New ways to ease liver disease
Research reveals that IL-6 activates a pathway in liver cells that triggers protection against hepatitis and immune-mediated liver damage. Two proteins, KC and SAA2, play a crucial role in this protective effect.
Liver
Articles tagged with Liver
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Future diabetes drugs may target new protein interaction
Researchers discovered that sirtuin1 and PGC1-alpha proteins interact to trigger glucose production in the liver. Targeting this interaction could help control sugar production in people with diabetes, potentially leading to new treatment options.
Scientists replicate hepatitis C virus in laboratory
Researchers have successfully replicated the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a laboratory setting using a new in vitro model system. The system allows for the study of HCV therapeutics and the entire virus life cycle, including replication, assembly, and release from host cells.
Hard choices: Pitt researcher presents findings on when to accept organ transplants
A Pitt researcher has developed a decision-making model to help patients weigh the risks and benefits of accepting organ transplants. The model uses mathematical techniques to provide insight into patient physiology and quality of life, helping doctors make informed decisions.
Biochemical marker aids prognosis in liver transplant patients
Researchers found that adding serum sodium to the MELD score significantly increases its accuracy in predicting short-term mortality among liver transplant patients with advanced cirrhosis. The study showed that hyponatremia was a more accurate marker of poor outcome than serum creatinine.
Component of green tea protects injured livers in mice
The study found that EGCG protected fatty livers from cell damage after I/R injury, reducing necrosis and increasing viable tissue. It also reduced liver fat content by approximately 55 percent and increased hepatic energy stores.
JCI Table of Contents, March 1, 2005
Researchers found that chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells are born at a fast rate but die, leading to a slow rise in cell count over time due to variable birth and death rates. This dynamic interplay between CLL cell division and cell death may enable physicians to predict disease progression.
Scientists ID molecular 'switch' in liver that triggers harmful effects of saturated and trans fats
Researchers found a biochemical switch, PGC-1beta, in liver cells that triggers the harmful effects of saturated and trans fats. The discovery offers hope for developing drug therapies to lower cholesterol levels and heart disease risk.
Severity of liver disease not a reliable indicator of quality of life
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that liver disease severity does not accurately predict quality of life, suggesting alternative methods should be considered for organ allocation. Patients with end-stage liver disease experience impaired quality of life, but this is not correlated with MELD scores.
The role of ethnicity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
A study of 742 patients with newly diagnosed chronic liver disease found that ethnicity significantly impacts NAFLD prevalence, particularly among Hispanic and Asian populations. The study highlights the need for culturally sensitive education and representation in future clinical studies to address disparities in diagnosis and treatment.
Discovery of pathway in learning impairment caused by liver disease may lead to drug treatment
A new study reveals that liver disease can impair learning ability by disrupting the glutamate-nitric oxide-cGMP pathway in the brain. Sildenafil treatment restored learning ability in rats with portacaval shunts and those with hyperammonemia, suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Research offers hope of new treatments for liver damage 'plague'
Researchers have identified two types of immune cells in the liver that can cause scarring or repair it. Understanding these cells may lead to new treatments for cirrhosis, a major cause of liver failure.
Transplanted bone marrow cells reduce liver fibrosis in mice
Researchers found that transplanted bone marrow cells reduced liver fibrosis in mice treated with carbon tetrachloride. The treatment also improved survival rates and increased serum albumin levels, suggesting a new concept for treating liver fibrosis.
Artery variations increase complication risk in liver transplants
Researchers used 3D MDCT to evaluate patients before surgery and found that abnormal liver artery anatomy increases the risk of complications after a transplant. The study analyzed over 80 patients and found that those with variant anatomy were more likely to experience post-surgical complications.
Higher incidence of rejection following early steroid withdrawal
A multicenter study found that early steroid withdrawal after liver transplantation increased acute rejection rates, but may decrease the risk of long-term cardiovascular disease and mortality. The study suggested that earlier withdrawal could lead to improved glucose tolerance and reduced metabolic complications.
Nerve damage from alcoholism reversed after liver transplantation
A patient with a 20-year history of heavy drinking underwent liver transplantation in 1999 and experienced progressive recovery of strength in both legs. The authors suggest that peripheral neuropathy in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis is reversible and should not be a contraindication to liver transplantation.
