Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
The AGA Institute's report emphasizes the need for gastroenterologists to adapt to changing practices, technologies, and economic pressures. Key findings include the potential obsolescence of common endoscopic procedures due to technological advancements and increased utilization of nurse practitioners and physician assistants.
A study found that patients with NAFLD have a significant risk of developing end-stage liver disease, cardiovascular complications, and diabetes. Lifestyle modifications are recommended to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and improve liver histology.
A study found that 13% of children and adolescents with autopsy records had fatty liver, while 9.6% of the living population in San Diego County had the disease. The team identified major risk factors, including age, ethnicity, gender, and obesity.
Research published in Gut found that female liver transplant recipients live an average of 22 years after the procedure, compared to 18 years for men. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 patients and found that younger people tend to have longer life expectancy but also lose more years of life due to transplantation.
A transfusion-free surgical program for Jehovah's Witness patients undergoing liver transplantation has significantly reduced the overall use of blood products for non-Jehovah's Witnesses. The program's implementation led to lower mean number of intraoperative PRBC and FFP transfusions, as well as decreased procedure cost.
Researchers from IDIBAPS and Queensland University discovered that caveolin-1 and lipid droplets are essential for liver regeneration. The protein allows hepatocytes to accumulate energetic reserves and start the genetic machinery for division. Without it, mice are unable to regenerate their liver tissue.
Scientists have developed a method to predict whether melanoma of the eye will spread to the liver, where it quickly turns deadly. The molecular screening test can detect both whether a tumor is likely to spread and how fast.
A recent study found that colchicine significantly reduces the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis virus-related end-stage liver disease. Colchicine treatment delays HCC diagnosis by an average of 72 months and improves survival rates.
Scientists develop method to introduce purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) enzyme into cells of mice with genetic defect, potentially leading to treatment for individuals lacking PNP. Research also sheds light on scavenger receptor BI's role in protecting against heart disease.
Mayo Clinic researchers have developed MR Elastography (MRE), a new technique for measuring liver elasticity using MRI. This non-invasive method shows great promise for detecting liver fibrosis, which can lead to cirrhosis if left untreated.
The partnership aims to support the training of young investigators in pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology, and nutrition. Hepatology will now be made available without charge to NASPGHAN fellows.
A study on liver transplant patients found that those with low bone density before transplant showed significant improvement afterwards. Bone loss immediately following transplant was common and several risk factors were identified, including PSC, younger age at transplant, and smoking.
A study found that cholesterol accumulation in the liver depletes a powerful antioxidant, making cells susceptible to inflammation and damage. Cholesterol-lowering therapies may offer a useful treatment for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fatty liver disease.
Researchers found that combined liver-kidney transplants improved patient survival rates compared to separate transplants. Patients who received dialysis for longer than two months before surgery also recovered better after the combined transplant.
A combined liver and kidney transplant has been shown to improve patient survival rates for those with dual organ disease, including hepatorenal syndrome. The study found that patients who underwent dialysis for longer than two months prior to surgery fared better after the combined transplant.
Elevated cholesterol and liver enzyme levels more common than thought among isoretinoin patients, even those with normal blood test results before therapy. Moderate to severe abnormalities are generally transient and reversible.
Researchers found that patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who responded well to transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) prior to liver transplantation had a higher survival rate. The study's findings challenge the traditional use of Milan criteria, which rely on tumor size and number, as a reliable predictor of recurrence.
Researchers at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia identified a second gene linked to Alagille syndrome, a genetic developmental disease affecting multiple organs. Mutations in the NOTCH2 gene were found to cause kidney abnormalities in patients and families.
A study of 417 post-menopausal women found no harmful effects on cognitive abilities or health-related quality of life from a daily .014 milligram dose of estradiol via skin patch over two years. The results suggest that women can use this patch without harm for two years, benefiting their bones and alleviating hot flashes.
Dr. Maria Sjogren's study tracks 90 active-duty servicemembers with hepatitis C, exploring disease progression and treatment effects on quality of life. Participants reported improved well-being after treatment, attributing it to the therapeutic process itself.
