JAY HARRIS LEFKOWITCH, M.D.

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This study focused on a 55-year-old woman who had a liver transplant and later showed signs of a rare type of cancer called IgG4 plasma cell neoplasm, which can be confused with organ rejection. After her transplant, she faced multiple health issues, but doctors found elevated levels of specific proteins indicative of the neoplasm, leading to a treatment plan involving steroids and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, despite some improvements, she ultimately passed away after complications from surgery. Who this helps: This is critical information for doctors managing liver transplant patients, especially when they see unusual symptoms.

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This study looked at how effective Vibration-controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) is for assessing liver damage in patients at a medical center in New York City. Out of 109 patients, VCTE accurately identified cirrhosis 90% of the time, but it sometimes gave false positives, suggesting that caution is needed when diagnosing cirrhosis as 32% of patients had discrepancies between VCTE and liver biopsy results. Understanding how well VCTE works can help improve liver disease diagnosis and avoid unnecessary treatments for patients. Who this helps: Patients with liver disease and their doctors.

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This study explored the lung tissue of 19 people who died from severe COVID-19 and compared it to seven healthy individuals. Researchers found significant changes in the types of cells in the lungs of those who died, including high levels of inflammation and immune cell activity, but poor responses from T cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. The findings highlight how COVID-19 severely disrupts lung function and may lead to long-term issues for survivors, pointing to potential new treatments. Who this helps: This helps patients recovering from COVID-19 and doctors treating lung-related complications.

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Researchers studied how medical students created autopsy reports on anatomical donors as part of their Gross Anatomy course. They found that most students (over 50%) valued the experience and gained insights into disease but did not feel it significantly increased their engagement in the course. This matters because it demonstrates that hands-on learning through autopsy reports can enhance students' understanding of clinical issues, suggesting medical schools should include this practice in their curriculum. Who this helps: This helps medical students and, ultimately, their future patients by improving clinical knowledge and skills.

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This study examined the liver damage seen in 40 patients who died from COVID-19. The researchers found that three-quarters of the patients had a condition called macrovesicular steatosis, which means there was significant fat buildup in the liver. Additionally, liver enzymes were elevated, indicating liver injury, with peak levels reaching 68 U/L for one enzyme and 102 U/L for another, both higher than normal. This research is important because it highlights that COVID-19 can severely affect the liver, which is important for understanding the full impact of the virus on health. Who this helps: Patients and doctors working with those who suffer from severe COVID-19 complications.

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An infant who received a living-donor liver transplant developed COVID-19 hepatitis when the donor later tested positive for the virus. Liver function deteriorated but the patient recovered without losing the graft. This early case documented that COVID-19 can affect transplanted liver allografts and prompted questions about donor screening protocols.

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Transplant tolerance—where the recipient's immune system accepts a donor organ without lifelong drugs—has been achieved for kidneys in primates but not for livers. This study tested whether creating temporary mixed bone marrow chimerism could induce tolerance to a transplanted liver in nonhuman primates. It did not, suggesting liver tolerance requires a fundamentally different approach than kidney tolerance.

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This study looked at how 3D printed models of the heart can help medical students learn about congenital heart disease (CHD). After using these models, students' knowledge improved significantly about different types of heart issues, with an average increase of 4.23 points on a confidence scale. The findings show that students preferred the 3D models over other learning methods, emphasizing that they were especially helpful for understanding more complex heart conditions. Who this helps: This benefits medical students learning about heart disease.

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Researchers studied liver tissue from children in New York City who died unexpectedly to understand how common and severe nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among this group. Out of 582 children examined, 4.5% had NAFLD, with higher rates in white (8.3%) and Hispanic children (7.9%) compared to black children (1%). These findings highlight a significant racial difference in the prevalence of NAFLD, suggesting that body weight plays a role in its development. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and public health officials working with pediatric patients.

