Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
CellCept shows benefits for liver transplant patients, similar to those seen in kidney transplant recipients, with reduced risk of acute rejection and improved kidney function. The treatment also promotes safe steroid-free regimens and reduces liver fibrosis.
A recent study found a significant percentage of patients who received a liver transplant due to alcoholic liver disease also used tobacco post-transplant. The majority of smokers resumed their habit quickly and showed increased consumption over time, highlighting the need for more stringent monitoring and intervention.
A seven-year review of liver transplant recipients who received HBV positive and HCV positive organs found patient and graft survival rates comparable to those receiving livers from negative donors. The use of these organs increases the number available for transplantation while maintaining long-term results.
A steroid-free regimen with CellCept was found to be comparable to standard therapy in liver transplantation, without increasing the risk of hepatitis C recurrence. The study involved 312 adult patients and showed that the CellCept-based regimen demonstrated comparable efficacy and safety profiles.
Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly observing the liver invasion of malarial parasites using intravital microscopy. The study reveals a critical stage in the parasite's life cycle, where sporozoites traverse Kupffer cells to wreak havoc on liver tissue.
Researchers found grapefruit seed extract accelerates ulcer healing by reducing gastric acid secretion and promoting blood flow at the ulcer site. The study suggests that grapefruit can be a beneficial addition to the diet for those with ulcers.
Researchers have found promising results from an early clinical trial of a novel treatment for uveal melanoma that has spread to the liver. The two-pronged treatment cuts off oxygen supply to tumors and stimulates the immune system, leading to tumor shrinkage and prolonged survival in patients.
Children under five are most likely to die waiting for a liver transplant due to organ shortage. Living donor liver transplantation offers better graft and patient survival rates for pediatric patients.
Researchers found that ablation therapy extended median survival to 33 months compared to 20 months for chemotherapy-only treatment. The study also showed improved disease recurrence rates and overall 3-year survival rate of 51%.
Researchers found that increased LXR expression in the liver improves cholesterol and triglyceride levels on high-fat diets, but loses effect with experimental drugs. The study suggests that targeting natural ligands may be more effective in treating metabolic diseases.
A new study published in Cell Metabolism found that normal metabolism requires so-called "new" fat to maintain glucose, lipid, and cholesterol homeostasis. The researchers discovered that old fat stores alone failed to set critical metabolic pathways in motion, leading to a marked decline in gene activity.
A new study reveals that mice with an excess of liver X receptor (LXRa) are protected from high-fat diet-induced cholesterol and blood vessel plaques. The findings suggest that natural variation in LXRa levels can influence susceptibility to heart disease, depending on diet.
Genetically engineered mice with a missing enzyme in their livers developed fatty liver disease when placed on a zero-fat diet. The study found that consuming new fat, which is produced in the liver or consumed in food, helps regulate fat burning and prevents liver damage.
Accumulated liver lipids come from serum fatty acids, newly made fatty acids within the liver, and dietary fatty acids. Insulin-sensitizing agents may help reduce oxidative stress and treat NAFLD.
Researchers found that liver cells express CB1 receptors, which activate a signaling pathway increasing fatty acid synthesis. This activation is similar to brain and may be a target for metabolic regulation and appetite control.
New research reveals that accumulated liver lipids originate from serum fatty acids, newly produced fatty acids within the liver, and dietary fatty acids. The study also highlights the potential role of endocannabinoids in regulating liver metabolism and appetite control. Additionally, a companion paper explores the relationship betwee...
A recent study led by Elizabeth Parks from the University of Minnesota has made a groundbreaking discovery about the origin of fatty liver disease. The research found that excess dietary fat can lead to liver toxicity, causing it to malfunction in its role as the body's central storage and distribution center for fat.
A study of Southern Italian residents found that over 12% had abnormal liver values, with a significant correlation between age, gender, and excessive alcohol consumption. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease emerged as an important cause of altered liver tests in the region.
Research finds that high cyclosporine levels are associated with increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence after liver transplantation. The study suggests tailoring immunosuppressive schedules to individual patients based on their tumor biology, and recommends minimizing exposure to cyclosporine to prevent recurrence.
Researchers found that nitrite therapy reduces cell death and preserves organ function in mouse models of I/R injury. Nitrite may serve as a therapeutic treatment for I/R disease, particularly in preventing organ dysfunction following surgery or transplantation.
A new mouse model has shown reduced blood glucose levels and lower serum insulin, indicating improved glucose tolerance in the liver. The study found that Gab1 acts as a negative regulator on insulin signal strength in the liver, suggesting potential therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes.