Researchers have discovered genes linked to the progression or regression of liver fibrosis, which could enable the development of new treatments.
- Fibrosis does not cause symptoms, but it can progress to liver cirrhosis.
- Researchers have discovered genes, called “hubs”, present in patients with fibrosis.
- The latter would be linked to the dynamics of fibrosis. They decrease when the disease regresses.
Each year, cirrhosis affects 200,000 to 500,000 people in France and is responsible for 170,000 deaths in Europe, according to the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm). Before this serious liver disease does not develop, patients generally suffer from fibrosis.
Genes linked to disease regression identified
THE MSD Manual defines fibrosis as “the formation of an abnormally large amount of scar tissue in the liver. It occurs when the liver tries to repair itself and replace damaged cells.” Liver fibrosis does not cause symptoms, but it can progress to cirrhosis. “No available medication blocks scar tissue formation safely and effectively. However, other drugs that could reduce fibrosis are currently being studied.”
In a study published in the journal iScienceresearchers have just made a discovery which could, ultimately, enable the development of new treatments against fibrosis. In their work, the scientists studied the activity of certain genes in mice suffering from fibrosis to different degrees, ranging from spontaneous regression of the disease to worsening. According to the results, some genes evolved positively during disease progression and decreased during regression, while for others it was the opposite. Using bioinformatics methods, researchers identified the genetic factors of the disease. Four types of genes, called “hub” genes by scientists, could be linked to the dynamics of fibrosis.
Towards new treatments for liver fibrosis?
The researchers verified their hypothesis by comparing it with patient data. They observed certain “hub” genes in patients with regressing liver fibrosis. These results could therefore serve as a basis for the development of future treatments against fibrosis. But further research is needed to better understand the involvement and potential of “hub” genes in the disease.