Latest news with #Hepatology
Mid East Info
08-07-2025
- Health
- Mid East Info
Mayo Clinic researchers link inherited mutation to fatty liver disease - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, United Arab Emirates; July, 2025 — Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine have discovered a rare genetic variant that can directly cause metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Until now, scientists believed the disease resulted from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This study, published in Hepatology, reveals that in some cases, a single inherited variant can be the primary driver. The researchers identified this variant in the MET gene, which regulates liver repair and fat metabolism. When the gene malfunctions, fat accumulates in liver cells and triggers inflammation. Over time, this leads to fibrosis and scarring, which stiffens the liver. In severe cases, the disease progresses to cirrhosis, resulting in irreversible liver damage or liver cancer. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease affects about one-third of adults worldwide. Its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is expected to become the leading cause of cirrhosis and the reason for liver transplants in the coming years. 'This discovery opens a window into how rare inherited genetic variants can drive common diseases,' says lead author Filippo Pinto e Vairo, M.D, Ph.D., medical director of the Program for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases at Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine. 'It provides new insights into this disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for future research.' The discovery emerged from the genomic data of a woman and her father with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. They had no history of diabetes or high cholesterol, two common risk factors for fat buildup in the liver. With no clear explanation, researchers examined the DNA from more than 20,000 genes to find answers. They found a small but potentially significant error in the MET gene. In collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin's John & Linda Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, led by Raul Urrutia, M.D., the scientists determined that the mutation disrupted a critical biological process. Genes are made up of chemical letters that provide instructions for the body's functions. In this case, a single swapped letter — among thousands — scrambled the message, preventing the liver from properly processing fat. This rare variant, found in the family, has not been reported in existing literature or public databases. 'This study demonstrates that rare diseases are not rare but often hidden in the large pool of complex disorders, underscoring the immense power of individualized medicine in identifying them, and enabling the design of advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies,' Dr. Urrutia says. To explore the variant's broader impact, researchers turned to Mayo Clinic's Tapestry study, a large-scale exome sequencing effort aimed at uncovering genomic drivers of disease. The Tapestry study analyzed germline DNA from over 100,000 participants across the U.S., creating a comprehensive genomic data repository that supports research into both well-known and emerging health conditions. Among nearly 4,000 adult Tapestry participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, about 1% carried rare, potentially causative variants in the same MET gene. Of these, nearly 18% had variants in the same critical region as the initial woman and her father, further supporting its role in liver disease. 'This finding could potentially affect hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people worldwide with or at risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease,' says Konstantinos Lazaridis, M.D., a lead author and the Carlson and Nelson Endowed Executive Director for the Center for Individualized Medicine. Dr. Lazaridis emphasized the significance of this discovery as it relates to the Tapestry study's impactful contributions. 'Once a pathogenic variant is discovered, interrogating our Tapestry data repository is giving us a clearer lens into the hidden layers of disease, and this discovery is one of the first to demonstrate its scientific significance,' Dr. Lazaridis says. 'This finding highlights the profound value of studying familial diseases and the merit of large-scale genomic datasets, which can reveal rare genetic variations with broader implications for population health.' This discovery also reflects the importance of integrating genomics into clinical care at Mayo Clinic, where teams use advanced technologies to help solve complex medical mysteries. Since its launch in 2019, the Program for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases has helped more than 3,200 patients with complex and serious conditions gain access to comprehensive genomic testing. It collaborates with nearly 300 clinicians from 14 divisions across the enterprise to bring precision diagnostics to patients with rare conditions, including rare liver diseases. Future studies will explore how this genomic discovery in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease can inform targeted treatments and improve disease management.
