Journal of hepatology
Audio Summaries

Molecularly guided therapies for advanced primary liver cancers refractory to systemic treatment: Results from the 2025 French Genomic Medicine Initiative

Mar 22, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical impact of comprehensive genomic profiling in patients with advanced primary liver cancers (PLC) who are refractory to systemic treatments. They found that nearly two-thirds of the patients had actionable genomic alterations, leading to disease control in a subset of those treated with matched therapies. This study underscores the potential of genomics-guided strategies to enhance personalized treatment options and improve outcomes for patients with hepatobiliary malignancies.

Ammonia measurement in cirrhosis: International Delphi consensus recommendations from ISHEN

Mar 22, 2026

The authors aimed to establish evidence-based recommendations for the measurement of ammonia in patients with cirrhosis, addressing its clinical significance and utility in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Through a modified Delphi process involving a diverse panel of experts, the consensus reached over 90% agreement on best practices for ammonia measurement and its role in patient care. This document serves as a foundational guideline for clinicians and highlights critical areas for future research to improve patient outcomes related to ammonia and HE.

Integrative omics and phase IIa clinical trial identify TNF as key node in autoimmune hepatitis

Mar 21, 2026

The authors aimed to investigate the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and to validate a potential therapeutic target through a clinical trial. Their findings identified TNF as a central node in the immune network driving T cell-mediated cytotoxicity in AIH, and the phase IIa trial demonstrated the efficacy of infliximab, a TNF-targeting antibody, as a steroid-free treatment option. This research highlights the potential for targeted therapies in AIH, paving the way for safer and more specific treatment strategies.

IFRD1 orchestrates hepatocyte metabolism and macrophage interactions to facilitate liver regeneration

Mar 20, 2026

The authors investigate the role of interferon-related developmental regulator 1 (IFRD1) in liver regeneration, focusing on its influence on hepatocyte metabolism and interactions with macrophages. They find that IFRD1 is crucial for sustaining hepatocyte energy metabolism and promoting macrophage recruitment during liver repair, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target to enhance liver regeneration in disease contexts. The study highlights the IFRD1-SLC25A5-ATP axis as a key regulatory mechanism that could inform future treatments for liver dysfunction.

Characterization of ferroportin disease and SLC40A1-related hemochromatosis - Results from the EASL non-HFE registry

Mar 19, 2026

The authors aimed to characterize pathogenic mutations in the SLC40A1 gene, which causes ferroportin disease (FD) and SLC40A1-related hemochromatosis (SLC40A1-HC), and to compare their clinical outcomes with those of HFE-related hemochromatosis (HFE-HC). Their findings reveal significant phenotypic variability among patients with SLC40A1 variants, with higher iron concentrations and a greater risk of fibrosis associated with elevated transferrin saturation in SLC40A1-HC patients. The study emphasizes the need for tailored clinical management for these conditions, as life expectancy appears unaffected by phlebotomy treatment.

An immunocompetent murine model of virus-elicited liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma

Mar 13, 2026

The authors aim to develop a small animal model that accurately reflects the progression from chronic viral hepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) to facilitate mechanistic studies and therapeutic development. They demonstrate that chronic infection with Norway rat hepacivirus (NrHV) in immunocompetent mice induces liver fibrosis and HCC, mirroring the characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-associated tumors. This model provides a valuable platform for investigating virus-host interactions and testing potential treatments for liver cancer.

Tissue-specific regulation of PNPLA3 promotes lipid remodeling in response to dietary and environmental challenges: Tissue-specific PNPLA3 lipid remodeling

Mar 9, 2026

The authors investigate the tissue-specific regulation of PNPLA3 and its role in lipid remodeling, particularly in the context of steatotic liver disease (SLD). They find that PNPLA3 expression is significantly influenced by dietary and environmental factors, with distinct regulatory mechanisms in liver and brown adipose tissue. Their results suggest that PNPLA3 modulates lipid composition in response to metabolic stress, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for SLD.

BCLC classification and AI-based image quantification: What is meant to be will come together - but how and when?: BCLC and AI-based image quantification

Mar 7, 2026

The authors investigate how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance the existing Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) classification for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by integrating advanced imaging quantification techniques. They aim to identify the potential synergies between AI-based imaging parameters and the BCLC classification, while addressing the challenges that hinder the clinical implementation of AI in routine care.

Distinct molecular pathways regulated by activated AKT and YAP signaling during intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression: Roles of AKT and YAP during iCCA

Mar 6, 2026

The authors investigate the distinct roles of activated AKT and YAP signaling in the progression of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) and their effects on the tumor microenvironment. Using doxycycline-inducible mouse models, they demonstrate that while both pathways regulate tumor cell proliferation, AKT primarily influences metabolic pathways and YAP modulates differentiation and immune suppression. Their findings suggest that combining YAP inhibition with immune checkpoint inhibitors could enhance therapeutic outcomes in iCCA treatment.

Kupffer cell plasticity regulates hepatic immunity in mycobacterial infection: Kupffer cell plasticity

Mar 6, 2026

The authors investigate the plasticity of Kupffer cells (KCs) in the context of chronic mycobacterial infections, aiming to understand their role and adaptations during such infections. They reveal that KCs can exhibit significant plasticity, giving rise to a unique subset (KC^low) that plays a crucial role in the antimycobacterial response, while also highlighting the importance of monocyte-derived macrophages in granuloma formation. This study challenges the traditional view of KCs as terminally differentiated cells, demonstrating their ability to adapt to extreme environmental changes during infection.