Latest news with #Non-AlcoholicFattyLiverDisease


Time of India
a day ago
- Health
- Time of India
PGI researchers give new hope for treatment of severe liver disease
Lucknow: Advanced scientific research conducted by scientists at Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) has shown a new way to treat Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) – a severe but common liver disease. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The research, led by Rohit A Sinha, a scientist and associate professor in the endocrinology department, along with his team comprising Sana Raza and Pratima Gupta, proved that a naturally occurring hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can help in checking liver damage caused by NASH by removing harmful fat from liver cells, reducing inflammation, and preventing liver damage. A Union health ministry document notes that NASH is the severest form of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Terming it as "a silent epidemic", the document noted that NAFLD's community prevalence ranges from 9% to 32%, depending on age, gender, area of residence, and socioeconomic status. This means that up to three people out of 10 could have fatty liver or a related disease. What raises concerns is that 20% of people with NAFLD develop NASH. "DHEA is a parent hormone that acts as a precursor to sex hormones in humans. While scanning several case studies of NASH patients, we noted that the level of DHEA in them was on the lower side. Keeping this as the base, we proposed to study the impact of increasing this hormone in NASH patients with a significant extent of fibrosis – a symptom of NASH," said Sinha, adding that the study was published in the journal 'Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology'. "We began with animal studies. In the mouse model, we fed the experimental group with a NASH-inducing diet. When the condition was confirmed in them, we injected DHEA. The outcome showed that the severity of liver damage in 80% of the sample decreased by about 60%," he said. The results paved the way for a cellular study in which the researchers worked upon lab-grown human liver cells. "Here too, in the experimental group, we loaded the cells with excessive fat to create a NASH-like condition. Thereafter, we introduced DHEA and found that the fat percentage decreased by up to 80%," said Sinha. "The result has been heartening. We now look forward to clinical trials for hormone replacement therapy," he said.


News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
Techie, 24, Doesn't Drink, But Liver is already damaged. Internet Reacts
Last Updated: A study conducted by researchers at the University of Hyderabad discovered that 84% of IT employees are affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease. In a shocking turn of events, a 24-year-old techie recently opened up about facing Liver problems despite being a non-alcoholic and a non-smoker. The reason? His poor diet and lifestyle choices. But this was not the only case, as the youngster later discovered that many of his friends working at Multi-National Companies like Amazon, Google or Microsoft, among others, are facing similar health issues, which could be alarming for all the corporate employees in India. Taking to Reddit, the user claimed that Liver problems are becoming 'disturbingly common' in the corporate and advised everyone to take tests and precautions according to the requirements. He wrote, 'I'm 24, work in tech, don't drink—and my liver is already damaged. Turns out, I'm not the only one. I spoke to several of my friends, all working in different big tech companies like Google, Amazon, PhonePe and Microsoft, in different cities, living what we call 'a normal tech life.' Yet, strangely, a common thread emerged in all those conversations—most of them were going through something they never expected to face in their twenties: elevated SGPT and SGOT levels." 'Initially, I assumed it was only me. After a routine blood test revealed that my liver enzymes were slightly higher, I was concerned but thought it was an isolated case. However, when I casually brought it up in conversations—over coffee breaks, the team calls, or over a weekend trip—I was surprised to hear comments like- Same here or I've also been requested to repeat my LFT," the post continued. He further added that most of the employees are in their mid-20s, which is 'supposedly their Physical peak' but have already been warned to take care of their liver, cut down oil, avoid processed food and reduce stress. 'It's become disturbingly common. The majority of us don't even drink or smoke heavily—yet our medical reports tell a different story," he added. Furthermore, the post highlighted the unhealthy lifestyle choices of youngsters these days due to the hectic work culture. He continued, 'We're often sitting for 10-12 hours a day, ordering in food because we're too tired to cook, skipping meals between back-to-back meetings, and sleeping poorly because of late-night screen time. When you combine caffeine, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle, you have the perfect storm for what doctors now refer to as NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease)." However, the user also marked significant measures for those dealing with liver problems. The post further reads, 'I've seen friends bounce back in just a few weeks with simple shifts-home-cooked food, 30 minutes of walking daily, hydration, fixed sleep, and conscious screen time reduction. What matters is catching it early and taking it seriously." Previously, a study conducted by researchers at the University of Hyderabad (UoH) discovered that 84 per cent of IT employees are affected by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD), a condition linked to prolonged sitting, work stress, unhealthy diet, and lack of physical activity.


