In the early stages of fatty liver disease, levels of the organ-protective protein NOX4 increase, but later levels decrease, leading to serious, life-threatening consequences. Drugs that target the NOX4 protein can prevent them. The study was published on: Journal of Clinical Research (JCI).
The global increase in obesity and diabetes is leading to an epidemic of fatty liver disease affecting 20-30% of the world’s population. Almost one-third of them develop nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, an advanced form of the disease that can progress to cirrhosis or liver cancer. In a new study, scientists discovered why some people remain relatively healthy despite high levels of liver fat, while others’ lives are at risk.
Biologists discovered that deleting the NOX4 protein in obese mice led to steatohepatitis and liver damage. In contrast, artificially increasing levels of this protein protected the liver. It turns out that when the liver first starts storing fat, NOX4 levels rise, activating a complex program to protect itself. However, when NOX4 levels decrease and this adaptive program is disrupted, patients develop steatohepatitis.
Previous studies have shown that increasing NOX4 levels in skeletal muscle or the heart after exercise protects muscles from damage and prevents metabolic disorders associated with aging. Compounds that increase NOX4 activity are naturally found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli or cauliflower.
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