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 small, wearable ultrasound sticker can monitor organ stiffness and detect subtle changes that signal disease progression. The device has been shown to identify early signs of acute liver failure in rats and may one day help doctors diagnose internal organ failure more effectively.
Researchers identified blood proteomic markers associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis. The study found a set of biomarkers, including TGF-β driven mechanistic biomarkers and Myostatin and Pyruvate Kinase M2, which may stratify risk for HCC.
A recent study published in Hepatology has investigated the connection between platelet function and complications in patients with cirrhosis. The researchers found that decreased platelet activation predicts hepatic decompensation and mortality, highlighting the importance of personalized therapeutic approaches.
Korea University researchers found that perioperative radiotherapy significantly improves survival rates among HCC patients at high risk of recurrence. The study suggests that radiotherapy can reduce recurrence and improve survival in these patients, providing a significant adjuvant treatment option.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet developed a method to study liver function and disease using the cornea of mice eyes. They transplanted liver cells into the eyes, creating a non-invasive platform to monitor liver health over time.
A study from VCU School of Medicine and Richmond VA Medical Center found that up to 10.3% of veterans with dementia have high FIB-4 scores, indicating a likelihood of cirrhosis. Early detection and targeted interventions can reverse cognitive decline in these patients.
A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Mansoo Yu found that online weight loss interventions with counseling and social support are effective for middle-aged adults with obesity. The study identified two key features: professional health coaching and access to social support from other users, which led to significant long-...
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that liver biopsy was essential to making the correct diagnosis in over a third of cases. Biopsy was particularly valuable in diagnosing autoimmune hepatitis and was also used to diagnose liver fibrosis more than two-thirds of the time.
A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet found that GLP1 agonists like Ozempic reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer in people with type 2 diabetes and chronic liver disease. Those who continued taking the medication for ten years were half as likely to develop severe liver disease.
Researchers have developed a novel sequential ultrasound molecular imaging (USMI) approach to identify non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), offering a potential noninvasive diagnostic tool. The method uses microbubbles targeting CD36 and ICAM-1 to visualize hepatic steatosis and inflammation.
Researchers at the University of Toronto found that the liver generates palmitic acid and sends it to the developing brain when dietary levels are low. The study highlights the importance of palmitic acid for brain health, particularly during development.
Researchers have discovered how pioneer transcription factors, such as FOXA and OCT4, coordinate with epigenetic repressors to safeguard cell fate, enabling precise manipulation of cell fate in cellular programming and reprogramming. This breakthrough has important implications for scaling up organoid and tissue engineering technology.
Researchers have successfully used mRNA technology to correct a rare genetic disease in mice, demonstrating its potential therapeutic use. The treatment corrected the lethal consequences of the disease and restored glutathione metabolism.
The study reveals that hepatoblasts along the portal vein receive Notch signaling and differentiate into bile duct epithelial cells. Hematopoietic cells fail to transmit signals, resulting in the failure of differentiation. This discovery provides molecular biological support for mathematical analysis results.
Researchers at UMCG have successfully performed liver transplants after prolonged preservation using a perfusion machine, showing similar outcomes to immediate transplants. The new method allows for safer and more efficient liver transplantation during the day, reducing complications and mortality rates.
The £30M ADVANCE study aims to accelerate the development of new therapies for people with liver cirrhosis by identifying translational biomarkers. Researchers will enroll 200 patients with cirrhosis and use advanced techniques to analyze gene expression, blood tests, and MRI scans.
A new technique, CLivD score, has been developed to improve liver fibrosis treatment. The study found that the CLivD score can identify at-risk individuals, reducing the need for further evaluation and streamlining screening. This approach holds promise for early detection of liver disease and preventing complications.
A Learning Health System model is being developed to increase organ donation and reduce disparities in access to transplantation. The project, led by Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, will use data tools to track progress and improve equity in organ donation across the US.
Research reveals SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in extracellular vesicles of patients with negative PCR tests, suggesting a potential source for recurrent infections. The discovery may aid in identifying individuals with persistent or recurrent COVID-19 infections and offer new avenues for therapeutic interventions.
Researchers from Osaka Metropolitan University investigated the credibility and efficiency of generative AI tools in collecting medical literature. The study found that Elicit outperformed ChatGPT, suggesting multiple references with high accuracy within minutes.