A study found that a combination of pegylated interferon and ribavirin achieved better results than standard therapy in patients with recurrent hepatitis C after liver transplantation. The treatment was more effective, especially when patients showed an early decline in viral load.
A simple blood test can indicate the presence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by measuring caspase 3-generated cytokeratin-18 fragments. This test has shown high sensitivity and specificity in differentiating NASH from non-NASH in patients with suspected NAFLD.
Researchers have discovered that substituting Omegaven, an IV fat mixture made from fish oil, can prevent fat accumulation and liver injury in patients with parenteral nutrition. The study has shown promising results in treating liver disease in children and adults, with most patients experiencing complete resolution of the condition.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that mice lacking a specific gene produce fewer parasites in their livers, preventing the disease from developing. This discovery may lead to the creation of new drugs to treat different diseases affecting the liver.
Antarctic fish use the exocrine pancreas and stomach to produce antifreeze glycoproteins, contradicting earlier assumptions about liver production. The discovery sheds new light on teleost freeze-avoidance physiology.
A large study found that moderate coffee consumption was associated with a 22% lower risk of developing alcoholic cirrhosis. The study suggests that coffee may help explain the variability in cirrhosis risk among heavy drinkers, but more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this potential protective effect.
The authors of a commentary propose developing educational messages about genetic testing to address misunderstandings and societal fears. This could involve collaboration between professional organizations, patient advocacy groups, and the public at large to improve the interpretation of test results.
Obesity disrupts hormone signaling pathways and leads to metabolic changes that worsen liver disease. Researchers recommend weight loss, insulin-sensitizing drugs, or increased dosages of combination therapy to improve treatment outcomes for hepatitis C patients.
A study of 96 liver transplant patients found that 66% were fatigued, with physical fatigue and reduced activity being the primary concerns. Rehabilitation programs focusing on improving activity patterns and physical fitness may help alleviate fatigue after liver transplantation.
A study published by the American Gastroenterological Association found that obesity is linked to a higher risk of liver failure, particularly in patients who need liver transplants or experience severe complications. Obesity can impair liver regeneration, making obese patients more vulnerable to acute liver failure.
Recent studies demonstrate improved virus suppression with novel therapy combinations for hepatitis treatment, including valopicitabine plus peg-interferon. Researchers found a higher dose of the drug showed promising results, but also led to side effects that forced dosage reduction.
A Joslin-led study has discovered that insulin signals to the liver differently for glucose and lipid metabolism, opening the door to developing targeted therapies. The research reveals new insights into phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, which regulates insulin's action in the liver.
Researchers found that a disproportionate ratio of phosphatidylcholine to phosphatidylethanolamine in cell membranes undermines membrane integrity and influences progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Maintaining a healthy ratio may provide new approaches for managing the condition.
Scientists from the University of Florida's Institute on Aging found that reducing calories by 8% and exercising moderately extended lifespan and improved liver function in rats. This discovery suggests that even slight calorie moderation can have significant effects on health, with potential implications for human aging.
This study found that pediatric liver transplant patients develop chronic hepatitis, characterized by increasing fibrosis and autoantibody production. Regular monitoring of autoantibodies is necessary for early detection.
A study found that patients with HIV-HBV coinfection can successfully undergo liver transplantation without progression of viral disease, even in the setting of lamivudine resistance. Controlling HBV is crucial for survival, and ongoing monitoring will be essential to minimize liver-related complications.
A new study reveals that combined contrast enhanced MRI (CCE-MRI) closely matches the staging of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) using conventional pathology. CCE-MRI offers a safer alternative to invasive liver biopsy, directly visualizing fibrosis and detecting liver cancers simultaneously.
Researchers recommend pre-screening to avoid worst liver damage caused by chemotherapy drugs. The study found that irinotecan was associated with steatohepatitis and oxaliplatin with sinusoidal dilation, which can lead to liver disease and failure.
Researchers will investigate whether liver damage in HIV patients with hepatitis C is caused by the medication or the virus itself. The goal of the study is to improve treatment outcomes for patients with both conditions.
Bile acids play a crucial role in signaling the liver to regenerate tissue, with research suggesting that an imbalance in these compounds can trigger the process. Understanding this mechanism could lead to new treatments for liver disease.
