Scientists discover mechanism to help combat metabolic liver diseases

SEOUL, May 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists on Thursday said they have
discovered potential treatment methods to help combat metabolic liver diseases
that affect countless number of people around the world.

The Chonnam National University team led by Choi Hueng-sik said it deciphered the
mechanism of fenofibrate -- a hyperlipemia treatment drug -- through laboratory
tests that could permit medicinal and gene restructuring efforts.
The findings published in the latest issue of Hepatology, a international medical
journal, are important because many countries around the world are reporting a
spike in liver diseases as people eat more protein and do not get enough
exercise.
The natural science professor said experiments conducted on specially bred mice
said use of fenofibrate invigorates the AMPK enzyme that increases small
heterodimer partner (SHP) growth. A chain reaction then effectively curtails
manifestation of plasminogen activator inhibitors-1 (PAI-1).
Growth of the PAI-1 gene has been linked to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, liver
cirrhosis and hyperlipemia.
In the past the exact mechanism behind fenofibrate, SHP and PAI-1 have never been
fully confirmed, limiting future scientific studies. AMPK is a type of enzyme
that acts as a energy sensor in cells and is naturally activated when there the
energy level of a cell is depleted.
"The tests clearly showed that SHP controls PAI-1 genes that can prevent liver
fibrosis," Choi said. He added that by controlling SHP, scientists may be able to
find fundamental cures for such disease as obesity, diabetes, various liver
disorders and other metabolic diseases.
yonngong@yna.co.kr
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