Web Release
08-07-2025
- Health
- Web Release
Mayo Clinic researchers link inherited mutation to fatty liver disease
Researchers at Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine have discovered a rare genetic variant that can directly cause metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, formerly known as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Until now, scientists believed the disease resulted from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. This study, published in Hepatology, reveals that in some cases, a single inherited variant can be the primary driver. The researchers identified this variant in the MET gene, which regulates liver repair and fat metabolism. When the gene malfunctions, fat accumulates in liver cells and triggers inflammation. Over time, this leads to fibrosis and scarring, which stiffens the liver. In severe cases, the disease progresses to cirrhosis, resulting in irreversible liver damage or liver cancer. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease affects about one-third of adults worldwide. Its advanced form, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis, is expected to become the leading cause of cirrhosis and the reason for liver transplants in the coming years. 'This discovery opens a window into how rare inherited genetic variants can drive common diseases,' says lead author Filippo Pinto e Vairo, M.D, Ph.D., medical director of the Program for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases at Mayo Clinic's Center for Individualized Medicine. 'It provides new insights into this disease pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets for future research.' The discovery emerged from the genomic data of a woman and her father with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. They had no history of diabetes or high cholesterol, two common risk factors for fat buildup in the liver. With no clear explanation, researchers examined the DNA from more than 20,000 genes to find answers. They found a small but potentially significant error in the MET gene. In collaboration with the Medical College of Wisconsin's John & Linda Mellowes Center for Genomic Sciences and Precision Medicine, led by Raul Urrutia, M.D., the scientists determined that the mutation disrupted a critical biological process. Genes are made up of chemical letters that provide instructions for the body's functions. In this case, a single swapped letter — among thousands — scrambled the message, preventing the liver from properly processing fat. This rare variant, found in the family, has not been reported in existing literature or public databases. 'This study demonstrates that rare diseases are not rare but often hidden in the large pool of complex disorders, underscoring the immense power of individualized medicine in identifying them, and enabling the design of advanced diagnostics and targeted therapies,' Dr. Urrutia says. To explore the variant's broader impact, researchers turned to Mayo Clinic's Tapestry study, a large-scale exome sequencing effort aimed at uncovering genomic drivers of disease. The Tapestry study analyzed germline DNA from over 100,000 participants across the U.S., creating a comprehensive genomic data repository that supports research into both well-known and emerging health conditions. Among nearly 4,000 adult Tapestry participants with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, about 1% carried rare, potentially causative variants in the same MET gene. Of these, nearly 18% had variants in the same critical region as the initial woman and her father, further supporting its role in liver disease. 'This finding could potentially affect hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people worldwide with or at risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease,' says Konstantinos Lazaridis, M.D., a lead author and the Carlson and Nelson Endowed Executive Director for the Center for Individualized Medicine. Dr. Lazaridis emphasized the significance of this discovery as it relates to the Tapestry study's impactful contributions. 'Once a pathogenic variant is discovered, interrogating our Tapestry data repository is giving us a clearer lens into the hidden layers of disease, and this discovery is one of the first to demonstrate its scientific significance,' Dr. Lazaridis says. 'This finding highlights the profound value of studying familial diseases and the merit of large-scale genomic datasets, which can reveal rare genetic variations with broader implications for population health.' This discovery also reflects the importance of integrating genomics into clinical care at Mayo Clinic, where teams use advanced technologies to help solve complex medical mysteries. Since its launch in 2019, the Program for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases has helped more than 3,200 patients with complex and serious conditions gain access to comprehensive genomic testing. It collaborates with nearly 300 clinicians from 14 divisions across the enterprise to bring precision diagnostics to patients with rare conditions, including rare liver diseases. Future studies will explore how this genomic discovery in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease can inform targeted treatments and improve disease management. For a complete list of authors, disclosures and funding, review the study.
