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| Science & Technology |
| Man-made molecules reverse liver cirrhosis in rats |
| 2008-03-30 |
| Scientists in Japan have designed artificial molecules that when used with rats successfully reversed liver cirrhosis, a serious chronic disease in humans that until now can only be cured by transplants. Cirrhosis is the hardening or scarring of the liver, and is caused by factors such as heavy drinking and Hepatitis B and C. The disease is especially serious in parts of Asia, including China. Cirrhosis occurs when a class of liver cells starts producing collagen, a fibrous material that toughens skin and tendons. Such damage cannot be reversed although steps can be taken to prevent further damage. In advanced cases, transplants are the only way out. In the journal Nature Biotechnology, the researchers said they designed molecules that can block collagen production by liver "stellate cells," which are also known to absorb vitamin A. The scientists then loaded the molecules into carriers that were coated with vitamin A, which tricked the stellate cells into absorbing the molecules. "By packaging the (molecules) in carriers coated with vitamin A, they tricked the stellate cells into letting in the inhibitor, which shut down collagen secretion," the researchers wrote. In the study, the researchers induced liver cirrhosis in rats and then injected them with the vitamin A-laced molecules. "We were able to completely eradicate the fibrosis by injecting this agent ... we cured them of the cirrhosis," Yoshiro Niitsu at the Sapporo Medical University School of Medicine in Japan said in a telephone interview. "The liver is such an important organ, after you remove the fibrosis, the liver by itself starts to regenerate tissues. So liver damage is reversible." Explaining how the damage reversal came about, Niitsu said: "Liver is itself responsible for the production and deposition of collagen, it also secretes certain enzymes that dissolve collagen ... dissolve the fibrosis which has already been deposited in the tissues." Niitsu was hopeful that the molecules would provide a cure for cirrhosis patients in time. "We hope it (a drug) will be ready for humans in a few years," he said. |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |
| #16 So Opening Day! BakitBall is over AND GAWD'S GAME IS WITH US AGAIN. AS IT WAS IN THE BEGINNING SO IT IS NOW. HUmmmmm baby!Short to second, second to first It is written. The Lord be wit youze and has a has a hot dawg. America reborn each April. Lettuce pray: Protectus o' Lord from Bad Hops protecus! Protectus o'Lord from Bean Ballz and the spitterz Protectucus! Protectus o'Lord from them damn hard breaking curves Protectus! For Givus 0'Lord from getting greedy on the basepaths For Givus! And deh staring at aisle 7 seat 8 For Givus! All I got there Gawd. Put on 'ye sanitary socks and lets PLAY! |
| Posted by: Zebulon Angavick7428 2008-03-30 23:26 |
| #15 Wine before beer, fear! Beer before wine, fine. |
| Posted by: Bright Pebbles 2008-03-30 20:06 |
| #14 Interesting -- the top 4 teams going to the Final Four! |
| Posted by: Sherry 2008-03-30 19:38 |
| #13 1:15 left. Kansas may win this game, but Davidson's won more in esteem and heart. Well done, Davidson. Playing against "Scholarship U" is tough..... |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-03-30 19:00 |
| #12 I stick to one or the other. Never mix. I gots a snifter of Laphgoiig right now. And I'm not sober. Been watching NCAA Basketball. Davidson is giving Kansas quite a fight. It's 51-49 Davidson with 7 minutes left in the game. |
| Posted by: Deacon Blues 2008-03-30 18:44 |
| #11 #10 but I'm switching from whiskey to beer damn Frank, no wonder i keep getting asrrested..I got that formula mixed up! >:) |
| Posted by: RD 2008-03-30 18:21 |
| #10 but I'm switching from whiskey to beer |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-03-30 18:06 |
| #9 LOL - I'm still here regardless, and sober, even after Martinesville Nascar race |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-03-30 18:05 |
| #8 Darrell, Frank is in his cups right now, sic, face slammer nap on the bar. Give him 'bout 3/4 hour nap and he'll be ready for a come back, sic World Heavyweight.. a.. a something or nother! <:) |
| Posted by: RD 2008-03-30 17:39 |
| #7 Put the cure in the drink! Frank, quick, bring me a patent application. Frank? Wake up, Frank. |
| Posted by: Darrell 2008-03-30 17:16 |
| #6 Sen. Kennedy could not be reached for comment. |
| Posted by: no mo uro 2008-03-30 17:08 |
| #5 With Red Wine being good for you, this is no time to risk being teetotal! Muslims and Methodists should have education sessions on the risks they are taking. Maybe some warning signs? |
| Posted by: Bright Pebbles 2008-03-30 17:03 |
| #4 A red letter day in history for alcoholic rats. |
| Posted by: tu3031 2008-03-30 16:35 |
| #3 well, this is good news! Garcon - make it a double! |
| Posted by: Frank G 2008-03-30 16:17 |
| #2 Ummm Rat-a-Cue |
| Posted by: Zebulon Angavick7428 2008-03-30 16:13 |
| #1 I guess I don't have to cut back on drinking. |
| Posted by: Deacon Blues 2008-03-30 16:07 |