ScienceDaily: Liver Disease News

Consuming coffee linked to lower risk of an autoimmune liver disease

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:32:32 EDT

Regular consumption of coffee is associated with a reduced risk of primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), an autoimmune liver disease.

Elevated cadmium levels linked to disease: Men especially affected

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:36:36 EDT

People with higher levels of cadmium in their urine -- evidence of chronic exposure to the heavy metal found in industrial emissions and tobacco smoke -- appear to be nearly 3.5 times more likely to die of liver disease than those with lower levels, according to a new study.

First liver transplant in Maryland for bile duct cancer

Wed, 08 May 2013 13:17:17 EDT

Transplant surgeons have performed a liver transplant on a patient with hilar cholangiocarcinoma -- a rare, often-lethal bile duct cancer. This marks the first time a patient with this type of cancer has been treated with this protocol in the state of Maryland.

Weekend binge drinking could leave lasting liver damage

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Long after a hangover, a night of bad decisions might take a bigger toll on the body than previously understood. A new study has revealed a unique connection between binge drinking and the risk for developing alcoholic liver disease and a variety of other health problems.

Frequently used biologic agents might cause acute liver injury

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:49:49 EDT

A commonly used class of biologic response modifying drugs can cause acute liver injury with elevated liver enzymes, according to a new study.

Attention baby boomers: Get screened for hepatitis C

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 21:11:11 EDT

People born during 1945 through 1965 are five times more likely than other adults to be infected with hepatitis C. If you were born during these years, talk to your doctor about getting tested.

New drug stimulates immune system to kill infected cells in animal model of hepatitis B infection

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:25:25 EDT

A novel drug developed and tested in an animal model suppresses hepatitis B virus infection by stimulating the immune system and inducing loss of infected cells.

Cardio could hold key to cancer cure

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:38:38 EDT

Regular exercise has been proven to reduce the chance of developing liver cancer in a world-first mice study that carries hope for patients at risk from hepatocellular carcinoma.

Sunshine hormone, vitamin D, may offer hope for treating liver fibrosis

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:01:01 EDT

Liver fibrosis results from an excessive accumulation of tough, fibrous scar tissue and occurs in most types of chronic liver diseases. In industrialized countries, the main causes of liver injury leading to fibrosis include chronic hepatitis virus infection, excess alcohol consumption and, increasingly, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

New advances in the management of patients with cirrhosis

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

New data from clinical studies provide new rationale for an old and established treatment option for portal hypertension. Additionally, spleen stiffness predicts the occurrence of clinical complications, which is of paramount importance in clinical practice.

Liver disease: New studies demonstrates lethal link between alcohol, weight

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 09:16:16 EDT

Scientists have revealed the deadly impact that alcohol and body weight have on liver disease.

Dietary medium chain triglycerides prevent nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:11:11 EDT

The incidence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with obesity is increasing rapidly and is a major source of liver pathology. A new study suggests dietary substitution of saturated fat in the form of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) for polyunsaturated fats can prevent progression of NAFLD-associated liver injury and that MCT containing oils could be a new NAFLD therapy.

Drug therapy offers high cure rate for 2 hepatitis C subtypes

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:31:31 EDT

A new drug is offering dramatic cure rates for hepatitis C patients with two subtypes of the infection -- genotype 2 and 3, say a team of scientists. The drug, called sofosbuvir, offers more effective treatment for most patients studied in a Phase 3 clinical trial who had no other treatment options, report researchers.

Vitamin E identified as potential weapon against obesity

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:40:40 EDT

A potential new way to fight obesity-related illness has been uncovered, thanks to a serendipitous finding.

New genetic screen paves the way for long-sought treatments for liver disease

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 12:38:38 EDT

Chronic liver failure is a major health problem that causes about one million deaths each year. A new study reveals a new type of screen for identifying genes that promote liver repair in mouse models of liver disease. The study shows that the MKK4 gene could be a promising therapeutic target to enhance liver regeneration and provides a blueprint for future studies aimed at discovering new therapies for liver disease.

Cardiovascular issues up mortality rates in patients with advanced fibrosis

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:11:11 EDT

New research reveals that advanced fibrosis is a significant predictor of mortality in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), largely brought about by cardiovascular causes.