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This study looked at nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children, which is mainly caused by rising obesity rates. It found that lifestyle changes are the most effective treatment for kids, and vitamin E may help those with a specific type of the disease called NASH. Research is ongoing to find new medications that could also be used to treat NAFLD in children once their safety and effectiveness are confirmed. Who this helps: This helps children with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and their doctors.

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This study examines how heart problems can harm the liver, focusing on two specific conditions: acute cardiogenic liver injury (ACLI) and congestive hepatopathy (CH). Researchers found that ACLI leads to significant liver cell damage and higher enzyme levels, while CH shows signs of liver tissue changes that can lead to fibrosis and cirrhosis. Understanding these connections is important because it helps identify and treat liver damage in heart disease patients, potentially improving their overall health. Who this helps: This helps patients with heart disease and their doctors.

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Liver transplant experiments in cynomolgus monkeys are hampered by the animals' poor tolerance of portal vein clamping during surgery. This study developed and tested an H-shaped vein bypass to maintain blood flow during the critical no-liver phase, dramatically improving surgical survival. The technique enables more reliable primate liver transplant models for future research.

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Researchers studied genetic factors in mice that affect liver health, particularly focusing on cholesterol levels and bile acids. They found specific genetic links, notably the Sel1l gene, which influences the amount of bile acids in the blood and is also connected to liver inflammation and other liver metrics. This discovery is important because it deepens our understanding of how genetics can impact liver function, which could lead to better treatments for liver diseases. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver diseases and their doctors by providing insights for more targeted therapies.

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This study looked at four types of liver tumors called hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) to find better ways to identify them. Researchers found that 15.4% of the samples were classified as a higher-risk type (b-HCA), while most were inflammatory (42.3% IHCA) or had other mutations (34.6% H-HCA). Using genetic testing alongside standard stain tests improved the accuracy in identifying these tumors and determining their potential to turn cancerous, which is crucial for patient treatment decisions. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver tumors and their doctors.

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This study looked at acute liver failure (ALF), a serious condition that happens quickly in people who don't already have liver problems. The most common causes of ALF are infections from hepatitis viruses and accidental or intentional overdose of acetaminophen. The researchers found significant damage in the liver, including a large loss of liver cells and new growths in bile ducts, which helps to understand how ALF develops. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from liver failure and their doctors in treating the condition.

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This study looked at the role of a protein called T39 in the liver and its effects on two conditions: steatohepatitis (a fatty liver disease) and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The researchers found that mice without T39 had higher levels of good cholesterol and were protected from fatty liver disease and related deaths, showing that T39 helps control cholesterol levels and inflammation. These findings are significant because they suggest that targeting T39 could help reduce the risk of serious health issues like liver disease and heart problems. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk of fatty liver disease and heart disease.

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This study looked at a protein called TAZ in liver cells and how it relates to a serious condition known as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Researchers found that TAZ levels were much higher in the livers of people and mice with NASH compared to healthy livers, and by blocking TAZ, they could reduce inflammation and fibrosis (scarring) in the liver. This discovery is important because it reveals TAZ as a potential target for new treatments to prevent or reverse liver damage in NASH. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and healthcare providers seeking effective treatment options.

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This study looked at patients with advanced heart failure who also had potential liver problems to see how well combining liver biopsies with a specific liver risk score could predict their outcomes after heart transplants. Out of 68 patients, 36 received transplants and 27 of them (74%) survived for at least one year, although this was lower than the 88% survival rate for transplant patients without liver issues. Importantly, patients who scored 45 or higher on the liver risk score had a significantly higher chance (almost four times more) of dying within a year after their transplant compared to those who scored below 45. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and medical teams assessing heart transplant candidates with suspected liver issues.

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This study uncovered a new virus called phopivirus in harbor seals, which is related to the human hepatitis A virus (HAV). Researchers found that phopivirus shares key genetic features with HAV, suggesting a close relationship. This is important because understanding the origins and evolution of HAV can help us better comprehend how it affects human health, particularly in vulnerable populations. Who this helps: This helps patients and public health officials in managing and preventing hepatitis A outbreaks.

