Articles tagged with Liver
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.
Research reveals that mice lacking SMAD4 gene in the liver exhibit dramatic iron accumulation, similar to human hemochromatosis. The liver plays a central role in iron regulation, and boosting TGF-ß signaling pathway holds promise for treatment.
A recent study published by the American Gastroenterological Association found that consuming more than two cups of coffee or tea per day can reduce the risk of chronic liver disease by half. Researchers discovered that caffeine played a significant role in this protective effect, suggesting potential applications for liver health.
Researchers studied 18 cystic fibrosis patients who experienced variceal bleeding and found that most could manage without liver replacement. The study's findings challenge the common assumption that CF patients with bleeding complications are poor candidates for liver transplants.
A study of over 662 US patients found that acetaminophen-related acute liver failure increased from 28% to 51% between 1998 and 2003. Unintentional overdoses, often due to combination medication use, led to more severe disease and worse outcomes.
Researchers at U-M found that focused radiation combined with chemotherapy significantly improves survival rates for liver cancer patients. The new method delivers an intensive punch directly to tumors while limiting exposure to normal tissue.
Scientists at the Salk Institute discovered a key cellular switch that instructs the liver to produce more glucose when blood sugar levels run low. The switch, called TORC2, limits its own activity to prevent excessive glucose production, which is missing in diabetic individuals.
A study found that HIV-positive patients with end-stage liver disease have a high risk of early death, likely due to weakened immune systems. The authors recommend closer monitoring and earlier transplant evaluation for these patients to minimize the risk.
A recent study published in the journal Hypertension has found a significant association between fatty liver and an increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. The research suggests that GGT levels are strongly affected by weight and body fat distribution, particularly in overweight participants with central obesity.
Tulane University has received $4.1 million to continue its work on the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief in several countries. The university will also conduct a five-year study on liver cancer due to liver fluke infection in Southeast Asia.
Researchers at UVa have isolated a natural compound, INS2, that works by sending a message inside cells to respond to insulin, helping cells dispose of excess glucose. The study found that the more compound injected, the more blood sugar decreased in diabetic rats.
The study found that a hormone called fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) limits the production of bile acid by the liver. FGF15 is produced in response to high levels of bile acid, triggering its secretion and regulating the body's digestive processes.
Researchers discovered a new hormone called fibroblast growth factor 15 (FGF15) that regulates bile acid production in the liver and prevents damage. FGF15 is produced in the small intestine and can potentially treat conditions like cholestasis by reducing harmful bile acid levels.
A new laboratory test has been developed to identify patients at high risk of developing cirrhosis after a liver transplant due to hepatitis C. The test targets hepatic stellate cells, which can produce collagen leading to scarring in infected patients.
Researchers found that high-fat diets depleted NKT cells, a type of immune cell that regulates cytokine production. This depletion led to increased pro-inflammatory cytokines, promoting chronic liver disease.
Researchers identified alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) as a reliable marker for predicting fibrosis development after liver transplant. Studies showed that HSC activation was associated with advanced fibrosis, suggesting a potential biomarker for early intervention and treatment.
Portal hypertension affects blood flow into the liver, causing high pressure that can lead to bleeding and death. Researchers identified a cellular mechanism leading to reduced nitric oxide production, which can be restored by reducing GRK2 protein production.
The pediatric acute liver study, directed from Children's, will investigate the causes and treatment of acute liver failure in children. The three aspects of the study include developing a registry, therapeutic clinical trials, and basic research into genetic causes of the condition.
Research shows that liver production of CRP is associated with atherosclerotic lesions, contradicting previous suggestions that CRP was merely a risk factor. Liver-derived CRP levels positively correlate with plaque size in rabbit models of atherosclerosis.
Mayo Clinic's new treatment protocol combining radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and liver transplantation has significantly improved the five-year survival rate for patients with bile duct cancer to 82%. The treatment enables surgeons to remove the entire liver and obtain better tumor clearance.
Researchers at the Salk Institute have identified a new target for diabetes treatment: the protein TORC2. TORC2 regulates glucose production in liver cells and its activation can improve insulin sensitivity. The discovery holds promise for developing more effective diabetes medications.
A diet high in soy protein prevents the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the liver despite obesity and hyperinsulinemia. This is achieved through reduced expression of genes involved in lipid production and increased breakdown of fatty acids.
