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Researchers discover a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation

Researchers have discovered a novel pathway that minimizes liver injury during transplantation by activating the protective CEACAM1-S version. This protective characteristic is regulated by HIF-1α and can be enhanced using molecular tools and alternative gene splicing, reducing organ injury and improving post-transplant outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2023

Three doses of COVID-19 vaccine leads to catch-up antibody responses among the particularly vulnerable

A study from the University of Gothenburg found that even vulnerable people with compromised immune systems achieved good antibody levels after three doses of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine. This is particularly significant for those at risk of severe Covid-19, as they showed catch-up antibody responses and high levels of hybrid immunity.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInfectious Diseases·TypeObservational study·DateAug 1, 2023

Researchers identify a potential therapeutic target against cirrhosis and liver inflammation

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have discovered a new therapeutic target, RNF41 protein, which plays a crucial role in controlling chronic liver disease. The study found that enhancing RNF41 expression in macrophages can reduce fibrosis and liver inflammation, leading to improved liver regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2023

A novel drug screen identifies potential new therapy to lower bad cholesterol levels

Researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina have identified a novel class of compounds that effectively lower cholesterol, triglycerides and apoB in human liver-like cells. These molecules work independently of the LDLR pathway and offer a new treatment regimen for patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Scientific breakthrough harnesses mRNA technology to develop powerful malaria vaccine

A breakthrough mRNA vaccine has been developed to target and stimulate protective immune cell responses against malaria. The vaccine combines an RNA-based approach with a liver-specific adjuvant, generating resident memory cells that halt malaria infection in the liver, providing a broader and more protective immune response.

SourceThe Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity·JournalNature Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023

Study sheds light on cellular interactions that lead to liver transplant survival

Researchers identify key protein interactions that control the body's immune response during liver transplantation, leading to improved transplant survival rates. The study found that a specific communication pathway between CEACAM1 and TIM-3 proteins plays a crucial role in controlling the immune response.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalGastroenterology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Ochsner participates in new study showing potential benefits of normothermic machine perfusion in liver transplantation

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...

SourceOchsner Health System·JournalAnnals of Surgery·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 17, 2023

In historic procedure, donor liver protects heart transplant

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.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalThe Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation·TypeCase study·DateJul 13, 2023

New insights into liver cancer development

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2023

Echovirus 11 in newly born twins: case in Italy shows close genetic relation to strains found in France among neonates

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.

New liver dialysis device shows potential to resolve liver failure in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 31, 2023

Novel hybrid operation to treat gastrointestinal bleeding caused by portal vein obstruction

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).

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Interventional Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateMay 21, 2023

Liver cells control our biological clock

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.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Tick tock – the liver controls the circadian clock

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.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023

Heavy drinking poses even greater risk for one in three Americans

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern California - Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2023

New USC study shows immigrant adults with liver cancer have higher survival rates than those born in the US

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.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 10, 2023

Delivery of antioxidants to liver mitochondria

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.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

Novel nomogram based on routine clinical indicators for Wilson's disease detection

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.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalLiver Research·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMay 9, 2023

Metabolic syndrome with heavy alcohol use may have contributed to recent surge in alcoholic liver disease-related mortality

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.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMay 8, 2023

Systemic AL amyloidosis: Current approach and future direction

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.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 5, 2023

In US system of allocating livers for transplanting, geographic inequity persists despite recent policy changes

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.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManufacturing and Service Operations Management·DateMay 1, 2023

Bioindicator for the occurrence of PFAS

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.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023

Study finds alcohol-related liver disease soared in nearly all states during the pandemic, with one race particularly affected

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...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateApr 21, 2023

Protein that drives the development of alcohol-associated liver disease identified by IU researchers

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.

SourceIndiana University School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2023

Resident T-cells key to salmonella immunity

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

Two-organ chip to answer fatty liver questions

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.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

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.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

How to achieve a functional cure for chronic hepatitis B

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.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Hepatology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 30, 2023

Cancer that spreads to the lung maneuvers to avoid being attacked by “killer” T cells

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...