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- Posted Tuesday October 1, 2013
TGen-led study identifies genes associated with unhealthy liver function
Study with Geisinger Health System tests nearly 2,300 extremely obese diabetes patients
PHOENIX, Ariz. - Oct. 1, 2013 - A
groundbreaking study of nearly 2,300 extremely obese diabetes
patients, led by the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen),
has identified genes associated with unhealthy liver
function.
This is believed to be the nation's first large-scale genome-wide
association study in overweight patients with diabetes.
Results of the study, done in conjunction with the Geisinger
Health System, will be presented at the 64th annual meeting of the
American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Nov. 1-5 at
the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington,
D.C.
The study - Genome-wide analysis identifies loci associated with
total bilirubin levels, steatosis, and mild fibrosis in
nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - looked at how genomic factors
affect the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. It was
selected for presentation from among a record 3,139 submittals from
around the world proposed for what also is known as The Liver
Meeting 2013.
"These genetic factors could help us identify patients who are
most at risk of developing non-alcoholic forms of fatty-liver
disease (NAFLD), and which patients may be more likely to progress
to severe forms of NAFLD, such as steatohepatitis (NASH)," said Dr.
Johanna DiStefano, the study's principal investigator and lead
author. Dr. DiStefano is Director of TGen's Diabetes,
Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Division.
NAFLD is the build up of extra fat in liver cells, not caused by
alcohol. It is one of the most common causes of chronic liver
disease. NASH is liver inflammation and damage caused by a buildup
of fat in the liver, not caused by alcohol.
"Our results showed evidence for new genetic loci that may play a
role in the biological mechanisms of NAFLD and NASH," said Dr.
Glenn S. Gerhard, a faculty member of the Geisinger Obesity
Institute and a co-investigator of the study.
"We discovered genes that may help identify those patients most at
risk for the types of liver disease so severe that they could
require transplants," said Dr. Gerhard, Administrative Director for
the Institute for Personalized Medicine at Penn State
University-Hershey.
Patients included in this study were those with extreme obesity
enrolled in a bariatric surgery program.
The study identified evidence for association with markers in the
neurocan gene (NCAN) on chromosome 19p12, and rs2501843 on
chromosome 1.
The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD)
isthe leading organization of scientists and healthcare
professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease.
AASLD was founded in 1950 by a small group of leading liver
specialists to bring together those who had contributed to the
field of hepatology.
AASLD has grown to an international society responsible for all
aspects of hepatology. Its annual meeting, The Liver Meeting, has
grown in attendance from 12 to more than 9,500 physicians,
surgeons, researchers, and allied health professionals from around
the world.
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About Geisinger Health System
Geisinger Health System is an integrated health services
organization widely recognized for its innovative use of the
electronic health record, and the development of innovative care
models such as ProvenHealth Navigator® and ProvenCare®. As the
nation's largest rural health services organization, Geisinger
serves more than 2.6 million residents throughout 44 counties in
central and northeastern Pennsylvania. The physician-led system is
comprised of more than 19,500 employees, including a 1,000-member
multi-specialty group practice, six hospital campuses, two research
centers and a 448,000-member health plan, all of which leverage an
estimated $6.1 billion positive impact on the Pennsylvania economy.
The health system and the health plan have repeatedly garnered
national accolades for integration, quality and service. In
addition to fulfilling its patient care mission, Geisinger has a
long-standing commitment to medical education, research and
community service. For more information, visitwww.geisinger.org, or follow the
latest Geisinger news and more on
TwitterandFacebook.
Press Contact:
Wendy Wilson
Media Team Director
Geisinger Health System
570-969-7807
[email protected]
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About TGen
Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a Phoenix,
Arizona-based non-profit organization dedicated to conducting
groundbreaking research with life changing results. TGen is focused
on helping patients with cancer, neurological disorders and
diabetes, through cutting edge translational research (the process
of rapidly moving research towards patient benefit). TGen
physicians and scientists work to unravel the genetic components of
both common and rare complex diseases in adults and children.
Working with collaborators in the scientific and medical
communities literally worldwide, TGen makes a substantial
contribution to help our patients through efficiency and
effectiveness of the translational process. For more information,
visit:www.tgen.org.
Press Contact:
Steve Yozwiak
TGen Senior Science Writer
602-343-8704
[email protected]