S. Korean scientists find fatty liver treatment material

SEOUL, May 14 (Yonhap) -- South Korean scientists on Thursday said they have found a candidate material that may help treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.

Seoul National University researchers said the AMPK and S6K1 enzymes that help
maintain energy levels in cells played a crucial role in controlling the liver X
receptor-a (LXR-a). The receptors facilitate the accumulation of fat in the
liver.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an inflammation of the liver that is not due
to excessive alcohol intake but is related to insulin resistance and metabolic
syndrome and if left unchecked can lead to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis of the
liver. Both conditions can lead to liver cancer in very serious cases.
"Tests proved that weak AMPK and active S6K1 levels help revitalize LXR-a
receptors, and that such changes lead to the development of fatty liver in
humans," Kim Sang-geon, who led the research, said.
The professor of pharmacy added that researchers have isolated a dithiolethione
compound that has shown potential as an effective treatment material. The
dithiolethione inhibits LXR-a activation and can actually cure fatty liver
conditions.
He said both domestic and international patents have been requested, with talks
underway with private companies in South Korea, the United States and Japan to
further develop the technology.
The latest discovery, supported by funds from the Ministry of Knowledge Economy,
will be published in the June issue of the international journal Hepatology.