Liver transplantation for patients with genetic liver conditions has high survival rate, study finds

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 15:58:58 EDT

Patients faced with the diagnosis of a life-threatening liver disease have to consider the seriousness of having a liver transplant, which can be a definitive cure for many acquired and genetic liver diseases. Among the main considerations are the anxiety of waiting for a donor organ, the risks associated with the transplant operation, and the chance that the transplant procedure will not achieve the desired result. There is also the six-figure cost of the procedure and accompanying patient care, all of which may not be completely covered by health insurance. But in a new study, researchers have found that liver transplants are worth the risk for people who have genetic liver conditions.

Swine cells could power artificial liver

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 13:44:44 EST

Scientists are examining a line of "immortal" swine cells that can differentiate into liver cells. These cells could be part of an artificial liver device, which could reduce the need for liver transplants.

Unsolved puzzle in hepatology on the brink of resolution

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 08:10:10 EST

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is a currently incurable liver disease that mostly affects younger people aged between 30 and 40. There are now justified hopes that this disease could be cured using synthetically manufactured bile acids, a process under development.

Liver stem cells grown in culture, transplanted with demonstrated therapeutic benefit

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 15:31:31 EST

For decades scientists around the world have attempted to regenerate primary liver cells known as hepatocytes because of their numerous biomedical applications, including hepatitis research, drug metabolism and toxicity studies, as well as transplantation for cirrhosis and other chronic liver conditions. But no lab in the world has been successful in identifying and growing liver stem cells in culture -- using any available technique -- until now.

Antioxidant improves donated liver survival rate to more than 90%

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 10:25:25 EST

Researchers from Italy have found that the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), when injected prior to harvesting of the liver, significantly improves graft survival following transplantation. Results suggest that the NAC effect on early graft function and survival is higher when suboptimal organs are used.

New study on hepatitis C drug treatment in vivo and in vitro

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:41:41 EST

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 4 million in the US and is the prirmary cause of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer. New research shows that daclatasvir, an ant - HCV drug, has two modes of action and provides a more accurate estimate of the HCV half-life.

43 percent reduction in deaths from paracetamol due to smaller pack sizes

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 19:22:22 EST

The number of deaths and liver transplants due to paracetamol overdoses has significantly reduced thanks to UK legislation to make pack sizes smaller.

Some omega-3 oils better than others for protection against liver disease

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:37:37 EST

Research has found that one particular omega-3 fatty acid has a powerful effect in preventing liver inflammation and fibrosis -- common problems that are steadily rising along with the number of Americans who are overweight.

Target 'super-spreaders' to stop hepatitis C

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:08:08 EST

Each intravenous drug user contracting hepatitis C is likely to infect around 20 other people with the virus, half of these transmissions occurring in the first two years after the user is first infected, a new study estimates.

Chronic hepatitis C: Interferon may be harmful in re-treatment

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 08:46:46 EST

People with hepatitis C and chronic liver disease who relapsed or failed to respond to initial treatment are unlikely to improve on interferon retreatment. In fact, they may face an increased risk of dying sooner, and are likely to experience a variety of adverse effects, according to an updated systematic review.

Binge drinking can dramatically amplify damage to the liver

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 16:22:22 EST

A new review examines studies addressing the effects of binge drinking on the liver. Binge consumption of alcohol is implicated in the pathophysiology of ALD. Binge drinking alters the levels of several cellular components and dramatically amplifies liver injury in the chronically alcohol-exposed liver.

Decline in available liver transplants expected

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

A new study has found that the non-use of donor livers climbed through 2010 due to a worsening of donor liver quality, primarily from donation following cardiac death.

Scientists discover new gene that affects clearance of hepatitis C virus

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:41:41 EST

Scientists have discovered a gene that interferes with the clearance of hepatitis C virus infection. They also identified an inherited variant within this gene, Interferon Lambda 4 (IFNL4), that predicts how people respond to treatment for hepatitis C infection.

Teens susceptible to hepatitis B infection despite vaccination as infants

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:29:29 EST

New research reveals that a significant number of adolescents lose their protection from hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, despite having received a complete vaccination series as infants. Results suggest teens with high-risk mothers and teens whose immune system fails to remember a previous viral exposure are behind HBV reinfection.

