Liver Health Research Articles

Nutrigenetic Impact of PEMT Gene Polymorphism Rs7946 On Choline Metabolism and Its Role in Personalised Nutrition

Abstract: The PEMT (phosphatidylethanolamine N-methyltransferase) gene plays a critical role in the endogenous synthesis of phosphatidylcholine, an essential compound in lipid metabolism and liver health. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs7946 (V175M) within the PEMT gene influences the enzymatic activity and structural stability, leading to altered choline metabolism. Individuals carrying Aallele exhibit reduced PEMT activity, predisposing themto non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), elevated homocysteine levels, and reproductive or cognitive risks under low choline diets. This impact is modulated by sex hormones, particularly oestrogen, rendering postmenopausal women more susceptible. This review summarises recent findings linking PEMT rs7946 variants with metabolic, hepatic, and psychological outcomes and explores gene diet interactions that informs genotype based nutritional recommendations. It also suggests tailored choline intake strategies based on genotype. We argue for the integration of PEMT screening in nutritional counselling, especially for vulnerable groups. Future nutrigenetics research is necessary to refine these guidelines and assess long-term impacts.

The Ovary–Liver Axis: Molecular Science and Epidemiology

In women, gonadal hormones play a crucial regulatory role in body fat distribution and glucose–lipidic homeostasis, which are closely associated with the hepatic steatogenesis and intrahepatic inflammatory pathways. Accumulating evidence supports the idea that hepatic health is closely linked to endocrine ovarian function through hormonal, metabolic, and immunological communications, collectively known as the “ovary–liver axis”. This review presents the molecular mechanisms involved in sex hormone synthesis, metabolism, and signaling pathways along the ovary–liver axis, focusing on dysregulated mechanisms that may contribute to common disorders and, specifically to hepatic derangements in the context of altered ovarian function. Additionally, we analyzed epidemiological evidence supporting the ovary–liver axis, specifically examining meta-analytic studies exploring the connection between polycystic ovary syndrome and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). We also discuss studies linking hypogonadism with liver health, with a specific focus on Turner syndrome and MASLD. Furthermore, we explore the impact of menopause on liver health. Our integrated molecular and epidemiological approach identifies important clinical and public health implications, aiming to uncover potentially innovative interventions and effective strategies for managing disease progression. However, unexplored areas within the ovary–liver axis highlight the need for further research on causal pathways.

A Moderately High-Protein Diet During the Critical Development Period Protects Hepatic Functional Integrity and Improves Metabolic Health in Middle-Aged Offspring via the Gut-Liver Axis.

A high-protein diet (HP) in early life has long-term effects on the metabolism and liver health of offspring. However, few studies focus on the impact of early nutritional status on the more disease-susceptible midlife period. Here, we elucidate a moderately HP during critical development and the underlying mechanisms for liver function and metabolic health in middle-aged offspring. Pregnant Wistar rats are given a 6-week dietary intervention with a control diet and a moderately HP during gestation and lactation. The maternal high-protein diet (mHP) group increases energy expenditure, preventing liver fat accumulation and alleviating systemic inflammation of middle-aged offspring. Additionally, the mHP group reshapes offspring gut microbiota, significantly increasing the abundance of Clostridia_vadinBB60_group, Ruminococcaceae_UBA1819, Flavonifractor, and Butyricicoccaceae_UCG-009. Metabolomics and transcriptomics reveal that mHP maintains energy homeostasis in middle-aged offspring by altering serum amino acid, organic acid, and fatty acid profiles and activating the hepatic AMPK/SREBP-1c pathway to preserve liver integrity via the gut-liver axis. We also demonstrate in the Drosophila model that mHP increases AMPK levels and alleviates lipid accumulation in the gut and fat body of middle-aged flies. These findingsprovide valuable insights into the pivotal role of prenatal nutrition in offspring's long-term health.

Effects of hydroxyproline-taurine-cholesterol supplementation on the liver health and lipid metabolisms of turbot Scophthalmus maximus fed Chlorella vulgaris

Effects of hydroxyproline-taurine-cholesterol supplementation on the liver health and lipid metabolisms of turbot Scophthalmus maximus fed Chlorella vulgaris

Liver Health: An Emerging Concept.

Liver Health: An Emerging Concept.

