Alcohol-associated liver disease, a condition that continues to surge, remains one of the chief causes of alcohol-related deaths.
The effects of this disease can range from hepatitis and fibrosis to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Cirrhosis alone claims 1.6 million lives worldwide annually, with over half of these cases resulting from alcohol misuse.
While quitting drinking can help, no effective therapies currently exist for those already affected. But new research from the scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center might change that.
Understanding the Role of Mitochondria
Our liver is rich in mitochondria, the so-called powerhouses of cells. These tiny cellular components play a vital role in the proper functioning of our liver.
Prior studies have indicated that excessive alcohol consumption can alter both the structure and the functioning of these mitochondria, leading to liver damage.
Yet, the exact mechanism behind this harm has remained a mystery, until now.
Decoding the Enzyme Mystery
In this study, the research team focused on an enzyme known as MATα1. This enzyme is crucial as it supplies the liver with essential nutrients for survival.
Analyzing liver tissues from patients with alcohol-associated liver disease and preclinical models, the scientists found that the levels of this enzyme were significantly reduced in the mitochondria.
The team discovered that alcohol activates a protein named casein kinase 2 (CK2). The activation triggers a process called phosphorylation of MATα1 at a particular amino acid residue.
This process causes MATα1 to interact with another protein named PIN1, which prevents MATα1 from being transported into the mitochondria.
Targeting the Key Players
Armed with these insights, the research team decided to block this interaction by muting MATα1. Doing so prevented phosphorylation, thus impeding the interaction of the two proteins.
As a result, the function and location of MATα1 in the mitochondria were preserved, protecting them from alcohol-induced damage.
When they reduced CK2 expression to lower MATα1 phosphorylation, the researchers observed the same protection.
Hope for the Future
This groundbreaking discovery points to a new, potentially targetable mechanism for treating alcohol-associated liver disease. It’s an exciting step forward, bringing hope to millions suffering from this debilitating disease.
However, until such treatments are available, it remains essential to prioritize moderation and responsible drinking.
Remember, liver health is crucial. For more insights, check out studies about a new therapy for fatty liver disease and 5 big myths about liver detoxing you should know.
Also, see recent studies about oral diseases linked to a 75% increase in liver cancer risk and common beer plants’ potential for treating colon and liver cancer.
This enlightening research, led by Lucía Barbier-Torres and her team, was published in the journal Nature Communications.
If you care about liver health, please read studies about a diet that can treat fatty liver disease and obesity, and coffee drinkers may halve their risk of liver cancer.
For more information about liver health, please see recent studies that anti-inflammatory diet could help prevent fatty liver disease, and results showing vitamin D could help prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
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