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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Studies identify specific tissue sites where abnormal cells lead to insulin resistance and Metabolic Syndrome. PPARgamma in fat tissue affects adipose cell function, while defective muscle tissue causes profound insulin resistance.
A study of 100 patients with abnormally high liver enzymes found that 57 had HCV RNA in their liver biopsies, suggesting occult infection. HCV RNA was also detected in peripheral-blood mononuclear cells from 40% of patients, potentially allowing for easier detection and monitoring.
A pilot study found that children who underwent steroid-free immunosuppression had a lower rate of graft rejection after 12 months compared to those who received steroids. The findings suggest no harmful effect on graft acceptance, but further follow-up is needed to confirm the results.
Researchers discovered that growth hormone activates the Foxm1b gene, a critical regulator of tissue repair and regeneration. The study suggests that declining growth hormone levels in older adults may contribute to reduced healing capacity.
A study of HIV-infected patients undergoing liver transplantation found improved survival rates compared to HIV-negative patients. Poorer survival was associated with postoperative intolerance, low CD4 counts, and hepatitis C coinfection.
Researchers successfully used gene-modified dendritic cells to induce apoptosis in collagen-specific T cells, reducing arthritis incidence and severity. Additionally, stem cell factor was found to drive hepatocyte proliferation after liver resection, while VLA-1 expression is crucial for T cell memory of previously encountered antigens.
Researchers found that stem cell factor (SCF) levels change significantly after partial hepatectomy, and SCF administration restores hepatocyte proliferation in mice with IL-6 knockout. This suggests SCF plays a crucial role in liver regeneration.
Liver cancer patients who undergo transplantation show improved five-year survival rates, increasing steadily from 25.3% to 61.1% over the past two decades. Regular screening of patients with cirrhosis is essential for early detection and optimal outcomes.
A US study found that liver transplantation significantly improves five-year survival rates for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), from 25.3% in the late 1980s to 61.1% in the early 2000s. The study suggests that careful patient selection based on improved criteria may be a key factor in these improvements.
A recent study found that biological DMARDs significantly increase the risk of serious hepatic events. The study showed no such link with leflunomide or traditional DMARDs, suggesting further investigation is needed.
Researchers uncover two neighboring genes, Rsl1 and Rsl2, that repress male-specific liver gene expression in female mice. This discovery sheds light on the genetic basis for gender differences in liver function, revealing a complex interplay between multiple genes.
Researchers found that children with mild asthma already show pathologic features of adult disease, including basement membrane thickening and airway eosinophilia. New AAT deficiency guidelines also aim to improve diagnosis and management by identifying specific risk factors for this hereditary disorder.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center has reported significant improvements in intestine transplant survival rates since 1990, with one-year survival increasing to 90% for patients transplanted within the last five years.
A study found that 78% of patients requiring intestine transplantation had elevated manganese levels, leading to liver complications. Routine blood tests can help identify high manganese levels and prevent associated neurological symptoms.
A study of 1841 living liver donors in Japan found no perioperative mortality, but serious complications were reported. The study highlights the importance of prioritizing donor safety in organ transplantation to minimize morbidity and mortality.
A new technique uses interleukin-6 to store and transport fatty liver organs, potentially reducing damage and improving function after transplantation. The findings could increase the availability of liver transplants in the US, where approximately 40% of adults have fatty livers.
Researchers have discovered that hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) migrate selectively to injured liver tissue through the expression of SDF-1 and CXCR4. This selective homing mechanism may serve as a target for future therapeutic protocols to improve liver regeneration and transplantation outcomes.
Salicylic acid has been shown to downregulate two key genes in Staphylococcus aureus, leading to reduced virulence and ability to adhere to host cells. Meanwhile, osteopontin has been found to play a critical role in the development of rheumatoid arthritis by facilitating cell adhesion and immune response modulation.
A new nanotech strategy creates a precise architectural framework for liver or kidney cells to sustain viability for at least one week. Experiments show 96% of kidney cells and 95% of liver cells survived with the device, paving the way for whole, functional organs
Cedars-Sinai physicians advocate for pre-transplant liver biopsies in living donor liver transplants to detect chronic hepatitis, severe fat in the liver, and other complications that may go unnoticed through routine screenings. The analysis found that only 27% of donors had healthy livers without biopsy results.
Researchers found that fibroleukin is a prothrombinase that contributes to the development of thrombosis in viral hepatitis. The study suggests a potential link between fibroleukin and the progression of viral hepatitis, highlighting the importance of further investigation into this area.
Researchers found that adding interleukin-6 to the preservative solution before transplantation significantly increased post-transplant survival of rats receiving organs with fatty degeneration. The treatment reduced cell death and improved liver function in steatotic livers, suggesting a promising strategy for addressing organ shortages.
A new study found that Neoral is as effective as tacrolimus in preventing acute rejection but better tolerated, with lower rates of diabetes and diarrhoea. The study analyzed 499 patients and showed significant differences in tolerability between the two immunosuppressive therapies.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh's McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine have made significant strides in growing functioning liver tissue in a bioreactor, keeping patients with liver failure alive until donor organs become available. Additionally, studies on tissue-engineered materials show promise as a treatment for ...