Simultaneous supplementation of the microbial fraction of kefir containing Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subspecies plantarum strains and antibiotic growth promoters on performance, gut microbiota, and health parameters in broiler chickens

Kefir contains lactic acid bacteria and yeasts, which are involved in fermentation and contribute to its probiotic effects. The simultaneous supplementation feeding of antibiotics and probiotics could serve as a way to replace antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) gradually. So, this study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the microbial fraction of kefir and four strains of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum subsp. plantarum (MFKLP) with promising in vitro probiotic properties, applied in drinking water, and AGP on different parameters in broiler chickens for 28 days. Compared to AGP alone, the MFKLP-AGP consumption decreased the percentage of liver lipids by 24% and 34% at 21 and 28 days of age, respectively. Furthermore, it modified the percentage of some types of leukocytes. It decreased the percentage of eosinophil from 1.8% to 0.2% at day 7, decreased the percentage of lymphocytes, and increased the percentage of heterophils and the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio from 72.8% to 58.6%, 21.6% to 34.8%, and 0.3 to 0.6 at 21 days of age, respectively, and increased the percentage of monocytes from 4.7% to 5.4% at 28 days of age. It also increased the percentage of monocytes at 28 days of age and decreased the crypt depth, and increased the villus height to crypt depth ratio and microbial community diversity at days 21 and 28. The concurrent supplementation of MFKLP and AGP is beneficial for gut and liver health, and this supports the case for continuing research into the use of MFKLP for developing health-promoting functional feed for poultry.

The Naturally Bioactive Vicine Extracted from Faba Beans Is Responsible for the Transformation of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) into Crisp Grass Carp

While faba bean feeding improves grass carp muscle texture via reactive oxygen species (ROS), the main bioactive compound was unclear. In this study, vicine—a pro-oxidant glycoside—was isolated from faba beans using cation-exchange column chromatography and supplemented into the feed of grass carp at 0.6%. To assess the impact of vicine on muscle texture, the grass carp were fed for 150 days with three treatments: control group, faba bean group, and vicine group. The results showed that vicine improved muscle texture similarly to faba beans but caused fewer adverse effects on muscle, liver, and intestinal health. Vicine improved grass carp muscle texture in the following ways: (1) induced ROS overproduction, activating the Caspase apoptosis pathway and downregulating Pax-7 to promote satellite cell-mediated myofiber regeneration; (2) vicine-mediated intestinal microbiota alterations increased lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels, indirectly elevating muscle ROS via the gut–muscle axis to further affect muscle structure. This study demonstrated that vicine improved muscle texture by activating ROS-dependent myofiber regeneration but also induced oxidative stress and gut microbiota perturbation. While vicine mitigated the severe toxicity of faba beans, its application requires careful evaluation of its toxicological properties to balance benefits and risks. This study offers new insights for enhancing the quality of aquatic animals.

Metabolic Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) – Be Aware and Beware

Metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the most common liver and metabolic disease with rapidly rising prevalence, being among most common causes of liver transplantation, associated with liver mortality, but even more so and earlier in the course of the disease it is underappreciated independent risk factor for cardiovascular (CV) and all-cause mortality. A large body of clinical evidence suggests that MASLD is a multisystem disease whose adverse effects extend far beyond and before the liver gets seriously affected. It has a complex, independent and bidirectional relationship to all MetS components, chronic kidney disease, and CVD, being causal in one and consequential in another patient and that speaks in favor of including liver health assessment in conventional screening of this at-risk population. Therefore, authors of this editorial call for raising awareness about this condition, write about new nomenclature that better explains what this condition is rather than what it is not, explain how novel simplified positive diagnostic criteria facilitate timely diagnosis and treatment, and offer simple algorithm for evaluation and treatment of liver steatosis in at-risk patients for non hepatologists. Keywords: liver, metabolic syndrome, cardiometabolic risk factors.

Lipoprotein (a) in the Full Spectrum of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Evidence From Histologically and Genetically Characterized Cohorts.

Lipoprotein (a) in the Full Spectrum of Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease: Evidence From Histologically and Genetically Characterized Cohorts.

