepatitis B on patients' quality of life, creating a new tool to better assess overall well-being. The study found that psychosocial impact affected many patients more than physical symptoms, underscoring the need for clinicians to consider social and psychological factors in treatment.
Researchers have found a new virus, NV1020, to be effective against colorectal cancer with minimal side effects. The treatment has shown promising results in reducing tumor masses and improving patient survival.
Researchers found that hospital mortality increased significantly according to the Child-Pugh classification, with a mortality rate of 10 percent for those with class A, 18 percent for those with class B, and 67 percent for those with class C. Postoperative complications were also higher in class B and C than in class A.
A recent study suggests that people with high cholesterol levels may be more susceptible to severe cases of tick-borne disease. The study found that bacteria levels were 10 times greater in mice with high cholesterol, indicating a potential link between cholesterol and disease severity.
Rimonabant reduces liver damage markers, decreases pro-inflammatory proteins, and improves lipid profiles in obese rats. It also normalizes levels of adiponectin, a hormone involved in metabolic disorders.
A new study analyzed predictors of sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The results identified several independent factors that impact SVR, including low levels of HCV in the blood, absence of cirrhosis, and genotype other than genotype 1. Patients treated with pegylated interferon alfa...
Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital discovered how a single molecular switch triggers gene activity, affecting learning, memory and glucose production in the liver. The study shows that genes choose their co-factors, requiring a more complex view of CREB's function.
Researchers found that TRAIL limits inflammation and brain cell death in bacterial meningitis by regulating the host immune response. In contrast, mice lacking TRAIL exhibited increased inflammation and brain cell death, which was reversed by administering recombinant TRAIL.
Scientists discovered that ezetimibe targets NPC1L1 protein in both the intestine and liver, lowering cholesterol levels by blocking absorption. This dual action may increase the risk of gallstones, highlighting the need for further research.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have discovered a potential new target for treating type 2 diabetes, a protein that regulates fat metabolism. The study found that insulin stimulates the addition of a phosphate group to this protein, preventing the activation of genes involved in fat metabolism.
Researchers have identified a new 'starvation hormone' that plays a critical role in the metabolic shift seen in animals on low-carb, high-fat diets. Increased levels of liver-derived FGF21 hormone are required for mice to switch gears and begin burning fat.
Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center have identified a key mechanism behind the turn of events when high-fat, low-carbohydrate diets cause demonstrable changes in metabolism and subsequent weight loss. FGF21, a liver hormone, is required to oxidize fatty acids and burn calories.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that more than 78 percent of living right liver donors experienced post-operative complications, with most being minor but some life-threatening. The modified Clavien system was used to classify the severity of complications, with Grade I being minor and Grade V resulting in death.
The co-infection of HIV and viral hepatitis is a growing concern, with recent studies showing increasing rates of liver disease and related deaths among those with HIV. Hepatologists are discussing the best approaches to treating these patients, including the use of new agents and consideration of liver transplantation.
A study by Arlette Darfeuille-Michaud and colleagues reveals that CEACAM6 expression promotes adherent-invasive E. coli's colonization in intestinal epithelial cells of patients with Crohn's disease, indicating a potential diagnostic marker for the condition. Meanwhile, another study by Andrea Hevener and colleagues shows that macropha...
Saint Louis University research found that a diet of 40% fat and high-fructose corn syrup leads to fatty liver disease and type II diabetes, even in sedentary mice
Researchers found that adult men and postmenopausal women require significantly higher amounts of choline to prevent fatty liver and muscle damage. Eggs are an excellent source of this essential nutrient, providing nearly half the recommended daily supply per serving.
Researchers at Mayo Clinic have developed a new imaging technique called magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) to diagnose liver diseases. MRE accurately measures the hardness or elasticity of the liver, enabling non-invasive diagnosis of fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Researchers at VCU Medical Center report nearly all patients with hepatitis C treated successfully have no detectable virus after seven years. The study validates the use of 'cure' to describe successful treatment, offering hope for those affected by the disease.
Researchers have made significant advancements in diagnosing and treating chronic hepatitis C, with potential new markers for detecting liver cancer. Studies have also explored the role of autotaxin in linking hepatitis C to hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers introduce novel methods for evaluating patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), including a blood test to determine caspase three-generated cytokeratin 18 fragment levels. These tests may help differentiate NASH from simple steatosis and predict treatment outcomes, potentially improving patient care.