Economic Times
27-06-2025
- Health
- Economic Times
Ghee, butter, coconut oil bad for liver? Doctor recommends switching to seed oils
Challenging traditional beliefs, liver specialists now advise replacing ghee, butter, and coconut oil with refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed options for raw consumption. This shift aims to reduce liver fat, improve lipid profiles, and lower internal inflammation, particularly for those prone to fatty liver disease. Studies suggest saturated fats worsen insulin resistance and elevate liver triglycerides. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why are saturated fats being flagged by liver doctors? How should you actually use seed oils in daily cooking? Can changing oil alone really improve liver test results? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads FAQs Most kitchens use ghee , butter, or coconut oil but could these beloved fats be harming your liver ? A liver expert now recommends switching to refined and cold-pressed seed oils for improved liver health. His advice challenges many of our long-held beliefs about "traditional fats."The liver specialists reportedly warn that using ghee, coconut oil, and butter on a regular basis can harm liver health, particularly in people who are predisposed to fatty liver now recommend usingfor cooking andfor raw consumption to improve liver function and reduce internal Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist who goes by TheLiverDoc on social media, presents a completely different viewpoint on liver health. He wrote on X, "Switch from saturated fats like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to refined (for cooking), unrefined and cold pressed (for direct use) seed oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to experience improved liver tests and reduce liver fat,' as per a report by The Indian Express.'Increasing clinical research supports this claim," says Dr. Manoj Gupta, head of PSRI Hospital's Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology department, in an interview with The Indian is well known that saturated fats, such as those in ghee, butter, coconut oil, and lard, can lead to the accumulation of liver fat, particularly in those who are either at risk for or have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).High consumption of saturated fats has been shown to worsen insulin resistance, raise hepatic triglyceride levels, and activate inflammatory pathways in the liver, according to studies published in journals such as Hepatology and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism."While traditional fats like ghee and coconut oil are culturally significant and consumed in moderation in many households, excessive and regular intake, especially in the context of a sedentary lifestyle and calorie-dense diet, can worsen metabolic health, including liver function," continues Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, a public health responses, he says, can differ, and the total dietary pattern, lifestyle, and pre-existing metabolic risk factors are more important than any one methods have an impact on the healthfulness of seed oils. Safer for deep-frying and sautéing, refined seed oils, such as canola, rice bran, or sunflower oil, are treated to eliminate impurities and tolerate high cooking temperatures without contrast, cold-pressed or unrefined oils are extracted by mechanical pressure without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamin E, all of which are good for the liver and heart but are heat-sensitive and best eaten people with fatty liver disease, substituting monounsaturated and polyunsaturated seed oils for saturated fats has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in terms of lowering liver fat and improving lipid advantages become even more noticeable when regular exercise and a lower sugar intake are added, making this one of the most affordable and easily accessible liver health in excess, they can increase liver fat and inflammation—particularly if you already have a fatty liver or live a sedentary recommend refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils, such as flaxseed or sunflower, for raw use.
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Ghee, butter, coconut oil bad for liver? Doctor recommends switching to seed oils
Most kitchens use ghee , butter, or coconut oil but could these beloved fats be harming your liver? A liver expert now recommends switching to refined and cold-pressed seed oils for improved liver health. His advice challenges many of our long-held beliefs about "traditional fats." The liver specialists reportedly warn that using ghee, coconut oil, and butter on a regular basis can harm liver health, particularly in people who are predisposed to fatty liver disease. Doctors now recommend using refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils for raw consumption to improve liver function and reduce internal inflammation. Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips, a hepatologist who goes by TheLiverDoc on social media, presents a completely different viewpoint on liver health. He wrote on X, "Switch from saturated fats like coconut oil, clarified butter (ghee), lard and butter to refined (for cooking), unrefined and cold pressed (for direct use) seed oils rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated to experience improved liver tests and reduce liver fat,' as per a report by The Indian Express. ALSO READ: Can Omega-3 lower blood sugar? One woman's 3-month prediabetes reversal sparks hope Live Events Why are saturated fats being flagged by liver doctors? 'Increasing clinical research supports this claim," says Dr. Manoj Gupta, head of PSRI Hospital's Liver Transplant and Surgical Gastroenterology department, in an interview with The Indian Express. It is well known that saturated fats, such as those in ghee, butter, coconut oil, and lard, can lead to the accumulation of liver fat, particularly in those who are either at risk for or have been diagnosed with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). High consumption of saturated fats has been shown to worsen insulin resistance, raise hepatic triglyceride levels, and activate inflammatory pathways in the liver, according to studies published in journals such as Hepatology and The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. "While traditional fats like ghee and coconut oil are culturally significant and consumed in moderation in many households, excessive and regular intake, especially in the context of a sedentary lifestyle and calorie-dense diet, can worsen metabolic health, including liver function," continues Dr. Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual. Individual responses, he says, can differ, and the total dietary pattern, lifestyle, and pre-existing metabolic risk factors are more important than any one food. ALSO READ: Cow's milk makes a comeback! New study says it's healthier than oat milk after all How should you actually use seed oils in daily cooking? Processing methods have an impact on the healthfulness of seed oils. Safer for deep-frying and sautéing, refined seed oils, such as canola, rice bran, or sunflower oil, are treated to eliminate impurities and tolerate high cooking temperatures without degrading. In contrast, cold-pressed or unrefined oils are extracted by mechanical pressure without the use of heat or chemicals, preserving antioxidants, phytosterols, and vitamin E, all of which are good for the liver and heart but are heat-sensitive and best eaten raw. Can changing oil alone really improve liver test results? In people with fatty liver disease, substituting monounsaturated and polyunsaturated seed oils for saturated fats has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in terms of lowering liver fat and improving lipid profiles. These advantages become even more noticeable when regular exercise and a lower sugar intake are added, making this one of the most affordable and easily accessible liver health interventions. FAQs Are ghee and coconut oil bad for the liver? Yes, in excess, they can increase liver fat and inflammation—particularly if you already have a fatty liver or live a sedentary lifestyle. Which oils should I use instead? Doctors recommend refined seed oils for cooking and cold-pressed oils, such as flaxseed or sunflower, for raw use.
CNET
23-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Is Your Bloating Normal or Something More Serious? Here's How to Tell
Bloating is an all-too-common issue, and it can occur for a variety of reasons, some of which may be avoidable. You can get bloated from overeating or even stress. Abdominal bloating can often be normal and not a cause for concern, but it can sometimes be a sign of other issues. You should watch out for these signs, just in case. A lot of people suffer from bloating. A study by the Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology Journal found that of nearly 89,000 survey respondents, almost 14% reported bloating within the past seven days. One notable finding from the study was that women and people who usually have abnormal issues were most likely to report bloating. If having a flatter stomach all the time is your primary reason for worrying about bloating, you might be chasing an unrealistic goal, despite what you've heard from those TikTok "gurus." However, if your bloating arrives with other digestive symptoms, it could be hinting at an underlying issue. No two people function the same way, but bloating throughout the day or month is routine for many of us. I, for example, tend to get a visible food baby by the end of the day. For a good while, I felt ashamed of that post-meal bloat and found myself sucking in my stomach, hiding it or avoiding the mirror altogether. But dietitians and wellness influencers have done some good work to normalize bloating, which has helped me learn to shake off the shame, tune into my own body and learn what's "normal" for me. I spoke with a registered dietitian nutritionist and a family doctor to find out the truth about bloating and when you should be concerned. Here's what you need to know. What is bloating? Kitsada Wetchasart/EyeEm/Getty Images Bloating refers to a swollen, tight or full feeling in the abdomen. In everyday usage, "bloating" is used to describe a wide range of causes for a larger-than-usual belly. Gaby Vaca-Flores, registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of