Effects of Rumen-Protected Taurine Supplementation on Ruminal Fermentation, Hematological Profiles, Liver Function, and Immune Responses in Yaks

The present study evaluated the effects of dietary rumen-protected taurine (RPT) supplementation on ruminal fermentation, hematological parameters, liver function, stress-related hormones, and immune responses in yaks. Eighteen yaks were randomly allocated to three groups: a control group receiving no RPT (CON), a low-dose group receiving 20 g/day (RPT20), and a high-dose group receiving 40 g/day (RPT40). Supplementation with RPT did not significantly affect ruminal pH, microbial protein concentration, ammonia nitrogen, total volatile fatty acids, or the individual volatile fatty acid profiles (p > 0.05). A decreasing trend in red blood cell count was observed (p = 0.050), while no significant changes were detected in white blood cell or platelet indices (p > 0.05). Liver function markers, including albumin, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and total protein, remained unchanged, although a trend toward altered alkaline phosphatase activity was noted (p = 0.074). No significant effects were observed on acute-phase proteins (serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein) or stress-related hormones (epinephrine, adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol) (p > 0.05). Importantly, serum immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G levels were significantly increased in response to RPT supplementation (p = 0.029 and p = 0.043, respectively), suggesting enhanced humoral immunity. These findings indicate that RPT may improve immune function in yaks without negatively affecting rumen fermentation or liver health.

Ethnobotanical study on medicinal plants used for jaundice treatment in the Central East of Burkina Faso.

Abstract: Aims: According to WHO data, Burkina Faso is classified as a high endemicity zone for hepatitis infection. The vaccine of hepatitis B is not well known in this country and the majority of the citizens cannot afford it. Therefore, many people refer to the traditional healers for the management of their liver health issues. It is why, this work is aimed to collect the medicinal plants used by the traditional healers from twelve (12) villages in the central-east of Burkina Faso for the jaundice’s treatment. Method and materials: The data were collected using an open and semi-structured methodological approach, involving in-depth interview with traditional healers and families recognized for their expertise in this type of treatment. Results: Forty-two (42) plants species, nineteen (19) healers and one family identified as the best specialist of the jaundice’s management in this area were interviewed. The clearance of the symptoms like icter, nausea and general bad feeling have been considered as positive indicators of the efficacy of the jaundice’s management. Conclusion: Traditional African Healers use various medicinal plants for hepatitis and liver-related disorders, some of which have shown scientifically validated effects. Therefore, the high prevalence of hepatitis highlights a critical necessity for pharmacological and clinical investigation of some traditional medicinal plants in Burkina Faso.

The Potential Benefits of Akkermansia muciniphila as a Next-Generation Probiotic in the Maintenance of Overall Liver Health.

The gut-liver axis and gut microbiota, with a particular focus on Akkermansia muciniphila, a next-generation probiotic, have been identified as significant factors in preventing the development and progression of liver diseases. This review aims to discuss the potential therapeutic role of A. muciniphila in maintaining liver health, focusing on the latest findings from preclinical and clinical studies. To achieve the review's purpose, the most common keywords were searched in three online databases (PubMed, bioRxiv, and Google Scholar). The search approach identified 49 references. Studies have shown that the gut microbiota, including A. muciniphila, has the potential to be a therapeutic target for many hepatic disorders. Several studies have demonstrated A. muciniphila's beneficial effects on improving metabolic parameters, including insulin resistance, blood cholesterol levels, and overall liver function. Further research is necessary to determine the optimal dosage, duration, and administration route of A. muciniphila for managing hepatic disorders. While there are promising findings, a more thorough understanding of the underlying mechanisms and the development of effective therapeutic strategies are necessary for successful treatment of liver diseases.

Cadmium exposure and weight-adjusted waist index: Interactions with selenium in modulating hepatic fibrosis.

Cadmium exposure and weight-adjusted waist index: Interactions with selenium in modulating hepatic fibrosis.

A Health Economic Evaluation of Routine Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance for People with Compensated Cirrhosis to Support Australian Clinical Guidelines

Background. Liver cancer is the only cancer in Australia with rising incidence and mortality rates, despite the potential for early detection through surveillance of high-risk individuals. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common form of primary liver cancer, has curative treatment options available if detected early. Six-monthly HCC surveillance is recommended for people with liver cirrhosis and was proposed for inclusion in the 2023 Cancer Council Australia Clinical Practice Guidelines for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surveillance for People at High Risk in Australia. To evaluate the proposed 2023 guideline recommendation, we developed Policy1-Liver, a novel mathematical model of liver disease, HCC, and surveillance. We then assessed the health and economic implications of 6-monthly HCC surveillance in Australia via ultrasound, with or without alpha-fetoprotein. Methods. Policy1-Liver was calibrated to existing data sources on liver disease, HCC, and health care costs in Australia. We assessed the impact of 6-monthly routine HCC surveillance with ultrasound with or without alpha-fetoprotein testing as well as a range of other sensitivity analyses and alternative scenarios such as varying surveillance adherence and intervals to assess potential future modifications to surveillance. Results. We estimated that 6-monthly HCC surveillance, with or without alpha-fetoprotein, can increase early-stage diagnoses to up to 81% and reduce HCC mortality by 22% in people with cirrhosis. We estimate an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $28,423 per quality-adjusted life-year for 6-monthly surveillance with ultrasound alone compared with no surveillance. Conclusions. These findings support guideline-recommended 6-monthly HCC surveillance with ultrasound, affirming its health benefits and cost-effectiveness, and demonstrate the potential to improve cost-effectiveness by refining surveillance intervals and improving early-stage HCC survival. Supporting implementation of the surveillance guidelines will play a key role in improving HCC mortality rates in Australia.HighlightsRoutine surveillance can improve the likelihood of early-stage detection of liver cancer, improving survival.Our modeling found that routine HCC surveillance with ultrasound would be cost-effective for people with liver cirrhosis in Australia.These findings can inform guidelines and investment in liver cancer control for high-risk patients.

