Genes Associated With Common Liver Damage

For those of you that follow our blog post you know that Sunburst Oranges is closely involved with The American Liver Foundation. We provide a variety of support to the cause. 

From time to time we offer information that is related to your liver health.

In a first-of-its-kind exploratory study, the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) has identified a potential gene associated with the initiation of the most common cause of liver damage.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of liver damage. In this study, published in the September edition of Translational Research, TGen scientists sequenced microRNAs (miRNAs) from liver biopsies, spelling out their biochemical molecules to identify several potential gene targets associated with NAFLD-related liver damage.

The miRNAs -- RNA molecules that regulate gene expression -- were obtained from liver biopsies of 30 female candidates for gastric bypass surgery: 15 with, and 15 without, NAFLD liver damage.

Using the most advanced technology to refine the data, researchers identified several potential gene targets associated with NAFLD-related liver damage. Specifically, they found that a particular miRNA called miR-182 produced a strong association with a protein called FOX03.

Importantly, researchers observed a significant suppression of FOX03 protein levels in damaged livers, compared to those without liver damage, suggesting a potential role for this gene in the initiation of liver disease.

The authors cite limitations in this particular study: The study's small sample, and the fact that all 30 patients were obese females who were candidates for gastric bypass surgery, which may have limited the data. They were selected because obesity is a significant risk factor for NAFLD outcomes, and because of the value of obtaining unbiased liver samples.

The American Liver Foundation advocates on behalf of more than 30 million Americans with liver disease on the federal, state, and local levels.

They provide education programs, support services, and outreach activities that reach more than 200,000 individuals annually and help raise awareness about liver disease prevention and management.

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