Research on the liver in health and disease. Covers liver-disease subtypes, the liver's role in circadian timing, targeted therapies, and cell regulation.
A new study reveals dramatic changes to gut and mouth bacteria in people with chronic liver disease, correlating with increased antibiotic resistance and poor clinical outcomes. The findings suggest a need for personalized microbiome-based treatments and rapid diagnosis of infections to improve patient care.
A new study reveals that an AI algorithm can accurately detect early-stage metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) in patients who meet the criteria, leaving 83% undiagnosed. This highlights the need for improved screening and diagnosis methods to prevent progression to advanced liver disease.
Hospitalization rates for alcohol-induced liver disease rose significantly between 2005 and 2021, with greater absolute increases among older males than younger females. The study highlights the growing burden of this condition and underscores the importance of addressing alcohol-related liver disease.
A study found that beer-only drinkers have lower-quality diets and are more likely to be male, younger, smokers, and low income. They also reported the highest total daily caloric intake and lowest level of physical activity compared to other alcohol consumers.
Researchers found that sodium butyrate inhibits necroptosis in intestinal epithelial cells of liver cirrhosis by regulating MLKL via E2F1. Fecal BA levels were negatively correlated with serum MLKL levels, suggesting a protective effect.
Metformin, a widely prescribed diabetes drug, may increase risks of obesity and diabetes in newborns when given to pregnant women. The study found that the drug accumulated in the fetal kidneys, liver, and other organs, leading to growth restriction, which has been linked to an elevated risk of obesity and insulin resistance in childhood.
A study found that heavy drinking among adult Americans increased by more than 20% during the COVID-19 pandemic and continued for the following two years. The study analyzed data from over 24,000 adults and showed a sustained increase in alcohol use across all age groups, genders, and regions.
Experimental mouse models are crucial for studying liver fibrosis regression, with various models exhibiting reversible fibrosis after removal of causative agents or therapeutic interventions. However, challenges persist in replicating human disease progression and regression, highlighting the need for further refinement of these models.
The 17-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 13 gene plays a significant role in regulating liver lipid metabolism, with loss-of-function variants linked to reduced risk of chronic liver disease progression. HSD17B13 modulation may provide therapeutic benefits for individuals with metabolic liver disease.
Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is characterized by metabolic alterations that disrupt immune function, contributing to disease progression. Metabolite imbalances, such as elevated lactate levels and reduced ketone bodies, further suppress immune responses.
A total of eight metabolites were identified, with three major pathways found: demethylation, dehydrogenation, and oxidation. These findings suggest that demethylation is the primary detoxification pathway for humantenirine.
Researchers found that TTA reverses meldonium-induced changes in fatty acid synthesis and elongation, alleviating liver fat accumulation. Alterations in delta-6 desaturase activity and plasma L-carnitine levels play a critical role in hepatic steatosis.
A novel ratiometric fluorescent probe was synthesized to detect native human albumin (HA) activity in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Native HA activity levels were significantly higher in low albumin groups, correlating with increased severity of liver disease.
Researchers from Peking University have identified a new compound, C7, that retains the therapeutic effect of obeticholic acid without causing itch. The study reveals the molecular mechanism of bile acids activating hX4 to induce cholestatic itch, offering hope for more effective and comfortable liver disease treatments.
A new prognostic model accurately predicts short-term mortality in ACLF patients, offering improved clinical decision-making. The Model for end-stage liver disease-complication score demonstrated superior predictive accuracy and robustness in external cohorts.
This study identifies the hsa_circ_0001726/miR-140-3p/KRAS axis as a key regulator in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression and lenvatinib resistance. The axis is involved in promoting cell proliferation and migration, and is also linked to overall survival in HCC patients.
A cohort study reveals that AATD patients with COPD have a unique liver transcriptomic profile, with upregulated pathways related to fibrosis and inflammation. Histopathological analysis confirms higher levels of fibrosis and hepatocellular damage in these individuals.
A 48-week follow-up study found that TMF treatment did not significantly affect blood lipid profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Lipid indices remained stable, regardless of baseline characteristics.
The GALAD algorithm combines AFP, AFP-L3, and PIVKA-II for HCC detection. Combining GAAD, GALAD, or PIVKA-II with ultrasound improves diagnostic efficiency compared to recommended strategies.
A U.S.-based single-center retrospective cohort study found that advanced liver fibrosis is a primary risk factor for incident liver decompensation and liver-related events in patients with biopsy-proven metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. The study, published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Hepatolog...