High prevalence of MASLD in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis assessed with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging.

Psoriatic disease (PsD) is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with obesity, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and steatohepatitis (MASH). We aimed to determine the prevalence of MASLD/MASH in a real-world psoriatic cohort using advanced imaging. COLIPSO is a multicentre, prospective study of adults with PsD receiving standard systemic therapy in secondary care. Fifty participants underwent clinical assessments and non-invasive tests of liver health, including MRI-biomarkers of liver fibro-inflammation and fat content. These were compared with 360 individuals with PsD, with 150 controls without PsD (matched for age, sex, BMI and comorbidities) and 150 healthy controls from the UK Biobank and COVERSCAN studies. Associations were investigated with Spearman's rank correlations and multivariate linear regression models. The prevalence of steatotic liver disease was 44% in the PsD group (aged 48 years, 58% male, BMI 29 kg/m2) and higher than in matched controls (25%, p= 0.02). MASH was prevalent in 22% of PsD patients (vs 3% in matched controls, p< 0.001). Thirteen of the 24 (54%) individuals with PsD and liver disease had normal liver function blood tests. No significant difference in levels of liver disease was observed between those with or without prior exposure to methotrexate. Individuals with PsD exhibit higher prevalence of MASLD and MASH that was missed by blood tests and was present even in individuals with no methotrexate exposure. These findings underscore the importance of routine MASLD screening in this population with more sensitive tools, such as multi parametric MRI.

Sweeteners and Liver Health: Evaluating Hepatotoxic Risks and Herbal Countermeasures

With rising health consciousness and the global epidemic of obesity and diabetes, there has been a marked shift toward the consumption of low-calorie sweeteners (LCSs) as substitutes for refined sugars. While these sweeteners—both artificial (such as aspartame, sucralose, and saccharin) and natural (like stevia and monk fruit extracts)—are widely used and generally regarded as safe, growing evidence raises concerns about their long-term effects on liver health. This review critically examines the hepatotoxic potential of commonly consumed LCSs by exploring molecular mechanisms of liver injury, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and disruption of gut-liver axis signaling. Histopathological alterations such as steatosis, hepatocellular ballooning, and fibrosis are also discussed, alongside metabolic disturbances like dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. In parallel, the review evaluates emerging data on hepatoprotective interventions derived from medicinal plants and dietary phytochemicals—such as curcumin, silymarin, and resveratrol—that may counteract sweetener-induced hepatic damage. Traditional herbal formulations and integrative therapeutic strategies are also considered. By synthesizing current preclinical and clinical findings, this review highlights critical knowledge gaps and proposes future research directions to ensure safe dietary practices and inform the development of effective, evidence-based strategies for liver protection in the context of increasing sweetener use. Keywords: sweeteners, hepatotoxicity, liver injury, herbal remedies, phytochemicals, oxidative stress, histopathology.

Bioactive Compounds in Herbal Remedies: Friend or Foe in Hepatic and Renal Health?

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries in various cultures for the treatment of diseases, with bioactive compounds as their core therapeutic agents. These compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, glycosides, and saponins, are known to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. However, there is an increasing concern about their safety, especially concerning their effects on liver and kidney health. While certain bioactive compounds can provide therapeutic benefits, they may also induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity when used improperly or over long durations. This review critically examines both the positive and negative impacts of bioactive compounds in herbal remedies on hepatic and renal health, focusing on mechanisms of action, histopathological evidence, and risk factors influencing toxicity. The review highlights the need for more rigorous safety assessments, standardization of herbal products, and consideration of individual patient factors, such as pre-existing liver or kidney conditions. It also calls for the establishment of regulatory frameworks for herbal medicine to ensure their safety in clinical practice. Keywords: Bioactive compounds; Herbal remedies; Hepatotoxicity; Nephrotoxicity; Liver and kidney health

