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 study found that SARS-CoV-2 infects liver cells, leading to hyperglycemia and a severe form of COVID-19. Researchers discovered the mechanism used by the virus to impair glucose metabolism, pointing to potential strategies for treating patients.
A new study published in Annals of Surgery reveals promising results for normothermic machine perfusion in liver transplantation. The randomized controlled trial found that this technology showed particular promise in marginal donors and those with higher risk factors, demonstrating a lower incidence of dysfunction and cardiovascular s...
In a groundbreaking procedure, Adriana Rodriguez received a dual-organ transplant, with her healthy liver transplanted into another patient to mitigate rejection risk. This innovative approach, known as HALT-D, demonstrates the potential for immunoprotection and has implications for highly sensitized patients requiring multiple organs.
A study found that joint exposure of unequal income distribution and lack of social mobility increases risks of deaths from suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol-related liver disease. Addressing underlying social and economic conditions is crucial in responding to the deaths of despair epidemic.
Hospital admissions for alcohol-related hepatitis increased dramatically during the pandemic, particularly among younger patients and women. Researchers found a 12.4% rise in cases in 2020 compared to 2019 levels.
A new AI tool utilizing deep-learning algorithms and volumetric thresholds accurately detected splenomegaly in patients undergoing CT scans. The study analyzed a large sample of 8,901 patients, revealing that splenic volume is strongly associated with weight.
Researchers investigated premature senescence in biliary atresia and assessed senotherapies. They found that human allogenic liver-derived progenitor cells reduced early markers of senescence and improved liver disease in a preclinical model, providing encouraging results for pediatric biliary cirrhosis treatment.
Researchers have isolated and analyzed individual immune cells targeting the hepatitis C virus, providing valuable data for vaccine development. The study found that antiviral treatment reduces cytotoxicity in HCV-specific immune cells, offering a potential pathway to an effective vaccine.
A study published in Cancer Research identifies a novel mechanism by which liver cancer develops, involving the aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway and the gene GREB1. The research reveals that GREB1 is responsible for integrating conflicting cellular states of differentiation and proliferation, leading to tumor promotion.
Researchers have identified a potential new drug that improves both liver fibrosis and inflammation in patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The drug, Pegozafermin, mimics the body's natural hormone FGF21, controlling energy use and lipid metabolism in the liver.
Research reveals liver dysfunction and alterations in the liver-brain axis are key features of Alzheimer's disease. The study highlights the importance of peripheral organs, such as the liver, in understanding the systemic aspects of the disease.
A 'poo transplant' trial provides evidence that faecal microbiota transplants can improve gut health in patients with cirrhosis, reducing the likelihood of infections. The PROMISE trial aims to deliver FMT capsules via oral administration, offering a potential breakthrough for patients with advanced liver disease.
A new study by University College London found that Latin Americans with greater Native American ancestry are at a higher risk of developing severe liver failure and associated high risk of short-term mortality. The study suggests that genetic ancestry and race may determine the outcome of advanced liver disease in patients.
A case of echovirus 11-induced hepatitis in Italian male twins has been reported, showing a close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates. The study highlights the importance of rapid recognition and timely treatment to ensure survival, and suggests potential host genetic predisposition in male and twin categories.
Researchers found that a reduction in body weight of 1% led to participants' brain age being almost 9 months younger than expected. This attenuation of brain aging was associated with changes in liver fat and enzymes, which can negatively affect brain health in Alzheimer's disease.
A clinical trial using DIALIVE, a novel liver dialysis device, demonstrated significant improvements in all main underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of acute-on-chronic liver failure. Treatment resulted in accelerated resolution of ACLF and sustained improvement in biomarkers.
A recent study has demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of a liver dialysis device in treating acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). The device, DIALIVE, was associated with significant improvements in symptoms and organ function compared to standard care.
Researchers found that distant cancers alter liver function by inducing fat accumulation and inflammation in liver cells. The process involves secretion of extracellular vesicles containing fatty acids, which reprogram the liver to resemble fatty liver disease.
Researchers have discovered that HER3 plays a crucial role in promoting cell survival in metastatic colorectal and pancreatic cancer. The surrounding liver microenvironment activates HER3, making it an emerging therapeutic target for these types of cancer.
A study of nearly 4,000 patients with cirrhosis found that mortality rates were more than twice as high in lower-income countries compared to high-income countries. The research highlights the need for improved access to medical care and preventive measures to address liver disease.
