An analysis with liver enzyme values shot through the roof can be the first warning sign of an ailment as silent as it is widespread: fatty liver disease. It is the most prevalent liver disease in the world. Its incidence has doubled since 1990 and continues to grow to the point that experts warn that it has become an “epidemic” to which not enough attention is given.
It affects more than a third of the adult population and 10% of the child population, although the majority does not know it. It is considered a silent disease because its progression is very gradual and the majority of those who suffer from it do not experience symptoms, so they are not aware of their condition or the need for treatment.
Despite its very high prevalence and unlike other non-communicable diseases with which it is closely associated, such as cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and obesity, fatty liver disease is underdiagnosed and remains poorly known by the general population. And, according to experts, this disease has become a serious global health problem. In fact, it is estimated that in the future fatty liver will be the main reason for liver transplantation in the world.
With the aim of publicizing the main advances and challenges regarding this disease, the first CaixaResearch Debate of 2024 will take place on February 8 at 7 p.m. This online meeting open to the public will feature specialists Jeffrey V. Lazarus, head from the health systems research group at the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal); Antonio Zorzano, head of the Complex Metabolic Diseases and Mitochondria laboratory group, at the Biomedical Research Institute (IRB Barcelona); and David Martínez Selva, principal investigator of the Diabetes and Metabolism group at the Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR).
Fatty liver is directly related to a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol consumption and a poor diet based on an abundance of sugars and ultra-processed foods. It must be remembered that the liver performs multiple functions—including filtering harmful substances, hormonal regulation, and storing energy and vitamins—which is why it is one of the organs most affected by a poor lifestyle. life.
As specialists point out, this disease, caused by excessive accumulation of fat in the liver, is exacerbated by other pathologies such as obesity and diabetes. Regarding its origin, it should be noted that it is multifactorial and in some patients there may be a genetic component that favors it. Around 25% of people diagnosed develop non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, which is characterized by liver inflammation and fibrosis, and if left uncontrolled it can lead to serious pathologies, such as liver cirrhosis or liver cancer.
The three speakers who will participate in this next debate lead research projects that have the support of the ”la Caixa” Foundation. Thus, from the ISGlobal center, Jeffrey V. Lazarus is leading different international initiatives to reach a consensus on a global agenda of priority actions to address the advance of the disease.
In addition to prevention, the strategy involves early detection. More and more emphasis is being placed on identifying the disease in its early stages, which is when there is room to reverse fatty liver. Although some molecules have been identified that can serve as biomarkers, liver biopsy remains one of the most routine diagnostic techniques, but it carries certain drawbacks: its main disadvantages are the invasiveness and variability of the technique.
Its difficult diagnosis and the fact that there is still no approved drug to treat it, poses great challenges to researchers. Antonio Zorzano heads a project to find fatty liver biomarkers that allow the disease to be diagnosed non-invasively. They have discovered a protein present in the mitochondria of liver cells called mitofusin-2 and are investigating whether this protein can be used as a therapeutic target to design new treatments.
For his part, David Martínez Selva is leading a project that has identified two proteins that, in combination with a mathematical algorithm, can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict the development and progression of the different stages of the disease, including the most serious. In addition, it will facilitate the development of new drugs, improving the quality of life of affected people.
The Cycle of Debates aims to highlight the work of research and health professionals who receive aid from the ”la Caixa” Foundation through its Research Programs. Led by experts in scientific research, medicine and innovation, the debates have become a meeting point between society and science, a space in which to publicize the progress of health research and innovation projects. that seek to improve our quality of life.