Exploring Potential Causal Links: How Parkinson’s Disease Brain Damage Impacts Liver Health–A Mendelian Randomization and Transcriptomic Study

BackgroundParkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by slow movements, muscle rigidity, tremors, and changes in gait and posture. Clinical studies have demonstrated a close association between PD and liver disease, but most research has focused on the impact of liver disorders on brain damage in PD, and further exploration is needed to understand the pathways and mechanisms underlying liver damage in patients with PD.MethodsThis study employs Mendelian Randomization (MR) and transcriptomic analysis to investigate the causal impact of PD-related brain damage on liver health, identifying serum metabolites (eg, cysteine) and shared immune-inflammatory pathways as mediators.ResultsThe study indicates that PD-related brain damage does indeed have an impact on liver metabolic function. PD-related brain damage may disrupt the concentration of cysteine, which, when elevated, can cause liver cell damage and oxidative stress. Additionally, PD-related brain damage may affect specific genes (such as NCF1, NCF, and SELPLG) involved in immune and inflammatory responses that lead to liver damage. Interestingly, the anti-PD drug, tolcapone, has notable therapeutic effects but also negatively affects specific genes, contributing to liver damage in patients with PD.ConclusionThis study reveals the mechanisms by which PD affects liver metabolism and proposes cysteine as a biomarker and therapeutic target for liver damage in PD. Furthermore, the impact of PD treatment drugs on liver function was also evaluated. These findings provide important insights for the development of future PD treatment strategies, and further clinical research is needed to validate and optimize clinical interventions to maximize treatment efficacy and minimize side effects in patients with PD.

Current Status of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea: History, Achievements, and Future Directions.

Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. To reduce this burden, the Korean government established the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in 1999, initially offering stomach, breast, and cervical cancer screening to Medical Aid Program (MAP) beneficiaries. By 2019, the NCSP had broadened both its eligible population and the range of cancers screened-stomach, liver, cervical, breast, colorectal, and lung-for both MAP recipients and health insurance beneficiaries. Since its inception, participation and adherence to recommended screening have risen steadily, driven by nationwide policy initiatives and expanded access. Over the past 2 decades, the NCSP has played a key role in reducing the incidence of stomach, liver, colorectal, and cervical cancers while increasing detection at precancerous stages, especially for cervical and colorectal cancers. Five-year relative survival rates for major cancers-most notably stomach, colorectal, and breast-have also improved substantially. Accumulated evidence, including cancer detection rates, stage distribution at diagnosis, and mortality reduction, underscores the program's effectiveness in facilitating early detection and reducing cancer-specific deaths. Notably, Korea's mortality-to-incidence ratio for major cancers remains well below the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development average, illustrating the impact of the nation's comprehensive cancer control strategies. Continued research, surveillance, and refinement of evidence-based screening guidelines will be critical to further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the NCSP.

Targeting Oxidative Stress in Urological Complications: Emerging Antioxidant Therapies for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Liver Health Crosstalk

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a highly prevalent non-malignant urological disorder characterized by progressive enlargement of the prostate gland, primarily affecting aging males. This pathological growth results in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including urinary frequency, urgency, nocturia, weak stream, and incomplete bladder emptying, which significantly impair quality of life. While androgenic stimulation has traditionally been implicated in the pathogenesis of BPH, emerging evidence highlights oxidative stress (OS) as a critical driver of disease progression. Oxidative stress promotes cellular damage through excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and activation of inflammatory cascades that stimulate stromal and epithelial proliferation within the prostate. Moreover, increasing recognition is being given to the liver-prostate axis, with liver dysfunction — particularly non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) — contributing to systemic oxidative stress and inflammation that may exacerbate BPH pathogenesis. This review comprehensively evaluates the molecular mechanisms linking oxidative stress to BPH and liver dysfunction, while exploring emerging antioxidant therapeutic strategies. Natural phytochemicals, antioxidant vitamins, trace elements, and advanced nano-based delivery systems are critically appraised for their potential to modulate oxidative damage, improve prostate health, and restore liver-prostate homeostasis. Future research directions advocate for personalized antioxidant interventions, redox-based biomarkers, and translational studies to optimize BPH management. Keywords: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia; Oxidative Stress; Antioxidant Therapy; Liver-Prostate Crosstalk; Phytochemicals