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This study looked at how nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to liver tumors, specifically in a 65-year-old man with metabolic syndrome who developed a 3.9 cm liver mass that turned out to be an inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma. The findings show that multiple factors, like inflammation and certain proteins in the body, contribute to the growth of liver tumors in patients with NAFLD. This matters because understanding these connections can help in the early detection and treatment of liver cancer in patients with fatty liver disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome.

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This study examined a middle-aged man who developed a large liver tumor, called hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), even though he had no common risk factors for liver disease. Researchers discovered that his liver tissue looked normal except for certain unusual areas called glycogenotic foci, and the tumor had five specific gene changes linked to cancer growth. Understanding these genetic alterations can help in identifying how liver tumors develop and may improve future treatments. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with liver cancer by potentially leading to more targeted therapies.

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This study focused on developing a better automated method to analyze liver tissue images to detect large lipid droplets, which can indicate liver damage and affect transplant eligibility. The new method incorporates how these droplets push the nucleus of liver cells to the side, and it performed significantly better than current methods, achieving a specificity of 93.7% and sensitivity of 99.3%, closely matching pathologists' evaluations. This matters because it can lead to more accurate assessments of which liver grafts are suitable for transplantation, improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients awaiting liver transplants.

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This study looked at whether three specific proteins—glypican-3 (GPC-3), heat-shock protein-70 (HSP-70), and glutamine synthetase (GS)—can help doctors tell apart two types of liver tumors: low-grade hepatocellular carcinoma (LG-HCC) and hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). The researchers tested 30 LG-HCC samples and 18 HCA samples. They found that GPC-3 and HSP-70 were effective for distinguishing the two, with GPC-3 identifying 43% of LG-HCC cases and HSP-70 identifying 46%, both showing 100% accuracy in excluding HCAs, while GS was only able to correctly identify 80% of LG-HCCs but misidentified 50% of HCAs as well. Who this helps: This helps doctors make more accurate diagnoses for patients with liver tumors.

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Researchers studied post-liver transplant patients who developed recurrent hepatitis C, focusing on a new way to classify the severity of the disease using four specific liver features. They found that patients with three or more of these features (classified as HAS 3) had a much higher risk of liver damage and graft loss, with a hazard ratio of 5.5 compared to those with fewer features. This new scoring system helps better identify patients at greater risk and allows for more tailored treatment approaches. Who this helps: Patients undergoing liver transplantation and their doctors.

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This study focused on a molecule called ILDR2, which is important for managing fat levels in the liver. Researchers found that when they reduced ILDR2 in mice, the animals had higher fat and cholesterol levels in their livers, while increasing ILDR2 led to lower fat and cholesterol, especially in obese mice. This matters because it shows that ILDR2 plays a crucial role in preventing liver fat buildup, which can lead to diabetes and other health issues. Who this helps: This helps patients struggling with obesity and related metabolic diseases.

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This study looked at a 52-year-old man who had a severe muscle condition called aggressive polymyositis and later developed a type of cancer known as peripheral T-cell lymphoma. Researchers found strong evidence, including genetic analysis, that the cancer developed from specific T-cells related to the polymyositis, showing a significant change in these cells over time. This matters because it highlights the potential link between aggressive polymyositis and the risk of developing cancer, suggesting that some muscle disorders could indicate a higher risk for certain types of cancer. Who this helps: This information benefits patients with polymyositis and their doctors, helping them be more aware of potential cancer risks.

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This study looked at a 64-year-old man who had signs of liver problems thought to be caused by cirrhosis, but after his death, doctors found he actually had a liver condition called nodular regenerative hyperplasia (NRH) linked to advanced breast cancer. The man had previously been treated for breast cancer, and the autopsy revealed that the cancer had led to blockages in the veins of the liver, causing increased pressure in the portal vein without showing classic cirrhosis. This matters because it sheds light on how metastatic breast cancer can cause liver issues not previously recognized, improving understanding and diagnosis for similar cases. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients with metastatic breast cancer by improving diagnosis and treatment options.