Eating asparagus may prevent a hangover, study suggests

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 10:12:12 EST

With New Year's Eve just around the corner, there is always plenty of good food and cheer. If you are drinking alcohol you may want to reach for some asparagus, according to a study that found asparagus may aid the body in accelerating the metabolism of alcohol.

Sustained virological response linked with improved survival for HCV patients

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 08:03:03 EST

Among patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection and advanced hepatic fibrosis (development of excess fibrous connective tissue), sustained virological response (SVR) to interferon-based treatment was associated with a lower risk of all-cause mortality compared with patients without SVR, according to a new study.

Targeted gene silencing drugs are more than 500 times more effective with new delivery method

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 12:34:34 EST

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are a potent new drug class that can silence a disease-causing gene, but delivering them to a target cell can be challenging. An innovative delivery approach dramatically increases the efficacy of an siRNA drug targeted to the liver and has made it possible to test the drug in non-human primates/

Liver mitochondria improve, increase after chronic alcohol feeding in mice

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 11:41:41 EST

Scientists have identified mitochondria plasticity as an important mechanism of how the mouse liver adapts to alcohol and other toxins. Liver mitochondria in mice increase in number and improve metabolism after chronic feeding of alcohol. The increase in oxygen used to metabolize the alcohol may increase cellular damage over time, as free radicals are normal byproducts of cellular respiration.

New compound reverses fatty liver disease

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:27:27 EST

Scientists have developed the first synthetic compound that can reverse the effects of a serious metabolic condition known as fatty liver disease.

How hepatitis C virus reprograms human liver cells

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 12:14:14 EST

Hepatitis C virus has evolved to invade and hijack the basic machinery of the human liver cell to ensure its survival and spread. Researchers have discovered how hepatitis C binds with and re-purposes a basic component of cellular metabolism known as a microRNA to help protect and replicate the virus.

Finding could help Alpha-1 sufferers breathe more easily

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:41:41 EST

Scientists have identified a new mutation in the gene that causes the inherited disease known as Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1), which affects roughly one in 2,500 people of European descent. Alpha-1 can lead to serious lung disease in adults, or liver disease at any age. The finding extends understanding of Alpha-1 at the molecular level, potentially leading to new drug development and better diagnostic tools.

Researchers find clue to how Hepatitis C virus harms liver

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 10:29:29 EST

Researchers have discovered a trigger by which the Hepatitis C virus enters liver cells -- shedding light on how this serious and potentially deadly virus can begin to damage the liver.

Aging hepatitis C population escalates demand for liver transplantation

Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:19:19 EST

New research reveals that the greatest demand for liver transplantation due to hepatitis C (HCV)-related liver disease occurs among Americans born between 1941 and 1960. Findings suggest that continuing increased demand for transplantation is driven by the development of liver cancer in baby boomers with HCV, but that the demand may decrease as patients born in this time period continue to grow older.

Adult antiviral drug effective in suppressing hepatitis B in teens

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:32:32 EST

A recent clinical trial found that the adult antiviral drug, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, is safe and effective in treating adolescents with hepatitis B virus. Trial results show that tenofovir DF suppressed HBV in 89 percent of pediatric participants.

NSAID use linked to reduced hepatocellular carcinoma risk and mortality due to chronic liver disease

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 16:22:22 EST

Researchers found that aspirin use is associated with a decreased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma and death from chronic liver disease, according to a new study.

Early changes in liver function could indicate life-threatening infection

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 17:49:49 EST

Early changes in liver function detected by novel techniques can identify severe infection (sepsis) hours after onset and so could have important implications for the treatment of patients who are critically ill, according to a new study.

African American women with HIV/HCV less likely to die from liver disease

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 13:27:27 EDT

A new study shows that African American women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are less likely to die from liver disease than Caucasian or Hispanic women. Findings indicate that lower liver-related mortality in African American women was independent of other causes of death.

Confirmation of nitisinone efficacy for life-threatening liver disease

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:35:35 EDT

Researchers have just published the findings of a 25-year study on the treatment of tyrosinemia, a life-threatening liver disease of genetic origin, which is screened at birth in the province of Quebec, where it is much more frequent than anywhere else in the world. After five years of treatment, no trace of the disease can be detected in the liver of newborns who were treated with nitisinone starting from the first month of life, the study finds.

