Dual-Targeting Strategy Shows Promise Against Liver Fibrosis

NIAAA: Liver fibrosis is a consequence of chronic liver injury associated with alcoholic or nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, viral hepatitis, or metabolic diseases, and can lead to cirrhosis and even cancer. While there are no effective treatments for liver fibrosis, previous research has shown that compounds that block receptors for molecules similar to those found in the marijuana plant (endocannabinoids) can interfere with the development of liver fibrosis. However, the development of therapies based on these cannabinoid-1 receptor (CB1R)-blocking compounds was halted, because they have unwanted neuropsychiatric side effects of CB1R-blocking agents acting in the brain.

Pioneering project will help patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Newcastle: Patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) will benefit from a major multi-million euro European research project aimed at developing better diagnostic tests and treatments. This will be the largest ever study of its kind to connect research from across the continent in liver disease, which is hoped will enable a greater understanding into the genetic and environmental factors linked to the development of the life-threatening illness. NAFLD is caused by a build-up of fat in the liver cells and the condition is strongly linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that 20% to 25% of Europe’s population suffer from the condition, including up to 33% of the UK’s population.

Fatty liver: the pathology of gluttony

University of Adelaide Professor Alastair Burt specialises in liver diseases and says while most people only associate liver disease with alcoholism, people who are overweight, obese or with type 2 diabetes, are also prone to serious liver conditions. “Fatty liver diseases are a group of diseases that interfere with the normal functioning of the liver and can lead to cirrhosis and an early death,” says Professor Burt. “It has long been recognised that excess alcohol consumption can lead to liver diseases, and while there is a relationship between the degree of alcohol consumption and severe disease, other individual traits also have a significant influence. “In particular, it is becoming increasingly recognised that the whole spectrum of fatty liver diseases can also occur in people who are overweight, obese or those living with type 2 diabetes,” he says.

Researchers reverse type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease

Copenhagen: Up until now, the treatment of type 2 diabetes and closely associated conditions such as fatty liver disease has had only limited success. However, with Danish funding, the researchers from Yale School of Medicine have now developed an agent that can reverse type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease in rats.

MedUni Wien develops biomarker for steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease) and the further course of the disease

Vienna University. Austria: 40 percent of people in the EU suffer from non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (fatty liver disease), a disease which is becoming increasingly more frequent as a result of diabetes and excess weight in an affluent society. Currently, it is not possible to forecast the further course of the disease – right up to cirrhosis and cancer of the liver. Furthermore, an increased risk of heart attack and kidney damage exists. In future, this should become possible using a Risk Score with different biomarkers.

MRI Technique Developed for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Children

UCSD. US: Between 5 and 8 million children in the United States have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), yet most cases go undiagnosed. To help address this issue, researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine have developed a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-based technique to help clinicians and researchers better detect and evaluate NAFLD in children. The study is published Feb. 5 in Hepatology.

Obese Children Burdened by More than Weight

UCSD. US: Study finds higher risk for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hypertension and heart problems High blood pressure and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are two emerging health problems related to the epidemic of childhood obesity. In a recent study, researchers at University of California, San Diego School of Medicine sought to determine the prevalence of high blood pressure in children with NAFLD, which places them at risk for premature cardiovascular disease.