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This study focused on understanding a protein called lamina-associated polypeptide-1 (LAP1) and its relationship with another protein, emerin, which is important for muscle health. Researchers found that when LAP1 was removed from muscle in mice, it caused muscle deterioration, especially in mice lacking emerin; reducing LAP1 levels led to muscle problems in mice without emerin. This is important because it helps explain how certain muscular dystrophies occur and could lead to better treatments. Who this helps: This research helps patients with muscular dystrophies and their doctors by providing insights into potential therapies.

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This study focused on distinguishing between two types of liver conditions: fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis C (FCH-C) and biliary obstruction (BO). Researchers looked at 51 patients and found specific features that help tell these conditions apart. For instance, 84.6% of patients with FCH-C had liver cell swelling, while only 5.2% of patients with BO showed this. These findings are important because accurately diagnosing these conditions can lead to better treatment decisions. Who this helps: Patients with liver diseases and their doctors.

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This study looked at a specific type of liver cancer called steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma and its connection to a liver condition known as steatohepatitis, which is linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome. Researchers found that 13.5% of liver cancer cases examined were the steatohepatitic type, with 35.7% of those patients having either nonalcoholic or alcoholic steatohepatitis, compared to just 1.3% in other liver diseases. This indicates that those with steatohepatitis are much more likely to develop this cancer, highlighting the importance of monitoring liver health in people with metabolic issues. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients with metabolic syndrome and liver diseases.

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This study looked at a case of a middle-aged man with obesity and diabetes whose liver showed signs of cirrhosis, but the cause was unclear. The research found that the man's cirrhosis was likely due to late-stage nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as indicated by specific patterns seen in the liver tissue under a microscope. This finding matters because recognizing NAFLD as a cause of cirrhosis can help direct the right treatment for patients suffering from liver disease, potentially improving their health outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients with NAFLD and their doctors.

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This study explored how gut bacteria and a protein called TLR4 influence the development of liver cancer in people with chronic liver problems. Researchers found that while these factors don't start the cancer, they do make it worse by helping cancer cells grow and survive. Specifically, gut bacteria and TLR4 were linked to an increased growth rate of liver cancer cells and a reduction in cancer cell death, highlighting them as potential targets for new treatments to prevent liver cancer in patients with serious liver disease. Who this helps: This helps patients with chronic liver conditions at risk for liver cancer.

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This research paper looks at the role of liver biopsy in diagnosing and managing liver disease in children. It finds that while liver biopsy is still important, new methods like DNA sequencing and advanced imaging are becoming alternatives for evaluation. It emphasizes that as technology improves, understanding the best ways to diagnose and treat liver issues in kids is essential. Who this helps: This helps doctors and healthcare providers treat children with liver disease more effectively.

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This study looked at patients with acute liver failure of unknown cause to see if autoimmune hepatitis (a type of liver disease) was behind it. Researchers examined liver samples from 72 patients and found that about 58% showed signs of autoimmune liver failure. Patients identified with autoimmune features had higher protein levels and were more likely to have specific autoimmune antibodies, suggesting that recognizing this condition early could help avoid the need for liver transplants. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver failure by potentially preventing the need for a transplant.

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This study looked at a rare liver disease called adult polyglucosan body disease (APBD), which is caused by a deficiency in an enzyme that helps break down glycogen. Researchers found that a patient with APBD had unusual liver test results, leading to a biopsy that showed signs of liver damage similar to those seen in other conditions, like chronic hepatitis B. This is important because understanding the liver effects of APBD can help doctors diagnose and manage this rare disorder better. Who this helps: This helps patients with adult polyglucosan body disease and their doctors.

