Tag: study

Research at Aberdeen University makes a breakthrough in treating liver disease

On By LizbethIn Health, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects 1 in 4 people globally. There are currently no medications available for this untreatable condition. Following a research study, this could change. At the Scottish University, Professor Lora Heisler and Dr Fiona Murray along with a team of international scientists leading the study. Groundbreaking research at Aberdeen University makes a breakthrough in treating liver disease. The research from this study can in turn result in medication being available to treat this condition.

This is a great step forward since the advanced stage of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease often leads to cirrhosis of the liver. And finally the only option is a liver transplant. This important breakthrough in research at Aberdeen University emphasises a prospective drug target for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This research at Aberdeen University makes a breakthrough in treating liver disease. Their research aims to identify novel targets that can aid in the diagnosis and management of metabolic disorders and associated conditions. Such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

400,000 Individuals were Researched

From UK Biobank more than 400,000 individuals were researched in the study. Researchers’ findings are that certain variations in the GPR75 gene are associated with being slim and having a reduced risk of developing hepatic steatosis.

In addition, the study reveals that when GPR75 is eliminated in mice. It prevents the accumulation of fat in the liver after consuming a Western diet.

The research paper is published in Cell Metabolism

Biomarker blood test for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis

On By LizbethIn Clinical Trials, HealthLeave a comment

At last there is heartening news published in JAMA Neurology on Monday 22 January 2024 regarding the early diagnosis of this incurable disease Alzheimer’s. The research was led by Nicholas Ashton, PhD, a professor of neurochemistry at The University of Gothenburg in Sweden. The study found that the blood test was up to 96% accurate in identifying elevated levels of beta-amyloid (another hallmark of Alzheimer’s) and up to 97% accurate in identifying tau.

“This project – which is thanks to £5m in funding from players of People’s Postcode Lottery – will gather the information needed to introduce a blood test for dementia into UK healthcare systems. This blood test would be a crucial step in speeding up how quickly and how early we are able to diagnose dementia”

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at Alzheimer’s Society

The current protocol for diagnosing Alzheimer’s is a PET Scan and lumbar puncture to detect signs of progression of the disease. Whilst both procedures are not life threatening they can be slightly invasive, take time and come at a cost in man power, machinery and monetary terms to the NHS.

Since Ashton’s study showed that the protein phosphorylated tau (p-tau2) is clearly accurate this could mean there will soon be a key biomarker blood test for early Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Offering an affordable and hopefully easier way to diagnose the disease.

This physical illness damages a person’s brain. Through time the Alzheimer’s disease causes dementia. As the disease progresses the person affected will rely on more support until one day becoming Almost totally dependent on others.

“This is an excellent study and brings us very close to a blood test for Alzheimer’s disease that can be used in daily practice.”

Prof Bart De Strooper, Professor of Alzheimer’s Disease research at UCL