Disoriented T cells cause liver disease
T cells activated during IBD found in PSC livers, re-routed by aberrant attractant protein. Long-lived memory cells may explain delayed liver disease onset after IBD resolution.
Safety of bismuth bullets questioned: Study
Researchers at University of Toronto found evidence of lead contamination resulting from bismuth use in waterfowl samples. The study suggests that excessive bismuth exposure may be linked to blood, liver, kidney and neural problems.
IgG treatment during pregnancy reduces severity of rare, recurring liver condition in newborns
Researchers found that treating mothers with IgG during pregnancy significantly reduced the severity of recurrent NH in newborns. The study showed that all 16 pregnancies progressed uneventfully and resulted in live babies with normal physical examination findings.
Serum caspase activity and liver fibrosis in patients with hepatitis C
Researchers found elevated caspase levels in HCV patients with normal aminotransferase levels, associated with higher stages of liver fibrosis. The study suggests that measuring caspase-mediated CK-18 cleavage in serum may be a more sensitive method to detect liver fibrosis in chronic HCV infection.
Combining liver transplantation and coronary artery bypass grafting can be safe and effective
Researchers found that combining liver transplantation and coronary artery bypass grafting is a safe approach for patients with severe coronary artery disease and end-stage liver disease. The procedure's success depends on careful multidisciplinary evaluation, coordination, and graft selection.
Studies demonstrate positive data in treatment of hepatitis C
Researchers demonstrate that long-term maintenance therapy with peginterferon alfa-2b can prevent or delay the progression of hepatitis C, reducing the risk of liver damage by half. A new antiviral agent, NM283, also shows promising activity against genotype 1 HCV, offering hope for future therapies.
Study shows weight-based REBETOL dosing in combination with PEG-INTRON significantly improves ...
A study of nearly 400 African-American patients found that weight-based REBETOL dosing with PEG-INTRON improved viral clearance and reduced relapse rates compared to a flat dose. The treatment showed promise in improving outcomes for this patient population, which has historically had lower response rates to hepatitis C therapy.
Drug combination shows promise in treating hepatitis C
A new study finds that combining Pegasys with ribavirin reduces hepatitis C viral levels more effectively than Peg-Intron, a promising development in treating the virus. The study's lead investigator hopes that the findings will inform the design of better drugs to combat the infection.
VYTORIN (TM) superior again to Lipitor at lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol
In a subgroup of high-risk patients, VYTORIN significantly reduced LDL cholesterol by 59% compared to Lipitor. This resulted in more patients achieving an LDL cholesterol goal of less than 100mg/dL with VYTORIN, and increased HDL cholesterol levels.
Jefferson liver transplant surgeons show less rejection, better survival with drug regimen
Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University found a significant decrease in liver rejection rates using a monoclonal antibody, basiliximab, in combination with tacrolimus and low-dose steroids. The one-year survival rate improved to 88%, with no complications reported.
Hepatitis C recurrence after liver transplantation
A study found that patients who received liver transplants from living donors are more likely to experience severe Hepatitis C recurrence. The research, led by Xavier Forns, investigated the effect of donor life status on HCV patient outcomes and discovered a significant association between living donor transplantation and severe disea...
Long-term outcomes for liver transplantation due to hepatitis C
Research on hepatitis C patients after liver transplantation found that 10-year outcomes are similar to those for other indications, but risk of recurrence and failure increases over time. Factors such as donor and recipient age, viral load, and CMV antibodies can predict transplant success.
New 'clock gene' uncovered
A team of scientists at Scripps Research Institute has discovered a new genetic component of the mammalian clock, known as Rora. This discovery holds promise for understanding circadian rhythms and their role in health and disease, including conditions like jet lag and sleep disorders.
APS announces the winners of its 2004 postdoctoral fellowship in physiological genomics
Two young scientists, Matthew R. Jones and Takuya Sakaguchi, have been awarded the APS Postdoctoral Fellowship to investigate the roles of Interleukin-6 in pneumonia infections and liver organogenesis, respectively. The fellowship aims to advance understanding of physiological genomics by integrating cellular and molecular biology.
