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A Houston doctor is facing federal charges for allegedly falsifying medical records to make potential transplant recipients ineligible for organ donations, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. The DOJ said John Stevenson Bynon Jr., 66, has surrendered to federal authorities on five counts of making false statements in health care matters. He was due in court at 2 p.m. on Tuesday. The DOJ said a grand jury returned the indictment on January 14. Bynon is the former director of abdominal organ transplantation and surgical director for liver transplantation at Memorial Hermann Health System in the Texas Medical Center. The...

Many biological processes exhibit daytime differences governed by rhythmic exposure to sunlight, termed circadian rhythms. Researchers recently found, in mice, that a protein critical to intestinal barrier function—helping the gut absorb nutrients while blocking harmful pathogens—is rhythmically controlled by nighttime liver metabolism of the molecule tryptophan. In this study, researchers found that when tryptophan—an amino acid needed to synthesize vital proteins—is ingested, it travels to the liver. There, tryptophan produces metabolites—molecular byproducts of metabolism—that activate a protein called the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (Ah receptor), which then works to improve barrier function in the gut. Gary Perdew, said that the findings...

A chemical used in some over-the-counter eye drops may affect liver cells and be transformed to a PFAS-like substance. This is according to a new study. "We initiated the study last year to follow up on questions from a journalist about the safety of eye drops," says Tuulia Hyötyläinen. The Örebro researchers have studied a fluorinated compound, perfluorohexyloctane, which has properties and a structure that resembles PFAS. One difference is that it has previously been assumed to be biologically inactive. Meaning that it should not affect biological processes in the body. "Our study shows that this assumption may not always...

People with compromised liver function may be able to reduce their risk of liver cancer or slow its progression with a simple dietary change: eating less protein. A study has found that low-protein diets slowed liver tumor growth and cancer death in mice, uncovering a mechanism by which a liver's impaired waste-handling machinery can inadvertently fuel cancer. When people consume protein, the nitrogen can be converted into ammonia, a substance that's toxic to the body and brain. A healthy liver typically processes this ammonia into harmless urea, which is excreted via urine. To test whether impaired ammonia processing drives cancer...

Bernie Kosar dealing with liver issues and Parkinson's disease.

More than a third of the world's population is affected by metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, or MASLD, the most common chronic liver disease in the world. MASLD occurs when fat builds up in the liver and is associated with one or more of five conditions: obesity, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood sugar and low HDL cholesterol, known as "good" cholesterol. These conditions are characterized as cardiometabolic risk factors because they affect the heart or metabolism. MASLD can lead to serious illness, such as advanced liver, heart and kidney disease, but little research has been done to...

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a major global health concern. This life-threatening disease often progresses silently, eventually leading to worsened conditions like liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. There is currently no treatment for CLD other than liver transplantation. Vitamin D is commonly consumed for enhanced bone health. A recent study opens exciting possibilities for repurposing an inexpensive supplement as a complementary therapy for liver diseases. Prof. Hyo-Jung Kwon and his colleagues have studied the underlying mechanisms and therapeutic implications of vitamin D in liver disease. "Here, we explored the effects of vitamin D on ductular reaction and CLDs, and investigated...

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is known to be associated with the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but how and why they are connected remains unknown. Researchers from Mass General Brigham discovered that HBV does not cause liver inflammation or cancer on its own, but worsens liver inflammation and may make patients more susceptible to early cancer development caused by environmental carcinogens. Limiting carcinogen exposure or reducing inflammation could mitigate this risk. "Our research sheds light on the intricate interplay between HBV infection and carcinogen exposure to generate immune dysregulation in the liver that leads to cancer development," said corresponding...

A newly discovered mechanism that leads to liver dysfunction may be a key factor in type 2 diabetes and other metabolic disorders in individuals with obesity, according to a new study. The dysfunction identified—dysregulated hepatic coenzyme Q metabolism—leads to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced by mitochondria at a single specific site in an enzyme called complex I. Mitochondria metabolize nutrients and generate the building blocks needed to maintain metabolic homeostasis. During this process, mitochondria also generate ROS—molecules that, in small, controlled amounts, are essential to support normal body functions, but that can be harmful when produced in large quantities....

An interdisciplinary research team has demonstrated a durable and lasting response to a novel treatment—combined locoregional therapy and immunotherapy (LRT-IO)—for advanced liver cancer patients. Advanced liver cancer is often considered incurable, but it can sometimes be converted to a treatable stage through a combination of therapies, potentially leading to curative surgery. This innovative strategy consists of three treatments: stereotactic beam radiotherapy (SBRT) with optional transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), followed by immunotherapy (IO). In previous studies, the team found that the cancer completely disappeared in 42% of patients after treatment, as evidenced by MRI or CT scans—even without curative surgery. The research...

