An international team of scientists has identified a long-sought protein that causes liver fibrosis (scarring), paving the way for new treatments. The research was published in the journal Nature Genetics
The team, led by Professor Jacob George and Dr. Mohammed Eslam of the Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Sydney, Australia, has unequivocally shown that variations in the interferon lambda 3 (INLF3) protein are responsible for tissue damage in the liver.
The researchers had previously identified that the common genetic variations associated with liver fibrosis were located on chromosome 19 between the IFNL3 and IFNL4 genes.
In the new study, they analyzed liver samples from 2,000 patients with hepatitis C, using state-of-the art genetic and functional analysis, to determine the specific IFNL protein responsible for liver fibrosis.
They demonstrated that following injury there is increased migration of inflammatory cells from blood to the liver, increasing IFNL3 secretion and liver damage.
Notably, this response is determined to a great extent by an individual’s inherited genetic makeup.
“This was a significant outcome that will help to predict risk of liver disease for individuals, enabling early intervention and lifestyle changes,” said Prof. George, who is the corresponding author of the study.
“We have designed a diagnostic tool based on our discoveries, which is freely available for all doctors to use, to aid in predicting liver fibrosis risk.”
“This test will help to determine whether an individual is at high risk of developing liver fibrosis, or whether a patient’s liver disease will progress rapidly or slowly, based on their genetic makeup.” (Reference: http://www.sci-news.com/medicine/liver-fibrosis-causing-protein-04833.html)