Oxidative stress and altered gene expression occurs in a metabolic liver disease model

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 06:26:26 EDT

Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency is the most common genetic liver disorder in children and may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in adults. New evidence indicates that oxidative stress occurs in a genetic model of this disease. The report suggests that treatment with antioxidants might be of therapeutic benefit. Investigators also Identified potential alterations in gene expressions that could modify the development of disease. This information could lead to the design of therapeutic treatments.

Dietary supplements can cause liver injury, says hepatologist

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:48:48 EDT

Niacin, comfrey, Kava and even green tea in high doses can cause liver injury, according to an expert.

Antiviral therapy may halve risk of liver cancer after chronic hepatitis C infection, analysis indicates

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 19:24:24 EDT

Treating chronic hepatitis C infection with antiviral drugs could halve the risk of developing the most common form of liver cancer, in some cases, a new analysis indicates.

A novel oncogenic network specific to liver cancer initiation

Sun, 07 Oct 2012 13:48:48 EDT

Researchers have identified a connection between an oncogene, an epigenetic modulator and an anti-apoptotic regulator relevant to liver cancer initiation.

Liver cells, insulin-producing cells, thymus can be grown in lymph nodes, team finds

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 17:49:49 EDT

Lymph nodes can provide a suitable home for a variety of cells and tissues from other organs, suggesting a cell-based alternative to whole organ transplantation might one day be feasible, according to researchers.

Treating hepatitis C infection in prison is good public policy, study suggests

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:38:38 EDT

Incarcerated patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are just as likely to respond to treatment for the disease as patients in the community, according to new findings.

In obesity, a micro-RNA causes metabolic problems

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:05:05 EDT

Scientists have identified a key molecular player in a chain of events in the body that can lead to fatty liver disease, Type II diabetes and other metabolic abnormalities associated with obesity. By blocking this molecule, the researchers were able to reverse some of the pathology it caused in obese mice.

Increased dietary fructose linked to elevated uric acid levels and lower liver energy stores

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:41:41 EDT

Obese patients with type 2 diabetes who consume higher amounts of fructose display reduced levels of liver adenosine triphosphate (ATP) -- a compound involved in the energy transfer between cells. The findings indicate that elevated uric acid levels (hyperuricemia) are associated with more severe hepatic ATP depletion in response to fructose intake.

Earlier treatment for young patients with chronic hepatitis B more effective in clearing virus

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:22:22 EDT

Scientists have discovered for the first time that children and young patients with chronic hepatitis B Virus infection (HBV carriers) do have a protective immune response, contrary to current belief, and hence can be more suitable treatment candidates than previously considered.

Survival 'excellent' following living donor liver transplantation for acute liver failure

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 11:19:19 EDT

Patients in Japan who underwent living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) for acute liver failure (ALF) were classified as having excellent outcomes, with ten-year survival at 73%. The findings suggest that the type of liver disease or treatment plan does not affect long-term patient survival following LDLT. Donor and patient age, however, does impact long-term outcome post-transplant.

Telaprevir: Added benefit in certain patients with hepatitis C

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 13:53:53 EDT

The new drug telaprevir offers advantages in various groups of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection of genotype 1. The available studies provide proof, indications or "hints" of an added benefit. However, not only the probability but also the extent of added benefit varies, according to a new assessment.

Antibody prevents hepatitis C infection in animal model

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 17:31:31 EDT

A monoclonal antibody tested in an animal model prevents infection by the hepatitis C virus (HCV).

New 'traffic light' test could save lives with earlier diagnosis of liver disease

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 06:46:46 EDT

A new 'traffic light' test could be used in primary care to diagnose liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in high risk populations more easily than at present.

Common antibiotics pose a rare risk of severe liver injury in older patients

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 13:06:06 EDT

The commonly used broad-spectrum antibiotics moxifloxacin and levofloxacin are associated with an increased risk of severe liver injury in older people, according to a new study.

Drug successfully halts fibrosis in animal model of liver disease

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:23:23 EDT

A potential new NADPH oxidase inhibitor therapy for liver fibrosis, a scarring process associated with chronic liver disease that can lead to loss of liver function.

New approach to treat acute liver failure

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:11:11 EDT

Acute liver failure is a life-threatening disease. Unfortunately, few treatment options exist. Now researchers have developed a new treatment approach based on a mouse model. In a recent study, the liver failure was reversed and the mice recovered completely.