Boehringer Ingelheim invests 600,000 euros in liver research!

Boehringer Ingelheim invests 600,000 euros in liver research!

Medical research faces a significant challenge: liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Europe, almost 300,000 people die each year from these diseases, which are often caused by chronic liver damage, including liver fibrosis and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This problem prompted the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation to financially support basic research into the treatment of liver fibrosis and fatty liver hepatitis with 600,000 euros. This funding is part of the Rise up! program, which is intended to support innovative basic research over a period of three years.  Hannover Medical School (MHH) reports that the group led by Professor Dr. Amar Deep Sharma will contribute significantly to this research.

Professor Sharma is particularly investigating RNA structures as potential therapeutic targets. He has already achieved initial success with an mRNA that contains the blueprint for hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HFN4α). This key factor plays a central role in liver metabolism and its levels decrease as liver fibrosis progresses. The therapeutic mRNA was able to normalize HFN4α levels and thus reduce liver damage.

Challenges of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis represents a serious clinical problem that is associated with a variety of health risks. The mechanism of fibrosis, characterized by the activation of hepatic stellate cells and the accumulation of collagens and muscle proteins in the extracellular matrix, not only leads to increased mortality but also influences outcomes after liver transplantation. Mortality increases exponentially as fibrosis progresses, particularly when progression leads to cirrhosis. Studies show that there are currently no therapies for the direct treatment of liver fibrosis, which underlines the urgency of research.

Sharma and his team have also identified new potential regulators of fibrosis development. The current project aims to investigate the function of these RNA candidates and use them for RNA-based therapies.

Recommendations for improving liver health

Prevention of liver disease is as important as research. Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in liver health. Experts recommend a Mediterranean diet rich in plant-based foods and high-quality fats and reducing consumption of saturated fat and sugar, especially fructose. An optimal interval of five hours between meals can also contribute to health promotion.

Coffee consumption is considered beneficial as studies show that three to five cups per day are hepatoprotective. In addition, regular physical activity - about three to four hours per week - is important to increase insulin sensitivity.

Research into liver diseases and the development of new therapies are urgently needed because many liver-related mortalities increase with the increase in fibrosis and its progression. Investing in research and education about healthy lifestyles are critical steps toward combating these serious health problems.