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Researchers find compounds that fight fatty liver disease

Category: Liver Diseases

Two naturally occurring substances may prevent the uptake of fat by the liver, according to a new study out of the University of California, Berkeley. The findings could be used to develop new medications that would benefit people who have received liver panel tests indicating they have fatty liver disease.

In the study, the researchers tested the effectiveness of 30 different natural remedies for fatty liver disease. They found that certain varieties of bear and human stomach bile limit the amount of fat the liver takes up and stores.

The team said the finding that human stomach bile can limit fat uptake in the liver is particularly significant. Since it is a substance that is already produced by the body, it may be possible to develop medications that manipulate levels of this bile. This could represent a powerful therapy for those at risk of developing fatty liver disease.

Developing strategies for combating the problem of fatty liver disease is particularly important, as rates of the condition are increasing. The researchers pointed out that one-third of all adults and a growing number of young people have impaired liver health due to high levels of fat.