MCG students discover medicinal role for pancake mix
A team of MCG students has discovered a vegetarian alternative to chicken liver for diagnostic imaging, utilizing Carborite Pancake Mix. The product's binding rate is 97-98%, comparable to that of chicken liver.
Liver transplantation outcomes have significantly improved for patients with hepatitis B
Researchers analyzed 15 years of data on liver transplant recipients with hepatitis B and found significant improvements in 5-year-survival rates from 53% to 76%. Advances in prophylaxis and treatment of recurrent HBV disease likely contributed to these gains.
Genetic discovery could dramatically reduce need for liver transplants in children
Researchers discovered that inflammatory genes are activated and control bile duct obstruction in biliary atresia, a disease affecting up to 50% of children undergoing liver transplants. Blocking these inflammatory signals may prevent disease progression and increase long-term survival.
The debate over acetaminophen and acute liver failure
Experts disagree on acetaminophen's safety; William M. Lee advocates for stricter regulation to reduce overdoses, while Barry H. Rumack suggests therapeutic doses are safe and most cases may be intentional overdose attempts.
Disparity in liver transplantation by race
A study found that blacks were underrepresented on liver transplant waiting lists, with only 8.4% of the list being black despite 13.6% of the population being black. Blacks also had higher mortality rates while waiting for transplants and were less likely to receive transplants within 4 years compared to whites.
Macrophages, not stem cells, correct liver disease by fusion
Researchers at OHSU's Oregon Stem Cell Center have discovered that macrophages, not stem cells, can fuse with diseased liver cells to correct genetic liver disease in mice. This finding suggests that transplantation of macrophages alone may be a more targeted and effective treatment approach than traditional stem cell therapy.
How fat poisons livers of obese children and adults
The Mayo Clinic discovery sheds light on the cellular mechanisms behind Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), a growing global problem related to affluence and diet. Early signs include accumulation of fat in the liver, inflammation, and scarring, which can lead to impaired function.
Liver disease: it's not just how much you drink, but how and when you drink
A study found that liver damage risk varies by gender and drinking pattern. Women are more susceptible, especially when not eating with alcohol, whereas men's risk depends on frequency and amount of drinking.
With fat, women have a more visceral response
Researchers have found that women with visceral fat experience increased lipolysis, the breakdown of fat cells, which can lead to weight loss. The study suggests that this type of fat may be particularly responsive to diet and exercise.
Stem cells can convert to liver tissue, help restore damaged organ
Researchers found that bone marrow stem cells can differentiate into liver cells within days, restoring liver function in injured mice. The study suggests a new approach to treating chronic diseases like diabetes and cirrhosis of the liver.
Study may improve survival of transplanted livers
A recent study published in Hepatology suggests that using nitric oxide during liver reperfusion can protect transplanted livers from cell death, improving survival rates. Researchers found that nitric oxide blocks mitochondrial damage, a key factor in organ rejection and failure.
Cutting-edge science offers improved care for liver diseases
Researchers have identified a potential new source of stem cells for treating liver damage, offering hope for improved care. The study found that umbilical cord blood cells may differentiate into functional liver cells after transplantation, providing a promising therapeutic avenue for acute and chronic liver injury therapy.
Advances emerging in hepatitis management
Research has identified improved screening programs for HIV coinfection with chronic hepatitis C, as well as predictive models for inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B. These advances aim to improve treatment decisions and quality of life for affected individuals.
Regional review boards improve liver transplant allocation
A new study published in Liver Transplantation reveals that regional review boards effectively distinguish between high- and low-risk patients, ensuring fair organ allocation. The study also found that referring physicians have poor predictive capacity for patient mortality.
GI health affected by consumption of coffee and carbonated drinks
Researchers found an inverse correlation between coffee and caffeine consumption and liver injury, which declined with increasing coffee drinking and caffeine intake. Carbonated soft drink consumption was also linked to a rise in esophageal adenocarcinoma rates, with a strong correlation seen between the two.