A new hybrid operation, TEPS, has been introduced to treat gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal vein obstruction. The procedure combines traditional surgical and interventional approaches to effectively resolve life-threatening clinical manifestations associated with cavernous transformation of the portal vein (CTPV).
Research reveals liver cells play a crucial role in regulating the body's internal circadian clock, influencing sleep patterns, hormone secretion, and metabolism. Studies on mice with humanized livers show that altered liver function can disrupt circadian rhythms, highlighting potential new treatments for metabolic diseases.
Researchers have developed biodegradable hollow nanoscavengers that target reactive oxygen species to restore liver function and reverse insulin resistance in human liver cells and diabetic mice. This innovative approach offers a promising pathway toward long-term treatment of type 2 diabetes and other metabolic diseases.
Researchers from CNRS discover that liver cells control the biological clock in mammals, synchronizing peripheral clocks. This finding suggests a connection between liver health and overall metabolism, with potential implications for metabolic disease and sleep disorders.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC reveals that heavy alcohol use may be more damaging to the liver for people with metabolic syndrome, more than doubling the risk of advanced liver disease. This condition, characterized by symptoms such as abdominal fat, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, affects over one in three Americans.
A research team at Hokkaido University has developed a system to deliver antioxidants to mitochondria in the liver, reducing oxidative stress and damaging caused by ROS. The system, called CoQ10-MITO-Porter, was found to be more effective when downsized particles were used.
A new study from the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center found that immigrant adults with liver cancer have a significantly higher five-year survival rate compared to those born in the US. The study identified disparities in survival rates across different racial and ethnic groups, with immigrants demonstrating better outcomes.
A study presented at Digestive Disease Week found that nearly 40% of TikTok posts about liver disease contain false or misleading information. Inaccurate claims often push fad diets, detox drinks, and herbal remedies as cures, with little engagement compared to accurate posts.
Researchers in China have created a simple nomogram using easily accessible and automatable detected routine clinical indicators to reduce missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of Wilson's disease. The study identified six independent predictors of the disease, including serum copper and direct bilirubin.
Researchers found that heavy alcohol use and the presence of metabolic syndrome were associated with a higher risk for advanced liver disease. The study suggests an increasing interaction effect between MetS, heavy alcohol use, and a recent surge in alcoholic liver disease-related mortality.
Researchers review current treatment updates for systemic light chain (AL) amyloidosis, highlighting the need for early diagnosis and effective maintenance therapy. The article discusses the relationship between AL amyloidosis and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring.
Researchers at West Virginia University found that bariatric surgery significantly reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events and death in patients with NAFLD. The study included 9,374 adult patients with NAFLD and obesity, who underwent either Roux-en-Y gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy.
A new study suggests that the US liver allocation policy remains biased towards certain regions, with a customized approach to equalize supply-to-demand ratios being recommended. The researchers developed a model that accurately predicts the change in a patient's organ-offer acceptance probability due to changes in policy.
A comprehensive study found that wild boar liver can be used as a bioindicator for PFAS contamination in the environment, detecting hot-spots in regions with elevated PFAS levels. The researchers discovered that PFAS concentrations are highest in areas where industrial activities and agricultural practices have led to contamination.
A recent study by Osaka Metropolitan University researchers found that the Japanese diet pattern, rich in soy products, seafood, and seaweed, inhibits liver fibrosis progression. High muscle mass, also associated with this diet, shows a lower degree of liver fibrosis progression.
Alcohol consumption increased substantially across US during COVID-19 pandemic, particularly among American Indian and Alaska Native populations, leading to a six-fold increase in deaths from alcohol-associated liver disease compared to white people. The study highlights the need for urgent action by public policy leaders to address th...
Researchers have discovered that manipulating Yes-associated protein (YAP) expression in liver progenitor cells can improve their ability to regenerate and repair liver tissue. This could lead to new treatments for chronic liver diseases.
A team of researchers from Indiana University School of Medicine has identified Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4) as a crucial mediator of alcohol-induced liver injury. PDK4 plays a key role in the formation of calcium channels at the ER-mitochondria interface, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and accumulation of calcium ions.
Researchers at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine discovered that tissue resident memory cells are crucial for inducing a powerful immune response against Salmonella. Molecules like interleukin-1 and 2 enhance the formation of these cells in the liver, providing a rapid-response force.
Jeong Min Lee, KSR President and professor at Seoul National University Hospital, is honored with ARRS membership. He has published over 470 scientific articles and serves on the editorial board of several publications.