New research suggests that lycopene, which gives fruits like tomatoes and watermelons their bright red color, supports healthy liver functioning and may help prevent weight gain. Lycopene is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory compound that is naturally produced by some plants. It is also available as a dietary supplement. The researchers' interest in studying the impacts of tomato consumption and lycopene on obesity was sparked by a previous study that showed dietary estrogen supplements prevented zebrafish from becoming obese despite being overfed. Since lycopene and other compounds found in tomatoes affect some of the same chemical pathways as estrogen, the scientists wondered...

A drug candidate, previously successful at treating severe fatty liver disease, reduces atherosclerosis—a primary driver of cardiovascular death worldwide—in large mammals, a study suggests. DT-109 limited the formation of atherosclerotic plaques in both the aorta and coronary arteries of nonhuman primates. This glycine-based tripeptide also stopped critical processes that lead to vascular calcification, a significant catalyst of arterial stiffening and plaque instability. Said Eugene Chen, M.D., Ph.D., "DT-109 has demonstrated a remarkable ability to counteract the progression of atherosclerosis, an achievement that holds immense therapeutic potential." Chen's team developed DT-109 in 2019 after it was discovered that impaired glycine metabolism...

Recently, researchers have discovered an increasing correlation between some liver cancers and non-viral chronic liver disease (CLD). One liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is associated with CLD in about 15%–25% of cases. In order to investigate how healthy liver tissue differs from that of HCC patients with CLD, scientists analyzed which metabolites were present in CLD and normal tissue to identify metabolic pathways that may be dysregulated. By investigating differences in gene expression and metabolites, the investigators were able to identify possible disease-causing pathways and potential therapeutic targets for HCC prevention. "The molecular mechanisms underlying the development of HCC from...

The liver has a unique ability, regeneration. However, the liver stops regenerating in cases of diseases that involve chronic liver damage. Research has discovered in animal models a previously unknown mechanism of liver regeneration. It is a process that is triggered very quickly, just a few minutes after acute liver damage occurs. The authors write that nutritional glutamate supplementation can effectively promote liver regeneration and benefit patients with severe and chronic liver damage. The results show that liver and bone marrow are interconnected by glutamate. After acute liver damage, liver cells, called hepatocytes, produce glutamate and send it into the...

Researchers have found statin use significantly reduces the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and hepatic decompensation among patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). Statins, particularly lipophilic statins like atorvastatin and simvastatin, were associated with a substantial decrease in the likelihood of liver cancer and complications. Longer duration of statin use further increases this protective effect. Researchers conducted a historical cohort analysis of data from the Research Patient Data Registry, clinical data from hospitals within the Mass General Brigham health care system, covering 2000-2023. Participants included 16,501 adult patients aged 40 or older diagnosed with CLD and a baseline Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4)...

Scientists have recreated foie gras without force-feeding by using natural enzymes found in ducks. The process mimics what happens inside the bird’s body, resulting in the same texture and taste. It’s a delicious step toward cruelty-free indulgence A team of researchers has developed a groundbreaking new way to make foie gras that eliminates the need for force-feeding, traditionally used to achieve the delicacy’s rich texture. By using the duck’s own fat-digesting enzymes and a simplified, additive-free recipe, they recreated the signature mouthfeel and flavor of foie gras. The result? An ethical, scientifically innovative twist on a centuries-old luxury – and...

There’s no denying that the internet loves a good hack — especially if it’s one that will help prevent the crapulence feeling that comes on the morning after consuming one too many espresso martinis. The latest quirky health hack is milk thistle supplements being used to prevent nasty hangovers. In a video of a TikTok user raving about the herbal remedy, she told her viewers: “Last week I went out and took two of these before a night of drinking and I woke up and ran a 5k the next day.” But before you jump on the milk thistle bandwagon,...

Turmeric has been a healing remedy in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It comes from the rhizome (root) of the Curcuma longa plant and has a warm, earthy flavor. Turmeric's active compound, curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant with many health benefits, from soothing joint pain to enhancing digestion and immunity. 1. Arthritis (Joint Pain) Arthritis is a broad term that describes over 100 conditions that cause joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, typically develops due to age-related "wear and tear." Other types, like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic...

Over a year after a 15-foot great white shark was found dead with mysterious bite wounds and stripped of its internal organs, DNA analysis uncovered its killers. Two animals, orcas, also known as killer whales, and broadnose sevengill sharks, were responsible for the gruesome attack... The body of the massive shark, known as the Carcharodon carcharias, was discovered in October 2023 in southeastern Australia, baffling scientists. ... The carcass sparked significant attention from the public due to its size, bite marks, and the speculation of it being the result of a killer whale predation, ... Although its head, spine, and...

Researchers at Mount Sinai have made a breakthrough in treating a type of liver cancer called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This research tested a combination of treatments that could help patients live longer without their cancer getting worse. Liver cancer is a serious and deadly cancer. In 2023, liver cancer was the fourth most common cause of death globally, accounting for more than 800,000 deaths annually. Hepatocellular carcinoma represents approximately 90% of primary liver cancers. This cancer is most commonly found in people living with chronic viral hepatitis, heavy alcohol use, or metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease. This landmark trial demonstrates...