This study investigates the role of GPX4 methylation in ferroptosis during hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ferroptosis is observed in oxygen and glucose deprivation, characterized by decreased cellular viability and increased lipid peroxidation.
Researchers have unveiled a complex interplay between liver X and thyroid hormone receptors that regulates critical brain functions and protects against neurodegeneration. LXRs play a crucial role in regulating thyroid hormone function in the brain, while both receptors are essential for normal brain development and maintenance.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASLD) exhibits persistent activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) and its primary transcription factor P53 even after dietary reversal. Elevated P53 levels correlate with hepatocyte ballooning, suggesting a link between DDR signaling and MASLD recurrence.
A new study has found that rifaximin, an antibiotic commonly prescribed for liver disease patients, is driving the emergence of a deadly superbug. The antibiotic triggers specific changes in bacteria that make them resistant to last-resort antibiotics like daptomycin.
Researchers discovered that tuberculosis alters liver metabolism and can push patients towards metabolic disease like diabetes. The study suggests undiagnosed TB could be a significant contributor to metabolic health issues.
Researchers on the International Space Station have developed human liver tissues with enhanced functionality in microgravity, paving the way for novel stem cell-derived liver tissues and alternative to traditional liver transplants. The team also created a bioreactor system for stable supercooling preservation of tissues.
Researchers found inhibiting ACMSD increases NAD+ levels, reducing inflammation and fibrosis in mouse models of MASLD/MASH. Boosting NAD+ production could protect against severe liver damage and cirrhosis.
Researchers found that patients had the same success rate when treated for 24 hours compared to 72 hours, with no difference in need for transfusion, ventilation, or vasopressors. This suggests that shorter octreotide therapy may be sufficient and could help reduce hospital stays and costs.
Researchers have identified liver X receptor beta as a promising target for treating depression and anxiety, with key findings including LXRβ's role in regulating neurotransmission and neurogenesis. This breakthrough could lead to novel therapies for treatment-resistant depression and personalized medicine approaches in psychiatry.
A recent study published in Liver Cancer found that patients with diabetes mellitus and comorbid obesity are at a higher risk of liver cancer recurrence after resection. The risk is significantly higher for those with comorbid obesity, increasing by approximately 3.8 times over five years postoperatively.
A recent study by Children's Hospital Los Angeles showed that reprioritizing organ allocation led to better outcomes for children with PALF. The changes resulted in substantially decreased deaths on the pediatric waitlist, increased rates of liver transplant, and improved post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers at University of Gothenburg propose inhibiting somatostatin to restore glucagon release and prevent dangerous blood sugar levels. This approach has the potential to save lives and is supported by experimental results in mice with type 1 diabetes.
The TIPS procedure improves renal function in patients with portal hypertension, particularly those with refractory ascites. However, the benefits of TIPS for Hepatorenal Syndrome (HRS) and Hepatopulmonary Syndrome (HPS) are limited due to insufficient data.
Researchers identified CYP1B1 as a biomarker for HSC activation and liver fibrosis in patients and mice. Inhibition of CYP1B1 led to the accumulation of trehalose, which has anti-fibrotic activity, protecting mice from liver fibrosis.
Cholestasis leads to mitochondrial dysfunction, ER stress, inflammation, and autophagy impairment. Novel therapeutic agents modulate mitochondrial and bile acid metabolism pathways to improve liver function.
A study published in Metabolism revealed a new mechanism for glucose production in the liver during stress. CREB and CRTC2 proteins were found to be involved in activating gluconeogenesis, a key metabolic function of the liver that helps maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Women with hepatocellular carcinoma are less likely to receive a deceased-donor liver transplant due to sex-based differences in candidate size. The study's findings highlight the need for changes in allocation policy to improve access to size-matched donor livers for smaller candidates.
Researchers at Tokyo Medical and Dental University discovered the role of A20 in suppressing chronic hepatitis by inhibiting the DCLK1-JNK pathway-dependent chemokines. In mice lacking A20 expression, hepatic stellate cells displayed spontaneous inflammation and increased chemokine levels.
Researchers have shown that repeated administration of lipid nanoparticle-encapsulated mRNA therapy significantly extended survival and reduced serum leucine levels in a mouse model of maple syrup urine disease. The treatment approach may represent a potential long-term universal treatment for MSUD.
Researchers developed a treatment approach using lipid nanoparticles to deliver mRNA therapy for MSUD, extending survival and reducing serum leucine levels. The study also identified a novel AAV variant with desirable biodistribution properties for targeting peripheral organs.