A new organ preservation solution, Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketogluterate (HTK), has been shown to be more practical and easier to use than the University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for preserving livers before transplantation. The study found similar outcomes between HTK and UW in terms of initial organ function and clinical measures.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in treating liver disease by using bone marrow stem cells from matched donors. The study found that these stem cells can form liver-like cells in damaged livers, producing human albumin and showing promise as a potential treatment for liver disease.
Researchers at EMBL and Harvard have discovered that hemochromatosis, a common inherited disease, is linked to liver issues rather than intestinal problems. The study found that the defective gene Hfe affects hepcidin production in the liver, leading to iron overload.
Researchers found hibernating mammals, like ground squirrels, have superior tolerance to extended cold storage. This could lead to new methods for preserving human organs, reducing damage from transportation and storage.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is conducting a clinical trial on a bio-artificial technology called ELAD, which uses functioning human hepatocytes to help patients with acute liver failure. The device has shown promising results in extending the lives of those awaiting a donor liver and may even allow the damaged liver...
Researchers at UNC School of Medicine successfully transdifferentiated rat stem cells into functional new tissue, including platelets, red blood cells, and heart muscle cells. This breakthrough finding may provide clues to the therapeutic potential of human adult stem cells for tissue repair.
A new study by UT Southwestern researchers found that acetaminophen overdoses are the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US, affecting 39% of patients. The three-year study also revealed that most cases were unintentional and affected mostly women.
A study analyzing Boston smallpox case records found that young patients, those unvaccinated, and those with severe disease had the lowest survival rates. In contrast, a college student study on echinacea found no effect on cold symptoms, highlighting the need for more research into its efficacy.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that HIV increases the severity of hepatitis B infections, leading to higher liver disease-related deaths among men with both conditions. The research suggests physicians may see an increase in hepatitis B-related liver disease among the 1 million people living with HIV in the US.
The University of Washington has established a $9 million center to study the underlying causes of hepatitis-induced liver disease. The center brings together experts in viral hepatitis, liver disease, and transplantation to investigate gene and protein expression in liver cells.
A groundbreaking study by Dr. Jorge Bezerra at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has identified a genetic underpinning to biliary atresia, the most common reason for liver transplant in children. The discovery points to a potential role of cytokines in driving an inflammatory response against the body's own tissues.
A study on atorvastatin found patients experienced quality of life improvements, but primary endpoints were not met. Peripheral arterial disease affects millions worldwide, causing leg pain and reduced blood supply.
Researchers have identified a genetic mutation that causes acute fatty liver of pregnancy, a rare and potentially life-threatening condition. Screening newborns can detect the disease early, allowing for treatment and preventing deaths.
A retrospective analysis of 87 patients with moderate paracetamol poisoning found that acetylcysteine treatment can decrease prothrombin index values significantly. This decrease may be misinterpreted as a sign of liver failure, highlighting the need for cautious management decisions based on measurement of this value.
A new study found that a combination of peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin can offer superior efficacy without increasing common side effects, particularly in patients infected with hepatitis C genotype 1. The treatment approach showed a higher sustained response rate compared to standard therapy.
Researchers have made significant strides in artificial liver technology, with 20 patients using the albumin dialysis approach in a phase I trial. The system has shown promise in reducing blood toxins and reversing coma and shock, offering hope to those waiting for liver transplants.
Researchers found that transplant outcomes for HIV patients are similar to those without HIV, but managing anti-rejection drugs and HAART therapy poses a challenge due to potential drug interactions. Studies showed that HIV viral loads remain undetectable in most patients after transplantation.
A recent study by Mayo Clinic researchers found that patients with alcoholic-liver disease are at a higher risk of developing confusion and delirium after liver transplant surgery. The study, which included 87 patients, revealed that the length of sobriety before surgery is directly correlated to the severity of these complications.
Researchers have discovered that hibernating ground squirrels can tolerate extreme cold and stress without damage, which could lead to breakthroughs in organ preservation for humans. Their intestines display reduced oxidative stress during hibernation, and their livers show improved viability when stored at low temperatures.
Pittsburgh researchers report a new clinical approach that radically reduces and eventually weans patients off all immunosuppression after small intestine transplants. Results show many patients can take minimal doses of a single anti-rejection drug, with some remaining drug-free for up to 38 years.
A team of researchers found that a deficiency in the SCD-1 enzyme can counteract leptin's effects on weight gain, increasing energy expenditure and promoting fat burning. This discovery suggests a potential novel strategy for treating obesity and fatty liver diseases.
A recent study identified stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD-1) as a key enzyme involved in fat storage, specifically in the liver. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat tissue, represses SCD-1 levels, leading to decreased fat accumulation and increased energy expenditure.
A Wake Forest study shows that monkeys who drink heavily develop signs of liver disease, including oxidative damage and fatty liver, mirroring human conditions. The research aims to develop diagnostic procedures for humans using a similar animal model.