A new stem cell treatment using mRNA technology from COVID-19 vaccines has shown promise in regenerating liver tissue, potentially reversing chronic and acute liver diseases. The treatment stimulates the natural repair mechanism of the liver by activating specific receptors on stem cells.
Gene therapy treatments can prompt an adverse immune reaction when the body mistakenly perceives the treatment as a viral threat. Researchers have identified a critical pathway in the liver that triggers this response, but also found a way to block it, paving the way for safer and more precise gene therapy options.
A new study provides an updated assessment of hepatorenal syndrome-acute kidney injury (HRS-AKI), a potentially reversible but often fatal condition. The study's findings highlight the importance of early recognition and standard pharmacological treatment, with only 40%–50% of patients experiencing restored kidney function.
Scientists have developed a drug-eluting hydrogel that provides sustained, pH-dependent drug co-delivery and promotes anti-tumor immune responses, reducing tumor cell proliferation and growth. The treatment shows promise in treating hepatocellular carcinoma, with enhanced efficacy compared to traditional methods.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have successfully developed a novel pneumococcal vaccine that demonstrates efficacy in suppressing pneumococcal pneumonia in macaques. The vaccine's design combines proprietary mucosal vaccine technology with pneumococcal surface proteins to cover a wide range of serotypes.
Researchers found that 1,8-cineole inhibits inflammatory pathways in the gut, while ginsenoside Rk2 alleviates liver inflammation and restores intestinal barrier function. Another compound, specnuezhenide, modifies gut microbiota and has potential to inhibit colorectal tumor growth.
A study of over 2.9 million patients found that gender concordance was associated with lower mortality for female patients, but higher mortality for male patients. The quality of surgical care provided by female surgeons is equivalent to or slightly better than that provided by male surgeons.
Researchers found intestinal hormones can inactivate liver's star-like cells responsible for scar tissue formation. This discovery could lead to new treatments targeting cell changes, avoiding severe side effects.
Researchers found that pollutants in green sea turtle eggs can feminize broods, increasing the risk of extinction due to a lack of males. The study suggests that climate change and pollution may be driving this trend, which could have severe consequences for the species' survival.
Researchers developed a new risk assessment system to identify patients with low-risk profiles who can benefit from liver stents. These patients have a significantly higher mortality rate than previously thought, highlighting the need for targeted treatment and further personalization.
A new therapeutic, lepodisiran, has shown promising results in reducing lipoprotein(a) levels to undetectable levels for nearly one year. The study found that the medication is safe and effective in lowering Lp(a) levels by more than 94%.
A new smartphone app using the APRI+ALBI score increases the safety of liver surgery by providing an individualized risk assessment for patients prior to resection. The score offers a cheaper and less invasive option with comparable predictive power compared to standard preoperative tests.
Researchers from the Max Planck Research Group aim to investigate the local immune system of the liver to develop new immunotherapy strategies for metastatic diseases. They will examine tissue and tumor samples using state-of-the-art techniques to identify key molecules and checkpoints in complex cellular interaction networks.
Researchers at Children's Hospital Los Angeles have developed a novel app called the CHALF score to predict if a child with acute liver failure needs a transplant. The tool assesses liver failure risk on a scale of 5-60 and has been shown to accurately predict patient outcomes.
Researchers from Columbia University have validated GLS2's ability to promote ferroptosis in murine models. This study suggests that targeting GLS2 may be a potential therapeutic strategy against liver diseases, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma.
Researchers at UC San Diego discovered that liver cells use vesicle exchange to share molecules and multiply, a process also found in various types of cancer cells. This mechanism could be a universal driver of resistance to cancer therapies targeting cell proliferation.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found live vaccinations safe and effective for children who have received liver or kidney transplants, offering protection against life-threatening conditions. The study showed high antibody levels and minimal adverse events following vaccination.
A new clinical trial has shown that infusing immune cells from living donors into recipients before transplantation may reduce the need for lifelong immunosuppressant medication. The treatment involves infusing donor-derived regulatory dendritic cells, which help the recipient's immune system distinguish between foreign and self-cells.
A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that coronavirus vaccines build immune memory in various organs, including the liver, kidneys, and lungs. This local immune response is more effective than circulating antibodies in protecting against infection.