A new study by Korea University College of Medicine shows that direct-acting antivirals significantly reduce liver-related clinical outcomes and lower the risk of disease progression to cancer or cirrhosis, increasing life expectancy for patients with Hepatitis C. The treatment approach has a high effectiveness rate of 90%.
Researchers have created the first spatial map of malaria infection in the mouse liver using Spatial Transcriptomics and single-cell RNA-sequencing. This discovery sheds light on the parasite's lifecycle, revealing changes in host cell gene expression near infected areas.
A study from Michigan Medicine found that both meditation and stretching can significantly reduce cramp severity and improve quality of life for patients with cirrhosis. The researchers were surprised to find that meditation also had a positive effect on cramp severity, despite not expecting it.
Parents who struggle with alcohol use disorders can pass along symptoms of early aging to their children, affecting them well into adulthood. These accelerated aging effects include high cholesterol, heart problems, arthritis, and early onset dementia.
A study from Michigan Medicine researchers found that over 15 million adult Americans regularly consume herbal and dietary supplements containing potentially toxic liver ingredients. The largest proportion of users took turmeric or green tea supplements, while others used garcinia cambogia for weight loss.
Scientists have developed a new compound, ZTA-261, which selectively binds to the thyroid hormone receptor beta (THRβ) to treat lipid disorders. Mice administered the drug showed decreased lipid levels in the liver and blood with fewer side effects compared to existing compounds.
A survey study estimates that 15.6 million US adults consume at least one potentially hepatotoxic botanical product within the past 30 days. Turmeric is the most commonly reported botanical, followed by green tea, ashwagandha, Garcinia cambogia, red yeast rice, and black cohosh products.
A new study reveals that the protein CRTC plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy heart by ensuring it is neither too thick nor too thin. The research also shows that overexpression of CRTC causes cardiac hypertrophy, leading to adverse cardiovascular events.
Researchers used spatial transcriptomics to analyze liver biopsies from patients with CHB, uncovering distinct gene expression signatures and unique immune cell compositions. The study sheds light on the intricate interplay between the virus and the immune system, paving the way for developing novel therapeutic strategies.
Scientists analyzed 21,000 cells from tissue samples to develop a cell atlas of regenerating liver tissue. The study reveals changes in cell composition, gene expression, and intercellular communication that facilitate liver regeneration after portal vein embolization.
A study published in JAMA Surgery shows that liver transplants significantly improve progression-free survival rates for patients with unresectable colorectal liver metastases compared to other therapies. At three years, 90% of transplant patients remained cancer-progression free, whereas only 42% of those receiving alternative treatme...
Researchers find significant association between illicit fentanyl use and HCV transmission, highlighting need for point-of-care testing and treatment access. The study suggests that fentanyl's short half-life may lead to increased risk of HCV transmission through frequent dosing and sharing.
Cancer cells can attach themselves to liver cells when specific proteins are present, allowing them to colonize and form new tumors. This discovery provides insights into the metastatic process and may lead to potential treatments that prevent cancer from establishing new tumors.
These disorders, including CHF, CD, CS, ALGS, and BA, result from genetic mutations affecting bile formation and transport. Management focuses on symptom control, prevention of complications, and definitive treatment with liver transplantation when indicated.
Experts have established a comprehensive guideline for classifying and treating advanced liver cancer in China. The guidelines recommend personalized treatment options based on tumor characteristics, vascular tumor thrombus grade, distant metastasis, liver function status, portal hypertension, and hepatitis B virus replication status.
A recent UNIGE study highlights the risks of high-protein diets, also known as Paleolithic diets, which can lead to severe neurological disorders. Excess protein increases ammonium production, overwhelming the liver and potentially causing coma in severe cases.
Researchers found that bowel movement frequency is linked to long-term health, with younger people, women, and those with lower BMI tending to have less frequent bowel movements. The study also showed associations between bowel movement frequency and chronic disease risk, mental health history, and gut microbiome composition.
Splenic venous hypertension is a rare condition characterized by upper GI bleeding without liver disease. It arises due to increased pressure in the splenic vein, leading to gastric varices. Diagnosis involves clinical suspicion, imaging studies, and endoscopic methods.
Significant progress has been made in understanding and managing cholestatic liver diseases, with emerging therapies like OCA, fibrates, and budesonide. Multidisciplinary approaches involving hepatologists, gastroenterologists, and primary care physicians are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC reveals a startling disparity in the frequency of liver disease among transgender individuals, with double the prevalence of cirrhosis compared to cisgender adults. The study highlights the need for more supportive, preventive care and emphasizes the importance of early prevention.