Researchers found that a protein associated with liver cancer, ATF4, protects the liver by promoting the expression of SLC7A11, which suppresses ferroptosis and slows liver cancer progression. This unexpected result could inspire new treatments for preventing liver disease and cancer.
A genetically engineered probiotic has been shown to blunt the ill effects of alcohol in mice by reducing alcohol absorption and prolonging tolerance. The treatment also shortened recovery time after alcohol exposure and reduced liver damage. Further research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in humans.
Researchers created the integrated-gut-liver-on-a-chip platform to examine how gut and liver cells interact, particularly in relation to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The study showed significant changes in gene expression and DNA damage when free fatty acids were introduced, leading to cell death similar to severe cases of NAFLD.
A study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine found that patients with liver disease who took the drug ursodeoxycholic acid had a 46% lower odds of being infected with SARS-CoV-2. This was associated with reduced symptoms and severity of COVID-19.
A study reveals that neutrophils destroy liver cells undergoing apoptosis by burrowing into them, contradicting previous beliefs about their role in immune responses. The findings also suggest that a lack of neutrophils may contribute to human autoimmune liver disease.
A new study by Cedars-Sinai investigators found that ChatGPT can provide easy-to-understand information about basic knowledge, lifestyle, and treatments for cirrhosis and liver cancer. The AI system has the potential to play a role in clinical practice and empower patients with knowledge about their disease.
Researchers found that after 96 weeks, some patients achieved loss of detectable HBsAg and reduced liver inflammation levels, indicating functional cure. The study suggests that discontinuing long-term antiviral therapy may be more effective than continuing it for certain patients.
Researchers link acute severe hepatitis in children to co-infections with multiple common viruses, including AAV2. The study suggests that getting more than one infection may have made children vulnerable to severe hepatitis.
A study published in Journal of Hepatology found that some patients with chronic hepatitis B can achieve sustained immune control by discontinuing antiviral therapy after four years. This suggests a potential cure for the disease, which affects an estimated 350 million people worldwide.
Scientists have identified an autoinflammatory disease called Lyn kinase-associated vasculopathy and liver fibrosis (LAVLI) linked to mutations in the LYN gene. The research suggests that Lyn kinase may be a potential therapeutic target for drugs treating non-syndromic small vessel vasculitis and inflammation-induced liver fibrosis.
Cancer cells have been found to employ a strategy to evade the immune system's killer T cells by interacting with myeloid cells and suppressing type 1 interferon production. This natural pathway is crucial for recruiting killer T cells to combat cancer spread. Researchers hope to develop new therapeutic approaches, such as forcing tumo...
A retrospective analysis of blood samples and medical records from 270 patients found that CPS1 levels help predict which patients survive or die without a transplant. The study suggests that CPS1 could be a valuable clinical management tool for acetaminophen and other causes of liver failure.
A recent study found that the mitochondrial antioxidant MitoQ can reverse the detrimental effects of HIV and antiretroviral therapy on organs such as the brain, heart, and liver. The researchers used humanized mice infected with HIV and treated them with MitoQ for three months.
A bacterial molecule, ARBM101, has been found to efficiently lower liver copper levels in a rat model, offering a promising new therapeutic option for Wilson's disease. The treatment approach involves weekly applications followed by month-long breaks, significantly shortening the therapy period.
The study sheds light on Beethoven's health problems, including progressive hearing loss and chronic gastrointestinal complaints. Genetic risk factors for liver disease were identified, and evidence of a hepatitis B virus infection was found in the composer's final months.
Researchers from Kyushu University found that the single mechanosensitive protein VGLL3 induces fibrosis, thickening and scarring tissue. The study suggests targeting this protein could lead to new treatments against fibrosis.
Researchers analyzed DNA from Beethoven's hair to shed light on his chronic health problems, including progressive hearing loss. They found genetic risk factors for liver disease and evidence of a hepatitis B virus infection, which likely contributed to his death.
A new surgical therapy has proven effective in treating melanoma in the eye that has spread to the liver, with 40% of patients experiencing tumor shrinkage, and offers a promising alternative to current treatments.
Three real-world studies published in the Journal of Hepatology and JHEP Reports demonstrate that bulevirtide is well-tolerated and safe for treating chronic hepatitis delta. Long-term suppressive therapy with BLV monotherapy has the potential to reduce viral replication and improve liver function in difficult-to-treat patients.
Researchers at Houston Methodist discovered a way to reverse infertility in sterile mice by reducing high-circulating cholesterol with a bacterial protein. The study showed that this protein, called serum opacity factor, lowered HDL cholesterol levels by over 40% in three hours and restored fertility in the mice.