Researchers at Children's Hospital in Pennsylvania have successfully performed liver transplants on patients with maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a rare genetic disorder that causes amino acid accumulation. The study shows improved metabolic stability and reduced risk of brain swelling, stroke, and learning disabilities.
Stanford scientist Sarnow discusses new approach to treating hepatitis C virus using microRNA, a small fragment of RNA found in the liver that is necessary for viral growth and reproduction. The approach aims to lower microRNA levels in the liver without affecting liver function, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that pediatric liver transplant patients waited significantly longer than in the past, with an average waiting time of over 10 years. The number of pediatric patients on the waitlist increased only slightly, while the mortality rate remained high, particularly among young children.
Researchers have found that liver signal STAT3 mediates the effects of brain insulin, which regulates glucose balance and insulin response. This discovery provides a potential therapeutic target for type 2 diabetes, a condition characterized by impaired glucose production in the liver.
Researchers developed a non-invasive method to measure indocyanine green elimination, correlating with traditional liver function tests. The test predicted poor outcomes and may improve liver transplant outcomes by guiding clinical management.
A Finnish study found ICP associated with higher incidence of hepatitis C, non-alcoholic cirrhosis, gallstones and cholecystitis. Women who had ICP were more likely to be hospitalized due to liver diseases during the study period.
Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients develop fewer complications than hepatitis C patients, but those with normal liver functions still face mortality risk from sepsis and cardiac events. The study highlights the importance of future therapeutic interventions for NASH patients.
Researchers discovered that blocking the Hedgehog pathway kills cancer cells while leaving healthy liver tissue intact. This finding offers hope for targeted treatments and diagnostic tests for liver cancer.
Researchers have developed a new family of biodegradable polymers, called polyketals, that can deliver drugs to cells more efficiently and with reduced inflammation. These polymers degrade into FDA-approved compounds and generate membrane-permeable products that allow byproducts to diffuse outside the cell.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation sheds light on the mechanism underlying microglia's behavior in multiple sclerosis. Researchers found that controlled inflammatory responses can restore damaged myelin and nerve function, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for MS treatment. Additionally, studies o...
Researchers found that PROCAM and SCORE accurately predict cardiovascular risk in liver transplant patients, outperforming the Framingham risk score. The study analyzed data from 303 patients who received a liver transplant between 1988 and 1994.
Researchers found that hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) therapy extended survival and improved quality of life in patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver. HAI therapy resulted in a median survival of 24 months, better response rates, and longer time to disease progression compared to systemic chemotherapy.
Liver injuries continue to plague the nation's drug development system, causing costly problems for pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Navarro proposes that patients speak with their physicians about their medications to detect liver injury early, as certain individuals are more likely to develop problems due to genetic makeup.
Researchers found that HCV RNA levels decrease rapidly during and after transplantation, then increase within days. The study suggests the liver is the primary site of viral replication, with a non-hepatic source contributing to some viral production.
A genetic mutation in a heart protein has been identified as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in African American infants. Diabetic patients may benefit from a nerve survival protein called GDNF to treat gastrointestinal disorders related to diabetes.
Researchers report three cases of severe liver failure and hepatitis linked to telithromycin, a newly approved antibiotic. The study highlights the potential risk of idiosyncratic drug reactions at one medical center.
A study by the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston has identified 5'-AMP as a key molecular mediator that switches mice from burning glucose to burning fat in response to darkness. This switch is also observed in active mammals, such as bears and humans, and may lead to new therapies for obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers found that cholestasis is associated with a broad activation of immune cells producing TNF-alpha, leading to behavioral changes and alterations in neurotransmitter systems. The study provides a novel mechanism linking liver disease to CNS sickness behavior, potentially informing the development of therapeutic agents.
Liver cirrhosis mortality rates have increased significantly in Scotland, England and Wales, doubling the European average. The authors attribute this to rising alcohol consumption, particularly wine and spirits, as well as other factors like obesity and hepatitis C.
Research suggests Cyclosporine may be a beneficial primary immunosuppression for HCV patients, achieving better antiviral effects than Tacrolimus when combined with interferon. However, the use of Cyclosporine also increases the risk of infections and hepatitis complications.