Glow+Greens, says that "bloating, in most cases, is perfectly normal." As your food is digested into smaller pieces, some types of foods ferment and release gas, she explains: "Under normal circumstances, 'food babies' are simply made up of intestinal gas." As the digestion process continues, the bloating goes down. "After eating a meal we all get a degree of bloating," explains Dr. David Beatty, who's worked as a general practitioner for over 30 years in England. Because of the way your bones and muscles are shaped, the front and sides of the belly are most likely to stretch and distend to make room for the extra volume after you eat or drink, Beatty says. But if bloating is so common, why does it have such a negative connotation? "Bloating can change the size and shape of your stomach," Vaca-Flores says. "I think this temporary change in appearance can be upsetting since we often see healthy people depicted as having a flat-looking stomach. The good news is that bloating happens to everyone and it's perfectly normal for our body's appearance to fluctuate throughout the day." What causes bloating? CatherineMany people assume that bloating must be caused by some sort of health issue, but in most cases, it's just part of digestion, Vaca-Flores says. Still, why do some people bloat more than others, and why do you only bloat at certain times? Common causes of bloating include: Eating or chewing quickly Eating a large meal Bubbly drinks Not enough water or fiber Hormonal changes (e.g. your menstrual cycle) Stress Some medications However, bloating is one symptom of certain health issues. It's important to know the difference between normal, everyday bloating and the type of bloating that may be associated with a health condition so that you can get the right treatment. Normal vs. abnormalLike with other unrealistic beauty standards, people on social media have worked to dismantle the idea that bloating is inherently bad by sharing photos of their stomachs before and after they eat, or during their periods. One content creator, @claraandherself on TikTok, has built a 1-million-strong follower base, thanks in large part to her viral "outfits before and after I eat" videos. "If I'm totally honest with you, I only have abs in the morning," an Instagram influencer, @stephelswood, wrote in a post in 2017. "It's natural. Don't punish yourself for it." One common refrain on social media is that the difference between normal and abnormal bloating is pain — if it doesn't hurt, it's nothing to worry about. But the truth isn't quite that simple, Vaca-Flores says, because pain is a subjective experience. "Some people might describe the abdominal pressure from normal bloating as painful whereas others might say it's uncomfortable," she says. "Similarly, people with underlying health conditions may experience bloating that is constant, but not painful." A better way to identify abnormal bloating is by looking for other accompanying symptoms. This type of bloating usually occurs alongside at least one other symptom, like nausea, diarrhea or constipation, Vaca-Flores explains. Also, keep track of when and how often you experience bloat. "People with digestion-related health conditions are likely to experience bloating at most meals," she says. Some health conditions that may contribute to bloating include: Irritable bowel syndrome Inflammatory bowel disease Gastroesophageal reflux disease, also known as GERD Celiac disease Other food sensitivities or intolerances Constipation Dr. Beatty emphasizes that more serious health conditions can also result in a bloated abdominal area, including ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids and swelling of the liver, spleen, kidneys or lymph glands. If you experience continuous bloating that doesn't come and go, it's important to see a doctor. "This is more likely to be due to one of the more serious causes," Dr. Beatty says. Even if your bloating is caused by a health condition, that's no reason to beat yourself up about what it looks like, any more than you would beat yourself up about getting a headache. Bellies simply change shape, and that's OK. How to prevent bloatingRegardless of how you feel about your bloat, you should never avoid eating just to avoid bloating. Instead, try these management techniques for prevention, courtesy of Dr. Beatty. Eat with your mouth closed Increase physical activity to help speed up digestion Avoid drinking fizzy drinks and chewing gum Eat the most gas-producing foods, like beans, lentils and cruciferous vegetables, in moderation Try probiotics in moderation Eat more frequent, smaller meals and snacks Manage your stress levels How to get rid of"Usually, normal bloating can be relieved with common remedies like taking digestive enzymes, drinking warm beverages and walking," Vaca-Flores says. "Nevertheless, passing gas and having a bowel movement should help bloating go away within a few hours." If these remedies aren't working for you, a healthcare provider can assist you with finding a more effective and reliable solution. Be wary of using over-the-counter "detox" supplements to address bloating -- many of these products have a laxative effect and are potentially dangerous to use over time.
