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Arthritis drug may offer a means of reversing liver disease
London - A drug, which is presently used extensively in the treatment of arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, may be able to reverse liver disease, according to scientists from the University of Newcastle. The researchers report that the drug was able to reverse liver disease in animals.
It was also useful in reducing scarring that occurs after the liver is struck by cirrhosis. The process of scarring in cirrhosis is called fibrosis. Until now, scientists had estimated that the scarring process could not be reversed.
When injury strikes the liver, cells called hepatic myofibroblasts secrete scar tissue as well as proteins that keep this scar in place. In normal, healthy liver, the scar tissue eventually melts away leaving behind minimal evidence. However in diseases condition, because of the presence of proteins, the scar tissue remains in place. The Newcastle team showed that sulfasalazine plays a key role in the recovery process of the liver and could in fact prevent scarring.
The researchers said that the drug blocked the proteins, which kept the scar in place. Lead researcher Professor Derek Mann believes that even if the drug can aid in the recovery of 5 to 10 percent of the diseased liver, it could improve the quality of life significantly.
Liver disease is the fifth highest cause of deaths in the UK. The onset of the disease is mainly triggered by alcohol consumption; therefore the Newcastle team will be conducting clinical trials of the drug in heavy drinkers in future. "There is no point at which an alcoholic patient won't benefit from stopping drinking, but now we can actually help the healing process," said co-researcher Professor David Jones.