Researchers at UVA Health System have developed a powerful new tool to understand how medications affect men and women differently. The model has provided unprecedented insights into biological processes in the liver, helping ensure that new medications will not cause harmful side effects.
Research suggests that monocyte-derived macrophages (MoMFs) are crucial in removing dead tissue and necrotic lesions during liver regeneration. In the process, MoMFs undergo dynamic changes from pro-inflammatory to anti-inflammatory states, interacting with other liver cells to facilitate healing and tissue repair.
A new study found that living donor liver transplant access optimizes the timing of transplant for older, frail cirrhosis patients. Patients with moderate to severe frailty, short stature, and low MELD scores benefited from LDLT, reducing waitlist mortality and improving post-transplant outcomes.
Researchers discovered age-related differences in how the liver filters the bloodstream, affecting nanomedicine distribution and effectiveness. Younger livers are more efficient at filtering out toxins but also filter out beneficial treatments.
Researchers discovered that the lancet liver fluke takes over an ant's brain, causing them to cling to blades of grass against their will. The parasite controls the ant's behavior to avoid heat, a strategy also used by cattle and deer.
A new set of diagnostic criteria for MAFLD has been developed, providing accurate and reliable diagnoses. This development has increased awareness of the disease and paved the way for further research and clinical trials, offering a significant step forward in diagnosing and treating MAFLD.
A nationwide study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that close relatives and partners of people with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MASLD) are at a higher risk of developing liver cancer and severe liver disease. This suggests that family members could benefit from the same lifestyle advice as patients with MASLD.
Researchers have demonstrated the effectiveness of five noninvasive tests for liver disease, which could revolutionize diagnosis and treatment. These tests use disease biomarkers and may enable breakthrough discoveries in developing new treatments for patients with liver disease.
Researchers found that hepatitis C treatment improved response to hepatitis B vaccine in individuals who previously didn't respond. The study recommends checking for hepatitis B immune protection and offering vaccination after treatment.
High pressure in bile canaliculi alters liver tissue structure, leading to the formation of liver cell rosettes observed in various liver diseases. The study identifies pressure as a potential cause of biliary obstruction-related diseases.
A USC Stem Cell-led mouse study reveals that lowering testosterone can improve the resilience of male kidneys by reducing their vulnerability to disease. The researchers also found that three months of calorie restriction has a similar effect, suggesting new potential treatments for kidney diseases.
Liver fibrosis development is driven by various factors, including metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance. CD8+ T cells play a significant role in activating hepatic stellate cells, which produce scar tissue.
A novel study from the University of South Australia identified 84 features that could signal increased cancer risk in a dataset of 459,169 UK Biobank participants. The study found several biomarkers linked to cancer risk, including urinary microalbumin and high levels of cystatin C.
Researchers developed a liver-targeting drug that reversed obesity and lowered cholesterol in obese mice by delivering the drug via nanogel. The treatment, which was administered intraperitoneally, effectively normalized weight and reduced cholesterol levels despite continued high-fat diet consumption.
A new nanogel-based carrier delivers a synthetic thyroid hormone mimick to liver cells, resulting in weight loss and improved cholesterol levels. The treatment also resolves liver inflammation with minimal side effects, offering potential for other liver-based diseases.
A study by researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School found that high costs for hepatic encephalopathy treatment are associated with decreased treatment retention among patients. Patients who are younger and have metastatic cancer or depression are more likely to skip their medication.
Researchers investigating early liver transplantation for alcohol-associated liver disease aim to understand who benefits most and develop best practices. They will collect data on patient outcomes, biological samples, and audio recordings to identify factors influencing selection decisions.
A new matching system enabled by Boston College economists facilitates the world's first four-way liver exchange and a cascade of additional matches. The system increases the number of transplants that can be matched among a larger group of participants, expanding capacity beyond traditional two-way exchanges.
Researchers have found that mouse stem cells mimic their parent animals' cold resistance, generating energy differently at low temperatures. This discovery opens up new avenues for studying organ preservation and human hibernation using in vitro models.
A study published in Liver Research found that glucokinase activators (GKAs) improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in mice with diet-induced obesity. However, GKAs also induced hepatic lipid accumulation, which activated the PERK-UPR signaling pathway.
The study highlights the importance of spatially-resolved macrophage phenotyping in liver diseases. Macrophages exhibit functional and phenotypical heterogeneity, affecting disease progression.