New research explores liver biomarkers, disease complications, and novel treatments to improve outcomes in patients with liver disease. A study found that an elevated ALT/AST ratio can predict coronary atherosclerosis in women, independent of metabolic syndrome.
Researchers found that statin therapy improved ALT values in chronic hepatitis C patients with abnormal liver enzymes. The study also showed a higher sustained viral response rate when adding statins to standard peginterferon and ribavirin treatment, suggesting a possible new treatment option.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CE-US) is highly accurate in identifying vascular and biliary complications after liver transplant, affecting up to 43.5% of patients. CE-US can accurately detect complications such as hepatic artery thrombosis, portal vein stenosis, and bile leaks.
A recent study found that CT and MRI are highly accurate in determining optimal candidates for liver transplantation in patients with cirrhosis. The study demonstrated agreement between radiology and pathology staging in 96.5-97.5% of patients, supporting the use of imaging tools in candidate selection.
A study of HCV patients post-liver transplantation reveals stagnant survival rates, contrasting with improving outcomes for non-HCV recipients. Researchers analyzed a large sample of US liver transplant data between 1991 and 2001, finding HCV patients had lower 3-year survival rates and no improvement in survival over time.
A study found that liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography can predict severe portal hypertension in patients with hepatitis C-related cirrhosis. The technique is less invasive than traditional methods like HVPG measurement and shows promise for non-invasive diagnosis.
A study of hospitalized patients with cirrhosis and complications of portal hypertension reveals significant racial disparities in treatment, with African-American and Hispanic patients less likely to receive palliative shunts, liver transplants, and prompt endoscopy. These disparities were independent of health insurance status.
Researchers found that rats fed tart cherries had lower cholesterol, blood sugar, fat storage in the liver, oxidative stress, and improved fat handling. The study suggests a potential benefit from anthocyanin-rich foods like tart cherries for heart disease and diabetes prevention.
A recent study has established a significant correlation between bile duct obstruction and the growth rate of bile duct cancer cells in animals. In fact, cancer cells in obstructed bile ducts grew up to five times faster than those without obstruction, leading to increased metastasis outside the liver.
Researchers have developed a genetic test that can predict which hepatitis C patients are at high risk of developing cirrhosis. The test uses a 'Cirrhosis Risk Score' based on seven genes and has been validated in independent studies, offering hope for more targeted treatment.
Hepatitis A and C viruses attack the same protein, MAVS, to block immune defenses, allowing them to survive in the liver. This discovery provides a new perspective on the chronicity of hepatitis C, a highly relevant virus clinically.
Researchers have discovered that liver regeneration is driven by an increase in cell multiplication through regular cell divisions, rather than relying on embryonic-like processes. This finding could lead to more effective ways to stimulate liver growth and potentially improve treatment options for patients with liver diseases.
A 4-step process can be completed quickly and efficiently to assess potential living liver donors. Despite challenges, the process results in a significant proportion of donors undergoing successful transplantation, emphasizing the importance of careful workup and informed consent.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to predict advanced fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using routine clinical and laboratory values. The study found that age, hyperglycemia, body mass index, platelet count, albumin, and AST/ALT ratio were independent indicators of advanced liver fibrosis.
Scientists have identified a protein that excretes ammonia through pufferfish gills as similar to human Rh blood proteins, offering hope for people with liver and kidney disease. Targeting Rh proteins could lead to new treatments for removing toxic ammonia from the bloodstream.
Researchers at UCSD School of Medicine discovered a cellular receptor involved in triggering cell death is also necessary for tissue repair and regeneration after liver injury. p75 neurotrophin receptor promotes the initial activation of hepatic stellate cells to stimulate new hepatic cell proliferation.
Using adult bone marrow stem cells, researchers successfully regenerated healthy liver tissue in patients, doubling the liver growth rate and allowing for earlier surgical resection. This therapy has potential as a treatment for regenerating livers damaged by other chronic and acute diseases.
Researchers found simultaneous surgeries on colon and liver may reduce length of hospital stay and surgical complications without compromising long-term survival. In certain patient groups, simultaneous surgery was as safe as separate surgeries, potentially leading to better outcomes.
The study found that survival rates for patients with hepatitis B who need liver transplants are similar between those with and without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Despite the higher likelihood of transplantation, 5-year survival rates were comparable between the two groups. The findings suggest that antiviral therapy may have bene...
The Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) is an accurate predictor of liver disease survival, particularly useful in allocating organs for transplants. However, efforts to refine its accuracy are needed to further improve patient outcomes.