New study identifies genetic variant that could help reduce need for liver transplants

New study identifies genetic variant that could help reduce need for liver transplants
First author Dr. Rasha El Sharkawy. Credit: The Westmead Institute for Medical Research

A new study from The Westmead Institute for Medical Research has identified a genetic variant associated with liver fibrosis (scarring) in chronic hepatitis C patients. This finding is a step toward reducing the number of patients requiring liver transplants.

Researchers studied the role and mechanisms of a in the MICA gene, a gene that is induced when cells are damaged.

The research team were able to show that, in 1,689 patients with chronic hepatitis C, the MICA gene variant rs2596542 is associated with the progression and severity of liver fibrosis.

They believe this occurs because rs2596542 triggers an immune response that increases the rate of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.

First author of the study, Dr. Rasha El Sharkawy said, "Understanding how and why liver fibrosis occurs is crucial for preventing in those at risk.

"Chronic hepatitis C, liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (or HCC—the most common form of primary liver cancer) are all serious conditions that are closely linked.

"Chronic hepatitis C is a major risk factor for (advanced liver fibrosis), and a leading cause of HCC in Australia. Liver scarring and chronic hepatitis C are both conditions that can lead to a .

"The rate of fibrosis differs from person to person, so understanding the genetics behind liver fibrosis is critical for prevention.

"Now that we have identified a genetic variant associated with liver fibrosis in people with chronic hepatitis C, we can work towards targeting this variant to identify which patients are at greater risk of developing , as well as creating better preventative measures and new treatments."

Currently, there are no approved treatments to reduce fibrosis in the liver. Liver transplantation is the only 'cure' for those with end-stage liver disease.

"Each year an estimated 339,000 people die globally from hepatitis C, mostly from cirrhosis and HCC," Dr. El Sharkawy said.

"While some patients are eligible for a liver transplant to 'treat' complications, there are far more patients than there are donors, and not all patients are suitable for a transplant.

"Preventing the progression of fibrosis could reduce the number of patients who require a liver transplant.

"By identifying which patients are at a greater risk of fibrosis, we can potentially prevent complications of fibrosis before they occur.

"We can now also investigate the risk variant as a potential target for future treatments, reducing the overall number of patients living with complications."

The research paper was published in Scientific Reports.

More information: et al, A variant in the MICA gene is associated with liver fibrosis progression in chronic hepatitis C through TGF-β1 dependent mechanisms, Scientific Reports (2019). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35736-2

Journal information: Scientific Reports
Provided by Westmead Institute for Medical Research
Citation: New study identifies genetic variant that could help reduce need for liver transplants (2019, April 3) retrieved 19 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-04-genetic-variant-liver-transplants.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Genetic variation may increase risk of liver damage in patients with chronic hepatitis B

1 shares

Feedback to editors