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This study looked at a specific type of liver cancer (called steatohepatitic hepatocellular carcinoma, or SH-HCC) found in patients with liver damage caused by hepatitis C. Researchers found that SH-HCC was present in 35.5% of the liver cancer cases they examined, and 63.6% of those patients had risk factors for liver diseases linked to fat buildup, such as diabetes and obesity. This is important because it suggests a connection between fatty liver disease and this type of cancer, which could lead to new ways to understand and treat these conditions. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for liver disease and doctors treating liver cancer.

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This study focused on liver diseases characterized by the formation of granulomas, which are small areas of inflammation in the liver seen in about 4% of liver biopsies. Researchers found that these granulomas are caused by immune system interactions and can lead to elevated liver enzymes or more severe liver complications, depending on the specific disease involved. Understanding the causes, such as infections or immune disorders, is important for diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. Who this helps: This information benefits doctors and patients dealing with liver diseases.

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This paper reviews recent findings in liver disease, focusing on conditions like hepatitis B and C, autoimmune hepatitis, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. It highlights new diagnostic techniques that help differentiate between types of liver tumors, showing that the use of specific tests can improve accurate diagnosis. This is important because better diagnosis and understanding of liver diseases can lead to improved treatment for patients. Who this helps: Patients with liver diseases and their doctors.

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Researchers studied various liver diseases and found that a type of liver cell called multinucleated giant hepatocytes appeared in patients with chronic hepatitis C, sometimes alongside HIV, and in those infected with a specific virus, human herpesvirus-6A. They also clarified the term "Mallory-Denk body" to honor a notable researcher and examined issues like fatty liver and iron buildup that complicate liver disease. Additionally, new tests for liver tumors, particularly using a marker called glypican-3, help doctors diagnose liver cancer more accurately. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver diseases and their doctors.

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This study looked at three HIV-infected patients who were diagnosed with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), a rare liver disease, which has only been reported in this group a few times before. Of the three cases, two were suspected to be AIH and one was definitely diagnosed, with liver biopsies being essential for confirming their conditions. These findings highlight that doctors may be missing cases of AIH in HIV patients because liver problems are often blamed on other issues, showing that liver biopsies are important for accurate diagnosis and that regular treatments for AIH can still work well in these patients. Who this helps: This helps patients with HIV who may also have liver issues.

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This study looked at how well frozen-section biopsies of liver transplants compare to more detailed permanent-section biopsies. Researchers analyzed biopsies from 52 liver transplants and found that while there was a strong agreement between the two types of evaluations, frozen sections often missed important issues like steatosis, which can lead to problems with the transplanted liver. The findings highlight the importance of careful evaluation in certain cases, suggesting that biopsies are especially useful for patients with specific conditions. Who this helps: This helps transplant surgeons and liver transplant patients.

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This review examines recent studies on liver and biliary diseases, highlighting important findings. Researchers observed that in cases of acute hepatitis E, there were changes in immune cell positioning in the liver, and for hepatitis C, they found that viral particles grew significantly in lab-cultured cells, reaching sizes between 50-90 nanometers. Understanding these processes is crucial as it helps in diagnosing and treating liver diseases more effectively. Who this helps: This benefits patients with liver diseases and their doctors.

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Researchers studied how blocking a protein called VEGF, which helps tumors grow blood vessels, affects advanced liver cancer in children. They found that while the initial treatment caused tumors to shrink and blood vessels to disappear, over time the tumors managed to recover their blood supply and continue growing. This is important because it shows how tumors adapt to treatment, highlighting the need for better strategies in cancer care. Who this helps: This helps doctors and researchers working on more effective cancer treatments for children.

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This paper looks at how liver biopsies are used to diagnose chronic hepatitis, a condition where the liver becomes inflamed and damaged. It found that there are several scoring systems, like the METAVIR system, that help doctors evaluate the severity of liver damage and inflammation, which can lead to serious issues like cirrhosis. Understanding these systems is crucial because they help inform treatment decisions and monitor disease progression. Who this helps: Patients with chronic hepatitis and their doctors.