News18
13-05-2025
- Health
- News18
Hypertension, Fatty Liver, Obesity: Why Our Daily Diets Need a Natural Reset
Last Updated: Experts call for a shift to whole, natural foods and urban farming to combat the growing burden of lifestyle diseases In today's fast-paced world, convenience often trumps nutrition. From quick packaged meals to sugary drinks and ultra-processed snacks, modern dietary habits are not only stripping meals of their natural goodness—they're also silently fuelling a health crisis. Rising rates of hypertension, fatty liver disease, and obesity have made it clear: our diets need a natural reset. 'Modern dietary patterns, often dominated by ultra-processed foods, high sugar intake, and unhealthy fats, are directly contributing to a surge in lifestyle-related conditions," says Dr. Kapil Kumar Kursiwal, Senior Consultant – GI Surgery, GI Oncology, Bariatric and Minimal Access Surgery at Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi. 'The liver, being a central metabolic organ, bears the brunt of this nutritional imbalance." According to Dr. Kursiwal, Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)—once a rare diagnosis—is now a common condition even among non-drinkers. It's closely tied to insulin resistance and is exacerbated by diets rich in refined carbs, trans fats, and added sugars. Meanwhile, hypertension continues to be a major public health concern, often worsened by excessive salt and processed foods. 'The body is not designed to handle this sustained metabolic load. What is urgently needed is a shift toward natural, whole foods—rich in fiber, antioxidants, and healthy fats—coupled with moderation and mindful eating," Dr. Kursiwal emphasizes. 'A 'natural reset' in our diets is not a trend but a necessity." That's where urban farming comes into the picture—as both a preventive and sustainable solution. 'The surge in lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, fatty liver, and obesity is deeply tied to our modern diets, often laden with chemicals and processed foods," explains Maninder Singh Nayyar, CEO and Founder, CEF Group. 'Urban farming, through the production of natural, locally grown foods, offers a powerful remedy." Nayyar highlights how fresh produce grown in urban spaces—like spinach, kale, broccoli, and cabbage—can be game-changers for health. Leafy greens are excellent sources of potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure. Cruciferous vegetables support liver detoxification and reduce the risk of fatty liver. Herbs such as parsley and cilantro, also easy to grow in compact spaces, further aid liver function and toxin elimination. Additionally, fruits like tomatoes, citrus, and berries, commonly cultivated in home gardens and urban farms, offer high doses of antioxidants, fiber, and essential vitamins that help manage weight and support heart health. 'By embracing urban farming, we are not only improving the quality of our food but also providing our bodies with the necessary nutrients to fight lifestyle diseases naturally," says Nayyar. 'This shift towards natural farming holds the potential to revolutionize both our health and the health of our planet." As both experts assert, this isn't about restrictive eating or the latest superfood trend. It's about getting back to basics—choosing real, unprocessed ingredients, growing what we can, and being mindful of what we eat. A healthier body, a stronger immune system, and a sharper mind might just start with what's on our plate.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Longtime Wichita chef receives life-saving liver transplant
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — The man who helped inspire menus at Carlos O'Kelly's and Red Beans To-Go, Rick Jeffrey, has been in a desperate search for a life-saving liver transplant for years. It's a story we first brought to you back in December. Just days ago, he got a new liver. He spoke to KSN's Derek Lytle from his hospital bed and called it a second shot at life. This was a three-year battle for Jeffrey. It saw him fighting between the lines of being healthy enough to survive transplant surgery, and bad enough to be on the transplant list. He was placed back last week, and just two days later, after months in the ICU, doctors burst through the doors with a question for Rick. 'Walking into my hospital room, and saying we've got a liver we want to offer you, what do you think, and I say, are you crazy, yeah, let's go, let's rock,' Jeffrey said. A long stay at the University of Kansas Health System, and now an answer. Jeffrey had been wanting to give for years, as he battled Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, not knowing if he'd ever find an organ donor. 'We're gonna be here for them': Hutchinson soup kitchen presses on after latest theft 'So grateful for everything that's happened. A whole different person, it just felt so different, so exciting, and beside myself,' Jeffrey said. His wish was to survive and watch his family grow up, something he is now realizing can be a reality. 'I want to concentrate on my grandsons, being able to take them fishing, hunting, teach them how to cook. They want to learn. My grandson already has a chef's costume. He wants to be like me. You can imagine how proud that makes me feel,' said Jeffrey. Beyond thankful to his organ donor and their family. He hopes his battle encourages others to continue their fight. 'You've got to hang with it, keep your prayers in, keep your family praying, and be thankful for all that you get,' Jeffrey said. Rick wants the message echoed. He encourages people to sign up to become organ donors. Once he returns home, he said, he will definitely throw a party, cooking the food he loves, once again. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
MGR Medical University team along with health department aims to screen 50,000 tribals in Jawadhu Hills for fatty liver disease
CHENNAI: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the Tamil Nadu Dr MGR Medical University, in collaboration with the health department, has started a pilot study to estimate the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among tribal communities of Jawadhu Hills in Tiruvannamalai district. The study aims to screen a population of 50,000 and identify high-risk individuals by checking for abdominal obesity, family history of diabetes and hypertension. So far, over 500 tribals have been screened and 120 blood samples analysed. Preliminary findings show that 10-14% fall under the high-risk (FIB-4) category for liver fibrosis (scarring of the liver). Those identified will undergo a fibroscan to confirm the extent of fibrosis. Initial screenings are being conducted through medical camps and individuals requiring further assessment are referred to primary health centres. Titled the Community Screening Programme for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), the study seeks to evaluate the feasibility, scalability and sustainability of interventions to reduce fatty liver disease in tribal areas. MASLD, previously known as Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is caused by excessive fat accumulation in the liver in individuals with little or no alcohol consumption. MASLD is included in the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) under the Union Health Ministry, given its links to India's growing burden of lifestyle diseases. The programme emphasises early screening, lifestyle changes and health system integration.