CellCept(R) registry data demonstrated superior long-term organ transplant outcomes
Data from over 35,000 organ recipients demonstrated improved patient and graft survival with CellCept-based treatment regimens. The studies found significant improvements in liver and kidney transplant outcomes, reducing infectious deaths and increasing graft survival rates.
Mouse study yields clue to why liver is less prone to rejection, say Pitt researchers
Researchers found that liver dendritic cells express less TLR-4, a molecule that triggers immune activation, due to the constant exposure to LPS from gut bacteria. This mechanism may contribute to the liver's inherent tolerogenic potential and lower rejection rates in transplant patients.
Synbiotic modulation of gut flora improves minimal hepatic encephalopathy in cirrhotic patients
A study found that treating cirrhotic patients with synbiotics or fermentable fiber can alter the gut flora, lowering ammonia levels and improving clinical signs of brain and liver dysfunction. The treatments were effective in reversing minimal hepatic encephalopathy in 50% of patients, compared to 13% in the placebo group.
Screening for liver diseases
The value of screening varies by condition, and it can both identify treatable conditions and subject patients to invasive evaluations. Researchers recommend carefully considering each condition's worthiness and exploring prospective studies on screening efficacy.
MRI is better than PET for detecting small metastatic lesions in the liver
A new study found that MRI is more effective than PET in detecting small liver metastases, with an accuracy rate of 75.5%, compared to PET's 64.1%. The study used a custom liver-specific contrast agent, which improved image resolution and detection of smaller lesions.
Could vitamins raise levels of bad cholesterol? Animal study suggests they might
A new animal study suggests that antioxidant vitamins may increase the secretion of VLDL in liver cells, leading to higher levels of LDL cholesterol. The study found that vitamins hampered a process in the liver that prevents the production of harmful lipoproteins.
Major study: Bioartificial liver reduces mortality by 44 percent in acute liver-failure patients
A major study at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center found that a bioartificial liver significantly reduced mortality among patients with acute liver failure. The treatment showed a 44% reduction in mortality rates compared to standard supportive care, offering new possibilities for treating this life-threatening condition.
Donor livers not consistently allocated according to medical need
A study found that liver transplant recipients in small OPOs had a lower proportion of patients with high MELD scores compared to those in large OPOs. Despite this difference, patient survival rates were similar between the two groups.
Ribozyme package effective against hepatitis B virus
A new ribozyme package has been shown to be effective against the hepatitis B virus in an animal model, reducing viral production by over 80% in just three to five days. The treatment uses a specialized cassette that targets and destroys the virus's RNA, making it a promising approach for fighting other viruses as well.
Fish oil supplements may contain flame retardants
A study by Miriam Jacobs and colleagues has found significant increases in flame retardant levels in cod liver oil supplements over the past four years. This is a growing concern due to the potential for these chemicals to contaminate the environment and human health, particularly through consumption of contaminated fish oils.
New test detects cirrhosis of the liver in an early stage
A new test can detect cirrhosis of the liver in its early stages, using changes in sugar production to identify the condition. The test has been shown to be accurate and could lead to earlier detection of liver cancer, improving treatment outcomes.
Mix of chemicals plus stress damages brain, liver in animals and likely in humans
Researchers found that short-term stress combined with exposure to low-dose chemicals causes widespread cellular damage in the brain and liver of rats. The combination also promotes cell death, damages specific brain regions, and increases reactive oxygen species, which can lead to further damage.
UMHS study finds surgery safer at teaching hospitals
Patients undergoing complex gastrointestinal surgery at teaching hospitals are less likely to die or experience complications, with death rates under 10% compared to non-teaching hospitals. Higher hospital volumes also lead to fewer prolonged hospital stays, suggesting fewer complications from surgery.
Diabetes doubles risk of liver disease and liver cancer
A large cohort study reveals that diabetes significantly increases the risk of developing chronic liver disease and liver cancer. Regular testing of liver enzymes is recommended for patients with diabetes to monitor for potential toxicity.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine conducting clinical trials with gene therapy for colorectal cancer
Researchers are testing a gene therapy approach called tumor immunization, which involves delivering the IL12 gene to cancer cells to trigger an immune response. The method has shown promise in laboratory and animal studies, with up to 20% of animals experiencing complete tumor eradication.