A recent study published by the American Gastroenterological Association found that nearly 80% of Asian patients with chronic HCV developed cirrhosis after 60 years of infection. The study's results confirm that fibrosis progression is the same across ethnic groups, leading to cirrhosis and liver disease at a similar rate in everyone.
A new protein called ABIN-1 has been discovered that can prevent the death of liver cells in people with hepatitis. Researchers have shown that an extra dose of ABIN-1 provides a double protective effect against inflammation and cell death, offering new hope for treating liver disorders.
Research suggests that high blood lactate levels can accurately predict a poor outcome in patients with fulminant hepatic failure (FHF). The study examined the relationship between serum phosphate and lactate levels in FHF patients, finding that lactate levels were significantly higher in those who died or underwent a transplant.
A study published in Cell reveals that PGC-1 alpha, a metabolic regulator, plays a crucial role in the development of porphyria symptoms. Fasting and certain drugs can trigger attacks, which can be treated with high-carbohydrate diets and glucose feedings.
A study of 1,193 patients found only 94 received the HAV vaccine, highlighting a significant gap in vaccination rates. Patients with chronic HCV were at risk for severe liver disease and death if infected with HAV, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and vaccination efforts.
A new BCG vaccine strain protects against tuberculosis with high efficacy, while a novel TWEAK pathway induces liver cell proliferation in response to injury. These findings may lead to specific therapies for liver diseases and improved TB protection.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have found that increasing fructose-2,6-bisphosphate in the liver can decrease blood sugar levels in mice. This process may also lead to weight loss by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure. The study's findings could potentially lead to new treatments for diabetes and obesity.
Researchers have solved the mystery of the Shoenheimer effect, a 72-year-old cholesterol feedback mechanism. The study reveals that Insig proteins are essential components of this response and play a crucial role in regulating cholesterol synthesis.
A new contrast agent enables quicker and more thorough MRI screenings for potential living liver donors. The study found that this agent can image the liver, bile duct, and vessels simultaneously, reducing the need for separate examinations.
Researchers found that alendronate, combined with calcium and vitamin D, significantly prevented further bone loss in liver transplant patients for four months after the procedure. After three years, patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis showed improved BMD despite not reaching normal levels.
A recent study has identified mitochondrial acyl-CoA:glycerol-sn-3-phosphate acyltransferase 1 (mtGPAT1) as a trigger for insulin resistance in the liver. The researchers found that mice lacking this enzyme were protected from fatty liver and liver insulin resistance, suggesting mtGPAT1 as a potential therapeutic target.
New study reveals that acute insulin pulses limit fat synthesis in the liver by activating a key molecule called CEACAM1. Regular periods of fasting between meals help maintain a healthy liver by allowing insulin levels to fluctuate.
A study analyzing reports of suspected drug-induced liver injury found that AST and bilirubin levels are key predictors of death or liver transplant in patients with severe drug-induced liver disease. Patients with hepatocellular liver damage had a higher mortality rate, highlighting the importance of monitoring these biomarkers.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found that contrast-enhanced MRI is more accurate than FDG-PET in detecting liver tumors, especially for smaller lesions. The study analyzed 79 liver tumors and showed an accuracy rate of 75.5% for MRI versus 64.1% for PET.
Researchers found that asymptomatic autoimmune hepatitis patients had lower liver enzyme and IgG antibody levels, but did not differ from symptomatic patients in terms of inflammation. Despite treatment recommendations, most asymptomatic patients do well without immunosuppressive therapy as long as they remain asymptomatic.
A new method of controlling blood levels of calcineurin inhibitors (CNIs) improves the success of liver transplants by reducing variation and toxicity. The four-step process increases CNI levels within target ranges from 50% to 80% in patients.
A phase I study has shown early promise for a cancer-killing virus targeting colorectal cancer. The virus, NV1020, selectively kills cancer cells while sparing normal tissue, leading to improved CEA reductions and median survival times of up to 23 months.
A study published in Hepatology found that severe sleep apnea is a risk factor for liver damage, independent of body mass index. Patients with severe sleep apnea had higher levels of insulin resistance and fatty liver disease, suggesting a link between obstructive sleep apnea and the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.