Potential cure for liver cirrhosis found

Abnormal blood vessels (white circles) show high expression of CPEB4 protein in

cirrhosis. Liver cirrhosis is one of the ten leading causes of death in the world among adults and, according to statistics, this is the main reason for liver transplantation. At the same time, it is the main factor in the occurrence of liver cancer. Researchers at the Institute for Biomedical Research in Barcelona (IRB Barcelona) believe that it is the latter fact that may be key to preventing and treating this disease.

Cirrhosis is a chronic lesion of the liver, accompanied by the accumulation of scar (fibrous) tissue, which changes the normal structure of the organ and affects its functioning. This condition is usually caused by alcoholism, hepatitis C, and increasingly - obesity.

The accumulation of fibrous tissue interferes with blood circulation, this leads to portal hypertension - increased pressure in the portal vein system. To relieve pressure on the vein, additional blood vessels develop outside the liver. There are two problems: firstly, the liver itself receives even less blood, which leads to an aggravation of the disease; secondly, new blood vessels of poor quality. This is called pathological angiogenesis.

“Liver cells try to repair the damage to the liver, but they do it in a fatal way for the organ. This is a vicious cycle that ultimately threatens the patient’s life, ” explainsDr. Mercedes Fernández. - In addition, additional blood vessels create varicose veins in the esophagus and stomach of patients with cirrhosis; these veins are very fragile and tend to collapse, which leads to severe hemorrhages in the abdominal cavity that are difficult to stop. ”

The new drug eliminates and / or prevents the formation of pathological veins, which is effective for the development of this dangerous complication of cirrhosis.

The key to treatment is suppression of CPEB4 protein. Scientists have found that this can prevent the development of abnormal blood vessels. They were encouraged by previous studies when CPEB was found to be involved in cancer of various organs.

Pathological angiogenesis is a key factor in the further development of the disease and the deterioration of the patient's condition. Therefore, many attempts have been made earlier to find treatment specifically for this condition. However, previous drugs focused on suppressing the VEGF protein, which is directly involved in the formation of blood vessels. The problem is that a promiscuous attack on this protein affects the normal development of the remaining blood vessels, leading to unbearable side effects. On the other hand, suppression of CPEB4 does not lead to side effects.





A new study may be key in reducing mortality from cirrhosis and reduce the risk of liver cancer in patients with cirrhosis.

Results of scientific workSequential Functions of CPEB1 and CPEB4 Regulate Pathologic Expression of VEGF and Angiogenesis in Chronic Liver Disease are published in the journal Gastroenterology ( mirror ).