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| NAFLD Diagram of what the liver will look like |
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| Picture of what a Fatty Liver and NASH looks like |
In a study led by Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), 2,300 extremely obese diabetes patients have been identified with genes that are shown to associate with an unhealthy liver function. These patients that were part of the study were enrolled in a bariatric surgery program which is the removal of parts of the stomach and small intestines to induce weight loss. In the experiment, results were shown on the markers that were placed on the neurocan gene on chromosome 19p12 and rs2501843 on chromosome 1. Also, TGen expresses that the genome-wide analysis identifies loci associated with total bilirubin levels, steatosis, and mild fibrosis in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. ” It has been believed that these are genetic factors that could help with identifying patients who are at risk and is the nation’s first large scale genome-wide association study for overweight patients with diabetes. Dr. Glenn S. Gerhard, a faculty member of the Geisinger Obesity Institute and a co-investigator of the study, added “The evidence for the new genetic loci may even play a role in biological mechanisms for NAFLD and NASH.” Dr. Johanna DiStefano, the study's principal investigator and lead author, agrees with stating “These genetic factors could help us identify patients who are most at risk of developing non-alcoholic forms of fatty-liver disease (NAFLD), and which patients may be more likely to progress to severe forms of NAFLD, such as steatohepatitis (NASH). Overall, both doctors are in agreement that by identifying these genetic loci in diabetes patients, it has helped doctors evaluate patients who are at risk and require a transplant. This buildup of extra fat in liver cells, NAFLD, is one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease and could result in severe insulin resistance or metabolic syndromes. Before reaching these stages, identifying these genes before hand can help doctors diagnose patients with an unhealthy liver function in early stages rather than before NAFLD is classified or even worse NASH.
(Article) http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/266929.php
Before reaching the unhealthy liver stage, it's best to identify it before the transplant stage. People have always known that the process for waiting for a transplant could feel like forever. Instead of being identified as chronic, it is amazing to see that researchers have shown genes that can determine if you are at risk. The liver has many functions to the human body and without it you could not live. It is imperative that we maintain a healthy liver so that everyone is overall healthy.
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