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Cirrhosis affects twice as many transgender adults as cisgender adults

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalThe American Journal of Gastroenterology·DateJul 10, 2024

Hepatitis C leaves “scars” in immune cells even after successful treatment

Researchers found that the frequency of activated TREG cells remained elevated during treatment and continued to be high even after the virus was eliminated. Inflammatory features, such as increased TNF signaling, were sustained in TREG cells, indicating long-term immune system changes induced by the chronic infection.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

Subnormal serum liver enzyme levels

Subnormal serum liver enzyme levels can result from deficiencies in pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (vitamin B6), as well as conditions such as chronic kidney disease. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for early diagnosis and management of diseases, allowing for targeted treatments and improved patient outcomes.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateJul 2, 2024

A blood hepatocellular carcinoma signature recognizes very small tumor nodules with metastatic traits

Researchers developed a blood signature for identifying hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with metastatic traits using blood levels of alpha-fetoprotein and des-γ-carboxy-prothrombin. The signature effectively predicted HCC recurrence post-RFA, with 92% specificity and 91% sensitivity in the retrospective dataset.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 28, 2024

Liver lesions at risk of transformation into hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhotic patients

The detection and management of borderline hepatic nodules, particularly those hypointense in the HBP without APHE, are critical in preventing overt hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Advances in imaging technologies have improved detection and characterization of these nodules, leading to better patient prognosis.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMay 24, 2024

New stem cell research may have implications for liver transplantation

Researchers have successfully grown functional human liver cells in a different species, offering a potential solution to the shortage of donor organs for liver transplants. The breakthrough uses interspecies blastocyst complementation to produce transplantable human liver cells, which can effectively mitigate chronic liver fibrosis.

SourceInternational Society for Stem Cell Research·JournalStem Cell Reports·DateMay 9, 2024

New study shows liver patients see benefits after going meatless for one meal

Researchers from VCU School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center discover that replacing meat with plant-based proteins for one meal reduces harmful ammonia levels in people with advanced liver disease. The study found significant differences in blood and urine samples, revealing lower amino acids associated with ammonia production.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalClinical and Translational Gastroenterology·DateMay 2, 2024

Hepatitis B is globally underassessed and undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West

A new study reveals that chronic hepatitis B is globally undertreated, especially among women and Asian minorities in the West. The research highlights the need for targeted outreach to reduce new infections and deaths, with oral antiviral therapy being a lifesaving but underutilized treatment option.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

Beneficial effects of traditional Cinese medicine Fuzheng Huayu on the occurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with compensated chronic hepatitis b cirrhosis receiving entecavir

A multicenter retrospective cohort study found that combining entecavir with Fuzheng Huayu reduced the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with compensated chronic hepatitis B cirrhosis. The antifibrotic property of FZHY may be attributed to its beneficial effects on this population.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 30, 2024

The therapeutic effects of baicalein on the hepatopulmonary syndrome in the rat model of chronic common bile duct ligation

This study explored the preventative role of baicalein in hepatopulmonary syndrome development. Baicalein improved survival rates, reduced angiogenic protein levels, and enhanced glucose homeostasis in HPS rats. It also attenuated pathological angiogenesis in the liver and lungs.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 29, 2024

The relationship between viral replication and the severity of hepatic necroinflammatory damage changed before HBeAg loss in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection

Studies found a negative relationship between HBV replication and liver inflammation in HBeAg-positive patients with high viral DNA levels, which shifted to positive relationships for those with low DNA levels or HBeAg-negative status. This interaction suggests a complex relationship between viral replication and liver damage progression.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateApr 22, 2024

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles researchers probe immune microenvironment to prevent pediatric liver transplant rejection

Researchers created a proteomics-based imaging mass cytometry marker panel to categorize immune cells at single-cell resolution, identifying unique signatures of active T-cell-mediated rejection. The study aims to find personalized immunosuppression therapies with fewer side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalScience Advances·TypeImaging analysis·DateApr 12, 2024

Trends in deaths of despair by race and ethnicity

Midlife mortality rates for deaths of despair, including suicide, overdose, and liver disease, vary by race and ethnicity, with higher rates among Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations. Early mortality from drug- and alcohol-related causes contributes to these disparities.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateApr 10, 2024

Choosing over the counter drugs for COVID 19? It’s complicated

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University suggest that selecting an OTC medication for mild COVID-19 symptoms should be based on the entire benefit-to-risk profile of the patient. They caution against using traditional NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen due to their similar but greater side effect profiles compared to aspirin.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe American Journal of Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 19, 2024

Overeating and starving both damage the liver: Cavefish provide new insight into fatty liver disease

Researchers have identified a gene responsible for the development of starvation-induced fatty liver in cavefish, which are able to protect their liver due to reduced fat accumulation. This genetic basis has implications for understanding and addressing liver conditions in humans, including Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Intermittent food intake activates a 'GPS gene' in liver cells, thus completing the development of the liver after birth

The study reveals that a gene called mTOR, which works like a GPS, directs the specialization of liver cells according to their position. After birth, the fluctuation in nutrient supply triggers the activation of this gene, completing the maturation of the liver.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Impact of onset time, number, type, and sequence of extrahepatic organ failure on prognosis of acute-on-chronic liver failure

A total of 736 ACLF patients were included in the study, with 54.6% experiencing extrahepatic organ failure (EHOF). MEHOF or SEHOF with brain failure indicated a worse prognosis. Risk stratification using EHOF characteristics effectively differentiated patients with different mortality risks.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·DateMar 8, 2024

Perturbations in redox status, biochemical indices, and expression of XBP1s and NOX4 in the liver of channa punctatus following exposure to Mancozeb

The study found that Mancozeb exposure leads to increased reactive oxygen species, redox imbalance, and liver biomarker elevation. XBP1s and NOX4 gene expression is also upregulated in response to MZ toxicity, indicating potential for early bio-indicators of endoplasmic reticulum stress.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalGene Expression·DateMar 5, 2024

Overcoming barriers to conducting clinical trials in childhood rare disease research

A team of scientists at The Hospital for Sick Children developed an innovative statistical approach to demonstrate the effectiveness of a medication in reducing disease progression and liver transplants in children with Alagille syndrome. Using data from an international real-world cohort, they found a 70% improvement in event-free sur...

SourceThe Hospital for Sick Children·JournalHepatology·DateFeb 29, 2024

Children's Hospital Los Angeles researchers uncover social and economic factors that influence acute liver failure in children—and ways to overcome them

A CHLA research team found that socio-economic factors like family support, employment status, patient age, race, and language spoken can impact clinical outcomes. Children with limited social support systems and working caregivers have worse outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalPediatric Transplantation·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 13, 2024