Scientists discover role of a protein in fatty liver disease
What is fatty liver disease and why is it worrisome?
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common problem in overweight or obese people. Unlike alcohol-related liver problems, NAFLD is caused by the buildup of too much fat in the liver.
It can lead to more serious diseases such as steatosis and cirrhosis, both serious liver diseases. Although NAFLD is so common, finding effective treatments for NAFLD is challenging.
A breakthrough in understanding NAFLD
A team of researchers led by professors Jang Hyun Choi and Sung Ho Park have made a significant discovery that could lead to new ways to treat NAFLD.
The team found that a protein called Thrap3, which is linked to thyroid hormones, plays a large role in exacerbating NAFLD.
This protein influences another protein called AMPK, which helps control fat processing in the liver.
When Thrap3 disrupts AMPK, it makes it harder for the liver to break down fats and cholesterol. To put it simply, Thrap3 acts like an obstacle that prevents the liver from doing its job of breaking down fat.
How the study was conducted and what it means
The researchers used rats for their experiments. They found that when they reduced the amount of Thrap3, the rats’ livers were able to process fats better.
This is a crucial discovery as it shows that targeting Thrap3 could be a new way to effectively treat NAFLD.
Professor Choi said: “We found it difficult to find good treatments for fatty liver disease. Our discovery provides us with a new and effective way to address this widespread disease.”
The study also showed that reducing Thrap3 levels improved another liver problem called nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. This is an inflammatory liver disease that often occurs in people with fatty liver disease.
Along the road
This breakthrough could pave the way for new treatments for fatty liver disease. While the study was conducted on rats, the next steps could be to test these results on humans.
If successful, we may be looking for an effective new way to treat a common and challenging health condition.
In conclusion, this research sheds light on how a particular protein may contribute to fatty liver disease.
By understanding this, we can now explore new treatments that could dramatically improve the lives of those suffering from this disease.
If you care about liver health, please read studies on “Scientists Find a Major Cause of Fatty Liver Disease” and Insights on “Healthy Liver, Happy Life: New Advice for Keeping Your Liver in Top Shape.”
For more information on liver health, see the studies on this a diet to treat fatty liver disease and obesity, And Coffee drinkers can halve their risk of liver cancer.
The research results can be found In Experimental and molecular medicine.
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